TELC NYELVVIZSGA Középfokú írásbeli próbavizsga
READING COMPREHENSION AND LANGUAGE ELEMENTS
90 minutes
Reading Comprehension (Part 1) First read the ten headlines (a-j). Then read the five texts (1-5) and decide which text goes best with which headline. Mark your answers on the answer sheet in the boxes 1-5.
a) Blizzards to Batter Britain b) Parents Panic c) Thug Jailed for Retired Teacher Attack d) Try This Tiny Hearing Device e) Still Going Strong f) Savers Have Heads in Sand g) London and Midland Passengers Facing Fare Rises h) Get a Real Low Rate Loan i) Cancer Now the Biggest Threat to British Women j) Power Firms Have Nothing to Hide?
1 Retired teacher Doreen Priestley is no fan of new technology. She prepares her meals on a 57year-old gas cooker while keeping her house tidy with a 39-year-old vacuum cleaner. Doreen, 67, still uses the battered recipe book which came with the Cannon cooker back in 1953 – the year the Queen was crowned at Westminster Abbey. `My mum taught me to cook on it and I have seen no reason to get rid of it ever since,` she said. `It has been so reliable over the years and it`s really simple to use. I think things wer e better made in days gone by. Things were built to last.`
2 Yesterday the EU banned a chemical used in t he production of plastic baby bottles amid fears it could trigger cancer and damage development. BPA has been shown in animal studies to disrupt
hormones and increase the risk of tumours. Similar bans were imposed in other countries after tests showed it can leach from bottles into baby milk. The decision immediately triggered confusion among mothers who were offered no advice on what to do if they are already using bottles made using BPA.
3 Energy suppliers will be forced to open the ir books to public scrutiny after the industry watchdog found profits soared 38 per cent in the wake of consumer hikes. Ofgem discovered the average profit margin on a standard duel-fuel tariff has risen from £65 to £90 since September. Suppliers claim rises are inevitable as they ar e facing wholesale price rises of more than 25 per cent, while British Gas claimed this month they were selling at a loss. Alistair Buchanan, Ofgem`s chief executive, said he wanted to make sure firms were `playing it straight` with customers, with a detailed investigation that will last until next March.
4 Britons are in denial over their money problems, one of UK`s banking giants warned yesterday. Despite three-quarters of consumers worrying about their finances, nearly the same number have not changed their saving or spending habits. Richard Brown at HSBC said: `This demonstrates a worrying lack of preparation. It is of utmost importance that people are sett ing aside money for emergencies but only a m inority have altered their habits. This suggests people do not realize the need to change.` The bank found many have less than £249 in savings – equivalent of five days` average earnings – while the recommended minimum amount of saving is £ 4,683, or three months of an average salary.
5 Britain faces 15 days of winter chaos as gale-force winds bring bitterly cold temperatures. Ten inches of snow is predicted to fall on higher ground in the North today. Many areas will struggle to get above freezing over the rest of the weekend. Met Office forecaster Dave Britton said: `No part of the country is immune over the next few days.` Severe weather warnings are in place for London and the Midlands next week. There were w arnings of `very dangerous` driving conditions as snow froze or melted and re -froze. Some councils complained that grit firms had not delivered supplies in time for the winter blast. Authorities revealed they were still waiting for grit ordered as long ago as last winter.
Reading Comprehension (Part 2) Read the following text, then choose the answers to questions 6-10. Decide which is the correct answer (a, b or c). Mark your answers on the answer sheet.
