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Question 1 of 5
1. Question
Read the texts and answer the questions. Type your answers in the spaces provided.
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Thorn Brook Forest Express
Jump on board the Thorn Brook Rain Forest Express train and have a family adventure on a narrow gauge railway into the Whean Ranges, were you can see glow worms and amazing rainforests before relaxing with a picnic near the Huia Dam. Travelling on a miniature train, you get to travel over wooden bridges, through numerous tunnels, view ancient forest and look out over the Corille Harbour.
Prices*1Adults £10.00 Children (6 – 15 years) £5.00 Infants (0-5 years) FREE Senior citizens £5.00 Group bookings (the whole train)*2 Please contact us for pricing *1 Prices entitle the passenger to one return ride on the Thorn Brook Rain Forest Express. Prices and timetable may change without prior notice.
*2 Conditions for group bookings:- Minimum group is 7 or more people. We require a deposit (the balance will then be payable on the day of your trip).
- Your booking will not be confirmed until we have received your deposit.
- Your deposit must be received within 10 days of making the booking
- If you cancel more than 8 days prior to your booking, we will refund your deposit in full. After that time, no refund will be given although we may be able to reschedule for another day.
- If the trip is cancelled due to weather or operational reasons, we will refund your deposit in full
General information
Method of payment is either cash or cheque. Sorry, we have no credit card facilities. Please report no later than 15 minutes before departure
Please note: booking is essential. To avoid disappointment, please book at least 2 weeks in advance.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The train line passes through two tunnels, one of which is 0.7km long. The lights are dimmed to enable passengers to view the glow worms. Please be aware of this if you suffer Nyctophobia (fear of the dark), or are claustrophobic (have a fear of confined spaces).
Section 1
Questions 1 – 7
Complete the summary USING NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the passage for each answer.
Travels to the [1] to see wildlife and forest before stopping close to [2] . Journey has views across [3] . Costs £5.00 for children and older passengers – [4] for passengers up to 5 years old. A [5] is required, which is refunded only if cancelled more than [6] before departure. People with certain phobias are advised that the train passes through [7] .
Correct 7 / 7 PointsIncorrect / 7 Points -
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Question 2 of 5
2. Question
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The Appliance Store sale!
From March 1st to March 8th, The Appliance Store will be having its third annual clearance sale. Prices will be slashed to as much as 50% of normal retail price. Household brands going for crazy prices!
The sale begins at 8.00 a.m. on March 1st. The first 100 customers through the door will have a further 20% discounted from their purchase, so we recommend you get here earlier to avoid disappointment.
Computers
Desktop computers will be on sale, with reductions of up to 50% on all major brands. Laptops will also be heavily reduced – pick one up for less than £200 including carry case and wireless mouse! Computer accessories will also be on sale, with keyboards, monitors and other accessories also heavily discounted.
Our knowledgeable and friendly staff are on hand to advise you about the best computer for your needs. We even have our free 20 minute training sessions to get you started using your new computer, so even if you are a first time computer owner, we have something for you!
All PC Technology computers come with a standard 12 month guarantee (24 months for any model over £1000) to give you peace of mind when buying your new machine.
Kitchen appliances
Fridges, freezers, microwaves, and toasters will all be on sale, with combination packages (buy two kitchen items for a bigger discount) making this our greatest sale yet! Even the stainless steel appliances are hugely reduced to make way for new stock.
Televisions
Flat screen LCD and plasma televisions are also reduced, with some brands as much as 30% off! We have a limited stock on televisions, so come early to secure a bargain! We have the new Panasonic Viera II with internal DVD player for the lowest price in town.
Questions 8 to 14
Do the following statements agree with the information given in the reading passage?
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
- This is the first sale the Appliance Store has had.
- Additional discounts are available to a limited number of people.
- All computers have 50% off.
- Computer accessories are more heavily discounted than laptops.
- All computers have the standard one year guarantee.
- Buying more than one kitchen item will mean bigger savings.
- Plasma televisions have a bigger discount than LCD televisions.
