Advanced Plus Achievement test 4 (Units 7–8)
Listening
1 Recording 7 Listen to a discussion about trends
in literature. Underline the correct answer, a),
b) or c).
1 Dale believes digital technology b publishing.
a) has greatly changed
b) has had less effect than predicted on
c) has undermined the creativity in
2 Dale explains that many online self-published
titles ____ .
a) fail to find a publisher
b) are written by inexperienced authors
c) eventually get published conventionally
3 Peter suggests that people ____ .
a) find reading on screen awkward
b) are unlikely to read much these days
c) are really keen on new technology for reading
4 Peter predicts that, in the future, digital books
____ .
a) won’t be as successful as expected
b) will involve different media
c) won’t be of interest to readers of his age
5 Dale thinks dystopian fiction ____ .
a) has become more profitable
b) mirrors current issues reflected in the media
c) doesn’t help readers understand present reality
6 Peter agrees with Dale’s assertion that ____ .
a) people read dystopian fiction for enjoyment
b) people read dystopian fiction to distract
themselves from the real world
c) people read dystopian fiction to reflect on current
events
5
2 Recording 7 Listen again and write true (T) or
false (F).
1 Dale believes that the print industry is in
decline.
2 Peter suggests that blended ways of reading
may be successful in the future.  
3 Both authors and readers agree that the novel
is in decline.  
4 Dale suggests that many current dystopian
stories may never be made available as books.  
5 Dale thinks that the ideas in these stories
aren’t reflected in the media agenda.  
6 Both speakers think that dystopian literature
can lose its power once read by a mainstream
audience.  
5
PHOTOCOPIABLE © Pearson Education Limited 2018
3 Recording 8 Listen to people giving their
opinion on different issues. Match speakers 1–6
with their views a)–g). There is one extra
answer you do not need.
1 Matthias   g     
2 Lewis           
3 Becky           
4 Sophie           
5 Lily           
6 Nick           
The speaker…
a) is disappointed by predictability.
b) has strong convictions about an issue.
c) has strong doubts about a relationship working.
d) feels that you have to work at a relationship.
e) thinks people need to be a bit more principled.
f) feels that often choices are made without thought.
g) has reservations about using technology again.
5
Grammar
4 Complete the second sentence with no more
than five words so that it means the same as the
first. Use the word in CAPITALS.
1 If they catch people littering here, they get fined.
CAUGHT
People caught littering will be fined.
2 I’m sorry; I can’t answer that question right now.
IMPOSSIBLE
It’s         answer that question
right now.
3 The embassy insisted they repatriate Karl
BE
The embassy         repatriated.
4 I don’t want to criticise, but they sound terrible.
FAR
        to criticise, but they’re
F
bad.
5 You say that, but nothing is going to change.
   
THAT
Be         , little will change.
   
6 The coach expressed pride in how his team
played.
   
PROUD
The coach         the team.
   
