ROUND I. Listening Comprehension Text For 8 Form: Sir Winston Churchill
ROUND I. Listening Comprehension Text For 8 Form: Sir Winston Churchill
ROUND I. Listening Comprehension Text For 8 Form: Sir Winston Churchill
His name was Fleming, and he was a poor Scottish farmer. One day, while trying to
make a living for his family, he heard a cry for help coming from a nearby boy. He
dropped his tools and ran to the boy. There, mired to his waist in black muck, was a
terrified boy, screaming and struggling to free himself. Farmer Fleming saved the boy
from what could have been a slow and terrifying death.
The next day, a fancy carriage pulled up to the Scotsman‘s place. An elegantly
dressed nobleman stepped out and introduced himself as the father of the boy farmer
Fleming had saved.
„I want to repay you‖, said the nobleman. „You saved my son‘s life‖. „No, I can‘t
accept payment for what I did‖, the Scottish farmer replied, waving off the offer. At that
moment, the farmer‘s son came to the door of the family hovel. „Is that your son?‖ the
nobleman asked. „Yes‖, the farmer replied proudly. „I‘ll make you a deal. Let me take
him and give him a good education. If the fellow is anything like his father, he‘ll grow to
a man you can be proud of‖.
And that he did. In time, farmer Fleming‘s son graduated from St. Mary‘s Hospital
Medical School in London, and went on to become known throughout the world as the
noted Sir Alexander Fleming, the discoverer of penicillin.
Years afterward, the nobleman‘s son was close to death from pneumonia. What
saved him?
Penicillin. The name of the nobleman? Lord Randolph Churchill. His son‘s name?
Sir Winston Churchill
ROUND I Listening Comprehension Test For 8th form Students
Directions:
In this Test you will carefully listen to a text read aloud twice. The text is followed by 20 tasks. You
should do tasks 1 through 10 following the first reading of the text on the basis of what is stated or
implied in the text. The text will be read a second time, and you should do tasks 11 through 20 following
the second reading of the text on the basis of what is stated or implied in the text. For each task you will
choose from four possible answers (A, B, C, or D), or two symbols (+ or -) as specified prior to each
task. Choose the best answer and mark the letter or symbol of your choice on the Answer Sheet.
Glossary
kingfisher – a small brightly-coloured bird with a blue body that catches fish in rivers
Questions 1 through 10 (on your answer sheet circle + if the statement is true, - if it is false).
13. One can make a conclusion that the saved boy‘s father was:
a) a successful farmer b) a good hunter
c) an aristocrat d) a beggar
16. After receiving his education, young Fleming was supposed to:
a) work with customers b) sell medicines c) look for criminals d) treat patients
19. The word „sir‖ before Fleming‘s name may mean that he:
a) became as noble as Churchill b) came from Syracuse
c) performed in a circus d) was a sergeant in the British Army
Text 1
Swift and his servant
Jonathan Swift, a famous English writer, was one day travelling on horseback with a servant. The
weather was bad; it was raining and the roads were muddy. In the evening the two men came to an inn.
Before going to bed, Swift told his servant to clean his boots as they were dirty. But the servant was very
lazy and did not do what his master had said.
The next morning when Swift saw the dirty boots, he asked the servant why he had not executed the
order. ‖The roads are muddy. What is the use of cleaning the boots now? They will soon be dirty again,‖ the
servant answered.
Swift didn‘t say anything and soon told the servant to get ready because they would start at once. But
the servant looked very displeased and said that he had not eaten his breakfast yet.
Swift answered that they would go without any breakfast.
‖What is the use of eating now? You will be hungry again‖, he said.
Questions (on your answer sheet choose the correct letter A, B, C or D)
1. The writer and his servant were most likely travelling somewhere ....
A. in the wood C. in the city
B. in the countryside D. in the space
2. The servant seemed to dislike ...
A. his master C. cleaning shoes
B. work D. bad weather
3. Swift seemed to ...
A. be very angry C. be pleased
B. be quite indifferent D. be relaxed
4. The travel was to resume ...
A. shortly C. after the rain stopped
B. after breakfast D. after the shoes had been polished
5. The servant was possibly very ...
A. happy C. hungry
B. quiet D. cheerful
6. Swift was not going to _____.
A. have his shoes cleaned C. have any meal
B. keep the servant any longer D. leave the inn that day
Questions 7 through 17 refer to Text 2.
Text 2
A SAD STORY
Three men came to New York for a holiday. They came to a very large hotel and took a room there.
Their room was on the forty-fifth floor.
In the evening the three men went to the theatre and came back to the hotel very late.
‗I am very sorry,‘ said the hotel clerk, ‗but our lifts are not working. If you do not want to walk up to
your room, you will have to sleep in the hall.‘
‗No, no,‘ said one of the three men, ‗no, thank you. We do not want to sleep in the hall. We shall walk up to our room.‘
Then he turned to his two friends and said: ‗It is not easy to walk up to the forty-fifth floor, but I think
I know how to make it easier. I shall tell you some jokes. Then you, Andy, will sing us some songs. Then
you, Peter, will tell us some interesting stories. That will pass the time.‘
So they began to walk up to their room. Tom told them many jokes. Andy sang some songs. At last
they came to the thirty-fourth floor. They were very tired.
