Toate Subiectele Si Baremele

OLIMPIADA DE LIMBA ENGLEZĂ
ETAPA LOCALĂ – 25 februarie 2023

CLASA a VII-a (STANDARD) Varianta 1
 Toate subiectele sunt obligatorii.

 Pentru rezolvarea corectă a tuturor subiectelor se acordă 100 de puncte.
 Nu se acordă puncte din oficiu.
 Timpul efectiv de lucru este de două ore.
SUBIECTUL I – USE OF ENGLISH (50p)

I.1. Fill in the blanks with ONE suitable word in each space. (20p)
Charity bike ride
by Sarah Collins
Every year, a charity bike ride is organised in our town (1)…………….a group of cyclists. It takes place on
the last Saturday in April and it raises money for a different charity (2) …………….year.
This year will be (3) ……………. first time I take part in such a ride. (4) …………….I complete the ride, my
friends and family will give me the money for the charity. My friend Howard will be there, too, and he says that the
ride will be easy for both of (5) ……………. because we are both good (6) …………….cycling.
More (7) …………….one hundred people will take part in the bike ride. Ten kilometres is a long
(8) …………….to cycle and I will be tired at the end. I won’t win, I’m sure, but (9) …………….doesn’t matter. I will
feel proud that my effort will (10)…………….those in need.
I.2. Choose the variant which best completes each space (20 p).
1. Mr. Smith is …………….old customer of mine.
a) an b) a c) - d) any
2. George is …………….than Paul.
a) harder-working b) more hard-worker c) more hard-working d) the most hard-working
3. …………….accept the gift with my love and kind regards!
a) Can b) Try c) Go d) Please
4. Jake, …………….is my neighbour, owns an expensive car.
a) who b) which c) how d) than
5. I didn’t …………….the lesson yesterday.
a) understand b) understood c) to understand d) understanding
6. Look! There are dark clouds in the sky. It…………….
a) will rain b) is going to rain c) rains d) rain
7. Kevin …………….classes. He is a truant.
a) often skips b) skips often c) doesn’t never skip d) always skip
8) If it ……………., we won’t go out tomorrow.
a) will rain b) rains c) rain d) rained
9) Can I have …………….sugar in my coffee, please?

a) any b) a c) some d) a lot
10) I …………….him since we were 5 years old.
a) know b) knew c) am knowing d) have known
I.3. Find and correct the mistake in each sentence. (10p).

1. Our English teacher doesn’t give us a lot of homeworks.
2. I can ski when I was 5 years old.
3. We usually have a lot of free time in the weekend.
4. I may use your phone, Mr. Brown?
5. They usually are at home at 7 p.m.
SUBIECTUL II – READING COMPREHENSION (25p)

Read the text below and choose the correct answer (A, B, C or D)
Mobile phones
Mobile phones are no longer a luxury item and they clearly have many advantages for those who use them. However,
there are also some drawbacks, too.
On the positive side, they enable us to communicate with other people wherever they may be and at any time of the
day. Teenagers who need help can contact their parents immediately and emergency services can be called to the
scene of the accident without delay. Another advantage is that recent models are so light and compact that they fit
easily into a pocket or in a handbag.
On the negative side, the mobile phone is thought to be a serious threat to health, particularly in the case of children.
Moreover, drivers who use one while driving are a danger to others and fatal accidents have occurred. Finally, what
for many people is a useful device, for others is a nuisance and they object to the constant ringing tones in public
places.
In conclusion, cell phones have certainly improved many people’s lives, but we need to be careful about when and
where we use them.
(Source: E-Journal USA, 2013 – adapted)
1. According to the text, cell phones ………………….

A. are still a luxury item.
B. are cheap enough so that everyone can afford one.
C. have got only advantages for those who use them.
D. have no drawbacks.
2. Mobile phones enable us to communicate with other people………………..

A. all over the world.
B. living close to us.
C. only during the day.
D. after midnight.
3. The word occurred in the phrase fatal accidents have occurred is closest in meaning to………………..
A. have taken place.
B. have decided.
C. have agreed.
D. have responded.
4. What do some people think about constant ringing tones?

A. They have no opinion about that.
B. They should be replaced with others.
C. They consider them something pleasant.
D. They consider them something annoying.
5. What would be the most suitable piece of advice about the way people use mobile phones?
A. `USE THEM ALL THE TIME! THEY ARE GOOD FOR US! `
B. `STOP USING MOBILE PHONES! THEY ARE DANGEROUS! `
C. `PAY ATTENTION TO OTHERS, TOO, WHILE USING YOUR MOBILE PHONE! `
D. `USE THEM ONLY TO CALL EMERGENCY SERVICES! `
SUBIECTUL III - WRITING (25p).

Write a composition that should start with the following sentence "Everyone in the classroom looked at Zack".
Give your composition a title. (120 – 150 words). Pay attention to the following:
 You don’t need to write long descriptions.
 Use dialogues only if they are relevant to your characters or events.
 Don’t count the words given to start the essay.
 You should use this plan:
 Introduction (paragraph 1 – set the scene)
 Main body (paragraph(s) 2/3 – develop the story)
 Conclusion (paragraph 4 – end the story)
CLASA a VII-a (STANDARD) Varianta 1
BAREM DE CORECTARE
SUBIECTUL I – USE OF ENGLISH - 50p

I.1. Fill in the blanks with ONE suitable word in each space. (20p)
Charity bike ride
by Sarah Collins
Every year, a charity bike ride is organised in our town (1) BY a group of cyclists. It takes place on the last
Saturday in April and it raises money for a different charity (2) EACH / EVERY year.
This year will be (3) THE first time I take part in such a ride. (4) IF / WHEN I complete the ride, my friends
and family will give me the money for the charity. My friend Howard will be there, too, and he says that the ride will
be easy for both of (5) US because we are both good (6) AT cycling.
More (7) THAN one hundred people will take part in the bike ride. Ten kilometres is a long (8) WAY /
DISTANCE to cycle and I will be tired at the end. I won’t win, I’m sure, but (9) IT / THAT / THIS doesn’t matter. I
will feel proud that my effort will (10) HELP those in need.
I.2. Choose the variant which best completes each space (20 p).
1. a) an 5. a) understand 9) c) some
2. c) more hard-working 6. b) is going to rain 10) d) have known
3. d) Please 7. a) often skips
4. a) who 8) b) rains
I.3. Find and correct the mistake in each sentence. (10p).

1. Our English teacher doesn’t give us a lot of HOMEWORK.
2. I COULD ski when I was 5 years old.
3. We usually have a lot of free time AT / DURING the weekend.
4. MAY I use your phone, Mr. Brown?
5. They ARE USUALLY at home at 7 pm.
SUBIECTUL II - READING COMPREHENSION - (25p)

1. B 2. A 3. A 4. D 5. C
SUBIECTUL III – WRITING (25p).

Write a composition that should start with the following sentence "Everyone in the classroom looked at
Zack". Give your composition a title. (120 – 150 words).
MARKING SCHEME FOR THE NARRATIVE ESSAY
Partially
Exemplary Proficient Weak Incomplete
Analytical Proficient
Points
criteria
5p 4p 2p 1p
3p
The essay is
completely
The essay is
relevant to topic, The essay is The essay is
partially completed The essay is faulty,
describing fairly completed incomplete,the
with slight logical including serious
places/events with all the sequencing of
CONTENT impediments in logical impediments
/characters/atmos sequencing the narrative
sequencing the in the sequencing of
phere/ reaching elements of a moments being
moments of the events.
climax, including the narrative. inconsistent.
narrative.
final reactions of the
protagonist.
There is partial
There is complete There is a fair completion of the
There is serious Paragraphs are
logical connection completion of task.
inconsistency in the incomplete,both
of paragraphs paragraph Paragraphs are
organization of the linking devices,
due to a judicious organization due partially complete
ORGANIZATION paragraphs due to mechanics, and
use of to scarce misuse due to unfinished
AND COHESION the misuse of the length
linking devices, of linking devices, ideas and scarce
linking devices, requirements
mechanics, mechanics, and use of llinking
mechanics, and having been
and length length devices, mechanics,
length requirements. disrespected.
requirements. requirements. and length
requirements.
A wide range of The range of

vocabulary is vocabulary is
A range of
used adequately used in
vocabulary is used A very narrow
appropriately and the essay; errors in
appropriately and range of
accurately word choice / A limited range of
accurately in the vocabulary is
throughout the formation are vocabulary is present
essay; occasional present; errors in
essay; precise present when more within the essay; less
errors in word word choice /
meaning is sophisticated items common items of
choice / formation form ation
conveyed; minor of vocabulary are vocabulary are rare
are possible; predominat;
errors are attempted;spelling and may be often
spelling is well spelling errors
VOCABULARY rare; spelling is can be faulty at faulty; spelling errors
controlled with can make the
very well times. can make text
occasional slips. essay obscure at
controlled. The register of the understanding
The register of the times. The
The register of the narrative essay is difficult. The register
narrative essay is register used in
narrative essay is partially relevant to of the narrative is
relevant to the the narrative
totally relevant to the task with a inconsistent due to
task with slightly essay is
the task, being narrow inconsistency the mixture of styles.
incongruent inappropriate for
organically of style, leading to
lapses within the this type writing.
integrated all halts in the logical
discourse.
along the development
discourse. of ideas.
A range of
grammatical A very narrow
A wide range of A mix of complex and A limited range of range of
grammatical structures is used grammatical
accurately and simple grammatical grammatical
structures is used structures is present structures is present structures is
accurately and with some along the essay;
flexibility along the throughout the present within
flexibly throughout essay; errors are complex language is the essay; errors
STRUCTURES essay; occasional
the essay; minor present when rare and may be often predominate;
errors are rare; errors are faulty; punctuation
possible; complex language is punctuation errors
punctuation is attempted; punctuation errors can make text make
very well punctuation is well can be faulty understanding the text
controlled. controlled at times. difficult. obscure at
with occasional times.
slips.
EFFECT ON The interest of the The text has a The effect on The effect
reader is aroused The effect on the on the
TARGET and sustained good effect on the reader is reader non-
READER the reader. satisfactory. reader quite poor.
throughout. relevant.
CLASA a VIII-a (STANDARD) Varianta 1

 Pentru rezolvarea corectă a tuturor subiectelor se acordă 100 de puncte.
 Timpul efectiv de lucru este de două ore.
SUBIECTUL I – USE OF ENGLISH (50 points)
I.1. Read the following text and fill in the blanks with the correct verb forms. (20 points)
Dear Susan,
I can´t go out tonight because I (1)…………. (be) exhausted! Since Monday, this week, I (2)…………. (be) very busy
with my final exams and I haven’t done anything else but studying! Tomorrow I (3)…………. (finish) at last!
I (4) ………….(call) my cousin Martha last night and we (5) ………….(decide) to spend the weekend together.
I (6)………….(look) forward to it!
She told me about the race she (7) ………….(win) two weeks before. While she (8) ………….(run), she almost
(9) ………….(give) up. But she didn’t. I was really happy for her!
I have to go now! Mum (10) ………….(call) me for dinner.
Bye,
Miriam
I.2 Read the following text and decide which answer (A, B, C or D) best fits in each gap. (20 points)
Rice
For a large part of the world’s (1)................, rice is what is called the staple food. This means that rice is the main food
in those people’s diets and, as a result, it is (2) ................to these people’s lives. Due to it being the staple food, rice is
(3) ................to many cultures around the world.
Many countries have traditional rice (4) ................, such as paella in Spain. Many cultures have their own folk stories
connected with rice. For example, Phosop is the (5) ................ rice goddess of Thailand. It is believed that Phosop makes
sure lots of rice is (6) ................, and that everybody will have (7) ................to eat.
Many cultures also hold festivals to celebrate rice. The Rocket Festivals of Laos and Thailand celebrate the arrival of
the rainy season, which is the time (8) ................rice is planted. The festivals involve music and dancing, and sending
rockets (9)................the sky in (10) ................to encourage rain.
1. A. audience B. population C. public D. man

2. A. essential B. unimportant C. serious D. lacking
3. A. vital B. uncommon C. expensive D. poisonous
4. A. flavour B. table C. drinks D. dishes
5. A. age B. out-of-date C. ancient D. renew
6. A. gain B. plant C. grown D. destroyed
7. A. little B. enough C. many D. few
8. A. when B. what C. how D. why
9. A. down B. off C. under D. into
10. A. such B. - C. order D. for
I.3. Use the word given in brackets to form a word that fits in each sentence. (10 points)
1. Susan is a _______ person. She writes funny short stories. CREATE
2. We watched a_______ the other night. It was quite dramatic and scary. THRILL
3. When someone has done something very well, you are ____of them. PRIDE
4. ____keeps you fit. JOG
5. Something is ____when it is not neat or tidy. MESS
SUBIECTUL II – READING COMPREHENSION (25p)

Read the text below and choose the correct answer (A, B, C or D)
Since the earliest days of astronomy, since the time of Galileo, astronomers have shared a single goal – to see more, see
farther, see deeper. The Hubble Space Telescope’s launch in 1990 rushed humanity to one of its greatest advantages in
that journey. Hubble is a telescope that orbits Earth. Its position above the atmosphere gives astronomers a view of the
universe that surpasses that of other telescopes.
Hubble is one of NASA’s most successful and long-lasting science missions. It has helped scientists determine the age
of the universe and the existence of dark energy.
Hubble’s discoveries have transformed the way scientists look at the universe. Among its many discoveries, Hubble has
revealed the age of the universe to be 13 to 20 billion years, much more than it was thought (anywhere from 10 to 20
billion years). Hubble played a key role in the discovery of dark energy, a mysterious force that causes the expansion of
the universe to accelerate. Hubble has shown scientists galaxies in all stages of evolution, helping them understand how
galaxies form. (adapted from http://hubblesite.org/the_telescope/hubble_essentials)
1. What has been the goal of all astronomers since the earliest days?
A. To build Hubble.
B. To fly into space.
C. To learn more about the universe.
D. To buy a telescope.
2. Which piece of information does not appear in the first paragraph?

