HERE YOU’LL FIND THE FOLLOWING EXERCISES:

• READING COMPREHENSION 1: Fifty years of television
• READING COMPREHENSION 2: Welcome to Vancouver!
• READING COMPREHENSION 3: Thaipusam festival
• READING COMPREHENSION 4: London Magazine
• READING COMPREHENSION 5: No language for eternity
• READING COMPREHENSION 6: Social Networking
• READING COMPREHENSION 7: Santa Claus Holiday Village Resort (2014)
• READING COMPREHENSION 8: Hi Helen (2015)
• READING COMPREHENSION 9: Be smart: stay in bed (2015)
• READING COMPREHENSION 10: Cyberbullying (2016)
• READING COMPREHENSION 11: Screen-free week (2016)
• READING COMPREHENSION 12: Zainabu’s story (2017)
• READNG COMPREHENSION 13: People who have shaped the world we live in (2017)
• WRITING 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
• EXTRA PRACTICE:
• 1-Hotels off the Beaten Track
• 2-The Great Houdini
• 3-Steve Prefonteine: One of the Greatest Long-Distance Runners Ever
• 4-The Magic Touch
• 5-The Chess Champion is a Woman
• 6-Hi-Tech Fashion: The Trend of the Future?
• 7- “The Grass is Greener on the Other Side”

-PROVES LLENGUA ANGLESA CURS 2021-2022        (AUDIO CURS 2021-2022)

-PROVES LLENGUA ANGLESA CURS 2020-2021        (AUDIO CURS 2020-2021)

–PROVES LLENGUA ANGLESA CURS 2019-2020         (AUDIO CURS 2019-2020)

-PROVES LLENGUA ANGLESA CURS 2018-2019          (AUDIO CURS 2018-2019)

-PROVES LLENGUA ANGLESA CURS 2017-2018          (AUDIO CURS 2017-2018)

-PROVES LLENGUA ANGLESA CURS 2016-2017          (AUDIO CURS 2016-2017)

-PROVES LLENGUA ANGLESA CURS 2015-2016          (AUDIO CURS 2015-2016)

-PROVES LLENGUA ANGLESA CURS 2014-2015          (AUDIO CURS 2014-2015)

READING COMPREHENSION 1

Fifty years of television.
My mother was telling me about how she and her family got their first television when she was a teenager. Of course it was black and white.

She said she only watched it in the evenings, when all the family sat together in the living room. She doesn’t remember ever watching it in the morning or early afternoon. Remote controls did not exist and there were only two channels. So whenever they wanted to change the channel they had to get up and press the button on the television set. What a nuisance! When I was young we had only about 4 or 5 different channels. I think they were channels 1, 2, 3, 4 and 6. My bothers and sisters and I would sometimes fight about which channel to watch. But we usually enjoyed the same shows.
Nowadays we can get hundreds of channels on TV. I can’t believe it! There are channels with only old movies, and channels with only cooking, and channels with only fishing. It’s amazing! There is a channel for everything. I wonder how much my brothers and sisters and I would fight if we had hundreds of channels when we were children. Of course we had only one television set. These days I notice families with 2 or 3 or more television sets in their homes. I guess it stops people from arguing over which channel to choose from.

1. The text is about…
a) how TV has become part of our daily life.
b) the history of an invention.
c) the changes TV has undergone in 50 years.

2. What was a nuisance?
a) Having only a black and white TV.
b) Having to get up to change the channel.
c) Having no TV in the mornings or early afternoons.

3. According to the text most people can enjoy TV today because …
a) everyone can have a choice .
b) there is colour TV.
c) it is a great entertainment.

4. A remote control is something used to…
a) switch on the TV at home from the office.
b) control the TV set from a distance .
c) keep the TV set clean.

5. When the author says “It’s amazing” he means he can’t believe…
a) the level of perfection of TV.
b) the number of TV channels today
c) how many movies TV is offering us.

READING COMPREHENSION 2

Welcome to Vancouver!
If you are here on business, to visit friends, or to enjoy the city’s natural wonders and sights, anytime is a wonderful time to visit Vancouver, a city set between the Strait of Georgia and the North Shore mountains.
You’ll soon find that Vancouver is alive with energy, day and night, with outdoor activities always available at the city’s best-known entertainment and shopping zones.
Vancouver is Canada’s third largest city, after Toronto and Montreal. It is also home to almost a fourth of the ancient temperate rain forests left in the world. Surrounded by its natural beauty and mild year-round climate, Vancouverites have a healthy, outdoor life-style.

Events: If you are here just for one night or you plan to stay for an extended visit, Vancouver offers a multitude of events to make your stay memorable. Take advantage of our extensive performing arts events, visit any of Greater Vancouver’s green parks or tour the city’s museums and art galleries.
Attractions: The most famous downtown hotels are Gastown, and Yaletown, you can also take a five-minute boat ride from the end of Thurlow Street to the market at Granville Island.
Shopping: Shopping in Vancouver is fabulous. Robson Street, also the best place to eat, is a must, with the main shopping area starting at Burrand Street and going west towards Stanley Park. This area is home to many of the world’s most famous designers. Throughout the downtown area you will find kitchen shops, bookstores and fashion stores.

1. What is the best time to visit Vancouver?
a)Summer.
b)The whole year.
c)Winter.

2. the geographical situation of Vancouver is explained in the…
a) first paragraph.
b) second paragraph.
c) third paragraph.

3. “Vancouver is Canada’s third largest city after Toronto and Montreal” means that…
a)Toronto and Montreal are larger than Vancouver.
b)Vancouver is larger than Toronto and Montreal.
c)Toronto and Montreal are as large as Vancouver.

4. A “mild climate” is one in which…
a)the temperature is pleasant.
b)winters are cold and summers are hot.
c)it rains very often.