‗Well,‘ said Tom, ‗now it is your turn, Peter. Tell us a long and interesting story with a sad ending.‘
‗I shall tell you a story‘, said Peter. ‗It is not long, but it is sad enough: we left the key to our room in the hall.‘
Questions (on your answer sheet choose the correct letter A, B, C or D)
7. ______ men came to New York.
A. 2 C. 4
B. 3 D. 5
8. Their room was on the __________ floor.
A. 54th C. 55th
B. 45th D. 15th
9. The three men enjoyed a _______ in the evening.
A. piece of artwork C. match
B. performance D. race
10. When they came back ____.
A. the hotel door was locked C. they found out they had left the key
B. the hotel door was broken D. they found out they had to walk for a long time
11. The man decided to____.
A. go back to the theatre C. sleep in their room
B. sleep in the hall D. give a hard time to the hotel clerk
12. On the way to their room one of them __.
A. told stories C. cried
B. fell down D. fell asleep
13. Another man ____.
A. danced C. sang
B. laughed D. played a ball
14. It was a(n) ____ walk up.
A. hard C. easy
B. simple D. effortless
15. Peter was asked to tell them a story with a _____ end.
A. cheerless C. cheery
B. positive D. joyful
16. The main idea of Peter’s story was:
A. ‗I don‘t want to go with you‘ C. ‗The lifts are not working‘
C. ‗My story is not very long‘ D. ‗We won‘t be able to open our room‘
17. Peter would tell a different story if ____.
A. the men were four B. the lifts were working that evening
C. the clerk had an extra key D. the men‘s room was on the forty-fourth floor
Questions 18 through 22 refer to Text 3.
Text 3
When I was born, my parents were living in a house in a small village about 20 kilometres
from the capital. I was three years old when my brother was born and my parents decided that we
needed a larger home. We first moved into a rented flat for fifteen months while the new block
of flats we were going to move to was being completed. I don‘t think my parents liked the rented
flat because it was smaller than our old house.
We finally moved into the capital at the beginning of 1988. Our flat wasn‘t really large,
only 68 square metres, but there was enough room for two adults and two small boys. There
were two bedrooms, a cosy living-room with a balcony, a small bathroom and a kitchen, where
we used to have the family meals, as well.
I started school the following September, and my brother went to kindergarten. I still
remember my first day at school. I even remember that there were 38 students in my class – but
of course I‘ve long forgotten most of their names by now.
We lived in the same flat all the time I was at school. I only moved house again when I
started university in 2003. I decided to study forestry so I had to move to a town near the border.
Rents were quite expensive, so I decided to move into a shared flat. Five of us rented a large flat
in the city centre, and shared all the housework. I had the time of my life! I‘m still living in the
same town, but I‘m sharing with just one person now. It‘s more comfortable but I often miss the
big parties we used to have at the other place.
Questions (on your answer sheet circle + if the statement is true, - if it is false)
19 The reason the author‘s parents didn‘t like the rented flat was because it wasn‘t + -
spacious enough.
20 The author has been keeping in touch with many of his classmates. + -
21 The author finds it awful that in his university years he had to do the housework + -
by himself.
Questions (on your answer sheet circle + if the statement is true, - if it is false)
1. Write advice for a foreigner visiting your country. Discuss when to come,
what to bring, where to go and what to expect upon arrival.
In America, we celebrate many holidays during the year. I will tell you
about three of my favorite holidays, when they occur, why they are important and
how we celebrate them. These three holidays are the Fourth of July, Halloween,
and Thanksgiving.
On the Fourth of July, we celebrate the birthday of the United States. This
holiday is not only called the Fourth of July, but also Independence Day. On July
4, 1776, the people of the American colonies declared their independence from
England. Many people, including George Washington, helped the early
Americans gain their freedom and independence. Today, Americans celebrate
the Fourth of July in different ways. Many families gather to enjoy a special
meal outdoors in the warm weather. Some families go to the beach to relax.
Some families watch sports such as baseball. And all over America, people
watch a beautiful show of fireworks.
Questions 1 through 10 (on your answer sheet circle + if the statement is true, - if it is false).
11) All of the following holidays are mentioned in the passage except:
a) the Fourth of July
b) Christmas
c) Thanksgiving
d) Halloween
12) The Fourth of July commemorates:
a) U.S. independence from Spain
b) U.S. independence from France
c) U.S. independence from England
d) U.S. independence from all foreign powers
13) The weather on the Fourth of July is described as:
a) cool
b) hot
c) warm
d) moderate
14) America declared its independence in the year:
a) 1876
b) 1772
c) 1676
d) 1776
15) Halloween is celebrated on:
a) October 31st
b) October 13th
c) October 30th
d) October 3rd
16) The speaker mentions that on Halloween children dress up as:
a) movie stars
b) baseball players
c) ghosts and witches
d) animals
17) Thanksgiving is celebrated on:
a) the first Friday in November
b) the last Thursday in November
c) the third Thursday in November
d) the last Tuesday in November
18) Early Americans celebrated Thanksgiving to express thanks for:
a) the winter harvest
b) the fall harvest
c) rainfall
d) peace with their neighbors
19) The speaker mentions all of the following foods except:
a) pumpkin pie
b) corn
c) sweet potatoes
d) turkey
20) In New York City on Thanksgiving there is a special:
a) football game
b) political demonstration
c) parade
d) fireworks show
ROUND II. Reading Comprehension Test for 9th form Students
Directions:
In this Test you will read four texts. Each text is followed by 5-12 tasks. You should do the tasks following
the text on the basis of what is stated or implied in that text. For each task you will choose the best possible
answer from four possible answers (A, B, C, or D) or two symbols (+ or -) as specified prior to each task. Choose
the best answer and write down the letter or symbol of your choice on the answer sheet.
