Text one

Read the article by Sonia Klug.

E-bikes are the Answer

We have grown used to cars dominating city life in Britain, but if we look elsewhere, many cities
have done a fantastic job in decreasing their reliance on cars. In Amsterdam, half of all journeys
are by bicycle and in Copenhagen, 41 per cent of people cycle to work or school, as opposed to
2.5 per cent in London.

In cities like these, e-bikes have become the norm and they play an essential part in making
cycling accessible. All types of people are embracing them for everyday use, from grocery
shopping to commuting. They are quick and convenient, relatively cheap and improve physical
and even mental health.

There is also a body of research that shows that cycling (e-assisted or not) can solve some of
our most serious problems. Not only would people feel the health benefits of increased activity,
but cities would be less likely to come to a halt at busy times. Also, greater uptake of cycling
would reduce carbon dioxide emissions helping to slow global warming and to lessen air
pollution.

Yet in Britain only an estimated 60,000 e-bikes were sold in 2018, compared to one million in the
Netherlands, where they now outsell conventional bicycles. In Germany, nearly a million were
sold in the first six months of 2019 alone; a third of households either own one, or plan to buy
one in the next year. Why is Britain lagging so far behind other European countries when it
comes to making the most of this technology?

E-bikes appeared in the 1990s and have gone from initially being thought of as embarrassing to
being readily accepted in some countries. Gone are big engines that look like boxes stuck to the
back wheel. Smaller batteries and engines are now often part of the bicycle frame, resulting in
lighter and more efficient-looking e-bikes. The lightest weigh only 11 kilogrammes and do not
even look like e-bikes. From stylish designer versions to folding and mountain e-bikes,
manufacturers have brought out a wide range of products that cater for every user. E-cargo
bikes are also increasingly used to get around with children, as well as for deliveries by local
businesses.

While cycling with an e-bike may not be as much of a workout as cycling on a conventional bike,
studies show that people who use e-bikes tend to use them more and for longer trips, meaning
they do more exercise overall. I can certainly see how this is possible. E-bikes also improve
wellbeing and brain function in older adults, as well as helping people with mobility issues get
around.
To get a true feel for the capacity of bicycles to transform cities, e-assisted or otherwise, you
have to spend some time in a cycle-friendly city that feels more spacious, human centred,
cleaner and calmer. Getting from one place to another is pleasant and relaxing, rather than a
stressful experience.

Of course, beyond benefits to the individuals, e-bikes have the potential to lessen our
dependence on cars. Studies have shown that people who were loaned an e-bike reduced their
car usage, even in the short term. A greater uptake would also reduce Britain’s air pollution
problems.

Despite the benefits of e-bikes, due to a lack of awareness, most people in Britain have never
even considered using one. For those that have, the cost of buying one is a negative factor. The
British Cycling Association has looked into this issue and concluded that offering people help
with the cost of buying an e-bike would encourage more people to get one.

The biggest obstacle to more people cycling is the lack of a safe infrastructure, including cycle
parking and separate cycle lanes. The majority of people simply feel that it is too dangerous to
cycle on the roads. However, many motorists react angrily when additional road space is
allocated to cyclists. They get frustrated having to share more of the road with them as this
means they spend more of their time sitting in traffic.

Luckily, attitudes seem to be changing. Bicycle shop owners report more interest in e-bikes, with
significantly more people saying they would be comfortable riding one. There is predicted to be
a 30 per cent increase in sales. There are various electric cycle hire schemes in London, and
initial uptake seems encouraging. The government is also becoming more proactive by
encouraging the purchase of e-bikes as part of the Cycle to Work Scheme and providing
interest-free loans for their purchase.

Of course, e-bikes are not as comfortable or as exciting as futuristic transport solutions, such as
self-driving electric cars. However, in the short term, they are the only realistic choice for most
people to own an electrical vehicle.