5. Vancouverites” are people who…
a) often go to Vancouver.
b) are from Vancouver.
c) like Vancouver

6-Which are the two most famous downtown hotels:
……………………………………………….

7-How long is the boat ride from Thurlow Street to the market Granville Island?
a)Less than five minutes.
b)More than five minutes.
c)Only five minutes.

8-This text is from…
a)a geography book.
b)a tourist leaflet.
c)an online encyclopedia.

9-The objective of this text is…
a)to inform people about Vancouver.
b)to describe the geographical situation of Vancouver.
c)to advertise about shopping in Vancouver.

READING COMPREHENSION 3

To: susandixon@hotmail.co.uk From: Kalpana
Subject: Thaipusam festival

Hi Susan,
Are you looking forward to Christmas? I am, but for me, January is also going to be an important month because we will celebrate “Thaipusam”. This traditional Hindu Festival is the time when we pay homage to the Hindu God Lord Murugan.
As you know, during my exchange in the UK I missed all the traditional festivities a lot so now it is time to take part in them again.
Moreover, this year I am very excited because we’re going to the Batu Caves, which are near my house in Kuala Lumpur. This is a very good place to see the Thaipusam celebration and my mum told me last year almost 1 million people were there!
The night before Thaipusam, there is a procession from the city centre to the caves. There is a special silver chariot and lots of devotees walk from Kuala Lumpur to the caves. It’s 15 km and they stop every 3 km so it takes quite a long time as you can imagine! Some devotees shave their heads and carry presents.
When the procession reaches the caves the serious ritual begins. Then priests put shiny objects such as golden bracelets and rings on their faces, tongues, legs or other parts of the body!
People carry a present or pierce their body to gain merit for themselves or their family. I already pierced my ears and my nose when I was a child. But don’t worry, I am not going to pierce the rest of my body.
I am happy that I can go and celebrate this festival in such an important place!
I want to hear from my favorite host family! Tell me about your sister. Did she enjoy her trip to Glasgow?
What about you? Are you still working in the pub? Has the Spanish girl rented the room where I was? Write to me soon!
Kalpana

1. Thaipusam is celebrated…
a. at the beginning of the year.
b. in the middle of the year.
c. at the end of the year.

2. Thaipusam is…
a. a special Christmas celebration.
b. an interesting musical event.
c. a Hindu religious festival.

3. Kalpana is very excited because…
a. she is writing to Susan.
b. she is with her family.
c. she is going to the Batu Caves.

4. According to Kalpana ́s mum in the celebration last year there were…
a. approximately one million people.
b. more than one million people.
c. exactly one million people.

5. The serious ritual begins when…
a. the devotees reach the cave.
b. the devotees start walking.
c. the priests are ready.

6. What do priests put in many parts of their bodies?
a. Sharp objects.
b. Shiny objects.
c. Small objects.

7. Susan is Kalpana’s…
a. mother.
b. sister.
c. friend.

8. Who was supposed to rent Kalpana’s room?
a. Susan.
b. A Spanish girl.
c. An Indian girl.

9. Kalpana is from…
a. Malaysia.
b. Great Britain.
c. Spain.

10. Susan is living in…
a. Great Britain.
b. America.
c. India.

11. Kalpana…
a. hates participating in traditional celebrations.
b. likes participating in traditional celebrations.
c. doesn’t mind participating in traditional celebrations.

READING COMPREHENSION 4

Small Ads from London Magazine.
Is there anything you want to buy or sell? Have you lost or found anything? Are you looking for or offering a part-time job? Ring us and we’ll print your ad in our magazine.

1. BIKE FOR SALE
Brand new mountain bike. Excellent condition. Never used. Shop price £150.Will accept £100 or nearest offer. Tel: 5698340 evenings. Fred Harper.
2. DOG FOR SALE
Blackie, a black labrador, three years old. Friendly and obedient. Owner going to America. Urgent. Ring Peter Marshall: 8674321.

3.ACCOMMODATION WANTED
Urgent! Foreign student (male) needs cheap accommodation for six months. One or two-room flat with bathroom. Ring 5346882 and ask for Miguel.
4. GOING AWAY?
Are you going away for your holiday? What about your plants and pets? I ́ll look after them. Just leave me your keys and I ́ll do everything. Tel: 5667783. John Smith.

5. LOST
Painting of three white cats, Thursday morning on the 29 bus between London Road and Old Bridge Street. Sentimental value. Please phone Mrs Williams: 5433217.
6. EASY MONEY!
We need you! Can you sell 10 magazines? 50? 100?. Sell them to your friends and make some money. Ring 8866039 and ask for Bridget.

1. You can find general information about what the advertisements are in…
a. the title of the text.
b. the introduction of the text.
c. one of the advertisements.

2. «Fred Harper will accept £100 or nearest offer» means that…
a. he isn’t going to accept less than £90.
b. he thinks that somebody will offer more than £150.
c. he would be happy with only £10.

3. Peter Marshall needs to leave his dog because…
a. his dog is not obedient.
b. he’s leaving his country.
c. he wants to buy an American dog.

4. Who needs a flat?
a. An old man.
b. A foreign girl.
c. A boy from abroad.

5. John Smith in ad number 4 wants…
a. to find something.
b. to offer a service.
c. to sell something.

6. What can John Smith do if you go away?
a. Find the best holiday for you.
b. Take care of your plants and pets.
c. Look after your flat.

7. What did Mrs Williams lose?
a. Three cats.
b. A picture.
c. A bus.

8. Mrs Williams left her painting…
a. in a shop.
b. in the street.
c. on a bus.

9. Why is the painting so important for Mrs Williams?
a. Because it is very valuable.
b. Because it is about three white cats.
c. For sentimental reasons.

