12
14 14 © Oxford University Press PHOTOCOPIABLE New Matrix Intermediate Name: Class: Test 1 Test 6 Reading 1 Read the text and circle five from statements a–i which reflect the content of the text. The written word Given how much time we seem to spend talking to each other, it is surprising to learn that most of our communication is not face to face, or even voice to voice. It is done in writing. The method used is not pen and paper, but electronic. Texting on mobile phones and sending emails are ways of communicating that were unthought of twenty years ago, yet here at the beginning of the twenty-first century they have become the most popular form of correspondence. Why is it that so many people now prefer to send a text message or an email than to use the telephone to speak to each other? One reason is clarity. When texting or writing an email you can ‘say’ exactly what you want to say and the other person has to ‘listen’. They cannot interrupt you or distract you. You have time to organise your thoughts, correct mistakes or change ideas. You can also get directly to the point without spending time on the social formalities. A second reason is convenience. A written message can be read when it is convenient for the reader, whereas a phone call cannot always be answered or may interrupt other activities. The written message can also be re-read and easily stored if necessary. It is also convenient for the sender, who can even take part in a text conversation while doing other things at the same time! Thirdly, of course, it is fun! Having a text conversation or chatting on the net involves finger skills, speed and the use of a specialised language which continues to change and develop to allow speed to increase. The use of such a code has its attractions. What is a little frightening is that electronic communication means that people have to leave their houses or physically speak to others less and less often. There is the chance that we might gradually lose the social skills we need to talk to each other and become more and more isolated in front of our computers with our mobile phones beside us. a We communicate with each other in writing more than any other form of communication. b It is difficult to learn the special language used in text messages. c Receiving a phone call can disturb what you are doing. d The language of text messages is changing so that messages can be written more quickly. e The rise of electronic communication was predicted many years ago. f Writing text messages can harm the fingers. g You have time to think about what you want to say in an email. h It is useful to be able to keep phone messages. i There is a danger that people will forget how to communicate face to face. Vocabulary 2 Complete the sentences with these words. dress rehearsal frown hand movements body language eye-contact posture clutched facial expression first impression handshake 1 If you don’t want to speak to someone, don’t make . 2 Practise what you are going to say before an important event by having a . 3 Remember, your shows people how you are feeling before you open your mouth to say anything. 4 Don’t . It makes you look angry. 5 You could tell Emma Sharpe was nervous. She her handbag on her knee throughout the interview. 6 Jackie has very good and always holds her head high. 7 When we first met, Mike made a good . He seemed intelligent and confident. 8 The interviewee tried to appear calm but his said something different. He kept playing with his tie. 9 You can learn a lot from a person’s . How they sit and move can tell you many things. 10 The interviewer had a very strong . I couldn’t stop tears coming to my eyes. 3 Underline the correct adjective in each sentence. 1 Laura lay in bed listening to the footsteps getting closer. She was terrified / nervous. 2 The police were very cool / cautious about approaching the escaped prisoner because he was holding a gun. 3 If I don’t have enough time to do my work, I get nervous / stressed. 4 I always get cautious / nervous before an exam but I think it helps me concentrate. 5 He’s so cool / relieved. Nothing worries him. 5 10 5

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Page 1: New Matrix Int Tests 6-10 FP

1414 © Oxford University Press PHOTOCOPIABLENew Matrix Intermediate

Name:

Class:Test 1Test 6

Reading1 Read the text and circle five from statements a–i which

reflect the content of the text.

The written word

Given how much time we seem to spend talking to eachother, it is surprising to learn that most of ourcommunication is not face to face, or even voice to voice.It is done in writing. The method used is not pen andpaper, but electronic. Texting on mobile phones andsending emails are ways of communicating that wereunthought of twenty years ago, yet here at the beginningof the twenty-first century they have become the mostpopular form of correspondence. Why is it that so manypeople now prefer to send a text message or an emailthan to use the telephone to speak to each other?

One reason is clarity. When texting or writing an emailyou can ‘say’ exactly what you want to say and the otherperson has to ‘listen’. They cannot interrupt you ordistract you. You have time to organise your thoughts,correct mistakes or change ideas. You can also get directlyto the point without spending time on the socialformalities.

A second reason is convenience. A written message can beread when it is convenient for the reader, whereas aphone call cannot always be answered or may interruptother activities. The written message can also be re-readand easily stored if necessary. It is also convenient for thesender, who can even take part in a text conversationwhile doing other things at the same time!