A. Hubble is one of NASSA’s telescopes.
B. Hubble was launched in 1990.
C. Astronomers have always tried to find out more about the universe.
D. Hubble circles our planet.
3. ……………………is listed among Hubble’s discoveries.
A. White energy.
B. The age of the universe.
C. A force that slows down the expansion of the universe.
D. The extinction of galaxies.
4. Hubble’s discoveries have been…………………….

A. uncertain.
B. accidental.
C. wrong.
D. revolutionary.
5. What could be a suitable title for the article above?

A. `HUBBLE HAS CHANGED THE WAY WE LOOK AT THE UNIVERSE `.
B. ` GALILEO – THE FAMOUS ASTRONOMER`.
C. ` THE AGE OF THE UNIVERSE `.
D. `HUBBLE – THE SPACESHIP THAT TAKES US BEYOND THE LIMITS OF THE UNIVERSE`.
SUBIECTUL III - WRITING (25p).

Write a narrative essay ending like this: I took a deep breath and closed the door behind me. I was happy with my
decision. Write your story in 150-180 words and give it an appropriate title.
Pay attention to the following:
 Don’t count the words given to end the essay.
CLASA a VIII-a (STANDARD) Varianta 1
BAREM DE CORECTARE
SUBIECTUL I – USE OF ENGLISH – 50 p
I.1. Read the following text and fill in the blanks with the correct verb forms. – 20 points
10 verbs x 2p = 20 points
1. am; 2. have been; 3. am going to finish / will finish; 4. called; 5. decided; 6. am looking; 7. had won; 8. was running;
9. gave; 10. is calling.
I.2. Read the following text and decide which answer A, B, C or D best fits in each gap. – 20 points
10 x 2p = 20 points
1-B, 2-A, 3-A, 4-D, 5-C, 6-C, 7-B, 8-A, 9-D, 10-C.
I.3. Use the word given in brackets to form a word that fits in each sentence. – 10 points
5 words x 1p = 5 points
1-CREATIVE, 2-THRILLER, 3-PROUD, 4-JOGGING, 5-MESSY
SUBIECTUL II - READING COMPREHENSION - (25p)
1. C 2. A 3. B 4. D 5. A
SUBIECTUL III – WRITING (25p).
Write a narrative essay ending like this: I took a deep breath and closed the door behind me. I was happy with my
decision. Write your story in 150-180 words and give it an appropriate title.
Pay attention to the following:
 Don’t count the words given to end the essay.
Partially
Exemplary Proficient Weak Incomplete
Analytical Proficient
Points
criteria
5p 4p 2p 1p
3p
The essay is
completely
The essay is
relevant to topic, The essay is The essay is
partially completed The essay is faulty,
describing fairly completed incomplete,the
with slight logical including serious
places/events with all the sequencing of
CONTENT impediments in logical impediments
/characters/atmos sequencing the narrative
sequencing the in the sequencing of
phere/ reaching elements of a moments being
moments of the events.
climax, including the narrative. inconsistent.
narrative.
final reactions of the
protagonist.
There is partial
There is complete There is a fair completion of the
There is serious Paragraphs are
logical connection completion of task.
inconsistency in the incomplete,both
of paragraphs paragraph Paragraphs are
organization of the linking devices,
due to a judicious organization due partially complete
ORGANIZATION paragraphs due to mechanics, and
use of to scarce misuse due to unfinished
AND COHESION the misuse of the length
linking devices, of linking devices, ideas and scarce
linking devices, requirements
mechanics, mechanics, and use of llinking
mechanics, and having been
and length length devices, mechanics,
length requirements. disrespected.
requirements. requirements. and length
requirements.
A wide range of The range of

vocabulary is vocabulary is
A range of
used adequately used in
vocabulary is used A very narrow
appropriately and the essay; errors in
appropriately and range of
accurately word choice / A limited range of
accurately in the vocabulary is
throughout the formation are vocabulary is present
essay; occasional present; errors in
essay; precise present when more within the essay; less
errors in word word choice /
meaning is sophisticated items common items of
choice/formation form ation
conveyed; minor of vocabulary are vocabulary are rare
are possible; predominat;
errors are attempted; spelling and may be often
spelling is well spelling errors
VOCABULARY rare; spelling is can be faulty at faulty; spelling errors
controlled with can make the
very well times. can make text
occasional slips. essay obscure at
controlled. The register of the understanding
The register of the times. The
The register of the narrative essay is difficult. The register
narrative essay is register used in
narrative essay is partially relevant to of the narrative is
relevant to the the narrative
totally relevant to the task with a inconsistent due to
task with slightly essay is
the task, being narrow inconsistency the mixture of styles.
incongruent inappropriate for
organically of style, leading to
lapses within the this type writing.
integrated all halts in the logical
discourse.
along the development
discourse. of ideas.
A range of
grammatical A very narrow
A wide range of A mix of complex and A limited range of range of
grammatical structures is used grammatical
accurately and simple grammatical grammatical
structures is used structures is present structures is present structures is
accurately and with some along the essay;
flexibility along the throughout the present within
flexibly throughout essay; errors are complex language is the essay; errors
STRUCTURES essay; occasional
the essay; minor present when rare and may be often predominate;
errors are rare; errors are faulty; punctuation
possible; complex language is punctuation errors
punctuation is attempted; punctuation errors can make text make
very well punctuation is well can be faulty understanding the text
controlled. controlled at times. difficult. obscure at
slips.
EFFECT ON The interest of the The text has a The effect on The effect
TARGET reader is aroused good effect on the reader is The effect on the on the
and sustained reader quite poor. reader non-
READER the reader. satisfactory
throughout. relevant.
OLIMPIADA DE LIMBA ENGLEZA ETAPA LOCALĂ 25 februarie 2023
Clasa a IX-a, SECȚIUNEA A- Standard Varianta 1
• Toate subiectele sunt obligatorii.

• Pentru rezolvarea corectă a tuturor subiectelor din Partea A și Partea B se acordă 100 de puncte.
• Timpul de lucru este 3 ore.
• Nu se acordă puncte din oficiu.
SUBIECTUL A – USE OF ENGLISH (40 points)

I. Read the following text and put the verbs in the brackets into the correct form. (10 points)
Mary and Jane are twin sisters. When they (be born) _____________(1) their mother died. They were separated.
Mary (go) _____________ (2) to live in France and Jane to England. They (be) _________ (3) 16 years old now
and they (not see) ___________________ (4) each other since they were 3 years old. Nowadays they are in
touch, they (write) ______________ (5) letters twice a month. They (speak) ______________ (6) different
languages but Mary is learning English while Jane (learn) ____________________ (7) French for 3 years now to
be able to communicate. They discovered they were sisters when they saw a picture at school while they (do)
_______________ (8) an international student exchange. Next summer they (visit) _______________ (9)
Germany together, they hope they (have) ____________ (10) a great time.
II. Use the word given in brackets to form a word that fits in each sentence. (10 points)
1. We still didn't know the ____________________of the refugees. (NATION)
2. We enjoyed the ____________________of the ski hut at night. (WARM)
3. It was ________________________to see anything in the thick fog. (POSSIBLE)
4. The test was _________________ easy. We were finished in no time. (SURPRISE)
5. The _________________ has decided not to raise income taxes this year. (GOVERN)
6. The doctor said that further treatment would be ________. He simply won't recover. (USE)
7. That pizza you made was very _________________ indeed. (TASTE)
8. In most countries it is ____________________ to grow and sell marijuana. (LEGAL)
9. The man was still _______________ and breathing when the rescuers found him. (LIVE)
10. This is quite a ________________ neighbourhood. I wouldn’t want to live here. (NOISE)
III. Read the text about living in a new country. Decide which of the four words (A,B,C or D) best fits each
space. (10 points)
Although living in another country can be a/an (1) ___________________ adventure, it sometimes proves (2)
___________________ a difficult experience. Many things are new and different – not only the language and
culture but also (3) ___________________ things like where to buy stamps or when banks are open. For a person
who is used (4) ___________________ in control of their world these new experiences can make them feel
helpless, (5) ___________________ and frustrated. Many of those who start a life somewhere else often go
through certain (6) ________________ before they feel at home in their new (7) ___________________. The
first few weeks after arrival in another country is full of positive feelings and excitement. Then reality sets in and
can make you feel angry and impatient. Some people (8) ___________________ their new home for such
feelings. Eventually, however, most newcomers settle (9) _________ and begin to adapt. However, when a person
returns to their own culture, they may (10) ___________________ the same things in reverse. It takes them some
time to get back to their former life in their home country.
1 A. excited B. exciting C. pleasure D. thrilled
2 A. have been B. be of C. being D. to be
3 A. everyday B. daily C. average D. every day
4 A. been B. to being C. to be D. being
5 A. confusing B. confused C. confuse D. confusion
6 A. steps B. times C. eras D. stages
7 A. surroundings B. settings C. atmospheres D. situations
8 A. cause B. blame C. accuse D. hold
9 A. in B. off C. of D. back
10 A. bear B. happen C. suffer D. experience
IV. Read the text below and think of the word which best fits each space. Use only one word in each space.
(10 points)
Ads Everywhere!
Advertising has become a part of everyday culture. People are exposed (1) ____ hundreds of adverts every day
whenever they switch (2) _____ the TV or radio or open a newspaper or magazine. This means that we know all
(3) _____ the tricks that advertisers use to sell us their products and so they need to work harder (4) _____ ever
to keep us interested. The latest trend designed to do this is known (5) _____ ambient advertising. This is the
practice of putting ads in unusual places to make the product stick (6) _____ people’s minds. It also allows the
advertisers to (7) _____flexible and to try all sorts of new approaches to advertising. Ambient ads started out on
the sides of taxis and the backs of bus tickets but even these (8) ____ now become commonplace. One recent
award-winning campaign advertised a modern art agency by putting stickers on everyday objects (9) _____ as
lamp-posts and paving stones, describing them as (10) _____ they were works of art.
SUBIECTUL B - INTEGRATED SKILLS (60 points)

Read the text below and do the tasks that follow:
Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is a holiday celebrated predominantly in North America, and it possesses a different meaning in
each of the countries where it is acknowledged.
In the United States, Thanksgiving is a federal holiday (meaning all government employees and most private
employees are given a day off of work), and always takes place on the Fourth Thursday in November, regardless
of the date.
The holiday signifies the immense progress made by pilgrims, or some of the first travelers to North America, at
Plymouth Plantation circa 1621. It was at this time that the hungry and weary Pilgrims were taught (by Native
Americans) how to grow and produce food on North America's unique terrain. Once they had grown (and caught)
an abundance of food, the Pilgrims were expectedly thankful, and they celebrated alongside the Native Americans
who provided them with such valuable assistance. President Abraham Lincoln initiated the contemporary practice
of Thanksgiving by calling for a "day of Thanksgiving" during one of his Civil War addresses.
In America today, Thanksgiving remains firmly engrained in its historical roots, and is widely considered to be a
day for giving thanks for good food, good times, and family. Thanksgiving dinner generally consists of turkey,
mashed potatoes, stuffing, vegetables, gravy, and ample desserts. To be sure, indulging in abundance is a
cornerstone of the holiday, as doing so could only be possible if one possesses abundance.
I. For each question decide which answer (A, B, C or D) fits best according to the text. (10 points)
1. When is Thanksgiving celebrated in the US?
A. The Fourth Tursday in November B. Four weeks before Christmas
C. Throughout November D. November 25
2. Which event(s) began the tradition of Thanksgiving?
A. The pilgrims' food-creation success and large scale celebratory dinner B. Nobody is certain
C. An address delivered by President Lincoln D. A and C
3. Which food(s) is/are often prepared for Thanksgiving dinner?
A. Turkey B. Potatoes C. Stuffing D. All of the above
4. Where is Thanksgiving celebrated?
A. Only in America
B. Throughout North America and some other parts of the world, albeit in different forms and on different dates
C. In English speaking countries
D. Only in Canada
5. What is the meaning of Thanksgiving's federal holiday status?
A. The federal government instructs all citizens to celebrate Thanksgiving
B. Only federal government employees celebrate Thanksgiving
C. All federal employees and many other workers are given a day off for Thanksgiving
D. It is difficult to say for sure
II. Write a narrative essay beginning with “Last November my sister and I were invited to spend Thanksgiving in
Plymouth...” (160-180 words) (50 points)
OLIMPIADA DE LIMBA ENGLEZA ETAPA LOCALĂ 25 februarie 2023
Clasa a IX-a, SECȚIUNEA A- Standard Varianta 1
BAREM DE EVALUARE
• Toate subiectele sunt obligatorii.


