SECTION 1

Questions 1–14

Famous Libraries

A. Ashworth Library

This historic library in the heart of the city is a favourite with students and researchers. Despite its age, the building has been well-maintained and offers a quiet retreat for those looking to study. The library's extensive collection includes rare manuscripts and first editions, making it an ideal place for academic pursuits. The nearby museum and botanical gardens are also popular attractions for visitors.

B. Eastfield Library

This modern library opened just last year and has quickly become a community hub. It boasts a wide range of digital resources and hosts regular events and workshops. The library's contemporary design and comfortable seating areas make it a welcoming space for all ages. However, it is located in a remote part of town, so it can be challenging to reach without a car.

C. Hillcrest Library

Nestled in a quiet neighbourhood, Hillcrest Library may not be a well-known location, but it is recognized for its cosy atmosphere and friendly staff. The library is well-stocked with the latest books and magazines, and it has a dedicated children's section. Parking can be difficult, but there are plenty of public transport options nearby. The library also offers free Wi-Fi and a small café.

D. Riverside Library

This library is situated on the banks of the river, providing stunning views and a peaceful environment. It focuses on environmental and ecological literature, and it frequently collaborates with local schools for educational programs. The building itself is eco-friendly, using solar panels and rainwater harvesting systems. However, it is prone to flooding during heavy rains, which can make access difficult at times.

E. Westport Library

A favourite among history buffs, Westport Library specialises in local history and genealogy. The staff are highly knowledgeable and offer personalised assistance with research projects. The library is housed in a charming old building, but it lacks modern amenities. There are no computers or digital archives, and the opening hours are limited.

Questions 1–7

For which library are the following statements true?

Write the correct letter, A–E, in boxes 1–7 on your answer sheet.

NB, You may use any letter more than once.

City Heights (CH) Newsletter

Newsletter for residents living in the City Heights apartment complex

Dear Residents

Water leakage

Due to recent storms, water has seeped through the walls of several units and reached a critical level. We are addressing this issue immediately. Scaffolding will be erected around the affected areas, and temporary seals will be applied to prevent further water ingress until comprehensive repairs can be undertaken next year.

Fire safety

Following a recent fire safety inspection, we are upgrading the front doors of individual apartments to comply with current fire safety standards. As mentioned in the previous newsletter, the interior decoration of the hallways will be included in this project and will be completed by the contractors XYZ Builders.

Interior painting

The hallways are being repainted as part of our ongoing maintenance program, which occurs every three years. Please be cautious of wet paint signs. If you have children, ensure they steer clear of the walls. We cannot be held responsible for any damage to clothing.

Odour control

We have received several complaints about odours in the hallways. While air fresheners were installed a few years ago, they proved expensive and the spray stained carpets. We now ask residents to prevent smells from escaping their apartments and to securely tie rubbish bags before placing them in the hallway for collection.

Noise and DIY

While most residents comply with noise regulations, there have been complaints about after-hours DIY work. Please note that any work involving hammers or electrical tools should only be conducted between 9.00 am and 6.00 pm on weekdays and 9.00 am to 1.00 pm on Saturdays. Exceptions to this rule are not permitted. If you plan to carry out such work during these times, kindly inform your neighbours in advance.

Questions 8–14

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

In boxes 8–14 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

SECTION 2

Questions 15–27

Read the text below and answer Questions 15–21.

A day in the life of a park ranger

Park rangers in the UK play a crucial role in managing and protecting our national parks. For those considering this career, here is what a typical day might involve for an experienced park ranger.

Park rangers often start their day early, checking on the health of the wildlife and the state of the trails. They may encounter injured animals or fallen trees, which require immediate attention. Ensuring the park remains safe and accessible for visitors is a top priority. Rangers might then meet with local volunteers who help with conservation projects. Engaging with the community is a key part of their role.