The effects of computer games on young children The advent of Space Invaders in 1979 saw computer games become popular to a mass audience. By 1981, no single game dominated the field any more as new games came out, rendering Space Invaders obsolete. The increasing popularity of computer games stimulated a certain amount of research interest in their effects. However, the saturation of the market with games in the early 1980s led to some loss of interest in them by the purchasing public, the late 1980s saw the arrival of the Japanese Nintendo system and soon sales started to rise. In 1991, the Economist Intelligence Unit noted that UK sales of console games connected to televisions increased by 200 per cent and sales of hand held games had risen by 700 per cent. Computer game playing has always been a relatively high frequency activity among adolescents. Research has indicated gender differences in computer game playing habits, with males playing more frequently than females. Reasons for this include: the game content, in that games tend to contain more masculine than feminine characters; the nature of the games, in that males tend to do better than females on tasks involving visual and spatial skills; and social factors – women are not encouraged to express aggression in public and are unlikely to feel comfortable with games of combat or war. Little research has been carried out into non-arcade electronic game playing as this was originally perceived as a harmless and enjoyable pastime. However, with the ever-increasing interest and participation of young children in this activity, much concern has been expressed about the effects of these games on children, pointing to the need for some form of empirical investigation. Some of the research has suggested that the playing of computer games causes physical or psychological effects. Whilst computer game playing has not been implicated as a cause of severe psychopathology, some studies suggest some form of short term relationship between playing violent computer games and an increase in aggressive behaviour. In addition, some studies have provided support for the argument that computer game playing is potentially addictive. One study has specifically considered the connection between computer game playing and criminal activity. In response to the criticisms of computer games, some have claimed that there are creative and prosocial applications of such games, with stresses on physical rehabilitation, educational value and the promotion of social interaction and growth. It has been argued that the aggressive content of computer games actually allows players to release their stress and aggression in a non-destructive way and in fact has the effect of relaxing them. A key question is the issue of causation. Do children exhibit more aggressive behaviour after playing computer games with aggressive content or do more aggressive or impulsive children play those sorts of games more than their less impulsive friends? It is tempting to interpret findings from the above studies as evidence of causal relationships of one sort or another. However, results emerging from these studies should not necessarily be interpreted as strong evidence of causal relationships, but should instead indicate where there might be the need for further research. The strongest suggestion emerging from the present review is that there is a necessity for more research into the long-term effects of computer games on children, incorporating the duration of effects and whether
repeated playing has cumulative effects. There is a need for longitudinal studies (rather than cross-sectional and retrospective studies) recording developmental features of computer game players and establishing the long term effects on young children playing computer games.
6. In the 1980s, a) the research interest in games increased b) first there was a decline then a sudden increase in games sales c) the introduction of the Nintendo game posed ser ious danger to children playing the game
7. According to the article, the content and nature of the game as well as some social factors a) may explain the gender differences in playing habits. b) cannot provide a good enough explanation for the gender differences in playing habits. c) are the most researched topics in this field.
8. Computer games result in physical or psychological problems, a) according to all research. b) according to one piece of research. c) according to some research.
9. Those in favour of computer games argue that a) the aggressive content is not present at all b) the aggressive content in this form may have beneficial effects. c) stress and aggression is good for adult players.
10. The research findings a) indicate strong cause-effect relationships b) indicate that computer games do not cause aggressive behaviour c) indicate that we still do not have a full understanding of the effects of gaming
Reading Comprehension (Part 3) First read the ten situations (11-20) and then read the twelve texts (A-L). Decide which text goes best with which situation. Each text can be used only once. Mark your answers on the answer sheet (11-20). In some cases, there might be no suitable text. Then mark x .
11. You are considering selling your house. 12. You want to book a flight. 13. You wonder whether it is st ill time to buy a present online and send it by post.H 14. You want to lose some weight. 15. You want to find out about t he weather. 16. You want a different hairstyle. 17. You want to go to the movies. 18. You have stomach problems. 19. You want to eat out. 20. For a party, you want to purchase some food and drink which is good value for money.
A. Sleet and snow showers will continue in north Sc otland with wintry showers for other eastern and western coastal areas. Elsewhere, frosty w ith the odd snow flurry. Tomorrow it is staying cold with snow showers across many eastern areas, heaviest in Scotland. Sharp night frosts are also expected. B. Royal Mail will be making extra deliveries in the r un-up to Christmas to cope with a rising demand in internet shopping. The service said staff would carry out extr a rounds on the morning of Sunday, December 19 and between 6pm and 9pm on December 22 and 23. It will also extend the opening hours of all 1400 delivery offices for two weeks from Dece mber 13 but times will vary. Royal Mail said it expected to deliver a record 165 million items ordered online before December 25. C. Half price cheese and wine. Pop down to your local Waitrose for a great selection of cheese and wine for Christmas. Create the perfect cheese board, from Cornish Quartz C heddar to a special Castello Blue. Enjoy with a glass of Hardys Crest Cabernet-Shiraz-Merlot. Majority of stores. th Subject to availability. You must be 18 years or ove r to purchase alcohol. Ends 7 December. D.
Low rate mortgage at Lloyds TSB. Available if you are remortgaging or buying a new home. You can borrow between £50,000 and £250, 000 or up to 75% of your home`s value, whichever is
lower. A product fee of 2.5% of the loan which can be added to your loan applies, although interest will be payable.
E. In Montreal, there is a plethora of fabulous eateries to choose from. For a quick bite, the quirky Olive et Gourmando does home-made fare that is far more deliciously satisfying than a lunchtime sandwich or pastry has any right to be. For a heartier dinner, Liverpool House offers a constantly changing menu of French cuisine that is any car nivore`s dream. And don`t forget to pick up a freshly baked bagel from either St Viateur or Fairmount the morning after. F.
