OLIMPIADA DE LIMBA ENGLEZA

FAZA PE SCOALA-octombrie 2009

CLASA A IX-A

I. Decide which answer A, B, C or D best fits each space. There an example at the
beginning. (0).

Some people claim that only humans are truly intelligent. But what about animals?- are they
intelligent too? They can certainly learn and 0 remember . However, many of their actions are
instinctive, even (1)____________they may look intentional. Generally, animals cannot
(2)____________ one crucial test of self awareness- they are unable to identify themselves in a
mirror.
In fact, we are not really sure exactly what intelligence is or how to measure it. In the competitive
(3)___________ market, IQ scores and formal (4)____________are used in the selection of
employees, although many successful people did not actually (5)_________ very well at school.
0. A remember B remind C memorize D recognize
1. A since B though C but D that
2. A get B succeed C win D pass
3. A occupation B work C job D business
4. A certificates B abilities C qualifications D talents
5. A make B do C get D go
5 items X 2 points= 10 points

II. Read the text below and think of the word which best fits each space. Use only one word
in each space.
The Internet is full of websites which seem to offer dream jobs. There are quotations from
people who seem to have succeeded 1_____________ making large amounts of money without
having to 2____________ any real work at all. Instead, these lucky people have 3____________
able to earn enough to live well by playing various kinds of computer games and then evaluating
4_____________ .
It seems too good to 5____________ true!
5 items x 2 points= 10 points

III. Use the word given in capitals at the end of each line to form a word that fits in the
space in each line. There is an example at the beginning (0).

Having friends is (0) extremely important, and most people spend EXTREME
a lot of time with them. But is there another important type of
1____________that they may be missing out on? Would having FRIEND
a pet be just as good? There is some 2_____________ to EVIDENT
support this interesting 3___________ .It is well-known that SUGGEST
dogs can form strong bonds with people, and can show signs of 4________ HAPPY
if their owner suddenly leaves 5_____________. EXPECTED

5 items x 2 points= 10 points

IV. Put the words in the right tense:
I work at Jackson Ltd. I 1_______________ (to work) there since 1986. Last week the manager
asked me to see him if I 2___________(to have) time. He was new so I wondered what he
3_____________(to be) like. When I went to see him, he said “ I’ d like you to help me with a
special project. I 4_____________ (to hear) that you speak German.” He said that a factory in
Germany 5____________ (to want) a specialist for six months.
 5 items x 2 points= 10 points

V. Complete the second sentence so that it has a similar meaning. Do not change the word
given.
1. I have never seen such an exciting film before. FIRST
It ‘s the ________________________ seen such an exciting film.
2. It’ s very easy to maintain contact with friends nowadays. TOUCH
It’ s very easy _____________________ with friends nowadays.
3. I live in New York because it is a very exciting place. IF
I wouldn’t live in New York _______________________ a very exciting place.
4. It was a mistake not to buy a better car. ONLY
If__________________ a better car.
5. You missed the bus because you left home too late. CAUGHT
If you had left home ___________________________ the bus.
5 items x 2 points= 10 points

VI Some of the lines are correct and some have an extra word. If a line is correct put a tick
at the end of the line. If a line has an extra word, write that word at the end of the line.
Some colleagues of mine decided to go on a trip 1________________
to England. They asked me if I was wanted to join them, 2._______________
But I had already arranged to visit my grand parents. 3________________
I told them so that I had been to England before, 4_________________
so they asked me to give them some ideas. 5 ________________

5 items x 1 point= 5 points

VII. There are five mistakes in this short passage. Underline them and then correct them.
“That day has been very warm, and the next was more warm still: muggy, uncomfortable,
summer heat coming too soon from the long cold monthes just past. At dawn on the day of John’s
party we were having a thunderstorm but it did not clear the sky.
5 items x 2 points= 10 points

VIII. Arrange the sentences in such a way to build a logical paragraph.

a. She tried again and again but in vain.
b. Then the green light came out but she couldn’t start her car.
c. A woman driver stopped at a red traffic light.
d. Then the lights changed from red to orange and the back to green and back to red again.
e. “ What’ s up? Don’ t you like any of the colours?”
f. After a few minutes, a policeman came up to the woman and asked her.
5 items x 2 points= 10 points

IX. Write a 250-word narrative essay with the first and last sentences given: “The sudden
scream tore the silence of the night ……………………………………........
He laughed a short, insane laugh.”
KEY -CLASA A IX A

