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Space Junk and Family Dynamics

Ruth calls her sister Claire to ask if she can look after Ruth's daughter Sky for two days while Ruth takes tests at the hospital. Claire is reluctant as she is starting a new work assignment. Their conversation hints at past tensions, as Ruth has criticized Claire's career success. Though irritated by Ruth's request, Claire agrees to check her schedule. She remains skeptical about her parents' involvement as grandparents, given they neglected their own children.

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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
63 views9 pages

Space Junk and Family Dynamics

Ruth calls her sister Claire to ask if she can look after Ruth's daughter Sky for two days while Ruth takes tests at the hospital. Claire is reluctant as she is starting a new work assignment. Their conversation hints at past tensions, as Ruth has criticized Claire's career success. Though irritated by Ruth's request, Claire agrees to check her schedule. She remains skeptical about her parents' involvement as grandparents, given they neglected their own children.

Uploaded by

Ana
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Part 1

For questions 1-8, read the text below and decide which answer (А, В, C or D) best fits each gap. There is an example at the beginning (0).
Example:

A well В much  C lots  D far

Space junk
The Space Age began 0 _____ over half a century ago, and ever since then the area just 1 _____ the Earth’s atmosphere has been filling up with all
kinds of man-made objects that have become 2 _____ as ‘space junk’. The items up there 3 _____ from old satellites and parts of rockets to
hundreds of thousands of pieces smaller than one centimetre, all of them travelling at extremely 4 _____ speed. Over the last five years, the
number of such objects in space is 5 _____ to have risen by 50 per cent, and this has 6 _____ increased the risk of damage to working satellites or
space vehicles with crews on board.
International agreement has therefore now been 7 _____ on limiting the amount of new space junk. Scientists have also 8 _____ some interesting
suggestions for tidying up space. These include using laser beams, giant nets and even an enormous umbrella-like device to collect tiny bits of
junk.

1 A along B away C out D beyond

2 A referred B known C called D named

3 A include B enclose C cover D range

4 A high B rapid C light D fast

5 A assessed B supposed C estimated D regarded

6 A largely B greatly C importantly D absolutely


7 A arrived B reached C finished D closed

8 A caught up with B put up with C come up with D kept up with

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 example at the
beginning (0). In the exam, write your answers IN CAPITAL LETTERS on tho separate answer sheet.
Example: TO
Chewing gum
We still tend 0 _____ think chewing gum is a fairly recent invention, even 9 _____ there is evidence it was used 5,000 years ago in Finland. The
Ancient Greeks also chewed gum, as 10 _____the Aztecs in Mexico during the sixteenth century. As far as we know, however, it wasn’t 11 _____
1869 that chewing gum became popular in its present form, 12 _____ a New York inventor called Thomas Adams first had the idea of adding
flavour to it.
Nowadays, of course, it is chewed around the world, 13 _____ the fact that it continues to be regarded by some 14 _____ an unpleasant habit.
Unfortunately, far too many people drop used gum onto the pavement, 15 _____ it remains for some time because it is extremely difficult to
remove once it has stuck to the surface. On the other hand, those 16 _____ favour of chewing gum claim it helps them relax, improves their
concentration, and helps keep their teeth clean.
Part 3
For questions 17-24, read the text below. Use the word given in capitals at the end of some of the lines to form a word that fits in the gap in the
same line. There is an example at the beginning (0).
In the exam, write your answers IN CAPITAL LETTERS on the separate answer sheet.
Example: EMBARRASSMENT
Remembering people’s names

Most of us have suffered the 0 _____ of forgetting someone’s name. Often we fail to pay attention when 17 _____ are made, but [Link]
later on in the conversation we don’t want to appear 18 _____ by asking them what their name is. [Link]
[Link]
Fortunately, there are some simple ways you can 19 _____ this problem. One is to improve your powers of 20 _____. Practise
studying faces in public places, making a mental note of physical 21 _____ such as high foreheads or narrow eyebrows. You’ll be [Link]
surprised what a wide 22 _____ of shapes and sizes people’s features have. Then, when you first meet someone, remember them [Link]
as ‘Laura with the small nose’, for example. [Link]
[Link]
With surnames, make 23 _____ associations. For instance, imagine people called Cook, Ford or King making a meal, driving a car [Link]
or wearing a crown, respectively. Finally, ending with the person’s name, as in ‘See you later, Max’ is a good way of 24 _____ [Link]
that you don’t forget it.

