Reading (45 minutes)
For each question, choose the correct answer.
The young people below are all interested in visiting an event at a science festival. On the right there are descriptions of eight science festival events. Decide which event would be most suitable for the young people below.
Visit Imagine-it to see experiments that teenage scientists have planned themselves for this year's Science Festival. You'll also find out about exciting new things arriving in shops soon, like clothes that can charge your phone, and discover how scientists were inspired by plants to produce light material that copes with the coldest conditions.
Science is a fun and challenging career for any young person. Come and find out about the different roles science plays in our everyday lives, from what we wear and eat to how we use technology to communicate. You'll soon be seeing science in use everywhere you look!
Spend an hour with Professor Max, and hear about the experiments that helped people develop new scientific ideas that changed the world. Expect music, jokes and silly costumes – and the chance to get on stage and do an experiment yourself! Max has lots of tips for getting information online, specially aimed at school-aged scientists.
Ever wondered what the day-to-day life of a scientist working in difficult conditions is like? How do they cook food in the extreme temperatures found in the North Pole or deserts? Watch a presentation from a leading scientist who has funny stories to share about the challenges she's faced.
Learn to use a range of equipment to measure things like temperature and strength, and discover how to use everyday items to test scientific ideas. Find out about the research done to produce the tasty things you find on supermarket shelves. You can also ask an actual researcher about the best way into a fascinating career like theirs.
Discover the techniques used to study pieces of cloth and bone that are thousands of years old, to give us an idea of life in the past. Then race to identify different items in teams! After that, enjoy a video about the lives of the world's top researchers, and find out what attracted them to science.
Look at the machines that were taken on early expeditions to Antarctica to measure the ice, and learn about the technology that has replaced them. Best of all, talk to researchers who've actually used this technology during trips to this icy environment. Find out about what they were doing there and why it's important.
Find out how scientists make discoveries about the natural world, challenging our ideas about what animals understand, and how intelligent they are. You can get involved in certain projects yourself, by collecting data and uploading it to our website.
For each question, choose the correct answer.
Last spring, our teacher had the idea of creating a garden at school. She suggested using some land next to the sports field. She said there would be a fence round the garden, so footballs wouldn't be a problem! Nobody apart from me seemed especially excited when our teacher first mentioned the garden in class. Perhaps they were thinking that gardening's something only grown-ups do. Anyway, when the teacher asked for volunteers to help in the garden after school, I was the first to sign up. Later on, some of the other students became interested, too.
Our teacher gave us a choice of what to plant. We talked about growing flowers, which we'd be able to give people as gifts, but then we decided it would be better to grow food to eat. Different fruits and vegetables grow at different times of the year, so there would often be something exciting happening in the garden. Our teacher ordered what we needed, and we got started. We carefully prepared the ground. I saw lots of insects and small animals as we were doing that!
Then we watched and waited. Of course, we watered the ground and removed wild plants we really didn't want amongst our vegetables. It was pretty dull at first, to be honest, until the young plants started appearing. I'm not a particularly patient person, but even I was impressed by the changes that took place from one week to the next. At first there would just be a few tiny leaves, and then suddenly a whole plant! We wondered whether insects might eat some of the young plants, but we were lucky.
Eventually, some of the first colourful vegetables were ready to pick. Over the next few months, we sometimes had loads of one kind of vegetable, and then, a few weeks later, a lot of another. So we couldn't use them together in the same dish, as I'd originally imagined, which was a shame. But our teacher told us about tasty things we could make with each kind of vegetable and we took them home when they were ready to eat. I gave mine to my mum – I'll learn to cook when I'm older!
Five sentences have been removed from the text below. For each question, choose the correct answer. There are three extra sentences which you do not need to use.
Nadia Comăneci was born in Romania in 1961. She started doing gymnastics at the age of six. 16 ____ By the age of 13, these things had helped her to win gold medals in almost every gymnastics event at the 1975 European Championships.
A year later, at the Montreal Olympic Games, Nadia got the perfect score of 10.0 for one of the events in which she competed. 17 ____ And she did it when she was still only 14 years old! Even more amazingly, she scored six more 'perfect tens' and won three gold medals! This made her the youngest ever 'all-around' champion. At the following Olympic Games in 1980, Nadia won her fourth and five gold medals, but finished second in the all-around competition. She won many other medals and competitions, too, but retired from gymnastics aged just 20.
Although Nadia retired so young, she didn't stop winning awards: in 1984 and 2004 she received the 'Olympic Order'. This is given to people who work hard to promote the Olympics. 18 ____ Setting up a gymnastics school in her home town in Romania made this possible. Moreover, she always did her best to encourage young people all over the world to take up gymnastics. 19 ____ Gymnasts need to be calm and confident, too, which is useful in all sorts of situations in life.
As gymnastics has developed, gymnasts can do more spectacular moves than Nadia once did, but she still keeps her world record. 20 ____ 14-year-olds are no longer allowed to compete in gymnastics in the Olympics: the current minimum age is 16. It is also, according to Nadia, more difficult to get a perfect ten in modern events, because of the way in which scores are given. So perhaps there really never will be another gymnast like Nadia Comăneci!
For each question, choose the correct answer.
For each question, write the correct answer. Write one word for each gap.
Reading (45 minutes)
For each question, choose the correct answer.
The young people below all want to go on a city tour with their family while they're away on holiday. On the opposite page there are descriptions of eight city tours. Decide which tour would be most suitable for the people below.
If you like shopping, our city market tour is for you! Pick up second-hand designer clothes at much-reduced prices. Later, we'll stop at an outdoor café and try the city's famous milk drink - perfect on a hot day. Sit in a beautiful tree-lined square and watch street theatre at the end of the day.
Jog with us from one tourist hotspot to another, following a route through the city centre. The ancient clock tower, beautiful palace and old town hall are all on our route. Our tour ends at the top of City Hill, in a park full of birds and wild rabbits, from where you can look down over all the city neighbourhoods.
Our bus will take you to our favourite shopping district away from the centre, where you'll get some great discounts. The local art college there puts on a free fashion show most weekends, too. We also offer discounts for the design museum if you take our tour.
Our walking tour takes you to all the major sights, so you won't miss anything! We'll also walk along Main Street, looking in the stores of top fashion brands. We'll finish our day with hot drinks and cake at the City Café, made popular by the musicians who often play there.
Why not join one of our city biking tours? We show you the modern side of the city and also go over the mountain to a beautiful village, where we'll have a delicious picnic by the river. Bird song is the only sound you'll hear!
On this tour for museum-lovers, there's a choice of places to visit. The City Gallery is now showing a range of art created in this area. Or you might prefer the Natural History Museum, or even the Sports Museum. We use trams to get around and stop at the hundred-year-old market, with tasty snacks available in the many cafés.
If you like cities but also enjoy peace and quiet, come with us to the biggest park in the city. Our guides are all local people who will be happy to talk to you about their experiences in the city. There are coffee and food stalls, and there's a historic outdoor theatre, with free performances daily.
The best way to see a new city is on foot. If you agree, join us on a personalised tour. Choose from a selection of interesting activities, from photographing and studying the animals and birds that have made their homes here to attending a free daily concert in a historic building.
For each question, choose the correct answer.
When I was three, my mum and I started making biscuits together. We used cookie cutters shaped like cartoon monsters, which I loved. It was always like a game and never too challenging. I'm so grateful to my mum for introducing me to cooking that way. I think that's the main reason why I love it so much now.
I sometimes watch TV programmes about cooking, but they're about so many different kinds of things that it can be really hard to choose which one to watch. I sometimes wonder where the chefs find their unusual ingredients, and a lot of the time their methods are so difficult that I lose interest. There are some programmes about making dishes that are good for you, but I'm not sure how many teenagers actually watch those.
Because I'm so keen on cooking, last month my parents paid for me to go on a one-day cookery course, especially designed for 10-14-year-olds, at a famous restaurant. We all went to the restaurant kitchen and our teacher, Maurice, gave us white aprons and hats: it was just like being a proper chef! The others were all younger than me - I hoped they wouldn't expect me to be the best. Before we started, we had juice and snacks while we decided what we wanted to make: desserts or pasta dishes. I chose a pasta dish.
After that, we didn't sit down again for two hours - there was loads to do. We watched Maurice carefully show us exactly what we had to do at each stage, then we had a go ourselves. One boy dropped his ingredients all over the floor, but Maurice just smiled and showed us how to arrange our plates, pans and stuff to make the best use of our space - that's advice I'll never forget. I left my pasta to boil for five extra minutes, and I didn't put quite enough salt in the sauce, but it was still pretty good. When we'd finished, we all sat down in the main restaurant and enjoyed tasting what everyone had produced. If I ever get to do another course there, I think I'll pick desserts, because those were amazing.
