Choose the correct answer:

1. John isn’t worried about his calculus exam tomorrow. He thinks math is so easy so he’ll probably ……… through the test without any problems at all. He usually gets 100% on all of his math exams.

(a) jump
(b) sail
(c) drown
(d) miss

2. We are going to implement a new system and I want everyone to get on ………. I don’t want any disagreements about this. I really would like everyone to support the new project.

(a) ship
(b) sea
(c) board
(d) plank

3. Simon really missed the ……… this year. He nearly failed all of his classes and will have to go to summer school to make up for all of the missed credits this past semester.

(a) boat
(b) plank
(c) flight
(d) ship

4. I’m sorry that you are getting divorced. I just got a divorce last year so now we’re in the ……… boat. I know exactly how you feel right now and I’ll be there for you if you someone to lean on during this difficult time.

(a) equal
(b) ruined
(c) same
(d) loose

5. David really went over ……… yesterday. He started yelling because I dropped a cup and broke it. He went crazy about it and punched a hole in the wall.

(a) board
(b) come
(c) sight
(d) ship

6. Mom wants us to clean the house before she gets home. You know how particular she is so let’s really do a good job and get the house in ……… shape condition before she returns.

(a) boat
(b) ship
(c) tight
(d) sail

7. Please don’t mention his divorce. He’s really unstable right now and I don’t want you to ……… the boat at all. I know he made a lot of mistakes but, please, don’t bring it up at all.

(a) push
(b) pass
(c) rock
(d) sail

8. I have lived here for more than 10 years. What do you think that I’m just off the ……… or something?! I’m not nave because I’m not a newcomer. In fact, I’m an American citizen now!

(a) ship
(b) boat
(c) plank
(d) sail

9. Once we get the software designers to finish the addition to the website, it will be smooth ……… from now on. The designers are really going to make our jobs easier and we can stop working so much overtime.

(a) boating
(b) shipping
(c) floating
(d) sailing

10. I don’t really like techno music but Tim really likes it. Whatever ……… his boat, I guess. I’m happy as long as he’s happy.

(a) ships
(b) jumps
(c) sinks
(d) floats

The correct answers are:

1. b
2. c
3. a
4. c
5. a
6. b
7. c
8. b
9. d
10. d

Choose the correct answer:

1. In order to survive, animals need to be able to find water, food and ……… within any given habitat.

(a) fertilizer
(b) shelter
(c) compost
(d) love

2. An ……… habitat is a man-made environment that tries to imitate a natural habitat.

(a) authentic
(b) artistic
(c) artificial
(d) autistic

3. A ……… habitat is characterized by hot, dry temperatures with very little rainfall. Sometimes, these areas contain a lot of sand and, sometimes, they are mountainous but rather barren compared to other, wetter habitats because not many plants can survive in these extreme, arid conditions.

(a) desert
(b) tundra
(c) prairie
(d) rain forest

4. A ……… habitat is made up of many different, lush trees and tree layers and this kind of environment gets a lot of rain. Many different kinds of plants grow well in this habitat and it contains many different kinds of animal species such as monkeys and exotic birds.

(a) desert
(b) tundra
(c) prairie
(d) rain forest

5. The ……… has a very, short cultivation season and very dark, long, cold winters. There is very little rain in this kind of habitat but there is snow on the ground for a larger part of any given year.

(a) desert
(b) tundra
(c) prairie
(d) rain forest

6. A ……… habitat is largely made up of large, expansive, flat areas where farmers can cultivate a lot of grains etc. There is a moderate amount of rainfall in these areas but seasonal droughts are experienced at times.

(a) desert
(b) tundra
(c) prairie
(d) rain forest

7. A ……… habitat is made up of mostly trees and various kinds of vegetation. These wooded areas are found all over the world and rainfall occurs evenly throughout any given year. Deer, rodents and bears are just some of animals that live in this kind of habitat.

