5 Tests of First Certificate English

qwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmrtyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfg

PRACTICE TESTS

forFIRST CERTIFICATE ENGLISH

Book1

Kathy Gude

TEST ONEPAPER 1 Reading Comprehension

Section A:: Choose A, B, C, or D that best completes each unfinished sentence.1. She set _________ in business on her own and was very successful.

A. by B. aside C. up D. off2. Could you please _________ me to the nearest post office?

A. explain B. point C. indicate D. direct3. This is Mr. Evans, _________ invention has helped hundreds of deaf people.

A. whose B. which C. that D. whom4. We would contact your nearest relative _________ any accident occurring.

A. on account of B. in spite of C. in the event of D. in place of5. There is no _________ in applying for that job as you are not properly qualified.

A. reason B. point C. result D. chance6. They turned _________ at the party, despite the awful weather.

A. round B. in C. back D. up7. We shall have to _________ the meeting until next week, I’m afraid.

A. reorganise B. forward C. postpone D. replace8. A new Minister for Agriculture has been _________.

A. determined B. appointed C. admitted D. assumed9. The team lost their last football _________ of the season.

A. contest B. match C. set D. play10. He is very _________ of his conduct and promises never to behave like that again.

A. sorry B. miserable C. ashamed D. guilty11. You have nothing to _________ by refusing to listen to our advice.

A. gain B. win C. reach D. profit12. The fact is, doctor, I just cannot _________ this dreadful cough.

A. get out of B. get rid of C. get down to D. get round to13. The headmaster had been trying for years to _______ money for a new science block.

A. increase B. deal C. raise D. ask14. The agent was _________ for carrying a false passport.

A. arrested B. accused C. trapped D. suspected15. I do not particularly like the climate here _________ I believe it is very healthy.

A. because B. when C. as D. although16. I wish it _________ stop raining.

A. had to B. did C. would D. might17. We _________ that we are unable to attend the reception on 18 September.

1

A. regret B. symphathise C. beg D. apologise18. These leather shoes are all made __________.

A. at hand B. in hand C. on hand D. by hand19. He is very much looking forward _________ visiting your country.

A. by B. with C. to D. at20. If it _________ too much trouble, I’d love a cup of coffee.

A. hadn’t been B. isn’t C. weren’t D. may not be21. I am ________ of making excuses for your rudeness to our friends.

A. annoyed B. worried C. tired D. angry22. You must try not to _________ so many mistakes.

A. do B. make C. tell D. perform23. Our committee has elected a new _________.

A. chief B. principal C. head D. chairman24. He finished the paintings _________ for the exhibition.

A. in good time B. for the time being C. from time to time D. time after time25. They have not seen their uncle _________ 1975.

A. until B. since C. in D. fromSection B:: Read the following passage and then choose the best answer.

Large companies need a way to reach the savings of the public at large. The same problem, on a smaller scale, faces practically every company trying to develop new products and create new jobs. There can be little prospect of raising the sort of sums needed from friends and people we know, and while banks may agree to provide short-term finance, they are generally unwilling to provide money on a permanent basis for long-term projects. So companies turn to the public, inviting people to lend them money, or take a share in a business in exchange for a share in future profits. This they do by issuing stocks and shares in the business through The Stock Exchange. By doing so they can put into circulation the savings of individuals and institutions, both at home and overseas.When the saver needs his money back, he does not have to go to the company with whom he originally placed it. Instead, he sells his shares through a stockbroker to some other saver who is seeking to invest his money.Many of the services needed both industry and by each of us are provided by the Government or by local authorities. Without hospitals, roads, electricity, telephones, railways, this country could not function. All these require continuous spending on new equipment and new development if they are to serve us properly, requiring more money

2

than is raised through taxes alone. The Government, local authorities, and nationalised industries therefore frequently need to borrow money to finance major capital spending, and they, too, come to The Stock Exchange.There is hardly a man or woman in this country whose job or whose standard of living does not depend of the ability of his or her employers to raise money to finance new development. In one way or another this new money must come from the savings of the country. The Stock Exchange exists to provide a channel through which these savings can reach those who need finance.26. Almost all companies involved in new production and development must

A. rely on their own financial resources.B. persuade the banks to provide long-term finance.C. borrow large sums of money from friends and people they know.D. depend on the population as a whole for finance.

27. The money which enables these companies to go ahead with their projects is:A. repaid to its original owners as soon as possible.B. raised by the selling of shares in the companies.C. exchanged for part ownership in The Stock Exchange.D. invested in different companies on The Stock Exchange.

28. When the savers want their money back theyA. ask another company to obtain their money for them.B. look for other people to borrow money from.C. put their shares in the company back on the market.D. transfer their money to a more successful company.

29. All the essential services on which we depend areA. run by the Government or our local authorities.B. in constant need of financial support.C. financed wholly by rates and taxes.D. unable to provide for the needs of the population.

30. The Stock Exchange makes it possible for the Government, local authorities and nationalised industries

A. to borrow as much money as they wish.B. to make certain everybody saves money.C. to raise money to finance new developments.D. to make certain everybody lends money to them.

PAPER 2 Use of English3

Section A::1. Fill in each of the numbered blanks in the passage with one suitable word.