Questions (on your answer sheet circle + if the statement is true, - if it is false)
The speaker tells us that she has learned to be brave from the examples of
9. + -
others.
10. The speaker was at Stanford Hospital because she was a doctor. + -
11. A family member is the only person who can save Liza because her brother + -
has the needed antibodies in his blood.
12. A ―transfusion‖ is probably taking blood from one person and giving it to + -
another.
13. An ―antibody‖ is probably protection from a disease. + -
14. The little brother turns pale because Liza has stopped breathing. + -
15. The speaker learned courage from a five year old. + -
Questions 16 through 20 refer to Text 3.
Text 3
Rechargeable batteries are restoring coral reefs in the tropical island of Vanuatu. The
tiny Pacific Island of Vanuatu has no main supply of electricity – inhabitants rely on batteries
for their electrical energy. Batteries are expensive and account for a large proportion of most
families‘ monthly income. They are also difficult to dispose of as they release acids and toxic
chemicals as they decompose (decay, rot).
In Vanuatu, most households solved this problem by dumping used batteries into the
sea. This was severely damaging to the island‘s finest asset (benefit): its coral reefs. Chemicals
seeping from the sunken batteries were poisoning fish and killing the coral.
Vanuatu‘s Marine Protected Area Group decided to tackle the problem by encouraging
the use of rechargeable batteries. The ―Nguna-Pele‖ Rechargeable Battery Project purchased a
powerful 600W solar panel, a battery charger, and 900 rechargeable batteries. In the tropical
sunshine, this array is capable of recharging around 60 batteries per day. Charged batteries are
rented to the population at a fraction of the cost of new ones.
The benefits to the coral reef are already being seen. Dead batteries are no longer being
found within the Marine Protected Area and the fish populations appear to be returning.
Questions (on your answer sheet choose the correct letter A, B, C or D)
16. Vanuatu is: 17. Vanuatu inhabitants rely on:
a. a mountain area a. electricity
b. an island b. coral minerals
c. a river c. batteries
d. a lake area d. solar heat
18. Vanuatu‘s finest asset is its: 19. A problem for Vanuatu was:
a. working animals a. finding food
b. beautiful birds b. electrical wires
c. rare pigs c. disposing of batteries
d. coral reefs d. marine fish
20. Vanuatu‘s solar panels:
a. provide cooking fuels
b. heat their homes
c. provide hot bath water
d. recharge their batteries
21. Georgian cooking is characterized as: 22. The use of chili in many dishes makes
a) simple them taste:
b) bland a) salty
c) elaborate b) hot
d) unimportant to people c)sweet
d)like chocolate
23. The Georgian diet is characterized as: 24. All of the following are mentioned as
a. having great variety ingredients in Georgian vegetable dishes
b. very limited except:
c. using a great deal of fish a. mushrooms
d. using few herbs and spices b. aubergines
c. spinach
d. zucchini
25. Georgian cheeses are sometimes 26. Wild plums are an ingredient in:
criticized as being too: a. tkemali
a. rich b. matsoni
b. creamy c. ajika
c. salty d. pkhali
d. soft
27. Fruit is characterized as being: 28. Meal times among Georgians:
a. in short supply a. Are set by strict tradition
b. available only in the summer b. Vary from family to family
months c. Are not fixed
c. rarely eaten with cake d. Vary according to region
d. very plentiful
29. Wine and vodka may be served: 30. Foods eaten at breakfast may be:
a. At dinner only a. similar to foods eaten for dinner
b. At breakfast and dinner b. bread, cheese, or omelettes
c. At lunch c. honey and jam
d. if a house guest asks for them d. all of the above
ROUND II Writing Comprehension Test For 9th form Students
Directions:
In this Test you will select from the three tasks written on the board one which you feel you are
most capable to write about. You will then begin writing your essay on the pages provided.
When you are finished, close your papers, lay down your pen, and wait for us to collect your
test materials.
1. Think about dating. What does the phrase “to date someone” mean? Where do
people go on dates? What do they do? Why is it important to date someone?
2. In the 1920s, a family in Florida was digging a hole on their property when
they hit something metal with their shovels. It was a chest filled with 3,700
Spanish coins dating from the 1740s to the 1760s. The coins were worth around
$150,000 USD. If you found $150,000 USD, what would you spend it on?
3. Every culture has stories. Stories serve different purposes. Some entertain.
Others teach history or help people understand their own culture. In many
cultures, stories are used to teach the difference between right and wrong
behaviours. What kinds of stories are traditional in your culture? Describe a story
that teaches a lesson.