10. Which ads mention pets?
a. Numbers one and three.
b. Numbers two and four.
c. All of them.

11. All the advertisements are published in…
a. a magazine.
b. a local newspaper.
c. a brochure.

12. Which of the following sentences is true?
a. Fred Harper used his mountain bike very often.
b. Peter Marshall’s dog is very old.
c. If you need some extra money, try and sell magazines.

13. According to the text, small ads are used by…
a. big shops.
b. department stores.
c. ordinary people.

READING COMPREHENSION 5

NO LANGUAGE FOR ETERNITY
About one hundred years ago many educated people learned and spoke French when they met people from other countries. Today most people speak English when they meet foreigners. It has become the new international language. There are more people who speak English as a second language than people who speak English as a first language. Why is this?
There are many reasons why English has become so popular. One of them is that English has become the language of business, science and technology. Another important reason is that popular American culture (like movies, music, and McDonald’s) has quickly spread throughout the world. It has brought its language with it. Besides, today it is important to have one language that the people of the world have in common. Our world has become very global and we need to communicate with one another.
Scientists have already tried to create an artificial language that is not too difficult and does not include any one group’s culture: It is called Esperanto. But it hasn’t become popular.
But maybe the popularity of English will not last that long either, who knows? China has strong aspirations to be the number one economic power and at the moment there are more people in the world who speak Chinese as their first language than any other language. Maybe some day Chinese will be the new international language.

1. About one hundred years ago the people who travelled abroad would speak…
a. English.
b. French.
c. Esperanto.

2. A ”foreigner” is…
a. somebody you don’t know.
b. someone who comes from another country.
c. a person interested in different countries and cultures.

3. English…
a. is the most spoken second language.
b. will always be the most popular language.
c. is the native language of most people in the world.

4. What has the USA spread throughout the world?
a. Literature.
b. Famous artists.
c. Popular culture.

5. According to the text, nowadays having a common language is extremely important because…
a. most people don’t speak French anymore.
b. people need to communicate in a global world.
c. travelling is cheaper and easier than before.

6. An “artificial” language is..
a. a language created with a certain purpose.
b. a language that nobody speaks.
c. a spontaneous language.

7. Chinese may become the language of the future because…
a. there are a lot of Chinese people everywhere.
b. many people are interested in Chinese culture.
c. China wants to be the number one economic power.

8. You can find speculations about a future common language in the…
a. first paragraph and second.
b. third paragraph.
c. fourth paragraph.

9. Find an alternative title for the text that summarises the main idea.
a. A common language is essential
b. Languages last forever
c. All about English

10. The objective of this text is to…
a. inform about Esperanto and globalisation.
b. explain the differences between French and English.
c. comment on the evolution of international languages.

11. The text you have read is from…
a. a newspaper.
b. a textbook.
c. a website.

READING COMPREHENSION 6

Social Networking
What websites have you looked at today? Was one of them a social networking website such as Facebook or My Space? These websites have quickly become part of our everyday life. There are over 200 social networking websites which are regularly used by millions of people worldwide. They provide a great way of keeping in contact with friends, reconnecting with old friends, and making new ones. However, we also need to remember that some people misuse networking websites, and that the information we read might not be true. Here are some tips to help you network safely on the web!
TIPS
1. Don’t post very personal information, e.g. your full name, address, telephone number, bank details. The Internet is the world’s largest information exchange, so more people than you think might see your profile.
2. Check how your site works: can everyone see your profile or just your friends?
3. Remember that, even if you delete information, someone might still have a copy of the old site on their computer.
4. Think carefully about which photos you post. Other people might access and use your photo in ways you might not like.
5. Be careful if you decide to meet a new online friend in person. If you arrange to see them, meet in a public place, during the day and take friends you can trust. You should tell an adult where you are going and how long you will be.
6. If you ever feel threatened by someone you meet online, tell an adult, and don’t be afraid to report them to the networking site or the police; you might be helping to protect someone else too!

GLOSSARY:
Social networking website: xarxes socials To keep in contact: mantenir-se en contacte To misuse: utilitzar malament
Tips: consells
To provide: proporcionar To trust: confiar
To threaten: amenaçar To delete: esborrar
1. What type of websites is the article about?
a. All kinds of websites.
b. Social networking websites.
c. Educational websites.

2. “There are over 200 social networking websites” means that there are…
a. only 200 social networking websites.
b. more than 200 networking websites.
c. less than 200 networking websites.

3. How many people in the world use networking webs?
a. Some people use these webs.
b. Only young people use these webs.
c. Millions of people use these webs.

4. Social networking websites are usually used…
a. to look for information.
b. to keep in contact with friends.
c. to send emails.

5. The information we read on these websites…
a. is too long.
b. might be untrue.
c. is always personal.

6. “The Internet is the world’s largest information exchange” means that the Internet is…
a. one of the biggest sources of information exchange.
b. the biggest source of information exchange.
c. the smallest source of information exchange.

7. If you delete information from a site remember that…
a. the information might be wrong.
b. the information might not be deleted.
c. someone might have a copy of it.

8. According to the text, posting photos is…
a. always safe.
b. sometimes dangerous.
c. a good way to meet new people.

9. According to the text, you should meet a new online friend in person…
a. at night, at home.
b. at your new friend’s house, during the day.
c. in a public place, during the day.

10. Tip 5 is about meeting new online friends in person. It tells the reader…
a. not to meet them.
b. how to meet them safely.
c. never to meet them in public places.

11. Should you tell someone if you feel threatened by a person you have met online?
a. Yes, always.
b. No, it isn’t necessary.
c. It depends on the person.

12. The first part of the text tells us about…

a. the names of all social networking websites.
b. how to use these websites safely.
c. advantages and disadvantages of these websites.

13. Where can you find the names of two social network websites?
a. In the first paragraph.
b. In Tip 1.
c. In Tip 6.

14. What is the purpose of this text?
a. To inform and advise about social networks.
b. To introduce the most important social networks.
c. To promote an efficient use of the Internet.

