THE WRITING TEST Academic Writing task 1 Practice

ACADEMIC WRITING TASK 1 PRACTICE

1. The table below shows the cinema viewing figures for films by country, in millions.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make
comparisons where relevant.

Write at least 150 words.

Cinema viewing figures for films by country, in millions

Action Romance Comedy Horror Totals

India 8 7.5 6.5 2.5 24.5

Ireland 7.6 3.8 5.5 6.4 23.3
New Zealand 7.2 4.5 3.9 4.7 20.3
Japan 7.1 4.5 4 2.2 17.8
Total 29.9 20.3 19.9 15.8

1. The chart below' shows the percentage change in the share of international stu­
dents among university graduates in different Canadian provinces between
2001 and 2006.

Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make
comparisons where relevant.

Write at least 150 words.

International graduates, Canadian universities, 2001 and 2006

New Brunswick
ft
Nova Scotia

Quebec

Alberta' 12001

British Columbia 12005

Manitoba

Newfoundland and Labrador

Ontario

0% 5% 10% 15%

112 Нам важен Ваш результаті MBA

www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua тгшт~~а
Academic Writing task 1 Practice THE WRITING TEST

6. The diagrams show a structure that is used to generate electricity from wave power.

Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make
comparisons where relevant.

Write at least 150 words.

column

turbine

chamber

column

turbine (same direction)

------------i .
electricity
chamber
mi

differ
sea wail

MBA Нам важен Ваш результат!

113
р www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua
THE WRITING TEST
ACADEMIC WRITING TASK 1 EXAMPLE ANSWERS
1. Model answer
The table compares four countries in terms of
the number of people who watch four different
genres of film at the cinema: Action, Romance,
Comedy and Horror.
The table indicates that more Indian people
watch films at the cinema than the other three
nationalities. In all four countries, Action is the
most popular genre of film. The total number of
viewers for action films is nearly 30 million and
in each country about 7-8 million people watch
them.
Not many people like watching horror films
at the cinema compared to the other genres of
film. In India and Japan only 2-2.5 million peo­
ple watch horror films but they are more popu­
lar in New Zealand and Ireland. On the other
hand, romance films are very popular in India
with 7.5 million viewers but it is not as popular
in the other countries. New Zealand and Japan
come next with 4.5 million viewers each.
(152 words)
2. Model answer
The charts show how much local authorities
spent on a range of services in Someland in
three separate years: 1980, 1990 and 2000.
In all three years, the greatest expenditure was
on education. But while K-12 education saw a
fall from 25% in 1980 to only 18% of spending
in 2000, higher education remained the largest
proportion, reaching 45% of total spending in
1990 and ending at 40% in 2000.
Expenditure on health and human resources
had increased to 20% by 1990 before decreas­
ing to only 10% by the end of the period. In
contrast, the share of transportation saw an
opposite trend. This cost decreased to only 6%
of total expenditure in 1990 but rose dramat­
114
www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua
Academic Writing Task 1 Example Answers
ically in 2000 when it represented 22% of the
total budget. Similarly, the cost of environmen­
tal services saw a rising trend, growing from
only 4% to 9% by 2000.
Overall, higher education constituted the larg­
est cost to local authorities, and while spending
increased for transportation and environmen­
tal services, there were corresponding drops in
expenditure on health and human resources
and K.
3. Model answer
The two diagrams show how electricity can
be generated from the rise and fall of water
caused by sea waves.
The process involves a structure which is
mounted on the side o f a cliff or sea wall. This
structure consists of a large chamber. One end
is open to the sea, and the other leads into a
vertical column, which is open to the atmos­
phere. A turbine is installed inside this column
and this is used to generate the electricity in
two phases.
The first diagram indicates that when a wave
approaches the device, water is forced into the
chamber, applying pressure on the air within the
column. This air escapes to atmosphere through
the turbine, thereby producing electricity.
The second diagram illustrates the next part of
the pro cess when wave retreats. As the water
level falls, the air from outside the column is
sucked back in through the turbine. As a re­
sult, electricity continues to be generated. The
turbine rotates only in one direction, regard­
less o f the direction of the air flow.
In conclusion, we can see that this structure is
useful as electricity is generated in both phas­
es: entering and retreating of water.
(195 words)
Нам важен Ваш результат! MBA
ш їтаїїч д
WRITING TASK 2 THE WRITING TEST

WRITING TASK 2

IELTS Task 2 Writing band descriptors (public version)

Grammatical
Coherence and Range and
Band Task Response Cohesion Lexical Resource Accuracy
fully addresses all
parts of the task
presents a fully uses a wide range
developed posi­ o f vocabulary with uses a wide range
tion in answer to uses cohesion in such very natural and so­ of structures with
the question with a way that it attracts phisticated control full flexibility and
relevant, fully no attention skilfully o f lexical features; accuracy; rare
extended and well manages paragraph­ rare minor errors minor errors occur
9 supported ideas ing occur only as ‘slips’ only as ‘slips’
uses a wide range of
vocabulary fluently
and flexibly to con­
vey precise mean­
ings skilfully uses
sufficiently ad­ uncommon lexical
dresses all parts items but there may uses a wide range
of the task pre­ sequences infor­ be occasional inac­ o f structures
sents a well-de­ mation and ideas curacies in word the majority of
veloped response logically manages all choice and colloca­ sentences are
to the question aspects of cohesion tion produces rare error-free makes
with relevant, well uses paragraph­ errors in spelling only very occasion­
extended and sup­ ing sufficiently and and/or word forma­ al errors or inap-
8 ported ideas appropriately tion propriacies
addresses all uses a sufficient
parts of the task logically organises range of vocabulary
presents a clear information and to allow some flexi­
position through­ ideas; there is clear bility and precision
out the response progression through­ uses less common uses a variety of
presents, extends out uses a range lexical items with complex structures
and supports of cohesive devices some awareness of produces frequent
main ideas, but appropriately al­ style and colloca­ error-free sentenc­
there may be a though there may be tion may produce es has good control
tendency to over­ some under-/over-use occasional errors in o f grammar and-
generalise and/or presents a clear cen­ word choice, spell­ punctuation but
supporting ideas tral' topic within each ing and/or word may make a few
7 may lack focus paragraph formation errors

MBA Нам важен Ваш результат!

115
www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua
THE WRITING TEST WRITING TASK 2

addresses all
parts of the task arranges information
although some and ideas coherently
parts may be and there is a clear
more fully covered overall progression uses an adequate
than others pre­ uses cohesive devic­ range o f vocabu­
sents a relevant es effectively, but lary for the task
position although cohesion within and/ attempts to use less
the conclusions or between sentenc­ common vocabulary uses a mix o f sim­
may become un­ es may be faulty or but with some inac­ ple and complex
clear or repetitive mechanical may not curacy makes some sentence forms
presents relevant always use refer­ errors in spelling makes some errors
main ideas but encing clearly or and/or word forma­ in grammar and
some may be appropriately uses tion, but they do not punctuation but
inadequately de- paragraphing, but impede communi­ they rarely reduce
6 veloped/unclear not always logically cation communication
addresses the
task only par­
tially: the format
may be inappro­
priate in places uses only a limited
expresses a presents information range o f structures
position but the with some organisa­ attempts complex
development is tion but there may be sentences but
not always clear a lack of overall pro­ these tend to be
and there may gression makes inad­ uses a limited range less accurate than
be no conclusions equate, inaccurate or of vocabulary, but simple sentences
drawn presents over-use of cohesive this is minimally may make fre­
some main devices may be repet­ adequate for the quent grammat­
ideas but these itive because o f lack task may make ical errors and
are limited and o f referencing and noticeable errors in punctuation may
not sufficiently substitution may not spelling and/or word be faulty; errors
developed; there write in paragraphs, formation that may can cause some
may be irrelevant or paragraphing may cause some difficul­ difficulty for the
5 detail be inadequate ty for the reader reader
responds to the
task only in a
minimal way or
the answer is presents information
tangential: the and ideas but these
format may be are not arranged co­ uses only basic
inappropriate pre­ herently and there is vocabulary which uses only a very
sents a position no clear progression may be used repeti­ limited range of
but this is unclear ■in the response uses tively or which may structures with
presents some some basic cohesive be inappropriate for only rare use of
main ideas but devices but these the task has limit­ subordinate claus­
these are difficult may be inaccurate or ed control of word es some structures
to identify and repetitive may not formation and/or are accurate but
may be repetitive, write in paragraphs spelling; errors may errors predomi­
irrelevant or not or their use may be cause strain for the nate, and punctua­
4 well supported confusing reader tion is often faulty

116 Нам важен Ваш результат! MBA

www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua
ESSAY STRUCTURE THE WRITING TEST

does not ade­

quately address uses only a very
any part o f the does not organise ide­ limited range of
task does not as logically may use words and expres­
express a clear a very limited range sions with very’ attempts sentence
position presents o f cohesive devices, limited control of forms but errors
few ideas, which and those used may word formation and/ in grammar and
are largely unde­ not indicate a logical or spelling errors punctuation pre­
veloped or irrele­ relationship between may severely distort dominate and dis­
3 vant ideas the message tort the meaning

barely responds
to the task does
not express a uses an extremely
positionmav at­ limited range of
tempt to present vocabulary; essen­ cannot use sen­
one ortwo ideas has very little control tially no control of tence forms except
but there is no of organisational word formation and/ in memorised
2 development features orspelling phrases

answer is com­
pletely unrelated fails to communicate can only use a few cannot use sen­
1 to the task any message isolated words tence forms at all

does not attend

does not attempt the task in any way
0 writes a totally memorised response

ESSAY STRUCTURE

IELTS essay has the following structure: activity and cruel to the helpless animals
that are killed. Blood sports should be
1. Introduction banned.

2. BodyParagraphs To what extent to you agree or disagree?

3. Conclusion Sample IELTS essay introduction:

INTRODUCTION Despite the fact that killins animals for sport is

popular in modern society, it remains a conten­
This part of the essay consists of the following tious issue. I believe that blood sports are cruel
components: and uncivilized and so should be banned as
soon as possible.
• Topic of the essay
• Thes is statement As you can see, the first sentence consists of
the topic plus some background facts on the
Example 1: topic which have been taken from the rubric.

Blood snorts have become a hot topic for The second sentence then gives the writer’s
debate in recent years. As society develops opinion and tells us that in the essay the writ­
it is increasingly seen as an uncivilized er will be arguing the reasons why it is cruel.

MBA Нам важен Ваш результат!

117
ригсдага www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua
THE WRITING TEST
It is important not to copy words from the
topic but to paraphrase them. To do this, it is
possible to use synonyms or/and change the
grammar in the sentence. Still, you can use
some words from the task itself, but never copy
the whole phrases.
The third sentence o f the introduction is
called thesis statement. It tells what kind of
information your essay is going to contain. It
may also give your opinion if the question
asks you for this. It is the last sentence o f your
introduction. In the abovementioned example a
thesis statement will be as follows:
“7 believe that blood sports are cruel and un­
civilized and so should be banned as soon as
possible”
Useful phrases
General information
It is generally believed that
It is widely accepted that...Actualizing the
problem
It is common nowadays for..to...
There is an ever-growing number of...
Many nations have been faced with the problem
of...
Nowhere in history has the issue been more
visible than...
Argument introduction
There is a public debate that \about...
One o f the controversial questions is...
Thesis
I am o f the opinion that...
I strongly believe...
I partially agree...
118
www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua
ESSAY STRUCTURE
BODY PARAGRAPHS
For the IELTS essay, you should have 2 or
3 body paragraphs.
Structure:
• Topic sentence
• Controlling idea
• Supporting sentences
• Concluding sentence (optional)
Define controlling idea and supporting sentenc­
es in the following body paragraphs:
1. Nevertheless, the effects of this new tech­
nology have not all been beneficial. For
example, many people feel that the wide­
spread use o f email is destroying tradition­
al forms of communication such as letter
writing, telephone and face-to-face conver­
sation. This could result in a decline in peo­
ple’s basic ability to socialize and interact
with each other on a day-to-day basis.
2. In addition, the large size of the Web has
meant that it is nearly impossible to regu­
late and control. This has led to many con­
cerns regarding children accessing unsuit­
able websites and viruses. Unfortunately,
this kind of problem might even get worse
in the future at least until more regulated
systems are set up.
It is also possible to include a concluding
sentence which can be used to signal the end
of the paragraph. It highlights the important
points to remember and often paraphrases the
topic sentence. Concluding sentences are op­
tional and paragraphs often do not have them.
You will not be penalized if you do not have a
concluding sentence in IELTS, but it is a good
way to improve coherence of your paragraph.
Нам важен Ваш результат! MBA
га ш іт а
ESSAY TYPES
Useful phrases
Body paragraph 1
One thing that is o f great significance is that...
The chief reason why... is that...
No one can deny the fact that...
Body paragraph 2
It can also be argued that...
Another special consideration in this case is
that...
Another point which is equally important is
that...
Apart from this, another essential aspect is...
Body paragraph with contrasting opinion
The opposite, however, is also the case.
Although it is commonly held that..., it is un­
likely to be true that...
Despite the drawbacks,... has its beneficial
effects.
In spite o f the fact that..., its positive effects are
obvious.
Some people claim that... but more often than
not, the opposite seems to be the case.
ESSAY TYPES
There are 3 types of IELTS essays:
• Argument
• Proposal , t
• Discussion
ARGUMENT
Here you are given a problem or issue and
two different solutions or opinions about it.
Typically, you are then asked to decide which
solution/opinion is the better.
MBA Нам важен Ваш результат!
япестз 'з я www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua
THE WRITING TEST
CONCLUSION
Structure:
• Concludingphrase
• Restatement of the thesis statement
• Opinions/hopes/fears/recommendations
about the future
Define structural components of the following
conclusion:
In conclusion, developments in IT have brought
many benefits, yet I believe developments
relating to new technology are likely to pro­
duce many negative effects in the future that
must be addressed if we are to avoid damaging
impacts to individuals and society.
Useful phrases
From what has been discussed above, we may
draw the conclusion that...
It can be concluded that...
The available evidence clearly leads to the con­
clusion that...
The main conclusion can be drawn from...
Two examples
The argument type essay question has two
main types. In the first type, you get two differ­
ent situations or opinions and then your task is
to decide between them.
In some countries people pay different rates of
tax depending on their salary, in other coun­
tries everyone pays the same rate. Which do you
believe is the best system?
In the second type, you get a solution to a situ­
ation and you then your task is to discuss the
advantages and disadvantages of that solution.
119
THE WRITING TEST
Unemployment is one o f the most serious prob­
lems facing developed nations today. What are
the advantages and/or disadvantages of reduc­
ing the working week to thirty five hours'?
Typical task words
“What are the advantages and disadvantages
of this”.
Typical problems
There are two typical problems here:
1. The essay discusses the problem generally
and doesn’t talk about advantages or disad­
vantages or make a choice between the two
options. Againthiswillbepenalizedunder-
TaskAchievement.
2. The essay only looks at the advantages or
the disadvantages. It needs to look at both
sides of the question.
Thesis statement
Example 1
Some people think that young children should
be allowed to do paid work, while others think
that this should be illegal.
Discuss both opinions and give your opinion.
You could begin by paraphrasing the two opin­
ions, then stating in the thesis what you will do:
Some people belive that it is acceptable for
young children to undertake jobs that they are
paid for, whereas others believe that this is
wrong and should be illegal. This essay will
discuss both sides o f the issue.
This is quite simplistic but it makes it very
clear what you are going to do. You will ob­
viously need to give your opinion as well in
the essay, but stating this in the thesis (“This
essay will discuss both sides of the issue and
120
ESSAY TYPES
then give my opinion”) sounds awkward so it is
better without it.
Example 2
Another possible way to do it is by having
a sentence to introduce the topic first, and then
paraphrasing the two opinions to make them
your thesis:
At present, more and more young children are
becoming involved in paid work. Whilst some
people are o f the opinion that this is an
entirely acceptable practice, others believe
that this is completely wrong and should
be made illegal.
This is fine as your thesis will match with your
essay - you go on to discuss the first opinion
and then the second one.
Example 3
Or of course you could modify this slightly to
include your opinion:
At present, more and more young children are
becoming involved in paid work. Whilst some
people are o f the opinion that this is an
entirely acceptable practice, I believe that
this is completely wrong and should be
made illegal.
As long as you go on to discuss both sides of the
argument, this is fine.
Example essay
It is sometimes argued that too many stu­
dents go to university, while others claim
that a university education should be
a universal right.
Discuss both sides o f the argument and
give your own opinion.
In some advanced countries, it is not unusual for
more than 50% of young adults to attend college
Нам важен Ваш результат! MBA
www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua ^ »їгдчі еЯ
ESSAY TYPES
or university. Critics, however, claim that many
university courses are worthless and young peo­
ple would be better off gaining skills in the work­
place. In this essay, I will examine both sides of
this argument and try to reach a conclusion.
There are several reasons why university has
become a popular choice for young people.
First, growing prosperity in many parts of the
world has increased the number o f families
with money to invest in their children’s future.
At the same time, falling birthrates mean
that one- or two-child families have become
common, increasing the level o f investment
in each child. It is hardly surprising, there­
fore, that young people are willing to let their
families support them until the age o f 21 or 22.
Furthermore, millions of new jobs have been
created in knowledge industries, and these jobs
are typically open only to university graduates.
However, it often appears that graduates end
up in occupations unrelated to their universi­
ty studies. It is not uncommon for an English
literature major to end up working in sales, or
an engineering graduate to retrain as a teach­
er, for example. Some critics have suggested
that young people are just delaying their entry
into the workplace, rather than developing
professional skills. A more serious problem is
that the high cost of a university education will
mean that many families are reluctant to have
more than one child, exacerbating the falling
birthrates in certain countries.
In conclusion, while it can be argued that too
much emphasis is placed on a university edu­
cation, my own opinion is that the university
years are a crucial time for personal develop­
ment. If people enter the workplace aged 18,
their future options may be severely restricted.
Attending university allows them time to learn
more about themselves and make a more ap­
propriate choice of career.
(320 words)
EC 12, p. 314
MBA Нам важен Ваш результат!
ряяз-рггд www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua
THE WRITING TEST
Write thesis statement for the following prompt:
Some people believe that studying at uni­
versity or college is the best route to a suc­
cessful career, while others believe that it
is better to get a job straight after school.
Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Thesis ______________________________________
PROPOSAL
Here you are given an opinion about some
social issue to discuss. Typically, you are asked
whether or to what extent you agree with it.
Two examples
In this type of question you are given an opin­
ion and then told how to discuss it/your task.
Sometimes the question is longer and you are
given some background information, then the
opinion and then the task.
Fatherhood ought to be emphasized as much
as motherhood. The idea that women are solely
responsible for deciding whether or not to have
babies leads on to the idea that they are also
responsible for bringing the children up. To
what extent do you agree or disagree?
And
Currently there is a trend towards the use of
alternative forms o f medicine. However, at best
these methods are ineffective, and at worst
they may be dangerous. To what extent do you
agree or disagree?
121
THE WRITING TEST
Typical task words
• “What is you opinion?’
• “Do you agree that...”
• “To what extent do you agree?”
• Discuss
Typical problems
There are three typical problems with under­
standing this type of essay question:
1. The questions are simply longer to read
and sometimes harder to understand.
Spend plenty of time reading the question
and underlining the key words and making
sure you understand what words like “this”
and “these” refer to.
2. It can be easy to confuse the background
information from the opinion. You must dis-
cuss the opinion (the underlined bit). If you
only discuss the topic (the bit in curve), you
will be penalized on Task Achievement.
3. You need to discuss the opinion in the ques­
tion. You cannot only give your opinion.
Thesis statement
Currently there is a trend towards the use of
alternative forms o f medicine. However, at best
these methods are ineffective, and at worst they
may be dangerous.
To what extent do you agree or disagree with
this statement?
, 1
For this type of question, you need to state
what your opinion is in the thesis statement.
Although you could feasibly do this in the
conclusion, I think it is better to do it first so
it is clear to someone reading the essay what
your opinion is upfront. It is not wrong though
to put it in the conclusion —this is your choice.
Your thesis statement here will depend on
whether you agree, disagree, or partly agree.
Here are some examples of each:
122
ESSAY TYPES
A thesis statement that agrees with the
opinion:
Alternative medicine is not new. It is accepted
that it pre-dates conventional medicine and
it is still used by many people all over the
world. However, I strongly believe that this
form o f medicine does not work and is pos­
sibly a danger to those using it.
A thesis statement that disagrees with the
opinion:
Alternative medicine is not new. It is accepted
that it pre-dates conventional medicine and
it is still used by many people all over the
world. I am unconvinced that it is danger­
ous, and feel that both alternative and
conventional medicine can be useful.
A thesis statement that partly agrees with
the opinion:
Alternative medicine is not new. It is accepted
that it pre-dates conventional medicine and
it is still used by many people all over the
world. I agree that for certain conditions
this type o f medicine is ineffective and
could even be dangerous, but for some
illnesses it is a good alternative choice.
Example essay
Space exploration is much too expensive
and the money should be spent on more
important things.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
There is an argument that exploring space
is a waste of money and that there are more
urgent needs to be addressed on earth, such as
reducing poverty and preventing environmen­
tal destruction. However, I completely disagree
with this opinion for two reasons.
First of all, many of the technologies we take
for granted today were originated thanks to
Нам важен Ваш результат! MBA
www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua ш ш ш гг
ESSAY TYPES
space research. Take satellite technology, for
example, which we depend on for broadcasting
and weather forecasting. Without satellites,
we would not be able to follow global events as
they happen, nor give populations any warning
of approaching storms. Space research has also
led to the development of new lightweight ma-
terials that offer us heat protection and enable
food preservation. Therefore, the challenge of
sending human beings into space has often
driven the development of new technologies
that benefit our everyday lives.
Second, we cannot foresee the distant future,
so we ought to develop the capability to escape
from the earth. Gradually, we are learning how
humans can survive for long periods in space
and even travel to other planets in the future.
If space exploration is halted, this valuable
knowledge will never be acquired. It is true
that environmental destruction is also a seri­
ous issue, but it is also true that we remain de-
pendent on our environment if we never accept
the challenge of exploring other worlds.
In conclusion, while we undoubtedly face se­
rious problems on our own planet, it is imper­
ative that we continue to explore space. This
will promote further technological advances
as well as provide a possible means of escape
should earth become uninhabitable in future.
Ideally, all nations should cooperate in the
advancement of space research.
(278 words)
Write thesis statements for the following
prompts:
1. It is sometimes said that TV and
computer games encourage violence.
Therefore, parents should strictly con­
trol their children’s use o f these media.
To what extend do you agree or disagree?
Thesis
MBA Нам важен Ваш результат!
www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua
THE WRITING TEST
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
2. The threat o f nuclear weapons main-
tains world peace. Nuclear power
provides cheap and clean energy. The
benefits o f nuclear technology far out­
weigh the disadvantages.
To what extend do you agree or disagree?
T hesis______________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
DISCUSSION
Here you are given a social issue or problem
and asked directly to discuss it and very often
asked to suggest a solution for it.
In this type of question you are given the prob­
lem and then told how to discuss it/your task.
In many countries schools have severe prob­
lems with student behavior. What do you think
are the causes o f this? What solutions can you
suggest?
And
Many universities charge higher fees for foreign
students. Why do they do this? Doyoubelievetha-
titisfair?
• “Why do they think that?”
• “What solutions can you suggest?”
THE WRITING TEST
Typical problems
1. You are being asked for your personal opin­
ion: it is not enough to talk generally about
the topic. You must give yourp ersonal
view.
2. Very often you are given two tasks: for
example, to discuss the causes and the
solution. If you discuss only one of these,
you will be penalized on Task Achieve­
ment.
Thesis statement
Some other essays may not ask you for your
opinion specifically, but may ask you to dis­
cuss, for example, problems and solutions,-
causes and effects, advantages and dis­
advantages. If you are asked to do this, then
you should just clearly state that you will be
discussing these two things in your essay.
Here are some examples:
Problems and solutions:
Overpopulation o f urban areas has led to nu­
merous problems.
Identify one or two serious ones and suggest
ways that governments and individuals can
tackle these problems.
Sample thesis in bold:
Many countries of the world are currently expe­
riencing problems caused by rapidly growing
populations in urban areas. Both govern­
ments and individuals have a duty to find
ways to overcome these problems.
Causes and Effects:
The percentage o f overweight children in west­
ern society has increased by almost 20% in the
last ten years.
124
ESSAY TYPES
Discuss the causes and effects of this disturbing
trend.
Sample thesis in bold:
Over the last ten years, Western societies have
seen close to a 20% rise in the number o f chil­
dren who are overweight.This essay will dis­
cuss some reasons why this has occurred
and examine the consequences o f this
worrying trend.
Advantages and Disadvantages:
In order to solve traffic problems, governments
should tax private car owners hea vily and use
the money to improve public transportation.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of
such a solution?
Sample thesis in bold:
Traffic congestion in many cities around the
world is severe. One possible solution to this
problem is to impose heavy taxes on car drivers
and use this money to make public transport
better. This essay will discuss the benefits
and drawbacks o f such a measure.
Example essay
The internet has transformed the way
information is shared and consumed, but
it has also created problems that did not
exist before.
What are the most serious problems associ­
ated with the internet and what solutions
can you suggest?
There is no doubt that the internet has revolu­
tionised communication and information-shar­
ing in the same way that the telegraph and the
television did before it. However, societies have
had to cope with unanticipated new problems,
including crimes which traditional laws are
powerless to prevent. This essay will address
Нам важен Ваш результат! MBA
'.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua ш ї ш 'ззді
ESSAY TYPES THE WRITING TEST

some of the illegal acts enabled by the internet Write thesis statement for the following prompt:
and propose solutions.
Unemployment is one o f the most serious
To begin with, the global scale of the internet problems facing developed nations today.
means that national laws are no longer ade­
quate to control what happens online. Take What are the advantages and\or disad­
restrictions on legal reporting, for example. In vantages o f reducing the working week to
some countries, the media is prohibited from re­ thirty five hours?
vealing details of a defendant’s past in case this
prejudices a fair trial. However, such restric­ T hesis_______________________________________
tions are no longer enforceable now that infor­
mation may be freely published in other coun­
tries and accessed by all. The only solution here,
it seems, is to adopt global standards. Since the
internet traverses national borders, the flow of
information can only be controlled if all nations
agree on what can and cannot be shared. A checklist

Another problem concerns anonymity, as inter­
net users can easily conceal their identity and
even impersonate others. Many crimes such as
identity theft and child abuse result from the
ease with which criminals can operate anony­
mously online. Some have proposed a system
of online identification, similar to a passport,
which would allow all internet users to be ver­
ified and traced. I believe this idea should be
explored further, though there are clearly con­
cerns about the security of those who use the
internet to protest against oppressive regimes.
In conclusion, the only long-term solution to
the problem of internet crime is greater in­
ternational cooperation. Since the problem is
global is scale, the solution must also be global.
A new agency of the United Nations should be
created to tackle the problems described here.
, 1
(298 words)
This is my very simple checklist to help you de­
cide which type of question you are looking at:
1. Does it ask me what my own opinion is
about a topic? —<•Discussion question —»
Use my own opinions
2. Does it ask me to discuss a particular pro­
posal? —» Proposal question —*■Discuss that
proposal
3. Does it ask me to decide between two dif­
ferent opinions or look at the advantages
and disadvantages o f a topic —» Argument
question—» Discuss both sides and come to
a decision

EC 14, p. 315

MBA Нам важен Баш результат!

125
г,,.я.\г-д www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua
 THE WRITING TEST
WRITING EXERCISES
1. Look at these reported recent IELTS
questions and decide which type of
essay you need to write:
Many people have an unhealthy diet
and do not take enough exercise. What
do you think are t,he_reasons for this
and what can be done to encourage
people to lead a more healthy lifestyle?
Although countries with long average
working hours are economically suc­
П/ cessful, this often has some negative
social consequences. To what extent do
you agree or disagree?
Some people think that paying taxes is
enough to contribute to society. Oth­
ъ ers argue that being a citizen involves
more responsibilities. Discuss.
Many people argue that children should
stay in school until the age of eighteen.
What are the advantages and disadvan­
tages of making school compulsory until
\ the age of 18?
Many people nowadays leave their
county to work abroad and take their
> family with them. What are the advan­
tages and disadvantages in terms of
family development?
2. Rewrite the following introductory
paragraphs, each of which is in scram­
bled order.
Parasraph 1
a. The heavy traffic problem can be solved
by building rapid transit systems from
the suburbs to the cities, by improving
public transport systems within the
cities, and by forming car pools.
126
Writing Exercises
b. Traffic congestion is caused by the
thousands of cars that come into the
cities from the suburban areas as well
as by the thousands o f cars within the
city limits.
c. One of the most serious problems fac­
ing most big cities is traffic congestion.
d. This mammoth problem must be re­
solved before it gets worse.
Parasraoh 2
a. However, in others, the nuclear fam­
ily is the norm, with only the parents
and young children sharing the same
house.
b. People in different cultures all over the
world have different systems for family
life.
c. In some cultures, people live in extend­
ed families, in which several genera­
tions share the same house.
d. If this new system becomes wide­
spread, it could have enormous effects
on American society.
e. On the positive side, living together
might reduce the divorce rate in the
United States; on the negative side, it
might lead to the eventual disintegra­
tion o f the family altogether.
f. In the United States, some people
are experimenting with still another
system of family life: living together
without marriage.
Нам важен Ваш результат! MBA
www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua ш 'їш іа я
Writing Exercises
3. Write topic sentences for the following
body paragraphs:
Topic: City life
There are many reasons, but the major
ones include job and promotion opportu­
nities, higher salaries, and better sports
and entertainment facilities. In addition,
cities also provide conveniences for trans­
port such as public transport. However, it
cannot be ignored that cities are plagued
with many problems such as overcrowding,
increasing crime rates, and impersonal
human relations. Likewise, many urban
dwellers find living in cities too expensive
and dangerous.
Topic: Informing Patients of Cancer
4.
Americans believe the individual has a
right to know what is wrong with him so
he can take decisions accordingly. Doc­
tors, family, and friends are not allowed
to deprive the individual of this right. In
Japan, on the other hand, it is not the right
of the patient that is paramount but the
duty of the doctor and family to protect the
patient from undue mental suffering. They
seem to feel that their wishes supersede
those of the patient. This is a paternalistic
approach in which the doctor's authority
takes precedence over the patient’s right to
know. The patient is supposed to be sub­
missive and obey those around him.
Topic: Travel with companions
Travelling is getting so popular that
MBA Нам важен Ваш результат!
ш ш зш а www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua
THE WRITING TEST
sometimes booking a train ticket or a hotel
room is not easy. For a group o f travellers,
if there are not enough tickets available, or
not enough rooms to live in, the situation
can be very awkward and embarrassing.
For an independent traveler, however, such
a case seldom happens; and even if it does,
he can easily adapt himself to the changing
situation.
Topic: Studying alone
We certainly can discuss a certain problem
until we have found a solution, but that
can be an inefficient way of making use of
time since we can leave the problem aside
until we can ask the teachers afterwards
for a detailed explanation. Furthermore,
studying alone could let us choose whatev­
er books and subjects we like without the
influence of our friends.
Structure the sentences so that they
could make a body paragraph.
• Colour-blind people have problems that
people who perceive colour never think
about.
• One very real problem is that of traffic
signs and signals.
• Perhaps the greatest handicap of col­
our-blind people is evident when they
select occupations.
• Those that are red-green colour blind
have trouble seeing stop signs found
on shady streets because they may not
notie them against the leaves.
• For example, they cannot work as
interior decorators, commercial pho­
tographers, painters, airline pilots, or
reailroad engineers.
127
THE WRITING TEST
• In addition, they have trouble identi­
fying signal lights and must memorise
the position o f light to know which
signal is being given.
• Perhaps less o f a problem is that of
dressing.
• Those who are fashion-conscious avoid
brightly coloured wardrobe so that they
will not wear clashing colours.
• As most colour-blind people cope with
their problems, their handicap goes
unnoticed.
Develop body paragraphs by support­
ing the topic sentences.
Example 1
Watching too much television reduces
people's capacity to think for themselves.
Firstly, watching television makes people
lazy as viewers are given second-hand
opinions, which can be used as a substitute
for individual thoughts. Secondly, most
television programmes are primarily en­
tertainment as they are designed to attract
viewers away from rival channels. There­
fore, they are aimed to appeal to the lowest
common denominator and have little scope
for imagination and so tends to dictate
simplified role models of what life should
be like.
Example 2
If people are allowed to carry guns, the
number of murders will increase. The
link between guns and murders has been
consistently proved by world crime figures.
There are more people murdered in Amer­
ica than in Europe, largely because guns
are readily available. It stands to reason
that if people can easily obtain guns, they
will use them. Therefore, the only way to
control gun-related crime is to make it
128
Writing Exercises
extremely difficult for ordinary people to
own a gun.
Topic sentences:
1) Television watching should be mini­
mized to a certain extent if we want
to live a more meaningful and happier
life.
2) There is justification for war in some
cases.
3) Overpopulation can lead to many seri­
ous problems.
4) Computers can bring us a lot of disad­
vantages as well as benefits.
5) A sense of humor is the most important
character in a person.
6) School education and parental influ­
ence are equally important for the
development o f a child.
6. Compare the introductions and first
body paragraphs of two responses to
the Task 2 question below. Underline
the differences and then answer ques­
tions 1-2.
Many species o f plants and animals
have come and gone throughout the
h istory o f the Earth. From this perspec­
tive, extinction can be seen as part of
a natural process. Some people have
argued that we should not, therefore,
make heroic efforts to preserve the
natural habitats o f endangered plants
and animals when doing so would con­
flict with human interest.
To what extent do you agree with this view?
Response 1
If you look at it that way, it's true that
Нам важен Ваш результаті MBA
www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua і^ і ;Ш жіК8
Writing Exercises
humans and animals have conflicting inter­
ests. People have always exploited animals
for food and clothing, and farmers have
brought bigger and bigger areas o f land
under cultivation. But should we keep on
doing this?
In regions of the world where the popula­
tion is growing, and there aren't enough
resources, the conflict between humans and
animals is really bad. If you go to Africa,
for example, you can see large nature re­
serves alongside really poor human set­
tlements. I love the idea of elephants and
loins living in the wild. But often it's the
poor farmer living nearby who's got to pay
the cost in terms of land and lost earnings.
Response 2
Looked at from a broad historical perspec­
tive, it is true that humans and animals
have conducting interests. People have al­
ways explicated animals for food and cloth­
ing, whilst farmers have brought ever-in-
creasing areas of land under cultivation.
Whether this process should continue is a
question that requires careful consideration.
In regions of the world where the popula­
tion is growing, and resources are scarce,
the conflict between humans and animals
is particularly problematic. This can be
seen in parts of Africa, for example, where
large nature reserves sit alongside very
poor human settlements. People living
thousands of miles away may vajue the
idea of elephants and lions living in the
wild. However, often it is the poor farmer
living nearby who must pay the cost in
terms of land and lost earnings.
1) What is the main difference between
these two responses?2
2) What are the main characteristics of
the style of the second response?
MBA Нам важен Ваш результат!
ш ш ж ш www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua
THE WRITING TEST
The following table outlines four characteris­
tics of academic style. Complete the table with
examples from the texts in exercise 6.
Exam tip: If writing in an academic style is
new to you, make sure that you do not write
in an overly complicated way. Above all, your
writing should be clear and easy to read. Avoid
writing more than one subordinate clause in
each complex sentence. Do not write in a way
that is so impersonal that your message is ob­
scured. Do not use a lot o f words to express an
idea when a few words would be sufficient.
7. Re-write the second half of the essay
below in academic style.
But if you think about plants, the advan­
tages of conservation are more apparent.
You have to remember that wild plants
aren't just things of beauty: they're also a
really valuable resource. Wild plants have
been used throughout history to make
medicines. Take aspirin, for example. And
if certain varieties of crops are prone to dis­
ease, you could use wild plants to develop
new varieties. There are lots of plants that
we haven't discovered yet, so you never
know what they might be useful for.
All in all, I'd say it's worth trying to
preserve natural habitats because wild
animals and plants are really special and
they could be life savers. But we've got to
remember that people's basic needs have
to be met too. So, we have to do it in a fair
way.
8. Re-write the sentences 1-2 below to
make them clearer and easier to read.
Remove unnecessary words and di­
vide long sentences if required.
Example:
The desirability of avoiding environmental
degradation is an idea that most people
probably agree with.
129
THE WRITING TEST
Most people do not want to damage the
environment.
1) It could be argued, though the opposite
view might be equally true, that the
tendency that many people have to
acquire riches and material wealth is
one of several possible factors that may
encourage people to exploit the natural
environment excessively.
2) It is possible that some people may be­
lieve that environmental degradation
is a process that cannot be avoided in
the long term because the countries of
the world do not have a way or means
of enforcing environmental agreements
which their leaders may have com­
mitted themselves to, possibly for the
wrong reasons, for instance simply to
create a favorable impression in the
mass media and television.
9. Choose the proper transition w’ords
and phrases from the box to fill in the
blanks in the paragraph below.
although furthermore
third in contrast
sometimes next
but consequently
fourth for example
at other times first (of all)
instead once
finally in addition
then second
1) To get the most out of his textbooks,
a student should follow several steps
, 1
very carefully.
................................... . he should make
a preliminary survey of each book to
get a general idea of what the book
contains........................................ . he
should read for deeper understand­
ing and formulate questions as he
reads........................................... . he
should test himself to be sure that
he can answer questions likely to
be raised in class and in examina­
130
Writing Exercises
tions........................................... . he
should review his notes and reread any
parts of the book that are unclear to
him.
2) European universities and universi­
ties in the United States are different
in many ways................................ ,
European students enroll in fewer
courses each term than American
students do................................. . Eu­
ropean students seldom live at their
university......................................
they live at home and travel to
classes....................................... most
European courses are given by pro­
fessors who lecture to their class­
es............................................ European
professors often ask their students
questions or allow their students to
write fewer papers than American
professors do................................ . Eu­
ropean students' final examinations
are usually oral, whereas American
students take written final examina­
tions...................................... a Euro­
pean university is mainly a place to
study.................................... at most
universities in the United States, social
activities take up a large part of the
students’ life.
10. Read the text below, in which some­
body' is trydng to decide whether to
go straight to university from school,
or spend a year travelling around the
world. Put their argument into the
correct order, using the key words and
expressions in italics to help you. The
first one and last one have been done
for you.
A. I’m really1
*7in two minds about wrhat
to do when I leave school. Should I go
straight to university or should I spend
a year travelling around the world?
B. It is often said that knowledge is the
Нам важен Ваш результат! MBA
www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua
Writing Exercises
key to power, and I cannot disagree
with this.
C. On the one hand, I would experience
lots of different cultures.
D. Unfortunately, another point is that
if I spent a year travelling I would need
a lot of money.
E. And I’m not alone in this opinion.
Many consider a sound career and a
good salary to be an important goal.
F. However, it could be argued that I
would also meet lots of interesting peo­
ple while I was travelling.
G. Secondly, if I go straight to university,
I’ll learn so many things that will help
me in my future life.
H. First o f all, there are so many benefits
of going straight to university.
I. But I believe that it would be easy
to make a bit while I was travelling,
giving English lessons or working in
hotels and shops.
J. Moreover, I’ll be able to take part in
the social activities that the university
offers, and meet lots of new friends
who share the same interests.
K. The most important point is that
the sooner I get my qualifications, the
quicker I’ll get a job and start earning.
L. Nevertheless, these inconveniences
would be an inevitable part o f travel­
ling and would be greatly outweighed
by the other advantages.
M. In my opinion, starting work and
making money is one of the most im­
portant things in life.
MBA Нам важен Ваш результат!
рлїрддгга www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua
THE WRITING TEST
N. On the other hand, I could end up
suffering from culture shock, home­
sickness and some strange tropical
diseases.
O. Furthermore, if I spent a year trav­
elling, I would learn more about the
world.
P. All right, I’ve made my mind up. Now,
where’s my nearest travel agency?
11. Using the key words and expressions
in italic from the last exercise, present
an argument for one of the following
issues:
1) A government’s main priority is to pro­
vide education for its people.
2) The only way to save the environment
is for governments to impose strict quo­
tas on the energy we use (for example,
by restricting car ownership, limiting
the water we use).
3) Satisfaction in your job is more impor­
tant than the money you earn.
4) Living in a town or city is better than
living in the countryside.
5) It is our responsibility to help or look
after those less fortunate than our­
selves (for example, the homeless, the
mentally ill).
12. The words in italics in the following
sentences are all used to talk about
opinion and belief.
However, the words are grammatical­
ly incorrect (for example, a noun has
been used instead of an adjective, or a
verb has been used instead of a noun,
etc.), or sometimes a noun has been
used which has the wrong meaning.
Put the words into their correct form.
131
THE WRITING TEST Writing Exercises

1) In my opinionated, technology is mov­ 15) He has very conservatism views and

ing too quickly. disapproves of change.

2) As far as I am concerning, happiness 16) The government are commitment to

is more important than money.
3) Scientists are convincingly that hu-
man degradation of the environment is
causing thousands of species to become
extinct.
4) The government are regardless the
Third World debt as a major barrier to
global economic development.
the struggle to end institutional racism
in the police force.
17) She was dedication to her family and
would do anything to protect them.
18) They come from a strongly tradition
family who still believe in arranged
marriages.

5) Hundreds of people called the televi­

sion station to register their disap­
prove of the presenter’s behaviour.

6) Shemaintenance that most young

people would rather work than go to
school.

7) Do you reckoning that there will be

an election in the next two years?

8) We strongly suspicion that the pro­

posal to develop the computer facilities
will not go ahead.

9) I doubtful that the new government

will keep all its promises.

10) Do you disapproval of smoking?

1 1 ) 1 take strong except to people coming

late or cancelling appointments at
short notice. ' *■

12) A lot of people are fanatic about sport

in general and football in particular.

13) British health inspectors are obses­

sion about cleanliness in restaurant
kitchens.1
4

14) After years of struggle, the modera­

tions have gained control of the party.

Нам важен Ваш результат! MBA

www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua
Writing Exercises THE WRITING TEST

Main uses of punctuation marks

The following passage shows the main punctuation marks in use.

Question mark
Inverted commas
or quotation marks ►“Why Study English?” is the title

of a book; it is also a question. M Full stop

Semi colon __________r
Capital letters Hyphen
\ \ t
An English-speaking pupil, or a
Comma
student, might answer,►
Apostrophe
Dash
“Because I've got to!” —
X Exclamation mark
especially if they are at school
Bracket
(where it is part of the syllabus: ■+ Colon

compulsory until the age of

sixteen).

1. FULL S T O P / . / The S.L.C. is an important part of

Flinders University. You can make an
a) A full stop is used to end a sentence. appointment to see an S.L.C. advisor
The next sentence begins with a capital if you need help with essay writing or
letter. grammar.

b) An abbreviation ends in a full stop There is an ATM on the campus. You

when the final letter of the abbrevia­
tion is not the last letter of the word.
2.
You can find this reference on p. 20 of
, 1
ch. 3 in vol. 1.
One editor is abbreviated to ed., but
two editors are abbreviated to eds
(without a full stop), since -s is the
final letter of the word.
c) A full stop is sometimes, but not al­
ways, used in acronyms (abbreviations
of names).
can find the ATM outside the bank.
COMMA / , /
Together with the full stop, the comma
is the most commonly used punctuation
mark. Basically it separates parts of the
sentence. It is used:
a) to separate a non-defining relative
clause (a clause which adds extra infor­
mation, introduced by a word such as
that, which or who) from the rest of the
sentence.

MBA Нам важен Ваш результат!