Complete this summary of the text using your own words

The popularity of cycling and e-bikes varies from one country to another. Studies have
highlighted the positive impact on (1) ........ in those countries where cycling is more common.
Sonia Klug is (2) ..... about why e-bike use in Britain is not as developed as in other countries.
There is now a good (3) .... of e-bikes to choose from – with something for everybody. However,
for (4) .... reasons, changes do need to be made to infrastructure. Sonia believes that people’s
way of (5) .... is definitely changing in Britain and e-bike use is set to increase.
Text two

Music Festivals

Music festivals around the world continue to become more popular with each passing year. But
what is causing this growth in popularity when music is so easy to find on the internet?

It is simple and cheap to listen to a huge range of music on everyday devices. However, I’m of
the opinion that people choose to attend music festivals for the experience more than anything
else. Organisers have responded to this. They have learned to improve the experience of live
performances with more stalls, activities and other added extras.

Compared to other events, such as concerts, festivals have adapted much more successfully to
changes in people’s demand for live music. Even tickets for the biggest, most expensive music
festivals cost roughly as much as one might spend on a typical one-artist concert. Although
festival prices are on the increase, a ticket for a live music festival in Britain currently costs, on
average, £150.

The improved quality of festivals has played its part in the high numbers of ticket sales. In
addition, as you and I would expect, social media campaigns have helped in promoting these
events. Many artists now find it hard to earn the same amount they might once have had from
traditional album sales. Therefore, artists have moved towards taking part in a greater number
of live performances.

In recent years, the amount of money companies have spent on sponsoring music festivals has
reached billions. It’s easy to see why companies would think it’s a good idea to use part of their
budget to support public events. This helps to raise their profile and increase brand awareness.
Sponsorship of live music events is on the rise, with the power to change festivals from local to
international events.

Businesses have always known the value of interacting with their target markets. Social media
and other marketing tools have turned every event into a clear opportunity to advertise. The
importance of brand loyalty and social media has grown rapidly, or at least, the understanding of
its role and importance has. It comes as no surprise to me that the way businesses market
themselves and their brands has therefore changed.

One example is the use of a photo booth at Chicago-based festival Lollapalooza. Those who
attended the festival were able to create an animated photo, or GIF, that could be shared on
social media using hashtag #BestLollaEver. This brought added value to the user as well as
spreading awareness of the company sponsoring the photo booth.

There’s also a strong argument to be made that the increase in music festival attendance is very
much linked to how this generation enjoy themselves. Definitely, for me, their approach to life is
exciting and different. Millennials* enjoy sharing rather than having individual ownership. They
love having new and unique experiences to share on social media and enjoy being the first to
experience a band that no one has ever heard of or seen before. They also like knowing they’re
making a contribution to local communities.

Millennial trends have been very influential in increasing the number of music festivals over the
last decade. Glastonbury, a British festival, averaged 100,000 attendees in the early 2000s but
today hosts over 200,000 people. Most of those who attend are under 30 years old. Those aged
18–24 are responsible for creating the biggest online buzz about the event.

Mobile device users are lucky enough to be able to capture whatever they are doing in
real-time. They can then share their festival experience as it happens on social media. As most
festivals last a minimum of three days, people do have the chance to see what they’re missing
and rush to get in. This in turn means even more people talking about the event and more
people making sure they attend because of the fear of missing out.

Before social media, sadly, it was possible for people who would love to attend an event never
to hear about it, or only hear about it long after it happened. Today, thankfully, even the most
reclusive fans hear all about their favourite bands performing the very day that the line-up goes
public via social media. Other fans then mention their attendance, drawing in more of their
family and friends. It’s great that nobody has to miss out any more.

There’s money to be made from festivals and more people are hearing about them. The perfect
combination of millennial trends and technology has made music festivals boom in attendance,
visibility and overall quality. It’s anyone’s guess how long this might last or when it might fade –
for now, I think you should expect to see each year being better than the last. * Millennials –
people reaching young adulthood in the early 21st century.

Complete this summary of the text using your own words

Music festivals are increasing in number with more and more people attending. There are a
number of (1) .... that have contributed to this growth. The way millennials think and how they
approach (2) ... in general is very different to previous generations. According to Emily Hill,
people now attend music festivals mainly for the (3) .... Music festivals have also become big (4)
... opportunities as companies have realised their potential. Emily Hill believes that the
popularity of music festivals will (45) ... with each passing year.