Correct 7 / 7 PointsIncorrect / 7 Points -
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Question 3 of 5
3. Question
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Rainbow Recruitment
Savings running low? Need some extra cash for a holiday or special occasion? Need to pay a few bills but not looking for permanent work? Let us find you a temporary job to fill in the gap. Rainbow Recruitment is looking for temps for wide variety of positions starting immediately, with excellent rates and flexible terms. We have contracts from one week to one year in many different industries, and offer a guaranteed payment every week!
Current positions available:
Fruit pickers / packers
Fit and energetic people required to pick and pack a variety of fruit. Weekly contract and the possibility to earn over £400 a week (depending on how fast you work). You will need your own transport to reach the workplace, but all other equipment (ladders, storage bins etc) will be provided. Training will be given if required.
Labourer
2 people required for a 6 week contract on a building site in Stevenson Industrial estate. No experience needed as any relevant training will be given. General duties include keeping the area clear, removing debris and other unwanted material off site and unloading building materials. A licence to drive a forklift truck is essential.
Relief teacher
Teacher required immediately to cover sick leave absences. The candidate must be fully qualified with at least two years teaching experience in high schools. Will be required to cover geography and English language classes. Initial contract is for two weeks but possibility of further work if mutually acceptable.
Web designer
Website designer with graphic design training needed for a one month contract starting in two weeks. Must be able to work independently; would suit someone who has a home office as attendance in the company only required for occasional meetings.
Accountant
Junior accountant required for busy company with two branch offices. This initial contract is for 3 months but likely to be extended. Suitable candidate will have qualifications and experience in the field. Tasks will include supporting the accounts department, overseeing staff payroll and maintaining inventory records. Applicant will need to work alternately in both branches.
Care giver
Caring, sensitive person required to care for elderly lady in her own home. Live in position, five days on three days off. Light duties, cooking and cleaning, as well as some company. No qualifications required but some experience would help.
Section 2
Questions 15 to 20
Match the following statements to the job advertised in the readIng passage.
- Fruit pickers / packers
- Labourer
- Relief teacher
- Web designer
- Accountant
- Care giver
Write the correct letter A – F in boxes 15-20 on your answer sheet.
- Only limited travel required
- Will not be in the same place each day
- Must be able to drive specific equipment
- Will need to relocate for the job
- Will be temporarily replacing other staff
- Income will be variable dependent on speed
Correct 6 / 6 PointsIncorrect / 6 Points -
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Question 4 of 5
4. Question
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Holiday Entitlement
- All employees are entitled to a minimum of 5.6 weeks paid annual leave (28 days for someone working five days a week).
- Part-time workers are entitled to the same level of holiday pro rata (so 5.6 times your usual working week, e.g. 22.4 days for someone working four days a week)
- You start building up holiday as soon as you start work
- The company has the right to refuse holiday applications on unless 6 weeks’ notice is given in writing.
- You get paid your normal pay for your holiday
- Holidays may not be exchanged for payment, unless you will no longer be working for the company
- Public holidays are included in your minimum entitlement
- You continue to be entitled to your holiday leave in addition to any maternity (or paternity) leave. See below for maternity/paternity leave.
- Holidays can be accumulated over multiple years to a maximum of 8 weeks. Any additional holiday beyond this must be taken or lost; no payment will be made for holiday time an employee does not take
- In the event of a public holiday falling on a Saturday or Sunday, the holiday will be taken on the following Monday
Compassionate leave
In the event of a death or serious illness or emergency involving a ‘dependant’ in the family, employees are also entitled to compassionate leave. A dependant could be your husband, wife, partner, child, parent, or anyone living in your household as a member of the family. A dependant may also be anyone who reasonably relies on you for help in an emergency, for example an elderly neighbour living alone who falls and breaks a leg and you are the closest on hand.
You are allowed ‘reasonable’ time off to deal with the emergency and make any arrangements that are needed. There’s no limit to the number of times you can take time off for dependants. However, if the company feels that this is being abused, an investigation may be instigated.
