For almost twenty years, East Germans ran, swam and jumped their way to Olympic glory, winning

gold medals and

(1) world records. In the 1972 Olympics, which (2) in Munich, West Germany, the East Germans (3)
third in

the medals table behind the Soviet Union and the United States. Four years later, East Germany won
an incredible

40 gold medals, six more than the Americans.

People were (4) a loss to explain how a nation of just 17 million people (5) rival the sporting success
of the mighty

Soviet Union and the United States. The answer was a secret doping programme. The government of
East Germany

was determined to (6) a reputation for their country as a model of sporting achievement, and
decided they could

achieve this with the use of steroids developed in a secret laboratory. From the 1960s until East
Germany's end in 1989,

approximately 10,000 young athletes were given pills that transformed them into physically (7)
machines. The athletes

were told they were 'vitamins'. But these pills came at a(n) (8) . The steroids made many
athletes sick and (9) to

heart problems and cancer. Many years later, some of these athletes spoke out and a few even asked
for their records to be

cancelled as they (10) them by fair and honest means.

1 a making b doing c setting d putting

2 a took place b took part c took in d took up

3 a went b came c was d took

4 a in b for c on d at

5 a must b could c should d might

6 a make b have c build d create

7 a powerful b power c powerfully d powers

8 a time b price c agony d pressure

9 a connected b responded c catered d led

10 a had not won b have not won c used to win d were winning

( / 10 marks)
B For questions 1–10, read the text below and think of the word which best fits each gap.

Use only one word in each gap.

Living in a capsule

The famous capsule hotels of Japan offer accommodation unlike any other you

may have experienced (1) . These unique hotels were built to cater (2)

the needs of Japanese business men who work (3) late and miss the last

train home. For late-night party people, it's safer and cheaper to spend the

night in a capsule (4) it is to go home. At a cost of around 20-35 euros per

night (less for weekly or monthly rates), they offer just the basic necessities.

All you do is get a ticket from a vending (5) that is usually in the lobby. You

hand the ticket to the clerk and you are given a capsule number and a key that

opens a small locker (6) contains a pair of slippers, pyjamas and towels for

bathing. You (7) take your shoes off because it is customary in Japan not to

wear shoes indoors.

You use a small ladder to climb into your capsule. The capsules are surprisingly

comfortable to lie in, but they are not suitable for (8) else. However, each

capsule does contain a TV, and there's usually free wi-fi so you can (9)

online if you have a laptop. The most common complaint made by people who

have stayed in a capsule hotel is loudly-snoring neighbours. But there's not

really (10) you can do about that.

Copyright © National Geographic Learning.

Permission granted to photocopy for classroom use.

Close-up B2 Second Edition

Mid-Year Test

( / 10 marks)

Copyright © National Geographic Learning.

Permission granted to photocopy for classroom use.

Close-up B2 Second Edition

Mid-Year Test

C For questions 1–10, read the text below. Use the word given in capitals at the end of some of the
lines to

form a word that fits in the gap in the same line.

Over the top

I was puzzled by my sister's (1) . She kept BEHAVE

locking herself in her room and would spend hours in

there all alone, sometimes crying (2) . CONTROL

So one day, when she was out, I decided to do some detective work.

I know I shouldn't have, and I did feel (3) COMFORT

looking through her stuff, but my (4) had got CURIOUS

the better of me and I was (5) for some answers. ANXIETY

To my (6) , I came across a massive notebook filled ASTONISH

with I love Justin line after line. That's it. Over and over again. 'That's

(7) ,' I thought and wondered who this Justin EXCESS

could be. Whoever he was, I certainly (8) of APPROVE

my sister wasting her time on him. As I stood there scratching my head,

my gaze fell upon the various posters on her bedroom walls.

Of course! Justin Adams! He was her favourite singer. But

how could a skinny teen, whose only (9) ACCOMPLISH

was a stupid hairstyle, turn my otherwise intelligent sister into

a(n) (10) being who was constantly miserable? RATIONAL

It was time for a serious talk.

( / 10 marks)

D For questions 1–10, use the word given to complete the second sentence so that it has a similar
meaning to

the first sentence. Do not change the word given. You must use between two and five words,
including the

word given.

1 Could you tell me where the bus stop is, please? IF

I me where the bus stop is.

2 Quentin, how long have you known Tracy? WHEN

Quentin, Tracy?

3 It was wrong of you to speak to your sister like that. SHOULD

You to your sister like that.

4 They didn’t let the athletes leave the country. ALLOWED

The athletes the country.

5 Danny started watching TV at ten and it's now twelve. HAS

Danny two hours.

6 My parents and I never went to the cinema when I was younger. USE

I to the cinema with my parents when I was younger.

7 Miranda wasn't confident enough to become an actress. SHY

Miranda an actress.

8 We started looking for a new house and found one soon after. BEEN

We long when we found our new house.

9 Come on, Harry, or we’ll get to the stadium after the match starts! WILL

By the time we get to the stadium, the match , Harry!

10 I don’t think there are many celebrities who deserve their fame. VERY

I celebrities who deserve their fame. ( / 20 marks)

Copyright © National Geographic Learning.

Permission granted to photocopy for classroom use.

Close-up B2 Second Edition

Mid-Year Test

Write your report in 140–190 words in an appropriate style.

You work at a university office helping to find accommodation for students.

Your supervisor wants to know how the office can offer a better service

and has asked you to write a report. Your report should cover types of
accommodation, areas where accommodation is available, cost, transport

services to the university and anything else you consider relevant.