ROUND III Speaking Comprehension Test for 9th Form Students
Directions:
In this Test you will choose from 20 topics to speak about. Each number corresponds to one
topic. The number of your choice is the theme of your oral presentation. Take about a minute
to collect your thoughts before you begin to speak on the topic. Take a deep breath and begin.
3. A friend is visiting you from another city and you have only three hours to show him or her your city or town.
Which places would you show your friend?
What would you tell your friend about your city or town?
Would you encourage your friend to visit again? Why or why not?
4. An important person is visiting your school and has only one hour to spend there.
What would you show this person at your school?
What would you tell this person about your school?
What would you like this person to remember about your school?
6. If you could live somewhere else in the world for one year, where would you like to live?
Would you live in your own country or in a foreign country?
Would you live in a city or country where another language is spoken?
Would you live in a place that is similar to your home or different?
10. If you could raise children anywhere in your country, where would you do so?
Would you raise children in a city or in a small town or village?
What things would be important to you and your children?
What would you like to give your children that you did or did not have when you were a child?
11. Do you think students should be given more choice over what subjects they study?
What would be the advantages of giving students more choice?
What would be the disadvantages of giving students more choice?
If you were given a choice, what subjects would you study?
12. How much television should children be allowed to watch each day?
Is watching television good for children?
What types of programs are good for children?
What do children learn from watching television?
What problems do children have as a result of watching television?
13. You have an opportunity to go anywhere in the world for one month. Where would you go?
You may choose more than one place to go to.
Why did you choose to go there?
Would you go for pleasure, to spend time with someone you know, or to learn something?
15. What is your favorite family tradition, something that is unique to your family?
Why does your family follow this special tradition?
How did this tradition get started in your family?
Would you like to continue this tradition in the future, when you have a family of your own?
17. You are moving to a new house and cannot take everything with you. Choose three things from your
childhood that you feel you must take with you.
What items would you take?
What is the significance of these items? What memories do they bring up?
Be specific and share stories or memories that you associate with these items.
18. You have just moved into a new neighborhood and do not know anyone.
Who would you try to meet first in order to learn your way around the neighborhood?
How would you try to make friends?
How would you try to become part of your new community?
19. You will be spending the summer (three months) in a country where you do not already know the
language. You will take language classes for three hours a day.
In addition to classes, how would you go about learning this new language?
What resources would you use to help you learn?
How important are listening, speaking and reading to learning a new language?
When Faye Pattison, a penniless 21-year-old student, checked her bank account recently,
she was surprised to find a very healthy balance…
I: Was finding all that cash a shock?
You bet. I‘m a typical student, struggling on a part-time job at Woolworth‘s. It was two
weeks before my next statement was due to be sent out from the bank. I was checking my
balance at the cashpoint machine, just in case my wages had already been paid in. Then up
came all these zeros. My first reaction was panic – I thought it was an overdraft – although I
soon realized my account was actually in credit by a massive amount.
I: How much was in there?
The balance the first time was 34,000 pounds. As I stood there, visions of touring Australia
flashed through my mind. But I knew it wasn‘t mine, so I went into the bank and told them
they made a mistake.
I: Were they pleased at your honesty?
I thought they would be, but they just sat me in a corner and ignored me for half an hour.
They took it back in the end, explaining it was from another bank. One number was keyed
incorrectly, so the money ended up in my account.
I: Was that the end of the story?
Two weeks later, I again checked my balance to be sure they‘d sorted it out. Up popped
500,000 pounds. I felt like a lottery winner, though without the ticket. When I told the bank
this time, they said that because their computers were down I would have to leave it with them.
I did, but within the week, the sum had doubled!
I: How much was in there?
Over a million! I was falling about laughing at the cashpoint; the people behind me must
have thought I was on drugs or something. It was brilliant looking down at those figures and
imagining it was really mine.
I: Hadn’t the bank noticed by this time?
Apparently not. Since my boyfriend John worked for another bank, he knows how banks
operate. He couldn‘t believe what had happened. After a few weeks, my friends started saying
I should move the money abroad and take off! Even my dad, who‘s a retired policeman, said I
should start withdrawing 300 pounds a day – that‘s the interest, so I wouldn‘t have been
touching the capital.
I: Were you surprised that they did nothing?
I was, and annoyed as well. I gave up on my local branch, and contacted the head office in
order to sort it out once and for all. But in spite of phoning them numerous times, it still took a
while before anyone would deal with the matter. And even then, their attitude was amazing.
They seemed very ungrateful considering all the hassle they caused me.
I: Was that the end of the story?
Not quite. The day after the 1 million pounds was finally removed from my account, 300
pounds appeared. It was part of the interest earned. I know 300 pounds isn‘t a fortune to some
people but for me it was a lot. I did tell the bank about it but eventually they said I could keep
it. I‘m spending it on a trip to Turkey.
ROUND I Listening Comprehension Test For 10th form Students
Directions:
In this Test you will carefully listen to a text read aloud twice. The text is followed by 20 tasks.
You should do tasks 1 through 10 following the first reading of the text on the basis of what is
stated or implied in the text. The text will be read a second time, and you should do tasks 11
through 20 following the second reading of the text on the basis of what is stated or implied in
the text. For each task you will choose from four possible answers (A, B, C, or D), or two
symbols (+ or -) as specified prior to each task. Choose the best answer and mark the letter or
symbol of your choice on the Answer Sheet.