Departure dates as indicated above. Return fares shown are from departure from London and include all taxes and fees. Tickets must be purchased by Dec ember 10. All travel must be completed by July 7, 2011. Seats are limited and subject to availability. Tickets are nonrefundable. Fares are valid at time of pr inting and apply to new bookings only.
G. According to shopping comparison website, Kelkoo.co.uk, Prince William and Kate Middleton`s wedding is expected to boost tourist numbers by 320,000 next summer, with visitors spending an average £177 per person on shopping, generating an additional £56.7 million in retail sales. H. Working week: the low-slung pony. Simple, easy and inspired by the Hermes AW10 show, this asymmetric pony will sharpen your weekday look when you`ve only got minutes to spare. Prep by washing with the new Gareth James Vital Shampoo to combat dryness during the winter months. Blow dry straight, then run a pea-sized amount of cream through the lengths. Create a parting about two inches off-centre. The low side parting immediately updates the schoolgirl ponytail to look chic yet pretty.
I.
You know what payment plan? The Compact Jeep Patriot with inte lligent four-wheel drive for year-round handling assurance. Now available with an all new powerful yet economical 2.2 diesel engine that delivers up to 42.8 mpg. 41 monthly payments of £199 with customer deposit of £3,745. Mileage per annum 10,000. Excess mileage charge 12p per mile.
J.
Only one of 140 activists will be allowed to at tend the Nobel Peace Prize giving ceremony for winner Liu Xiaobo, currently in jail for subversion. The others have bee n stopped from leaving the country or placed under tight surveillance amid a crackdown on dissenters.
K. New Dulcobalance is a constipation treatment that has bee n scientifically developed to give gradual, effective relief over one t o two days. By taking water to w here it is needed, it simply helps redress the imbalance that leads to c onstipation, avoiding direct stimulation of the bowel while being kind to your insides. What`s more, unlike some constipation remedies which thicken in the glass, Dulcobalance dissolves to a refreshingly pleasant drink flavoured with fruit juice . L.
This critically acclaimed thriller is widely being dubbed `the Mexican Last Tango in P aris` for its explicit and pervy scenes. Australian director Michael Rowe`s debut, it follows 29 days in the life of a lonely journalist (Monica del Carmen) focused on her various anonymous and increasingly demeaning sexual encounters.
Language Elements (Part 1) Read the following text and decide which word or phrase a, b, or c is missing in items 21-30. Mark your answers on the answer sheet.
Animals communicate in a silent language, and humans communicate in a verbal language. This silent language is called telepathy which means ___21___ across a distance. Communicating telepathically with animals means we are mentally sending and receiving me ssages. It involves ___22___ direct transmission of feelings, emotions, intentions, thoughts, mental images, impressions, sensations, and pure knowing. In ___23___ kind of communication you do not read body language or make guesses based ___24___ behaviour. Telepathic communication after all, is an innate ability ___25___ all beings. So even ___26___ we were all born with the ability, and it was very natural as young children and babies, it has been forgotten to most of us as we grew up. Telepathy ___27___ be re-learnt and used once again to communicate with the natural world, and form wonderful bonds and understanding with our animal friends. Animals are already masters of telepathic communication and talk to ___28___ in this way and to humans, if they are listening that is, if they allow themselves to tune in or are perceptive to them. It is just like learning a different language. When we meet someone who does not speak our language, we don't assume t hat they have nothing to say, we just can't understand them. If we wish to communicate with them we ___29___ have to learn their language or use an interpreter. If you have a close r elationship with your animal companion, you can be sure you are already communicating with them. You just ___30___ not realize that you are communicating with your animals because you think that the thoughts and feelings are your own.
21. a) feel b) to feel c) feeling 22. a) the b) to c) of 23. a) the b) this c) this 24. a) on b) of c) after
25. a) of b) to c) with 26. a) though b) through c) when 27. a) mustn`t b) has c) can 28. a) another b) each other c) another one 29. a) or b) either c) whether 30. a) may b) must c) can
Language Elements (Part 2) Read the following text and decide which o f the words or phrases a-o is missing in items 31-40. Mark your answers on the answer sheet.
Trends In Recipes And Cooking: Local With A Global Twist
Our society’s growing consciousness about the impact of our actions on the planet’s health and well being is being felt in the kitchen. More and more, the trend in recipes and cooking ___31___ around finding ingredients that are produced locally. Home cooks are recognizing that fruit and vegetables grown in other states and other countries gobble up energy to package and trans port them to market. This ___32___ an enormous carbon footprint – a result that a growing number of families want to avoid.
