NBK HIGH SCHOOL PRACTICE TEST 2

FOR THE GIFTED Time allotted: 180 mins

ESC 18

A. LISTENING (50 pts)

Part 1: You will hear a radio interview about fox hunting. For questions 1-5, choose the answer (A,
B, C or D) which fits best according to what you hear. Write your answers in the corresponding
numbered boxes (10pts) - CAE Practice Test
1. What surprises the interview about the hunt?
A. The dogs are no longer allowed to run free.
B. Nothing seems to have changed after a the new law on hunting.
C. The hunters seem to have adopted a strange system of hunting.
D. The dogs seemed to be losing their ability to find a fox.
2. According to Brian Hook, ______.
A. he enjoys the thrill of the hunt as much as ever
B. the hunters try to deceive the public
C. it’s difficult to keep up with a hunt to see what is really happening
D. it is impossible for them to moniotr all the hunts
3. The new law ______.
A. forbids dogs to chase foxes B. allows dogs to kill a fox as long as the kill is monitored
C. has proved to be difficult to enforce D. forbids foxes to be shot
4. What was done wrong in the case of Richard Black?
A. He should not have used dogs to flush the fox out of the hole.
B. He was slow to intervene when the fox was caught.
C. He realised too late that his dogs had caught a fox.
D. He shot the fox and then gave it to the dogs.
5. Hook believes that ______.
A. the countryside will be overrun with foxes
B. the law was intended to make the killing of foxes less cruel
C. the fox could become an endangered species
D. traditional hunting methods are the only way to control the fox population
Your answers:
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Part 2: You will hear the historian, George Davies, talking about society and the theatre in England
in the time of William Shakespeare. Decide whether the following statements are true (T) or false
(F). Write your answers in the corresponding numbered boxes . (10pts) (– CPE Practice Test )

1. According to Professor Davies, the level of literacy in sixteen-century England matched his
expectations.
2. In Professor Davies' opinion, the advantage of the usual method of communication in the sixteenth
century was that people absorbed more of what they heard.
3. Professor Davies believes that Shakespeare's company developed their basic acting skills by
attending special voice classes.
4. In Professor Davies' view, the advantage of sixteen-century theatres was that the performances were
complemented by everyday life.
5. Professor Davies thinks that sixteen-century plays were expected to deal with personal confessions.

Your answers:
1. T 2. T 3. F 4. T 5. F

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Part 3. Listen to an introduction of a new invention and answer the following questions. USE NO
MORE THAN THREE WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER for each answer. Write your answers in the
spaces provided.(10 pts) IELTS PRACTICE
1. How much was the watch used by Fossett sold for?
20,000 pounds
2. Where were the two men near when the accident happened?
Antarctica
3. Who might benefit a lot from this watch?
Aviators and air crew
4. What is the maximum range of the watch at sea?
160 kilometres
5. When was the self-winding watch invented?
1770
Part 4: Listen to a piece of news about the formation of young planets. WRITE NO MORE THAN
THREE WORDS OR A NUMBER in the spaces provided. (20 pts) (BBC News)

1. Astronomers are now observing and photographing a baby planet in the __________early
stage___________________ of formation for the first time.
2. The group of young planets orbiting the star LkCa 15 are ____________450 light
years__________________ away.
3. The recently found planets are at least as massive as ___________Jupiter_____________________
and probably several times more massive than that.
4. _____________________ is something that happens at the same time as stars are born.
5. Analysis showed that ___________superheated hydrogen____________________________is being
pulled in from space, which could mean the planets still have not finished forming.
6. The findings of this observation will give astronomers a ________
understanding__________________ of how planets and planetary systems form.
7. Knowing the processes of planet formation tells you how likely it is to find a planet that has the
_____________right chemistry_______________________ for life.
8. When a planet is hundreds of millions years old, they'll be regarded as ___mature planet________.
9. The number of Earth-like planets which have been found is up to________1700____________.
10, The discovery proves that planets can and do form readily within the ____dust cloud_______ of a
star.