Thirdly, of course, it is fun! Having a text conversation orchatting on the net involves finger skills, speed and theuse of a specialised language which continues to changeand develop to allow speed to increase. The use of such acode has its attractions.

What is a little frightening is that electroniccommunication means that people have to leave theirhouses or physically speak to others less and less often.There is the chance that we might gradually lose thesocial skills we need to talk to each other and becomemore and more isolated in front of our computers withour mobile phones beside us.

a We communicate with each other in writing more thanany other form of communication.

b It is difficult to learn the special language used in textmessages.

c Receiving a phone call can disturb what you are doing.d The language of text messages is changing so that

messages can be written more quickly.e The rise of electronic communication was predicted many

years ago.

f Writing text messages can harm the fingers.g You have time to think about what you want to say in an

email.h It is useful to be able to keep phone messages.i There is a danger that people will forget how to

communicate face to face.

Vocabulary2 Complete the sentences with these words.

• dress rehearsal • frown • hand movements • body language • eye-contact • posture • clutched • facial expression • first impression • handshake

1 If you don’t want to speak to someone, don’t make

.

2 Practise what you are going to say before an important

event by having a .3 Remember, your shows people how

you are feeling before you open your mouth to sayanything.

4 Don’t . It makes you look angry.

5 You could tell Emma Sharpe was nervous. She

her handbag on her knee throughout

the interview.6 Jackie has very good and always holds

her head high.7 When we first met, Mike made a good .

He seemed intelligent and confident.

8 The interviewee tried to appear calm but his

said something different. He kept

playing with his tie.9 You can learn a lot from a person’s .

How they sit and move can tell you many things.10 The interviewer had a very strong .

I couldn’t stop tears coming to my eyes.

3 Underline the correct adjective in each sentence.

1 Laura lay in bed listening to the footsteps getting closer.She was terrified / nervous.

2 The police were very cool / cautious about approachingthe escaped prisoner because he was holding a gun.

3 If I don’t have enough time to do my work, I get nervous /stressed.

4 I always get cautious / nervous before an exam but I thinkit helps me concentrate.

5 He’s so cool / relieved. Nothing worries him.5

10

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4 Replace the words in italic with these adjectives. Youmay have to change the word order.

• rare • confident • apprehensive • ridiculous • familiar

1 I was very worried about going back to work after the

accident.

2 Those birds are quite uncommon. You don’t see them

very often.

3 That’s a crazy idea. Don’t even think about it.

4 That man seems to have a face I’ve seen before. I wonder

where we met.

5 My boss is very sure of himself. He knows he’s a good

manager.

Grammar5 Underline the correct verb form in the following

dialogue.

Sue 1 Did you tell / Have you told your parents our news?

Mike 2 I’ve phoned / I phoned them at about 10, but they3 haven’t answered / didn’t answer. What about your

parents?

Sue 4 I’ve already spoken / I already spoke to them. They5 haven’t been surprised / weren’t surprised, and

they’re very happy about our engagement.

6 Complete the sentences using the verbs in brackets inthe present perfect simple or present perfect continuoustense.

1 The engineer (try) to repair thiscomputer for an hour, but it still doesn’t work.

2 (you see) Ben today? I need to ask hima couple of questions.

3 Jean (want) to learn to sing and nowshe’s got the chance.

4 (we ask) Janine and Philip to theparty?

5 Do you know why Calvin (use) theinternet so much recently?

6 Patrick (not reply) to my email yet. Ithink he’s still on holiday.

7 Jane (not talk) to Pat since they had anarguement.

8 My cousin (learn) to drive for twoyears! She still won’t drive in the city centre.

9 (you ever eat) snake? Some people sayit’s very good for you!

10 How long (Mr Smith be) a teacher?He’s still very nervous.

10

5

5

Writing7 You have decided to buy a new laptop called the PZ61

from Comco. Before you buy one you want to find outmore about these items:

• screen size.• weight.• software programs included.• cost.

Write a letter (120–150 words) to Comco to request moreinformation.

SpeakingGiving a short presentation

You have about 2 minutes to present one of the followingtopics to the class.

1 The advantages and disadvantages of using email.2 Children should be taught computer skills from their first

year at school. Give your opinion.

50Total

10

© Oxford University Press PHOTOCOPIABLE New Matrix Intermediate

Test 6

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1616

4 The USA is the of many Australian filmstars.

5 often work in dangerous conditionswith very poor pay and without any official papers.

6 Thousands of came across the borderto escape the war in their country.

7 The of my street have complainedabout the noise from the new nightclub.

8 The first in Barbados were farmers.9 While she was in hospital my grandmother had a lot of

. Sometimes there were too many to sitround the bed.

