SECTION 1 Questions 1–14
Read the text below and answer Questions 1–7.
The Riverside Fitness Festival
Here are some of the frequently asked questions about the Riverside Fitness Festival:
When and where is it happening?
The Riverside Fitness Festival will take place on Saturday 14 September in Riverside Park. Activities begin at 9 a.m. and continue until 6 p.m. Most sessions will be outdoors, although talks and workshops will be held in the community hall if the weather becomes poor.
Who can attend?
The festival is open to adults, teenagers, and children, though some classes are for participants aged sixteen and over. Family activities and beginner sessions will be clearly marked in the programme so that visitors can choose suitable events.
Do people need to book?
Entry to the festival grounds is free and does not require advance booking. However, places on yoga, dance, and nutrition workshops are limited, so online registration is recommended for those sessions.
What should visitors bring?
Visitors are advised to wear comfortable clothing and bring a reusable water bottle. Exercise mats will be available to borrow for indoor classes, but people attending outdoor sessions may prefer to bring their own.
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.
The fitness festival will be held in Riverside Park.
2.
All festival activities will take place outdoors.
3.
Every class at the festival is open to children.
4.
The programme will indicate which sessions are suitable for families.
5.
Visitors must reserve a place before entering the festival grounds.
6.
Some workshops may fill up because space is limited.
7.
People are required to bring their own exercise mats for indoor classes.
Compact Suitcases
Online customer reviews
A. Rachel
I wasn't sure whether this suitcase was worth the price, so I waited a few days before ordering it. I'm glad I did. It feels sturdy, rolls smoothly, and the silver colour looks exactly like it did in the photos.
B. Omar
This case works well for both short business trips and weekend breaks. It looks smart enough for work travel, but it is also practical and light to carry through train stations. The inner pockets are especially useful.
C. Jing
The case itself is good quality, but the red shade was much darker than I expected from the website images. That was disappointing. On the positive side, it arrived quickly and was packed very securely.
D. Paula
I ordered the larger version first, but it turned out to be too tall for the airline cabin allowance I needed. Exchanging it for the smaller one solved the problem straight away. Customer service handled it efficiently.
E. George
I bought two of these in different colours because I couldn't decide which one to keep. In the end I kept both. The only small issue is that the handle is a bit shorter than I expected, though it still feels comfortable enough to use.
Questions 8–14
Look at the five online customer reviews of suitcases, 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 suitcase did not match the website image.
9.
The customer decided to keep both suitcases they ordered.
10.
The customer first bought a suitcase that was the wrong size.
11.
The customer mentioned one part of the suitcase was shorter than expected.
12.
The customer was happy with the purchase despite initial uncertainty.
13.
The suitcase is described as suitable for two different kinds of travel.
14.
The customer praised the way the suitcase was packaged.
SECTION 2 Questions 15–27
Read the text below and answer Questions 15–21.
The Benefits of Volunteering
Volunteering can be rewarding for both communities and the people who give their time. In addition to helping others, it often brings practical and personal benefits to volunteers themselves.
New skills
Volunteering often involves tasks such as organising events, communicating with different people, or solving unexpected problems. These experiences can help volunteers develop useful skills that may also benefit them in paid work.
Greater confidence
Taking responsibility and seeing positive results can improve self-confidence. People often discover abilities they did not realise they had before.
Social benefits
Volunteering creates opportunities to meet others and build new friendships. It can also reduce feelings of isolation, especially for people who are new to an area or living alone.
Improved well-being
Many volunteers say that helping others gives them a sense of purpose. This can have a positive effect on emotional well-being and reduce stress.
Career opportunities
Employers often value volunteering experience because it shows commitment and initiative. It can also lead to useful references and professional contacts.
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.
Volunteering can help people develop useful that may also help in paid jobs.
16.
Seeing positive results can improve self- .
17.
Volunteering can reduce feelings of isolation and help people form new .
18.
Helping others can provide a sense of .
19.
Volunteering can have a positive effect on emotional .
20.
Employers may see volunteering as evidence of commitment and .
21.
Volunteering may lead to references and professional .
Preparing for a long train journey efficiently
A long train trip can be enjoyable and comfortable if it is planned properly. A little preparation makes it easier to avoid boredom, delays, and unnecessary stress while travelling.
Before you leave
Check your ticket details carefully, including departure time, platform information, and any seat reservations. It is wise to pack snacks, a water bottle, entertainment, and a charger before the day of the journey. If the trip is early, set an alarm and prepare your bag the night before.
Wear comfortable clothes and bring an extra layer, as trains can sometimes feel colder than expected. Keep valuables, travel documents, and medication in a small bag that stays with you at all times.
At the station
Arrive with enough time to find the correct platform without rushing. Electronic boards can change, so check them regularly. If you have large luggage, position yourself near the section of the platform that lines up with your carriage if this information is available.
During the journey
Keep your ticket somewhere easy to reach, and charge devices whenever sockets are available. If the train is crowded, stay aware of your belongings and avoid blocking the aisle with bags. Stretching your legs during longer stops can also make the trip more comfortable.
-
First stage – organising
Confirm the key travel details and pack useful items in advance. -
Second stage – arriving
Reach the station in good time and check platform information carefully. -
Third stage – travelling
Keep important items accessible and remain aware of your bags throughout the journey.
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 prepare for a train trip
Check your ticket details and any seat 22 before travelling.
Before leaving home:
- pack snacks, entertainment, and a 23 .
- keep documents and medication in a small 24 .
At the station:
- arrive early enough to avoid 25
.
- check the electronic boards regularly.
During the journey:
- keep your 26 somewhere easy to reach.
- avoid blocking the aisle with 27
.
SECTION 3 Questions 28–40
Read the text below and answer Questions 28–40.
The History of Weather Forecasting
A
For much of human history, people predicted the weather by observing natural signs. Farmers, sailors, and travellers watched clouds, winds, animal behaviour, and seasonal patterns in order to guess what conditions might come next. These methods were often based on experience rather than scientific measurement.
B
In the 17th and 18th centuries, instruments such as thermometers and barometers made weather observation more systematic. By measuring temperature and air pressure, observers could record conditions more reliably than before. This laid the foundation for scientific forecasting.
C
During the 19th century, the development of the telegraph transformed forecasting. Weather information from distant places could suddenly be shared quickly, allowing meteorologists to compare conditions across wide areas. National weather services began to appear, especially in countries where storms created serious risks for shipping.
D
In the 20th century, forecasting improved further with advances in aviation, radar, and computing. Meteorologists could track storms more accurately and use mathematical models to predict how weather systems would move. Forecasts became more detailed and useful to the public.
E
Today, satellites, supercomputers, and global data networks play central roles in forecasting. Modern forecasts are still not perfect, but they are far more precise than earlier methods. Weather information is now shared instantly through apps, websites, and emergency alert systems.
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. Modern forecasting with digital technology
ii. Early predictions based on observation
iii. Aviation replaces traditional forecasting
iv. Measuring the weather with instruments
v. Faster communication changes forecasting
vi. Why forecasts became less reliable
vii. Public opposition to weather services
viii. The first use of emergency alerts
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 development of weather forecasting
Early weather predictions were often based on natural 33 rather than scientific measurement. Later, instruments such as thermometers and 34 made observation more systematic. In the 19th century, the 35 allowed information to be shared quickly across long distances. In the 20th century, mathematical 36 helped meteorologists predict movement of weather systems. Today, forecasts are delivered through apps, websites, and emergency 37 systems.
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 weather prediction?
39. The writer mentions that the telegraph helped to
40. What would be the best subtitle for this text?