A

The Notting Hill Carnival is one of the world’s largest street festivals. It is held in the Notting Hill area
of West London. Over one million people attend the carnival, which takes place over three days every
August. The event started in 1966 as a celebration of Caribbean culture, with people from the West
Indies, who had immigrated to London, organizing the festival. Nowadays, the event is very multi-cultural
and people from all the different communities of London come together at the festival. However, the
music, costumes, floats and food still have a strong Caribbean influence.

B
The Rio de Janiero Carnival is the biggest and most famous street festival in the world. It is held annually
in the Brazilian city, over six days before the Christian festival of Lent. On each day, over two million
people come out on to the streets of Rio to dance and play music. There are competitions between the
different samba schools, with each school trying to have the best float, costume and music, as well as to
be the best at samba dancing. These days, some of the main events are ticketed and held in stadiums.
1 of 6
The passage explains how the carnival started.
Passage A
Passage B
Both Passages
2 of 6
The passage says how often the carnival is held.
Passage A
Passage B
Both Passages
3 of 6
The passage suggests what is available to eat at the carnival.
Passage A
Passage B
Both Passages
4 of 6
The passage says that people have to pay for parts of the carnival.
Passage A
Passage B
Both Passages
5 of 6
The passage describes what people see and do at the carnival.
Passage A
Passage B
Both Passages
6 of 6
The passage explains where the festival is held.
Passage A
Passage B
Both Passages
 Read both passages. Then read each statement and decide if it is supported by

 Passage A  Both passages

 Passage B  Neither passage

A
There are several mountains around the world which, based on various criteria, stake a
claim to the title of the world’s highest mountain. The best known of these is
undoubtedly Mount Everest.

Located where the borders of Nepal and China meet within the Himalayan mountain
range, Mount Everest rises to a magnificent 8,848 meters above sea level. This means
it is the point on the Earth’s surface that achieves the greatest distance above sea level.
It is believed that it is continuing to grow very slowly, as the Himalayan mountain range
is pushed upwards.

Because of its fame, the challenge of climbing Mount Everest is something many
climbers wish to achieve. Since the first time the peak was reached in 1953, over 4,000
climbers have made their way up the mountain. It is a difficult and dangerous climb,
though, and many people have lost their lives on its snowy slopes.

B
Mauna Kea in Hawaii is a contender for the highest mountain on Earth. Although it
only rises 4,205 meters above sea level, much more of it is under the water. When
measured from the seabed, it is over 10,000 meters high, much higher than Mount
Everest.

Mauna Kea is a dormant volcano that was created by the Pacific tectonic plate over a
million years ago, and many layers of lava have added to its height. Although it has not
erupted for over 4,000 years, it is expected to one day erupt again.

All five of the peaks on Hawaii are considered sacred by the Hawaiian people, but
Mauna Kea is the most holy, so only high-ranking religious people are supposed to visit
it. However, due to its location, the peak of the mountain is one of the best places in
the world to look at the stars and so, despite some controversy, a road was built to the
top, where an observatory was constructed.
1 of 10
The author describes the origin of the mountain.
Passage A Both Passages
Passage B Neither Passage

2 of 10
The passage explains why this mountain should be considered the highest
in the world.
Passage A Both Passages
Passage B Neither Passage
3 of 10
The author mentions an activity the mountain is used for.
Passage A Passage B
 Both Passages Neither Passage
4 of 10
The author mentions that there are different opinions on the highest
mountain in the world.
Passage A Both Passages
Passage B Neither Passage

5 of 10
The passage mentions dangers associated with the mountain’s height.
Passage A Both Passages
Passage B Neither Passage

6 of 10
The author suggests that this mountain is really the highest.
Passage A Both Passages
Passage B Neither Passage
7 of 10
The passage explains the cultural significance of a mountain.
Passage A Both Passages
Passage B Neither Passage

8 of 10
The author mentions how the mountain is thought to be currently changing.
Passage A Both Passages
Passage B Neither Passage
9 of 10
The author believes people should not climb this mountain.
Passage A Both Passages
Passage B Neither Passage
10 of 10
The author implies that local people do not always agree with how the
mountain is used.
Passage A Both Passages
Passage B Neither Passage

A
Hanging clear, water-filled bags from doorways is an increasingly popular, and rather
unlikely, new method for deflecting annoying—and potentially disease-carrying—flies
from building entrances.

Some advocates claim that the flies recognize the liquid as the surface of a body of
water while others—ludicrously—insist the insect flies away because it is frightened by
its own magnified reflection. The most credible explanation, however, concerns the
refraction of light.