He discovered from the timetable that the train was _________ (1) in twenty minutes. Edgar settled himself into a corner, worried in _________ (2) when people saw him they would all wonder _________ (3) a child like him was making a train journey alone. He sighed with _________ (4) when at last he heard the first sound of the train and then saw it roar in – the train _________ (5) was to take him out into the world.As he climbed _________ (6) he noticed his ticket was second-class. He _________ (7) always travelled first-class before and again he felt that everything had changed. There were differences he had never _________ (8) before. His _________ (9) companions were not _________ (10) those he usually met. Some Italian workmen with hard hands and rough voices sat opposite. _________ (11) spades and shovels, and looked out with dull, blank expressions. They had been working to _________ (12) money, Edgar _________ (13), but he could not imagine how much it could be. He became _________ (14) for the first time that he was accustomed as a matter of _________ (15) to an air of comfortable ease in his life, and there was so much he knew nothing about.Edgar began to see many things from that narrow compartment with its windows to the _________ (16) world. He _________ (17) out of the window with new eyes. And it seemed to him that he saw everything in its proper light for the first time.Houses fled by as _________ (18) blown away by the wind, and this made him think about the people who lived in them. Were they _________ (19) or poor, happy or miserable? Did they _________ (20), as he did, to know everything?

2. Finish each of the following sentences in such a way that it means exactly the same as the sentence before it.

a) It would be nice to have a swimming pool in our garden.I wish .........................................................................................................

b) Our correspondent in Paris sent this report.This report .................................................................................................

c) ‘How long have you been waiting here?’ the girl asked me.The girl asked ............................................................................................

d) Passing your driving test is not easy nowadays.It is not ......................................................................................................

e) It is ages since I saw you.

4

I have not ..................................................................................................f) ‘Do not write on the walls,’ said the teacher to the boys.

The teacher told ........................................................................................g) A semi-detached house is cheaper than a detached one.

A detached house .....................................................................................h) We must answer this letter immediately.

This letter ..................................................................................................i) Why can’t we go abroad for our holidays this year?

If only ........................................................................................................j) This town has three cinemas.

There are ...................................................................................................

3. Write in the space in each of the following sentences the correct phrase made from GO.a) He never ______________ on his word.b) The bomb ______________ killing two soldiers.c) Please ______________ with your story, I won’t interrupt you again.d) They never ______________ anywhere in the evenings.e) ______________! I never want to see you again.

4. Make all the changes and additions necessary to produce, from the following eight sets of words and phrases, eight sentences which together make a conversation between Suzie and her friend Tom. Note carefully from the example what kind of alterations need to be made.

EXAMPLE: Have / you / find / flat yet / Suzie.ANSWER: Have you found a flat yet, Suzie?

Well, I / go / estate agent’s / last week.a) SUZIE .....................................................................................................

Oh, / you / have / any luck?b) TOM .....................................................................................................

There / be / several flats / I / decide / I / be / interested in.c) SUZIE .....................................................................................................

You / go / see them?d) TOM .....................................................................................................

Yes, / I / go along / yesterday.e) SUZIE .....................................................................................................

5

You / be / successful?f) TOM .....................................................................................................

Well, / you / not / believe it / but I / do / find one.g) SUZIE .....................................................................................................

I / know / you / find / something sooner or later.h) TOM .....................................................................................................

6

TEST TWOPAPER 1 Reading Comprehension

Section A:: Choose A, B, C, or D that best completes each unfinished sentence.1. You really ought to apologise _________ what you said yesterday.

A. over B. about C. for D. of2. He _________ to accept the blame for having caused the accident.

A. denied B. refused C. disagreed D. resigned3. If you want to learn something, you had better pay _________ in class.

A. care B. respect C. attention D. notice4. I’m sorry I didn’t phone you last night. I was up to my _________ in work.

A. head B. ears C. shoulders D. eyes5. Open the window, _________ you? It’s very hot in here.

A. will B. do C. must D. need6. After failing his driving test four times, he finally _________ trying to pass.

A. gave up B. gave away C. gave off D. gave in7. The discovery of oil can bring great _________ to a country.

A. property B. wealth C. purchases D. belongings8. The President made his last public __________ before his term of office ended.

A. engagement B. meeting C. appearance D. gathering9. _______ there was a fisherman who lived with his wife in a small cottage near the sea.

A. For the time being B. Time after timeC. At times D. Once upon a time

10. He borrowed a dictionary __________ me but he has never returned it.A. for B. from C. to D. of

11. Although the patient’s condition is serious, she seems to be out of _________.A. place B. control C. danger D. order

12. The ____________ at the football match became violent when their team lost.A. spectators B. groups C. observers D. customers

13. There has been a sharp _________ in the number of burglaries in this area recently.A. advance B. result C. increase D. appearance

14. The great ____________ of people in this country nowadays owns a TV set.A. part B. majority C. number D. mass

15. He has no head for figures. He simply cannot ____________ them.A. remember B. realise C. relate D. collect

16. Could I introduce you ____________ Mrs. Walters, our new Managing Director?7

A. with B. at C. for D. to17. We have made no __________ at all in our talks about a common agricultural policy.

A. profit B. success C. progress D. gain18. The teacher was ____________ because he could not control his students.

A. referred B. omitted C. deserted D. dismissed19. In some countries travelling on public transport is a tremendous ____________.

A. amount B. expense C. charge D. sum20. The thief was arrested but he managed to escape ____________ the police.

A. by B. with C. of D. from21. This canteen is ____________ only by employees of the company.

A. to use B. to have used C. to be used D. for the use of22. The effects of the anaesthetic used for the operation take quite a time to _____ off.