Questions 1 through 10 (on your answer sheet circle + if the statement is true, - if it is
false).
Training courses and job placements have improved the quality of life for roadside
laborers. It‘s a familiar sight in South Africa: hundreds of men standing alongside the road,
waiting to be hired for work. An estimated 100,000 people per day can be found seeking work
this way. With unemployment (no jobs) at 45%, their wait is often in vain (useless).
―Men on the Side of the Road‖ is an organizational project that works to improve the
job possibility and quality of life of the ―roadside‖ workers. A registration system looks at the
skills of individuals as they wait for work. Training courses and jobs are offered to help them
improve their skills. The project started a tool-lending scheme to enable the unemployed to set
themselves up in various businesses.
Some 50,000 new and re-cycled tools had been donated in response to a public
campaign. Tools received in poor condition were repaired by the unemployed men themselves.
Those men who remain without work are encouraged to improve conditions at their waiting
sites by building roadside toilets, shelters, and wells. The achievements of the project have
been recognized by the United Nations, which awarded ―Men on the Side of the Road‖ a
special prize.
1. In South Africa there are ___ men standing on the roads looking for work every day.
a. 1000
b. 10,000
c. 100,000
d. 1,000,000
2. A _______________system assesses the skills of individuals as they wait for work.
a. roadside
b. response
c. raising
d. registration
3. In a public campaign, donated tools are:
a. new
b. re-cycled
c. repaired
d. all of the above
4. While waiting for work, men are encouraged to build:
a. toilets
b. shelters
c. wells
d. all of the above
5. Achievements of the project have been recognized and given a special prize from the:
a. South African government
b. Ford Foundation
c. United Nations
d. Roadside Workers of the World
Questions 6 through 16 refer to Text 2.
Text 2
KILLER WHALES
These mammals are absolutely beautiful. They have a very distinctive black-and-white
colouration. Over 600 killer whales live along British Columbia‘s coastline. They make up
some of the most complex communities we have seen in mammals. They always travel in
groups called pods. There are between five and thirty animals in each pod. The whales live and
travel with their mothers even after they are fully-grown, forming strongly matriarchal whale
societies. Over its lifetime, the group will never separate and a female will always act as the
leader of the group. Killer whales are very successful hunters due to their cooperative hunting,
where all animals within the pod participate.
Female killer whales usually give birth every three to ten years. Killer whales have no
natural predators (they are the top predators of the oceans) and can live for about fifty to eighty
years. They are not considered endangered.
Questions (on your answer sheet circle + if the statement is true, - if it is false)
Ingredients: Sauce:
600 grams aubergines 3 tablespoons butter or margarine
300 grams minced meat 3-4 tablespoons flour
half a minced onion 2 cups milk
parsley 1 egg
a little tomato puree salt and pepper
breadcrumbs 1 tablespoon grated cheese
olive oil or butter for frying
Method:
Slice the aubergines, sprinkle them with salt, and leave them to dry. Fry them in butter or olive
oil. Fry 300 grams minced meat in butter or oil, with half minced onion, parsley and a little
tomato puree. Grease a baking dish and coat it with breadcrumbs. Put in it a layer of
aubergines, then the minced meat. Add the remaining aubergines and cover with the thick
sauce (recipe below). To the sauce add a few breadcrumbs and a little melted butter. Brown in
the oven.
Sauce:
Melt the butter. Add the flour little by little and stir until dissolved. Remove the pan from the
stove, add the milk and stir till all the flour dissolves and it is cooked thoroughly. Stir the
sauce continuously until it becomes like custard; add cheese and egg.
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Contact Sue Jones on (00 44) 181 744 1243 for more information.
1. What do you consider to be a family? How important is family life in today‘s world? There are more
and more divorces and single-parent families; how is this affecting today‘s youth? If you could make
some changes to strengthen the family in today‘s culture, what would you do?
2. Right now, the world is becoming more and more polluted, greenhouse gasses are being blamed for
causing global warming, and our world population is growing. What do you consider to be the most
important environmental issue? What can we do to improve this environmental problem? How much
should the government interfere in order to make these changes happen?
3. Most people think that high education should be available only for the most capable students. Others
think that everyone should have higher education. Write what is your opinion.
ROUND III SPEAKING COMPREHENSION TEST FOR 10TH FORM STUDENTS
Directions:
In this Test you will choose from 20 topics to speak about. Each number corresponds to one topic. The
number of your choice is the theme of your oral presentation. Take about a minute to collect your thoughts
before you begin to speak on the topic. Take a deep breath and begin.
2. The choices we make in our youth can greatly affect our adult lives.
a. What decision have you made in your life that you think will be the most important to your future?
b. If you could, would you change the decision you made? Why? Why not?
c. What future decisions do you foresee needing to make?
3. Change is a fundamental part of life and an essential part of the development of a community.
a. In your community, what are the most notable changes you have seen in the last year?
b. Have these changes been positive or negative?
c. What do you think should be changed? Why?
