Advanced Plus Achievement test 2 (Units 3–4)

Listening 3 Recording 4 Listen again answer the questions

1 Recording 3 Listen and match speakers 1–6
with opinions a)–h) about role models and
influence. There are two extra answers you do
not need.
1 Speaker 1   f   ______________________________________
2 Speaker 2 ___
3 Speaker 3 ___
4 Speaker 4 ___
5 Speaker 5 ___
6 Speaker 6 ___
a) The general public shouldn’t really be trusted.
b) Location has a strong influence on behaviour.
c) Role models will often let you down.
d) Emulating peers is mostly beneficial.
e) Choosing your influences helps build identity.
f) There are reasons to be optimistic about the
media.
g) Financial incentives are a strong influence.
h) Family is the most influential aspect in life.
5
2 Recording 4 Listen to someone talking about
the persuasive power of lying. Underline the
correct answer, a), b) or c).
1 The speaker seems to believe that     b    into a room with the tables and chairs configured for
a) being honest is of social value.
b) honesty has lost its value in society.
c) people are more trustworthy than ever.
2 According to research lying ____
a) predates the development of language.
b) has evolved only in humans.
c) provides a useful alternative to violent activity.
3 Research indicates that people ____
a) are always calculated when they lie.
b) don’t always know why they lie.
c) lie only when there is no alternative.
4 The Harvard research shows ____
a) we enjoy lying when we feel we’ll benefit from
it.
b) avaricious people lie more frequently.
c) dishonesty is hard to identify in brain scans.
5 Lies which impact on other people ____
a) are most often designed to be hurtful.
b) are usually designed to protect feelings.
c) require a lot of thought and energy.
6 People tend to sanction lies if they ____
a) closely match their own opinions.
b) generally mirror people’s view of the world.
c) don’t exercise critical thinking.
below.
1 How did lying help humans as they evolved?
It conferred an advantage in the competition for
resources.
2 Why do we tell the majority of our lies?
3 What does research by UCL reveal?
______________________________________
4 What proportion of lies are designed to harm
others?
______________________________________
5 Why do people tell harmless lies to one another?
______________________________________
6 According to the speaker, what danger is posed by
lies on social media?
______________________________________
5
Grammar
4 Complete the text with the correct form or
structure using the verb in brackets.
‘Can you attend an interview?’ 1 is undoubtedly
(doubt) one of those phrases that sends the majority
of people into paroxysm of panic. I 2           (guess)
most of us feel a sense of impending dread walking
a cursory examination of our strengths, weaknesses,
hopes and dreams. 3           (motivate) by a desire to
keep up with trends, these seem 4           (become)
increasingly geared towards showcasing talents and
explaining your ‘narrative.’ 5           (be) express
yourself in an articulate manner is, without doubt,
important. But it can’t be the only criteria for
selecting staff. Fortunately, more and more
companies are reconsidering the format, and
managers 6           (permit) to select staff based on fit,
rather than stilted performance under pressure.
7
           (come) a time, with this growing change in
attitude, when traditional interviews are consigned
to history. 8           (sit) through more than my fair
share of excruciating interrogations, that news is
more than welcome to me.
7