Five sentences have been removed from the text below. For each question, choose the correct answer. There are three extra sentences which you do not need to use.
The kakapo, a type of parrot, is a New Zealand bird. Kakapos are unusual for two reasons. Firstly, they weigh a lot - up to 5 kg in some cases. Secondly, although they were once found in large numbers throughout the country, they have come close to disappearing, partly because they have, over time, lost the ability to fly. 16 ____
But that is not the only reason. Another issue is that kakapos typically only produce babies when a particular tree, the rimu tree, has a large amount of fruit available for them to eat. 17 ____ As a result, there are sometimes long periods of time during which no new babies are born, which affects overall numbers.
One year, when researchers were doing a project on the birds, they were only able to find 51 of them. The New Zealand government realised that something needed to be done, so they decided to change the birds' location. 18 ____ None of the animals that typically hunt them lived there. When the kakapos arrived, they were fitted with special devices which have allowed researchers to study the birds ever since, and see where they are on the islands.
19 ____ The technology gives the birds access to food, by electronically opening or closing food boxes.
When a female kakapo produces a lot of eggs, researchers sometimes remove some. This is done when, for example, the mother bird would find it hard to feed a larger number of babies. The eggs are kept in a warm room until the young kakapos are born. The birds are then cared for by the researchers for four months, at which point they are put back out on the island. 20 ____ Then, of course, there would be a negative effect on future numbers. Fortunately, the project seems to be working, as the population of kakapos is increasing.
For each question, choose the correct answer.
For each question, write the correct answer. Write one word for each gap.
Reading (45 minutes)
For each question, choose the correct answer.
The students below are all doing geography projects about the different deserts of the world. On the opposite page there are descriptions of eight geography websites about deserts. Decide which website would be the most suitable for the following students.
This site has great articles about different deserts around the world - from those that are always hot and dry to polar deserts that are cold all year round. You'll learn where the largest deserts are, and about the people and animals that manage to live in these difficult conditions.
This site explains what was hidden beneath desert sands long before people lived there. Discover fascinating facts and watch videos about the bones of ancient animals such as dinosaurs. During chat sessions, site users can also talk to some of the scientists who found these bones, and get advice on putting together data for homework.
Find out about the weather conditions long ago that helped to form deserts, the dinosaurs that lived in them back then, and how the fossils of these animals were found so many centuries later. There are also excellent puzzles to help you check what you've learned so far.
This website includes specialised information about the human population of deserts right across our planet, and the ways they deal with the conditions there, such as by building homes that keep out the extreme heat and cold. Quizzes test your new knowledge - find out what you still need to revise!
This site has excellent information about the people who make their homes in deserts, and how they manage to live there. You'll have the chance to ask scientists questions about the plants and animals that also live there. You'll pick up useful tips on putting homework projects together, too.
See unusual close-up photos of the strange cacti that manage to grow in deserts, many even producing flowers despite the difficult environment. The website also includes scientists' findings about what different deserts around the world are like, depending on their location. For example, many have high daytime temperatures which drop at night, or sandstorms, caused by high winds.
You'll find detailed information here about the amazing creatures, from insects to camels, that are able to survive in the difficult desert conditions. The site includes clear maps showing you where the largest areas of desert are, with extraordinary film clips of these places.
This site has brilliant maps of the world's deserts, showing that they take up about a third of the world's land area. Look at diagrams and pictures, and talk to scientists about the way deserts are created: for example, by wind and by the huge differences between day and night temperatures, which cause rocks to break and slowly turn into sand.
For each question, choose the correct answer.
My parents are doctors and I grew up in a city, but when I was 12 they decided to move to Wales to work at a hospital there. Our home was going to be right in the countryside. They were so looking forward to it, but I thought I'd never get used to living there. I knew I'd miss my schoolmates, and even though I could text them, I'd feel lonely without them.
The place we moved to is near the mountains, so my dad suggested climbing as a hobby. I didn't think much of the idea, but I agreed to a lesson at the local indoor climbing centre just to please him. I walked into the place, and all the climbing walls, ropes and stuff made it look like the most fantastic playground I'd ever been to. I immediately lost all doubts I'd had about climbing.
The lesson began with our instructor showing me and the other beginners how to use the ropes to keep safe while going up the wall, how to hold on using your feet and hands, and how to plan each movement. I still remember going up that first time. I was so terrified I could hear my heart beating, but you wouldn't believe how delighted I was as I got to the top.
Since then, I've been with groups on extremely hard climbs in the mountains when it's been wet, windy and freezing. But I love the excitement of that, and every spare moment I have, I'm at the climbing centre, or reading about climbing, or planning my next trip. I even dream about it! It really feels like I've been doing it forever.
There are many reasons people go climbing. It's a real workout, using every part of your body. It also works your brain! You need to do a lot of problem solving to find the best route up the rocks. Above all, I've discovered that I want to show I can do better than anyone else, and climbing really allows me to do that. But I've also made loads of friends on group climbs. It's an amazing way to get to know people.
Five sentences have been removed from the text below. For each question, choose the correct answer. There are three extra sentences which you do not need to use.
Birds from the parrot family, including cockatoos, are famous for copying what humans say. But until recently, they weren't well known for a completely different skill - dancing to music. So after a cockatoo called Snowball started showing off his dance moves to his owner, it wasn't long before the bird was appearing on TV. 16 ____ They loved watching Snowball performing dances on the back of an armchair at home. He proved he could do as many as 14 different dance moves - which even many humans can't manage.
'It seems that dancing to music isn't purely a product of human culture,' says Aniruddh Patel, a psychology professor who studied Snowball. However, Professor Patel also wondered whether moving in time to music was a skill that only animals called 'vocal learners' could develop. 17 ____ They're unusual because unlike other animals, they can learn a range of sounds based on what they hear in their environment.
Not all these 'vocal learners' also become good dancers, however. 18 ____ One example of these is being able to copy complicated actions. But a film of Snowball dancing suggested that the bird was doing more than that: he was creating his own dance moves. That really caught Patel's attention: it also suggested that when Snowball heard music, he actually chose which dance to do.
Before becoming famous, Snowball had been dancing creatively at home for a while. 19 ____ She tended to dance only by nodding her head and waving her arms. So this seems to prove that Snowball invented his complicated dances himself.
Patel wanted to discover more about Snowball. 20 ____ He says that most people are happy just to listen to music on their own. But when it comes to dancing, people often want to do that with friends rather than play music in their living room and dance by themselves. It will be interesting to see if Snowball is any different.
For each question, choose the correct answer.
For each question, write the correct answer. Write one word for each gap.
Reading (45 minutes)
For each question, choose the correct answer.
The people below all want to spend a day on a tourist railway, an old-fashioned railway only used by tourists nowadays. On the opposite page there are eight descriptions of tourist railways. Decide which tourist railway would be the most suitable for the people below.
This small railway follows a beautiful route through different types of countryside. There's a café on the train serving delicious snacks and drinks. Fun quizzes and games are organised for kids and teenagers at the stations, one of which also has a small museum.
Although the museum at Kerry station closed last year, this railway still provides a great day out. Volunteers on board will inform you about interesting things to look out for during the train journey, and there are treasure hunts and music at each stop on the route. There's a special offer on tickets for parents with children.
Perfect for a special day out, this railway line's fun for everyone, with cheap family tickets and great-value sandwiches and cakes available on the train and at stations. There's lots to see from the train, including birds and other animals, if you look carefully. There's also a lovely hotel next to Amberton station.
Southland station has a great museum with photographs and objects from when this seaside railway was first built right up to the present day. Don't miss the fantastic film shown there, explaining what the Southland Railway staff do every day at work. There's also reasonably priced accommodation within a few minutes' walk.
This route goes through countryside full of birds and wild animals. Before you set off, you'll get a list of questions about what you'll see from the train. Answer them all correctly during the journey, and you'll win a great souvenir of your trip! Staff can even organise cakes and food on board for a special occasion.
This route was made famous in the movie The Line, as you'll certainly hear from the guide on your train. You can even hire the whole train and get the chance to sit next to the driver, for that really special birthday celebration. Interesting souvenirs are available at each station.
During your journey, the scenery will keep on changing - you'll never get bored! There are stalls at each of the stations - you'll definitely find something to remember your visit by. Famous for its wonderful restaurant, the Viaduct Hotel at the end of this lovely route is a great place to stay.