READING COMPREHENSION 7

Welcome to Santa Claus Holiday Village Resort In Rovaniemi, Finland
A day trip to Ranua zoo:
A daytime trip starts in the reception at 10 a.m. Transportation by car to Ranua (80 km) and back included in the price. There you will see many animals that inhabit the Arctic, including polar bears, brown bears, lynx, wolverine and deer. There are also many different birds of prey. Lunch and tickets included.
Duration: 5 h
Price: 95 € adult / 45 € child.
Icetrip to Sampo icebreaker in Kemi:
Your trip will begin in the reception at 10 a.m. Transportation to Kemi (120 km) and back by car. You will participate in a cruise on the Sampo icebreaker between 12 – 4 p.m. The cruise includes a guided tour, lunch and the opportunity for wetsuit swimming in the sea.
Size of a group: minimum 5 people. Duration: 8 hours
Price: 345 € adult / 225 € child.
Northern light safari by snowmobile:
The night safari begins from the reception at 8 p.m. A guide will take you on snowmobiles to enjoy the nature around the Arctic Circle. You will stop in the woods to make a camp fire and grill some sausages. If the weather conditions allow, you will have the chance to see the Northern lights on the night sky.
Duration: 2-3 hours
Price: 130 € adult / 75 € child.
Other Popular Activities:
-Arktikum Museum. Arktikum is a museum, science centre, attraction and popular destination to know about the local Sami culture in the centre of Rovaniemi.
Open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Closed on Mondays.

-Artic Ice Hotel. Made of ice, this hotel is about 30 km from the Arctic Circle.

-Arctic Park. Located in the Arctic Circle this ice park offers possibilities for ice sliding and visiting the Ice Bar.

-Reindeer Sleigh Rides for families. We will visit a traditional reindeer farm. There you will learn all about these indigenous animals that are so important to the Sami culture, the history of the farm and the local traditions. You will also enjoy a ride in a reindeer sleigh and participate in a special Lappish ceremony of crossing the Arctic Circle.
Available daily
Price: 15 € adult / 12 € child.

-Snowshoeing
Guided snowshoe trip for beginners. We start the adventure in the local woods behind Santa Claus Village. We’ll also have the chance to observe animal tracks in the wild. Hot drinks and sandwiches included.
Valid period: from the end of December to mid-April.
Price: 49 € adult / 29 € child

-Evening snowshoe trip. This night trip starts at 8 p.m. We will listen to the silence of nature and marvel at the Northern sky lights. Head lamp needed. Hot drinks and sandwiches included.
Duration: approximately 1.5 hours. Price: 89 € adult / 49 € child.

1-The text is about at Santa Claus Holiday Village Resort.
a. Christmas
b. activities offered
c. sports you can play

2-Where is Santa Claus Holiday Village Resort located?
a. In Rovaniemi.
b. In Ranua.
c. In Kemi.

3-If you spend your holidays at the resort you…
a. don’t need much money because most activities are free.
b. need no money because all activities are included.
c. need to have a budget if you want to go on the trips.

4-Which activity is the nearest to Santa Claus Holiday Village Resort?
a. Icetrip to Sampo icebreaker in Kemi.
b. A day trip to Ranua zoo.
c. Arktikum Museum.

5-Which sentence is FALSE?
a. There are day and night activities.
b. There is a variety of activities.
c. All the activities are free.

6-In which activity do you cook your own food?
a. Evening snowshoe trip.
b. Northern light safari.
c. Trip to Ranua Zoo.

7-Which activity does not include food or drinks?
a. Snowshoeing.
b. Reindeer Sleigh Rides.
c. A day trip to Ranua zoo.

8-You can see the Northern lights…
a. if the weather is good.
b. every night.
c. if it rains.

9-You will visit the Arktikum Museum if you…
a. are interested in Science and the Sami culture.
b. want to know more about reindeers.
c. are interested in going shopping.

10-What is the meaning of “indigenous” in the text Reindeer Sleigh Rides?
a. Native.
b. Wild.
c. Traditional.

11-In Ranua you can…
a. see animals that live in the Arctic.
b. observe animal footprints in the wild.
c. visit a farm and learn about reindeers.

12-It’s Monday, you don’t have much money but you want to learn about Finnish animals and traditions, ride a sleigh and participate in a Lappish celebration. Which activity would you choose?
a. Arktikum Museum.
b. Reindeer Sleigh Rides.
c. A day trip to Ranua zoo.

READING COMPREHENSION 8 (2015)

HI HELEN

This Easter I’m spending my holidays in London with my parents and my sister Alice and we’re having a great time! This is my second time in London. Do you remember when we were here together last summer?

We arrived last Tuesday and, after leaving our luggage in the hotel, we went straight to Madame Tussauds, which is really close to where we are staying. I enjoyed this museum very much. There I could feel as if I were part of the action in a Hollywood film: I was surrounded by all my favourite film stars from the past and present… The only problem is that they were just wax figures! The following day we visited the British Museum, where I particularly liked the sculptures from the Parthenon. You know I’m so interested in ancient Greece… We’ve been sightseeing a lot and also relaxing in some nice tea shops where we have been tasting the most exclusive teas. After all, there’s nothing more British than a cup of tea!!!

Yesterday we went to the Globe Theatre and it really impressed me because you can see the theatre where Shakespeare’s plays were performed! The history of this theatre is fascinating! The original Globe Theatre was an Elizabethan playhouse built in Southwark, on the south bank of the River Thames. It was originally built in 1599 and completely destroyed by fire in 1613. In those times, this kind of accident was very common in theatres because they were made entirely of wood. It was rebuilt in 1614, and then demolished in 1644. The building that we can visit today opened in 1997. It is a modern reconstruction of Shakespeare’s original theatre and has staged* live plays every summer. Did you know that the performances are exactly like in Shakespeare’s time? Imagine having no spotlights** (which means that plays must be staged during daylight hours), no microphones, speakers or amplification. All music is performed live on period instruments***. You can experience the performance standing up for over 3 hours in the open air —even in the rain!—, as people did in Shakespeare’s time! I would really like to come back to London next summer to go to one of these performances!

