PRACTICE TEST I

PAPER 1: READING
Part 1

You are going to read a magazine article. For questions 1-8, choose the answer (A, B, C or D)
which you think fits
best according to the text.

Cruising Round the Mediterranean

Janet Foster describes her holiday of a lifetime.

Wonderful weather, masses of quality of their cuisine, and the Venus

interesting things to see and do, and was no exception. I sampled everything
superb comfort. That was what I told the chef had to offer. My favourites
the travel agent when she asked what were the English afternoon teas with
kind of holiday I was looking for. How dainty sandwiches, fresh pastries and
about a Mediterranean cruise? she hot buttered scones. I can still hear the
said. And thats how I found myself, two waitress, silver teapot in hand, asking,
months later, aboard the cruise ship Would you prefer milk or lemon,
Venus. madam?
From the moment I set foot on the ship, There was a dazzling variety of evening
I felt pampered. The public areas were activities. In my 10 days on board I
quite luxurious with their elegant only managed two concerts, a Las
furnishings and wood-panelled walls. Vegas-style cabaret, a magic show, a
They reminded me of some of the lecture on wines, a disco, and a 60s
scenes from the film Titanic, and I half night of singing and dancing.
expected Leonardo de Caprio to appear
But the crowning glory of the cruise was
at any moment. My own cabin was the
undoubtedly the tours. The short stops
last word in luxury.
line 18 we made at historic ports of call
On the first day, I explored the ship satisfied my craving for travel and
to get my bearings and to find out perfectly suited my temperament. I
about on-board entertainment tend to become impatient with
activities. I made a mental note of extended stays in any one spot. From a
which ones to go for, and what to avoid. hilltop castle at Vigo in Spain, I enjoyed
Most of the young people seemed to be a panoramic view across the bay. In the
hanging around the gym and virtual- quaint, narrow streets of Palma,
reality centre. I visited both briefly, but Majorca, even souvenir shopping
quickly went back on deck. No way was proved a pleasure. One place I would
I going back to England after this cruise have been happy to spend longer than
without a tan that would be the envy of the one allotted day was the Adriatic
my friends! I spent hours basking port of Dubrovnic, with its marvellous
beside the swimming pool, taking an old city walls.
occasional dip in the water for exercise,
Venice provided the grand finale before
or briefly joining one of the aerobics
line 33 we returned to the UK. Sailing slowly
sessions. I strolled around the decks,
along the canals in a gondola, peering
stopping from time to time to lean on
at St. Marks Square through the misty
the rail and gaze out to sea.
early morning light was magical. I was
And while I enjoyed solitary moments pleased that I had forced myself to rise
on the upper deck, dont think for a at the crack of dawn and see Venice,
minute that taking a cruise by myself quiet, without the usual adoring crowds.
implied that I remained alone. Though I found the city as alluring as ever.
men appeared to be in the minority,
Other holidays that Ive had were fun.
there were plenty of singles on board
Some were more restful, most
and no lack of company. In fact, I made
considerably cheaper than a cruise, but
several casual acquaintances and
none were in any way comparable. Its
formed friendships with a couple of

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 PAPER 1: READING Part 1 (Questions 1-8)

fascinating fellow passengers of both going to take a year of scrimping and

sexes, with whom I've kept in touch. saving to pay off the cruise on the
Venus but, for my idea of heaven, it was
Some of the more experienced cruise
worth it.
passengers I met told me that cruise
ships are famed for the

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ICE TEST
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 PAPER 1: READING Part 1 (Questions 1-8)

