Beirut Arab University Language Centre

INTE 104 Midterm Exam Name:__________________

Fall 2020-2021 ID: ____________________
Time: 45 min. Score: ______/20
________________________________________________________________________________________
Answer ALL questions on this exam paper.
Part One: Reading Comprehension (4.5pts.)
The next few decades will see great changes in the way energy is supplied and used.  In some major oil
producing nations, 'peak oil' has already been reached, and there are increasing fears of global warming. 
Consequently, many countries are focusing on the switch to a low carbon economy. This transition will lead to
major changes in the supply and use of electricity.  [A] Firstly, there will be an increase in overall demand, as
consumers switch from oil and gas to electricity to power their homes and vehicles.  [B] Secondly, there will be
an increase in power generation, not only in terms of how much is generated, but also how it is generated, as
there is growing electricity generation from renewable sources. [C] To meet these challenges, countries are
investing in Smart Grid technology.  [D] This system aims to provide the electricity industry with a better
understanding of power generation and demand, and to use this information to create a more efficient power
network. Smart Grid technology basically involves the application of a computer system to the electricity
network.  The computer system can be used to collect information about supply and demand and improve
engineer's ability to manage the system.  With better information about electricity demand, the network will be
able to increase the amount of electricity delivered per unit generated, leading to potential reductions in fuel
needs and carbon emissions.  Moreover, the computer system will assist in reducing operational and maintenance
costs. Smart Grid technology offers benefits to the consumer too.  They will be able to collect real-time
information on their energy use for each appliance.  Varying tariffs throughout the day will give customers the
incentive to use appliances at times when supply greatly exceeds demand, leading to great reductions in bills. 
For example, they may use their washing machines at night.  Smart meters can also be connected to the internet
or telephone system, allowing customers to switch appliances on or off remotely.  Furthermore, if houses are
fitted with the apparatus to generate their own power, appliances can be set to run directly from the on-site power
source, and any excess can be sold to the grid.
Based on the text, choose the letter next to the correct answer. Write your answers in the box below.
1. According to paragraph 1, what has happened in some oil producing countries?
a. They are unwilling to sell their oil any more.
b. They are not producing as much oil as they used to.
c. The supply of oil is unpredictable.
d. Global warming is more sever here than in other countries.
2.  Where in paragraph 1 can the following sentence be placed?
There is also likely more electricity generation centers, as households and communities take up the
opportunity to install photovoltaic cells and small scale wind turbines. 
a. A b. B c. C d. D
3. Which of the following is NOT a benefit of Smart Grid technology to consumers?
a. It can reduce their electricity bills.
b. It can tell them how much energy each appliance is using.
c. It can allow them to turn appliances on and off when they are not at home.
d. It can reduce the amount of energy needed to power appliances.
ANSWERS:
1. 2. 3.
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Part Two: Vocabulary (5pts)
I. Match the idioms (Column A) to their corresponding underlined words in the sentences (Column B).
Write your answers in the box below.
Column A
1. stick your neck out ….
2. an uphill struggle ….
3. up to no good ….
4. in the right frame of mind ….
5. fight tooth and nail ….
Column B
a. Even ideas that seem impractical can prove successful if
approached when thinking logically.
b. I can always know when my children are planning something
wicked from the guilty look on their faces.
c. Due to the current financial crisis, it will be extremely difficult
to save enough money for a trip.
d. Brazil will definitely win their next match since they’re playing
so well.
e. Do you really think it's wise to take a chance and lend your
boyfriend $5,000 from your savings?

ANSWERS:
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

II. Choose the letter next to the correct answer to complete the following sentences. Write your answers in the
box below.
1. This apparently minor event has …. increasing significance in recent weeks.
a. acquired b. left c. resulted d. added
2. As part of her sociology thesis, Helen …. herself in Japanese culture by living in Japan for six months. 
a. will involve b. will interact c. will immerse d. will attain
3. He kept on, planning and thinking and working, until at last he succeeded in making a boat with …. wheels
that could be run by steam.
a. rope b. wooden c. electrical d. paddle
4. The presidential candidate promised to change his country into a place of solid employment opportunities and
business …. .
a. hardship b. prosperity c. wealthy d. independence
5. He was elected employee of the month because he was a thoroughly …. clerk, devoted to his duty and
unsparing of trouble.
a. hilarious b. curious c. outrageous d. conscientious
ANSWERS:
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Part Three: Grammar (3pts)

Choose the letter next to the correct answer. (3pts.) Write your answers in the box below.
1. When we meet again next week, I …. (practice) tennis for at least a month.
a. would have been practicing b. practiced
c. am practicing d. will practice
2. Cynthia was super pleased to hear her son's voice, but …. when he blurted out the news.
a. abruptly her mood changed b. her mood abruptly changed
c. her abruptly mood changed d. her mood changed abruptly
3. Setting up a business isn't …. such a complicated process now as it used to be.
a. nearly b. like c. far d. as

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4. I picked up my bag, put on my coat and left the house, but as soon as I got the bus, I realized that I …. the
oven!
a. didn’t switch off b. hadn’t switched off
c. wasn’t switching off d. will have switched off
5. This graveyard, were put up by my great-grandfather, is in a poor condition.
a. which walls b. whose walls c. that walls d. where walls
6. A food scientist is …. invent new recipes and modify foods, for example to create fat free products.
a. supposed to b. expected to c. required to d. obliged to
ANSWERS:
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

Part Four: Writing (7.5pts) Choose ONE of the following prompts:

1. “Being challenged in life is inevitable; being defeated is optional.” - Roger Crawford
Do you agree or disagree with this statement? Why?
Write a well-organized essay (220-260 words) giving your point of view with specific reasons and
examples to support your position.
2. You are a travel agent and is excited to improve your national touristic business. You start an online blog
to encourage people to visit Lebanon.
Write a blog describing the best Lebanese attractions to convince your readers.
3. Felicia Day said, "Social media is an amazing tool, but it's really the face-to-face interaction that makes a
long-term impact."
Reply with a forum post giving your point of view.

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