A. wear B. turn C. give D. move23. Can you make all the necessary ____________ for the conference next month?

A. operations B. arrangements C. statements D. qualifications24. We must ____________ our minds about where to go for our holidays this year.

A. make out B. make off C. make up D. make for25. ____________ the problems are numerous, we must still try to solve them.

A. In spite of B. Although C. In order that D. SinceSection B:: Read the following passage and then choose the best answer.

It is 2 a.m. You took too long over dinner, the coast is still a couple of hundred kilometres away and it is essential to get that early morning ferry. And your car radiator pipe has split. At times like that, the documents making up your insurance kit lying in the front of your car seem useless. The nearest phone was passed three kilometres back, and it would be reasonable to expect some delay in getting breakdown assistance when you have finally phoned through.If, on the other hand, you’ve got a spare in the car, five minutes’ work should see you on your way again. The majority of breakdowns do involve minor and easily changed parts. A few basic tools and the right mix of spares are well worth the space they take up. But to sort out which ones are most likely to be needed, and to buy them, can be expensive.That is why the motoring organisations have come up with rental kits. For about 50 pence a day (slightly more to non-members) they will supply a boxed range of spares for a given car. On returning the kit the motorist pays for any that are used, plus a small fee for repacking. Deposits are about ₤20.

8

It is much better, however, to reduce the risk of breakdowns by seeing that your car is properly serviced before setting out. Particularly when driving at high speed over long distances in hot weather.Finally, it makes sense to purchase a safety triangle and an emergency plastic windscreen before leaving. Make sure all your fellow travellers know where your documents are; give one a spare set of keys – and slip into the back of your wallet a large banknote for the emergencies where a credit card won’t do.26. While on a motoring holiday abroad you might find yourself in difficulties because

A. you have brought the wrong documents with you.B. your ferry has just left without you.C. the nearest phone is out of order.D. a repair to your car might take some time.

27. In order to avoid disaster it would be wiseA. to spend five minutes checking the car before you leave.B. to carry some emergency spares with you.C. to buy a cheap set of spares before leaving.D. to prevent all breakdowns happening.

28. Motoring organisations, however, are now offering motoristsA. a discount for becoming members.B. a box which fits neatly into most carsC. a selection of parts which may be needed.D. a chance to rent a car cheaply.

29. Nevertheless, motorists themselves can try to prevent problems arising byA. driving short distances in hot weather.B. having their car insured for ₤20.C. driving slowly at all times.D. making sure their car is in good working order.

30. Another sensible piece of advice for motorists is toA. use a plastic windscreen.B. give their travelling companions all their documents.C. carry extra money for emergencies.D. keep a spare set of keys.

9

PAPER 2 Use of EnglishSection A::1. Fill in each of the numbered blanks in the passage with one suitable word.

Parachutist Tom Dickens _________ (1) a simple, fatal error when he jumped from a 350-feet-high tower. He failed to have _________ (2) height to use his reserve parachute. In addition, several safety _________ (3) had not been observed in the jump. A legal decision _________ (4) accidental death was recorded on Mr. Dickens, who had been a keen parachutist _________ (5) 1976, and had made about 400 jumps _________ (6) from aircraft.He was a member of an organisation which practised _________ (7) from buildings, bridges, cliffs and mountains. The parachute _________ (8) to be packed differently _________ (9) it had to open more quickly. Mr. Dickens always packed his own parachute and had made about six or seven jumps of this _________ (10). The organisation has a minimum _________ (11) of 2,000 feet, but this jump was done from something _________ (12) 350 feet. The reason they have the 2,000 feet is that in the _________ (13) of something going wrong with the main parachute, there is time to _________ (14) a reserve parachute. Mr. Dickens’s parachute had been _________ (15) so the pull-up cord had been left inside, causing the parachute flaps to jam. On 6 April Mr. Dickens and some other jumpers went to the top of the 25-storey tower by the lift and walked up to the roof top without _________ (16) any locks or doors. They had not asked permission. Mr. Stone, one of the jumpers, jumped first and _________ (17) safely, then heard his friend’s body hit the ground. He _________ (18) at Mr. Dickens’s parachute afterwards and was _________ (19) that his friend had made a _________ (20) mistake by not taking out the extra loop which closed the flap.


a) The train drivers’ strike made it impossible for us to get to work.We couldn’t ...............................................................................................

b) I like to play tennis in the summer.I am very fond ...........................................................................................

c) I have never known her to arrive on time.She always .................................................................................................

10

d) He’s a famous athlete. He broke the world record for the high jump last year.The world record .......................................................................................

e) I would like to be able to play the piano well.I wish .........................................................................................................

f) I cannot remember meeting such an interesting person before.Never .........................................................................................................

g) He will have to work much harder if he wants to succeed.His work ....................................................................................................

h) It rained so hard that we couldn’t go out for a walk.If it .............................................................................................................

i) It’s difficult to become a successful actor unless you are exceptionally gifted.Only if ........................................................................................................

j) The left shoe is much bigger than the right, I’m afraid.The right shoe is not ..................................................................................

3. Write in the space in each of the following sentences the correct phrase made from BRING.

a) You can _____________ that point later on in the meeting.b) She fainted and a nurse tried _____________.c) You can borrow the car but make sure you _____________ in one piece!d) Well! Don’t leave him standing on the doorstep. _____________.e) Getting that overseas contract was not easy but we managed _____________.

4. Make all the changes and additions necessary to produce, from the following eight sets of words and phrases, eight sentences which together make a complete letter. Note carefully from the example what kind of alterations need to be made.

