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ADVANCED 4 – BRITISH GOLD – READING TASK – DEC 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 (AD).
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? feel that some people think that
riding a bike is inappropriate? Is it 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 kilometers 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 at least; I would rather have the bike than a flashy sports
car!'
Mrs. ANGELA, financial consultant
'Although I have a full motorcycle license, 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 purposes 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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