I.
1. B 3. E 5. C
2. G 4. F

5 X 2 points= 10 points

II. 1. in 3. been 5. be
2. do 4. them

5 x 2 points= 10 points

III. 1. friendship 3. suggestion 5. unexpectedly

2. evidence 4. unhappiness

5 x 2 points= 10 points

IV 1 have been working; 3. would be/ was 5. wanted

2. had 4. hear/ have heard

5 x 2 points= 10 points

V. 1. first time I have 3. if it was/ were not 5.earlier you would have
2. stay/keep in touch 4. only I had bought caught

5 x 2 points= 10 points

VI. 1√ 3√ 5√
2 was 4 so

5 x 1 point= 5 points

VII.1. has been – had been 3. from- after 5. were having- had
2. more warm- warmer 4. monthes-months

5 x 2 points= 10 points

VIII. c; b; a; d; f; e;
5 x 2 points= 10 points

IX 25 points
 OLIMPIADA DE LIMBA ENGLEZA
FAZA PE SCOALA-OCTOMBRIE 2009
CLASA A X-A

I. Decide which answer A, B, C or D best fits each space. There an example at the
beginning. (0).
On 31st of March 2002 I had my only (0) first-hand experience of a fairly small natural
disaster, when, within four hours, about 224 litres of water per square metre (1)_________ on the
city of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, where I live. The evening before we noticed some unusual
(2)__________ formations that looked as if they were carrying a huge (3)__________ of water. It
didn’ t rain during the night but in the morning we noticed that the air was hot and
(4)__________ . At around midday it began to (5)__________ but this quickly developed into
quite a heavy downpour.
0. A first-hand B first- rate C first-class D first-born
1. A dropped B felt C fell D showered
2. A wind B rain C fog D cloud
3. A bunch B number C volume D bundle
4. A humid B damp C wet D moist
5 A spot B drizzle C drop D drip

5 items X 2 points= 10 points

II. Read the text below and think of the word which best fits each space. Use only one word
in each space.
1____________ it may seem sensible for companies nowadays to use robots to do deep-diving
work- after all, 2___________ don’ t need to breathe!- it seems unlikely that they will ever take
3_____________ from real divers because robots cannot think for 4____________ in dangerous
situations. Skilled 5____________ will always be in demand.
5 items x 1 point = 5 points

III. Use the word given in capitals at the end of each line to form a word that fits in the
space in each line. There is an example at the beginning(0).

Many people feel very (0) nervous about job interviews but remember NERVE
the interviewers must have liked your 1___________ , so you only have APPLY
to live up to their 2_____________! Before you go into the interview room, EXPECT
take a few deep 3_____________ . If you think about something nice, that BREATHE
brings you a feeling of 4_____________ then you will smile, and give an HAPPY
impression of 5_____________. CONFIDENT

5 items x 2 points = 10 points

IV. Fill in the spaces in these sentences. Use a verb and an appropriate form of the passive.

1. All these houses _______________(damage) by the recent earthquake.

2. I don’ t understand why she _________________ (forbid) to see her own child.
3. When you ______________(call up) your sister will just be being operated on by one of the
most famous surgeons in our country.
4. When the door opened, the little child _____________ (feed) by his nurse.
5. We ______________ (blame) of not having respected the terms of the contract.
5 items x 2 points= 10 points
V. Complete the second sentence so that it has a similar meaning. Do not change the word
given.

1. It was Susie’s first visit to Lodon. NEVER

Susie ________________ to London before.
2. You need both luck and talent to succeed. WELL
Success depends ____________________ as talent.
3. I live in New York because it is a very exciting place. IF
I wouldn’ t live in New York _______________________ a very exciting place.
4. It was a mistake not to buy a better car. ONLY
If__________________ a better car.
5. You missed the bus because you left home too late. CAUGHT
If you had left home ___________________________ the bus.

5 items x 2 points= 10 points

VI Some of the lines are correct and some have an extra word. If a line is correct put a
(√)tick at the end of the line . If a line has an extra word, write that word at the end of the
line.
Some colleagues of mine decided to go on a trip 1________________
to England. They asked me if I was wanted to join them, 2._______________
But I had already arranged to visit my grand parents. 3________________
I told them so that I had been to England before, 4_________________
so they asked me to give them some ideas. 5 ________________
5 items x 2 points= 10 points

VII. There are five mistakes in this short passage. Underline them and then correct them.

“That day has been very warm, and the next was more warm still: muggy, uncomfortable,
summer heat coming too soon from the long cold monthes just past. At dawn on the day of John’
s party we were having a thunderstorm but it did not clear the sky.
5 items x 2 points= 10 points
VIII. Arrange the sentences in such a way as to build a logical paragraph.
a. “ I know, by the time we get to the church the marriage service will have started.
b. I finished dressing an hour before you did. “
c. “ It’ s not my fault. You should have told me we were in a hurry.”
d. If you hadn’ t taken such a long time to get dressed, we’d have been there by now.
e. “Slow down, darling. You are driving much too fast.”

