Progress Test
Name:
1 Units 1 & 2
Date:
Mark: / 80 marks
Reading
Read the texts and choose the best answer to each question.
The Higher They Climb, the Harder They Fall
Lance Armstrong was the embodiment of ambition and fierce Some people believe there is evidence to suggest
determination in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds. that Armstrong did, in fact, return positive results, but
He fought and beat cancer, then went on to win the Tour de was protected by various cycling bodies so as not to
France an incredible seven times straight. He made millions ruin the image of the sport. It cannot be forgotten that
of dollars from sponsorship deals and enjoyed the kind of Armstrongs amazing journey from near death to sporting
celebrity reserved only for rock stars. But all along, there were triumph had created a whole new generation of cycling
whispers and rumours. Was he really such a magnificent athlete enthusiasts.
or was there something murky behind his spectacular success?
Although he was never caught red-handed, the World
Initially, many Armstrong supporters pointed out that during Anti-Doping Agency stripped him of all his titles. How
his seven Tour de France victories, he was the most drug-tested could WADA not? Armstrong had worked with trainers who
athlete in the world, and that he never tested positive. But were caught for doping their athletes, and he had former
cycling is rife with banned performance enhancing drugs, and teammates, friends and associates inform on him. Forced
many cyclists who never failed a drug test have gone on to to publicly apologise to Livestrong (his cancer support
admit their guilt later, such as Tour de France winner Bjarne organisation), he then confessed to doping in an interview
Riis. In 2007, Riis admitted taking EPO, growth hormone and with Oprah Winfrey, though he refrained from revealing his
cortisone from 1993 to 1998, including during his 1996 Tour de methods. From the height of fame, Armstrong is now in the
France win. depths of infamy.
According to the writer, cyclists were able to get away 2
1 Which statement about Lance Armstrong is true?
with doping because a
He has not explained how he managed to avoid
a no one they knew had spoken out against them. detection.
b none of them felt guilty until much later. b He enjoys being treated like a celebrity rock star.
c it was more important to protect the sport. c
There were no suspicions of doping until he
d they were only tested for three substances. confessed.
d His name still appears as a Tour de France winner.
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The Greatest Athlete youve Never Heard of
Trischa Zorn owns the title of the greatest ever Paralympian. Zorn is very pleased with the changes, but believes
The swimmer, blind since birth, competed in seven consecutive theres still room for improvement, particularly when
Paralympic Games from Arnhem in the Netherlands in 1980 to it comes to cash awards. Currently, the US pays gold
Athens, Greece in 2004. medal winners $25,000 per medal, $15,000 for silver, and
$10,000 for bronze. For his eight golds in Beijing, Michael
She won a staggering 55 medals consisting of 41 gold, nine
Phelps received a cheque for $200,000. Paralympians
silver and five bronze. Zorn is humble about her success,
are lucky if they get $5,000. Despite more than doubling
stating that as a swimmer, she was simply fortunate enough to
Phelps Olympic medal tally of 22, Zorn never saw a penny.
be able to compete in multiple events.
Considering disabled athletes make sacrifices and train as
She first experienced the Games at the age of 16. Since then, hard as their able-bodied counterparts, this difference is
the Paralympics have changed enormously. Back in 1980, decidedly unfair and gives the distinct impression that an
few people had heard of the Paralympics. The US Paralympic Olympian is more highly valued than a Paralympian. But
athletes had to pay their own way to attend the Games, and as Zorn has demonstrated, disabled athletes are talented,
pay for their uniforms. The able-bodied athletes, on the other courageous and never give up; they have the traits of true
hand, were funded by the state. 1988 was the first time that Olympic champions.
the Paralympics were held at the same venues as the Olympics.
1992 was the first time national anthems were played during
the medal ceremony for Paralympic champions.
3
What does Trischa Zorn attribute her medal success to? 5
Which aspect of sport do the two texts have in
a competing in seven different Paralympics common?
b being in a sport for which there are many races a cash incentives paid for individual titles or medals
c striving to be as worthy as an Olympian b methods and incentives for achieving success
d knowing there would be a cash bonus for winners c upholding standards of moral behaviour
4
According to the writer, the Paralympic Games d illegal activities in the pursuit of success
a cost less than the Olympic Games.
b take place in different arenas to the Olympics.
c only began medal ceremonies for winners in 1992.
d are beginning to resemble the Olympics in
some ways.
Marks / 10
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Vocabulary
A Complete the sentences with the correct form of the words.