10 There are many British in France andSpain because the weather and lifestyle are so good.

3 Complete the sentences with these adjectives.

• keen • unmistakeable • tough • uneventful • disturbing

1 The story about the ghost kept meawake all night.

2 Emma practises the guitar every evening – she’s very

.3 Shakespeare’s style can’t possibly be

confused with any other writer.

4 When we moved to Spain, we found life difficult. It was

really for the first year.

5 Nothing much happened during the journey – it was

rather .

4 Complete the sentences with one of these verbs in thecorrect form.

• get • keep • come

1 Jack up with an excellent idea at themeeting yesterday.

2 You’re running too fast – I can’t upwith you.

3 When life gets stressful it’s good to away for a few days.

4 Don’t worry about money. We can byon my salary for the next couple of months.

5 Vince off the bus at the stop outsidethe library and walks to work from there every morning.

5

5

10

© Oxford University Press PHOTOCOPIABLENew Matrix Intermediate

Name:

Class:Test 7

Reading1 Each of the sentences a–e fits into a gap in the extract

from an article about Barbados. Decide where eachsentence best fits.

a These are actually long, hanging branches and leaves.b The Barbadian dialect has been made the national

language and traditional festivals have beenreintroduced.

c Its history, however, has involved many different cultures.d During that time the country became extremely

important for sugar production and slaves were broughthere from Africa to work in the sugar fields.

e These people were taken from the island as slaves by theSpanish in the early sixteenth century.

A Caribbean island paradise?

Barbados is an island in the Caribbean which has becomeone of the most popular tourist destinations in the world.Today it has its own special identity. 1

Amerindians, Africans and Europeans have all left theirmark on this tiny island.

It was first settled by Amerindians from Venezuela whofarmed, fished and made pottery. 2 The islandwas rediscovered by the English 20 years later and named‘Barbados’ probably because of the special trees whichgrow there and seem to have long ‘beards’. 3

Barbados remained part of the British Empire for severalhundred years until it achieved independence in 1966.4 . After slavery was abolished in 1834 theBarbadians had a long fight for equality.

They were finally given independence, and after a longhistory of British influence, they have been trying to findtheir own identity. 5 These feature localcostumes, music, dance and food and drink. Today,Barbados is well known for its tourism and its rum, adrink which is exported all over the world.

Vocabulary2 Complete the sentences with these words.

• visitors • homeland • settlers • adopted country • asylum seekers • illegal immigrants • refugees • residents• emigrants • inhabitants

1 Although Ewa moved to Italy when she got married 50

years ago, she has never forgotten her .2 Julia helps with their applications to

stay in this country. Many are in danger if they return totheir own countries.

3 The United Kingdom has about 59 million

.

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Grammar5 Put the verbs in brackets in the correct passive form.

Mark Have you heard that a painting 1

(steal) from the City Art Gallery last night?

Hazel No! Which one?

Mark Your favourite – the Van Gogh. The alarms didn’t go

off because the wires 2 (cut).

Hazel What about the security cameras? Surely everything3 (recorded) 24 hours a day?

Mark Well, apparently it 4 (discover) this

morning, that no film 5 (put) in

the security cameras, so there’s nothing to watch.

6 Rewrite these sentences in the passive form.

1 The interviewer was asking the Prime Minister animportant question when the lights went out.

The Prime Minister 2 Someone had broken my kitchen window.

My kitchen window 3 Someone stole my car from the car park.

My car 4 They’ve identified the murderer as Martin James.

Martin James 5 Manet didn’t paint that picture.

That picture 6 Someone will find the missing report.

The missing report 7 They are going to hold the concert in the park.

The concert 8 Someone is meeting me at the airport.

I 9 They collect the rubbish every Monday morning.

The rubbish 10 They are repairing the television now.

The television

Writing7 You read this in a magazine. ‘Have you ever had a really

interesting or strange experience while on holiday?Write a story about it for our competition.’

You decide to enter the competition. Write your story inabout 200–250 words.

50Total

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10

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SpeakingAsking for and giving information

Student A

You are interested in buying a new electronic dictionarycalled ‘English in your pocket.’ Ask the shop assistant(Student B) some questions to find out the followinginformation about the product.

• its purpose• how it functions• good points• its price

You speak first.

Student B

You are a sales assistant in a shop. A customer (Student A)asks you some questions about a new electronicdictionary advertised as ‘English in your pocket’. Thisinformation will help you answer the questions.

