Support Materials
jueves, 30 de abril de 2026
jueves, 23 de abril de 2026
Science through History
Science through History
Throughout history, the journey of science has been marked by groundbreaking discoveries and inventions that have reshaped our understanding of the world. One such breakthrough was the discovery of the atom, a fundamental building block of matter, through rigorous experiments conducted in laboratories. These experiments paved the way for the exploration of elements and substances, revealing the intricate structure of the universe.
As science progressed into the modern era, laboratories became hubs of innovation, fostering collaboration and exploration across diverse fields. From the depths of the atom to the complexities of living organisms, the history of science stands as a testament to humanity's relentless pursuit of knowledge and understanding.
martes, 17 de marzo de 2026
Starting a sport later in life
Part 7 – Multiple Matching
Questions 43–52
Which person...
43. mentions feeling physically unprepared at the beginning?
44. says another person influenced their decision to start?
45. describes becoming more confident over time?
46. mentions difficulty managing time?
47. refers to enjoying training with other people?
48. says their expectations were different from reality?
49. mentions an initial fear of embarrassment
50. says they had experience of the sport in the past?
51. refers to progress being slower than expected?
52. mentions continuing mainly for personal enjoyment?
Starting a sport later in life
A – Daniel
I decided to take up running after a colleague suggested it. At first, I could barely run for five minutes without stopping, which made me realise how unfit I actually was. I had expected it to be much easier. However, I gradually improved, and now I can run much longer distances. These days, I mainly continue because I genuinely enjoy it.
B – Sofia
Joining a tennis club was something I had considered for years, but I always felt too embarrassed to try. Everyone else seemed so experienced. Eventually, I decided to go anyway, and I was surprised by how supportive people were. Over time, I became more confident, and now I really enjoy practising with others.
C – Marcus
I used to play basketball when I was younger, so returning to it as an adult felt like a natural choice. However, I hadn’t realised how much the game had changed or how long it would take me to improve again. Progress has definitely been slower than I expected, but I still find it motivating.
D – Elena
For me, the biggest difficulty has been finding time to train regularly. Between work and family responsibilities, it’s not always easy to keep a routine. Still, I try to practise a few times a week, even if it’s only for a short time. I didn’t expect it to be so hard to organise my schedule around it.
Starting a new sport as an adult
Part 6 – Gapped Text
Questions 37–42
Starting a new sport as an adult
Many people believe that sport is something best started in childhood, when the body is more adaptable and learning happens quickly. However, this does not mean that adults cannot successfully take up a new sport. (37) ______
In fact, adults often bring advantages that younger learners do not have. They tend to be more motivated and disciplined, especially when they choose a sport themselves rather than being encouraged by others. (38) ______ This can help them improve steadily over time.
Nevertheless, there are also challenges. One of the most common is the fear of looking inexperienced in front of others. (39) ______ As a result, some people avoid joining clubs or attending training sessions.
Physical fitness can also be an issue at the beginning. Adults may feel discouraged if they become tired quickly or struggle with certain movements. (40) ______ With regular practice, the body gradually adapts and performance improves.
Another important factor is time. Many adults have work and family responsibilities, which can make it difficult to train regularly. (41) ______ Even short but frequent sessions can lead to noticeable progress.
Despite these difficulties, taking up a sport later in life can be extremely rewarding. It not only improves physical health but also increases confidence and reduces stress. (42) ______ For many people, this social aspect becomes one of the main reasons they continue.
Sentences A–G
From office worker to wildlife guide
Part 5 – Reading (Multiple Choice)
Questions 31–36
From office worker to wildlife guide
When Hannah Lewis left university, she did what many graduates do: she looked for a stable job with a clear career path. She found one in a large insurance company, where she spent the next eight years working in administration. The salary was reasonable, her colleagues were friendly, and she was good at the job. Yet over time she began to feel that something was missing.
“I used to look out of the office window and think about being somewhere completely different,” she says. “I didn’t dislike the work itself, but I couldn’t imagine doing it for the rest of my life.”
The turning point came during a holiday in South Africa. Hannah joined a guided trip through a wildlife reserve and became fascinated by the guide’s ability to identify animals, explain their behaviour and answer endless questions from visitors. Unlike many tourists, Hannah returned home still thinking about what she had seen and heard. Within a few months, she had booked a place on a year-long training course in environmental education.
The decision surprised almost everyone she knew. Her parents worried about the cost, and friends asked why she would leave a secure position for a profession that seemed uncertain and physically demanding. Hannah understood their concerns. She had never been particularly adventurous, and she knew very little about working outdoors. However, she felt strongly that if she did not try, she would always regret it.
The training course was harder than she had expected. There was far more science involved than she had imagined, and she had to learn practical skills such as map-reading, first aid and group management. At first, she found speaking in front of visitors especially difficult. “I was fine when I was studying alone,” she admits, “but the moment I had to explain something confidently to a group, I felt nervous.”
Gradually, though, her confidence grew. After finishing the course, Hannah found seasonal work in two national parks and later accepted a permanent role at a coastal nature reserve. She now leads walks for families, school groups and overseas visitors. The pay is lower than in her previous career, but she says she has never once considered going back.
“What matters most,” Hannah explains, “is that I feel my work has meaning. Every day is different, and I’m still learning. I may not have the same financial security as before, but I feel much more like myself.”
Questions:
31. What dissatisfied Hannah about her first job?
A She found the tasks too difficult.
B She saw no purpose in continuing long-term.
C She disliked the people she worked with.
D She thought the pay was unfair.
32. What effect did the trip to South Africa have on Hannah?
A It encouraged her to apply for a job abroad.
B It reminded her of an old childhood ambition.
C It led her to consider a completely new profession.
D It made her want to study animal science at university.
33. How did other people react to Hannah’s decision?
A They admired her courage immediately.
B They were mainly confused by her choice.
C They tried to prevent her from leaving.
D They doubted whether it was a sensible move.
34. During the training course, Hannah was most surprised by...
A how physically tiring the work was.
B how much academic content there was.
C how competitive the other students were.
D how little support the teachers offered.
35. What does Hannah say about talking to groups?
A It became easier with experience.
B It was the part she enjoyed most.
C It was harder in class than outdoors.
D It never stopped worrying her.
36. Which statement best describes Hannah’s attitude now?
A She misses the stability of her old career.
B She believes she should have changed jobs earlier.
C She feels satisfied despite the disadvantages.
D She hopes to earn more in the future.
Careers and skills
Part 3 - Word Formation
There is an example at the beginning (0).
Careers and skills
Learning in teams
Part 3
Questions 17–24
Use the word given in capitals to form a noun by adding a suffix.
Learning in teams
Working with other people can be an important part of learning and professional (0) development. In many schools and workplaces, group tasks are used to build knowledge and practical skills.
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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. There is an example a...
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Part 2.- 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. There is an ...
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Part 1.- For questions 1-8, read the text below and decide which answer (A, B, C, or D) best fits each gap. There is an example at the begin...
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