1 Why did the writer book a holiday on the Venus?

A She had always dreamed of going on a cruise.
B It was the only cruise with places still available.
C It was the result of a suggestion made to her.
D She had been thinking about it for quite a long time.
2 From her first impressions of the cruise ship, the writer felt that the ship owners
A had had the vessel redecorated.
B had ordered an exact replica of another ship.
C understood the importance of atmosphere.
D were constantly looking for new staff.
3 What does the word ones (line 18) refer to?
A tours
B activities
C bearings
D young people
4 Why did the writer go to the swimming pool a lot?
A She loves all forms of sport and exercise.
B She met shipboard friends there.
C She prefers swimming to gymnastics.
D She wanted to lie in the sun.
5 The writer uses the phrase no lack of company (lines 33-34) to show that she
A was used to being on her own.
B found lots of people to mix with.
C enjoyed meeting the male passengers.
D preferred her own company.
6 What do we learn about the writer?
A She always enjoys going out to shop for gifts.
B She had actually been to Venice before.
C She didnt like the crowds one encounters on cruise ships.
D She liked to get up early in the morning.
7 According to the writer, the ticket for the cruise
A cost less than other holidays abroad.
B was unreasonably expensive.
C cost more than the writer had expected.
D has not yet been fully paid for.
8 Which statement most closely expresses the writers conclusions about her trip?
A The travel agent understood what I was looking for.
B I could have done with more shipboard activities and less sightseeing.
C It was not at all what I expected of a cruise.
D Many of the activities were unsuitable for older people.

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TEST I
 PAPER 1: READING Part 2 (Questions 9-15)

Part 2

You are going to read an article about a model. Seven sentences have been removed from the
article. Choose from the sentences A-H the one which fits each gap (9-15). There is one extra
sentence which you do not need to use.

Big is Beautiful
What makes model Kate Dillon different from other fashion models?

Overweight Kate thats what fellow students Kate was determined to do it her way, and
called her at school. So, after watching a again her life took an unexpected turn. When
television film about eating disorders, Kate a friend suggested that she go back to
9
Dillon, an unhappy teenager, decided to modelling, Kate realised that this was a real
starve herself. By the age of possibility. With a more natural look and her
sixteen, after losing 30 pounds, she did indeed newly found self-confidence, 13
she was
have more friends and was spotted by a scout engaged on the spot by a top agency this
for a modelling agency, where she time as a size-14 model.
subsequently embarked on a highly successful She has established a new norm for beauty,
career in modelling. Dillon was soon featured where being as skinny as a rake is no longer
on the covers of top fashion magazines. Her the only criterion for an attractive woman.
dream had come true, but it was to be short-
Describing herself as a model with a voice,
lived.
Kate has been a key speaker on eating
Kate had turned into one of10
those glamorous, disorders and the female self-image at places
slender models seen in magazines, on TV and such as Harvard University. She speaks out
in films. Girls all over the world long for such against the medias narrow concept of beauty.
an image and some will do almost anything According to Dillon, the media feed women
to achieve it. Constantly images14of an impossible ideal which cause
worrying about her weight, Kate was also anxiety so as to sell them the so-called
feeling ill and run down. 11
After seven years, solution in the form of diets. Even messages
she began to wonder if being slim was the telling women to be themselves are often
only measure of beauty. mixed.
15
During a photography session for the Kate is optimistic that attitudes are changing
exclusive fashion magazine Harpers Bazaar, and that society is moving towards a more
Kates glamorous life suddenly lost its open ideal of beauty, but feels there is still a
charm. Was it all worthwhile? long way to go. Modifying peoples attitudes
Somewhere12along the way, hadnt she lost takes time, and Kate does not promise young
sight of all the other things that were women instant acceptance.
important in life? The first step is for women to make a decision
to live by their own standards rather than
This realisation changed Kates life. She gave
trying to fulfill the ideals of others. As Kate
up modelling and started going out, dancing,

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TEST I
 PAPER 1: READING Part 1 (Questions 1-8)

and having a good time. She soon began says, Whats really cool is to be who you
putting on a little weight, although she was are.
careful to eat sensibly, with the guidance of a
nutritionist. She slowly gained
confidence, became comfortable with her new
lifestyle and at ease with her appearance.

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 PAPER 1: READING Part 2 (Questions 9-15)

A At the same time, she started E It might feel great to look slim, but
exercising, and took up running and women should ask themselves: How
martial arts. much effort should be put into it?