This railway runs just a few metres from the sea between Delland and Tarford, so watch carefully for dolphins! You'll possibly recognise the railway from movies, as it's appeared in several popular ones. Low-cost tickets are available for parents with children, and you'll have the chance to buy snacks, drinks and light meals during your journey.
For each question, choose the correct answer.
I've always been creative and by the time I started secondary school, I was already doing loads of music in my free time. In my first year, because I particularly loved singing, I decided to set up a band, and asked some school friends to join. We learnt songs by popular girl bands, and performed them at school events. And for one special concert, we even sold tickets with our signatures on them - in case we ever became famous one day!
But then, in my second year, I gradually started giving up some of my musical activities. I'd like to say it was because my schoolwork became more challenging, but I think it was actually more about me developing different interests. I preferred spending my free time going shopping with classmates, or playing tennis - which to my surprise, I discovered I had a real talent for.
However, after a while, I started missing all the music - especially singing. Joining a singing group seemed like the answer. The one at school already had too many members, though, so I found a small singing group in my town instead. But I had to audition - in other words, sing solo in front of some group members and let them decide whether I was good enough. It was fair, I guess, but I was really nervous. Somehow, though, my performance satisfied them, and I was allowed to join. When they told me, I couldn't stop smiling!
That was two years ago - and I still love singing with the group. I've met some great people, and our shows are amazing, too. I especially love the huge excitement of being in a really great show, with the audience all clapping. There's really nothing like it! The only thing is that we practise on Thursday evenings - that doesn't always work well with my schoolwork, so I sometimes miss it.
Singing in the group has also made me want to write my own songs. I found it hard to write good words to go with my music, though. Then I remembered a teacher saying that music takes you to places that words simply can't reach. So maybe it's OK just to focus on the music!
Five sentences have been removed from the text below. For each question, choose the correct answer. There are three extra sentences which you do not need to use.
Writing articles for your school newspaper can be fun and interesting. You can report on everything from a change in school rules to the results of the school team's basketball match. There are all kinds of stories waiting to be told. 16 ____ In fact, the two styles are quite different.
One difference is that, when a journalist is writing their news story, they include all of the basic facts in the first paragraph. Later paragraphs contain the rest of the information in order, from most to least important. 17 ____ It is sometimes necessary to do this because, when the newspaper is put together, there isn't enough space for everything. Deleting the last few paragraphs of a story is the easiest way to fit it all in.
A journalist's responsibility is to report news accurately. 18 ____ These may include sports scores, the spelling of names and the location of events. Write them down in a notepad, and if you can, record interviews. This will help to ensure that your finished article doesn't contain mistakes.
News stories must deliver the facts quickly, but as well as informing readers, you need to make your story interesting. 19 ____ For example, write about what the crowd at an event thought about it. At a sports event, talk to the team captain and include their words in your report. And take plenty of photos to accompany your article.
If your story is about something that different people have different feelings about, make sure that you include everyone's opinions. 20 ____ Instead, you have to let readers make up their own minds by reporting both sides of the argument.
For each question, choose the correct answer.
For each question, write the correct answer. Write one word for each gap.
Listening (approximately 30 minutes)
For each question, choose the correct answer.
Boy: I'm really looking forward to Luke's party on Saturday night. His brother's band's playing at it you know. Can we pick you up on the way?
Girl: I meant to tell you. My mum's arranged for us to visit my grandpa that evening – she planned it ages ago. Give Luke a big hug from me, though, won't you?
Boy: I will. Saturday's busy for lots of people. The school film club's showing that sci-fi film we were talking about too.
Girl: Really? We must get to see that sometime. It sounds great.
Woman: What do we need to organise for your camping trip? That tent of yours is no good.
Boy: I know, Mum. I was going to look online and find another one, 'cos it's full of holes. But Steve's suggested I share his.
Woman: Oh, good idea. And your boots?
Boy: Just look at them! I doubt they'll still fit!
Woman: Let's replace them. And we'll get you a proper torch. Not that toy thing you've got.
Boy: Oh, don't worry about that! Dad's lending me his one. The light's amazingly bright.
Boy: Do you want to see my holiday photos?
Girl: Sure. ... Wow! Looks like a great place you went to. Is that your cousin? He looks different from how I remember – I'm sure he didn't have a moustache the last time I saw him.
Boy: That was ages ago – he's grown up a lot since then! He used to have quite long hair as well, down to his shoulders.
Girl: I remember now. It suits him shorter. You actually look quite similar now.
Boy: A lot of people say that.
Boy: Hi Mum, it's Paul. Can you help me? I haven't got my sports bag at school and we're playing volleyball later. I know where it is – I put it next to the wardrobe in my room because Dad said it was in the way next to the table in the living room. Anyway you should find it! Please can you bring it over to school? I don't want to get into trouble! Next week I'll put it by the front door, so I won't forget it. Thanks!
Girl: So have you signed up to enter the fun run?
Boy: Oh, didn't you know? I've got a problem with my knee so I'm out of this year's race. But I'll be waiting at the finish line ready to get some good pictures of the runners.
Girl: For the school magazine?
Boy: Yeah. I was asked to be one of the people giving out water bottles along the route.
Girl: I'm going to do that.
Boy: Right – but what I'm doing will make me feel more part of the race somehow.
Boy: I'm going to the library tomorrow afternoon to work on that geography project. Do you want to meet there?
Girl: I ought to do something on it too. I'm supposed to see Lisa in the café at the station, though if I don't stay long with her I could still come. I'm not really sure because she wants to discuss something.
Boy: Well, it's up to you.
Girl: I'll come over to meet you afterwards, but I'll have to get the train home about four.
Boy: I'll get the train back too.
Woman: I'm afraid today's football match will be postponed until a bit later. The original start time was eleven this morning but due to the very bad weather conditions, we're going to see what's happening in the next hour or so, around midday, and make a decision then. If it's stopped raining heavily at that time, we can start immediately. If not, maybe we can begin playing at one. If we can't do that, we'll have to cancel.
For each question, choose the correct answer.
What is the boy doing?答案：C C 对。关键句 I kind of thought it'd be a bit more exciting... I wasn't very impressed（本以为更刺激……印象一般）→ 承认失望。易错：A——游戏是表哥借的（my cousin lent it to me），没花钱无从抱怨价格；B 没提改进建议。better sound effects 是夸这一版，不是抱怨。
Boy: Have you played that new computer game yet – Critters 2?
Girl: Not yet. Is it any good?
Boy: It's definitely a lot better than the first version that came out ... better sound effects, for a start. And the colours are really cool. But ... I don't know ... I kind of thought it'd be a bit more exciting. I guess what I'm saying is that I wasn't very impressed. Oh well ... at least I can't say it cost a lot.
Girl: Oh? Why's that then?
Boy: Well my cousin lent it to me. That's why!
Girl: Just as well.
What does the girl need to do?答案：A A 对。关键句 three other people all wanted to do the same subject... she's asked me to do something else（三人撞题，老师让她换）→ 换题目。易错：B——I already know some good ones（网站已有）；C——I discussed what I'm going to do with our teacher yesterday（已谈过）。
Boy: I've been thinking about that history project we've got to do. How about you?
Girl: Yeah, I discussed what I'm going to do with our teacher yesterday. She said that three other people all wanted to do the same subject as me. Probably because there are so many new articles about it online. Anyway, she's asked me to do something else.
Boy: That's a shame.
Girl: Oh, it's OK. She's given me loads of ideas so I'm not that worried.
Boy: I'll tell you where to look online for ideas if you like.
Girl: Thanks, I already know some good ones so I'm fine actually.
How does the boy feel?答案：A A 对。关键句 I was doing OK, though not nearly as well as I'd hoped（还行，但远不如期望）→ 对进步失望。blocking phrase：not nearly as well as I'd hoped。易错：C——发球他学会了（I was doing OK）；B——本来就没约比赛。
Girl: How was your tennis lesson today?
Boy: OK. My instructor spent most of it showing me how to serve the ball to start the game off. It was difficult! You have to throw the ball up in the air and hit it hard as it falls. By the end of the lesson, I was doing OK, though not nearly as well as I'd hoped.
Girl: So, have you had any long games?
Boy: No, I've only had a few lessons so far. I'm just not really good enough yet. Maybe one day.
