Listening Comprehension Test for 8th Form Students
Two Gentlemen of Verona
We were driving in a car from Switzerland toward the beautiful old Italian city of Verona. Just
outside the city we met two boys, who were selling strawberries. My friend spoke to the boys and found
out that they were brothers. Nicolo was 13, Jacopo, the smaller one, was almost 12. We bought their
strawberries and continued our way to Verona.
The next morning we saw the two boys again near our hotel in Verona. They were shining the shoes
of the men who passed by. They were very busy, but they said hello to us in a friendly way.
"I thought you sold strawberries," I said.
"We do many things, sir," Nicolo answered seriously.
In the week which followed we saw Nicolo and Jacopo several times. These two brothers worked all
day under the hot sun, shining shoes, selling fruit and newspapers. They always looked very busy.
One morning while Nicolo was shining my shoes I said: "You and Jacopo work very hard. Tell me
how do you spend your money?"
"We have plans, sir", the boys said. As we were soon leaving Verona we wanted to do something
pleasant for the boys who were friendly to us.
"Well," I said, "can we do anything for you before we go?"
"Every Sunday we go to a village not far from Verona," Nicolo began. "We usually go by bus; but
tomorrow, sir, maybe, you will take us in your car."
On Sunday I took the boys to the village and stopped my car where the boys asked. It was a lovely big
house. The boys promised not to be long and entered the building. I waited a few minutes and then I
followed the boys.
"Excuse me," I said to a nurse who came to the door, "I just brought two small boys here."
"Ah, yes," she said with a smile. "Nicolo and Jacopo came to visit their sister. They are alone in the
world, except for their sister. Their mother and father died before the war. When the fascists came to
Verona the boys began to carry secret messages in their shoes to the mountain. When the war ended they
found their sister sick with tuberculosis. They brought her to our hospital. And every week the boys come
to pay for their sister."
I thanked the nurse and waited outside. Soon the boys came back to the car. They sat beside me,
looking serious and proud, these two gentlemen of Verona.
8th Form
Olympiad
Round III – Reading Comprehension
2015
Directions: Read the texts № 1 and 2. Choose the one best answer А, В, С, D to each
question.
Text 1
Litter is garbage - like food, paper, and cans - on the ground or in the street. Where many
people live together, litter is a problem. People don't always put their garbage in the
garbage can. It's easier to just drop a piece of paper on the ground than to find a garbage
can for it. But litter is ugly. It makes the city look dirty, and it spoils the view. Wind can
blow papers far away. Often they are difficult to catch. When they blow against a fence,
they stay there and become like a wall made of garbage. Litter is a health problem, too.
Food and garbage bring animals, which sometimes carry disease. Some people want to
control litter. They never throw litter themselves, and sometimes they work together in
groups to clean up the city. In most places litter is against the law. The law punishes people
who throw garbage on the streets. They usually pay a fine and occasionally they go to jail.
Are you a "litterbug?"
1. All garbage found on the ground is...
A. litter.
B. against the law.
C. paper.
D. eaten by animals.
2. Papers are difficult to catch because...
A. animals take them.
C. they spoil the view
B. they are ugly.
D. the wind blows them far away.
3. People don't always put their trash in a garbage can because…
A. they never litter.
C. the wind blows it away.
B. it's easier just to drop it.
4. Litter spoils...
D. it carries diseases.
A. the water.
B. children and animals.
C. the view.
D. our health.
5. People may have to pay a fine if they...
A. pick up litter.
C. throw garbage on the street.
B. control litter.
D. bring garbage to animals.
Text 2
One Blind Man
Joseph Emmons can't use his eyes. He's blind. He has a trained dog named Buster
that leads him where he wants to go. Buster sees for Mr. Emmons. He's called a
seeing-eye dog. Although Mr. Emmons has a handicap, it isn't a big problem. He has
a useful job and he earns his own money. Mr. Emmons sells brooms and mops to
people in his part of the city. He has worked every day except Sunday for forty years.
Mr. Emmons gets up at 6:00 every morning and eats breakfast with his wife. Then he
leaves the house at 7:00. He holds Buster and walks from house to house. He carries
his mops and brooms with him. While he talks to people, the dog sits and waits. The
people choose a broom, and then they pay him. Buster doesn't let Mr. Emmons talk to
people very long. He likes to keep moving. It takes four and a half months to walk to
every house in his part of the city. Mr. Emmons visits each house every four months,
and by then people are usually ready to buy new brooms.
6. Buster is...
A. blind
C. handicapped.
B. a seeing-eye dog.
D. a broom salesman.
7. Mr. Emmons earns his money by...
A. training dogs.
B. making brooms.
C. selling brooms.
D. visiting houses.
8. Mr. Emmons doesn't talk to people very long because
A. Buster won't let him.
C. he gets very tired from walking.
B. he has to sell the brooms. D. he hаs a handicap.
9. Over the past forty years Mr. Emmons has worked...
A. every day.
C. four and a half months.
B. forty days a month.
D. six days a week.
10. People only buy brooms...
A. every four months.
B. from Mr. Emmons.
C. from his part of the city.
D. when they need them.
Directions: Read the texts 3 and 4 and mark (T) if the statement is true, (F) if it
is false.
Text 3
Many people have heard of the lost city of Atlantis, a city that is now at the bottom of
the ocean. The story of Atlantis was first told by Plato, a famous Greek philosopher.
In his story Plato claims that there really was a city called Atlantis which was ruled
by Poseidon, god of the sea. According to Plato’s story the people of Atlantis were
wealthy and powerful, and they also became immortal. This angered the other gods,
especially Zeus, and so he destroyed the city, sending it to the ocean depths. Many
people think that Atlantis was just a fictional place created by Plato to set his
dialogues. However, others have argued that Atlantis was a real place and point to the
island of Thera, a volcanic island, which was destroyed around 1500 BC by an
explosion that caused more than half of the island to sink into the sea. What do you
think? Have you heard of Atlantis, the lost city?
11. Poseidon was the sea god.
12. According to Plato’s story the people of Atlantis could live forever.
13. It was Zeus who ruined the city.
14. All people agree that Atlantis never existed.
15. The island of Thera was destroyed by earthquake.
Text 4.
Once there were four children whose names were Peter, Susan, Edmund and
Lucy. This story is about something that happened to them when they were sent
away from London during the war because of the air raids. They were sent to the
house of an old Professor who lived in the heart of the country, ten miles from the
nearest railway station and two miles from the nearest post office. He had no wife and
he lived in a very large house with a housekeeper called Mrs. Macready and three
servants. He himself was a very old man with shaggy white hair which grew over
most of his face as well as on his head, and they liked him almost at once; but on the
first evening when he came out to meet them at the front door he was so odd-looking
that Lucy (who was the youngest) was a little afraid of him, and Edmund (who was
the next youngest) wanted to laugh and had to keep on pretending he was blowing his
nose to hide it.
16. The children left London to live with the Professor because of the air raids.
17. The Professor’s house was in the center of Cambridge.
18. The Professor lived two miles away from the nearest post office.
19. Lucy laughed at the old man.
20. The children dislike the old man.
8th Form
Olympiad
2015
Round II – Writing Comprehension Test
Directions:
In this test you will select from the three tasks written on the board. Choose one
which you feel you are most capable to write about.
1. What qualities make the perfect teacher? Why do you think these things are so
important? Would you ever want to be one? Why or why not? Explain your
answer.
2. You have been called upon to create a new national holiday for Ukraine. What person
or event do you choose to honour, and why? When would you have the holiday, and
how would this affect the celebration? What traditions will be associated with this
holiday? Why will this holiday appeal to citizens around the country?
3. They say the only way to have a friend is to be one.
What kind of friend are you? Do you think you are a special friend for
somebody? Do you have many true friends or only one? What skills or
qualities do you appreciate in your friends? What can help friendly relations to
grow?
8th Form
Olympiad
2015
Round I – Listening Comprehension
Task 1.
Listen to the story Two Gentlemen of Verona and mark (+) if the statement is
true, (-) if it is false.
3.
The story took place in Spain.
4.
When the boys saw the men next day, they didn’t recognize them.
5.
The boys had a lot of free time.
6.
Nicolo asked the men to take them to the village not far from Verona.
7.
The boys were orphans.
8.
The boys’ sister worked in the hospital.
9.
On the way from the village to Verona the boys looked proud.