• new translating machine• speak into microphone, translation on screen• small, voice responsive, accurate• £250

Wait for your partner to speak first.

© Oxford University Press PHOTOCOPIABLE New Matrix Intermediate

Test 7

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4 It is possible to make a between predictions andactual results.a comparison b scale

5 The of becoming a millionaire are not very high.a statistics b chances

6 Can you the height of these books to see if they’llfit in the bookshelf?a assess b measure

7 It’s that it will rain later today.a believable b likely

8 On a of 1–10, how good did you think the filmwas?a scale b measure

9 Is there any of receiving the money today?a likelihood b certainty

10 The show that more people do extreme sportstoday than ever before.a consequences b statistics

3 Make expressions with words from each column and usethem to complete the sentences.

in top speedmake good shapeon outwork a run for itat top form

1 When the police arrived the thieves had to

.

2 Our football team haven’t played so well for ages. They

were and won the match easily.

3 The ambulance driver went all the way

to the hospital.

4 If I don’t every day I put on weight.

5 Michelle’s been training regularly for six months and I

think she’s for the competition.

4 Replace the words in italics with these expressions.

• put you through to • call you back • get in • hang up • held up

1 Please don’t put the phone down, I need to ask you some

more questions.

2 I shall connect you to Mr Parker. He’s responsible for that

department.

3 If you’re delayed for any reason, please let us know.

5

10

© Oxford University Press PHOTOCOPIABLENew Matrix Intermediate

Name:

Class:Test 8

Reading1 Read this extract from an article about risk takers and

decide whether statements 1–5 are true or falseaccording to the text. Write T or F in each box.

Addicted to risk

For some people risk is essential to their lives. They likeuncertainty and excitement, whereas others are happy tofollow a known path, preferring security and safety to theunexpected. For the risk takers, dangers and challengesgive them a feeling similar to that of drinking alcohol ortaking drugs. It can be said they have become addicted torisk. They are prepared to risk their health, money andeven their freedom.

The search for more and more extreme sports continuesand people are constantly trying to enter the recordbooks. How long can a person spend under water andhow deep can that person go? How many days cansomeone live without food, or even water? There arepeople who spend their lives trying to answer questionslike these.

Others risk what money they have to make more, eitherat the casino or in business. We often criticise the casinoaddicts for risking their money through gambling, butpraise the business risk takers for their courage. Thesepeople cannot stop whatever they achieve because theycan always see the next goal to aim for.

Risk taking can even attract people to crime. Getting awaywith a crime can become a way of life. The risk here isbeing caught and punished.

However, without risk takers our world would not be thesame. It would be less exciting, less competitive and itshould be remembered that if pioneers, inventors andexplorers had not lived on the edge, life today would becompletely different.

1 Most people like to take risks.2 Taking a risk is not like taking drugs.3 Some people risk their lives trying to break records.4 We often admire gamblers.5 Some risk takers have done good things

for the world.

Vocabulary2 Choose the correct answer, a or b.

1 Your teacher will your work at the end of term.a measure b assess

2 The riskometer the risk of doing something.a assesses b measures

3 We should always consider the of our actions.a consequences b reasons

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4 Mrs Atkinson will phone you as soon as she finishes her

meeting. Thank you for calling.

5 Does Steve ever arrive at work before 10 o’clock?

Grammar5 Combine these pairs of sentences to make one sentence

using either a defining or non-defining relative clause.

1 Janet’s father works at the bank. He’s very clever.

Janet’s father 2 That’s the restaurant. We had a meal there on my

birthday.

That’s the restaurant 3 Ruth bought a new car last week. It’s broken down

already.

The car 4 My best friend went to England last year. His name is

Alex.

My best friend 5 We took a ferry to France. It had five restaurants.

The ferry 6 The hotel was very old and beautiful. It was by a lake.

The hotel 7 I spoke to a man on the phone. He told me to call back

later.

The man 8 My grandmother took a trip on a helicopter. She is

seventy-five.

My grandmother 9 I wrote a story for the competition. It won first prize.

The story 10 I chose a pair of trainers. They were the most expensive.

I chose

6 Fill the gaps with who, which, where, or 0 (to show norelative pronoun is needed).

I read an article in the newspaper yesterday1 was very interesting. It was about a

woman 2 had lost her memory for five

years. The woman, 3 loved dangerous

sports, had jumped with a parachute from a plane and had

landed badly. Fortunately, the field 4 she

landed in had long grass and she didn’t break any bones.

