You are going to read an article about experience of running while listening to music. Six sentences have been removed from the article. Choose from the sentences A–G the one which fits each gap (37–42). There is one extra sentence which you do not need to use.

Does music make you run faster?

Runner Adharanand Finn took part in an unusual race in

order to test the theory that music can make you run faster.

 

An expert on the effects of music on exercise, Dr Costas Karageorghis, claims that listening to music while running can boost performance by up to 15%. To put this theory to the rest, I took part in a special Rock ‘n’ Roll half marathon, which had groups of musicians playing at various points along the route.

 

As I lined up at the start with almost 4,000 other runners, a singer sang an inspiring song for us. It may explain why I got off to a good start. I only came eight in the end, though, even though I’d just spent six months training hard. (37)……………… However, it turns out that all the training may have affected my response to the music; according to the research, the benefits of listening to music decrease with the level of intensity of the running.

 

‘Elite athletes’, says Karageorghis, ‘tend to focus inwardly when they are running.’ According to him, most other runners look for stimulus and distraction from what is going on around them. ‘Judging by your time,’ he says, ‘you are one of the former.’ It is true. Apart from the song at the start, when I was standing still, I can barely remember the music played along the course. The first act I passed, a folk group, made me smile, and at one point I found myself running in time to the beat of some hard rock. (38)……………… I can’t say they helped my performance very much. But what did other runners make of the music?

 

Adam Bull usually runs marathons with no music and little crowd support. ‘(39)……………… With the upbeat bands, you find yourself running to the beat, which helps. It also brings out people to cheer you on.’ Rosie Bradford was also a convert. ‘As we ran past one band and they started playing These Boots Were Made for Walking. Everybody suddenly went faster.’

 

The only person I found who was less than happy with the music was Lois Lloyd. ‘There wasn’t enough of it, and I found it wasn’t loud enough, so I ran with an MP3 player.’ she said. ‘(40)……………… ’ Karageorghis is not surprised when I tell him. ‘There are many advantages to using your own player, rather than relying on the music on the course,’ he says. ‘It gives you a constant stimulus, rather than just an occasional one, and you can tailor the playlist to your taste.’

 

One runner told me there was a direct correlation between the quality of the music on the course and how much it helped. But quality, of course, is subjective, I remember feeling annoyed as I ran past one band playing Keep On Running. (41)………………

 

Of course, the music was not only there to help runners break their personal bests (although sadly it was unable to help me beat mine), but to provide a sense of occasion, draw out the crowds and create a carnival atmosphere. (42)………………  As I left, people were beginning to relax after the run, listening to an excellent rock band. It was a fitting way to end the day.

 

 

You are going to read a newspaper article about a blind runner. Six sentences have been removed from the article. Choose from the sentences A–G the one which fits each gap (37–42). There is one extra sentence which you do not need to use.

Blind Runner

Paul Hardy reports on a blind runner called Simon Wheatcroft who enjoys taking part in marathon and ultra-marathon races, running distances between 42 km and 160 km.

 

Running marathons, a race of 42 km, has become increasingly popular. This distance poses extreme physical and mental challenges for anyone, but for Simon Wheatcroft there is another hurdle; he has been blind since he was 18 years old.

 

For the past two years Simon, now 29, has been overcoming his disability to compete in marathons and ultra-marathons by training with runners who act as his guides, and also, rather uniquely, by teaching himself to run solo, out on the streets. ‘I got bored exercising indoors, so thought, “I’ll have a go at running outside”,’ he explains. (37)………………  Then he got bored again and wanted to try running on the roads.

 

Weeks of gradual exploration followed, walking a route alone. (38)………………   It took him along little-used pavements alongside a busy main road. He also recruited technology to help him form his mental map of the area using a smartphone app, to provide feedback through headphones about his pace and distance. This information could then be cross-referenced with his knowledge of the route and any obstacles.

 

Now, having covered hundreds of km alone on the route, Simon has been able, gradually, to phase out the app. ‘When I first started I had to really concentrate to an unbelievable level to know where my feet were falling. Now it has become quite automated.’ (39)………………   ‘I did make a few mistakes early on – like running into posts. But you only run into a post once before you think “Right. I’m going to remember where that is next time”,’ he laughs.

 

Joining Simon for a training session, it’s striking how natural and fluid his movement is; he takes shorter, shallower, more gentle steps than most runners, using his feet to feel his way. His landmarks are minute changes in gradient and slight variations in the running surface. (40)………………   ‘I have to believe this route is going to stay consistent, and there won’t be things like roadwork signs or big rocks,’ he says.