Part 4
For questions 25-30, complete the second sentence so that it has a similar meaning to the first sentence, using the word given. Do not change the
word given. You must use between two and five words, including the word given. Here is an example (0).
Example:
[Link] our holidays, we eat out rather than cook at home.
INSTEAD
During our holidays, we eat out _______________ at home.
Example: 0. INSTEAD OF COOKING
25. Thomas spoke so quickly I had difficulty understanding him.
IT
Thomas spoke so quickly I _______________ him.
26. They’ve postponed the match and it’ll be played next weekend.
PUT
The match _______________ until next weekend.
27. I’m never going to speak to Louis again.
INTENTION
I’ve got _______________ to Louis again.
28. It seems certain that lightning started the forest fire.
HAVE
The forest fire _______________ by lightning.
29. It wasn’t worth going to the market because it was closing.
POINT
The market was closing, so _______________ going there.
30. We phoned the restaurant, but they said booking a table wasn’t necessary.
HAVE
We phoned the restaurant, but they said we _______________ a table.
Part 5
You are going to read an extract from a novel. For questions 31-36, choose the answer (А, В, C or D) which you think fits best according to the
text.
‘Claire, it’s Ruth.’ Claire held back a sigh and walked into the kitchen to put the coffee machine on. A phone call from her sister was never over
quickly.
‘Ruth, darling. How are you?’ As she waited for her sister to start describing in detail her latest disaster, Claire mulled over how much to reveal
about her new business assignment. Her family would have to be told something, of course. Not that they ever came to visit, or called her home
phone, or sent her letters. Still, it seemed only right to tell them it meant she was moving out for twelve months. Tuning back into the phone call,
Claire realised she had missed some key information and tried to catch up with what her sister was talking about.
‘So the doctor said it was probably lack of sleep. You know Sky is a bad sleeper and her nightmares have been worse since she started Year Two.’
Claire worked out that someone was unwell, but was unsure whether it was her sister or her six-year-old niece.
Claire thought about her own schooling. Her parents had paid for the best, obviously, although Claire often wondered whether that was to ensure
their three children didn’t affect their lifestyle, rather than to give their offspring a good start in life. The school had encouraged independence and
character but had no time for tears and tantrums. Claire had learned quickly to work hard and stay out of trouble. More than could be said for Ruth.
It had been a constant disappointment to her parents that, while their first and third children both achieved academic success, Ruth only acquired a
reputation for bad behaviour.
Ruth’s next sentence sharply interrupted Claire’s thoughts.
‘The tests are the week after next. That’s why I’m calling. Is there any chance you could come and look after Sky? It’s half-term and most of her
friends are going skiing. Of course we can’t afford that…’
Claire inhaled deeply and forced herself not to rise to the bait. Ruth was always poor and begrudged Claire her success. Claire accepted that
looking after a child on your own probably limited your career options, but look at the ‘Harry Potter’ author J. K. Rowling, it hadn’t held her back.
She was convinced Ruth could help herself if only she’d try harder. Claire was almost too irritated by the thinly-veiled criticism to react to the
request, but not quite.
‘Have Sky? How long for? When?’ Claire could hear panic in her voice and forced herself to breathe in deeply. Once she was sure she was back in
control of her emotions she said in a slow voice,‘I start a new work assignment on 1st March, and I’ll… be on the road a lot. You know. Meeting
clients.’
‘Dining out on someone else’s credit card.’ Ruth’s voice cut in.
‘There’s more to it than that,’ Claire responded quickly. Then, before Ruth could start the age-old argument, Claire consciously lowered her voice.
‘Tell me the day you need me to have Sky, I’ll check my diary.’
‘Well, it’s two days, actually.’ Ruth sounded embarrassed.
Thinking about minding a six-year-old for two days almost made Claire choke. She gulped down her coffee and wondered if she could use the
new assignment as an excuse.
There was something in Ruth’s voice, though, that made her pause.
‘Can’t Mum take care of her? I thought Mum and Dad were the perfect grandparents?’ It seemed odd to Claire that two people who had no time
for their own children could go mad over someone else’s, even if they were their grandkids.
‘Er, Mum’s coming with me, to the hospital.’
