NOTES /SOLVED EXERCISES : TRAVELLER 5 KSA EDITION STUDNET’S BOOK (SECONDARY STAGE) 2016-17
UNITS (1-2) MODULE 1 ROUND-UP
READING
READ THE MAGAZINE ARTICLE BELOW ABOUT TRAVELLING BY LNTERKAIL AROUND EUROPE AND ANSWER THE QUESTIONS 1-8 ON PAGE 29. CHOOSE THE BEST ANSWER A, B, C OR D.
INTER RAILING AROUND EUROPE
Imagine you were told to pack a rucksack with all you need
for a month of travelling, what would you take with you? Well, this is the problem which thousands of young people have when they decide to go ‘InterRailing’. Never heard of it? Well, lnterRail has become a common part of our language.
The idea is you buy one train ticket which covers the whole or
part of Europe; you pack your bag, jump on a train and go! Prom Austria to Turkey, from Finland to Spain, lnterRail is the ideal way for young people to travel around Europe on a small budget.
The InterRail Pass was first introduced in 1972 and was a rail ticket which offered under 21-year-olds unlimited travel through twenty-one European countries. The ticket quickly became very popular indeed, allowing young people to travel throughout Europe very cheaply. Over the years, the age limit for the ticket has been raised a number of times and the area covered by the ticket has been expanded. The rail pass now covers 30 countries, reflecting the opening of the borders to the East and the growth of the European Union.
Today, there is a wide range of tickets available, for young and old alike, for a whole month or just a few days, for all of the countries or for just one particular ‘zone’.
The ticket has been an amazing success. Since its introduction,
nearly 7 million young people have travelled using this form of rail ticket. Apart from the fact that the ticket offers young people a cheap form of travel, the lnterRail Pass is also simple to use. It is accepted as a means of travel without any further complicated paperwork. It also offers discounts on many ship and ferry connections and lower entrance fees to many museums and galleries.
But it is the freedom which it offers that has captured the
hearts of young people. There is nothing quite like sitting on a train with nothing else except the things you have with you in your rucksack.
The freedom to be able to decide yourself when and where to travel without having to stick to any timetable other than the one you decide upon yourself is thrilling. InterRail offers an element of adventure while providing an element of security at the same time. You know you have your ticket, as it has already been paid for, you
know where it is valid and for how long.
Despite the occasional language problem, Europe is perfect
for InterRail. It offers travellers an enormous amount of diversity, with each country having something unique.
France is one of the most popular countries, in particular Paris. Germany is also a top destination for its history and festivals; Italy is home to art and pizza; Greece has a ‘sun, sand and sea’ image.
Of course, anyone considering going InterRailing for a month
really has to do some careful planning with maps, timetables and one of the many lnterRail guides available. For certain trains, in particular the high speed ones, you have to pay extra. You also have to pay a supplement to use the sleeping wagons. Travel safety is a subject many young people have to become familiar with, as well. While it is usually pretty safe on most trains in Europe, there are, of course, areas and
times which are more risky than others. Travelling by train during the day is advised for young people, and doing the journey with someone else is also much safer than travelling on your own.
A month of travelling through Europe gives you the chance
to see many new places and meet young people from all over the world. It is both educational and culturally rewarding.
You are advised to plan well in advance to try and get the most out of your journey. However, in my experience of InterRail, it was all the unexpected things which happened that made the journey so interesting, but above all, fun!
The InterRail ticket
was originally introduced for 21 year-olds. b. was an instant hit with young people. c. initially took some time to become popular. d. was offered free of charge at the start.
The popularity of the ticket led to
an increase in the price. b. the age limit being lowered. c. more countries being offered. d. chaos on the railways.
The lnterRail ticket has been used by
nearly 7 million young people per year. b. over 7 million young people per year. c. almost 7 million young people altogether. d. more than 7 million young people altogether.
Today, the InterRail ticket
provides free access to all trains in 30 European countries. b. includes European ferry crossings in its price. c. is not available in paper form. d. offers reductions on many museum entrance fees.
Young people
don’t really like travelling with only one rucksack. b. like the fact that they are free to plan their trip on their own. c. are thrilled by using fixed timetables. d. don’t feel secure using the lnterRail ticket.