(a) forest
(b) marine
(c) zoo
(d) arctic

8. ……… habitats span more than 75% of the world’s surface area and are made up of mostly salt water conditions. There are many different kinds of plants and animals that live in these kinds of habitats.

(a) Forest
(b) Marine
(c) Zoo
(d) Arctic

9. A ……… is a man-made habitat that attempts to mimic habitats found in nature. Animals are confined to certain areas and put on display for the public in this kind of habitat.

(a) forest
(b) marine
(c) zoo
(d) arctic

10. An ……… habitat is a very, cold place in the northern hemisphere. Snow covers the ground for most of any given year and very little vegetation is able to grow in such cold, extreme conditions.

(a) forest
(b) marine
(c) zoo
(d) arctic

The correct answers are:

1. b
2. c
3. a
4. d
5. b
6. c
7. a
8. b
9. c
10. d

Choose the correct answer:

1. My friend is a school ……… driver. She picks up children on her daily route. She drives them to school safely in the morning and then she picks them up again in the afternoon once they’ve finished school.

(a) truck
(b) bus
(c) taxi
(d) delivery

2. Dave is a ……… person. He delivers packages to businesses in the downtown area everyday. Sometimes, I see him riding on his bike as he tries to get his packages delivered in a timely manner.

(a) conductor
(b) truck
(c) delivery
(d) cyclist

3. Josephine is a bank ………. She works in a bank and she is usually the first person customers see when they walk through the door. She helps people with deposits, withdrawals and other daily banking needs.

(a) teller
(b) cashier
(c) secretary
(d) dancer

4. Isaac is a ………. He works for the city and puts out fires. He rides in a large truck that has long water hoses and other important equipment so he can extinguish fires.

(a) soldier
(b) firefighter
(c) butcher
(d) barber

5. My uncle is a train ………. He is the supervisor and rides at the back of the train. He is there to ensure that the train runs properly and on time.

(a) soldier
(b) mover
(c) plumber
(d) conductor

6. Mike is a ………. He works in a school and cleans up after the students. He makes sure that all of the classrooms, hallways and desks are clean for the students and teachers each day. Sometimes, he is also called a custodian.

(a) janitor
(b) secretary
(c) banker
(d) mechanic

7. Sarah is a ………. She handles all of the correspondence for the manager in her office. She is also responsible for the filing and meeting arrangements as well as other clerical duties such as answering the phone. Her position is also known as an administrative assistant.

(a) electrician
(b) beautician
(c) psychologist
(d) secretary

8. Henry cuts men’s hair at the small shop that he owns. He is a ……… and has had some regular customers for years.

(a) butcher
(b) boxer
(c) builder
(d) barber

9. Keith is a ………. He is an enlisted member of the armed forces and he serves and protects his country under the command of a sergeant.

(a) soldier
(b) boxer
(c) policeman
(d) firefighter

10. Krista is a professional ………. She mainly works for the ballet company in her city. She takes part in beautiful performances twice a year and also teaches ballet to young girls on a weekly basis.

(a) doctor
(b) banker
(c) dancer
(d) dentist

The correct answers are:

1. b
2. c
3. a
4. b
5. d
6. a
7. d
8. d
9. a
10. c

Choose the correct answer:

1. Everybody thought Jane and Elliot were a happy couple, but it was all just make believe.

(a) modesty
(b) pretending
(c) reality
(d) denial

2. I’ve been working hard for the last few months trying to make ends meet, but something I’m not even expecting always comes up and I have to pay for it.