I. Read the following text and put the verbs in the brackets into the correct form. (10 points)
1.were born, 2. went, 3. are, 4. haven’t seen, 5. write, 6. speak, 7. has been learning, 8. were doing, 9. are going
to visit/are visiting/will visit 10. will have.
II. Use the word given in brackets to form a word that fits in each sentence. (10 points)
1.NATIONALITY, 2. WARMTH, 3. IMPOSSIBLE 4. SURPRISINGLY, 5. GOVERNMENT, 6. USELESS, 7.
TASTY, 8. ILLEGAL, 9. ALIVE, 10. NOISY
III. Read the text about living in a new country. Decide which of the four words (A,B,C,D) best fits
each space. (10 points)
1.B (exciting), 2. D (to be), 3. A (everyday), 4. B (to being), 5. B (confused), 6. D. stages, 7. A (surroundings), 8.
B (blame), 9. A (in), 10. D (experience)
IV. Read the text below and think of the word which best fits each space. Use only one word in each space.
(10 points)
1. to, 2. on, 3. of/about, 4. than, 5. as, 6. in, 7. be, 8. have, 9. such, 10. if

1. A, 2. D, 3. D, 4. B, 5. C (10 points)
Analytical criteria Exemplary Proficient Partially Proficient Weak Incomplete P
o
10p 8p 6p 4p 2p i
n
t
s
CONTENT The essay is completely The essay is fairly The essay is partially The essay is The essay is
relevant to topic, completed with all completed with faulty, including incomplete, the
describing the sequencing slight logical serious logical sequencing of
places/events/characters elements of a impediments in impediments in the narrative
/atmosphere/ narrative. sequencing the the sequencing of moments being
reaching climax, moments of the events. inconsistent.
including the final narrative.
reactions of the
protagonist.
ORGANIZATION There is complete logical There is a fairly There is partial There is serious Paragraphs are
AND COHESION connection of completion of completion of the inconsistency in incomplete,
paragraphs due to a paragraph task. Paragraphs are the organization both linking
judicious use of linking organization due to partially complete of the paragraphs devices,
devices, mechanics, and scarce misuse of due to unfinished due to the misuse mechanics, and
length requirements. linking devices, ideas and scarce use of the linking length
mechanics, and of linking devices, devices, requirements
length mechanics, and mechanics, and having been
requirements. length length disrespected.
requirements. requirements
VOCABULARY A wide range of A range of The range of A limited range of A very narrow
vocabulary is used vocabulary is used vocabulary is vocabulary is range of
appropriately and appropriately and adequately used in present within vocabulary is
accurately throughout accurately in the the essay; errors in the essay; less present; errors
the essay; precise essay; occasional word choice common items of in word
meaning is conveyed; errors in word /formation are vocabulary are choice/formati
minor errors are rare; choice/formation present when more rare and may be on
spelling is very well are possible; sophisticated items often faulty; predominate;
controlled. spelling is well of vocabulary are spelling errors spelling errors
The register of the controlled with attempted; spelling can make text can make the
narrative essay is totally occasional slips. The can be faulty at understanding essay obscure
relevant to the task, register of the times. difficult. The at times. The
being organically narrative essay is The register of the register of the register used in
integrated all along the relevant to the task narrative essay is narrative is the narrative
discourse with slightly partially relevant to inconsistent due essay is
incongruent lapses the task with a to the mixture of inappropriate
within the discourse narrow styles for this type
inconsistency of writing.
style, leading to
halts in the logical
development of
ideas.
STRUCTURES A wide range of A range of A mix of complex A limited range of A very narrow
grammatical structures is grammatical and simple grammatical range of
used accurately and structures is used grammatical structures is grammatical
flexibly throughout the accurately and with structures is present present along the structures is
essay; minor errors are some flexibility throughout the essay; complex present within
rare; punctuation is very along the essay; essay; errors are language is rare the essay;
well controlled. occasional errors present when and may be often errors
are possible; complex language is faulty; predominate;
punctuation is well attempted; punctuation punctuation
controlled with punctuation can be errors can make errors make
occasional slips. faulty at times. text the text
understanding obscure at
difficult. times.
EFFECT ON TARGET The interest of the The text has a good The effect on the The effect on the The effect on
READER reader is aroused and effect on the reader reader is reader non- the reader non-
sustained throughout. satisfactory relevant relevant.
OLIMPIADA DE LIMBA ENGLEZĂ ETAPA LOCALĂ 25 februarie 2023
Clasa a IX-a, SECȚIUNEA B- Bilingv/intensiv Varianta 1
Toate subiectele sunt obligatorii.

Pentru rezolvarea corectă a tuturor subiectelor din Partea A și Partea B se acordă 100 de puncte.
Timpul de lucru este 3 ore.
Nu se acordă puncte din oficiu.
I. Read the text below and do the tasks (20 points)
The White Cliffs of Dover Western Australia
They are one of the most famous landmarks in the Western Australia is a vast state, bordering the Indian
South of England and they have provided inspiration Ocean and covering 250 million hectares of land. Its
to artists, musicians, singers, poets and writers – even landscapes are some of the most fascinating in the
William Shakespeare! world and include thick forests; red, sun-burnt plains;
rugged gorges; tropical reefs; white beaches with
Let’s visit the White Cliffs of Dover! dunes; and 12,500 kilometres of coastline.
The White Cliffs of Dover form part of the coast of In order to protect the diverse ecology, the government
Kent in the South East of England. They are directly of the state turned some parts of Western Australia into
opposite France at the point where the English national parks and nature reserves to allow visitors to
Channel is narrowest. In fact, you can see the cliffs admire its nature. The forests are also under the close
from the coast of France on a clear day! The Cliffs are supervision of the government and nothing can be
composed mainly of soft white chalk, which gives done there without special consent from both Houses
them their incredible colour. The Cliffs have always of Parliament.
been very important to England, and not just for their
beauty and ecological significance! Because they One favourite leisure activity along Western
represent the area of England which is closest to Australia’s coast is whale-watching – popular both
mainland Europe, they have been the arrival point for amongst tourists and local people alike. In the last few
many travellers, both friends and enemies! Even Julius years, a lot of special agencies have been created
Caesar wrote about them in his journal! We think that which organize whale-watching cruises. It is said that
the White Cliffs of Dover began forming under the sea the best time of day to see whales is at midday, when
around 13.6 million years ago! the sun is directly overhead.
A. Answer the following questions: (4x2p=8p)
1. Why have The White Cliffs of Dover been important to England?
2. Where are the White Cliffs of Dover situated?
3. What are Western Australia’s landscapes like?
4. Why are there so many nature reserves and national parks?
B. Choose the right synonym for the words given below, according to their meaning in the text:
(4px1p=4p)
1. Landmarks – a) tourist attractions b) milestones, c) turning points
2. Clear – a) understandable b) cloudless c) crystal
3. Rugged – a) sturdy b) jagged c) tough
4. Alike – a) together b) compatible c) similar
C. Do the following tasks: (4x2p=8p)
Add the tag-question:
1. Let’s visit the White Cliffs of Dover!
Let’s visit the White Cliffs of Dover, ………………..?
Rephrase the following sentences so as the meaning stays the same:
2. It is said that the best time of day to see whales is at midday.
……………………. that the best time of day to see whales is at midday.
3. We think that the White Cliffs of Dover began forming under the sea around 13.6 million years ago!
The White Cliffs of Dover are thought ……………………………….
4. Nothing can be done there without special consent from both Houses of Parliament.
Unless you get …………………………
II. Complete the sentences by changing the form of the word in capitals. (10x1p=10p)
1. Adam’s room is …………………. because he leaves his clothes everywhere. (MESS)
2. Bobby’s jokes are ……………….; they make everyone laugh. (AMUSE)
3. It was an ……………………. performance. (IMPRESS)
4. The burning of fossil fuels is a ………………… issue. (GLOBE)
5. The biologists lost their diving ………………… in the storm. (EQUIP)
6. Most phobias are ………………………… . (RATIONAL)
7. The doctor gave him a ……………….. for some antibiotics. (PRESCRIBE)
8. That was ……………………. a night to remember. (DEFINITE)
9. The film’s ……………… special effects won it an Oscar. (CREDIBLE)
10. The job of a …………….. guard is dangerous. (SECURE)
III. Read the text below and think of the word which best fits each space. Use only one word in each space.
(10 points)
SOWING THE SEEDS FOR SURVIVAL
When people mention endangered species the first things that come (1) _____ mind are probably whales, pandas
or tigers. Not (2) ______ people would think of plants, but, in (3) ______, there are more threatened species of
plants (4) ______ of threatened mammals, fish, birds and insects combined.
One of the major threats to the survival of many plants is industrialisation. This causes pollution and acid rain,
(5) _____ destroy forests and harm many species of plant. Another threat is man! Many products that man uses
(6) ______ from plants. For instance, many plants (7) ______collected from the Amazon and are used to make
medicines. Other plants, such as mahogany trees, are valued for their timber and are very popular building
materials. There are even plants that (8) ______ become desirable collectors’ items. Luckily, (9) _____ and more
people are becoming aware of the problem and change is on the way. (10) ______ are now a number of
organisations that are working to protect endangered plants as well as animal species and preserve all living things
for the future.
SUBIECTUL B – INTEGRATED SKILLS (60 points)
I. Read a text about home design and for questions 1 to 5, choose the correct answer. (10 puncte)
Welcome to the home of the future
The 2009 British Homes Awards challenged the industry to design a house that can adapt to different life stages.
The participants were asked to rethink the construction and design of individual homes, so that they were easily
adaptable to less mobile inhabitants, and also to create communities in which ageing occupants could continue to
enjoy shared amenities. The top design also had to be attractive to its potential buyers, because the competition
was put to the public vote. The winner, gaining 12,000 votes from Mail on Sunday readers, was the strikingly
modern SunnySideUp, designed by Kosi Architects. Here are its three main features:
1. Upside Down House

The architects took as a starting point the accepted norm for a house – rows of houses facing onto streets crammed
with cars, with living rooms on the ground floor and bedrooms above. Then they scrapped it.
They ended up with the living room, dining room and kitchen on the top floor where they can benefit from the
light and views, and maximise energy efficiency. And they put the bedrooms on the ground floor where the garden
aspect gives inhabitants increased privacy, and a cool temperature is maintained throughout the day. The two
floors are linked by wide, gentle gradient stairs, which are designed to allow for a stair lift to be fitted if necessary
as owners age.
2. Concealed Parking Spaces

But the feature that, according to Warren Rosing, one of the Kosi architects responsible for the design, was
particularly popular with the public, is actually the parking.
In a SunnySideUp development no one has to look out onto a street full of cars, or worry about their kids being
run over, because the terrace zone at the first floor level link all the homes and is a car-free zone.
Vehicles are tucked away on the lower floor, leaving safe and pleasant spaces outside the houses for people to
meet, and kids to play.
A lift takes people directly from garage to living area, so that all residents, including the elderly and those with
heavy shopping, can move comfortably between the floors. The idea is that not only would they look pretty, but
they would be a talking point, encouraging interaction between residents on the terrace area outside.
3. Flexible Spaces
But it is the fact that the space is designed to adapt to the changing needs, including the fluctuating income of its
owners, that makes it a thought-provoking, as well as a winning, design.
The lower-floor bedrooms have separate outdoor access so they can be easily let. The idea is that owners can get
some extra money to pay for their mortgages during the first years. And later in the future, those bedrooms can
be used as a granny flat, or an office, and can easily be converted into a separate one-bed flat if your kids won’t
leave home.
And if more space is required, as well as the usual loft that can be converted, there is potential for a gallery floor
to be inserted in the living room.
1. According to the article, The British Homes Awards challenged architects to design a house …
a. for disabled people b. for ageing inhabitants
c. that could adapt to all ages d. for young families with children
2. According to the article, in the winning property, bedrooms are downstairs to …

a. benefit from the view b. have easier access to the house
c. have more privacy in the living room d. keep the same pleasant atmosphere the whole day
3. According to the article, the parking spaces in this house design are …
a. on the first floor b. on the ground floor
c.in a separate building d.in the street
4. According to the article, in the SunnySideUp house the ground floor ...
a. can be rented b. can be sold separately
c.is only used to store cars d. has a room for grandparents
5. According to the article, the house has been designed …

a. to be rented b. to be shared if necessary
c. for families with a small income d. to be sold in the future
II. Write a narrative essay with the title “My first day in a SunnySideUp house ” (180-200 words) (50
points)
Clasa a IX-a, SECȚIUNEA B- Bilingv/intensiv Varianta 1
BAREM DE EVALUARE

