Elevator Technology

PART 5 – Multiple Choice Cloze (Questions 21–26)

Choose A, B, C or D.

Elevator Technology

Modern elevators use advanced technology to improve safety and efficiency. One important development is the flat belt system.

This system is stronger than (21) ______ steel cables and can last much longer.

It also reduces the noise produced by (22) ______ parts in the machine.

Another advantage is that the system is very (23) ______ efficient, which reduces electricity consumption.

Because the machine is smaller, it can be placed directly in the elevator shaft, saving (24) ______ inside the building.

The system also includes sensors that (25) ______ the condition of the belts and detect possible problems.

As a result, maintenance engineers can (26) ______ faults before they cause serious damage.

21

A normal

B usual

C conventional

D standard

22

A moving

B working

C operating

D running

23

A energy

B power

C electricity

D fuel

24

A place

B space

C area

D size

25

A control

B check

C monitor

D watch

26

A discover

B identify

C repair

D inspect

The Idea of a Space Elevator

PART 4 – Gapped Text (Questions 16–20)

Read the article about space elevator technology.

Five sentences have been removed from the text.

Choose from the sentences A–F the one which fits each gap (16–20).

There is one extra sentence which you do not need to use.

The Idea of a Space Elevator

For many years, rockets have been the only way to transport equipment and people into space. However, engineers and scientists have explored alternative technologies that might make space travel cheaper and safer in the future.

16 ______

The basic concept involves building an extremely long cable stretching from the Earth’s surface to a satellite positioned high above the planet in orbit. This cable would act like a track along which special vehicles could travel.

17 ______

These vehicles would move slowly along the cable, carrying supplies, satellites or even astronauts into space. Instead of using explosive rocket fuel, the vehicles could be powered by electromagnetic systems or solar energy.

Although the idea sounds simple, engineers face several important technical challenges.

18 ______

The cable would need to be incredibly strong and lightweight in order to support not only the weight of the vehicles but also its own enormous length. At present, scientists are researching new materials such as advanced carbon structures that might provide the necessary strength.

Energy supply is another challenge.

19 ______

Some engineers believe electricity could be transmitted wirelessly to the vehicles as they travel upward. Others suggest solar panels could generate power during the journey.

Despite these challenges, many experts believe the concept could transform the future of space travel.

20 ______

If successful, the system could allow regular transport of equipment into orbit while reducing the environmental impact of rocket launches.

 

Sentences:

A These lift vehicles are sometimes called “climbers” because they climb the cable toward space.

B One idea that has attracted attention is the concept of a space elevator.

C Engineers must also find an efficient way to power the lift vehicles.

D Scientists are currently investigating materials strong enough for the cable.

E The system might dramatically reduce the cost of launching objects into orbit.

F Rockets will probably remain the only transport method for the next century.

GPS Technology

PART 3 – Multiple Choice (Questions 11–15)

Read the text and choose A, B, C or D.

GPS Technology

Global Positioning System (GPS) technology was originally developed for military use but is now widely used in engineering and everyday life.

A GPS receiver calculates its position by receiving signals from several satellites orbiting the Earth. By comparing the time taken for signals to arrive, the device can determine its exact location.

Engineers use GPS technology in many applications. For example, it helps monitor delivery vehicles, guide aircraft and ships, and measure land during surveying projects.

Modern GPS devices are extremely accurate. Because of this, manufacturers now focus on improving additional features such as reliability, battery life and ease of use.

As satellite technology improves, GPS systems will become even more useful for engineering projects around the world.

11 What was GPS originally developed for?

A Engineering

B Military use

C Navigation

D Transport

12 How does GPS find a position?

A By measuring signal time

B By using maps

C By sending radio signals

D By scanning satellites

13 Which application is mentioned in the text?

A Weather prediction

B Vehicle tracking

C Power generation

D Construction design

14 Why are new GPS features being developed?

A Devices are expensive.

B Accuracy is already very good.

C Satellites are unreliable.

D Engineers need new equipment.

15 What does the writer suggest about the future of GPS?

A It will replace satellites.

B It will become less important.

C It will be used more widely.

D It will become cheaper.

Five engineers looking for specific information related to their work

PART 2 – Matching (Questions 6–10)

Five engineers are looking for specific information related to their work.
Read the descriptions of the people (6–10) and the engineering texts (A–H).
Match each person with the most suitable text.

There are three extra texts.

People

6 Maria
Maria works for a logistics company that delivers equipment to construction sites. Her company wants a system that allows managers to see where their vehicles are at any moment and check if deliveries are on schedule.

7 Ahmed
Ahmed is preparing a report about sustainable engineering. He needs information about materials that can be reused after products reach the end of their life cycle.

8 Laura
Laura is an engineer working on navigation systems for ships. She wants to learn more about technology that helps vessels determine their position and travel safely at sea.