B. LEXICO AND GRAMMAR (30 pts)

Part 1: Choose the best answer to each of the following questions. Write your answers in the
corresponding numbered boxes (10 pts) (WORD PERFECT + OLYMPIC 30-4)

1. You can buy goods on the Internet with a credit card, but there is a danger of _____ if someone else
obtains the number.
A. corruption B. fraud C. embezzlement D. disruption
2. As he accepted the award from the organization, his voice _____ with emotion.
A. quivered B. flinched C. cringed D. winced
3. The party was already _____ by the time we arrived. Everyone was singing and dancing.
A. in full swing B. up in the air C. in the red D. under a cloud
4. Hats like this may have been fashionable in the 60’s, but now they are _____ the times.
A. beneath B. under C. over D. behind
5. You say that this small spare part cost you $100? I am sure you paid through the _____ for it.
A. eye B. nose C. ear D. lips
6. It was mindless of you to _____ Sam in the face. You should never have done it if you expect him to
love you.
A. slam B. clap C. slap D. clasp
7. The train service has been a _____ since they introduced the new schedules.
A. shambles B. rumpus C. chaos D. fracas

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8. Fiona’s offered to help you. Don’t ask why – never look a gift _____ in the mouth.
A. horse B. cow C. deer D. dog
9. Sandra’s unpleasant _____ suggested that she knew about Amanda’s terrible secret.
A. grimace B. smirk C. wince D. snort
10. Few people can do creative work unless they are in the right _____ of mind.
A. frame B. trend C. attitude D. tendency

Your answers:
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
6. 7. 8. 9. 10.

Part 2 The passage below contains 6 errors in spelling, grammar, word form. For questions 1-5 ,
underline the errors and write the corrections in the corresponding numbered boxes. CPE practice
test

Things started to go wrongly as soon as we got to the hotel. We were all completely exhausted after
our long journey and looking forward to a shower and a rest. However, we found that our room was
not ready, which was very annoy, although the manager was extremely apologetic. While we were
waiting, we asked about the excursions to places of an interest which we had read about in the
brochure. Imagine how we felt when we were told they had all cancelled! Apparently, the person
responsible for organizing them had left suddenly and had not been replaced. Then Sally saw a notice
pinning to the door of the restaurant, saying it was closed for redecoration, and Peter discovered that
the swimming pool was empty. When we eventually got to our room, we were horrified to find that it
was at the back of the hotel, and we had a view of a car park, which seemed to be used as a rubbish
dump. We seriously began to wonder whether or not to stay.

Your Answers:
No Line Mistake Correction
1 1 Wrongly Wrong
2 3 annoy Annoying
3 4 an 0
4 5 Cancelled Been cancelled
5 7 Pinning pinned

Part 3: Fill each gap in the following sentences with one of the prepositions or particles. Write your
answers in the corresponding numbered boxes (5pts) (Olympic 30/4)

1. On behalf of the guests, I’d like to propose a toast ___________the bride and groom.
2. Directed by a hypocritical, the organization is rotten___________ the core.
3. He’s a bit timid and hasn’t yet plucked ________the courage to apply for the job.
4. I don’t believe I could live so far _____ _____ the sticks.
5. You must have a terrible day. Now, just put your feet _______ and I’ll make dinner.
Your answers:
1. to 2. to 3. up 4. out in 5. up

Part 4: For questions 1- 10, write the correct form of each bracketed word in the corresponding numbered
boxes. (10 points) (Adapted from www.theguardian.com)
SPECIES DIVERSITY
While people are generally most familiar with (1) __________(CELL) organisms such as
plants and animals, these organisms form only small branches on the tree of life. The greatest
metabolic (2)__________(DIVERSE) is found among the prokaryotic organisms of the Eubacteria and
Archaea. Although some of these microbes use oxygen for respiration, or (3)___________

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(SYNTHESIS) like plants, others have the extraordinary ability to derive energy from
(4)____________(ORGAN) chemicals such as hydrogen sulfide or ammonia, and they use carbon
dioxide as their only source of carbon for producing organic molecules. Organisms that we consider
extremophiles can survive in saturated salt (5)_____________(CONCENTRATE) (36%
(6)____________(COMPARE) to approximately 3% for seawater), or in superheated water in deep-
sea vents and geysers.
Because people have ventured to all parts of the globe, one might expect that the new species
being (7)____________(DISCOVERY) each year would be microscopic organisms that can only be
distinguished at a (8)___________(DEFINITION) level. While it is true that most new species
identified are insects, microbes and fungi, we are still discovering new vertebrates such as abaleen
whale and a (9)___________(CLOUD) leopard. A conservation focus on preserving ecosystems not
only saves large numbers of species (including (10)___________(CHARISMA) species that do not
receive public support) but also preserves the support systems that maintain life.