10. The story happened during the war.
Section 2. Statements 9 through 15 (circle the correct letter A, B, C, or D).
Task 2.
Listen to the text again. Choose the one best answer А, В, С, D to each question.
9. Where were the men traveling?
A. In Europe
B. In Australia
C. In America
D. In Asia
10. Where did the men first meet the boys?
A. Near the hotel
B. In the central street of Verona
C. Outside the city.
D. In the village not far from Verona.
11. What of these jobs the boys didn’t do?
A. They sold strawberries.
B. They shined people’s shoes.
C. They swept the streets of Verona.
D. They carried secret messages to the mountains.
12. The men wanted to do something pleasant for the boys because…
A. they were soon leaving Verona.
B. they were sorry for the boys.
C. the boys shone their shoes.
D. the boys were always friendly to them.
13. The men wanted to know…
A. how much the boys were earning.
B. how the boys spent their money.
C. if they liked their job.
D. why they were working so hard.
14. What happened to the boys’ parents?
A. They were killed by fascists.
B. They were lost in the mountains.
C. They died before the war.
D. They abandoned their children.
15. How often did the boys go to the hospital?
A. Every day.
B. Every week
C. Every month.
D. Every year.
8th Form
Olympiad
2015
Round IV – Speaking Comprehension Test
Directions:
In this test you will select three task slips from those before you. After selecting
three, choose the one you feel you are most capable to speak about and return the
other two to the table face down. Then take about a minute to collect your thoughts
before you begin to speak on the topic. You may refer to the topic as needed. Take a
deep breath and begin.
1. Many schoolchildren refuse wearing school uniform.
• Do you support this rule? Why? Why not?
• If you were offered to create a school uniform for your school what would it
look like? Describe it.
2. What is the most important subject you have learnt at school?
• What have you learned about in that subject?
• Do you think your parents thought it was the most important subject? Why?
3. Nowadays schoolchildren prefer watching television to reading books.
• What do you prefer?
• What kinds of books or TV programmes do you like?
• What can parents or teachers do to get children interested in reading?
4. Speak about the greatest teacher you have ever had.
- Why did you choose him or her ?
- How did he\she influence your life ?
- How can you use what he\she taught you to help others?
5. Choose a favourite holiday.
• Explain why you like this holiday so much.
• Tell a story from your life that illustrates what this holiday means to you.
• Explain how your family’s traditions are typical or not, for Ukraine.
6. Describe your dream house and why you want to live there.
• What does it look like?
• Where is it located?
• What amenities does it have?
7. You have just returned from your perfect holiday. Describe
• places you visited
• accommodation you stayed in
• people you met
• activities you did
8. You have a chance to go on holiday abroad.
• What country would you like to go to? Why have you chosen this one?
• What would you like to see there?
• What would you like to do there?
10. Today is your day-off and you have a choice of different activities, such as
going to the ballet, an art museum, the movie theater, or to football game, but you can
only choose one.
• Which activity would you choose?
• Which other activities would you consider?
• What do you do during a typical day-off?
11. Do you think exercise should be an important part of every person’s life?
• Do you play any sport? Dance? Go jogging? Do you like exercise?
• Can you see any difference in the people around you who exercise and those
who do not ?
• What are the benefits of regular exercise?
12. There are a lot of people who are dear to us.
• Who is the dearest person for you?
• Why do you love this person?
• In what way would you like to be similar to him/her?
13. When we are teenagers friends are very important to us.
• How do you become friends?
• Whom can you call a real friend?
• What do you do to be a good friend to him/her?
14. Many people claim computer games are harmful.
• Do you support this point of view? Why? Why not?
• Do you enjoy playing computer games?
• What do computer games teach you?
15. Which of the members of your family do you appreciate most of all and why?
• What qualities does this person possess?
•Why do you love this person?
• In what way would you like to be similar to him/her?
16. Your English friend is going to come to Ukraine.
• What would you tell him about your country?
• What do you think he/she should know or do to feel comfortable in the country?
17. Studying at school can be very stressful.
• Do you often feel nervous at school?
• What do you do to get rid of stress?
• What helps you to relax?
18. You have a chance to spend one day in a way you like and in a place you like.
• Where would you like to spend it?
• Who with?
• What activities would you like to do?
19. Ukraine is a nation made up of different traditions and cultural styles.
• Describe these differences briefly to a person who knows little of Ukraine’s
diversity.
• What traditions are you most proud of?
• Describe them and explain why they are important to you.
20. The popularity of mobile phones is growing among young people.
• Why do teenagers today have mobile phones?
• What are advantages and disadvantages of mobile phones for teenagers
today?
• In your opinion, at what age should children have a mobile phone?
9th FORM
OLYMPIAD
2015
Round II ~ Reading Comprehension
Directions: Read a text Scotland, and answer the questions 1-5. Choose A, B, C or D.
Text 1. Scotland
If you're not afraid of the weather, Scotland can be one of the most beautiful and fascinating of
travel destinations. The beautiful landscape and rich history could keep a holidaymaker happy for
months. A great way to see the highlands and islands of Scotland is by bike. Scottish roads are
reasonably free of traffic, especially if you keep off the main routes, and because it's not a vast
country you can see a lot of it by bike in a couple of weeks.
A friend of mine and I did just that at the age of sixteen, and though it rained for ten out of the
fourteen days we were there, nonetheless we had a marvellous time. But the weather isn't always so
bad. We made the mistake of going in August, which is the height of the 'rainy season'. Apparently
the weather is generally better in spring and early summer.
The route we cycled along was more or less the same taken by the historic rebel, Prince Charles
Edward Stuart, known as Bonnie Prince Charlie when he escaped after his army was defeated by
the English at the battle of Culloden in 1746. That's where our journey began. Instead of staying on
country people's farms, we lived in campsites or youth hostels. And instead of deliberately taking a
long route across the highlands as Bonnie Prince Charlie had done to avoid capture, we took a
pretty straight course along the roads.
1. Scotland is a good place ….
A to become happy for months
В to have a trip
C to learn history
D to enjoy the weather
2. A bike is popular in Scotland because … .
A it is a good way to see this small country
В the traffic is heavy in the country
C it is cheap
D this is the only way to see its highlands
3. The best time to go to Scotland is … .
A August
В a rainy season
C spring and early summer
D when you are at the age of sixteen
4. The Scottish troops … in 1746.
A won the victory
В lost the battle
C did not fight with the English
D lost their leader
5. Bonnie Prince Charlie took a long route across the highlands because … .
A that was the only road in the country
В he avoided taking a straight course along the roads
C he did not want to be defeated
D he did not want to be caught by the English
Read a text The Lions Who We Are..., and answer the questions 6-10. Choose A, B, C or
D.
Text 2.The Lions Who We Are...
Lions are more than 1.4 million strong men and women, young and old. You will find us in more
than 190 countries and geographical areas from the hinterlands of Australia and Brazil to thriving
urban centers like New York City and Milan. We speak dozens of languages and vary in nature and
customs.
We share a common spirit. Since our beginning in 1917, we have been united in a single cause:
helping those less fortunate. We are tackling the tough problems like blindness and drug abuse as
well as diabetes awareness—and finding help and training for the deaf, disabled, underprivileged
and the elderly. In fact, whatever the community needs to make life better, we're there to help.
We are the youngest service club community based organization, yet we have grown to be the
world's largest. We are succeeding because we have embraced all those committed to building a
brighter future for the world and for themselves.
6 … can be a lion.
A young and old men
В anybody
C young people
D young men
Lions speak … .
A many languages
В one common language
C only English
D 190 languages
The aim of the organization is … .
A to be united
В to support people who need their help
C to share a common spirit
D to unite people
They help … .
A elderly and underprivileged people
В disabled people and drug addicts
C anybody who helps them
D anybody who needs their help
The organization is successful because … people are its members
A responsible and reliable
В famous and clever
C 1.4 million
D only energetic
Read a text Marie Curie, and answer the questions 11-20. Mark True(+) or False (-) next
to the number.
Text 3. Marie Curie
Marie Curie was one of the most accomplished scientists in history. Together with
her husband, Pierre, she discovered radium, an element widely used for treating can cer,
and studied uranium and other radioactive substances. Pierre and Marie’s amicable
collaboration later helped to unlock the secrets of the atom.