6. The 20th century was dominated by advances in technology, most notably the invention of the computer and
its widespread use across the planet.
a. What do you think about technology and modernization?
b. What advantages and disadvantages of modernization do you see and foresee?
c. Where is technology taking us and what can we expect in the future?
7. Art has long been described as the truest form of self-expression and depicting the complicated world around us.
a. What form of art means the most to you and why?
b. What specific work of art especially reflects something about you and how you think and feel?
c. Describe how it represents you and your thoughts.
8. You are now in the tenth form. In a year you will graduate from school. Looking back,
a. What advice would you like to give to younger pupils about school life?
b. What would you like to see changed about your school or the system of education in Ukraine?
c. What are your goals to improve yourself in your future life at university or in your career?
10. You will be stranded alone on a deserted island. You have time only to take one thing with you before the ship sinks.
a. What one thing will you take and why?
b. How will it help you survive alone on the deserted island?
c. What would be your first steps to prepare for an uncertain time on the island?
11. Holidays are special times when people give and receive presents signifying their love for one another.
a. What do you think is better, to give or to receive presents? Why?
b. What presents do you especially wish for? Why do you want these things?
c. If you had the money or ability to give one person in the world anything, to whom would you give
it, what would you give, and why?
12. Many people disagree about the secret of having a healthy body. Different food diets, exercise routines and
vitamins are just some of the things that are recommended.
a. What do you think are the keys to a healthy lifestyle and a long life? Why?
b. How could you present your advice to get people to follow it?
c. What are currently the biggest threats to the health of Ukrainians? Why?
13. Many people believe that violence on television and in the movies is the cause of many of today‘s problems.
a. What is your opinion on this subject?
b. What effects does violence have on viewers?
c. What solutions could you propose that would make both sides on this argument happy?
14. It is hard to imagine a world hundreds of years ago without the modern conveniences we are accustomed to.
a. What do you think has been the most influential invention of all time? Why?
b. Where would we be without this invention today?
c. If you could invent anything you wanted, what would it be, what would it do and how would it help us?
15. You want to run for the position of class president at your school.
a. What issues are of interest to the students?
b. What promises will you make to the students to get elected?
c. What are your personal motives for wanting this office?
16. Imagine that there is something that you have been wanting to buy for a really long time.
a. Would it be really expensive, something such as a car or a computer?
b. Would it be something „valuable‖ in different way?
c. Under what circumstances would you spend the money on your purchase and under what
circumstances would you not spend the money?
18. Television shows and movies from America are everywhere in Ukraine.
a. Describe the picture of American life a Ukrainian would learn from these shows
b. Discuss American cities, families and homes as you see them on American shows
c. Based on what you have seen, what aspects of American life are most different from yours?
19. An American visitor has come to spend six weeks in your town.
a. Give the American some information about your town, its history and features
b. Tell the American some good places to shop, to eat, and to relax.
c. Warn the American about the ways your town is different from his home in America.
20. Pollution may be a problem in your community and others in our oblast.
a. Describe any problems with pollution in the area where you live
b. Talk about the effects of pollution on the people, the crops and the animals
c. Tell what you think should and could be done to make the situation better.
ROUND I. Listening Comprehension Text for 11th form
Good afternoon and welcome to another edition of ―You and Your Body.‖ The topic of today‘s
program is vitamins, one of the basic components of the human body, and one that still mystifies many
people…at least that‘s what the letters from listeners show. Today we will try to answer as many of your
questions as possible.
So, what are vitamins? Well, vitamins are one of the five elements essential for a healthy body.
The others are proteins, which we get from meat; carbohydrates, which we get from pasta and bread; fats
and minerals. Actually, the name vitamin comes from Latin ―vita‖ which means ―life.‖
Now, before we go on, let me clarify something. Some people may believe that vitamins and
minerals are similar because they‘re combined in the various food supplements on the market. But they‘re
not. Vitamins are organic compounds, whereas minerals are inorganic substances. For example, calcium
is a mineral, not a vitamin.
Actually, even vitamins differ from one another in their chemical composition and the way they act.
Nevertheless, we can see two main vitamin groups: fat-soluble and water-soluble, that is, vitamins that can
dissolve either into fat or into water. Let‘s have a closer look at those two groups.
Fat-soluble are vitamins A, D, E and K. Their common characteristic is that the body can store
them in fat, in the liver and in the kidneys. So we don‘t need to take them on a daily basis. Water-soluble
are vitamin C and the vitamin B complex. The body cannot store them, so we must make sure that they are
contained in our daily diet.
Why are vitamins so important? The main reason is that vitamins help the metabolism of three of
the important elements we mentioned before: proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. In other words, without
vitamins the body cannot process these essential substances. Vitamins also help the body create blood
cells, hormones, chemicals in the nervous system and genetic material. Unfortunately, we still don‘t know
much about the complex ways in which vitamins operate in the body. Actually, we are not even sure about
the precise effect of certain vitamins, for example, vitamin E.
