Skills Test Unit 2 Test B

Name: ___________________________________________

Listening
1  Listen to a local news report on a new building project. Circle the correct answer (a–d).
1 What is the main reason local people welcome the community centre?
a They have been campaigning for one for a long time.
b The primary school needs more space for activities.
c There is nowhere else for them to socialize.
d The local government promised them one years ago.
2 At the community centre, in the afternoon there will be
a art clubs.
b groups for babies and children.
c fitness classes.
d photo exhibitions.
3 The building of the community centre
a has already suffered some minor delays.
b will be finished before the summer fair, according to the schedule.
c is only being done using local building companies.
d has been checked by construction companies from the city.
4 How will the community pay for the running of the centre?
a by renting out the hall
b by renting out the theatre
c by hiring out the garden
d by holding annual meetings
5 What is currently on the land where the sports fields are planned?
a a government office
b a factory
c housing
d nothing

Mark: ___ / 10

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Reading
Battersea Power Station
On the south bank of the River Thames stands the biggest brick building in Europe, and one of the
most iconic buildings in London. Thanks to its innovative design, Battersea Power Station has
acquired the nickname of the ‘upside down table’ because of its unusual appearance, and is much
loved by Londoners today.
This wasn’t always the case, however. Back in 1927, the proposed construction of the coal-fired
power station was met with fierce opposition. It wasn’t so much about it being an eyesore, but more
about the concern that it might contaminate the air, especially in nearby parks such as Hyde Park.
There was even concern that it would harm paintings in the National Gallery of Modern Art, now
Tate Britain. A sense of ill feeling towards it lasted for several years. Nonetheless Sir Giles Gilbert
Scott, the man behind the classic red telephone boxes, was asked to design the building. The power
station is, in fact, two power stations alongside one another. Construction of the first power station
got underway in 1929, and the second shortly after the end of the Second World War in 1945. The
table legs which emitted fumes didn’t appear until 1953. As soon as the construction was complete, it
won over the critics with its unique design.
While it was still in operation as a working power station, Londoners began to appreciate that the
benefits reached far beyond its appealing design. It was a valuable source of electricity, providing
them with one fifth of the city’s total supply. The rest was generated by almost thirty other power
stations.
So what led to the closure of such a well-loved landmark? It was partly down to the equipment
becoming outdated, but more significantly, the gradual shift towards oil, gas and nuclear energy that
resulted in coal-based production coming to an end. It was saved from demolition by a campaign by
people who couldn’t stand to see the structure demolished to make way for housing. Thanks to this, it
became a grade two national heritage site, which means it is an important structure with special
protection.
Having been abandoned for thirty years, and following two failed attempts at renovation, it is finally
being restored to its former glory. Early in 2013, 850 apartments went on sale and were snapped up
within three weeks. Judging from this, it is clear to see the popularity of the project. Because of its
considerable size, the building will not only be inhabited, but will also be a thriving centre for
entertainment and commerce. Uruguayan architect Rafael Vinoly is responsible for the master plan,
which also boasts the biggest ballroom in the capital.
Another attractive element to this particular project is the planned extension to the London
Underground’s Northern Line. The building will get its own station, which means getting there will
be a piece of cake for tourists and Londoners alike. If everything goes according to plan, the public
will be taking the Underground to the complex in 2020. It will also be reachable via a river bus pier.
This is all very exciting and reassuring for those living nearby, who have had to watch with sadness
as the neglected building has slowly crumbled before their eyes since its closure in 1983. The
opportunity for employment and profit is an obvious advantage for the economy, but for fans of the
power station, it’s more than that. By the time it opens, it will have transformed the area next to
Battersea Park into an area where you can work, rest and play again, breathing a different kind of
energy into the area.