Marie was born in 1867 in Warsaw, Poland, where her father was a professor of physics. At an early age, she displayed a brilliant mind and a blithe personality. Many of her
friends would even describe her as easy-going. Her great exuberance 1 for learning prompted her to continue with her studies after high school. She became disgruntled,
however, when she learned that the university in Warsaw was closed to women.
Determined to receive a higher education, she defiantly left Poland and in 1891 entered
the Sorbonne, a French university, where she earned her master’s degree and doctorate
in physics.
Marie was fortunate to have studied at the Sorbonne with some of the greatest
scientists of her day, one of whom was Pierre Curie. Marie and Pierre were married in
1895 and spent many productive years working together in the physics laboratory. A
short time after they discovered radium, Pierre was killed by a horse -drawn wagon in
1906. Marie was stunned by this horrible misfortune and endured heart -breaking
anguish. Despondently she recalled their close relationship and the joy that they had
shared in scientific research. The fact that she had two young daughters to raise by
herself greatly increased her distress.
Curie’s feeling of desolation finally began to fade when she was asked to succeed her
husband as a physics professor at the Sorbonne. She was the first woman to be given a
professorship at the world-famous university. In 1911 she received the Nobel Prize in
chemistry for isolating radium. Although Marie Curie eventually suffered a fatal illness
from her long exposure to radium, she never became disillusioned about her work.
Regardless of the consequences, she had dedicated herself to science and to revealing
the mysteries of the physical world.
Pierre and Marie Curie helped unlock the secrets to the un iverse.
The Curies had a poor working relationship.
Marie Curie's father worked as a physiology professor.
The university in Warsaw only admitted men.
Marie challenged the norms of society by leaving Poland to go to a university in France.
Marie met her future husband, Pierre, in Warsaw.
A long time after the couple discovered radium, Pierre died in an accident.
When Pierre died, Marie had to raise their three children alone.
Marie was asked to find a new professor to replace her husband at the Sorb onne.
20. The Noble prize for physics was awarded to Marie Curie.
For TEACHERS
Listening Comprehension Text
9th FORM
2015
Who Really Discovered America?
Teacher(T): Now, class… Can you tell me who was the first European to arrive
in America? Well, Adam? Barbara? Who can remember? Yes, Luke…
Luke(L): I guess … it was Christopher Columbus. He was the first.
(T): OK. When did he arrive in America? Do you remember? Gina?
Gina: Erm … 1492?
(T): Correct. This is actually what many people believe. But have you ever
thought that somebody discovered America before Christopher Columbus? For
example, a group of monks from Ireland?
Adam(A): What do you mean?
(T): Well, according to the legend, around the year AD 600 a group of eighteen
Irish monks set off on a journey into the unknown Atlantic Ocean. They had a leader
Saint Brendan. They sailed in a leather boat similar to the ones fishermen use today
in Ireland. Their journey was long and exhausting. They travelled for seven years,
and faced all sorts of dangers at sea. When they reached the land, they called it Land
Promised to the Saints. They also gave names to a lot of places they visited.
Barbara(B): Can I ask a question?
(T): Certainly, Barbara.
(B): It’s very interesting, but how can I be sure that it is true?
(T): Good point. First of all, as I said, it is a legend. But many European explorers
and map-makers took the legend very seriously. You see, a lot of early maps use
names which first appeared in the Irish story. Even Columbus knew of it – it was one
of the things that inspired him to look for a land beyond the Atlantic. In 1970, a few
people from Ireland tried to find out if crossing the Atlantic in a leather boat was
possible and if the places in the story really existed. They studied the details of the
monks’ journey, took the same route and found that the islands in the Atlantic from
the story were there.
Luke(L): What about the leather boat?
(T): Well, the boat wasn’t very comfortable and it made the journey even more
difficult. The sailors faced many dangers – icebergs, volcanoes, various sea creatures.
But they managed to land in North America in 1976. It was in May. So we can
assume that the leather boat wasn’t that bad. Do you agree, Gina?
Gina(G): I don’t know. I’m not fully convinced.
(T): Well, of course, there is no historical proof that Saint Brendan really
discovered America. But this group of Irishmen proved to the world that it is very
probable.
Writing Comprehension Test for 9th Form Students
In this test you will select from the three tasks written on the board. Choose one
which you feel you are most capable writing about.
1. You and a group of friends are planning a street festival to take place in your
town this summer. Decide what music to choose and what food to prepare. Think of
invitations. Plan activities and prizes for children. Add your own ideas.
2. Describe your happiest year. Explain why you think it was the best period of
time. Write what you did and what important events took place. Describe your
memories of this period and mention who you would like to thank for that time.
3. Imagine that there is a competition in which students are asked to describe the
way school should look in the future. You have decided to enter this competition and
share your ideas.
Comment on the following things: look of the school, its location and facilities,
subjects taught and timetable, other activities. Describe use of computers and
information technology, number and ‫ ״‬type ‫ ״‬of teachers and students, class and home
assignments. Explain arguments for and against attending classes in this school. You
are welcome to suggest other information.
Speaking Comprehension Test For 9th Form Students
Directions:
In this test you will select three task slips from those before you. After selecting
three, choose the one you feel you are most capable to speak about and return the
other two to the table face down. Then take about a minute to collect your thoughts
before you begin to speak on the topic. You may refer to the topic as needed. Take a
deep breath and begin.
1. Think up some mysterious animal.
- Describe it mentioning its weight, size, places of living, tell about its way of
life.
- How do people feel about the animal? What stories do they tell?
- How did people come to know about this animal?
2. Many schoolchildren refuse wearing school uniform.
• Do you support this rule? Why? Why not?
• If you were offered to create a school uniform for your school what would it
look like? Describe it.
3. One of your friends wants to do some voluntary work.
- Suggest an activity that he/she could do.
- Explain the importance of the service provided by this activity.
- Decide whether you want to help out. Explain why you made your decision.
4. Which of these things would you like to do. Give your grounds.
- meet the islanders,
- live abroad for a while,
- write a travel book,
- learn another language ( not English ).
5. Speak about the greatest teacher you have ever had.
- Why did you choose him or her ?
- How did he\she influence your life ?
- How can you use what he\she taught you to help others ?
6. Describe the most exciting day in your school life.
- Explain why it is so important for you.
- Say what things you were doing.
- Speak about people who helped you to make that day interesting.
7. Imagine that you want to organize an end-of-year party at school. Describe
your planning the party and think of the following:
- number of people to invite, where and when to hold the party, what you want
people to wear, food and drinks,
- entertainment ( music, games, karaoke singing, etc. )
- how long the party is going to be, how to inform people about it,
- other problems.
8. Do you agree with the statement that being an only child in one's family is a
disadvantage? Give your grounds.
- What family are you from?
- Would you like to be the only child?
- What are the advantages and disadvantages of being the only child?
9. Imagine that you've joined the expedition to a distant place, e.g. a tropical
jungle, a desert , the South Pole or any other interesting place on the Earth. After
you've reached your destination, you call your friend or parents to tell them how
things are going. Include the following information :
- weather conditions, location, landscape, nature,
- accommodation and living conditions,
- people and relationships, daily activities, difficulties and dangers,
- clothes and equipment used, other information.
10.Do you agree with this statement that computers will replace teachers one day?
Justify your opinion.
- Do you think computers can be better teachers?
- What subjects can be taught by computers?
- How will school life change if computers replace teachers one day?
11. You are describing the most characteristic features of Ukrainians to your British
or American friend. Speak about
- our character, likes and dislikes,
- our traditions and holidays,
- things we are proud of,
- things we would like to change
12. You are an organizer of a one-day event to raise money for a local charity.
Describe your ideas, preparations, etc. Use the plan:
- what the charity is for, how much money you need to raise, how to raise money,
- where and when the event will take place,
- who to invite, what attractions to have,
- who to contact in advance, what to prepare in advance, add your own ideas
__________________________________________________________________
__
13. Imagine you are starring in a movie. Give details about
- what type of film it is,
- who your partner is, than describe your partner,
- where the film takes place, what period of time it covers,
- what your mission is.
14. What is the most important quality a friend can have?
- Why is this quality so important?
- Do your best friends have this quality? Do you?
- How can you work to improve on this quality?
15.What activities do you find enjoyable when you are by yourself?
- Why is this activity so enjoyable to you?
- How often do you spend time by yourself? Do you think it is important to have
time alone? Why?
- What kind of people like to spend more time in this way?
16.Introduce a new school holiday.
- Explain why it is necessary to celebrate it?
- Describe its traditions.
