SECTION 1 Questions 1–14
Read the text below and answer Questions 1–7.
The History and Benefits of Olive Oil
Here are some frequently asked questions about the history and benefits of olive oil:
Where did olive oil originate?
Olive oil has been produced for thousands of years in the Mediterranean region. Ancient societies such as the Greeks and Romans used it not only in cooking, but also in trade, ceremonies, and daily life.
How did olive oil become widely used?
As trade expanded, olive oil spread across Europe and beyond. Its long shelf life and variety of uses made it a valuable product. Over time, it became closely associated with Mediterranean cuisine.
How is olive oil traditionally made?
Traditional production begins by harvesting olives and crushing them into a paste. The paste is then pressed or spun to separate the oil from water and solid material. The resulting oil is filtered in some cases, though some producers leave it less processed.
What are the health benefits of olive oil?
Olive oil contains healthy fats and antioxidants. It is often linked with heart health and may help reduce inflammation when included as part of a balanced diet. However, it is still high in calories and should be used sensibly.
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
1.
Olive oil was first produced in the Mediterranean region.
2.
The Greeks and Romans used olive oil only for cooking.
3.
Olive oil became popular partly because it spoiled quickly.
4.
Olive oil is strongly connected with Mediterranean cooking traditions.
5.
Traditional olive oil production includes crushing olives into a paste.
6.
Olive oil may help reduce inflammation.
7.
Olive oil can be consumed in any quantity without concern.
Useful Notebooks
Online customer reviews
A. Isla
I recently bought a hardback notebook for work, and I’m very happy with it. The cover feels sturdy, the paper quality is excellent, and it arrived exactly on time in protective packaging. It also looks much more elegant than I expected.
B. Noah
I chose this notebook for both office planning and personal journaling. The layout is flexible enough for both, and the pages are thick enough to stop ink showing through. My only complaint is that the elastic band is a bit tight when the notebook is very full.
C. Meera
The notebook I ordered looked lovely online, but the cover colour was darker in person than it appeared in the photos. That was disappointing, although the quality of the paper is still very good and the binding feels strong.
D. Liam
This pocket notebook has been excellent for travel. It fits easily into a jacket pocket, the pages tear out cleanly, and it includes a small storage pocket at the back. I have found it much more useful than I expected.
E. Zoe
I bought two notebooks in different sizes because I couldn’t decide which one would suit me better, and I kept both. The pages are great, but the inner pocket is slightly smaller than I expected, so it doesn’t hold larger cards very well.
Questions 8–14
Look at the five online customer reviews of notebooks, 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.
8.
The colour of the notebook did not match the website image.
9.
The customer was pleased with the delivery and packaging.
10.
The notebook is useful for two different purposes.
11.
The notebook is described as especially useful when travelling.
12.
The customer mentioned one part of the notebook was smaller than expected.
13.
The customer ended up keeping two items they bought.
14.
The customer found one feature slightly inconvenient when the notebook was full.
SECTION 2 Questions 15–27
Read the text below and answer Questions 15–21.
The Benefits of Gardening
Gardening is a rewarding activity that offers physical, mental, and practical benefits. It can be enjoyed by people of different ages and skill levels.
Physical activity
Digging, planting, watering, and weeding involve regular movement. These tasks can help improve strength, flexibility, and general fitness.
Mental well-being
Spending time outdoors and caring for plants can be calming. Many gardeners say the activity reduces stress and improves their mood.
Fresh food
Growing fruit, vegetables, and herbs at home can encourage healthier eating. It also gives people more control over how their food is produced.
Learning and patience
Gardening teaches people about seasons, soil, and plant care. It also requires patience, since plants take time to grow and develop.
Connection to nature
Gardening can help people notice seasonal changes, insects, birds, and weather more closely. This often creates a stronger connection to the natural world.
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.
15.
Gardening tasks can improve strength, flexibility, and general .
16.
Gardening may reduce stress and improve .
17.
Growing food at home can encourage healthier .
18.
Gardening teaches people about seasons, soil, and plant .
19.
Plants need time to grow, so gardening develops .
20.
Gardening may help people notice seasonal changes, birds, and .
21.
This can create a stronger connection to the natural .
Leadership Skills
Good leadership is valuable in workplaces, schools, and community groups. Here are some useful qualities and strategies that can help people become more effective leaders:
Clear Communication
Leaders need to explain ideas, goals, and expectations clearly. Good communication reduces confusion and helps teams work together more effectively.
Responsibility
Effective leaders take responsibility for decisions and outcomes. This builds trust and shows others that they can be relied upon.
Listening
Strong leaders listen carefully to other people’s suggestions and concerns. This helps them understand different viewpoints and make better decisions.
Motivation
Encouraging others and recognising effort can improve morale. Teams often perform better when people feel that their work is valued.
Adaptability
Situations do not always go as planned. Leaders who can adjust their approach when circumstances change are more likely to guide their teams successfully.
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.
Tips for Developing Leadership Skills
Tips for Developing Leadership Skills
- Explain goals clearly to reduce 22 .
Responsibility:
- Taking responsibility helps build 23 .
Listening:
- Listen to suggestions and different 24 .
Motivation
- Recognising effort can improve 25 .
Adaptability
- Change your 26 when circumstances change.
- This can help leaders guide teams more 27 .
SECTION 3 Questions 28–40
Read the text.
The Development of Writing
A
Before writing systems existed, information was passed on through speech, memory, and visual symbols. As societies became larger and more complex, people needed reliable ways to record trade, laws, and events.
B
Early writing systems appeared in different parts of the world. Some used pictures to represent objects or ideas, while others gradually developed symbols that stood for sounds. These systems made record-keeping more efficient.
C
Over time, writing materials also changed. Stone, clay, papyrus, parchment, and paper were all used in different periods. Lighter and easier materials made writing more practical and portable.
D
The spread of alphabets simplified writing for many users. Systems based on a limited number of symbols were often easier to learn than more complex scripts, which helped writing spread more widely.
E
In the modern world, writing appears in both printed and digital forms. Emails, messages, websites, books, and documents all show how writing continues to shape communication, education, and culture.
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. Writing in modern printed and digital life
ii. Why large societies needed writing
iii. The disappearance of paper
iv. Early systems for recording ideas and sounds
v. How alphabets helped writing spread
vi. Writing becomes less important in culture
vii. Changes in materials used for writing
viii. The return of oral tradition
28.
Section A
29.
Section B
30.
Section C
31.
Section D
32.
Section E
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 evolution of writing
Before writing, information was passed on through speech, 33 , and visual symbols. Early writing systems used pictures or symbols for 34 . Over time, materials such as clay, papyrus, parchment, and 35 were used for writing. Later, alphabets based on a limited number of 36 were easier to learn. Today, writing shapes communication, education, and 37 .
Questions 38–40
Choose the correct letter, A, B, C or D.
Write the correct letter in boxes 38–40 on your answer sheet.
38. What does the writer say about early writing systems?
39. The writer mentions that alphabets were important because they
40. What would be the best subtitle for this text?