Later in the morning, a park ranger might conduct guided tours, sharing their knowledge about the park’s history and ecology. This is also an excellent opportunity to educate visitors on the importance of preserving natural habitats. The ranger may then participate in a training session to stay updated on the latest conservation techniques and safety protocols.

In the afternoon, park rangers might patrol the park, enforcing regulations and assisting visitors. This could involve anything from issuing permits to providing first aid. Rangers need to be prepared for a variety of situations and possess a broad skill set. They also monitor environmental conditions, such as water quality and soil erosion, to ensure the park’s ecosystem remains healthy.

Towards the end of the day, rangers often engage in administrative work, documenting their activities and preparing reports. This helps in planning future conservation efforts and maintaining records of the park's condition. Before leaving, they might also review security measures to protect the park from vandalism or illegal activities.

Questions 15–20

Complete the flowchart below.

Choose ONE WORD ONLY from the text for each answer.

Write your answers in boxes 15–20 on your answer sheet.

A day in the life of a park ranger

Read the text below and answer Questions 21–27.

How to create a sustainable garden

Creating a sustainable garden is beneficial to both the environment and your well-being. But how can it be achieved?

The first step is to assess the amount of space you have and the types of plants that will thrive there. The main benefit most people notice once they start a sustainable garden is an improvement in their mental health and a reduction in stress.

Tips for a sustainable garden

A recent study showed that gardening for just 30 minutes a day can significantly improve your mood and physical health. Choose native plants as they require less water and are more resistant to local pests and diseases.

Whether it’s growing your own vegetables or creating a wildlife habitat, regular care and attention are vital. Your garden needs consistent watering and pruning, and you should take breaks to enjoy the beauty you’re cultivating.

Setting goals for your garden, such as growing specific plants or attracting certain wildlife, is excellent. Remember to be realistic, as setting unattainable goals can lead to frustration and disappointment.

Activities such as composting and rainwater harvesting can decrease waste and make your garden more self-sufficient. They also reduce your environmental footprint by recycling natural resources.

Sometimes it’s easier said than done, but if you’re juggling other responsibilities, learning to prioritise your garden tasks is key. Break down your gardening into manageable steps, depending on how much time you have each day. This approach will help you maintain a beautiful and thriving garden.

Ensure you have time to relax and enjoy your garden. If you can only see it as a list of chores, it can become overwhelming and diminish your enjoyment. Take time to sit and appreciate your hard work.

It’s important to use sustainable gardening practices, such as organic fertilisers and natural pest control. You don’t need to buy expensive supplies – homemade compost and recycled materials work just as well, if not better.

Family and friends can be great gardening partners. From planting new seeds to sharing harvests, involving loved ones makes the experience more enjoyable and rewarding.

Questions 21–27

Complete the notes below.

Choose ONE WORD ONLY from the text for each answer.

Write your answers in boxes 21–27 on your answer sheet.

SECTION 3

Questions 28–40

Read the text below and answer Questions 28–31.

City’s 'Green Initiative' transforms urban areas

Bristol has become a leading city in the UK for urban green spaces after introducing the 'Green Initiative' to enhance its parks and gardens. This programme aims to increase the number of green areas in the city and make them more accessible to residents. Few cities worldwide, such as Copenhagen, have successfully integrated so many green spaces. Like Copenhagen, Bristol's initiative is particularly focused on areas with limited access to parks.

‘The transformation in these neighbourhoods is remarkable,’ said Dr. Jane Collins, an urban planner at the University of Bristol, whose team has studied the impact. Over three years, green space coverage has increased from 15% to 25%, and the trend is continuing upwards. Among more affluent areas, there was a notable improvement from 20% to 28%. Overall, the city's green space increased from 18% to 23%. The data comes from the National Green Space Survey (NGSS), which evaluates urban green areas across the country. The most significant increase in Bristol was in neighbourhoods previously lacking green spaces.