Your answers:
1. multicellular 2. diversity 3. photosynthesize 4. inorganic 5. concentrations
6. compared 7. discovered 8. undefined 9. clouded 10. non -charismatic

C. READING (60 pts)

Part 1: For questions 1-10. Read the following passage and decide which answer A, B, C or D best
fits each gap. Write your answers in corresponding numbered boxes. (10 pts) - English-Advanced-
Vocab-and-Structure
Is hypnosis a mystification or an ideal way of treating many diseases? The fact that a
hypnotized individual will _____ (1) the hypnotist's commands to perform even the most illogical
actions has always excited both the psychologists and their clients _____ (2) for getting rid of different
ailments, be it mental or physical, by means of responding to persuasive suggestions while in the
altered state of consciousness.
This trance may usually be _____ (3) by repeating monotonous commands thus introducing an
individual into a subconscious sphere of his personality, which in the state of full wakefulness may be
suppressed or concealed. A hypnotized person appears to be more _____ (4) to imposed orders and
more motivated to _____ (5) his deep-rooted anxieties and worries. Controversial though this approach
may seem to be, it does contribute to curing people of their emotional distresses in the _____ (6) of
positive suggestions. Hypnosis can _____ (7) establishing a more profound contact with a patient's
emotional life even reviving the forgotten events from a remote past where the root cause of an
affliction may originate from.
It doesn't necessarily aim at confronting the psychological problems only. Hypnosis can also be
of great assistance in treating many addictions, _____ (8) various kinds of pains or even fighting skin
diseases.
Without _____ (9), hypnosis is a most useful tool in the hands of physicians and faith healers
even though the extraordinary phenomena that it _____ (10) cannot always be accounted for by any
scientific or logical means.

1. A. tackle B. concede C. operate D. follow

2. A. eager B. keen C. resolute D. intent
3. A. conjured B. applied C. fixed D. evoked
4. A. answerable B. responsive C. reactionary D. perceptible
5. A. disclose B. depose C. delete D. disperse
6. A. use B. means C. way D. manner
7. A. help B. implement C. facilitate D. entitle
8. A. depleting B. shrinking C. alleviating D. declining
9. A. fail B. miss C. guess D. word
10. A. enacts B. provokes C. breeds D. induces

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Your answers:
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.

Part 2: Read the text below and think of one word which best fits each space. Use only ONE WORD
for each space. Write your answers in the corresponding numbered boxes. (10 pts) Towards
Proficiency
SEASON AND BABY SIZE
People born in certain months of the year tend to be taller than those born in others. This
discovery was (1) __________ in a recent study carried out at the Danish Epidemiology Science
Centre in Copenhagen.
The researchers looked at the height and weight details (2) __________birth of over a million
Danes born in the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s, and found that a child born in April is, on average, nearly
two centimeters taller than one born in December. As (3) __________ as being taller, the April baby is
also likely to be heavier, and the odds (4) __________ that he or she will remain bigger throughout
life.
The study also shows that (5) __________ children born in December tend to be the smallest,
the size of those born in June and July is also well below (6) __________ of the April babies. In these
two midsummer months, however, the difference in height and weight is only half as much as in
midwinter.
Similar results (7) __________ these emerged from a separate study in Australia. There they
found that by the time children reached 18, the gap between the April and the December ones had
increased to about five centimeters.
Another seasonal variation that (8) __________ to light concerned actual birth dates. Winter
babies, it was discovered, were born an average of one day earlier than spring, summer or autumn
babies.
In (9) __________ of these studies were scientists able to explain these differences. In both
cases they called (10) __________ further research into the subject.

Your answers:
1. made 2. at 3. well 4. are 5. although
6. that 7. to 8. come 9. term 10. out

Part 3: Read the following passage and choose the best answer (A, B, C or D) according to the text.
Write your answers (A, B, C or D) in the corresponding numbered boxes (15pts).
HOW TO MASTER SKILLS FOR THE TOEFL IBT ACTUAL TEST- READING TEST BOOK
The Balance in the Oceans