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 Advanced Plus Achievement test 2 (Units 3–4)
5 Complete the second sentence with no more
than five words so that it means the same as the
first. Use the word in CAPITALS.
1 Elon Musk said that we could colonise Mars.
IT
It was Elon Musk who said Mars could be
colonised.
2 They’ve probably sent the email by now.
WOULD
I       the email has been sent.
3 The council really ought to do something about it.
SHOULD
Something         about it, really.
4 A lot of people say he can’t be trusted.
SAID
      can’t trust him.   tarnishes their reputation.
5 They warned him about the dangers, but he still
swam in the bay.
BEEN
      the dangers, he chose to
swim in the bay.
6 I can’t imagine a situation where he’d win.
UNIMAGINABLE
It         he would win.
7 His colleagues often ridiculed him, but he
achieved great things.
BY
      , he went on to great
things.
6 once you’ve actually landed gainful employment
6 Correct the mistakes in each sentence.
1 Is it there anyone who doesn’t like Italian food?
2 There must have something we can do about the
issue.
3 I’m appreciating if you could give me some time
alone.
4 I’m sorry, the report can be write in the time
available.
5 Have carefully consider your application, we sadly
have to inform you that you’ve been unsuccessful.
6 I was extremely annoyed not being informed
about the change in policy.
7 It’s nothing further to say about the matter.
8 We wasn’t allowed for asking any more questions.
7 1 a) on
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Vocabulary
7 Complete the sentences.
1 Although he’s one of the most competent
programmers we have, he lacks the soft skills to
work as part of a team.
2 Unless they decide to                               more resources
there will be a crisis in long-term healthcare.
3 Her pitch was incredibly well-received, but I felt it
was a bit too                               – I needed more detail
before I was ready to commit.
4 That forum is completely useless; it’s just an echo
for the opinionated and objectionable.
5 The danger with public figures that are put on a
is that one day they may do something which
6 At last he’s shown his                               colours, and I
for one strongly disagree with his policies.
7 While a degree from a leading university was once
a strong                               point, employers now seek
candidates who have experience in their field.
6
8 Complete the text with a), b) or c).
A model worker?
We all know that when applying for a job it’s
fundamentally important to play 1    c    your
strengths, and wherever possible gloss 2                    the
less than impressive aspects of your CV to date. But
how do you ensure that you stand 3                    among
your peers? According to a recent survey of HR
departments, the most highly valued employees are
those who possess the ability to seem 4                   
when dealing with clients and colleagues – pushy or
self-interested individuals tend to be ranked the
lowest. Interestingly, businesses are less enamoured
of ‘yes’ men, or women, too. A large proportion of
employers have indicated that they prefer employees
who stand 5                    for themselves, appraise
criticism and state their case. They would rather
have staff who aren’t swayed 6                    the majority,
and are unafraid of initiating change. It would seem
that such individuals 7                    a lot of weight with
peers, encouraging others to follow 8                    their
footsteps – making for a more dynamic workforce.
b) out c) up
2 a) into b) over c) through
3 a) in b) out c) up
4 a) compelling b) credible c) genuine
5 a) for b) on c) up
6 a) by b) for c) with
7 a) bring b) carry c) lend
8 a) in b) around c) among
 Advanced Plus Achievement test 2 (Units 3–4)
9 Complete the sentences. Use the correct form
of the word in brackets.
1 She’s been an   inspiration  (inspire) to many
young athletes who all wish to emulate her
success.
2 After some investigation we found out that he’d
completely                               (state) his role in the
businesses success.
3 They totally                               (jeopardy) their chances
of winning a medal when they tested positive for a
banned substance.
4 This government has been extremely lax in
(force) legislation which protects the rights of
migrant workers.
5 Despite their claims to offer                               (bias)
reporting, there have been questions about their
integrity.
6 She offered a                               (compel) case for
employing more staff, but sadly we can’t afford it.
7 I’d heard he was quite articulate, but I found his
arguments confusing and entirely                               might expect otherwise.
(persuade) – there was nothing credible in them.
8 The gang were caught                               (hand) by
detectives as they tried to break into the vault.
7 B: Oh, yes, 4              – really gets you thinking,
Function
10 Replace the incorrect word(s) in the
sentences.
1 OK, I understand that you might disagree with me,
but all I’m mentioning saying is that we can’t
continue to throw money at the problem without
having some clear objectives in place.
2 Well, if we could just stop a moment. I think
you’ll find that this figure has been taken into
context in this case.
3 At Endurance Sports we believe in the power of
individuals – so, don’t follow others like a cow,
run like a cheetah.
4 I hear where you are coming from, but what we
have to take into the count is that fewer people
these days actually own their property – debt is
perceived in a very different way.
5 We all know that keeping up with daily chores can
be such a grind. That’s why we recommend
CleanTech. Ever again will housework slow you
down.
6 Well, you may be critical of the policy, but what
we’re seeing is literally a positive in that more
young people are getting the opportunity to stay in
higher education.
5 e) let’s see
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11 Match gaps 1–11 in the discussion with
phrases a)–k) below.
A: Thanks for coming in today Andre. It’s been a
while. Now, I’ve been taking a look at your
portfolio, and a couple things have cropped up.
There seem to be a few issues. The photo-shoot
last month, for example. The report says, ten
thousand, which seems a bit steep …