Why has the girl stopped going there?答案：C C 对。关键句 she suggested she could help me with my game（邻居 Tanya 提出帮她练棋）+ I just felt I needed an expert to train me（我需要专家训练）→ 有邻居授课所以不去俱乐部。易错：B——The price she's charging isn't too bad（不嫌贵）；A——It's not that they don't（俱乐部的人 advice 也好）。
Boy: I haven't seen you at chess club. Everyone's been asking about you, hoping you're coming back.
Girl: Yeah. They're lovely, but I'm not coming this term. I was talking to the woman next door, Tanya, about chess – she's a coach. And she suggested she could help me with my game. The price she's charging isn't too bad so ...
Boy: But some of the people at the club give really good advice.
Girl: It's not that they don't. I just felt I needed an expert to train me, even if I have to pay for it. Who knows, I might come back!
The boy has started taking the school bus because he答案：A A 对。关键句 it's nearly an hour on my bike and that's hard, especially in the winter（骑车近一小时太累）→ 花时间太长。易错：B——骑车 no pollution 更环保，是他放弃的选项，逻辑反了；C——Tim 和 Mike 仍在骑车（still cycling），他只是听音乐。
Girl: I see you're taking the bus to school nowadays. That's good 'cause cars cause so much pollution.
Boy: True. Though actually, I always used to come by bike, which is even better because there's no pollution from that. But because I live quite far away, it's nearly an hour on my bike and that's hard, especially in the winter.
Girl: Really? Well at least now you can meet up with all your mates before school. Like me. We chat the whole way.
Boy: Oh well, Tim and Mike are still cycling, actually, but I enjoy just sitting listening to music on my phone.
What do they agree about wearing it?答案：C C 对。女孩 I don't have to think about that, so I can get up much later（不用想穿什么，能起更晚）+ 男孩 True, that's a positive thing（确实是好处）→ 两人一致认同早上省事。易错：B Nobody can show their individual style 是男孩的抱怨（分歧点）；A 女孩 I'm not so sure（分歧点）。agreement 类题：找 True / positive 这类认同信号词。
Boy: I hate having to wear school uniform. Nobody can show their individual style.
Girl: If you look at other people in uniform, you'll see loads of differences. The way they do their tie, or their shirt, or what socks they wear ...
Boy: I'd prefer to choose what I wear.
Girl: But now I don't have to think about that, so I can get up much later than before.
Boy: True, that's a positive thing. An extra half an hour!
Girl: And everyone says we look so smart.
Boy: Really? I think that's why we're expected to wear uniforms.
Girl: I'm not so sure that's the main reason.
For each question, write the correct answer in the gap. Write one or two words or a number or a date or a time.
You will hear a boy called Ben giving a class talk about an indoor climbing centre he went to.
Boy: Hi, I'm Ben and I'd like to tell you about a climbing centre. If you're into climbing, I expect you know the Castle Sports Centre in the middle of town. My visit was to another climbing centre called Bridge House. It's by the river and it's really good. My dad took me there at the weekend and now we're thinking about becoming members. There are different prices. A month's membership is twenty pounds seventy, or you can book a standard session, lasting a couple of hours, which is what we did. That was seven pounds eighty. For nine pounds fifty you can get a session of three hours.
Boy: All equipment's provided, including special climbing shoes. I wanted to wear my own trainers and they let me, but I had to leave my watch in a locker. They said it's dangerous to have things like that on. Every climber gets given a helmet to wear too. The walls have different colours depending on your climbing level. I can't wait to get to the expert one. That's red. I had to go on the blue one because it was my first time. That's the one for people who are new to it, but I soon got onto the purple one. And there's a green one after that. They get more and more difficult.
Boy: It's easy to hurt yourself if you don't follow the instructors. Having strong arms helps. Personally, my shoulders were really sore by the time I got home. I thought I'd have problems with my hands, but they were fine. So where is this place? The address is number 50, Wesleigh Road, that's spelt W-E-S-L-E-I-G-H. It's easy to find and it's got a covered area to leave your bike if you want to cycle there. Now, any questions?
For each question, choose the correct answer.
You will hear an interview with a girl called Sofia, who collects toy bears.
Man: Sofia, you have over a hundred toy bears in your collection. How did you become interested in bears?
Girl: Because of a bear called Bernie! He belonged to my dad – he was given Bernie as a kid. Dad has a great imagination, and he'd entertain me with Bernie's adventures. That's how I got into it all. Mum has an old bear, too, and their two toys sit together on a shelf at home.
Man: Why do you like collecting bears so much?
Girl: It's cos when I was a kid I felt safe with my own toy bear in my arms, falling asleep. I don't hug the bears I've got now, but those memories come back when I look at their cute faces. My collection might become valuable in the future – who knows? It'd be nice but it's not why I do it.
Man: How do you find bears to buy?
Girl: I go to markets. I go alone – friends can put you off if they don't like something. Then you might not buy the bear you've seen and another collector buys it instead! When I get a new bear, I really look forward to adding it to the collection and seeing how it fits in.
Man: Any advice for people who want to collect bears?
Girl: Not really, but I know some collectors often just buy one kind and become experts on them – like antique ones or famous brands. I guess the main thing is to find out information about what you're getting – its history, interesting facts. It could be one of a particular kind, or completely individual.
Man: What mistakes can you make when collecting bears?
Girl: If you're buying a bear that's supposed to be made by a designer, make sure it isn't a copy. That'd be a waste of money, but it's pretty rare. And take care of your bears – they'll lose their bright colours in direct sunlight or if you wash them – as so many collectors have found out. And avoid giving a favourite bear away even if a friend tries to persuade you! Most collectors are unlikely to do that.
Man: You recently appeared on a TV programme with your bears!
Girl: Yes. I wasn't that comfortable with the idea of the programme's audience thinking I was silly. That'd be embarrassing. I wanted to explain why as a teenager I was still collecting toys! Actually, the presenters were really interested in what I do and asked me loads of things. It was cool being on a show I'd seen so many celebrities on.
Listening (approximately 30 minutes)
For each question, choose the correct answer.
Girl: Hey, how was your holiday?
Boy: It was great, thanks.
Girl: Did you go by car?
Boy: Yes, the journey took ages and my sister and I got a bit bored. We passed through a big city on our way. But when we finally got to the coast it was awesome and we had great fun there. On the way back we took a different route and went really close to some mountains, but we didn't stop - Dad was driving! I'd really like to go back there one day!
Boy: My school bag's so heavy today, Mum!
Woman: Well, can't you leave something at home?
Boy: Not really, I'll need my football kit for my sports class this afternoon and I really need my laptop, because I have to prepare a presentation for history.
Woman: Could you do that on a computer in the library?
Boy: Yeah, I'm sure I'll have time to go there after sports class. That's a good idea, Mum.
Woman: Well, at least your violin lesson isn't until tomorrow, or you'd really have a lot to carry!
Boy: Hi Sally. What's wrong? You look worried!
Girl: My cousins are coming at the weekend and I'm trying to think of a fun activity to do with them. I wondered about seeing a film.
Boy: I don't think there's anything good on this week.
Girl: Well then maybe we'd better do something active. They all enjoyed going to the pool last time they came.
Boy: I know everyone loves swimming, but what about ice skating for a change?
Girl: You know, I think I'll go for your suggestion! We can always go to the cinema next time.
Boy: Did you get tickets for the concert?
Girl: Mum got them actually. We looked online as soon as they went on sale but there were problems with the website and we kept losing the internet connection. It was so annoying! The ticket office is right next to where she works. We knew there'd be loads of people trying to get them, though. I suggested getting them from a ticket-sales app on the phone, but they were more expensive there, so she spent her lunch break in the queue getting them!
Boy: Wow! Your mum's awesome!
Girl: That was quite a climb! It was worth it, though - just look at that view! I've always watched people hiking up this mountain from back in the village. I've never actually reached the top before now.
Boy: Great idea of yours to ride up - it was a lot easier on horse-back than when I tried to come up on my mountain bike. I only got to about halfway and then I had to turn around - my legs were really hurting. It was fun racing back down, though!
Woman: Right, everyone. I hope you're enjoying Food Week here at school. You've all worked so hard on your posters of the food chain that I thought, rather than display them in the classroom, we'd put them in the school hall for everyone else to take a look at. It's been great practice for the presentations you're going to do in a few days. If you can all go back to the laptops, we'll start learning about the software you'll need to use.
Girl: Dad - can you help me?
Man: What is it?
Girl: I can't find my tennis racket and we've got to leave for my lesson soon.
Man: I'm sure I saw it by the door last night. Next to your tennis bag?
Girl: No, it's not there, and my tennis bag's in the living room.
