Miністерство
освіти і науки України
III
етап Всеукраїнської учнівської олімпіади
з англійської мови
THE MINISTRY OF EDUCATION AND SCIENCE OF UKRAINE
STAGE III NATIONAL STUDENTS OLYMPIAD
IN THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE
Reading Comprehension Test
For 9th Form Students
Student’s Booklet
Do not open this booklet
until
advised by the teacher
Dictionaries are not allowed
Reading Comprehension Test for 9th
Form Students
Directions
In this test you will read five texts. Each
text is followed by a certain type of task.
You should do the tasks on the basis of what is
stated
or implied
in the text.
For each task you will choose the best possible
answer and circle the letter of your choice.
I. Read the text. For
questions 1-6, choose the correct answer (A, B, C, or D).
Are you allergic to mornings?
Are you somebody who can't wake up in the morning?
Do you need two cups of coffee before you can start a new day? Do you feel
awful when you first wake up? Scientists say it's all because of our genes. How
did they find this out? Researchers from the University of Surrey interviewed
500 people. They asked them questions about their lifestyle, for example what
time of day they preferred to do exercise and how difficult they found it to
wake up in the morning. Scientists then compared their answers to the people's
DNA.
They discovered that we all have a 'clock' gene,
also called a Period 3 gene. This gene can be long or short. People who have
the long gene are usually people who are very good in the morning, but who get
tired quite early at night. People who have the short gene are usually people
who are more active at night but who have problems waking up early in the
morning. How does it help us to know if we have the long or short gene?
Scientists say that if possible, we should try to change our working hours to
fit our 'body clock'. If you are a 'morning person' then you could start work
early and finish early. But if you are bad in the mornings, then it might be
better to start work in the afternoon and work until late at night. So maybe,
instead of nine to five it should be seven to three or twelve to eight.
1.
Scientists say that if we are bad at getting up in the morning, this is because…
A) we are born like that.
B) we go to bed too late.
C) we drink too much coffee.
D) work late hours.
2. Researchers asked people
questions about…
A) the
way they lived.
B)
science.
C) sport
and exercise.
D) their
job.
3. What
helped scientists to come to the conclusion?
A) People’s
answers.
B) People’s
DNA.
C) The
time they do exercises and wake up.
D) The
comparison of people’s answers and their DNA.
4. They
discovered that people who have a short 'clock' gene…
A) are
better in the morning than in the evening.
B) wake
up early in the morning.
C) get
tired very early.
D) are
better in the evening than in the morning.
5. The information about short and long genes can help us…
A) keep
fit according to our body clock.
b) make some changes in our working hours
according to our body clock.
c) feel
better in the evening.
d) feel
better in the morning.
6. They recommend that people
who have a long 'clock' gene…
A)
should only work in the afternoon and evening.
B)
should work late
hours.
C)
should start work early and finish early.
D) should
start work late and finish late.
II. Read the text. Decide if the sentences 7-12 are True or False.
Memories of Food
Both my mum and dad
were great cooks when I was
growing up. Well, my dad was. My mum would try, bless her. As a family, we
always used to try new things and experiment with food. I remember being in
Spain when I was about six, and all the kids wanted burgers and chips, and I
remember digging into prawns and garlic. I've always loved trying new foods.
The only things I really dislike are peas. And my mum still gives them to me!
Restaurants were
always a real treat when I was growing up. My brother and I would share food
because we couldn't really afford to splurge, and so now when I go out to eat I
treat it as a luxury and I feel lucky.
When I was growing
up, we always used to eat around a table, except for Saturday night, which was
a tray dinner in front of the TV as a treat. I think that's why I enjoy food,
because meals were, and still are, a family event. We used to go to my
grandma’s on Sunday – she used to make these lovely cherry pies. Now on Sundays
I go to my dad's house. I think of him sitting at the table on a Sunday when I
was little, and he would eat half and then leave the rest for later.