Well, that’s all for now! I hope we can meet soon and you can also tell me about your holidays in Italy.

Love, Susan

GLOSSARY: * to stage: to arrange and perform a play or a show. En català vol dir ‘representar’. ** spotlights: lights used to light a stage when actors or singers are performing. En català vol dir ‘focus’. *** period instruments: musical instruments which have been made in the same way that they were hundreds of years ago. En català vol dir ‘instruments d’època’.

1 Susan has visited London …

a. three times.

b. twice.

c. once.

2 Susan liked Madame Tussauds because there she could …

a. see the wax figures of her favourite cinema stars.

b. meet her favourite cinema stars.

c. be an actress for one day.

3 Susan …

a. went to Greece last year.

b. liked the Parthenon sculptures.

c. visited the British Museum on Tuesday.

4 At the British Museum you can learn about …

a. special teas.

b. modern theatres.

c. ancient cultures.

5 Susan says: “We’ve been sightseeing a lot”. “Sightseeing” means …

a. going to the sea.

b. staying in the hotel.

c. visiting tourist places.

6 Susan has …

a. tasted some exclusive teas.

b. looked for souvenirs in the tea shop.

c. bought a tea cup in the British Museum.

7 Susan also visited The Globe. The building she visited is …

a. the original theatre.

b. a reconstruction of the original theatre.

c. an abandoned and deteriorated building.

8 You can attend a performance of one of Shakespeare’s plays …

a. at Easter.

b. in summer.

c. all year round.

9 Today’s performances …

a. don’t have amplification.

b. have modern music.

c. have spotlights.

10 Today’s performances are held …

a. only on sunny days.

b. in the open air.

c. at night.

11 Shakespeare’s plays usually last …

a. more than three hours.

b. two hours.

c. one hour.

12 Helen has spent her Easter holidays in …

a. Italy.

b. Greece.

c. England.

13 Helen is Susan’s …

a. sister.

b. mother.

c. friend

READING COMPREHENSION  9 (2015)

BE SMART: STAY IN BED

Do you want to improve your grades? Stay in bed for an extra hour. It may sound unusual but allowing British teenagers to start school 60 minutes later has produced some surprising results.

At Monkseaton High School on Tyneside, in the north of England, near the North Sea, where eight hundred students have been arriving for lessons at 10 a.m. since October last year, grades and punctuality have improved while absenteeism has decreased. Pupils at Monkseaton are enthusiastic about the change. Liam McClennand, 14, said: “I’m getting an extra hour’s sleep and I just feel much more awake. Now I feel happier in lessons, I don’t get so many headaches either”. The change at Monkseaton was introduced after a vote by parents, teachers and pupils, although about 40 per cent opposed it.

It may sound strange but professor Russell Foster, a neuroscientist at Oxford University and one of the experts involved with the Monkseaton study, has proved that teenagers follow different sleep patterns from adults. He said that teenagers have a biological predisposition to go to bed late and get up late. Teenagers tend not to feel tired until around 11:00 p.m. and their body clocks don’t start to function properly until 10 a.m., two to four hours later than adults. This is because a hormone called melatonin, which helps you sleep, is secreted at a different time in adolescent brains, making them sleep late in the evening.

Memory tests performed on Monkseaton pupils showed the students’ brains worked better in the afternoon. According to doctors, starting school later is important not just for students’ academic performance, but for their health and wellbeing.

There were some headlines in some tabloids* such as “Oxford brain doctor says it’s cruel to make teenagers get up in the morning” or “We were never going to discipline our youngsters to get up in time for work if we let them get up whenever they want”.

This research on teenage body clock has already been accepted in Canada, Germany and the USA but teachers need to be convinced that it is worth taking it seriously.

Adapted from The Sunday Times, 20th March 2010

GLOSSARY: * tabloid: a type of popular newspaper with small pages that has many pictures and stories of violence, crime, or scandal presented in a sensational manner. En català vol dir ‘diari sensacionalista’.

1 According to the text, students can improve their grades if …

a. they go to evening classes.

b. they stay in bed until midday.

c. classes start later in the mornings.

2 Lessons at Monkseaton School have started at 10 a.m. since …

a. October 2009.

b. March 2010.

c. October 2010.

3 At Monkseaton School …

a. students prefer arriving at school early in the morning.

b. students arrive on time and miss fewer lessons than before.

c. the number of students who are repeatedly absent has increased.

4 How do students feel about starting classes later?

a. Indifferent.

b. Worried.

c. Excited.

5 What does Liam McClennand say about starting classes later?

a. He is asleep and sad.

b. He is less asleep and feels better.

c. He is less asleep but has more headaches.

6 Melatonin is a hormone that …

a. helps people sleep.

b. keeps people awake.

c. makes people get up early.

7 According to the text, who may stay awake at night more easily?

a. Teenagers.

b. Adults.

c. Both of them.

8 Memory tests show that students are more productive …

a. in the morning.

b. in the afternoon.

c. at night.

9 Which countries have already approved the research on sleep patterns?

a. USA, Great Britain, Canada and Germany.

b. Canada, Germany and Great Britain.

c. USA, Canada and Germany.

10 The second paragraph (“It may sound strange but professor (…) making them sleep late in the evening.”) …

a. explains why British students are tired in the evening.

b. compares the sleep predisposition in young people and adults.

c. informs the reader about the results of memory tests performed on adults.

11 “Be smart: stay in bed” means that …

a. to be prettier, you must stay in bed until late in the morning.

b. to get better results at school, lessons should start later.

c. to be more intelligent, you must go to bed late.