However, she hit her head 5 caused her to

lose her memory. 5

10

5

Writing7 You have decided to go on the holiday advertised below.

Write a letter (120–150 words) to a friend telling themabout it.

MOUNTAIN BIKING IN PERU

Experience adventure in the Andes mountains inPeru

Join us for a 14-night camping trip in some of the mostchallenging mountain conditions in South America.Bikes, tents and all food are included in the price. Bring a sleeping bag and arrange your own flight toLima. We will collect you at the airport and drop you offthere at the end of the trip.

SpeakingAsking for and giving information

Student A

You would like to be a driving instructor. Your friend(Student B) does this job and you ask him / her somequestions about it. Ask about the following:

• good points about the job.• bad points.• dangers.• qualities you need.• how well paid.

You speak first.

Student B

You are a driving instructor and your friend (Student A) isthinking about doing the same job. Answer his / herquestions using this information:

• meet a lot of people, like cars and driving, good whenpeople pass.

• hard work, long hours.• some people are dangerous drivers.• must be patient, good driver, calm.• not very well paid but OK.

Wait for your partner to speak first.

50Total

10

© Oxford University Press PHOTOCOPIABLE New Matrix Intermediate

Test 8

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2020

Vocabulary2 Complete the sentences with these words and phrases.

• in the wild • tranquillised • cages • jungle • conservation• hunters • national parks • endangered species • trucks • natural disasters

1 The giant panda is one of the best loved

– we must protect them.2 have killed enormous numbers of

elephants in Africa.3 Some animals can no longer be found

because they live in specially-protected areas.

4 Before moving heavy animals, they need to be

first with a special gun.

5 Many people believe it is cruel to keep animals in

.6 There are many in the USA where

animals can live freely but are still protected.7 happen all over the world, but some

areas are at greater risk than others.8 Large animals can be transported in

when they have to be moved.9 Countries often work together on

projects.10 Protecting animals in the can be a

problem because there are few paths or roads through it.

3 Underline the correct word in each sentence.

1 The forest fire was a disaster / accident in which hundredsof animals were killed.

2 For many people in the poorer areas of the country it is astruggle / training to live.

3 Luckily, no one was badly hurt in the car disaster /accident.

4 Did you consider / realise Dave was standing behind youwhile you were talking about him?

5 This bracelet is fabulous / precious to me. It was mygrandmother’s.

4 Replace the words in italics with one of these phrasalverbs in the correct form.

• bring about • wake up • settle into • wear off• come round

1 I’ve been tired all morning. The sleeping tablet I took last

night has taken a long time to lose its effect.

2 I open my eyes every morning at six o’clock exactly.

5

10

© Oxford University Press PHOTOCOPIABLENew Matrix Intermediate

Name:

Class:Test 9

Reading1 Read the following article about polar bears and decide

whether statements 1–5 are true or false. Write T or F ineach box.

Successful protection

The beautiful white polar bear, which lives in the coldarctic climate, is a relatively new species – only 150,000years old. It is a descendant of the brown bear whichmoved north in its search for food. Over time the bearchanged shape and developed different teeth and a whitecoat to adapt to life on the ice.

Like many other beautiful animals it was hunted by manuntil the decreasing number of bears started to concernthe five countries they live in. Norway, Canada, theUnited States, the Soviet Union and Denmark (Greenlandis part of the Kingdom of Denmark) took action in the1960s to protect the polar bear. Thanks to their efforts,the polar bear population is firmly established again.

Norway and the Soviet Union made hunting completelyillegal. Canada regularly checks the number of bears andlimits the amount of hunting. The United States andGreenland both allow a certain number of bears to bekilled each year by people who are native to the areas(such as Eskimos) and depend on the bear to supporttheir lives. Canada and Norway both have protected areaswhere the bears can live in safety from hunters. In 1973the five countries signed an international protectionagreement.

Today there are new fears. Russia is worried about illegalhunting and also believes that the bears are in dangerfrom oil spills from ships in the rivers that lead to theArctic Ocean. Poisons have been found in the bears. Thisis possibly a result of water pollution which passes alongthe food chain, as animals hunt and are hunted by otheranimals. The poison gets stronger by the time it reachesthe bears.

The steps taken to protect these animals have, so far,been successful and are a good example of howinternational concern and co-operation can preventspecies from becoming endangered. It is hoped that thenew dangers the bears face can be dealt with aseffectively.