- Demonstrate how it will influence your life.
17.Do you think that money can buy happiness?
- When has money made your life easier?
- When has money made your life more difficult?
- Some people think that it is impossible to be rich and to have morals. What is
your point of view? Give your grounds.
18.You have just won 10,000 dollars, and have decided to take a trip around the
world.
- What countries would you like to visit?
- What places would you like to see? Why are they important for you to see?
- Who would you take with you to see the world?
_________________________________________________________________
__
19.What is the role of education in our society?
- What are the advantages and disadvantages of educational system in Ukraine?
- What would you like to change and to improve?
- Who can help to solve the problems in the sphere of education?
__________________________________________________________________
__
20. Choose a favourite holiday.
• Explain why you like this holiday so much.
• Tell a story from your life that illustrates what this holiday means to you.
• Explain how your family’s traditions are typical or not, for Ukraine.
9th FORM
OLYMPIAD
2015
Round I ~ Listening Comprehension
Directions: In this Test you will carefully listen to a text read aloud twice. The text is followed
by 15 tasks. You should do tasks 1 through 8 following the first reading of the text on the basis of
what is stated or implied in the text. The text will be read a second time and you should do tasks 9
through 15 following the second reading of the text on the basis of what is stated or implied in the
text. For each task you will choose from four possible answers (A, B, C, or D), or two symbols (+
or -) as specified prior to each task. Choose the best answer and mark the letter or symbol of your
choice on the Answer Sheet.
Task 1
Questions 1 through 10 (on your answer sheet put down + if the statement is true, - if it is
false).
1. Christopher Columbus came to America in 1492.
2. According to the legend, there were eighty Irish monks who first sailed across the Atlantic
Ocean in order to discover America.
3. Although the journey was long, it wasn’t very tiring.
4. They travelled for seven years, and faced a lot of dangers.
5. The legend is taken very seriously by many European explores and map-makers.
6. The Irish legend inspired Columbus to go to America.
7. In 1970, a few monks from Ireland, tried to find out if the places in the story really existed.
8. In the 20th century, the European sailors faced similar dangers to those described in the Irish
story.
For TEACHERS
10th FORM
OLYMPIAD
2015
Round I ~ Listening Comprehension
WHAT WAS THE PROBLEM WITH THE MOUSSE
Mrs. Wilson's husband, General Arthur Wilson, had been retired for ten years
when he died of a heart attack while playing golf with his doctor. Mrs. Wilson
mourned her loss for a respectable month and then continued her life as before, which
was taken up mainly with playing bridge and attending lunch engagements and
cocktail parties in the homes of a group of some forty friends. General Wilson had
left his wife the shares of a small engineering firm, and with the income they brought
her, together with her not inconsiderable bridge winnings, she led a comfortable life.
Mrs. Wilson was a good bridge player and a lucky one. Her other virtues were that
she was an accomplished cook and avid gardener.
One day she invited some women friends to lunch and an afternoon bridge. She
was very anxious to try a new recipe for salmon mousse that she had got from the
chef of an Italian restaurant and which she had found very impressive. About an hour
before lunch she took the mousse from the oven... it looked wonderful... and put it in
front of the open window to cool for a few minutes.
Just then the telephone rang, and when she got back to the kitchen, she was
horrified to see her neighbour's cat, Chester, at the mousse. She shooed the cat away
and was fortunately in time to save the majority of the dish, and, as none of the guests
had arrived, she rearranged what was left and put it in the fridge to go on cooling.
Both lunch and bridge were a great success. Everyone was very impressed with
the mousse and everyone asked for the recipe which, of course, lacking the Italian
chef's altruism, Mrs. Wilson didn't give away. In addition Mrs. Wilson won heavily at
the card table... so all in all it was a good afternoon. When the last of her guests had
left at about six, Mrs. Wilson sat down in an armchair in the sitting-room, tired but
pleased with herself. The armchair in question was just in front of the French window
in the sitting-room, and turning her head she had a fine view over her garden and over
her newly planted rose bushes. She was looking out dreamily when she suddenly
caught sight of her neighbour's cat, lying in the garden... dead. A whole series of
images ran through Mrs. Wilson's head. She made up her mind to immediately ring
the doctor and explained all about the mousse..! about the cat at the window... and
about its death.
Without hesitating he told her to telephone each of the guests, and to meet him
at the hospital as soon as possible. For Mrs. Wilson, the next few hours were the most
mortifying of her life. Finally, by about ten in the evening, the danger was over, and
she was again in the sitting-room... still tired, but no longer happy. Just then the
telephone rang. Mrs. Wilson got up to answer it. It was her neighbour in a state of
hysterics. "Oh Milli," she sobbed, "Chester's dead. He was killed by some maniac in a
car and left in your garden."
10th FORM
OLYMPIAD
2015
Round II ~ Reading Comprehension
Directions:
In this test you will read three texts. Each text is followed by different tasks. You
should do the tasks that follow the text on the basis of what is stated or implied in the
text. For each task you will choose the best possible answer, as specified prior to each
text. Choose the best answer and circle the letter of your choice on the answer sheet
Text 1
You are going to read an article about the dangers of cold weather. For questions
1-8, choose the answer (A, B, C or D) which you think fits best according to the text.
On 18 February 1995, Andrew Wilson failed to return to his car after a skiing
weekend in the Scottish Highlands. Following a fruitless search, the mountain rescue
teams felt that the game was up.It was nothing short of miraculous when at 10.30
a.m. on 21 February, Wilson stumbled down the mountainside. He was hypothermic
and dehydrated - but otherwise he was more or less unharmed.
Rescue coordinator Graham Gibb said, "I have never found anyone alive on the
fourth day of a rescue in these conditions." Wilson overcame a simple problem: how
to get himself to safety while conserving heat - heat that was being used up by the
activity necessary to save his life. Wilson achieved this through common sense and a
high level of fitness. Trapped by high winds and deep snow, he dug a snowhole. The
following day he walked further before digging another snowhole for the night. It
wasn't until the following morning, after 70 hours on the mountainside, that he was
able to reach civilisation.
When things get dangerously chilly, intelligence and experience can make the
difference between life and death. Death from hypothermia can occur only two hours
after its onset. A major cause of hypothermia is dehydration. The blood thickens as it
loses water, limiting the body's ability to keep warm - especially at the extremities
like the hands and feet, where frostbite becomes a risk.
Sufficient food is also important. Our bodies carry reserves of fat, but making use
of this resource takes time, and the body's internal temperature can fall to dangerous
levels in the meantime. Mountaineers snack regularly on high-energy foods. Wilson
probably survived because of the sandwiches and chocolate that he had brought with
him to maintain his energy levels.
Human beings must also maintain a constant body temperature. Even slight
variations make the body less efficient. At temperatures below 28"C, an unclothed
body loses more heat than it can produce. Another factor is evaporation. Even in
cold climates we sweat, and cold air drawn into the lungs has to be warmed and
moistened to 100 per cent humidity, a process that speeds up greatly at higher
altitudes and can lead to dehydration.
However, the greatest threat in cold weather is convection. Air surrounding the skin
is warmed by the body.
The colder the air, the more the body has to heat it and more
energy is used. If it is27 moving, the process must be continual. This is the principle of
wind chill. Temperatures that in still air pose little threat can kill if increased by only
a 20 mph wind. Rescuers calculated that the wind-chill factor, where Wilson was lost
that weekend, made the temperatures equivalent to -32°C.
Hypothermia also increases the risk of frostbite. Victims are sometimes unaware of
the danger until their fingers or toes have become totally numb. Skin turns blue and
becomes very painful, and blisters appear on fingers, toes, the nose or ears. Long-
term exposure will cause gangrene and the affected area may need to be amputated.
Careful use of heat and antibiotics must be applied when treating frostbite to help reestablish the victim's circulation and respiration.
The fact that he survived was the result of remarkable stamina and a lot of courage.
Incredibly, he will be out on the mountains again this weekend.