B She constantly comes across womens F The greatest problem is accepting that
magazines that run articles about her women can be attractive without
as a role model on one page, and give conforming to cover- girl norms.
tips for how to get slim quick on the
next.
G She happened to glance around and
became aware of the enormous effort
C Encouraged by her manager and clients everyone was making to create her
to be as bony as possible, Kate was perfect public image.
eating less and less.
H She became obsessed with the idea
D Ironically, she now enjoys even greater that being slim would win her
success, making twice the income she acceptance and popularity.
once did.

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TEST I
 PAPER 1: READING Part 3 (Questions 16-30)

Part 3

You are going to read a newspaper article about a sporting event. For questions 16-30, choose
from the participants
(A-D). The participants may be chosen more than once.

Which of the participants

had been confident of winning?

16
mentions qualities not necessarily connected to
sport? 17
describes the kind of people who take part in
this race? 18

refers to long training done before the race?

19

contributed expert knowledge?

20

mentions overcoming an unexpected setback?

21

felt that the weather was in the teams favour?

22

was able to return a favour?

23

refers to physical requirements of participants?

24

mentions the strict rules of the race?

25

enjoys the adrenalin rush from competing?

26

is aware of their own shortcomings?

27

complains about the physical conditions?

28
feels the choice of venue is an important
factor? 29

demonstrates excellent navigational ability?

30

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TEST I
 PAPER 1: READING Part 3 (Questions 16-30)

Primal Quest
Are you adventurous? Sarah Cairns asked four
participants about Discovery Channels annual race.

A Testing yourself to the limit, C Its difficult for Sandy to put her
challenging nature, racing and finger on what attracted her most
adventure was how Paul described about Primal Quest. Maybe it was a
the exciting annual expedition race love of extreme sports, she told me,
called Primal Quest. Paul had tried or growing up in a mountainous area
his hand at all the skills needed for in Canada where climbing and
the contest long before he actually canoeing were always part of our
took part in it. I learned to ride lives. The beauty and splendour of
horses and mountain bikes at an the course, which took them through
early age and when I was 16, Dad stunning desert canyons to unspoilt
finally took me climbing. It still took mountain trails, made her feel it was
me years to build up the necessary well worth it. Sarah also admitted that
strength, he told us. The race being a woman had something to do
covers over 400 miles of extremely with it. I loved the idea of a
rough terrain, and includes challenging race in a wild and remote
rappelling and whitewater rafting. location, where both sexes had to be
You need to keep going round the represented on every team. I really
clock for anything between six to 10 believe that Primal Quest makes for
days, and youre fighting exhaustion better human beings, not just
most of the time. This year the race sportspeople. You need perfect
was in the desert, and the extreme communication with your teammates,
heat was especially brutal. But, I get mutual consideration and total
B a kick out of any sport that involves dedication to the mission at hand. I
danger and calls for stamina and a D think you come home from the
lot of willpower. Its a challenge to experience a more compassionate
human endurance. person, at work, with your family and
in other relationships.

Helen admitted that she wasnt

always an asset to her team. Id Upon reaching Checkpoint 36, David
done quite a bit of mountain biking and his teammates were informed
before, but there were sections that, before they could continue, they
between checkpoints that we rode would have to complete an
across which were interspersed with orienteering course. This was a route
parts where the bikes had to be of eight and a half miles which they
carried. That meant that, at each had to cover while finding points
stage, we had to dismantle our bikes, shown on a map, in territory that is
and then reassemble them. Im what especially difficult to navigate. They
you would call technically hadnt counted on this obstacle, and
challenged, so I held the team back. as it turned out, some other teams
My three teammates were great, opted for an eight-hour penalty rather
though. Whoever was ready first than attempting it. However, one of
always gave me a hand. Helen, the team had once been a scout and
experienced in the water, was happy remembered orienteering to get us
that she was able to reciprocate in through this part in under five hours.
the kayaking part of the race, a skill On the seventh day, we were still well
in which her fellow teammates were ahead, he told us. Our performance

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TEST I
 less competent. She managed to save was outstanding. Wed made good
them quite a bit of time by choosing time on the mountain bike sections
the fastest possible course through the and there wasnt a flash flood in sight
river and helping them avoid when we waded through a river bed.
underwater rocks. These are virtually Then, on the eighth day, misfortune
invisible, but a skilled kayaker can struck. Nell sprained an ankle so she
recognise them by the slight changes couldnt ride her bike. There was no
in the rivers flow. way she could get to the finishing line,
which meant we were all disqualified.