Europe is ideal for this type of travel because
you can travel from France and Germany to Italy and Greece. b. each country is so different. c. you never have any language problem. d. it is not far to get to.
According to the text, people who have an lnterRail ticket
must learn to be careful while travelling. b. have to pay a supplement on most trains. c. should not sleep on trains. d. should not go to the risky areas of Europe.
In the author’s opinion, this type of travel is
good only if it is well-planned. b. the cheapest way to travel around Europe. c. a very positive experience for young people. d. a bit complicated and difficult to do.
ANSWERS:
(1-B)
(2-C)
(3-C)
(4-D)
(5-B)
(6-B)
(7-A)
(8-C)
EXAMINATION PRACTICE
READ THE TEXT BELOW AND DECIDE WHICH ANSWER A, B, C OR D BEST FITS EACH GAP.
At (1) ————————— 3350 metres, Mount Etna in Sicily is the highest (2) ————————— kw volcano in Europe. It is one of
Sici1y’s most (3) ————————— natural attractions, (4) ————————— climbers with a view of the island’s amazing (5) ————————— . In winter, people can ski on the mountain and in summer, they can go on hiking tours through its various forests. In autumn, when the leaves on the trees change colour, it is a (6) ————————— sight. The volcano has had several (7) ————————— eruptions in the past century. The most (8) ————————— was in April 2010, when it suddenly started violently spouting ash into the air.
In 2002, many tourists had a(n) (9) —————————
experience while attempting to (10) ————————— the mountain; as they were climbing, the volcano started to erupt violently and molten lava started to flow down the mountain. Several witnesses recorded the eruption from a safe distance and claimed that, although it was (11) ————————— it was an impressive (12) ————————— .
1. a. hardly
b. approximately
c. unusually
d. constantly
2. a. active
b. appealing
c. untouched
d. enormous
3.a. valid
b. remarkable
c. traditional
d. luxurious
4. a. indulging
b. providing
c. associating
d. offering
5. a. destination
b. scenery
c. option
d. site
6. a. gentle
b. picturesque
c. spectacular
d. brilliant
7. a. significant
b. challenging
c. unique
d. extraordinary
8. a. recent
b. new
c. late
d. plain
9. a. mysterious
b. scared
c. overwhelming
d. brilliant
10. a. come
b. arrive
c. get
d. approach
11. a. thrilling
b. elegant
c. mild
d. frightening
12. a. spectacle
b. expedition
c. particle
d. obstacle
ANSWERS:
(1-B)
(2-A)
(3-B)
(4-B)
(5-B)
(6-C)
(7-A)
(8-A)
(9-C)
(10-D)
(11-D)
(12-A)
CHOOSE THE WORD OR PHRASE THAT MOST APPROPRIATELY COMPLETES THE SENTENCE.
By winning the gold medal in the Olympics, he—————————– worldwide recognition.
accomplished b. achieved c. managed d. succeeded
It took me an hour to——————- to work this morning due to the heavy traffic.
reach b. approach c. arrive d. get
Ted was kind enough to ———————-for the night since we couldn’t find suitable accommodation.
pick us up b. make us up c. put us up d. pay us off
Look at Yusuf skiing! He is so ———————–
graceful b. glorious c. picturesque d. grateful
He was imprisoned as the evidence against him was——————- .
challenging b. overwhelming c. appealing d. complimentary
Her—————— from the event didn’t go unnoticed.
lack b. shortage c. absence d. loss
Martin overcame many——————- and reached great heights in his career.
obstacles b. spectacles c. particles d. features
The best way to get to know London is to join a guided city———————- .
journey b. excursion c. trip d. tour
The festival ended with a————— fireworks display.
significant b. spectacular c. challenging d. stylish
A meeting has been——————- for Tuesday morning.
chartered b. scheduled c. modified d. certified
ANSWERS:
(1-B)
(2-D)
(3-C)
(4-A)
(5-B)
(6-C)
(7-A)
(8-D)
(9-B)
(10-B)
CHOOSE THE WORD OR PHRASE THAT PRODUCES A GRAMMATICALLY CORRECT SENTENCE.
What of—————- our new apartment?
are you thinking b. have you thought c. do you think d. have you been thinking
Tim ——————–overtime lately.
works b. has been working c. is working d. worked
There is only——————– time left before the plane takes off. Hurry up!
a little b. hardly any c. few d. a few
Sandra won’t go to school today because 0she has——————— fever.
