B2 Review Test 1 Higher

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The passage discusses students in an English class debating space exploration and being assigned an essay on whether it is more important to spend money solving problems on Earth or developing space travel.

The essay title is 'It is more important to spend money solving problems here on Earth than on developing space travel.'

The passage lists bicycle, car, plane, train, and underground (metro) as modes of transport discussed.

Grammar

1 Complete the second sentence so it means the 3 Complete the dialogue with the correct form of
same as the first, using the word given. Do not these verbs.
change the word given. Use between two and five
words. do • find • study • take • work

1 In the past, people believed that the Earth was flat. A: Hi, Tom. Would you like to come to the cinema with me
USED this evening?
People ……………………… that the Earth was flat. B: No, sorry, I can’t. We’re going to my sister’s graduation.
2 He began working for that company six months ago. We (1) ……………………… the train this evening because
the ceremony is early tomorrow morning.
BEEN
A: Well, that should be good. What’s her degree in?
He ……………………… that company for six months.
B: She’s been studying archaeology for the last two years.
3 The last time I saw William was on Tuesday.
She was studying history too and (2) ………………………
SEEN
really well in it, but then she decided to specialise.
I ……………………… Tuesday.
A: What’s she going to do next?
4 It’s my dream to go on a space holiday.
B: She’s really lucky. She speaks Italian and she
GOING
(3) ……………………… on a dig in Rome when I see her
……………………… is my dream. next. We’re going to visit her there in the summer
5 I didn’t answer my phone because the film hadn’t holidays. Then I think she wants to do a master’s in
finished. Italy as well. By the time she finishes, she
WATCHING (4) ……………………… for six years. I think she wants to be
I ……………………… I didn’t answer my phone. an academic.
A: Isn’t it great that she (5) ……………………… something she
/5
really wants to do?
B: Definitely. My parents are really proud.
2 Choose the correct alternatives to complete the
email. /5

Hi Jane, 4 Complete the text with one word in each gap.


How are you? Have you finished your university application
yet? How punctual are you? I have to say that when I was
I went to look at Bristol University last week and I really liked younger, being on time didn’t (1) ……………………… to be
it. I think that’s going to be my first choice. When we were important. I used to keep people waiting all the time and
children, we (1) used/would to go there a lot because my never considered how impolite this was. I was often late for
grandmother lived in Somerset so we always took the train to lessons because I (2) ……………………… set the alarm and
Bristol first, then got a bus to her village. It reminded me of
then switch it off when it went off and simply go back to
those times. But that’s not the only reason. (2) Finding/To find
somewhere to live should be easy because there are lots of sleep! I made arrangements with friends and then turned
students there, although I’ll probably go into a hall of up half an hour late. I’m amazed people still invited me to
residence for the first year. I’m thinking of things because I was never on time. Now that I’m older I’m
(3) to study/studying English with drama instead of just nowhere near as irresponsible as I (3) ……………………… to be.
English because there’s a really good drama department and I think it’s being at work that (4) ……………………… changed
the city has a famous theatre too where lots of actors
me. If I’m late now, my boss gets angry and I risk losing my
(4) were training/train, so there’ll be lots of opportunities for
me to get involved in drama. I know it’s a very difficult job. I’ve also learned to appreciate other people arriving
profession to get into, but I would love to work in the theatre. when they say they will. I don’t like (5) ……………………… for
I (5) have been/would be in lots of plays at school. Anyway, someone for ages so I need to be more reliable myself.
that’s all in the future. I should do my homework now. Mind you, I still forget to set the alarm sometimes!
Speak to you soon,
Ellie /5

/5 Total / 20

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Vocabulary
5 Complete the text with these words and phrases. 7 Complete the email with the correct form of these
There are four extra options. words.

degrees • keep at • orbit • responsible • skilled book • fly • graduate • sit • success
spacecraft • took off • turned down • work on