The oceans' predators come in all shapes and sizes. For example, one of the less infamous ones is the
colorful starfish, which feeds on plant life, coral, or other shellfish such as mussels for sustenance. A
more bloodcurdling example, especially to human beings and most other species of fish, is the shark,
though most scientists agree that only ten per cent of the 450 plus species of sharks have been
documented as actually attacking a human. Still, there is another predator lurking invisibly in the
bodies of water of the world, one which poses one of the greatest threats to all species of ocean life -
bacteria. Though many types of fish are continually stalking and evading one another for survival,
they all band together in an attempt to keep bacteria levels at bay in order to allow their own
existence to continue.
Bacteria play a dual role in the ecosystems of the oceans. On the one hand, they are beneficial as they
stimulate plant life through food decomposition, which releases the necessary chemicals for the growth
of plant life. This is called nutrient recycling and helps keep the oceans alive. But, on the other hand,
bacteria are a major predator for all fish because they attack fragile, weaker individuals. If they are
allowed to run rampant and not kept in check, they could virtually suffocate the oceans. In water,
bacteria prove to be an even greater threat than on land because, as they proliferate, they reduced the
oxygen levels necessary for organisms in the oceans to live. Further, when fish populations become

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depleted due to factors like overfishing, microbes such as algae expand and threaten the fragile
ecosystems of the ocean. Therefore, ocean predators play a critical role by thwarting bacteria growth
and maintaining the oceans’ equilibrium by reducing vulnerable links in the food chain.
In many ways, the balance within the oceans’ ecosystems mirrors the human body. That is, all of their
components must work in harmony for them to stay healthy, efficient, and alive. If one of them is
missing or deficient, an entire system can be placed in jeopardy. In both the human body and the
ocean, bacteria play a vital role because, at manageable levels, they aid in protecting and cleaning each
system of foreign agents that can be of harm. On the other hand, if bacteria levels increase and become
out of control, they can take hold of a system, overrun it, and become debilitating. Therefore, both
oceans and the human body have a kind of custodian that maintains bacteria levels. In the human body,
it is called a phagocyte. Phagocytes eat up sick, old, or dying cells, which are more prone to bacterial
invasion, and thus keep the body healthy. Like in the human body, bacteria can prove fatal to the living
organisms in the ocean.
Like phagocytes in the human body , ocean predators work as antibacterial custodians of the seas. In
essence, they are the immune system and a vital link in the food chain because they remove small,
injured, or sickly fish from the ocean environment before bacteria can become too comfortable and
multiply. By ridding the ocean of weaker fish, predators allow the stronger ones to multiply, making
their species stronger and more resilient. Without their services and with their declining numbers,
bacteria will blossom to levels that will eventually overpower and kill even the strongest species of
fish because of the depletion of their number one source of life, all important oxygen.
While the greatest battle in the ocean may seem on the surface to be the survival of the fittest fish, a
closer look reveals something completely different: fish versus microorganisms. Clearly, most living
organisms in the oceans are hunters by nature, but this way of life does not merely provide a food
source for a dominant species. It also maintains a healthy level of bacteria in an ocean’s ecosystem,
thus ensuring the continuation of all species of life within. Major predators are necessary, like the
antibacterial cells of the human body, to keep this delicate balance in synch. If their numbers continue
to decline and humans ignore their vital role in the ocean, dire consequences will definitely result.

1. The word “lurking” in the passage is closest in meaning to

A. attacking B. increasing C. waiting D. approaching
2. According to paragraph 1, which of the following is true of ocean predators?
A. The shark is the deadliest one for all other kinds of life in the oceans.
B. One of the most threatening to all fish populations is bacteria.
C. Starfish do little damage to the population of mussels and shellfish.
D. Most of the killers that hide in the oceans are unknown to humans.
3. Which of the following can be inferred from paragraph 1 about bacteria?
A. They can be extremely detrimental to fish if their numbers increase.
B. They are able to feed off themselves when other food sources are limited.
C. They stimulate plant life, which in turn releases oxygen into the water.
D. They present themselves in numerous shapes and forms as well as colors.
4. Which of the sentences below best expresses the essential information in the highlighted sentence in
the passage?
A. Evasion tactics help fish escape from the threats posed by an increasing number of bacteria.
B. Various species of fish prey upon one another in order to lower bacteria levels in the ocean.
C. high bacteria levels in the ocean help most species of fish to survive by providing them with food.
D. Rivals or not, all fish help one another survive by preventing bacteria from proliferating.
5. The author discusses “nutrient recycling ” in paragraph 2 in order to
A. show how bacteria act similarly in the ocean and the human body
B. explain the different roles of nutrients and oxygen for species of fish
C. indicate that bacteria do have a positive impact in the oceans
D. note how chemicals from bacteria are able to stimulate plant growth
6. The word “thwarting” in the passage is closest in meaning to
A. encouraging B. presenting C. slowing D. sustaining
7. According to paragraph 2, bacteria are dangerous to ocean life because