133
і w.5T..u’i www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua
THE WRITING TEST
It is years since I read Anna Karenina,
which is my favourite novel.
Anna Karenina, which is my favourite
novel, was written by Tolstoy.
b) when a subordinate (less important)
clause comes before the principal clause.
If you do not understand, please tell me.
c) to separate phrases in apposition
(describing the same person or thing
mentioned earlier) from the rest of the
sentence.
Mr Gorbachev, the President, said that
he approved of the policy.
d) to separate some non-defining adjectival
phrases from the rest of the sentence.
The speaker, getting to his feet, began
to introduce his talk.
e) to separate items in many kinds of
lists.
I shall need a book, some paper, a pen­
cil and a ruler.
f) to separate- a number of connectives
from the rest of the sentence: too, how­
ever, nevertheless, though, of course,
then, etc.
You can, however, do it if you wish.
Nevertheless, these results must be
interpreted wdthin their context. This
is, of course, the best action to take.
g) before a coordinating conjunction (and,
but, or, nor, for, so, yet) linking two
main clauses, wThen this clarifies the
meaning.
The first vendor was selling ice cream
134
Writing Exercises
with chocolate chips, and worms were
available from the second vendor.
h) between coordinate adjectives not
joined by and.
Informative, imaginative, appealing
writing can sell your ideas.
i) when some adverbs or adverbial ex­
pressions are placed within a sentence
(instead of at the beginning or end of
the sentence).
They tried, in spite of my advice, to
climb the mountain.
3. COLON /: /
A colon is not often used. It indicates a
fairly close interdependence between the
units that it separates. The sentence before
the colon should be complete in itself, not a
sentence fragment.
a) It indicates that what follows it is an
explanation or amplification of what
precedes it.
I have some news for you: John’s father
has arrived.
b) It can be used to introduce a list of
items.
Please send him the following items:
a passport, a visa application and the
correct fee.
4. SEMI-COLON /; /
a) A semi-colon joins two independent but
related clauses or sentences.
The lecture was badly delivered; it
went on far too long.
It is possible to avoid using the
Нам важен Ваш результат! MBA
www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua шшшшя
Writing Exercises
semi-colon here, by replacing it with
a word such as and or because,or by
creating two separate sentences.
The lecture was badly delivered and it
went on far too long. The lecture was
badly delivered. It went on far too long.
b) It is used in lists to separate items
made up of several words.
To make a cake you will need a hun­
dred grams of butter: a hundred grams
of sugar; a hundred grams of flour; a
spoon of cocoa; and two eggs.
c) It can separate main clauses joined by
conjunctive adverbs such as however,
therefore, moreover, nevertheless,
then, thus. This applies even when the
conjunctive adverb is moved.
Ernest Hemingway was a master of
style; however, opinions about his work
vary widely.
6.
Ernest Hemingway was a master of
style; opinions about his work, howev­
er, vary widely.
5. HYPHEN / - / DASH (OR EM RULE)
/— /E N R U LE /-/
a) A hyphen separates, in some cases, the
prefix from the second part of the word.
co-opt
b) It also joins some compound’ words,
self-control, twenty-one
Note:
You should always check in a diction­
ary to see if a hyphen is needed.
c) A dash is us d to indicate a break, often
informally, or to add parenthetical
information.
MBA Нам важен Ваш результат!
Р'пткугазд www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua
THE WRITING TEST
He received a prize — and a certificate
as well.
His research output included two books
— both on astronomy — as well as
numerous articles.
Note:
Generally, it is better to avoid using
a dash in academic writing.
The two sentences above could be
rewritten:
He received a prize, and a certificate as
well.
His research output included two books
(both on astronomy) as well as numer­
ous articles.
d) An en-rule indicates a range:
1939 - 1945
APOSTROPHE / ‘ /
a) An apostrophe is most frequently
used to indicate possessive singular or
plural.
When there is one owner, the apostro­
phe comes before the -s.
When there is more than one owner
the apostrophe comes after the -s
The student’ s car. (The car belonging
to one student.)
The students’ car. (The car belonging
to more than one student.)
The student’s books. (The books
belonging to one student.)
The students’ books. (The books be­
longing to more than one student.)
135
THE WRITING TEST
b) An apostrophe is also used to indicate
that a letter is missing.
It’s a well-known fact.
This use should be avoided in academic
writing. It is better to say
It is a well-known fact.
c) The apostrophe should always be in­
cluded when telling the time.
9.
It is nine o’ clock. (This is short for
‘nine of the clock’.)
d) An apostrophe is not needed to indicate
a plural.
That shop sells bananas.
NOT That shop sells banana’s.
7. QUESTION M A R K / ? /
a) A question mark is used after a direct
question.
What time is it?
Can you tell me the answer?
b) It is not used after an indirect ques­
tion.
Please tell me what time it is.
I need to find out where the books are.
, i
8. QUOTATION MARKS (QUOTES) OR
INVERTED COMMAS.
THEY MAY BE SINGLE P ‘ / OR
DOUBLE / “ “ / (SINGLE MARKS ARE
MORE COMMON)
a) They show when someone is being
quoted directly.
136
www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua
Writing Exercises
‘We must put a stop to the illegal
exportation of mahogony,’ said the
Minister for the Environment.
Ferdinand de Saussure separated lan­
guage into ‘langue’ and ‘parole’.
b) They show the titles of journal articles.
‘New methods of laser detection’ 1994,
Laser Technology, vol. 25, p. 309.
EXCLAMATION M A R K / ! /
The exclamation mark is not often used
in academic writing. It is usually ap­
propriate after real exclamations or short
commands.
Oh dear!
Get out!
10. BRACKETS (PARENTHESES) / () /
a) Brackets are used to clarify, or to avoid
confusion. In your academic writing
such confusion should not arise, and so
this use of brackets will not be neces­
sary.
He (Mr Brown) told him (Mr Jones)
that he (Mr Green) had been accepted
for the job.
b) They provide additional, non-essential
information in a sentence.
French, Italian and Spanish (but not
Portuguese) may be studied at this
university.
c) They enclose author-date references in
the text.
A number of experiments (Smithl987;
Tan 1990; Wong 1991) indicate that
this is correct.
Нам важен Ваш результаті MBA
шпшшша
Writing Exercises
d) They enclose the number for an equa­
tion, and bracket parts o f an equation
together.
x = 2(a+b)
11. SQUARE BRACKETS / [ ] /
Square brackets are used within a quo­
tation to explain, clarify or correct the
original words.
According to Smith (1998. p. 10). ‘the first
use of wombats in [rocket] technology
occurred in the 1987 guided missile pro­
gramme’.
12. In the following sentences, put the cor­
rect punctuation marks in the under­
lined spaces.
Also addcapital letters where necessary.
a man has six items in his bathroom _ a
toothbrush _ shaving cream _ a razor_ a
bar of soap and a towel from the Holiday
Inn _ the average number o f items in the
typical woman_s bathroom is 337 a man
would not be able to identify most of these
items women love cats _ men say they love
cats _ but when women aren_t looking men
kick cats_
13. Now add the correct punctuation
marks in the following sentences.
Remember to use capital letters where
appropriate.
a woman will dress up to go shopping water
the plants empty the garbage answer the
phone read a book and get the mail a man
will dress up for weddings and funerals
a successful man is one who makes more
money than his wife can spend a successful
woman is one who can find such a man
a woman knows all about her children
MBA Нам важен Ваш результат!
ш ззвш www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua
THE WRITING TEST
dentist appointments and romances best
friends and worst enemies favourite foods
secret dreams and fears and future hopes a
man is vaguely aware of some short people
living in the house
when the bill for dinner arrives the men
will each throw in $20 even though its only
for $32.50 none o f them will have anything
smaller and none will actually admit they
want change back when the girls get their
bill out come the pocket calculators
14. Define clauses in the following sentences.
1) My father who is 65 now still works.
2) His car which cost nearly
20,000 pounds is broken.
3) Are you the boy that lives next door?
4) Can you see the tree that has no
leaves?
5) This is the girl whom I saw at the
party.
6) I gave it to Peter who is my close
friend.
7) Ann whom I admire is not right in this
case.
8) Their garden which is near here looks
beautiful.
9) Pam whose children go to school is not
so busy.
10) The pen that is on the desk is new.
14. Identify the problem and improve the
sentence.
P r o b le m :___________________
The doctor worked around the clock. Operating
137
THE WRITING TEST
on the boy.
As Vietnam has entered the WTO. The local
entrepreneurs are faced with both challenges
and opportunities.
There are many students want to pass the
IELTS test.
Problem :___________________
Robin is a world-famous ax-tist his sculptui-es
can be found in many museums and art galler­
ies. __________________________________________
“Sesame Sti-eet” has been called the longest
street in the world, it can be seen in so many
parts of the city.
Problem :___________________
Having conducted a compi-ehensive investiga­
tion, some analysis is being done to find the
cause of the problem.
Turning ai’ound the corner, an old church ap­
peared in front of us.
138
Writing Exercises
Problem :___________________
Either the students or the teacher erase the
whiteboard.
The endless ci'edits at the beginning and the
end of the film confuses the audience.
P roblem :___________________
He brushed his teeth, put on his coat and driv­
ing his car to work.
Having finished the typing, she gave it to her
boss for signature.
Bag Kan is an inland province. QuangNinh is a
coastal province.____________________________
They wanted to achieve self-fulfillment in their
career. However, if you don’t work hard, you
will lag behind others.
In the film the secret agent goes to his office
where he found his papers stolen. He knows
that someone wanted to kill him, so he takes
refuge with a waitress.
Everyone should set goals for what he wants to
be. People can be guided consciously or uncon­
sciously by the idea they h ave.______________
Нан важен Ваш результат! MBA
www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua t-iniar#»
Writing Exercises THE WRITING TEST

I was interested and surprised by the story.

The population of Japan is greater than Korea.

I always have and always will eat breakfast.

There was a pen, pencil and ruler on the table.

I want either to go to Mexico or Brazil.

Problem:___________________

Having finished the novel, I will return it back

to the library.

Environment is equally as important as genetic

factors in the child’s development.

The local government has taken many meas­

ures that are effective and made several pol­
icies that are practical to alleviate the traffic
problem in this city. **

We are pretty sure that the delay was due to

the shortage of baggage handlers.

MBA Нам важен Ваш результат!

рэтзтх'и тд www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua 139
THE WRITING TEST Academic Word List

ACADEMIC WORD LIST

і.

analysis co n stitu te establish in d ica te occur role

ap proach co n tex t estim ate in d iv id u a l p ercen t sectio n
area co n tra ct ev id e n t in terp ret p e r io d secto r
assess create e x p o rt in v o lv e p o lic y sign ifica n t
assum e data fa cto r issue p rin cip le sim ila r
au th o rity define fin an ce la b o u r p ro ce e d so u rce
available d erive fo rm u la lega l p ro cess sp ecific
ben efit d istrib u tio n fu n c tio n legislate requ ire stru ctu re
co n cep t econom y id e n tify m ajo r research th e o ry
con sisten t en v iro n m e n t in c o m e m e th o d resp o n d vary

2.

ach ieve c o m m u n ity d e sig n in stitu te p o te n tia l restrict

acq u ire co m p le x d istin ct in vest p revio u s secu re
a d m in istra tio n co m p u te elem en t item p rim a ry seek
affect c o n clu d e equ ate jo u r n a l p u rch ase select
appropriate co n d u c t evalu ate m a in ta in ran ge site
a sp ect co n seq u en t featu re n o rm a l re g io n strategy
assist co n stru ct fin al o b ta in reg u la tio n su rv e y
c a te g o ry co n su m e fo cu s p a rticip a te relevan t tex t
chapter cred it im p a ct p e rce iv e reside tra d itio n
c o m m issio n cu ltu re in jure p o sitiv e reso u rce tra n sfer

3.
alternative co n v en tio n em p h asis in tera ct p h ilo s o p h y sex
circu m sta n ce co o rd in a te en su re ju s tify p h ysica l shift
co m m e n t core ex clu d e layer p r o p o rtio n sp e cify
co m p en sate co rp o ra te fra m e w o rk lin k p u b lish su fficien t
co m p o n en t co rresp o n d fu n d lo cate react ta sk
co n sen t criterio n illu strate m a x im ise register tech n ica l
co n sid erab le d ed u ce im m ig ra te m in o r rely te c h n o lo g y
con stan t d em o n strate im p ly n eg a tive rem o v e v a lid
co n strain docum en t in itial o u tco m e sch em e v o lu m e
co n trib u te d o m in a te in sta n ce p a rtn er seq u en ce

140 Нам важен Ваш результат! MBA

www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua ригсдаги
Words to avoid in an essay THE WRITING TEST

4.
access co m m u n ica te erro r in tern al p arallel
adequate co n cen tra te e th n ic in vestigate p a ra m eter
an n u al co n fer goal jo b p h ase
apparent co n trast gran t label p re d ict
approxim ate cycle h en ce m ech a n ism p rin cip a l
attitude debate h yp o th esis o b v io u s p rio r
attribute despite im p lem en t occupy p ro fessio n a l
civil d im en sio n im p licate o p tio n p ro ject
co d e d o m estic im p o se o u tp u t p ro m o te
co m m it em erge in tegrate o vera ll regim e

WORDS TO AVOID IN AN ESSAY

And also This is often redundant. Each and every One or the other, but not both.

And/or Outside o f the legal world, most of
the time this construction is used, it is neither
necessary nor logical. Try using one word or the
other.
As to whether The single word whether will
suffice.
Equally as Something can be equally important
or as important as, but not equally as important.
Etc. This abbreviation often suggests a kind of
laziness. It might be better to provide one more
example, thereby suggesting that you could have
written more, but chose not to.

Basically, essentially, totally These words
seldom add anything useful to a sentence. Try
the sentence without them and, almost always,
you will see the sentence improve.
Being that or being as These words are a
non-standard substitute for because. Being that
Because I was the youngest child, I always wore
hand-me-downs.
, 1
Considered to be Eliminate the to be and,
unless it's important who’s doing the considering,
try to eliminate the entire phrase.
Due to the fact that Using this phrase is a
sure sign that your sentence is in trouble. Did
you mean because? Due to is acceptable after
a linking verb (The team’s failure was due to
illness among the stars.); other-wise, avoid it.
He/she is a convention created to avoid gender
bias in writing, but it doesn’t work very well
and it becomes downright obtrusive if it
appears often. Use he or she or pluralize (where
appropriate) so you can avoid the problem of the
gender-specific pronoun altogether.
Firstly, secondly, thirdly, etc. Number things
with first, second, third, etc. and not with these
adverbial forms.
Got Many writers regard got as an ugly word,
and they have a point. If you can avoid it in
writing, do so. I have got to must begin studying
right away. I have got two pans of sneakers.
Had ought or hadn’t ought. Eliminate the
auxiliary had. You hadn’t ought not to pester
your sister that way.

MBA Нам важен Ваш результат!

Ш 2Ш Ш З www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua 141
THE WRITING TEST
Interesting One of the least interesting words
in English, the word you use to describe an
ugly baby. If you show us why something is
interesting, you’re doing your job.
In terms of See if you can eliminate this phrase.
Irregardless No one word will get you in trouble
with the boss faster than this one.
Kind of or sort of. These are OK in informal
situations, but in formal academic prose,
substitute somewhat, rather or slightly. We were
kind of rather pleased with the results.
Literally This word might be confused with
literarily, a seldom used adverb relating to
authors or scholars and their various professions.
Usually, though, if you say it’s “literally a jungle
out there,” you probably mean figuratively, but
you’re probably better off without either word.
Lots or lots of In academic prose, avoid these
colloquialisms when you can use many or much.
Remember, when you do use these words,
that lots of something countable are plural.
Remember, too, that a lot of requires three
words: “He spent a lot of money” (not alot of).
Just Use only when you need it, as in just the
right amount.
Nature See if you can get rid of this word.
Movies of a violent nature are probably just
violent movies.
Necessitate It’s hard to imagine a situation that
would necessitate the use of this word.
Of Don’t write would of, should of, could o f when
you mean would have, should have, could have.
On account of Use because instead.
Only Look out for placement. Don’t write “He
only kicked that ball ten yards ’’ when you mean
“He kicked that ball only ten yards.”
142
Words to avoid in an essay
Orientate The new students become oriented,
not orientated. The same thing applies to
administrate —we administer a project.
Per Use according to instead. We did it per your
instructions? Naah. (This word is used frequently
in legal language and in technical specifications,
where it seems to be necessary and acceptable.)
Plus Don’t use this word as a conjunction. Use
and instead.
Point in time Forget it! At this time or at this
point or now will do the job.
Previous as in “our previous discussion.” Use
earlier or nothing at all.
So as to Usually, a simple to will do.
Suppose to, use to. The hard “d” sound
in supposed to and used to disappears in
pronunciation, but it shouldn’t disappear in
spelling. “We used to do that” or ‘W e were
supposed to do it this way.”
The reason why is because. Deja vu all over
again!
Thru This nonstandard spelling of through
should not be used in academic prose.
‘Til Don’t use this word instead of until or till,
even in bad poetry.
Try and Don’t try and do something. Try to do
something.
Thusly Use thus or therefore instead.
Utilize Don’t use this word where use would
suffice. (Same goes for utilization.)
Very, really, quite (and other intensifiers)
Like basically, these words seldom add anything
useful. Try the sentence without them and see if
it improves.
Нан важен Ваш результат! MBA
www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua шїтаііша
Writing Task 2. Sample Essays
WRITING TASK 2. SAMPLE ESSAYS
TOPIC 1.
Write about the following topic:
Celebrities such as actors, athletes and
musicians earn large salaries compared to
other profession als. Some people consider
this unfair, while others think that celeb­
rities deserve to be paid a lot for the work
they do. Discuss both points o f view and
give your opin ion on the subject.
Give reasons for your answer and include any
relevant examples from your own knowledge or
experience. Write at least 250 words.
Sample Answer
Famous movies stars, popular musicians and
athletes often get paid a lot more than other
professionals. While this may not seem fair
to many, it is a matter of debate with several
strong arguments for and against celebrities
earning a lot more than people in other profes­
sions.
On the one hand, those who think that pay­
ing huge amounts to celebrities is unfair may
argue that famous people do not have much
to offer except their image. Their success and
popularity do not result from many years o f ac­
ademic study or experience, but are created by
the media and celebrity-crazed culture. Hence,
many people condemn David Beckham Ipr
earning millions of dollars just by advertising
yet another sports brand.
On the other hand, there are some arguments
why celebrities deserve high income. First,
they work in multi-billion-dollar industries
such as cinema or sport and help to generate
a lot of jobs. For example, such events as rock
concerts create employment opportunities for
people working in catering, logistics and pub­
MBA Нам важен Ваш результат!
www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua
THE WRITING TEST
lishing. A good illustration here is Madonna’s
concerts for which a thousand of workers is
needed to make them possible.
Secondly, some of the money famous people
receive is put to a good cause. It is not uncom­
mon for celebrities to give generous donations
to charity organisations and to participate in
charity fund-raising events.
In conclusion, it is debatable whether many
celebrities’ large salaries are justified, and both
critics and advocates seem to have plenty of
arguments in support o f their views. I person­
ally think that famous people’s salaries should
be proportional to the amount o f money their
talent helps to generate. (269)
TOPIC 2.
Write about the following topic:
It is sometimes said that TV and computer
games encourage violence. Therefore, par­
ents should strictly control their ch ildren’s
use o f these media. To what extent do you
agree or disagree?
Give reasons for your answer and include any
relevant examples from your own knowledge or
experience. Write at least 250 words.
Sample Answer
TV and computer games have become very pop­
ular forms o f entertainment for young people
these days. There is, however, much concern
that young people may be negatively affected
by the violent content o f programs and games.
There are a number of reasons why parents
need to actively supervise their children’s use
of these media.
Firstly, young children may not be able to
143
THE WRITING TEST
properly evaluate the content of TV programs or
computer games. Research suggests that many
young people are not capable of reasoning until
they are 7 years old, and they do not develop
moral values until 10-12 years. At a young age,
children are very impressionable and receptive
to the violent messages o f these media.
Secondly, the violent content of these forms of
entertainment may cause distress. Children
may even be traumatized by what they see.
Moreover, they might copy the behaviour they
see and cause injury to others. There have been
cases where young people have copied their
favourite character on TV, and used a gun to
shootsomeone.
Thirdly, the excessive amount of violence on
TV and computer games may give young peo­
ple the impression that violence is an accept­
able part of social relations. Children might
therefore get the wrong impression that phys­
ical conflict is a necessary and natural part of
relationships, rather than seeing cooperation
as the norm or ideal.
In conclusion, violent content on TV and com­
puter games can be harmful to young people,
especially to those who are not intellectually
and morally mature. Therefore, parents should
control their children’s use of these media.
(260)
TOPIC 3.
Write about the following topic:
, 1
In recent years some countries have expe­
rienced very rapid economic development.
This has resulted in much higher stand­
ards o f living in urban areas but not in
the countryside.
This situation may bring some problems
for the country as a whole. What are these
problems?
How might they be reduced?
144
Writing Task 2. Sample Essays
Give reasons for your answer and include any
relevant examples from your own knowledge or
experience. Write at least 250 words.
Sample Answer
From the evidence o f developing countries all
over the world it seems inevitable that econom­
ic growth is generated in the business and in­
dustrial centres of the major cities. As a result,
urban citizens have access to jobs and facilities
that improve their living standards considera­
bly. However, it is usually the case that these
are not equally enjoyed by people in the coun­
tryside and this generates several problems for
the countries concerned.
First of all, people from the countryside will try
to move to the cities to get more employment
opportunities and better access to the facili­
ties available there. However, this increase in
the urban population puts great pressure on
housing and services, and leads to the creation
of massive slum areas where conditions may
be lower than in the rural villages. These are
often left under-populated and this can impact
on food production and can have severe affects
for people in both ui’ban and rural areas.
Finally, as a country’s economy develops, there
may be an increasing sense of inequality at the
towns get richer and the villages get poorer,
and this may lead to more crime and even civil
unrest.
The key to reducing these problems seems to
he in improving the standards of living and the
facilities available in the countryside. Perhaps
incentives can be offered to factories and compa­
nies to relocate; road and rail networks can be
built to make such relocation possible; doctors
and teachers could be required to spend part of
theirs professional lives in rural areas, etc.
In conclusion, however, improving rural living
standards requires investment and political
will that is sometimes not easy to generate.
(272)
Нам важен Ваш результат! MBA
www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua ы м а
Writing Task 2. Sample Essays
TOPIC 4.
Write about the following topic:
Some people believe that studying at uni­
versity or college is the best route to a suc­
cessful career, while others believe that it
is better to get a job straight after school.
Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Give reasons for your answer and include any
relevant examples from your own knowledge or
experience. Write at least 250 words.
When they finish school, teenagers face the di­
lemma of whether to get a job or continue their
education. While there are some benefits to
getting a job straight after school, I would argue
that it is better to go to college or university.
The option to start work straight after school is
attractive for several reasons. Many young peo­
ple want to start earning money as soon as pos­
sible. In this way, they can become independent,
and they will be able to afford theft own house
or start a family. In terms of their career, young
people who decide to find work, rather than con­
tinue their studies, may progress more quickly.
They will have the chance to gain real experi­
ence and learn practical skills related to their
chosen profession. This may lead to promotions
and a successful career.
On the other hand, I believe that it is more
beneficial for students to continue their stud­
ies. Firstly, academic qualifications are re­
quired in many professions. For example, it
is impossible to become a doctor, teacher or
lawyer without having the relevant degree.
As a result, university graduates have access
to more and better job opportunities, and they
tend to earn higher salaries than those with
fewer qualifications. Secondly, the job mar­
ket is becoming increasingly competitive, and
sometimes there are hundreds of applicants for
one position in a company. Young people who
do not have-qualifications from a university or
college will not be able to compete.
MBA Нам важен Ваш результат!
www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua
THE WRITING TEST
For the reasons mentioned above, it seems to
me that students are more likely to be suc­
cessful in their careers if they continue their
studies beyond school level. (271)
TOPIC 5.
Write about the following topic:
Explain some o f the ways in which hu­
mans are damaging the environment.
What can governments do to address these
problems? What can individual people do?
Give reasons for your answer and include any
relevant examples from your own knowledge or
experience. Write at least 250 words.
Sample Answer
Humans are responsible for a variety of en­
vironmental problems, but we can also take
steps to reduce the damage that we are causing
to the planet. This essay will discuss environ­
mental problems and the measures that gov­
ernments and individuals can take to address
these problems.
Two of the biggest threats to the environment
are air pollution and waste. Gas emissions
from factories and exhaust fumes from vehi­
cles lead to global warming, which may have a
devastating effect on the planet in the future.
As the human population increases, we are
also producing ever greater quantities of waste,
which contaminates the earth and pollutes
rivers and oceans.
Governments could certainly make more effort
to reduce air pollution. They could introduce
laws to limit emissions from factories or to
force companies to use renewable energy from
solar, wind or water power. They could also
impose ‘green taxes’ on drivers and airline com­
panies. In this way, people would be encour­
aged to use public transport and to take fewer
flights abroad, therefore reducing emissions.
145
THE WRITING TEST
Individuals should also take responsibility for
the impact they have on the environment. They
can take public transport rather than driving,
choose products with less packaging, and re­
cycle as much as possible. Most supermarkets
now provide reusable bags for shoppers as well
as ‘banks’ for recycling glass, plastic and paper
in their car parks. By reusing and recycling, we
can help to reduce waste.
In conclusion, both national governments and
individuals must play their part in looking
after the environment. (250)
TOPIC 6.
Write about the following topic:
Space exploration requires vast sums o f
money. Is the amount o f money spent on
space research justifiable?
Could the money be better spent?
Give reasons for your answer and include any
relevant examples from your own knowledge or
experience. Write at least 250 words.
Sample Answer
There has always been considerable discussion
about whether governments should spend tax
payers’ money on space research. In my view
it is impossible to justify the amount of money
spent on such projects. Generally speaking,
the main reason for this position is that there
are several areas in which the money could be
invested better.
The first point to make is that politicians have
a responsibility to spend public money on pro­
jects that bring a benefit to the general public.
This has not been the case with space research
as most developments have been limited to
helping astronauts in space or have been
veryspecialised. For example, it is not of great
value to the general public that we now have
pens and biros that can write upside down.
146
Writing Task 2. Sample Essays
This does not merit the huge amount of money
spent.
The second point to make is that there are
many much more urgent projects on Earth that
require investment. If governments spent less
money on space research, then they would be
able to help solve some of these problems such
as population control, elimination of diseases
like cholera, global warming and food shortag­
es. It seems to me that all o f these issues are
more important because they affect the lives of
millions of ordinary people. An illustration of
this is that the US government could provide
food for all the starving people in the world if
they did not spend so much on NASA.
My conclusion is that politicians should not
fund space research. The grounds for saying
this are that it is very costly and provides few
real benefits. Furthermore, there are several
more urgent issues that need to be funded.
(280)
TOPIC 7.
Write about the following topic:
Unemployment is one o f the most serious
problems facing developed nations today.
What are the advantages and/or disad­
vantages o f reducing the working week to
thirty five hours?
Give reasons for your answer and include any
relevant examples from your own knowledge or
experience. Write at least 250 words.
Sample Answer
It is unquestionable that rising unemployment
is one o f the most pressing issues in the indus­
trial world. One solution that has been put for­
ward is to cut the working week to a maximum
of 35 hours. However, in my view this solution
is rather controversial and other solutions need
to be found.
Нам важен Ваш результат! MBA
www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua иеш ^а
Writing Task 2. Sample Essays
It is fairly easy to understand the reasons why
this proposal has been made. The reasoning
is that if workers are not allowed to work for
more than 35 hours weekly, then employers
will be forced to engage more staff. There
would be at least two advantages to this. Not
only would unemployment be reduced, but the
working conditions of employees on very long
shifts would also be significantly improved.
For example, a factory employing 300 manual
workers doing 10 hours a day might employ
450 workers.
There is also, however, a strong argument not to
implement this proposal. This argument is based
on economic competitiveness. If a company was
forced to employ more workers to produce the
same amount of goods, then its wage bill would
rise and its products might become more expen­
sive and less competitive compared to companies
with longer working weeks. In this case, it is
possible that the company either might become
insolvent or it would have to make some employ­
ees redundant. As a result, the intended benefit
to the personnel would not happen.
In summary, we can see that this is clearly a
complex issue as there are significant advan­
tages and disadvantages to the proposal. My
own personal view is that it would be better
not to introduce the shortened working week
because it works only in theory and not in
practice. (280)
TOPIC 8.
Write about the following topic: , <
In many countries there has been an
increase in social problems involving
teen agers in recent years. Many people
believe that this is due to modern lifestyles
because parents spend more and more
time at work and have less time to super­
vise their children. To what extent do you
believe this is true?
Give reasons for your answer and include any
MBA Нам важен Ваш результат!
www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua
THE WRITING TEST
relevant examples from your own knowledge or
experience. Write at least 250 words.
There is no question that standards of behav­
iour have fallen among teenagers. The popular
belief is that the principle cause is that parents
are unable to supervise their children because
they are away at work. There are, however, a
number o f other potential factors and in this
essay I will examine what some of the reasons
are.
It is undeniable that parents should bear some
responsibility for the actions of their teenaged
children. This is particularly true when they
are absent from the home and not in a position
to control their children. The argument is that
if they were at home, then they would be able
to make certain that their children did not join
gangs and spent their time on socially accept­
able activities.
However, it can also be said that working par­
ents are in fact setting a good example to their
children. Indeed, it is very' often the case that
teenagers who come from hardworking families
spend their time on schoolwork and conduct
themselves well. In fact, the teenagers who do
create social problems by, for example, getting
drunk or painting graffiti come from homes
where parents are unemployed.
Other factors that lead to teenagers getting
into trouble relate to the educational system.
This is due to the fact that many' teenagers
leave school aged 16 and do not find work be­
cause o f lack of qualifications. As a result, they'
spend time on the street with nothing produc­
tive to do. Likewise, social problems with teen­
agers can be the consequence o f poor discipline
at school with teachers failing to control their
classes.
In conclusion, it is possible to argue that this
sort of problem is only sometimes the result
of parents not supervising their children. It
is equally possible to claim that discipline in
schools is at fault. (299)
147
THE WRITING TEST
TOPIC 9.
Write about the following topic:
The threat o f nuclear weapons maintains
world peace. Nuclear power provides
cheap and clean energy. The benefits of
nuclear technology far outweigh the dis­
advantages. To what extent do you agree
or disagree?
Give reasons for your answer and include any
relevant examples from your own knowledge or
experience. Write at least 250 words.
Sample Answer
One question that has caused a great deal of
controversy over the years is nuclear technolo­
gy. Although it offers a number of advantages
in world peace and green power, it is also a
dangerous technology. In this essay I intend to
show how these benefits counterbalance that
disadvantage.
The opponents of nuclear power generally base
their arguments on the danger it represents
to the world. There are two main dangers: the
risk of nuclear warfare and the nuclear disas­
ters. The danger of nuclear war is obvious and
if one thinks about Chernobyl, it is easy to un­
derstand why people are worried about nuclear
power, as it can cause major suffering.
There are, however, good reasons for believing
that nuclear technology is generally advanta­
geous. The first ofthese is that there has not
, t
been a major world conflict since the invention
of nuclear weapons. While there have been
wars, they have not been on the same scale as
the Second World War. It is possible to say that
the world is a safer place because of nuclear
weapons.
The other most significant benefit relates to
the environment. Perhaps the greatest dan­
ger facing our world today is a combination
of global warming and the greenhouse effect.
148
Writing Task 2. Sample Essays
This danger is caused partly by burning fossil
fuels which leads to our polluted atmosphere.
Nuclear power, however, is a much greener
alternative which does not have such negative
effects. Furthermore, in the last 50 years there
have not been too many nuclear disasters and
many experts claim that it is in fact a safe
technology.
In conclusion, I would argue that nuclear tech­
nology is better than the current alternatives.
However, I also believe we should keep looking
for ways to make it safer. (288)
TOPIC 10.
Write about the following topic:
Differences between countries become less
evident each year. Nowadays, all over the
world people share the same fashions,
advertising, brands, eating habits and TV
channels. Do the advantages outweigh the
disadvantages o f this?
Give reasons for your answer and include any
relevant examples from your own knowledge or
experience. Write at least 250 words.
Sample Answer
It is undoubtedly the case that the world today
has become a global village. One of the effects
of this is that increasingly people in all corners
of the world are exposed to similar services and
products and adopt similar habits. My view is
that this is largely a beneficial process and in
this essay I will explain why.
The first point to make is that there are some
downsides to this process o f cultural globalisa­
tion, but these are relatively minor. The most
significant of these disadvantages is that it can
weaken national culture and traditions. For
example, if people watch films and television
programmes produced in the United States,
sometimes they adopt aspects of the lifestyle of
the American characters they see on television.
Нам важен Ваш результат! MBA
www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua ш з ш із
WRITING TASK 2 PRACTICE TESTS
Typically, however, this only affects minor
details such as clothing and does not seriously
threaten national identity.
When we turn to the other side o f the argu­
ment, there are two major points to make in
favour of this process. The first of these is that
the more we share habits, products and servic­
es, the better we understand each other and
this reduces prejudice against other nations.
The other point relates to modernity. It is a
sign of progress in a society that people no
longer are restricted to brands and advertise­
ments from their own society but are able to
access more international goods. If, for exam­
ple, there were unable to drink Coca Cola or
wear Nike, then that would mean their society
was not part of the international community.
In conclusion, I understand the point o f view of
people who worry about cultural globalisation
because it is a threat to national traditions.
However, this is outweighed by its positive
impact on international understanding and
the fact that it represents progress within a
society. (298)
MBA Нам важен Баш результат!
шзяшша www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua
THE WRITING TEST
WRITING TASK 2 PRACTICE TESTS
TEST 1.
Write about the following topic:
In many countries children are engaged
in some kind o f paid work. Some people
regard this as completely wrong, while
others consider it as valuable work expe­
rience, important for learning and taking
responsibility. Discuss both these views
and give you own, opinion.
Give reasons for your answer an$include any
relevant examples from your own knowledge or
experience. Write at least 250 words.
TEST 2.
Write about the following topic:
Many old buildings are protected by law
because they are part o f a nation’s h istory.
However, some people think old buildings
should be knocked down to make way for
new ones because people need houses and
offices.
Discuss both these views and give you own
opinion.
Give reasons for your answer and include any
relevant examples from your own knowledge or
experience.
Write at least 250 words.
TEST 3.
Write about the following topic:
Museums and art galleries should be free
o f charge for the general public. To what
extent do you agree or disagree?
149
THE WRITING TEST WRITING TASK 2 PRACTICE TESTS

Give reasons for your answer and include any Give reasons for your answer and include any
relevant examples from your own knowledge or relevant examples from your own knowledge or
experience. experience. Write at least 250 words.

Write at least 250 words.

TEST 4.

Write about the following topic:

Future plans to design prisons for learn­

ing and working, with bigger cells con­
taining computers that will enable study
and communication, have been criticized
for trying to turn prisons into “holiday
camps” and “wasting taxpayers’ money”.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Give reasons for your answer and include any

relevant examples from your own knowledge or
experience.

Write at least 250 words.

TEST 5.

Write about the following topic:

To some people studying the past has little

value in the modern world. Why do you
think it is important to do so? What will be
the effect if children are not taught history?

Give reasons for your answer and include any

relevant examples from your own knowledge or
experience.

Write at least 250 words.

TEST 6

Write about the following topic:

In recent years, people watch more movies

from overseas. What are the reasons for
this? Should the government give financial
support to local cinema to produce local
films?

Нам важен Ваш результат! MBA

www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua
 THE SPEAKING TEST

THE
SPEAKING
TEST

MBA Нам важен Ваш результат!

151
www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua
THE SPEAKING TEST What's in the Speaking test?

WHAT’S IN THE SPEAKING TEST?

PART 1

In this part you will answer general questions.

The examiner will ask you about things which
are close to you and which should be easy for
you to answer. The examiner may ask you
about yourself, your home and your family,
what sort of job you have, what you are stud­
ying, or he or she may want to know about
your particular interests- This part will last
between four and five minutes.

PART 2

In Part 2 the examiner will give you a verbal

prompt on a card and will ask you to talk on a
particular topic. You will have one minute to
prepare your answer before speaking at length
for between one or two minutes. After you have
spoken the examiner will ask some questions
which arise from what you have said. These
questions will bring Part 2 to a conclusion. The
whole of Part 2 lasts between three and four
minutes, which includes the one minute spent
preparing the answer,

PART 3

In Part 3 the examiner will get you to develop

the ideas on the topic you have been discussing
in Part 2. The discussion will continue between
four and five minutes.

Time: 11-14 minutes

Нам важен Ваш результат! MBA

www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua шшхзшa
Assessm ent Criteria THE SPEAKING TEST

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Grammatical
Fluency and
Band Lexical Resource Range and Pronunciation
Coherence
Accuracy

• speaks fluently with

only rare repetition or • uses a full range of
• uses a full range of
selfcorrection; any hes­ structures natu­
• uses vocabulary pronunciation fea­
itation is content-re­ rally and appropri­
with full flexibility tures with precision
lated ately
and precision in all and subtlety
• rather than to find • produces consist­
9 topics • sustains flexible use
words or grammar ently accurate
• uses idiomatic of features through­
• speaks coherently structures apart
language naturally out
with fully appropriate from ‘slips' char­
and accurately • is effortless to under­
cohesive features acteristic of native
stand
• develops topics fully speaker speech
and appropriately
• uses a wide vo­
• speaks fluently with cabulary resource • uses a wide range
• uses a wide range
only rare repetition or readily and flexibly of pronunciation
of structures
selfcorrection; any hes­ to convey precise features
flexibly
itation is content-relat­ meaning • sustains flexible use
• produces a major­
ed rather than to find • uses less common of features, with only
ity of error- free
8 words or grammar v i and idiomatic occasional lapses
sentences with
• sneakscoherent.lv ^ gpo^u lary skilful­ • is easy to under­
only very occasion­
with fully appropriate ly, with occasional stand throughout;
al inappropriacies
cohesive features inaccuracies LI accent has mini­
or basic/nonsys-
• develops topics fully • uses paraphrase mal effect on intelli­
tematic errors
and appropriately effectively as re­ gibility
quired
• uses vocabulary
• speaks at length with­ resource flexibly to
out noticeable effort or discuss a variety of
• uses a range of
loss of coherence topics
complex structures
• may demonstrate • uses some less
with some flexi­ • shows all the posi­
language- related common and idio­
bility tive features of Band
hesitation at times, or matic vocabulary
7 • frequently pro­ 6 and some, but not
some repetition and/or and shows some
duces error- free all, of the positive
self-correction awareness of style
sentences, though features of Band 8
• uses a range of con­ and collocation,
some grammatical
nectives and discourse with some inappro-
mistakes persist
markers with some . piriate choices
flexibility • uses paraphrase
effectively

MBA Нам важен Ваш результат!

153
рятсгезтд www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua
THE SPEAKING TEST Assessm ent Criteria

• uses a range of pro­

• uses a mix of sim­
nunciation features
• is willing to speak at • has a wide enough ple and complex
with mixed control
length, though may vocabulary to structures, but
• shows some effective
lose coherence at times discuss topics at with limited flexi­
use of features but
due to occasional rep­ length and make bility
this is not sustained
etition, self-correction meaning clear in • may make fre­
6 • can generally be un­
or hesitation spite of inappropri- quent mistakes
derstood throughout,
• uses a range of con­ acies with complex
though mispronun­
nectives and discourse • generally para­ structures, though
ciation of individual
markers but not al­ phrases success­ these rarely cause
words or sounds
ways appropriately fully comprehension
reduces clarity at
problems
times

• usually maintains flow

• produces basic
of speech but uses rep­
sentence forms
etition, self-correction • manages to talk
with reasonable
and/or slow speech to about familiar and
accuracy
keep going unfamiliar topics • shows all the posi­
• uses a limited
• may over-use certain but uses vocabu­ tive features of Band
range of more com­
5 connectives and dis­ lary with limited 4 and some, but not
plex structures,
course markers flexibility all, of the positive
but these usually
• produces simple * attempts to use features of Band 6
contain errors and
speech fluently, but paraphrase but
may cause some
more complex commu­ with mixed success
comprehension
nication causes fluency
problems
problems
• cannot respond with­ • is able to talk • uses a limited range
* produces basic
out noticeable pauses about familiar of pronunciation
sentence forms
and may speak slowly, topics but can only features
and some correct
with frequent repeti­ convey basic mean­ • attempts to control
simple sentences
tion and self-correction ing on unfamiliar features but lapses
4 but subordinate
• links basic sentences topics and makes are frequent
structures are rare
but with repetitious frequent errors in • mispronunciations
• errors are frequent
use of simple connec­ word choice are frequent and
and may lead to
tives and some break­ • rarely attempts cause some difficulty
misunderstanding
downs in coherence paraphrase for the listener

’ attempts basic
• speaks with long sentence forms but
• uses simple vocab­
pauses with limited suc­
ulary to convey • shows some of the
• has limited ability to cess. or relies on
personal informa­ features of Band 2
link simple sentences apparently memo­
3 tion and some, but not
• gives only simple rised utterances
* has insufficient all, of the positive
responses and is • makes numerous
^vocabulary for less features of Band 4
frequently unable to errors except in
familiar topics
convey basic message memorised expres­
sion

• pauses lengthily before • only produces

most words isolated words or • cannot produce ba­ * speech is often unin­
2 telligible
• little communication memorised utter­ sic sentence forms
possible ances

• no communication possible
1
• no rateable language

0 • does not attend

Нам важен Ваш результат! MBA

154 www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua ешіїіиешя
P arti Practice
GENERAL TIPS - SPEAKING
• Spend time before the test speaking and
listening or reading in English rather than
in your own language so you are ‘thinking
in English’ when you go into the examina­
tion room.
• Smile and relax —the more you smile the
more relaxed you will feel. Don’t let the
fact that the test is recorded make you
nervous - try and concentrate on what you
are asked about.
Always speak clearly so that examiner can
hear you.
It’s important not to sound flat, so use
stress and intonation to make what you say
sound interesting.
Don’t speak too fast because it can be diffi­
cult to follow. Don’t speak too slowly as you
wont’ have the chance to say very much.
Use fillers like ‘Well’, ‘So’, and ‘Let me
think’ to give yourself time to prepare what
you will say without leaving a long pause.
Don’t worry if you make a grammatical
mistake - you are being assessed on vari­
ous things, not just your grammar.
Try to use a wide range o f grammar and
vocabulary during the test. The examiner
can only award you marks for the language
you produce. » «•
Don’t worry if the examiner stops you be­
fore you have finished. The test is carefully
timed and the timings for each part must
be observed by the examiner.
MBA Нан важен Ваш результат!
www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua
THE SPEAKING TEST
PART 1 PRACTICE
WEATHER
• What’s the weather like in your country?
• Does the weather affect your mood?
• How do rainy days make you feel?
• What’s your favorite season of the year?
• What do you like to do when it’s hot?
• What do you usually do in the winter?
• How many seasons does your country have?
HOME
• Describe your home.
• What kind of building do you live in?
• How long have you lived there?
WEDDING
• Have you ever been to a wedding?
• Whose wedding was it?
• Where was it held?
• What clothes do people wear?
• Describe the wedding ceremony.
• What sort of gifts do people buy for the
bridal couple?
• What kind of clothes did the bride and
groom wear?
TRAVEL
• Do you like to travel?
• What kind of places have you visited in
your life?
• Which place would you really like to visit?
Why?
• What’s the best place you’ve ever visited?
COMPUTERS
• Do you think computers help society?
• Do you think computers are bad for health?
• How do you think computers have changed
the world?
155
THE SPEAKING TEST
INTERNET
• Do you use the Internet much during the day?
• What do you usually do on the Internet?
• What are some advantages of the Internet?
• What are some disadvantages?
• Do people in your country use the Internet
a lot?
• Do you do any shopping on the Internet?
EMAIL
• Do you send and receive email regularly?
• Who do you usually communicate with?
• How often do you check your email?
• Do you think writing email has strength­
ened or weakened people’s writing skills?
• What are some disadvantages of email?
SMOKING
• What do you feel about smoking in public
places?
• Do you think smoking should be banned in
people’s homes?
MARRIAGE
• What is the attitude toward marriage in
your country?
• Do most young people plan on getting mar­
ried in your country?
• What are some of the advantages of marriage?
• What are some of the disadvantages?
• Is the divorce rate high in your country?
• Do you think people should be allowed to
get divorced?
HOBBIES
• Do you have any hobbies?
• What are some of your hobbies?
• When did you first develop tis hobby?
• What are some of the advantages of having
a hobby?
• How much time do you spend on your hobby?
156
P a rti Practice
FILMS
• Do you enjoy watching movies?
• What’s your favorite film?
• Who are your favorite actors?
• How often do you watch films?
SHOPPING
• Do you enjoy shopping?
• How do you feel about shopping?
• Do you like shopping on the Internet?
• Do you have any favorite stores?
• What don’t you like about shopping?
• Which is the most popular place to shop in
your hometown?
SPORTS
• Do you like sports?
• Do you enjoy watching sports?
• Do you enjoy participating in any sports?
• Which sports are most popular in your
country?
• What’s your favorite sport/
• When did you first become interested in
sports?
• How often do you participate in sports?
• What equipment do you need for your
favorite sport?
FESTIVAL
• What’s the most important festival in your
country?
• How do people celebrate this festival?
• What special food is associated with this
festival?
• What special activities are associated with
this festival?
• What do you enjoy most about this festival?
• Do you think festivals are important for a
society?
TELEVISION
• Do you watch television a lot?
• What do you usually watch on television?
Нам важен Ваш результат! MBA
www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua s s s i
P a rti Practice
• How many hours o f television do you usual­
ly watch?
• What are the most popular shows in your
country?
• What kind of shows do you like to watch?
• What are some advantages of television?
• What are some of the disadvantages of tele­
vision?
• What did you last watch on television?
• Why do you think certain TV shows are so
popular?
TOURISM
• Which places would you recommend to a
visitor to your country?
• Do a lot of tourists visit your country?
• What do they usually do there?
• How has tourism changed your country?
• Is your country expensive for most tourists?
• What are some famous landmarks in your
country?
DAILY ROUTINE
• Describe your daily routine.
• What do you usually do?
• What do you do on the weekend?
• What is your typical weekday like?
• Does your life change much from week to
week?
• Do you have any free time during the week?
YOUR COUNTRY
• Which country are you from?
• Where is this country located?
• Which part of the country do most people
live in?
• What are the main industries in your country?
• Is it easy to travel around your country?
CLOTHES
• What type of clothes do you like to wear?
• What kind of clothes do people in your
country usually wear?
• How important is fashion to you?
MBA Нам важен Ваш результат!
РТЕтаррл www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua
THE SPEAKING TEST
• What kind of clothes do you dislike?
• Do you think people behave differently in
different kinds of clothes?
• What kind of clothes do people wear to
work in your country?
• Are clothes expensive in your country?
GOING OUT
• Do you like going out or staying at home?
• What do you like to do when you go out?
• How often do you go out?
• Do people in your country go out a lot?
• How and where do people in your country
usually socialize?
• What kind of entertainment is popular in
your country?
GAMES
• Do you enjoy playing any games?
• What kind of games do you play?
• Do you think adults should play games?
• What do children learn from games?
• What kind of games did you play when you
were a child?
• What games are popular in your country
today?
• What kind of games were popular when
you were young?
• Do you think mental games like chess are
good for you?
COLORS
• Do you have a favorite color?
• What are your country’s colors?
• Do you think colors affect our moods?
• Can you learn anything about a person
from the colors he / she likes?
• Do you like the same colors now as you did
when you were a child?
MUSIC
• Do you like music?
• What kind of music do you like?
• When do you usually listen to music?
157
THE SPEAKING TEST
• What kind of music did you like when you
were younger?
• What kind of music is popular in your country?
• Do you play any musical instruments?
• Do you wish you could play any musical
instruments?
• Which is your favorite instrument?
5.
PART 2 PRACTICE
1. Talk about a book that impressed you.
You should say:
■ What it was about
■ Why it impressed you
■ If any other books have impressed you 6.
the same way
And say what kind of person you would
recommend that book to, and why
2. Talk about something you can do on a
computer that you think is enjoyable.
You should mention:
• What equipment or software you need
to do that 7.
* What you need to do to do it
■ What kind of people it is popular with
And say if you would like to spend more
time doing that or not, and why
3. Talk about a hobby that a brother or
sister, or other relative, likes.
You should mention: 8.
■ Where and when they do that hobby
■ How long they have been doing it
■ If you have ever done it with them
And say if you think that is a good hobby or
not, and why.
4. Talk about something you or someone ■ And say if other people who do the same thing
you know collects.
158
www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua
Part 2 Practice
You should say:
* How many pieces there is in the collection
■ How the collection is stored
* How quickly the collection is growing
And say what kind of person would enjoy
collecting that thing, and why
Talk about a dish you know how to
cook. You should describe:
* What the ingredients are
■ Howr it is cooked
■ Other preparation you have to do
And say if you think this is an easy dish to
cook or not, and why
Describe a place where you often go
on your days off
You should say:
■ Where it is
■ Who you go with
■ Why you go there
And say how it compares to other places
where you could spend your free time
Describe something you often do in
the evening.
You should say:
■ When you usually do it
* Where you usually do it
■ Who you usually do it with
And say if you enjoy doing it or not, and why
Talk about something that makes you
excited.
You should include:
■ How often you do that thing
■ Where you do it
* Who you do it with
feel exactly the same way or not, and why
Нан важен Ваш результат! MBA
игпсйяза
Part 2 Practice
9. Give a presentation about something
you think is a good way of doing exer­
cise.
You should include in your answer:
* What equipment is needed
■ Where people usually do this form of
exercise
■ What they usually wear
And say if you think this form of exercise is
getting more or less popular, and why
10. Describe your favourite film.
You should say:
■ What the film is about
■ Who the main characters are
* What the ending is
And explain why it is your favourite film.
11. Talk about your favourite news
source. You should say:
* How often you use this news source
■ Why you use this source
■ What other sources you use
And say how you would change that news
source if you could.
12. Talk about a musical instrument you
would like to be able to play but have
never tried.
You should say:
* What the instrument looks like
■ What it sounds like , «.
■ What kinds of people it is popular with
And say if you think you will ever try to
play that instrument or not, and why
13. Talk about something you do when
you are away on holiday.
You should say:
* Why you do it
MBA Нам важен Ваш результат!
ЕЕЕ Е о тя www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua
THE SPEAKING TEST
■ How often you do it
■ Where you have done it
And say whether you think you will have
more or less time you do that in the future,
and why-
14. Talk about something that you enjoy
doing indoors. You should say-:
* Where you usually do it
* What equipment is needed
* Why it is better to do this thing indoors
And say if you prefer spending your free
time indoors or outdoors or not, and Why
15. Describe a TV programme that y7ou
often watch. You should say7:
■ What kind o f programme it is
* Why you watch it
■ When and why yrou first started watch­
ing it
And say if you think that programme is
better than other TV programmes that are
on at the same time or not, and why
16. Talk about a book y7ou have never
read but would like to read.
You should mention:
■ How well know-n it is
* Why you would like to read it
■ Why7you have never read it before
And say how y7ou think it will compare to
other books you have read
17. Talk about something you like doing
during the winter.
You should explain:
■ Where you do it
■ What clothes or equipment you need
* Why you do it during the winter
And say whether you like to spend your days
off in the winter indoors or outdoors, and w7hy
159
THE SPEAKING TEST Part 3 Practice

PART 3 PRACTICE

Useful phrases for Discussion in part 3.

