CAE Practice tests

For Cambridge English: Certificate in Advanced English CAMBRIDGE CAE PRACTICE TESTS Scott Newman and Rob Nicholas



Introduction CONTENTS Cambridge CAE Overview Helpful tips for each part of the CAE Page Test One Test Two 4 Test Three 4 Test Four 5 Test Five 8 Test Six 32 Photographs for Tests 1-6 56 Tapescripts 80 104 128 156 169

TΟEΝSTΕ Paper 1 Reading and Use of English (1 hour 30 minutes) Part 1 For questions 1– 8, read the text below and decide which answer (A, B, C or D) best fits each gap. There is an example at the beginning (0). Example: B  fake C  unreal D  artificial 0 A  technical 0 A  B  C  D The red poppy Towards the end of October, volunteers begin selling (0) …….. poppy flowers. These are worn in the time (1) …….. up to Remembrance Sunday, around November 11th. The flowers remind us of those who (2) …….. their country in armed conflict, while their sale also raises money for those affected by war. The red poppy is officially known as Papaver rhoeas, and is one of hundreds of varieties of poppy, many of which are (3) …….. by gardeners. Among farmers, however, Papaver rhoeas is (4) …….. a weed. This is in (5) …….. because its seeds can lie dormant in the soil for up to 100 years until the earth is (6) …….., for example, by a tractor ploughing the fields. The (7) …….. with remembrance began when the bombing of First World War battlefields brought buried poppy seeds to the surface, allowing them to flower in great numbers. The powerful image was used in a war poem by John McCrae in 1915, and the red poppy remains a(n) (8) …….. symbol over a century later. 1 A  ushering B  leading C  moving D  commencing 2 A  served B  fought 3 A  applauded B  delighted C  attended D  contributed 4 A  considered B  believed 5 A  extent B  point C  claimed D  prized 6 A  bothered B  upset 7 A  association B  alliance C  perceived D  contemplated 8 A  eternal B  persistent C  part D  degree C  interrupted D  disturbed C  semblance D  correspondence C  enduring D  tenacious TEST 1 8

Paper 1 ΟTEΝSΕT Reading and Use of English Part 2 For questions 9–16, read the text below and think of the word which best fits each gap. Use only one word in each gap. There is an example at the beginning (0). Write your answers IN CAPITAL LETTERS. Example: 0 I N T O Optical illusions Optical illusions are usually broken down (0) ………I…NT…O…….. three groups. Physiological illusions, for example, are when too much light or too much of one colour influences our understanding of (9) ………………….. we see next. Literal (or physical) illusions include rainbows, where the image is different to what created it. Cognitive illusions happen when our brains cannot make sense of what (10) ………………….. seen. (11) ………………….. understand what causes some illusions, we need to think about how we see. Our eyes feed light and shapes into the brain, (12) ………………….. then calls on our memory to help interpret them. The brain needs to define reality based (13) ………………….. what it already knows. If it is not a shape that the brain is familiar (14) ………………….., we might see something different. (15) ………………….. of the shapes the brain is programmed to recognise is the human face, and that explains why we sometimes imagine that we can see a face in the clouds, on the moon, in the shadows, or anywhere (16) ………………….. that does not actually contain a face. This phenomenon is called pareidolia. TEST 1 9

TΟEΝSTΕ Paper 1 Reading and Use of English Part 3 For questions 17–24, read the text below. Use the word given in capitals at the end of some of the lines to form a word that fits in the gap in the same line. There is an example at the beginning (0). Write your answers IN CAPITAL LETTERS. Example: 0 N A T U R A L Managing from the middle It’s (0) ………N…A…TU…RA…L …….. to assume that the senior managers of NATURE a company should take the credit for any success. What’s also true is RESIGN that it’s usually the CEO’s (17) ……………………….. that’s called for when things go seriously wrong. The most (18) ……………………….. positions, however, are often held INFLUENCE by (19) ……………………….. and middle managers, who are the link SUPERVISE between top management and the lower levels. This makes them (20) ……………………….. placed to monitor and act upon IDEAL the (21) ……………………….. and weaknesses they observe in STRONG the workforce. Unfortunately, the valuable contribution made by workers at lower REWARD and intermediate levels frequently goes (22) ………………………..., INCREASE leading to dissatisfaction. Recent research reveals that employees HAPPY who leave their jobs are (23) ……………………….. blaming their immediate superiors, rather than senior management for their (24) ……………………….. . If companies don’t want to lose valuable employees, they need to look closely at what goes on in the middle. TEST 1 10