7 It really happened, although it does seem strange.
AS
Strange         , it’s based on
   
fact.
8 I was very surprised to hear that I’d won.
MUCH
        , I heard that I’d won.
9 I can’t say that I really enjoy food which is spicy.
PARTICULARLY
I’m         spicy food.
 Advanced Plus Achievement test 4 (Units 7–8)
5 Complete the text with a), b) or c).
1
  c   on the windswept beach on the fringe of an
arid, desolate landscape it is easy to see how the
bleak beauty of the Ningaloo reef has failed to
compete with its more glamourous counterpart – the
Great Barrier – in terms of tourist appeal. Difficult
2
           it is to credit, this seemingly inhospitable
spot has been home to the indigenous Yamatji
people for 30,000 years. My guide, Ben, seems
3
           surprised as I take yet another photo, and I
admit I was a little embarrassed 4           the excitable
tone in my voice, but the thought 5           a place like
this does push you to superlatives. And the best is
yet to come. From the shore there is no hint 6           prey species, hunting mainly small mammals.
what natural wonders the reef offers. Suffice it
7
           once we are in the sea the true beauty of the
place becomes apparent. Despite attempts to
develop the area, Ningaloo remains untouched, and I
for one applaud that. If retaining its impressive
wilderness means staying off the tourist map then
8
           . Remaining a secret isn’t something to get
too upset 9           .
1 a) To stand b) Stand
2 a) whether b) if
3 a) fully b) somewhat
4 a) by b) of
5 a) at b) in
6 a) from b) of
7 a) saying b) say
8 a) so it be b) so be it
9 a) with b) at
6 Order the words and phrases to make
sentences.
1 being issued / weren’t confident / Although
eligible / about a refund / for compensation / they
Although eligible for compensation, they weren’t
confident about a refund being issued.
2 say something like that / Far be / to criticise / that
you should / it for me / but it’s odd
3 time the / that it’s / Given / a school day / in bed /
were / tomorrow / it’s / children / I think
4 into consideration / It is vital / guidelines on /
taken / that current / censorship be
5 in delaying the start date / Employees working /
the original building / that redevelopment would /
have succeeded / of the environmental impact / on
the site of / who have complained / incur
PHOTOCOPIABLE © Pearson Education Limited 2018
4
8
Vocabulary
7 Choose the correct alternative.
1 I think that trust is something you have to build to
ensure a stable/working relationship.
2 It’s one of the most attractive resorts in Thailand,
where you can immerse yourself in the opulent/
tranquil surroundings of Siamese palaces.
3 In the end we chose the least/lesser of two evils,
and paid the fine.
4 He would spend his evenings poring into/over
notes written in the manuscript’s margins.
5 It’s one of Europe’s most sophisticated predator/
6 Officials from the department of conservation
began a three day cull/hunt of the herds to ensure
the spread of the disease was halted.
5
8 Complete the text with the words in the box.
authentic click straightaway indie film
compromise panoramic rocky
c) Standing
universal appeal formulaic plotlines
c) though
road movie legendary
c) widely
c) with
It’s perhaps the most quintessential of movie genres,
c) of
exploring vast 1 panoramic  views while dealing
c) with
with the depths of a protagonist’s psyche. Pushing
c) to say
back the last frontier and finding a way through an
c) so what
alienating modern world that’s the antithesis to the
c) about
bonds depicted on screen. It is, of course, the 2         .
8
Despite their often 3         these films still seem to
fire the public’s interest. So, what is the 4         of the
genre? In many ways it is the sense of familiarity
that provides the attraction. We know that there will
be a car, a protagonist (who gets to drive first), a
wise-cracking buddy, and an inadvertent passenger
with whom the occupants fail to 5         . We know
that despite the diversions, distractions, and
dilemmas that our travellers will never 6         – the
destination is, after all, everything. Relationships
will be tested. Sometimes it’ll get a bit 7         . And
after a minor mishap (a puncture, an arrest) one of
the supporting cast will offer some platitudes which
we can all live by. Follow your dreams. Trust in
yourself. Never pick up a stranger. OK, I know I
sound a bit facetious, but, I’ll admit it, I love them.
From the lowly 8         versions with their meagre
budgets and shaky camera work, to the 9        
classics like Badlands and Easy Rider. What I
would love to see, though is an 10         road trip
depicted on screen. With kids asking, ‘Are we
nearly there, yet?’ and a CD of the Frozen
 Advanced Plus Achievement test 4 (Units 7–8)

soundtrack on heavy rotation. Now, can we get an

A-lister to commit?