Comparing Making a Agreeing or
Giving an Making a
two prediction about disagreeing with
explanation suggestion
things the future something
Firstly, It’s quite likely that Yes, absolutely (because)
I think ...is
One reason is I think we preferable to It’s possible that Certainly, yes (because)
That’s why I should It’s not very likely
better than Yes, I think we should
think It would be that actually, (because)
more
Consequently a good idea It’s unlikely that
comfortable Yes, I personally like ...
to
That's why than I doubt whether... (because)
What will happen.
As a result of less useful Not really (because)
about...?
than In the long run
Because of To be honest, no
One idea
I prefer In the future, I
It’s possibly due would be I’m not sure that I agree
My favorite think with
to One thing
... is In years to come
It may be because we could do I don’t really think
would be to If you compare By the year
It may come from I’m afraid I can’t agree
... with
the fact that By the time we are with that idea (because)

ADVERTISING 10. What do you think of advertisements for

1. How would you define advertising?
2. Would you like to wrork in advertising?
3. Do you prefer advertisements on TV, in
newspapers, on the radio, on the Internet
or in the street?
language schools?
11. Is advertising a good or bad thing?
12. What factors are essential in making a
good advertisement?
13. Do pop-up ads on the Internet bother you?

4. Do you think advertising is an art? 14. What adverts have you seen or heard that
you particularly liked?
5. Would you like there to be no ads on TV?
15. Do you think you are easily persuaded to
6. What do you think of the ads in other coun­ buy things after seeing or hearing an ad?
tries?
16. Do you agree with an advertising ban on
7. Have you ever placed an ad in the classi­ cigarettes?
fied section of a newspaper?
17. What regulations should be applied to ad­
8. Do you think advertising is a clever way of verts to protect consumers?
lying about products?
18. What would the world be like without
9. What products depend most on advertising? advertising?

160 Нам важен Ваш результат! MBA

www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua
Part 3 Practice THE SPEAKING TEST

19. Have you ever been angry about an advert? 19. Do you have any artistic talents?

20. Which companies produce the best ads? 20. How would the world be different without
artists?
ART
21. How are the cities in your country different?
1. How great is your interest in art?
22. Do you think there’ll be more and more
2. What’s the best art gallery you’ve been to? cities in the world?

3. Do you like modern art? 23. What’s the best way to deal with traffic
problems in a city?
4. What do you think of installation art?
24. Are cities beautiful?
5. Do you ever think a lot of art is not really art?
25. Is it possible for a city to escape social
6. Do you have a favorite artist? problems?

7. What kind of art do you like - paintings, CRIME

sculpture, ceramics, etc?
1. Have you ever been a victim of crime?
8. What is art?
2. Are you afraid o f becoming a victim of
9. Does art change the way you think or feel? crime?

10. Do you think anyone can be an artist or do 3. Is crime a problem where you live?
you need a special talent?
4. Does your government talk a lot about
11. Do you think all children should study art combating crime?
at school?
5. Do you worry about Internet crime?
12. Do you think children should learn the
history of art? 6. Is anyone capable of turning to crime?

13. Do you think a painting can really be worth 7. Who are the world’s biggest war criminals?
a million (or more) dollars?
8. Have you ever thought of fighting crime by
14. Do you think today’s artists are .as good as becoming a police officer?
those from hundreds o f years ago?1 8
7
6
5
9. Do you think the punishment always fits
15. What was the last painting / poster / piece the crime?
of art you bought. Why did you buy it?
10. Do you have any crime prevention tips?
16. Describe the pieces of artwork in your house.
11. Have you ever committed a petty crime?
17. What kind of art is your country famous for?
12. Have you ever witnessed a serious crime?
18. What kind of life do you think an artist’s is?

MBA Нам важен Ваш результат!

www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua 161
THE SPEAKING TEST Part 3 Practice

13. How can governments reduce crime? like to be more knowledgeable about?

14. Is violent crime a big problem in your 11. Do you want to study current events in
country? your English class?

15. Do you think crime pays?
16. Is juvenile crime on the increase in your
country?
17. Is organized crime a big problem in your
country'?
18. What is hate crime?
19. When can you say, “It’s a crime to do noth­
ing”?
20. Have you ever reported a crime?
12. What kind o f current events stories do you
like?
13. What sections o f a newspaper or website
do you check for current events (health,
technology7, business, etc)?
14. How current is current?
15. How much time do you spend discussing
current events with friends?
16. What recent events are y7ou fed up hearing
about?

CURRENT EVENTS AND NEWS 17. How do you feel when you haven’t heard
the news for a few days?
1. Are you interested in current events and news?
18. How often does the news greatly affect
2. Is there a difference between news and your feelings?
current events?
19. Which person in the news do you most like
3. What stories have you been following hearing or reading about?
recently?
20. What is your favorite news source?
4. How many hours a day do you spend read­
ing about, watching or listening to news? DIGITAL REVOLUTION

5. What is the latest news about your country? 1. What is the digital revolution?

6. Are you interested in news from other 2. WThat is so revolutionary about it?
countries?
3. How does the digital revolution compare
7. When did you first become interested in with the industrial revolution?
current events?
4. Are we at the beginning, in the middle, or
8. Do you ever read or listen to the news in at the end of the digital revolution?
English?
5. Has the digital revolution been god or bad
9. Would you prefer to study English using for the world?
news materials or textbooks?1
0
6. How has the digital revolution changed
10. Which area of current events would you your life?

162 Нам важен Ваш результат! MBA

www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua ипяпзгя
Part 3 Practice
7. Are there any aspects of the digital revolu­
tion you don’t like?
8. How would you describe the history of the
digital revolution?
9. Who are or have been the major players in
the digital revolution?
10. What is the most important event so far in
the digital revolution?
11. What digital products do you have?
12. Do you think it is difficult to keep up to date
with technology in the digital revolution?
How about your parents or grandparents?
13. Has the digital revolution reached all four
corners of the Earth?
14. Would you like a job in the digital revolu­
tion?
15. What would our life be like without com­
puters and other digital products?
16. What do you think of the word ‘digital”?
17. Do you think people who work in technolo­
gy are nerds or geeks?
18. How do you think the digital revolution
will change our lives from now?
19. Do you feel like a revolution is happening
around you?
, 1
20. What revolution will come after the digital
revolution?
EXCERCISE
1. What springs to mind when you hear the
word ‘exercise’?
2. Why is exercise so important?
MBA Нам важен Ваш результат!
Егпгаизд www.mbastrategy.ru I www.mbastrategy.ua
THE SPEAKING TEST
3. What kind of exercise do you think is best?
4. Do you wish you could exercise more?
5. Why do many people not exercise?
6. Do you think it’s easy or difficult to find
time to exercise during the day?
7. Do you think people who exercise are hap­
pier than those who don’t?
8. Do you think there should be a law that
requires everyone to exercise?
9. Is it more fun to exercise alone or with
other people?
10. Do you need advice about how to exercise?
11. Do you like exercise?
12. Who do you know who exercises a lot?
13. What are the bad things about exercise?
14. Which exercise would you prefer: jogging,
swimming or cycling?
15. Is not exercising a crime against your
body?
16. Do you think the government should do
more to ensure everyone exercises?
17. How can you adapt the everyday things
you do to increase your level of exercise?
18. Do you think exercising makes your brain
work better?
19. What do you think of the idea of having
higher hospital charges for those who don’t
exercise?
20. If exercise makes you live a lot longer, why
do so many people not bother to do it?
163
THE SPEAKING TEST Part 3 Practice

FARMING 19. Do you think governments should encour­

age more organic farming?
1. How important is farming in your country?
20. What do you understand by the term ‘ur­
2. Is farming in your country in a healthy ban farming’?
condition?
GENETIC ENGINEERING
3. What crops are farmed in your country?
1. What is genetic engineering?
4. What livestock is raised in your country?
2. Do you think genetic engineering is a good
5. Do you think farming offers a good quality thing?
of life?
3. What are people worried about who
6. How different is farming across the world? oppose genetic engineering?

7. What do you think of farming GM crops?
8. How can subsistence farming become more
profitable?
9. What do you think of the intensive farming
methods used in rich countries?
10. Do you think the farming o f crops for biofu­
els is a good idea?
4. Do you worry about eating GM (geneti­
cally modified) food?
5. Do you think genetically modified food
could harm the ecosystems of the areas in
which they grow?
6. What do you know / think about the
Oncomouse —the mouse specially modified
to help in cancer research?

11. What are the challenges the farming indus­ 7. Do you think it’s essential to modify
try faces today?1
8
7
6
5
4
3
2 genes to create new medicines?

12. Does farming help or add to global warm­ 8. Scientists can genetically engineer fruit
ing? to contain vaccines at a very low cost - Is
this a good idea?
13. Would you like to be a farmer?
9. What do you think about cloning?
14. Do you think we could save the world if we
all went back to farming? 10. Would you like to see a cloned version
of yourself?
15. Are you interested in farming news?
HOUSING
16. Would you prefer to work in dairy farming
or arable farming? 1. What springs to mind when you hear the
word ‘housing’?
17. What do you know about factory farming?
2. Is there a problem with housing in your
18. Does farming help preserve the country­ country?
side?
3. Does your government provide housing

164 Нам важен Ваш результат! MBA

www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua ш аш ая
Part 3 Practice THE SPEAKING TEST

for people on low or no income? another country'?

4. Are you interested in the state of the 9. Do you think immigrants get a raw
housing market? deal in the countries they live in?

5. Is it easy to find good quality housing 10. Is illegal immigration a problem where
in your town? you live?

6. What are the housing estates / housing MEDIA

projects like in your area?
1. What images spring to mind when you
7. Do you think there’ll be housing short­ hear the word ‘media’?
ages in your town / country in the future?
2. What is the media?
8. Do you think everyone on a low income
should get a housing allowance / housing 3. Do y'ou think the media have too much
benefit? power?

9. If you belonged to your local housing as­
sociation, what points would you consider
raising?
10. What do you think of the sheltered hous­
ing system in which governments provide
accommodation for the aged and homeless?
IMMIGRATION
4. What are the good and bad things
about the media in your country'?
5. Do you like the fact that today, media
coverage of world events in instantaneous
and extensive?
6. What do you think about countries that
ban or restrict the media?

1. What comes to mind when you hear the 7. Do you always believe the media?
word ‘immigration’?
8. Is the media of your country biased
2. Is immigration good or bad? towrards the views o f your government over
the war on terror?
3. Is immigration an issue in your country?
9. How is today’s media different from
4. Do you think immigration has been that o f 30 years ago?
successful in the USA?
, 1 10. Can you think of any examples of the
5. What do you think of the European media being irresponsible?
Union’s idea of its Blue Card (similar to the
USA’s Green Card)? 11. Would you like to work for the media?

6. Would you like a blue card or a green card? 12. What do you think o f the mass media?

7. When do you think immigration be­ 13. What countries do you think have very
came a social issue?8 good media and which have not so good
media?
8. Would you like to live and work in

MBA Нам важен Ваш результат!

165
www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua
THE SPEAKING TEST Part 3 Practice

14. Why do people fear the media?

15. Should there be any censorship o f the

media?

16. Are reporters in today’s media lazy?

17. Do you think the media tries to manip­

ulate people or change their views?

18. Is it a good idea for a country’s media

to be controlled by the government?

19. Do you trust the media?

20. Does the media care more about truth

or profits?

Нам важен Ваш результат! MBA

www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua
Part 3 Practice TOPICAL PRACTICE

TOPICAL
PRACTICE

MBA Нам важен Ваш результат!

167
Ептртгети www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua
TOPICAL PRACTICE FAMILY AND CHILDREN

FAMILY AND CHILDREN (A) Complete these sentences with an

appropriate word or expression from
A, B or C.

VOCABULARY 1. Mr and Mrs Smith live at home with their

two children. They are a typical example of
uncle a m odern_____________________ family
aunt
nephew A. extended
niece \У B. nuclear
cousin C. compact
grandparents
great-grandparents 2. Mr and MrsPopatlal live at home with
godmother their aged parents, children and grand­
stepmother children. They are a typical example of a
stepsister traditional ____________________ family
brother-in-law
mother-in-law A. nuclear
siblings ^ ■ S l i d « ? ' ! B. enlarged
spouse OT ^ Vu^— \J C. extended
a couple
only child 3. MrsJone^hvesjon^erpwnyndhaatoljlookjaf-
(distant) relatives teipejtw o children. There are a lot of
to get on well(with) _____________________ families like hers
a generation gap
to go to the country A. single-parent
to go for a picnic B. mother-only
to dine out C. mono-parent
supportive
understanding 4. Some parents need t o ____________________
as like as two peas their children more strictly
like father, like son
г to have a strong resemblance to smb. — A. brmg down
B. bring about
\j C. bring up

5. When I was a child, I had a very turbulent

A. upbringing
B. upraising
C. uplifting

6. Mrs Kell\r i s _____________________ and

finds it difficult to look after her children
on her own

\j A. divorced

Нам важен Ваш результат! MBA

168 www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua Нн;Ш?чД
FAMILY AND CHILDREN TOPICAL PRACTICE

B. divided (B) Match sentences 1-12 with a second

C. diverged sentence A-M. Use the key words and
expressions in bold to help you.
7. Many men believe th a t___________________
is the responsibility o f a woman 1. Mr and Mrs White are very authori­
tarian parents,
A. childhelp
\J B. childcare 2. Mr. Bowles is considered to be too
C. childaid lenient.

8. _____________________is a particularly diffi­ 3. Mr and Mrs Harris lead separate

cult time of life for a child lives,

A. convalescence 4. Billy is a well-adjusted kid. ]£_

B. adolescence k
C. convergence 5. The Mannings are not very responsi­
ble parents.
9. A person’s behaviour can some­
times be traced back to his/her 6. My parents are separated.

7. Parents must look after their children,

A. creative years but they shouldn't be over-protective. ’
B. formulating years
\/ C. formative years 8. Professor Maynard has made a study
o f the cognitive processes of young
10. The country has seen a sharp drop in the children,
in the last few years
9. I’m afraid my youngest child is run­
d A. birth rate ning wild. \
B. baby rate
C. born rate 10. She looks quite different from all her
siblings, re
11. She has five who rely
on her to look after them 11. There are several different and
distinct stages of development in a
\Ja . dependants child’s life. |
B. dependers &a(q*rcxll
C. dependents 12. Tony was raised by a foster family
when his own parents died. j
1 2 ._____________________is on the rise, with
over 20% of serious crimes being committed
by children under the age of seventeen A - They don’t look after their children
very well.
A. junior crime
7 B. juvenile delinquency He is fascinated by the way they learn
C. minor crime new things.

C. He very rarely punishes his children.

MBA Нам важен Ваш результат!

169
і www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua
TOPICAL PRACTICE
D. I live with my mother and visit my
father at weekends.
E. He never listens to a word I say, and is
always playing truant from school.
F. Brothers and sisters usually bear some
resemblance to one another.
iSj. Although they are married and live to­
gether, they rarely speak to each other.
H. They are very strict with their chil­
dren.
I. O f all of these, the teenage years are
the most difficult.
J. Children need the freedom to get out
and experience the world around them.
K. He’s happy at home and is doing well
at school.
L. My families take in children who are
not their own.
(C) Now read this case study and fill in
the gaps with one of the words or
expressions from Tasks A and B. In
some cases, more than one answer
may be possible. You may need to
change some of the word forms.
Bob’s problems began during his
1 -Vo t укл-оЧ1' Je.______ years. His
parents got 2___r$ A /orC dL __________
when he was young, and neitheivof them
wanted to raise him or his brother and
sister, so he was 3_ g r o u c g M
by a 4 4 o v b c .fr k сааМ лУд chosen
by his parents’ social worker, unfor­
tunately, his foster:father was a strict
. and often
beat him. Bob rebelled against this
strict 6_ , and by
the time he was eight, he wa«-klready
7 ifJuCj , stealing from
170
www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua
FAMILY AND CHILDREN
shops and playing truant. By the time
he reached 8_ f r j d p ' pd aa ^ l
, sometime around his thirteenth
birthday, he had already appeared
in court severa| times, charged with
9 ; n U t y ^ U L .. d t ll i 1.T he judge
blarned his foster parents, explaining that
children needed 10 CQ k s \ l
parents and guardians who would
look after them properly. The foster
father objected to this, pointing out
that Bob’s 1
- his two brothers and sister - were
12 '' _ children who
behaved at home and worked well at
school.
This has raised some interesting ques­
tions about the modern family system.
While it is true that parent&should
not be too 13_ IOJa j <Ua \
with children by letting them do what
they want when they want, or be too
14 0 \ 7 & r - f c , r by sheltering
them from the realities of life, it is also
true that they should not be too strict. It
has also highlighted the disadvantages of
the modern 15_ i d M p £ c j \ r '______
family where the child has only its
mother and father to rely on (or the
1 6 .family, in
which thfr'mother or father has to strug­
gle particularly hard to support their
17 _r ' 'y &\A d OAa 3-___ ). In fact,
many believe that we should return
to traditional family values and the
18 CyjyiJjudC t i ______ family: exten­
sive research has shown that children from
these families are generally better behaved
and have a better chance o f success in later
life.
Нам важен Ваш результат! MBA
ш а з іш а
FAMILY AND CHILDREN
READING
READING PASSAGE 1
You should spend about 20 minutes
on Questions 1-13, which are based on
Reading Passage 1 below.
A Hearing impairment or other auditory
function deficit in young children can have a
major impact on their development of speech
and communication, resulting in a detrimental
effect on their ability to learn at school. This
is likely to have major consequences for the
individual and the population as a whole. The
New Zealand Ministry o f Health has found
from research carried out over two decades
that 6-10% of children in that country are
affected by hearing loss.
B A preliminary study in New Zealand has
shown that classroom noise presents a major
concern for teachers and pup ils.-Modem
teaching practices, the organisation of desks
in the classroom, poor classroom acoustics,
and mechanical means of ventilation such as
air-conditioning units all contribute to the
number of children unable to comprehend
the teacher’s/Ypice. Education researchers
Nelson and Soli have also suggested that
recent trends in learning often involve
collaborative interaction of multiple minds
and tools as much as individual possession of
information. This all amounts to heightened
activity and noise levels, which have the
potential to be particularly serious for children
experiencing auditory function deficit. Noise
in classrooms can only exacerbate thpir
difficulty in comprehending and processing
verbal communication with other children and
instructions from the teacher.
C Children with auditory function deficit are
potentially failing to learn to their maximum
potential because of noise levels generated in
classrooms. The effects of noise on the ability
of children to learn effectively in typical
classroom environments are now the subject of
MBA Нам важен Ваш результат!
е=ї .=«!«зуд www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua
TOPICAL PRACTICE
increasing concern. The International Institute
of Noise Control Engineering (1-INCE), on the
advice of the World Health Organization, has
established an international working party,
which includes New Zealand, to evaluate noise
and reverberation control for school rooms.
D While the detrimental effects of noise in
classroom situations are not limited to children
experiencing disability, those with a disability
that affects their processing of speech and
verbal communication could be extremely
vulnerable. The auditory function deficits in
question include hearing impairment, autistic
spectrum disorders (ASD) and attention deficit
disorders (ADD/ADHD).
E Autism is considered a neurological
and genetic life-long disorder that causes
discrepancies in the way information is
processed. This disorder is characterised by
interlinking problems with social imagination,
social communication and social interaction.
According to Janzen, this affects the ability
to understand and relate in typical ways to
people, understand events and objects in the
environment, and understand or respond
to sensory stimuli. Autism does not allow
learning or thinking in the same ways as in
children who are developing normally.
Autistic spectrum disorders often result in
major difficulties in comprehending verbal
information and speech processing. Those
experiencing these disorders often find sounds
such as crowd noise and the noise generated
by machinery painful and distressing. This is <5
difficult to scientifically quantify as such extra­
sensory stimuli vary greatly from one autistic
individual to another. But a child who finds
any type of noise in their classroom or learning
space intrusive is likely to be adversely
affected in their ability to process information.
F The attention deficit disorders are indicative
of neurological and genetic disorders and are
characterised by difficulties with sustaining
attention, effort and persistence, organisation
171
TOPICAL PRACTICE FAMILY AND CHILDREN

skills and disinhibition. Children experiencing I A number of countries are already in the
these disorders find it difficult to screen process of formulating their own standards for
out unimportant information, and focus on the control and reduction of classroom noise.
everything in the environment rather than New Zealand will probably follow their example.
attending to a single activity. Background The literature to date on noise in school rooms
noise in the classroom becomes a major appears to focus on the effects on schoolchildren
distraction, which can affect their ability to in general, their teachers and the hearing
concentrate. impaired. Only limited attention appears to
have been given to those students experiencing
G Children experiencing an auditory function the other disabilities involving auditory function
deficit can often find speech and communication deficit. It is imperative that the needs of these
very difficult to isolate and process when children are taken into account in the setting
set against high levels of background noise. of appropriate international standards to be
These levels come from outside activities promulgated in future.
that penetrate the classroom structure, from
teaching activities, and other noise generated
inside, which can be exacerbated by room
reverberation. Strategies are needed to obtain
the optimum classroom construction and
perhaps a change in classroom culture and
methods of teaching. In particular, the effects
of noisy classrooms and activities on those
experiencing disabilities in the form of auditory
function deficit need thorough investigation.
It is probable that many undiagnosed children
exist in the education system with ‘invisible’
disabilities. Their needs are less likely to be met
than those of children with known disabilities.

H The New Zealand Government has

developed a New Zealand Disability Strategy
and has embarked on a wide-ranging
consultation process. The strategy recognises
that people experiencing disability face
significant barriers in achieving a full quality
of life in areas such as attitude, education,
employment and access to services. Objective
3 of the New Zealand Disability'Strategy is
to ‘Provide the Best Education for Disabled
People’ by improving education so that all
chddren, youth learners and adult learners will
have equal opportunities to learn and develop
within their already existing local school. For a
successful education, the learning environment
is vitally significant, so any effort to improve
this is likely to be of great benefit to all
children, but especially to those with auditory
function disabilities.

Нам важен Ваш результат! MBA

www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua ьакьыша
 FAMILY AND CHILDREN TOPICAL PRACTICE

QUESTIONS 1-6 10. What part of the New Zealand Disability

Strategy aims to give schoolchildren equal
Reading Passage 1 has nine sections, opportunity? O Q j 'e e
A-I. Which section contains the following
information? QUESTIONS 11 AND 12

Write the correct letter, A-I, in boxes 1-6 on your Choose TWO letters, A-F. Write the correct
answer sheet. letters in boxes 11 and 12 on your answer sheet.
The list below includes factors contributing to
^ | 1. an account of a national policy initiative classroom noise.

Q__ 2. a description o f a global team effort Which TWO are mentioned by the writer of the
passage?
^3. a hypothesis as to one reason behind the
growth in classroom noise urrent teaching methods

| 4. a demand for suitable worldwide regula­ B. echoing corridors

tions
cooling systems
©
a list of medical conditions which place
some children more at risk from noise than D. large class sizes
others
loud-voiced teachers
4 6. the estimated proportion o f children in
New Zealand with auditory problems F. playground games

QUESTIONS 7-10 QUESTION 13

Answer the questions below. Choose the correct letter, A, B, C or D.

Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS Write the correct letter in box 13 on your answer
AND/OR A NUMBER from the passage for sheet.
each answer.
What is the writer’s overall purpose in writing
Write your answers in boxes 7-10 on your this article?
answer sheet.
A. to compare different methods of dealing
7. For what period o f time has heading loss in with auditory problems
schoolchildren been studied in New Zea­
land? d u te o u s8
9 B. to provide solutions for overly noisy learn­
ing environments
8. In addition to machinery noise, what other
V type of noise can upset children with au- О to іincrease awareness of the situation of
t is m ? I ifuCi * children with auditory problems

9. What term is used to describe the hearing D. to promote New Zealand as a model for
problems of schoolchildren which have not, other countries to follow
been diagnosed?
IV VI ЛізД гіМіЦ
MBA Нам важен Ваш результат!
www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua 173
 TOPICAL PRACTICE
READING PASSAGE 2
You should spend about 20 minutes on
Questions 14-26 which are based on Reading
Passage 2 below.
YOUNG CHILDREN’S SENSE OF IDENTITY
A A sense of self develops in young children by
degrees. The process can usefully be thought
of in terms of the gradual emergence o f two
somewhat separate features: the self as a
subject, and the self as an object. William
James introduced the distinction in 1892.
"Contemporaries of his, such as Charles Copley,
added to the developing debate. Ever since
then psychologists have continued building on
the theory.
B According (to James, a jchild's first step on
the road to self-understanding can be seen as
the recognition that he or she^exTstsJ This is
an aspect of the self that he labelled ‘self-as.-
-su biect’. and he gave it various elements. These
included an awareness of one’s own agency
(i.e. one’s power to act), and an awareness of
one’s distinctiveness from other people. These
features gradually emerge as infants explore
their world and interact with caregivers.
Cooley (1902) suggested that a sense of the*
self-as-subject was primarily concerned with
being able to exercise power. He proposed that
the earliest examples o f this are an infant’s
attempts to control physical objects, such as
toys or his or her own limbs. This is followed
by attempts tqaffect the behaviour of other
people. For example, infants learn that when
they cry or smile someone responds to them.
■ j C Another powerful source of information for
infants about the effects they can have on the(q F Cooley and other researchers suggested
world around them is provided when others
mimic them. Many parents spend a lot of
time, particularly in the early months, copying
their infant’s vocalizations and expressions.
In addition, young children enjoy looking in
mirrors, where the movements they can see are •the view they believe others have of them. He
dependent upon their own movements. This is
174
FAMILY AND CHILDREN
not to say that infants recognize the reflection
as their own image (a later development).
However, Lewis and (Brooks-Gunn (1979)
suggest that infants’ developing understanding
that the movements they see in the mirror are
contingent on their own, leads to a growing
awareness that they are distinct from other
^people» This is because they, and only they, can
change the reflection in the mirror.
C\ D This understanding that children gain
of themselves as active agents continues to
develop in their attempts to co-operate with
others in play. DunrT(1988) points out that
it is in such day-to-day relationships and
interactions that the child’s understanding
of his- or herself emerges. Empirical
vestigationSjof the self-as • subject in young
children are, however, rather scarce because
o f difficulties o f communication: even if young
infants can reflect on their experience, they
certainly cannot express this aspect of the self
directly.
^ E Once children have acquired a certain
level o f self-awareness, they begin to place
themselves in a whole series o f categories,
which together play such an important part
in defining them uniquely as ‘themselves’.
This second step in the development o f a full
sense of self is wh^t James cdlled the ‘self-as-
object’. This has been seen by many to be the
aspect of the self which is most influenced by
social elements, since it is made up of social
roles (such as student, brother, colleague) and
characteristics which derive their meaning
from comparison or interaction with other
people (such as trustworthiness, shyness,
sporting ability).
a close connection between a person’s own
understanding of their identity,an4~other
people’s understanding o f itt) Cooley believed
that people build up their sense o f identity
from the reactions of others to them, and from
called the self as-object the ‘looking-glass self,
Нам важен Ваш результат! MBA
www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua к гл ш г д
 FAMILY AND CHILDREN
since people come to see themselves as they
are reflected in others/M ead CJ934) went even
further, and saw the self aiia the social world
as inextricably bound together: ‘The self is
essentially a social structure, and it arises in
social experience.... it is impossible to conceive
of a self arising outside of social experience.’
J G'Lewis and Brooks-Gunh'a^gued that an
importahtTdevelopmentahimlestone is reached
when children become able to recognize
themselves visually without the support of
seeing contingent movement. This recognition
occurs aroupd-their second birthday. In one
experiment, L/gwisJand Brooks-Gunn (1979)
dabbed some red powder on the noses of
children who were playing in front o f a mirror,
and then observed how often they touched
their noses. The psychologists reasoned that
if the children knew what they usually looked
like, they would be surprised by the unusual
red mark and would start touching it. On
the other hand, they found that children of
15 to 18 months are generally not able to
recognize themselves unless other cues such as
movement are present.
Finally, perhaps the most graphic
expressions o f self-awareness in general can
be seen in the displays of rage which are most
common from 18 months to 3 years of age.
In a longitudinal study of groups of three or
four children£l3ronson^975) found that the
intensity of the frustration and^anger in their
disagreements increased sharply between the
" ages of 1 and 2 years. Often, the children’s
disagreements involved a struggle over a toy
that none of them had played with before or
after the tug-of-war: the children seemed to be
disputing ownership rather than wanting to
play with it. Although it may be less marked
in other societies, the link between the sense of
‘self and o f ‘ownership’ is a notable feature of
childhood in Western societies.
b sense of mastery over things and people.2
MBA Нам важен Ваш результат!
ш ш ш т www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua
TOPICAL PRACTICE
QUESTIONS 14-19
Reading Passage 2 has eight paragraphs,
A-H. Which paragraph contains the following
information?
Write the correct letter, A-H, in boxes 14-19 on
your answer sheet.
OH
You may use any letter more than once
14. an account o f the method used by research-
ers in a particular study
15. the role o f imitation in developing a sense
C of identity
16. the age at which children can usually iden-
G tify a static image of themselves
17. a reason for the limitations of scientific
research into ‘self-as-subject’
18. reference to a possible link between culture
and a particular form of behaviour
M
19. examples of the wide range of features that
contribute to the sense of ‘self-as- object’
QUESTIONS 20-23
Look at the following findings (Questions 20-
23) and the list o f researchers below. Match
each finding with the correct researcher or
researchers, A-E.
Write the correct letter, A-E, in boxes 20-23 on
your answer sheet.
20. A sense of identity can never be formed
K ^w ithout relationships with other people.
21. A child’s awareness of self is related to a
22. At a certain age, children’s sense of identi-
175
р

TOPICAL PRACTICE FAMILY AND CHILDREN

ty leads to aggressive behaviour. LISTENING

. 23. Observing their own reflection contributes SECTION 1

to children’s self awareness.
QUESTIONS 1-10
List of Researchers
Complete the form below using NO MORE
A. James THAN TWO-WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER
B. Cooley for each answer.
C. Lewis and Brooks-Gunn
D. Mead ASCOT CHILD CARE CENTRE
E. Bronson ENROLMENT FORM

QUESTIONS 24-26 Personal details

Complete the summary below. Family name: Cullen .

Child's first name: l..A r ^ r X ...............
Choose ONE WORD ONLY from the passage Age: 2 ...3 ...................
for each answer. Write your answers in boxes Birthday: 3 ...& ..h /a }/.e # *& r
24-26 on your answer sheet. Other children in the family: a bother aged

HOW CHILDREN ACQUIRE A SENSE OF

4 -S--... j+q" Pbor^-roQi>(
Address: 5.1 ".ft..... ......., Brisbane
IDENTITY Emergency contact number: 34678890
Relationship to child: 6
First, children come to realise that they
can have an effect on the world around Development ,
them, for example by handling objects, or
causing the imagg_to move when they face a Has difficulty 7 duri ng the day
24.1AM.Y.V..O.LThis aspect o f self-awareness Is able to 8.. d r e s s . . . .. herself
is difficult to research directly, because of
25.......................problems. Childcare arrangements

Secondly, children start to become aware of Days required 9.. A

how they are viewed by others. One important
stage in this process is the visual recognition Pick-up time: 1№...^(.2.0.9........
of themselves which usually occurs when they
reach the age of two. In Western societies at SECTION 2
least, the development of self aw;
often linked to a sense of 267 QUESTIONS 11-20
and can lead to disputes.
Complete the notes using NO MORE THAN
ONEW ORD AND/OR NUMBER for each
answer.

Things to do in the holidays

• Main problem —children do not have a

traditional 1 ..............

Нам важен Ваш результат! MBA

176 www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua ш їш та »
EDUCATION
Some ideas
• Give children jobs, for example cleaning
the 2...(U>aur— ............
• At_hojne, ask children to help in the
• Get children to make 4.
ahead of time.
Get children involved in community work
such as visiting the
Involve older children in long-term
б . ь т е і е Ш in your community.
• You may get spme ideas from the
\aaV cX W 2 A
• The local 8..1..G.J2t r.V..... is often the best
place to find ideas. ^
Things to remember
• Make sure children stay 9.. <
r\Jr. jf.l Y.£r. .
. Chil, i0
need to be supervised by an adult.
WRITING
You should spend about 40 minutes on this
task. Write about the following topic:
Modern lifestyles mean that many parents
have little time for their children«. Many
children suffer because they do not get
as much attention from their parents as
children did in the past.
Do you agree or disagree?
Write at least 250 words.
M D A Нам важен Ваш результат!
www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua
TOPICAL PRACTICE
EDUCATION
VOCABULARY
• to attend classes: to go to classes
• bachelor’s degree: an undergraduate
course which usually lasts 3-4 years
• boarding school: a school where pupils
live during term time
• distance learning: a way of studying
where tuition is carried out over the Inter­
net or by post
• face-to-face classes: as opposed to dis­
tance learning the traditional way o f stud­
ying in a classroom with colleagues and a
teacher
• to fall beh ind with your studies: to pro­
gress less quickly than others
• to give feedback: to offer guidance on a
student’s work
• a graduation ceremony: an event where
a successful student receives his or her
academic degree
• higher education: education, usually in a
college or university, that is followed after
high school or secondary7school
• an intensive course: a course that offers
lots o f training in order to reach a goal in
as shoi’t a time as possible
• to keep і/p with your studies: to not fall
behind
• to learn something by heart: to memo­
rize it
• master’s degree: a period of study which
often follows the completion of a bachelor’s
degree or is undertaken by someone re­
garded as capable o f a higher-level academ­
ic course
• to meet a deadline: to finish a job or task
in the time allowed or agreed
• to play truant: to stay away from classes
without permission
• private language school: an independent
school run as a business concern
• public schools: exclusive independent
schools in the UK
177
TOPICAL PRACTICE EDUCATION

a single-sex school: a school where only students.

boys or girls attend (as opposed to a mixed-
sex school) A. aged
to sit an exam: to take an exam B. mature
to pass an exam (with flying colors) C. old
to be expelled from school
major 3. Although she had left school and was
state school: a school paid for by public working, she went to evening classes
funds and available to the general public at the local College o f _____________
subject specialist, a teacher who has a Education.
great deal of knowledge about the subject
they teach. A. Upper
to take a year out: to spend a year work­ B. Further
ing or travelling before starting university C. H ig h er
tu ition fees: the money paid for a course
of study After he left school, he decided to go on
scholarship t o _____________ education and applied
to work your way through university: to for a place at Edinburgh University.
have a paid job whilst studying to support
yourself financially A. further
coeducational school: a mixed-sex school B. upper
to drop out (of high school) JP-AXXaM xCP* J C. higher
to be disengaged S iu jd x t , AiC £ * / f a a ofi
stem disciplines Ovi&Ak 5. He received a local government
humanities to help him pay for his
curriculum course.
curiosity
to facilitate learning ' ■ 1f S A. fee
compliance B. fare
inherently creative vl C. grant
a high-performing education system
a year off/ a gap year Education helps us to acquire knowl­
edge and learn n ew ______________.

(A) Look at the sentences below and fill in A. skills

the gaps using the appropriate word B. powers
from A , B or C. C. abilities

1. He didn’t get a good grade the first 7. Although she already had a first
time he did his IELTS exam, so decided degree from university, she decided
t o _____________ it. that she wanted to work towards a
_____________ degree later in life.
J A. resit
B. remake A. further
C. repair2 B. senior
C. higher
2. People who attend university later
in life are often called_____________ 8. We should make the best of every

178 Нам важен Ваш результат! MBA

www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua гткгзгегу»
EDUCATION TOPICAL PRACTICE

to learn. (B) C om plete sen ten ces 1-11 w ith

a su itable w o rd o r ex p re ss io n fro m the
A. chance box.
\J B. opportunity
C. availability primary .
V numeracy
9. Nowadays,______ . education is graduate
promoted a lot in schools. w evening class
course
A. body ^ discipline
\J B. health V literacy
C. vitality • day release
kindergarten
10. A large number of parents are dissatis­ • enrol
fied with th e _____________ education • secondary
system, and put their children into skills
private schools instead. V pass
• correspondence
A. government "9 qualifications
B. national ^ degree
^ C. state
1. When Michael was three, he started
11. Because so many students find exams going to a k-i l ^ r __ .
stressful, some colleges offer a system
o f ___________________assessment 2. At the age of five, he entered
instead. Pr i __________ education.

A. continual 3. He learned basic

' j B. continuous S fc-r Ll ^______________ such
C. continuing as IAAM M jLffX ^ _______and
U ±e
12. He has read a lot of books and
a lot o f knowledge. 4. After he turned eleven he began to
attend
\J A. acquired school. Although he was la2
B. won and lacked sufficient
C. achieved .,he was able to
__________ his exams.
------- ---------------------

5. When he was eighteen he

found a college which offered a
— C & I U S . Z . ______ __ in Art and
Design.

6. He was able to
. for the
course a few days before his nineteenth
birthday.

MBA Нам важен Ваш результат!