1. The fact that Wilson survived his ordeal was
A. an usual occurrence.
B. due to his being found.
C. due to his treating it as a game.
D. an unusual occurrence.
2. During his ordeal, Wilson managed to
A. save all his body heat.
B. create heat by building shelters.
C. keep as much of his body heat as possible.
D. stay warm by exercising.
3. One cause of hypothermia is
A. not drinking sufficient liquid.
B. being cold for two hours.
C. getting frostbite.
D. trying too hard to keep warm.
4. According to the writer, mountaineers should
A. have a lot of body fat.
B. frequently eat sugar-rich foods.
C. take the time to check their body temperature.
D. have high blood pressure.
5. At low temperatures, breathing may become inefficient due to
A. too much internal heat.
B. lack of perspiration,
C. lack of moisture in the body
D. too much moisture in the air.
6. What does "it" in line 27 refer to?
A. the human body
B. the air
C. heat
D. cold
7. People suffering from frostbite
A. can be easily treated.
B. should be made warmer quickly
C. may develop gangrene
D. usually feel nothing.
Text 2
Questions 8 through 12 are based on the following reading
As a result of the recent oil crisis, 9.9 million of California's 15 million
motorists were subjected to an odd-even plan of gas rationing. The governor
signed a bill forcing motorists with license plates ending in odd numbers to
buy gas only on odd-numbered days, and those ending in even numbers on
even-numbered days. Those whose plates were all letters or specially printed
had to follow the odd-numbered plan.
Exceptions were made only for emergencies and out-of-state drivers. Those
who could not get gas were forced to walk, bike, or skate to work.
This plan was expected to eliminate the long lines at many service stations.
Those who tried to purchase more than twenty gallons of gas or tried to fill a
more than half filled tank would be fined and possibly imprisoned.
8. All of the following are true except
A. officials hoped that this plan would alleviate long gas lines
B. a gas limit was imposed
C. California has 9.9 million drivers
D. the governor signed the bill concerning gas rationing
9. Those who violated the rationing program
A. were forced to walk, bike, or skate to work
B. were fined and possibly imprisoned
C. had to wait in long lines
D. were forced to use odd-numbered days
10. The gas rationing plan was not binding on
A. even-numbered license plates
B. odd-numbered license plates
C. all-lettered plates
D. out-of-state plates
11. California was forced to adopt this plan because
A. a recent oil crisis necessitated it
B. too many drivers were filling their tanks with more than twenty gallons
and spilling it
C. people were not getting enough exercise and needed to walk, bike, or
skate
D. too many motorists had odd-numbered plates
Text3
You are going to read the text about space tourism. The journalist's questions
are missing from the text. Choose the most appropriate questions from the list
(A—I) for the answers (12—20). There is one extra question which you do not
need to use.
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 (this question you do not need
to use in the text)
Space Tourism
Journalist's Questions.
A. Ricky, thank you ... and best of luck with the flight. And what advice do you have for
other people who fancy a trip into space?
B. My guest today will soon be joining a very small and very special group of people. Ever
since the idea of space tourism was first seriously considered in the late 1990s, some
people have had their name on the waiting list, as they saved up the fee. One of those
C.
D.
E.
F.
G.
H.
I.
people is Ricky Butler, who is just about to leave on the trip of a lifetime. He'll be
spending ten days on a space station as it orbits the Earth. Ricky, welcome! What are
you most looking forward to about the flight?
What sort of things will you be doing?
And was the training difficult?
Don't you feel scared at all?
Is everybody able to take up space tourism?
Some people are completely against the idea of tourists going into space. Do you see
this trip as a holiday?
Are you fond of 'space tourism'?
Will you have specific responsibilities on the fight?
Ricky Butler
12. There'll be so many experiences in those ten days that it's hard to know which will be the
greatest moment. But I guess the launch is what I'm looking forward to most. There can't be
many things as exhilarating as being in a rocket as it flies out of the atmosphere. The first
experience of weightlessness and seeing the Earth from outside the atmosphere; those are
going to be incredible too, but maybe not quite so thrilling.
13.
I wouldn’t be human if I didn`t. Because I`m not a military pilot or even a
professional test pilot – this isn`t something I do every day, you know. But I`ve done
months of training alongside real astronauts, so I hope I`m up to the challenge.
14. Very much so. The spaceship is extremely small and so every seat has a set
of controls in front of it. I`ll be handling the systems that are controlled from the
right-hand seat: for example, radio, TV, and some of the navigation systems. The
flight commander sits in the centre and can take over from me on those functions if
necessary, but hopefully I`ll be a fully-functioning member of the crew.
15.
Some of the survival training, you know, when we`re prepared for an
unexpected landing in the sea or in an extreme winter climate, has been physically
very challenging. Much worse than the training for weightlessness, although that was
pretty tough, too.
16. Actually, I see it very much as a life experience. People use the term ‘space
tourism’ to describe what I`m going to do, but actually it`s a bit misleading. I`ve been
training flat-out for twelve months and I`ll be working flat-out every day that I`m up
there. So I`m going to need a real holiday when I come back.
17.
I`ll be looking at different ways of measuring the energy an astronaut uses
during a space flight, and how that affects the muscles. But the astronauts all tell me
that the one thing they wished they`d had more of up there is free time. So I`m going
to make sure that I have some, at least.
18. Well, the price is a bit steep at the moment which cuts a lot of people out, and
then you`ve got to go through months of training. I mean, not everyone`s up to that,
physically, nor can they spare the time, and it can be frustrating for people. I mean, I
was fortunate because if you don`t make it through the training, basically they don`t
let you go.
19.
The best advice I can give is to say: “Just keep patient”. I mean, space
travel`s going to become far more accessible, sooner or later, and I reckon it’s going
to be sooner than people think. I`m confident that with so many companies keen to
organize trips, this market’s going to open up considerably. I couldn`t tell you what it
might cost, but I am confident that within 10 years, I’ll be able to buy a ticket and fly
up there again without having to go through such a complicated training procedure.
20. extra (you do not need to use it in the text)
Writing Comprehension Test For 10th form Students
Directions:
In this test you will select from the three tasks written on the board. Choose one
which you feel you are most capable to write about.
1. Modern information technologies make the world smaller. Write about:
 which of them you believe has been a breakthrough;
 in what respect these technologies cut the distances between continents and
nations;
 which one you find the most useful for yourself.
2. Some people in Ukraine think that the school system must undergo still more
changes. Share your ideas as if you were writing a report to a conference. Write
about:
 if you think the system of education in Ukraine needs to be modified at all and
why;
 what benefits for students in the existing school system you know;
 what drawbacks of the system you have personally experienced and how you
coped with problem;
3. Imagine that you have just written a best-seller on how to keep fit. Now you are
answering your readers’ questions.
 Don`t you think that our society is too obsessed with problems of weight and
fitness?
 Do you know of any special diets that guarantee success?
 Do people follow diets for reasons other than fitness and health?
Listening Comprehension Test for 10th Form Students
Section 1.
True/false statements 1 through 7. Put “+”if the statement is true, “ - ” if it is false.
1.
General Arthur Wilson, had been retired for five years when suddenly he died
while playing bridge with his wife.
2.
Mrs. Wilson’s husband had left his wife the shares of a small engineering
firm, and with the income they brought her, she led a comfortable life.
3.
Mrs. Wilson was a good and lucky bridge player.
4.
About an hour before her guests arrived, she took the mousse from the oven
and put it in the freezer to cool for a few minutes.
5.
Both lunch and bridge were a great success and everyone was very impressed
with the mousse and asked for its recipe.
6.
The last of her guests had left at about eight, Mrs. Wilson sat down in an
armchair in the sitting-room, miserable and angry with herself.
7.
The doctor advised Mrs. Wilson to telephone each of the guests and meet him
at the hospital as soon as possible.
Section 2.
Multiple-choice questions through 8 to 15. Circle the correct letter A, B, C
or D.
8. How many guests were invited?
a) 2;
b) the text doesn’t say;
c) 4;
d) 5.
9. What meal did the guests come to?
a) lunch;
b) dinner;
c) neither lunch nor dinner;
d) afternoon tea.
10. Was Mrs. Wilson's husband there?
a) yes;
b) no;
c) probably not;
d) the text doesn't say.
11. Where does Mrs. Wilson live?
a) in town;
c) in a house near the town;
b) in a flat just outside town;
d) in a house with a garden.
12. Who saw the cat at the mousse?
a) Mrs. Wilson;
b) the guests;
c) the neighbour;
d) no one.
13. What was Mrs. Wilson's immediate reaction to the cat at the mousse?
a) she was pleased;
b) she was embarrassed;
c) she was mortifiеd;
d) she was horrified.
14. Who did Mrs. Wilson telephone for advice?
a) the hospital;
b) her neighbour;
c) the guests;
d) her doctor.