I. Read the text below and do the tasks (20 points)
A. Answer the following questions: (4x2p=8p)
1. They have provided inspiration to artists, musicians, singers, poets and writers – even William
Shakespeare. They are the closest part of England to mainland Europe and the arrival point for many
travellers. They are important for their beauty and ecological significance, as well.
2. In the South East of England. They are directly opposite France at the point where the English Channel is
narrowest.
3. They belong to some of the most fascinating landscapes in the world and include thick forests; red, sun-
burnt plains; rugged gorges; tropical reefs; white beaches with dunes; and 12,500 kilometres of coastline.
4. In order to protect the diverse ecology.
B. Choose the right synonym for the words given below, according to their meaning in the text:
(4px1p=4p)
1. a) tourist attractions, 2. b) cloudless, 3. b) jagged, 4. a) together
C.
1. …, shall we?
2. People say …./ They say……
3. …to begin/to have begun forming under the sea around 13.6 million years ago!
4. … a special consent from both Houses of Parliament, nothing can be done there.
II. Complete the sentences by changing the form of the word in capitals. (10x1p=10p)
1. MESSY 2. AMUSING 3. IMPRESSIVE 4. GLOBAL 5. EQUIPMENT 6. IRRATIONAL
7. PRESCRIPTION 8. DEFINITELY 9. INCREDIBLE 10. SECURITY
(10 points)
1. to 2. many 3. fact 4. than 5. which 6. come/derive 7. are 8. Have 9. more 10. There
I. Read a text about home design and for questions 1 to 5, choose the correct answer. (10 puncte)
1. c. that could adapt to all ages, 2. d. keep the same pleasant atmosphere the whole day, 3. b. on the ground
floor, 4. a. can be rented, 5. to be shared if necessary
Analytical criteria Exemplary Proficient Partially Weak Incomplete P
Proficient o
10p 8p 4p 2p i
6p n
t
s
CONTENT The essay is The essay is fairly The essay is The essay is The essay is
completely relevant to completed with partially faulty, including incomplete,
topic, describing all the sequencing completed with serious logical the
places/events/charact elements of a slight logical impediments in sequencing of
ers/atmosphere/ narrative. impediments in the sequencing the narrative
reaching climax, sequencing the of events. moments
including the final moments of the being
reactions of the narrative. inconsistent.
protagonist.
ORGANIZATION There is complete There is a fairly There is partial There is serious Paragraphs
AND COHESION logical connection of completion of completion of the inconsistency in are
paragraphs due to a paragraph task. Paragraphs the incomplete,
judicious use of linking organization due are partially organization of both linking
devices, mechanics, to scarce misuse complete due to the paragraphs devices,
and length of linking devices, unfinished ideas due to the mechanics,
requirements. mechanics, and and scarce use of misuse of the and length
length linking devices, linking devices, requirements
requirements. mechanics, and mechanics, and having been
length length disrespected.
requirements. requirements
VOCABULARY A wide range of A range of The range of A limited range A very narrow
vocabulary is used vocabulary is used vocabulary is of vocabulary is range of
appropriately and appropriately and adequately used present within vocabulary is
accurately throughout accurately in the in the essay; the essay; less present;
the essay; precise essay; occasional errors in word common items errors in
meaning is conveyed; errors in word choice /formation of vocabulary word
minor errors are rare; choice/formation are present when are rare and choice/forma
spelling is very well are possible; more may be often tion
controlled. spelling is well sophisticated faulty; spelling predominate;
The register of the controlled with items of errors can make spelling
narrative essay is occasional slips. vocabulary are text errors can
totally relevant to the The register of the attempted; understanding make the
task, being organically narrative essay is spelling can be difficult. The essay obscure
integrated all along relevant to the faulty at times. register of the at times. The
the discourse task with slightly The register of the narrative is register used
incongruent narrative essay is inconsistent in the
lapses within the partially relevant due to the narrative
discourse to the task with a mixture of essay is
narrow styles inappropriate
inconsistency of for this type
style, leading to writing.
development of
ideas.
STRUCTURES A wide range of A range of A mix of complex A limited range A very narrow
grammatical grammatical and simple of grammatical range of
structures is used structures is used grammatical structures is grammatical
accurately and flexibly accurately and structures is present along structures is
throughout the essay; with some present the essay; present
minor errors are rare; flexibility along throughout the complex within the
punctuation is very the essay; essay; errors are language is rare essay; errors
well controlled. occasional errors present when and may be predominate;
are possible; complex language often faulty; punctuation
punctuation is is attempted; punctuation errors make
well controlled punctuation can errors can make the text
with occasional be faulty at times. text obscure at
slips. understanding times.
difficult.
EFFECT ON The interest of the The text has a The effect on the The effect on The effect on
TARGET READER reader is aroused and good effect on the reader is the reader non- the reader
sustained throughout. reader satisfactory relevant non-relevant.
CLASA a X-a, SECȚIUNEA A-Standard Varianta 1
 Timpul efectiv de lucru este de 3 ore.

I. Put the verbs in brackets in the right tense and voice (10 points):
N: Hello! Dad! I 1) ______________(look) at the top of your head at the moment! Reposition the camera so
I can see your face.
D: Sorry, I just can’t understand this technology. I 2) _____________ (only just learn) how to text! Oh my!
I can’t believe it. I can see you on my computer screen, Nicola! I 3) ______________ (call) your mum. Jackie,
come here quick!
N: Dad, you’re so funny! I 4) ___________________ (do) this for ages with my friends. It’s so good to see
your face. I 5) __________________ (not see) you for so long!
D: How are your children? They look so grown up in those photos you 6) ________________ (email) us.
N: They’re fine. Ollie 7) __________________ (study) for his Year 12 Certificate. He hopes he 8)
___________(accept) at the University of Melbourne next year. Becky was chosen to play for her university
netball team – she’s so pleased. Anyway, how are you and Mum? Where is she? I want to speak to her.
D: She 9) _____________ (get) a bit deaf. I will shout louder. Jacky, come here! It’s Nicola. Anyway, where
was I? we’re both fine. We 10) __________ (go) on holiday last month.
II. Read the sentences below and use the words given in capital on the right to form words that fit in the
gaps. (10 points)
1. For their own ______________the visitors of zoos are kept at a distance. (SAFE)
2. You should take the antibiotics for a whole week so that it is _____________. (EFFECT)
3. Jane has been suffering from headaches_________________. (LATE)
4. Most people believe that it is _______________ that UFOs exist. (PROBABLE)
5. A limited _____________of the author’s works will be published next year. (EDIT)
6. The ___________that banks charge for borrowing money has gone up. (PERCENT)
7. Many men believe that bringing up children is the __________of women. (RESPONSIBLE)
8. He turned out to be a big ____________. I’ll never believe him again. (LIE)
9. Divers went down to a _____________of over 50 metres. (DEEP)
10. She was extremely intelligent and passed all her exams with _____________. (EASY)
III. Fill in the gaps with one word (10points)
Sandwiches
The sandwich is 1) ________ of the 2) ________ popular ways of preparing a light meal 3) ____ snack. Its
simplicity is the key, basically you need to put 4) _______type of food stuff between two slices of bread and you
are done. It is easy to transport and does not require cutlery or a lot of preparation. Its invention 5) ______ been
attributed to the Earl of Sandwich in the 18th century, but this is 6) ________ a doubt, debatable to say the least
as sandwiches have their equivalent 7) ______ over the world, including the taco and burritos. What is clear is 8)
______ popularity of this special way of preparing food. Sandwiches are eaten by just about every human on this
planet and look as though they are here to stay. Their popularity is only being increased 9) _____ large chains,
such as Subway, that offer high quality ingredients at a reasonable price 10) ______ the purpose of offering a
healthy fast-food alternative.
IV. Read the text below and decide which of the four words (A,B,C or D) best fits each space. (10 points)
Owls are nocturnal creatures. They’re wide 0) awake at night and they sleep during the day. If this 1) .............. like bliss
to you, then, like about 20 percent of the population 2) .............. find themselves most active at around 9 pm, you may
fall into the same category 3) .............. our feathered friend. Night owls often have difficulty waking up in the morning,
and like to be up late at night. 4) .............. of animal behaviour indicate that being a night owl may actually be 5)
.............. into some people’s genes. This would explain 6) .............. those late-to-bed, late-to-rise people find it so
difficult to change their behaviour. The trouble for night owls is that they just 7) .............. to be at places such as work
and school far 8) .............. early. This is when the alarm clock becomes the night owl’s most important survival tool.
Experts 9) .............. that one way for a night owl to beat their dependence 10) .............. their alarm clocks is to sleep
with the curtains open. The theory is that if they do so, the morning sunlight will awaken them gently and naturally.
0. A aware B wakeful C awake D alert

1. A sounds B hears C listens D looks
2. A when B whose C which D who
3. A like B as C with D for
4. A Research B Examinations C Enquiries D Studies
5. A constructed B built C erected D made
6. A why B when C how D where
7. A ought B have C must D should
8. A too B enough C from D away
9. A tell B speak C inform D say
10. A in B on C to D for
Read the text below and do the tasks that follow:
This passage is about lobsters. American lobsters are marine animals that live in the waters off the eastern coast
of North America. They are generally dark blue, green, or brown, although some American lobsters with peculiar
coloring have been discovered. One of the most rare and interesting is the calico lobster. These lobsters have an
orange and blue pattern all over, from their claws to their tails. It is estimated that only about one in thirty million
lobsters are calico.
It is unclear why calico lobsters appear this way. Some scientists think it is caused by environmental factors.
Others think it is genetic. One researcher thought he found a clue when he discovered a white paste under the
shell of a calico lobster. The paste matched the calico pattern on the shell, and it appeared to be a type of bacteria.
Bacteria can cause illness, and some lobster illnesses cause their shell color to change. However, calico lobsters
are healthy and live as long as other lobsters.
Other lobster variations have been found, including blue, red, and yellow. Even more rare are split-colored
lobsters, which have a different color on each side of the body. The rarest lobsters are albinos, which have no
color at all. Some of these variations are known to be caused by genetic defects, but some are still a mystery.
Today, lobsters of all types are at risk. Increasing demand for lobsters as a luxury food means that conservation
efforts, research, and public education are needed to protect the American lobster population.
1. What is the main purpose of the passage?
A. to provide information about rare types of lobsters
B. to compare lobsters with other ocean creatures
C. to encourage people to eat less lobster
D. to educate readers about lobster diseases
2. Where on lobsters does the calico pattern appear?
A. on the entire body
B. on just one side
C. only on the claws
D. under the shell
3. In the fifth sentence of paragraph 2, what does it refer to?
A. shell
B. disease
C. pattern
D. paste
4. Based on the information in the second paragraph, what can be concluded about lobsters’ calico coloring?
A. It is becoming more common.
B. Its cause is not known.
C. It is a sign of disease.
D. It is connected to the lobster’s genetics.
5. How does the author feel about the current status of American lobsters?
A. American lobsters are not in danger.
B. Additional research on lobster color is important.
C. All American lobsters need protection.
D. Calico lobsters deserve special protection
II. Starting from the above text write a narrative-descriptive essay introducing the reader to the world of
lobsters. (180-200 words) (50 points)
CLASA a X-a, SECȚIUNEA A-Standard Varianta 1
BAREM DE EVALUARE


I. Put the verbs in brackets in the right tense and voice (10 points):
1. am looking, 2. have only just learned, 3. will call, 4. have been doing, 5. haven’t seen, 6.have emailed, 7.
is studying, 8. will be accepted, 9. is getting, 10. went
II. Read the sentences below and use the words given in capital on the right to form words that fit in the
gaps. (10 points)
1. SAFETY, 2. EFFECTIVE, 3. LATELY, 4. IMPROBABLE, 5. EDITION, 6. PERCENTAGE, 7.
RESPONSIBILITY, 8. LIAR, 9. DEPTH, 10. EASE
III. Fill in the gaps with one word (10 points)
1. one, 2. most, 3. or, 4. any, 5. has, 6. without, 7. all, 8. the, 9. by, 10. with.
IV. Read the text about living in a new country. Decide which of the four words (A,B,C or D) best fits each
space. (10 points)
1. A sounds, 2. D who, 3. B as, 4. D Studies, 5. B built, 6. A why, 7. B have, 8. A too, 9. D say, 10. B on

1.A. to provide information about rare types of lobsters, 2. A. on the entire body, 3. D. paste, 4. B. Its cause is
not known., 5. C. All American lobsters need protection.
MARKING SCHEME FOR THE NARRATIVE-DESCRIPTIVE ESSAY
Analytical Exemplary Proficient Partially Proficient Weak Incomplete P

criteria o
10p 8p 6p 4p 2p i
n
t
s
CONTENT The essay is The essay is fairly The essay is partially The essay is faulty, The essay is
completely relevant completed with completed with slight including serious wholly
to topic, describing the description of logical impediments in logical impediments inadequate the
people/places/events people/places/ev the logical in the sequencing of quality of the
/atmosphere, having ents/atmosphere, development of the events. description
a clear development having a clear description. failing the
and including the final development requirements of
reactions of the the task.
protagonist
ORGANIZATION There is complete There is a fairly There is partial There is serious Paragraphs are
AND COHESION logical connection of completion of completion of the inconsistency in the incomplete,
paragraphs due to a paragraph task. Paragraphs are organization of the both linking
judicious use of organization due partially complete due paragraphs due to devices,
linking devices, to scarce misuse to unfinished ideas the misuse of the mechanics, and
mechanics, and length of linking devices, and scarce use of linking devices, length
requirements. mechanics, and linking devices, mechanics, and requirements
length mechanics, and length length having been
requirements. requirements. requirements. disrespected.
appropriately and appropriately and adequately used in the present within the vocabulary is
accurately throughout accurately in the essay; errors in word essay; less common present; errors
the essay; precise essay; occasional choice /formation are items of vocabulary in word
meaning is conveyed; errors in word present when more are rare and may be choice/formatio
minor errors are rare; choice/formation sophisticated items of often faulty; spelling n predominate;
spelling is very well are possible; vocabulary are errors can make text spelling errors
controlled. The spelling is well attempted; spelling understanding can make the
register of the controlled with can be faulty at times. difficult. The essay obscure
narrative-descriptive occasional slips. The register of the register of the at times. The
essay is totally The register of the narrative-descriptive narrative- register used in
relevant to the task, narrative- essay is partially descriptive essay is the narrative-
being organically descriptive essay relevant to the task inconsistent due to descriptive
integrated all along is relevant to the with a narrow the mixture of essay is
the discourse. task with slightly inconsistency of style, styles. inappropriate
incongruent leading to halts in the for this type of
lapses within the logical development of writing.
discourse. ideas
STRUCTURES A wide range of A range of A mix of complex and A limited range of A very narrow
grammatical grammatical simple grammatical grammatical range of
structures is used structures is used structures is present structures is present grammatical
accurately and flexibly accurately and throughout the essay; along the essay; structures is
throughout the essay; with some errors are present complex language is present within
minor errors are rare; flexibility along when complex rare and may be the essay;
punctuation is very the essay; language is often faulty; errors
well controlled. occasional errors attempted; punctuation errors predominate;
are possible; punctuation can be can make text punctuation
punctuation is faulty at times. understanding errors make the
well controlled difficult. text obscure at
slips.
EFFECT ON The interest of the The text has a The effect on the The effect on the The text has a
TARGET reader is aroused and good effect on the reader is satisfactory. reader non- negative effect
READER sustained throughout reader. relevant. on the reader.
CLASA A X-A – SECȚIUNEA B - Bilingv/Intensiv Varianta 1

I. Read the text below and do the tasks that follow. (20 points)
Why I prefer to stay at home

What was your last cinema experience like? I remember the expensive tickets, the long queues and the
uncomfortable seats. Does this sound familiar? I love going out to see my friends, going to parties or clubs. I like
having fun. However, I don't really enjoy going to the cinema any more.
The other problem for me is the audience at cinemas. Although many people say that seeing a film at a cinema is
a good chance to go out and be sociable, I really hate listening to other people's comments. The last time I went
to the cinema, there was a couple who commented loudly on everything in the film. They laughed at everything
in the film, really loudly - even at things which weren't funny! I politely asked them to be quiet. Despite this, they
continued as if they were watching their own TV. If I watch something at home, I can invite my friends and spend
time with people I know and like rather than sitting near noisy strangers.
Another reason for staying at home is convenience. I like to watch films or TV shows when I want to watch them,
not at specific times. In spite of my love of films and TV shows, I don't enjoy all of them. If I'm at home, I can
stop the film and watch something else or I can fast-forward through the boring bits. For example, I was really
disappointed with a film I saw last night - so I just switched it off!
While I watch a lot of films, I also watch a lot of TV shows online now. I really enjoy watching a whole series. It
gives characters time to develop in interesting and unexpected ways. In fact, there are so many great TV shows
to watch, I've hardly got time to go to the cinema.
So, these days, when my friends invite me to the cinema, I usually say, 'No thanks'. I really do prefer to watch
films and TV series at home. I can choose what I want to watch, I can choose the time when I want to watch it
and I can choose who I watch it with. The question really is: why should I go out?
A. Answer the following questions. (8 points)
1. What is her main point?