сьгж’їшгя www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua 179
 TOPICAL PRACTICE
He worked hard and three years later
was able to_
with a 130 T ec
v
Art and Design.
8. After that he followed a
- a O r2A lkx^ C e 9 - course in
photography from a college in the USA
using the Internet.
9. The q X X O X I V f p Ia ( he
gained impressed an advertising com­
pany he wanted to work for.
10. Although he is now working,
he has decided to attend an
O X ftX A ' CbUPsS^g^fter
work, although he was disappoint­
ed that his boss didn’t offer him
(C) Now read this essay and complete
the gaps with one of the words or
expressions from Tasks A and B. You
may need to change the form of some
of the words.
‘You are never too old to learn’. Do you
agree with this statement?
Education is a long process that
not only provides us with basic
(1)___________________________ such
as (2)___ Ujlaaa^-P y a U M _______and
(3)______________________ ____ , but
is also essential in shaping our fu­
ture lives. From the moment.we en­
ter (4) tjj t y 1 as
small children, ancras we progress
through (5)_ f>T' к л л я Т Ч
and (6)____ UW .c_ — ’—HL С и ^ Ч І-f
education, we are laying thehe fohdda-
foimd
tions for the life ahead of us. We must
(7)___ ^ Ik M tu .______________our­
selves to work hard so that we can
(8). exams and
gain the"(9)
180
EDUCATION
we will need to secure a good job. We
must also (10)___ A. a M i P ____________
in valuable life skills so that we can fit in and
work with thope around us. And o f course
(11)__ [S fK ' It_____________ education
helps us to understand how we can stay fit
and healthy.
For most people, this process ends
when they are in their mid-to-late
teens. For others, however, it is the be­
ginning of a lifetime of learning. After
they finish school, many progress to
(12) f i u Jtri U qjT ______ __ educa­
tion where they will learn more useful
skills such as computer literacy or ba­
sic business jnanagement. Others will
(13) ^ A f 0 (J ____________ on a pro­
g ra m m er (14)___ [a J j ____________
education at a univeWity where, with
hard work, they will have the opportu­
nity to (15) Q __________
after three or fouiyyears with,a well-
earned (16) OV)
. After that, they may work for a
while before opting^» study for a
(17) _________ degree
- an MA, for example, or a PhD. Alter­
natively, they may choose to attend an
(18) C jjQ 1j\\\jjQ__O. S o fter work
or, if they have a sympathetic employer,
obtain (19)_..4-M O ^f__ r d n c x 'S S l
so that they can study during the week.
And if they live a long way from a col­
lege or university, they might follow a
(201 CJ& V j o course
using mail and*the Internet. In fact, it is
largely due to the proliferation of comput­
ers that many people who have not been
near a school for many years, have started
to study again and can proudly class them­
selves as (211 ________
students.
We live in a fascinating and constantly
changing world, and we must continually
learn and acquire new knowledge if we are
to adapt and keep up with changing events.
Нам важен Ваш результат! MBA
www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua ржуятз?™
EDUCATION
Our schooldays are just the beginning of
this process, and we should make the best
of every (22) O fc r>V
develop ourselves, whether we are eighteen
or eighty. You are, indeed, never too old to
learn.
SPEAKING
PARTS 1,2 AND 3
PART 1
1. Describe your education.
2. What kind of school did you go to as a
child?
3. Did you go to a co-educational school?
4. What was your favourite subject as a child?
5. Who was your favourite teacher?
PART 2
1. Describe a classroom that you study or
have studied in. You should say:
• What part of the schoolor college it is in
• What it looks like
• What things are in it
And say if you think the people who study
there like it or not, and why
2. Describe a school that you are studying in
or studied in
You should say:
• What it looks like from the outside
• What it looks like inside
MBA Нам важен Ваш результат!
Ш Е Ш и а www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua
TOPICAL PRACTICE
• What facilities there are
to And say if you think it is a good school
building or not, and why
3. Talk about a school subject you liked when
you were younger
You should say:
• What the name ofthe subject was
• What topics you studied aspart of that
subject
• Why you liked it
And say why you think some people didn’t
like that subject as much as you did
4. Talk about a subject you would like to
study in the future
You should say:
• Why you want to study that subject
• What things about that subject you find
particularly interesting
• Where it is possible to study that sub­
ject
And say if you think you will start studying
it soon or not, and why
PART 3
1) What is a good education?
2) Is the level o f education in your country-
good?
3) What would you like to change about the
education system of your country?
4) What kind o f experience and qualifications
do you think a government’s education
181
TOPICAL PRACTICE
minister/secretary needs?
5) When does education begin?
6) What do you think Mark Twain meant
when he said, “never let school interfere
with your education”?
7) What do you think o f single-sex education?
8) What do you think of the idea of lifelong
education?
Describe a skill you want to learn
You should say:
• What it is
• Why you think it is important
• How you are going to learn it
• What role it will play in you future life
Discussion:
• What do you think of the traditional skills?
• What skill do you think the university has
provided for your job?
• What skills can you learn in school?
• What kind of skills have your parents
learned?
• What do you think of the role of family for
children to learn skills?
• What is the most popular skill that people
want to learn?
• What kind of school would y<5u*send your
children to? Why?
• What are the advantages and disadvantag­
es of school education and family educa­
tion?
182
EDUCATION
THE M IT FACTOR: CELEBRATING 150
YEARS OF MAVERICK GENIUS
The Massachusetts Institute o f Technology
has led the world into the future for 150
years with scientific innovations.
The musician Yo-Yo M a t cello may not be
the obvious starting point for a journey into
one of the world’s great universities. But, as
you quickly realise when you step inside the
Massachusetts Institute of Technology, there’s
precious little going on that you would nor­
mally see on a university campus. The cello,
resting in a corner of MIT’s celebrated media
laboratory —a hub of creativity —looks like
any other electric classical instrument. But it
is much more. Machover, the composer, teach­
er and inventor responsible for its creation,
calls it a ‘hyperinstrument’, a sort o f thinking
machine that allows Ma and his cello to inter­
act with one another and make music together.
‘The aim is to build an instrument worthy of a
great musician like Yo-Yo Ma that can under­
stand what he is trying to do and respond to
it,’ Machover says. The cello has numerous
sensors across its body and by measuring the
pressure, speed and angle of the virtuoso’s per­
formance it can interpret his mood and engage
with it, producing extraordinary new sounds.
The virtuoso cellist frequently performs on the
instrument as he tours around the world.
Machover’s passion for pushing at the bounda­
ries of the existing world to extend and un­
leash human potential is not a bad description
of MIT as a whole. This unusual community
brings highly gifted, highly motivated individ­
uals together from a vast range of disciplines,
united by a common desire: to leap into the
dark and reach for the unknown.
The result of that single unifying ambition is
visible all around. For the past 150 years, MIT
Нам важен Ваш результат! MBA
www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua н ш та
EDUCATION
has been leading the world into the future. The
discoveries of its teachers and students have
become the common everyday objects that we
now all take for granted. The telephone, electro­
magnets, radars, high-speed photography, office
photocopiers, cancer treatments, pocket calcula­
tors, computers, the Internet, the decoding of the
human genome, lasers, space travel... the list of
innovations that involved essential contributions
from MIT and its faculty goes on and on.
From the moment MIT was founded by William
Barton Rogers in 1861, it was clear what it was
not. While Harvard-stuck to the English model of
a classical education, with its emphasis on Latin
and Greek, MIT looked to the German system of
learning based on research and hands-on exper­
imentation. Knowledge was at a premium, but it
had to be useful.
This down-to-earth quality is enshrined in the
school motto, Mensetmanus- Mind and hand -
as well as its logo, which shows a gowned scholar
standing beside an ironmonger bearing a ham­
mer and anvil. That symbiosis of intellect and
craftsmanship still suffuses the institute’s class­
rooms, where students are not so much taught as
engaged and inspired.
Take Christopher Merrill, 21, a third-year un­
dergraduate in computer science. He is spending
most of his time on a competition set in his robot­
ics class. The contest is to see which student can
most effectively program a robot to build a house
out of blocks in under ten minutes. Merrill says
he could have gone for the easiest route - design­
ing a simple robot that would build the,house
quickly. But he wanted totry to master an area of
robotics that remains unconquered —adaptabil­
ity, the ability of the robot to rethink its plans as
the environment around it changes, as would a
human. “I like to take on things that have never
been done before rather than to work in an iter­
ative way just making small steps forward,’ he
explains.
Merrill is already planning the start-up he wants
to set up when he graduates in a year’s time. He
MBA Нам важен Ваш результат!
гі«:ТЛіге™и www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua
TOPICAL PRACTICE
has an idea for an original version o f a contact
lens that would augment reality by allowing
consumers to see additional visual information.
He is fearful that he might be just too late in
taking his concept to market, as he has heard
that a Silicon Valley firm is already developing
something similar. As such, he might become one
of many MIT graduates who go on to form com­
panies that fail. Alternatively, he might become
one of those who go on to succeed in spectacular
fashion. And there are many of them. A survey of
living MIT alumni* found that they have formed
25,800 companies, employing more than three
million people, including about a quarter of the
workforce of Silicon Valley.
What MIT delights in is taking brilliant minds
from around the world in vastly diverse disci­
plines and putting them together. You can see
that in its sparkling new David Koch Institute
for Integrative Cancer Research, which brings
scientists, engineers and clinicians under one
roof. Or in its Energy Initiative, which acts as
a bridge for MIT’s combined work across all its
five schools, channelling huge resources into the
search for a solution to global warming. It works
to improve the efficiency of existing energy sourc­
es, including nuclear power. It is also forging
ahead with alternative energies from solar to
wind and geothermal, and has recently developed
the use of viruses to synthesise batteries that
could prove crucial in the advancement of electric
cars.
In the words of Tim Berners-Lee, the Briton
who invented the World Wide Web, ‘It’s not just
another university. Even though I spend my time
with my head buried in the details of web tech­
nology, the nice thing is that when I do walk the
corridors, I bump into people who are working in
other fields with their students that are fascinat­
ing, and that keeps me intellectually alive.’
* people who have left a university or college
after completing their studies there
QUESTIONS 1-5
183
TOPICAL PRACTICE EDUCATION

Do the following statements agree with the QUESTIONS 10-13

information in the reading passage?
Write
TRUE if the statement agrees with the infor­
mation
FALSE if the statement contradicts the infor­
mation
NOT GIVEN if there is no information on this
Answer the questmens below. Choose NO
MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the pas­
sage for each anSttfer.
10. What proportion of workers at Silicon Val­
ley are employed in companies set up by
MIT graduates?
11. What problem does MIT’s Energy Initiative
aim to solve?

1. The activities going on at the MIT campus 12. Which ‘green’ innovation might MIT's work
are like those at any other university. with viruses help improve?

2. Harvard and MIT shared a similar ap­ 13. In which part of the university does Tim
proach to education when they were found­ Berners-Lee enjoy stimulating conversa­
ed. tions with other MIT staff

3. The school motto was suggested by a for­

mer MIT student.
EDUCATING PSYCHE
4. MIT’s logo reflects the belief that intellect
and craftsmanship go together. Educating Psyche by Bernie Neville is a book
which looks at radical new approaches to learn­
5. Silicon Valley companies pay higher sala­ ing, describing the effects of emotion, imagi­
ries to graduates from MIT. nation and the unconscious on learning. One
theory discussed in the book is that proposed
QUESTIONS 6-9 by George Lozanov, which focuses on the power
of suggestion.
Complete th^ notes below. Choose NO MORE
THAN TWO WORDS from the passage for Lozanov’s instructional technique is based
each aîtswer. on the evidence that the connections made
in the brain through unconscious processing
CHRISTOPHER MERRILL - (which he calls non-specific mental reactivity)
STUDENT A T M IT are more durable than those made through
, 1 conscious processing. Besides the laboratory
Degree subject: 6............................ evidence for this, we know from our experience
that we often remember what we have per­
Competition: to 7............................. the auto­ ceived peripherally, long after we have forgot­
mated construction of a house ten what we set out to learn. If we think of a
book we studied months or years ago, we will
Special focus on: the 8 ............................. of find it easier to recall peripheral details - the
robots colour, the binding, the typeface, the table at
the library where we sat while studying it - than
Future plans:to develop new type of the content on which we were concentrating. If
9......................... we think of a lecture we listened to with great

184 Нам важен Ваш результат! MBA

www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua г-тсипэги
EDUCATION
concentration, we will recall the lecturer’s
appearance and mannerisms, our place in the
auditorium, the failure of the air-conditioning,
much more easily than the ideas we went to
learn. Even if these peripheral details are a bit
elusive, they come back readily in hypnosis or
when we relive the event imaginatively, as in
psychodrama. The details of the content of the
lecture, on the other hand, seem to have gone
forever.
This phenomenon can be partly attributed to
the common counterproductive approach to
study (making extreme efforts to memorise,
tensing muscles, inducing fatigue), but it also
simply reflects the way the brain functions.
Lozanov therefore made indirect instruction
(suggestion) central to his teaching system. In
suggestopedia, as he called his method, con­
sciousness is shifted away from the curriculum
to focus on something peripheral. The curricu­
lum then becomes peripheral and is dealt with
by the reserve capacity7of the brain.
The suggestopedic approach to foreign lan­
guage learning provides a good illustration. In
its most recent variant (1980), it consists o f the
reading of vocabulary and text while the class
is listening to music. The first session is in two
parts. In the first part, the music is classical
(Mozart, Beethoven, Brahms) and the teacher
reads the text slowly and solemnly, with atten­
tion to the dynamics of the music. The students
follow the text in their books. This is followed
by several minutes of silence. In the second
part, they listen to baroque music (Bach, Corel­
li, Handel) while the teacher reads the text in
a normal speaking voice. During this time they
have their books closed. During the whole of
this session, their attention is passive; they lis­
ten to the music but make no attempt to learn
the material.
Beforehand, the students have been carefully
prepared for the language learning experience.
Through meeting with the staff and satisfied
students they develop the expectation that
learning will be easy and pleasant and that they
MBA Нам важен Ваш результат!
рттгпугзтд www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua
TOPICAL PRACTICE
will successfully learn several hundred words
of the foreign language during the class. In a
preliminary talk, the teacher introduces them to
the material to be covered, but does not ‘teach’
it. Likewise, the students are instructed not to
try7to learn it during this introduction.
Some hours after the two-part session, there
is a follow-up class at which the students are
stimulated to recall the material presented.
Once again the approach is indirect. The stu­
dents do not focus their attention on trying to
remember the vocabulary, but focus on using
the language to communicate (e.g. through
games or improvised dramatisations). Such
methods are not unusual in language teaching.
What is distinctive in the suggestopedic meth­
od is that they are devoted entirely to assisting
recall. The ‘learning’ o f the material is assumed
to be automatic and effortless, accomplished
while listening to music. The teacher’s task is
to assist the students to apply what they have
learned paraconsciously, and in doing so to
make it easily accessible to consciousness.An-
other difference from conventional teaching is
the evidence that students can regularly learn
1000 new words of a foreign language during a
suggestopedic session, as well as grammar and
idiom.
Lozanov experimented with teaching by direct
suggestion during sleep, hypnosis and trance
states, but found such procedures unnecessary.
Hypnosis, yoga, Silva mind-control, religious
ceremonies and faith healing are all associated
with successful suggestion, but none of their
techniques seem to be essential to it. Such ritu­
als may be seen as placebos. Lozanov acknowl­
edges that the ritual surrounding suggestion in
his own system is also a placebo, but maintains
that without such a placebo people are unable
or afraid to tap the reserve capacity o f their
brains. Like any placebo, it must be dispensed
with authority to be effective. Just as a doctor
calls on the full power of autocratic suggestion
by insisting that the patient take precisely
this white capsule precisely three times a day
before meals, Lozanov is categoric in insisting
185
TOPICAL PRACTICE
that the suggestopedic session be conducted
exactly in themanner designated, by trained
and accredited suggestopedic teachers.
While suggestopedia has gained some notori­
ety through success in the teaching of modern
languages, fewteachers are able to emulate the
spectacular results of Lozanov and his associates.
We can, perhaps, attributemediocre results to an
inadequate placebo effect. The students have not
developed the appropriate mind set.They are of­
ten not motivated to learn through this method.
They do not have enough 'faith'. They do not see
it as’real teaching’, especially as it does not seem
to involve the ‘work’ they have learned to believe
is essential tolearning.
QUESTIONS 27-30
Choose the coned letter. A, B, C or D, Write the
correct letter in boxes 27-30 on your answer sheet.
27. The book Educating Psyche is mainly con­
cerned with
A. the power of suggestion in learning.
B. a particular technique for learning
based on emotions.
C. the effects of emotion on the imagina­
tion and the unconscious.
D. ways of learning which are not tradi­
tional.
28. Lozanov’s theory claims that, when we try
to remember things, , »
A. unimportant details are the easiest to
recall.
B. concentrating hard produces the best
results.
C. the most significant facts are most
easily recalled.
186
www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua
EDUCATION
D. peripheral vision is not important.
29. In this passage, the author uses the exam­
ples of a book and a lecture to illustrate that
A. both of these are important for devel­
oping concentration.
^ B. his theory about methods of learning is
valid.
C. reading is a better technique for learn­
ing than listening.
D. we can remember things more easily
under hypnosis.
30. Lozanov claims that teachers should train
students to
A. memorise details o f the curriculum.
B. develop their own sets of indirect in­
structions.
C. think about something other than the
curriculum content.
D. avoid overloading the capacity of the
brain.
QUESTIONS 31-36
Do the following statements agree or disagree
with the information given in Reading Passage 3?
In boxes 31-36 on your answer sheet write
TRUE if the statement agrees with the informa­
tion
FALSE if the statement contradicts the infor­
mation.
N O T GIVEN if there is no information on this
31. In the example of suggestopedic teaching
in the fourth paragraph, the only variable
Нам важен Ваш результат! MBA
»эджугагя
EDUCATION TOPICAL PRACTICE

that changes is the music. J. appropriate

K. well known
32. Prior to the suggestopedia class, students
are made aware that the language experi­
ence will be demanding. l is t e n in g

33. In the follow-up class, the teaching activ- SECTION 3

ities are similar to those used in conven­
tional classes. QUESTIONS 21-30

34. As an indirect benefit, students notice im- Choose the correct letter, A, B or C.
provements in their memory.
COURSE FEEDBACK
35. Teachers say they prefer suggestopedia to
traditional approaches to language teaching. 21. One reason why Spiros felt happy about his
marketing presentation was that
36. Students in a suggestopedia class retain
more new vocabulary than those in ordi- A. he was not nervous,
nary classes.
B. his style was good.
QUESTIONS 37-40
C. the presentation was the best in his
Complete the summary using the list o f words, group.
A-K, below.
22. What surprised Hiroko about the other
Write the correct letter, A-K, in boxes 37-40 on students’ presentations?
your answer sheet.
A. Their presentations were not interesting.
Suggestopedia uses a less direct method of
suggestion than other techniques such as hyp­ B. They found their presentations stressful.
nosis. However, Lozanov admits that a certain
amount of 3 7 .................... is necessary in order C. They didn’t look at the audience
to convince students, even if this is just a 38 enough.
...................... Furthermore, if the method is to
succeed, teachers must follow a set procedure. 23. After she gave her presentation, Hiroko felt
Although Lozanov’s method has become quite
3 9 ..............the results of most other teachers A. delighted.
using this method have been 4 0 ...............
, 1
B. dissatisfied.
A. spectacular
B. teaching C. embarrassed.
C. lesson
D. authoritarian 24. How does Spires feel about his performance
E. unpopular in tutorials?
F. ritual
G. unspectacular A. not very happy
H. placebo
I. involved B. really pleased

Oa c

MBA Нам важен Ваш результат! Ъ 187

ш з ш з іа www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua
TOPICAL PRACTICE
C. fairly confident
25. Why can the other students participate so
easily in discussions?
A. They are polite to each other.
B. They agree to take turns in speaking.
C. They know each other well.
26. Why is Hiroko feeling more positive about
tutorials now?
A. She finds the other students’ opinions
more interesting.
B. She is making more o f a contribution.
C. The tutor includes her in the discussion.
27. To help her understand lectures, Hiroko
A. consulted reference materials.
B. had extra tutorials with her lecturers.
C. borrowed lecture notes from other
students
28. What does Spires think of his reading
skills?
A. He reads faster than he used to.
B. It still takes him a long time to read.
C. He tends to struggle with new vocabu­
lary.
29. What is Hiroko’s subject area?
A. environmental studies
B. health education
C. engineering
188
www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua
EDUCATION
30. Hiroko thinks that in the reading classes
the students should
A. learn more vocabulary.
B. read more in their own subject areas.
C. develop better reading strategies.
SECTION 3
QUESTIONS 21-24.
Choose the correct letter, A, B or C.
SELF-ACCESS CENTRE
21. Students want to keep the Self-Access
Centre because
A. they enjoy the variety of equipment.
B. they like being able to work on then-
own.
C. it is an important part of their studies.
22. Some teachers would prefer to
A. close the Self-Access Centre.
B. move the Self-Access Centre elsewhere.
C. restrict access to the Self-Access Cen­
tre.
23. The students’ main concern about using
the library would be
A. the size of the library.
B. difficulty in getting help.
C. the lack of materials.
24. The Director o f Studies is concerned about
A. the cost of upgrading the centre.
Нам важен Ваш результат! MBA
ШгЕШЗЗ
EDUCATION TOPICAL PRACTICE

B. the lack of space in the centre. WRITING

C. the difficulty in supervising the centre. WRITING TASK 1

QUESTIONS 25-30. 1. The graph below shows the percent­

age change in the number of inter­
Complete the notes below. Write NO MORE national students graduating from
THAN TWO WORDS for each answer. universities in different Canadian
provinces between 2001 and 2006.
NECESSAR Y IMPROVEMENTS TO THE
EXISTING SELF-ACCESS CENTRE Summarise the information by selecting
and reporting the main features and make
E qu ipm en t comparisons where relevant.

Replace computers to create more space. INTERNATIONAL GRADUATES,

CANADIAN UNIVERSITIES, 2001-2006
Resources
New Brunswick
The level of the 25............................. materials, Nova Scotia

in particular, should be more clearly shown. QuebecІвЯШШШШЯШШШ

о Alberta

Update the 26................................collection. 1 British Columbia ■ ■ V " 1111111111

Manitoba
Buy some 27................................. and divide Newfoundland Ш ШЯШВШШШЯШШ Сяиіов
& Labrador ЩШШвКш ■ 2001
them up. Ontario

0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16
Use of the room percent

Speak to the teachers and organise a

28........................for supervising the centre.

Install an 29

Restrict personal use of

30.......................................on computers.

MBA Нам важен Ваш результат!

ш а н и з э www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua 189
TOPICAL PRACTICE EDUCATION

2. The graph below shows the number of
university graduates in Canada from
1992 to 2007.
Summarise the information by selecting
and reporting the main features and make
comparisons where relevant.
UNIVERSITY GRADUATES,
CANADA, 1992-2007
3. The graphs above give information
about computer ownership as a per­
centage of the population between
2002 and 2010, and by level of educa­
tion for the years 2002 and 2010.
Summarise the information by selecting
and reporting the main features, and make
comparisons where relevant.
Computer ownership, 2002—10
80

2002 2004 2006 2008 2010

Year

Computer ownership by education level,

2002 and 2010

level of M utation

Нам важен Ваш результат! MBA

190 www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua ЫцЬШна
EDUCATION TOPICAL PRACTICE

WRITING TASK 2

1. Som e p e o p le th in k th a t u n iv e rsities
sh ou ld p ro v id e gra d u a tes w ith the
k n ow led ge and skills n e e d e d in the
w ork p la ce. O thers th in k th at th e true
fu n ction o f a u n iv e rsity sh ou ld be to
give a ccess to k n o w le d g e fo r its ow n
sake, rega rdless o f w h e th e r the cou rse
is u sefu l to an em p loy er.

W hat, in y o u r o p in io n , sh ou ld be the
m ain fu n ctio n o f a u n iversity ?

Give reasons for your answer and include

any relevant examples from your own
knowledge or experience.

Write at least 250 words.

2. It is som etim es a rg u ed th at to o m any

students g o to u n iversity , w h ile o th ­
ers cla im th at a u n iv e rsity e d u ca tio n
sh ou ld be a u n iversa l right.

D iscu ss b o th sides o f the a rg u m en t

and give y o u r ow n o p in ion .

MBA Нам важен Ваш результат!

www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua 191
TOPICAL PRACTICE WORK

WORK

VOCABULARY

• to be called for an interview: to be invit­ • volun tary work: to work without pay
ed to attend an interview • to be well paid: to earn a good salary
• to be your own boss: to have your own • working conditions: the hours, salary
business and other entitlements that comes with the
• a dead-end job: a job with no promotional job
opportunities • to work with your hands: to do manual
• a good team player: somebody who can work
work well with other people • to work in sh ifts
• full-time: the number of hours that people • CV
usually work in a complete week • job offer
• a heavy workload: to have a lot o f work • probation period
to do • to quit\give up a job
• a high-powered job: an important or • to look\ hunt for a job
powerful job • to work overtime
• holiday entitlement: the number of days • to work flexitime
holiday allowed • vacation
• job satisfaction: the feeling of enjoying a job • salary
• manual work: work that requires physi­ • job with good prospects
cal activity • easy\soft job
• maternity leave: time off work given to a • demanding
woman about to have a baby • rewarding ,‘S cCt/^uti.%.
• to meet a deadline: to finish a job by an • to get\land\take a job
agreed time • work record (book)
• a nine-to-five job: a normal job that con­
sists of an 8 hour day (approximately) ( a ) How would you generally feel,
• one o f the perks o f the job: an extra ben­ happy © or unhappy © , if you were
efit you get from a job in the following situations? Use the
• part-time: working less than full-time words in bold to help you decide.
• to run your own business: see ‘to be your
own boss’ 1. The company you work for is well-
• to be self-employed: see ’to be your own known for its job security.
boss’ . «.
• sick leave: time allowed off work when sick 2. You were suddenly made redundant.
• to be stuck behind a desk: to be unhappy
in an office job 3. You received a promotion.
• to be/get stuck in a rut: to be in a boring
job that is hard to leave 4. You were given an increment.
• to take early retirement: to retire early
(retire: to reach an age when 5. You worked unsociable hours.
• you are allowed to stop working for a living)
• temporary work: work done for a limited 6. You had a steady job.
time only

192 Нам важен Ваш результат! MBA

www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua к і- о т - д
WORK
7. You had adverse working condi­
tions.
8. You suddenly found yourself unem­
ployed.
9. You took time off work because of re­
petitive strain injury.
10. The office where you work has sick
building syndrome.
11. You receive regular perks as part of
your job.
12. Somebody called you a workaholic.
13. Your company doesn’t give you many
incentives.
14. Y our boss announces that there is
going to be some downsizing of the
workforce.
15. Your work didn’t offer much jo b satis­
faction.
16. Your company has a generous incen­
tive scheme.
17. You receive a commission for the
work you have done.
18. You receive support from a union.
19. You were under stress.
20. You were forced to resign. , «.
21. You received a cut in your salary.
22. Your company gave you sickness
benefit.2
3
23. You found your job very demanding.
MBA Нам важен Ваш результат!
<,Trr.w--л www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua
TOPICAL PRACTICE
(B) Match sentences 1-6 with one of the
sentences A-F. Use the words in bold
to help you.
1. Samantha is the assistant manager of
a bank and she works from 8.30 to 5.30
every day.
2. Tracy works on the production line of
a factory which makes cars. She uses
a machine to spray paint onto the fin­
ished car parts.
3. Jane works for herself. She is a pho­
tographer. She works every day for
about eight or nine hours.
4. Jeanette is a cleaner for a company in
Birmingham, but she only works there
for about three or four hours a day.
5. Claire has a powerfid job in the personnel
office of a large multinational company.
She is responsible for employing new peo­
ple and getting rid of those that the compa­
ny doesn’t want to employ any more.
6. Marie works in the finance department
of an international college in Oxford.
A. She is a semi-skilled blue-collar
worker in a manufacturing industry.
B. She is a self-employed and works
full-time. She likes to describe herself
as freelance.
C. She is responsible for hiring and firing.
D. She calculates the wages, salaries,
pension contributions and medical
insurance contribu tions of all the staff.
E. She is a full-time white-collar work­
er in a service industry.
F. She is an unskilled part-time em­
ployee.
193
TOPICAL PRACTICE
(C) Now read this essay and complete the
gaps with one of the words or expres­
sions from Tasks A and B. You may
need to change the form of some of the
words.
‘Some people live to work, and others
work to live. In most cases, this de­
pends on the job they have and the con­
ditions under which they are employed.
In your opinion, what are the elements
that make a job worthwhile?’
In answering this question, I would like to look
first at the elements that combine to make a
job undesirable. By avoiding such factors, po­
tential 1___________________________ are more
likely to find a job that is more worthwhile,
and by doing so, hope to achieve happiness in
their w ork
First of all, it doesn’t matter if you are an
2___________________________ worker clean­
ing the floor, a 3___________________________
4 ____________________ work­
er on a production line in one o f the
5___________________________ , or a
6___________________________ work­
er in a bank, shop or one of the other
7___________________________ : if you lack
8___________________________ , with the knowl­
edge that you might lose your job at any time,
you will never feel happy. Everybody would
like a 9___________________________ in which
he or she is guaranteed work.
Nowadays, however, compa­
nies have a high turnover of staff,
10_ . new s4taff and*1
2
11 . others on a
weekly basis. Such companies are not popular
with their workers.
The same can be said of a job in
which you are put under a lot of
12___________________________ and worry, a
job which is so 13_________________________
that it takes over your life, a job where you
work 14___________________________ and so
194
WORK
never get to see your family or friends, or a
physical job in which you do the same thing
every day and end up with the industrial
disease that is always in the papers nowadays
- 15___________________________ .
With all these negative factors, it would be
difficult to believe that there are any elements
that make a job worthwhile. Money is, of
course, the prime motivator, and everybody
wants a good 16___________________________ .
But of course that is not all. The chance of
17_________________________ , o f being given a
better position in a company, is a motivating
factor. Likewise, 18____________________________
such as a free lunch or a company car,
an 19___________________ scheme to
make you work hard such as a regular
20___________________________ above the rate
of inflation, 21___________________________
in case you fall ill and a company
22 ______________________ scheme so that
you have some money when you retire all com­
bine to make a job worthwhile.
Unfortunately, it is not always easy to find all
of these. There is, however, an alternative. For­
get the office and the factory floor and become
23 ______________________and work for
yourself. Your future may not be secure, but at
least you will be happy.
Нам важен Ваш результат! MBA
www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua і п і ТО-'.-д
WORK TOPICAL PRACTICE

SPEAKING

PARTS 1,2 AND 3 PART 2

PART 1 1. D escrib e a p r o je ct y ou w o rk e d on in
y o u r jo b .
• What do you do for a living?
• What are your main responsibilities? You should say:
• What does your job involve?
• How many people does your firm employ at • what the project was
present? • who else was involved in it
• Can you have some time off whenever you • how long it took
want?
• Why don’t you apply for another job? and explain what you learned from this
• If they offer you a well-paid job, will you project.
take it?
• What are normal w’orking hours for most 2. T alk a b ou t som eth in g y o u use to help
office jobs in your country? y ou in y o u r w o rk o r studies.
• What kind of jobs get very high salaries in
your country? You should say:
• Is flexi-time common in your company?
• What are your working hours? • What it looks like
• Do you do / work any overtime? • What it does
• When were you last promoted? • How often you use this thing
• Why did you resign?
• Did they give you a lot of training before and say what you would do if you could not
getting the job from the company? use this object
• Did you do / go on any training courses for
this job? 3. T alk a b ou t a jo b y ou h ave d on e o r
• Have you been promoted since you started k n ow ab ou t
in the company?
• Do you normally get a good pay rise at the You should say:
end of each year?
• How do you feel about your future pros­ • What people do in that job
pects in the company? • What kind of place they work in
• Are you happy in the job or do you feel is • What clothes and equipment they need
time for a fresh challenge in another com­
pany? and say if you think it is a satisfying job to
do or not, and why

4. T alk ab ou t a jo b som eon e in y o u r fam ­

ily d oes

You should say:

• How long they have been doing that job

• What the good things about that job
are

MBA Нам важен Ваш результат!

195
» « іВймд www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua
TOPICAL PRACTICE WORK

• What the difficulties of doing that job dren and employment?

are
6. What help should a government give those
And say if you think that person enjoys looking for employment?
their job or not, and why

5. D e scrib e a w o rk p la ce y o u have
w o rk e d in o r k n ow a b o u t

You should say:

• What the building looks like

• What is inside the building
• What things there are to do in the local
area

and say if you think it is a good place to

work or not, and why

6. D e scrib e y o u r d rea m jo b

You should say:

• What kind of things you would do in

that job
• What the working conditions would be
like
• What kind o f workplace you would
work in

and say if you think you will be able toget a

job like that or not, and why

PART 3

1. What do you understand by the term ‘full

employment’?

2. Is unemployment a problem in your coun­

try?

3. Are there equal opportunities in employ­

ment in your country?

4. Do you think young people care enough

about their employment prospects?

5. What rules should there be regarding chil-

Нам важен Ваш результат! MBA

196 www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua ипЕштад
WORK
GENERAL TRAINING READING
SECTION 2
Read the text below and answer Questions
15-20.
PROFESSIONAL CREDENTIALS:
ADVICE FOR IMMIGRANTS
As an immigrant to North America, you will
need to ensure that employers and organisa­
tions such as colleges and universities properly
recognise your international credentials. These
may be trade certificates, but also educational
qualifications such as degrees or diplomas, that
you have completed or partially-completed.
It is common for hiring personnel to have little
or no training in evaluating an academic back­
ground earned outside of North America. But
at the same time, employers see formal educa­
tion as very important when hiring. Education
is a hiring requirement for 60% of employment
opportunities, but 40% of human resources
staff say that if they do not know a lot about
the value of documents attained elsewhere,
they will not recognise them.
Research has shown that sometimes immi­
grants start with a lower salary level than
people who have completed their training in
North America. You may want to apply for em­
ployment opportunities with companies whose
staff understands your situation or, more
importantly, who know where to send you to
get your North American qualifications. If you
need to complete your training in Ndrth Amer­
ica, apprenticeships leading to skilled trades
are in high demand. Apprenticeship training
is a hands-on program where about 10% is in a
classroom setting at community colleges, and
90% of the training is on-the-job. The training
involves working for an employer and earning
income during the training period. Sometimes
there is a limit of 5 years for training. You may
be able to use this training toward college or
university credits or education. There is a good
MBA Нам важен Ваш результат!
ИЕВияза www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua
TOPICAL PRACTICE
potential for long-term job security after com­
pletion of apprenticeship training.
If you earned your papers outside of North
America, you will need to get them translated
if you want to work or study. It is important
for you that your education is assessed by an
accredited assessment service when you are
applying for jobs, and particularly if the job
posting hasan education requirement. As well,
it is recommended that you include a copy of
the report with your cover letter. It is suggest­
ed that you provide this information early and
do not wait until the time you actually meet
with the employer. Getting job interviews is
more than 50% of the whole process of securing
employment; and with an evaluation report, you
want to make sure that employers are screening
you ‘in’ rather than ‘out’.
Establishing youi-self in North America is a
difficult process, but companies do consider
integrating immigrants into the workforce
important to the workplace mosaic. Employers
are making significant progress in improving
diversity at work.
QUESTIONS 15-20.
Complete the sentences below.
Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from
the text for each answer. Write your answers in
boxes 15-20 on your answer sheet.
15. New arrivals to North America need to
make sure that their academic qualifica­
tions or their...............................are accept­
ed.
16. A significant number of companies view
........................ as a major requirement.
17. People educated in North America may
initially be offered a higher................ than
immigrants.
18..................................... courses often provide
197
TOPICAL PRACTICE
more job stability.
19. Most of the effort to find work is spent try­
ing to obtain....................................
20. As more newcomers enter the workforce,
................................. increases..
Read the text below and answer Questions
21-27.
HOW TO PREPARE FOR A PRESENTATION
The first time your boss suggests that you
formally present something to your depart­
ment or a client, your reaction may be to panic.
But remember that being asked to present is a
compliment. Someone believes that you have
valuable information to share with the group,
and wants to listen to your ideas.
You need to decide exactly what you will say
during the allotted time. Condense your topic
into one sentence. What do you want your
audience to remember or learn from your talk’?
This is your ‘big idea’. Remember that you
are dealing with the short attention spans of
individuals who tend to have many things on
their minds.
Think of three main points you want to make
to support your overall topic. Develop a story to
demonstrate each of those concepts. This could
be something that happened to you or someone
you know, or something you read in a newspa­
per or magazine.
We have all heard the saying A picture is worth
a thousand words. Think about how your
presentation can be more interesting to watch.
Props are a wonderful way to make your talk
come alive. You could do something as simple
as holding up a toy phone receiver when talk­
ing about customer service or putting on a hat
to signal a different part of your talk.
Think of a dynamic and unusual way to start
your presentation. This might involve telling
198
www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua
WORK
anecdotes that relate to your topic. Never begin
with, ‘Thank you for inviting me here to talk
with you today.’ You will put your audience to
sleep right away. Start off enthusiastically so
they will listen with curiosity and interest. Af­
ter your energetic introduction, identify your­
self briefly and thank the audience for taking
the time to listen to you.
Plan your ending, and finish in a memorable
way. Your listeners remember best what they
hear at the beginning and end of a speech,
so conclude with a game in which they can
participate, or tell a humorous story and your
audience will leave laughing.
Don’t try to memorise your talk or read it
word-for-word. It will sound stilted and boring.
Instead, practise your dynamic introduction
and conclusion until you can deliver them
effortlessly. If you do this you’ll feel a burst of
confidence that will help you sail through the
whole o f the speech.
QUESTIONS 21-27
Complete the sentences below. Choose ONE
WORD ONLY from the text for each answer.
Write your answers in boxes 21-27 on your
answer sheet.
HOW TO PREPARE FOR A PRESENTATION
• You should regard an invitation to speak
as a 21.............................
• Express your main idea in a
22 ..........................
• Try using a 23...............................to support
the major points you are making.
• Add visual excitement to your talk by using
24..............................
• Express appreciation to your listeners for
their 25.................................
Нам важен Ваш результат! MBA
шишшa
WORK
• A 26............................will get the audience
to interact.
• It is important to prepare well as this will
increase your 27.................................
SECTION 2
QUESTIONS 15-27
Read the text below and answer Questions
15-21.
FORMAL DRESS CODE FOR COMPANY
EMPLOYEES
At TransitEuropean, the company’s objective
in establishing a formal dress code is to enable
our employees to project the professional image
that is in keeping with the needs of our clients
and customers who seek our guidance, input,
and professional services. Because our industry
requires the appearance of trusted business
professionals and we serve clients at our site
on a daily basis, a more formal dress code is
necessary for our employees.
FORMAL DRESS CODE GUIDELINES
In a formal business environment, the standard
of dressing for men and women is a suit. Alter­
natively a jacket may be worn with appropriate
accessories. Tom, dirty, or frayed clothing is un­
acceptable. Clothing should be pressed and never
wrinkled. No dress code can cover all contingen­
cies so employees must exert a certain amount of
judgement in their choice of clothing toSvear to
work. If you experience uncertainty, please ask
your supervisor for advice.
SHOES AND FOOTWEAR
Conservative walking shoes, dress shoes, loaf­
ers, boots, flats, dress heels, and backless shoes
are acceptable for work. Not wearing stockings
or socks is inappropriate. Tennis shoes and any
shoe with an open toe are not acceptable in the
MBA Нам важен Ваш результат!
www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua
TOPICAL PRACTICE
office.
ACCESSORIES AND JEWELLERY
The wearing of ties, scarves, belts, and jewel­
lery is encouraged, provided they are tasteful.
Items which are flashy should be avoided.
MAKEUP, PERFUME, AND COLOGNE
A professional appearance is encouraged and
excessive makeup is unprofessional. Remember
that some employees may have allergic reac­
tions to the chemicals in perfumes and make­
up, so wear these substances in moderation.
HATS AND HEAD COVERING
Hats are not appropriate in the office. Head
covers that are required for reasons of faith or
to honour cultural tradition are permitted.
DRESS DOWN DAYS
Certain days can be declared dress down days,
generally Fridays. On these days, business
casual clothing is allowed. Clothing that has
our company logo is strongly encouraged.
Sports team, university, and fashion brand
names on clothing are generally acceptable.
However, you may wish to keep a jacket in
your office in case a client unexpectedly ap­
pears.
VIOLATION OF DRESS CODE
If clothing fails to meet these standards, as
determined by the employee’s supervisor, the
employee will be asked not to wear the inap­
propriate item to work again. If the problem
persists, the employee will receive a verbal
warning and may be sent home to change
clothes.
199
TOPICAL PRACTICE
QUESTIONS 15-21
Complete the notes below. Choose NO MORE
THAN TWO WORDS from the text for each
answer. Write your answers in boxes 15-21 on
your answer sheet.
NOTES ON COMPANY DRESS CODE
• A im o f form a l d ress co d e : to present a
15 ....................... to clients.
• A cce p ta b le t j’pes o f form a l cloth in g :
jacket or suit
• State o f cloth es: they must be
16 ............and in good condition
• F ootw ear: tennis shoes and open toe shoes
are not allowed
• A cce sso rie s: ties, scarves, belts and
jewellery may be worn- these must be
17 .............and not brightly coloured
• M ake up: avoid wearing too much make
up and perfume- these sometimes cause
18 .....................
• Hats: hats should not be worn- head
covers in line with religious reasons or
19 ............ ...... are allowed
• D ressin g dow n : casual clothing is al­
lowed on some Fridays - clothing with the
20 ....................on it is recommended
• B rea k in g the dress co d e : if^advice is
repeatedly ignored, a 21................ is given
200
WORK
Read the text below and answer Questions 22-
27.
JLP RETAIL: STAFF BENEFITS
Whatever your role, your pay range will be
extremely competitive and reviewed in the light
o f your progress. In addition to your salary, you
will enjoy an array o f excellent benefits from the
moment you join the company.
Paid holiday
The holiday entitlement is four weeks per year,
rising to five weeks after three years (or in the
case of IT graduate trainees, after promotion
to programmer or trainee analyst). There are
further long-service increases for most staff
after ten or fifteen years. Managers, including
graduate trainees, receive five weeks’ holiday
from the outset.
Pension scheme
We offer a non-contributory final salary7pen­
sion scheme, payable from the age of 60, to
most staff who have completed the qualifying
period of five years.
Life assurance
Our life assurance scheme pays a sum equiva­
lent to three times your annual salary to your
nominated beneficiary.
Discounts
After three months’ service, all staff are enti­
tled to a 12% discount on most purchases from
the company’s stores. This rises to 25% after
one year’s service.
Subsidiseddiningroom
In most sites, we provide a dining room where
you can enjoy excellent food at very reasonable
prices.
Holidayand leisurefacilities
The business owns a number o f residential
clubs which offer subsidised holiday accom­
modation for staff with at least three years’
service.
Нам важен Ваш результат! MBA
www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua гш ш
WORK TOPICAL PRACTICE

S p ortsclu b s 24. Staff may take a holiday at one of

We support an extensive range o f sports ac­
tivities including football, netball, golf, skiing,
sailing, squash, riding and gliding.
T ick etsu b sid ies
Ticket subsidies of 50% of the cost of plays
or concerts are available. Staff may also take
advantage of corporate membership to bodies
such as the Science Museum.
the................................provided by the com­
pany.
25. The company pay half the seat price
for...........................and plays.
26. The company gives financial assistance for
both educational courses and.......................
as part of staff development.

E d u ca tion su b sid ies 27. Employees may be entitled to

We give generous financial support to staff who a......................if they find themselves in
wish to acquire leisure skills or continue their difficult circumstances.
education, e.g. through the Open University or
evening classes.

E xten ded leave

Staff who complete 25 years’ service can enjoy
paid sabbatical leave of up to six months.

H ealth services
We have an occupational health service staffed
by full-time doctors and health advisers.

F in an cial h elp, ben efits and d isco u n te d

deals
In cases of particular hardship, we will help
staff with a loan. We have also negotiated a
range of benefits for staff such as discounted
private healthcare and a car purchase scheme,
along with a number o f one-off deals with ho­
tels and amusement park.

QUESTIONS 22-27

Complete the sentences below. Choose NO

MORE THAN TWO WORDS ANI)/OR A
NUMBER from the text for each answer.

Write your answers in boxes 22-27 on your

answer sheet.

22. Pay increases depend on the........................

hat each member o f staff makes.2
3

23. Employees must work a minimum of

..................... to be eligible for a pension.

MBA Нам важен Баш результат!

201
www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua
TOPICAL PRACTICE WORK

LISTENING 6. The woman says she is interested in a pro­

ject involving
SECTION 1
'J A. taking library books to people in hos­
QUESTIONS 1-7 pital
^ T B . delivering library books to people at
Choose the correct answers A, B or C. home.
C. driving the disabled to the library
Example
7. The woman agrees to work for
The woman says she is interested in
two hours per week,
A. part-time employment <£> four hours per week.
h a permanent job. C. six hours per week.
l.j unpaid work.

1. The librarian says that training always QUESTIONS 8-10

includes
Choose THREE letters A-G.
A. computer skills.
B. basic medical skills. Which THREE of the following must be provid­
C. interpersonal skills. ed by all volunteers?

2. All library service volunteers have to A. civil conviction check

signed copy o f commitment
V .A. record their arrival and departure.
B. stay within ‘staff only’ sections.
C. wear a uniform.
f certificates to indicate qualifications
emergency contact information
vE*. date of birth
F. signature of parent or guardian
3. The woman would be entitled to a contribu­ referees
tion towards the cost of
^5

transport by minibus
parking at the library
public transport.

4. One recent library project involved

, 1
A. labeling historical objects.
v B. protecting historical photographs.
C. cataloguing historical documents.

5. At present, the library is looking for people

to

\J A. record books onto CD.

B. tell stories to children.
X C. read books to the blind.

Нам важен Ваш результат! MBA

202 www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua и із з в ш я
WORK TOPICAL PRACTICE

SECTION 1 SECTION 4

QUESTIONS 1-10 QUESTIONS 31-40

Complete the notes below. Write NO MORE Complete the notes below. Write ONE WORD
THAN THREE WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER ONLY for each answer.
for each answer. BUSINESS CULTURES
Power culture
JOB ENQUIRY ’ small
• 31
Example power source
Characteristics
of organisation • few rules and proce­
• Work at: 0 a restaurant. dures
• communication by
32
Advantage: • can act quickly
• Type of work: 1............................
• might not act
• Number o f hours per week: 12 hours Disadvantage:
33
• Would need work permit
• not afraid of
• Work in the: 2...............................branch Suitable em­ 34
• Nearest bus stop: next to ployee:
• doesn’t need job security
3.............................. Role culture
• P ay:4£......................... an hour • large, many
• Extra benefits: 35
* a free dinner • specialised departments
Characteristics
* extra pay when you work on of organisation: • rules and procedure,
5 ................ e.g. job and rules for
■ transport home when you work 36
discipline
6 .................
• economies of scale
• Qualities required:
• successful when
Advantages:
37
■ ability to 8................................ ability is important
• Interview arranged for: Thursday • slow to see when
9.................... at 6 p.m. 38
Disadvantages: is needed
• Bring the names of two referees
• Ask for: Samira 10.......................... • slow to react
• values security
Suitable em­
• doesn’t want
ployee:
39
T ask culture
• project orientated
• in competitive market
Characteristics
or making product with
of organisation:
short life
• a lot of delegation
Advantage: • 40
• no economies of scale or
Disadvantages:
special expertise
Suitable em­
• likes to work in groups
ployee:

MBA Нам важен Ваш результат!

