Part 1
For each question, choose the correct answer
The Cola Tree
In the early 1800s, the first soft drinks were invented. One of the things that was (19)
to them was the fruit of an African tree called the cola tree. This is where the word for the popular soft drink 'cola' (20)
from.
The first cola trees grew in the rainforests of Africa, but they are now also found in South America. They (21)
hot places that get a lot of rain. Cola trees can be 25 metres (22)
and they have beautiful purple and yellow flowers.
The fruit of the cola tree is the kola nut. Kola nuts are very (23)
in the countries of West Africa, where they are (24)
in food and medicine. Kola nuts are given as gifts at weddings, and also when people visit the homes of their friends and family.
Check
Part 1
Look at the text in each question. What does it say? Choose the correct answer A, B or C.
Emma says it’s not a problem that
A there isn’t much space on the boat.
B the sailing trip will be very short.
C Lucy has never sailed before.
A Mrs Topson is telling students about a change to their singing lessons.
B Mrs Topson is offering to give singing lessons on Thursdays and Fridays.
C Mrs Topson would like to know who wants to have singing lessons.
A Max has borrowed one of Jamie’s books.
B Max and Jamie will have a maths class tomorrow.
C Max has found Jamie's school book.
A You cannot join a sports club until you have filled in a form.
B If you belong to a sports club, check online for details about it.
C The sports clubs aren’t taking new members because they’re already full.
Jack’s mother says
A there is a problem with the heating.
B she’s left some food ready for Jack.
C she’ll be home at the usual time.
The school magazine
A will be available on Tuesday.
B is looking for writers.
C needs new readers.
Part 2
The people below are all looking for a course to attend.
There are descriptions of eight art courses.
Decide which course would be the most suitable for the following people. Write the correct letters A-H.
Holiday Stories
A Gary
Last summer, my family and another family we’re close to went by coach to Canada. It was a long journey, and the coach was crowded, so I was really glad when we finally arrived. We stayed in a little wooden house in the middle of a forest. The weather wasn’t too hot, which I was pleased about. The best thing was the horse riding. It was my first time on a horse, but I had lessons every day, and by the end of the holiday, I was quite good.
B Marcus
I went to Canada in August with my family. My mum booked everything online, and we got a non-stop flight from the UK. We stayed in a little hotel in a town called Whistler. From our room, we could see beautiful mountains and fields of flowers. We did lots of activities, including swimming, hiking, and whitewater rafting. There was an interesting shop in town where I found things to take back home for my friends.
C George
I learnt to fish last summer, so my parents bought me fishing equipment as a birthday present. They said Canada is great for fishing, so we could go there for our holiday to try it out. We drove from our home in the US to the national park and put up our tent near a lake. The next day, it was raining so hard you almost couldn’t see the lake. But I thought, ‘Fantastic, that’s perfect for catching fish.’ And it was true because I caught five that day. I took lots of photos to show my friends back home.
7. Who describes the view from where he was staying?
8. Who says he didn’t enjoy the journey from his home?
9. Who bought some gifts while he was on holiday?
10. Who describes feeling excited by some bad weather?
11. Who says he enjoyed learning a new activity during his holiday?
12. Who went on holiday with friends as well as family?
13. Who explains why he and his family chose to go to Canada?
Part 3
Harry Mack
British singer Harry Mack started his career in a boy band called Big Time, but he left last year to start work on his own album. We met him in California to ask him about his new life.
Do you like California?
Yes. The weather’s always warm and sunny, and the people are great. But the thing I really love is that I can see the sea from my apartment and listen to it while I'm lying in bed at night.
How did you get ideas for your new album?
I did 150 concerts last year with Big Time, so I was on buses and planes a lot. There wasn't much to do on those journeys, except think about music. When I arrived at the hotel late at night, I often had something in my head.
Do you like writing songs?
Yes. I write every morning at home, because there's less noise then, and I can think. In the afternoons, I practise the new songs on my guitar for a few hours.
Has your music changed since you left Big Time?
Yes. Big Time did dance music, but I'm older now, and so are my fans. I want to do music that’s right for the age we are now. The fans all love it.
Do you enjoy playing concerts?
I always feel a bit scared before playing; it doesn’t matter if the concert’s big or small. However, my favourite is smaller concerts because I like chatting with fans before I start. It's like being in a room full of friends.
What does Harry like best about being in California?
A. living by the water
B. spending time in the sun
C. meeting new people
Harry says he got ideas for his new album
A. when he was playing concerts.
B. when he was travelling.
C. when he was sleeping.
Harry says that song writing is
A. more fun than playing the guitar.
B. harder to do at home.
C. easier when it is quiet.
Harry says that since he left Big Time
A. he feels happier.
B. he has got new fans.
C. his music is more adult.
Why does Harry prefer playing small concerts to big ones?
A. He can meet his fans.
B. He can see all his friends there.
C. He feels less afraid before playing.
Part 6
For each question write the correct answer. Write ONE word for each gap.
I’ve got some news for you.
We’ve just moved into our new house. We moved because Dad got a new job in March.
Our new house has three floors and is a lot bigger our old one. I really like . My bedroom is at top and I can see a long way from my window. Our garden is really big. Dad has said he'll build me a treehouse my school holiday begins.
I’m starting at a new school next week. I hope I’ll able to make new friends. I'm worried about it, but also excited. you have any news?