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ICE TEST
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 PAPER 2: WRITING Part 1 (Question 1)

Part 1

You must answer this question. Write your answer in 120-150 words in an appropriate style.

1 You have received an email from Nancy, a nurse at the local hospital, who organises events for
patients. Read
her email and the notes you have made. Then write an email to Nancy using all your notes.

Email

From: Nancy Dawson

Sent: 30th May

Subject: Concert
Your school choir has an excellent reputation and I was
wondering whether youd be willing to give a concert for
our patients. Yes!

As doctors do their rounds and see patients in the

mornings, an early afternoon concert in the middle of the
No, because week would be best. Is this convenient for you? Can we
set a date?

Since the concert is for the childrens ward, it would be

Suggest wonderful if they could participate in some way. Have

you got any ideas? Also, I wasnt sure how you want to Make
recommendation
organise the ward so the children can do so. What would
you recommend?

Looking forward to hearing from you,

Nancy Dawson

Write your email. You must use grammatically correct sentences with accurate spelling
and punctuation in a style appropriate for the situation.

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TEST I
 PAPER 2: WRITING Part 2 (Questions 2-4)

Part 2

Write an answer to one of the questions 2-4 in this part. Write your answer in 120-180 words
in an appropriate style.

2 You have a part-time job in a leisure centre. The manager wants to offer more activities for
11-16-year-olds.
He has asked you to write a report, answering the following questions:
What activities would you recommend for this age group?
When and how often should such activities be offered?
What equipment or materials would be required?
Write your report.

3 You have had a class discussion on the importance of computer skills. Your teacher has
asked you to write an essay, giving your opinion on this statement:
Computer skills should be taught in schools today.
Write your essay.

4 This is part of a letter you received from a penfriend.

Do you remember I wrote to you about summer jobs? Well, I now have two offers
one working in a music shop in town and the other working in the art museum. They
both pay the same student rate. I just cant decide which one is best. What do you
think I should choose?

Write a letter to your penfriend, giving your opinion and explaining why. Do not write any
postal addresses.
Write your letter.

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TEST I
 PAPER 3: USE OF ENGLISH Part 1 (Questions 1-12)

Part 1

For questions 1-12, read the text below and decide which answer (A, B, C or D) best fits each
gap. There is an
example at the beginning (0).

Example:

0 A class B collection C set D type

0 A B C D

A Snapper in the Sewers

Snappers are a (0) ..... of biting turtle, which is rapidly (1) ..... extinct. This is probably

the reason why rangers in the Australian Reptile Park felt (2) ..... upset when eight

baby snappers were stolen from the park (3) ..... 20 years ago. Then, last year, a

construction worker in Sydney was working in the sewage system under the city

streets, when he (4) ..... what looked like an enormous turtle. At (5) ..... , he couldnt

believe his (6) ..... . He was amazed. Where (7) ..... earth had it come from? When he

reported it, the most likely explanation seemed that it was one of the baby snappers that

had been taken more than 20 years earlier. The park rangers were very excited and (8) ..... to

get it back. However, the snapper was no longer a baby and it took six men, using a

wheelbarrow, to get the 110-pound turtle out of the sewers. In (9) ..... , they were lucky, as

some snappers weigh twice as much as that! All the TV and press (10) ..... of the snappers

rescue made it quite famous and it was even (11) ..... a nickname, Leonardo, after the

famous Mutant Ninja Turtle. Doesnt it make you (12) ..... what other secrets are hidden in

the sewers under our cities?

