Ministerul Educaţiei, Cercetării şi Tineretului

Centrul Naţional pentru Curriculum şi Evaluare în Învăţământul Preuniversitar

Examenul de bacalaureat 2008

Proba E/F
Proba scrisă la Limba Engleză
L1 - Intensiv 3-4 ore

SUBIECTUL I ( 30 puncte) Varianta 030

Read the text below and complete the following tasks.

Despite their popularity, myths about cats persist. When a cat falls a short distance, it often
twists itself around to right (1) … However, falls from heights can cause severe injury or death.
The fact that cats have nine lives started as the result of a cat’s flexible skeleton that allows
squeezing and twisting to negotiate narrow and awkward places. The factors that influence a cat’s
longevity (2)…, including regular visits to the veterinarian, and the cat’s genetic makeup. The
average life span for a neutered cat who is housed inside is estimated to be from 12 to 14 years.
The maximum life span is said to be 35 years. The roaming cat’s life expectancy is usually less
(3)… This may relate to a more stressful lifestyle as the result of accidents, fighting and exposure
to weather extremes.
Cats cannot see in total darkness, but they can see much better at night (4) … Their vision
in dim light is very sensitive.
There is no particular food that all cats like. This is why cat foods are available in a variety
of flavours and textures. Although neutered cats may become obese, this condition can be
prevented. If the cat begins to gain weight, eliminate food from the table and, if necessary, reduce
the amount of cat food offered. Cats can be encouraged to exercise through play.

1. Four sentences/groups of words have been removed from the text. Select the appropriate
sentence/group of words for each gap in the text. There is one extra sentence/group of
words which you do not need to use. 4 points

A. are the disputes between dogs and cats

B. and land on its feet.
C. with minimum light than humans can
D. are proper diet and care
E. than that of a cat housed indoors.

2. Give the antonyms of the underlined words. 6 points

3. Sum up the text in about 50 words. 10 points

4. For the following questions, choose the answer (A, B, C, D) which fits according to the
text. 6 points

1. A cat can twist and squeeze because of its …

A. slim body B. genetic makeup
C. flexible skeleton D. playful nature

2. The roaming cat lives … the cat housed indoors.

A. as long as B. less than
C. more than D. 5 years less than

3. Cat’s longevity is not influenced by …

A. genetic makeup B. proper care
C. proper diet D. sleeping places.
 Ministerul Educaţiei, Cercetării şi Tineretului
Centrul Naţional pentru Curriculum şi Evaluare în Învăţământul Preuniversitar

5. Comment on the following statement: Despite their popularity, myths about cats persist. (100
words) 4 points