 

(41)………………  ‘I try to concentrate on the millions of footsteps that go right and think positively,’ he explains. When it comes to racing in ultra-distance events, Simon has to use guides to run sections of the course with him; after all, it would be almost impossible to memorise a 150 km stretch of countryside by heart. However, the physical and practical advantages of training in the fresh air, on his own terms, are vast and have boosted his confidence in his running ability as well as providing inspiration to others.

 

But for Simon the real thrill and motivation for training come from simply being able to compete on equal terms. (42)………………   ‘I can’t hide the fact I’m blind,’ he says, ‘but at the same time I would rather compete with everybody else and not be put into a special group. Being visually impaired doesn’t mean you can’t run.’

Five sentences have been removed from the text below.
For each question, choose the correct answer.
There are three extra sentences which you do not need to use.

Planting trees

by Mark Rotheram, aged 13

 

This spring, our teacher suggested we should get involved in a green project and plant some trees around the school. Everyone thought it was a great idea, so we started looking online for the best trees to buy. (1)………………  If we wanted them to grow properly, they had to be the right type – but there were so many different ones available! So our teacher suggested that we should look for trees that grew naturally in our part of the world. (2)………………  They’d also be more suitable for the wildlife here.

Then we had to think about the best place for planting the trees. We learnt that trees are happiest where they have room to grow, with plenty of space for their branches. The trees might get damaged close to the school playgrounds, for example. (3)………………  Finally, we found a quiet corner close to the school garden – perfect!

Once we’d planted the trees, we knew we had to look after them carefully. We all took turns to check the leaves regularly and make sure they had no strange spots or marks on them. (4)………………  And we decided to check the following spring in case the leaves turned yellow too soon, as that could also mean the tree was sick.

We all knew that we wouldn’t be at the school anymore by the time the trees grew tall, and that was a bit sad. But we’d planted the trees to benefit not only the environment, but also future students at the school. (5)………………  And that thought really cheered us up!

Five sentences have been removed from the text below.
For each question, choose the correct answer.
There are three extra sentences which you do not need to use.

A new life

I used to work as a college lecturer in the north of England, running photography courses. It wasn’t a bad job and I really liked my students, but I began to feel tired of doing the same thing every day. (1) ….………….

I’d always loved travelling, so one weekend I typed ‘international volunteering’ into an internet search engine. At the top of the results page was the opportunity to go and stay on an island in the Indian Ocean, thousands of miles away, and help to protect the beaches and the sea life. (2) ………….. I had some diving experience, and the more I talked about it, the more I wanted to do it. So I contacted the organisation. One week later they offered to send me to the island and I accepted. (3)……………… After all, the volunteer job was only for two months during the summer holidays. I thought after I’d finished, I’d come home.

As soon as I got to the island, I was sure I’d done the right thing. My first dive was incredible. (4)………………  I felt so lucky to be able to experience that every day.

In fact I loved it so much that I never came home! I’ve now been on the island for ten years and I have a permanent job. I’m working as a marine educator, teaching volunteers about the sea life and taking them snorkelling and diving. My desk is a picnic table 10 metres from the best beach on the island. Of course not everything about my new life is perfect. (5)……………… However, I can’t imagine going back to my old life.

SHORT MESSAGES

In this part, candidates have to read six short emails, notices, signs or text messages. There are three sentences next to each one. Candidates have to choose which sentence matches the meaning of the email, notice, sign or text message. 

For each question, choose the correct answer.

 

Now on first floor: Women’s sports clothes Toys for 0-12 years old Half-price books

2. From: Greta To: Fiona Help! Did you write down what we have to do before Thursday’s maths class? I’ve lost my notes!

3. Museum trip Students who have not booked this trip should come to school as normal.

4. Concert tickets Buy these on the school website, then collect them from the office

5. Hi Andy I’m playing football with Tom this afternoon on the field behind Woodside School. Do you want to come too? Let me know. Jake

6. Swimming Competition To enter the races, you must be able to swim more than 200 metres.

 

Link the following short sentences with the expressions with the same meaning.

SHORT MESSAGES

In this part, candidates have to read six short emails, notices, signs or text messages. There are three sentences next to each one. Candidates have to choose which sentence matches the meaning of the email, notice, sign or text message. 

For each question, choose the correct answer.