Ruth’s words finally got through to Claire. ‘Just what tests are you having exactly?’
‘Weren’t you listening? You never listen to me.’
Claire almost smiled at the petulant tone in Ruth’s voice. For a moment they were twelve and fourteen again.
31. When Claire realises who is phoning her, she
A expects to hear some good news.
В tries to hide her true feelings.
C hopes it will be a long conversation.
D knows exactly what she will say to Ruth.
32. Why doesn’t Claire know who is ill?
A Ruth didn’t make it clear who she was talking about.
В None of her other relatives had written to her about it.
C She was away on business when the illness began.
D She wasn’t paying attention when Ruth was speaking.
33. How does Claire feel about her school?
A She would have achieved more at a better school.
В Her parents never appreciated how successful she was there.
C Her sister was better suited to that school than she was.
D She may have been sent there for the wrong reasons.
34. What is Claire’s attitude to Ruth’s financial problems?
A She feels they are largely Ruth’s own fault.
В She wishes she could do more to help Ruth.
C She thinks Ruth could get any well-paid job she wanted.
D She feels guilty about having more money than Ruth.
35. What does ‘it’ refer to? (second half of the text, sentence underlined)
A spending the firm’s money
В the task Claire has been given
C looking after Ruth’s daughter
D the reason Claire sounds stressed
36. What do we learn about Claire and her family?
A Her relationship with her sister has completely changed since their childhood.
В She realises that her parents treated her very well when she was a child.
C She doesn’t understand why her parents are so close to their grandchildren.
D She accepts that her mother is more interested in Ruth than in her.
Part 6
You are going to read an article about the new headquarters of the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF). Six sentences have been removed from
the article. Choose from the sentences A-G the one which fits each gap (37-42). There is one extra sentence which you do not need to use. 
The ultimate green home: the WWF’s new headquarters
Sandwiched between an incredibly ugly shopping centre and a busy main road, the environmentalist Sir David Attenborough, no less, is planting a
tree and declaring: ‘Today is a historic day.’ He really means it.
Maybe our children’s future will be an overheated, desert-like world, but if it’s not, it will probably look a lot like this. The new, highly
environmentally-friendly home of the World Wide Fund for Nature, a hemispherical glass tube standing above a council car park, was officially
opened today, watched by a small but enthusiastic crowd. 37 __.
Known as the ‘Living Planet Centre’, it has jumping panda animations that greet visitors to its WWF Experience, where schoolchildren can
interact with Ocean, River, Forest and Wildlife Zones. Since the mid-20th century, many of the ideas behind humanity’s attempts to protect
animals and the natural world have been started by the WWF. 38 __.
The World Wide Fund for Nature is one of the great hopes for the world,’ Sir David Attenborough said. ‘This building enshrines that, and
advertises it to the world.’ The concrete is all recycled, as is the carpet and even most of the computer equipment, and there are many solar energy
panels. 39 __. In addition, new habitats and plant species have been installed around the gardens, while indoors a home has been found for three
tall trees.
The sense of total calm inside, from the high curved ceilings to the plants and trees, is all the more remarkable for the building’s urban location. It
has been built between a canal and a small area of woods listed as a Site of Special Scientific Interest. 40 __. The contrast gives us an idea of what
might just be possible in the future.
The WWF was set up in 1961. The organisation originally fought to protect individual species, such as the Arabian oryx, from extinction.
Eventually, the focus moved from individual species to ecosystems: all the living things in one area and the way they affect each other. Sir David,
who is an ambassador for the WWF, said: ‘Now, it’s not just individual ecosystems. Now the change is to a global approach. 41 __. That is
because the planet is one vast ecosystem. The WWF has been the leader in changing everyone’s attitudes towards nature.’
Sir David is clear about the task ahead, and more importantly, unlike many environmentalists, he believes it is not too late to make a difference.
‘You can’t turn the clock back, of course. 42 __. But we can slow down the rate at which the numbers are increasing, we can cut down the carbon
we put in the atmosphere,’ he said. ‘It’s never happened before that the whole world has come together and made a decision. To go as far as we