You may be asking, ―How do we get these vital elements?‖ Well, the main sources of vitamins are
just around the corner at your local supermarket. We can see two categories: plant products such as fresh
fruit and vegetables; vegetable oil and margarine; bread, pasta and cereals; and animal products; meat,
poultry and fish; liver, heart and kidneys; and dairy products, that is fresh milk, butter and cheese. Now,
there is one vitamin which you get for free, so to speak. Most of vitamin D is produced in the body when
the skin is exposed to sunlight. And here is an important piece of information for vegetarians who don‘t
eat any animal products. Because vitamin B12 is found only in animal products, vegans should take
vitamin B12 supplements. Vitamin supplements may also be needed by pregnant women and people on
special diets.
I would like to end this program with a word of caution. Vitamins are essential for our health and
we do need to ensure that we take the necessary amounts, but we can have too much of a good thing. Yes,
it may sound strange to some of you, but taking more than the amount we need will result in a number of
health problems. This happens particularly with fat-soluble vitamins. For example, large amounts of
vitamin A can cause anything from headaches and skin rashes to growth problems in children. Even large
doses of vitamin C, which is not stored in the body, can destroy vitamin B12 and reduce calcium in bones.
So be careful when taking food supplements. Good day and good health.
ROUND I Listening Comprehension Test For 11th form Students
Directions:
In this Test you will carefully listen to a text read aloud twice. The text is followed by 20
tasks. You should do tasks 1 through 10 following the first reading of the text on the basis
of what is stated or implied in the text. The text will be read a second time and you should
do tasks 11 through 20 following the second reading of the text on the basis of what is
stated or implied in the text. For each task you will choose from four possible answers (A,
B, C, or D), or two symbols (+ or -) as specified prior to each task. Choose the best answer
and mark the letter or symbol of your choice on the Answer Sheet.
Questions 1 through 10 (on your answer sheet circle + if the statement is true, - if it is
false).
Ask anyone where they plan to celebrate at least part of the annual Kyiv Days Festival on the last
weekend of May, and their answer will be — Andriyivsky Uzviz (Andrew's Descent) of course! Over the
centuries, this twisting 850-meter street has wound its way up between the lush hills of the capital into the
cultural and spiritual heart of Kyiv. Its collection of several dozen picturesque buildings is soaked in
history that stretches back a thousand years. Intellectuals, craftsmen and artists have gravitated towards
Andrew's Descent for generations.
Like many historic places, the origin of Andrew's Descent is part myth and legend. Today's Descent was
first mentioned in the 11th century. Then it was the main road between several towns. However, Saint
Andrew blessed the surrounding hills and foretold the future glory of Kyiv while visiting during the first
half of the 1st century. The place where Saint Andrew put a cross in memory of his vision is now the
location of the magnificent Baroque style Saint Andrew's Church.
Questions (on your answer sheet circle + if the statement is true, - if it is false)
Andrew's Descent is a flat 850-meter long street.
6 + -
Many people come to Andrew's Descent to celebrate May 1.
7 + -
Andrew's Descent has many beautiful historical buildings.
8 + -
Intellectuals, craftsmen and artists have lived on Andrew's Descent for
9 + -
many generations.
On a giant stage in London, England, three young actors take their places on a chessboard. Smoke is
pumped onto the set, creating an eerie mist. Giant chess pieces tower over Daniel Radcliff Rupert Grint
and Emma Watson. They are playing three of the best-loved characters in children's literature today; the
brave young wizard Harry Potter, his best friend, Ron Weasley, and their brainy friend Hermione Granger.
All of them are actors in the new film "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone". The richly decorated set has
cast a spell on the actors. "I really did believe I was playing with giant chess pieces", Daniel later said.
"The sets are truly amazing", he adds. In the fall of 2001, the world had a chance to see Daniel as Harry.
That's when the film based on J. K. Rowling's best-selling book finally came to theatres.
Questions (on your answer sheet circle + if the statement is true, - if it is false)
Many parts of the film are being made outdoors in London.
16 + -
Harry Potter is not very popular among children.
17 + -
The scene discussed in this text takes place on a chessboard.
18 + -
Daniel Radcliff is being played by Harry Potter.
19 + -
The film is based on the book "Harry Potter and the Sourcerer's Stone".
20 + -
Questions 21 through 30 refer to Text 4.
Text 4
A Latvian judge declined to punish a teenage girl who slapped Prince Charles with a flower in
November, ordering her instead to go home with her parents and stay out of trouble. Alina Lebedeva, 16,
struck the heir to the British throne in the face with a red carnation as he toured Riga, the capital of the
former Soviet Baltic republic. She said she was protesting the war in Afghanistan. Police at first charged
Lebedeva with "threatening the life of a foreign dignitary", which carries a maximum 15-year prison term.
Those charges were later dropped, but Lebedeva had to appear in court and could have been sent to a
correctional facility for minors. Judge Andris Celms released Lebedeva under her mother's supervision late
January 21, warning her mother could face charges if she commits any crime in the next year. Prince
Charles' office earlier had expressed surprise at the serious charges filed against Lebedeva and appealed for
leniency.
Questions (on your answer sheet circle + if the statement is true, - if it is false)
Alina Lebedeva is a teenager who caused a disturbance.
21 + -
Prince Charles is heir to the Swedish throne.
22 + -
Because of her daughter‘s actions, Lebedeva‘s mother will be imprisoned.
23 + -
Alina Lebedeva lives in Latvia, where she is a citizen.