Note that payment for compassionate leave is discretionary, and in most cases the company will continue to pay normal wages, but this should first be confirmed in writing with your manager or supervisor.Maternity and paternity leave
Statutory Maternity Leave is for 52 weeks, although mothers-to-be are only entitled to receive Maternity pay for the first 38 weeks of the leave. To claim maternity leave, you must satisfy the following requirements:
- notify the company in writing 28 days before the commencement of the leave
- have been employed continuously by the company at least 26 weeks before the baby is due
- leave can only be taken 11 weeks before the week your baby is due
If you are a father-to-be or you will be responsible with the mother for bringing up a child, you could have the right to paternity leave and pay, providing you meet the following requirements:
- You must be taking the time off to support the mother or carer for the baby and intend to be fully involved in their upbringing.
- Have been employed continuously by the company at least 26 weeks before the baby is due
- The leave is taken on or after the day the baby is born
- Paternity leave has to finish within 56 days of the baby being born.
Questions 21 – 28
Answer the questions below using NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER from the passage for each answer.
Type your answers in boxes 21 – 28 on your answer sheet.
- How many days off does a full time employee get?
- How long before your holiday do you need to request time off?
- What is the maximum length of holiday an employee can accrue?
- If the company feels that employees are taking advantage of certain leave entitlements, what may be started?
- How many weeks will employees be paid when on maternity leave?
- What must be completed 56 days after the birth of the baby?
Correct 6 / 6 PointsIncorrect / 6 Points -
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Question 5 of 5
5. Question
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Reading Passage 3
The Tasmanian Tiger
Is the extinct marsupial still roaming the Australian mainland?
A: Once found throughout continental Australia, as well as the islands of Tasmania and New Guinea, the large, carnivorous marsupial species commonly called the Tasmanian tiger or Tasmanian wolf, is believed to have become extinct in the 1930s. At one time the world’s largest marsupial predator, the last captive Tasmanian tiger died in Hobart Zoo on the 7th of September, 1936, less than two months after the Tasmanian government had passed a law to protect the animal. However, since that time, there have been hundreds of reported sightings of the Tasmanian tiger in remote locations both on the Australian mainland and in Tasmania. In addition to eyewitness accounts, a number of sightings are supported by photographs and video footage of the animal, although this evidence is considered inconclusive. The thylacine, as the Tasmanian tiger is formally known, continues to be regarded as an extinct species by the scientific community.
B: The Tasmanian tiger’s scientific or binomial name, Thylacinus cynocephalus, means “pouched and dog-headed”. In terms of its physical appearance, the thylacine is described as being a large, shorthaired, doglike animal, with yellow-brown fur, and dark, vertical stripes running down its lower back to the base of the tail, similar to those of a tiger. Its stripy coat earned the thylacine the nickname of Tasmanian tiger. While the thylacine’s body resembles that of members of the dog family, with sharp teeth and powerful jaws, it is, in fact, a true pouched marsupial related to the Tasmanian devil. It is thought that the Tasmanian tiger was predominantly quadrupedal, routinely walking on all fours, although captive animals were also observed as being able to stand on their hind legs and hop like a kangaroo.
C: Experts believe that the thylacine most likely became extinct in mainland Australia and New Guinea around 2000 years ago, largely as a result of competition for food with indigenous people and their introduced wild dogs, known as dingoes. At the same time, it has been theorised that a lack of genetic diversity in the thylacine population, due to physical isolation, may have been another cause. As far as the fate of the species on the island state of Tasmania is concerned, a number of reasons have been put forward to explain its decline and subsequent extinction. These include competition with dogs introduced by European settlers, the loss of prey species and natural habitat, disease and hunting. For more than a century, both the Van Diemen’s Land Company and the Tasmanian government offered financial rewards, or bounties, on thylacines that were killed, with a view to controlling their numbers to reduce attacks on sheep by Tasmanian tigers. Popular belief holds that the thylacine’s extinction in Tasmania was largely due to the efforts of farmers and bounty hunters killing the animals.