12 The text is from …

a. a history book.

b. a newspaper.

c. a novel.

READING COMPREHENSION 10 (2016)

CYBERBULLYING

Cyberbullying is a relatively new issue that has grown more visible as the Internet has become more popular among children and teenagers. Cyberbullying occurs when a child or teen uses digital technology to intimidate, threaten or humiliate another peer*. It is similar to normal bullying; a major difference is that it takes place in cyberspace. Examples of cyberbullying include sending insulting text messages, spreading rumours online, posting embarrassing pictures and videos, or using fake profiles.

Cyberbullying can occur anywhere, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Cyberspace allows information to travel more quickly and to more people, so rumours can spread very fast nowadays. An embarrassing video posted to a social networking site by someone in Kansas tonight may be watched by someone in Japan tomorrow. Messages and images can be posted anonymously so it can be difficult and sometimes impossible to determine the source**. Moreover, deleting inappropriate or offensive messages, texts, and pictures is very difficult after they have been posted or sent.

The victims of cyberbullying have lower self-esteem and more health problems. They also experience negative behaviours: changes in behaviour, sleep or appetite, poor concentration, less interest in school and low academic achievement. They begin to lose interest in things they once enjoyed and spend less time with friends. They are at greater risk for anxiety and other stress-related disorders.

According to recent studies, victims of cyberbullying don’t want to tell a teacher or parent, often because they feel ashamed of the social stigma or fear that they will lose their computer or mobile phone privileges at home. They think they will not be allowed to continue using their computer or mobile phone.

If you are cyberbullied, it’s important not to respond to any messages or posts written about you, no matter how hurtful or untrue. Record the dates, times, and descriptions of examples when cyberbullying has occurred. Save and print screenshots, emails, and text messages and then report*** them to a family member or teacher. Block the person who is cyberbullying you and report*** him/her to the police.

You can prevent cyberbullying following some basic tips:

— Be smart about what you post or say. Don’t share anything that could hurt or embarrass yourself or others.

— Think about who you want to see the information and pictures you post online.

— Keep your passwords safe and do not share them with friends.

Adapted from: http://www.netsmartz.org/ and http://www.helpguide.or

GLOSSARY:

* peer: a person who is an equal in social standing, rank, age, etc. En català vol dir ‘company, semblant’.

** source: the point or place from which something originates. En català vol dir ‘origen, font’. *** report: to complain about or denounce. En català vol dir ‘denunciar’.

1-Cyberbullying is…

a. a relatively new way of bullying.

b. very different to “normal” bullying.

c. the most dangerous form of bullying.

2-Who carries out the act of cyberbullying?

a. Anyone who is older than 18.

b. Anyone who knows how to photoshop a photo.

c. Anyone who uses computers or cell phones.

3-A “fake profile” is profile.

a. an original

b. an invented

c. a special

4-Which sentence is TRUE?

a. Cyberbullying is always done in group.

b. Cyberbullying only happens to teenagers.

c. Cyberbullying can happen at any moment.

5- According to the text, it is easy to…

a. delete cyberbullying messages.

b. post cyberbullying messages anonymously.

c. determine the origin of cyberbullying messages.

6- Which sentence is TRUE?

a. Victims don’t tell anyone because they don’t want to be humiliated.

b. Victims tell they are cyberbullied to keep their privileges.

c. Victims only tell their teachers they are cyberbullied.

7- It is important to…

a. keep evidence of cyberbullying.

b. send emails only to your friends.

c. respond to angry messages.

8-If you are cyberbullied, you should…

a. delete all the nasty messages in your inbox.

b. answer the nasty messages that are untrue.

c. block the bully* and call the police.

9- According to the text, what should you do about offensive messages?

a. Post them on Facebook.

b. Email them to your best friend.

c. Save and print screenshots of the messages.

10- The third paragraph “The victims of cyberbullying (…) anxiety and other stress-related disorders.”…

a. gives some tips to prevent cyberbullying.

b. informs you about the effects of cyberbullying.

c. explains the differences between bullying and cyberbullying.

11-The fourth paragraph “According to recent studies (…) their computer or mobile phone.” tells the reader about the…

a. reasons why victims don’t tell anyone they are cyberbullied.

b. rules to prevent cyberbullying.

c. different types of bullying.

12-This text is addressed to…

a. teachers.

b. teenagers.

c. the police.

 

READING COMPREHENSION11 (2016)

SCREEN-FREE WEEK
Screen-Free Week is an annual, international event that traditionally takes place in April. Each year people from around the world decide to turn off screens of all kinds for the week. It’s described as a time to “unplug” and play, read, day-dream, create, explore nature, and spend time with family and friends, instead of watching TV, surfing the web, or playing video games.
When in 1994 Henry Labalme, director of TV-Free America in Washington, came up with the idea of a national organisation to reduce the screen-time habit, most Americans didn’t believe it was a problem at all. Television was considered inoffensive and a great babysitter. Perhaps improving some of the programs was a good idea, but reducing television time? Ridiculous! Nowadays, kids under 18 spend an average of seven hours and thirty-eight minutes on media devices each day.
You don’t have to stop using your computer for work or school—but if screens of any kind are interfering with your family time (including meals), think carefully about how you’re using them.
Screen media dominates our lives, displacing all sorts of other activities. Thousands of studies indicate that excessive screen time is associated with poor school performance, childhood obesity, and attention problems.
Screen-Free Week is a fun and innovative opportunity to reduce our dependence on computers, television, video games, and hand-held devices. It’s a chance for children and adults to rediscover the joys of life beyond the screen.
Guide to a great Screen-Free Week:
— Decide what “screen-free” means to your family. Does it include email and text messaging?
— Make plans together for the week. Suggest other activities. Instead of spending your time in front of a screen, do other activities, such as reading, playing a sport, helping with cooking…
— Don’t eat in front of the TV. The habit also encourages mindless munching*, which can lead to weight gain. Reclaim the family meal as a time for talking together and/or sharing stories. Think of different ways to spice up** the evening… maybe a discussion about a book everyone in the family has agreed to read?
— Include friends, relatives, and neighbours in what you are doing. Get together with other families at a park, play organised games or just hang out!