5 items x 2 points= 10 points

IX. Write a 250-word descriptive paragraph with the title: ‘If you were asked to imagine the
ideal place where you would like to live, where would you situate it and how could you describe
it?’
25 points
KEY
CLASA A X A

I. 1. C
2. D
3. C
4. A
5. B

5 items X 2 points= 10 points

II. 1. although
2. they/ robots
3. over
4. themselves
5. divers
5 x 1 point = 5 points

III. 1. application 3. breaths 5. confidence

2. expectations 4. happiness

5 x 2 points = 10 points

IV. 1. have been damaged 3.are called up 5 were blamed

2. is forbidden 4. was being fed

5 x 2 points= 10 points

V. 1.had never been/ gone 3. if it was/ were not 5.earlier you would have
2 on luck as well 4. only I had bought caught

5 x 2 points = 10 points

VI. 1√ 3√ 5√
2 was 4 so

5 x 2 points= 10 points

VII. 1. has been- had been; 2 more warm-warmer; 3. from- after; 4. monthes- months; 5.
were having- had;
5 x 2 points= 10 points

VIII. e, a, d, b, c,

5 x 2 points= 10 points

IX -25 points

OLIMPIADA DE LIMBA ENGLEZA

 FAZA PE SCOALA
CLASA A XII-A- OCTOMBRIE 2009

1. Complete the second sentence in each of the pairs so that the meaning stays the same and
so that you include the word given (do not change the word given):
a) I reacted negatively to the story at first. INITIAL
My……………………………………
b) Illness and injury lead to most individual whale strandings. RESULT
Most individual……………………………………………………
c) Was it a successful day from your point of view? CONCERNED
Was it……………………….
d) The book contains a complete guide to each stage of the process. STEP
The book…………………………………………….
e) Immediately after they found the shelter, it started pouring. WHEN
Hardly……………………………………………………..

(5 items *2 points- 10 points)

2. Form new words starting from the words written in bold:
a) Have you…..your coffee? SWEET
b) I hope my plans will soon ……… MATERIAL
c) The new cook’s meal was scarcely….. EAT
d) The measures they have taken are………. ..DEBATE
e) The woman accepted her fate with…. RESIGN

(5 items *2 points- 10 points)

3. Find the mistakes in the following sentences:
a) We hardly never hear from them now.
b) He soon became known like an outstanding actor.
c) You have given the wrong answer and so did she.
d) All the houses in the area have been pulled off.
e) I have Maths each other day.
(5 items *2 points- 10 points)

4. Replace the underlined words in the following sentences with the correct form of a
phrasal verb:
a) This dull, rainy weather depresses me.
b) The professor was respected both by colleagues and students.
c) He needed to lose weight, so he started playing basketball.
d) The little cottage in the mountains was isolated because of the heavy snowfalls.
e) He inherited a great fortune on his grandparents’ death.
(5 items *1point- 5points)

5. In these lines there is a spelling or punctuation error:

a) Comand-and-control leadership is the most popular leadership
b) style while being the lest efficient. Why is it popular? Because it
c) appeals to mans natural desire for power, control and influence.
d) It gives leaders a feeling of job security of being needed and indispensable.
e) It is disliked by people who must folow orders.
(5 items *2 points- 10 points)
6. Fill in with one appropriate word to fit the text:
 The legends surrounding the origins of tea drinking are almost as (1)……..as the
different types, or blends, of tea available today, and they (2)……from region to region.
Indian and Japanese tales (3)……a devout Buddhist priest called Bodhidharma, (4)
…..was attempting a seven-year, sleepless contemplation of Buddha when he began to (5)
…...drowsy. In the Indian version, he plucked a (6)….. leaves from the tree under which
he sat and, (7)..…chewing them, found that the sleepiness (8)…..him. The Japanese story
is slightly different; the priest cutting (9)..…his drooping eyelids in frustration and
throwing them (10) ..…the ground.
(10 items * 0.5 point- 5 points)
7. Fill in with the right form of the verbs in brackets:
a) We objected to their (say) that.
b) It is several reforms that they insist on (enforce).
c) You’ll feel a lot better after you (spill) out your heart to her.
d) ….you (upset) if I happened to come later?
e) I wish you (not complain) all the time.
(5 items *2 points- 10 points)