Many children dream of becoming astronauts, but what Hi Annie,


does it take to make the dream a reality? Most applicants How did you get on in your exams? I did OK, but I failed one
are (1) ……………………… and only a very small percentage of them, so I’m going to (1) ……………………… it in September when
succeed in becoming astronaut candidates. Even then, we get back from our holiday. We’re going to Jamaica to stay
they have to do a lot of training before they are considered with my uncle. He’s got a hotel there, so my mum just has to
for a mission. They have to be highly (2) ……………………… , pay for our (2) ……………………… . He used to have a business here
get on well with people because they will be living in a but there were problems and in the end it was
confined area, and speak English and Russian, because (3) ……………………… and he decided to start again over there. It’s a
astronauts talk to each other in those languages when they nice hotel – although last time we went he had
are in space. Most come from a science or technical (4) ……………………… and we ended up staying with some friends of
background with (3) ……………………… in maths, engineering his. They were really kind and we were able to help them
or physics and many have postgraduate qualifications as when their son came to London as a(n) (5) ……………………… and he
well. The most visible part of the job is when they are lived with us for a while.
working in (4) ……………………… , but a lot of their work is Anyway, hope to see you soon.
done on the ground. In fact, there are all sorts of jobs in the Judith
space industry. Engineers, medical professionals, even
teachers (5) ……………………… space missions, not just the /5
astronauts.
8 Choose the best answer (A, B, C or D) to
/5
complete the text.
My dad has just (1) ……………………… from his job. It had
6 Choose the correct alternatives to complete the become quite (2) ……………………… because they’ve
text. completely changed the teaching system. In the past,
My dad keeps telling me that I need to get good people wanted classes to be as small as possible, but now
(1) qualifications/conditions/assignments if I want to get they have classes of 70 or more students! Of course, they
ahead, so I’ve been revising hard for my exams. I think he’s don’t have just one teacher dealing (3) ……………………… the
right. My older brother was never really interested in whole class; there are several teachers working together
studying and when he left school he went to work at a local with different groups. The head teacher says this means
factory, but unfortunately he has just been (2) retired/made they can target those who need more help. She insists that
redundant/resigned because they didn’t have enough orders the children in these classes (4) ……………………… much more
and it was a case of last in, first out. So now he is progress than they do in smaller ones. But Dad just wasn’t
(3) unemployed/part-time/on flexitime and looking for a job enjoying it anymore. He’s a very good teacher and has
and he’s always arguing with my dad. Mum’s trying to already been (5) ……………………… another job!
persuade him to go to college – I think he’ll probably do a 1 A dismissed B resigned C sacked D retired
(4) course/master’s/assignment to become a mechanic 2 A underpaid B part-time C dangerous D stressful
because he’s always liked working on cars. Mum says it 3 A for B about C with D on
won’t be like school and he can do some workplace 4 A do B get C have D make
5 A offered B made C signed D become
(5) research/shift work/training as well. He’ll be OK but it’s
been a difficult time. /5

/5 Total / 20

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Reading
9 Read four people’s comments about a recent TV series called Human Universe. Match the statements
(1–6) with the people (A–D). You can choose the people more than once.

A Harry
I just want to say how amazing I think this TV series is. I’ve seen three of the programmes so far and in those three hours
I learned more about science and the universe than I did in my whole time at school! Somehow Professor Cox brings
science to life in a way none of my teachers ever could. Mind you, he does have the advantage of a lot of special effects
to illustrate his points. I suppose it’s also the sort of language he uses; it’s really accessible and he’s a brilliant storyteller.
At school, the terminology was so difficult to follow that I used to switch off immediately and I know I wasn’t the only
one.

B Diana
What I like about this series is that the presenter doesn’t talk down to his audience, even though he knows a huge
amount about his subject. When I listen to him talking about space and the universe, I don’t feel like a kid at school. I feel
that he’s treating me like an adult. He seems to have a vast knowledge and you can tell he enjoys sharing that knowledge.
I’ve recorded the whole series. I particularly liked the programme about training for a space mission where he went
underwater and showed what the living conditions are like for astronauts. It made me realise how difficult it must be to
live in such cramped conditions. The series also got me thinking about what scientists still don’t know or understand. It’s
pretty scary to think about how small a piece we really are in the giant puzzle of existence.