203
р ііітш у Уі www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua
TOPICAL PRACTICE
SECTION 4
TRYING TO REPEAT SUCCESS
31. Compared to introducing new business pro­
cesses, attempts to copy existing processes
are
A. more attractive.
B. more frequent.
C. more straightforward.
32. Most research into the repetition o f success
in business has
A. been done outside the United States.
B. produced consistent findings.
C. related to only a few contexts.
33. What does the speaker say about consult­
ing experts?
A. Too few managers ever do it.
B. It can be useful in certain circumstances.
C. Experts are sometimes unwilling to
give advice.
34. An expert’s knowledge about a business
system may be incomplete because
A. some details are difficult for workers to
explain.
B. workers choose not to mention certain
details.
C. details are sometimes altered by work­
ers.
204
www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua
WORK
QUESTIONS 35-40
Complete the notes below.
Write ONE WORD ONLY for each answer.
SETTING UP SYSTEMS BASED ON AN
EXISTING PROCESS
Two mistakes
Manager tries to:
• improve on the original process
• create an ideal 3 5 ....................... from the
best parts of several processes
Cause of problems
• information was inaccurate
• comparison between the business settings
was invalid
• disadvantages were overlooked, e.g. effect
of changes on 3 6 .......................
Solution
• change 3 7 ........................
• impose rigorous 3 8 .......................
• copy original very closely:
• physical features of the
3 9 .......................
■ he 4 0 ........................of original employ­
ees
Нам важен Ваш результат! MBA
іт
ENVIRONMENT
WRITING
1. You should spend about 20 minutes on this
task.
The bar chart below shows the results
of a survey conducted by a personnel
department at a major company. The
survey was carried out on two groups
of workers: those aged from 18-30 and
those aged 45-60, and shows factors
affecting their work performance.
Write a report for a university lectur­
er describing the information shown
below.
2. As most people spend a major part of
their adult life at work, job satisfac­
tion is animportant element of individ­
ual wellbeing. What factors contribute
to job satisfaction? How realistic is the
expectation of job satisfactiotCfor all
workers?
Give reasons for your answer and include
any relevant examples from your own
knowledge or experience. Write at least 250
words.
MBA Нам важен Ваш результат!
^ і 'їїтх .^ 'иі www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua
TOPICAL PRACTICE
ENVIRONMENT
VOCABULARY
(A) Match the first part of each sentence
with its second part. Use the words
in bold to help you. Check that
each sentence you put together is
grammatically correct.
1. Some modern agricultural methods
have been heavily criticized,...
2. If you wear a fur coat in public,...
3. It is illegal to kill pandas, tigers...
4. If we don’t do more to protect pandas,...
5. A lot o f British people are interested in
unusual animals,...
6. National parks in Kenya are currently
recruiting experts...
7. In an attempt to preserve forests
around the country...
8. We would like to carry’ out more scien­
tific study into rainforests...
9. I don’t like zoos because I think...
10. I saw a fascinating documentary about
the way' animals live in Venezuela and
thought...
11. In order to increase the birth rate, the
Chinese government has spent a lot of
money...
12. Hunters have killed so many animals
that...
A. ...in many countries p o a c h in g is con­
sidered more serious than drug smug-
205
TOPICAL PRACTICE ENVIRONMENT

gling. (B) Replace the expressions in bold with

a word or expression from the box
В. ...and rare breeds parks are very pop- which has the same meaning.
ular with many.
• unleaded
с. ...in wildlife management. • petrol
• fossil
D. ...the government’s conservation pro- • fuels
gramme has been very successful. • recycle (things)
• organic
Е. ...they’ll soon be extinct. • genetically
• modified
F. ...with battery farming in particular • greenhouse
receiving a lot of condemnation. • rain forest
• global warming
G. ..it was fascinating to observe their • erosion
natural behaviour. • contaminated
• environmentalists
Н. ...on a Successful panda breeding • emissions
programme. • biodegradable
• packaging
I. ...keeping animals in captivity is • acid rain
cruel. • Green Belt
• ecosystem
J. ...or any other endangered species.
1. In Britain, building is restricted or
К. ...but it is often difficult to get people completely banned in the area of
to fund the research. farming land or woods and parks
which surrounds a town.
L. ...you risk coming under attack from
animal rights activists. 2. Many companies are developing boxes,
cartons and cans which can easily
be decomposed by organisms such
as bacteria, or by sunlight, sea,
water, etc.

3. The burning of some fuels creates car­

bon dioxide, carbon monoxide, sul­
phur dioxide, methane and other
gases which rise into the atmosphere.

4. Farmers have cleared hectares of thick

wooded land in tropical regions
where the precipitation is very
high.

5. Planting trees provides some protec­

tion from the gradual wearing away

Нам важен Ваш результат! MBA

206 www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua ш знж э
ENVIRONMENT
of soil.
6. We should all try to process waste
material so that it can be used
again.
7. These potatoes are cultivated natu­
rally, without using any chemical
fertilisers or pesticides.
8. This bread is made from wheat which
has been altered at a molecular
level so as to change certain char­
acteristics which can be inherited.
9. More and more cars are built to use
fuel which has been made without
lead additives.
10. Polluted precipitation which kills
trees falls a long distance away from
the source of the pollution.
11. Human beings have had a devastat­
ing effect on the living things, both
large and small, in many parts of the
world.
12. The gases and other substances
which come from factories using oil,
coal and other fuels which are the
remains o f plants and animals can
cause serious damage to the environ­
ment.
13. Don't drink that water! It’s been made
dirty by something being added to
it.
14. Friends of the Earth, Greenpeace and
other people concerned with pro­
tecting the environment are hold­
ing a forum in London next month.15
15. The heating up o f the earth’s at­
mosphere by pollution is threatening
life as we know it.
MBA Нам важен Ваш результат!
в еш и в www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua
TOPICAL PRACTICE
(C) Now look at this essay and complete
the gaps with one of the words or
expressions from Tasks A and B. In
some cases, more than one answer
may be possible. You may need to
change the form of some of the words.
‘Environmental degradation is a major
world problem. What causes this prob­
lem, and what can we do to prevent it?’
There is no doubt that the environ­
ment is in trouble. Factories burn
1___________________________ which
produce 2___________________________
, and this kills trees. At the same time,
3 __________________________ gas­
es rise into the air and contribute to
4 __________________________ , which
threatens to melt the polar ice cap.
Meanwhile farmers clear huge are­
as of 5___________________________ in
places such as the Amazon to produce
feeding land for cattle or produce wood
for building. Rivers and oceans are so
heavily 6___________________________
by industrial waste that it is no longer
safe to go swimming. Cars pump out
poisonous 7___________________________
which we all have to breathe in.
8___________________________ and over­
fishing are killing off millions o f animals,
including whales, elephants and other
9___________________________ . In fact,
all around us, all living things large and
small which comprise our finely balanced
10 __________________________are being
systematically destroyed by human greed
and thoughtlessness.
There is a lot we can all do, however, to
help prevent this. The easiest thing, of
course, is to 11___________________________
waste material such as paper and
glass so that we can use it again. We
should also check that the things we
buy from supermarkets are packaged
in 12___________________________ pack-
207
TOPICAL PRACTICE ENVIRONMENT

aging which decomposes easily. At SPEAKING

the same time, we should make a con­
scious effort to avoid foods which are
13___________________________ (at least
until someone proves that they are safe
both for us and for the environment). If you
are truly committed to protecting the en­
vironment, of course, you should only buy
14___________________________ fruit and
vegetables, safe in the knowledge that they
have been naturally cultivated. Finally,
of course, we should buy a small car that
uses 15___________________________ which
is less harmful to the environment or, even
better, make more use of public transport.
The serious 16___________________________ ,
however, do much more. They are
aware of the global issues involved
and will actively involve themselves in
17___________________________ by mak­
ing sure our forests are kept safe for
future generations. They will oppose
activities which are harmful to animals,
such as 18___________________________ .
And they will campaign to keep the
19___________________________ around our
towns and cities free from new building.
PARTS 2 AND 3
Describe an environmental problem. You
should say:
• What it is
• How long it has existed
• What effect it has brought to people’s life
• What we can do to solve it
Discussion:
• What causes environmental problems?
• What should the government do to protect
the environment?
• What should we do to protect the environ­
ment?
• What other measures can you think of to
protect the environment?
• How should we educate children to protect
environment?
• What’s the difference between the old and
the young as regards environmental protec­
tion?
PART 3

We cannot all be as committed as them,
but we can at least do our own little bit
at grass roots level. We, as humans, have
inherited the earth, but that doesn't mean
we can do whatever we like with it.
1. What do you think when you hear the
words ‘environmental problem’?
2. Do you add to the environment’s problems
in your daily life?

3. What can you do every day to help the

environment?

4. Will the problems get worse or will they

slowly disappear?

5. What is the biggest environmental prob­

lem? Why do you think so?

6. Which do you think is worse, litter in the

countryside or coral bleaching?

7. How eco-friendly is your country?

208 Нам важен Ваш результат! MBA

www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua яіт-татавм
ENVIRONMENT
8. What causes climate change and how can
we reverse it?
9. What problems do you know of about wa­
ter?
10. Will we (humans) kill the Earth one day?
11. Why is an environmental problem a prob­
lem?
12. What makes environmental problems?
13. Do you think animals are angry with hu­
mans for destroying the Earth?
14. Which do you think is worse, desertifica­
tion or noise pollution?
15. How would you explain to someone who
doesn’t know what global warming is?
16. How would you feel if all the pandas died
and became extinct?
17. Who is most responsible for creating envi­
ronmental problems?
18. Is it better if we all went back to nature
(left the cities and moved to the country­
side)?
19. Is it possible for everyone to change their
lifestyle to help the Earth?2
0 of pollution - the release o f greenhouse gases
20. Shopping increases environmental prob­
lems. Should we stop shopping?
MBA Нам важен Ваш результат!
www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua
TOPICAL PRACTICE
READING
READING PASSAGE 1
THE TR UTH ABO UT
THE ENVIRON M ENT
For many environmentalists, the world seems
to be getting worse. They have developed a
hit-list of our main fears: that natural resourc­
es are running out; that the population is ever
growing, leaving less and less to eat; that spe­
cies are becoming extinct in vast numbers, and
that the planet’s air and water are becoming
ever more polluted.
But a quick look at the facts shows a different
picture. First, energy and other natural re­
sources have become more abundant, not less
so, since the book ‘The Limits to Growth’ was
published in 1972 by a group of scientists. Sec­
ond, more food is now produced per head of the
world's population than at any time in history.
Fewer people are starving. Third, although
species are indeed becoming extinct, only
about 0.7% of them are expected to disappear
in the next 50 years, not 25-50%, as has so
often been predicted. And finally, most forms of
environmental pollution either appear to have
been exaggerated, or are transient - associated
with the early phases o f industrialisation and
therefore best cured not by restricting eco­
nomic growth, but by accelerating it. One form
that causes global warming - does appear to
be a phenomenon that is going to extend well
into our future, but its total impact is unlikely
to pose a devastating problem. A bigger prob­
lem may well turn out to be an inappropriate
response to it.
Yet opinion polls suggest that many people
nurture the belief that environmental stand­
ards are declining and four factors seem to
cause this disjunction between perception and
reality.
One is the lopsidedness built into scientific re­
209
TOPICAL PRACTICE
search. Scientific funding goes mainly to areas
with many problems. That may be wise policy,
but it will also create an impression that many
more potential problems exist than is the case.
Secondly, environmental groups need to be
noticed by the mass media. They also need
to keep the money rolling in. Understanda­
bly, perhaps, they sometimes overstate their
arguments. In 1997, for example, the World
Wide Fund for Nature issued a press release
entitled: ‘Two thirds of the world’s forests lost
forever’. The truth turns out to be nearer 20%.
Though these groups are run overwhelmingly
by selfless folk, they nevertheless share many
of the characteristics of other lobby groups.
That would matter less if people applied the
same degree of scepticism to environmental
lobbying as they do to lobby groups in other
fields. A trade organisation arguing for. say,
weaker pollution controls is instantly seen as
self-interested. Yet a green organisation oppos­
ing such a weakening is seen as altruistic, even
if an impartial view of the controls in question
might suggest they are doing more harm than
good.
A third source of confusion is the attitude of
the media. People are clearly more curious
about bad news than good. Newspapers and
broadcasters are there to provide what the
public wants. That, however, can lead to signif­
icant distortions of perception. An example was
America’s encounter with El Nino in 1997 and
1998. This climatic phenomenon was accused
of wrecking tourism, causing allergies, melting
the ski-slopes and causing 22 deaths. However,
according to an article in the Bulletin o f the
American Meteorological Society, the dam­
age it did was estimated at US$4 billion but
the benefits amounted to some US$19 billion.
These came from higher winter temperatures
(which saved an estimated 850 lives, reduced
heating costs and diminished spring floods
caused by meltwaters).
The fourth factor is poor individual percep­
210
ENVIRONMENT
tion. People worry that the endless rise in the
amount of stuff everyone throws away will
cause the world to run out o f places to dispose
o f waste. Yet, even if America’s trash output
continues to rise as it has done in the past,
and even if the American population doubles
by 2100, all the rubbish America produces
through the entire 21st century will still take
up only one-12,000th of the area of the entire
United States.
So what of global warming? As we know, car­
bon dioxide emissions are causing the planet to
warm. The best estimates are that the tem­
peratures will rise by 2-3°C in this century,
causing considerable problems, at a total cost
of US$5,000 billion.
Despite the intuition that something drastic
needs to be done about such a costly problem,
economic analyses clearly show it will be far
more expensive to cut carbon dioxide emissions
radically than to pay the costs of adaptation to
the increased temperatures. A model by one of
the main authors of the United Nations Climate
Change Panel shows how an expected tempera­
ture increase of 2.1 degrees in 2100 would only
be diminished to an increase of 1.9 degrees. Or
to put it another way, the temperature increase
that the planet would have experienced in 2094
would be postponed to 2100.
So this does not prevent global warming, but
merely buys the world six years. Yet the cost
of reducing carbon dioxide emissions, for the
United States atone, will be higher than the
cost of solving the world’s single, most press­
ing health problem: providing universal access
to clean drinking water and sanitation. Such
measures would avoid 2 million deaths every
year, and prevent half a billion people from
becoming seriously ill.
It is crucial that we look at the facts if we want
to make the best possible decisions for the
future. It may be costly to be overly optimistic -
but more costly still to be too pessimistic
Нам важен Ваш результат! MBA
www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua ш язш а
ENVIRONMENT
QUESTIONS 27-32
Do the following statements agree with the
claims of the writer in Reading Passage 3?
In boxes 27-32 on your answer sheet, write
YES if the statement agrees with the writer s claims
NO if the statement contradicts the writer’s claims
N O T GIVEN if it is impossible to say what the
writer thinks about this.
Environmentalists take a pessimistic view of
the world for a number of reasons.
Data on the Earth’s natural resources has only
been collected since 1972.
The number of starving people in the world has
increased in recent years.
Extinct species are being replaced by new species.
Some pollution problems have been correctly
linked to industrialisation.
It would be best to attempt to slow down eco­
nomic growth.
QUESTIONS 33-37
Choose the correct letter. A, B, C or D.
33. What aspect of scientific research does the
writer express concern about in paragraph 4?
, <
A. the need to produce results
B. the lack of financial support
C. the selection of ai’eas to research
D. the desire to solve every research problem
34. The writer quotes from the Worldwide
Fund for Nature to illustrate how
MBA Нам важен Ваш результат!
еязйтагя www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua
TOPICAL PRACTICE
A. influential the mass media can be.
B. effective environmental groups can be.
C. the mass media can help groups raise
funds.
D. environmental groups can exaggerate
their claims.
35. What is the writer’s main point about lobby
groups in paragraph 6?
A. Some are more active than others.
B. Some are better organised than others.
C. Some receive more criticism than others.
D. Some support more important issues
than others.
36. The writer suggests that newspapers print
items that are intended to
A. educate readers.
B. meet their readersl expectations.
C. encourage feedback from readers.
D. mislead readers.
37. What does the writer say about America’s
waste problem?
A. It will increase in line with population
growth.
B. It is not as important as we have been
led to believe.
C. It has been reduced through public
awareness of the issues.
D. It is only significant in certain areas of
the country.
211
TOPICAL PRACTICE
QUESTIONS 38-40
Complete the summary with the list o f words
A—I below.
Write the correct letter A -I in boxes 38—40 on
your answer sheet.
GLOBAL WARMING
The writer admits that global warming is a 38
....................................challenge, but says that
it will not have a catastrophic impact on our fu­
ture, if we deal with it in the 3 9 ...........way. If
we try to reduce the levels of greenhouse gases,
he believes that it would only have a minimal
impact on rising temperatures. He feels it
would be better to spend money on the more
40............................................health problem
of providing the world’s population with clean
drinking water.
212
ENVIRONMENT
READING PASSAGE 1
You should spend about 20 minutes on Ques­
tions 1-14, which are based on Reading Passage
1 below.
GREEN VIRTUES OF GREEN SAND
REVOLUTION IN GLASS RECYCLING
COULD HELP KEEP WATER CLEAN
A. For the past 100 years special high grade
white sand, dug from the ground at Leight­
on Buzzard in the UK, has been used to
filter tap water to remove bacterial and
impurities -but this may no longer be
necessary. A new factory that turns used
wine bottles into green sand could revolu­
tionise the recycling industry and help to
filter Britain’s drinking water. Backed by
$1.6 m from the European Union and the
Department for Environment, Food and
Rural Affairs (Defra), a company based in
Scotland is building the factory, which will
turn beverage bottles back into the sand
from which they were made in the first
place. The green sand has already been
successfully tested by water companies
and is being used in 50 swimming pools in
Scotland to keep the water clean.
B. The idea is not only to avoid using up an
increasingly scarce natural resource, sand,
but also to solve a crisis in the recycling
industry. Britain uses 5.5m tonnes of glass
a year, but recycles only 750,000 tonnes of
it. The problem is that half the green bottle
glass in Britain is originally from imported
wine and beer bottles. Because there is so
much of it, and it is used less in domestic
production than other types, green glass is
worth only $25 a tonne. Clear glass, which
is melted down and used for whisky bot­
tles, mainly for export, is worth double that
amount.
C. Howard Dryden, a scientist and managing
director of the company, Dryden Aqua, of
Bonnyrigg, near Edinburgh, has spent six
Нам важен Ваш результат! MBA
www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua ь-ОгЕШва
ENVIRONMENT
years working on the product he calls Active
Filtration Media, or AFM. He concedes that
he has given what is basically recycled glass
a ‘fancy name’ to remove the stigma of what
most people would regard as an inferior
product. He says he needs bottles that have
already contained drinkable liquids to be
sure that drinking water filtered through
the AFM would not be contaminated.
Crushed down beverage glass has fewer
impurities than real sand and it performed
better in trials. ‘The fact is that tests show
that AFM does the job better than sand,
it is easier to clean and reuse and has all
sorts of properties that make it ideal for
other applications,’ he claimed.
D. The factory is designed in produce 100
tonnes of AFM a day, although Mr Dryden
regards this as a large-scale pilot project
rather than full production. Current esti­
mates of the UK market for this glass for
filtering drinking water, sewage, industrial
water, swimming pools and fish farming
are between 175,000 to 217,000 tonnes a
year, which will use up most of the glass
available near the factory. So he intends
to build five or six factories in cities where
there are large quantities of bottles, in
order to cut down on transport costs.
E. The current factory will be completed
this month and is expected to go into full
production on January 14th next year.
Once it is providing a ‘regular’ product, the
government’s drinking water inspectorate
will be asked to perform tests and Approve
it for widespread use by water companies.
A Defra spokesman said it was hoped
that AFM could meet approval within six
months. The only problem that they could
foresee was possible contamination if some
glass came from sources other than bever­
age bottles.
F. Among those who have tested the glass
already is Caroline Fitzpatrick o f the civil
MBA Нам важен Ваш результат!
www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua
TOPICAL PRACTICE
and environmental engineering depart­
ment of University College London. ‘We
have looked at a number of batches and it
appears to do the job,’ she said. ‘Basically,
sand is made of glass and Mr Dryden is
turning bottles back into sand. It seems a
straightforward idea and there is no reason
we can think of why it would not work.
Since glass from wine bottles and other
beverages has no impurities and clearly did
not leach any substances into the contents
o f the bottles, there was no reason to be­
lieve there would be a problem,’ Dr Fitzpat­
rick added.
G. Mr Dryden has set up a network of agents
round the world to sell AFM. It is already
in use in central America to filter water on
banana plantations where the fruit has to
be washed before being despatched to Eu­
ropean markets. It is also in use in sewage
works to filter water before it is returned
to rivers, something which is becoming
legally necessary across the European
Union because of tighter regulations on
sewage works. So there are a great number
of applications involving cleaning up water.
Currently, however, AFM costs $ 670 a
tonne, about four times as much as good
quality sand. ‘But that is because we hav­
en’t got large-scale production. Obviously,
when we get going it will cost a lot less,
and be competitive with sand in price as
well,’ Mr Dryden said. ‘I believe it performs
better and lasts longer than sand, so it is
going to be better value too.’
H. If AFM takes off as a product it will be
a big boost for the government agency
which is charged with finding a market for
recycled products. Crushed glass is already
being used in road surfacing and in mak­
ing tiles and bricks. Similarly, AFM could
prove to have a widespread use and give
green glass a cash value.
213
TOPICAL PRACTICE ENVIRONMENT

QUESTIONS 1-10 QUESTIONS 11-14

Reading Passage 1 has 8 paragraphs labeled Complete the summary below. Choose NO
A-H. Which paragraph contains the following MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the passage
information? Write the correct letter A -H in for each answer. Write your answers in boxes
boxes 1-10 on your answer sheet. 11-14 on your answer sheet.

GREEN SAND

You may use any letter more than once. The use of crushed green glass (AFM) may
have two significant impacts: it may help to
save a diminishing 11 while at
1. a description of plans to expand produc­ the same time solving a major problem for the
tion of AFM 12 in the UK. However, according
to Howard Dryden, only glass from bottles that
2. the identification of a potential danger in have been used for 13 can be used in
the raw material for AFM the production process. AFM is more effective
than 14
14............... as a water filter, and also has
3. an example of AFM use in the export other uses.
market

4. a comparison of the value of green glass

and other types of glass

5. a list of potential applications of AFM in

the domestic market

6. the conclusions drawn from laboratory

checks on the process of AFM production

7. identification of current funding for the

production of green sand

8. an explanation of the chosen brand name

for crushed green glass

9. a description of plans for exporting AFM

10. a description of what has to happen be-

fore AFM is accepted for general use

Нам важен Ваш результат! MBA

www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua
 ENVIRONMENT TOPICAL PRACTICE

READING PASSAGE 2 14. Paragraph A

You should spend about 20 minutes on Ques­ Example В I i

tions 14-26, which are based on Reading Pas­
sage 2 below. Paragraph В iii

QUESTIONS 14-20 15. Paragraph C

Reading Passage 2 has seven paragraphs, A-H. 16. Paragraph D

Choose the correct heading for paragraph A
and C-H from the list o f headings below. Write 17. Paragraph E
the correct number, i-xi, in boxes 14-20 on your
answer sheet. 18. Paragraph F

19. Paragraph G
List of headings
20. Paragraph H
i. Scientists’ call for a revision of policy

ii. An explanation for reduced water use MAKING EVERY DROP COUNT

iii. How a global challenge was met A. The history of human civilisation is en­
twined with the history of the ways we
iv. Irrigation systems fall into disuse have learned to manipulate water resourc­
es. As towns gradually expanded, water
v. Environmental effects was brought from increasingly remote
sources, leading to sophisticated engineer­
vi. The financial cost of recent technologi­ ing efforts such as dams and aqueducts.
cal improvements At the height of the Roman Empire, nine
£ major systems, with an innovative layout
vii. The relevance to health of pipes and well-built sewers, supplied the
occupants of Rome with as much water per
viii. Addressing the concern over increasing person as is provided in many parts of the
populations industrial world today.

ix. A surprising downward trend in de­ B. During the industrial revolution and pop­
mand for water ulation explosion of the 19th and 20th cen­
, 1 turies, the demand for water rose dramat­
x. The need to raise standards ically. Unprecedented construction of tens
of thousands of monumental engineering
xi. A description o f ancient water supplies projects designed to control floods, protect
clean water supplies, and provide water
for irrigation and hydropower brought
great benefits to hundreds of millions of
people. Food production has kept pace with
soaring populations mainly because o f the
expansion o f artificial irrigation systems
that make possible the growth o f 40 % of

MBA Нам важен Баш результат!

215
www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua
TOPICAL PRACTICE
the world’s food. Nearly one fifth of all the
electricity generated worldwide is produced
by turbines spun by the power of falling
water.
C. Yet there is a dark side to this picture:
despite our progress, half of the world’s
population still suffers, with water services
inferior to those available to the ancient
Greeks and Romans. As the United Nations
report on access to water reiterated in No­
vember 2001, more than one billion people
lack access to clean drinking water; some
two and a half billion do not have adequate
sanitation services. Preventable water-re­
lated diseases kill an estimated 10,000 to
20,000 children every day, and the latest
evidence suggests that we are falling behind
in efforts to solve these problems.
D. The consequences of our water policies
extend beyond jeopardising human health.
Tens of millions of people have been forced
to move from their homes - often with little
warning or compensation - to make wray
for the reservoirs behind dams. More than
20 % of all freshwater fish species are now
threatened or endangered because dams
and water withdrawals have destroyed the
free-flowing river ecosystems where they
thrive. Certain irrigation practices degrade
soil quality and reduce agricultural produc­
tivity. Groundwater aquifers (underground
stores of water) are being pumped down
faster than they are naturally replenished
in parts of India, China, theUSA and
elsewhere. And disputes over shared water
resources have led to violence and continue
to raise local, national and even interna­
tional tensions.
E. At the outset of the new millennium,
however, the way resource planners think
about water is beginning to change. The
focus is slowly shifting back to the provi­
sion of basic human and environmental
needs as top priority - ensuring ‘some for
all,’ instead o f ‘more for some’. Some water
216
www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua
ENVIRONMENT
experts are now demanding that existing
infrastructure be used in smarter ways
rather than building new facilities, which
is increasingly considered the option of
last, not first, resort. This shift in philoso­
phy has not been universally accepted, and
it comes with strong opposition from some
established water organisations. Never­
theless, it may be the only way to address
successfully the pressing problems of pro­
viding everyone with clean water to drink,
adequate water to grow food and a life free
from preventable water-related illness.
F. Fortunately - and unexpectedly - the de­
mand for water is not rising as rapidly as
some predicted. As a result, the pressure to
build new water infrastructures has dimin­
ished over the past two decades. Although
population, industrial output and econom­
ic productivity have continued to soar in
developed nations, the rate at which people
withdraw water from aquifers, rivers and
lakes has slowed. And in a few- parts of the
world, demand has actually fallen.
G. What explains this remarkable turn of
events? Two factors: people have figured
out how to use water more efficiently,
and communities are rethinking their
priorities for water use. Throughout the
first three-quarters of the 20th century,
the quantity of freshwater consumed per
person doubled on average; in the USA,
water withdrawals increased tenfold while
the population quadrupled. But since 1980,
the amount of water consumed per person
has actually decreased, thanks to a range
of new technologies that help to conserve
water in homes and industry. In 1965,
for instance, Japan used approximately
13 million gallons of water to produce $1
million of commercial output; by 1989 this
had dropped to 3.5 million gallons (even
accounting for inflation) - almost a quad­
rupling of water productivity. In the USA,
water withdrawals have fallen by more
than 20 % from their peak in 1980.
Нам важен Ваш результат! MBA
н ш »
ENVIRONMENT
H. On the other hand, dams, aqueducts and
other kinds of infrastructure will still
have to be built, particularly in developing
countries where basic human needs have
not been met. But such projects must be
built to higher specifications and with more
accountability to local people and their
environment than in the past. And even in
regions where new projects seem warrant­
ed, we must find ways to meet demands
with fewer resources, respecting ecological
criteria and to a smaller budget.
QUESTIONS 21-26
Do the following statements reflect the claims of
the writer in Reading Passage 2? In boxes 21-
26 on your answer sheet write
YES if the statement reflects the writer’s claims
NO if the statement contradicts the writer’s
claims
NOT GIVEN if it is impossible to say what the
writer thinks about this
21. Water use per person is higher in the
industrial world than it was in Ancient
Rome.
22. Feeding increasing populations is possi­
ble due primarily to improved irrigation
systems.
23. Modern water systems imitate those of the
ancient Greeks and Romans.
, 1
24. Industrial growth is increasing the overall
demand for water.
25. Modern technologies have led to a reduc­
tion in domestic water consumption.26
26. In the future, governments should main­
tain ownership of water infrastructures.
MBA Нам важен Ваш результаті
гегектетая www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua
TOPICAL PRACTICE
READING PASSAGE 3
You should spend about 20 minutes on Ques­
tions 27-40, which are based on Reading Pas­
sage 3 below.
THE ACCIDENTAL RAINFOREST
According to ecological theory, rainforests
are supposed in develop slowly over mil­
lions o f years. But now ecologists are being
forced to reconsider their ideas
When Peter Osbeck, a Swedish priest, stopped
off at the mid-Atlantic island of Ascension in
1752 on his way home from China, he wrote
of ‘a heap of ruinous rocks’ with a bare, white
mountain in the middle. All it boasted was a
couple o f dozen species of plant, most of them
ferns and some of them unique to the island.
And so it might have remained. But in 1843
British plant collector Joseph Hooker made a
brief call on his return from Antarctica. Sur­
veying the bare earth, he concluded that the
island had suffered some natural calamity that
had denuded it of vegetation and triggered a
decline in rainfall that was turning the place
into a desert. The British Navy, which by
then maintained a garrison on the island, was
keen to improve the place and asked Hooker’s
advice. He suggested an ambitious scheme for
planting trees and shrubs that would revive
rainfall and stimulate a wider ecological recov­
ery. And, perhaps lacking anything else to do,
the sailors set to with a will.
In 1845, a naval transport ship from Argentina
delivered a batch of seedlings. In the following
years, more than 200 species of plant arrived
from South Africa. From England came 700
packets of seeds, including those of two species
that especially liked the place: bamboo and
prickly pear. With sailors planting several
thousand trees a year, the bare white moun­
tain was soon cloaked in green and renamed
Green Mountain, and by the early twentieth
century the mountain’s slopes were covered
217
TOPICAL PRACTICE
with a variety of trees and shrubs from all over
the world.
Modern ecologists throw up their hands in
horror at what they see as Hooker’s environ­
mental anarchy. The exotic species wrecked
the indigenous ecosystem, squeezing out the
island’s endemic plants. In fact, Hooker knew
well enough what might happen. However, he
saw greater benefit in improving rainfall and
encouraging more prolific vegetation on the
island.
But there is a much deeper issue here than
the relative benefits of sparse endemic species
versus luxuriant imported ones. And as bota­
nist David Wilkinson of Liverpool John Moores
University in the UK pointed out after a recent
visit to the island, it goes to the heart of some
of the most dearly held tenets of ecology.
Conservationists’ understandable concern for
the fate of Ascension’s handful of unique spe­
cies has, he says, blinded them to something
quite astonishing - the fact that the introduced
species have been a roaring success.
Today’s Green Mountain, says Wilkinson, is
‘a fully functioning man-made tropical cloud
forest’ that has grown from scratch from a
ragbag of species collected more or less at ran­
dom from all over the planet. But how could it
have happened? Conventional ecological theory
says that complex ecosystems such as cloud
forests can emerge only through evolutionary
processes in which each organism develops in
concert with others to fill particular niches.
Plants co-evolve with their pollinators and seed
disperses, while microbes in the soil evolve to
deal with the leaf litter.
But that’s not what happened on Green Moun­
tain. And the experience suggests that perhaps
natural rainforests are constructed far more
by chance than by evolution. Species, say some
ecologists, don’t so much evolve to create eco­
systems as make the best of what they have.
‘The Green Mountain system is a man-made
218
www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua
ENVIRONMENT
system that has produced a tropical rainforest
without any co-evolution between its constitu­
ent species,’ says Wilkinson.
Not everyone agrees. Alan Gray, an ecologist at
the University of Edinburgh in the UK, argues
that the surviving endemic species on Green
Mountain, though small in number, may still
form the framework of the new ecosystem. The
new arrivals may just be an adornment, with
little structural importance for the ecosystem.
But to Wilkinson this sounds like clutching at
straws. And the idea of the instant formation
of rainforests sounds increasingly plausible as
research reveals that supposedly pristine trop­
ical rainforests from the Amazon to south-east
Asia may in places be little more than the over­
grown gardens of past rainforest civilisations.
The most surprising thing of all is that no ecol­
ogists have thought to conduct proper research
into this human-made rainforest ecosystem.
A survey of the island’s flora conducted six
years ago by the University of Edinburgh was
concerned only with endemic species. They
characterised everything else as a threat. And
the Ascension authorities are currently turning
Green Mountain into a national park where
introduced species, at least the invasive ones,
are earmarked for culling rather than conser­
vation.
Conservationists have understandable con­
cerns, Wilkinson says. At least four endemic
species have gone extinct on Ascension since
the exotics started arriving. But in their urgen­
cy to protect endemics, ecologists are missing
out on the study of a great enigma.
‘As you walk through the forest, you see lots of
leaves that have had chunks taken out of them
by various insects. There are caterpillars and
beetles around,’ says Wilkinson. ‘But where did
they come from? Are they endemic or alien? If
alien, did they come with the plant on which
they feed or discover it on arrival?’ Such ques­
tions go to the heart of how rainforests happen.
Нам важен Ваш результат! MBA
ш~шша
ENVIRONMENT
The Green Mountain forest holds many se­
crets. And the irony is that the most artificial
rainforest in the world could tell us more about
rainforest ecology than any number of natural
forests.
QUESTIONS 27-32
Do the following statements agree with the in­
formation given in Reacting Passage 3?
In boxes 21-32 on your answer sheet write
TRUE if the statement agrees with the infor­
mation
FALSE if the statement contradicts the infor­
mation
NOT GIVEN if there is no information on this
27. When Peter Osbeck visited Ascension, he
found no inhabitants on the island.
28. The natural vegetation on the island
contained some species which were found
nowhere else.
29. Joseph Hooker assumed that human activ­
ity had caused the decline in the island’s
plant life.
30. British sailors on the island took part in a
major tree planting project.32
1 D. rainforests can only develop through a
31. Hooker sent details of his planting scheme
to a number of different countries.
««
32. The bamboo and prickly pear seeds sent from
England were unsuitable for Ascension.
MBA Най важен Ваш результат!
t www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua
TOPICAL PRACTICE
QUESTIONS 33-37
Complete each sentence with the correct ending
A-G from the box below. Write the correct letter
A-G in boxes 33-37 on your answer sheet.
33. The reason for modern conservationists’
concern over Hooker’s Tree planting pro­
gramme is that
34. David Wilkinson says the creation of the
rainforest in Ascension is important be­
cause it shows that
35. Wilkinson says the existence of Ascension’s
rainforest challenges the theory that
36. Alan Gray questions Wilkinson’s theory,
claiming that
37. Additional support for Wilkinson’s theory
comes from findings that
A. other rainforests may have originally
been planted by man.
B. many o f the island’s original species were
threatened with destruction.
C. the species in the original rainforest were
more successful than the newer arrivals.
process of slow and complex evolution.
E. steps should be taken to prevent the de­
struction of the original ecosystem.
F. randomly introduced species can coexist
together
G. the introduced species may have less
ecological significance than the original
ones.
219
TOPICAL PRACTICE ENVIRONMENT

QUESTIONS 38-40 LISTENING

Choose the correct letter, A, B, C or D. Write your SECTION 2 QUESTIONS 11-20

answers in boxes 38-40 on your answer sheet.
38. Wilkinson suggests that conservationists’
concern about the island is misguided
because
QUESTIONS 11-13
Complete the table below. Write NOMORE
THAN THREE WORDS for each answer.

A. it is based on economic rather than PARKS AND OPEN SPACES

environmental principles.
B. it is not focusing on the most important Name of O f particular Open
question. place interest
C. it is encouraging the destruction of
Halland source of River 24 hours
endemic species.
Common Ouse
D. it is not supported by the local author­
ities. Holt Island many different 11 between 12

39. According to Wilkinson, studies of insects and

on the island could demonstrate

Longfield reconstruction of a daylight

A. the possibility of new ecological rela­
Country 2,000-year-old hours
tionships. Park 13
B. a future threat to the ecosystem of the with activities for
island. children
C. the existence o f previously unknown
species.
D. a chance for the survival of rainforest QUESTIONS 14-16
ecology.
Choose the correct letter, A, B or C.
40. Overall, what feature of the Ascension
rainforest does the writer stress? LONGFIELD PARK

A. the conflict of natural and artificial
systems
B. the unusual nature of its ecological
structure
C. the harm done by interfering with nature
D. the speed and success of its development
14. As part of Monday’s activity, visitors will
A. prepare food with herbs.
B. meet a well-known herbalist.
C. dye cloth with herbs.
15. For the activity on Wednesday,

A. only group bookings are accepted.

B. visitors should book in advance.
C. attendance is free.1
6

16. For the activity on Saturday, visitors

should

220 Нам важен Баш результат! MBA

www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua шшшш
ENVIRONMENT TOPICAL PRACTICE

A. come in suitable clothing. SECTION 2

В. make sure they are able to stay for the
whole day. QUESTIONS 11-14
С. tell the rangers before the event what
they wish to do. Complete the sentences below

QUESTIONS 17-20 Write NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS AN D/

OR NUMBER for each answer.
Label the map below.
11. ‘Canadian Clean Air Daj-' will be held on
Write the correct letter, A-I, next to questions
17-20.
12. Air pollution may be responsible for
HINCHINGBROOKE PARK .................. deaths every year in Canada

13. The sector most responsible for smog-pro­

ducing pollutants i s ..................

14. Scientists now know that e v e n ..................

of pollutants can be harmful.

RED UCING AIR POLL UTION

QUESTIONS 15-20

Complete the notes below

17. bird h id e_______
Write NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS AN D/
18. dog-walking area OR NUMBER for each answer.

19. flower garden___ Individual action

20. wooded a rea____ • respond to the 15 ‘.................. Challenge’

• walk, cycle or car-pool to work
• use public transit
• 1 6 ..................
• 1 7 .................. your domestic equipment

Government action

• emission reduction in the 1 8 ..................

region of US and Canada
• move towards 1 9 .................. (e.g. less sul­
phur in gasoline & diesel)
• reduction of pollutants from 2 0 .................
and power plants

MBA Нам важен Ваш результат!

221
ея-дяягд www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua
TOPICAL PRACTICE ENVIRONMENT

SECTION 4 Accidental Strandings

QUESTIONS 31-40 Animals may follow prey ashore, e.g. Thurs­

Complete the notes below. Write N O M ORE
THAN TWO WORDS for each answer.
MASS STRANDINGS O F WHALES
AND DOLPHINS
Mass strandings: situations where groups of
whales, dolphins, etc. swim onto the beach
and die
Commonin areas where the 31____________
ton (1995)
Unlikely because the majority of animals
were not 3 4 _______________________________
when they stranded.
Human Activity
3 5 _________________________ from military
tests are linked to some recent strandings
The Bahamas (2000) stranding was unusual
because the whales

• were all 3 6 ______________________

can change quickly • were not in a 3 7 __________________

Several other theories: Group Behaviour

Parasites • More strandings in the most 38

e.g. some parasites can affect marine ani­
mals’ 3 2 ___________________________________
_______ , which they depend on for navigation
Toxins
Poisons from
33______________________________ or
__________________________ are commonly
consumed by whales
___________________________ species of
whales
• 1994 dolphin stranding- only the
3 9 ____________________________________
was ill
Further Reading
Marine Mammals Ashore (Connor) - gives
information about stranding 4 0 ____________

e.g. Cape Cod (1988) - whales were killed by

saxitoxin

Нам важен Ваш результат! MBA

222 www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua
ENVIRONMENT TOPICAL PRACTICE

WRITING

WRITING TASK 1

The diagram below shows the recycling process o f wasted glass bottles.

ЇТАС.І I

mm
ST&GO

WRITING TASK 2 and give your own opinion. Give rea­

sons for your answer and include any rele­
1. Nowadays environmental problems vant examples from your own knowledge or
are too big to be managed by individ­ experience.
ual persons or individual countries.
In other w ords, it is an international
problem. To what extent do you agree
or disagree? , «.

2. Reducing global environmental damage

should be handled by governments rather
than individuals. To what extent do you
agree or disagree?

3. Problems with environmental pollu­

tion have become so serious that many
countries are trying to solve these
problems. Suggest possible solutions

MBA Нам важен Ваш результат!