I think a
happy childhood gives you a balanced view of food and of yourself. I eat what I
fancy and I feel good about it. I feel lucky that I escaped all the size zero
nonsense when I was younger. I've had times with the press, especially during
the Spice Girl days, when they've called me fat. Of course it does hurt, but
having a great family and having normal, non-famous people around me keeps me
grounded.
7. Emma's mother was a better cook than her father.
A) True
B) False
8. Her family enjoyed eating new things.
A) True
B) False
9. Her mother still cooks peas for her.
A) True
B) False
10. She often went to restaurants with her family.
A) True
B) False
11. Her family ate around a table every night.
A) True
B) False
12. She eats whatever she wants these days.
A) True
B) False
III. Read the text. For questions 13-18, choose the correct meaning of the
word in bold (A, B, C, or D). Use the context to guess.
Communication using the senses
Normally,
we communicate through language. We use speaking and writing to do this,
choosing the most appropriate words
for our purpose. We use different
senses to send and receive these messages: sight for written messages or sound
for spoken communication.
There are other ways of using sound to
communicate, of course. Have you ever been on a ship when they practise for an emergency? The international signal for
this is three short blasts on a whistle. This sound means "Stop whatever
you are doing! Go to the special meeting place quickly. Wait there for
instructions. Don't panic!" The sound of the whistle says all this.
In the same way, bells or sirens are used in
buildings to signal a fire alarm. No words, but the message is clear. Then
there are ambulance bells and police sirens. Mobile ringtones and the signature
tunes for TV programmes both send us messages without words.
As well as sound, there's visual
communication: pictures, signs, logos. Very often, these are excellent ways of
communicating information, or instructions. A special advantage of them is that
they are often international. Global communication is easy through pictures!
Music is another form of international
communication. Of course, it can be written down – musicians read music– but most people listen to
it. It can express emotions and communicate these to other people. Anger, love,
excitement – the sound carries the message.
Music can also make us feel part of a group.
Go to a public place, like a mall or a shop, and listen to the music. Is it
making you feel relaxed or excited? How about the other people there? Will you
stay there a long time and buy lots of things? Listen carefully next time you go shopping!
13. appropriate
D) absolutely
important.
14. purpose
A) a piece of work that must be done,
especially one that is difficult or unpleasant or that must be done regularly;
C) the
right to do something;
15. emergency
D) a sudden
situation which involves danger.
16. whistle
B) a
movement, sound etc., that you make in order to tell someone something;
C) a high
sound made by blowing air out through your lips;
17. visual
C) relating
to seeing;
D) relating
to listening.
18. carefully
A)
with great gratitude;
B)
with great attention;
C)
totally suitable;
D)
not paying enough attention to what you are doing.
IV. Read the text. Some phrases have been removed from the text. Match the
phrases A- G to the gaps 19-24.
There is one extra phrase that you do not need to use.
Have you ever been to a Zara store?
You probably have
because it's one of the fastest-growing chains in the world. The person behind
Zara is Amancio Ortega. He is the richest man in Spain, but (19) ........ know his face. There are only two official
photographs of him and he rarely gives interviews. Although he is a
multimillionaire businessman, he doesn't (20) ........ one –he
doesn't like wearing suits or ties, and prefers to wear jeans and a shirt.
When he was young
he worked as a shop assistant in a clothes store, but he always dreamed of
having his own business. In 1963 he (21) ......... a small company
which made women's pyjamas. In 1975, at the age of 40, he opened his first
clothes shop in La Corufia, a small city in north-west Spain, and named it Zara.
Now you can find Zara shops all over the world, from New York to Moscow to Singapore.
So why is Zara so successful?
The main reason is
that Zara (22) ........
quickly to the latest
designer fashions, and produces clothes which are fashionable but inexpensive. Zara
can make a new line
of clothes in three weeks. Other companies normally (23) ......... nine months. The clothes also change from week to
week – so customers (24) ........
to see what's new. It
produces 20,000 new designs a year – and none of them stay in the shops for
more than a month.