1 The brown bear is the ancestor of the polar bear.2 The number of polar bears today is increasing.3 Some hunting is still legal.4 Water pollution is a danger because the bears

eat animals which are poisoned.5 The polar bear is no longer endangered.

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3 The film about the terrible life of bears in cages was

responsible for a change in the law.

4 When you get a new cat it can take several days for it to

become familiar with its new home.

5 He became conscious two hours after the operation.

Grammar5 Complete the second sentence so that it means the

same as the first sentence.

1 I’m not a teacher because I don’t have the qualifications.

If I 2 I’m studying Maths because I like it.

If I 3 Going for a walk depends on the rain stopping.

If the rain 4 Rita might lose her job because she doesn’t work very

hard.

If Rita 5 I’d like to buy a big present for him but I haven’t got

enough money.

If I 6 Ben wants to go to the cinema but it depends on his

girlfriend feeling well enough.

If Ben’s girlfriend 7 You must slow down. We might get a fine for speeding.

If you 8 I’d like to buy a new car, but I need to sell my old one.

If someone 9 I’m at work so I can’t sunbathe in the park.

If I 10 I can’t give you a lift because my car’s at the garage.

If my car

6 Complete the sentences using the verbs in the bracketsin the correct form and could or would when necessary.

1 Lucy’s parents are going to Spain on holiday, but she has

to go to school. She wishes she (go)

with them.

2 I’d love to buy that black dress. I wish I

(have) the money.

3 We need to leave now. I wish you

(hurry up).

4 Marcus always forgets things. He wishes he

(not have) such a bad memory.

5 Shona gets embarrassed when she’s in Nick’s yellow car.

She wishes it (not be) such a bright

colour.5

5

5

© Oxford University Press PHOTOCOPIABLE New Matrix Intermediate

Test 9

MORE POLICE ON OUR STREETS

Security cameras don’t stop the thieves

Violence on streets increasing

NEIGHBOURS JOIN TOGETHER TO FIGHT CRIME

Writing7 Write a composition of 200–250 words with the title:

If you had enough money to travel anywhere in theworld, which three places would you visit and why?

SpeakingStimulus-based discussion: crime today

Preparation time: 1 minute. Work in pairs.

You have 3–4 minutes to have a discussion based on theseheadlines, photographs and questions.

Questions

1 What do the photos show?2 Why do you think people commit crimes like these?3 Which crimes concern you most?4 What can ordinary people to do stop crime?5 What other ways are there to reduce the crime rate?

50Total

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4 According to the writer, in today’s worlda we don’t have so much free time.b train journeys are more interesting than before.c we don’t need to spend so much time in the office.d we have more work to do.

5 The writer concludes that in the futurea we may see negative results from a faster pace of life.b we’ll never get used to the increased pace of life.c it will be better to do things more quickly.d life will be very expensive.

Vocabulary2 Complete the text using these words.

• acquire • calmly • idyllic • doze • hustle and bustle

My parents recently bought a(n) 1 cottage

in Spain. It has a balcony where they can 2

in the afternoons. In the mornings they can watch the3 of the local market while they sit4 drinking their coffee. They managed to5 the cottage six months ago after

searching for two years. They love living in Spain.

3 Complete the sentences with these adjectives.

• appalling • optimistic • amazing • impressed • desirable

1 Did you hear that story about the catthat travelled 200 miles to find its owner?

2 The apartment for sale near the river is in an extremely

street. We’d never be able to afford it.3 The doctors are that our neighbour will

make a full recovery.4 It was a(n) film. I was so bored I left

before the end.5 The judges were so by Peter’s

performance that they awarded him first prize.

4 Complete the phrasal verbs with these words.

• on • in • out • up • after

1 David refused to take part the race.2 The college takes extra teachers every

summer.

3 People from all over the world have sent

suggestions for the new TV series.

4 The hotel is losing money and unfortunately can’t keep

all the waiters.5 I gave eating chocolate for two weeks.

6 Clare wanted to rent a flat of her own but she ended

living with her aunt.

7 When the children were young, Kim’s husband stayed at

home to look them.

5

5

5

© Oxford University Press PHOTOCOPIABLENew Matrix Intermediate

Name:

Class:Test 10

Reading1 Read the text and circle the best answer, a, b, c or d.

The speed of life

How much faster can life become? Will people be able tocope, both physically and mentally? The original idea oftime-saving devices is to make certain tasks and activitiesquicker and easier, but over time, these devices havebrought about dramatic changes to our lifestyle that arenot necessarily good for us in the long term.