(a) make enough money to pay for expenses
(b) survive
(c) meet my family’s needs
(d) make good business

3. Man’s first walk on the moon made history.

(a) was forgotten
(b) is only talked about in history books
(c) was unheard of
(d) was meaningful enough to influence history

4. You can make people’s day just by telling them how important they are to you.

(a) displease people
(b) resent people
(c) give people great pleasure
(d) antipathize people

5. If I had a chance to go to Paris, I would make the most of it.

(a) be satisfied with
(b) take great advantage of
(c) go there as soon as possible
(d) drawback from

6. Charity made a scene at the club when she saw her boyfriend dancing with another girl.

(a) played a role
(b) had a fight
(c) hid herself
(d) acted like a fool

7. So, George… Have you made up your mind where you want to go for your internship?

(a) decided
(b) conjured up
(c) told your mom
(d) postponed

8. Now it makes sense to me why you moved out of that house.

(a) I am intrigued
(b) I understand
(c) it frustrates me
(d) it concerns

9. Ana finally made it. She is an excellent doctor.

(a) failed
(b) receded
(c) succeeded
(d) blew it

10. Mom, can you tell Todd to stop making fun of me?

(a) mocking
(b) lying to
(c) flattering
(d) flirting with

The correct answers are:

1. b
2. a
3. d
4. c
5. b
6. d
7. a
8. b
9. c
10. a

Choose the correct answer:

1. Dolphins are mammals. There are various types of dolphins but bottlenose dolphins are the most common dolphin ……….

(a) species
(b) summary
(c) flight

2. Dolphins live in the ocean. Oceans are made up of ……… water.

(a) filtered
(b) salt
(c) fresh

3. Dolphins are very intelligent and use whistles and squeaks to ……… with other dolphins.

(a) melt
(b) arrest
(c) communicate

4. They understand each other well and scientists believe that they have their own ……….

(a) language
(b) books
(c) cards

5. Dolphins look like they have fun in the ocean because they play with each other as well as ……… out of the water. Another word for this is jump.

(a) shriek
(b) run
(c) leap

6. Dolphins and whales are examples of sea or ……… mammals because they are warm-blooded but live in the ocean.

(a) marine
(b) air
(c) land

7. Fish and sharks, however, are ………-blooded animals.

(a) cold
(b) warm
(c) hot

8. Fish can breathe under water because they have ………. Dolphins don’t have these.

(a) ears
(b) gills
(c) scales

9. Dolphins don’t have ……… like fish but, instead, have smooth, rubbery skin.

(a) surfs
(b) fur
(c) scales

10. Fish can breathe under water but dolphins have ……… so they must come up to the surface for air.

(a) hearts
(b) kidneys
(c) lungs

The correct answers are:

1. a
2. b
3. c
4. a
5. c
6. a
7. a
8. b
9. c
10. c

Studying Zodiac signs and the personality traits that are associated with these signs is a great way to quickly improve your vocabulary related to personality. Each sign begins with a short overview of the main characteristics of the sign as in the following example.

Gemini is the third sign of the Zodiac and associated with youth and versatility. Individuals born under this sign are thought to have a sociable, fun-loving, versatile, lively, communicative, liberal, intelligent, mentally active and friendly character but one which is also prone to moodiness, inconsistency, superficiality, restlessness and laziness.

Positive

Adaptable and versatile
Communicative and witty
Intellectual and eloquent
Youthful and lively

Negative

Nervous and tense
Superficial and inconsistent
Cunning and inquisitive

Choose the correct adjectives:

1. She’s not very good at taking exams and she has one next week.
a. Adaptable
b. Nervous
c. Youthful

2. Peter can do anything you ask. He’s a very quick learner.
a. Versatile
b. Tense
c. Inquisitive

3. She’ll talk to anyone at your party.
a. Communicative
b. Intellectual
c. Cunning

4. Frank doesn’t have any real opinions about anything.
a. Nervous
b. Superficial
c. Eloquent

5. Henry wants to know everything about anything and tries very hard to keep informed.
a. Lively
b. Inquisitive
c. Inconsistent

6. She’s quite young and pretty.
a. Cunning
b. Youthful
c. Superficial

7. His work is good. Unfortunately, he does make quite a few errors.
a. Adaptable
b. Inconsistent
c. Cunning

8. Be very careful when doing business with Bob. He’s a cut throat.
a. Superficial
b. Cunning
c. Eloquent

9. I think David should make the speech. He’s very good with words.
a. Adaptable
b. Versatile
c. Eloquent

10. She understands the ins and outs of many arcane subjects.
a. Intellectual
b. Youthful
c. Lively

The correct adjectives are:

1. b
2. a
3. a
4. b
5. b
6. b
7. b
8. b
9. c
10. a

Use the following words to complete the sentences below.

bill, bottle, dessert, drinks, fish and chips, hungry, menu, non-smoker, order, restaurant, table

1. Guest: A ……………….. for two, please.
2. Waiter: Smoker or ………………………….. ?
3. Guest: Non-smoker, please.
4. Waiter: Here you go. Would you like to see the ……………………….. ?
5. Guest: Yes, please. We are very ……………………………
6. The guests look at the menu.
7. Waiter: Are you ready to ……………………. ?
8. Guest: We’d like………………….. , please.
9. Waiter: Would you like any ………………………… ?
10. Guest: An orange juice, a coke and a ………………………. of red wine.
11. The guests have finished their meals.
12. Waiter: Would you like a …………………………… ?
13. Guest: No, thank you. Could we have the ……………………….. , please?

The correct answers are:

1. table
2. non-smoker
4. menu
5. hungry
7. order
8. fish and chips
9. drinks
10. bottle
12. dessert
13. bill

Choose the correct answer:

1. Man: I don’t feel well tonight. I have an upset stomach.
Woman: Maybe it was the food at the restaurant. It didn’t taste right.
Narrator: What does the man mean? ………

(a) He believes that his stomach is angry.
(b) He has a stomach ache.
(c) He is still hungry.

2. Woman: What’s wrong with Sarah? She seems a little preoccupied.
Man: Her husband lost his job a couple of months ago and they are desperately trying to make ends meet at the moment.
Narrator: What does the man mean? ………

(a) Sarah has an important meeting at work.
(b) Sarah and her husband really want to go on a trip.
(c) Sarah and her husband are struggling to pay the bills.

3. Mother: I just saw your report card and it looks like you will have to pull your socks up next semester.
Son: I know Mom. I will.
Mother: Good, because your grades are important.
Narrator: What does the mother mean? ………

(a) Her son will have to wear better clothing to school next semester.

4. Woman: Do you want to see that movie tonight?
Man: Not really. The last romantic comedy we saw bored the pants off of me.
Narrator: What does the man mean? ………

(a) He didn’t like the last movie they saw together because it was very boring.
(b) He wants to go to dinner instead because he’s very hungry.
(c) He doesn’t like to wear pants.

5. Woman: I’ve had it with my boss! He’s completely unrealistic about our goals and wants me to work overtime again tonight!
Man: Do you get overtime pay?
Woman: Are you kidding? I have a salary position.
Narrator: What does the woman mean? ………

(a) She doesn’t like her boss because he is angry all the time.
(b) She doesn’t get paid by the hour and she doesn’t get paid for any overtime worked.
(c) She gets paid for overtime work but her boss wants her to do too much.

6. Man: How did you like that restaurant?
Woman: I wasn’t really crazy about it at all. The pasta was kind of bland and the service wasn’t that great.
Man: I agree. I think we should try another place next weekend.
Narrator: What does the woman mean? ………

(a) She didn’t like the food or the restaurant service.
(b) She really liked the restaurant and the pasta was tasty.
(c) She didn’t like the atmosphere in the new restaurant.

7. Woman: I’m having a really hard time right now. I liked the old system a lot and I can’t seem to wrap my head around the new system at all.
Man: Let’s sit down and talk about it after lunch.
Woman: Thanks. I really appreciate your patience.
Man: No problem.
Narrator: What does the woman mean? ………

(a) She doesn’t understand how the new system works.
(b) She has a headache.
(c) The new system is easier to manage than the old system.