have done to reduce carbon is an impressive achievement. But you cannot have unlimited growth in a limited situation. You can’t expand
infinitely in a finite planet.
A. Even so, it remains in an ugly corner of a fairly unattractive town centre.
В. So even if you aren’t particularly concerned about the environment, as energy costs rise you’ll want to save money on fuel bills.
C. Other such features include extensive glass to increase natural light, natural ventilation, rainwater in the toilets, and heat pumps that bring warm
air up from 200 metres below.
D. It is hoped their new home will be a living example of that.
E. That means you can’t put back forests that are gone, not for a century, and the population size is not going to shrink.
F. If you want to do something, you have to persuade people of the world not to pollute.
G. If humanity is to survive, they must have been thinking, it will do so living in buildings of this kind.
Part 7
You are going to read an article from a travel magazine about beaches. For questions 43-52, choose from the authors (A-D). The authors may be
chosen more than once.
Which section…
43. recommends paying the entrance fee? __
44. states that the beach has featured in advertisements? __
45. says visitors may be surprised by the water temperature? __
46. points out that the water is quite shallow? __
47. suggests visitors should take photos of the beach? __
48. says visitors can walk on the beach in their bare feet? __
49. mentions a pleasant smell from the trees? __
50. advises visitors to get to the beach early in the day? __
51. states that it is not always possible to visit the beach? __
52. warns visitors to the beach to protect their skin? __
Four of the world’s best beaches
Which are the best beaches on Earth? Here are our top four.
A Rodas Beach, the Cies Islands, Spain
Some of Spain’s most spectacular beaches lie in Galicia on the Atlantic coast, and perhaps the most stunning of these are on the Cies Islands.
These unspoilt and uninhabited islands are a national park, with public access limited to the summer months, and contain the perfectly-shaped
Rodas Beach with its pure white sand and clear blue sea. At first sight it almost seems tropical, until dipping your toe in the water encourages you
to spend a lazy day on the beach rather than dive in for a swim. There you can enjoy the quiet, the warmth of the sun and the scent of pine from the
nearby woods, and later on have an excellent meal in the reasonably-priced fish restaurant close to the beach.
В Whitehaven Beach, Whitsunday Islands, Australia
Australia is famous for wonderful beaches, and Whitehaven must surely be one of its very best. Set against a background of amazingly-green
tropical forest, and with views across the clear blue ocean to distant small islands, the sandy white beach is like something from a picture postcard
or a TV commercial. As you would expect in such a sunny climate, the water is pleasantly warm, ideal for swimming on or below the surface. The
sand, in contrast, always remains cool as it is of a type that reflects the sunlight, so you won’t need sandals. As the island has no permanent
inhabitants, and most day trippers leave by boat quite early, in the late afternoon and evening you can have the place almost to yourself.
C Matira Beach, Bora Bora, Tahiti
Matira Beach on the Pacific island of Bora Bora has incredibly white sand, beautiful fish swimming in clear blue-green water, and stunning
sunsets. The air temperature hardly varies around the year, and neither does that of the ocean – which is only waist-high even hundreds of metres
from the shore. And unlike windier beaches nearby, Matira is quite well sheltered. There isn’t, however, much shade, so it is advisable to use
plenty of sun cream, and the sand can feel uncomfortably hot unless you wear beach shoes or something similar. There is no charge to visit the
beach, yet it rarely becomes crowded at any time of day. Everyone should go there at least once in life, and when you do, make sure you have your
photo taken as the sun goes down
D Anse Source d’Argent Beach, Seychelles
This must be one of the most photographed beaches in the world, so don’t forget to get some shots of your own, especially of the sea and the sand
framed by the background of enormous pink rocks, with tall palm trees right behind them. It’s easy to see why commercials have been made there.
The patches of brilliantly white sand between those beautiful rocks make it the perfect place to spend a relaxing day, and it is well worth the small
amount it costs for access. The best spots – those with both sunshine and shade – quickly get taken, so make sure you arrive well before the sun
starts to beat down and the sand heats up.