15. How was the cat killed?
a) by food intoxication;
b) by salmon bone;
c) by a car;
d) the text doesn't say.
Speaking Comprehension Test For 10th Form Students
Directions:
In this test you will select three task slips from those before you. After selecting
three, choose the one you feel you are most capable to speak about and return the
other two to the table face down. Then take about a minute to collect your thoughts
before you begin to speak on the topic. You may refer to the topic as needed. Take a
deep breath and begin.
1. Litter that has been disposed of improperly is a global problem and takes away
from the beauty and safety of many cities and towns throughout the world.
* Do you feel that litter is a problem in Ukrainian cities and towns? Why or
why not?
* What are some practical ways in which the litter problems around the
world could be addressed?
* Why do you think they would be effective?
2. Teachers and students both play an important role in the education of each
individual in the classroom.
*What are the qualities of a good teacher-student relationship?
*Describe an optimal educational environment for teachers and students.
*How do teachers and students have to work together to create this
environment?
3. The old and the young should live under the same roof.
* What is your opinion?
* Do you agree or disagree?
* Give reasons to support your opinion.
4. Identify what you believe to be the most important event in world history.
*Explain the importance of this event.
*Tell about the positive and negative impacts of this event on society.
5. Every year more and more people are out of work.
* What can be done to solve the problem of unemployment?
* Give reasons to support your opinion.
6. You have been put on the Ukrainian Board of English Education.
* Decide what topics you think are important for learning English.
* Explain your choices.
7. If you could become a character from any book or play that you have read, who
would that character be?
* Why would you choose this character?
* How would you act differently than the character acted?
* In what time period does this character live? How would you adjust to
living in this time period?
8. You can choose to have one supernatural ability or gift.
* What do you choose?
* Why will you choose this? Will you use it to help others, for personal
gain, or for both?
* How do you think others will treat you because of your gift?
9. What do you believe to be the greatest problem in today's society?
* Describe where you see it.
* Explain why you consider it to be so bad. How does it affect society as a
whole and the individuals making up that society?
* How would you propose to do away with this problem?
10. Do you think the "traditional" roles of men and women are changing in
Ukraine?
* How have men's roles changed? What new roles do they have?
* How about women? What's changed with them?
* Do you think these roles should change to meet the needs of present times?
Why?
11. You have just invented a time machine. Given this opportunity, would you go
forward or backward in time? Why?
* Is it OK to attempt to change the events of the past or should some things
stay the same?
* How might knowledge of the future change your actions in the present?
* How would your new knowledge change your view of the present?
12. Would you prefer to live in a village or a city?
* Explain your choice.
* How could modern cities be improved?
* How could modern villages be improved?
13. Sources of mass media constantly report on global warming, pollution and other
environmental problems.
*How do these sources of media have a responsibility to our environment?
*How can pupils get involved in environmental activities?
*Ultimately, do you believe the media's reports hurt or help to fight against
pollution?
14. You are asked to describe a birthday party you have attended.
* Where and when did the event happen?
* What preparations had been made?
*What happened on the actual day?
15. “Exercising makes me feel happy and refreshed, and it frees me from tension and
stress.”
* What is your opinion?
* Do you agree or disagree?
* Give reasons to support your opinion.
16. You are asked to discuss the good and bad points of working and going to school at
the same time.
* What is your opinion?
* Give reasons to support your opinion.
17. Is graffiti mindless vandalism or an art form?
* What is your opinion?
* List your reasons.
* Is graffiti art a way to express your feelings?
18. Why do you think sports people take drugs? Discuss these ideas:
* They follow the advice of their coaches.
* They want to improve and do better.
* They do not know how dangerous drugs can be.
* Can you think of any other reasons?
19. Imagine you have inherited a lot of money.
* What would you do with the money?
* Would you spend it? What on? Why?
* Would you use it to help people? Who? Why?
20. You have been just appointed the Head of Public Relations all of Ukraine. It’s
your job to encourage tourists in our country.
* What aspects of places in Ukraine do you consider to be the most
important for foreign tourists?
* What are the problems that tourists might face in Ukraine?
* How would you solve them?
For TEACHERS
11th FORM
OLYMPIAD
2015
Round I ~ Listening Comprehension
THE CONJURER (someone who entertains people by performing clever tricks
in which things seem to appear, disappear, or change by magic)
During the summer months, towns all the way along the coast organize festivals
to attract and entertain holiday-makers. The local inhabitants benefit both from the
festivities and from the influx of tourists which keeps local industry busy. While most
festivals are either of music or drama, the Town Council of Oakridge this year
decided to offer a touch of mystery to its programme by organizing
a Festival of
Conjuring and Magic. The festival, spread over a week, took place in the castle
park. In the event of rain, it was foreseen to use the municipal theatre. In view of the
hot spell during the last two weeks however, all the shows, the last of which was
yesterday evening, took place in the open air. The
more
than 45,000 people,
presented classical
festival, which attracted
numbers
of conjuring, pick-
pocketing and magic. There were also two demonstrations of hypnosis, one of
telepathy, and one of telekinesis, or the art of moving objects from a distance
without touching them. Each programme was split up by intervals during which
acrobats and jugglers gave a touch of extra colour to the performance.
Yesterday evening, during a demonstration of pickpocketing, a strange incident
took place. Several of the audience had been invited up to the stage to take part in the
act. The conjurer set about demonstrating his agility as a pickpocket, removing
watches, jewels and wallets... which he subsequently returned to their astonished
owners amidst the laughter and applause of the public. He was so deft that none of
the victims realized that anything had happened. At the end of the act, he finished up
by removing one spectator's tie and another's belt without either realizing; the second
case nearly provoking an unfortunate sequel by "letting down" the embarrassed
owner.
During the second part of the show however, some of the spectators realized that
certain things were missing from their pockets, watches from their wrists, jewelry
from their necks... At the end of the show, they went to see the Theatre Manager to
complain about these losses and ask for the articles back.
The Manager was surprised and assured the people in question that there had
almost certainly been some confusion on the part of the conjurer. He immediately
went to the conjurer's dressing-room and not getting an answer to his knock, went in
to find the conjurer... bound and gagged.
The performer had been a crook and a real pickpocket. The show had offered
him a superb chance to show off his talents in front of everyone.
The police were called immediately though after an initial investigation they
were able to find out no clues. In addition they do not think that they have much
chance either of finding the thief or of recovering the stolen objects. This is partly
due to the total lack of clues and partly to the fact that during all the show the
conjurer had worn a mask. In this way, he had been able to operate freely and in
public, without the least risk of discovery.
11th FORM
OLYMPIAD
2015
Round II ~ Reading Comprehension
Directions:
In this test you will read three texts. Each text is followed by different tasks. You should do the tasks that follow the text on the
basis of what is stated or implied in the text. For each task you will choose the best possible answer, as specified prior to each text.
Choose the best answer and circle the letter of your choice on the answer sheet.
Text 1
You are going to read an article about zoos. For questions 1-8, choose the answer (A, B,
C or D) which you think fits best according to the text.
For most people, a visit to the zoo means going to see wild animals in their cages. For
others though, especially in India, zoos provide open spaces where people can find the sort of peace which
crowded cities lack. However, India has its share of animal rights activists who claim that zoos are terrible
animal prisons. What they don't realise is that for some animals the doors of the prison are always wide
open, and for them the zoo is a refuge.
Delhi Zoo is an example of such a place. The zoo's 85 hectares provide shelter to a large number of wild
waterfowl. The zoo has three large ponds which are splendid winter habitats for a great number of
migratory ducks. Several types of breeding waterfowl build their nests in large trees that grow on islands in
the ponds. Since 1960, Delhi Zoo has been an important breeding ground for the painted stork — a large,
handsome bird with a big, yellow bill, black and white feathers and a tuft of pink on its tail. Throughout the
summer, these birds live in the countryside around Delhi. By August though, they move to the breeding
habitat offered by the zoo. They rely on the zoo's trees for safe nesting but to feed their chicks they must fly
beyond the zoo to the nearby wetlands of the river Yamuna to catch fish. Several other wild waterfowl like
herons and cormorants also nest in the zoo's ponds, but at different times of the year. Like the storks, they
too must leave the safety of the zoo to feed. Apart from the Keoladeo Ghana National Park at Bharatpur,
Delhi Zoo is the biggest and most important breeding ground for waterfowl in Northwestern India. Many of
the birds which travel to the zoo are on the endangered list in India. Across the wild areas their nesting
colonies are threatened by human intrusions such as tree cutting for the timber industry and individual use,
and land reclamation schemes destroying their habitat. Thus, the Delhi Zoo gives ornithologists the perfect
opportunity to study the birds closely and to learn more about them.