223
www.mbastrategy.ru [ www.mbastrategy.ua
TOPICAL PRACTICE SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY • to upgrade: to obtain a more powerful or

feature-rich computer or piece of software
• video conferencing: to see and hear
people from different locations using the
VOCABULARY Internet
• wireless hotspot: a public place where you
• to access websites/email: to locate can access the Internet
• to back up files: to make a copy of files in • wireless network: a network where users
case of a computer problem can access the Internet without the use of
• to boot up: to start a computer fixed cables
• to bookmark a webpage: to mark a web­ • word processing; producing written texts
page for future reference on a computer
• to browse websites: to look at websites
• a computer buff: an expert computer user (A) Replace the words and expressions in
• to crash: to suddenly stop working bold in sentences 1 - 1 8 with a word or
• to cut and paste: to move text or images expression from the columns.
from one place in a document to another
place • analysed
• a desktop PC: a computer that isn’t porta­ • genetic engineering
ble and remains in situ on a desk • breakthrough
• digital editing: to edit digital materials • molecular biology
like audio or video files • a technophobe
• download (podcasts): to save a copy of a • safeguards
file from the internet to your own device • development
• to enter a web address: to type the ad­ • cybernetics
dress of a website into the address bar of • invented
your browser • nuclear engineering
• a gadget: a technological tool like a mobile • combine
phone or camera • a technofile
• to go online: to start using the Internet • innovations
• high-spec (laptop): powerful computer • react
with top quality components • life expectancy
• Internet security: Internet safety • an experiment
• intranet: a network of connected com­ • discovered
puters within an organisation that is not • research
accessible by unauthorised visitors
• to navigate a website: to find your way A. The company is carrying out scientific
around a website . «. study to find a cure for Aids.
• operating system: the software that tells
the computer how to work B. The planning and production of the
• send an attachment: send an email with new computer system will take some
an accompanying file time.
• social media: media used to interact with
other people such as Facebook or Twitter C. Modern home entertainment systems
• to surf the web: to look at a series o f web­ and other modern inventions are
sites one after the other changing everyone’s lives.
• a techie: somebody who has an interest in
technology D. Some elements change their chem-

224 Нам важен Ваш результат! MBA

www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua ш іш ш ш
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
ical composition when mixed with
water.
E. The scientists have created a new
machine to automate the process.
F. Who was the person who found peni­
cillin?
(B) Read this description of a computer.
G. When the food was examined closely
and scientifically, it was found to
contain bacteria.
H. Rain joined together with C 02 gases
produces acid rain.
I. Ron is terrified o f modern technol­
ogy.
J. Geoff is very interested in modern
technology.
K. Protection against accidents in this
laboratory are minimal.
L. Scientists conducted a scientific test
to see how people react to different
smells.
M. Brian is studying the techniques
used to change the genetic com­
position o f a cell so as to change
certain characteristics which can
be inherited.
N. Sarah is studying the things which
form the structure o f living matter.
, 1
O. Christine is studying how informa­
tion is communicated in machines
and electronic devices in compari­
son with how it is communicated in
the brain and nervous system.
P. Neil is studying the different ways o f
extracting and controlling energy
from atomic particles.
MBA Нам важен Ваш результат!
www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua
TOPICAL PRACTICE
Q. There has been a sudden success in
the search for a cure for cancer.
R. The number o f years a person is
likely to live has increased a great
deal thanks to modern medicine and
technology.
Unfortunately, the person who is
describing it is not very familiar with
computer terminology and cannot
remember all the words. Help them
by using the appropriate w ord or
expression in the columns to give
a more scientific definition of their
words in bold.
• log on
• keyboard
• load / install
• virus
• e-mail
• download
• hardware
• crashed
• software
• Internet
• monitor
• printer
• website
• base unit / disk drive
• mouse
• Scanner
OK, here’s my new computer. As you can
see, there are five main parts. Now, the
large b o x w ith the slots and slid in g
d isk ca rrie r (1 )_________________ is the
most important part. It carries all the
stu ff that m ak es th e c o m p u te r w ork
(2) _____________ . You can also p u t in
(3) _____________ your own games and
other th in gs (4)________________. Next
to it there is the th in g th at lo o k s like
a sm all tele v isio n (5)________________
so that you can see what the computer is
doing. To the right o f that, there is the
TOPICAL PRACTICE
machine that lets you make black and
white or colour copies of the docu­
ments that you create on the comput­
er (6)_______________ . You can control
the computer by using the rectangular
flat thing with all the letters and
numbers on (7)________________or the
funny little object with the long lead
which you can move across your desk
(8)_______________ . The large flat thing to
the left of the computer is the machine
you can use to make copies of your
photographs onto the computer, a bit
like a photocopier (9)________________.
It’s a very useful machine, o f course. Once
you get it up and running (10)__________
you can do lots of things on it. You can cre­
ate documents, play games or get informa­
tion from the fantastic thing that links
computers from around the world
(11)_______________ . A lot of companies
and organizations have their own special
computer page (12)________________
which you can look at, and you can trans­
fer (13)_______________ the information to
your own computer files. Or, if you like, you
can send messages to other people by using
a special electronic letter-sending
facility (14)_______________ .
Unfortunately, I can’t let you use it as it
stopped working (15)________________
last night. It’s probably got a technical
fault, usually created on purpose,
that affects computer files and folders
(16)_______________ .
(C) Now look at this essay an«I fill in
the gaps with one of the words or
expressions from Tasks A and B. In
some cases, more than one answer
may be possible. You may need to
change some of the word forms.
Technology has come a long way in the
last fifty years, and our lives have become
better as a result. Or have they?
226
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
The second half of the twentieth century
saw more changes than in the previous
two hundred years. Penicillin has already
been 1___________________________ and
used to treat infections; there have been
many remarkable advances in medicine
that have helped to increase our aver­
age 2___________________________ way
beyond that of our ancestors. Incredible
3___________________________ such as
television have changed the way we spend
our leisure hours. Perhaps the most im­
portant 4___________________________ ,
however, has been the microchip. No­
body could have imagined, when it was
first 5___________________________ that
within a matter of years, this tiny piece
of silicon and circuitry would be found in
almost every household object from the
kettle to the video recorder. And nobody
could have predicted the sudden prolifer­
ation of computers that would completely
change our lives, allowing us to access
information from the other side of the
world via the 6___________________________
or send messages around the world
by 7___________________________ at
the touch of a button. Meanwhile,
8___________________________ into other as­
pects of information technology is making it
easier and cheaper for us to talk to friends
and relations around the world. Good news
for 9___________________________ who
love modern technology, bad news for the
10___________________________ who would
prefer to hide from these modern miracles.
But everything has a price. The develop­
ment of 11___________________________ led
to mass automation in factories, which in
turn led to millions losing their jobs. The
genius of Einstein led to the horrors of the
atomic bomb and the dangerous uncer­
tainties o f 12___________________________
(we hear of accidents and mishaps at
nuclear power stations around the world,
where 13___________________________
to prevent accidents were inade­
Нам важен Ваш результат! MBA
www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua гш ш
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
quate). The relatively new science of
14___________________________ has
been seen as a major step forward,
but putting modified foods onto the
market before scientists had proper­
ly 15___________________________ them
was perhaps one of the most irresponsi­
ble decisions o f the 1990s. Meanwhile,
pharmaceutical companies continue to
16___________________________ on animals,
a move that many consider to be cruel and
unnecessary.
Of course we all rely on modern science and
technology to improve our lives. However,
we need to make sure that we can control it
before it controls us.
MBA Нам важен Ваш результат!
www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua
TOPICAL PRACTICE
SPEAKING
PART 2
1. Talk about a piece of technology that you
couldn’t live without. You should mention:
• What it looks like
• How you use it
• Why it is vital to you
And talk about how other people live or lived
without it.
2. Talk about some technology that you have
started using fairly recently. You should
say:
• What it is and what it does
• How it makes life better or easier
• How it is different to other similar technol­
ogy
And say whether you think you will still be
using it in ten years’ time or not, and why.
227
TOPICAL PRACTICE
READING
READING PASSAGE 1
You should spend about 20 minutes on Ques-
tionsl-13, which are based on Reading Pas­
sage 1 below.
WILLIAM HE NR Y PERKIN
THE MAN WHO INVENTED SYNTHETIC
DYES
William Henry Perkin was born on March 12,
1838, in London, England. As a boy, Perkin’s
curiosity prompted early interests in the arts,
sciences, photography, and engineering. But it
was a chance stumbling upon a run-down, yet
functional, laboratory in his late grandfather’s
home that solidified the young man’s enthusi­
asm for chemistry.
As a student at the City of London School, Per­
kin became immersed in the study of chemistry.
His talent and devotion to the subject were
perceived by his teacher, Thomas Hall, who
encouraged him to attend a series of lectures
given by the eminent scientist Michael Faraday
at the Royal Institution. Those speeches fired
the young chemist’s enthusiasm further and
he later went on to attend the Royal College of
Chemistry, which he succeeded in entering in
1853, at the age of 15.
At the time of Perkin’s enrolment, the Royal
College of Chemistry was headed by the noted
German chemist August Wilhelm Hofmann.
Perkin’s scientific gifts soon caught Hofmann’s
attention and, within twro years, lie became
Hofmann’s youngest assistant. Not long after
that, Perkin made the scientific breakthrough
that would bring him both fame and fortune.
At the time, quinine was the only viable medi­
cal treatment for malaria. The drug is derived
from the bark of the cinchona tree, native to
South America, and by 1856 demand for the
drug was surpassing the available supply.
Thus, when Hofmann made some passing
228
www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
comments about the desirability of a synthetic
substitute for quinine, it was unsurprising that
his star pupil was moved to take up the chal­
lenge.
During his vacation in 1856, Perkin spent his
time in the laboratory on the top floor of his
family’s house. He was attempting to manufac­
ture quinine from aniline, an inexpensive and
readily available coal tar waste product. Despite
his best efforts, however, he did not end up with
quinine. Instead, he produced a mysterious dark
sludge. Luckily, Perkin’s scientific training and
nature prompted him to investigate the sub­
stance further. Incorporating potassium dichro­
mate and alcohol into the aniline at various
stages of the experimental process, he finally
produced a deep purple solution. And, proving
the truth of the famous scientist Louis Pasteur’s
words ‘chance favours only the prepared mind’,
Perkin saw the potential of his unexpected find.
Historically, textile dyes were made from such
natural sources as plants and animal excre­
tions. Some of these, such as the glandular
mucus of snails, were difficult to obtain and
outrageously expensive. Indeed, the purple
colour extracted from a snail was once so costly
that in society at the time only the rich could
afford it. Further, natural dyes tended to be
muddy in hue and fade quickly. It was against
this backdrop that Perkin’s discovery was
made.
Perkin quickly grasped that his purple solution
could be used to colour fabric, thus making it
the world’s first synthetic dye. Realising the
importance of this breakthrough, he lost no
time in patenting it. But perhaps the most fas­
cinating of all Perkin’s reactions to his find was
his nearly instant recognition that the new dye
had commercial possibilities.
Perkin originally named his dye Tyrian Pur­
ple, but it later became commonly known as
mauve (from the French for the plant used to
make the colour violet). He asked advice of
Scottish dye works owner Robert Pullar, who
Нам важен Ваш результат! MBA
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
assured him that manufacturing the dye would
be well worth it if the colour remained fast (i.e.
would not fade) and the cost was relatively
low. So, over the fierce objections of his mentor
Hofmann, he left college to give birth to the
modern chemical industry.
With the help of his father and brother, Perkin
set up a factory not far from London. Utilising
the cheap and plentiful coal tar that was an
almost unlimited byproduct o f London’s gas
street lighting, the dye works began producing
the world’s first synthetically dyed material
in 1857. The company received a commercial
boost from the Empress Eugenie of France,
when she decided the new colour flattered her.
Very soon, mauve was the necessary shade for
all the fashionable ladies in that country. Not
to be outdone, England’s Queen Victoria also
appeared in public wearing a mauve gown,
thus making it all the rage in England as well.
The dye was bold and fast, and the public
clamoured for more. Perkin went back to the
drawing board.
Although Perkin’s fame was achieved and for­
tune assured by his first discovery, the chemist
continued his research. Among other dyes he
developed and introduced were aniline red
(1859) and aniline black (1863) and, in the late
1860s, Perkin’s green. It is important to note
that Perkin’s synthetic dye discoveries had
outcomes far beyond the merely decorative.
The dyes also became vital to medical research
in many ways. For instance, they were used to
stain previously invisible microbes and bacte­
ria, allowing researchers to identify such bacilli
as tuberculosis, cholera, and anthrax. Artificial
dyes continue to play a crucial role today. And,
in what would have been particularly pleasing
to Perkin, their current use is in the search for
a vaccine against malaria.
MBA Нам важен Ваш результат!
н » № 'Д www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua
TOPICAL PRACTICE
QUESTIONS 1-7
Do the following statements agree with the
information given in Reading Passage 1?
In boxes 1-7 on your answer sheet, write
TRUE if the statement agrees with the informa­
tion
FALSE if the statement contradicts the infor­
mation
N O T GIVEN if there is no information on this
1. Michael Faraday was the first person to
recognise Perkin’s ability as a student of
chemistry.
2. Michael Faraday suggested Perkin should
enrol in the Royal College of Chemistry.
3. Perkin employed August Wilhelm Hof­
mann as his assistant.
4. Perkin was still young when he made the
discovery that made him rich and famous.
5. The trees from which quinine is derived
grow only in South America.
6. Perkin hoped to manufacture a drug from a
coal tar waste product.
7. Perkin was inspired by the discoveries of
the famous scientist Louis Pasteur.
229
TOPICAL PRACTICE SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

QUESTIONS 8-13. LISTENING

Answer the questions below. SECTION 4

Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from QUESTIONS 31-33

the passage for each answer. Write your an­
swers in boxes 8-13 on your answer sheet. Choose the correct answers A, B or C.

8. Before Perkin’s discovery, with what group 31. ‘Extremophiles’ are life forms that can five in
in society was the colour purple associated?
A. isolated areas
9. What potential did Perkin immediately B. hostile conditions
understand that his new dye had? C. new habitats.

10. What was the name finally used to refer to 32. The researchers think that some of the
the first colour Perkin invented? organisms they found in Antarctica are

11. What was the name of the person Perkin A. new species
consulted before setting up his own dye B. ancient colonies
works? C. types of insects

12. In what country did Perkin’s newly invent­ 33. The researches were the first people to find
ed colour first become fashionable?1
3 life forms in Antarctica

13. According to the passage, which disease is A. in the soil.

now being targeted by researchers using B. under the rock surface.
synthetic dyes. C. on the rocks.

QUESTIONS 34- 40

Complete the sentences below.

Write ONE WORD for each answer.

H OW THE EXTREMOPHILES SURVIVE

34. Access to the sun’s heat can create a

........................ for some organisms.

35. The deeper the soil, the higher the

o f salt.

36. Salt can protect organisms against the

effects o f .........................., even at very low
temperatures.

37. All living things must have access to

......................... water.

Нам важен Ваш результат! MBA

230 www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua явищ а
SPACE
38. Salt plays a part in the process of
......................... . which prevents freezing.
39. The environment o f ....................... is simi-
lar to the dry valleys of Antarctica.
40. This research may provide evidence of
extraterrestrial life forms and their possi-
ble................ on other planets
WRITING
WRITING TASK 2
The internet has transformed the way
information is shared and consumed, but
it has also created problems that did not
exist before. What are the most serious
problems associated with the internet and
what solutions can you suggest?
MBA Нам важен Ваш результат!
www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua
TOPICAL PRACTICE
SPACE
VOCABULARY
An orbit is the path an object in space takes
while it moves. Generally objects in space such
as planets and comets take elliptical orbits
around larger objects, such as a star.
An asteroid is a combination o f rocks and iron
that is too small to form a planet. There are
many asteroids that orbit the sun between the
orbits o f Jupiter and Mars.
A comet is a small body o f gas and ice orbit­
ing around the solar system. We can see the
tail o f the comet because it is the sun heating
and melting the ice. The most famous comet
is Halley’s Comet which is visible from Earth
every 75-76years. The last time it appears was
in 1986 and will next appear in 2061.
A star is made up o f clouds o f gas and dust.
Many people love to go outside at night and
count the stars, but there are so many that it is
impossible for one person to count them all.
A constellation is a group o f bright stars that
form shapes or ‘p ictures’ in the sky. The South­
ern Cross is a constellation in the Southern
hemisphere that points towards the South
Pole. The Big Dipper is a constellation in the
Northern hemisphere that is in the shape o f a
ladle or a large spoon.
The sun is the star in the middle o f our solar
system. The eight planets in our solar system
all orbit around the sun. The closest planet to
the sun is M ercuiy and then comes Venus.
The planet that we live on is called Earth.
It is the third closest planet to the sun in our
solar system. Mars is the fourth planet from
the sun. It is a small red planet, named after
the roman god o f war. Jupiter is the largest
o f all the planets in the solar system. The next
planet is Saturn which has thin rings around
TOPICAL PRACTICE
it. Uranus and Neptune are the next two
planets after Saturn. Pluto used to be consid­
ered a planet, but now is called a dwarf planet
because it is so small. Its orbit is further away
from the sun than any o f the other planets.
A solar eclipse is when the moon’s orbit comes
between the earth and the sun and it looks like
the sun is blacked out. We can only see the edge
of the sun around the moon. A lunar eclipse is
when the earth prevents sunlight from reaching
the moon.
Because the moon orbits the Earth and the
Earth orbits the sun we can only see parts of
the moon at a time. This cycle happens every
month. A new moon is when we cannot see
any of it. This shows the beginning o f the cycle.
Half way through the month we can see the
full moon. A full moon makes the sky bright at
night because it reflects the light o f the sun.
The galaxy we live in is called the Milky Way.
It is made up o f billions o f stars.
A telescope is an instrument which has reflec­
tive lenses that allows us to see the objects in
the sky closer and clearer. It magnifies objects
that normally cannot be seen unaided. Some
telescopes are very powerful and can be used
to see thousands o f light years away. There are
many large powerful telescopes in the north of
Chile.
An astronaut is a person who leaves Earth
and goes into space. Many o f them work in the
international space station and do scientific
experiments. Astronauts need to wear space
suits because it is very cold in space and they
do not have oxygen to breath.
A spacecraft is any type o f vehicle used for
travelling in space. There are many differ­
ent types o f spacecrafts. A space shuttle is
a spacecraft used for repeated use in between
earth and a space station and contains astro­
nauts.
232
SPACE
A rocket is the type o f plane that astronauts
used to use to fly into space. Now they are used
to leave satellites in orbit around the Earth. It
has a special cylindrical shape so that it can go
very fast for a long distance.
A space probe is a type o f space craft that does
not have a person inside. Space probes can be
sent to far away distances for long periods of
time to gather information about different areas
in space.
A lunar module is a small craft used for trav­
elling between the moon and the larger space
craft orbiting the moon. When the first men
walked on the moon they came out of the lunar
module. The first man to walk on the moon
said “One small step for man, one giant leap for
mankind.”
Many people have said that they ha ve seen
unidentified flying objects, or UFOs but it
is unclear what these objects are and who or
what is inside o f them. Some people believe they
contain aliens.
(A) Complete the text below with suitable
words in italics.
astronauts - atmosphere - commercial - ex­
plorers - launch - outer - simulator - weight­
lessness
If you have ever dreamed o f travelling in
space then our 1................ space travel
programme will make that dream a reality.
O f course, passengers, will need to pre­
pare for this experience. However, unlike
the months of training that 2......................
undergo, our passengers will be ready for
3.................... within two days. To prepare
for a truly out-of-this-world experience,
passengers will spend two days in our
special training facility. There the pas­
sengers will be able to experience zero
gravity in a special 4......................; this
will allow the passengers to acclimatise.
During the flight itself a rocket will pro-
Нам важен Ваш результат! MBA
www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua ш в е ш аї
SPACE TOPICAL PRACTICE

pel the spacecraft into suborbital space
in excess of 100,000 m above Earth's
5........................This will allow the passen-
gers to experience 6.......................... Our
space 7......................... will be able to float
around the cabin and view the Earth and
8.......................Space for approximately ten
minutes prior to re-entry and landing.
u ...............................a series of mental and
physical tests in order to qualify for the
mission.
5. This computer program
s....................................extremes of weather
so that pilots can experience difficult flying
conditions.

(B) Read the text again and find words

that match these definitions.

1. an actual event.............................

2. go through an experience..............

3. the force or pull from the

Earth................................................

4. get used to a change in condi­

tions.........................................

5. drive something forwards..................

6. more than...........................................

7. stay up in the air or in wa­

ter................................................

8. entering the Earth's atmosphere

again............................

(C) Complete the sentences with words

from the text. You will need to change
the form of the words.

1. Some people believe that space

e....................... is a waste o f monpy.

2. Climbing extremely high mountains is

made all the more difficult because of the
drop in a.............................. pressure.

3. Spacecrafts need to reach extreme­

ly high speeds in order to escape the
g.......................pull of Earth.

4. Last year the astronauts

MBA Нам важен Ваш результат!

233
www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua
TOPICAL PRACTICE SPACE

READING IS THERE ANYBOD Y OUT THERE?

THE SEARCH FOR EXTRA-TERRESTRIAL
READING PASSAGE 2 INTELLIGENCE

You should spend about 20 minutes on Ques­
tions 14-26, which are based on Reading
Passage 2 on the following pages.
QUESTIONS 14-17
Reading Passage 2 has five paragraphs, A-E.
Choose the correct heading for paragraphs
B-E from the list of headings below. Write the
correct number, i-vii, in boxes 14-17 on your
answer sheet.
The question o f whether we are alone in the
Universe has haunted humanity for centuries,
but we may now stand poised on the brink of
the answer to that question, as we search for ra­
dio signals from other intelligent civilisations.
This search, often known by the acronym SETI
(search for extra-terrestrial intelligence}, is a
difficult one. Although groups around the world
have been searching intermittently for three
decades, it is only now that we have reached the
level o f technology where we can make a deter­
mined attempt to search all nearby stars for
any sign of life.

A
LIST OF HEADINGS
The primary reason for the search is basic
i. Seeking the transmission of radio sig­ curiosity - the same curiosity about the natural
nals from planets world that drives all pure science. We want to
ii. Appropriate responses to signals from know whether we are alone in the Universe.
other civilisations We want to know whether life evolves natu­
iii. Vast distances to Earth's closest neigh­ rally if given the right conditions, or whether
bours there is something very special about the Earth
iv. Assumptions underlying the search for to have fostered the variety o f life forms that
extra-terrestrial intelligence we see around us on the planet. The simple
v. Reasons for the search for extra-terres­ detection of a radio signal will be sufficient to
trial intelligence answer this most basic of all questions. In this
vi. Knowledge of extra-terrestrial life forms sense, SETI is another cog in the machinery
vii. Likelihood of life on other planets of pure science which is continually pushing
out the horizon of our knowledge. However,
Example Answer there are other reasons for being interested in
whether life exists elsewhere. For example, we
Paragraph A v have had civilisation on Earth for perhaps only
a few thousand years, and the threats of nucle­
ar war and pollution over the last few decades
14. Paragraph В have told us that our survival may be tenuous.
Will we last another two thousand years or will
15. Paragraph C we wipe ourselves out? Since the lifetime of a
planet like ours is several billion years, we can
16. Paragraph D expect that, if other civilisations do survive in
our galaxy, their ages will range from zero to
17. Paragraph E several billion years. Thus any other civilisa­
tion that we hear from is likely to be far older,
on average, than ourselves. The mere existence

Нам важен Ваш результат! MBA

234 www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua кш ш а
SPACE
of such a civilisation will tell us that long-term
survival is possible, and gives us some cause
for optimism. It is even possible that the older
civilisation may pass on the benefits of then-
experience in dealing with threats to survival
such as nuclear war and global pollution, and
other threats that we haven’t yet discovered.
B
In discussing whether we are alone, most SETI
scientists adopt two ground rules. First, UFOs
[Unidentified Flying Objects) are generally
ignored since most scientists don’t •consider
the evidence for them to be strong enough to
bear serious consideration (although it is also
important to keep an open mind in case any
really convincing evidence emerges in the
future). Second, we make a very conservative
assumption that we are looking for a life form
that is pretty well like us, since if it differs
radically from us we may well not recognise it
as a life form, quite apart from whether we are
able to communicate with it. In other words,
the life form we are looking for may well have
two green heads and seven fingers, but it will
nevertheless resemble us in that it should com­
municate with its fellows, be interested in the
Universe, live on a planet orbiting a star like
our Sun, and perhaps most restrictively, have a
chemistry, like us, based on carbon and water.
C frequencies at once. The project has two parts.
Even when we make these assumptions, our
understanding of other life forms is still
severely limited. We do not even know.'for
example, how many stars have planets, and
we certainly do not know how likely it is that
life will arise naturally, given the right condi­
tions. However, when we look at the 100 billion
stars in our galaxy [the Milky Way), and 100
billion galaxies in the observable Universe, it
seems inconceivable that at least one o f these
planets does not have a life form on it; in fact,
the best educated guess we can make, using
the little that we do know about the conditions
MBA Нам важен Ваш результат!
www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua
TOPICAL PRACTICE
for carbon-based life, leads us to estimate that
perhaps one in 100,000 stars might have a
life-bearing planet orbiting it. That means that
our nearest neighbours are perhaps 100 light
years away, which is almost next door in astro­
nomical terms.
D
An alien civilisation could choose many dif­
ferent ways o f sending information across the
galaxy, but many of these either require too
much energy, or else are severely attenuated
while traversing the vast distances across the
galaxy. It turns out that, for a given amount of
transmitted power, radio waves in the frequen­
cy range 1 ODO to 3000 MHz travel the great­
est distance, and so all searches to date have
concentrated on looking for radio waves in this
frequency range. So far there have been a num­
ber of searches by various groups around the
world, including Australian searches using the
radio telescope at Parkes, New South Wales.
Until now there have not been any detections
from the few hundred stars which have been
searched. The scale of the searches has been
increased dramatically since 1992, when the
US Congress voted NASA $10 million per year
for ten years to conduct a thorough search
for extra-terrestrial life. Much o f the money
in this project is being spent on developing
the special hardware needed to search many
One part is a targeted search using the world’s
largest radio telescopes, the American-oper­
ated telescope in Arecibo, Puerto Rico and the
French telescope in Nancy in France. This part
of the project is searching the nearest 1 ODO
likely stars with high sensitivity for signals
in the frequency range 1 ODO to 3000 MHz.
The other part of the project is an undirected
search which is monitoring all of space with a
lower sensitivity, using the smaller antennas of
NASA’s Deep Space Network.
E
There is considerable debate over how we
235
TOPICAL PRACTICE SPACE

should react if we detect a signal from an alien mation

civilisation. Everybody agrees that we should
not reply immediately. Quite apart from the
impracticality of sending a reply over such
large distances at short notice, it raises a host
of ethical questions that would have to be
addressed by the global community before any
reply could be sent. Would the human race face
the culture shock if faced with a superior and
much older civilisation? Luckily, there is no ur­
gency about this. The stars being searched are
hundreds of light years away, so it takes hun-
dreds of years for their signal to reach us, and
a further few hundred years for our reply to
reach them. It’s not important, then, if there’s
a delay of a few years, or decades, while the
human race debates the question o f whether to
reply, and perhaps carefully drafts a reply.
N O T GIVEN if there is no information on this
21. Alien civilisations may be able to help the
human race to overcome serious problems.
22. SETI scientists are trying to find a life form
that resembles humans in many w’ays.
23. The Americans and Australians have co-op-
erated on joint research projects.
24. So far SETI scientists have picked up radio
signals from several stars.
25. The NASA project attracted criticism from
some members of Congress.

QUESTIONS 18-20 26. If a signal from outer space is received, it

will be important to respond promptl
Answer the questions below. Choose NO M ORE
THAN THREE WORDS AND/OR A NUM­
BER from the passage for each answer.

Write your answers in boxes 18-20 on your

answer sheet.

18. What is the life expectancy of Earth?

19. What kind of signals from other intelligent

civilisations are SETI scientists searching
for?

20. How many stars are the world’s most pow­

erful radio telescopes searching?

QUESTIONS 21-26

Do the following statements agree with the

views of the writer in Reading Passage 2?

In boxes 21-26 on your answer sheet, write

TR UE if the statement agrees with the informa­

tion

FALSE if the statement contradicts the infor-

Нам важен Ваш результат! MBA

www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua
SPACE
LISTENING
SECTION 3
QUESTIONS 21-24.
Choose the correct answer A, B or C
21. According to John, what is the main advan­
tage of space exploration?
A. To supply resources for use on Earth.
B. to find out more about the origins of
our planet.
C. to establish a colony for humans if
Earth becomes uninhabitable.
22. According to the speakers, why can't robots
be sent into space instead o f hymans?
A. They cannot operate for long enough.
B. They are too expensive to build.
C. They are too reliant on humans.
23. What are we told about the space technolo­
gy currently used?
A. It can be unreliable.
B. It is based on old technology.
C. I is becoming cheaper to produce.
24. What is the biggest problem in sending
robots to Mars?
A. the distance
B. the atmosphere
C. the extreme temperatures
QUESTIONS 25-30.
Who expresses the followdng options?
A. John
B. B Susan
C. C Both John and Susan2
5
25. We should plan a trip to Mars even though
it may not happen soon...................
MBA Нам важен Ваш результат!
ШШХЗітва www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua
TOPICAL PRACTICE
26. We may eventually colonise Mars.
27. The soil on Mars is highly toxic.
28. The soil on Mars contains materials we
could use............................
29. Spaceships cannot be totally protected from
radiation.........................
30. It is possible that humans could form a
base on Mars.
WRITING
WRITING TASK 2
1. A new generation of entrepreneurs
believe that privately funded space
tourism will be the next exciting de­
velopment in space exploration. How
true do you think it is? How would
space tourism affect space exploration
as we know it today?
Give reasons for your answer and
include any relevant examples from
your own knowledge or experience.
2. Space exploration requires vast sums
of money. Is the amount of money
spent on space research justifiable?
Could the money be better spent?
3. Space exploration is much too expen­
sive and the money should be spent on
more important things.
To what extent do you agree or disa­
gree?
237
TOPICAL PRACTICE HEALTHCARE

HEALTHCARE

VOCABULARY
• aches and pains: minor pains that contin­ asthma
ue over a period of time put in (the) stitchesa
• to be a bit off colour: to feel a little ill rash
• to be on the mend: to be recovering after a blister
an illness a cough
• to be over the worst: to have got through to sneeze
the most serious or uncomfortable stage of to be unconscious
an illlness to faint
• a blocked nose: when the nose has excess to feel dizzy
fluid due to a cold to be allergic to
• to catch a cold: to get a cold a heart attack
• a check-up: a physical examination by a a stroke
doctor to have a food poisoning
• cuts and bruises: minor injuries to twister\sprain an ankle
• as fit as a fiddle: to be very healthy a bruise
• to go down with a cold: to become ill a bandage
• to go private: to choose to be treated by- an injection
commercial healthcare rather than by ser­ X-ray-
vices offered by the state painkillers
• GP: General Practitioner (family doctor) antibiotics
• to make an appointment: to arrange a a wound
time to see the doctor treatment
• to make a speedy recovery: to recover
quickly from an illness
• to pull a muscle: to strain a muscle
• a runny nose: a nose that has liquid com­
ing out of it
• a sore throat: inflammation that causes
pain when swallowing
• swollen: if a part o f your body is swollen,
it is larger and rounder than
• normal, usually as a result ofjnjury or
illness
• burnt: affected by burning
• to bleed: lose blood from the body as a
result of injury' or illness
• fever: if you have a fever when you are
ill, your body temperature is higher than
usual and your heart beats faster

Нам важен Ваш результат! MBA

238 www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua іаишада
HEALTHCARE
1. Complete the sentences with a word.
(1) Janet wore her new shoes and now she
has a blister on her toe.
(2) I'm feeling a bit dizzy I think I'm going
t o ________________ .
(3) If you touch the oven when it's hot,
y o u 'll________________your hand.
(4) After I took the medicine, I got a
_______________ all over my body. I
must be allergic to it.
(5) Robin shut his finger in the door and
now it's v ery ___________________.
(6) Our office manager has a terrible
_______________ because he smokes so
much.
(7) I fell asleep in the car and now I've got
a ___________ in my neck.
(8) The little boy has cut himself on a piece
o f glass and his leg i s ________________.
2. Complete the dialogues between the
patients and the doctor.
(1) P I've been sick and I've got diarrhoea.
D I think you have food poisoning.
(2) P It hurts when I talk and I can't eat
D You've got a s____________
t___________ .
(3) P I've got a temperature and my body
aches.
D You probably have f___________ .
(4) P I can't stop sneezing and I've got a
cough.
D You've c______________ a
c_______________
(5) P I fell and now my ankle is very
swollen.
D I'm afraid you've
s_____________________your afifile.
(6) P When I do exercise I have difficulty
breathing.
D I think you have a
3. Write the words.
(1) The general word for tablets and
liquids you take when you are ill.
Medicine
(2) You can take these when you have a
MBA Нам важен Ваш результат!
г и.гм у.’а www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua
TOPICAL PRACTICE
headache.________________
(3) If your doctor isn't sure what's wrong
with you, he will send you to see this
person.
(4) If you sprain your ankle, the best thing
is to put one o f these on it.
(5) If you have a problem with your
appendix, you will probably need to
have one o f these.
(6) If you have a deep cut, you will
probably need these to close the wound.
A. Match the sentence in the left-hand
column with a sentence in the right-
hand column. Use the words in bold to
help you.
PROBLEMS
(1) Mrs Brady has suffered from terrible
rheumatism for years.
(2) More women than men are affected by
arthritis.
(3) Air conditioning units are often
responsible for spreading infections
around an office.
(4) Cardiovascular disease is becoming
more common in Britain.
(5) Too much exposure to the sun can
cause skin cancer.
(6) It is important not to eat too much food
with a high cholesterol content.
(7) Too many people these days live a
sedentaty lifestyle.
(8) People in positions of responsibility
often have stress-related illnesses.
(9) Premature babies are vulnerable to
illnesses.
(10) The National Health Service is
suffering from cutbacks and
underfunding.
(11) The AIDS virus is incurable.
239
TOPICAL PRACTICE
(A) Illnesses which affect the circulation
of blood are particularly common with
people who are overweight.
(B) This is deposited on the walls of the
arteries and can block them.
(C) They can easily be spread from one
person to another.
(D) Pains or stiffness in the joints or
muscles can be very difficult to live with.
(E) They don’t get enough exercise.
(F) Their immune system is not properly
developed and can be easily hurt.
(G) The painful inflammation o f a joint
may require surgery.
(H) The government has reduced its
expenditure in this area.
(I) But there are drugs which can slow
down its cell-destroying properties.
(J) Once the body’s cells start growing
abnormally, a cure can be difficult to
find.
(K) The pressures o f a high-powered job
can cause nervous strain, which may
require drugs.
240
HEALTHCARE
B. Replace the words or expressions in
bold with a word or expression from
the box which has the same meaning.
CURES
• protein
• holistic
• medicine
• a diet
• minerals
• vitamins
• therapeutic
• traditional
• medicines
• welfare state
• surgeon
• active
• consultant
• conventional
• medicine
(1) If you suffer from a bad back, a
massage may be able to cure or
relieve the disorder.
(2) One of the secrets of remaining in good
health is to choose food to eat that is
high in fibre and low in fat.
(3) Most people, when they are ill, rely on
modern pills and tablets to cure them.
(4) Some old-fashioned cures for
illnesses, such as herbal tablets and
remedies, are becoming increasingly
popular.
(5) Many people are turning to
treatments which involve the whole
person, including their mental
health, rather than ju st dealing
with the symptoms o f the illness.
(6) Doctors sometimes refer their patients
to a medical specialist attached to
a hospital.
(7) It takes many years of training to become
a doctor specializing in surgery.
(8) Meat, eggs and nuts are rich sources of
a compound which is an essential
part o f living cells, and which is
essential to keep the human body
Нам важен Ваш результат! MBA
www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua
HEALTHCARE
working properly.
(9) On his holiday, he had to take
essential substances which are not
synthesized by the body but are
found in food and are needed for
growth and health, because the food
he ate lacked the B and C groups.
(10) Calcium and zinc are two of the most
important substances found in food.
(11) Most doctors recommend an energetic
lifestyle, with plenty of exercise.
(12) British people enjoy free healthcare
thanks to the large amount o f money
which is spent to make sure they
have adequate health services.
C. Now look at this extract from a mag­
azine article and complete the gaps
with one of the words or expressions
from Tasks A and B. In some cases,
more than one answer may be possi­
ble. You may need to change the form
of some of the words.
A CURE FOR THE FUTURE
IN THE PAST?
For over fifty years, the people of Britain
have relied on the 1___________________ to
make sure they have adequate health servic­
es. But now the National Health Service is
sick. Government 2___________________ and
3___________________ are forcing hospitals
to close, and waiting fists for treatment are
getting longer. Under such circumstances, it
is no surprise that more people are turning to
private (but expensive) healthcarq.
For some, however, there are alternatives.
They are turning their back on modern pills,
tablets and other 4___________________. It
seems paradoxical, but in an age of microchips
and high technology, 5___________________
(the old-fashioned cures that our grandpar­
ents relied on) is making a comeback. Consid­
er these case studies:
MBA Нам важен Ваш результат!
і ь.-т.ч. у л www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua
TOPICAL PRACTICE
Maude is 76 and has been suffering from
6___________________ for almost ten years.
“The inflammation in my joints was al­
most unbearable, and my doctor referred
me to a 7___________________ at the Lon­
don Hospital. I was told that I needed
8__________________ , but would need to wait
for at least two years before I could have the
operation. In desperation, I started having
massage sessions. To my surprise, these
were very 9__________________ , and while
they didn’t cure the disorder, they did reheve
it to some extent”.
Ron is 46. His high-powered city7job was re­
sponsible for a series of 10__________________
illnesses, and the drugs he took did lit­
tle to reheve the nervous strain. “I read
about treatments which involve the whole
person rather than the individual symp­
toms, but I had always been sceptical
about 11__________________ . However,
my friend recommended a dietician who
advised me that part of my problem was
12__________________-related. Basically, the
foods I was eating were contributing to my
disorder. She gave me a list of foods that would
provide the right 13__________________ and
14__________________to keep me in good
health. At the same time, she recommended
a more 15__________________ lifestyle - run­
ning, swimming, that kind of thing. Fm a bit of
a couch potato, and the 16__________________
lifestyle I had lived was compounding the prob­
lem. Now I feel great!”
So is there still a place in our lives for
modern medicine? While it is true that
some infections and viruses may be
prevented by resorting to alternative
medicine, more serious illnesses such as
17____________________ need more drastic
measures. We do need our health service at
these times, and we shouldn’t stop invest­
ing in its future. But we mustn’t forget that
for some common illnesses, the cure may
lie in the past.
241
TOPICAL PRACTICE HEALTHCARE

SPEAKING 1. Is health care in your country fair to every­

one?
PARTS 1,2 AND 3
2. What are the most important health care
PARTS 2 issues in your country?

Describe a time when you were ill. You should 3. What are the most important health care
say: issues in the world?

• when this was 4. What do you think the health care issues of
• what your symptoms were the future will be?
• how long the illness lasted
5. What do you know about the history of
PART 3 health care in your country?

1. How is the health care in your country? 6. What are the health care problems in your
country?
2. Is the health care in your country getting
better or worse? 7. What do you know about the cost of health
care in your country?
3. Is health care in your country free for some
people? 8. Do you think universal health care will
ever come to the world?
4. Which country do you think has the best
health care? 9. How big an issue is health care in your
national elections?
5. Which is better, private or public health
care? 10. What questions would you like to ask
health care workers?
6. Are health care workers well paid in your
country?

7. Do you ever think about health care for

when you are old?

8. What is health care like for old and poor

people in your country?

9. What happens to people iri'poor countries

who cannot afford health care?

10. Is your country’s health care system in

need of reform?

Нам важен Ваш результат! MBA

www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua
HEALTHCARE TOPICAL PRACTICE

Sample test LISTENING

PART 1 SECTION 1 QUESTIONS 1-10

• What do you do to stay healthy? QUESTIONS 1-4

• Is it easy to keep fit where you live?
• What do you think is more important, eat­ Complete the table below. Write ONE WORD
ing healthily or doing exercise? ONLY for each answer.
• Do you have a good public health system in
your country? HEALTH CENTRES
• Is there anything you’d like to improve
Name of Doctor’s
about it? Advantage
centre name

PART 2 |Examp!c* 1 especially

The Harvey
good with 1
Clinic Dr Green
Describe something you do to keep healthy.

The 2 offers 3
You should say: Health Prac­ Dr Fuller
• what this activity is tice appointments
• when you do it
• and how often you do it The Shore
Dr 4
Lane Health
and explain why you think it's a good way to Centre
look after your health.
QUESTIONS 5-6
PART 3
Choose TWO letters, A-E.
1. What are the most popular ways of keeping
healthy in your country? Which TWO of the following are offered free of
charge at Shore Lane Health Centre?
2. Do you think people worry more about
their health as they get older? A. acupuncture
B. employment medicals
3. Why do you think some people continue C. sports injury therapy
bad habits when t hey know that they are D. travel advice
damaging to their health? E. vaccinations

4. How can children be encouraged^to adopt

healthy eating habits?

5. Do you think people have become more

health conscious in recent years?

6. Could governments do more to promote

healthier lifestyle options?

MBA Нам важен Ваш результат!

243
www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua
TOPICAL PRACTICE HEALTHCARE

QUESTIONS 7-10

Complete the table below.

Write NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER for each answer.

TALKS FOR PATIENTS A T SHORE LANE HEALTH CENTRE

Subject of talk Date/Time Location Notes

Giving up smoking 25th February at room 4 useful for people with asthma
7pm or 7 problems

Healthy eating 1st March at 5pm the 8 anyone welcome

(Shore Lane)

Avoiding injuries 9th March at room 6 for all 10

during exercise 9

WRITING
1. The charts below give information about Summarise the information by selecting and
the diet and general health of two groups of reporting the main features and make compar­
students. isons where relevant.

■ fbh

ce mats

И trull
jI vegtfäН и

В Юг,:; M itb
» М0 ш
eorrtart

;
Group A (%} Group В (%)
overweight 10 20
illness in the past year 5 12
attendance at classes 90 75

244 Нам важен Ваш результат! MBA

www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua ш аш иэ
%

HEALTHCARE TOPICAL PRACTICE

2. The chart and table below give information
about healthcare resources and life expec­
tancy in different countries. Summarise
the information by selecting and reporting
the main features and make comparisons
where relevant.
Hospital beets per thousand of the population
3. Write a report for a university lectur­
er describing the information in the
graph below".
Write at least 150 words
Medical research fundingin Someiand (millions)

Deaths in Someiand 1990 (millions)

Government health spending

Japan N eth erlan ds US
h ealth s p e n d in g $2,581 $3,481 $6,71 9
per p e r so n
average lu e а з ~~ 80 78
e x p e c ta n c y

MBA Наи важен Ваш результат!

245
gréfirtna www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua
TOPICAL PRACTICE SHOPPING AND CONSUMERISM

SHOPPING AND CONSUMERISM

VOCABULARY

• Department store: a large shop divided Reasonable price

into departments selling a great many Shop assistant
kinds o f goods open from 9am to 5pm, Monday to
• Sales: an event at which goods are sold at Friday
low prices by shops Customer
• A queue (noun): a line of people, especial­ Cashier
ly when waiting for something Complain
• To queue (verb): the act of waiting in a Receipt
line of people Barcode
• Promotional stunt: an event to get public Trolley
attention or for marketing purposes Basket
• Brand: a famous name which represents a Refund
particular product or company Changing Room
• Outfit: a set of clothes, especially a careful­ Cheque
ly selected one Cash
• Reduced: something that has decreased, Discount
for example the price Till
• Free of charge / at no cost: when you do Note
not have to pay Chemist’s or Pharmacy
• Try on: test the look of clothes by wearing Ladies Clothing Shop or Boutique
them first Men’s Clothing Shop
• Shopaholics: people addicted to shopping Shoe Shop or Cobbler’s
• Bargain: a product at a good, usually Jeweler’s
cheap, price Butcher’s
• Cheapskate: a person who doesn’t like to Greengrocer’s
spend money Newsagent’s
• Inexpensive: cheap Shopping centre
• Window-shopping: to look at products
without buying

Нам важен Ваш результат! MBA

246 www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua шшзшш
SHOPPING AND CONSUMERISM TOPICAL PRACTICE

SPEAKING
PART 3

1. Which (social) facts influence consumer­ 1. Is consumerism a pathology?

ism?
2. What is “green consumerism”? Is it a con­
2. Are there any benefits in consumerism? tradiction?

3. What is the role of product labels (like food 3. How does consumerism affect the environ­
or clothing brands) in consumerism? ment and nature?

4. Do you believe special occasions like 4. Do you agree with extreme anti-consumer­
Christmas or Easter have become too con- ism philosophies and attitudes?
sumeristic?
5. Do you believe that changing your spend­
5. Is there a way to escape the culture of con­ ing habits can make a big difference in
sumerism? your life?

6. Do you think there are more consumerist 6. Is consumerism spoiling our culture?
women than men? Why?
7. Our world economy is based on consumer­
7. Are teenagers and children becoming con- ism. Will consumerism always be predom­
sumerists earlier? inant?

8. Does mass media and society affect teenage 8. Has consumerism changed over the years?
consumerism?
9. What is medical consumerism?
9. In your opinion, are consumerist people
less creative?1
0 10. WThich jobs are strictly related to consum­
erism?
10. What is ethical consumerism?

MBA Нам важен Ваш результат!

247
тантл'іг^'д www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua
TOPICAL PRACTICE SHOPPING AND CONSUMERISM

READING 15. Paragraph C

READING PASSAGE 2 16. Paragraph D

You should spend about 20 minutes on Ques­ 17. Paragraph E

tions 14-26, which are based on Reading
Passage 2. 18. Paragraph F

QUESTIONS 14-19 19. Paragraph G

Reading Passage 2 has ten paragraphs A-J.

Choose the correct heading for Paragraphs B-G
from the list o f headings below. Write the cor­
rect number (i-x) in boxes 14-19 on your answer
sheet.
INSIDE THE MIND OF THE CONSUMER
Could brain-scanning technology provide an ac­
curate way to assess the appeal o f new products
and the effectiveness o f advertising?

