Converzum Name:

BMC Given Grade: (30: )

Pre-intermediate Time: 90 minutes

Reading (30: )

I. Read the following text and answer the following questions:

Unusual Occupations

In every corner of the globe, there exist peculiar and extraordinary occupations that often go unnoticed. From
professional mourners to professional cuddlers, today’s society is filled with individuals who have found their niche in
the most unconventional of professions.

In Japan, there exists a unique service known as "rent-a-relative." This job involves hiring actors to pose as family
members for various occasions, such as weddings, funerals, or even just for company. Whether it's a need for a fake
spouse to impress coworkers or a stand-in grandparent for a family gathering, these actors provide the illusion of familial
connection for a fee.

Traveling to the United States, we encounter another intriguing job title: professional mermaid. Found primarily in tourist
destinations with a beach or pool, professional mermaids entertain guests by swimming gracefully underwater while
adorned in elaborate mermaid costumes. These performers bring joy and enchantment to visitors of all ages, making
dreams of encountering a real-life mermaid a reality, albeit in a slightly unconventional form.

Meanwhile, in Scotland, there exists the peculiar role of a "tattie picker." Tatties, or potatoes, are harvested by individuals
who meticulously comb through fields, gathering the potatoes by hand. Despite advancements in technology, some
farmers still rely on the expertise of tattie pickers to ensure a bountiful harvest. This physically demanding job not only
provides essential income but also fosters a deep connection to the land and its bounty.

Venturing to India, one may encounter the curious profession of a "wedding detective." In a country where arranged
marriages are still prevalent, families often hire wedding detectives to investigate potential suitors and ensure they are
who they claim to be. These detectives discreetly gather information about the bride or groom, including their
employment history, financial status, and personal habits, providing families with peace of mind before entering into
matrimonial arrangements.

These are just a few examples of the many strange and wonderful jobs that exist around the world. While these
occupations may seem unusual to some, they serve as a testament to the diversity of human ingenuity and the myriad
ways in which individuals find fulfillment and purpose in their work.

1. What does the passage primarily focus on?

2. Where can one typically find professional mermaids?

3. What is the main task of a tattie picker?

4. What is the purpose of hiring a wedding detective in India?

5. Which job do you like the most? why?

6. Is there an unusual job you know?

7. Do you think the information in the text is true?

II. Choose the correct answer.

8. What is the profession known as "rent-a-relative" primarily used for?

 A) Providing counseling services
 B) Impressing coworkers
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 C) Providing the illusion of family members
D) Renting out living spaces
9. Where can one typically find professional mermaids?
 A) In office buildings
 B) In amusement parks
 C) In the desert
 D) In the mountains
10. What is the main task of a tattie picker?
 A) Picking strawberries
 B) Harvesting potatoes
 C) Planting flowers
 D) Milking cows
11. What is the purpose of hiring a wedding detective in India?
 A) To investigate potential suitors
 B) To plan the wedding ceremony
 C) To perform at the wedding reception
 D) To take wedding photographs
12. What does the passage primarily focus on?
 A) Unconventional professions around the world
 B) Traditional jobs in rural areas
 C) The history of farming techniques
 D) Popular tourist attractions

III. Use FIVE of the following words/expressions in sentences.

Peculiar, Conventional, Intriguing, discreetly, enchant, venture

13. .
14. .
15. .
16. .
17. .
II. Fill in the gaps with ONE word each. All the words are IN the text above.
18. Despite their obsolescence in modern ________, the profession of professional mourners continues to thrive in
certain cultures.
19. Japan hosts the "rent-a-relative" service, where people _____ actors to portray family members for various
events, be it weddings, funerals, or simply for companionship.
20. The professional _______ mesmerizing performances captivated audiences with their graceful movements and
intricate costumes.
21. Tattie pickers are known for their meticulous approach to _________ potatoes, ensuring each tuber is carefully
gathered from the soil.
22. Tattie picker" persists are individuals that meticulously harvest potatoes by ______, despite technological
advancements.
23. Wedding detectives play a crucial role in ________ the legitimacy of potential spouses, offering families peace
of mind before matrimonial arrangements.
24. Wedding dectectives _______ families with the information they need.
25. Exploring the realm of unconventional occupations reveals the ______ ways in which individuals find
fulfillment and purpose in their work.

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III. Word Families. Fill in the gaps with word families.

Verb Noun Adjective Adverb

detect (26) (27) -
(28) Continuity Continuous (29)
Offer (30) Offred -

END OF EXAM
GOOD LUCK!