Paper 1 ΟTEΝSΕT Reading and Use of English Part 4 For questions 25–30, 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 three and six words, including the word given. Here is an example (0). Example: 0 Peter struggled to adapt to life in the city. USED Peter had difficulty in ......................................................................... living in the city. The gap can be filled with the words ‘getting used to’, so you write: Example: 0 G E T T I N G U S E D TO Write only the missing words IN CAPITAL LETTERS. 25 The majority of young visitors to the festival found it very exciting. CAUGHT Most young visitors ……………………………………………………………… excitement of the festival. 26 If I didn’t write them down, I would never remember important dates and times. UNLESS I never remember important dates and times ……………………………………………………………… them down. 27 Wearing something white or reflective makes you more visible to car drivers. LIKELY You are ……………………………………………………………… by car drivers if you wear something white or reflective. 28 Driving a car is something to avoid while you’re taking this medicine. OUGHT You ……………………………………………………………… a car while you’re taking this medicine. 29 They don’t give free bus passes to students any more. LONGER Free bus passes ……………………………………………………………… to students. 30 Thanks to you, we managed to do it. SUCCEEDED We ……………………………………………………………… doing it without you. TEST 1 11

TΟEΝSTΕ Paper 1 Reading and Use of English Part 5 You are going to read an article about the design and usage of stairs. For questions 31–36, choose the answer (A, B, C or D) which you think fits best according to the text. In praise of the humble staircase You have probably never given too much thought to the stairs in your home but there is considerably more to this architectural feature than at first appears. To begin with, stairs have an interesting history bound up with the need to avoid a variety of unfavourable conditions on the ground including the danger posed by flooding, animals and other humans. Evolving from naturally-occurring footholes helping us to climb rocks and hills, through primitive ladders to quickly get into trees, the staircase made its first appearance in the home with the construction of the first two-storey houses. That was possibly as far back as 10,000 years ago. There are many guidelines concerning staircase construction. For ease of comprehension here, I will limit 09 the jargon to two technical terms: the rise and the going. The first of these is fairly self-evident. It refers to the height of an individual step or stair, which should be between 13.5 and 22 cm. The second term 13 is the distance from front to back of a step or stair, and this needs to be between 22.3 and 34 cm. These 15 figures vary depending on the intended usage, for example, in a private residence, a public building or as an emergency escape route. There are regulations governing everything from minimum permitted headroom, incline, width of stairs, type of material used, space to be allowed behind doors, and height of handrails. Guidelines also cover the lighting of the staircase, the strength of construction, and even the shape and size of the handrail. In many cases, open staircases are not encouraged because you can see through them, which might distract you. There is also the possibility of a foot or a walking stick going through the gap. For longer staircases, it is recommended that a continuous flight of stairs is avoided. This can be done by including one or more changes of direction or, at the very least, including a small landing area around every 8-12 steps. As well as allowing for resting while ascending, it means that falls caused through tiredness could be avoided, and any fall that did occur could be limited to a shorter distance. In his incredibly comprehensive two-volume book, The Staircase, John Templer examines all these details and much more besides. Avoiding the risk of falls is an integral part of staircase design. What happens if the regulations and guidelines are not met, apart from any legal implications, is that the safe use of the staircase is compromised. Here, Templer is extraordinarily thorough in his examination of the reasons behind accidents and what can be done to avoid them. It is a valuable area of research since, in the UK alone, around 15,000 people annually are involved in falls on stairs or steps in the home. Templer looks into the finer points of the reasons behind this, such as the way people approach stairs and the different ways in which people use them depending on their age and level of physical ability. TEST 1 The development of the spiral or helical staircase can be better understood when we look at the construction of towers and castles. A tall, thin building simply does not have the floor space for traditional stair design. It is believed by many that spiral staircases in fortified constructions were always built so that they turned in a clockwise direction as you ascended. The reason given is that if you were to need to defend such a building from above, the added space to your right would allow you to use your sword more easily. Conversely, those charging up the staircase would have much less room to wield a weapon (unless they were left-handed). While all this is true and, as attractive as such a theory sounds, there are more than enough examples of staircases ascending in an anticlockwise direction to cast doubt 12