– b. the c. little d. a
My grandmother has been in the hospital for ten days, but I haven’t visited her—————
yet b. already c. since d. complimentary
This is the third time I————– to Italy this year.
have been travelling b. travel c. travelled d. before
This kind of————– quite a lot.
furniture cost b. furniture costs c. furnitures costs d. furnitures cost
I enjoyed the trip to Edinburgh—————- .
a lot of b. a lot c. plenty of d. much
I’m afraid the news—————- ; our team lost all three games in the playoffs.
is disappointing b. is disappointed c. are disappointing d. are disappointed
I——————- in a lake since I was six years old.
don’t swim b. didn’t swim c. haven’t swum d. haven’t swimming
ANSWERS:
(1-C)
(2-B)
(3-A)
(4-D)
(5-A)
(6-D)
(7-D)
(8-B)
(9-A)
(10-C)
READ THE TEXT BELOW AND COMPLETE THE
GAPS. USE ONLY ONE WORD IN EACH GAP.
LEAVE IT TO THE TRAVEL AGENT
Are you concerned about having to organise (1) ——————————– holidays all by yourself? Then why don’t you try (2) ——————————– option of leaving everything to a travel agent? This has indeed turned (3) ——————————– to be the best solution during the past (4) ——————————– years, in terms of saving you the time and energy that planning a holiday requires. A visit to a travel agency will certainly pay (5) ——————————– as you will be able
to find package tours for every taste and budget. You might (6) ——————————– in for a big surprise when you find out how (7) ——————————– different options there are and you will probably have a hard time making (8) ——————————– your mind about Where to go. Travel agents, however, are always ready to provide you (9) ——————————– suggestions once they (10) ——————————– made sure of what your preferences are. So, don’t waste (11) ——————————– more time! Pick up the phone and (12) —————————– an appointment with your local travel agent! You won’t regret it!
ANSWERS:
(1-YOUR )
(2-THE)
(3-OUT)
(4-FEW )
(5-OFF )
(6-BE )
(7-MANY )
(8-UP )
(9- WITH )
(10-HAVE)
(11-ANY )
(12-MAKE )
READ THE TEXT AND COMPLETE THE BLANKS WITH THE CORRECT FORM OF THE WORDS IN CAPITALS.
A TRIP TO MADINAH
Last weekend I Went with my family on
a short trip to Madinah to visit its many (1) —————————–. ATTRACT
We stayed in a hotel in the city centre and we had an
(2) ——————————– view of the Prophet’s Mosque, IMPRESS
Masjid Al Nabawi Al Sharief, from our window. During the day we explored the city. Our first stop was of course the Prophet’s Mosque, where Prophet Muhammad lived and was buried.
It was (3) ——————————– for my children to OVERWHELM
finally visit the site they had read so much about. This (4) ——————————– stone and marble mosque features AMAZE
10 minarets and 24 domes and is a wonder of Arabic
architecture. We also visited the (5) ——————————– Quba Mosque, IMPRESS which is the oldest mosque of Islam. On our last day we just strolled around the city admiring its beauty. We were
all in (6) ——————————– that Madinah was a fantastic AGREE
place to visit with many (7) ——————————– THRILL sights for the visitor. In the afternoon we stopped at a restaurant and had a (8) ——————————– meal and TRADITION afterwards we went back to our hotel to get some rest.
Our trip to Madinah was a truly (9) ——————————– experience. WONDER
ANSWERS:
(1-ATTRACTIONS )
(2-IMPRESSIVE )
(3- OVERWHELMING )
(4- AMAZING )
(5- IMPRESSIVE )
(6- AGREEMENT )
(7- THRILLING )
(8- TRADITIONAL )
(9-WONDERFUL )
COMPLETE THE SECOND SENTENCE SO THAT IT HAS A SIMILAR MEANING TO THE FIRST, USING THE WORD GIVEN. DO NOT CHANGE
THE WORD GIVEN. YOU MUST USE BETWEEN TWO AND FIVE WORDS, INCLUDING THE WORD GIVEN.