C William
Having watched the first programme of the series Human Universe I can’t wait until the next one. I’m particularly
impressed by the visuals. They add a great deal to the professor’s explanations, and that’s something close to my heart.
I enjoy playing around with computer graphics and I’ve done some work on amateur films but watching this has opened
my mind up to the possibilities of other career paths; perhaps television work would be something I could aim for.
Obviously, special effects are getting better and better. Overall, I think it’s one of the best science series I’ve ever seen
and it’s a great marriage between science and art. I also love the way the professor sets his explanations against things
we can see and understand by showing us specific examples from different places around the world. Just brilliant!

D Charlotte
I missed the first couple of programmes and then a friend said I simply had to watch it. I’ve never enjoyed science
programmes very much; I’m much more of an arts person. Give me a series about books or galleries and I’m hooked, but
for me, science programmes are usually quite dull and I lose concentration quickly. However, I must admit that this one is
a bit special! I think it’s the combination of a compelling personality (the professor looks much too young to be so clever,
doesn’t he?) and some really interesting science. And the beautiful location photography makes the programme
particularly memorable. Although how long I’ll remember the science is a different matter.

Which person:
1 admires the presenter’s facility with words? …………… 4 has an unfavourable view of those who were
2 didn’t expect to appreciate the programme as much as responsible for his/her education? ……………
he/she did? …………… 5 believes the professor doesn’t act as if he is superior to
3 has been motivated to contemplate a particular his viewers? ……………
occupation by the programme? …………… 6 remarks on the professor’s age? ……………

/6

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10 Read the text again. Are these statements True Use of English
(T), False (F), or is the information Not Mentioned
(NM)? 12 Choose the best answer (A, B, C or D) to
complete the text.
A Harry
Ever since George Stephenson (1) ………… the first steam
1 Human Universe explains the science in
locomotive in 1829, designers (2) ………… trying to make
its programme in a very technical way. T/F/NM
2 Professor Cox uses a lot of scientific trains go faster. The problem is that reaching very high
jargon in his explanations. T/F/NM speeds in a train involves the same kind of acceleration as
a plane taking off and (3) …………. The human body isn’t
B Diana designed for such rapid acceleration and people can suffer
3 The presenter avoids patronising the people from motion sickness as a result.
who watch the programme. T/F/NM Another problem is that the tracks for the existing rail
4 Professor Cox wouldn’t enjoy living like an networks often have to go round bends to (4) ………… across
astronaut. T/F/NM the landscape, with its rivers and mountains. In the 1970s,
tilting trains were designed to lean in to a curve, but this
C William
still didn’t completely solve the problem of motion sickness
5 The art and science don't work well together
for (5) ………… because of the way the human brain
in this programme. T/F/NM
perceived the movement. Also, although many high-speed
D Charlotte trains can achieve speeds of up to 250 mph (400 km/h)
6 The images from around the world they rarely do so because they have to share tracks with
are of equal artistic merit to those seen existing trains.
in galleries. T/F/NM In Asia, the latest high-speed trains have resolved many of
these problems by (6) ………… the Maglev system. Maglev
/6
stands for ‘magnetic levitation’ and Maglev trains use
completely different tracks, with the train moving by means
11 Find words in the text which mean the same as of very powerful magnetic forces. Maglevs are not a new
these phrases. idea. The first patents were granted as early as 1907 and
1 Paragraph A: To give more information or examples to the first commercial Maglev system (7) ………… at
explain something, especially with pictures. ………………… Birmingham airport in 1984. But it is only now that the full
benefits can be seen, especially in Japan and China.
2 Paragraph B: Considering something or someone in a
Japanese Maglev trains routinely (8) ………… at 311 mph
particular way. ………………………
(500 km/h) and can achieve speeds of 373 mph
3 Paragraph C: Feeling admiration or respect for
(600 km/h). In the future, the top speeds will be too fast to
something or someone. ………………………
be comfortable for humans. However, Maglev trains will
4 Paragraph D: The ability to think carefully about probably (9) ………… goods at much higher speeds and
something you are doing and nothing else. lower costs than current modes of transport. What’s more,
……………………… the system is very energy efficient and clean so it has
/4 (10) ………… benefits, too.