Common questions

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Claire hesitates to look after her niece Sky due to her upcoming work assignment and the impact it might have on her career. The thought of managing a child for several days while balancing professional commitments is daunting, intensifying her initial reluctance. Additionally, her personal feelings towards Ruth's intrusiveness and the perceived criticism exacerbate her hesitation. Claire is initially tempted to use her work as an excuse, but Ruth's vulnerability and the serious nature of her hospital tests might influence Claire's eventual decision, highlighting her underlying sense of familial duty amidst personal reservations .

Claire views Ruth's financial situation as largely Ruth's own fault, believing that Ruth could improve her circumstances if she tried harder. This perspective is evident when Claire considers how Ruth's single-parenthood has limited her career but notes that other successful people, like J.K. Rowling, did not allow similar circumstances to impede them. This reflects a dynamic in their relationship where Claire feels somewhat superior and frustrated with Ruth's perceived lack of effort . Conversely, Ruth seems to envy Claire's success and subtly criticizes her, as shown when she refers to Claire's job benefits as merely 'dining out on someone else’s credit card,' indicating tension and unresolved issues rooted in their differing life choices and outcomes .

The location and design of the new WWF headquarters are integral to its environmental mission, as they demonstrate the feasibility of sustainable living within urban settings. Positioned between a canal and a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest, the Living Planet Centre showcases how modern buildings can harmonize with natural environments. Its hemispherical glass design incorporates recycled materials and energy-efficient technology, serving as a practical model for sustainable architecture. This strategic location and cutting-edge design serve as a testament to what can be achieved in sustainable urban development, thus reinforcing the WWF's mission of promoting conservation and eco-friendly practices .

The beaches in the article embody diverse ecological and cultural values, each offering unique experiences to visitors. Rodas Beach's unspoilt environment highlights preservation, with access limited to sustain its pristine condition, reflecting values of conservation and natural beauty . Whitehaven Beach showcases ecological sustainability with its naturally cool sand and abundance of marine life, emphasizing harmony with nature. Matira Beach, with its consistent climate and shallow waters, suggests simplicity and relaxation, while Anse Source d’Argent Beach combines aesthetic appeal with cultural relevance through its frequent use in media, promoting its picturesque beauty. These values are communicated through the article's descriptions, encouraging visitors to engage with the natural world through both recreational enjoyment and observational awareness .

Communication barriers between Claire and Ruth are rooted in their disparate life experiences and perspectives, which frequently lead to misunderstandings. Claire's inattentiveness during their conversations, as highlighted by her missed details about Ruth's illness, underscores a lack of effective listening, causing her to remain uninformed and reactive instead of supportive . Additionally, Ruth's indirect criticisms of Claire's career and financial success foster resentment and defensive reactions from Claire, preventing constructive dialogue. These barriers create a continuous cycle of misunderstanding and frustration, with unspoken grievances and judgments exacerbating their strained relationship . By failing to communicate openly and empathetically, both sisters miss opportunities to address underlying issues and reinforce mutual understanding.

The article highlights the substantial impact human activities have on the environment, particularly pointing out the urgent nature of reversing or mitigating these effects. It suggests that addressing these challenges requires a collective global effort, utilizing sustainable practices to lower carbon emissions and other pollutants. The strategy involves promoting eco-friendly development, as exemplified by the new WWF headquarters, and shifting towards a mindset that favors sustainable living over unchecked growth. Sir David Attenborough underscores the necessity of decisive international cooperation, technological innovation, and changes in lifestyle to avert ecological degradation, suggesting that these measures are achievable and, indeed, vital for future resilience .

The WWF's strategic evolution from focusing on individual species to a holistic approach that addresses global ecosystems mirrors broader shifts in environmentalism that recognize the interconnectedness of ecological challenges. Initially, the WWF aimed to protect specific species like the Arabian oryx, but over time, it expanded its focus to encompass entire ecosystems and, more recently, global ecological issues. This transition underscores an understanding that protecting biodiversity requires comprehensive strategies that address the interdependencies within ecosystems and the planet as a whole. Sir David Attenborough's comments emphasize this paradigm shift, highlighting the need for global cooperation to manage humanity's impact on the environment .

Claire's education instilled in her a sense of independence and a strong work ethic, which is reflected in her successful career. She recalls that her school encouraged independence and character development, attributes she likely values given her reactions to Ruth's circumstances. Claire seems to compare her disciplined upbringing favorably against Ruth's reputation for bad behavior and apparent underachievement, as suggested by her parental disappointment references. This background shapes Claire's outlook on life, emphasizing self-reliance and achievement, and affects her interactions with Ruth by exacerbating feelings of frustration and a sense of superiority .

Sir David Attenborough's metaphor of the planet as a 'vast ecosystem' emphasizes the interdependence of all life forms and environmental elements, promoting a holistic view of ecological preservation. This perspective encourages consideration of the planet's health as a whole, shifting the focus from isolated conservation efforts to integrated strategies that address global interconnections. By framing the Earth in this way, it becomes apparent that environmental issues cannot be effectively tackled in isolation, reinforcing the need for coordinated global efforts to mitigate impacts such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and unsustainable resource use .

The new WWF headquarters, the 'Living Planet Centre,' acts as a beacon for environmental sustainability by incorporating features that minimize ecological impact while promoting conservation values. It embodies sustainability through its use of recycled materials in construction, such as concrete and carpet, and its energy-efficient design that includes solar panels, natural ventilation, and rainwater usage in toilets. The interior also hosts plant species and trees that contribute to its eco-friendly credentials. These features collectively demonstrate how modern architecture can integrate environmental consciousness, serving both as a functional workspace and an educational environment for visitors to understand the impact of human activities on nature .

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