1
The French, American and Russian led to major changes in the
way those countries were governed. REVOLVE
2
They were a(n) couple who worked hard to make their family
prosperous. INDUSTRY
3
Its very to lie and cheat people out of their savings, but
fraudsters do it all the time. HONOUR
4
You can only assess a situation correctly and give sound advice if you are
. PARTIAL
5
In Dantes epic poem, Divine Comedy, both the good and the
go to Paradise. VIRTUE
6
Dont say anything to upset Jon; hes been very lately. TOUCH
7
Historians need to be when considering past events and the
people who played a role in them. OBJECT
8
Romes armies were in many battles across Europe and
North Africa. TRIUMPH
9
Danny is very and refuses to work overtime; I think thats very
unfair for the other staff. FLEXIBLE
10
The invaders were and destroyed several entire towns
and villages. MERCY
Marks / 10
B Replace the words in bold with these phrasal verbs in the correct form.
be taken aback bring down come in for come up against cut in get ahead hang on pull off set out take to
1
A series of financial scandals finally caused the collapse of the government.
2
It takes a lot more than intelligence to be successful these days.
3
Despite not being very clever, Kevin became a billionaire. I wonder
how he managed to do it?
4
Martha tried Facebook but she didnt like it at all.
5
We were astonished when we learnt that our old classmate was
running for parliament.
6
What a terrible decision! Im not surprised it has received so
much criticism.
7
It was a grueling race, but Leo kept going and came in second.
8
Creating a new app wasnt what we had planned to do.
9
Dont you know that its rude to interrupt when someone is speaking?
10
The tech department has encountered a problem with the design.
Marks / 10
C Complete each sentence with one word in each gap.
1
Please dont ask me to do any more; Ive already got a lot my plate.
2
If you hadnt taken my remarks of context, there wouldnt have been a misunderstanding.
3
Dont you think youll come fire if you make such inflammatory comments?
4
It wont cost that much to upgrade the system; a guess, Id say a few thousand euros.
5
Im very nervous because Im giving a presentation and I hope it goes a hitch!
6
I have commented on blogs occasion, but its not something I particularly care to do.
7
Working the clock will make you ill; why dont you take a break?
8
Martin had no idea he was to be fired; his dismissal came warning.
9
Our companys website is currently construction, but it should be up and running in a few days.
10 You mustnt repeat this because I am telling you confidence.
Marks / 10
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Grammar
D Circle the correct words.
1
Joanna locked up / was locking up and left the office; she was tired after a long day at work.
2
Olga knew the company was going to fail / would be failing because the general manager was incompetent.
3
My new smartphone is broken! Im going to take / Ill have taken it back to the shop for a refund.
4 The share value of the company falls / is falling steadily and investors have lost a lot of money.
5
Max didnt attend / hasnt attended an Olympic event before, so hes very excited.
6
I told my son that when he graduated / would graduate, I would throw him a huge party.
7
You smell / are smelling wonderful! Whats that perfume youre wearing?
8
By the time Tamara finishes university, she will be studying / will have been studying for half of her life!
9 Gareth would be / used to be a good friend of mine, until he became a successful actor.
10 Rudy is worn out because he has played / has been playing online war games all night.
Marks / 10
E Complete the sentences with one word in each gap.
1
Make sure you read the contract through you sign.
2
Im trying to download this game; why is it taking so long?
3
The world champion has to win an Olympic medal.
4
Carlos swore he tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth.
5
You should delete your silly blog in a prospective employer sees it.
6
Trust me, I know what Im doing; this is to be the best site on the web.
7
The screen has been playing up yesterday; I hope we dont have to replace it.
8
Ive heard a more ridiculous thing in my life! Surely youre joking!
9
Hector was scratching his head wondering what to do Helen was looking for a solution.
10 Ruben has smashed three world records this week. How does he do it?
Marks / 10
F omplete the second sentences so that they have a similar meaning to the first sentences. Use the words
C
in bold. You must use between three and six words including the word given.
1
How nice to see you, Marion; when did you get here? how
How nice to see you, Marion; here?
2
By the look on Toms face, I knew the news wouldnt be good. give
By the look on Toms face, I knew he good news.
3
Youve slept the day away, havent you? sleeping
You , have you?
4
Hopefully, those politicians will be in prison before the next election. time
Hopefully, those politicians will be in prison the next election.
5
You know, Im finding it more and more difficult to come up with good ideas for phone apps. harder
You know, its harder to come up with good ideas for phone apps.
Marks / 10
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Writing
Complete the writing task.
Following a class discussion, your teacher has asked you to write an essay giving your views on this topic:
Many people are prepared to do whatever it takes to succeed.
Do you agree that the end justifies the means? How can being
overly ambitious affect a person?
Write your essay in 220-260 words in an appropriate style.
Marks / 10
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