I am certain that this syrup will have a good effect on your sore throat. DO
I am certain that this syrup for your sore throat
You have to work hard to compensate for the lost time. MAKE
You have to work hard to the time you have lost
My brother is in the annoying habit of leaving his clothes lying around. ALWAYS
My brother his clothes lying around.
He has worked as a sales assistant for only three months. LITTLE
He has got very as a sales assistant.
I haven’t heard from Jason for two weeks. TIME
The Jason was two weeks ago.
We still haven’t decided where to go on holiday. UP
We still haven’t about where to go on holiday.
They are heading west. PART
They are heading to of the country.
I didn’t expect things to happen the way they did. OUT
I didn’t expect the way they did.
ANSWERS:
(1-WILL DO WONDERS )
(2-MAKE UP FOR )
(3-IS ALWAYS LEARNING )
(4-LITTLE EXPERIENCE )
(5-LAST TIME HEARED FROM )
(6- MADE UP OUR MINDS)
(7- the western part)
(8- things to turn out)
MODULE 2 ROUND-UP units (3-4)
READING
READ THE PASSAGE ABOUT EXTREME SPORTS AND ANSWER THE QUESTIONS 1-6. CHOOSE A, B, C OR D.
EXTREME SPORTS
Extreme sports are described as activities which have a high level of danger.
Examples of common extreme sports include skydiving, rock climbing,
surfing, scuba diving, water skiing, mountain biking and snowboarding.
These sports often involve speed, height and great physical effort.
Extreme sports differ from standard sports because they are affected by environmental obstacles and challenges, including weather and terrain.
Because natural obstacles, such as wind, snow, water and mountains, cannot be controlled, they inevitably affect the outcome of the given sport or event. In contrast, in a standard sporting event, athletes compete against each other under controlled circumstances.
While it is possible to create a controlled extreme sporting event, there are often factors which cannot be held constant. Examples include snow conditions for snowboarders, rock and ice quality for climbers and wave height for surfers.
Most people that engage in extreme sports do so for the so-called ‘adrenaline rush’. Under circumstances which cause fear, the hormone adrenaline is released, along with serotonin and endorphins, substances which produce a physical state of excitement and a general sense of well-being. Extreme sports fanatics claim that participating in such challenging activities allows them to develop their physical as well as mental skills and gives them the satisfaction of mastering inhospitable environments.
In order to be labelled as an extreme sport, the sport must .
be physically exerting.
take place in harsh weather conditions.
be done at high speeds and altitudes.
have a high level of danger.
How are standard sports different from extreme sports?
Athletes do not compete against each other in extreme sports.
Standard sports are usually played in a controlled environment.
The outcome of a standard sport is constant.
Standard sports are always played, despite the weather
Why are snow conditions, rock and ice quality and wave height referred to in the text?
Because they affect only specific sports.
They are referred to as factors that must be controlled.
They are given as examples of changeable conditions.
Because these conditions are necessary for each sport.
The hormone adrenaline is released
when someone is excited.
when someone is relaxed.
when someone is frightened.
by serotonin and endorphins.
Extreme sports fanatics
have more advanced mental skills than regular athletes.
need high levels of serotonin.
have the ability to conquer all natural obstacles.
enjoy the adrenaline rush which accompanies extreme sports.
People who participate in extreme sports
get a sense of achievement from overcoming the obstacles.
enjoy being in inhospitable environments.
want to be allowed to participate in even more challenging activities.
need substances like serotonin and endorphins to develop their physical skills.
ANSWERS:
(1-D)
(2-B)
(3-)
(4-C)
(5-A)
(6-B)
EXAMINATION PRACTICE
CHOOSE THE WORD OR PHRASE THAT PRODUCES A GRAMMATICALLY CORRECT SENTENCE.
Was Leena still living in Vancouver when she———— the award?
was winning b. won c. had been winning d. would win
The lesson—————- already—————- fifteen minutes before we arrived.
was begun b. was—-beginning c. had—-begun d. would—begin
Is it ever ————-as this in London?
the hottest b. as hot c. slightly hotter d. far more hot
—————–will we have lunch today? Let’s go to that place by the ocean that makes sushi.’
What b. When c. which d. where
We—————-through the park when we heard the bomb explode.
walked b. were walking c. would walk d. were walked
His explanation about why he failed the exam———— is I have ever heard.
the most strange b. stranger than c. strangest d. the strangest
————–do you prefer, the red or the blue sneakers?