8. Decide which answer A, B, C or d best fits the space in the following text:
Homework is an (1)… part of school life in most countries around the world.
However, there is still considerable dabate among teachers about (2)…homework has a
significant educational value. On the one side are those who 3)…that it takes too much time away
from other (4)…useful activities. On the other are those who see homework as reinforcing school
lessons so that concepts will not be forgotten. (5)…is often neglected in this debate is the role of
parental involvement.
1. A ingrained B established C allowed D accustomed
2. A if B that C whether D supposing
3. A tell B describe C claim D propose
4. A more B most C such D much
5. A Whatever B Which C That D What
(5 items *2 points- 10 points)
9. Arrange the sentences in such a way as to build a logical paragraph. Show the correct
punctuation:
a) is due to his eccentricity as much as to his knowledge of the subject
b) from the first time he ever stepped into a classroom
c) I’ve often thought that Stefan’s success as a teacher
d) they’ve probably never met anybody who displays such enthusiasm and great
personal warmth
e) students have always loved him

(5 items *1point- 5points)

10. Write a 250-word reflective essay on the theme of prejudice.

(25 points)
KEY
CLASA A XII-A

I. a. initial reaction to the story was negative.

b. strandings result from illness or injury..
c. a successful day as far as you are/were concerned?.
d. contains a step-to-step guide to each stage of the process.
e. had they found the shelter when it started pouring.
(5 items *2 points- 10 points)

II. a. sweeten; b. materialize; c. eatable; d. debatable; e. resignation

(5 items *2 points- 10 points)
III. a. We hardly ever hear from them now.
b He soon became known as an outstanding actor.
c. You have given the wrong answer and so has she.
d. All the houses in the area have been pulled down.
e. I have Maths every other day.
(5 items *2 points- 10 points)

IV. a. gets me down; b. looked up; c. took up; d. cut off; e. came into

(5 items *1point- 5points)

V. a. command; b. least; c. man’s; d. security, of; e. follow

(5 items *2 points- 10 points)

VI. 1. plentiful/numerous; 2. vary; 3. describe; 4. who; 5. feel; 6. few; 7. in/after; 8. left;

9. off; 10. on
(10 items * 0.5 point- 5 points)

VII. a. saying; b. being enforced; c. spilt ; d. would you upset; e. wouldn’t complain
(5 items *2 points- 10 points)

VIII. 1. B; 2. C; 3. C; 4. A; 5. D

(5 items *2 points- 10 points)

IX . 1-. c 2- a. 3- b, 4 - e 5 -d.
(5 items *1point- 5points)
I’ve often thought that Stefan’s success as a teacher is due to his eccentricity as much as to
his knowledge of the subject. From the first time he ever stepped into a classroom, students
have always loved him. They’ve probably never met anybody who displays such
enthusiasm and great personal warmth.

OLIMPIADA DE LIMBA ENGLEZA

FAZA PE SCOALA
CLASA A XI-A- octombrie 2009

1. Read the text below and decide which answer A, B, C or d best fits each space:

By walking barefoot across the open countryside, early man was inadvertently enjoying the
benefits of reflexology, a therapeutic form of foot massage. Both ancient Chinese and Egyptian
cultures practiced foot massage (1)…the aim of improving general wealth, but it was not (2)…the
early 20th century that reflexology reached the West. Reflexologists believe that specific points on
the feet (3)… to areas of the body, and that these areas can be stimulated by applying gentle
pressure to the soles of the feet. Some doctors have criticized reflexology, pointing in particular
to the short (4)…of training programmes. (5)…, it is possible to gain a qualification in
reflexology with as little as six months of home study.

1. A in B by C with D to
2. A to B in C until D before
3. A correspond B match C complement D equal
4. A course B duration C time D continuation
5. A Arguably B Definitely C Actually D Certainly
(5 items *2 points- 10 points)
2. Fill the gaps in the text below with one suitable word:

All over the world, strandings of dolphins and whales are becoming more common and
environmentalists claim that this may be Nature (1)……the alarm bells, believing it is the sea
itself (2)…...is enduring a slow death (3)……about by pollution. Dolphins dying off America
and in the Mediterranean were nearly all infected (4)…..a virus, but they were also (5)..…a heavy
pollution burden.
(5 items *1point- 5points)