Man: Maybe you took it to your bedroom?
Girl: I remember now - I put it on my bed with my tennis clothes ready to take! I'll just get my bag and put everything in it. Then we can go.
For each question, choose the correct answer.
How does the girl feel about going?答案：A A 对。女孩：Do you think we'll do still life pictures...? I wonder what that will involve? I'll have to go and find out（会画静物吗？会学什么？我得去看看）→ 好奇会学什么。易错：I'd prefer pencil drawing to painting（更想学素描）是偏好，不是担忧；C 的 improve 原文完全没提。blocking phrases：I wonder / find out
Boy: Do you fancy going to art classes at the youth club with me?
Girl: OK. I haven't done much art before, but that won't matter.
Boy: Of course not!
Girl: Do you think we'll do still life pictures, where you draw an object in front of you - fruit or whatever? That'd probably be better for me.
Boy: Well, here's the website, let's see... It says classes will cover a variety of topics and include painting, both indoors and outside.
Girl: I wonder what that will involve? I'll have to go and find out. Though I'd prefer pencil drawing to painting.
They agree that it should have答案：C C 对。男孩抱怨 it'd be great if there wasn't so much standing around waiting for our meals，女孩接 I know（赞同）→ 两人共识是上菜要快。易错：题目问 They agree（两人都认同），价格和种类只是男孩单方面抱怨，且被女孩反驳（the food's not too expensive either / you can usually find something different to have every day）。blocking phrase：They agree that
Girl: I'm glad we've got a canteen - I've heard lots of schools don't have them, so we're quite lucky and the food's not too expensive either.
Boy: Right, so everyone can afford to buy lunch. They seem to have the same meals a lot, though - like, a pasta dish two days in a row.
Girl: Well, you can usually find something different to have every day. It's just that the queues are so long.
Boy: Tell me about it - it'd be great if there wasn't so much standing around waiting for our meals. At least they're usually tasty!
Girl: I know.
What is the girl doing in the conversation?答案：B B 对。女孩：I think you'd be crazy even to think about it... those shows just aim to make the people performing on them look silly（想都别想，那些节目就是要让选手出丑）→ 警告他别参加。易错：A 全篇没提规则；C 与结尾男孩被说服（I hadn't really thought about it that seriously）矛盾。blocking phrase：aim to make ... look silly
Girl: I heard you're thinking of entering that TV talent show.
Boy: Yeah. It's a great opportunity ... and it'll be fun!
Girl: I think you'd be crazy even to think about it. I mean, you are talented, but those shows just aim to make the people performing on them look silly.
Boy: You've always said I could be a professional singer. I might even come first.
Girl: It's a bit more complicated than that. There'll be loads of serious people competing. Yeah you probably could, but is that how you want to start your career?
Boy: Mmm - I hadn't really thought about it that seriously.
What does the boy say about it?答案：C C 对。男孩：everything I discover makes me want to know more... it's an important subject, and something I think most people have an opinion on（越查越想了解，觉得很有意思）→ 做研究的过程有趣。易错：B 说他 spending far too long online，但下一句解释原因是对立面——it's more that there's so much out there（信息太多，不是难找）；A 他说 wasn't something I was familiar with（自己不熟），没说话题 unusual。blocking phrase：makes me want to know more
Girl: How are you getting on with your homework project?
Boy: OK I think. Although I'm spending far too long online looking things up.
Girl: Oh - is it hard to get what you need?
Boy: The opposite - it's more that there's so much out there! And everything I discover makes me want to know more. Robot technology wasn't something I was familiar with really. I don't know why not - it's an important subject, and something I think most people have an opinion on.
Girl: Well, you will too by the time you've finished!
Boy: I certainly will!
The girl thinks that答案：A A 对。女孩：there always seems to be so much football and rugby on. It'd be good if there were other things on too（老是足球橄榄球，希望能有别的项目）→ 节目种类不够。易错：B 被她明确否掉（I don't mind the conversations... That can be quite interesting actually）；C 的“反复看”是她自愿重看体操（I could watch some of the gymnastics stuff again and again），不是重复镜头。
Boy: Do you watch much sport on TV?
Girl: Well, I'd like to watch more, but there always seems to be so much football and rugby on. It'd be good if there were other things on too. I don't mind the conversations they have about matches with all the experts sitting around chatting. That can be quite interesting actually.
Boy: So, what would you rather see?
Girl: Gymnastics, or basketball, or even hockey - that's hardly ever shown. I could watch some of the gymnastics stuff again and again. You always notice something different each time. Although some people would probably find that boring!
What is she doing?答案：B B 对。女孩整段都在讲 I went on this wild food walk at the weekend, in the woods... it was about identifying different types of herbs and fruits growing wild（描述自己周末做了什么）→ 描述经历。易错：A 她没劝——结尾男孩说 Well, it's not my kind of thing，她也没有继续劝；C 的 used to make cold drinks 只是顺带说明 elderflowers 的用途，不是“要做什么”。blocking question：What is she doing?（问当下在干嘛，不是问事实）
Girl: I went on this wild food walk at the weekend, in the woods.
Boy: What do you mean?
Girl: Well, you'll probably think it's boring, but it was about identifying different types of herbs and fruits growing wild. We were hunting for things to eat. It's what people did hundreds of years ago. It's food that's free, fresh and tasty!
Boy: Oh, right. What did you find?
Girl: Wild garlic leaves, and plants called elderflowers - they're used to make cold drinks. I might go on another walk in the autumn to identify what mushrooms are safe to eat.
Boy: Well, it's not my kind of thing.
For each question, write the correct answer in the gap. Write one or two words or a number or a date or a time.
You will hear a teacher giving information about a school trip to a history museum.
Woman: Listen carefully please everyone, I've got some information about our trip to the City History Museum tomorrow. We're going there by coach. It'll leave at half past eight, but we'd like everybody to be at school ready to board by eight fifteen at the latest, and our coach should arrive as the museum opens at nine o'clock.
Woman: It's not too far away. You'll need some water, but no other drinks for the journey. You'll be provided with a packed lunch when we get there, but can I remind you that you are not allowed to eat on the coach.
Woman: When we arrive, you'll get a questionnaire to do as you go round the exhibitions, which I'll collect from you to check afterwards. The museum will give you a pen, too, which you can use, and it'll be a nice souvenir of the day.
Woman: The museum has lots of interesting displays to see. My favourite one is of an old-fashioned street, where you can experience the sights, smells and sounds of life 150 years ago - you may even see someone making bread to a traditional recipe. I know you'll love the latest display about how chocolate was made in a city in the past - everyone who goes to the museum talks about it!
Woman: The museum does have a shop and at the end of the day, you can look round it. They have lots of excellent books and a great range of posters. A variety of food can be bought at a snack shop nearby.
Woman: If you or your parents would like to find out more about the museum before we visit, you can look at the website: www dot W-A-Y-S-B-U-R-Y dot com. Did you get that? Any questions?
For each question, choose the correct answer.
You will hear an interview with a teenager called Mary Lyons, who started a skateboarding club for girls.
Man: Today I'm talking to 15-year-old Mary Lyons, who set up a skateboarding club for girls in her area. So Mary, how did your interest in skateboarding actually begin?
Girl: Well, there was an after school skateboarding session for students in classes above me and I used to pass it on my way home. I liked the look of it so I tried to persuade my brothers to get skateboards so we could learn together, but it wasn't their thing. And later I learnt more from a programme about skateboarding on TV, and soon I was skateboarding every weekend.
Man: Then, you started a skateboarding club for girls. Why?
Girl: Well, people thought it was because I didn't like being the only girl at the skate park, but in fact, I didn't mind that. Once I had started, though, I felt it'd be a great idea to encourage other girls to get involved as well. And of course, we still enjoy skateboarding with boys sometimes.
Man: And did everyone support you?
Girl: My parents did. But some people were a bit annoying. Saying things like, 'Why don't you take up something less dangerous, a sport like tennis.' I don't think they realised how few accidents there are, especially if you're fit and you practise a lot. But at least the town council agreed to support the club financially, which I didn't really expect.
Man: Has anything surprised you?
Girl: Well, I guess I'm amazed that all the club members like each other so much. You know, outside skateboarding, they'd probably never meet. There are members at all levels - which is what you'd probably expect. And I've found that people respect me, but well, I started the club so actually I can understand that.
Man: And the champion skateboarder Judy Blake visited the club, didn't she?
Girl: Yes, she did. For us, she's such a huge star, that, you know, some of us were a bit embarrassed to skate in front of her at first. But that feeling soon went. And she started suggesting loads of things we could do to improve our performances, as well as websites with great videos and stuff like that.