A
LIST OF HEADINGS
MARKETING people are no longer prepared
i. A description of the procedure to take your word for it that you favour one
product over another. They want to scan your
ii. An international research project brain to see which one you really prefer. Using
the tools o f neuroscientists, such as electroen­
iii. An experiment to investigate consumer cephalogram (EEG) mapping and functional
responses magnetic-resonance imaging (fMRI), they are
trying to learn more about the mental process­
iv. Marketing an alternative name es behind purchasing decisions. The resulting
fusion of neuroscience and marketing is, inevi­
v. A misleading name? tably, being called ‘neuromarketmg’.

vi. A potentially profitable line of research B

vii. Medical dangers o f the technique The first person to apply brain-imaging tech­
nology in this way was Gerry Zaltman of
viii. Drawbacks to marketing tools Harvard University, in the late 1990s. The
idea remained in obscurity7until 2001, when
ix. Broadening applications ' BrightHouse. a marketing consultancy based
in Atlanta, Georgia, set up a dedicated neuro­
x. What is neuromarketing? marketing arm, BrightHouse Neurostrategies
Group. (BrightHouse lists Coca-Cola, Delta
Airlines and Home Depot among its clients.)
Example: Answer But the company’s name may itself simply
be an example of clever marketing. Bright­
Paragraph A x House does not scan people while showing
them specific products or campaign ideas, but
14. Paragraph В bases its work on the results o f more general
fMRI-based research into consumer preferenc­

Нам важен Ваш результат! MBA

248 www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua ічіі .»д і ~<п
SHOPPING AND CONSUMERISM
es and decision-making carried out at Emory
University in Atlanta.
C to consumer behaviour in general. O f course,
Can brain scanning really be applied to mar­
keting? The basic principle is not that different
from focus groups and other traditional forms
of market research. A volunteer lies in an fMRI
machine and is shown images or video clips.
In place of an interview or questionnaire, the
subject’s response is evaluated by monitoring
brain activity. fMRI provides real-time images
of brain activity, in which different areas light
up’ depending on the level of blood flow. This
provides clues to the subject’s subconscious
thought patterns. Neuroscientists know, for
example, that the sense of self is associated
with an area of the brain known as the medial
prefrontal cortex. A flow of blood to that area
while the subject is looking at a particular logo
suggests that he or she identifies with that
brand.
D one of the brain’s ‘reward centres’, far more
At first, it seemed that only companies in
Europe were prepared to admit that they used
neuromarketing. Two carmakers, Daimler
Chrysler in Germany and Ford’s Europe­
an arm, ran pilot studies in 2003. But more
recently, American companies have become
more open about their use of neuromarketing.
Lieberman Research Worldwide, a marketing
firm based in Los Angeles, is collaborating with
the California Institute of Technology (Caltech)
to enable movie studios to market-test film
trailers. More controversially, the New York
Times recently reported that apolitical consul­
tancy, FKF Research, has been studying the
effectiveness of campaign commercials using
neuromarketing techniques.
E H
Whether all this is any more than a mo­
dern-day version of phrenology, the Victorian
obsession with linking lumps and bumps in the
MBA Нам важен Ваш результат!
www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua
TOPICAL PRACTICE
skull to personality traits, is unclear. There
have been no large-scale studies, so scans of a
handful of subjects may not be a reliable guide
focus groups and surveys are flawed too: strong
personalities can steer the outcomes of focus
groups, and some people may be untruthful in
their responses to opinion pollsters. And even
honest people cannot always explain their
preferences.
F
That is perhaps where neuromarketing has the
most potential. When asked about cola drinks,
most people claim to have a favourite brand,
but cannot say why they prefer that brand’s
taste. An unpublished study o f attitudes
towards two well-known cola drinks, Brand A
and Brand B, carried out last year in a college
of medicine in the US found that most subjects
preferred Brand B in a blind tasting - fMRI
scanning showed that drinking Brand B lit up
a region called the ventral putamen, which is
brightly than Brand A. But when told which
drink was which, most subjects said they pre­
ferred Brand A, which suggests that its strong­
er brand outweighs the more pleasant taste of
the other drink.
G
‘People form many unconscious attitudes that
are obviously beyond traditional methods that
utilise introspection,’ says Steven Quartz, a
neuroscientist at Caltech who is collaborating
with Lieberman Research. With over $100
billion spent each year on marketing in Amer­
ica alone, any firm that can more accurately
analyse how customers respond brands could
make a fortune.
Consumer advocates are wary. Gary Ruskin
o f Commercial Alert, a lobby group, thinks
existing marketing techniques are powerful
249
TOPICAL PRACTICE
enough. ‘Already, marketing is deeply implicat­
ed in many serious pathologies,’ he says. ‘That
is especially true of children, who are suffering
from an epidemic o f marketing-related diseas­
es, including obesity and type-2 diabetes. Neu­
romarketing is a tool to amplify these trends.’
I
Dr Quartz counters that neuromarketing tech­
niques could equally be used for benign purpos­
es. ‘There are ways to utilise these technologies
to create more responsible advertising,’ he
says. Brain-scanning could, for example, be
used to determine when people are capable of
making free choices, to ensure that advertising
falls within those bounds.
J LIST OF OPINIONS
Another worry is that brain-scanning is an
invasion of privacy and that information on
the preferences of specific individuals will be
misused. But neuromarketing studies rely on
small numbers of volunteer subjects, so that
seems implausible. Critics also object to the
use of medical equipment for frivolous rather
than medical purposes. But as Tim Ambler,
a neuromarketing researcher at the London
Business School, says: ‘A tool is a tool, and if
the owner of the Tool gets a decent rent for hir­
ing it out, then that subsidises, the cost of the
equipment, and everybody wins.’ Perhaps more
brain-scanning will some day explain why
some people like the idea of neuromarketing,
but others do not.
250
SHOPPING AND CONSUMERISM
QUESTIONS 20-22
Look at the following people (Questions 20-22)
and the list o f opinions below.
Match each person with the opinion credited to
him.
Write the correct letter A -F in boxes 20-22 on
your answer sheet.
20. Steven Quartz
21. Gary Ruskin
22. Tim Ambler
A. Neuromarketing could be used to
contribute towards the cost of medical
technology.
B. Neuromarketing could use introspection
as a tool in marketing research.
C. Neuromarketing could be a means of
treating medical problems.
D. Neuromarketing could make an existing
problem worse.
E. Neuromarketing could lead to the mis­
use of medical equipment.
F. Neuromarketing could be used to pre­
vent the exploitation of consumers.
Нам важен Ваш результат! MBA
www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua шзшша
SHOPPING AND CONSUMERISM TOPICAL PRACTICE

QUESTIONS 23-26

Complete the summary below using words from

the passage.

Choose ONE WORD ONL Y from the passage

for each answer.

Write your answers in boxes 23-26 on your

answer sheet.

Neuromarketing can provide valuable infor­

mation on attitudes to particular 23...............
. It may be more reliable than surveys, where
people can be 24................ , or focus groups,
where they may be influenced by others. It
also allows researchers to identify the sub­
ject’s 25.................. thought patterns. However,
some people are concerned that it could lead to
problems such as an increase in disease among
26...................

MBA Нам важен Ваш результаті

251
ьь.жшїмчи www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua
TOPICAL PRACTICE PERSONALITY

PERSONALITY

VOCABULARY
• to be the life and soul o f the party: a
fun person, someone who is the centre of
activity
• to bend over backwards: to try very hard
to help someone
• broad-minded: prepared to accept other
views or behaviours
• easy-going: relaxed and not easily worried
about anything
• extrovert: an energetic person who likes
the company of others
• fair-minded: to treat people equally
• fun-loving: to enjoy having fun
• to hide one’s light under a bushel: to
hide one’s talents and skills
• good company: enjoyable to socialise with
• good sense of humour: the ability to un­
derstand what is funny
• introvert: someone who is shy
• laid-back: see ‘easy-going’
• to lose one’s temper: to suddenly become
angry
• narrow minded: opposite o f ‘broad-mind­
ed’ (see above)
• painfully shy: very shy
• to put others first: to think o f others be­
fore yourself
• quick-tempered: becomming angry quickly
• reserved: shy
• self-assured: confident
• self-centred: thinks only of oneself
• self-confident: believes in one’s own abili­
ty or knowledge
• self-effacing: the one not trying to get the
attention of others (especially in terms of
hiding one’s skills or abilities)
• to take after: to be like (often another
member of the family)
• thick-skinned: not easily affected by
criticism
• trustworthy: can be trusted
• two-faced: not honest or sincere. Will say
one thing to someone to their face and an­
other when they are not present.
• loyal
• eccentric
• wise
• bad-tempered
• stubborn
• possessive
• jealous
• calm

252 Нан важен Ваш результат! MBA

www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua
PERSONALITY TOPICAL PRACTICE

(A) W rite a personality a d je ctiv e to d e s crib e ea ch speaker.

1. ‘Don't panic! Everything is going to be

fine. ’ calm
2. ‘I will always be there for you. A friend
is forever.’ _____________
3. ‘I don't like talking to other people
about my feelings.’ ________________
4. ‘I'm going to give you some advice
because I've seen this happen many
times ago. ’ __________
5. ‘I don't know why, but I just get
angry with everybody all the time!’
6. ‘He lives alone with ten cats and he
always dresses in white.’ ____________
7. ‘I'm always happy to do what everyone
else wants to do.’ ________________
8. ‘Even if I'm wrong, I'm not going to
apologize’ ____________
9. ‘I want you to stop seeing your friends
so you can spend all your time with
me.’ _____________

(B) D escrib e ea ch p e rso n u sin g personality v o ca b u la ry .

MBA Нам важен Ваш результат!

253
vvww.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua
TOPICAL PRACTICE PERSONALITY

SPEAKING And say why you think your friendship

lasted a long time
PART 2
5. Describe a classmate you had at a previous
1. Describe a teacher who has greatly influ­ school.
enced you in your education.
You should mention:
You should say:
• What that person looked like
• Where you met them • What that person’s personality was
• What subject they taught like
• What was special about them; • What things that person liked doing

And explain why this person influenced And say how that person was different to
you so much. you

2. Describe a friend who has played an impor­ 6. Describe a young child you know or know
tant part in your life. about.

You should say: You should say:

• How you met this person • What he or she looks like

• How long you have known them • What he or she likes doing
• The kind of thing you do or did with • How that person has changed
them
And say what you think they might do in
And explain why they have been important the future, and why
in your life
7. Describe an old person you know or know
3. Describe one of your relatives about.

You should say: You should mention:

• What that person looks like
• What that person’s character is like
• What they are doing at the moment
And say which other relative of yours they
are most similar to
4. Describe a friend you have had or had for a
long time
• What that person looks like
• What he or she likes doing
• How that person has changed since
they were younger
And say if you think that person is happy
to be that age or not, and why

You should say:

• How you met

• What things you do or did together
• What things you have or had in common

254 Нам важен Баш результат! MBA

www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua иж «а
TOWN AND CITY TOPICAL PRACTICE

TOWN AND CITY

VOCABULARY
• chain stores: well-known brands with • trains that operate at regular times on
shops in multiple cities fixed routes
• fashionable boutiques: fashionable • residential area: an area where people
clothes shops live
• to get around: to travel around • run down: old and of a poor standard
• high-rise flats: multi-story apartments • shopping centre: an area consisting of
• inner-city: the central part o f a city where multiple shops
people live and where conditions are often • shopping malls: large indoor shopping
poor centres
• in the su bu rbs: the outer area of large • sprawling city: a city that has grown over
towns and cities where people live time and which covers a wide area
• lively bars/restaurants: bars or restau­ • tourist attraction: a place o f interest to
rants with a good atmosphere tourists
• local facilities: local buildings or services • traffic congestion: heavy traffic making it
serving the public difficult to move around a town or city
• multi-storey car parks: car parks on • upmarket shops: expensive fashionable
several floors shops
• office block: a large building that contains • green belt
offices • commute
• ou t of town shopping centre/retail • commuter
park: large shopping centres outside of the • commuter belt
town or city • cost o f living
• pavement cafe: cafes with tables outside • cultural events
on the pavement • infrastructure
• places o f interest: buildings that have a • nightlife
particular interest for visitors • property prices
• poor housing: housing that is not in good • prospects
condition • rush hour
• public spaces: areas in a town or city that • urban
are open to the public • rural
• public transport system: public vehicles • resident
such as buses and . «.

MBA Нам важен Ваш результат!

255
гтетатегд www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua
TOPICAL PRACTICE TOWN AND CITY

SPEAKING
PARTS 2 AND 3 PART 3

1. Describe an interesting town or city in 1. Are cities good things?

your country that visitors might enjoy. You
should say 2. How are city people and country people
different?
• what the place is called
• where the place is 3. What are the biggest problems with living
• what the facilities are like in cities?

and say why visitors might enjoy going 4. What damage do cities do to the country­
there. side?

2. Describe an interesting town or city in 5. When does a town become a city?

your country that visitors might enjoy. You
should say 6. Which world city do you think would be the
best to live in?
• what the place is called
• where the place is 7. How will cities in the future be different
• what the facilities are like from those today?

and say why visitors might enjoy going 8. If you were city mayor, what changes
there. would you make to your city?

3. Describe an interesting town or city in
your country that visitors might enjoy. You
should say
• what the place is called
• where the place is
• what the facilities are like
9. Which city would you choose as capital of
the world and why?
10. Is the capital city o f a country always that
country’s best city?
11. Is it better to grow up in the city?

and say why visitors might enjoy going

there.

, 1
4. Describe an interesting town or city in
your country that visitors might enjoy. You
should say

• what the place is called

• where the place is
• what the facilities are like

and say why visitors might enjoy going

there.

256 Нам важен Ваш результат! MBA

www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua япгаязаяд
FOOD TOPICAL PRACTICE

FOOD

VOCABULARY
• to be full up: to eat to the point that you • a take away: a cooked meal prepared in a
can no longer eat any more restaurant and eaten at home
• to be starving hungry: an exaggerated • to wine and dine: to entertain someone
way of saying you are very hungry by treating them to food and drink
• to eat a balanced diet: to eat the correct • to work up an appetite: to do physical
types and amounts of food work that leads to you becoming hungry
• to follow a recipe: to cook a meal using • eating disorder
instructions • junk food
• a fussy eater: somebody who has their • nutritious
own very high standards about what to eat • obese
• to grab a bite to eat: to eat something • obesity
quickly (when you’re in a rush) • overweight
• to have a sweet tooth: to enjoy sugary • fiber
food • cholesterol
• home-cooked food: food cooked at home • spoon
from individual ingredients • fork
• the main meal: the most important meal • sanitary service
of the day, usually eaten in the evening
• to make your mouth water: to make you
feel very hungry for something
• processed food: commercially prepared
food bought for convenience
• a quick snack: a small amount of food
between meals
• to spoil your appetite: to eat something
that will stop you feeling hungry when it’s
meal-time.

MBA Нам важен Ваш результат!

257
итЁтетатд www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua
TOPICAL PRACTICE FOOD

Answer the questions of the survey. SPEAKING

1. How often do you eat...? PART 3

A. takeaway food FOOD SAFETY

B. ready-cooked meals
C. low-fat food 1. What springs to mind when you hear the
D. home-made food word ‘food safety’?

2. What's your favourite...? 2. What food safety issues do you hear or read
about in the news?
A. fruit
B. vegetable 3. Do you think food is becoming more or less
C. snack safe to eat?
D. home-made dish
4. Are you concerned about where the food
3. What food do you like eating...? you eat comes from?

A. when the weather's very cold 5. Do you understand the jargon of chemicals
B. when you're feeling a bit down and E numbers that are a common in the
C. for Sunday lunch ingredients part of food labels?

4. Is there any kind o f food you can't eat? 6. How sure are you your government is in
control of the quality o f food for sale in your
5. What's your favourite...? supermarkets?

A. kind of restaurant (French, Italian, etc.) 7. Do you worry about chickens with flu, mad
B. restaurant dish cows or polluted fish?
C. takeaway food
8. Do you think it is safer to eat out or at home?
6. How important are these things to you in a
restaurant? 9. How safe do you think fast food is?

(Number 1-4) (1 = the most important) 10. Is there any food that scientists have not
The food - the service - the atmosphere - warned us against?
the price
11. Do you ever think that the food you eat is
, 1
7. How do you prefer these things to be not safe?
cooked? (grilled, boiled, etc)
12. If you were offered a job to be an astronaut,
A. Chicken would you take it?
B. fish
C. eggs 13. Do you think restaurant staff always wash
D. potatoes8 their hands and chopping boards?

8. If you want eat steak, how do you like it 14. Do you ever eat food that has gone past the
cooked? (rare, medium, well-done) eat-by / expiry date?

Нам важен Ваш результат! MBA

258 www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua
FOOD TOPICAL PRACTICE

15. Have you ever had food poisoning? 10. Do you think we’ll be eating 100% GM food
one day?
16. Food safety in China is often in the news.
Is this a concern for you?
WRITING
17. Do people in your country try to put
dangerous things in food on supermarket TASK 1
shelves, hoping others will get ill or die?
You should spend about 20 minutes on this
18. How safe is safe? Do you think we worry task.
too much?
The graph below’ shows the changes in
19. Do you think genetically modified food is food consumption by Chinese people be­
100% safe to eat? tween 1985 and 2010.

20. Are you happy with the quality o f the wa­ Summarise the information by selecting
ter that comes out of your taps? and reporting the main features, and
make comparisons where relevant.
GM FOODS
Write at least 150 words.
1. What does GM mean?

2. Is GM food safe to eat? Food Consumption in China, 1985-2010

(grams/person/week)
3. If GM crops are resistant to pests and — — M eet --------Sell --------Fteh

those pests become extinct, do you think 900 У-

this could seriously harm the food chain?

4. GM crops may mix with natural crops and

form hybrid crops, which may affect wild­
life. Is this acceptable?
Щ "
* J9S5 1990 199S 2Ш0 y 2005 2010
5. GM food has been called ‘Frankenfood’,
after Frankenstein’s monster. What do you
think of this name?

6. Some say millions of bees in the US are dy­

ing because of the small changes^GM crops
make to nature. What do you think of this?

7. If “you are what you eat,” might we change

with a GM food diet?

8. Do you think it’s important to label food as

containing GM crops?9

9. Some GM food has animal genes. What do

you think of this?

MBA Нам важен Ваш результат!

259
www.mbastrategy.ru [ www.mbastrategy.ua
 FINAL ACADEMIC TEST

A
FINAL
ACADEMIC
TEST

M D A Han Ba>KeH Baiu pesyiibTaT! 261

jESrossn www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua
FINAL ACADEMIC TEST Listening

LISTENING

Section 1
QUESTIONS 1-3

Choose the correct answers A, B or C. 1. What is Martin’s occupation?

Example He works in a car factory.

He works in a bank.
Martin wants to He is a college student

A. sell a flat 2. The friends would prefer somewhere with

B. rent a flat
C. buy a flat four bedrooms
three bedrooms
two bathrooms

3. Phil would rather live in

the east suburbs

the city centre
the west suburbs

QUESTIONS 4-10

Complete the table below.

Write NO MORE THAN THRE. 7ORDS AND/OR A NUMBER for each answer.

Details of flats available

Location Features Good and bad points

Bridge Street, near the • 3 bedrooms 5 £ a month

* «.
• very big living room • transport links
• no shower
• could be 6

• 4 bedrooms • 9 .^ r f^ 'f^ a n d well equipped

• living room • shower
• 8 root* • will be 10
• £ 800 a month

Нам важен Ваш результат! MBA

262 www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua и ге т а
Listening FINAL ACADEMIC TEST

Section 2
QUESTIONS 11-15 QUESTIONS 16-20

Complete the sentences below. Label the plan below.

Write NO MORE THAN\H REE J\rORDS for Write NO MORE THA HREE WORDS for
each answer. each answer.

THE BRITISH LIBRAR Y PLAN OF THE BRITISH LIBRAR Y

11. The reading rooms are only open for group

visits on . .,£

12. The library was officially opened in

ir ­

is. All the library rooms together cover

\<X>.OC£> m2.
QO 1/ttO
14. The library is financed by .LrOfcA./.l 6 i

15. The main function of the library is to pro­

vide resoui’ces for people d o in g ...............
TV.fFcfe.1

MBA Нам важен Ваш результат!

263
г-їт'-^ т ^уд www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua
FINAL ACADEMIC TEST Listening

Section 3

QUESTIONS 21-25 QUESTIONS 26-30

Choose the correct answers A, B or C. Complete the notes below

PROJECT ON WORK PLACEMENT. Write NO MORE THAN TWO, WORDS for

each answer. ^
21. The main aim of Dave’s project is to
NOTES ON PROJECT
A. describe a policy.
B. investigate an assumption, In tro d u ctio n
identify a problem.
• improve the 2 6 .............. of ideas , . \.
22. Dave’s project is based on schemes in gA/ tV Y * v tAA
• include a 27'^*??"^)L W O T k'piacein en t’
A. schools.
B. colleges. • have separate sections for literature survey
© universities. and research 2 8 .......... and methods
,'CUViS “
23. How many academic organizations re­ F in d in gs
turned Dave’s questionnaire?
Preparation stage - add summary
Ca P 15
B. 50 V
c 2 9 .............. development - good
C. 150
Constraints on learning - provide better links
24. Dave wanted his questionnaires to be com­ to the 3 0 .............. from research
pleted by company

A. Human Resources Managers.

B. l Line Managers.
C. owners.

25. Dr Green wants Dave to provide a full list

of

Q respondents
B. appendices
C. companies

Най важен Ваш результаті MBA

264 www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua гтатаїш і
 Listening FINAL ACADEMIC TEST

*
Section 4
^ - QUESTIONS 31-35 QUESTIONS 36-40
^ -----\
n d Write NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS for Choose the correct answers A, B or C.
each answer. V _____ '
36. In Dr Bialystok’s experiment, the subjects
"**• 31. Bilingualism can be defined as hav­ had to react according to
ing an equal level of communicative
dtCj.MJL....... in two or more languages. Q the colour of the sauare on the screen.
B. the location of the square on the screen.
32. Early research suggested that bilingualism C. the location of the shift key on the
caused problems with .. iVua and keyboard
mental development
37. The experiment demonstrated the ‘Simon
J** 33. Early research into bilingualism is now effect’ because it involved a confhcLbetween
rejected because it did not consider the
__^ ..................... a n d ..........................back- A. seeing something and reacting to it.
grounds of the children. ■B./ producing fast and slow reactions. V
C. demonstrating awareness o f shape and
34. It is now thought that there is a colour.
rf.\ .yC___ relationship between bilin­
gualism and cognitive skills in children. 38. The experiment shows that, compared with the
monolingual subjects, the bilingual subjects
35. Research done by Ellen Bialostok in Can-
ada now suggests that the effects ijf bilin- A. were more intelligent
P » gualism also apply to .^ Z C tZ T /7 ^ .. (ji) had faster reaction times overall.
C. had more problems with the ‘Simon effect’.

39. The results of the experiment indicate that

bilingual people may be better at

doing different types o f tasks at the

same time.
B. thinking about several things at once.
C. focusing only on what is needed to do a
■m b task.

40. Dr Bialystok’s first and second experiments

both suggest that bilingualism may

, A. slow down the effects of old age on the

brain.
( R ) lead to mental confusion among old people.
C. help old people to stay in better physi­
cal condition.

La

MBA Нам важен Ваш результат!

рд;та.я -д www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua
FINAL ACADEMIC TEST
READING
Passage 1
You should spend about 20 minutes on Questions
1-13 which are based on Reading Passage 2.
PULLING STRINGS
TO BUILD PYRAMIDS
No one knows exactly how the pyramids
were built. Marcus Chown reckons the an­
swer could be ‘hanging in the air’.
The pyramids of Egypt were built more than
three thousand years ago, and no one knows
how. The conventional picture is that tens of
thousands of slaves dragged stones on sledges.
But there is no evidence to back this up. Now a
Californian software consultant called Maureen
Clemmons has suggested that kites might have
been involved. While perusing a book on the
monuments of Egypt, she noticed a hieroglyph
that showed a row of men standing in odd pos­
tures. They were holding what looked like ropes
that led, via some kind of mechanical system, to
a giant bird in the sky. She wondered if perhaps
the bird was actually a giant kite, and the men
were using it to lift a heavy object.
Intrigued, Clemmons contacted MortezaGharib,
aeronautics professor at the California Institute
of Technolog}7. He was fascinated by the idea.
‘Coming from Iran, I have a keen interest in
Middle Eastern science,’ he says. He too was
puzzled by the picture that had sparked Clem-
, 1
mons’s interest. The object in the sky apparently
had wings far too short and wide for a bird. The
possibility certainly existed that it was a kite,’
he says. And since he needed a summer project
for his student Emiho Graff, investigating the
possibility of using kites as heavy7lifters seemed
like a good idea.
Gharib and Graff set themselves the task of
raising a 4.5-metre stone column from horizontal
to vertical, using no source of energy except the
266
www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua
Reading
wind. Their initial calculations and scale-model
wind-tunnel experiments convinced them they
wouldn’t need a strong wind to lift the 33.5-tonne
column. Even a modest force, if sustained over a
long time, would do. The key was to use a pulley
system that would magnify the applied force. So
they rigged up a tent-shaped scaffold directly
above the tip of the horizontal column, with pul­
leys suspended from the scaffold’s apex. The idea
was that as one end of the column rose, the base
would roll across the ground on a trolley.
Earlier this year, the team put Clemmons’s
unlikely theory to the test, using a 40-square-me­
tre rectangular nylon sail. The kite lifted the
column clean off the ground. “We were absolute­
ly stunned’, Gharib says. The instant the sail
opened into the wind, a huge force was generated
and the column was raised to the vertical in a
mere 40seconds.’
The wind was blowing at a gentle 16 to 20 kilo­
metres an hour, little more than half what they
thought would be needed. What they had failed
to reckon with was what happened when the kite
was opened. ‘There was a huge initial force-five
times larger than the steady state force,’ Gharib
says. This jerk meant that kites could lift huge
weights, Gharibrealised. Even a 300-tonne col­
umn could have been lifted to the vertical with
40 or so men and four or five sails. So Clemmons
was right: the pyramid, builders could have used
kites to lift massive stones into place. Whether
they actually did is another matter,’ Gharib says.
There are no pictures showing the construction
of the pyramids, so there is no way to tell what
really happened. ‘The evidence for using kites to
move large stones is no better or worse than the
evidence for the brute force method,’ Gharib says.
Indeed, the experiments have left many special­
ists unconvinced. ‘The evidence for kite-lifting is
non-existent’ says WillekeWendrich, an associate
Нам важен Ваш результат! MBA
гзтгтатяга
Reading
professor of Egyptology at the University of Cali­
fornia. Los Angeles.
Others feel there is more of a case for the the­
ory. Harnessing the wind would not have been
a problem for accomphshed sailors like the
Egyptians. And they are known to have used
wooden pulleys, which could have been made
strong enough to bear the weight of massive
blocks of stone. In addition, there is some phys­
ical evidence that the ancient Egyptians were
interested in flight. A wooden artefact found on
the step pyramid at Saqqara looks uncannily like
a modern glider. Although it dates from several
hundred years after the building of the pyramids,
its sophistication suggests that the Egyptians
might nave been developing ideas of flight for a
long time. And other ancient civilisations cer­
tainly knew about kites; as early as 1250 BC, the
Chinese were using them to deliver messages
and dump flaming debris on their foes.
The experiments might even have practical uses
nowadays. There are plenty of places around
the globe where people have no access to heavy
machinery, but do know how to deal with wind,
sailing and basic mechanical principles. Gharib
has already been contacted by a civil engineer in
Nicaragua, who wants to put up buildings with
adobe roofs supported by concrete arches on a
site that heavy equipment can’t reach. His idea
is to build the arches horizontally, then lift them
into place using kites. ‘We’ve given him some
design hints,’ says Gharib. ‘We’re just waiting for
him to report back.’ So whether they were actu­
ally used to build the pyramids or not, it seems
that kites may make sensible construction tools
in the 21st century AD.
QUESTIONS 1-7
Do the following statements agree or disagree
with the information given in Reading Passage 1?
In boxes 1-7 on your answer sheet write
TRUE if the statement agrees with the informa­
tion
MBA Нам важен Ваш результат!
етгдаядгд www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua
FINAL ACADEMIC TEST
FALSE if the statement contradicts the infor­
mation
N O T GIVEN if there is no information on this
1. It is generally believed that large numbers
of people were needed to build the pyramids.
2. Clemmons found a strange hieroglyph on
the wall of an Egyptian monument.
3. Gharib had previously done experiments
on bird flight.
4. Gharib and Graff tested their theory before
applying it.
5. The success of the actual experiment was
due to the high speed of the wind.
6. They found that, as the kite flew higher,
the wind force got stronger.
7. The team decided that it was possible to
use kites to raise very heavy stones.
QUESTIONS 8-13
Complete the summary below.
Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from
the passage for each answer.
Write your answers in boxes 8-13 on your an­
swer sheet.
AD D ITIO N AL EVIDENCE
FOR THEOR Y O F KITE-LIFTIN G
The Egyptians had 8.................. , which could
lift large pieces of 9 ................................. , and
they knew how to use the energy o f the wind
from their skill as 1 0 ...........................The
discovery on one pyramid of an object which re­
sembled a l l ........................ suggests they may
have experimented with 1 2 ...........................
In addition, over two thousand years ago kites
were used in China as weapons, as well as for
sending 13................................
267
FINAL ACADEMIC TEST
Reading Passage 2
You should spend about 20 minutes on Ques­
tions 14-26, which are based on Reading Pas­
sage 2 below.
ENDLESS HARVEST
More than two hundred years ago, Russian ex­
plorers and fur hunters landed on the Aleutian
Islands, a volcanic archipelago in the North
Pacific, and learned of a land mass that lay
farther to the north. The islands’ native inhab­
itants called this land mass Aleyska, the ‘Great
Land’; today, we know' it as Alaska.
The forty-ninth state to join the United States
of America (in 1959), Alaska is fully one-fifth
the size of the mainland 48 states combined. It
shares, with Canada, the second longest river
system in North America and has over half
the coastline of the United States. The rivers
feed into the Bering Sea and Gulf of Alaska -
cold, nutrient-rich waters which support tens
of millions of seabirds, and over 400 species
of fish, shellfish, crustaceans, and molluscs.
Taking advantage of this rich bounty, Alaska’s
commercial fisheries have developed into some
of the largest in the world.
According to the Alaska Department of Fish
and Game (ADF&G), Alaska’s commercial fish­
eries landed hundreds of thousands of tonnes
of shellfish and herring, and well over a mil­
lion tonnes of groundfish (cod, sole, perch and
pollock) in 2000. The true cultural heart and
soul of Alaska’s fisheries, however, is salmon.
‘Salmon,’ notes writer Susan Ewing in The
Great Alaska Nature Factbook, ‘pump through
Alaska like blood through a heart, bringing
rhythmic, circulating nourishment to land, an­
imals and people.’ The ‘predictable abundance
of salmon allowed some native cultures to
flourish,’ and ‘dying spawners1feed bears, ea­
gles, other animals, and ultimately the soil it­
self.’ All five species of Pacific salmon - chinook,
or king; chum, or dog; coho, or silver; sockeye,
or red; and pink, or humpback - spawn- in
268
www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua
Reading
Alaskan waters, and 90% of all Pacific salmon
commercially caught in North America are
produced there. Indeed, if Alaska was an inde­
pendent nation, it would be die largest produc­
er of wild salmon in the world. During 2000,
commercial catches of Pacific salmon in Alaska
exceeded 320,000 tonnes, with an ex-vessel
value of over $ US 260 million.
Catches have not always been so healthy.
Between 1940 and 1959, overfishing led to
crashes in salmon populations so severe that
in 1953 Alaska was declared a federal disaster
area. With the onset of statehood, however, the
State of Alaska took over management of its
own fisheries, guided by a state constitution
which mandates that Alaska’s natural re­
sources be managed on a sustainable basis. At
that time, statewide harvests totalled around
25 million salmon. Over the next few decades
average catches steadily increased as a result
of this policy of sustainable management, until,
during the 1990s, annual harvests w'ere well in
excess o f 100 million, and on several occasions
over 200 million fish.
The primary reason for such increases is what
is known as ‘In-Season Abundance-Based Man­
agement’. There are biologists throughout the
state constantly monitoring adult fish as they
show up to spawn. The biologists sit in stream-
side counting towers, study sonar, watch from
aeroplanes, and talk to fishermen. The salmon
season in Alaska is not pre-set. The fishermen
know the approximate time of year when they
will be allowed to fish, but on any given day,
one or more field biologists in a particular area
can put a halt to fishing. Even sport fishing
can be brought to a halt. It is this management
mechanism that has allowed Alaska salmon
stocks - and, accordingly, Alaska salmon fisher­
ies - to prosper, even as salmon populations in
the rest of the United States are increasingly
considered threatened or even endangered.
In 1999, the Marine Stewardship Council
Нам важен Ваш результат! MBA
рпгтапед
Reading FINAL ACADEMIC TEST

(MSC)3 commissioned a review of the Alaska
salmon fishery. The Council, which was found­
ed in 1996, certifies fisheries that meet high
environmental standards, enabling them to
use a label that recognises their environmental
responsibility. The MSC has established a set
of criteria by which commercial fisheries can
be judged. Recognising the potential benefits
of being identified as environmentally respon­
sible, fisheries approach the Council x-equest-
ing to undergo the certification process. The
MSC then appoints a certification committee,
composed of a panel of fisheries experts, which
gathers information and opinions from fisher­
men, biologists, government officials, industry
repi’esentatives, non-governmental oi'ganisa-
tions and others.
cation is for an initial period o f five years, with
an annual review to ensui'e that the fishery is
continuing to meet the required standards.
QUESTIONS 14-20
Do the following statements agree or disagree
with the information given in Reading Passage
1?
In boxes 14-20 on your answer sheet write
TRUE if the statement agrees with the infor­
mation
FALSE if the statement contradicts the infor­
mation

Some observers thought the Alaska salmon N O T GIVEN if there is no information on this
fisheries would not have any chance of cer­
tification when, in the months leading up to 14. The inhabitants of the Aleutian islands
MSC’s final decision, salmon runs throughout renamed their islands ‘Aleyska’.
western Alaska completely collapsed. In the
Yukon and Kuskokwim rivers, chinook and 15. Alaska’s fisheries are owned by some of the
chum runs were probably the poorest since world’s largest companies.
statehood; subsistence communities through­
out the region, who normally have priority over 16. Life in Alaska is dependent on salmon.
commercial fishing, were devastated.
17. Ninety per cent of all Pacific salmon caught
The crisis was completely unexpected, but re­ are sockeye or pink salmon.
searchers believe it had nothing to do with im­
pacts of fisheries. Rather, they contend, it was 18. More than 320,000 tonnes of salmon were
almost certainly the result of climatic shifts, caught in Alaska in 2000.
prompted in part by cumulative effects of the
el nino/la nina phenomenon on Pacific Ocean 19. Between 1940 and 1959, there was a sharp
temperatures, culminating in a harsh winter decrease in Alaska’s salmon population.
in which huge numbers of salmon pggs were
frozen. It could have meant the end as far as 20. During the 1990s, the average number of
the certification process was concerned. How­ salmon caught each year was 100 million.
ever, the state reacted quickly, closing down all
fishei'ies, even those necessary for subsistence
pui-poses.

In September 2000, MSC announced that the

Alaska salmon fisheries qualified for certifica­
tion. Seven companies pi-oducing Alaska salm­
on were immediately granted permission to
display the MSC logo on their products. Certifi­

MBA Нам важен Ваш результат!

269
ягкЕятад www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua
FINAL ACADEMIC TEST
QUESTIONS 21-26
Complete each sentence with the correct ending,
A-K, below.
Write the correct letter, A-K, in boxes 21-26 on
your answer sheet.
21. In Alaska, biologists keep a check on adult
fish
22. Biologists have the authority
23. In-Season Abundance-Based Management
has allowed the Alaska salmon fisheries
24. The Marine Stewardship Council (MSC)
was established
25. As a result of the collapse o f the salmon
runs in 1999, the state decided
26. In September 2000, the MSC allowed seven
Alaska salmon companies
A. to recognise fisheries that care for
the environment.
B. to be successful.
C. to stop fish from spawning.
D. to set up environmental protection
laws.
E. to stop people fishing for sport.
F. to label their products using the
MSC logo.
G. to ensure that fish numbers are suf­
ficient to permit fishing.«.
H. to assist the subsistence communi­
ties in the region.
I. to freeze a huge number of salmon
eggs.
J. to deny certification to the Alaska
fisheries.
K. to close down all fisheries.
270
www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua
Reading
Reading Passage 3
You should spend about 20 minutes on Ques­
tions 27-40, which are based on Reading Pas­
sage 3 below.
EFFECTS OF NOISE
In general, it is plausible to suppose that we
should prefer peace and quiet to noise. And yet
most of us have had the experience of having
to adjust to sleeping in the mountains or the
countryside because it was initially ‘too quiet’,
an experience that suggests that humans are
capable of adapting to a wide range of noise
levels. Research supports this view. For exam­
ple, Glass and Singer (1972) exposed people to
short bursts of very loud noise and then meas­
ured their ability to work out problems and
their physiological reactions to the noise. The
noise was quite disruptive at first, but after
about four minutes the subjects were doing just
as well on their tasks as control subjects who
were not exposed to noise. Their physiological
arousal also declined quickly to the same levels
as those o f the control subjects.
But there are limits to adaptation and loud
noise becomes more troublesome if the person
is required to concentrate on more than one
task. For example, high noise levels interfered
with the performance of subjects who were
required to monitor three dials at a time, a
task not unlike that of an aeroplane pilot or an
air-traffic controller (Broadbent, 1957). Sim­
ilarly, noise did not affect a subject’s ability
to track a moving line with a steering wheel,
but it did interfere with the subject’s ability to
repeat numbers while tracking (Finkelman and
Glass, 1970).
Probably the most significant finding from re­
search on noise is that its predictability is more
important than how loud it is. We are much
more able to 'tune out" chronic background
noise, even if it is quite loud, than to work under
circumstances with unexpected intrusions of
noise. In the Glass and Singer study, in which
Нам важен Ваш результат! MBA
Reading FINAL ACADEMIC TEST

subjects were exposed to bursts of noise as they to noise for only short periods and only tran­
worked on a task, some subjects heard loud sient effects were studied. But the major worry
bursts and others heard soft bursts. For some about noisy environments is that living day af­
subjects, the bursts were spaced exactly one ter day with chronic noise may produce serious,
minute apart (predictable noise); others heard lasting effects. One study, suggesting that this
the same amount of noise overall, but the bursts worry is a realistic one, compared elementary
occurred at random intervals (unpredictable school pupils who attended schools near Los
noise). Subjects reported finding the predictable Angeles’s busiest airport with students who at­
and unpredictable noise equally annoying, and tended schools in quiet neighbourhoods (Cohen
all subjects performed at about the same level et al., 1980). It was found that children from
during the noise portion of the experiment. But the noisy schools had higher blood pressure
the different noise conditions had quite different and were more easily distracted than those
after-effects when the subjects were required to who attended the quiet schools. Moreover,
proofread written material under conditions of there was no evidence o f adaptability to the
no noise. As shown in Table 1 the unpredictable noise. In fact, the longer the children had at­
noise produced more errors in the later proof­ tended the noisy schools, the more distractible
reading task than predictable noise; and soft, they became. The effects also seem to be long
unpredictable noise actually produced slightly lasting. A follow-up study showed that children
more errors on this task than the loud, predict­ who were moved to less noisy classrooms still
able noise. showed greater distractibility one year later
than students who had always been in the
Table 1: Proofreading errors and noise quiet schools (Cohen et al, 1981). It should be
noted that the two groups of children had been
U n pre­ P re d ic ta ­
carefully matched by the investigators so that
d icta b le ble
they were comparable in age, ethnicity, race,
n oise n oise E rrors
and social class.
Loud
noise 40.1 31.8 35.9
Soft noise 36.7 27.4 32.1
Average 38.4 29.6

Apparently, unpredictable noise produces more

fatigue than predictable noise, but it takes a
while for this fatigue to take its toll on perfor­
mance.

Predictability is not the only variable tjiat

reduces or eliminates the negative effects of
noise. Another is control. If the individual
knows that he or she can control the noise, this
seems to eliminate both its negative effects at
the time and its after-effects. This is true even
if the individual never actually exercises his
or her option to turn the noise off (Glass and
Singer, 1972). Just the knowledge that one has
control is sufficient.

The studies discussed so far exposed people

MBA Нам важен Ваш результат!

271
ят.тхі?^тд www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua
FINAL ACADEMIC TEST
QUESTIONS 27-29
Choose the correct letter, A, B, C or D.
Write the correct letter in boxes 27-29 on your
answer sheet.
27. The writer suggests that people may have
difficulty sleeping in the mountains be­
cause
A. humans do not prefer peace and quiet
to noise.
B. they may be exposed to short bursts of
very strange sounds.
C. humans prefer to hear a certain
amount of noise while they sleep.
D. they may have adapted to a higher
noise level in the city.
28. In noise experiments, Glass and Singer
found that
A. problem-solving is much easier under
quiet conditions.
B. physiological arousal prevents the
ability to work.
C. bursts of noise do not seriously disrupt
problem-solving in the long term
D. the psychological arousal of control
subjects declined quickly2
9 ble noise performed better than those who had
29. Researchers discovered that high noise
levels are not likely to interfere with
A. successful performance of a single task
В. tasks of pilots or air traffic controllers
С. ability to repeat numbers while track­
ing moving lines
D. ability to monitor three dials at once
272
www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua
Reading
QUESTIONS 30-34
Complete the summary using the list o f words
and phrases, A-J, below. Write the correct letter,
A-J, in boxes 30-34 on your answer sheet.
EH
You may use any letter more than once.
Glass and Singer (1972) showed that situa­
tions in which there is intense noise have less
effect on performance than circumstances in
which 3 0 ...................... noise occurs. Subjects
were divided into groups to perform a task.
Some heard loud bursts of noise, others soft.
For some subjects, the noise was predictable,
while for others its occurrence was random.
All groups were exposed to 3 1 ..................noise.
The predictable noise group 32........................
the unpredictable noise group on this task.
In the second part of the experiment, the four
groups were given a proofreading task to com­
plete under conditions of no noise. They were
required to check written material for errors.
The group which had been exposed to unpre­
dictable noise 3 3 ....................... the group which
had been exposed to predictable noise. The
group which had been exposed to loud predicta­
heard soft, unpredictable bursts. The results
suggest that 34...............................noise produc­
es fatigue but that this manifests itself later.
A. no control over
B. unexpected
C. intense
D. the same amount of
E. performed better than
F. performed at about the same level as
G. no
H. showed more irritation than
I. made more mistakes than
J. different types of
Нам важен Ваш результат! MBA
и 'гетоэдм
Reading FINAL ACADEMIC TEST

QUESTIONS 35-40

Look at the following statements (Questions 35-

40) and the list o f researchers below.

Match each statement with the correct research­

er (s), A-E.

Write the correct letter, A-E, in boxes 35-40 on

your answer sheet.

I^JjJ

You may use any letter more than once.

35. Subjects exposed to noise find it difficult

at first to concentrate on problem-solving
tasks.

36. Long-term exposure to noise can produce

changes in behaviour which can still be
observed a year later.

37. The problems associated with exposure to

noise do not arise if the subject knows they
can make it stop.

38. Exposure to high-pitched noise results in

more errors than exposure to low-pitched
noise.

39. Subjects find it difficult to perform three

tasks at the same time when exposed to
noise.

40. Noise affects a subject’s capacity to repeat

numbers while carrying out another task.

List of Researchers

A. Glass and Singer

B. Broadbent
C. Finkelman and Glass
D. Cohen et al.
E. None of the above

MBA Нам важен Ваш результат!

273
і „хОа st www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua
FINAL ACADEMIC TEST WRITING

WRITING

WRITING TASK 1
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

The charts below give information on the ages of the population of Yemen and Italy
in 2000 and projections for 2050.

Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make
comparisons where relevant.

Write at least 150 words.

YEMEN
2000 2050
3.6% 5.7%
46

ITALY
2000 2050
14.3% 11.5%
2‘

61.6% 46 .2%

I 15-59 years I I 60+ years

274 Нам важен Ваш результат! MBA

www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua
WRITING FINAL ACADEMIC TEST

WRITING TASK 2
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic.

Some people say that the best way to improve public health is by increasing the
number of sports facilities. Others, however, say that this w’ould have little effect c
public health and that other measures are required.

Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

Give reasons for your answers and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or
experience.

Write at least 250 words.

MBA Нам важен Ваш результат!

www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua
FINAL ACADEMIC TEST SPEAKING

SPEAKING

PART 1 PART 3

The examiner asks the candidate about him/ Discussion topics:

herself, his/her home, work or studies and
other familiar topics. Reasons for dailj' travel

EXAMPLE Example questions:

Telephoning Why do people need to travel every day?

• How often do you make phone calls? Why /
Why not?
• Who do you spend most time talking to on
the telephone? Why?
• When do you think you’ll next make a tele­
phone call? Why?
• Do you sometimes prefer to send a text
message instead of telephoning?Why /Why
not?
What problems can people have when they are
on their daily journey, for example to work or
school? Why is this?
Some people say that daily journeys like these
will not be so common in the future. Do you
agree or disagree? Why?
Benefits of international travel

PART 2 Example questions:

What do you think people can learn from

Describe a journey [e.g. by car, by travelling to other countries? Why?
plane, boat] that you remember well.
Can travel make a positive influence to the
You should say: economy of a country? How?

• where you went Do you think a society can benefit if its

• howr you travelled members have experience o f travelling to other
• why you went on the journey countries? In what ways?

and explain why you remember this

journey well. , t

You will have to talk about the topic for one

to two minutes. You have one minute to think
about what you are going to say. You can make
some notes to help you if you wish.

276 Нам важен Ваш результат! MBA

www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua рпїххрим
General Test
G

FINAL GENERAL TEST

FINAL
GENERAL
TEST

4.

MBA Нан важен Ваш результат!

Еягнаяерст www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua 277
FINAL GENERAL TEST LISTENING

LISTENING

SECTION 1. Questions 1-10

QUESTIONS 1-5

Complete the table below.

Write QNE WORD AND/OR A NUMBER for each answer.

Apartments Facilities Other Information Cost

Rose Garden
studio flat entertainment programme: £219
Apartments
Greek dancins

Blue Bay large salt-water • just 1 ............metres from beach

£275
Apartments swimming pool • near shops

2...................
terrace watersports £490
Apartments

• Greek paintings • overlooking 4 ........................

The Grand 5 £ ...............
• 3........................ * near a supermarket and a disco

QUESTIONS 6-10

Complete the table below.

Write ONE WORD AND/OR A NUMBER for each answer.