EXAMPLE: I / hope / you both / be / wellANSWER: I do hope you are both well.Dear Bill and Moira,I write / thank you / lovely flowers / you send me / eighteenth birthday.a) ...................................................................................................................

They be / beautifully arrange / last / ages.b) ...................................................................................................................

I have / wonderful party / nearby restaurant / my birthday.

11

c) ...................................................................................................................We invite / about thirty / my friends / have dinner first.

d) ...................................................................................................................After dinner / we dance / restaurant close / midnight.

e) ...................................................................................................................The party / continue / home / until we all feel / tired / dance / more.

f) ...................................................................................................................Fortunately / next day be Saturday / so we / not / get up early.

g) ...................................................................................................................I look forward / see you / when you come / holiday / summer.

h) ...................................................................................................................Lots of love,Janet

12

TEST THREEPAPER 1 Reading Comprehension

Section A:: Choose A, B, C, or D that best completes each unfinished sentence.1. We should take plenty of money with us ________ there are any emergencies.

A. in the long run B. in due course C. in case D. in the end2. ________ you work harder, you are going to fail your exams.

A. If B. Unless C. Although D. Because3. Physically there is a great ________ between him and his famous father.

A. similarity B. appearance C. attitude D. look4. Can you ________ that strange perfume she is wearing?

A. see B. notice C. smell D. feel5. Would you ________ not using the office telephone to make private calls, please?

A. hate B. mind C. dislike D. care6. Many children are afraid ________ the dark.

A. by B. for C. of D. about7. The current ________ of this town is about 200,000.

A. membership B. group C. number D. population8. A ship called the Titanic ________ after hitting an iceberg in the Atlantic Ocean.

A. drowned B. sank C. overflowed D. destroyed9. In big cities animals should be kept under ________.

A. control B. check C. authority D. discipline10. While they were on holiday their house was broken ________ and some valuable paintings were stolen.

A. down B. into C. about D. away11. All these leaflets must be delivered ________.

A. in hand B. at hand C. to hand D. by hand12. You aren’t ________ to smoke in here. It’s a no-smoking compartment.

A. let B. allowed C. obliged D. commanded13. The price of fruit has increased recently _____ the price of vegetables has gone down.

A. when B. whether C. whereas D. otherwise14. It’s high ________ you stopped smoking all those cigarettes.

A. reason B. sense C. opportunity D. time15. Electric storms are ________ of certain parts of the world.

A. special B. characteristic C. curious D. native

13

16. Some people feel that life in the countryside offers more ________ and quiet than life in a town.

A. silence B. relaxation C. peace D. rest17. They ________ down all the trees in the area to make way for the new motorway.

A. cut B. broke C. set D. put18. After spending large sums of money redecorating their house, the Browns found themselves ________.

A. in common B. in debt C. in time D. in public19. I can’t lend you this bicycle. It belongs ________ my brother.

A. at B. for C. with D. to20. This time tomorrow I’ll be ________ to Australia.

A. flown B. flight C. flew D. flying21. I would estimate that this diamond ring is ________ about ₤5,000.

A. valued B. precious C. worth D. priced22. He is ________ by many people for the money he has helped raise for charity.

A. admired B. regarded C. approved D. considered23. A well-known actor ________ the prizes to the winners of the competition.

A. introduced B. presented C. organised D. arranged24. ________ I known what he was really like, I would never have married him.

A. Had B. Have C. Did D. Would25. She must be very run ________. She always seems to be off work.

A. in B. over C. through D. downSection B:: Read the following passage and then choose the best answer.

Demands for stronger protection for wildlife in Britain sometimes hide the fact that similar needs are felt in the rest of Europe. Studies by the Council of Europe, of which 21 countries are members, have shown that 45 per cent of reptile species and 24 per cent of butterflies are in danger of dying out.European concern for wildlife was outlined by Dr. Peter Baum, an expert in the environment and nature resources division of the council, when he spoke at a conference arranged by the administrators of a British national park. The park is one of the few areas in Europe to hold the council’s diploma for nature reserves of the highest quality, and Dr. Baum had come to present it to the park once again. He was afraid that public opinion was turning against national parks, and that those set up in the 1960s and 1970s could not be set up today. But Dr. Baum clearly remained a strong supporter of the view that natural environments needed to be allowed to survive in peace in their own right.

14

No area could be expected to survive both as a true nature reserve and as a tourist attraction, he went on. The short view that reserves had to serve immediate human demands for outdoor recreation should be replaced by full acceptance of their importance as places to preserve nature for the future.‘We forget that they are the guarantee of life systems, on which any built-up area ultimately depends,’ Dr. Baum went on. ‘We could manage without most industrial products, but we could not manage without nature. However, our natural environment areas, which are the original parts of our countryside, have shrunk to become mere islands in a spoiled and highly polluted land mass.’26. Recent studies by the Council of Europe show that

A. it is only in Britain that wildlife needs more protection.B. all species of wildlife in Europe are in danger of dying out.C. there are fewer species of reptiles and butterflies in Europe than elsewhere.D. certain species of reptiles and butterflies in Europe need protecting.

27. Dr. Baum, a representative of the Council, visited one particular British national park because

A. he was presenting the park with a diploma for its achievements.B. he was concerned about how the park was being run.C. it was the only national park of its kind in Europe.D. it was the only park which had ever received a diploma from the Council.