So if you've seen a new jacket or skirt you
like in a Zara store, hurry up and buy it, because it won't be there for long.
A)
look
like
B)
reacts
incredibly
C) keep coming back
D) take about
E) very few people
F) plenty of people
G) started
V. Read
the text. For questions 25-30, choose the correct answer (A, B, C, or D).
Filthy handbags
Have you ever seen a woman in a
restaurant go to the bathroom, then come back and put her handbag on the
tablecloth beside her? Most probably, that handbag has been on the toilet floor
seconds before. It's not only insufficiently fresh food that can (25) ........ you ill after a restaurant visit.
Most women carry their handbags
everywhere. During an average day, a bag will have been in the office, in a
supermarket trolley, on car or bus floors, and in several public toilets. Yet
after coming home, many women will place their bag on the kitchen table or
counter where food (26) ........
. You might as well
take off your shoes and put them on the table!
A number of women's handbags were
recently tested for germs at Nelson Laboratories in Salt Lake City. A variety
of bacteria were found, (27) ......... could
cause dangerous infectious diseases. Not all handbags were the same. Leather
and plastic bags (28) ......... to be cleaner than those made of
cloth. Also, people with children seem to have dirtier bags than others.
So what should you do to avoid (29) ......... a dangerous disease from your bag? In (30) ......... public toilet, always hang your bag on a hook,
or, if there isn't one, on the door handle. Never put it on tables where food
is prepared or eaten. Wash a cloth handbag in the washing machine, and clean a
leather one with a mild detergent.
25. A cause
|
B
|
make
|
C get
|
D
|
have
|
||||
26.
A prepares
|
B
|
prepare
|
C
|
is prepared
|
D
|
has been prepared
|
|||
27.
A that
|
B
|
many of whom
|
C
|
some of them
|
D
|
some of which
|
|||
28.
A used
|
B
|
tended
|
C
|
were
|
D
|
had
|
|||
29.
A catching
|
B
|
acquiring
|
C
|
contriving
|
D
|
obtaining
|
|||
30.
A a
|
B
|
the
|
C
|
some
|
D
|
all
|
|||
Miністерство
освіти і науки України
III
етап Всеукраїнської учнівської олімпіади
з
англійської мови
THE
MINISTRY OF EDUCATION AND SCIENCE OF UKRAINE
STAGE
III NATIONAL STUDENTS OLYMPIAD
IN THE
ENGLISH LANGUAGE
Listening Comprehension Test
For 9th Form Students
TEACHER’S
BOOKLET
Keep playing that computer game
There used to be a general feeling that computer
games were bad for you and books were good. Now people are not so sure.
Researchers have found that computer games, television and the Internet have
become key factors in boosting children's IQs up to levels never reached by
past generations.
The idea that intelligence can be measured was
first suggested about a century ago, but all that time it was hard to find
rests that gave useful results. Over the past two decades, however, tests have
become more complex and researchers have found that IQ scores can give a good
indication of what children's future exam results will be. Some experts have
even claimed that IQ scores can accurately predict what level of income and
status young people will achieve in adult life.
Why are today's youngsters doing so much better
than their grandparents? Of course, better nutrition, higher standards of
living and improved education all play their part in raising general levels of
intelligence. But there seems to be more to it than that. Scientists consider
that the change in intelligence levels depends on the complexity of modern
life.
In today's fast-moving world, young people are
required to interact constantly with electronic gadgets and equipment. Research
has shown that they are constantly exposed to an increasingly complex and
visual world – a world far more stimulating than previous generations lived in.
This is developing youngsters' brains in ways that older generations never
experienced. Computers are one of the major sources of stimulation, and
activities such as playing games and using the Internet seem to be particularly
important.
