Copy of Reading Mock Exam 1

1. Choose one word (A, B, or C) for each space and write the letter on the answer sheet. The first one (O) is done for you as an example.

Dear Simon,
Can you give me some (0) ____________ about the meeting tomorrow?
Is the meeting in the morning or the (1) ____________?
Can you (2) ____________ me the number of the meeting room?
I don’t know (3) ____________ the meeting is about.
Please call me (4) ____________ today.
I will be at (5) ____________ all day.
Regards,
Samantha

Is the meeting in the morning or the (1) ____________?

Dear Simon,
Can you give me some (0) ____________ about the meeting tomorrow?
Is the meeting in the morning or the (1) ____________?
Can you (2) ____________ me the number of the meeting room?
I don’t know (3) ____________ the meeting is about.
Please call me (4) ____________ today.
I will be at (5) ____________ all day.
Regards,
Samantha

Can you (2) ____________ me the number of the meeting room?

Dear Simon,
Can you give me some (0) ____________ about the meeting tomorrow?
Is the meeting in the morning or the (1) ____________?
Can you (2) ____________ me the number of the meeting room?
I don’t know (3) ____________ the meeting is about.
Please call me (4) ____________ today.
I will be at (5) ____________ all day.
Regards,
Samantha

I don’t know (3) ____________ the meeting is about.

Dear Simon,
Can you give me some (0) ____________ about the meeting tomorrow?
Is the meeting in the morning or the (1) ____________?
Can you (2) ____________ me the number of the meeting room?
I don’t know (3) ____________ the meeting is about.
Please call me (4) ____________ today.
I will be at (5) ____________ all day.
Regards,
Samantha

Please call me (4) ____________ today.

Dear Simon,
Can you give me some (0) ____________ about the meeting tomorrow?
Is the meeting in the morning or the (1) ____________?
Can you (2) ____________ me the number of the meeting room?
I don’t know (3) ____________ the meeting is about.
Please call me (4) ____________ today.
I will be at (5) ____________ all day.
Regards,
Samantha

I will be at (5) ____________ all day.

2. The sentences below give information for people joining a gym for the first time. Put the sentences (B – F) in the right order.

The first sentence (A) is given for you on the answer sheet as an example.

A When using your new library card, please follow these instructions. (Example)

3. Four people were interviewed by a local newspaper about where they prefer to go shopping. Read the texts and answer Questions.

Shopping preferences 

Person A ‘I like to buy fresh food direct from the producers. Nothing beats the look and smell of fruit and vegetables carefully laid out on stall after stall. Browsing outdoors is a great way to spend Sunday morning. Prices are expensive there, but that’s not my priority. I very occasionally go to the big retail park on the outside of town when I need new clothes or shoes. I’d rather not though, so I don’t go unless I have to.’

Person B ‘Small and local are my key words when it comes to shopping. The convenience of large supermarkets is undeniable, and I do visit them occasionally, but I don’t want to see our historical high street disappearing. I love chatting to the shopkeepers and the other villagers when I’m out and about. It’s a great way to find out about what’s happening in the area. Internet shopping is really taking off now too, but it isn’t really for me.’

Person C ‘Those markets where you can buy directly from the farmers are great, but they’re so expensive. The same can be said for the traditional small shops around my village. My priority is to get my shopping quickly and easily, so that rules out wandering around from shop to shop. I usually stop off at the new shopping centre on my way home from work. It’s huge, I can get everything I need there at once.’

Person D ‘It’s hard to avoid enormous retail parks and shopping centres these days, but they’re a fact of life. Usually, the larger the store, the cheaper things are. That’s a real consideration for me as I have a tight budget. I try to stick to large, impersonal stores or, even better, the web. I’m not a fan of talking with local shopkeepers actually – I find them nosy. I prefer to click a button and have things delivered to my door.’

Who likes supporting traditional shops in their area?

Shopping preferences

Person A ‘I like to buy fresh food direct from the producers. Nothing beats the look and smell of fruit and vegetables carefully laid out on stall after stall. Browsing outdoors is a great way to spend Sunday morning. Prices are expensive there, but that’s not my priority. I very occasionally go to the big retail park on the outside of town when I need new clothes or shoes. I’d rather not though, so I don’t go unless I have to.’

Person B ‘Small and local are my key words when it comes to shopping. The convenience of large supermarkets is undeniable, and I do visit them occasionally, but I don’t want to see our historical high street disappearing. I love chatting to the shopkeepers and the other villagers when I’m out and about. It’s a great way to find out about what’s happening in the area. Internet shopping is really taking off now too, but it isn’t really for me.’