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A. they have the capability to attack both strong and weaker fish
B. they could monopolize the critical breathable gas in the ocean
C. they get rid of vulnerable links, like dying fish, in the food chain
D. they blossom out of control when overfishing becomes dominant
8. The word “debilitating” in the passage is closest in meaning to
A. stimulating B. hindering C. elevating D. weakening
9. The author’s description of phagocytes mentions all of the following EXCEPT:
A. They rid the human body of potentially dangerous organisms.
B. They act in a similar manner as the predators of the ocean.
C. They dispose of bacteria to make weakened cells revive.
D. They are cleaning agents in humans to maintain bacteria levels.
10. According to paragraph 4, the elimination of weaker fish by ocean predators
A. can often have an adverse effect on the population of the certain prey species
B. inadvertently helps stronger species of fish to proliferate more easily
C. reduces oxygen levels, thereby causing bacteria to multiply in their prey
D. allows bacteria to grow and multiply in the stronger individuals of a species

Your answers:
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.

Part 4 : Read the following passage and do the tasks that follows. Write your answer in the space
provided. (15 pts) 15 DAYS’ PRACTICE FOR IELTS READING
JUST RELAX
A. Hypnosis is an intriguing and fascinating process. a trance-like mental state is induced in one
person by another, who appears to have the power to command that person to obey instructions
without question. Hypnotic experiences were described by the ancient Egyptians and Greeks, while
references to deep sleep and anesthesia have been found in the Bible and the Jewish Talmud. In the
mid-1700s Franz Mesmer, an Australian physician, developed his theory of ‘animal magnetism’,
which was the belief that the cause of disease was the ‘improper distribution of the invisible magnetic
fluid’. Mesmer used water tubs and magnetic wands to direct these supposed fluids to his patients. In
1784, a French commission studied. Mesmer’s claims, and concluded that these cues were only
imagined by patients. However, people continued to believe in this process of ‘mesmerism’ and it was
soon realized that successful results could be achieved, but without the need for magnets and water.

B. The term hypnotism was first used by James Braid, a British physician who studied suggestion and
hypnosis in the mid- 1800s. He demonstrated that hypnosis differed from sleep, that it was a
physiological response and not a result of secret powers. During the same period, James Esdaile, a
Scottish doctor working in India, used hypnotism instead of anesthetic in over 200 major surgical
operations, including leg amputations. Later that century a French neurologist, Jean Chrcot,
successfully experimented with hypnosis in his clinic for nervous disorders.
C. Since then, scientists have shown that the state of hypnosis is a natural human behavior, which can
affect psychological, social and/ or physical experiences. The effects of hypnotism depend on the
ability, willingness and motivation of the person hypnotized. Although hypnosis has been compared to
dreaming and sleepwalking, it is not actually related to sleep. It involves a more active and intensive
mental concentration of the person being hypnotized. Hypnotized people can talk, write and walk
about and they are usually fully aware of what is being said and done.
D. There are various techniques used to induce hypnosis. The best known is a series of simple
suggestions repeated continuously in the same tone of voice. The subject is instructed to focus their
attention on an object of fixed point, while being told to relax, breathe deeply, and allow the eyelids to
grow heavy and close. As the person responds, their state of attention changes, and this altered state
often leads to other changes. For example, the person may experience different levels of awareness,
consciousness, imagination, memory and reasoning or becoming responsive to suggestions. Additional
phenomenon may be produced or eliminated such as blushing, sweating, paralysis, muscle tension or