There are still some things that remain
unexplained, however. For example, the increase in children's IQ scores varies
according to the type of intelligence being tested. It appears that nowadays
people are better at abstract thinking than their ancestors were – but their
verbal and mathematical abilities have remained the same as those of previous
generations. No one knows why this is the case. Nevertheless, during the last
few years there has certainly been a general upward trend, and it has been
found that the present generation have IQs about 15 points above their parents.
Although this is clearly good news, the growing popularity of computer gaming
and other activities has caused concern in some quarters, for two reasons.
Firstly, there have been claims that the high levels of violence in the games
could encourage children to be aggressive. There have also been fears that
children could become addicted to the games, and so be unable to stop playing
them. But a recent study found no reliable evidence to prove that computer
games contribute to long-term violence or anti-social behaviour.
Indeed, it has been claimed that, in moderation,
computer gaming is positively good for youngsters. It requires positive
qualities such as fast thinking and rapid learning. However, it seems that
improvements in IQ may not last very long without continuing stimulation. The
brain seems to be like a muscle and requires repeated and vigorous exercise to
stay fit and healthy. When it comes to IQ, it's a case of 'Use it or lose it'.
Others argue that computers have only limited
value. They fear that young people who spend too much time playing computer games alone will
never learn to think independently. They claim that the danger with a computer
is that doing repetitive tasks can actually reduce intelligence. In the end,
computer games are no substitute for real-life experience and imagination.
Miністерство освіти і науки України
III етап Всеукраїнської учнівської олімпіади
з англійської мови
THE MINISTRY OF EDUCATION AND SCIENCE OF UKRAINE
STAGE III NATIONAL STUDENTS OLYMPIAD
IN THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE
Listening Comprehension Test
For 9th Form Students
Student’s Booklet
Do not open this booklet
until advised by the teacher
Directions: in this test you will listen to a text. After
the first listening look at the statements 1-10, and decide if they are true
(T) or false (F) according to the text you have just heard. Circle the letter
of your choice. Remember that you are not allowed to take any notes while listening
to the text.
Listen to the text. Decide
if the statements are true (T) or false (F).
1.
According to the text computer games, television and the Internet are
key factors in increasing children's IQs.
|
T
|
F
|
2. IQ
scores do not indicate the future achievements of young people.
|
T
|
F
|
3.
The complexity of modern life is one of the reasons why today’s young
people are more intelligent than their grandparents.
|
T
|
F
|
4.
Constant interaction with electronic gadgets and equipment stimulates youngsters'
brains to play games and use the Internet.
|
T
|
F
|
5. Nowadays
people are better at their abstract thinking than their previous generations
were.
|
T
|
F
|
6. Nowadays
people are better at their verbal and mathematical abilities than their
previous generations were.
|
T
|
F
|
7.
Computer gaming and other activities has caused no concern.
|
T
|
F
|
8. There no reliable proves to the fact that computer games make children violent.
|
T
|
F
|
9.
The improvements in IQ require continuing stimulation.
|
T
|
F
|
10.
Our brain is like a muscle that requires repeated exercises.
|
T
|
F
|
PLEASE STOP AND WAIT FOR THE SECOND LISTENING.
Directions: you will listen to the text for the
second time. After the second listening look at the questions 11-20, decide,
which of the given answers (A, B, C or D) best corresponds to what was stated
or implied in the text you have just heard and mark your
answer by encircling the letter of your choice. Remember that you are not allowed
to take any notes while listening to the text.
11. In the
beginning of the text, the writer says that computer games…
A) have got much better recently.
B) are not as good for children as reading.
C) can improve the intelligence of young people.
D) are now used in many different ways by children.
12. According
to the writer, in the last twenty years IQ tests have become…
A) something like examinations.
B) more difficult than they were in the past.
C) a way of increasing young people's income.
D) more reliable than they used to be.
13. Of course, better
nutrition, higher standards of living and improved education all play their
part in raising general levels of intelligence. But there seems to be more to IT
than that. 'IT' refers to…
A) the use of tests.
B) the effect of education.
C) the increase in intelligence.
D) the improvement in food standards.