As a ___33___, shoppers are searching for fresh food and produce that is locally grown. For a few, this means regularly going to farmers markets; for others, it indicates asking about the source of fresh food at the ___34___. Numerous others have the need to take ___35___ toward finding recipes and cooking with fresh produce and other ingredients, but aren’t certain where to begin. Thank ___36___ for the internet! For those ready to take the very first steps, there’s an ab undance of information ___37___ on the web. Equipped with this info, shoppers can learn how to buy fresh produce, discover the types of produce that are in ___ 38___, read articles with regards to fresh food, and look for recipes to pr epare everything from delectable fresh fish, seafood, and meat dishes to scrumptious vegetable courses and dessert treats. Moreover, home cooks are ___39___ that cooking with locally grown fre sh food opens the door to a world of cuisines – literally. Today’s recipes and cooking trends put a global twist on fresh ingredients. If you are in the mood for Asian food, for instance, you don’t have to ___40___ . Instead, you can make use of the net to research Asian food culture and find recipes which are easy to make at home. Likewise, resources for French food, German food, I talian food, and Mexican food are just a couple of mouse clicks away.
a) dine out b) rights c) result d) discovering e) issue
f) season g) grocery store h) include i) available j) support
k) leaves l) heavens m) arising n) revolves o) steps
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------This is the end of sub-test 1 and sub-test 2 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Listening Comprehension This sub-test consists of three parts, testing - Listening for Gist - Listening for Detail - Selective Listening This sub-test contains a total of 20 items (41 -60). Each item has only one correct answer .
Listening Comprehension (Part 1) You will hear five speakers. You will hear each item only once. Decide which title a-f goes with each passage. Mark your answers on the answer sheet.
41. 42. 43. 44. 45.
a
SEASIDE
b
GROUP HOLIDAY
c
VACATION IN THE USA
d
CAMPING
e
MOUNTAINS
f
WORKING HOLIDAY
Listening Comprehension (Part 2) You will hear a radio interview. First you w ill have one minute to read the introduction and the items. Then you will hear the interview. You will hear the interview twice. Decide if the statement for each of the items is true (+) or not true (-) and mark your answers on the answer sheet.
46. This week the topic is `special effects` in films. 47. Back in the past, `special effects` did not exist. 48. The first `special effect` was made in 1988. 49. Jurassic Park has been the most influential film regarding `special effects`. 50. Star Wars is remarkable because at that time, technology was not advanced as it is now. 51. Digital technology is the key to `special effects`. 52. The special effects team working on Independence Day completed the movie in five months. 53. Explosions as special effects are r isky because movie makers may die. 54. One of the biggest challenges for special effects teams is to create human bodies. 55. You have to have both tec hnical skills and creativity if you want to be successful as a special effects person.
Listening Comprehension (Part 3) You will hear eight short texts. You will hear the texts only once. Then you will have time to answer the question for five texts. Decide which is the correct answer (a, b, or c) for each question and mark your answers on the answer sheet.
56. The party was fantastic, a) according to the girl. b) according to the boy. c) according to some of the teachers.
57. Most of the street performances were cancelled a) because of the theatre play. b) because of the crowd of people. c) because of the rain.
58. In the radio show, you can a) win tickets for the jazz festival b) win tickets for the football match at the City Stadium c) win festival guides
59. Alina is upset because her friend a) sent her flowers b) called her in the middle of the night c) forgot about her birthday
60. The wedding party was held a) at a place that surprised everyone b) at the seaside c) in the bride`s old house
Writing You are allowed a total of 30 minutes for this sub-test. You have TWO different tasks TO CHOOSE FROM. Decide quickly which letter you are going to w rite as you only have a total of 30 minutes t o complete the task.
A) You recently stayed in a hotel in a large city. The weather was very unusual for the time of ye ar and the heating / cooling system in the hotel was quite inadequate. Write a letter to the manager of the hotel. In your letter: give details of what went wrong explain what you had to do to overcome the problem at the time say what action you would like the manager to take You should write 150-200 words. You do NOT need to write your own address. Begin your letter as follows: Dear __________
OR:
B) You have been living in a rental apartment for the past year. Recently a new neighbour moved in and has been making a lot of noise, which disturbs you. Write a letter to the landlord. In your letter: explain the situation describe why it bothers you suggest a solution You should write 150-200 words. You do NOT need to write any address. Begin your letter as follows: Dear __________