B: Well, that sum 1        f     . There were a number of
technical issues with the whole project; we
needed additional funds to cover those.
A: Right, would that be the re-shoot from the
helicopter? Quite costly, wasn’t it?
B: I’m 2              that up – I think we need to reassess
how we work with local teams for this kind of
thing. I know a pilot who …
A: So you think it’s fine to spend your budget like
that?
B: Well, that’s 3              . What I would say is that
the quality of the end product is higher than you
A: OK. Right. Can we talk about the wording of
your campaign? I’ve a few reservations on the
actual content. This part here, ‘Are you feeling
old and tired?’
doesn’t it?
A: Well, we don’t want our customers to feel like
that. It’s bound to annoy them. We need a bit
more positivity. And this 5              – ‘be bold,
brave, better.’ Well, it sounds a bit trite.
B: Ed, what you have to 6              is that simple
messages sell. Isn’t that what we’re always
telling new staff? I’m not sure what you’re
getting at.
A: Well, 7              is that we need to keep our
competitive edge. I mean, take a look at this
8
                    for example – ‘be like a lion, rule your
urban jungle’. That’s just awful. What were you
thinking?
B: Before I 9              let me remind you, fun is a big
part of advertising.
A: I’d agree with that, but what isn’t funny is that
we’re spending clients’ money on this nonsense.
I’d appreciate it if you took things more
seriously. What 10              is hand the account
over to Simone – perhaps you could do with
taking a short break? What do you think?
A: Well, 11              … I have got some leave due …
a) rule of three g) glad you brought
b) an interesting question h) simile
c) we plan to do i) take into account
d) the rhetorical question j) answer that
k) all I’m saying
f) has been taken out of context
10
 Advanced Plus Achievement test 2 (Units 3–4)
Reading
12 Read the article and choose the correct
answer, a), b) or c).
Who wants to know?
It would seem these days that it’s absolutely
essential that you maintain some sort of digital
presence to stay noticed, to keep connected.
Whether it’s via an overactive social media account
or microblog, our digital footprints are ever
expanding. But navigating the algorithm-driven
torrents has never been without it’s dangers, and as
more and more of us are becoming aware, the data-
trails which we lead are increasingly valuable. And
vulnerable.
As we immerse ourselves in the machine-driven era
of web 3.0, we need to become accustomed to
anything and everything we do online being
analysed, scrutinised, and frequently sold. This,
ostensibly, is done in order to provide a more
productive and intuitive user experience. Yet, data-
mining feels, like many other aspects of the social
media revolution, slightly insalubrious. So, is it
something that we should tackle head on, or
embrace as another step in progress?
Within the larger field of data science, data mining
is used to describe the process of gathering
information from databases in order to make
relevant decisions. In the early days, data was
gathered by businesses whenever transactions were
made – stored, categorised, and often forgotten
about until the chance arose to send out a new
catalogue or product list. But with the emergence of
digital platforms, the true value of this data was
realised. Databases went from being a liability,
costing money to maintain and keep on file, to an
asset that could generate a revenue stream of its very
own.
Supporters of data mining will point out that this
narrative of the practice being another example of
rampant mercantilism fails to take into account the
benefits that analysis of big data can bring. They
would cite case studies where that user data has
been used to improve the delivery of healthcare
provision, prevent at risk groups from harm, predict
resource shortages and address them at source. They
may even remind you that ethical constraints have
led to the creation of algorithms which protect
individual’s privacy through processes of
anonymisation and randomisation. Data-mining,
they will say, is about observing trends, taking the
aggregate, not targeting people in particular.
And that is all very reassuring. Up to a point.
Because as we’ve learnt in the not so distance past,
individuals have been targeted. For all their fake
news furore, with accusation and counter-accusation
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of media manipulation, prominent social and
political events have been shaped in some way by
online influences that are given their substance via
data mined from the accounts of social-media users.
It is when that intelligence becomes tradeable that
the picture becomes so much more problematic and
may jeopardise the protection of an individual’s
right to privacy. Who owns the content posted, the
pictures tagged, the likes and links? Should what I
share with a few hundred ‘friends’ be accessible to
all and sundry? It’s these questions that we need to
find an answer for, as the data mines just keep
getting deeper.
1 The author suggests that c   increased online
engagement.
a) there are risks associated with
b) we have a social obligation to maintain
c) there are expectations that we will have
2 The author                     that there are uses to data
mining.
a) disagrees strongly
b) concedes begrudgingly
c) accepts unreservedly
3 The author points out that data mining in the past
is characterised as                     .
a) a thorough and well-considered process
b) a rather random, disorganised process
c) a well-planned business strategy
4 The author considers that data mining in the
digital era has become a way of                     .
a) expanding business opportunities
b) improving society
c) monitoring behaviour
5 Those in favour of data mining defend the process
by highlighting                     .
a) its cost-saving value
b) its efficiency
c) its commitment to privacy
6 Data mining, as it was first conceived, should
.
a) focus on individuals’ behaviours
b) study a cross section of people and behaviours
c) only look at proven trends and behaviours
7 The author is concerned by the way data mining is
becoming                     .
a) more political
b) more commonplace
c) more affordable
 Advanced Plus Achievement test 2 (Units 3–4)