Man: Cool. So, any plans for the future, Mary?
Girl: Well, now skateboarding's been accepted as an Olympic sport, my greatest ambition is to take part. I don't mind admitting that. It'll attract more attention from big companies that produce equipment too. When skateboarders get older, some train to become skateboarding instructors. But that's not what I'm thinking about at the moment.
Man: Thank you, Mary. And good luck with your future.
Listening (approximately 30 minutes)
For each question, choose the correct answer.
Man: OK, everyone. About the cricket match at the weekend. Fortunately, it won't be as wet on the ground as we'd expected since we've had some wind lately ... though this has stopped now. It wasn't enough to really dry the field out from all that rain, so the conditions won't be great for playing. Anyway, you're more likely to need your caps to protect your eyes, as it's going to be bright and warm, according to the forecast. That'll be better for the ground.
Boy: Can we still meet tomorrow? I'll be in the park all morning.
Girl: Well, I'm going to town with my mum - she says she wants to go to the bakers, and there's a special event she wants to take me to at the bookshop at 11, but I'll come straight afterwards.
Boy: Oh - I saw a poster for that. It sounds really interesting! Let's see each other there. It's not far from the park, and my parents were actually encouraging me to go to it.
Girl: OK. That sounds like a plan.
Boy: Have you finished painting your room?
Girl: Yes - we finished last night. I went for blue in the end. I chose a really nice pale colour, and I'll have cushions to match.
Boy: Nice! That's a good idea - and you can change them easily when you want things to look different.
Girl: Exactly. I ordered some online - they'll arrive tomorrow. Everything looked so dark before, even with that lamp of mine in the corner. Maybe it was all my posters on the wall. I'll put some back up, but just my favourites!
Boy: How was the film?
Girl: Good - although I didn't see the start!
Boy: Oh dear! Was the bus late again?
Girl: Oh, it always is, so I made sure I got an earlier one. No, when I was waiting in the cinema queue for my ticket, I realised I'd left my purse on the bus. Luckily a friend saw it there. She called me and brought it to the cinema, so I had to wait, which meant missing the beginning.
Boy: Oh dear!
Girl: I know.
Boy: Hi Mum, I just wanted to let you know I'll be home a bit late. I was cycling to Danny's after school and my light fell off and broke! But Danny's brother works in the restaurant at the end of our road, so he drives right past our door. He's got enough room to put my bike in the boot too. I said I'd get the bus, but he insisted. Anyway - I'll see you later!
Girl: I got that book Jack wanted for his birthday.
Boy: Oh, that's great. He'll be pleased.
Girl: Yeah, I hope so, it was quite expensive. Paying so much for a book is unusual for me!
Boy: Well, it's his birthday, after all. And wasn't there a special offer on at the bookshop? Something like if you spend over 20 pounds you get a discount?
Girl: That's right - so it was 16 pounds, and I got some magazines for myself for 7 pounds as well. I think Jack'll be happy anyway!
Girl: Dad, have you seen my phone? I'm sure I had it when we were sitting round the table outside earlier today.
Man: Sorry, no. But didn't you take it with you when you went back in to make tea for me and Mum?
Girl: Good point, you're right. And when I was waiting for the water to boil, a friend called me about some homework. I had to go to my room and check something for her, but I didn't have the phone when I came back to make the tea.
Man: Mystery solved.
For each question, choose the correct answer.
How did she feel about it?答案：B B 对。The instructor did everything possible to make me feel good about myself when I wasn't feeling too positive! Which is really important（教练尽力让她自我感觉好起来，这对她很重要）→ 感激得到的支持。易错：A「进步惊人」——她说 I know I've still got a lot to learn（还有很多要学），并没有夸自己进步；C「惊讶于难度」——I was scared to even jump in the deep end... so I knew it'd be hard（早就知道会难，不是意外）。blocking point：knew it'd be hard ≠ surprised
Boy: How was the course, Jo?
Girl: My diving course? Great, thanks. When I started I was scared to even jump in the deep end of the pool to be honest, so I knew it'd be hard! Some of the other people were using the highest diving board by the end - not me. I know I've still got a lot to learn, but that's OK. I've even signed up for another course!
Boy: You enjoyed it then.
Girl: Yeah. The instructor did everything possible to make me feel good about myself when I wasn't feeling too positive! Which is really important.
What is he doing?答案：B B 对。we're going to get the train there - there's one that gets to town about half an hour before the film... Why not come with us, then we'll arrive together?（坐火车去，建议她一起走）→ 提议交通方式。易错：A 全程没提「别迟到」；C 他道歉的是「你想看的电影没在放」（Sorry the film you wanted to see isn't on），不是给错信息。blocking phrase：Why not come with us
Boy: Hello Megan, are you still OK to come with us to the cinema on Sunday?
Girl: Yeah - I'm looking forward to it!
Boy: I'm really glad you can still come. Sorry the film you wanted to see isn't on.
Girl: Oh, that's fine - this one sounds cool anyway.
Boy: That's good. Well, we're going to get the train there - there's one that gets to town about half an hour before the film, which gives us plenty of time to get tickets and snacks. Why not come with us, then we'll arrive together?
Girl: Thanks, but actually I'll be in town already. So I'll see you there.
How does the girl feel about it?答案：C C 对。It's more whether I'll be able to keep sailing in a straight line without hitting anything else on the lake!（担心没法直线航行、会撞到东西）→ 怕控制不好船。易错：B 天气是她自己提到的，但下一句 that's not what's bothering me（困扰我的不是这个）直接排除；A 她没说「不清楚要做什么」，只说 I suppose we won't do anything too challenging as it's our first lesson（推测不会太难）。blocking phrase：that's not what's bothering me（听力里的「否定预告」）
Boy: I'm really looking forward to learning to sail with an instructor on Saturday. Are you?
Girl: Yes and no. It's going to be really windy on Saturday afternoon - I saw the forecast but, of course, you need wind for sailing.
Boy: Or else we won't actually get anywhere.
Girl: I know - that's not what's bothering me. It's more whether I'll be able to keep sailing in a straight line without hitting anything else on the lake! How do you avoid that?
Boy: I don't know but we'll find out.
Girl: I suppose we won't do anything too challenging as it's our first lesson.
Boy: No.
What do they both say about it?答案：B B 对。I really didn't expect that final scene（男孩）＋ I was sure I knew exactly what was going to happen - until the last 5 minutes!（女孩）→ 两人都认为结尾出人意料。易错：C 关于取景两人意见相反——女孩觉得 Using that power station really added something（电厂加分），男孩说 I didn't get that - why a power station?（不理解）；A 只有女孩夸 the main actor was fantastic，男孩只给 He was OK，不是共识。blocking point：题干 What do they both say —— 必须找交集，单方观点全部排除
Boy: What did you think of the film?
Girl: I liked it - I thought the main actor was fantastic - but he's one of my favourites, so I like whatever he's in!
Boy: He was OK. I wonder if this was the right sort of film for him though.... Anyway, I really didn't expect that final scene, did you?
Girl: I was sure I knew exactly what was going to happen - until the last 5 minutes! I wonder where it was filmed? Using that power station really added something to the atmosphere.
Boy: I didn't get that - why a power station? But the beach scene was amazing.
What did the boy dislike about it?答案：A A 对。Everyone in the rows in front was jumping up and down though, so I couldn't always see, which spoilt it a little（前面的人又蹦又跳挡住视线，有点扫兴）→ 观众的行为。易错：B 音量——I don't mind it（不在乎；说「讨厌太吵」的是女孩）；C 演出质量——the band played all their biggest hits 是正面评价。blocking phrase：I don't mind it（= 不介意，不是不喜欢）
Girl: Did you go to see the band BlueDay, Billy?
Boy: Yeah - my dad got tickets! Our seats were quite far back, not right near the speakers like when you're in the ones at the front.
Girl: I hate it if it's too loud.
Boy: I don't mind it. Everyone in the rows in front was jumping up and down though, so I couldn't always see, which spoilt it a little. But the band played all their biggest hits. It was all over so quickly. It's a shame they couldn't go on for longer, but I hope I can go and see them again some time.
They agree that答案：A A 对。there were people around to ask all over the place（到处都有人）＋ having to wait in queues to go through the gates all the time annoying（老要排队）＋ 女孩 I prefer more peace and quiet（更喜欢清静）→ 两人共同确认人太多。易错：B 女孩明确反驳 that was because we didn't follow them properly（是我们没照做），双方没达成一致；C 天气女孩嫌热，男孩说 I like it when it's hot（我喜欢热），观点相反。blocking point：agree 题只认「双方都点头」的那一条
Boy: What a great walk!