28. Although it is difficult nowadays to convince the public of the importance of nature reserves, Dr. Baum felt that

A. people would support moves to create more environment areas.B. people would carry on supporting those national parks in existence.C. existing national parks would need to be more independent to survive.D. certain areas of countryside should be left undisturbed by man.

29. In Dr. Baum’s opinion, a true nature reserveA. could never survive in a modern age.B. should provide buildings for human activities.C. should be regarded as a place where nature is protected.D. could provide special areas for tourists to enjoy.

30. Although we all depend on the resources of nature for our survivalA. industrial products are replacing all our natural resources.B. it is only on islands that nature survives.C. we have forgotten what our original countryside looked like.D. we have allowed areas of countryside to be spoilt by industrial development.

15


It fascinates me to observe the way in _________ (1) children so often react again their parents’ ideas, while at the same time _________ (2) their parents’ characteristics. That is to say, the children grow up to _________ (3) different views from their parents’, yet to have _________ (4) personalities. There is a _________ (5) going on in the toy world at present over whether children should be _________ (6) to have war toys. I do not believe in encouraging war toys, but I do not see any _________ (7) in forbidding them when I think of the _________ (8) of my friend Harry.Harry is the _________ (9) of strict parents who were totally opposed to war. He was never allowed toy soldiers _________ (10) a boy, never allowed toy guns. Harry grew up and went into the army, becoming a first-class soldier and _________ (11) all sorts of military honours in a rather fierce unit. He became the opposite in _________ (12) way of what his parents might have expected _________ (13) their son. And yet there is a gentleness about Harry which shows a _________ (14) personality. There is a sympathetic element about the man which I can see _________ (15) have come from his family. In _________ (16) of doing things differently from our parents, a lot of the spirit gets passed on.Parents in all conscience have to _________ (17) their children what they believe to be right; but it is not so much your ideas that the children _________ (18) as your example. Perhaps the _________ (19) way to teach one’s child gentleness is not to forbid toy guns, but to be gently in one’s _________ (20) everyday life.


a) I would love to meet a really famous person.If only ........................................................................................................

b) I haven’t had any Italian food for ages.It’s ages .....................................................................................................

c) They were married in the summer of 1982.Their wedding ...........................................................................................

d) Postal deliveries were delayed because of industrial action.Industrial action resulted ..........................................................................

16

e) Can I offer you a cup of coffee?Would ........................................................................................................

f) He has such an intelligent daughter. She won all the prizes at her school.His daughter ..............................................................................................

g) It isn’t up to me to advise him what to do.It is not my ................................................................................................

h) We always end up at the same old place for our holidays.We are tired ..............................................................................................

i) We really must decorate this room.This room...................................................................................................

j) There are few jobs available in this area at the moment.Jobs are very .............................................................................................

3. Write in the space in each of the following sentences the correct phrase made from TIME.a) We arrived at the station just ______________ to catch the train.b) He has been told ______________ that he must behave himself in class.c) There have been _________ when I wondered whether I had chosen the right career.d) We’ll ignore the incident _____________ but make sure that it doesn’t happen again.e) ______________ there lived a king who had five sons.

4. Make all the changes and additions necessary to produce, from the following eight sets of words and phrases, eight sentences which together make a conversation between Mr. Roberts and the dental receptionist. Note carefully from the example what kind of alterations need to be made.

EXAMPLE: I wonder / I make / appointment / dentist tomorrow?ANSWER: I wonder if I could make an appointment with the dentist tomorrow?

I be sorry / we be / completely book up.a) RECEPTIONIST .....................................................................................

When be / earliest appointment / you offer me?b) MR. ROBERTS .....................................................................................

How / Thursday / 9.30?c) RECEPTIONIST .....................................................................................

No / I be tied up / meeting then. You have anything later / the day? d) MR. ROBERTS .....................................................................................

17

There be cancellation / 3.30. That be / good / you?e) RECEPTIONIST .....................................................................................

Yes / but I / be / bit late.f) MR. ROBERTS .....................................................................................

Be there / anything special / you want / dentist look at?g) RECEPTIONIST .....................................................................................

I lose / filling / one / my teeth. I / wonder / dentist / replace it.h) MR. ROBERTS .....................................................................................

18

TEST FOURPAPER 1 Reading Comprehension

Section A:: Choose A, B, C, or D that best completes each unfinished sentence.1. The government has _________ an inquiry to investigate bribery in local elections.

A. set out B. set to C. set up D. set about2. Ever _________ they came to live here, they have hated everything about the place.

A. when B. since C. though D. if3. _________, what did you say this new development project was all about?

A. By surprise B. By all means C. By yourself D. By the way4. Some children are not very keen on _________ their toys with others.

A. sharing B. distributing C. dividing D. spreading5. You _________ park here. It’s an emergency exit for the fire brigade.

A. mustn’t B. needn’t C. wouldn’t D. oughtn’t6. The best person to approach if you are house-hunting is an estate _________.

A. official B. agent C. clerk D. representative7. Your flight, hotel and meals are all _________ in the price of this holiday.

A. composed B. enclosed C. included D. collected8. We as a company feel that it is _________ to maintain good worker-management relations.

A. moderate B. special C. absolute D. essential9. The educational _________ of computers has not yet been fully realised..

A. amount B. quality C. value D. worth10. Would you care to join _________ our game of cards.

A. in B. at C. with D. to11. Please ask that boy to come here _________.

A. at present B. at once C. at hand D. at length12. If _________ we had invested our money in a different company!

A. ever B. once C. just D. only13. The population of England is greater than _________ of Ireland.

A. which B. those C. that D. whose14. It you want a car with an automatic gear box, this particular _________ will suit you very well.