2. Why were the couple sitting behind her rude?
3. What does she do if she finds a film boring?
4. Why is the length of a TV series sometimes a good thing?
B. Choose the right synonym for the words given below, according to their meaning in the text. (6
points)
1. Parties: a. celebrations b. coalitions c. organizations d. participants
2. Convenience a. satisfaction b. accessibility c. comfort d. ladies' room
3. Series a. sequence b. pack c. set d. list
C. Complete the second sentence so that it has a similar meaning to the first sentence. (6 points)
1. Does this sound familiar?
She wondered whether ……………………… .
2. I like having fun. However, I don't really enjoy going to the cinema any more.
I don't really enjoy going to the cinema any more, …………………….
3. I politely asked them to be quiet.
“………………………….?”
II. Use the word given in brackets to form a word that fits in each sentence. 10 points
Tennis then and now

Tennis was first played in France in the 13th century, but its (0) popularity (POPULAR) slowly extended to other
countries. It is (1) ________ (INTEREST) to consider that at first the game was played indoors with leather balls,
and this situation remained (2) ________ (CHANGE) until the 19th century, when the leather balls were adapted
for play outside. However, there is more to the game than meets the eye – or the racquet! (3) _________
(SURPRISE), nowadays it seems that it is not only a player’s (4) _________ (ABLE) that has an effect on how
well they play tennis. (5) ___________ (APPARENT), it can also depend on the type of balls they use. The (6)
___________ (EXPLAIN) for this is that the balls are now designed by scientists, who design them to meet all
the different (7) ________ (REQUIRE) of today’s (8) ____________ (PROFESSION) players. This means that
the balls are adapted for a game that is now played on a (9) _________ (VARY) of different surfaces, from clay
to grass. It also means that the players can hit the balls (10) ________ (INCREDIBLE) hard, so that they go across
the net extremely fast. It is certainly a very different game from the one played in the 13th century.
(10 points)
Blanca Huertas: butterfly expert

As a little girl growing (1) _____ in Colombia, Blanca Huertas was fascinated by wildlife, and especially by
butterflies. In those days you couldn’t buy butterfly nets locally, so her father made (2) _____ for her using the
end of a broom. He also bought (3) _______ some books and took her to different places at the weekends so (4)
_____ she could see different species and learn about different types of habitat. It was at this time that she started
her butterfly collection.
(5) _____ she was sixteen, Blanca went to university to study biology. Her professor convinced her that the study
of butterflies (6) _____ become a career, not just a hobby. What’s more, he encouraged Blanca to apply (7) _____
a place on a field trip to the Cauca region of the Amazon, (8) _____ was being organised by students from Oxford
and Cambridge.
The two-month trip was an incredible experience. Blanca rediscovered a butterfly that hadn’t (9) _____ seen for
thirty years and collected information about new species. (10) _____ a result of the trip, the region was turned
into a national park.
Read the text below and do the tasks that follow.
Khari Baoli – Spice Market

Visitors to Delhi, a major city in the north of India, should definitely pencil in a day at Khari Baoli Spice Market.
Located in the historic district of the city, it is the largest and oldest market of its kind in Asia. It was built in 1650
by Fatehpuri Begum, wife of Emperor Shah Jahan, and has operated continuously since then. In fact, many of
today’s stallholders are descendants of the original spice sellers! The area used to have an old step well (a well
with steps leading down to it) – and this is where the market got its name. “Baoli” means step well and “khari” is
the hindi word for salty – describing the water that was there.
Some visitors find the noisy crowded streets of Khari Baoli quite nerve-wracking – so it’s a good idea to go with
a local. For one, you can join a tour group, but a better option is to hire a personal guide. Some guides even pick
you up outside your hotel in their rickshaw! These small three-wheeled vehicles (usually with pedals for cycling
or powered by an engine) are perfect for the heavy Delhi traffic. It’s a thrilling experience to ride in the back of a
rickshaw, as it cuts in and out of long lines of motorbikes and cars, all battling each other for space!
Rickshaws aren’t allowed inside the market, though – some streets are barely wide enough to walk through! Many
people have compared the market to a maze, with dozens of alleyways packed with shoppers, stallholders and
their goods. You’ll also see porters pulling trolleys with goods or carrying them over their heads – you have to be
alert not to get in their way! One thing that will hit you when you enter the market, though, is the noise –
stallholders sometimes scream at shoppers to get their attention! But it’s all harmless and part of the market
experience! Also, everywhere you turn you can smell exotic spices. Heaps of eye-catching spices such as bright
red chilli and rich yellow turmeric are displayed on wide plates, while you’ll also find rice, beans, dried fruit and
nuts, sold loose out of giant sacks.
Stallholders in the Khari Baoli do business from 10 am to 9 pm – and although this market might appear chaotic,
it is actually very well organized. Fresh produce is delivered every day to thousands of stallholders, who sell to
millions of customers. Also, the prices in Khari Baoli are reasonable, and the stallholders are friendly and
knowledgeable. They’ll allow you to sample their goods, and give you advice on the exact spice you need for
your next Indian meal! All in all, this fascinating market is a wonderful feast for the senses that shouldn’t be
missed!
I. For each question, decide which answer (A, B, C or D) fits best according to the text. (10 points)
1. What is the writer doing in the text?

A. Giving cooking advice C. Narrating a personal experience
B. Describing a market history D. Encouraging people to visit a place
2. What does the writer say about rickshaws in Delhi?
A. They are dangerous C. They are popular with locals
B. They are uncomfortable D. They are an effective way to get around
3. What is the writer’s opinion about the noisy stallholders?
A. Shoppers should ignore them C. They don’t mean to upset anyone
B. They shouldn’t scream at foreigners D. They don’t have any other way to attract
customers
4. Why does the writer believe the market is well organized?
A. It stays open 24 hours a day D. It’s easy for customers to find their way
B. Lots of goods move in and out of it each day around the stalls
C. Most stallholders see all the produce they
have each day
5. What could be another suitable title for the text?

A. History comes alive at Khari Baoli D. The sights, smells and sounds of a historic
B. The shopper’s guide to getting around Delhi market
C. Khari Baoli – the market where you can find
it all
II. Starting from the text above, imagine you are visiting Khali Baoli Spice Market. Write a narrative-
descriptive essay about your experience. (200-220 words) (50 puncte)
CLASA A X-A – SECȚIUNEA B - Bilingv/Intensiv Varianta 1

BAREM
A. 1. It’s more comfortable and convenient to watch films and TV series at home
2. They continued being noisy after she asked them to be quiet
3. She stops the film and watches something else, or fast-forwards through the boring bits
4. It gives characters time to develop in interesting and unexpected ways.
B. 1. celebrations, 2. comfort, 3. Pack
C.
1. that sounded familiar.
2. … although I like having fun.
3. Can/Could/Will/Would you be quiet?
II. Use the word given in brackets to form a word that fits in each sentence. 10 points
1. INTERESTING, 2. UNCHANGED, 3. SURPRISINGLY, 4. ABILITY, 5. APPARENTLY, 6.

EXPLANATION, 7. REQUIREMENTS, 8. PROFESSIONAL, 9. VARIETY, 10. INCREDIBLY
(10 points)
1. up, 2.one, 3. her, 4. that, 5. When, 6. could, 7. for, 8. which, 9. been, 10. As
Read the text below and do the tasks that follow. (10 puncte)
I. 1. D, 2.D, 3 C, 4. B, 5. D
MARKING SCHEME FOR THE NARRATIVE-DESCRIPTIVE ESSAY
Analytical Exemplary Proficient Partially Proficient Weak Incomplete P

criteria o
10p 8p 6p 4p 2p i
n
t
s
completely relevant completed with completed with slight including serious wholly
to topic, describing the description of logical impediments in logical impediments inadequate the
people/places/events people/places/ev the logical in the sequencing of quality of the
/atmosphere, having ents/atmosphere, development of the events. description
a clear development having a clear description. failing the
and including the final development requirements of
reactions of the the task.
protagonist
ORGANIZATIO There is complete There is a fairly There is partial There is serious Paragraphs are
N AND logical connection of completion of completion of the inconsistency in the incomplete,
COHESION paragraphs due to a paragraph task. Paragraphs are organization of the both linking
judicious use of organization due partially complete due paragraphs due to devices,
linking devices, to scarce misuse to unfinished ideas the misuse of the mechanics, and
mechanics, and of linking devices, and scarce use of linking devices, length
length requirements. mechanics, and linking devices, mechanics, and requirements
length mechanics, and length length having been
requirements. requirements. requirements. disrespected.
appropriately and appropriately and adequately used in the present within the vocabulary is
accurately throughout accurately in the essay; errors in word essay; less common present; errors
the essay; precise essay; occasional choice /formation are items of vocabulary in word
meaning is conveyed; errors in word present when more are rare and may be choice/formatio
minor errors are rare; choice/formation sophisticated items of often faulty; spelling n predominate;
spelling is very well are possible; vocabulary are errors can make text spelling errors
controlled. The spelling is well attempted; spelling understanding can make the
register of the controlled with can be faulty at times. difficult. The essay obscure
narrative-descriptive occasional slips. The register of the register of the at times. The
essay is totally The register of the narrative-descriptive narrative- register used in
relevant to the task, narrative- essay is partially descriptive essay is the narrative-
being organically descriptive essay relevant to the task inconsistent due to descriptive
integrated all along is relevant to the with a narrow the mixture of essay is
the discourse. task with slightly inconsistency of style, styles. inappropriate
incongruent leading to halts in the for this type of
lapses within the logical development writing.
discourse. of ideas
STRUCTURES A wide range of A range of A mix of complex and A limited range of A very narrow
grammatical grammatical simple grammatical grammatical range of
structures is used structures is used structures is present structures is present grammatical
accurately and flexibly accurately and throughout the essay; along the essay; structures is
throughout the essay; with some errors are present complex language is present within
minor errors are rare; flexibility along when complex rare and may be the essay;
punctuation is very the essay; language is often faulty; errors
well controlled. occasional errors attempted; punctuation errors predominate;
are possible; punctuation can be can make text punctuation
punctuation is faulty at times. understanding errors make the
well controlled difficult. text obscure at
slips.
EFFECT ON The interest of the The text has a The effect on the The effect on the The text has a
TARGET reader is aroused and good effect on the reader is satisfactory. reader non- negative effect
READER sustained throughout reader. relevant. on the reader.
OLIMPIADA DE LIMBA ENGLEZĂ - ETAPA LOCALĂ
25 FEBRUARIE 2023
CLASA a XI-a SECŢIUNEA A -Standard
Varianta 1
SUBIECTUL A - USE OF ENGLISH (40 points)
I. Read the following text and put the verbs in brackets in the correct form. (10 x 1p = 10p)
Writing first (1) …………… (appear) in about 3,200 B.C. and was invented by the Sumerians of
Mesopotamia. It (2) ……… (consist) of marks made with a reed on a clay tablet - we call this early
form of writing ‘cuneiform’. Most of these inscriptions (3) ………. (record) details of commercial
transactions. Other systems (4)………… (develop) independently in both China and central America.
A writing system (5) ………. (know) as Linear A was used in Ancient Greece but its meaning (6)
……… (remain) a mystery as experts (7) ……….. (not decipher) it yet.
The materials used for writing (8) ………. (change) over the centuries. For a long time, the Ancient
Egyptians (9) ………. (write) on papyrus, which was made from a kind of plant fibre. On the other
hand, at that moment, the scribes of Ancient Greece and Rome (10) …….. (write) on long scrolls made
from processed leather known as parchment.
II. Use the word given in brackets to form a word that fits in each sentence. (10 x 1p = 10p)
A new start?
While (1) ………… (URBAN) was characteristic of an (2) ………… (EARLY) era, many young
people are choosing to do exactly the opposite of their forebears. As a result of financial (3) ……….
(STABLE) in the city and worries about (4) ……….. (ADEQUATE) public services, numerous
educated, young individuals, either alone or with their families, are willingly moving back to smaller
towns and villages in search of a better and more (5) …………… (AFFORD) way of life.
When families are (6) ……….. (ROOT) from their homes, there are a lot of negative repercussions;
educated graduates may face (7) ……….. (COMPETE) from skilled workers, who, while having no
formal (8) ………. (QUALIFY), having been working the land for years, and city children may find
themselves (9) ……… (MARGIN) at school. However, life in the country tends to be far less (10)
…………. (STRESS) and there are more opportunities for families to spend quality time together.
III. Choose the correct answer A, B, C or D. (10 x 1p = 10p)

