ADVANCED 4 – BRITANICO GOLD – READING TASK – FEB 2022
You are going to read a magazine article about four people who travel to work by bicycle, motorbike or
scooter. For questions 31-40, choose from the people (A-D).
A. WALTER, solicitor
‘I’ve got a Kawasaki motorbike and I’m a
passionate enthusiast. It all began 20 years ago
when I was a student and I was looking for
something cheaper to run than a car. Now, I use it
every day. When it’s windy or pouring down with
rain it’s not very pleasant, but only really low
temperatures stop me going out on it. I am a very
impatient person, so I really appreciate not being
stuck in traffic jams. On the bike, you can get away
from other traffic more easily – the journey to work
would take twice as long by car. Also, when you
have a demanding job like mine, it’s useful to have
an excuse to get away from work and the phone.
The ride gives me a breathing space to go over
things in my mind without being interrupted.’
B. CLARE, project manager
‘I cycle from my home to the office in North
London every day. I started because I really
couldn’t bear being squashed in with all these
other people on the underground in the rush hour.
Another crucial thing for me is that I always know
how long the journey’s going to take; you can’t
always depend on public transport for that. In the
six years I’ve been cycling around London, I’ve
noticed that during commuting hours drivers are
very careful when cyclists are around.
Nevertheless, I make sure I wear a bright yellow
jacket so that I can’t be missed. I like to think that
cycling is my contribution to making the air cleaner
and saving the world’s resources. However, I have
to admit that I do go out in our car at weekends.’
Which person…
doesn’t use their bike if the weather is very bad?
says that it is safe to ride a bike in his/ her city?
wouldn’t change his/ her bike for another means of transport?
feels that some people think that riding a bike is inappropriate?
is concerned about environmental issues?
says people have to take care of their bikes?
says that having a bike is ideal for his/ her personality?
solved a problem by buying a bike unexpectedly?
says that riding his/ her bike relaxes him/ her?
used to have problems when he/ she left his/ her car in the street?
C. IVAN, insurance manager
‘About four years ago, during a tube strike, I was in a
taxi, running late for a meeting. As we passed a
showroom, I saw this Piaggio scooter in the window.
That’s when I had my flash of inspiration. I jumped
out of the cab, did the paperwork in 15 minutes, got
on the bike and arrived at the meeting on time. The
bike can’t go above 50 kilometres an hour, but
because you can overtake lines of cars it doesn’t
seem slow. It has shrunk London for me and means
I do extra business. I certainly couldn’t fit in as many
meetings without it. I am aware that many colleagues
and clients are astonished when I turn up for
important meetings on my bike, but it’s fun to
challenge expectations. I also know that there are
those who look down on this method of transport. But
the opinions of others don’t matter to me in the least;
I would rather have the bike than a flashy sports car!’
D. ANGELA, financial consultant
‘Although I have a full motorcycle licence, I prefer my
scooter. It’s not as powerful, obviously, but it’s better
in towns, as you can get through the traffic more
easily. What is great is that there are loads of parking
spots for bikes in London, so I don’t get all the parking
fines I did when I had a car.
I use the bike every day, not only to get to work but
also to see clients. People in the street sometimes
stare at me as I ride along. I expect I look strange
with my high heels, briefcase and work clothes. I also
go shopping on the scooter. Like many bike owners
round here, I’ve had two bikes taken from outside my
house. They were chained up, but the thieves lift the
whole thing into a van and drive off. So, it’s important
to keep an eye on your bike.’
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