Person C ‘Those markets where you can buy directly from the farmers are great, but they’re so expensive. The same can be said for the traditional small shops around my village. My priority is to get my shopping quickly and easily, so that rules out wandering around from shop to shop. I usually stop off at the new shopping centre on my way home from work. It’s huge, I can get everything I need there at once.’

Person D ‘It’s hard to avoid enormous retail parks and shopping centres these days, but they’re a fact of life. Usually, the larger the store, the cheaper things are. That’s a real consideration for me as I have a tight budget. I try to stick to large, impersonal stores or, even better, the web. I’m not a fan of talking with local shopkeepers actually – I find them nosy. I prefer to click a button and have things delivered to my door.’

Who prefers shopping at farmers’ markets?

Shopping preferences

Person A ‘I like to buy fresh food direct from the producers. Nothing beats the look and smell of fruit and vegetables carefully laid out on stall after stall. Browsing outdoors is a great way to spend Sunday morning. Prices are expensive there, but that’s not my priority. I very occasionally go to the big retail park on the outside of town when I need new clothes or shoes. I’d rather not though, so I don’t go unless I have to.’

Person B ‘Small and local are my key words when it comes to shopping. The convenience of large supermarkets is undeniable, and I do visit them occasionally, but I don’t want to see our historical high street disappearing. I love chatting to the shopkeepers and the other villagers when I’m out and about. It’s a great way to find out about what’s happening in the area. Internet shopping is really taking off now too, but it isn’t really for me.’

Person C ‘Those markets where you can buy directly from the farmers are great, but they’re so expensive. The same can be said for the traditional small shops around my village. My priority is to get my shopping quickly and easily, so that rules out wandering around from shop to shop. I usually stop off at the new shopping centre on my way home from work. It’s huge, I can get everything I need there at once.’

Person D ‘It’s hard to avoid enormous retail parks and shopping centres these days, but they’re a fact of life. Usually, the larger the store, the cheaper things are. That’s a real consideration for me as I have a tight budget. I try to stick to large, impersonal stores or, even better, the web. I’m not a fan of talking with local shopkeepers actually – I find them nosy. I prefer to click a button and have things delivered to my door.’

Who tries to avoid large shopping complexes?

Shopping preferences

Person A ‘I like to buy fresh food direct from the producers. Nothing beats the look and smell of fruit and vegetables carefully laid out on stall after stall. Browsing outdoors is a great way to spend Sunday morning. Prices are expensive there, but that’s not my priority. I very occasionally go to the big retail park on the outside of town when I need new clothes or shoes. I’d rather not though, so I don’t go unless I have to.’

Person B ‘Small and local are my key words when it comes to shopping. The convenience of large supermarkets is undeniable, and I do visit them occasionally, but I don’t want to see our historical high street disappearing. I love chatting to the shopkeepers and the other villagers when I’m out and about. It’s a great way to find out about what’s happening in the area. Internet shopping is really taking off now too, but it isn’t really for me.’

Person C ‘Those markets where you can buy directly from the farmers are great, but they’re so expensive. The same can be said for the traditional small shops around my village. My priority is to get my shopping quickly and easily, so that rules out wandering around from shop to shop. I usually stop off at the new shopping centre on my way home from work. It’s huge, I can get everything I need there at once.’

Person D ‘It’s hard to avoid enormous retail parks and shopping centres these days, but they’re a fact of life. Usually, the larger the store, the cheaper things are. That’s a real consideration for me as I have a tight budget. I try to stick to large, impersonal stores or, even better, the web. I’m not a fan of talking with local shopkeepers actually – I find them nosy. I prefer to click a button and have things delivered to my door.’

Who shops regularly in a large complex for convenience?

Shopping preferences

Person A ‘I like to buy fresh food direct from the producers. Nothing beats the look and smell of fruit and vegetables carefully laid out on stall after stall. Browsing outdoors is a great way to spend Sunday morning. Prices are expensive there, but that’s not my priority. I very occasionally go to the big retail park on the outside of town when I need new clothes or shoes. I’d rather not though, so I don’t go unless I have to.’

Person B ‘Small and local are my key words when it comes to shopping. The convenience of large supermarkets is undeniable, and I do visit them occasionally, but I don’t want to see our historical high street disappearing. I love chatting to the shopkeepers and the other villagers when I’m out and about. It’s a great way to find out about what’s happening in the area. Internet shopping is really taking off now too, but it isn’t really for me.’

Person C ‘Those markets where you can buy directly from the farmers are great, but they’re so expensive. The same can be said for the traditional small shops around my village. My priority is to get my shopping quickly and easily, so that rules out wandering around from shop to shop. I usually stop off at the new shopping centre on my way home from work. It’s huge, I can get everything I need there at once.’