1. All those in favour of the motion, please .… your hands.
a. rise b. raise c. rose d. arouse
2. What time …. dinner this evening, Sir?
a. you are having b. will you have had c. will you be having d. you are to have
3. Please answer all the questions ….
a. truthfully b. truthful c. true d. truly
4. ‘Can I speak to Alice, please?’
‘She isn’t here, I’m afraid. She .... to the post office.’
a. has been b. has gone c. will go d. has been going
5. .... we get to the station, the train will have left!
a. As soon as b. By the time c. So far d. For the time being
6. Although she is .... work, she doesn’t hold out much hope that she will find a job.
a. searching b. seeking c. cultivating d. investigating
7. The woman …. with shoplifting pleaded ‘not guilty’.
a. they charged her b. who charged c. who she charged d. charged
8. Meryl Streep is the actress …… I owe my passion for cinema.
a. to which b. who c. that d. to whom
9. If he …. a better painter, he might have sold some of his work by now.
a. is b. be c. were d. would be
10. My colleague asked ….. finished the project.
a. had I b. whether I had c. have I d. what I had
IV. Read the text below and think of the word that best fits each space. Use only ONE word in
each space. (10p)
The Brain
It wasn’t so long ago that scientists thought that adult brain was unable to change and we all could (1)
..... forward to was a slow decline. This is not completely true, however. Although the brain does
indeed slow (2) ..... with age, it remains remarkably adaptable. The brain loses volume from about the
age (3) ….. forty, but it will improve (4) ….. long as you exercise and challenge it. Research has
shown that not (5) ….. can we change the way we think and feel, but (6) ….. those thoughts and
feelings can change the physical workings of the brain.
What you need to do is take (7) ….. a new and challenging activity, such as learning a new language,
playing chess, learning to draw or learning to play a musical instrument. The more mentally active you
stay, the (8) ….. .
Of course, exercise and diet (9) …… their part too, as does a good night’s sleep. In (10) ……, sleep
improves memory if you sleep within a few hours of learning something new.
A few weeks ago, my friend Isabel met her husband for a romantic lunch in a favourite London
restaurant. They were there to celebrate their fourth wedding anniversary and her husband, a
publishing director, had even booked the afternoon off work so they could share the day together, just
the two of them. Except it wasn't just the two of them at all.
‘As soon as I saw his iPhone on the table, I felt resentful', she says. 'He's on Twitter, for work he says.'
They'd barely got beyond their aperitif when a row started. 'I refuse to have a three-way conversation.
If you talk to me, I expect eye contact. Meanwhile, you are typing some meaningless observation into
the ether.’
Isabel is increasingly resentful of her partner’s reliance on mobile technology, promising, as it does, a
gateway to a new virtual world of communication and socialising, music downloads, video clips,
football scores, and the rest of the ephemera of the cyber dimension. We've long known about the
compulsive allure of the 'Crackberry', as well as its younger upstart the iPhone, but with the advent of
Facebook, and particularly Twitter, a new level of distractedness is developing.
According to research carried out last year by Professor Nada Kakabadse at Northampton University, a
growing number of people are becoming overdependent on their Black Berries, mobile phones and
other digital devices. 'Overdependence certainly created friction in some of the relationships of the
people I spoke to. In some cases it led to divorce when one partner felt the other wasn't paying enough
attention to normal human interaction.
‘Relationship counsellors have also noticed this phenomenon. 'I see more and more of it', says Denise
Knowles, a Relate therapist. 'People feel they're not being shown enough consideration, that they’re
being excluded if their partner is spending a lot of time using phones for socializing, playing games or
working. It is the ubiquity of these super-phones that makes them so pernicious.
D-Day for many people's relationships came in 2008 when the iPhone relaunched, sleeker and faster
than ever before. Such technology, it seems, is designed to hook the user in, leaving a partner feeling
even more irritated and excluded. I'm painfully aware of this as a BlackBerry user myself and,
shamefully, have to admit to ignoring small children's pleas and my husband's protestations, to
reflexively reach for the device whenever the green turns to red - meaning mail's in.
'There is something quite compelling about contemporary gadgetry', says Martin Lloyd-Elliot, a
relationships psychologist. 'These new designs seem to activate part of the brain that wants to be
absolutely absorbed and, like computer games, they can create a strange altered state in the user, in
which he or she is with you but not available to you. ' Lloyd-Elliot’s patients frequently report a
strange dislocated feeling when a partner is immersed in another virtual hemisphere.
'Sometimes it’s an almost tragic scene. The couple are on holiday with their children and dad’s eyes
are glued to a bit of electronic gadgetry. He’s present but he’s absent at the same time. The very
technology that is meant to bring together is increasingly separating us from those we need to attend to
most.'
Phillip, 34, a software designer, used to be in thrall to his latest IPhone until he struck a compromise
with his long-suffering spouse: 'I’ve agreed that it’s fine to use at work but as soon as I’m in the home
putting the kids to bed and being with my family, I switch it off. At weekends, I've agreed reluctantly
that I can 'check in' for an hour a day but not in the evenings or when we're out. My wife was getting
so annoyed, I knew I had to curb my habit. I still miss it, though.'
Ring-fencing, as Lloyd-Elliot refers to it- when a'gadgetholic' limits his or her usage to certain times
places in negotiation with his or her partner- is a method that he encourages with his patients.
However, the only way a new etiquette can really work is through increased self-awareness on the part
of the user. For starters, users have to realise how their behaviour can affect others. As Lloyd-Elliot
says: 'There is something arrogant about the mindset that goes with this trend -the sense of always
thinking that what you've got to say is so important it can't wait. There's also an absence of thoughtful
empathy; how you are making those around you feel.'
Dr Emma Short, a senior lecturer in psychology, agrees. It's about being mindful about the choices you
make. Whenever you take a call or reply to a message in front of someone, you are prioritizing what is
an absent presence.' In terms of your relationship and how your partner feels, she says, think about
who you are promoting above whom when you hear that beep or see that flashing light. Take heed-
turnoff that green flashing light now.
I. For each question decide which answer (A, B, C or D) fits best according to the text. (10 p)
1. What was the issue that Isabel faced during her romantic lunch with her husband?
a. The restaurant was overbooked
b. Isabel's husband had to leave early for work
c. Their table was located near a loud group of people
d. Her husband was distracted by technology during their time together.
2.What is the main issue in relationships that is being observed by Professor Nada Kakabadse
and Denise Knowles, due to the growing use of digital devices?
a. Increased frustration due to lack of attention from partners
b. Difficulty in adjusting to the use of technology in relationships
c. Difficulty in balancing work and personal life
d. Decreased social skills due to overreliance on technology.
3. Who is you in the seventh paragraph?

a. the person Martin Lloyd-Elliot is talking to
b. Martin Lloyd-Elliot's patients
c. Martin Lloyd-Elliot's patients' partners
d. the partner of a person addicted to gadgets
4. What is the effect of contemporary gadgetry on a person's ability to connect with others,
according to Martin Lloyd-Elliot?
a. Improves connection
b. Has no effect on connection
c. Decreases connection
d. Creates a strange altered state and hinders connection
5. Which word in the eighth paragraph is used to indicate addiction to electronic gadgets?
a. tragic
b. glued
c. absent
d. separating
II. Starting from the text above, write a for & against essay about the excessive use of gadgets .
(200-220 words) ( 50 p)
Notă: Toate subiectele sunt obligatorii. Timp de lucru 180 de minute. Nu se acordă puncte din
oficiu.
OLIMPIADA DE LIMBA ENGLEZĂ - ETAPA LOCALĂ
25 FEBRUARIE 2023
CLASA a XI-a SECŢIUNEA A -Standard
Varianta 1
BAREM DE EVALUARE
 Se punctează oricare alte modalităţi de rezolvare corectă a cerinţelor.
SUBIECTUL A - USE OF ENGLISH
I. 10p = 10 x 1p
1 – appeared 6 – remains
2 – consisted 7 – have not deciphered
3 – record / recorded 8 – have changed
4 – developed 9 – had been writing
5 – known 10 – were writing
II. 10p = 10 x 1p
1 – urbanisation 6 – uprooted
2 – earlier 7 – competition
3 – instability 8 – qualification(s)
4 – inadequate 9 – marginalised
5 – affordable 10 – stressful
III. 10p = 10 x 1p
1–b 6–b
2–c 7–d
3–a 8–d
4–b 9–c
5–b 10 – b
IV. 10p = 10 x 1p
1 – LOOK
2 – DOWN
3 – OF
4 – AS
5 – ONLY
6 – THAT
7 – UP
8 – BETTER
9 – PLAY
10 – FACT
SUBIECTUL B – INTEGRATED SKILLS
I. 5 x 2p = 10p
1–D
2–A
3–D
4–D
5–B
II. FOR-AND-AGAINST ESSAY MARKING SCHEME - (200-220 words) 50p
See the marking scheme
MARKING SCHEME FOR THE FOR AND AGAINST ESSAY

Analytical Exemplary Proficient Partially Proficient Weak Incomplete Po
criteria 10p 8p 6p 4p in
2p ts
CONTENT The essay is completely The essay is fairly The essay is The essay is The essay is wholly
relevant to topic, all completed, the partially relevant faulty, including inadequate, there is
arguments are well- thesis in the to topic, there is serious logical no thesis in the first
rounded, well- introduction being no thesis impediments in paragraph, while
grounded, and further developed formulated in the the sequencing the arguments lack
balanced, developing with balanced first paragraph, of ideas / logical
the thesis of the arguments and which leads to arguments. development.
introduction and relevant ideas. inconsistencies in
leading to a balanced the logical
consideration and/or development of
personal opinion. arguments.
ORGANIZA There is complete There is a fairly There is partial There is serious Paragraphs are
TION AND logical connection of completion of completion of the inconsistency in incomplete, both
COHESION paragraphs due to a paragraph task. Paragraphs the linking devices,
judicious use of linking organization due to are partially organization of mechanics, and
devices, mechanics, scarce misuse of complete due to the paragraphs length requirements
and length linking devices, unfinished ideas due to the having been
requirements. mechanics, and and scarce use of misuse of the disrespected.
length linking devices, linking devices,
requirements. mechanics, and mechanics, and
length length
requirements. requirements.
VOCABULA A wide range of A range of The range of A limited range A very narrow range
RY vocabulary is used vocabulary is used vocabulary is of vocabulary is of vocabulary is
appropriately and appropriately and adequately used in present within present; errors in
accurately throughout accurately in the the essay; errors the essay; less word
the essay; precise essay; occasional in word choice / common items choice/formation
meaning is conveyed; errors in word formation are of vocabulary predominate;
minor errors are rare; choice/formation present when are rare and spelling errors can
spelling is very well are possible; more may be often make the essay
controlled. The register spelling is well sophisticated faulty; spelling obscure at times.
of the for and against controlled with items of errors can make The register used in
essay is totally relevant occasional slips. The vocabulary are text the for and against
to the task, being register of the for attempted; understanding essay is
organically integrated and against essay is spelling can be difficult. The inappropriate for
all along the discourse. relevant to the task faulty at times. register of the the type of
with slightly The register of the essay is functional writing.
incongruent lapses for and against inconsistent
within the discourse essay is partially due to the
relevant to the mixture of
task with a narrow styles.
inconsistency of
style, leading to
development of
ideas
STRUCTUR A wide range of A range of A mix of complex A limited range A very narrow range
ES grammatical structures grammatical and simple of grammatical of grammatical
is used accurately and structures is used grammatical structures is structures is present
flexibly throughout the accurately and with structures is present along within the essay;
essay; minor errors are some flexibility present the essay; errors predominate;
rare; punctuation is along the essay; throughout the complex punctuation errors
very well controlled. occasional errors essay; errors are language is rare make the text
are possible; present when and may be obscure at times.
punctuation is well complex language often faulty;
controlled with is attempted; punctuation
occasional slips. punctuation can errors can make
be faulty at times. text
understanding
difficult.
EFFECT ON The interest of the The text has a good The effect on the The effect on The text has a
TARGET reader is aroused and effect on the reader is the reader non- negative effect on
READER sustained throughout. reader. satisfactory. relevant. the reader.
OLIMPIADA DE LIMBA ENGLEZĂ, ETAPA LOCALĂ
25 FEBRUARIE 2023
CLASA a XII-a - SECȚIUNEA A -Standard
Varianta 1
SUBIECTUL A-USE OF ENGLISH (40points)
I. Read the following letter and put the verbs in brackets into the correct form. 10 points
Hi Angie,
‘Royston School Recycle’ (1) .............. (GO) for six months now and I think it’s about time we (2) ............
(DO) something to boost our public image. I found this fantastic website called ‘easyfundraising’ which I (3)
................. (HOPE) can help us to raise the money we need for our recycling project. I wish I (4) ...............
(FIND) it earlier, but anyway...
The idea of ‘easyfundraising’ is that when you (5) ............. (BUY) something online, a donation is made to a
charity of your choice. Well, this could work to our advantage. Most people generally (6) ............. (PREFER)
shopping to doing anything else, right? By making a purchase online, people feel as if they (7) .............
(MAKE) a difference, do you see?
On the other hand, had we known how poor the people’s interest was going to be, we (8) ................. (NOT
MAKE) the announcement about the project. Therefore, I would sooner you (9) ............... (NOT SAY)
anything to the others yet. This is the first time we (10) .................. (DECIDE) to raise some money for our
recycling project.
So, let me know if you have any useful ideas and get back to me as soon as you can.
Bye for now,
Natasha
II. Use the word given in brackets to form a word that fits in each gap. 10 points
The farmer and his environment
For thousands of years, farmỉng was part of an integrated process where a balance between human (1)
.................... (ACTIVE) and the ecosystem was respected. However, modern (2) .................. (INTENSE)
farming methods are causing the (3) .................... (DEGRADE) of both agricultural land and the environment.
Farmers use (4) .................... (PEST) and other sprays to wipe out weeds and to kill insects and fungi.
Cultivation of huge monoculture fields leads to a (5) ..................... (DEPLETE) of the soil’s fertility.
In order to maintain its (6) ..................... (NUTRITION) value, farmers are then obliged to use chemical (7)
..................... (FERTILE) to enrich the soil. These substances are essentially (8) ..................... (POLLUTE)
which seep into the water table and (9) ..................... (ULTIMATE) into the food chain. Under pressure from
activists and environmentalists, farmers are increasingly turning to more (10) ..................... (SUSTAIN)
methods of cultivation in order to try and redress the balance. They are beginning to reintroduce the use of
traditional manure and organic means of keeping pest populations in check.
III.Choose the correct answer A, B, C or D. 10x1p=10 points

1. The children love to sail their toy boats on the .... in the park.
A. reservoir B. pond C. shore D. bay
2. I hope the weather .... a bit later today – I’m fed up with sitting inside looking at the rain.
A. breaks through B. holds off C. brightens up D. blows over
3. The king ruled for a thirty-year period, .... there was peace in the kingdom.
A. in which event B. during which C. in which case D. during that time
4. Peter .... for an exam all night, so he was very tired in the morning.
A. would study B. was studied C. had studied D. had been studying
5. “I’ll bring my invention in on Monday.”