9 Daniel
Daniel is interested in future space technologies. He is particularly curious about ideas that could make it possible to transport equipment and people into space without using rockets.

10 Sofia
Sofia is a civil engineer working on the early stages of a skyscraper project. She needs information about the structures that support buildings below ground level.

Texts

A Maritime Navigation Systems

Modern ships use satellite navigation systems to determine their exact position on the ocean. By receiving signals from satellites, these systems help captains navigate safely, avoid dangerous areas and maintain their planned routes. Many ships also use automatic alarms that warn the crew if the vessel begins to drift away from its position.

B Space Elevator Concept

A space elevator is a proposed transportation system that could carry materials and people into space without rockets. The concept involves a very strong cable connecting the Earth to a satellite in orbit. Lift vehicles would travel along the cable carrying equipment and supplies. Although the idea is still theoretical, engineers are researching materials strong enough to make it possible.

C Pile Foundations in Construction

Before building large structures such as bridges or skyscrapers, engineers must create strong foundations. One common solution is the use of pile foundations. These are long columns driven deep into the ground to support the weight of the building above. Piles can be made of steel or reinforced concrete and are designed to reach stable soil layers.

D GPS Vehicle Tracking

Many companies use GPS tracking systems to manage vehicle fleets. Small GPS devices installed in trucks or cars receive signals from satellites and calculate their exact position. Managers can monitor vehicle movements in real time, improve delivery schedules and ensure drivers follow the most efficient routes.

E Recycling Engineering Materials

Recycling plays an important role in sustainable engineering. Materials such as steel, aluminium, glass and rubber can often be reused after products are discarded. Recycling reduces the need to extract new raw materials and saves energy during production. Engineers are increasingly designing products that are easier to recycle at the end of their life.

F Elevator Drive Technology

Modern elevators use advanced drive systems that improve efficiency and reduce noise. New designs replace traditional steel cables with flat belts made from coated steel. These belts last longer and require less maintenance. Because the machines are smaller, they can be installed directly inside the elevator shaft, saving valuable space in buildings.

G Laboratory Safety Procedures

Engineering laboratories contain complex machines and electrical equipment that must be used carefully. Before operating any device, technicians should check cables, power supplies and safety systems. Wearing protective equipment and following safety instructions helps prevent accidents and ensures experiments are carried out correctly.

H Pump Design Improvements

Engineers constantly work to improve pump designs used in industrial systems. New pump profiles reduce vibration and noise while increasing efficiency. Sensors can also monitor performance and detect faults early. These improvements help reduce maintenance costs and ensure pumps operate reliably in demanding environments.

Sports Training

 Part  8– Multiple Matching (Questions 47–56)

You are going to read four short texts about sports training.

For questions 47–56, choose from the texts A–D.

The texts may be chosen more than once.

Text A – Learning the Basics

When people first begin a sport, they often want to improve as quickly as possible. However, experienced coaches emphasise that progress should be gradual. Beginners sometimes try to imitate advanced athletes immediately, which can lead to frustration or injury.

Instead, they should concentrate on mastering the basic techniques before attempting more difficult skills. Improvement rarely happens overnight. It is usually the result of steady practice over a long period of time.

Another important lesson is patience. Athletes who accept that progress is slow tend to remain motivated and enjoy the learning process far more than those who expect instant success.

Text B – The Mental Side of Sport

Many athletes focus entirely on physical preparation, yet mental training can be just as important. Before competitions, athletes often visualise their performance in order to feel more confident and prepared.

Motivation also plays a key role. When athletes remain enthusiastic about their sport, they are more likely to train consistently and overcome setbacks.

For this reason, coaches often encourage athletes to set long-term goals rather than concentrating solely on immediate results. Thinking about future achievements can help them remain focused and determined even during difficult training periods.

Text C – The Role of Coaches

A good coach does far more than simply organise training sessions. Coaches guide athletes through the learning process, offering advice and encouragement when progress seems slow.

One of their most important responsibilities is ensuring that athletes do not train excessively. Overtraining can lead to injuries, fatigue and a loss of motivation.

Coaches also help athletes analyse their previous performances. By identifying mistakes and understanding what went wrong, athletes can improve their strategies in future competitions.

Text D – Variety in Training

Many athletes benefit from including a variety of activities in their training programmes. Instead of repeating the same exercises every day, they may practise different skills or train in different locations.

This variety can help athletes develop a wider range of abilities while also reducing boredom. It also allows them to balance different types of physical activity, such as endurance training, strength exercises and technical practice.

By combining these different approaches, athletes are more likely to develop the flexibility and adaptability needed for high-level competition.

The Importance of Recovery in Athletic Training

Part 7 – Gapped Text (Questions 41–46)

You are going to read an article about recovery in sports training.

