
My friends at work.
Speaking exercise 6 on page 12 in pairs.

My friends at work.
Speaking exercise 6 on page 12 in pairs.
PART 5 – Multiple Choice Reading (6 items)
Read the article and choose the correct answer (A, B, C
or D) for questions 31–36.
Living with Constant Connection
Not long ago, people checked their emails once or twice a
day. Today, many of us receive notifications every few minutes. Smartphones
allow us to stay connected wherever we are, but they also make it difficult to
switch off.
Researchers have found that people often interrupt tasks to
check messages, even when those messages are not important. As a result,
concentration can suffer. Some experts compare this behaviour to constantly
changing television channels without ever watching a complete programme.
However, digital communication also offers clear benefits.
Families living in different countries can stay in touch easily, and businesses
can collaborate across continents. During emergencies, information can be
shared almost instantly.
The challenge is finding a balance. Technology itself is not
the problem; rather, it is how people choose to use it. Those who set limits on
screen time often report feeling more productive and less stressed.
PART 5 – MULTIPLE-CHOICE READING
Questions 31–36
Read the text and choose the answer (A, B, C or D) which
best answers the questions.
The Future of Car Ownership
For decades, car ownership was considered a symbol of
independence and prosperity. In many countries, obtaining a driving licence and
purchasing a first vehicle represented a significant milestone in a person's
life. Today, however, this long-established relationship with the car appears
to be changing.
One reason is economic. Fuel prices, insurance premiums and
maintenance costs have increased considerably. For many young adults,
especially those living in cities, owning a car no longer seems financially
attractive. Public transport systems have improved in many urban areas, while
ride-sharing services have provided an alternative means of transport.
Technology has also played a role. The growth of remote
working has reduced the need for daily commuting. In the past, travelling to an
office five days a week was the norm. Today, many employees work from home for
at least part of the week, reducing the necessity of owning a vehicle.
Environmental concerns are another important factor. Growing
awareness of climate change has encouraged some people to reduce their
dependence on private cars. Cycling and public transport are increasingly
viewed as responsible alternatives rather than inconvenient compromises.
Despite these trends, experts warn against assuming that car
ownership will continue to decline indefinitely. Economic recovery, population
growth and expanding suburban developments could all increase demand for
private vehicles in the future. Furthermore, car ownership is still rising
rapidly in many developing countries where economic growth is creating new
opportunities for consumers.
What is clear is that attitudes towards cars are becoming
more complex. While ownership may no longer represent the same aspirations it
once did, the car remains an important part of modern life.
Questions
A To explain why governments should ban private cars
B To compare different public transport systems
C To describe changing attitudes towards car ownership
D To encourage people to cycle more often
A They dislike driving.
B Public transport is free.
C Driving licences are harder to obtain.
D The costs associated with car ownership are high.
A The growth of remote working
B Rising fuel prices
C Improved cycling infrastructure
D Environmental campaigns
A It is replacing cars completely.
B It is often viewed as a practical alternative.
C It is only useful in large cities.
D It is becoming less popular.
A Governments may ban private vehicles.
B Environmental concerns may disappear.
C Car ownership could increase again in some circumstances.
D Public transport systems may collapse.
A Cars will soon disappear from cities.
B Car ownership is no longer relevant.
C Environmental issues have solved traffic problems.
D People's relationship with cars is becoming more
complicated.
PART 2 – OPEN CLOZE
Questions 9–16
For questions 9–16, read the text below and think of the
word which best fits each gap. Use only ONE word for each gap.
Protecting Wildlife
Climate change is affecting ecosystems across the world.
Many species are struggling to adapt to changing conditions, and some may
disappear altogether.
Not (9) ______ scientists begun to understand the full
consequences of global warming did governments start taking action.
One of the greatest threats is habitat destruction. Forests
are cleared for agriculture and urban development, leaving animals with nowhere
to live. Some species are now on the brink (10) ______ extinction.
Conservationists argue that protecting habitats is every bit
as important (11) ______ protecting individual animals. They also point out
that public education can have a significant effect (12) ______ people's
behaviour.
Many environmental organisations depend upon donations (13) ______ members of the public. Without such support,
they would struggle to carry (14) ______ their conservation programmes.
Fortunately, awareness of environmental issues has
increased. More consumers are cutting (15) ______ on waste and choosing
products with less packaging. If this trend continues, there is hope (16)
______ future generations will inherit a healthier planet.
PART 1 – MULTIPLE-CHOICE CLOZE
Questions 1–8
For questions 1–8, read the text below and decide which
answer (A, B, C or D) best fits each gap.
Green Transport: A Changing Landscape
Traffic congestion has become one of the most serious
problems facing modern cities. During rush hour, long traffic (1) ______
develop on roads leading into urban centres, increasing fuel consumption and
frustration among commuters.
Environmental groups have repeatedly warned about the
effects of vehicle emissions. (2) ______, many local authorities have invested
heavily in cleaner forms of transport, including electric buses and cycling
networks.
Some critics claim that individual efforts are only a (3)
______ in the ocean when compared with the scale of global environmental
challenges. Others disagree and argue that collective action can bring about
significant change.
Young adults are also altering their travel habits. Instead
of purchasing cars, many choose to rely (4) ______ public transport or shared
mobility services.
Researchers have noticed another interesting trend. (5)
______ had remote working become widespread than traffic volumes began to
decline in several major cities.
(6) ______, some experts remain cautious. They point out
that economic growth could encourage people to return to private vehicles.
Nevertheless, governments are determined to press (7) ______ with sustainable
transport policies while environmental organisations continue to campaign (8)
______ stricter emissions standards.
Questions
For questions 9–16, read the text below and think of the word which best fits each gap. Use only one word in each gap.
Many people dream (9) ______ becoming famous. They imagine travelling the world, meeting interesting people and earning large amounts of money. However, life in the public eye is not always as enjoyable (10) ______ it seems.
Celebrities are expected to behave well because millions of people look (11) ______ to them. As a result, they often feel pressure to set a good example. In addition, journalists may follow them everywhere, making it difficult (12) ______ maintain any privacy.
Some famous people admit (13) ______ they regret certain comments they made when they were younger. Others say they would not change anything because their mistakes helped them learn.
Whether fame is a positive experience depends (14) ______ the individual. Some enjoy the attention, whereas others prefer to stay (15) ______ of the spotlight whenever possible. What is certain, however, is that fame brings challenges (16) ______ well as opportunities.
For questions 1–8, read the text below and decide which answer (A, B, C or D) best fits each gap.
Technology has completely changed the way people communicate. Instead of writing letters, many people now use social media and instant messaging to keep in (1) ______ with friends and relatives.
Scientists continue to make important (2) ______ in areas such as medicine and renewable energy. New devices are also becoming more user-friendly and affordable.
Many businesses now (3) ______ online meetings instead of requiring staff to travel long distances. This saves both time and money. However, some experts believe that people are becoming too dependent (4) ______ technology.
Despite these concerns, there is little doubt that technological (5) ______ have improved many aspects of modern life. From mobile phones to satellites, innovations continue to play a vital (6) ______ in society.
Of course, technology also creates challenges. Users need to protect their personal (7) ______ and learn how to identify unreliable information. Nevertheless, most people would agree that the benefits (8) ______ the disadvantages.
My friends at work. Silvia is bossy because she likes giving orders. Emily is optimistic because she always thinks that everything is poss...