The number of storks in the zoo begins to rise at the start of the breeding season in late August. Their
numbers decline after September though. They pick up again in 26 January and peak at about 550 birds in
February. Few storks remain at the zoo after May.
Unfortunately, the zoo authorities tend to ignore the wild birds that come to breed on their land.
They try to discourage the nesting because of the muck that the birds create and the strong smell, which
envelops the nesting colonies. The zoo could play a significant role in researching and conserving wetland
birds, therefore it is vital that the zoo authorities change their view.
The data gathered by zoo ornithologists observing the birds would be very useful to ecologists, as
the success and health of the bird population reflect the well-being of the wetlands around the zoos.
Conservationists and animal rights activists must begin to appreciate the visiting wildfowl because there is
much to be gained from studying and protecting them.
1.The animal rights activists who are opposed to zoos don't realise that
some animals
A. need peace.
B. are free to come and go from
some zoos as they please.
C. belong in cages.
D. need shelter.
2.Delhi Zoo is an important breeding ground
for the painted stork because
A. they aren't allowed to breed in the countryside
B. the birds can only breed at the zoo.
C. the zoo's trees offer a safe place to build a nest.
D. the zoo's wetlands offer an unlimited food supply.
3. Many of the birds are endangered species as
A.
B.
C.
D.
4.
their natural habitat is polluted.
humans are destroying their natural habitat
people are hunting them.
the zoos don't want to look after them.
What does "they" in line 26 refer to?
A.
B.
C.
D.
the storks
endangered waterfowl
zoos
storks' breeding seasons
5. The zoo is home to the largest number of waterfowl
A.
B.
C.
D.
in August.
in September.
during springtime.
in February.
6. Zoo authorities do not welcome the wild birds because
A. it is difficult to study the birds as they keep moving
around.
B. the zoos are already crowded with animals
C. they tend to create too much mess which also has
an unpleasant odour.
D. they take over the nesting colonies and push
other animals out.
7.It would be helpful to ecologists if zoo specialists could
A. study wetland birds to collect information.
B. provide shelter for wetland birds.
C.conserve wetlands for the birds.
D.take care of the birds' health.
8.Information about the bird population can help ecologists understand
more about
A.
B.
C.
D.
the success of the zoo.
the condition of the wetlands.
the conservation process.
nesting colonie.
Text 2
For tasks 9-15 choose the best answer which
you think fits best according to the text and mark the symbol +
or - of your choice.
The Best Ad Missed the Boat at Cannes
This is the title of an article by Bob Garfield, an American expert on advertising. He was
writing about the 1997 International Advertising Film Festival, which takes place at the same time
as the main film festival in Cannes.
For Bob, the best ad of the year was from Delvico Bates, Barcelona, for Esencial hand
cream. The ad shows a woman riding her bike, which has a very squeaky chain. The woman gets
off the bike, opens her jar of Esencial and rubs some of the cream onto the chain. Then she rides
away - but the squeak remains. Why? Because, as the voice-over says, “Esencial moisturizes, but
it has no grease.”
Why is this ad so good? It can't be for its special effects, because there aren't any. Might it
be the music? No, there isn't even a jingle. Could it be that the woman is a celebrity? No. Bob's
verdict: “It's a vivid demonstration of brand non-attributes. Inspired. Cunning. Brilliant.” In other
words, by showing failure in a different context, the quality of the product is reinforced - grease is
good for bike chains, but not for the skin.
So surely this ad must have won at Cannes? No. The simple truth is that it couldn't win, because the agency failed to enter
it in time for the festival deadline!
9 The International Advertising Film Festival takes place at the same time as the
main film festival in Cannes.
+
-
1
The best advertisement was for a product for hand soap.
+
-
1
The advertisement has a woman riding a bike and a squeaky chain.
+
-
1
The advertisement is so good because it has lots of special effects and music.
+
-
+
-
0
1
2
1
The advertisement accentuates the product’s quality of making skin dry but not greasy.
3
1
The author of the article is a professional advisor.
+
-
1
The agency remembered to enter the award in the festival and barely made the deadline.
+
-
4
5
Text 3
For question (16-20) read the text below and decide which answer (A, B, C or D) best fits
each gap.
Petroleum products, such as gasoline, kerosine, home heating oil, residual fuel oil, and
lubricating oils, come from one source—crude oil found below the earth's surface, as well as under
large bodies of water from a few hundred feet below the surface to as deep as 25,000 feet into the
earth's interior. Sometimes crude oil is secured by drilling a hole through the earth, but more dry
holes are drilled than those producing oil. Pressure at the source or pumping forces crude oil to the
surface.
Crude oil wells flow at varying rates, from ten to thousands of barrels per hour. Petroleum
products are always measured in 42-gallon barrels.
Petroleum products vary greatly in physical appearance: thin, thick, transparent or opaque, but
regardless, their chemical composition is made up of only two elements: carbon and hydrogen,
which form compounds called hydrocarbons. Other chemical elements found in union with the
hydrocarbons are few and are classified as impurities. Trace elements are also found, but these are
of such minute quantities that they are disregarded. The combination of carbon and hydrogen forms
many thousands of compounds which are possible because of various positions and joinings of
these two atoms in the hydrocarbon molecule.
The various petroleum products are refined from the crude oil by heating and condensing the
vapors. These products are the so-call light oils, such as gasoline, kerosine, and distillate oil. The
residue remaining after the light oils are distilled is known as heavy or residual fuel oil and is used
mostly for burning under boilers. Additional complicated refining processes rearrange the chemical
structure of the hydrocarbons to produce other products, some of which are used to upgrade and
increase the octane rating of various types of gasolines.
16. Which of the following is not true?
A.
Crude oil is found below land and water.
B.
Crude oil is always found a few hundred feet below the surface.
C
Pumping and pressure force crude oil to the surface.
D.
A variety of petroleum products is obtained from crude oil.
17. Many thousands of hydrocarbon compounds are possible because
A. the petroleum products vary greatly in physical appearance.
B. complicated refining processes rearrange the chemical structure.
C.
the two atoms in the molecule assume many positions.
D. the pressure needed to force it to the surface causes molecular transformation.
18. Which of the following is true?
A. The various petroleum products are produced by filtration.
B. Heating and condensation produce the various products.
C. Chemical separation is used to produce the various products.
D. Mechanical means such as the centrifuge are used to produce various products.
19. How is crude oil brought to the surface?
A. expansion of the hydrocarbons
B. pressure and pumping
C.
vacuum created in the drilling pipe
D. expansion and contraction of the earth's surface
20.Which of the following is not listed as a light oil?
A.
B.
C.
D.
distillate oil
gasoline
lubricating oil
kerosine
Writing Comprehension Test For 11th form Students
 Directions:
In this test you will select from the three tasks written on the board. Choose one which you feel you
are most capable to write about.
1.
Right now, the world is becoming more and more polluted, greenhouse gases
are being blamed for causing global warming, and our world population is growing.
What do you consider to be the most important environmental issue? What can we do
to improve this environmental problem? How much should the government interfere
in order to make these changes happen?
2.
Tourism is ‘big business’ around the world, and most countries encourage
tourism. Of course, there are advantages and disadvantages. Tourism creates jobs, but
many are low paying ones. Tourism can also cause products to cost more than when
tourists are not visiting a country. What places are popular with tourists in your
country? What are some advantages and
disadvantages of tourism during the
summer?
3.
The world of art can be divided into many categories including: painting,
sculpture, architecture, music, dance, theatre, literature, photography, cinema and
many others. These arts have helped to express the human soul throughout the
centuries and have given us many great treasures. Which category of fine art is
your favorite? How do you feel it connects to your life and the lives of others?
Give some examples of famous works of this art form and explain how they have
made an impression on you.
Listening Comprehension Test for 11th Form Students
Section 1.
True/false statements 1 through 7. Put “+”if the statement is true, “- ” if it is false.
1. In summer, towns all the way along the coast organise festivals to attract and
entertain holiday-makers.
2. One of the festivals, spread over a weekend, took place in the local opera
theatre.
3. The festival, which attracted more than 4.000 people, presented classical
singing and dancing, three demonstrations of hypnosis and telekinesis.