1 A has built B builds C will build D built


Total / 16
2 A did B have been C were D are
3 A launch B getting off C landing D flight
4 A trip B voyage C travel D tour
5 A passengers B astronauts C crowds D crew
6 A used B to use C didn’t use D using
7 A has opened B opened C will open D opens
8 A had moved B are moving C move D moved
9 A carry B carried C to carry D are carrying
10 A outdoors B location C pollution D environmental

/ 10

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Listening
13 Listen to five short extracts. Choose the best 14 Listen again and complete the sentences with
answers, A, B, C or D. two or three words in each gap.

1 You hear two students talking at school. Why is the boy 1 The girl may have to take her ……………………… again.
not feeling too good? 2 Students will be able to do extra preparation for their
A He has caught flu. ……………………… in the after-school classes.
B He has to rewrite his coursework. 3 The millionaire will say if he got good value for the large
C He has to resit his biology exam. ……………………… he paid for his space trip.
D He hasn’t done well in a test. 4 The work experience student wants to see how the
2 A teacher is talking to her students. What does she businesspeople ……………………… client problems.
want her students to do before their tutorial? 5 The space exhibition has been extended for a minimum
A Discuss their careers ideas with the careers officer. of ……………………… .
B Attend an after-school class. /5
C Be prepared to discuss their weaknesses.
D Bring their marks for all exam subjects with them. Total / 10
3 You hear a TV presenter talking about a programme.
What can we learn from watching the programme?
A the cost of space tourism
B the space experiences of three people
C the way people get ready to go into space
D about recent developments in space tourism
4 Two people are talking about a student who is going to
do work experience at their company. Why is the man
worried?
A The student can’t follow him because he’ll be away.
B The student could see private papers.
C The student doesn’t know how to do paperwork.
D There might not be enough work for the student.
5 You hear two friends talking about the weekend. Where
is the science exhibition being held?
A In Manchester.
B It has already closed.
C In London.
D In Cardiff.

/5

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Writing
15 You have been discussing space exploration in your English class and now your teacher has asked you to
write an essay with this title:

It is more important to spend money solving problems here on Earth than on developing space travel.

Write 220–250 words.

………..……..………..……..………..……..………..……..………..……..………..……….…………..……..………..……..………..……..………..……..………..……..………..……….……

………..……..………..……..………..……..………..……..………..……..………..……….…………..……..………..……..………..……..………..……..………..……..………..……….……

………..……..………..……..………..……..………..……..………..……..………..……….…………..……..………..……..………..……..………..……..………..……..………..……….……

………..……..………..……..………..……..………..……..………..……..………..……….…………..……..………..……..………..……..………..……..………..……..………..……….……

………..……..………..……..………..……..………..……..………..……..………..……….…………..……..………..……..………..……..………..……..………..……..………..……….……

………..……..………..……..………..……..………..……..………..……..………..……….…………..……..………..……..………..……..………..……..………..……..………..……….……

………..……..………..……..………..……..………..……..………..……..………..……….…………..……..………..……..………..……..………..……..………..……..………..……….……

………..……..………..……..………..……..………..……..………..……..………..……….…………..……..………..……..………..……..………..……..………..……..………..……….……

………..……..………..……..………..……..………..……..………..……..………..……….…………..……..………..……..………..……..………..……..………..……..………..……….……

………..……..………..……..………..……..………..……..………..……..………..……….…………..……..………..……..………..……..………..……..………..……..………..……….……

/ 12

Speaking
16 Work with a partner. Discuss which of these modes of transport you think is the most enjoyable way to
travel and why.

bicycle • car • plane • train • underground (metro)

/ 12

Total / 100

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