PHOTOCOPIABLE © Pearson Education Limited 2018

 Advanced Plus Achievement test 4 (Units 7–8)
9 Complete the sentences with one word.
1 I’m not really intending to buy anything, but I
might peruse  the new releases to see if anything
is worth getting.
2 I think you should give it another go. Sit down and
talk things through if you can. It’s not like you to
bear a            .
3 While many people are familiar with traditional
aspects associated with the imperial age, few are
as knowledgeable as the Ainu – the            people
of Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island.
4 I completely refused to be taken in by her attempts
to get what she wanted, but she chose the path of
least            , and her father bowed to the pressure.
5 I wouldn’t exactly describe it as a page-turner, but
having            into the first few chapters I might as
well finish reading it.
6 Despite its incredible natural beauty, it’s an area
that has been noticeably scarred by recent            A: So, what happened at the diner then?
events.
7 There’s a good deal of debate between animal
conservationists and those with a vested interest in
land management. Allowing so many deer to
the hills is impacting on fragile ecosystems.
6 B: Well suddenly he gets up and starts walking
Function
10 Correct the mistakes in each sentence.
1 He claims that he’s in favour of change, but I’d be
surprising surprised if that really was the case.
2 So, this girl walked up to me and likes, ‘Who
invited you then?’ I was absolutely mortified.
3 I disagree with a good deal of what you’re saying,
but in that aspect I’m with you completely.
4 They were really into sci-films, you know, Blade
Runner, Alien, stuff as that.
5 Well, I try to be as understanding as possible, but
I’m really against any shape of cruelty to animals.
6 There aren’t many people that you meet like that
anymore, if you know how I mean.
5
PHOTOCOPIABLE © Pearson Education Limited 2018
11 Complete the conversations with phrases a)–
m). There are two options you do not need.
1
A: I’ve been reading an article about that polar bear
cub that’s been born in captivity in Scotland –
they reckon it’s an unqualified success for
conservation of the species. 1   g  ?
B: Well, I find it pretty hard to see where they are
coming from. I’m 2        of captivity or wildlife
parks. Animals like that should be protected in
their natural habitats.
A: Well, 3        that sounds like a good stance to
take, but it’s not really feasible is it? I mean, think
of the costs it would incur.
B: Fair enough, it would be expensive, but it’s what
they do with a lot of endangered species of big
cats. Why 4        in this circumstance?
2
B: Well, there was 5        guy who kept looking over
at our table, and Claire 6        – ‘Sarah, that guy’s
looking at you. Do you know him?’ So then I 7      
glance across, and he’s totally staring at us. He
was pretty good looking, yeah.
A: Really? Then what?
towards us. He stops, and I’m about to play it cool
you know, maybe say ‘hi’. But then I’m like 8      ,
he’s kind of looking right through us 9       ?
A: Weird!
B: Well, not exactly. At that point I realised he was
looking at the menu board. On the wall, behind us.
I was so embarrassed!
3
A: Have you heard the latest plans? They’re talking
about erecting a wind farm at the head of the
valley. It’s an absolute outrage.
B: Really, I’d be surprised if 10        it’s a designated
site of scientific interest. They can’t just develop it
without a thorough consultation process.
B: Well, 11        but look at this leaflet. It’s definitely
going ahead soon.
a) was like
b) one of those things
c) on the face of it
d) supposedly so
e) should it be any different
f) that were the case
g) What’s your take on it
h) strange
i) sort of
j) that doesn’t surprise me in the least
k) this
l) you know what I mean
m) really against any form
10
 Advanced Plus Achievement test 4 (Units 7–8)
Reading
12 Read four different views on modern cinema.
Decide if the statements are true (T), false (F),
or not given (NG).
The state of our screen: four views on the nature of
contemporary cinema.
A Caitlin Jones
Realising that the old order is under siege we are
seeing a plethora of cinematic offerings which make
concessions to more progressive politics. These are
projects which ostensibly herald greater diversity,
equal opportunity, a platform for change, a voice for
the erstwhile oppressed. But I, for one, hear only the
steady ring of cash registers. Hollywood is nothing
if not cynical in its most recent iteration. You can
easily fill a cast with a quota of predominantly
female characters, if you think it’ll make box office
sense, but what would really change things would be
a supportive environment that allowed for more
female directors, writers and cinematographers to
readily access the funds available to male
counterparts. That would be much more beneficial
than the stream of gender re-boots which are just
concealing the lack of dynamism in cinema today.
B Arno Vilders
While it took some time to respond to the
competition levelled by the more agile elements of
the small-screen’s streaming contingent, it now
seems to be in a very healthy phase of creativity.
The depth and range of titles regularly being
nominated for prestigious awards is on the up, and
we are seeing an increasing number of authentic
narratives from female and ethnically-varied
directors. The dominance of old white male auteurs
is being undermined, and there are opportunities for
other stories to be told. In fact, the digital era has
been instrumental in ensuring that production,
distribution, and promotion of film has been
liberated from conventional forms. As the century
progresses I’m confident about the industry
continuing in this more democratic, nurturing vein.
C Sasha Hughes
While we have seen some truly incredible original
stories making it to the big screen, there is an
ongoing trend which is less engaging for me as critic
and viewer. Whether it’s through a scarcity of
originality, or as is more likely, a conservatism
based on market return, studios have been notable
for green-lighting projects which re-make, re-boot,
or just plain re-release existing content. This
tendency, alongside the inevitable slew of sequels
cluttering up the box office, ensures that some real
gems are pushed to the fringes – showing on far too
few screens to ensure the financial success that
PHOTOCOPIABLE © Pearson Education Limited 2018
should coincide with largely critical acclaim. At its
worst, the desire to provide a mainstream version of
a foreign language version is an act of cultural
appropriation – some egocentric folly suggesting
somehow that Hollywood always knows, and does,
best.
D Paul Olyweyo
We couldn’t exactly say that we’re revelling in a
golden age, despite the recent plaudits given to the
Academy for recognising that there is talent out
there beyond the usual suspects. Yes, I will concede
that there are a number of exciting independently-
minded smart directors and studios which tend to
challenge and provoke while ultimately entertaining
their audiences, but, these pale into insignificance
when up against the cultural juggernauts pushed by
the biggest studios. It would be churlish to say that
they are all bad, and I can see the business sense that
a franchise makes, but it is growing increasingly
tiresome when every third release is part of their all-
consuming oeuvre. I’m secretly yearning for the day
when the storylines simply run out – leaving an
opportunity for something else in their wake.
1 Caitlin feels that Hollywood cares about
social issues. T/F/NG
2 Caitlin complains that women in
cinema are paid less than male
counterparts. T/F/NG
3 Caitlin believes that the film industry is
creatively strong. T/F/NG
4 Arno thinks that cinema has been badly
affected by new processes of
distribution. T/F/NG
5 Arno believes that current cinema gives
a range of people a voice. T/F/NG
6 Arno is concerned about the amount of
money spent on publicising new films. T/F/NG
7 Sasha writes about cinema in a
professional capacity. T/F/NG
8 Sasha thinks that film studios have
become more enlightened with their
projects. T/F/NG
9 Sasha thinks Hollywood has a conceited
attitude when it comes to foreign
language films. T/F/NG
10 Paul thinks that the nominees at award
ceremonies generally come from a
limited pool. T/F/NG
11 Paul isn’t especially keen on
productions which are part of a bigger
franchise. T/F/NG
10
 Advanced Plus Achievement test 4 (Units 7–8)