Text three

Are We Losing the British High Street?

Many stores that typically used to be found on high streets have been closed down and the
owners forced out of business. This is because the business models being used by these
retailers no longer work. Although empty shops are clearly visible on our high streets, there is
still some hope for their future. The growing popularity of coffee shops and the arrival of concept
stores, where retailers sell a range of their own products aimed at a certain lifestyle, could help
high streets to flourish once more. In addition, automated shopping, and the convenience this
brings, is becoming more common. I believe that people definitely do still like to visit high streets
even though online shopping is a popular alternative.

In the future, high streets are going to function more as social hubs. The impact of this will be a
rise in the number of places that offer the opportunity to socialise with friends and family and a
fall in the number of traditional shops. In years to come, stores will offer their customers a range
of functions, including coffee shops. Instead of the focus being only on selling products, areas
where people can meet each other will be available, while also offering pick-up points for online
purchases.

Concept stores and showrooms can be found in various locations around Britain. Not only are
products displayed by the retailers, but shoppers are encouraged to try them. Unlike traditional
shops, where the main focus is on customers buying something, these stores are interactive,
making them more of a place to try products and somewhere to spend time. I must say, I have
been known to spend hours in these kinds of stores. There is a store in my local area, where
you can try out their vacuum cleaners or get advice from experts on how best to use different
hairdryers. Not too far away, there is a kitchen store and showroom, where you are invited to
watch free cookery demonstrations and even participate in group cookery classes. This is the
perfect opportunity to use kitchen gadgets before buying. With the increasing popularity of
online shopping, it is likely that concept stores will grow in number, giving people the chance to
try before buying online.

People have welcomed the ease of making purchases with contactless payment cards. Now,
developments in technology that remove the need to queue and pay are going to further change
our shopping experiences. One example of such technology is the Scan-Pay-Go app or
pay-in-the-aisle technology, which allows customers to use their smartphones to scan and pay
for items. This technology is currently being trialled by some supermarkets, with the intention of
making it available across all their stores if successful. It is with some sadness that I accept
these changes as we are losing opportunities to chat with others. This is particularly important to
those such as the elderly or those who live alone, who may not have much social interaction.

Taking things one step further, a queue-less shop has been launched in America. This store is
completely automated and has no self-check-out facilities. After choosing the items you want,
you simply leave. The store, which has cameras that record what you have picked out, then
charges your account when you leave.

It is predicted that smaller, traditional convenience stores will continue to do well while large
superstores will slowly disappear. Furniture and car retailers will be able to take advantage of
technology and offer virtual reality experiences in smaller stores, as opposed to large
showrooms, and on their online and mobile platforms. Shoppers are looking for more individual
products, which has encouraged a growth in the number of independent stores and temporary
‘pop-up’ shops. Shopping areas are also seeking to offer something a little different to attract
more visitors and this is not achievable if every local high street is selling the same brands.
London’s Oxford Street is undergoing significant changes. You will be glad to hear that, at last,
parts of the street will finally be pedestrianised to create a more relaxed atmosphere. A large
department store that recently closed down now offers a wealth of opportunities. This empty
building will soon offer an exciting combination of smaller retail outlets, cafes and entertainment.
There are plans for the basement to be transformed into an enormous food hall and for the first
floor to house a crazy golf experience. Just a short distance away, a ‘smart street’ has been
created, featuring ‘pop-up’ shops and ethical brands, and stores equipped with the latest
technologies.

The aim is to create a high street with a specific identity, and to me, it looks as though we are
moving in the right direction.

Complete this summary of the text using your own words

The way we shop is changing rapidly and this is having an impact on British high streets. It is
predicted that the number of (1) ... outlets will decrease over time. According to Sally Ron, a
number of companies are already meeting (2) ... needs by taking into account the role of
technology. Some companies will move to smaller (3) ... and there will be an increased focus on
offering something different. Shoppers are now more (4) ... about the range of shopping
opportunities available to them. Sally Ron feels the changes taking place will (5) ... both high
streets and shoppers.