Professional Documents
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Practice Test
8
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).
Example:
0 A baggy B loose C slack D free
0 A B C D
(2) on in years can create certain difficulties, and the elderly often have specific age-related problems.
(3) some elderly people may require assistance with (4) tasks like dressing, washing and feeding
themselves, others will have less (5) needs. On many occasions, as a volunteer, the only thing you’ll need to
do is be a companion – a person for them to talk to.
Of course, elderly people enjoy doing things (6) than talking. As many elderly people suffer from
(7) eyesight, they often appreciate being read to. Or they might enjoy being taken for a stroll in the local park.
Whichever programme you (8) for, you’ll see that being a volunteer is a highly rewarding way for you to spend
your summer months.
1 A parts B
duties C
posts D
places
2 A Going B
Being C
Getting D Putting
3 A However B Despite C As D While
4 A main B central C basic D
chief
5 A demanding B tough C heavy D hard
6 A besides B other C more D addition
7 A poor B worst C loss D lack
8 A opt B choose C select D
pick
CLOSE-UP COMPANION BOOKLET B2 PRACTICE TEST ANSWER KEY © National Geographic Learning 2019
Example: 0 O N
Box-office gold
Hold (0) ON to your popcorn! Matt Damon, star of box-office hits (9) SUCH as Ocean’s Eleven and The
HOWEVER/
Bourne Identity, is back! Unlike these earlier films, (10) THOUGH , We Bought a Zoo is not about spies, secrets
FROM/
and murder, but about a father and his two children suffering (11) AFTER the tragic loss of their wife and mother.
Damon stars (12) AS Benjamin Mee, who moves his family out of the city and into the countryside after his
son, Dylan (Colin Ford), gets (13) IN(TO) trouble at school. Benjamin has decided to buy, renovate and re-open
a struggling zoo. While his young daughter, Rosie (Maggie Elizabeth Jones), is delighted to (14) BE living in a big
house with a zoo full of animals as a back garden, young Dylan isn’t quite (15) SO/AS keen.
Although We Bought a Zoo might (16) NOT be everyone’s cup of tea – thriller fans take note – it’s sure to delight
both animal lovers and cinema-goers who enjoy a good comedy drama.
CLOSE-UP COMPANION BOOKLET B2 PRACTICE TEST ANSWER KEY © National Geographic Learning 2019
Example: 0 S E C O N D A R Y
Many young people see the gap year as (17) BENEFICIAL because it BENEFIT
allows them a short period of (18) RELAXATION after so many years RELAX
of study. Parents, on the other hand, do not always view the gap year
quite so (19) FAVOURABLY . One of their main concerns is that their FAVOUR
child might waste a year when they could be engaged in more useful (20)
EDUCATIONAL pursuits. EDUCATE
Some words of (21) WISDOM for parents who are against their WISE
child’s short ‘time out’: learning requires neither a teacher nor a classroom
to be effective. Travelling the world, and encountering new cultures and
customs, can prove (22) (IN)VALUABLE to a young person in search of VALUE
knowledge.
CLOSE-UP COMPANION BOOKLET B2 PRACTICE TEST ANSWER KEY © National Geographic Learning 2019
The gap can be filled by the words ‘twice as long as us’, so you write:
29 Sally was the only one who didn’t get into trouble.
APART GOT INTO
Everyone TROUBLE APART FROM Sally.
CLOSE-UP COMPANION BOOKLET B2 PRACTICE TEST ANSWER KEY © National Geographic Learning 2019
CLOSE-UP COMPANION BOOKLET B2 PRACTICE TEST ANSWER KEY © National Geographic Learning 2019
32 In the second paragraph, what does the writer suggest about the world?
A It was probably much fairer before countries began trading.
B It may become a little less fair in the future.
C It has never been a fair place.
D It became fairer once food producers learned their trade.
33 In the third paragraph, the phrase ‘naturally pre-packaged’ is used because of the fact that
A fruit never requires packaging.
B all fruits are bought pre-packaged.
C the banana’s skin acts as packaging.
D most foods need to be packaged.
35 In the last paragraph, what does the writer say is the best way to participate in fair trade?
A by starting the Take a Step campaign
B by buying fair trade produce and products
C by making a promise to the Fairtrade Foundation
D by informing others about the importance of fair trade
CLOSE-UP COMPANION BOOKLET B2 PRACTICE TEST ANSWER KEY © National Geographic Learning 2019
Pets, dogs and cats especially, can do that to you. They can lift your spirits and brighten your day with a single
ecstatic bark or a steady contented purr. 37 B It could be that this unique relationship results from the fact that
such a friendship is so satisfying and beneficial for both the two-legged and four-legged parties involved.