24 + -
The girl was unhappy with the war in Afghanistan.
25 + -
Prince Charles was presented with a bouquet of red carnations by
26 Lebedeva. + -
Lebedeva was sentenced to a 15-year prison term.
27 + -
The judge showed compassion towards the girl‘s inappropriate actions.
28 + -
Prince Charles‘ office states that he will never again visit Latvia.
29 + -
The girl faced two possible punishments.
30 + -
ROUND II Writing Comprehension Test For 11th form Students
Directions:
In this Test you will select from the three tasks written on the board one which you feel you are most
capable to write about. You will then begin writing your essay on the pages provided. When you are
finished close your papers, lay down your pen and wait for us to collect your test materials.
1. Write a formal letter of complaint about the poor condition of the roads in your area.
2. Computers are becoming more and more important in today‘s world. How do you feel people are
using computers? Do you feel that they use them enough, or too much? Are there any negative
effects to becoming more and more dependent on computers?
3. Someone from another culture has come to live with you and your family for one year.
a) What is the best way to help your visitor adapt to your family and your culture?
b) Would you teach this person about your family and your culture, or would you let the visitor
find out for himself or herself?
c) If the visitor behaves inappropriately in your home or in public, what would you say or do?
ROUND III Speaking Comprehension Test for 11th Form Students
Directions:
In this Test you will choose from 20 topics to speak about. Each number corresponds to one topic. The
number of your choice is the theme of your oral presentation. Take about a minute to collect your
thoughts before you begin to speak on the topic.
1. You will soon be finishing your studies at school and will either continue your education
at a higher institution or you will begin working towards a career. What‘s your dream
profession? What qualifications must you have to get this job? What would you do?
Describe your average day.
2. With all the poverty and illiteracy in the world, many organizations that want to help are
faced with a very important question: is it more important to educate people or feed them?
What is easier to give: food or education? How long can food without education help a
person? Or vice versa? What can one do with only food or with only education?
3. Comment on the quote of a philosopher, ‗He who knows does not talk. He who talks
does not know‘. What does this mean to you?
4. An old proverb says that you are often your own best friend and your own worst enemy.
What do you think about this statement? Is this egoism, self-hatred or neither? Give some
examples of when you might be your own best friend or worst enemy?
5. You are a travel agent and you are recommending trips to foreign destinations to two
friends going on vacation for two weeks. Give them three possibilities to choose from.
Explain the highlights of each destination. Where will they be living in these countries?
How will they get there?
6. It is much-debated topic whether or not it is morally acceptable for scientists to do
genetic experiments on animals. What do you think? What about other types of medical
research? Can you think of any alternatives to doing experiments on animals?
7. Many people say money is the most important thing in life. Do you agree? Are there
things money can not buy? Does having a lot of money necessarily make a person happy?
8. How do you feel people from other countries view Ukrainians when they visit? Do you
think it is similar or different from how you view visitors? Why do you think so?
9. What do you believe to be the greatest problem in today's society? Describe where you
see it. Explain why you consider it to be so bad. How does it affect society as a whole
and the individuals making up that society? How would you propose to do away with this
problem?
10. What social issue do you think is most important for young people to learn about today?
Where should young people learn about this issue – at school, home or someplace else?
How should young people use this information?
11. Everyone has his or her own set of priorities or a list of things that he or she considers
more important than other things. What is most important to you in your life? What made
you decide upon your list of priorities? Do you think priorities change over time? Why?
12. Say what you think are the three most important qualities of an ideal parent. Why? Do
you think the way you are being raised will affect the way you raise your children in the
future?
13. How would you rate the way your parents brought you up? When you are a parent, do
you think you will do anything differently? What and why?
14. What exams do you have to take in school? Do you feel that these exams are helpful or
harmful? Why? Are there other forms of testing that you think are helpful? List them and
explain why.
15. There is a saying in English: „You learn something new every day‖. What did you learn
yesterday? What were you doing yesterday? Will you remember what you learned? Why?
16. Sports are played and televised all over the world. People pay huge sums of money to
attend events or see their favourite teams or games. Sports obviously have a universal
appeal. Talk about one sport describing: how it is played, what are its most important
rules, and what equipment is necessary for playing it.
17. A teenager‘s life can often be more difficult than their parents suspect. What real
problems do teenagers face today? What can you say about generation gaps between you
and your parents? Do you feel that teenagers need to show more respect to older
generations?
18. How fashion conscious are you? Do you give time and thought to what you wear each
day? How much does this affect your daily routine? How would it be different if you
didn't care about fashion? Why?
19. Technological inventions don‘t make our lives better. They simply create more products
we are expected to buy. Do you agree or disagree with the statement. Give arguments to
support your view.
20. What kind of pictures do you have decorating your house or room? What do you think
they say about you when others see them? Why?
KEYS 8th Form
Listening
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
+ - + - - + + - + + B C C A B D C B A B
Reading
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 3
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0
B C A A C C B B B D C A C A A D B - + - - + + - - - + + - +
Reading
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 3
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0
C D D D C + - + - + + - - - - - C D A B A B B C A C B D B D
Reading
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 3
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0
C D B D D - - + + - + - + - + - - + - + + - - + + - - + - +