English test

A. Grammar

• 1. Water is to boil / is boiling / boils at a temperature of 100°C.
• 2. In some countries there is / is / it is very hot all the time.
• 3. In some places it rains / there rains / it raining almost every day.
• 4. In deserts there isn't the / some / any grass.
• 5. The most / Most of / Most people don't know what it's like in other countries.
• 6. Mohammed Ali has won / won / is winning his first world title fight in 1960.
• 7. If he has / would have / had lost his first fight with Sonny Liston, no one would have been surprised.
• 8. He is very well known all in / all over / in all the world.
• 9. Like any top sportsman Ali had to / must / should train very hard.
• 10. You met him while you were on holiday, didn't you / weren't you / haven't you?

• 1. The climber was seventy miles in the wrong direction and got ______
  • a. More panicked
  • b. The more panicked
  • c. More than panicked
  • d. More and more panicked
• 2. All payments to the Red Cross are _________ and are received as donations
  • a. Volunteer
  • b. Voluntary
  • c. Voluntarily
  • d. Voluntariness
• 3. The International Red Cross started over 135 years, inspired by _____ Swiss businessman, Jean Henri Duant.
  • a. A
  • b. An
  • c. The
  • d. X (nothing)
• 4. Nuclear energy is unlimited but it can be ________ to human beings and the environment.
  • a. Extinct
  • b. Released
  • c. Endangered
  • d. Dangerous
• 5. The government has paid special attention _______ trade.
  • a. To
  • b. On
  • c. For
  • d. With
• 6. Nina went to the same school _______ you did.
  • a. Than
  • b. Like
  • c. As
  • d. So

B. Reading

Ever since humans have inhabited the earth, they have made use of various forms of communication. Generally, this expression of thought and feeling has been in the form of oral speech. When there is a language barrier, communication is accomplished through sign language in which motions stand for letters, words and ideas. Tourists, the deaf and the mute, have had to resort this form of expression. Many of these symbols of whole words are very picturesque and exact, and can be used internationally; spelling, however, can not.

Body language transmits ideas or thought by certain actions, either intentionally or unintentionally. A wink can be a way of flirting or indicating that the party is only joking. A nod signifies approval, while shaking the head indicates a negative reaction.

Other forms of nonlinguistic language can be found in Braille (a system of raised dots read with the fingertips), signal flags, Morse code, and smoke signals. Road maps and picture signs also guide, warn and instruct people.

While verbalization is the most common form of language, other systems and techniques also express human thoughts and feelings.

• 1. Which of the following best summarizes this passage?
  • a. When language is a barrier, people will find other forms of communication
  • b. Everybody uses only one form of communication
  • c. Nonlinguistic language is invaluable to foreigners
  • d. Although other forms of communication exist, verbalization is the fastest.
• 2. Which of the following is not true?
  • a. There are many forms of communication in existence today
  • b. Verbalization is the most common form of communication
  • c. The deaf and mute use an oral form of communication
  • d. Ideas and thoughts can be transmitted by body language
• 3. Which form other than oral speech would be most commonly used among blind people?
  • a. Picture signs
  • b. Braille
  • c. Body language
  • d. Signal flags
• 4. How many different forms of communication are mentioned here?
  • a. 5
  • b. 7
  • c. 9
  • d. 11
• 5. Sign language is said to be very picturesque and exact and can be used internationally, except for
  • a. Spelling
  • b. Ideas
  • c. While words
  • d. Expressions

• 1.
  
  To: All staff
  From: HR Department

  Please remember that your manager must agree any holiday dates before you complete a form.

  
  Why is the HR department sending this email?

  • a. to ask staff for some information
  • b. to explain how something is done
  • c. to tell managers about a problem
• 2. FINEFOODS Agent required for nationwide distribution. Some experience in food retail an advantage. Refrigerated van provided.

  
  Finefoods requires an agent to:

  • a. own a suitable vehicle for delivery.
  • b. be a specialist in food distribution.
  • c. deliver goods all over the country.
• 3. "Phone Neil Smith, at our showroom for a free quotation, or to arrange a visit from our representative".

  
  Contact Neil Smith if you want to

  • a. obtain information about the company's prices.
  • b. arrange a visit to the showroom.
  • c. speak to a representative about special offers.

C. Writing

Please write a 40-60 word paragraph based on the questions or situations below:

1. If a radioactive asteroid hit you and tomorrow you were to wake up with a superpower, immortality or ability to read minds, which one would you choose? And why?

a) A customer has just sent you a very angry email, in which he relays his disappointment, and dissatisfaction with our services, using a lot of swear words and improper phrasing. How would you address your reply email to him?

b) An operator is pointing out a big known problem with the product and you do not have the technical knowledge to solve it. How would you address the reply to him?