14. What
does the writer say about young people and electronic equipment nowadays?
A) They sometimes find the equipment complicated.
B) The equipment makes things too easy for them.
C) The equipment is an important part of their daily lives.
D) They depend on the equipment for their entertainment.
15. According to the writer, what remains
unexplained about children's intelligence?
A) Why levels of
some type of intelligence have remained unchanged.
B) Why there has
been such a rapid rise in general intelligence.
C) How children
can develop their verbal and mathematical skills.
D) How the
improvement in intelligence levels can be continued.
16.
During the last few years there has been a general
upward trend in…
A) children’s verbal
abilities.
B) children’s intelligence.
C) children’s computer
gaming.
D) children’s mathematical
abilities.
17. Research indicates that violence in
computer games…
A) can sometimes
be addictive for children.
B) may lead to aggressive
behaviour.
C) can make some
children nervous or afraid.
D) may have little
effect on children.
18. What does 'Use it or lose it' mean?
A) If you don't
use your IQ, you'll become less healthy.
B) If you don't
use your computer, it may be taken away.
C) If you don't
use your brain, your intelligence level will be lower.
D) If you don't
use your muscles, you'll get unfit.
19.
Computer gaming is positively good for youngsters
because it requires…
A) fast thinking and rapid learning.
B) mathematical abilities.
C) vigorous exercise.
D) IQ scores.
20. Some people say that playing computer
games may affect young people's ability to…
A) make decisions
on their own.
B) tell original
stories.
C) find work which
satisfies them.
D) develop
physical skills.
Miністерство освіти і науки України
III
етап Всеукраїнської учнівської олімпіади
з
англійської мови
THE MINISTRY OF EDUCATION AND SCIENCE OF UKRAINE
STAGE III NATIONAL STUDENTS OLYMPIAD
IN THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE
Speaking Comprehension Test
For 9th
Form Students
TEACHER’S BOOKLET
Directions:
In this test you will select three
task slips and choose the one you are most capable to speak about. Then take
about a minute to collect your thoughts before you begin speaking on the situation.
1
|
What do you know about the specialized types of
tourism (e.g. eco, space, battlefield, culinary etc.)? How do you feel about
them? What type would you like to choose and why?
|
2
|
Every day we hear of more violence at sports events
because fans become enraged when their team loses. Don’t you think that the
most effective way to control such incidents would be to teach people how to
handle defeat?
|
3
|
Psychologists agree on the point that parents are
less strict with later children than with their first child. Do you like your
position in your family (the first child, a middle child, the youngest child,
the only child)? Would you prefer to be in a different position? If so, why?
|
4
|
What is your
favourite book? What would happen to the main characters at the end if you
were to write a different ending to that book?
|
5
|
What kinds of
things would you put in a time capsule and why? How long would you bury the
capsule for and who would you want to find it?
|
6
|
Imagine that you
won a gold medal at the Olympics. How would you feel and what sport would you
compete in?
|
7
|
Animals should be treated with the same respect as
humans. Which animals do people keep as pets in your country? What are the
advantages and disadvantages? Do you think it is right to spend money on
keeping pets when so many people in the world live in poverty?
|
8
|
Think about something of yours you particularly
value. It could be any object, big or small. Describe it and explain why it
is so important to you. Start with “My most treasured possession …”
|
9
|
Your friend is overweight. What do you think are some of the causes and what are some of the
solutions to the problem of obesity in today's society?
|
10
|
In recent years there has been an increase in
personal security devices. Why are people too obsessed with security these
days? In which public places do you feel secure and insecure? Are there
enough police on the streets in your country? Is it a safe place for
tourists?
|
11.
|
What quality do you admire the most
in someone? Explain why that quality is so important to you.
|
12
|
Would you rather
earn a lot of money working in a job that you don't like or earn less money
doing something you enjoy?
|
13
|
What is the most
important holiday in your country? Why do you think it is so important?