Adapted from: http://www.screenfree.org/ and http://www.redorbit.com/news/technology
GLOSSARY:
* mindless munching: to eat something, especially noisily and without giving much attention. En català vol dir ‘mastegar
mecànicament, sense posar-hi atenció’.
** spice up: to make more interesting. En català vol dir ‘fer més divertit, animar’.

1-Screen-Free Week takes place in…
a. spring.
b. summer.
c. winter.
2-On Screen-Free Week, people for seven days.
a. only watch TV
b. only use mobile phones
c. don’t use any kind of screen devices
3-What does “unplug” mean?
a. Disconnect an electrical device.
b. Turn on an electrical device.
c. Change TV channels.
4-Being “unplugged” may give you more time to…
a. chat with your friends online.
b. enjoy your free time with your friends.
c. watch your favourite football team on television.
5-In 1994, Henry Labalme started the idea of Screen-Free Week because…
a. Americans considered watching TV a social problem.
b. he thought people spent too much time in front of the TV.
c. TV-Free America wanted to improve the quality of TV programmes.
6-On Screen-Free Week you must stop using your media devices at…
a. work.
b. home.
c. school.
7-An example of a hand-held device is a…
a. computer.
b. television set.
c. mobile phone.
8-According to the text, one of the effects on children of using media devices too much
is that…
a. their eyes become sore.
b. they may become obese.
c. they will get better results at school.
9- Reducing our dependence on screen media is an opportunity to…
a. find other kinds of entertainment.
b. see films at the cinema.
c. start a diet.
10- Screen-Free Week is for…
a. children only.
b. children and teenagers only.
c. people of all ages.
11- On Screen-Free Week, your family can…
a. take some family photos with the mobile phone.
b. look for some recipes on the Internet.
c. prepare dinner together.
12-The text recommends you to on Screen-Free Week.
a. go outdoors and play games
b. post comments about a book on a literary blog
c. write about this event on the school website

READING COMPREHENSION 12 (2017)

ZAINABU’S STORY

Zainabu lives in Tanzania. She has just finished primary school and is hoping to go to secondary school. She has been doing well at school but her family is very poor so it is a struggle* for her to stay in school.

It has been free to go to primary school in Tanzania since 2001 when school fees were abolished by the government. However, if families want their children to go to secondary school, they have to pay fees.

I am living a very difficult life. My father left us when we were very young. My mother works as a casual labourer on other people’s farms to get money to buy us food and to pay for other things like medicine and school supplies.

For the past three years my mother has faced problems getting work. There has been a very bad drought** and this meant there is often no work for her. Whenever I ask her for money to pay for the school uniform, shoes and exercise books my mother can never afford it. The school also asks for contributions to pay for the cook, the toilets… At the moment we owe the school £1.80 which we cannot pay. I am under pressure to leave school to find work – my sisters tell me that school is a waste of time.

When I come home after school I also face difficulties. We often have to go to other people’s houses to ask for food. We sometimes have to go to sleep without eating at all or just have porridge as our dinner. I am also asked to go and fetch*** water, which takes three hours.

Education is important because it could change my life. Our house is in very bad shape and if I got some money I could fix it. We try to block every hole in our walls and ceiling so the rain doesn’t fall on our bed. If I got my education, I could become a teacher or anything else I wanted to. I would build a home for my mother.

During my free time I like to read. Sometimes there is no oil for the light at home so we sit in the dark and I sometimes use a candle to read. I think if my mother had got an education, we would not have such a difficult life now. One day, I would like to become a teacher.

Source: @ActionAid, http://www.sendmyfriend.org Photo: Kate Holt/Shoot the Earth/ActionAid

GLOSSARY: * struggle: a very difficult task. En català vol dir ‘lluita’. ** drought: a prolonged period of abnormally low rainfall, leading to a shortage of water. En català vol dir ‘sequera’. *** fetch: go for and then bring back. En català vol dir ‘anar a buscar, portar’.

1 In Tanzania…

a. all education is free.

b. only primary education is free.

c. you only have to pay for the books.

2 Zainabu’s father…

a. was a farmer.

b. abandoned her.

c. died when she was a baby.

3 Her mother earns a salary.

a. low

b. good

c. competitive

4 When she says “my mother can never afford it” she means that her mother to pay for school supplies.

a. always gives her the money

b. hasn’t got enough money

c. doesn’t want

5 Her family wants her to…

a. continue her studies.

b. stay at home.

c. start working.

6 According to Zinabu, what is the key to success?

a. Education

b. Money

c. Family

7 What sentence about Zainabu’s house is TRUE?

a. It has been recently renovated.

b. It needs some repairs.

c. It is comfortable.

8 In her house there is…

a. electricity all day long.

b. electricity only at nights.

c. no electricity.

9 In the future she would like to…

a. find her father.

b. become a teacher.

c. renovate her house.

10 Zainabu is with her life.

a. bored

b. pleased

c. unhappy

11 Find an alternative title for the text that summarises the main idea.

a. A story about education in Africa.

b. Africa, the land of opportunities.

c. Girl looking for a pen pal*.

12 The objective of the text is to…

a. inform about schools in Tanzania.

b. describe Zainabu’s trip to Tanzania.

c. explain the difficulties Zainabu has in her daily life

READING COMPREHENSION 13(2017)

PEOPLE WHO HAVE SHAPED THE WORLD WE LIVE IN

In the digital era, we are used to having technological changes every day. People like Tim Berners-Lee, who invented the Internet, Bill Gates, who founded Microsoft, Steve Jobs, who founded Apple, Sergey Brin and Larry Page, who designed Google, and Mark Zuckerberg, who created Facebook, are great computer experts and businessmen who have influenced the whole Information Age.