13 Read the article again. Match questions 1–6 to 15 A review: write a review of 220–250 words
an extract. Extracts may be chosen more than about one of the following:
once.
 a book you have read recently,
Which commentator …  a film you have watched recently.
1 has quite a positive view of the Provide a brief overview of the plot, state why it
establishment? _B_ struck you, and suggest who it may appeal to.
2 shares Caitlin’s opinion regarding the current
limitations of creativity in cinema?                                                                                             
3 has a more positive view about diversity than                                                                                      
Caitlin?                                                                                             
4 agrees with Sasha on the role money plays in                                                                                      
determining creative content?                                                                                             
5 is cynical about the motives there might be                                                                                      
for promoting a broader vision in the                                                                                      
industry?                                                                                             
6 has a different view to Sasha on the access to                                                                                      
distribution in current cinema?                                                                                             
                                                                                     
5                                                                                      
                                                                                     
Writing                                                                                      
14 Put the words from the box in the correct                                                                                      
place in the sentences. There are four words                                                                                      
you do not need.                                                                                      
                                                                                     
argued described directed furthermore                                                                                      
implies maintain outweigh reward                                                                                      
therefore underlines                                                                                      
underlines                                                                                      
1 It is this argument which clearly ^ concerns voiced                                                                                      
by numerous critics who point out the prohibitive                                                              
costs incurred by protecting a species which lacks                                                                                      
meaningful genetic diversity.                                                                                      
2 It’s fundamentally important that we ensure the                                                                                      
relationships which increasingly connected young                                                                                      
adults maintain with one another online are                                                                                 
monitored. Conversely it can be that insisting on                                                                                      
too much control will have negative effects.                                                                                      
3 Establishing such guidelines provides a sense of                                                                                      
clarity for all users, it goes some way to                                                                                      
establishing accountability across the system.                                                                                      
4 Even for readers who rarely venture into the genre                                                                                      
of fantasy, Mieville’s startlingly detailed account                                                                                      
of a city in the throes of a turbulent transformation                                                                                      
will both surprise and you.                                                                             
5 Despite there being a strong case for supporting                                                                                      
the use of technology within the classroom, our                                                                                      
evidence indicates that the drawbacks distinctly                                                                                      
any tangible benefits.                                                                                  
6 While there is strong sense of narrative to the film,
10
it is not obviously plot-driven in the traditional
sense, requiring the movie-goer to build a clear
Total: 100
sequence of events. Like many of Ramsey’s other
works, its style might be as elliptical.

PHOTOCOPIABLE © Pearson Education Limited 2018