Paper 1 ΟTEΝSΕT Reading and Use of English on it. Such staircases in modern homes definitely have their disadvantages. The rise tends to be higher, requiring more effort, and the going is unequal, narrowing towards the centre pole or well. All in all, the potential for a fall is somewhat greater with this type of staircase. So much for the practical point of view. One of the key reasons for people installing a spiral staircase is 46 that they find them attractive to look at. Many people believe that a nicely-constructed spiral staircase adds value to their home. This is extended to other types of staircase. Ornate, ultra-wide or otherwise crafted staircases make a statement in luxury houses. The trade-off is, of course, the dead space they create but wherever opulence is a priority, one of the first internal features to be embellished is the staircase. 31 What does the writer say about modern stairs in the first paragraph? TEST 1 A There is nothing particularly complicated about them. B They no longer have anything to do with keeping us safe. C They were inspired by both natural and man-made earlier forms. D Their invention made two-storey houses possible. 32 Which of the following words is used to emphasise the number of guidelines in staircase construction? A jargon (line 9) B self-evident (line 9) C governing (line 13) D even (line 15) 33 In the third paragraph, the writer mainly focuses on A safety considerations common to all types of staircase. B difficulties handicapped people face when using stairs. C staircase falls caused by lack of attention. D staircases that are of a non-standard construction. 34 The writer praises Templer’s A ability to convey his passion for staircases. B in-depth analysis of the subject of staircases. C decision to warn people of the dangers of staircases. D commitment to preventing all kinds of accidents in the home. 35 Regarding spiral or helical staircases, the writer is unconvinced that A any space can be gained by installing them in modern homes. B the direction they turned in offered a defensive advantage. C they were routinely constructed in a certain way for a reason. D they can increase the resale value of a house. 36 Which of the following is closest in meaning to the word ‘dead’ in line 46? A unusable B unimpressive C quiet D dangerous 13

TΟEΝSTΕ Paper 1 Reading and Use of English Part 6 You are going to read four extracts from articles in which experts discuss the design and symbolism of flags. For questions 37–40, choose from the experts A–D. The experts may be chosen more than once. A William Ayrton, Historian and Vexillologist In vexillology – the study of flags – there is a widespread belief that flags should be simple and distinctive. This means not overcomplicating the design with lettering or emblems. I do not hold with the belief that a country’s flag is something to be upgraded according to the whims of the time. Whatever the original colour scheme and design is, they represent principles at the founding of a nation and, as such, should be immutable. Where I would tolerate revision is following legal changes in borders or administration, or when retrospective recognition is given to indigenous peoples. In these cases, what the country does is of far greater significance than the symbol that represents it, and so they should override mere tradition and sentimentality. B Antonia Harris, Psychologist Flags can evoke a range of powerful emotions, from pride and loyalty to distaste and fear. That is because a flag is a potted representation of the ideals of a united group, not because there is anything intrinsically emotive about a flag. Colour symbolism is subjective and this needs to be borne in mind when designing flags. Natural associations make blue on a flag call to mind the sea or the sky, but blue also has psychological connotations linked to more recent cultural contexts, for example blue could represent misery or depression as in ‘blues music’ or ‘feeling blue’. There is no objective measure of colour symbolism, and this is why we should be prepared to change flags in order to move with the times. Politics and aspirations change all the time. If we want to be progressive, we cannot afford to remain bound to ancient ideals. C Alexander Bartos, Designer Periodically, organisations, groups, teams, towns and states take a decision to revamp their flags. This can also extend to countries, in order to take into account changes in politics from the archaic to the modern. I am against this because, from a designer’s perspective, these changes often fail to take into account some abiding principles, such as simplicity of design and colour symbolism, which should be adhered to. If it absolutely has to happen, I feel that politicians and administrators should always bow down to the designers as, in my experience, their ideas of embellishment or amelioration are always in stark contrast with clarity of purpose. There are already more than enough mixed messages conveyed by ambiguous colours and symbols without further confusing the issue with emblems and badges. D Sonja Bergland, Political science lecturer Flags help establish the identity of a nation, and the colours and design have a meaningful symbolism. In the first place, I see nothing wrong with the flag representing a united people for generations. The finer details of that flag make no difference to me save for a very few occasions when what it represents might be antiquated, in which case I would make an exception and advocate change. For me, the colours and design of the flag come way down the list of considerations; a list headed by what I see as an anachronistic colonialist attitude. Placing a flag at the top of a mountain, on a disputed island close to the border with two nations or on the moon, should all be seen as acts of provocation. It is the arrogance and aggression in the name of a flag that I cannot condone. TEST 1 14