Person D ‘It’s hard to avoid enormous retail parks and shopping centres these days, but they’re a fact of life. Usually, the larger the store, the cheaper things are. That’s a real consideration for me as I have a tight budget. I try to stick to large, impersonal stores or, even better, the web. I’m not a fan of talking with local shopkeepers actually – I find them nosy. I prefer to click a button and have things delivered to my door.’

Who likes speaking with the locals to obtain information?

Shopping preferences

Person A ‘I like to buy fresh food direct from the producers. Nothing beats the look and smell of fruit and vegetables carefully laid out on stall after stall. Browsing outdoors is a great way to spend Sunday morning. Prices are expensive there, but that’s not my priority. I very occasionally go to the big retail park on the outside of town when I need new clothes or shoes. I’d rather not though, so I don’t go unless I have to.’

Person B ‘Small and local are my key words when it comes to shopping. The convenience of large supermarkets is undeniable, and I do visit them occasionally, but I don’t want to see our historical high street disappearing. I love chatting to the shopkeepers and the other villagers when I’m out and about. It’s a great way to find out about what’s happening in the area. Internet shopping is really taking off now too, but it isn’t really for me.’

Person C ‘Those markets where you can buy directly from the farmers are great, but they’re so expensive. The same can be said for the traditional small shops around my village. My priority is to get my shopping quickly and easily, so that rules out wandering around from shop to shop. I usually stop off at the new shopping centre on my way home from work. It’s huge, I can get everything I need there at once.’

Person D ‘It’s hard to avoid enormous retail parks and shopping centres these days, but they’re a fact of life. Usually, the larger the store, the cheaper things are. That’s a real consideration for me as I have a tight budget. I try to stick to large, impersonal stores or, even better, the web. I’m not a fan of talking with local shopkeepers actually – I find them nosy. I prefer to click a button and have things delivered to my door.’

Who likes internet shopping better than other methods?

Shopping preferences

Person A ‘I like to buy fresh food direct from the producers. Nothing beats the look and smell of fruit and vegetables carefully laid out on stall after stall. Browsing outdoors is a great way to spend Sunday morning. Prices are expensive there, but that’s not my priority. I very occasionally go to the big retail park on the outside of town when I need new clothes or shoes. I’d rather not though, so I don’t go unless I have to.’

Person B ‘Small and local are my key words when it comes to shopping. The convenience of large supermarkets is undeniable, and I do visit them occasionally, but I don’t want to see our historical high street disappearing. I love chatting to the shopkeepers and the other villagers when I’m out and about. It’s a great way to find out about what’s happening in the area. Internet shopping is really taking off now too, but it isn’t really for me.’

Person C ‘Those markets where you can buy directly from the farmers are great, but they’re so expensive. The same can be said for the traditional small shops around my village. My priority is to get my shopping quickly and easily, so that rules out wandering around from shop to shop. I usually stop off at the new shopping centre on my way home from work. It’s huge, I can get everything I need there at once.’

Person D ‘It’s hard to avoid enormous retail parks and shopping centres these days, but they’re a fact of life. Usually, the larger the store, the cheaper things are. That’s a real consideration for me as I have a tight budget. I try to stick to large, impersonal stores or, even better, the web. I’m not a fan of talking with local shopkeepers actually – I find them nosy. I prefer to click a button and have things delivered to my door.’

Who thinks price is the most important thing to consider?

4. Read the text below. Match the headings A – H to the paragraphs 1–7 . There is one more heading than you need.

1. So, when did this fascination for hula hooping really begin? Many believe it started in the 1950s, simply as a means of pleasure. However, it actually dates back much further, as far back as the fifth century in ancient Greece where it was a means of exercising. It re-emerged in thirteenth century Scotland as a therapy for those who suffered from heart disease or back conditions. In those early days, it was simply called the ‘hoop,’ the word ‘hula’ was added by British soldiers on a visit to Hawaii in the nineteenth century; they believed that the action was similar to that of the traditional island Hula dance.

Headings

A            A Collection of Records

B             Without a Single Break

C             Hooping Back in Fashion

D             Hooping Appeals to Both Genders Alike

E             Fun, Fitness or Treatment?

F             The Hula Hoop Goes Global

G            Spinning Multiple Hoops

H             Hooping and Running at the Same Time

Write only the heading letter.