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anaesthesia. Although these changes can occur with hypnosis, none of these experiences is unique to it.
People who are very responsive to hypnosis are also more responsive to suggestions when they are
hypnotized. This responsiveness increases during hypnotism. This explains why hypnosis takes only a
few seconds for some, whilst other people cannot easily hypnotized.
E. It is a common misunderstanding that hypnotists are able to force people to perform criminal or any
other acts against their will. In fact, subjects can resist suggestions, and they retain their ability to
distinguish right from wrong. This misunderstanding is often the result of public performances where
subjects perform ridiculous or highly embarrassing actions at the command of the hypnotist. These
people are usually instructed not to recall their behavior after re-emerging from the hypnotic state, so it
appears that they were powerless while hypnotized. The point to remember, however, is that these
individuals chose to participate, and the success of hypnotism depends on the willingness of a person
to be hypnotized.
F. Interestingly, there are different levels of hypnosis achievable. Thus deep hypnosis can be induces
to allow anaesthesia or surgery, childbirth or dentistry. This contrasts to a lighter state of hypnosis,
which deeply relaxes the patient who will then follow simple directions. This latter state may be used
to treat mental health problems, as it allow patients to feel calm while simultaneously thinking about
distressing feelings or painful memories. Thus patients can learn new responses to situations or come
up with solutions to problems. This can help recovery from psychological conditions such as anxiety,
depression or phobias. Sometime after traumatic incidents, memory of the incidents may be blocked.
For example, some soldiers develop amnesia (loss of memory) as a result of their experiences during
wartime. Through hypnosis these repressed memories can be retrieved and treated. A variation of this
treatment involves age regression, when the hypnotist take the patient back to a specific age. In this
way patients may remember events and feelings from that time, which may be affecting their current
well-being.
G. Physicians also have made use of the ability of a hypnotized person to remain in a given position
for long periods of time. In one case, doctors had to graft skin onto a patient’s badly damaged foot.
First, skin from the person’s abdomen was grafted onto his arm; then the graft was transferred to his
foot. With hypnosis, the patient held his arm tightly in position over his abdomen for three weeks, then
over his foot for four weeks. Even though these positions were unusual, the patient at no time left
uncomfortable.
Choose the correct heading for paragraphs B-G from the list of headings below. Write the
correct number, i-xi , next to Questions 1-6.
List of Headings
i. Use of hypnotism in criminal cases
ii. The body posture and hypnosis
iii. Early medical experiments with hypnotism
iv. Early association of hypnotists with psychology
v. Dangers of hypnotism
vi. How to hypnotise
vii. Hypnosis and free will
viii. Difference between mesmerism and hypnotism
ix. Therapeutic uses of hypnosis
x. Origins of hypnosis
xi. The normality of hypnotized subjects’ behavior

Example Answer
Paragraph A x
1. Paragraph B iii
2. Paragraph C xi
3. Paragraph D vi
4. Paragraph E vii
5. Paragraph F ix
6. Paragraph G: ii
Your answers:

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 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6

Questions 7-10: Complete the summary of the history of hypnosis. Choose NO MORE THAN
THREE WORDS from the passage for each answer. Write your answer in the space provided.
References to hypnotism can be found both in the Talmud and the (7)
__________Bible____________. Even when Mesmer’s (8) _magnets and water_ were not used,
successful results occurred without them. Braid identified hypnosis as a natural (9)
____physiological__________________ response, rather than magical or mystical. Early
psychological studies showed the difference between sleep and hypnosis. Successful hypnosis requires
the subject’s active (10) ___concentration__________. Consequently subjects can speak or move
around and are aware of their surroundings.