4. Each programme was split up by intervals during which acrobats and jugglers
gave a touch of extra colour to the performance.
5. At the end of the show the spectators didn’t complain about their losses, they
went to see the conjurer and thanked for his performance.
6. When the Theater Manager went to the conjurer’s dressing room he found him
bound and gagged.
7. The performer had been an outstanding acrobat and the show had offered him a
superb chance to show off his talents in front of everyone.
Section 2.
Multiple-choice questions through 8 to 15. Circle the correct letter A, B, C
or D.
8. Where did the show take place?
a) in a theatre.
b) in a park.
c) both 1 and 2.
d) neither 1 nor 2.
9. The pickpocketing...
a) took place before the interval.
b) took place just after the interval.
c) was the last performance in the show.
d) probably lasted the majority of the evening.
10. During the show ....
a) the police were able to notice the man pickpocketing.
b) the victims were able to notice the man pickpocketing.
c) both 1 and 2.
d) neither 1 nor 2.
11. While pickpocketing the public did not demonstrate ...
a) astonishment;
b) amusement;
c) admiration;
d) annoyance.
12. The people who had lost things...
a) went up to the stage.
b) complained the Theatre Manager.
c) were the spectators who didn’t go up to the stage.
d) might have been pickpocketed during the interval.
13. Who will probably pay for the loss?
a) the crook.
b) the theatre insurance company.
c) the police.
d) the Manager.
14. The incident wasn’t believed to be investigated successfully because ...
a) of the lack of proves.
b) the pickpocket had disappeared.
c) the police didn’t start initial investigation .
d) both 1 and 2.
15. The main idea of the story is ...
a) not all conjurers are honest.
b) people shouldn’t take on trust everything they see.
c) people admire a pickpocket's skill.
d) people are interested in acrobatics.
Speaking Comprehension Test For 11th Form Students
Directions:
In this test you will select three task slips from those before you. After selecting
three, choose the one you feel you are most capable to speak about and return the
other two to the table face down. Then take about a minute to collect your thoughts
before you begin to speak on the topic. You may refer to the topic as needed. Take a
deep breath and begin.
1. Speak about three events which you feel are the most important.
* Explain your choice.
* Give reasons to support your opinion.
* Which recent news events do you feel will go down in history.
2. “As individuals become rich, sport becomes impoverished.”
* Can you think of any examples that support this opinion.
* Who are sports icons of the moment? Why are they famous?
* Do you agree that our culture is obsessed by sport?
3. TV reality shows are third-rate entertainment and not worth watching.
* What is your opinion?
* Do you agree or disagree?
* Give reasons to support your opinion.
4. Most people think that being famous is heaven, but in fact it’s more like hell.
* What is your opinion?
* Do you agree or disagree?
* Give reasons to support your opinion.
5. Imagine that you have been asked to go on a speaking tour to teach people
about Ukraine.
* Which three countries would you go to? Why?
*What items would you bring to show people? How do these represent
Ukraine?
* What event in Ukraine's history do you think is most important for people
to know about? Why?
6. Is there a conflict between science and religion?
* What is your opinion?
* Give reasons to support your opinion.
* What different theories of the creation of the universe do you know?
7. Some people argue that sports like climbing are dangerous and that the
sportsmen and women who do them are totally irresponsible. Others say that
adventure sports are no longer interesting as there’s nothing new to do.
* What is your opinion?
* What point of view do you support?
* Can you think of any other assumption?
8. What do you believe to be the greatest problem in today's society?
* Describe where you see it.
* Explain why you consider it to be so bad. How does it affect society as a
whole and the individuals making up that society?
* How would you propose to do away with this problem?
9. You have just been appointed head of public relations for all of Ukraine. It is your
job to encourage tourism in this country.
* What aspects of places in Ukraine do you consider to be the most important
for foreign tourists?
* What are some problems that tourists might face in Ukraine? How would you
change these problems?
* Think of a motto for Ukraine's tourist industry.
10. Everyone has his or her own set of priorities or a list of things that he or she
considers more important than other things.
* What is most important to you in your life?
* What made you decide upon your list of priorities? Do you think priorities
change over time? Why?
11. An old proverb says that you are often your own best friend and your own
worst enemy.
* What do you think about this statement?
* Is this egotism, self-hatred or neither?
* Give some examples of when you might be your own best friend or worst
enemy.
12. With all of the poverty and illiteracy in the world, many organizations that want
to help are faced with a very important question: is it more important to educate
people or to feed them?
* What is easier to give: food or education? Why?
* How long can food without education help a person? Vice versa?
* What can one do with only food or with only education?
13. When choosing a profession there are many factors to consider; for example,
salary, the difficulty and availability of work, and the benefit the work has on society
as a whole.
* When thinking about your future professions, which of these factors do you
value most?
* How does your future profession fulfill these factors?
* How realistic is it for your future profession to address these factors?
14. Global warming is receiving more attention as a concern and problem
throughout the world.
*Do you think global warming is an important environmental issue? Why?
*What are three sources of global warming, and how does each contribute
to the problem?
*What are three solutions to stopping, or at least slowing, the effects of global
warming?
15. “A journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.” What does this mean in
your life?
* How do you start a difficult task?
* Have you ever been afraid to do something? How did you overcome this
fear?
* How did you feel after you had started?
16. Teenagers are more fashion conscious than people of other ages?
* What is your opinion?
* Do you agree or disagree?
* Give reasons to support your opinion.
17. Is advertising a good thing?
* What makes a good advert?
* Do you think advertisements should be subject to stricter control?
* Have you ever been persuaded to buy anything which you later regretted?
18. “Money is power, freedom, a cushion, the root of all evil, the sum of blessing”
* What is your opinion?
* Do you agree or disagree?
* Give reasons to support your opinion.
19. Which of these elements do you consider most important when choosing
clothes: comfort, fabric, fashion, label, price, practicality, style?
* Explain your choice.
* Give reasons to support your opinion.
* Can you think of any other elements?
20. Throughout history great societies have produced great artists, musicians and
authors of all genres.
* What role do the arts play on creating a well-rounded person?
* How have the arts affected you or someone you know?
* How would a lack of arts in someone's life affect him or her?
the 10th form
Answers
Text 1. The Danger of Cold Weather
1-D
5-C
2-C
6-B
3-A
7-C
4-B
Text 2. As a result of recent oil crisis…
8- C
9-B
10 - D
11 – A
Text 3. Space Tourism
12- B
13- E
14 - I
15 - D
16 - G
17 - C
18 - F
19 - A
20 –H (extra)
Answer Key to Listening Comprehension Test for 10th Form Students:
1.– ; 2 +; 3 +; 4 – ; 5 +; 6 – ; 7 +.
8. b; 9. a; 10. b; 11. d; 12. a; 13. d; 14. d; 15. c
the 11th form
Answers
Text 1 Zoos
1-B
2-C
3-B
4-A
5-D
6-C
7-A
8-B
Text 2 The Best Ad Missed the Boat at Cannes
9+
10 11 +
12 -
13 14 +
15 -
Text 3 Petroleum products
16-B
19-B
17-C
20-C
18-B
Answer Key to Listening Comprehension Test for 11th Form Students:
1 +; 2 – ; 3 – ; 4 +; 5 – ; 6 +; 7 – .
8. b
9. a
10. d
11. d
12.b
13. b
14. d
15. b
the 9th form
Answers
Text 1. Scotland
1-A
2-A
3-C
4-B
5-D
Text 2. The lions who we are
6- B
7- A
8–B
9-D
10 - D
Text 3. Marie Curie
11 12 13 14 +
15 +
16 17 +
181920Answer Key to Listening Comprehension Test for 9th Form Students:
1.+; 2 –; 3 –; 4 +; 5 +; 6 +; 7 – ; 8 +
9. A; 10. D; 11. B; 12. D; 13. C; 14. B; 15. C
the 8th form
Answers
Text 1.
1-A
2-D
3-B
4-C
5-C
Text 2.
6- B
7-C
8–B
9-D
10 - D
Text 3.
11 T
12 T
13 T
14 F
15 T
Text 4.
16 T
17 F
18 T
19 F
20 F
Answer Key to Listening Comprehension Test for 8th Form Students:
1.-; 2 –; 3 –; 4 +; 5 +; 6 -; 7 +; 8 9. A; 10. C; 11. C; 12. D; 13. B; 14. C; 15. B