We can see this particularly in the field ofcommunication. The mobile phone, one of the mostpopular, affordable and available means ofcommunication has given us freedom and speed. Wehave the freedom to phone when and from where welike. Because of this, information passes between peoplewithout the need to meet face to face.

Mobile phones have also greatly increased the speed oflife. We can communicate business ideas from a car parkor even from the bath! Accidents can be reportedimmediately and getting injured people to a hospitalmore quickly saves lives. Time is saved in so many ways,some of them very simple. While waiting for someone ina café – you can phone them from your table to givethem directions, again saving valuable time.

However, in spite of increasing our freedom in manyways, we are beginning to see a restriction of freedom inother ways. Business can now be conducted on the trainto work and this journey is no longer relaxing. It is theoffice. Business done here means more time for morebusiness later on. In addition to this, we can now becontacted even when we don’t want to be. Many peoplecannot bear to switch off the phone in case of emergencyand if you do switch it off, you’ll later be asked why!

Mobile phones are just one way we can see that faster isnot necessarily better, but life moves on and we shallmanage. The question is – what will be the eventual cost?

1 Time-saving devices havea changed our lives for the better.b not really changed our lives at all.c changed our lives in both good and bad ways.d changed how we think about tasks.

2 Mobile phones allow us toa have cheaper phone bills.b phone from anywhere we like.c see and hear the person on the phone.d send messages very quickly.

3 Because of mobile phonesa we can talk to our friends from the bath.b business partners often meet in car parks.c there are more accidents.d we don’t waste so much time.

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Test 10

8 Robert pulled the race at the lastminute because he had hurt his ankle.

9 Jo took her new job as assistantdirector on Monday.

10 The robbers carried their plan andstole two million pounds from the bank.

Grammar5 Rewrite the statements in reported speech using these

reporting verbs.

• recommend • promise • complain • suggest • tell • agree• admit • confess • add • explain

1 ‘Both the meal and the service were appalling,’ she said.

She 2 ‘Meg, I’m going to a job interview today,’ said Susan.

Susan 3 ‘I would also like to say that I have never seen such good

work,’ said the Sales Director.

The Sales Director 4 ‘Let’s go to the football match on Saturday,’ said Mike.

Mike 5 ‘Try the restaurant in Silver Street,’ said Jane.

Jane 6 ‘I think your conclusions are right John,’ said the teacher.

The teacher 7 ‘I stole the necklace,’ said the boy.

The boy 8 ‘Don’t worry Ben, I’ll definitely help you with the essay.’

said his brother.

Ben’s brother 9 ‘I’m late home because I went to the supermarket,’ said Pat.

Pat 10 ‘OK. You’re right. I was in the café at 8 o’clock,’ said Mark.

Mark

6 Change the following statements into reportedquestions.

1 ‘What are you reading, Janet?’ asked Julian.

2 ‘Do you often travel to London?’ the teacher asked theclass.

3 ‘How many times have you been to Scotland?’ Jamesasked Bill.

4 ‘Have you ever been skiing?’ Ben asked his uncle.

5 ‘Will you give me a lift tomorrow afternoon?’ Tom askedhis mother.

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Writing7 You see this job advertisement in the local newspaper.

Write a letter of application addressing the pointsmentioned in the advertisement. (120–150 words)

SpeakingPhoto discussion

In pairs, Student A look at photographs 1, Student B look atphotographs 2. Take it in turns to ask and answer questionsabout the photographs.

Student A: ask B

• what he / she can see in the photo.• what issues are shown in the photo.• what action the government should take.• how he / she copes in this situation.

Student B: ask A

• what the photo shows.• what problem the photo shows.• how the person could protect himself.• how this situation could be avoided.

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Are you a caring person?Malford West Centre for the homeless needs you

We are looking for an enthusiastic and caring young person to join our team running the centre.

• Do you get on well with people of all ages?• Do you have good organisational skills?• Do you have any experience of looking after others?• Are you responsible and reliable?

If you answered ‘yes’ to these questions, we would like to hearfrom you.

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3 Replace the words and phrases in italics with the correctform of these phrasal verbs.

• pull out of • bring about • hold up • give up • wear off• get by • work out • come up with • keep up with • take part in

1 I try to exercise five times a week.

2 My brother thought of a great idea for the party.

3 Sandy walks too fast for me to go at the same speed as

her.

4 When you’re out of work you have to manage to live on a

smaller income.

5 The car broke down in the city centre but luckily it was

moved quickly so it didn’t delay the traffic.

6 The dentist gave me an injection so I didn’t feel anything,

but it lost effect quite quickly.