“Great! I’m looking forward to …. it!”
A. that you see B. seeing C. see D. be seeing
6. Although not everyone is a fan of Justin Bieber, most people agree he is worthy of his .... success.
A. influential B. aspiring C. phenomenal D. resourceful
7. How odd that she .... not to know us!

A. will pretend B. is supposed to pretend C. could be pretending D. should pretend
8. You .... before you borrow my shoes! What if I want to wear them myself?
A. can ask B. shall ask C. might ask D. would ask
9. It’s no use .... with her – she won’t listen.

A. arguing B. to argue C. that you argue D. to be arguing
10. I wish I could .... take the history exam for me – he’s brilliant at remembering dates!
A. get my brother B. getting my brother C. have my brother to D. have my brother
IV. Read the text below and think of the word which best fits in each gap. Use only one word in each gap.
10 points
The role of antibiotics in our life
Although there are many strains of antibiotic bacteria now present in hospital wards, antibiotics have effectively
served their original purpose over the course of the past eighty years. They have been able to treat the infections
of countless individuals and saved millions of lives.
Antibiotics have changed the way in (1) ……... many common diseases are viewed.
(2) ……….… infected with bacterial pneumonia, for instance, is no longer considered fatal. Rather, it is viewed
as a mundane infection which can be cured (3) …………. a simple course of antibiotics. The number of
antibiotics available for use has also affected their impact on society. Even if one antibiotic is ineffective at
treating a disease, there are, for most common infections, a host of (4) ..……… drugs that can be used to
effectively cure the disease.
The development of antibiotics over the past eighty years has changed the relationship between humans and
disease. Antibiotics have given humans the power to fight back effectively against microorganisms in a way that
(5) …………. have been considered impossible just a century ago.

I. Read the text below and do the tasks that follow.
The Great Wall of China
Walls and wall building have played a very important role in Chinese culture. These people, from the dim mists
of prehistory have been wall-conscious; from the Neolithic period – when ramparts of pounded earth were used
- to the Communist Revolution, walls were an essential part of any village. Not only towns and villages; the
houses and the temples within them were somehow walled, and the houses also had no windows overlooking
the street, thus giving the feeling of wandering around a huge maze. The name for “city” in Chinese (ch’eng)
means wall, and over these walled cities, villages, houses and temples presides the god of walls and mounts,
whose duties were, and still are, to protect and be responsible for the welfare of the inhabitants. Thus a great and
extremely laborious task such as constructing a wall, which was supposed to run throughout the country, must
not have seemed such an absurdity.
However, it is indeed a common mistake to perceive the Great Wall as a single architectural structure, and it
would also be erroneous to assume that it was built during a single dynasty. For the building of the wall spanned
the various dynasties, and each of these dynasties somehow contributed to the refurbishing and the construction
of a wall, whose foundations had been laid many centuries ago. It was during the fourth and third century B.C.
that each warring state started building walls to protect their kingdoms, both against one another and against the
northern nomads. Especially three of these states: the Ch’in, the Chao and the Yen, corresponding respectively
to the modern provinces of Shensi, Shanzi and Hopei, over and above building walls that surrounded their
kingdoms, also laid the foundations on which Ch’in Shih Huang Di would build his first continuous Great Wall.
The role that the Great Wall played in the growth of Chinese economy was an important one. Throughout the
centuries many settlements were established along the new border. The garrison troops were instructed to
reclaim wasteland and to plant crops on it, roads and canals were built, to mention just a few of the works
carried out. All these undertakings greatly helped to increase the country’s trade and cultural exchanges with
many remote areas and also with the southern, central and western parts of Asia – the formation of the Silk
Route. Builders, garrisons, artisans, farmers and peasants left behind a trail of objects, including inscribed
tablets, household articles, and written work, which have become extremely valuable archaeological evidence to
the study of defense institutions of the Great Wall and the everyday life of these people who lived and died
along the wall.
1. Chinese cities resembled a maze ….
A. because they were walled.
B. because the houses have no external windows.
C. because the name for cities means 'wall'.
D. because walls have always been important there.
2. Constructing a wall that ran the length of the country ….

A. honoured the god of walls and mounts.
B. was an absurdly laborious task.
C. may have made sense within Chinese culture.
D. made the country look like a huge maze.
3. The Great Wall of China ….

A. was built in a single dynasty.
B. was refurbished in the fourth and third centuries BC.
C. used existing foundations.
D. was built by the Ch’in, the Chao and the Yen.
4. Crops were planted ….

A. on wasteland.
B. to reclaim wasteland.
C. on reclaimed wasteland.
D. along the canals.
5. The Great Wall ….

A. helped build trade only inside China.
B. helped build trade in China and abroad.
C. helped build trade only abroad.
D. helped build trade only to remote areas.
II. Many people believe that China has a reputation for producing cheap and low-quality products. Write
a 220-250-word opinion essay to enlarge upon your position. (50 points)
Notă: Toate subiectele sunt obligatorii. Nu se acordă puncte din oficiu.Timpul efectiv de lucru este de 3
ore.
OLIMPIADA DE LIMBA ENGLEZĂ, ETAPA LOCALĂ
25 FEBRUARIE 2023
CLASA a XII-a SECȚIUNEA A -Standard
Varianta 1
BAREM DE EVALUARE
SUBIECTUL A - USE OF ENGLISH (40 POINTS)

 Se punctează oricare alte modalități de rezolvare corectă a cerințelor.
I. Read the following text and put the verbs in brackets into the correct form. 10 points
10x1p=10 points
1 – HAS BEEN GOING 6 – PREFER
2 – DID 7 – ARE MAKING
3 – HOPE 8 – WOULDN’T HAVE MADE
4 – HAD FOUND 9 – DIDN’T SAY
5 – BUY 10 – HAVE DECIDED
II. Use the word given in brackets to form a word that fits in each gap. 10 points
10x1p=10 points
1 – ACTIVITY 6 – NUTRITIONAL
2 – INTENSIVE 7 – FERTILISERS
3 – DEGRADATION 8 – POLLUTANT
4 – PESTICIDES 9 – ULTIMATELY
5 – DEPLETION 10 – SUSTAINABLE
III.Choose the correct answer A, B, C or D. 10 points

10x1p=10 points
1–B
2–C
3-B
4–D
5-B
6–C
7–D
8–C
9–A
10 – D
IV. Read the text below and think of the word which best fits in each gap. Use only one word in each gap.
5x2p=10 points
1 – which; 2 – Being; 3 – with; 4 – other; 5 – would.

I. For each question decide which answer (A, B, or C) fits best according to the text. 10 points
5x2p=10 points
1. B; 2. C; 3. C; 4. C; 5. B.
II. ESSAY WRITING; OPINION ESSAY (220-250) (50 POINTS)
MARKING SCHEME FOR THE OPINION ESSAY
Analytical Exemplary Proficient Partially Proficient Weak Incomplete Po

criteria 10p 8p 6p 4p 2p int
s
completely relevant to completed, the relevant to topic, including serious wholly
topic, the introduction opinion in the there is no opinion logical impediments inadequate,
clearly stating opinion, introduction being formulated in the in the sequencing of there is no
whilst the contents further developed first paragraph, arguments / ideas. opinion in the first
offer arguments to with arguments and which leads to paragraph, while
support it, followed by relevant ideas, the inconsistencies in the arguments
a counterargument, counterargument is the logical offered lack
leading to a present but could development of logical
conclusion in which be better arguments. development.
the opinion is substantiated, the
restated. conclusion is
present but the
restated opinion
might be missing
ORGANIZATI There is complete There is a fairly There is partial There is serious Paragraphs are
ON AND logical connection of completion of completion of the inconsistency in the incomplete, both
COHESION paragraphs due to a paragraph task. Paragraphs are organization of the linking devices,
judicious use of linking organization due to partially complete paragraphs due to mechanics, and
devices, mechanics, scarce misuse of due to unfinished the misuse of the length
and length linking devices, ideas and scarce use linking devices, requirements
requirements. mechanics, and of linking devices, mechanics, and having been
length mechanics, and length disrespected.
requirements. length requirements.
requirements.
appropriately and appropriately and adequately used in present within the vocabulary is
accurately throughout accurately in the the essay; errors in essay; less common present; errors in
the essay; precise essay; occasional word choice / items of vocabulary word
meaning is conveyed; errors in word formation are are rare and may be choice/formation
minor errors are rare; choice/formation present when more often faulty; spelling predominate;
spelling is very well are possible; sophisticated items errors can make spelling errors can
controlled. The spelling is well of vocabulary are text understanding make the essay
register of the opinion controlled with attempted; spelling difficult. The obscure at times.
essay is totally occasional slips. The can be faulty at register of the essay The register used
relevant to the task, register of the times The register is inconsistent due in the opinion
being organically opinion essay is of the opinion essay to the mixture of essay is
integrated all along relevant to the task is partially relevant styles inappropriate for
the discourse. with slightly to the task with a this type of
incongruent lapses narrow writing.
within the discourse inconsistency of
style.
STRUCTURES A wide range of A range of A mix of complex A limited range of A very narrow
grammatical grammatical and simple grammatical range of
structures is used structures is used grammatical structures is present grammatical
accurately and flexibly accurately and with structures is present along the essay; structures is
throughout the essay; some flexibility throughout the complex language is present within the
minor errors are rare; along the essay; essay; errors are rare and may be essay; errors
punctuation is very occasional errors present when often faulty; predominate;
well controlled. are possible; complex language is punctuation errors punctuation
punctuation is well attempted; can make text errors make the
controlled with punctuation can be understanding text obscure at
occasional slips. faulty at times. difficult. times.
EFFECT ON The interest of the The text has a good The effect on the The effect on the The text has a
TARGET reader is aroused and effect on the reader is reader non- negative effect on
READER sustained throughout. reader. satisfactory. relevant. the reader.
OLIMPIADA DE LIMBA ENGLEZĂ ETAPA LOCALĂ, 25 februarie 2023
CLASA A XII-A, SECŢIUNEA B-Bilingv/Intensiv Varianta 1

Why long-distance runners should take barefoot running seriously

To many long-distance runners, the idea of running with no sneakers on sounds preposterous. Understandably,
perhaps, these runners recoil from the thought of venturing out onto the streets barefoot and letting the tender
flesh of their soles come into painful contact with a hard, rough, uneven, and often filthy concrete surface. Why
would anyone in their right mind willingly subject their feet to such punishment?
Before long-distance running enthusiasts rush to dismiss the idea of barefoot running, however, they should
consider the arguments in favor of this practice. Barefoot running is as old as running itself. Our hunter-gatherer
ancestors would run in pursuit of small prey, such as a young pig, and keep up the high-speed chase until the poor
creature collapsed from exhaustion. The first humans obviously performed these feats of long distance endurance
with no sneakers on their feet. It is therefore reasonable to suggest that the human body has naturally evolved to
run barefoot.
This hypothesis seems to be confirmed in places like Kenya, where some of the best runners in the world can be
found. There, running is a principal means of transportation, and runners cover large distances daily, without
wearing shoes. Yet foot, ankle and knee injuries are practically unheard of. This is explained by simple anatomical
mechanics. Barefoot runners land on the ground with the front part of the foot, called ‘the ball of the foot’. This
provides natural shock absorption. By contrast, runners wearing sneakers run in such a way that it is the heel of
the foot that lands on the ground first, sending a sharp shock through the joints. Because running shoes have soft
soles, wearers do not feel this nasty jolt, and they therefore feel no need to adjust their stride so that the ball of
the foot lands first.
But what about new designs of running sneakers that supposedly encourage the wearer to naturally switch to a
new running style? Don’t these new sneakers make actual barefoot running unnecessary? In these designs, the
sole is slightly lower at the front than at the heel, to encourage the runner to land with the ball of the foot first. It
was while wearing such a design that the Kenyan athlete Eliud Kipchoge completed the first sub-2-hour marathon,
thereby lending further weight to the claim that this new generation of running shoes is not only safe but conducive
to optimum performance as well.
A. Answer the following questions, according to the text. (8 points)
1. What hypothesis does the writer make about barefoot running?
2. What is the new design of running shoes, described in paragraph 4, meant to do?
3. In sentence 3 of paragraph 2, what does the phrase “the poor creature” refer to?
4. In sentence 4 of paragraph 3, what does the word “This” refer to?
B. Choose the synonym for the words given below, according to their meaning in the text. (6 points)
1. jolt: a) surprise b) shock c) collision
2. soles: a) pelma b) paw c) shoe-pad
3. collapsed a) slumped b) failed c) lost
C. Rephrase the following sentences so as to preserve the meaning. (6 points)
1. Our hunter-gatherer ancestors would run in pursuit of small prey.
Our hunter-gatherer ancestors ………………………………
2. This new generation of running shoes is not only safe but conducive to optimum performance as well.
Not only ………………………………………………………
3. This is explained by simple anatomical mechanics.
Simple ……………………………………………..
II. Use the word given in brackets to form a word that fits in each gap. (10 points)
1. The noise above was scarcely ____________________ and he left home. TOLERATE
2. It has been discovered that there was an Iron Age _______________in this area. SETTLE
3. _______________ behaviour is to be put down to lack of education as well. SOCIAL
4. The government promised to _______________ the public transport next year. SUBSIDY
5. She is not exactly __________________, but she is not very good at counting. NUMERATE
6. That school was known for its discipline and _________________ . SEVERE
7. We were shocked by the ________________________ damage. EXTEND
8. A few ___________________ of furniture and household goods were given away. REMAIN
9. We can admire century-old _________________ in this museum. POTTER
10. My uncle left the army and became a ________________again. CIVIL
(10 points)
AN ECONOMIC PROBLEM
Inflation is not a new phenomenon, (0) but one that has existed at various times in various places. In (1) ______
severest form, (2) ______, hyperinflation can destroy a nation’s economy. (3) ______ happened in revolutionary
France and Weimar Germany, (4) _____ bundles of notes were needed to pay for a loaf of bread. But what is
inflation? Briefly, it may be defined (5) ______ a continual increase in prices affecting the economy. The rate of
inflation is determined (6) _____ changes in the price level which is an average of all prices. When (7) ______
prices rise while others fall, this will not necessarily affect the price level, as inflation occurs (8) _____ if most
major prices increase. The problem with inflation is that it reduces the value of purchasing power of money, as
well as eroding people’s savings. Wage increases which are below or equal (9) ______ the level of inflation will
result in a declining or static (10) _________ of living for workers, while wage increases above the rate of inflation
will merely stoke the fire for further inflation.
How the human brain reacts to criticism