Six sentences have been removed from the article.

Choose from the sentences A–G the one which fits each gap 41–46.

There is one extra sentence which you do not need to use.

 

The Importance of Recovery in Athletic Training

Many athletes believe that the only way to improve their performance is by training harder and more frequently. They assume that the more time they spend exercising, the better their results will be. (41) ______. However, sports scientists increasingly argue that this view ignores a crucial element of effective training.

During intense exercise, muscles experience tiny tears in their fibres. These small injuries are a natural part of the training process and are actually necessary for physical development. (42) ______. Without this process, the benefits of exercise would be limited.

Rest is therefore not simply a break from training but an essential component of improvement. Athletes who fail to include sufficient recovery time in their schedules often find that their performance begins to decline rather than improve. In some cases, they may even develop long-term injuries that require months of rehabilitation. (43) ______.

Sleep plays a particularly important role in recovery. While the body is asleep, it releases hormones that help repair damaged tissues and regulate energy levels. (44) ______. For this reason, many professional athletes treat sleep as seriously as their training sessions.

Nutrition also contributes significantly to the recovery process. After intense exercise, the body needs a supply of nutrients to rebuild muscle tissue and restore energy reserves. (45) ______. Without proper nutrition, even the most carefully designed training programme may fail to produce the desired results.

Finally, psychological recovery should not be overlooked. Training continuously without mental breaks can lead to exhaustion, reduced motivation and even burnout. (46) ______. Taking occasional rest days or participating in relaxing activities can help athletes maintain enthusiasm for their sport over the long term.

In short, successful training is not simply about effort but about balance. Athletes who understand the importance of recovery are far more likely to achieve consistent progress.

 

Sentences:

A. During this period, the body gradually rebuilds these tissues so that they become stronger than before.

B. Many people therefore believe that constant activity is the key to success.

C. Research has shown that athletes who do not sleep enough are far more likely to suffer injuries.

D. A balanced diet containing proteins, carbohydrates and vitamins allows this repair process to take place efficiently.

E. When the body is allowed to rest, these damaged fibres begin to repair themselves.

F. Mental fatigue can be just as damaging to performance as physical tiredness.

G. As a result, coaches now emphasise the importance of planned recovery periods.

Avoiding Running Injuries

 Part 6 – Multiple Matching (Questions 37–40)

You are going to read a magazine article in which four runners give advice about avoiding injuries.

For questions 37–40, choose from the runners A–D.

The runners may be chosen more than once.

Avoiding Running Injuries

What can runners do to reduce the likelihood of injury? Four experienced runners share their advice.

Runner A

Many runners believe the only way to improve is simply to run longer distances or train more frequently. However, repeating the same activity every day can place continuous stress on the same muscles and joints. For this reason, I think runners should include other forms of exercise in their training schedules.

Activities such as cycling or swimming can improve endurance without putting the same pressure on the legs that running does. Strength training can also be useful because stronger muscles help stabilise the body and reduce the likelihood of strains.

At the same time, runners must listen to their bodies carefully. Ignoring discomfort during training may transform a minor problem into a serious injury that requires weeks of recovery.

Runner B

Many coaches insist that runners should stop training immediately when they feel any kind of pain. While that advice is appropriate in cases of serious injury, I believe it is sometimes misunderstood. After demanding training sessions, it is normal for muscles to feel slightly sore.

In my experience, the best way to deal with this kind of discomfort is through effective recovery. Gentle stretching and slow jogging after training can help the muscles relax and reduce stiffness.

Runners should also remember that maintaining fitness does not necessarily require running every single day. Occasionally replacing a run with another endurance activity can reduce the stress placed on the body.

Runner C

Stretching has long been considered an essential part of preventing running injuries. As a result, many runners stretch carefully before every training session. However, recent research suggests that this habit may not provide the protection people expect.

Several scientific studies have compared runners who stretch before running with those who do not. Interestingly, the results show little difference between the two groups in terms of the number of injuries they experience.

This does not mean stretching is useless, but it may be more beneficial after exercise or later in the day when the muscles are already warm.

Runner D

Anyone who runs regularly should accept that injuries are almost inevitable. Statistics suggest that the average runner experiences at least one minor injury each year. The important thing is learning how to minimise the risk.

One of the biggest mistakes beginners make is trying to improve too quickly. They suddenly increase the distance they run or the speed at which they train, believing this will help them progress faster. Unfortunately, this approach often leads to injuries.

A far better strategy is to increase training gradually and allow the body enough time to adapt between sessions.

Questions

Which runner:

37 refers to scientific research that challenges a commonly held belief?

38 recommends including different sports in a training programme?

39 suggests that a certain level of muscle discomfort after exercise is normal?

40 warns that beginners often increase their training too quickly?