A. sample B. model C. produce D. stock15. Picasso was a famous artist who _________ some extremely interesting pictures.

A. invented B. decorated C. painted D. discovered

19

16. War destroys everything and should be _________ at all costs.A. avoided B. conquered C. ignored D. defeated

17. Dentists will always try to save teeth rather than take them _________.A. over B. down C. off D. out

18. I wish I _________ worked harder for my examinations.A. did B. could C. had D. might

19. The water workers’ claim for a 10 per cent pay rise has been under _________ by the government.

A. consideration B. inquiry C. regard D. application20. We have been considering plans for a tunnel between England and France _________.

A. for all time B. at times C. some time ago D. for some time21. It is only fairly recently that industry has become _________ on the microchip.

A. dependent B. subject C. guided D. influenced22. Once again the film industry finds itself in serious financial _________.

A. problems B. degrees C. difficulties D. operations23. It is generally agreed that by the 1990s the world will be suffering from an energy _________.

A. crisis B. danger C. concern D. emergency24. This house has been up _________ sale for over a year now.

A. in B. at C. for D. to25. Hello! Aviation Electronics? Could I speak to Mr. Jones on _________ 8183, please?

A. branch B. extension C. system D. exchangeSection B:: Read the following passage and then choose the best answer.

Death comes quickly in the mountains. Each winter holidaymakers are caught unawares as they happily ski away from the fixed runs, little realising that a small avalanche can send them crashing in a bone-breaking fall down the slope and leave them buried under tons of crisp white snow. There are lots of theories about how to avoid disaster when hit by an avalanche. Practice is normally less cheerful.The snow in the Salzburg of Austria where a recent disaster took place was typical avalanche material. For several days before the incident I had skied locally. Early winter snow was wearing thin and covered with ice. On top of that new, warmer flakes were gently falling to produce a dangerous carpet. To the skier who enjoys unmarked slopes it is tempting stuff, deep new powder snow on a hard base – the skiing that dreams are made of. And sometimes nightmares.

20

Snow falls in sections like a cake. Different sections will have different densities because of the temperatures at the time of the fall and in the weeks afterwards. Problems come when any particular section is too thick and not sticking to the section beneath. The snow of the past few weeks had ben falling in rather higher temperatures than those of December and early January. The result of these conditions is that even a slight increase in the temperature sends a thin stream of water between the new snow and the old. Then the new snow simply slides off the mountain.Such slides are not unexpected. Local citizens know the slopes which tend to avalanche and the weather in which such slides are likely. Traps are set to catch the snow or prevent it slipping; bombs are placed and exploded from time to time to set off small avalanches before a big one has time to build up; and, above all, skiers are warned not to ski in danger areas.In spite of this, avalanches happen in unexpected areas and, of course, skiers ignore the warnings. The one comfort to recreational skiers, however, is that avalanche incidents on the marked ski slopes are quite rare. No ski resort wants the image of being a death trap.26. Each winter holidaymakers in the mountains come face to face with death because

A. they fail to realise how dangerous avalanches can be.B. they are not expert enough at skiing on the fixed runs.C. they are trying to avoid areas where avalanches happen.D. they ski great distances down the mountainsides.

27. According to the writer, skiing conditions in the Salzburg area of Austria before the accident happened were

A. perfect for the inexperienced skier.B. unsafe because the new snow was covered with ice.C. typical of conditions resulting in avalanches.D. suitable only for skiing locally.

28. It would appear from the text that avalanches are brought about becauseA. a particular section of snow is not thick enough.B. there is a slight fall in the temperature.C. heavy snowfalls turn into rain.D. the ice between different sections of snow melts.

29. In areas where avalanches are known to happenA. local residents stay indoors when the weather is bad.B. measures are taken to prevent serious avalanches.C. small avalanches can easily be prevented.D. skiers form them selves into a wall to keep the snow in position.

21

30. Although, accidents do happen, skiers will be reasonably safe ifA. they stay on the officially approved slopes.B. they ski only for pleasure.C. they ski only at resorts.D. they choose less crowded ski slopes.


Frank knew he was _________ (1) ill. He spent days walking, _________ (2) as far as thirty miles in a day, trying to reason with the pain and strange thoughts in his mind. Then, _________ (3) night, he made up his _________ (4) that he would go to the hospital and ask them to admit him. He reported to out-patients and asked to _________ (5) a psychiatrist.A junior doctor eventually examined him and _________ (6) to Frank’s confused account of having _________ (7) in hospital before, of how he thought he ought to be _________ (8) again because he was so confused and knew something was very _________ (9) with him. The doctor did not admit him. Frank cannot _________ (10) whether he was told that the hospital was full or that they simply did not believe him. ‘I felt I was completely alone. I thought there was _________ (11) there to help.’So Frank went back on to the streets to _________ (12) a future of sleeping outside, the occasional shelter _________ (13) hostels, and sometimes prison _________ (14) he was picked up for _________ (15) drunk: drunk because it was the _________ (16) way he could forget his condition. Frank had sought help and been _________ (17) away. Thousands of others _________ (18) him can find no help either. They _________ (19) the sufferers from long-term mental illnesses that confuse the _________ (20) of their victims.


a) ‘Take your place in the queue’, said the nurse to the old man.The nurse ..................................................................................................

b) Looking at old photographs makes me feel sad.Whenever ..................................................................................................

c) She can type very well indeed.

