Task 1
Reading Task 1 (1-5).
Match each message (1-5) and its meaning (A-F). There is one letter that you do not need. There is an example at the beginning (0→G).
0 I haven’t heard from you in ages. I was just wondering what was up with you. Is everything okay?
1 You may want to consider the options you’ve got carefully. If you ask me, at this point in life you can’t afford to make another mistake, as it could really cost you.
2 You’ve obviously had a hard time recently, so why don’t you take your mind off it and just relax a bit. Let somebody else make the choice. I’d be happy to do it for you.
3 If you thought things through carefully, you wouldn’t be in this position now. Whenever you make a bad choice, something unpleasant happens – you know that. Just accept it.
4 I know you’ve been under a lot of pressure lately and it’s a tough choice for sure, but I don’t think I can wait for your response any longer.
5 It couldn’t be prevented, no matter what you say. I realise you’re worried and thinking about it constantly, but you can get over it. Time fixes everything.
Task 2
Reading Task 2 (6-10).
You will read five emails. For each question (6-10), choose the correct answer (A, B or C).
6 Hi Ben, Thanks for suggesting we take a break in July and go sailing. It’ll be more challenging than last year. In the meantime, I’ve noticed your efforts are no longer appreciated at the office, so maybe you should start looking for something else. We can go through the options when we meet on Friday. I’ll book us a table at the Asian restaurant. Greta
7 Hey, We’re going to the zoo this weekend. The plan was to do the Canopy Walk, something like walking along a bridge that connects trees up high above the animals. But Mona and I will pass since we have a problem with heights. We’ll spend all our time watching the animals at ground level and trying not to disturb them. Can’t wait. Paul
8 Hello, I was going to enrol in a basic AI course, about machine learning and data science. These courses can be expensive, and this would be an issue if I wasn’t working throughout the summer. Given my regular college studies that have priority, my schedule is just too busy. I’m feeling a bit anxious about postponing it, but it’s just until the next semester. May
9 Hi, The presentation’s over. A careful review of the app’s development took up a fair amount of time, so he skipped the most recent info. It’s all online though, and he actually succeeded in making us want to buy the app. Also, if I were him, I’d put the slides in a logical order for easier understanding. See you in the lobby. Reid
10 Hi, I recently ordered a 1TB external hard drive online and paid €45 for it. It seemed a great buy but failed to arrive. So, the company offered me a refund or to send another at a discount of €10. Really affordable, only this time I needed one fast and decided to pay the extra €10 in the shop to be able to use it immediately. Jo
Task 3
Reading Task 3 (11-15).
Japan at Kew Gardens in Autumn
At Kew Gardens, London’s most beautiful and well-known park, the latest Japan Festival is now celebrating this nation’s fascinating oriental culture. Today, a growing interest means that popular Japanese plants come from local sellers, but plant hunters brought back the first and most recognisable plants, while the more uncommon ones were actually transported in secret!
A deep respect for and love of nature are at the heart of many Japanese cultural traditions. ‘Bonsai’ is growing tiny trees in pots throughout the year, in even the smallest spaces. ‘Hanami’ is the practice of enjoying the beauty of cherry blossom while sitting under trees in spring. ‘Haiku’ is the tradition of poetry celebrating nature and connecting people with the ever-changing environment. This year’s festival is focused on ‘One Thousand Springs’: an artistic installation presenting 5,000 haikus. Visitors can also lose themselves in the relaxing sounds created by musician Yosi Horikawa. Meanwhile, Kew’s staff have made an important contribution with their display that celebrates the chrysanthemum, Japan’s national flower.
The Gardens’ Pavilion will again be the place for classes in Japan’s flower-arranging tradition, ‘Ikebana’. Because it is popular, the art of giant calligraphy will be demonstrated by a famous artist, to share the beauty of this ancient practice. The organisers will also proudly present a 1½-mile walk through stunning vegetation in search of autumn leaves – an activity that has not been offered before!
In addition to these interesting options to choose from, festival-goers can try a selection of Japanese teas and sweets at a tea house offering delicious snacks. A workshop on Japanese garden design will help enthusiasts to learn zen-garden techniques. Lastly, a series of magical evening walks will offer a special way to experience Kew Gardens: under the glow of cleverly created Japanese-inspired lamps.
Task 4
Reading Task 4 (16-20).
Backpacking in Nature
Read the text below. For each question (16-20), choose the answer (A-F) that best completes the sentence. There is one letter that you do not need. There is an example at the beginning (0→G).
Backpacking is a popular form of travel for people who love adventure. This activity, (0) _, allows you to explore distant places and enjoy yourself in nature. One of the main benefits of backpacking is freedom, (16) _.
The equipment includes a durable backpack, lightweight tent, and sleeping bag and is designed to be efficient and easy to carry. Backpackers, who often hike long distances, (17) _. High-quality hiking boots, which protect your feet and provide support, are essential for a successful trip.
Navigation tools like maps, compasses and GPS devices are crucial for staying on track in unfamiliar terrain. Those backpackers who enjoy exploring unknown routes (18) _. Additionally, water-purification systems, which make water from natural sources safe to drink, are vital for staying hydrated.
Backpacking trips can range from a weekend getaway to a few-months-long adventure, (19) _. This process usually includes researching the area and packing appropriately, (20) _. Backpackers often prefer minimalism and find joy in appreciating the simplicity and beauty of nature.
A so that the journey can be safe and enjoyable
B and they call for careful planning and preparation
C need gear that is both functional and comfortable
D rely on these gadgets to ensure they do not get lost
E because they are sure the traveller’s basic needs are covered
F as you can travel at your own speed and change plans at any time
G which involves carrying all your essentials in a backpack
Task 5
Reading Task 5 (21-25).
Painted Ladies
You may not know it by name, but you (0) _ certainly recognise a Painted Lady butterfly at the beginning of summer. But what many people do not know is that when these remarkable creatures arrive (21) _ their European destinations each year, on occasions forming vast balls in the sky visible from the ground, they have travelled thousands of kilometres from Central Africa, where the species spends the winter.
Yet more remarkably, the journey is actually made by several generations moving northwards, a fact established by scientists who used forensic techniques to determine where individual specimens (22) _ grown up. Until recently, however, it was not known (23) _ the Painted Lady returned to Africa at the end of summer or simply died with the beginning of cold weather.
A mass survey in 2009 across Europe provided the answer. It was discovered that the butterfly did (24) _ return to Africa; however, the flight was made at a height of 500 metres above the ground, (25) _ advantage of favourable winds to reach speeds of nearly 50 km/h. The distances covered are immense – up to 15,000 kilometres – and the individuals that eventually arrive in Africa can be up to six generations later than those that began the southward trip.
Task 6
Reading Task 6 (26-30).
Marine Clocks
Ships’ captains of the 17th century made long oceanic voyages calculating their latitude – distance from the equator – by (0) _ the night sky, but not knowing their longitude (distance from the prime meridian). An accurate clock keeping an exact record of the time at a ship’s starting point was needed to determine this.
However, contemporary clocks worked inaccurately in the poor conditions aboard sailing ships. The British parliament offered a reward of £20,000 to whoever (26) _ invent a timepiece able to cope with the wide (27) _ in temperature, pressure and humidity and so work reliably. The person who accepted the (28) _ was John Harrison, a carpenter and clockmaker.
Having already (29) _ clocks with moving parts made from wood, he adapted his ideas firstly into a series of marine clocks, and some time (30) _ watches, that became famous worldwide.
A designed
B can
C later
D variations
E seaside
F could
G heat
H worked
I challenge
J observing
Task 7
Official B-level writing task.