SECTION 1 Questions 1–14

Read the text below and answer Questions 1–7.

The Public Garden Summer Programme

Here are some of the frequently asked questions about the Public Garden Summer Programme:

When does the programme run?

The summer programme begins on 6 July and continues until the final weekend of August. Activities take place every Saturday and Sunday, with weekday workshops added during the school holidays.

What activities are available?

Visitors can join guided walks, gardening demonstrations, outdoor drawing sessions, and family nature trails. Some specialist workshops, such as photography and plant-care classes, have limited places.

How much does it cost?

Entry to the garden remains free, and most events are included. A small fee is charged only for specialist workshops that provide materials. Children under five can take part in paid workshops without charge if they attend with a paying adult.

Do visitors need to prepare anything?

Comfortable shoes are recommended, and visitors are encouraged to bring water and sun protection. Drawing materials are provided for art sessions, but participants may bring their own sketchbooks if they prefer.

Questions 1–7

Do the following statements agree with the information given in the text?

In boxes 1–7 on your answer sheet, write

TRUE if the statement agrees with the information

FALSE if the statement contradicts the information

NOT GIVEN if there is no information on this

Kitchen Storage Jars

Online customer reviews

A. Olivia

I wasn't sure whether these jars were worth the price, so I left them in my online basket for days before buying them. I'm glad I did because they look beautiful on my shelves, and the glass is thicker than I expected.

B. Martin

These jars work well both for storing dry food in the kitchen and for keeping small craft items organised in my office. They are practical, neat, and easy to label, which makes them useful in more than one place.

C. Jia

The jars are well made, but the pale blue lids were much darker than the website pictures suggested. That was a little disappointing. However, they arrived very carefully wrapped, with no cracks or chips at all.

D. Aaron

I bought the larger set first, but the jars were too tall for the cupboard where I wanted to keep them. Exchanging them for the smaller set solved the problem quickly. Customer support was efficient and helpful.

E. Fatima

I ordered two sets because I couldn't decide between the clear lids and the bamboo lids, and I ended up keeping both. My only complaint is that the labels included are smaller than I expected, so writing on them neatly takes a bit more care.

Questions 8–14

Look at the five online customer reviews of storage jars, A–E.

For which review are the following statements true?

Write the correct letter, A-E, in boxes 8–14 on your answer sheet.

NB, You may use any letter more than once.

SECTION 2 Questions 15–27

Read the text below and answer Questions 15–21.

The Benefits of Learning to Cook

Learning to cook can have practical, financial, and social benefits. It is a skill that can improve daily life and give people greater confidence in managing their meals.

Healthier choices

People who cook for themselves can decide exactly what goes into their food. This makes it easier to control ingredients, reduce salt or sugar, and include more vegetables.

Saving money

Preparing meals at home is often cheaper than eating out or buying ready-made food. With planning, leftovers can also be reused, which helps reduce waste.

Creativity and enjoyment

Cooking allows people to experiment with flavours, ingredients, and presentation. Many people enjoy the process and take pride in creating something themselves.

Social value

Meals can bring people together. Cooking for friends or family provides a chance to share time, celebrate occasions, and build stronger relationships.

Independence

Being able to cook gives people more control over their daily routines. It is a useful life skill, especially for students and anyone living away from home for the first time.

Questions 15–21

Complete the sentences below.

Choose ONE WORD ONLY from the text for each answer.

Write your answers in boxes 15–21 on your answer sheet.

Preparing for a library study day effectively

Spending a day studying in the library can be productive if it is planned carefully. A little preparation helps you stay focused and avoid wasting time once you arrive.

Before you go

Decide what you want to achieve and make a list of the topics or tasks you need to cover. Pack everything you will need, including notebooks, chargers, pens, and any printed materials. It is also sensible to check the library opening times and confirm whether you need a student card for entry.

Bring water and a simple lunch or find out where food can be bought nearby. Comfortable clothes are useful if you plan to stay for several hours.

While studying

Start with the most demanding task while your concentration is strongest. Use short breaks to rest your eyes and stretch, but avoid long interruptions that make it hard to begin again. Keep your phone on silent and store unnecessary items away from your desk.

Before leaving

Review what you have completed and note what still needs attention next time. Make sure you collect all your belongings, and return any borrowed books before you go.

• First stage – preparation
  Plan your goals and pack the materials you need.
• Second stage – study time
  Begin with difficult work and manage breaks sensibly.
• Third stage – finishing
  Review your progress and leave the library in an organised way.

Questions 22–27

Complete the notes below.

Choose ONE WORD ONLY from the text for each answer.

Write your answers in boxes 22–27 on your answer sheet.

The best way to organise a library study day

SECTION 3 Questions 28–40

Read the text below and answer Questions 28–40.

The History of Glassmaking

A

Glass has been used by humans for thousands of years. Early forms were often small decorative objects, such as beads and containers, rather than large functional items. Producing glass required high temperatures and specialist knowledge, so it was once a rare and valuable material.

B

In the ancient world, glassmaking techniques gradually improved. Craftspeople learned to shape and colour glass in different ways, making it more attractive and useful. Over time, glass became a material used not only for decoration but also for storage and trade.

C

A major development came with the invention of glassblowing, which made production faster and more flexible. This method allowed makers to create a wider range of shapes and sizes. As a result, glass objects became more common in everyday life.

D

During later periods, improvements in furnaces and manufacturing led to stronger, clearer glass. Windows, mirrors, and scientific instruments became increasingly important uses of the material. Glass also played a role in architecture, helping to transform the design of buildings.

E

In the modern world, glass remains essential. It is used in homes, transport, medicine, technology, and art. At the same time, recycling has become more important, since glass can often be melted down and used again without losing quality.

Questions 28–32

The text has five sections, A–E.

Choose the correct heading for each section from the list of headings below.

Write the correct number, i-viii, in boxes 28–32 on your answer sheet.

List of Headings

i. The continuing importance of glass today

ii. Early glass as a rare and valuable material

iii. Why modern buildings use less glass

iv. Improved uses and appearance in the ancient world

v. Glassblowing changes production

vi. How glass replaced metal completely

vii. New industrial uses of glass

viii. The invention of recycling

Questions 33–37

Complete the summary below.

Choose ONE WORD ONLY from the text for each answer.

Write your answers in boxes 33–37 on your answer sheet.

The development of glassmaking

Questions 38–40

Choose the correct letter, A, B, C or D.

Write the correct letter in boxes 38–40 on your answer sheet.