7 Great changes in communication have been made possible

by computers.

8 Kirsty couldn’t enter the marathon because she was ill.

9 Several countries have already left the international

discussions about the environment.

10 You mustn’t stop trying. You’ll succeed in the end.

4 Underline the correct word in each sentence.

1 He never stops to consider the reasons / consequences ofhis actions.

2 I hope the new parking fees don’t upset the residents /refugees in this area.

3 It is likely / believable that more endangered species willbe protected by government action.

4 The forest fires were a(n) accident / disaster for thecountry.

5 Most staff have worked in this company for a long time,so I’d be nervous / cautious about introducing bigchanges, if I were you.

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© Oxford University Press PHOTOCOPIABLENew Matrix Intermediate

Name:

Class:Progress test 2

Reading1 Each of the sentences a–e fits into a gap in the text

about body language at interviews. Decide where eachsentence fits best.

a Another piece of advice is to develop a firm handshake –weak handshakes never impress.

b These actions should be kept to a minimum during a jobinterview.

c It is simply unfortunate if the interviewer happens to beleft-handed.

d In general men have an advantage when it comes torevealing nervousness through body language.

e Keep your chin up and try to look either at the desk or atthe interviewer.

Tips for body language during interviews

There are several crucial points about body language tobe aware of. 1 They tend to sit still, whereaswomen often move their arms a lot or cross their legsand swing the top leg, or clutch at their handbags.2

Keeping control of facial expressions is the most difficultart to master. Try to nod occasionally when questions arebeing asked, but avoid looking like a toy dog with anodding head. 3 Never look at a point just abovethe interviewer’s head – it will make him or her nervous.

4 But wait to have your hand shaken by theinterviewer rather than making the first move. If you arecarrying a bag when you enter the room, it is veryimportant to keep it in the left hand to makehandshaking easier. 5

Vocabulary2 Complete the sentences with these adjectives.

• apprehensive • confident • unmistakeable • impressed • uneventful

1 Our new Spanish teacher seemed very by how much we had already learned.

2 Larry was about asking his boss formore time off. She hadn’t been very happy about it lasttime.

3 I wasn’t looking forward to such a long plane journeywith my sister’s young children, but it was

and went very well.

4 Dave thought Sheila was away on holiday, but as he

entered the office he heard her voice.

5 Although Mary spoke quietly and was quite nervous

during the interview, she was about her ability to do the job.

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Grammar5 Complete the gaps with the correct form of the verbs in

brackets. Use the simple past or present perfect, in apassive form, if necessary.

I 1 ( just read) the most fantastic book.

It 2 (write) by an American woman who3 (spend) a year living in the Arctic.

I 4 (always want) to travel to colder

countries and I 5 (try) to find a good

travel book about the Arctic for ages.

6 Complete the sentences with who, which, where or 0(if no relative pronoun is needed).

1 The letter, had already been opened,was on the table.

2 The birthday present I sent to my sistergot lost in the post.

3 On Saturday, I met an interesting man had spent 10 years in Australia.

4 They stayed at the hotel the story of‘Mungo’ was filmed.

5 I’m sorry, but the assistant I spoke togave me the wrong price.

7 Complete the sentences using the verbs in brackets inthe correct form, and add could or would if necessary.

1 I wish I (go) to Italy with you but I’vegot to be at work that week.

2 If I (have) a newer car, I would drive itthrough Europe on holiday.

3 I wish you (see) me now! I’m lying on abeach in the sunshine.

4 If I finish my work in time, I (visit) youon my way home.

5 If Martin did more exercise he (not be)so overweight.

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8 Rewrite this dialogue in reported speech.

Anne Do you like living in London?Mark I preferred Paris. When are you going back to

America?Anne I’ll be moving back in six months. I’ve had a really

good time in England.

Listening9 Listen to a radio programme about an author and

choose the correct answer a, b or c.

1 Today, the author, J.K.Rowlinga lives in Edinburgh.b writes fairytales.c has an expensive house.

2 Before she became famous shea went to university abroad.b was an English teacher.c had two children.

3 She wrote her first booka while her daughter was still a baby.b using a computer.c while working in a café.

4 The Harry Potter books are so successful that theya have won four awards.b are sold in 30 countries.c have been published in 33 languages.

5 Her latest book is unusual becausea all the new copies of it were destroyed in a flood.b so many people ordered it before it was published.c booksellers sold more of it than any new book before.

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© Oxford University Press PHOTOCOPIABLE New Matrix Intermediate

Progress test 2