What b. Who c. why d. which
My friend was angry with me but forgave me when I—————
give b. gave c. was giving d. had been giving
Is it———– to go by train or by bus to the airport?
cheaper b. the cheapest c. the cheaper d. as cheap
I0. ——this stylish cell phone? ‘Uncle Trevor. He always buys me gifts.
Who did you give b. Who gave you c. Who was giving you d. Who did give you
ANSWERS:
(1-C)
(2-C)
(3-B)
(4-D)
(5-B)
(6-A)
(7-A)
(8-B)
(9-A)
(10-A)
CHOOSE THE WORD OR PHRASE THAT MOST APPROPRIATELY COMPLETES THE SENTENCE.
Many countries in Europe are planning to—————- smoking in all public places.
charge b. convict c. ban d. avoid
The————– to the burglary was questioned by the police.
hostage b. witness c. murderer d. hijacker
Abdullah showed me three T-shirts and told me to————– the one I liked best.
pick out b. hold up c. go through with d. make off
The criminal————– the businessman by threatening to harm his family.
kidnapped b. blackmailed c. shoplifted d. robbed
All the food was delicious and ————–the dessert.
particularly b. consequently c. moreover d. slightly
Maria won the———— and now a publisher is interested in publishing one of her short stories.
race b. match c. competition d. game
Bayan lost her —————-with her young son because he kept nagging her to buy him candy.
patience b. endurance c. strength d. optimism
Poverty or even boredom can often lead people to———– a crime.
serve b. plead c. break d. commit
He took it for————– that I would help him with his project.
granted b. advice c. care d. responsibility
I0. Although I live in a big city where there are lots of people, I often find myself feeling————–
only b. single c. unique d. lonely
ANSWERS:
(1-c)
(2-b)
(3-a)
(4-b)
(5-a)
(6-c)
(7-a)
(8-d)
(9-b)
(10-d)
READ THE TEXT BELOW AND DEEIDE WHICH ANSWER A, B, C OR D BEST FITS EACH GAP
For a long time, I had a strong (1) ———————————– to climb Mt Kilimanjaro, so last year I (2) ———————————– to climb the mountain to raise money for a charity.
(3) ———————————– , I started out on my adventure by flying to Tanzania in Africa, where the mountain lies amongst gently rolling hills. There were eight other people in my group and two guides who were (4) ———————————– for leading
us safely up the mountain. On the first day, I was full of enthusiasm. We
were (5) ———————————– by brilliantly-coloured flowers and butterflies, and we stopped and watched in amazement as a line of army ants (6) ———————————– across our path. At one point, one of the guides pointed at something and told me to keep still; I looked and was (7) ———————————– to see a family of blue
monkeys. After this, the climb got very steep and the high altitude made everything more difficult. (8) ———————————– , I had an awful headache, every part of my body ached and the weather became freezing cold and windy.
Finally, after an (9) ———————————– seven-day trek, we reached the top of Mount Kilimanjaro. I was so (10) ———————————– that I could barely stand up. The view
from there was so breathtaking that I was (11) ———————————– with emotions.
Although it was the hardest thing I’ve ever done, climbing the mountain was a true test of my (12) ———————————– . I don”: regret it and I look back on that experience with a feeling of pride.