Light rays travel in a straight line. Refraction is what happens when something—like a
clear object such as a piece of glass or a bag of water—gets in the way. Hitting the
object changes the ray’s velocity and direction, bending, or refracting, it. Refracted rays
of light can cause optical illusions, including such things as mirages that even confuse
human eyes.

A fly’s head consists primarily of a pair of large complex eyes, each composed of 3,000
to 6,000 simple eyes. This physiology allows the fly to see in multiple directions at once.
Even though these eyes cannot move or focus on objects like human eyes, they grant
the fly a mosaic view of its surroundings, and each simple eye provides one small piece
of the puzzle. A housefly bases its sense of direction on the direction sunlight comes
from, so when these complex, sensitive eyes experience refracted light, the fly becomes
confused and flies away.

Although this explanation is persuasive and plausible, research conducted to replicate

the results on fly-plagued poultry farms has been inconclusive.

B
While the water-bag method of fly repellent has many supporters, it has at least as many
detractors. Advocates claim that refracted light in water baffles the flies’ compound
eyes. This theory seems quite plausible, but critics classify it as a kind of coincidence
masquerading as cause and effect. They say that hanging water bags may seem to work
due to the placebo effect. In medicine this is a treatment without therapeutic value,
which is administered as if it were a therapy. The "medicine" makes people feel better
due to psychological effects rather than due to its curative values. The same effect is
likely to occur when people think they are treating a pest problem, and thus notice that
the problem seems to diminish.

But what if the placebo even increases the problem? Recently, scientists conducted an
experiment over the course of thirteen weeks on two egg farms to measure fly activity
and encountered just such a situation. They installed commercial, water-based optical
fly repellents and concluded that the areas equipped with water bags actually attracted
more of these irritating creatures.

Since there are reasonable explanations that support the water-bag method and
significant evidence that argues against it, it’s up to you whether you keep hanging up
water-filled bags around your home or not.
1 of 12
The passage mentions experiments conducted in an agricultural
environment.
Passage A Both Passages
Passage B Neither Passage
2 of 12
The passage makes a convincing case for the effectiveness of the water-
bag method.
Passage A Both Passages
Passage B Neither Passage
3 of 12
The passage states that there are more people who do not believe in the
water-bag theory than there are supporters of the theory.
Passage A Both Passages
Passage B Neither Passage
4 of 12
The passage suggests that people hang water bags and then notice fewer
pests.
Passage A Both Passages
Passage B Neither Passage
5 of 12
The author supports the theory that flies are scared of their own reflection.
Passage A Both Passages
Passage B Neither Passage

6 of 12
The passage mentions the claim that water bags make flies look bigger.
Passage A Both Passages
Passage B Neither Passage

7 of 12
The passage mentions the fact that flies have compound eyes.
Passage A Both Passages
Passage B Neither Passage
8 of 12
The passage states that use of water bags is connected to higher levels of
fly activity.
Passage A Both Passages
Passage B Neither Passage
9 of 12
The passage claims that refracted light can affect human optical
perceptions.
Passage A Both Passages
Passage B Neither Passage
10 of 12
The passage mentions the claim that refracted light in water confuses flies.
Passage A Both Passages
Passage B Neither Passage

11 of 12
The author of the passage dismisses the water-bag method as ineffective.
Passage A Both Passages
Passage B Neither Passage
12 of 12
The author of the passage cites human beliefs as an explanation.
Passage A Both Passages
Passage B Neither Passage
 The plane finally arrived after a _ of three hours.
slowing halt
stall delay
2 of 6
Appliances and electronics are sold on the second _.
landing floor
stage base
3 of 6
Jennifer said she would _ her son to play online games if he got low marks on
his report card.
prevent deny
forbid exclude
4 of 6
A notable _ of the symposium was the speech by a famous entrepreneur.
feature headline
attention emphasis
5 of 6
You have been an _ help since I moved out here a few months ago.
intense excessive
infinite enormous
6 of 6
The black rhinoceros is listed as a critically _ species.
endangered exposed
dangerous weak

Read the article about a marathon and choose the best answer for each question.

So, you want to run your first marathon? These tips may help you succeed.

First, you’ll need a training plan. Most experts say you should be running consistently for at least
a year before attempting a marathon. Running a few shorter races can help you understand how
to pace yourself for the real thing. You must buy quality running shoes, lightweight running
clothes, a wristwatch and a reliable water pack. You might also consider buying sunglasses or a
sunhat.