1 A growing B getting C turning D becoming

2 A so B such C much D too
3 A above B over C beyond D past
4 A ran over B saw through C came across D got by
5 A once B all C least D first
6 A sight B eyes C ears D luck
7 A on B in C of D about
8 A concerned B worried C upset D anxious
9 A fact B case C general D time

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TEST I
10 A publications B reports C broadcasts D communications
11 A adopted B called C made D given
12 A think B like C wonder D ask

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 PAPER 3: USE OF ENGLISH Part 2 (Questions 13-24)

Part 2

For questions 13-24, read the text below and think of the word which best fits each gap. Use
only one word in each
gap. There is an example at the beginning (0).

Write your answers IN CAPITAL LETTERS.

Exampl 0 H O W
e:

Mysterious Hums

Can you imagine (0) ..................... it feels to walk around with a continuous low noise, or

hum, in your ears day (13) ..................... day? Some people are doing just (14)

..................... , and it is seriously affecting their lives. Apparently, hums are heard mostly

indoors, at night, and sound (15) ..................... a lorry engine or motor that (16)

..................... been left running. Hums disturb peoples concentration, sleep and, (17)

..................... some cases, cause serious headaches.

Not (18) ..................... hears hums; in fact, (19) ..................... people are aware of the noise at

all. However, the 2% of the population that are able to pick up on these sounds simply

cannot ignore (20) ..................... .

Hums were first documented by experts in the field of acoustics as long ago as 1991. (21)

..................... man-made sources may be responsible for some of the hums, others are not so

easy to account for. One theory suggests that these hums are created deep in the earth by

rocks pushing one (22) ..................... the other. Another theory is that a particular kind of

wave in the ocean is creating this mysterious noise.

(23) ..................... the actual cause of these hums, it seems that for the time (24)

..................... , people who do hear the hums will continue to suffer until a way to deal with

the noise is found.

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TEST I
 PAPER 3: USE OF ENGLISH Part 3 (Questions 25-34)

Part 3

For questions 25-34, read the text below. Use the word given in capitals at the end of some of
the lines to form a word that fits in the gap in the same line. There is an example at the
beginning (0).

Write your answers IN CAPITAL LETTERS.

Exampl 0 L E G E N D A R Y
e:

Jumping for Joy

Evel Knievel, the (0) ........................... motorcyclist, and his son Robbie LEGEND

both dreamed of (25) ........................... across the Grand Canyon on JUMP

motorbikes. In 1974, Evel Knievel asked for (26) ........................... to try the PERMIT

jump and was bitterly disappointed when officers of the National Park Service

refused to give it.

Twenty five years (27) ........................... , his son Robbie was LATE

much (28) ........................... . He was allowed to make the attempt at the LUCK

(29) ........................... point of the canyon, 200 km east of Las Vegas. Driving NARROW

at a speed of 145 kph, he easily cleared the 69.5 metre leap. Hundreds of

(30) ........................... people and a display of fireworks greeted him as he CHEER

landed with a crash.

The (31) ........................... of the canyon at that point is 762 metres, so if DEEP

the jump had failed, it is (32) ........................... whether Robbie would DOUBT

have survived. Perhaps that was the reason he seemed quite (33) ...........................

CONCERN

about the minor (34) ........................... he suffered. He only had a sprained ankle INJURE

and two broken ribs.

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TEST I
 PAPER 3: USE OF ENGLISH Part 4 (Questions 35-42)

Part 4

For questions 35-42, complete the second sentence so that it has a similar meaning to
the first sentence, using the word given. Do not change the word given. You must use
between two and five words, including the word given. Here is an example (0).

Example:
0 Ive had quite enough of your rudeness.
PUT
I will not .......................................................................................................... rudeness.

The gap can be filled by the words put up with your so you write:

Exampl 0 P U T U P W I T H Y O U R
e:
Write only the missing words IN CAPITAL LETTERS.

35 Theres no point in spending time on this exercise.

OF
This exercise ............................................................................................................. time.

36 It was such an expensive book that I didnt buy it.

SO
If the book .................................................................................. , I would have bought it.

37 Id rather book tickets than wait in a queue.

PREFER
I ....................................................................................................................... in a queue.

38 The paint on that house looks very new.

MUST
That house .................................................................................................. very recently.