Girl: Yes, but the heat was a bit much for me!
Boy: Oh, I like it when it's hot. The route was complicated, though, and the directions we were using weren't that great.
Girl: I think that was because we didn't follow them properly.
Boy: Well, maybe. But we missed a really important turning!
Girl: I think it was us not looking carefully. And there were people around to ask all over the place.
Boy: True. Although I found having to wait in queues to go through the gates all the time annoying.
Girl: Mmm, I prefer more peace and quiet.
For each question, write the correct answer in the gap. Write one or two words or a number or a date or a time.
You will hear a history teacher telling some students about a castle they will visit.
Woman: OK everybody. We're going on a class trip to Lea Castle next week so I'd like to tell you a bit about the castle.
Woman: The oldest parts of it were built in the 11th century, a time when there were lots of battles in the area. But following a fire in the 12th century, most of it had to be built again. This didn't happen until the 13th century.
Woman: As you know, people generally made their buildings from wood - after all, much of the area is covered in trees even now. Building with stone wasn't easy, so the fact it was used here shows how important this castle was. It was much stronger than buildings made using earth, which was also common back then.
Woman: You'll be interested to hear something valuable might be hidden somewhere in the castle. There's a story about a rich woman who lived there. Look out for pictures of her around the castle - she's wearing expensive rings and necklaces in the paintings. It's believed she put her gold coins in a secret place. Nobody knows where!
Woman: When we've finished in the castle, we'll go outside to the picnic area. While we're there, enjoying the castle's beautiful garden, try and imagine the land as a farm. That's how it was used to provide food for people in the castle.
Woman: Finally, after lunch, there'll be a quiz to see who in the class remembers most about what you saw during the tour. So pay attention to the guide, and also remember to make notes during the film you'll see when we first arrive.
Woman: The last owner of the castle was an interesting man and I'd like you to find out something about him for homework. His name was William Haisworth. That's H-A-I-S-W-O-R-T-H. You can look up some information online.
For each question, choose the correct answer.
You will hear an interview with a TV sports presenter called Maria Dalton.
Man: Today I'm interviewing Maria Dalton, who works as a TV sports presenter.
Woman: Hello.
Man: What made you become a sports presenter?
Woman: I've always loved sports - doing things like training the women's football team at college. People said I gave very clear instructions. A guy who worked on a newspaper came to ask me questions for an article he was writing, and he suggested I'd make a good sports presenter. I made up my mind I'd like to try it so I did a tour of a television studio to find out what it was like.
Man: I see! Is the profession hard to get into?
Woman: Well, it's common to dream of working in sport on TV, so that means strong competition for jobs. There are courses you can do, though they're quite expensive. When you're presenting a sports programme on live TV, it's stressful in the studio with busy people all around you - it's not just sitting in front of a camera!
Man: How did you prepare for your first time on live TV?
Woman: I was nervous! Everyone kept saying I should feel confident because I deserved the job, but I just couldn't believe it was happening! I went for a long run, which made me feel calmer. Afterwards, I felt really uncomfortable seeing the recording of myself, although I'm used to it now.
Man: So what do you worry about when you're on TV?
Woman: There's always something! For me, it's suddenly not knowing what I'd planned to ask next when I'm talking to sportspeople. I have ideas written down, but sometimes a conversation changes, and things go out of my head. Some presenters make mistakes when they're trying to say long names and things, but that hasn't happened to me.
Man: I hear you're doing a new TV programme soon.
Woman: Yes, I'm so excited. I got the idea from watching kids in my hometown doing amazing new sports like underwater basketball. So I'm going around the country, having a go at some of these activities. And we'll film teenagers doing their sports - there may be some future champions!
Man: Do you have advice for people interested in sports journalism?
Woman: Well, although everyone has favourite sports they can talk about for hours, you never know what you'll end up covering, so knowledge about a variety is important. And just don't think about TV. Look for interview opportunities at local sports events, or ask about positions in newspapers or radio. And watch what the experts in the profession do.
Man: Thanks Maria!
Woman: Thank you.
Listening (approximately 30 minutes)
For each question, choose the correct answer.
Man: How's your knee today after falling off your skateboard yesterday?
Girl: It's still sore, Dad. But it wasn't a very serious fall.
Man: I know. Let's have a look at that cut on your elbow... Well, it looks like it's going to be OK.
Girl: It doesn't hurt as much as it did.
Man: That cream you put on it has done its job. How about your ankle?
Girl: It still feels painful when I try to walk.
Man: I'm sure it isn't broken but let's make an appointment for a check at the doctor's anyway.
Boy: Do you still want to go to the cinema later?
Girl: Yeah - do you think your dad'll give us a lift? My mum's car's broken down.
Boy: Well, usually that'd be fine - he's working late this evening, though. There aren't any buses going past the cinema today because they're doing some work on the main road.
Girl: The train's our only option, then. Shall we walk to the station together about half five?
Boy: Sure. On our way past we can see if there's any information at the bus stop about buses to school tomorrow.
Man: Want to see a cleaner, greener town park? If so, join us for the monthly litter pick-up. Recently our group changed its meeting point to the front of the tennis court, but we won't be able to meet there this weekend as there's an important match on. Instead, we're asking you to come along to where the boats are kept, by the lake. A lot of park visitors come and go through the main gate, so we'd prefer a quieter place where volunteers will find each other more easily.
Boy: I'm off to volleyball practice soon, Mum.
Woman: You'll need some lunch before you go. What about a sandwich? Or there're some sausages and eggs in the fridge.
Boy: Just a sandwich please. I'm in a hurry.
Woman: Oh dear, I forgot. We've run out of bread. You had the last slice earlier. But you can have a piece of last night's pizza.
Boy: (laughing) Oh well, it looks like I'll have to!
Woman: Sorry! But don't worry, I'm going shopping later so I'll get more bread. And this evening we can have sausage and eggs.
Girl: It was a great trip to the wildlife park yesterday, wasn't it?
Boy: Yeah - a shame not to see the tigers, though. I love watching them.
Girl: Yeah, I know, they were inside - probably sleeping after lunch! But those little kangaroos, jumping about all over the place were funny. And the guide said there's a new baby giraffe. It's kept away from the public for now cos it's so small. We'll have to go back and see it once it's old enough to come outside.
Boy: I know - it sounds really cute.
Girl: Yeah!
Girl: Oo-oh, you're looking very nice and stylish today!
Boy: Thanks - Mum and I went out on a shopping trip yesterday and I got all this new stuff. I think this jacket's far too tight. It's a shame it's too late to take it back cos I've taken the label off and I'm wearing it. I can only wear a T-shirt under it, and I really wanted to wear a sweatshirt today as I think it's going to be cold later!
Girl: That's what I heard.
Boy: Hi Grandma, thanks so much for my birthday present! I had a great day with Mum and Dad, and several of my friends came along. We thought it would be more fun if, rather than eating in the café, we all cooked everything outside. And my friends put their money together and got me a bike helmet - remember mine was too small? We've already planned to cycle to the beach. Hopefully the weather'll be good and we can play ball! OK, well, thanks again and I'll see you soon!
For each question, choose the correct answer.
They agree that the teacher答案：A A 对。男孩 Some of the tasks we had to do in this lesson were challenging though... it took me a while to get the answers. Some of the classmates said the same；女孩 I thought the questions would be easy when we started but they got much harder → 两人都认同任务/题目很难。易错：C「用了新颖的教学法」——女孩说 I've never played a game like that in an English literature class before（听起来新），但男孩立刻反驳 Haven't you? I've done it a few times in other classes（别的课上做过），所以不算原创；B 是两人各说自己的决心（if I push myself, I can do better / I could achieve more if I tried），说的是自己而不是老师，且不是共同评价。blocking point：题干 They agree + 评价对象是 teacher
Girl: I've never played a game like that in an English literature class before.
Boy: Haven't you? I've done it a few times in other classes. Some of the tasks we had to do in this lesson were challenging though... it took me a while to get the answers. Some of the classmates said the same.
Girl: I thought the questions would be easy when we started but they got much harder, actually.
Boy: Still, one thing I learned in that lesson is that if I push myself, I can do better.
Girl: Well, I know I could achieve more if I tried.