22

She is .........................................................................................................d) I am terrified when I travel by plane.

Travelling ...................................................................................................e) They have recently improved the bus service in this town.

Some improvements .................................................................................f) I find it difficult to learn languages.

I wish .........................................................................................................g) This bedroom is too small for the children now.

This bedroom is not ..................................................................................h) ‘How many jobs have you had since you left school?’ the interviewer asked Mr. Simpson.

The interviewer asked ...............................................................................i) His hobby is collecting stamps.

He is very ...................................................................................................j) The café was rather dirty so we decided not to eat there.

If ................................................................................................................

3. Write in the space in each of the following sentences the correct phrase made from OUT OF.

a) The brackets failed and the car sped down the hill completely ______________.b) He lost his job last year and has been ______________ ever since.c) You know the old saying ‘______________, out of mind’.d) An increase in salary is absolutely ______________ at the moment, Mr. Thomas.e) You can’t use that telephone. It’s been ______________ for over a week.

4. Make all the changes and additions necessary to produce, from the following eight sets of words and phrases, eight sentences which together make a complete letter. Note carefully from the example what kind of alterations need to be made.

EXAMPLE: We receive / more / 100 letters / apply / job advertise.ANSWER: We have received more than 100 letter applying for the job advertised.Dear Miss Taylor,I write / thank you / your letter / apply / job advertise / paper / last week.a) ...................................................................................................................

We be happy / interview you / 9.30 / Wednesday 12 March.b) ...................................................................................................................

23

As / know / ours / small business / we believe / have personal contact / clients.c) ...................................................................................................................

For / interview / you prepare / short talk / why you think / personal contact be important?d) ...................................................................................................................

You interview / by a team / six people. e) ...................................................................................................................

Your interview / last / 1 ½ hours.f) ...................................................................................................................

You / claim expenses / half a day / the office / after / interview.g) ...................................................................................................................

We look / meet you / 9.30 / 12 March.h) ...................................................................................................................

Yours sincerely,M. RenshawPersonnel Manager

24

TEST FIVEPAPER 1 Reading Comprehension

Section A:: Choose A, B, C, or D that best completes each unfinished sentence.1. Apparently about one person in five is left _________.

A. handy B. handed C. handful D. hander2. Can you explain this _________ of ten years in your job history which you have not accounted for?

A. gap B. interruption C. opening D. parting3. Television has a _________ not only to entertain people but also to inform them.

A. necessity B. respect C. duty D. discipline4. We shall bring _________ the question of the new swimming-pool at the next committee meeting.

A. about B. up C. round D. off5. The forecast for this evening is wind and rain. _________ the outlook for tomorrow is fine and sunny.

A. Out of hand B. On every hand C. On the other hand D. On all hands6. We regret that it is impossible to meet the revised _________ dates for the goods you recently ordered from us.

A. delivery B. service C. carriage D. arrival7. It was not _________ midnight that they discovered the children were not in their beds.

A. while B. when C. during D. until8. In winter this town is often _________ by heavy snowfalls.

A. cut off B. cut back C. cut out D. cut dead9. We have been receiving reports of a rather _________ train crash in India.

A. earnest B. strict C. serious D. intense10. It is said that a true _________ is one who is prepared to risk his life for others.

A. inhabitant B. native C. hero D. citizen11. Add interest to your toasted sandwiches by _________ the outside of the bread with flavoured butter.

A. extending B. spreading C. scattering D. distributing12. This is the most expensive car I have _________ driven.

A. always B. often C. sometimes D. ever13. In some parks visitors are requested to keep _________ the grass.

A. off B. aside C. out D. away

25

14. I should like to _________ a double room, with a private bathroom, for Saturday 16 September.

A. appoint B. book C. settle D. fix15. How many times have I told you _________ football on the main road?

A. do not play B. not to playC. not playing D. not to have played

16. Would it be possible to make an early _________ to have my hair cut tomorrow?A. appointment B. arrangement C. meeting D. engagement

17. We look _________ to receiving a prompt reply to our letter.A. round B. through C. after D. forward

18. The music at modern discos is so loud that it can cause _________ among teenagers.A. blindness B. dumbness C. deafness D. unconsciousness

19. A motor-bike is less _________ to run than a car.A. experimental B. expensive C. explosive D. external

20. We farmers have an enormous amount of extra work to do at _________ time.A. crop B. produce C. harvest D. collection

21. It is always a good idea to _________ a bill before paying it.A. calculate B. add C. control D. check

22. We are _________by doctors to eat more natural foods.A. suggested B. advised C. proposed D. informed

23. We regret to inform you that you have not been _________ for the post of senior manager.

A. attracted B. demanded C. selected D. admitted24. We have always had to take _________ extra staff at Christmas.

A. up B. over C. on D. in25. The government introduced a wage freeze _________ inflation might be brought under control.

A. so that B. although C. while D. becauseSection B:: Read the following passage and then choose the best answer.

Thousands of years ago man used handy rocks for his surgical operations. Later he used sharp bone or horn, metal knives and more recently, rubber and plastic. And that was where we stuck, in surgical instrument terms, for many years. In the 1960s a new tool was developed, one which was, first of all, to be of great practical use to the armed forces and industry, but which was also, in time, to revolutionise the art and science of surgery.The tool is the laser and it is being used by more and more surgeons all over the world, for a very large number of different complaints. The word laser means: Light