8 The phrase ‘rampant mercantilism’ suggests provides. Both parties feel that such access would
critics feel businesses are pursuing new markets be of benefit to the college.
. 5 I would be grateful if you would contact me to
a) too aggressively discuss my application in more detail. Please feel
b) without controls free to contact me at your earliest convenience/
c) overseas whenever’s good for you.
6 A quarter of employees felt that trust levels with
9 According to the author there should be                     . middle-management had been greatly affected by
a) less emphasis on intellectual property online the restructuring. In the event/light of these
b) more freedom to utilise others’ ideas findings we would recommend discussing ways to
c) greater clarity regarding intellectual property examine open communication.

10 An idea recurring in the text is that data                     5

.
a) is a limited commodity with growing value 15 You have just finished a three-week study and
b) is an asset which has a value only now realised work preparation programme in an English-
c) is an aspect of our lives which we can’t control speaking country. You studied English
language in the mornings and learnt about
9 job application processes, interviews, and
employment in English-speaking
13 Read the text again. Answer the questions.
environments. The programme organiser has
1 How does the author characterise modern life? asked you to write a report about your
It’s vital for people to maintain a digital presence  experience.
2 What’s the author’s view of data mining? In your report, you should evaluate the
                                                               programme, explaining which part of the
                    programme was more useful, and suggest
3 How were databases initially used in business? changes you would recommend for next
                                                               year’s programme. Write 200–250 words.
                                                                                
4 How has big data been used to benefit society?                                                               
                                                                                                                             
                                                                                  
5 In which ways is data kept secure?                                                               
                                                                                                                             
                                                                                  
6 How has data been used in political campaigns?                                                               
                                                                                                                             
                                                                                  
7 What is the purpose of the text?                                                               
                                                                                                                             
                                                                                  
6                                                               
                                                              
Writing                                                               
14 Underline the correct alternative.                                                               
                                                              
1 In my current role I am accustomed to/familiar                                                               
with delivering high quality material to brief, and                                                               
within specified deadlines.                                                               
2 I was excited to see your advertisement as it is an                                                               
area in which I possess extensive/masses of                                                               
experience.                                                               
3 While there was broad support for the proposal, it                                                               
must be noted that a negligible                                                               
number/substantial percentage of those                                                               
questioned raised objections.                                                               
4 After conducting interviews with both students                                                               
and staff we have established that there is a clear                                                               
consensus/significant disagreement on the                                                               
positive role that greater access to social media

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 Advanced Plus Achievement test 2 (Units 3–4)

                                                              
                                                              
                                                      
                                                              
                                                              
                                                              
                                                              
                                                              
                                                              
                                                

10

Total: 100

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