2. In 1950s America, Californian toy company Wham-O perfected a plastic version of the toy which attracted global interest. In as little as four months, 25 million of the hoops were sold. Within two years, over 100 million had been sold, starting a trend which swept throughout the country. In the USA alone, 50,000 were produced in a single day. Many people in countless corners of the world developed a passion for the trend, from infants to grandparents and from factory workers to CEOs.

Headings

A            A Collection of Records

B             Without a Single Break

C             Hooping Back in Fashion

D             Hooping Appeals to Both Genders Alike

E             Fun, Fitness or Treatment?

F             The Hula Hoop Goes Global

G            Spinning Multiple Hoops

H             Hooping and Running at the Same Time

Write only the heading letter.

3. Many popular songs were written about the hula hoop during the 1960s. Nevertheless, the toy’s popularity began to fade over the next few decades. However, the hula hoop never completely vanished from the public arena and most toys stores continued to stock the toy. Recently it staged a spectacular revival, rallying a new generation of fans. the former first lady Michelle Obama of the USA was spotted ‘hooping’ on the White House Lawn. Nowadays, the circular toy has been incorporated in a range of fitness schemes. These use special weighted hoops to suit individual needs, including ‘collapsible’ ones designed for easy storage.

Headings

A             A Collection of Records

B             Without a Single Break

C             Hooping Back in Fashion

D             Hooping Appeals to Both Genders Alike

E             Fun, Fitness or Treatment?

F             The Hula Hoop Goes Global

G            Spinning Multiple Hoops

H             Hooping and Running at the Same Time

Write only the heading letter.

4. The hula hoop is associated with many different world records. In 1960, a group of American 11 year olds established a record for the longest ‘non-stop’ spinning session, lasting precisely 11 hours and 34 minutes. In 1976, an even younger contestant won an uninterrupted 10 hour 47 minutes contest at just eight years old. The present-day record holder, Bric Sorenson, was able to keep his hula hoop spinning from April 2 to April 6, 1987, accumulating an incredible 90 non-stop hours.

Headings

A             A Collection of Records

B             Without a Single Break

C             Hooping Back in Fashion

D             Hooping Appeals to Both Genders Alike

E             Fun, Fitness or Treatment?

F             The Hula Hoop Goes Global

G            Spinning Multiple Hoops

H             Hooping and Running at the Same Time

Write only the heading letter.

5. Another record is for 132 hoops spun by an individual at once. This record wasestablished by Paul Blair on November 11, 2009, earning him the nickname  ‘Dizzy Hips’. This act involves participants holding all the hula hoops without any help from anyone else and spinning them between the shoulders and hips. As soon as the hoops have started to rotate, competitors cannot touch them again with their hands. If they do, their record attempt fails.

Headings

A             A Collection of Records

B             Without a Single Break

C             Hooping Back in Fashion

D             Hooping Appeals to Both Genders Alike

E             Fun, Fitness or Treatment?

F             The Hula Hoop Goes Global

G            Spinning Multiple Hoops

H             Hooping and Running at the Same Time

Write only the heading letter.

6. In another record event, the contestant runs while simultaneously spinning. A ribbon tied around the hoop allows the judges to check if it is still revolving. The hoop must be rotating before crossing the starting line. If it ceases to spin, then contestants must stop and start it again. This is the only time that they can touch the hoop with their hands. The current female holder for this record is Australian Boo Crystal Chan, who completed 10 kilometres in one hour, 27 minutes and 25 seconds on March 12 2009. The male champion, Paul ‘Dizzy Hips’ Blair, was 20 minutes and 50 seconds faster than Boo.

Headings

A             A Collection of Records

B             Without a Single Break

C             Hooping Back in Fashion

D             Hooping Appeals to Both Genders Alike

E             Fun, Fitness or Treatment?

F             The Hula Hoop Goes Global

G            Spinning Multiple Hoops

H             Hooping and Running at the Same Time

Write only the heading letter.

7. In 2005, an American man, Ashrita Furman, successfully spun the world’s largest hula hoop at 13.88 metres in diameter. While the heaviest recorded was actually a tractor tyre which weighed 53 pounds! This monster was spun for a total of 71 seconds in Austria, 2000, by Roman Schedler. And in Chung Cheng sport arena, Taiwan, on October 28, 2,496 people managed to spin their hula hoops at the same time for over three minutes without dropping one, making it the world record for mass simultaneous hula hooping.

Headings

A             A Collection of Records

B             Without a Single Break

C             Hooping Back in Fashion

D             Hooping Appeals to Both Genders Alike

E             Fun, Fitness or Treatment?

F             The Hula Hoop Goes Global

G            Spinning Multiple Hoops

H             Hooping and Running at the Same Time

Write only the heading letter.