Everyone knows what it is like to receive praise, just as everyone knows what it is like to be on the receiving end
of criticism. Yet it is usually the latter experience that leaves a more lasting impression. Childhood memories of
being reprimanded by a teacher tend to be particularly vivid, and this highlights the long-term psychological
impact of criticism. Even in adulthood, negative comments have surprising power, with people deeply affected
by the criticism they hear from others.
While constructive criticism and balanced feedback can be as motivating as admiration and praise, the influence
of overly severe criticism should be of concern, especially in the online age. Social media users expose themselves
to unwelcome criticism, whether this is explicit and deliberate, such as a sarcastic reply in an online dispute, or
implicit and probably accidental, such as the ‘friend request’ that receives no response. Therefore, it is worth
considering the psychological reasons why human beings are naturally oversensitive to criticism in order to better
manage our natural tendency to magnify critical comments from others.
The first thing to understand is that criticism is often seen as a negative stimulus, and humans have specifically
evolved to respond strongly to negative stimuli. A part of the brain called the amygdala permanently stores
memories of traumatic experiences, and it triggers immediate fear responses. From an evolutionary point of view,
this makes perfect sense: the more the brain pays attention to negative stimuli, the less likely it is that we will fall
victim to a sudden danger. However, this important survival mechanism for our prehistoric ancestors can result
in creating difficulties for modern humans. Chronic stress and anxiety disorders have been attributed to
hyperactivity in the amygdala. This may also be the reason why the human mind becomes fixated on the
experience of being criticized.
Modern culture intensifies the problem, by making politeness the norm and criticism the exception. Behavioral
psychologists describe polite comments, such as ‘Have a nice day!’ and ‘Good job!’, as repeated stimuli that have
become overly familiar or ‘habituated’. According to the theory of habituation, we stop devoting attention to these
kinds of unthreatening stimuli, and instead we react strongly to stimuli that are unfamiliar and might pose an
imminent threat. Here again, this mechanism makes perfect evolutionary sense: by reducing the demands on the
brain, habituation allowed our ancestors to save their mental energy so they could respond to potentially
dangerous changes in their environment. Yet this survival mechanism has become disadvantageous in the modern
age, making people desensitized to politeness and praise, and overly sensitive to the occasional harsh comment.
A further factor to consider is that the codes of politeness used in a culture may cause people to question the
sincerity of praise they receive. People are aware that they frequently offer compliments only out of politeness,
and not because they really mean it. Because humans are self-centered by nature, they automatically perceive in
others the same motives and tendencies that they have themselves, and they therefore assume that any praise they
receive must be as insincere as much of the praise they offer others. The opposite is true, however, when it comes
to criticism. Because criticizing someone involves breaching the accepted social code of politeness, people
generally avoid doing so unless they sincerely mean it. From this, it is thus easy for people to conclude that other
people’s criticism must be equally genuine.
When facing criticism, it is important for a person to remember the brain’s natural mechanisms – the amygdala’s
sensitivity to negative stimuli, the habituation of politeness, and the assumption that praise is less sincere than
criticism – and how it is these that give negative comments their sting, not the validity or otherwise of the
comments themselves. This simple understanding makes it easier to distinguish between constructive criticism,
which should be welcomed, and malicious criticism, which should be dismissed.
1. What is the writer’s main purpose?

A. to advise the reader how to react to negative criticism
B. to warn the reader about the risks of being too sensitive
C. to convince the reader that all feedback is important
D. to inform the reader about the evolution of the brain
2. According to the writer, what is the difference between praise and criticism?
A. Most criticism is encountered during childhood.
B. Praise is given more often by teachers than criticism.
C. Criticism seems to have a longer-lasting effect.
D. Adults are less affected by criticism than by praise.
3. What does the writer say about social media?
A. There are numerous online debates about criticism.
B. Many users are at risk of being unfairly criticized.
C. Social media sites give advice on handling criticism.
D. Using social media sites can be highly motivating.
4. According to the text, what is the function of the amygdala?
A. to produce chronic stress
B. to help avoid danger
C. to deal with criticism
D. to reduce negative stimuli
5. According to the writer, why has praise become a ‘habituated’ stimulus?
A. Praise does not serve any evolutionary purpose.
B. Praise causes increased demands on the brain.
C. Praise is considered polite in modern society.
D. Praise is not perceived as dangerous by the brain.
II. Starting from the text above, write an essay giving your opinion on the following statement: Praise
should be given more often by teachers than criticism. (250-280 words)
(50 points)
OLIMPIADA DE LIMBA ENGLEZĂ ETAPA LOCALĂ, 25 februarie 2023
CLASA A XII-A, SECŢIUNEA B-Bilingv/Intensiv Varianta 1

BAREM
A. Answer the following questions, according to the text. (8 points)
1. Evolution has shaped the human body to run barefoot.

2. Encourage the runner to land with the ball of the foot first.
3. An animal being hunted, for instance a pig.
4. The fact that Kenyan barefoot runners rarely suffer injuries
B. Choose the synonym for the words given below, according to their meaning in the text. (6 points)
1. 1. b, 2. c, 3. a
C. Rephrase the following sentences so as to preserve the meaning. (6 points)
1. … used to run in pursuit of small prey.
2. … is this new generation of running shoes safe, but also conducive to optimum performance.
3. … anatomical mechanics explains this.
II. Use the word given in brackets to form a word that fits in each gap. (10 points)
1. TOLERABLE, 2. SETTLEMENT, 3. ANTISOCIAL, 4. SUBSIDIZE, 5. INNUMERATE, 6.
SEVERITY, 7. EXTENSIVE, 8. REMNANTS, 9. POTTERY, 10. CIVILIAN
(10 points)
1. its, 2. however, 3. This, 4. where, 5. as, 6. by, 7. some, 8. only, 9. to, 10. standard.
1) A, 2. C, 3. B, 4. B, 5.D
MARKING SCHEME FOR THE OPINION ESSAY
Analytical Exemplary Proficient Partially Weak Incomplete Points
criteria Proficient
10p 8p 4p 2p
6p
CONTENT The essay is The essay is fairly The essay is The essay is The essay is wholly
completely relevant completed, the partially relevant faulty, including inadequate, there is
to topic, the opinion in the to topic, there is serious logical no opinion in the
introduction clearly introduction being no opinion impediments in first paragraph,
stating opinion, further developed formulated in the the sequencing of while the arguments
whilst the contents with arguments and first paragraph, arguments / offered lack logical
offer arguments to relevant ideas, the which leads to ideas. development.
support it, followed counterargument is inconsistencies in
by a present but could the logical
counterargument, be better development of
leading to a substantiated, the arguments.
conclusion in which conclusion is
the opinion is present but the
restated. restated opinion
might be missing
ORGANIZATION There is complete There is a fairly There is partial There is serious Paragraphs are
AND COHESION logical connection of completion of completion of the inconsistency in incomplete, both
paragraphs due to a paragraph task. Paragraphs the organization linking devices,
judicious use of organization due to are partially of the paragraphs mechanics, and
linking devices, scarce misuse of complete due to due to the misuse length requirements
mechanics, and linking devices, unfinished ideas of the linking having been
length requirements. mechanics, and and scarce use of devices, disrespected.
length linking devices, mechanics, and
requirements. mechanics, and length
length requirements.
requirements.
VOCABULARY A wide range of A range of The range of A limited range of A very narrow range
vocabulary is used vocabulary is used vocabulary is vocabulary is of vocabulary is
appropriately and appropriately and adequately used present within present; errors in
accurately accurately in the in the essay; the essay; less word
throughout the essay; occasional errors in word common items of choice/formation
essay; precise errors in word choice / formation vocabulary are predominate;
meaning is conveyed; choice/formation are present when rare and may be spelling errors can
minor errors are rare; are possible; more often faulty; make the essay
spelling is very well spelling is well sophisticated spelling errors can obscure at times.
controlled. The controlled with items of make text The register used in
register of the occasional slips. The vocabulary are understanding the opinion essay is
opinion essay is register of the attempted; difficult. The inappropriate for
totally relevant to the opinion essay is spelling can be register of the this type of writing.
task, being relevant to the task faulty at times The essay is
organically integrated with slightly register of the inconsistent due
all along the incongruent lapses opinion essay is to the mixture of
discourse. within the discourse partially relevant styles
to the task with a
narrow
inconsistency of
style, leading to
development of
ideas.
STRUCTURES A wide range of A range of A mix of complex A limited range of A very narrow range
grammatical grammatical and simple grammatical of grammatical
structures is used structures is used grammatical structures is structures is present
accurately and accurately and with structures is present along the within the essay;
flexibly throughout some flexibility present essay; complex errors predominate;
the essay; minor along the essay; throughout the language is rare punctuation errors
errors are rare; occasional errors essay; errors are and may be often make the text
are possible; present when faulty; obscure at times.
punctuation is very punctuation is well complex language punctuation
well controlled. controlled with is attempted; errors can make
occasional slips. punctuation can text
be faulty at times. understanding
difficult.
EFFECT ON The interest of the The text has a good The effect on the The effect on the The text has a
TARGET reader is aroused and effect on the reader is reader non- negative effect on
READER sustained reader. satisfactory. relevant. the reader.
throughout.

Toate Subiectele Si Baremele

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OLIMPIADA DE LIMBA ENGLEZĂ

ETAPA LOCALĂ – 25 februarie 2023

 Toate subiectele sunt obligatorii.

SUBIECTUL I – USE OF ENGLISH (50p)

9) Can I have …………….sugar in my coffee, please?

I.3. Find and correct the mistake in each sentence. (10p).

SUBIECTUL II – READING COMPREHENSION (25p)

1. According to the text, cell phones ………………….

2. Mobile phones enable us to communicate with other people………………..

4. What do some people think about constant ringing tones?

SUBIECTUL III - WRITING (25p).

SUBIECTUL I – USE OF ENGLISH - 50p

I.3. Find and correct the mistake in each sentence. (10p).

SUBIECTUL II - READING COMPREHENSION - (25p)

SUBIECTUL III – WRITING (25p).

A wide range of The range of

 Toate subiectele sunt obligatorii.

SUBIECTUL I – USE OF ENGLISH (50 points)

1. A. audience B. population C. public D. man

1. Susan is a _______ person. She writes funny short stories. CREATE

4. ____keeps you fit. JOG

5. Something is ____when it is not neat or tidy. MESS

SUBIECTUL II – READING COMPREHENSION (25p)

2. Which piece of information does not appear in the first paragraph?

4. Hubble’s discoveries have been…………………….

5. What could be a suitable title for the article above?

SUBIECTUL III - WRITING (25p).

1-CREATIVE, 2-THRILLER, 3-PROUD, 4-JOGGING, 5-MESSY

SUBIECTUL II - READING COMPREHENSION - (25p)

SUBIECTUL III – WRITING (25p).

A wide range of The range of

• Toate subiectele sunt obligatorii.

SUBIECTUL A – USE OF ENGLISH (40 points)

SUBIECTUL B - INTEGRATED SKILLS (60 points)

• Toate subiectele sunt obligatorii.

SUBIECTUL A – USE OF ENGLISH (40 points)

SUBIECTUL B - INTEGRATED SKILLS (60 points)

Toate subiectele sunt obligatorii.

SUBIECTUL A – USE OF ENGLISH (40 points)

I. Read the text below and do the tasks (20 points)

The White Cliffs of Dover Western Australia

SOWING THE SEEDS FOR SURVIVAL

SUBIECTUL B – INTEGRATED SKILLS (60 points)

Welcome to the home of the future

1. Upside Down House

2. Concealed Parking Spaces

2. According to the article, in the winning property, bedrooms are downstairs to …

5. According to the article, the house has been designed …

SUBIECTUL A – USE OF ENGLISH (40 points)

SUBIECTUL B – INTEGRATED SKILLS (60 points)

SUBIECTUL A – USE OF ENGLISH (40 points)

0. A aware B wakeful C awake D alert

 Toate subiectele sunt obligatorii.

SUBIECTUL A – USE OF ENGLISH (40 points)

SUBIECTUL B - INTEGRATED SKILLS (60 points)

Analytical Exemplary Proficient Partially Proficient Weak Incomplete P

 Toate subiectele sunt obligatorii.

SUBIECTUL A – USE OF ENGLISH (40 points)

Why I prefer to stay at home

1. What is her main point?