Part 5: Read the text about Captain Cook and answer questions (10pts).
For questions 1–10, identify which section A–F each of the following is mentioned. Write ONE
letter A–F in the space provided. Each letter may be used more than once.
CPE – Reading and Use of English
The Changing Faces of Captain Cook
A
In the painting by Johann Zoffany which depicts the death of Captain James Cook- the tireless
eighteenth- century explorer- the captain is shown lying on the ground, mortally wounded and
surrounded by an angry group of half-naked warriors. The painting, in keeping with others of the late
eighteenth century, contributed to the growing demand for stylised depictions of heroic deaths of
British officers. This fashion reinforced the viewpoint that British elite, at that time, were selflessly
willing to sacrifice themselves in the name of enlightenment and progress. During his career in the
navy, Cook made three important voyages into the Pacific. A quick look at a map of that area today
will show reminders of that time – for example, the Cook Islands, and Mount Cook on the South Island
of New Zealand.
B
There is some controversy as to whether Cook should be regarded simply as part of the progress which
led to Europe spreading its influence and strength into the Pacific or whether he played a more active
role. Either way, the significance of his discoveries remains immense. His expeditions contributed
greatly to the study of botany, anthropology, navigation, exploration, cartography, and medicine. In
fact, his greatest accomplishments probably stemmed from his thorough approach to whatever he
undertook, which led him to be able to consolidate the work of earlier explorers. Cook’s first two
voyages into the Pacific were characterized by his tolerance and forbearance towards the inhabitants he
visited and the importance he placed on the physical well-being of his crew. His recognition of the fact
that there was a huge cultural difference between his men and the islanders influenced his dealings
with the latter and the commands issued to the former. By contrast, his third and last voyage saw a
different, more irritable Cook, a man who frequently punished his own men for minor misdemeanours.
Flogging became a relatively common event and some crew members even began to plot munity.
C
On 16th January, 1779, Cook’s ships put in at Kealakekua Bay on Hawaii having first slowly
circumnavigated the island. He had decided that they should pass the winter in a warm region before
sailing to the west coast of America to restock the ships. The arrival of the ships coincided with the
rituals surrounding the worship of the god Lono. By landing at the bay where the temple of the god
was situated in this particular season, the expedition managed to fulfil with amazing precision the
various legends associated with Lono. Even the ship’s masts and sails bore some resemblance to the
emblem of the god. Speculation has it that the inhabitants of the island may have supposed Cook to
actually be the god, visiting them in human form, or that he was a human representative of the god.
Either way, they welcomed him with open arms and gave him help in stocking his ships with food.
D
The expedition’s departure happened to coincide with the end of this season worship, no doubt further
adding to the islanders’ conviction that Cook was a man of importance to them. Unfortunately, the
expedition had to return to the bay after one of the ships suffered storm damage. On the island, it was

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now a period dedicated to the worship of the god Ku, a deity opposed to Lono. Cook’s return was
therefore contradictory and confusing, and potentially upset the delicate relationship that had been
previously established. Events took a turn for the worse with his decision to confront the Hawaiian
king after the theft of one of his boats. This served to incur the wrath of the islanders and triggered a
series of events that led to his being killed by them on the beach of the bay while trying to flee from
the island.

According to the text, which section(s) mention the following? Your

answers
Cook’s voyages enhancing knowledge in a range of fields 1. B
Cook’s fateful decision to challenge a figure of authority 2. D
the concept of giving up one’s life for a greater good 3. A
meticulous methodology being crucial to Cook’s achievements 4. B
remarkable coincidences facilitating Cook’s purpose 5. C
a change in circumstances clouding a situation 6. B
the abandonment of an enlightened approach 7. B
the privileged seeking to reinforce an image 8. A
the possibility of Cook being passed for a divinity 9. C
asking if Cook merely performed his duty or actively shaped regional policy 10. A

D. WRITING (60 pts)

Part 1: Read the following text and use your own words to summarize it. Your summary should be
about 140 words long. You MUST NOT copy the original. (15 points)
http://www.englishdaily626.com/summary
Buying things today is so simple. Just enter a shop, say a book store, choose the desired book and pay
for it. Long ago, before the invention of money, how did people trade?
The most primitive way of exchange should be the barter trade. In this form of transaction, people used
goods to exchange for the things that they had in mind. For instance, if person A wanted a book and he
had a spare goat, he must look for someone who had the exact opposite, that is, that someone, say
person B, must have a spare book of person A's choice and is also in need of a goat. Having found
such a person, the problem does not end here. A big goat may worth not only one book, hence person
B may have to offer person A something else, say five chickens. However, he runs the risk of person A
rejecting the offer as he may not need the chickens. The above example clearly illustrates the
inefficiency of barter trading.
Many years later, the cumbersome barter trade finally gave way to the monetary form of exchange
when the idea of money was invented. In the early days, almost anything could qualify as
money: beads, shells and even fishing hooks. Then in a region near Turkey, gold coins were used as
money. In the beginning, each coin had a different denomination. It was only later, in about 700 BC,
that Gyges, the king of Lydia, standardized the value of each coin and even printed his name on the
coins.
Monetary means of transaction at first beat the traditional barter trade. However, as time went by, the
thought of carrying a ponderous pouch of coins for shopping appeared not only troublesome but
thieves attracting. Hence, the Greek and Roman traders who bought goods from people faraway cities,
invented checks to solve the problem. Not only are paper checks easy to carry around, they
discouraged robbery as these checks can only be used by the person whose name is printed on the
notes. Following this idea, banks later issued notes in exchange for gold deposited with them. These
bank notes can then be used as cash. Finally, governments of today adopted the idea and began to print
paper money, backed by gold for the country's use.
Today, besides enjoying the convenience of using paper notes as the mode of exchange, technology
has led man to invent other means of transaction too like the credit and cash cards.  