1. a. desire
b. respect
c. glow
d. target
2. a. inspected
b. volunteered
c. approached
d. investigated
3. a. Meanwhile
b. Initially
c. Afterwards
d. Gradually
4. a. possible
b. efficient
c. responsible
d. successful
5. a. displayed
b. rushed
c. overflowed
d. surrounded
6. a. marched
b. grabbed
c. approached
d. attacked
7. a. Adjusted
b. breathtaking
c. delighted
d. willing
8. a. Therefore
b. Moreover
c. In conclusion
d. For instance
9.a. incredible
b. enormous
c. inexplicable
d. unusual
10. a. exhausted
b. terrified
c. desperate
d. concerned
11. a. overturned
b. overcome
c. overdone
d. overtaken
12. a. endurance
b. quest
c. emotion
d. intention
ANSWERS:
(1-a)
(2-c)
(3-c)
(4-b)
(5-d)
(6-a)
(7-b)
(8-b)
(9-)
(10-a)
(11-)
(12-)
READ THE TEXT BELOW AND COMPLETE THE GAPS. USE ONLY ONE WORD IN EACH GAP
A MYSTERIOUS HIJACKING
On 24 November, 1971, a man named D.B. Cooper
‘ p hijacked a (1) —————————– , collected a 200,000-dollar
C p ransom, parachuted into the stormy night and was
1 (2) —————————– heard of again. He enjoys mysterious
O S . fame in (3) —————————– ‘ history ot U.S. crime, as his act
g IS the only unsolved U.S. aircraft hacking. No one knows (4) —————————– really happened after he jumped from the
‘ ‘ plane on that night so long (5) —————————–. In the years before the hijacking, he (6) —————————– served in the army and afterwards had worked for the U.S. Postal Service in the Seattle area. We can only guess about the reasons that led him to do what he (7) —————————– that night. In any case, he had worked out every detail of his plan. What is known for sure is that the (8) —————————– important thing for him was that (9) —————————– got hurt, so he allowed the passengers to leave the plane when his demands were met. Once he got the parachute and the money, the plane (10) —————————– off again and he told the pilots to fly towards Mexico and to keep the plane under 10,000 feet and at a speed of under 200 miles (11) —————————– hour. At some point, he jumped, but (12) —————————– he survive? Nobody knows for sure.
ANSWERS:
(1-)
(2-)
(3-)
(4-)
(5-)
(6-)
(7-)
(8-)
(9-)
(10-)
COMPLETE THE SECOND SENTENCE SO THAT IT HAS A SIMILAR MEANING TO THE FIRST SENTENCE, USING THE WORD GIVEN. DO NOT CHANGE THE WORD GIVEN. YOU MUST USE BETWEEN TWO AND FIVE WORDS INCLUDING THE WORD GIVEN.
Our holiday was less expensive than I had expected. NOT Our holiday————————————— I had expected.
I have never read a better book. The
This is———————————————– ever read.
I took some more medicine as my fever kept getting Worse. AND
My fever was —————————, so I took some more medicine.
How long has Rami been driving a Ferrari? DID
When——————————————— a Ferrari?
It’s a long time since I played tennis. FOR
I ————————————————–a long time.
There was less traffic than usual this morning. AS
There wasn’t—————————– this morning.
After he had listened carefully to all of us, my father spoke. UNTIL
My father ——————————he had listened carefully to all of us.
l would ride my bike for hours in the park when I was a boy. TO
When I was a boy,——————— my bike for hours in the park.
ANSWERS:
(1-)
(2-)
(3-)
(4-)
(5-)
(6-)
(7-)
(8-)
(9-)
(10-)
READ THE TEXT AND COMPLETE THE BLANKS WITH THE CORRECT FORM OF THE WORDS IN CAPITALS
Zeta Games’s new computer game is a great thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat for hours. You take on the role of the main character Troy Spector, a scientist, archaeologist and (1) —————————– FBI agent, and you investigate a kidnapping. Your (2) —————————– will take you all over the world as you are challenged by (3) —————————– and exciting adventures.
Throughout your journeys, you come across many interesting items and many characters that will assist you in your quest. In this capturing tale, you search for clues to solve the kidnapping of
Professor Eisenbart, a highly respected professor of history and (4) —————————–. The clues direct you to (5) —————————– cities in Mexico and you uncover ancient civilisations as you encounter
(6) —————————– twists in the plot. For the computer game fan, this game is a great addition to any (7) —————————– .
It is fun and really (8) —————————– , as it keeps the player interested and entertained with (9) —————————– puzzles and clues. It brings a lot of excitement together with some wild and
(10) —————————– scenes.
EXPERIENCE , INVESTIGATE , DANGER , CIVILISE , FASCINATE , EXPECT , COLLECT , INTERACT , COUNT, IMAGINE
ANSWERS:
(1- EXPERIENCED )
(2- INVESTIGATATION )
(3- DANGEROUS)
(4- CIVILIZATION )
(5-FASCINATING )
(6- EXPECTING )
(7- COLLECTION )
(8- INTERACTION )
(9- COUNTLESS)
(10-IMAGINARY)
3 WHAT THE FUTURE HOLDS
3 ROUND-UP READING
READ THE TEXT AND ANSWER THE QUESTIONS 1-8. CHOOSE THE BEST ANSWER a, b, c or d.