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2 Read the text. Circle the correct answer (a–d).
1 Which fact is true about the power station when it was first built?
a The two parts of the building were built simultaneously.
b The chimneys appeared at a later date.
c There had been two previous attempts to build it.
d People’s opinions of it didn’t change after it had been built.
2 What was the main reason for the power station’s closure?
a The machinery used wasn’t modern.
b The land had been sold for housing.
c There were alternative energy sources.
d Other energy suppliers wanted the building.
3 Which phrase best describes how the new project will use the building?
a as a multi-functional space
b as an entertainment complex
c as a residential area
d as business facilities
4 What does the writer mean by the phrase ‘piece of cake’ in paragraph 6?
a Getting there will be cheap.
b Getting there will be easy.
c Getting there will be fast.
d Getting there will be direct.
5 Why did local people worry about what would happen to the power station?
a They thought the new project would destroy the park nearby.
b They thought the government just wanted to make money.
c They thought the plans for it would spoil their views.
d They thought it would be left empty and uncared for.

Mark: ___ / 10

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 Writing
Describing a Vibrant City

Write a blog entry about a vibrant city that you have visited or are familiar with. Use your English
language skills to vividly describe the place and convey its unique atmosphere, cultural richness, and
notable features. Aim to engage the reader's senses and evoke a strong sense of place through your
writing.

 PARAGRAPH 1: Opening paragraph. Use descriptive language and sensory details to paint a vivid
picture of the city's physical environment, including its architecture, landscapes, and geographical
features.

 PARAGRAPH 2: write about the city's atmosphere and diversity. Which is its cultural and historical
significance, its traditions, festivals, landmarks, or any other elements that contribute to its cultural
richness? Highlight the city's unique features, attractions, or activities that distinguish it from other
destinations and make it a vibrant place to visit.

 PARAGRAPH 3: Conclude your writing by summarizing your overall impression of the city and
leaving a lasting impact on the reader.

Remember to proofread your composition for grammar, vocabulary, and coherence before submitting it.

Mark: ___ / 20

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 Challenge!

3 Complete the text with the correct words (a–d).

The coldest village on Earth
I’m about to arrive at Oymyakon in north-east Russia. As I get out of the taxi, there are a 1________
people on the streets. The cold hits me immediately and I’m in considerable discomfort. There’s little
to prepare me for the coldest 2________ place on Earth, which has a population of only 500. And do
you know what the lowest recorded temperature is here? An unbelievable ˗71.2°C in 1926. I am told
people 3________ vegetables only during the short summer season and residents will have survived
for ten months mainly on a diet of horse and reindeer meat by the time this season 4________ . The
benefits of this meat are obvious, as there is no malnutrition despite the fact that very few vegetables
are eaten. The harsh reality is that wearing fur is a 5________ , and a long fur coat will cost you
£1,000 at the village shop. Western notions of animal rights are 6________ in this place. Tonight
people won’t switch off their car engines because if they do, they won’t be able to start them again.
Children 7________ to stay away from school tomorrow as the forecast is below ˗52C, the
temperature at which schools close. My guide is going to take me ice fishing in the morning, and
maybe 8________ go swimming, too. I hope he’s joking!
1 a responsibility for b handful of c demand for d relevance of
2 a inhabited b abandoned c neglected d unappealing
3 a will have grown b have grown c will be growing d are growing
4 a is arriving b is going to arrive c arrives d will be arriving
5 a must b necessary c have to d should
6 a pointless b efficient c thriving d beneficial
7 a will be telling b will have been told c are going to tell d will tell
8 a we’ll have been going b we’re going c we will have gone d we’ll go

Everyday English
4 Circle the correct answer (a–c).
9 What we ________ need is respect for our environment.
a really b must c hardly
10 It’s important to ________ abandoned areas in this city.
a focus b highlight c draw attention
11 My main ________ is that it will be over budget.
a concern b anxiety c trouble
12 I’m not _________ by the present plan.
a sure b convinced c decided
13 A place for kids to play ________ be a priority.
a could b ought c should

Mark: ___ / 6.50

TOTAL MARKS: ___ / 46.50
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