39 Dont do any work for the next few days.

EASY
Just ................................................................................................. for the next few days.

40 John likes more sugar in his tea.

SWEET
This cup of tea ..................................................................................................... for John.

41 Did you enjoy the party?

GOOD
Did you ......................................................................................................... at the party?

42 Peter said he would help me with the gardening.

HAND
Peter offered .......................................................................................with the gardening.

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TEST I
 PAPER 4: LISTENING Parts 1 & 2 (Questions 1-18)

Part 1

You will hear people talking in eight different situations. For questions 1-8, choose the best
answer (A, B or C).

1 You hear a phone conversation. 5 You hear a man talking to a

What has happened? colleague.
A A lorry has hit a bus. 1 What is his job? 5
B A lorry has fallen on its side. A a shop manager
C A car has collided with a lorry. B a librarian
C a film director
2 You overhear a woman talking.
What is her relationship with 6 You hear about a competition on the
Helen? 2 radio. 6
A a relative What must you send in order to win?
B a teacher A secrets you want to publish
C a co-worker B advice on how to look good
C make-over tips
3 You turn on the radio and hear
this. 3 7 You overhear a man talking to his 7
What type of programme is it? neighbour.
A a cookery programme Why did the family get a cat?
B a travel programme A The vet suggested it.
C an educational programme B Their son wanted it.
C The parents wanted it.
4 You tune into a radio 8
programme and hear a woman 4 8 You overhear a teacher talking to
talking about her new home. her pupil.
Where is it? What is she trying to do?
A by the sea A make an apology
B by a river B offer criticism
C by a lake C express sympathy

Part 2

You will hear a radio report about summer jobs for students. For questions 9-18, complete the
sentences.

SUMMER JOBS

The Jersey Farm Company is looking for students aged 9 .

There are two types of work available in 10 and administrative jobs.
Students working at social functions are needed at least 11 .
The catering staff take responsibility for serving guests, setting and 12 tables.
The office work involves taking 13 , doing seating plans and receiving
guests.
Experience in 14 is required to deal with e-mail, faxes and filing.
For students who want to do delivery work, a 15 is required.
The rate of payment is 16 an hour.

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TEST I
Students can expect to work 17 hours a week.
During the academic year, a 18 job in the farm restaurant is available.

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 PAPER 4: LISTENING Parts 3 & 4 (Questions 19-30)

Part 3

You will hear five different people talking about a street market they visited. For questions 19-
23, choose from the list (A-F) what each speaker says. Use the letters only once. There is one
extra letter which you do not need to use.

19
A I was impressed with the variety of stalls there. Speaker 1
20
B I felt very much at home there.
Speaker 2
C I had a tight budget and was concerned about over- 21
Speaker 3
spending. 22
Speaker 4
D I was delighted that I made so much money.
23
E I found the local amenities most enjoyable. Speaker 5

F I shopped at some stalls more than others.

Part 4

You will hear an interview with a ballerina. For questions 24-30, choose the best answer (A, B
2 or C).
4
24 Why does Susannah want the interview to be brief? 24
A it is taking place during a rehearsal
B she has to give lessons to younger ballerinas
C her timetable is very tight
25 Why did Susannahs mother send her to ballet lessons? 25
A in order to give her more self-confidence
B in order to solve a physical problem
C in the hope that she would become a serious dancer
26 Susannah changed her mind about becoming a model 26
A because her mother was opposed to the idea.
B when she was exposed to ballet.
C because she had problems with her posture.
27 How did Susannahs father feel about her dancing at first? 27
A He was concerned about her future earnings.
B He refused to discuss ballet as a career.
C He felt proud of the choice she made.
28 Her parents move to the city 28
A was beneficial mainly to Susannah.
B was at her fathers insistence.
C turned out to be of mutual benefit.
29
29 Why has Susannah given up surfing as a hobby?
A She no longer lives on the coast.
B It is too dangerous for her.
C Swimming gives her a better workout.
30
30 For Susannah, a future film career is a
A doubtful proposition.
B potential option.

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TEST I
 C definite goal.

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