G REEK ISLAND HOLIDAYS

In su ra n ce B enefits M axim u m A m ou n t

Cancellation 6 £ ...........................
, 1
£600. Additional benefit allows a 7 .............................to travel to
Hospital
resort

8 .........................
Up to £1000. Depends on reason
departure

Personal belongings Lip to £3000; £500 for one 9 ..............................

Name of Assistant Manager: Ben 1 0 .............................

Direct phone line: 081260 543216

278 Нам важен Ваш результат! MBA

www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua тгтагздд
LISTENING FINAL GENERAL TEST

SECTION 2. Questions 11-20

QUESTIONS 11-13 QUESTIONS 14-18

Choose the correct letter, A, B or C.
WINRIDGE FOREST RAILWA Y PARK
11. Simon’s idea for a theme park came from
What is currently the main area o f work of
each of the following people?
Choose FIVE answers from the box and write
the correct letter, A-H, next to questions 14-18

A. his childhood hobby. Area of work

B. his interest in landscape design. A advertising
C. his visit to another park.
B animal care

12. When they started, the family decided to C building

open the park only when D educational links
E engine maintenance
A. the weather was expected to be good.
B. the children weren’t at school. F food and drink
C. there were fewer farming commit­ G sales
ments.
H staffing

13. Since opening, the park has had

A. 50,000 visitors. People
B. 1,000,000 visitors.
C. 1,500,000 visitors. 14. Simon (the speaker)....................................

15. L i z .....................................

16. Sarah .....................................

17. D uncan.....................................

18. Judith .....................................

QUESTIONS 19 AND 20
, 1
Complete the table below.

Write ONE W ORD AND/OR NUM BERS for each answer.

Feature Size B ig g est ch allen g e T a rg et age g rou p

Railway 1.2 km Making tunnels

Go-Kart arena 1 9 ...............m2 Removing mounds on the track 2 0 ................ year-olds

MBA Нам важен Ваш результат!

279
пшгшщгя www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua
FINAL GENERAL TEST LISTENING

SECTION 3. Questions 21-30

Complete the notes below.

Write NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS A N D /

OR A NUMBERîor each answer.

Study Skills Tutorial - Caroline Benning

Dissertation topic: the 21 ........................

Strengths: *22 ............................

•computer modelling

Weaknesses: • lack of background

information
•poor 23.................skills

Possible strategy Benefits Problems

dissertations tend to contain

peer group discussion increases 2 4 .................. the same
2 5 ....................

use the 2 6 ................. service provides structured programme limited 27................

consult study skills books are a good source of reference can be too 28..................

Recommendations: use a card index

read all notes 29

Next tutorial date: 30

January

Нам важен Ваш результат! MBA

280 www.mbastrategy.ru j www.mbastrategy.ua ш еш ш э
LISTENING FINAL GENERAL TEST

SECTION A Questions 31-40

QUESTIONS 31 AND 32

Choose the correct letter, A, B or C.

31. The owners of the underground house

A. had no experience of living in a rural area.

B. were interested in environmental issues.
C. wanted a professional project manager.

32. What does the speaker saj' about the site of the house?

A. The land was quite cheap.

B. Stone was being extracted nearby.
C. It was in a completely unspoilt area.

QUESTIONS 33-40

Complete the notes below.

Write ONE WORD AND/OR A NUMBER for each answer.

THE UNDERGROUND HOUSE

D esign
• Built in the earth, with two floors

• The south-facing side was constructed o f two layers o f 33...................................

• Photovoltaic tiles were attached
• A layer of foam was used to improve the 34............................... of the building
S p ecia l featu res
• To increase the light, the building has many internal mirrors and 35..................................
• In future, the house may produce more 36.................................. than it needs
• Recycled wood was used for the 37....v............................of the house
• The system for processing domestic 38.................................. is organic

E n viron m en ta l issues
• The use of large quantities of 39 ............................in construction was environmentally harmful
• But the house will have paid its ‘environmental debt’ within 4 0 ...............................

MBA Нам важен Ваш результат!

281
и ї 'атагаяд w w w .m bastrategy.ru | w w w .m bastrateg y.u a
FINAL GENERAL TEST
READING
SECTION 1. Questions 1-14
Read, the text below and answer Questions 1-7.
EASTERN ENERGY
We are here to help and provide you with per­
sonal advice on any matters connected with
your bill or any other queries regarding your
gas and electricity supply.
Moving home
Please give as much notice as possible if you are
moving home, but at least 48 hours is request­
ed for us to make the necessary arrangements
for your gas and electricity supply. Please tele­
phone our 24-hour line on 01316 753219 with
details of your move. In most cases we are hap­
py to accept your meter reading on the day you
move. Tell the new occupant that Eastern En­
ergy supply the household, to ensure the ser­
vice is not interrupted. Remember we can now
supply electricity and gas at your new address,
anywhere in the UK. If you do not contact us,
you may be held responsible for the payment for
used after you have moved.
Meter reading
Eastern Energy uses various types of meter
ranging from the traditional dial meter to new
technology digital display meters^ Always read
the meter from left to right, ignoring any red
dials. If you require assistance, contact our 24-
hour line on 0600 7310 310.
282 www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua
Reading
Energy Efficiency Line
If you would like advice on the efficient use of
energy, please call our Energy Efficiency Line
on 0995 7626 513. Please do not use this num­
ber for any other enquiries.
Special services
Passwords —you can choose a password so that,
whenever we visit you at home, you will know it
is us. For more information, ring our helpline on
0995 7290 290.
Help and advice
If you need help or advice with any issues,
please contact us on 01316 440188.
Complaints
We hope you will never have a problem or cause
to complaint, but, if you do, please contact
our complaints handling team at PO Box 220,
Stanfield, ST55 5GF or telephone us on 01316
753270.
Supply failure
If you experience any problems with your elec­
tricity supply, please call free on 0600 7838 836,
24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Нам важен Ваш результат! MBA
шйїшіяід
Reading FINAL GENERAL TEST

READING QUESTIONS 1-7 READING AND WRITING QUESTIONS 8-14

Do the following statements agree with the The text below has seven sections, A-G.
information given in the text?
Choose the correct heading for each section
In boxes 1-7on your answer sheet, write from the list o f headings below.

TRUE if the statement agrees with the Write the correct number, i-x, in boxes 8-14 on
information your answer sheet.

FAESE if the statement contradicts the LIST OF HEADINGS

information
i. Re-heating
NOT GIVEN if there is no information on this ii. Foods with skins
iii. Keeping your own clean
iv. Standing time
1. Customers should inform Eastern Energy v. Rapid cooking times
of a change of address on arrival at their vi. Using a thermometer
new home. vii. Small quantities of food
viii. Deep fat frying
2. Customers are expected to read their own ix. Food low in moisture
gas or electricity meters. x. Liquids

3. It is now cheaper to use gas rather than

electricity as a form of heating. 1. Section A

4. Eastern Energy supplies energy to house­ 2. Section B

holds throughout the country.
3. Section C
5. The Energy Efficiency Line also handles
queries about energy supply. 4. Section D

6. All complaints about energy supply should 5. Section E

be made by phone.
6. Section F
7. Customers are not charged for the call
when they report a fault in supply« 7. Section G

MBA Нам важен Ваш результат!

283
иіі'ї т и т а www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua
FINAL GENERAL TEST Reading

READING

USING YOUR NEW MICROWAVE OVEN

SOME IMPORTANT POINTS TO NOTE

A. As microwave cooking times are much
shorter than other cooking times, it is
essential that recommended cooking times
are not exceeded without first checking the
food.
B. Take care when heating small amounts
of food as these can easily burn, dry out
or catch fire if cooked too long. Always set
short cooking times and check the food
frequently.
C. Take care when heating ‘dry’ foods, e.g.
bread items, chocolate and pastries. These
can easily burn or catch fire if cooked too
long.
F. When warming up food for a second time, it
is essential that it is served ‘piping hot’, i.e.
steam is being emitted from all parts and
any sauce is bubbling. For foods that can­
not be stirred, e.g. pizza, the centre should
be cut with a knife to test it is well heated
through.
G. It is important for the safe operation of the
oven that it is wiped out regularly. Use
warm, soapy water, squeeze the cloth out
well and use it to remove any grease or
food from the interior. The oven should be
unplugged during this process.

D. Some processed meats, such as sausages,

have non-porous casings. These must be
pierced by a fork before cooking, to pre­
vent bursting. Whole fruit and vegetables
should be similarly treated.

E. When heating soup, sauces or beverages

in your microwave oven, heating beyond
boiling point can occur without evidence
of bubbling. Care should be taken not to
overheat.

284 Нам важен Ваш результат! MBA

www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua sssssa
Reading
SECTION 2. Questions 15-27
Read the text below and answer Questions 15-20.
CHOOSING PREMISES FOR A N EW BUSINESS
What you need
Three factors dominate the priorities of small
businesses looking for premises: cost, cost and
cost. Nobody ever has enough money, so there
is an overwhelming temptation to go for the
cheapest property. It is a mistake that can dec­
ades to rectify - and even threaten the future of
a promising business.
Ironically some firms swing too far in the oth­
er direction, committing themselves to a heavy
initial outlay because they believe in the impor­
tance of image - and that does not come cheap.
Finding the right premises is the real secret.
That can, and will, vary enormously according
to the type of business.But there are some gen­
eral rules that apply to any operation.
Location
High street premises are important for shops
which rely on passing trade - but these are ex­
pensive. Rents fall quickly within a few meters
of main roads. Offices, however, need not be lo­
cated centrally, particularly if most business is
done on the phone or via email.
Manufacturing and storage relies heavily on
access. Think about how vans and lorries will
deliver and collect goods from th e ,premises.
Nearby parking can be important for staff, and
public transport can be even more so, as traffic
restrictions tighten.
MBA Haw Ba)KeH Baiu pesynbTaT!
p'iT;rxi—7i www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua
FINAL GENERAL TEST
Size
This is a crucial decision. Health and Safety
laws provide basic guidance on how much room
is required per office desk or manufacturing op­
eration. But remember to allow for growth.
Growth
Every small business aims to become a big busi­
ness, but this prospect can be obstructed if the
wrong decisions are made early on. It is impor­
tant to consider flexibility from the start. Can
a building be physically altered internally by
knocking down walls or by extending outwards
or adding extra floors? Is there spare land next
door to expand later if necessary?
Landlords obviously have to agree to any changes
so it is important that the contract includes de­
tails of what will be allowed and how much extra
will be charged on top of the costs of rebuilding
or alteration. Planning rules must also be con­
sidered. Local authorities are not always open
to discussion about the future of premises. They
may have rigid rules about increasing density of
development. The building may be in a conserva­
tion area or near housing, in which case it will be
much more difficult to consider changes.
285
FINAL GENERAL TEST Reading

READING QUESTIONS 15-20

Complete the sentences below.

Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from

the text for each answer.

Write your answers in boxes 15-20 on your

answer sheet.

1. Some people choose expensive premises

because they want to create an impressive
......................... for their company.

2. Businesses which depend on

......................... need to be on or near the
principal shopping areas.

3. Businesses which produce goods must

check there i s ..........................to the prem­
ises for delivery vehicles.

4. When choosing a building for your premis­

es, find out w hether......................... could
be removed to create more room.

5. Make sure that t h e ......................... states

what type of building alterations might be
permitted.

6. If business premises are located close to

......................... , extensions may not be
allowed.

286 Нан важен Ваш результат! MBA

www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua sssasi
Reading
Read the text below and answer Questions 21-27.
CALIFORNIA STATE COLLEGE
WORKING CONDITIONS AND BENEFITS FOR EMPLOYEES
Payday
Employeesare paid every other Friday. If Fri­
day is a holiday, payday will be the following
Monday. Generally, employees pick up the pay
checks in their department; if not, they may be
picked up at the Business Office.
Overtime
All time worked over eight hours in one day
and forty hours in a workweek, and also the
first eight hours worked on the seventh day of
work in a workweek is considered overtime for
non-exempt employees. The supervisor must
approve all overtime before overtime occurs.
Hours in excess of eight hours on the seventh
day and in excess o f twelve hours in one day will
be paid at double time. Exempt employees re­
ceive no additional compensation for overtime
hours.
Parking
All employees who will be parking in a staff
parking zone must obtain a parking permit. A
monthly pre-tax payroll deduction can be made
by visiting Human Resources. If you wish to pay
cash, present your staff I.D. and license number
to the Cashier’s Office. The Safety Department
will ticket cars without a parking permit and a
fine will be applied.
MBA Нам важен Ваш результат!
япттэтдгд www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua
FINAL GENERAL TEST
I.D. Card
All employees are required to carry an I.D. card.
If an employee loses his/her card, there will be
an automatic charge of $5.00 to issue a dupli­
cate. If an employee gives up employment, his/
her I.D. card must be returned prior to release
of final paycheck.
Holidays
All regular and temporary full-time employees
generally receive approximately 13 paid holi­
days during the course o f each calendar year.
Regular part-time employees will receive holi­
day benefits worked out using a prorated sys­
tem. The holiday schedule is initiated annually.
Personal Holiday
Each employee is granted one extra day as a
Personal Hobday at the time of hire, and at
the beginning of each calendar year. Personal
Holiday hours must be taken at one time (eight
hours full-time or prorated based on the em­
ployee’s time). Employees requesting Personal
Holiday will be required to complete ‘Leave Re­
quest’ forms. No more than one Personal Holi­
day is authorized annually.
Birthday Holidas'
All regular and temporary full-time or part-time
employees are entitled to take their birthday off
with pay. An employee has a fifteen-day span
before and following his/her birthday to take the
paid day off. What is known as a grace period
through January 15th is given to those employ­
ees whose birthdays fall between December 16th
and the end of the year.
287
FINAL GENERAL TEST Reading

QUESTIONS 21-27

Answer the questions below.

Choose NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS

from the text for each answer.

Write your answers in boxes 21-27 on your

answer sheet.

1. Where do most employees collect their

wages?

2. Who has to authorise any overtime an em­

ployee wishes to do?

3. Who is not paid extra for working more

than 40 hours a week?

4. Where should employees go if they wish

to have the parking charge taken off their
salary?

5. What method is used to calculate part-time

employees’ holiday?

6. Which documents must employees fill in to

select their Personal Holiday?

7. What is the name of the special entitle­

ment provided to employees with birthdays
in the second half of December?

Наи важен Ваш результат! МВД

288 www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua ва та та а
Reading
SECTION 3 Questions 28-40
Read, the text on pages 112 and 113 and answer Questions 28-40.
A VERY SPECIAL DOG
FLORENCE IS ONE OF A NEW BREED OF DOG WHO IS MAKING THE WORK OF THE AUS­
TRALIAN CUSTOMS MUCH EASIER.
It is 8.15 a.m. A flight lands at Melbourne’s
Tuilamarine International Airport. Several
hundred pieces of baggage are rushed from
the plane onto a conveyor belt in the baggage
reclaim annexe. Over the sound of roaring
engines, rushing air vents and grinding gen­
erators, a dog barks. Florence, a sleek black
labrador, wags her tail.
Among the cavalcade o f luggage passing
beneath Florence’s all-smelling nose, is a
nondescript hardback suitcase. Inside the
case, within styrofoam casing, packed in loose
pepper and coffee, wrapped in freezer paper
and heat-sealed in plastic, are 18 kilograms of
hashish.
The cleverly concealed drugs don’t fool su­
per-sniffer Florence, and her persistent
scratching at the case alerts her handler. Flor­
ence is one of a truly new breed: the product of
what is perhaps the only project in the world
dedicated to breeding dogs solely to detect
drugs. Ordinary dogs have a 0.1% chance of
making it in drug detection. The new breeding
programme, run by the Australian Customs,
is so successful that more than 50% of its dogs
make the grade.
And what began as a wholly practical exercise
MBA Нам важен Ваш результат!
ггагапря www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua
FINAL GENERAL TEST
in keeping illegal drugs out of Australia may
end up playing a role in an entirely different
sphere - the comparatively esoteric world of
neurobiology. It turns out that it’s not Flor­
ence’s nose that makes her a top drug dog, but
her unswerving concentration, plus a few other
essential traits. Florence could help neuro­
biologists to understand both w'hat they call
‘attention processing’, the brain mechanisms
that determine what a person pays attention
to and for how long, and its flip side, problems
such as Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disor­
der (ADHD). As many as 3 to 5% of children
are thought to suffer from the condition in the
US, where the incidence is highest, although
diagnosis is often controversial.
The Australian Customs has used dogs to find
drugs since 1969. Traditionally, the animals
came from pounds and private breeders. But,
in 1993, fed up with the poor success rate of
finding good dogs this way, John Vandeloo,
senior instructor with the Detector Dog Unit,
joined forces with Kath Champness. then a
doctoral student at the University of Mel­
bourne, and set up a breeding programme.
239
FINAL GENERAL TEST Reading

Champness began by defining six essential
traits that make a detector dog. First, every
good detector dog must love praise because this
is the only tool trainers have at their disposal,
but the dog must still be able to work for long
periods without it. Then it needs a strong hunt­
ing instinct and the stamina to keep sniffing at
the taxing rate of around 300 times per min­
ute. The ideal detector is also fearless enough
to deal with jam-packed airport crowds and the
roaring engine rooms o f cargo ships.
The remaining two traits are closely related
and cognitive in nature. A good detector must
be capable of focusing on the task of searching
for drugs, despite the distractions in any air­
port or dockside. This is what neurobiologists
call ‘selective attention’. And finally, with po­
tentially tens of thousands of hiding places for
drugs, the dog must persevere and maintain
focus for hours at a time. Neurobiologists call
this ‘sustained attention’.
Vandeloo and Champness assess the dogs’
abilities to concentrate by marking them on a
scale of between one and five according to how
well they remain focused on a toy tossed into a
patch of grass. Ivan scores a feeble one. He fol­
lows the toy, gets half-way there, then becomes
distracted by places where the other dogs have
been or by flowers in the paddock. Rowena, on
the other hand, has phenomenal concentration;
some might even consider her obsessive. When
Vandeloo tosses the toy, nothing can distract
her from the searching, not other dogs, not
food. And even if no one is around to encourage
her, she keeps looking just the same. Rowena
gets a five.
operator. Blips appear on a cluttered monitor
infrequently and at irregular intervals. Rapid
detection of all blips earns a high score. Five
minutes into the test, one in ten subjects will
start to miss the majority of the blips, one in
ten will still be able to spot nearly all of them
and the rest will come somewhere in between.
Vigilance tasks provide signals that are in­
frequent and unpredictable - which is exactly
what is expected of the dogs when they are
asked to notice just a few odour molecules in
the air, and then to home in on the source.
During a routine mail screen that can take
hours, the dogs stay so focused that not even
a postcard lined with 0.5 grams o f heroin and
hidden in a bulging sack of letters escapes
detection.
With the current interest in attentional pro­
cessing, as well as human conditions that
have an attention deficit component, such as
ADHD, it is predicted that it is only a matter
of time before the super-sniffer dogs attract the
attention of neurobiologists trying to cure these
conditions.

A person’s ability to pay attention, like a dog’s,

depends on a number of overlapping cognitive
behaviours, including memory and learning
- the neurobiologist's attention processing.
Attention in humans can be tested by asking
subjects to spot colours on a screen while ig­
noring shapes, or to spot sounds while ignoring
visual cues, or to take a ‘vigilance test’. Sitting
a vigilance test is like being a military radar

290 Нам важен Ваш результат! MBA

www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua итастаяд
Reading
READING AND WRITING QUESTIONS 28-32
Choose the correct letter, A, B, C or D.
Write the correct letter in boxes 28-32 on your
answer sheet.
28. The drugs in the suitcase
A. were hidden inside the lining.
B. had pepper and coffee around them.
C. had previously been frozen.
D. had a special smell to repel dogs.
29. Most dogs are not good at finding drugs
because
A. they don’t work well with a handler.
B. they lack the right training.
C. the drugs are usually very well hidden.
D. they lack certain genetic qualities.
30. Florence is a good drug detector because she
A. has a better sense o f smell than other
dogs.
B. is not easily distracted.
C. Chas been specially trained to work at
airports.
D. enjoys what she is doing.
31. Dogs like Florence may help scientists
understand
A. how human and dog brains differ.
B. how people can use both sides of their
brain.
C. why some people have difficulty paying
attention.
, 1
D. the best way for people to maintain
their focus.3
2 ADHD are now widely accepted.
32. In 1993, the Australian Customs
A. decided to use its own dogs again.
B. was successful in finding detector dogs.
C. changed the way it obtained dogs.
D. asked private breeders to provide more
dogs.
MBA Нам важен Ваш результат!
gafpîfraa www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua
FINAL GENERAL TEST
READING QUESTIONS 33-36
Choose FOUR letters, A-J.
Write the correct letters in boxes 33-36 on your
answer sheet.
The writer mentions a number of important
qualities that detector dogs must have.
Which FO U R of the following qualities are
mentioned by the writer o f the text?
A. a good relationship with people
B. a willingness to work in smelly conditions
C. quick reflexes
D. an ability to work in noisy conditions
E. an ability to maintain concentration
F. a willingness to work without constant
encouragement
G. the skill to And things in long grass
H. experience as hunters
I. a desire for people’s approval
J. the ability to search a large number of
places rapidly
READING QUESTIONS 37-40
Do the following statements agree with the
information given in the text?
In boxes 37-40 on your answer sheet, write
TRU E if the statement agrees with the
information
FALSE if the statement contradicts the
information
NOT GIVEN if there is no information on this
37. Methods of determining if a child has
38. After about five minutes of a vigilance test,
some subjects will still notice some blips.
39. Vigilance tests help improve concentration.
40. If a few grams of a drug are well concealed,
even the best dogs will miss them.
291
FINAL GENERAL TEST WRITING

WRITING

WRITING TASK 1
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

You have recently started work in a new company.

Write a letter to an English-speaking friend. In your letter

• explain why you changed jobs

• describe your new job
• tell him/her your other news

Write at least 150 words.

You do NOT need to write any address.

Begin your letter as follows:

Ъга'г,

WRITING TASK 2
You should spend about 40 minutes on this Write about the following topic:
task.

Some people prefer to live in a house, while others feel that there are more advantages
to living in an apartment.

Are there more advantages than disadvantages o f living in a house compared with
living in an apartment?

Give reasons for your answers and include any

relevant examples from your own knowledge or
experience.

Write at least 250 words.

Нам важен Ваш результат! MBA

www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua
SPEAKING FINAL GENERAL TEST

SPEAKING

PART 1 PART 3
The examiner asks the candidate about him/ Discussion topics:
herself, his/her home, work or studies and
other familiar topics. Reasons for daily travel

EXAMPLE Example questions:

Telephoning Why do people need to travel every day?

• How often do you make phone calls? Why /
Why not?
• Who do you spend most time talking to on
the telephone? Why?
• When do you think you’ll next make a tele­
phone call? Why?
• Do you sometimes prefer to send a text
message instead of telephoning?Why /Why
not?
What problems can people have when they are
on their daily journey, for example to work or
school? Why is this?
Some people say that daily journeys like these
will not be so common in the future. Do you
agree or disagree? Why?
Benefits of international travel

PART 2 Example questions:

What do you think people can learn from

Describe a journey [e.g. by car, by travelling to other countries? Why?
plane, boat] that you remember well.
Can travel make a positive influence to the
You should say: economy of a country? How?

• where you went Do you think a society can benefit if its

• how you travelled members have experience o f travelling to other
• why you went on the journey countries? In what ways?

and explain why you remember this

journey well.

You will have to talk about the topic for one

to two minutes. You have one minute to think
about what you are going to say. You can make
some notes to help you if you wish.

MBA Нам важен Ваш результат!

293
і „ :глн<л www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua
 ANSWER SHEETS

A
ANSWER
SHEETS

MBA Нам важен Ваш результат!

295
Еяззгагд www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua
ANSWER SHEETS

' 'Ш',//■* %/ФГ'&п'ф / My\X?'‘‘ ///'// '' Pa

YOUR NAME in CAPITAL

GAI23456
„ □
4;. ■' / ' : ^ ,х' f
ктrtgW V 1 ► І A A A J 1 * 1

Are you; Female"11 = Ма1е‘> =

Listening ng Listening Listening Listening

Module taker, і Acaaenwc ^ Oenerai Training

Matter 2 Marker t Band

; Ш Ш ( Innate %Ш 'Ф 17/40

Нам важен Ваш результат! MBA

296 www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua р-пяягезя
 ANSWER SHEETS

BRITISH
COUNCIL 3»idp UN 1VERSITYo f CAM ВR t DG1
ESOl Ежатташл»
---- ------ — ---

І____І____£____1____1____і____ І.......І..... і
iELTS Listening and Reading Answer Sheet

✓
jp. в .1 »: 4 5 8 1 8 9
Centre narafeec:
®еп» яшй be used1o ssropte* Ш *t»e. г ^ j .1, д. 4 5 T 8
f i 1 2 .3 4 5 8 . 7 S 9
»»as« wra jo«»r tun пап» т capital isaens. or tfe ime seaw: ft
6 1 2 3 4 $ 8
t
6 1 2 3 4 6 7
.'iS,
Tner< w?*s your sueags Candida® manber л ds*вехе» але
snadeШе ruT?osf ir Us*gtiaonIt« figlit ^
'
I s f 4 S «: 7 1 9

Test date .;macs ONE cox ftr tie Say. ONE boss for ш« morrtft and ONE so* lor 5!» wan;
Day; 61 ■02 83 04 85 OS
/ ■ ? ! ? / ~ ? "f
m 8Є 09 £2222
,""2 a ssa
10 2722*
11 £2222
12 2222*
13 Й14Я £2222 IS £2222
15 £2£S 17 £2223
18 £2<2'2
19 22223*
20 £“21 22 23 24 25 28 27 28 29 30 31
23 £223 £2222 £2222 £2223 £2223 Ї2222 S2222 £223 £22221

Month: ЖЖШШШШЖШЖЖЖЖ Year і зві 2 sgts 2m 22 210 11£2. і d13/ ^14^ 15 1« /17, <t$
22 tr 2,.

Listening Listening Listening Listening Listening Listening

1 Т f 21
/ 2 Ж
2 22
3 <' *• 23
з

4 / 4 4 24 / Щ V.

5 / 8 # 25 ; -
6 ✓ % ж 26 ,< 2S- *

7 27 / II Ы
L 7і
8 , і ІГ 28 / ж %

9 / І5 Ж 29 V ’2В 4

10 J ■<« К зо / Ж г

11 •/ 11 Ж 31 4 ЗІ 4

12 /■ 12 £ 32 4' Ш 4

13 т ''3- * 33 4 ВЗ 4

14 / « к 34 , Ж *

15 IS « 35 *г 2S- 4
,і / Ж 36
16 ' • /
17 ,/■ f? 4 37 4 - 37 і
✓ «8 Jf / jg. if
18 38
19 £_ **:* 39 * я* *

./ -IS * ** 41 #
20 40

A
і .’.............- . _ . _ ......................... ........... ........................ .... .... ............ ..................-...........-...
M a in er 2 h ta rte r 1 U s t e n in e f
ІізШвй- нова
той Л

MBA Нам важен Ваш результат!

297
ГДТЛ5ПГ5ГД www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua
ANSWER SHEETS

P im u i ш т у ш ? Ш і т т ш C A P IT A L . b e t t e r * ш v * ? 1m® b m k m i

■Рїтщ ш ш у ш ї ЩшуШ Шв гштШшгйп. Щш Шш шткзж

Р 'іт ш т%м уштШ тв Ф%л\т%рщш ©ad«

тМшЬщ%т.яШshade іш тжШшжтШ
1 ш
щгШт. ШтпфЬ

Are you: Female? = Male?

Moduletaten клал гвб>лй Academic = General Training =

Ш » 4< ШУ

1 У * 1
21 У 21 4

2 / a
tr~J
#
fC3
22 У
тай:
22 4
таг

У 2J. Ж
3 a
CC2
3- Ж
SC3
23 таг тата

/, 3 Ж
4 24 У
тага
14 У
таг?

5 zzzzz zxez 25 У 2* 4

6 л і к
26 Л Ä *

7 ./ / ж
27 /
каа*
2? *
«кг*

8 лйй»; «xs? 28 >2 2f- *

/ 2« I
9 / a 4
29
У зс- 4'
10 30
-У Ж
11 / If ж
31
, ; ж 22. 4
12 «та та» 32
У ' 4
13 /
таз
* Ä IC
era 33 гтаг ста

-У У , 4
14 *
таг
1 s a
ста 34 тага ста

/ 1Ь: ж / м Ж
15 тата ста 35
ж зж ж.
16 У у
36
У ' - Ж. У 5/ 4
17 37 сс? сс?

*• '- Ж
18 а
38 ста ста
, " t ------
: га ш У ;t#. 4
19 ста тата 30
У 2Q Ж У 41 4
20 та» ста 40

Marts« 2 1 М ал« 1 Вал» Readme

Imuatt ІЛЙЯІВ Srare Шт

298 Нам важен Ваш результат! MBA

www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua рпадтегя
 ANSWER SHEETS

INTERNATIONAL EN G LISH LA N G U A G ET EST IN G SY ST EM

• • BRITISH J L « rin U N IV E R S IT Y of C A M B R ID G E
• • C O U N C IL E S O L Exam inations

WRITING ANSWER BOOKLET

Candidate Name:......... ................................. . Candidate Number:

Centre Number:................................................... .....Date:

Module: ACADEMIC GENERAL TRAINING (Tick as appropriate)

TASK 1

EXAMINERS USE ONLY

EXAMINER 2 NUMBER: ....

CANDIDATE NUMBER:....................................... EXAMINER 1 NUMBER:

MBA Нам важен Баш результат!

299
m-ii'оснзгп www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua
ANSWER SHEETS

■2-

EXAMtNER’S USE ONLY

Нам важен Ваш результат! MBA

300 www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua г-ікташ і
 ANSWER SHEETS

TASK 2 -з-

A,

EXAMINER’S USE ONLY

MBA Нам важен Ваш результат!

301
www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua
ANSWER SHEETS

■4—

EXAMINER 2
TASK 2

EXAMINER 1
TASK 2

302 Нам важен Ваш результаті MBA

www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua рга-таздя
 ANSWER SHEETS

INTERNATIONAL EN G LISH LA N G U A G ET E S T IN G S Y ST EM

• • BRITISH % iHn U N IV E R S IT Y of C A M B R ID G E
••COUNCIL zà M P E S O L Exam inations

WRITING ANSWER BOOKLET

Candidate Name:........ .................... ................. . Candidate Number:........... .......... .

Centre Number:..................... ......... ......................... Date: ........... .......... ........... ....... .

Module: ACADEMIC E U GENERAL TRAINING E H (Tick as appropriate)

TASK 1

EXAMINER'S USE ONLY

EXAMINER 2 NUMBER:

CANDIDATE NUMBER:..................... .............. . EXAMINER 1 NUMBER:

MBA Нам важен Ваш результат! 303

еттйгетд www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua
ANSWER SHEETS

- 2 -

EXAMINER’S USE ONLY

MO-От
VtÜR&S

EXAMINER 2 ТА СС LR GRA QHM OPIC ж ы яяве & U Æ Ç m t£

TASK 1

EXAMINER 1 ТА СС LR GRA UNÜEaUEWSTH

ДО OF
’/*3RDS PGM KTf

TASK 1 OFF-TOPSC UEMOPSSED LLZCÆ LZ

304 Нам важен Ваш результат! MBA

www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua кціШіаіа
 ANSWER SHEETS

TASK 2 3-

EXAMINER'S USE ONLY

MBA Нам важен Ваш результат!

305
рдзйггяа www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua
ANSWER SHEETS

—4 —

EXAMINER'S USE ONLY

tm c f
UNDȆEMQrM
WORDS
EXAMINER 2
TASK 2 TR CC LR GRA O ÎF-Т Ш Є ІУКМСКЮШ Ш Ш :

EXAMINER 1 NO CF

TASK 2 TR CC LR GRA UMaERLEftfâTH

w ords
F B ttO Y

G R F -T tF ^ иаиюиаш с ів а ш с Е

306 Нам важен Ваш результат! MBA

www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua і
 ANSWER SHEETS

INTERNATIONAL EN G LISH LA N G U A G E TESTIN G SY ST EM

• • BRITISH % И п U N IV E R S IT Y o f C A M B R ID G E
• • COUNCIL f ît iS P E S O L Exam inatio n s

WRITING ANSWER BOOKLET

Candidate Name: ....................................... ............ Candidate Number:

Centre Number: Date:

Module: ACADEMIC GENERAL TRAINING (Tick as appropriate)

TASK 1

EXAMINER’S USE ONLY

EXAMINER 2 NUMBER:

CANDIDATE NUMBER:..... ...»............................. EXAMINER 1 NUMBER;

MBA Нам важен Ваш результат!

307
ипттэтдгя www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua
ANSWER SHEETS

- 2-

EXAMINER’S USE ONLY

MO OF
т ю єт т в х н ір е й ж л у

EXAMINER2 ТА СО LR G RA QFF-TQPZC Ш Ж Ж Я ЕЯ і IJUE<3HL£

TASK t

EXAMINER 1 ТА сс LR G RA «С И О в *& Ш З І

TASK 1
о я & іср ч с НЕМЮННЕО LLSQBLE

308 Нам важен Ваш результат! MBA

www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua

Л
 ANSWER SHEETS

TASK 2

EXAMINER’S USE ONLY

MBA Нам важен Ваш результат!

309
www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua
ANSWER SHEETS

•4-

EXAMINER’S USE ONLY

Ш GF
UNDS«JEM3IH PSÈALTf
Ш СШ
EXAMÏNER2
TASK 2 TR CC LR GRA cw w rgw c Ш Ю Ш Ш Ш ВАЖ

EXAMINER 1 W CF

TASK 2 TR CC LR GRA WGHBB

ГШ АШ Г

OFF-TORC М Ш 0Я5Ш &JJEÜ®L£

310 Нам важен Ваш результат! MBA

www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua їздгтеї'зчк»
 EXAMINNERS' COMMENTS

EXAMINNERS'
COMMENTS

MBA Нам важен Ваш результат!

www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua
EXA M IN ER S' COMMENTS
EC 1 (p. 66)
The student has addressed all the parts of the
task statement fairly well. The information is
organized nicely and conveyed coherently. The
grammar and sentence formation are mostly
fine, with only minor improvements needed.
The range of vocabulary is adequate for the
requirements of the task response. Overall,
this letter is a very good one, and seems worthy
of Band 8.
EC 2 (p. 67)
The candidate has fairly addressed all the
parts of the task statement. The information
is organized well and conveyed coherently.
The level of formality is suitable for a personal
letter. In terms o f sentence formation the
writer has done well. The range of vocabulary
is adequate for the requirements o f the task
response, although there are minor problems
with word choice and grammar (bring the
mouse over the words in blue to see suggested
corrections). Overall, this letter is a good one,
and seems worthy of Band 8.
EC 3 (p. 68)
The student’s response covers the task
question very well, the sentences have good
structure, the level of formality is adequate
and the vocabulary is suitable for the purpose.
Some expressions would sound better in
different wording. Overall, this letter is a very
good one, and seems worthy o f Band 8.5.
EC 4: (p. 73)
The answer clearly addresses all the bullet
points from the question. The writer gives
reasons why the letter is being written and
why the increase is considered unfair, and
then goes on to explain what he wants the
company to do to resolve the situation. The
writer expands on his ideas by giving extra
details. For example, he explains that he has
had insurance for seven years and never had
312
www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua
an accident, and he also explains how the
increase will affect him i.e. result in a 20% rise
in his payments. It is important when writing
a letter to give extra information to support the
letter whilst remaining on topic. The tone of
the letter is well-controlled, with appropriate
opening (Dear Sir / Madam) and closing (Yours
faithfully) phrases, and further phrases that
ensure the formal letter still remains polite (I
understand that..., I’m afraid..., I look forward
to hearing from you...) despite the fact that it
is a letter o f complaint. There are some other
good examples of phrases appropriate to a
semi-formal or formal letter (As you will be
aware..., I w'ould therefore like you to...).
EC 5 ip. 81)
Task achievement: The model answer presents
an overall description first, followed by key
supporting details that illustrate the main
trend.
Coherence and cohesion: The model answer
is divided into clear paragraphs and each
paragraph contains one main idea. There
are cohesive links between paragraphs. A
variety of reference links are used throughout,
including the former, the latter, and
respectively.
Lexical resource: The language in the question
is effectively paraphrased. Synonyms are
introduced for key concepts such as electricity
consumption > energy use and cost > expense.
Some less-common words such asdiscrepancies
and energy-intensive are used.
Grammatical range and accuracy: The model
answer is free from grammatical errors.
Sentences tend to consist of multiple clauses.
Paragraphs contain a variety o f sentence
structures.
EC 6 (p. 89)
Task achievement: The model answer describes
the overall trend first, followed by an analysis
Нам важен Ваш результат! MBA
і

of the different energy sources. Numerical
evidence is used sparingly to illustrate the
trends. The main trends are used as the basis
of a prediction in the final sentence.
o ic
Coherence and cohesion: Trends ai-e explained
in general terms first, followed by supporting
figures. Some energy sources are grouped
together for ease of understanding. It and this
are used throughout as cohesive devices, and
the writer uses the former and the latter to refer
back to information in a previous sentence.
Lexical resource: The writer uses a wide
range of vocabulary to describe change,
including adjectives and adverbs such as
limited, substantial and particularly sharp,
and verbs such as doubled, slipped and
emerged. Grammatical range and accuracy:
The model answer is free from grammatical
errors. Sentence forms are complex and include
relative clauses and linking words such as
with. The candidate makes use of past, present
and future tenses. Punctuation is also used
carefully and accurately throughout.
EC 7 (p. 97)
Task achievement: The introduction
paraphrases the question and describes the
constituent parts of the process. The body
describes each stage of the process in sequence.
Coherence and cohesion: The model answer
has an introduction, body and conclusion.
Sequencing expressions such as first of all,
then and after are used appropriately. The
articles a and the are used effectively to
introduce and refer back to different elements
of the process.
Lexical resoui’ce: The labels in the diagram
are wmll integrated into the model answer and
appropriate verbs such as converted, flows
and leaves are used throughout. Less-common
words such as byproducts and renewable are
introduced by the w-riter. Spelling is always
accurate.
MBA Най важен Ваш результат!
w,'rSi=.^À www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua
EXAMINNERS' COMMENTS
Grammatical range and accuracy: The writer
uses the present simple tense and has good
control of subject-verb agreement and active/
passive forms. A good balance of simple and
complex sentences is used throughout
EC 8, p. 98 (9.0)
Task achievement: The model answer fully
satisfies all requirements of the task by
describing each stage in the process.
Coherence and cohesion: The model answer
uses a range of sequencing expressions to
describe the order in which the actions should
be carried out. The answer is divided into
several paragraphs for ease of understanding,
with the inclusion of a general sentence —Now’
comes the trickiest part o f the process —to aid
coherence.
Lexical resource: A range of appropriate
vocabulary is introduced, including action
verbs such as knot, bend, passand adjust.
Grammatical range and accuracy: The correct
forms - imperatives, modals - are used to give
instructions. Sentence patterns vary and are
always grammatically accurate.
EC 9, p. 99 (8.0)
Task achievement: The model answer selects
and describes most components of the diagram
except for waste products and ocean uptake.
There is an overall description of the cycle
followed by a clearly sequenced and divided
description of the stages. The summary
identifies something noteworthy about the
diagram. The length is sufficient.
Coherence and cohesion: The model answer
is divided into clear paragraphs with a logical
separation between the body paragraphs
and connective markers first, then, however,
and overall. There is a general overview in
paragraph 1 and a summary in paragraph 4-.
Referencing techniques such as ellipsis (one
313
EXAMINNERS' COMMENTS
is...) are used to avoid over- repetition o f key
words.
Lexical resource: The writer makes good use
of the language in the diagram and is also
able to change forms in the case o f respiration
> respire. The writer also introduces a range
of verbs for describing a process or cycle such
astransform, transfer and release.
Grammatical range and accuracy: The model
answer demonstrates accurate usage of a
wide range of forms including countable/
uncountable nouns, active/passive structures,
and transitive/intransitive verbs.
EC 10, p.100 (8.0)
Task achievement: The model answer selects
only the most important information from the
diagram and uses this to make several direct
comparisons. The physical differences are
clearly connected to the description of each
creatures’s lifestyle, providing a very rounded
answer. The length is sufficient.
Coherence and cohesion: The model answer
is divided into clear paragraphs with a logical
separation between the body paragraphs.
There is a general overview in paragraph 1 and
a summary in paragraph 4. A reference link,
the former, is used to avoid over-repetition of
the names of the creatures.
Lexical resource: The model answer adds
more vocabulary not in the diagram such as
lifestyle,proportionately, suited, appearance
and contemporary. There are also attempts
to paraphrase such as wide > brohdand
endurance > long-distance.
Grammatical range and accuracy: The
model answer uses comparative structures
accurately. The temptation to list all the
features in repetitive structures is avoided.
A variety of grammatical devices are used to
extend sentences, including with, which and
-ing clauses.
314
www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua
EC 11, p.107 (7.0)
This answer clearly presents the key features
of the diagrams, and although the first map
is described only briefly, this is acceptable
for this particular task. The description is
accurate though some aspects, such as the
section on the accommodation, could have
been more fully extended. The final paragraph
summarizes the main points effectively. The
information is logically organizes and can be
easily followed throughout the response. A
range o f cohesive devices including reference
and substitution is used appropriately, with
only occasional inaccuracies. Some less
common vocabulary and collocations are used
appropriately, e.g central reception block;
western accommodation units, and there
are no spelling errors. There is a variety of
grammatical structures and many sentences
contain no inaccuracies. Where errors do occur,
they do not affect understanding.
EC 12 (p.121)
Why does this Task 2 answer get an IELTS
Band 9 score?
Task response: The model answer fully
answers the question by stating several
arguments both for and against the expansion
of higher education. The candidate’s position is
clearly expressed in the conclusion. The style
is appropriate to academic writing and the
answer is at least 250 words in length.
Coherence and cohesion: The model answer
has an introduction and conclusion. Each
body paragraph deals with a different side of
the argument and begins with a clear topic
sentence. Arguments are developed with logical
connectives such as therefore and furthermore.
Lexical resource: There is a good range of
vocabulary suited to an argument essay,
including reporting verbs like claim and
suggest, and hedging verbs like can and
appear. There is native-like collocation
Нам важен Ваш результат! MBA

throughout, including growing prosperity,
enter the workplace and severely restricted.
Grammatical range and accuracy: The model
answer uses a wide range of grammatical
devices appropriate to academic writing. These
include conditionals (If...), participle clauses
(..., increasing the...), concessive clauses (while
it can...) and passive constructions (...it can
be argued that...). There are no grammatical
errors.
EC 13, (p. 123
Why does this Task 2 answer get an IELTS
B an d 8 score?
Task response: The introduction effectively
paraphrases the question and presents a clear
opinion. The writer’s opinion is supported in
the body of the essay. Concrete examples are
given. The conclusion restates the writer’s
opinion and ends with a recommendation.
Coherence and cohesion: The model answer is
divided into clear paragraphs and each body
paragraph contains one main idea. There are
cohesive links between all paragraphs and
between most sentences.
Lexical resource: The key concept of space
exploration is paraphrased several times.
There are many words characteristic
of academic writing such as originated,
imperative, and foresee. Vocabulary is used
with a strong awareness of collocation: take
for granted, develop the capability, accept the
challenge. Grammatical range and accuracy:
The model answer is free from grammatical
errors. A good balance of simple and complex
sentences is used to develop an argument. Verb
tenses vary', and other grammatical devices
such as conditionals and modals are used with
high accuracy.
4
MBA Нам важен Баш результат!
FtsSregH www.mbastrategy.ru |www.mbastrategy.ua
EXAMINNERS' COMMENTS
E C 1-4 (p. 125)
Why does this Task 2 answer get an IELTS
B an d 8 score?
Task response: The model answer fully
answers the question by stating two distinct
problems caused by the internet together with
relevant solutions to each problem. The serious
nature of each problem is illustrated with
examples. The style is appropriate to academic
writing and the answer is at least 250 words in
length.
Coherence and cohesion: The introduction
contains a clear thesis statement. Each body
paragraph deals with a different problem
and its solution. Examples are signalled
with logical connectives like for example
and such as. The conclusion contains a clear
recommendation which follows from the body.
Lexical resource: There are many instances
of higher-level vocabulary such as prohibited,
verified and oppressive. Examples of good
collocation include prejudices a fair trial and
tackle the problems.
There are no spelling errors and correct word
forms are used throughout. Grammatical range
and accuracy: The candidate uses a wide range
o f conjunctions to link ideas into more complex
sentences. Where necessary, the candidate
uses a shorter sentence to emphasise a point
more strongly. Verb tenses, including modals,
are always accurate. Punctuation is handled
skillfully throughout.
315
ЕС