SECTION 1 Questions 1–14

Read the text below and answer Questions 1–7.

City Park Renovation Project

Here are some of the frequently asked questions about the City Park Renovation Project:

When will the renovation begin?

The City Park Renovation Project will start in September and is expected to continue for six months. During this time, various areas of the park will be closed to the public on a rotational basis to minimise inconvenience. Regular updates will be posted on the city’s official website.

What areas of the park will be renovated?

The renovation will focus on the central playground, the pond area, and the northern walking trails. Additionally, new picnic areas and restrooms will be constructed. The aim is to enhance the park’s facilities while preserving its natural beauty.

Will the park remain open during the renovation?

Yes, the park will remain open, but certain sections will be closed off as needed. Signs will be posted to guide visitors around the construction zones. We appreciate the public’s patience and cooperation during this period.

How is the project being funded?

The project is funded through a combination of municipal bonds, state grants, and private donations. The city has also allocated a portion of its annual budget to cover the costs. Community fundraising events will be held to support additional features.

Questions 1–7

Do the following statements agree with the information given in the text on section 1?

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

Adorable knitwear

Online customer reviews

A. Mary-Anne

I spent a while thinking about buying this sweater because of the price, but I’m glad I finally did. It’s a long sweater but that’s good as I’m quite tall. I normally find that the sleeves are too short when I try on a top, but not with this one. I tend to take medium but went for large, which was a wise decision as there is plenty of room for a T-shirt underneath when I wear it with jeans.

B. Davina

These sweaters are an ideal weight for office wear. The purple one is pretty, though I expected a lighter shade from the picture. I wear a US size 12 / UK 16, and the medium is big enough to fit over a shirt with room to spare. It has long sleeves that I love to roll up at the wrist. I’m now trying to resist the temptation to buy it in grey too.

C. Naga

This knitted sweater looks great in the pictures. I ordered the olive green with stripes and, although I wasn’t sure it was going to look right on me, I was pleasantly surprised when I put it on. It’s very soft and I love the long past-the-wrist sleeves too. I opted for the medium, but it was too tight so I exchanged it.

D. Libby

This is the third of your sweaters that I’ve bought over the past two years. It’s true to size and perfect for the winter months, though I should add that its loose knit means it’s best to avoid playing with cats or young dogs when you’re wearing it as they could pull threads in the body or sleeves.

E. Laura

I couldn’t decide which colour to get so I bought the deep blue and the charcoal grey, with every intention of sending one of them back. That didn’t happen, of course! I would say both colours match the online pictures. I bought a small size, and the length is perfect for me, despite the unnecessarily long sleeves! These sweaters are lovely to wear with jeans but also stylish enough to wear to work.

Questions 8–14

Look at the five online customer reviews of sweaters, 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 Art of Baking Bread

Baking bread is a craft that has been perfected over centuries. It requires patience, precision, and a little bit of science. Here’s a guide to mastering the art of baking bread:

Choose the right ingredients.

The foundation of good bread is its ingredients. Use high-quality flour, fresh yeast, and filtered water. Salt is essential for flavour but should be measured accurately.

Master the kneading technique.

Kneading develops the gluten in the dough, giving bread its structure. Use a rhythmic motion to stretch and fold the dough, which should be slightly sticky to the touch.

Understand fermentation.

Fermentation is crucial for flavour and texture. Allow the dough to rise in a warm, draft-free environment until it has doubled in size. This process can take several hours, so patience is key.

Perfect the baking process.

Preheat your oven to the correct temperature before baking. Use steam to create a crispy crust by placing a pan of water in the oven or misting the dough with water before baking.

Practice makes perfect.

Baking bread is as much an art as it is a science. Don’t be discouraged by initial failures. With practice, you’ll develop a feel for the dough and the baking process.

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.

Planning a Successful Garden

Creating a beautiful and productive garden takes careful planning and execution. Here are some tips to help you succeed:

Choosing the right location.

Select a site that receives ample sunlight and has good soil drainage. Most vegetables and flowers require at least six hours of direct sunlight each day.

Preparing the soil.

Healthy soil is the foundation of a successful garden. Test your soil’s pH and nutrient levels and amend it with compost or other organic matter to improve fertility.

Selecting plants.

Choose plants that are suited to your climate and soil conditions. Consider factors such as water requirements, growth habits, and pest resistance.

Planting at the right time.

Plant seeds and seedlings at the appropriate time for your region. This will give them the best chance to thrive and produce a bountiful harvest.

Maintaining your garden.

Regular maintenance is essential. Water plants consistently, weed regularly, and monitor for pests and diseases. Mulching can help conserve moisture and suppress weeds.

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 plan a garden

SECTION 3 Questions 28–40

Read the text on pages 25 and 26 and answer Questions 28–40.

The History of Photography

A

The history of photography is a rich tapestry of innovation and creativity. It began in the early 19th century with the invention of the camera obscura, a device used to project images onto a surface. The first successful photograph was created by Joseph Nicéphore Niépce in 1826 using a process called heliography.

B

In 1839, Louis Daguerre introduced the daguerreotype, a method that produced highly detailed images on silver-plated copper sheets. This process was widely popular but had limitations, including long exposure times and the inability to produce multiple copies.

C

The invention of the calotype by William Henry Fox Talbot in 1841 revolutionised photography. Unlike the daguerreotype, the calotype used paper negatives, allowing for multiple prints. This process paved the way for modern photographic techniques.

D

The development of colour photography was a significant milestone. Early experiments by James Clerk Maxwell in the 1860s laid the groundwork, but it wasn’t until the introduction of the Autochrome plate by the Lumière brothers in 1907 that colour photography became accessible to the public.

E

Digital photography emerged in the late 20th century, transforming the way images are captured and shared. The first digital camera was developed by Kodak in 1975. Today, digital cameras and smartphones have made photography an integral part of daily life, allowing people to document and share their experiences instantly.

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 birth of digital photography

ii. The creation of the first photograph

iii. Advancements in colour photography

iv. The evolution of the camera obscura

v. The introduction of the daguerreotype

vi. The revolution of the calotype

vii. Early experiments in photography

viii. Modern photographic techniques

Questions 33–37

Complete the summary below.

Choose ONE WORD ONLY OR A NUMBER from the text for each answer.

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

The development of photography

Questions 38–40

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

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