According to experts, man and wolves – the ancestors of every breed of dog on the planet – probably first teamed
up during the most recent ice age. Wolves were allowed to join the human ‘pack’ as they had two very important
characteristics: they were both ferocious and loyal. 38 G In return for their fierceness and devotion, wolves received
a place beside the fire, food and affection.
Records indicate that our other four-legged friend, the cat, also has a long history with humans. While it is not known
exactly when they were first domesticated, felines were considered sacred in ancient Egypt and their mummified bodies
have been discovered in temples and among old ruins. In addition, ancient folklore provides another sort of record, as
almost every culture makes some reference to felines as ‘familiars’ for those with supernatural powers. 39 A
In our modern world, dogs and cats are appreciated for many reasons. Medical professionals have long realised that canine
and feline companions are ideal for people suffering from ailments such as deafness, blindness and epilepsy. 40 F It
appears that our four-legged friends have a vital role to play as ‘therapists’ for those receiving mental health care.
There is also ample evidence that shows that the elderly live longer, healthier and happier lives
when they have a furry friend to keep them company. Pets give the aged a sense of purpose.
41 C But in meeting their pets’ needs, the aged feel more useful. Furthermore, taking
a dog for a walk or changing a cat’s litter box takes time and energy, so having
a pet helps the elderly stay active. There is every indication that
because of this, the general health of elderly pet-owners
is better than their non-pet-owning counterparts. They
tend to have lower blood pressure and are also less
likely to develop heart problems.
Pet owners are well aware of the
therapeutic benefits, both mental and
physical, of having a cat or a dog.
42 D The happiness a pet feels
upon seeing its owner is both
obvious and infectious. Having
a pet can only make a person
feel better about things,
regardless of what might
be bothering them!
CLOSE-UP COMPANION BOOKLET B2 PRACTICE TEST ANSWER KEY © National Geographic Learning 2019
B This is one of the things that makes the F More recently, research has been done to study
relationship humans have with their pets so the possible positive effects of pet therapy on
special. sufferers of dementia, depression, autism and
even addiction.
C That’s because pets have certain needs and can
be very hard work at times. G The former characteristic made them successful
hunters, while the latter meant they were
D They have the gift of being able to make a fantastic protectors.
person feel like somebody incredibly special,
loved and needed.
CLOSE-UP COMPANION BOOKLET B2 PRACTICE TEST ANSWER KEY © National Geographic Learning 2019
CLOSE-UP COMPANION BOOKLET B2 PRACTICE TEST ANSWER KEY © National Geographic Learning 2019
10
CLOSE-UP COMPANION BOOKLET B2 PRACTICE TEST ANSWER KEY © National Geographic Learning 2019
1 In your English class you have been talking about teens and physical fitness. Now your teacher has asked you
to write an essay for homework.
Write your essay using all the notes and giving reasons for your point of view.
‘All secondary school students should have to take part in physical education classes.’
Do you agree?
Notes
Write about:
1 staying fit
2 learning about team work
3 ................... (your own idea)
Students’ own answers
11
CLOSE-UP COMPANION BOOKLET B2 PRACTICE TEST ANSWER KEY © National Geographic Learning 2019
2 You have seen this notice in an English-language magazine for young people.
Reviews wanted
We are looking for reviews of a summer camp for teenagers where you live. Your review should
include information about what the camp is like, the kind of camp it is, the activities available
there and the camp leaders. Would you recommend this camp to other teenagers?
The best review will appear in our next issue.
Competition:
The Perfect Teen Holiday
What are the things that a holiday
destination must have?
Shopping facilities? Sports facilities?
Music clubs and cafés? You decide!
The best article will be published in nex t
month’s school paper.
Write your article.
4 A group of Japanese teenagers is coming to stay in your town and your teacher has asked you to write an
email to their teacher about things the group could do during their stay. Mention some activities that young
people in your town do for fun and where they usually do them. Then recommend the best places for the
group to go to enjoy themselves, giving reasons for your recommendations.
Write your email.
5 Question 5 always consists of a question on the set text. Only answer question 5 if you have studied the set
text. Here is an example of the kind of question you might be asked:
Your English class has had a discussion about the different scenes in the book you have read. Now your
English teacher has asked you to write a letter to a friend about your favourite scene in the book. You should
describe the scene and say how it made you feel, and also explain why this scene is your favourite.
Write your letter.