No similar data has been reported in other UK cities, where urban green space remains a concern. The survey programme shares its findings with comparable cities. For Bristol, the 15 closest 'neighbouring' cities at the start of its study in 2017 were Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds, Sheffield, Newcastle, Birmingham, Nottingham, Leicester, Coventry, Derby, Stoke, Wolverhampton, Hull, Bradford, and Southampton. The green space percentages in these cities have not shown significant change. Dr. Collins noted that the increase in Bristol appears to be a sustainable trend. ‘This is three years of consistent growth, not just a short-term spike,’ she said at the Urban Planning Conference in Glasgow, where she presented the findings.

Dr. Collins, a former government adviser, stated that it’s uncertain what has driven the success in Bristol – but it may be linked to the 'Green Initiative' launched as part of the city's environmental strategy in 2017, which targets the most underserved areas. The 'Green Initiative' (Gardens, Recreation, Environment, Energy, and Nature) helps communities by providing resources and support to create and maintain green spaces, promoting environmental sustainability.

Read the text below and answer Questions 32–35.

'Green Initiative's' programme director, Mark Evans, stated that the increase in green spaces in Bristol was ‘unprecedented... The evidence suggests this isn't happening in other cities’. The programme promotes community involvement and sustainable practices rather than top-down planning, he said. ‘Traditional urban planning often overlooks community needs, but the 'Green Initiative' encourages a collaborative approach, where residents have a say in the design and maintenance of their green spaces.’ Instead of dictating what plants to grow, the programme provides options and guidance, allowing residents to choose what works best for them.

Sarah, who participated in a 'Green Initiative' workshop when her neighbourhood was selected, expressed enthusiasm about the changes. She learned about sustainable gardening, participated in community planting days, and saw a significant improvement in her area's green spaces. ‘I feel more connected to my community because of this programme. It’s wonderful to see everyone working together towards a common goal,’ she said.

John Harris, the head of public health at Bristol City Council, said the early years of the programme were crucial for its success. ‘Residents are more likely to support and maintain green spaces they’ve helped to create,’ he said. ‘We focused on community engagement because sustainable change comes from within. We understand there’s no quick fix. The strategy of the 'Green Initiative' is about empowering residents and thinking long-term.’

The environment minister, Laura Bennett, praised the initiative. ‘There are fantastic efforts underway, and it’s heartening to see local communities so actively involved. While still in the early stages, it's inspiring to see what's possible through local action,’ she said. ‘Supporting residents in creating green spaces not only benefits the environment but also enhances the quality of life in urban areas.’

Questions 28–31

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

Write the correct letter in boxes 28–31 on your answer sheet.

Questions 32–35

Look at the following statements (Questions 32–35) and the list of people below.

Match each statement with the correct person, A, B, C, or D.

Write the correct letter, A, B, C, or D in boxes 32–35 on your answer sheet.

NB You may use any letter more than once.

List of People

- A) Sarah
- B) Mark Evans
- C) John Harris
- D) Laura Bennett

Read the text below and answer Questions 36–40.

The 'Green Initiative' programme

The 'Green Initiative' was launched in Bristol in 2017 to enhance urban green spaces. The programme focuses on involving the community in the planning and maintenance of parks and gardens, encouraging sustainable practices during these activities.

According to Mark Evans, the 'Green Initiative' aims to help residents become more proactive in urban greening. In this way, they do not simply follow orders, but rather take an active role in decisions about their environment. Instead of imposing a one-size-fits-all approach, the programme allows for flexibility and creativity in green space design. This might involve choosing plants that are suitable for the local climate or deciding how to use a communal garden space.

Sarah, a resident who took part in the programme, felt enthusiastic about the changes in her neighbourhood and the overall impact on her community.

Questions 36-39

Complete the sentences below.

Choose ONE WORD ONLY from the text for each answer.

Write your answers in boxes 36–39 on your answer sheet.

Question 40

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

Write the correct letter in box 40 on your answer sheet.