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 Prior to the advent of cash, people purchased goods through barter trade. However, since
seeking the right partner and the difficulty in exchanging things encouraged people to turn into
currency trade. Initially, beads, shells and fishing hooks were used as money. In a region close to
Turkey gold coins with distinct tokens were also regarded as money. Later, King Gyges of Lydia
standardized the value of each coin. Users then found carrying coins for shopping seemed to be not
only annoying but thieves attracting as well. Consequently, paper checks with owners’s name were
invented. Based on this invention, banks began to issue cash notes in return for gold deposited with
them. Government, adopting this idea, started to print paper cash, backed by gold for the nation’s
usage. Nowadays, apart from conventional cash, human has created new means of transaction such as
credit and cash cards.
(145 words)

Part 2. Chart description.(15 pts) https://www.testbig.com/ielts-writing-task-i-ielts-academic-essays

The first chart below gives information about the money spent by British parents on their children's
sports between 2008 and 2014. The second chart shows the number of children who participated in
three sports in Britain over the same period.
Summarize the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons
where relevant. Write at least 150 words.

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 The first chart indicates the avarage monthly expenditure on children’s sports of parents in the
UK from 2008 to 2014. The second illustrates the number of British kids taking part in Football,
Athletics and Swimming over the same period.
Overall, the money spent on children’s sports increased rapidly over the period of 6 years from
2008. The number of children participating in 3 sports all went up and football was always the most
universal.
As can be seen from the first graph, in 2008, about 20 pounds on average were spent on
children’s sport by British parents every month. This number rose significantly without any drop, to
just over 30 pounds a month in 2014.
Regarding of the second one, although there was only a marginal increase of about 1 million in
the number of children playing football, from approximately 8 to nearly 9 million, it was still the most
favoured kind of sports among kids. While a similar trend can be observed in Swimming, the figure for
Athletics appeared to be far different. After a plateau between 2008 and 2010, the number of kids
doing atheletics registered an enormous climb and reached its peak at 5 million in 2012 before a slight
decline from then to 2014.

Part 3: Write an essay of about 350 words to express your opinion on the following issue (30 pts)
Schools are no longer necessary because children can get so much information available through
the Internet, and they can study just as well at home.
What is your own opinion?
Give reasons for your answer, and include any relevant examples from your knowledge or experience.
You may continue your writing on the back page if you need more space

In today’s world, it is believed that schools can be gotten rid of as children are able to acquire
essential knowledge online rather than attend conventional classes. However, from my own standpoint,
I find this view somewhat unconvincing for several reasons.
To begin with, it is irrefutable that Internet affords children a huge source of information in
various fields. Never in the human history has there been such great access to a wide range of
academic materials just with a click of mouse. Everyone, kids included, are now able to look for the
information needed within a few seconds searching online. Websites specializing in education allows
children to learn the theory of and do exercises for all grade-based subjects taught in primary,
secondary and even high school or university, for instance, maths, physics… Additionally, studying
online offers kids such essential skills for their later education and future occupation as self-study, time
management or self-discipline.
However, it does not mean that online education can replace schools and teachers to educate
students. One first reason for my viewpoint is that, a vast majority of children tend to be overwhelmed
and confused with the enormous amount of information online. In this case, the help from teachers to
select reliable sources of materials is immensely valuable for children. Furthermore, not only does the
Internet provide useful studying resources but it also consists of addictive games that prevent children
from acquiring knowledge once they are addicted. Since parents are often busy with their work and do
not pay close attention to children, teachers are the ones who can monitor and encourage children to
study harder.
Opponents of my point of view may argue that children should be offered the right and
freedom to study whatever they would like on the Internet to rather than be controlled by adults.
Nonetheless, there is little doubt that children are exposed to numerous risks online, including
cybercrime, adult films and websites, violence… when surfing the net at home without being
observed. As they are not mature enough to deal with those risky problems, kids can be cheated and
sometimes be seduced into behaving improperly or even participating in social evils, causing serious
consequences. Thus, only when kids are instructed and monitored by teachers can they study
effectively.
All things considered, despite the huge benefits brought by the Internet, I still hold the belief
that schools and teachers are always of the utmost importance and play an indispensable role in
educating children in today’s context.
-The end-

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