Include details and examples to support your explanation.
|
14
|
Imagine being on
a treasure hunt. Who would you take with you and why? Would your treasure be
tangible or intangible?
|
15
|
If you were on a
Reality TV Show, what would it be called and what would it be about?
|
16
|
Many countries are in danger of losing their
cultural identity on account of globalization. Think about this problem and
say what could be done to avoid this.
|
17
|
If you were to
write a message in a bottle, what would it say? Would you want someone to
find it?
|
18
|
Describe the place you would like to visit at some
time in the future and explain why it appeals to you.
|
19
|
If magic were to
exist and you lived in a magical world, what kind of powers would you
possess?
|
20
|
Can you keep a
secret? Why or why not? Have you ever let a secret slip? Who did you tell and
why?
|
21
|
What kind of music do you like? What types of music do
you associate with ‘easy listening’ and ‘youthful rebellion’? Do you like
singers to write their own songs or do you prefer them to do covers?
|
22
|
If you could see
music in the air, what do you think it would look like? Would there be
different colours for different genres?
|
23
|
What is it ‘cool’ to wear these days in your
country? Should children be given the freedom to dress
anyway they want? What do you think of people who
are always changing their image (e.g. through a new hairstyle, different clothes,
colour of the hair or tattoos)?
|
24
|
Think about three professions that are the most
important for today’s society. What qualifications, personal qualities, work
experience, etc. would you need in order to get one of these jobs? Which jobs
do you think are the most and least prestigious?
|
25
|
If you could
invent any “app” for a smartphone, what would it do and do you think it would be popular?
|
Miністерство
освіти і науки України
III
етап Всеукраїнської учнівської олімпіади
з
англійської мови
THE
MINISTRY OF EDUCATION AND SCIENCE OF UKRAINE
STAGE
III NATIONAL STUDENTS OLYMPIAD
IN THE
ENGLISH LANGUAGE
Writing Comprehension Test
For 9th Form Students
TEACHER’S
BOOKLET
Directions: In this test you will be given the written
task. Write it on the pages provided. When you are finished, hand in your
paper.
Write an answer to ONE of the questions 1-3.
Write your answer in an appropriate style.
1) Last
summer you spent two months at a language school in Torquay in the UK. A friend
of yours has written to you asking about it. Write a letter to your friend
saying whether or not you would recommend the school and give your reasons.
Write your letter.
2) An
English-language magazine is publishing a series of book reviews. The editor
has asked readers to contribute to this series. Write a review of a book you
have read that has made an impression on you and which you would be able to
recommend to others. Explain what makes the book worth reading in your opinion
and why it would appeal to other readers.
Write your review.
3)
You have seen this advertisement for a job in a local newspaper.
pop rock jazz classical salsa blues
CITY SOUNDS MUSIC SHOP - ENGLISH SPEAKERS
NEEDED FOR SUMMER WORK
• Are you interested in different kinds of music?
• Are you hard-working and
reliable?
• Do you have any useful experience?
Apply to the shop manager, Mr Holborn, explaining why you
would be suitable for the job.
Write
your letter of application.
KEY: 9th Form Students
Reading KEY 9:
TEXT 1: 1a,
2a, 3d, 4d, 5b, 6c
TEXT 2: 7B, 8A,
9A, 10B, 11B, 12A
TEXT 3: 13a,
14b, 15d, 16c, 17c, 18b
TEXT 4: 19e,
20a, 21g, 22b, 23d, 24c
TEXT 5: 25b,
26c, 27d, 28b, 29a, 30a
Listening key 9
1.
|
2.
|
3.
|
4.
|
5.
|
6.
|
7.
|
8.
|
9.
|
10.
|
T
|
F
|
T
|
F
|
T
|
F
|
F
|
T
|
T
|
T
|
11.
|
12.
|
13.
|
14.
|
15.
|
16.
|
17.
|
18.
|
19.
|
20.
|
C
|
D
|
C
|
C
|
A
|
B
|
D
|
C
|
A
|
A
|
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