1. Road repairs starting here on 1^st September for four weeks – expect delays

 

2. This desk is only for the collection of theatre tickets booked in advance

 

3. Welcome to Hotel Maroc

      Dear Guest,

    Our holiday advisor is available in the lounge every day 8-10am for booking guided tours, museums/garden tickets, camel rides.

  Enjoy your stay!

 

4. Bob,

I tried to make you a dentist’s appointment for Friday but they can only do 10 am on Monday. If this is OK, ring them before 5 pm today.

Jill

 

 

5. Online Booking Form

Name: …..

Address: ….

No. of tickets ….

Tickets booked within seven days of a performance are kept for collection.

 

6. I your shoes are dirty, please remove them before entering this changing room.

 

7. To: All players

From: Paul

The team is the same as last week – I’ve already checked everyone can play. Anyone needing a lift to Fyfield can phone me.

 

8. Tony,

Maria’s sorry but she’s going to be late this evening. The train is delayed again! Don’t forget you’re meeting her at the station. She should be there at 7.15.

Anita

 

 

9. IMPROVED SERVICE:

From next month this bank will remain open until 2pm on Saturdays

 

10. INTERNATIONAL STUDENT’S CLUB

Next Saturday’s coach trip is cancelled because of lack of interest

 

SHORT MESSAGES

In this part, candidates have to read six short emails, notices, signs or text messages. There are three sentences next to each one. Candidates have to choose which sentence matches the meaning of the email, notice, sign or text message. 

For each question, choose the correct answer.

 

1. Jack, can you bring the bicycle you borrowed to my house today?

Thanks, Karl.

 

2. Buses to the city centre leave this bus stop every 20 minutes

 

3. Tom,

My mum forgot to get us any snacks! Can you bring some when you come to my house tonight? Jake’s bringing lots of CDs!

Harry

 

4. Ben,

I’m at the cinema – where are you? Film starts in 2 minutes.

Ciara

 

5. Billy,

Your sandwiches are in the fridge – put them in your lunchbox.

Don’t forget!

Mum

 

6. Pupils should bring money for the school trip by Friday at the latest

SHORT MESSAGES

In this part, candidates have to read six short emails, notices, signs or text messages. There are three sentences next to each one. Candidates have to choose which sentence matches the meaning of the email, notice, sign or text message. 

For each question, choose the correct answer.

 

1. Sarah,

There’s an offer at the computer game-store. If you hand in old games, you’ll get cash now or a special ticket for money off next month’s new ones.

Tom

 

2. Mum,

The tennis team’s meeting tonight, so I’m taking my tennis clothes for the photo – can’t wait to see myself in it.

Daniel

 

3. Wanted

babysitter for regular work, two evenings per week – generally Monday and Wednesday, but this could change in future. Own transport essential; call Sue to discuss duties and pay details.

 

4. Casali Restaurant

We are open downstairs while improvements are made to this area.

 

5. Due to staff holidays, shop closes early on weekdays during August; Saturdays as normal.

 

6. Ann-Marie,

Emma called. She’s got a free ticket for this evening’s concert as her boyfriend’s busy. I’ve already got one, but if you want to go, call her before 7pm.

Joe

 

7. Gym changing rooms

Place personal items in lockers. Staff will remove anything on floor.

 

8. ROOM TO RENT – UNEXPECTEDLY AVAILABLE

so only £250 per month including fuel bills

Tel: Erik on 663159

 

9. Museum Café

These tables are for costumers only. Follow signs for picnic areas.

 

10. From: Maria Gomez

To: Sarah Smith

Please forgive the delay in writing – I’ve been so busy!

I miss your English classes now I’m back in Spain, but at least I can understand everything here!

For questions 1-8, read the text below and decide which answer (A, B, C or D) best fits each gap. There is an example at the beginning (0).

 

  0.   A heart       B key    C bottom   D focus

 

Memory

 

Memory is at the (0) ….heart…. of our sense of personal identity. If we did not have memory, we would not be (1) ……… of our relationships with other people and would have no (2) ……… that we had had any past at all. And without memory we would have no knowledge on which to (3) ……… our present and future.

 

Memory (4) ……… of three processes: registration, retention and recall. Registration happens when we consciously notice something. Retention is the next (5) ……… , when we keep something we have noticed in our minds for a certain period of time. Finally, recall occurs when we actively think about some of these things that are (6) ……… in our minds.

 

Every day we are subjected to a vast (7) ……… of information. If we remembered every (8) ……… thing we had ever seen or heard, life would be impossible. Consequently, our brains have learnt to register only what is of importance.