D: Despite the fact that most scientists consider the Tasmanian tiger to be extinct, each year dozens of unconfirmed sightings of the animal are reported from relatively uninhabited areas in New Guinea, Tasmania and mainland Australia by people from all walks of life. However, to date, there has been no conclusive physical evidence of a living thylacine population in any of these locations. On 24 April 1986, the New Scientist magazine made world news when it published a series of colour photographs of an alleged Tasmanian tiger taken by Kevin Cameron, an expert tracker employed with the Agricultural Protection Board of Western Australia. The pictures showed a grey animal with fawn stripes, partly hidden from view in wilderness surrounds. Subsequent examination raised questions about the photographs’ authenticity.
E: Recently, the British daily newspaper The Guardian, along with other media publications, ran a story detailing the plans of a group of scientists from James Cook University to undertake a search for the Tasmanian tiger on the remote Cape York Peninsula in Queensland’s far north. The expedition was prompted by a pair of detailed sightings, one from a long-time employee of the Queensland National Parks Service, that appear to be both credible and plausible. While the vast majority of thylacine sightings are dismissed as cases of mistaken identity, where eyewitnesses are said to have seen foxes, dingoes or feral dogs, the Cape York accounts differ in one key detail. Both observers reported that the animals’ eyes shone red at night, whereas the colour of dogs’ and dingoes’ eyes shining in torchlight is green. In addition, the size, shape and behaviour of the creatures, as described by the Cape York eyewitnesses, were not consistent with those of other large species found in north Queensland.
F: The two James Cook University researchers undertaking the Cape York expedition, Professor Bill Laurance and Doctor Sandra Abell, have stated that they will set up more than fifty trail cameras in the area of the sightings, one to two kilometres apart, in the hopes of photographing a live Tasmanian tiger. Isolated, uninhabited and not very extensively explored, the Cape York Peninsula in Australia’s northeast is known to be home to a number of endangered species that are not found anywhere else on the continent. The traps will be baited with a scent that is attractive to predatory species, and the research team plan to check the cameras every few weeks and download the data, with a view to gathering photographic evidence of living thylacines.
G: While Laurance admits that the chance of rediscovering the Tasmanian tiger alive in north Queensland is very slim, given that it is unlikely that the species could survive in such low numbers, he believes that there exists a remote possibility of between 1 and 2% that the creature could persist in Cape York. Jack Ashby, manager of the Grant Museum of Zoology at University College London, shares this view. “It’s not impossible”, he says.
Reading Passage 3
You should spend about 20 minutes on Questions 27 – 40 which are based on Reading Passage 3.
Questions 27-32
Do the following statements agree with the information given in Reading Passage 3?
In boxes 27 – 32 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
- The Tasmanian authorities introduced legislation to protect thylacines in 1935.
- The Tasmanian tiger is genetically related to the dog family.
- Hunting is regarded as the main cause of the extinction of the thylacine in Tasmania.
- Photographs published by the New Scientist were suspected to be fake.
- The eyes of foxes shine green at night time.
- Bill Laurance puts the chance of finding evidence of living thylacines at less than 3%.
Questions 33-37
Complete the sentences below.
Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the passage for each answer.
Write your answers in boxes 33 – 37 on your answer sheet.
- The Tasmanian tiger was once the planet’s biggest
- Thylacines could jump and move upright using their
- brought dogs to Tasmania.
- The creature in photos published in New Scientist was by vegetation.
- The James Cook University researchers intend to install a number of
Questions 38-40
Reading Passage 3 has seven paragraphs, A-G.
Which paragraph contains the following information?
Write the correct letter, A-G, in boxes 38-40 on your answer sheet.
- The likelihood of discovering thylacines on the Cape York Peninsula
- Reasons behind the Tasmanian tiger’s extinction
- Animals erroneously identified as being Tasmanian tigers
Correct 14 / 14 PointsIncorrect / 14 Points -