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Initial Test: English Language Skills

The document is an initial test with multiple sections. It provides a reading comprehension passage about a family that moves to a remote Scottish island. It includes tasks to fill in gaps in the passage with appropriate sentences, and match words from the passage with their definitions. It also prompts writing a 120-150 word letter describing a new home and school. The summary covers the main elements and purpose of the document in 3 sentences.

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Timea Bartha
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43 views2 pages

Initial Test: English Language Skills

The document is an initial test with multiple sections. It provides a reading comprehension passage about a family that moves to a remote Scottish island. It includes tasks to fill in gaps in the passage with appropriate sentences, and match words from the passage with their definitions. It also prompts writing a 120-150 word letter describing a new home and school. The summary covers the main elements and purpose of the document in 3 sentences.

Uploaded by

Timea Bartha
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

Initial test

I. Introduce yourself in about 40 words (name, family, place of living, likes, dislikes, etc.)
20p

II. 1. Read the text below and complete the following tasks.

Many people long to escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life. …(1) The Sirrs family,
however, decided to do exactly that. Unhappy with their busy lifestyles they sold their 400
year-old cottage in Yorkshire to move to the tiny Scottish island of Graemsay. …(2) attracted
initially by the low price, Rob and Jill contacted the agent concerned and discovered that “the
estate” advertised actually comprised a post office, six houses and a private sandy beach- all
for £60,000. Once on the island the Sirrs tried to imagine what life could be like for them. …(3).
However, they had no need to worry. On that first trip they met up to half of the sixty or so
island inhabitants and were given a warm welcome! …(4)

II. 1. a. Four sentences have been removed from the text. Select the appropriate sentence for
each gap in the text. 30 points

A. They were anxious to meet their neighbours as soon as possible.

B. Incredibly for less than the price of a modest semi-detached house, it was possible to buy
half the island.

C. But few people would actually give up a warm comfortable home to move to a remote island
in the middle of the North Sea.

D. The couple were thrilled that the people of Graemsay were so friendly. Many of them urged
the couple to complete the transaction as soon as possible. Within two weeks of their visit, the
Sirrs’ bid of £55,000 was accepted.
20p

II. 1.b Match the words in bold in the text to their definition given below. 30 points

a. a person or animal that inhabits a place, especially as a permanent resident.


b. a small, modest house at a lake, mountain resort, etc., owned or rented as a vacation
home.
c. to consist of; be composed of
d. the habits, attitudes, tastes, moral standards, economic level, etc., that together
constitute the mode of living of an individual or group
e. a piece of landed property, especially one of large extent with an elaborate house on it
20p

III. You have recently moved to a new town. Write a letter to your friend, describing your new
home, the neighbourhood, the school and your new classmates. (120-150 words).
30p
Initial test

I. Introduce yourself in about 40 words (name, family, place of living, likes, dislikes, etc.) 20p

II. 1. Read the text below and complete the following tasks.

If the very idea of a fitness routine leaves you feeling exhausted and you shiver at the thought
of jogging round the park in the winter wind; (1). This new gentle form of oriental gymnastics is
composed of meditative exercises which involve standing in a series of postures for up to half
an hour a day, or combining simple movements with breathing exercises. (2) it is quickly
growing in popularity as it is considered to be a good way of reducing stress, stimulating the
circulation and strengthening the body’s immune system.(3). But although conventional
medicine cannot explain it, governments keen to cut rising healthcare costs are endorsing it. In
Germany, for example, Qigong is available on the national healthcare system and many doctors
are prescribing it for aches, swellings and allergies. (4)

II. 1. a. Four sentences have been removed from the text. Select the appropriate sentence for
each gap in the text. 20 p

A. Chinese practitioners have found it difficult to persuade the western mind of the powers of
Qigong.

B. then Qigong might be just the form of exercise you are looking for.

C. Many patients who have suffered from allergies for years have found that, since starting
Qigong, they haven’t been ill at all, or only suffer from very slight allergic reactions.

D. Although this type of exercise does not build muscles,

I I.1.b Match the words in bold in the text to their definition given below. 20 p

1. not severe, rough, or violent; mild

2. to increase abnormally in size, as by inflation, accumulation of fluids

3. to shake or tremble with cold, fear, excitement

4. the continuous movement of blood through the heart and blood vessels

5. of, pertaining to, or characteristic of the Orient, or East; Eastern

III. You have recently moved to a new town. Write a letter to your friend, describing your new
home, the neighbourhood, the school and your new classmates. (120-150 words). 30p

Common questions

Powered by AI

Both the Sirrs' lifestyle choice and the adoption of Qigong reflect a desire to counteract the high-pressure environment of modern societies with simpler, health-oriented alternatives . These trends indicate a shift towards valuing mental well-being and sustainability over material prosperity, showing a cultural pivot towards holistic health practices and community-focused living .

Relocating to a place like Graemsay might result in psychological benefits such as reduced stress and increased satisfaction due to the slower pace and tight-knit community . Conversely, moving to an urban setting can enhance stress due to congestion but may also offer more opportunities and cultural experiences, highlighting a trade-off between simplicity and access .

Qigong's appeal is growing due to its benefits in stress reduction and immune system enhancement, aligning with growing interest in mindfulness and preventative health amid rising healthcare costs . Its gentle exercise approach makes it accessible, while anecdotal success stories foster acceptance despite its mystical origins .

The Sirrs' decision to move to a remote island reflects a broader societal trend of individuals seeking simpler, more sustainable lifestyles away from urban stress . This trend is seen as a reaction against modern life's hustle and bustle, with individuals valuing community and environmental quality over material wealth .

Integrating Qigong into a regular exercise routine can provide several health benefits such as reducing stress, stimulating circulation, and strengthening the immune system . Despite conventional medicine's struggle to explain its effects, governments like Germany's endorse Qigong through healthcare systems due to its benefits for conditions like aches and allergies .

Chinese practitioners face challenges in convincing the Western mind of Qigong's powers due to cultural and conceptual differences . However, countries like Germany have adopted Qigong by including it in national healthcare systems, where it is prescribed for conditions such as allergies and general aches .

The integration of Qigong into healthcare systems like Germany's challenges traditional Western medical practices by valuing alternative methodologies that are not fully explained by conventional medicine . It reflects a broader acceptance of holistic approaches to health, which are seen as cost-effective ways to manage stress and chronic conditions .

The Sirrs family was motivated to move from Yorkshire to Graemsay due to their dissatisfaction with their busy lifestyles and the appealing low price of property on the island . Upon their arrival, they were warmly welcomed by the community, meeting half of the sixty island inhabitants during their first trip .

The economic implications for the Sirrs were significant, as they purchased a post office, six houses, and a private beach for £60,000, less than the price of a modest semi-detached house . This investment allowed them to escape their busy lifestyle, potentially gaining a higher quality of life at a relatively low cost .

Graemsay's supportive social environment, evident from the warm welcome the Sirrs received, facilitated their transition by fostering a sense of belonging and community . This suggests that small community dynamics often involve close-knit relationships and collective social support, which can aid newcomers in integration .

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