What is the boy doing?答案：B B 对。it's a pity we aren't allowed to skateboard there anymore（可惜那儿不让滑了）＋ We'll have to find somewhere else to go. I wish they'd build a skateboard park for us like they've got in other towns＋ it'd be better if they were smoother（路面再平点更好）→ 全程在抱怨没有合适场地。易错：C「建议新地点」——他只说「得另找地方」，并没有给出具体新地点（提议去问的是女孩：Maybe we should ask for one!）；A「警告别去某些地方」——他只是陈述广场不让滑了，没有警告的语气。blocking phrase：I wish they'd build...（抱怨/愿望，不等于建议）
Boy: I like what they've done to the town square with the trees and everything. It looks nicer but it's a pity we aren't allowed to skateboard there anymore.
Girl: I know, but it's safer for pedestrians.
Boy: We'll have to find somewhere else to go. I wish they'd build a skateboard park for us like they've got in other towns.
Girl: Maybe we should ask for one!
Boy: I'm not sure who to ask about it, but yeah, maybe. The pavements here are OK for skateboarding on, but it'd be better if they were smoother.
Girl: I know.
What did the boy feel proud of?答案：A A 对。I've never been in a lead role before. I couldn't believe it when they gave it to me - was so pleased with myself（第一次演主角，非常得意）→ 自豪的是第一次拿到重要角色。易错：B「得到好评」——everyone said you acted well 是女孩说的话，不是他自己自豪的点；C「写了部分台词」——他说 I helped with the lines for some of the main scenes. I'm not sure how brilliant they were though（自己都拿不准，语气很虚，谈不上自豪）。blocking phrase：pleased with myself = feel proud of
Girl: Was it last night that you were in that play at the theatre?
Boy: Yes - didn't you come to see the opening night? I've never been in a lead role before. I couldn't believe it when they gave it to me - was so pleased with myself.
Girl: Well, you've worked really hard on your acting skills. You deserve it!
Boy: Oh, thanks! Actually, I was a bit nervous, too. I helped with the lines for some of the main scenes. I'm not sure how brilliant they were though.
Girl: Look, everyone said you acted well, so just enjoy the experience!
What do they agree about?答案：A A 对。男孩 those cheese and onion pies and salads were delicious；女孩 I'd definitely go again for that reason!（就为这个我也会再去）→ 两人都认可食物好吃。易错：B「服务员友好」——女孩说 the waiter made us laugh，男孩反驳 If you found it funny... Can't say I did（我可不觉得）；C「座位舒服」——男孩说 the chairs were a bit hard，女孩说 I didn't really notice（没注意）。blocking point：agree 题只认两人都点头的那条
Girl: That was kind of your mum, taking us to that café for lunch.
Boy: Yes - it opened last week. I expected them to serve the usual café stuff - but those cheese and onion pies and salads were delicious.
Girl: I'd definitely go again for that reason! Our order took a while to arrive, but at least the waiter made us laugh.
Boy: If you found it funny... Can't say I did. It was nice there - but the chairs were a bit hard. I prefer places with sofas and stuff.
Girl: Oh, I didn't really notice.
Boy: Maybe it was just me!
How is the boy feeling now?答案：B B 对。I was sure I'd get loads of things wrong today so I'm glad I didn't... I was worried about that a bit（本以为会犯很多错，幸好没有）→ 庆幸没犯很多错。易错：A「没受伤」——受伤风险说的是女孩（And you nearly injured your ankle! 是对她说的）；C「失望没做得更好」——他说 I'm hoping it'll be easier next time（期待下次）是积极语气，说「太有挑战、下次太难」的是女孩。blocking point：对话里主语与情绪归属要分清
Boy: What an incredible experience!
Girl: I know. I was so scared looking down.
Boy: Yeah, even though we weren't at the top... actually, I used to be quite afraid of heights. I was sure I'd get loads of things wrong today so I'm glad I didn't! I was worried about that a bit. And you nearly injured your ankle! I'm hoping it'll be easier next time.
Girl: Mmm. I think that today was enough for me. I feel the next lesson could be just too challenging.
Boy: Isn't that a bit negative? And after today, who knows how good we might get at it.
What is the girl's opinion of it?答案：A A 对。I've slept really well - there isn't loads of noise like at that other campsite we stayed in（睡得特别好，不像上次那个营地那么吵）→ 安静。易错：C「位置方便」——她说 I thought it'd be nearer the sea - it's quite a walk（本以为离海更近，结果要走挺远），是抱怨位置；B「设施有限」——她反而夸 there are two pools... and at least there's a volleyball court（还有排球场），设施不少。blocking point：there isn't loads of noise = peaceful
Boy: It's soooo great to be on holiday here with Mum and Dad. What do you think of the campsite?
Girl: I like it. I thought it'd be nearer the sea - it's quite a walk - but otherwise it's an OK choice. It's good there are two pools so the little kids can play around in one and the older kids like us can swim in the other, and at least there's a volleyball court. Anyway, I've slept really well - there isn't loads of noise like at that other campsite we stayed in - remember those guys with guitars?
Boy: Yeah, I liked listening to them, though!
For each question, write the correct answer in the gap. Write one or two words or a number or a date or a time.
You will hear a teacher giving her class some information about a trip to a museum.
Woman: OK, everyone, I'd like to tell you a bit about our class trip to the Natural History Museum tomorrow.
Woman: We need to leave a little earlier than our usual school start time of eight thirty, so please make sure you're ready and waiting at the school gate by eight, ready to set off at quarter past eight.
Woman: There are loads of interesting things to see at the museum. Our visit will focus on the Arctic region of the world - in particular, the sea creatures there. There are land animals, too, but because we're studying the oceans in class at the moment, we'll concentrate on that.
Woman: You'll have a great time looking at all the displays, but there's work to do, too! Not a quiz this time - I'd like you to read the display information carefully and choose the most interesting item to make a drawing of. I know you'd probably like to take a photo or two but no mobile phones, please.
Woman: So, about lunchtime... The museum has a café, but the school kitchen will provide a packed lunch for everyone, including sandwiches, fruit and water. There's a lovely garden to walk around in beside the museum. The weather forecast is good for tomorrow, so we'll go down to the lake and have our picnic there.
Woman: We'll see more of the museum in the afternoon. Make notes because after our visit, I'm going to ask you to write a report about it. Don't worry - you won't have to do a presentation, you'll be pleased to hear!
Woman: Before we go, I'd like you to look at some research by a famous professor, Helen Hawthorpe. I'll just spell her surname for you and you can look her up on the internet. It's H-A-W-T-H-O-R-P-E. Any questions?
For each question, choose the correct answer.
You will hear an interview with a boy called Joe Wilson, who is talking about a sailing holiday he went on with his parents.
Woman: In the holiday programme today I'm talking to Joe Wilson who's just been on a sailing holiday with his parents. How did you first feel about this idea, Joe?
Boy: When Dad asked me whether I fancied it I said yes immediately. I wouldn't say going sailing was a dream of mine and I didn't know whether I'd be able to do it, but sailing round the Greek islands stopping at all the harbours sounded brilliant and I couldn't wait.
Woman: Before your holiday did you do anything to prepare for going on a sailing boat?
Boy: Mum said we should at least be able to identify and remember the names of all its different bits - the special words for the front and back and stuff. We didn't plan sightseeing cos we weren't sure we'd have time. You don't need to be especially strong for sailing, so there was no need to start going to the gym or anything.
Woman: How was the training?
Boy: It lasted a week. I hadn't realised you could become a sailor in such a short time - it was less complicated than I'd expected. In the second week, we managed our own boat. We stayed in a group, with other families on their boats and the instructors on theirs - it made me feel safer going round the islands with them nearby!
Woman: What were you best at when sailing?
Boy: When you arrive at a harbour, you have to be careful, otherwise you could damage the boat. I got that right every time, though I can't say the same for keeping the boat going in the right direction. I didn't crash into anything, though! And although I looked at the charts - they're maps that show how deep the water is, plus where rocks are - my parents dealt with them.
Woman: Were there any storms?
Boy: Well, one night there was a huge one, which went on for hours. Luckily, we weren't out at sea. When the lightning lit up the sky, I couldn't believe the effect on the landscape - the colours were gorgeous. Seeing all the boats being knocked about in the wind was incredible.
Woman: Did you spend time on shore?
Boy: Yes - we often stopped, and it was good to get off the boat. Before the trip, I thought I'd go running whenever we were on land but there wasn't time. But I did get to have a nice variety of tasty things to eat, most of which I'd never even heard of before. I really enjoyed that. I was hoping to chat to people, but I needed to know more Greek!