MY NATURAL ENVIRONMENT
Living in South Africa, I had always taken the wildlife pretty much for granted. Not to say that we were surrounded
by it, but the accessibility of game parks and wildlife sanctuaries always made it seem like a natural part of the environment. For this reason, I suppose that the way my European friends used to talk to me wasn’t so strange after all.
They would ask me what I thought at the time were really silly questions which got on my nerves. They’d say things like ‘Do you have a baboon?‘ or ‘Do you travel to school by elephant?‘.
When John, a friend of mine who was visiting from England, invited me to join him and a group of friends on a wildlife
expedition, I was not brimming with enthusiasm. However, from the moment we entered the gates of the Zaluzi game reserve, I knew that this was not going to be anything like I had expected. We had been travelling along the National Road when, suddenly, we swerved onto a dirt track which seemed to be hidden in the middle of nowhere.
Miraculously, the scenery changed dramatically. The civilised environment took on a wild, chaotic aspect and continued to do so as we penetrated deeper into the bush. After having a good night‘s sleep at one of the reserve‘s bungalows, we were woken at the crack of dawn. After a quick breakfast we piled into a jeep and set off. Our guide assured us that the early start was necessary in order to have the best chance of seeing what was really worthwhile. Armed with just a thermos of coffee, we set out towards the shore of a small lake where it was expected that we could see the animals that used it as their morning watering hole, On the way to our destination, we topped a hill and there, silhouetted against the emerging morning light, were a group of animals. It was a stunning sight. As we moved closer, the animals did not appear to be alarmed by our presence.
I had never before come within such close range of a pride of lions. It did cross my mind, however, that we might be in a certain amount of danger. When I asked Timothy, our game ranger, if we were actually in any danger, he bluntly replied that one is never entirely safe in the bush, but his knowledge and experience allowed him to anticipate any danger with reasonable accuracy.
However, the following day there was some cause for alarm. Not having started out so early, we missed the sightings of the day before. We decided to drive around for a while, hoping to come across something of interest. Suddenly our tracker perched up on the back of our vehicle, signalled to the driver to halt and at the same moment I realised that this time we had stumbled right into a pride of lions. The driver promptly turned off the engine and in a low voice warned
us to remain seated and not to make any abrupt movements. The lions were picking at what looked like the carcass of a zebra. Timothy later told us how much to our advantage this was. Had their bellies not been full, their reaction to us would surely have been otherwise. As the nearest lion was less than three metres away from the jeep, l considered that we had been very lucky indeed.
All in all, it was a wonderful trip. Our near miss with the lions was without a doubt the highlight, but what it taught me yet again was how easy it is to be indifferent to our surroundings and not have a full appreciation of the beauty around us.
How did the writer feel about the questions his European friends asked?
ridiculous b. irritated c. strange d. embarrassed
When did the writer’s attitude change about the expedition?
when he was travelling along the dirt track b. when he received his invitation c. when he arrived at the game reserve d. when his friend arrived from England
The guide woke everyone up very early, so they
could have breakfast. b. wouldn’t miss an opportunity. c. had plenty of time to visit different places. d. wouldn’t miss the sunrise.
What does ‘It’ in line l7 refer to?
the pride of lions b. the destination c. the top of the hill d. the morning light
Timothy’s experience as a game ranger was valuable because he
could supply a blunt answer to any question. b. knew how to frighten the animals. c. knew the game reserve well. d. could identify trouble in advance.
Why did the tracker signal to the driver of the jeep to stop?
to avoid disturbing the lions b. to get a better look at the lions c. to study the lions’ movements d. to see what the lions were eating
What does the writer mean by ‘we had been very lucky indeed’ in line 29?
They had seen the lions up close. b. They hadn’t been attacked. c. They had a good guide with them. d. They had gone on a trip.
What conclusion does the writer of the text come to?
We often do not realise how attractive our environment really is. b. It is not clever to unnecessarily put ourselves in dangerous situations. c. We don’t respect wild animals enough. d. We should protect our surroundings.
ANSWERS:
(1-B)
(2-C)
(3-B)