26

Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Light. As we all know, light is hot; any source of light – from the sun itself down to a humble match burning – will give warmth. But light is usually spread out over a wide area. The light in a laser beam, however, is concentrated. This means that a light with no more power than that produced by an ordinary electric light bulb becomes intensely strong as it is concentrated to a pinpoint-sized beam.Experiments with these pinpoint beams showed researchers that different energy sources produce beams that have a particular effect on certain living cells. It is not possible for eye surgeons to operate on the back of the human eye without harming the front of the eye, simply by passing a laser beam right through the eyeball. No knives, no stitches, no unwanted damage – a true surgical wonder.Operations which once left patients exhausted and in need of long periods of recovery time now leave them feeling relaxed and comfortable. So much more difficult operations can now be tried.The rapid development of laser techniques in the past ten years has made it clear that the future is likely to be exciting. Perhaps some cancers will be treated with laser in a way that makes surgery not only safer but more effective. Altogether, tomorrow may see more and more information coming to light on the diseases which can be treated medically.26. Up until the 1960s the instruments used to perform surgical operations were

A. fashionable B. extraordinary C. special D. basic27. After the development of the laser in the 1960s, we find that

A. medical help became available for industrial workers.B. the study of art went through a complete revolution.C. more and more surgeons began using surgical instruments.D. man’s whole approach to surgery changed completely.

28. The laser beam is so strong because A. it is composed of a concentrated beam of light.B. its heat is increased by the heat of the sun.C. it can be plugged into an ordinary light fitting.D. in sends out heat in many different directions.

29. Surgeons can now carry out operations whichA. can be performed successfully only on the human eye.B. result in long periods of recovery time for patients.C. are made much more complicated by using the laser beam.D. result in very little damage to the patients themselves.

27

30. The rapid development of laser techniques has meant thatA. in another ten years we shall be able to cure cancer.B. surgery is likely to improve considerably.C. we shall be able to treat all the diseases we suffer from.D. we are now able to treat most forms of cancer.


It was my uncle who taught me __________ (1) to box. I was eight, a wartime evacuee from London, sent into the depths of England to the cottage __________ (2) my mother had been born. I __________ (3) an object of attack for the local boys. On his __________ (4) from work, my uncle would get to his knees and invite me __________ (5) him on the nose. I was taught to put my shoulder behind the punch and keep my goary up. I have been __________ (6) to him ever since.I put my newly found __________ (7) to the test at school where it was the custom to crowd round new boys, who would be surrounded and __________ (8) attacked. It was a terrible experience, but I __________ (9) my uncle’s advice and decided to fight my attacker. I punched him twice on the nose. He ran off in __________ (10) of authority. The crowd disappeared. We were __________ (11) to play some game on other every afternoon – and those who __________ (12) to do so were punished. I had no interest in cricket or rowing but I __________ (13) run and box. I __________ (14) out a boy with a sharp blow to the back of the neck and became House Captain.My right hook brought me 15 wins out of 16 and the __________ (15) for being a tough customer, which meant that I was left __________ (16) peace to laugh at the traditions of the school. I read the Boxing News every week, and, in the holidays, by __________ (17) an occasional pound or two on tickets, travelled __________ (18) bus into the unknown __________ (19) of East and South London to the local swimming pools where up-and-coming boxers __________ (20) before the most expert of audiences.


a) An apple a day keeps the doctor away.If you eat an apple a day, it keeps the doctor away ..................................

b) Lightning often occurs when atmosphere electricity is released from one cloud to another.

28

Lightning is often caused by ......................................................................c) The train journey was going to take so long that we decided to go by plane.

It was going to be ......................................................................................d) He plays tennis better than anyone I know.

He is the.....................................................................................................e) How much is this dictionary?

What .........................................................................................................f) ‘Do you think you could do me a favour?’ Tom asked me.

Tom asked me ...........................................................................................g) I don’t want to go to school any more.

I wish..........................................................................................................h) This is my first visit to England.

I have..........................................................................................................i) Ice melts when you heat it.

If you .........................................................................................................j) ‘Don’t tell anyone the secret,’ James said to Mary.

James warned Mary ..................................................................................

3. Write in the space in each of the following sentences the correct form of MAKE or DO.a) We’ll have to ______________ without coffee this morning. There’s none left in the cupboard.b) I can’t ______________ out what it says on this signpost.c) It’s high time they ______________ away with these old-fashioned laws.d) He has more than ______________ up for all the damage he did.e) ______________ up your coat. It’s cold outside.

4. Make all the changes and additions necessary to produce, from the following eight sets of words and phrases, eight sentences which together make a complete speech. Note carefully from the example what kind of alterations need to be made.

EXAMPLE: We / like / present you / this gold watch / view / your long association / our companyANSWER: We would like to present you with this gold watch in view of your long association with our company.

Mr. Chairman, Ladies and Gentlemen,

29

I / honoured / receive / this watch / which / be / most welcome gift.a) ...................................................................................................................

There / be / no better company / I / can / chose / work for.b) ...................................................................................................................

Over the years / work / be / most interesting.c) ...................................................................................................................

I / like / express / gratitude / the company.d) ...................................................................................................................

The company / always enjoy / high reputation / this town.e) ...................................................................................................................

Our success / be / bring about / good worker-manager relations.f) ...................................................................................................................

Our rivals / be / never able / compete / our products.g) ...................................................................................................................

I intend / enjoy / retirement / as much as / I / enjoy / time at work.h) ...................................................................................................................

Thank you all once again.

30

Documents

5 Tests of First Certificate English