12
CLOSE-UP COMPANION BOOKLET B2 PRACTICE TEST ANSWER KEY © National Geographic Learning 2019
1 You hear two friends talking about a match they’ve just watched.
What does the boy think of the final result?
A It was unfair.
B It was predictable.
C
It was surprising.
3 You hear a youth club leader talking to some teens about an excursion.
Why is he talking to them?
A to give them new information
B to explain where they are going
C
to remind them about something
6 You hear two friends talking about a concert they have just been to.
What do they agree about?
A how crowded the venue was
B how expensive the tickets were
C
how well the band performed
13
CLOSE-UP COMPANION BOOKLET B2 PRACTICE TEST ANSWER KEY © National Geographic Learning 2019
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CLOSE-UP COMPANION BOOKLET B2 PRACTICE TEST ANSWER KEY © National Geographic Learning 2019
People who stay temporarily in the homes of others are called sofa surfers 10
Over 80,000/eighty thousand 11 young people are affected by homelessness every year.
Jules says the homeless are put up in shelters, hostels and flats 12
Jules says young people need skills to be competitive in the job market 14
Night Out participants have only a(n) cardboard box 16 for warmth.
You can’t take part in Night Out until you complete the form 18 on the website.
15
CLOSE-UP COMPANION BOOKLET B2 PRACTICE TEST ANSWER KEY © National Geographic Learning 2019
Questions 19 – 23
You will hear five people talking about their eating habits. For questions 19 – 23, choose from the list (A – H)
what each speaker says about their eating habits. Use the letters only once. There are three extra letters which
you do not need to use.
Speaker 1 E 19
Speaker 2 D 20
Speaker 3 C 21
Speaker 4 F 22
Speaker 5 A 23
16
CLOSE-UP COMPANION BOOKLET B2 PRACTICE TEST ANSWER KEY © National Geographic Learning 2019
17
CLOSE-UP COMPANION BOOKLET B2 PRACTICE TEST ANSWER KEY © National Geographic Learning 2019
Interlocutor In this part of the test, I’m going to give each of you two photographs. I’d like you to
talk about your photographs on your own for about a minute, and also to answer a short
question about your partner’s photographs.
See photos (Candidate A), it’s your turn first. Here are your photographs. They show people eating in
A and B on different places.
page 174. I’d like you to compare the photographs, and say what would be the advantages and
disadvantages of eating at these different places.
All right?
Candidate A (Speak for approximately 1 minute.)
Interlocutor Thank you. (Candidate B), do you enjoy eating out?
Candidate B (Reply for approximately 30 seconds.)
Interlocutor Thank you.
18
CLOSE-UP COMPANION BOOKLET B2 PRACTICE TEST ANSWER KEY © National Geographic Learning 2019
See photos Now (Candidate B), here are your photographs. They show different kinds of street
C and D on performers.
page 175. I’d like you to compare the photographs, and say what people might find interesting
about watching these different street performers.
All right?
Candidate B (Speak for approximately 1 minute.)
Interlocutor Thank you. (Candidate A), which of these street performers would you like to watch?
Candidate A (Reply for approximately 30 seconds.)
Interlocutor Thank you.
PART 3
Interlocutor Now, I’d like you to talk about something together for about two minutes.
(3 minutes for groups of three)
See written I’d like you to imagine that you are going to have an end-of-the-year party. Here are
prompts on some ideas for the party and a question for you to discuss. First you have some time to
page 176. look at the task.
Now, talk to each other about why it might be important to have these things when
you hold a party.
Candidates (Discuss for approximately 2 minutes – 3 minutes for groups of three.)
Interlocutor Thank you. Now you have about a minute to decide which two things are the least
important when you hold a party.
Candidates (Reply for approximately 1 minute – for pairs and groups of three.)
Interlocutor Thank you.
PART 4
Interlocutor Select any of the following questions as appropriate:
Select any of the following
• How important is it for people to celebrate prompts, as appropriate:
special occasions? …… (Why?)
• What do you think?
• Do people in your country tend to celebrate • Do you agree?
things like birthdays or name days? • And you?
• What sort of arrangements do people make
for parties in your country?
• Do you think people spend too much money on celebration parties nowadays?
…… (Why?/Why not?)
• Would you ever consider having a theme party? …… (Why?/Why not?)
• Some people say that celebrations should be small and for family members
only. What do you think? …… (Why?)
Thank you. That is the end of the test.
CLOSE-UP COMPANION BOOKLET B2 PRACTICE TEST ANSWER KEY © National Geographic Learning 2019