8. Woman: Don’t play favorites with the kids. I know that Jonah is more like you but Liam is your son too.
Man: I don’t do that at all!
Woman: Yes, you do. And Liam is aware of it too.
Narrator: What does the woman imply? ………

(a) The woman has a sour personality.
(b) She doesn’t want the man to favor one son over the other.
(c) The woman wants the man to play with both sons more.

9. Man: Can you believe the way John acted last night? He’s really lashing out at everyone lately.
Woman: I know. He’s really stressed about losing his job. We should cut him some slack until his situation improves because he’s normally not like that at all.
Narrator: What does the woman imply? ………

(a) She thinks John is intelligent and will find a job soon.
(b) She thinks John is behaving badly and they should stop seeing him until his behavior improves.
(c) She thinks they should excuse John’s behavior because he’s under a lot of stress.

10. Woman: My sister was out of line yesterday. She really crossed the line this time.
Man: I know. She’s really angry and bitter and she took it out on you.
Woman: Whatever the case may be, I don’t think I want to see her again for awhile.
Narrator: What does the woman mean? ………

(a) She thinks that her sister behaved badly yesterday and she doesn’t want to associate with her for some time.
(b) She thinks that her husband should excuse her sister’s behavior because she is under a lot of stress.
(c) She thinks her sister’s Internet system is down and that they should talk to her again when it’s fixed.
(b) She believes that socializing with friends is a bad thing.
(c) Her son will have to work harder in school next semester.

The correct answers are:

1. b
2. c
3. c
4. a
5. b
6. a
7. a
8. b
9. c
10. a

German economy recovering
7 August 2009

German exports rose seven percent in June compared with the previous month - the biggest rise in nearly three years - fuelling hopes that Europe’s largest economy may be reviving.

Cars are a major German export

The German economy is highly dependent on exports. It’s been badly hit by the slump in world trade. But recent data suggests Europe’s largest economy is bouncing back, and that - given Germany’s importance as a trading nation - is a sign of recovery in the global economy.
It’s not just German exports that have revived. Manufacturing output has risen sharply for two consecutive months, and surveys of business and consumer confidence point to brighter times, although in June exports were still a fifth below the previous year’s level.

Vocabulary

is highly dependent on
is very much linked to, relies a lot on
badly hit
seriously damaged
slump
here, deep economic recession, economic collapse
bouncing back
recovering, reviving, improving
manufacturing output
production of goods in large quantities
consecutive
coming/happening one after the other
surveys
quick studies of a particular event, phenomenon or characteristic, usually based on questionnaires that people are asked to give their responses to
point to brighter times
here, indicate that the economic situation will improve

Interview with a Famous Actor

Interviewer: Thank you for taking some time off from your busy schedule to answer a few questions about your life!
Brad: It’s my pleasure.

Interviewer: Could you tell us about an average day in your life?
Brad: Sure, I get up early - at 7 in the morning. Then I have breakfast. After breakfast, I go to the gym.

Interviewer: Are you studying anything now?
Brad: Yes, I’m learning a new film called “The Man About Town”.

Interviewer: What do you do in the afternoon?
Brad: First I have lunch, then I go to the studio and shoot some scenes.

Interviewer: Which scene are you acting today?
Brad: I’m acting a scene about an angry lover.

Interviewer: That’s very interesting. What do you do in the evening?
Brad: In the evening, I go home and have dinner and study my scripts.

Interviewer: Do you go out at night?
Brad: Not always, I like going out at weekends.

Multiple choice comprehension quiz:

1. Why does the interviewer thank Brad?

a. for visiting him
b. for taking time off
c. for telephoning

2. What does Brad do after breakfast?

a. He studies his scripts.
b. He goes to the studio.
c. He goes to the gym.

3. What is Brad studying now?

a. The Man
b. The Man About Town
c. The Loverboy

4. What does he do in the afternoon?

a. He goes to the studio.
b. He goes to the gym.
c. He studies his scripts.

5. When does he like going out?

a. at night
b. on Sundays
c. at weekends

The correct answers are:

1. b
2. c
3. b
4. a
5. c