However, before them, there were also other great inventors and scientists who contributed to shape the world we live in now, like, for instance:

Thomas Alva Edison invented early versions of the cell phone or the digital camera. He invented the phonograph in 1877, the motion picture camera in 1891 and the alkaline storage battery in 1901. But that is not all: without Edison, who in 1879 invented the light bulb, we would all be in the dark! He also worked on X-rays and the first talking doll. When he died in 1931 he had attained great fame and fortune with his 1,093 patents. His motto was “Genius is one percent inspiration and ninety-nine percent perspiration*.”

Nettie Maria Stevens was a biologist and an early American geneticist. In 1905, she discovered the sex of a person is determined by the “X” or “Y” chromosome. This discovery gave a great impulse to genetics.

Henry Ford was known as “the man who put America on wheels”. His first automobile was called the Quadricycle because it had four wheels. He rode it through the streets of Detroit. In 1913 he set up the first automobile assembly line**, and the cars were made faster and cheaper than ever. Henry Ford said lots of interesting things like: “Don’t find a fault. Find a remedy.”

Sir Alexander Fleming was a biologist and pharmacologist. In 1928 he revolutionized all medicine by accidentally discovering penicillin, one of the world’s first antibiotics or bacteria killer. Even though he had a solid reputation as a great researcher, Fleming’s lab and workspace were often very messy. This actually led to the discovery of penicillin. In 1945 he received the Nobel Prize in Medicine. Penicillin has saved, and is still saving, millions of people around the world.

Rachel Carson, the mother of the environmental movement, was the first person to realize the dangers of pesticides for animals and human beings. In 1962 she published Silent Spring. The book gave her readers a terrible shock, showing a spring without birds. It helped shape a growing environmental consciousness.

GLOSSARY: * perspiration: sweat. En català vol dir ‘suor’. ** assembly line: a line of machines and workers in a factory that a product moves along while it is being built or produced. En català vol dir ‘cadena de muntatge’.

1 What did Edison invent first?

a. The light bulb.

b. The phonograph.

c. The motion picture camera.

2 Nettie Maria Stevens discovered…

a. the chromosomes.

b. the factor that determines the chromosomes.

c. the sex of a person is determined by specific chromosomes.

3 Thanks to Henry Ford…

a. bikes became famous in America.

b. cars had bigger wheels than before.

c. more people could buy a car in America.

4 Ford’s cars were the cars before.

a. as cheap as

b. cheaper than

c. more expensive than

5 Ford’s quote “Don’t find a fault. Find a remedy” means that you should…

a. find a solution for a problem instead of complaining about it.

b. find the person who is responsible for a mistake.

c. ask others to solve the problem.

6 Sir Alexander Fleming…

a. discovered the penicillin by accident.

b. won an award in pharmacology.

c. was a dentist.

7 What sentence about penicillin is TRUE?

a. It is the best antibiotic that exists.

b. It wasn’t accepted by doctors at the beginning.

c. It was one of the first antibiotics to be identified.

8 Fleming was a person.

a. clean

b. disorganized

c. meticulous

9 Rachel Carson wrote…

a. scientific books.

b. children books.

c. novels.

10 She thought that pesticides were for animals.

a. beneficial

b. dangerous

c. necessary

11 Our world is the way it is thanks to…

a. people interested in making money.

b. computer experts of the Information Age.

c. innovative people who have lived before us.

12 The text is about inventions that…

a. still influence the way we live today.

b. don’t influence the way we live today any longer.

c. haven’t influenced the way we live today.

WRITING

Write 5 – 6 lines (45-50 words) on the following topics:

1. You will be 17 next week and you want to celebrate it with your friends. Write an invitation telling them where you are going to meet, what time, what are your plans for that day, what they have to bring, how many people you have invited, etc.

2. Write a short text for a brochure about your town (or a place you know well): explaining, for example, situation, number of people who live there, places to visit, things to do…

3. Write a piece of news for the school magazine that has surprised you: what happened, where, when, who was involved, etc. Begin like this: That was a fantastic surprise…

4. You are on holiday with your friends. Write an e-mail or a postcard to your family describing the place where you are and telling them what you are doing there.

5. Your school is taking part in a European Project and next month you are going to receive a student from Sweden in your house. Write an e-mail giving him/her some information about you (name, age, likes, dislikes, etc) and your school (name of the school, loca- tion, teachers, activities, your favourite subjects, etc).

6. Your friend Sam went on holiday to an exotic place last year (Africa, South America, etc). He showed you the pictures and told you what he did there. Write a paragraph and explain where he went, the people he went with, the weather, what he did there, what he liked, what he didn’t like, etc.

7. Your aunt is living in Canada and you often communicate with her by e-mail. Recently at school you have met a new boy/girl and you are now close friends. Write an e-mail to your aunt about your new friend (name, age, nationality, physical description, likes, dislikes, hobbies, pets, etc.).

8. It’s Monday morning. You are in the English class. Your teacher has asked you to write a paragraph about the weekend. Explain what time you got up, where you went, the people you went with, what you did, how you felt, what you ate, what time you went to bed, etc.

9. David, your American e-pal, is coming to Catalonia on a school trip. He will visit you next Saturday. You have organised a day out for him. Send him an e-mail telling him where you will go, which transport you will use, the places you will visit and the time and place you will meet.

10. Imagine that you spent last night in a large empty house. It was a dark, windy night and strange things happened during the night. You felt frightened. Explain what happened, what you heard, saw and felt.

EXTRA PRACTICE

 2-The Great Houdini