C1.

READING COMPREHENSION A

1 Read the home page of a foodbank network. Then, decide if sentences 1-5 are True (T) or False (F) according to what you read.

The Trussell Trust Foodbanks: Helping feed the poor

1 .- Who we are
We started our very first foodbank in Salisbury in 2000 and distributed food to people in crisis from our garage. We found that
the demand for this service was so great that we decided to carry out some research into the need for foodbanks in the UK.
The results showed that short term hunger was a serious but overlooked problem. Using the Salisbury foodbank as a model,
we launched the foodbank network in 2004 and it has grown ever since.
2 .- Why foodbanks?
In the United Kingdom, 13 million people live in poverty. These people may go hungry for a range of reasons. They may have
been made redundant or have lost their homes. The cost of living in the UK is high but many incomes haven't increased in line
with house prices, food and fuel. Providing food for the poor can really make a big difference to the people who need it most.
Foodbanks don´t just help individuals but can help society by preventing crime, family breakdown, and mental problems.
3 .- Our mission
The Trussell Trust foodbanks provide at least three days of emergency food to people experiencing crisis in the UK. In 2013-
14, foodbanks fed almost 1 million people across the country and over a third of these were children. The Trussell Trust works
with people in the community to open new foodbanks following the example of foodbank networks operating worldwide. With
already over 400 foodbanks nationwide, our long term goal is for there to be a foodbank in every town.
4 .- How it works
All the food we collect is given to us by the public before being sorted by volunteers. Healthcare professionals give food
vouchers to the people they have identified as being in need. Recipients of the vouchers hand them in and are then qualified
for three days of food. The food they receive is nutritionally balanced and non-perishable. The foodbanks are also places to
socialise and to get information about other helpful services.
5.- Get in touch and start a foodbank today!
If you are interested in receiving information on setting up a foodbank or would like to visit us to find out more about how it
works, contact the foodbank network office on 01722 580171. You can also find out about how to volunteer your services and
how to make a financial donation by emailing us at foodbanknetwork@trusselltrust.org.

1. The Trussell Trust Foodbank network was started to deal with a neglected issue.

2. Having no shelter after a divorce may make people turn to food banks.

3. The Trussell Trust aims to expand their foodbank network all over the world.

4. A certification by a medical professional allows people in need to get a three-day food box.

5. The Trussell Trust offers you the possibility of making a contribution or starting your own foodbank.

5 marks
C 1.1

2 Read an article about robots and emotional responses. Complete each gap (1-5) with one suitable sentence (a-g). There are two
sentences you will not need to use.

Will Robots ever feel human?

At the University of Hertfordshire, a team of scientists are working on a project in which a robot called Nao will be able to form emotional
connections with humans over time. (1) ___________ It can update behavioural software, recognise faces, make eye contact, and respond to
users. Nao will be taught how to respond to and understand human emotions through interaction in much the same way as young children
and other primates learn to do so from their parents.

What makes this project special is the way Nao is capable of gaining emotional intelligence by recognizing, understanding, and predicting
the emotions of others. But what can this emotional prototype feel? It has programmed emotional responses for happiness, excitement,
anger, fear, sadness, and pride. (2) ___________ However, the news is that Nao will learn and apply emotions which make these robots seem
more human. Nao will “mirror” our emotions and even though we know they are robots, we will instinctively mirror theirs: so we will be
able to teach and learn from each other

It is hoped that this advance in technology will have a number of practical applications. Robots like Nao will be able to serve as
companions to children in hospital settings. (3) ___________ Actually, at the University of Connecticut similar technology will create a robot
that can be used to help autistic children develop appropriate emotional responses. These children have difficulty understanding other
people´s emotional states. Robots can train them to identify expressions. This technology will also have applications in the classroom and
for providing care for the elderly.

Some scientists doubt that robots will ever be capable of true emotions because they lack consciousness. (4) ___________ Others are more
worried about the consequences of advances in artificial intelligence.

Do we really want robots to become emotionally proficient? Sceptics suggest that if artificial intelligence development continues at the
current pace we run the risk of being overtaken by robots. (5) ___________ Moreover, should robots develop complex emotions? Isn´t there
the risk they may feel anger and resentment at being slaves to humans and want revenge? We should perhaps consider carefully if this is
a risk that we want to take.

a. In fact, nowadays humans are already being made increasingly redundant.

b. It is not really the first time that robots have displayed emotions.
c. Nao is a 2-foot-tall robot which has touch sensors, four microphones, and two cameras.
d. Nao isn´t the only project pushing the frontiers of robotics science.
e. Robots had never been developed to benefit sick people before.
f. That’s why, unlike humans, they do not have the capacity to completely integrate information.
g. What Nao won’t be able to do is have emotional responses.

5 marks

TOTAL READING: 10 MARKS