3. Read the text below and use the word given in capitals below to form words that fit in the
gaps:
Police have reported that a burglary took place at the home of MRS Jean Dunn, in
Bakersfield Rd yesterday afternoon. They believe that the burglar gained (1)…to the house by
climbing over the back wall and breaking the kitchen window. Mrs Dunn was (2)…upset when
she said: ‘A lot of what the burglar took was (3)…, just cheap jewellery and a faulty TV. But he
also took a box of letters that friends have written over the years and those are 94)…’ A
spokesman for the local police force said, ‘Unfortunately, (5)…in this area is on the increase and
people need to take extra caution.’
1. ENTER 2. UNDERSTAND 3. WORTH 4. REPLACE 5. THIEF
(5 items *2 points- 10 point)

4. Put the verbs in brackets in the right tense and voice:

a) Just then it was as if I (attack) by an invisible enemy.

b) I crossed the road and kept on (walk)
c) When we (go) to see them last night, they (play) chess. They said they (play) since 4 p.m.
 d) A lot (happen) since the first day we (arrive) here.
e) Central heating just (install) in Aunt Alice’s old house.
f) The Spartans are said (betray) by one of their own during the battle of Thermopilae.
g) Never before then such a tremendous power (display) by a thunderstorm.
(10 items*1 point- 10 points)
5. Complete the second sentence in each of the pairs so that the meaning stays the same and
so that you include the word given (do not change the word given):

a) The origins of dental fear tend to be found in childhood.. ORIGINATE

Dental fear…………………………………………….
b) I very rarely go into fast-food restaurants. HARDLY
I……………………………….
c) Chris likes eating pizza a great deal. FOND
Chris is………………………………..
d) Only part of the story he told was true. PARTIALLY
The story…………………………………………………
e) People have made a comparison between language and a game of chess.
Language.................................................. LIKENED
(5 items *2 points- 10 points)
6. Find the unnecessary word in each line:
1. Unfortunately, I can’t to tell you very much about the island
2. because we’ve had such a terrible weather that we’ve hardly been out
3. of the hotel since we have arrived. On our first day we woke up
4. to the sound like of torrential rain beating against the windows.
5. If we would had known it was going to be like this, we’d have brought more books
and games with us.
(5 items *2 points- 10 points)

7. The following text contains a number of 5 spelling or punctuation mistakes. Correct

them.
Efective communication in the work place has always been difficult. How do you verbally
comunicate with staff to reach a goal? Do you consciosly use words to motivate, or do your
words hinder you? Have you ever said to someone don’t talk to me like a child? I’m sure you
have and I am also sure that at some stage you have also spoke to someone in such a way.

(5 items *1point- 5points)

8. Arrange the sentences in such a way as to build a logical paragraph. Show the correct
punctuation:
a) whether or not that is true, no visitor can fail
b) is regarded by many people as the most beautiful city in Europe
c) Edinburgh Castle dominates the city centre
d) to be impressed by its dramatic surroundings and its magnificent buildings
e) Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland
(5 items *2 points- 10 points)
9. Replace the underlined words in the following sentences with the correct form of a
phrasal verb:
a) I can’t decide what to cook for my guests.
b) She looks so much like her grandmother.
c) She knows she should smoke less.
d) We’ll have to manage without a fridge for the time being.
e) It took him a while to recover after that shock.
 (5 items *1point- 5points)
10. Write a 200-word argumentative essay providing arguments for and against the
following statement: “Only people who earn a lot of money are successful
(25 points)
KEY
CLASA A XI-A

I. 1. C; 2. C; 3. A; 4. B; 5. D (5 items *2 points- 10 points)

II. 1. ringing; 2. which; 3. brought; 4. with; 5. carrying

(5 items *1point- 5points)

III. 1. entry; 2. understandably; 3. worthless; 4. irreplaceable; 5. theft

(5 items *2 points- 10 points)

IV. a. had been attacked; b. walking; c. went, were playing, had been playing; d. has
arrived, arrived; e. has just been installed; f. to have been betrayed; g. has been displayed

(10 items*1 point- 10 points)

V..
a. tends to originate in childhood.
b. hardly ever go into fast-food restaurants.
c. very fond of eating pizza.
d. he told was only partially true.
e. has been likened to a game of chess.
(5 items *2 points- 10 points)

VI. 1. to; 2. a; 3. have; 4. like; 5. would

(5 items *2 points- 10 points)

VII. effective, communicate, consciously, “Don’t talk to me like a child”, spoken

(5 items *1point- 5points)

VIII. 1. e, ; 2. b. ; 3. a ; 4. d ; 5 c.
(5 items *2 points- 10 points)

IX. a. make up my mind; b. takes after; 3. cut down on smoking; 4. do without 5.

get over

(5 items *1point- 5points)