Next, preparing yourself mentally is just as important as building your physical strength. Instead
of complaining about the weather or criticizing the running course, focus on your thoughts.
Everyone feels too tired to go on at some point during a marathon. Your determination to keep
running is completely in your control!

You will also need a strategy for race day. The day before your big race, eat nutritious food that
has worked for you in training. On the day of the race, you should begin about an hour before the
race with stretching and slower-paced running. During the race, find a group going your speed
and run with them. The group can shelter you from any headwinds and help you keep on your
pace.

Finally, you need to choose your marathon. If you want to run in a famous race like the New York
or London Marathon, you’ll need to have completed a previous marathon under a certain time.
The best runners have times just over two hours, but your time can be quite a bit slower than this
and still qualify you for the race.
1 of 8
What is the main purpose of this article?
To help someone create a detailed marathon training plan
To help a runner understand race strategy
To describe famous marathon races
To give general advice for running a marathon
2 of 8
What is a requirement to train for a marathon, according to the passage?
Maintaining healthy weight Running regularly for a year
Eating a nutritious diet Mental stability
3 of 8
What would be one way to build a runner's mental strength for the marathon?
Release stress by vocalizing complaints
Check the weather forecast for the day of the race
Be critical about the route the race will take
Concentrate on creating mental images of completing the race
4 of 8
Which statement below supports what the passage says about mental training?
Runners who drop out of a marathon near the finish line are as physically fit as the runners who finish the
race.
Runners who train for mental stamina do not need to do as much physical training.
Runners with marathon race experience are mentally better prepared than runners who have no
experience.
Runners who run in a group are less tired and discouraged than those who run alone.
5 of 8
What should runners do to warm up for the race?
Fill up their water packs and check their shoes Run several quick miles
Stretch their muscles and run slowly Plan a pace for the race
6 of 8
Running in a group provides what advantage?
It reduces the wind on some runners. It helps the runner have a positive attitude.
It increases the running pace. It prevents the runner from quitting the race.
7 of 8
What is an optional item to have when training for a marathon?
A hat for the sun Lightweight running clothes
A pack for water Good running shoes
8 of 8
What does a person need in order to run in a well-known marathon?
Many years of running and training Experience in many other races
A qualifying time in a prior marathon A good group to run with
Laruna Hotel

This is a wonderful resort if you’re looking to get away for a week or two. This large hotel has over 400 rooms,
many with a view of the ocean. If you want golden sand and fun in the sea then this is the resort for you. The
hotel price includes Jet Skiing, waterskiing and swimming. You can even try sailing (additional costs apply).

Other than water sports, there is plenty to do. There is a tennis court with a gym next to it in the local village.
The city is only 10 miles away, where you can go shopping. In addition, the hotel can organize a day trip into
the mountains. If you just want to relax, there is a massage room.

A breakfast buffet is served by the swimming pool every morning. For lunch and dinner, the hotel has a great
restaurant that looks out over the sea. In the evening they serve freshly grilled seafood. The prices are
expensive but the quality is very good. The menu is mostly seafood but they do have other options.

Two nights a week there is live music after dinner. The hotel has a schedule of local bands who play dance
music and even offer samba and rhumba lessons for hotel guests. Many visitors say this is a favorite feature of
their hotel stay.

This hotel offers free transfer from the airport.

This passage is most likely from

a travel brochure.
an email about a vacation.
a map of an island.
an article about hotel food.
2 of 8
What is the main purpose of the passage?
To compare the Laruna Hotel to other hotels in the area
To describe what the Laruna Hotel offers its guests
To report on what past guests think of the Laruna Hotel
To present what the author thinks is best about the Laruna Hotel
3 of 8
Which of the following is a feature at the Laruna Hotel?
A tennis court
Shops
A massage room
A gym
4 of 8
According to the passage, the Laruna Hotel restaurant is
Over-priced
Cheap
Poor quality
Good value
5 of 8
What must guests at the Laruna Hotel pay extra for?
Waterskiing
Jet Skiing
Swimming
Sailing
6 of 8
Which of the following is a favorite experience of many Laruna Hotel guests?
Going to the beach
Spending a day in the mountains
Taking Latin dance classes
Going shopping in the city
7 of 8
 Which description best fits the Laruna Hotel?
A place designed to make families with young children comfortable
A vacation that includes the beach and some taste of local culture
A hotel especially suited to people who love to hike in rugged landscapes
A trip for those who especially like night life
8 of 8
Which of the facts does the passage tell you about the Laruna Hotel?
The country where it is located
The language the people there speak
The number of rooms in the hotel
The distance from the hotel to the beach