Paper 1 ΟTEΝSΕT Reading and Use of English Which expert 37 has a different view to the others on the subject of routinely updating flags? 38 shares Sonia Bergland’s opinion on the actions of a nation? 39 expresses a different view to the others on the significance of colours on a flag? 40 expresses a similar view to William Ayrton on adding too much detail to a flag? TEST 1 15

TΟEΝSTΕ Paper 1 Reading and Use of English Part 7 You are going to read an extract from a magazine article. Six paragraphs have been removed from the extract. Choose from the paragraphs A–G the one which fits each gap (41–46). There is one extra paragraph which you do not need to use. Cooking with a solar oven A solar oven is any kind of device that uses the sun is glass or some form of clear plastic. This creates to cook food. Its function is very simple – to harness its own kind of greenhouse effect, allowing the or focus the energy from the sun. Here is an outline sun’s rays to enter, and a more stable cooking of the pros and cons of these devices, together temperature can be maintained. with some information that will provide a better understanding of this method of cooking. 44 41 With so many models on the market and so many things to recommend them, why aren’t we all using Looking at the bigger picture, think about solar ovens? Well, firstly, you can’t use them at our planet for a moment. As we all know, the night, obviously. They’re not much use if it’s cloudy production of electricity by traditional means causes either. What you do need is lots of sun – preferably horrifying air pollution as well as depleting natural completely uninterrupted by cloud. And patience – resources of fossil fuels. Cooking directly with you need lots of patience. gas, oil or coal is hardly any better. Solar cooking bypasses all of these damaging consequences, 45 which is a definite plus. This brings us to another limitation – the food you 42 can prepare in a solar oven. Baking and roasting are OK, while frying and grilling need a different type The science behind solar cooking is not at all of cooker. Also, as we’ve said, the food is best cut difficult to understand. As anyone who has ever up and this lends itself to soups and stews rather experienced sunburn can tell you, the sun is hot but than steaks or more elaborate dishes. Recipes exist it usually just burns the surface of the skin. When for solar-cooked versions of many dishes but you it comes to cooking things like meat, burning the may have to compromise a little on taste, texture or outside while not fully cooking below the surface is appearance. a recipe for disaster. So how do we use and control this powerful source of energy in cooking? There are 46 two main ideas to think about. Despite these disadvantages, there’s a lot to be said 43 for solar cooking, particularly in countries where fuel costs test the means of many poor families. The other essential is trapping that heat energy so It’s a very satisfying moment when you produce that the energy isn’t lost to the air or cooled by the a beautifully-cooked meal that has cost nothing to wind. Unlike a conventional oven, the enclosure cook and has caused absolutely no damage to needs to allow light in, so the best material to use the environment. TEST 1 16

Paper 1 ΟTEΝSΕT Reading and Use of English A The first requirement is that we have to E In comparison tests, we found very little somehow concentrate the sunlight. This is differences between the types of oven. The a trick done with mirrors or, at least, with a cheaper versions struggled to hold the heat reflective surface. You harness the sunlight in quite as well as the more expensive ones. hitting as large a reflective area as possible and This naturally meant the food took longer to then focus it on a smaller area. Many ovens cook but it was just as tasty. Otherwise, the use curved or parabolic mirrors so that the differences were largely cosmetic, although reflected heat is brought together into a more one of our reviewers liked the model with concentrated beam. the turntable base as it enables you to turn the oven towards the sun without spilling the B There’s just one final drawback to consider. contents. Unlike any other heat source, the sun is constantly moving throughout the day. Ideally, F This is because solar cooking is very slow and to you should move the oven to face the sun every a large extent unpredictable. Nowadays, we’re hour or so. This is inconvenient if you plan to spoiled by reliable cooking times. If you want be out all day, although there is a workaround. to bake a potato in a microwave oven, you can You can position the oven so that it is pointing do it in ten minutes and you know it will take to the place where the sun will be in the middle exactly that. With a solar oven it could take of the day and that will maximise the heat you all day and even then it might not be cooked will harness. The food will still cook but cooking properly. You’d have a better chance if the times will be even longer. potato was cut up into smaller pieces, but then again, it would no longer be a baked potato. C The first advantage is that there are none of the running costs associated with conventional G The advantages for the environment don’t types of cooking. There’s no expensive gas, coal, stop there either. Even if you have a plentiful, wood or electricity to pay for. Once you’ve made free supply of firewood, the smoke from the initial outlay for the device, maintenance burning wood is known to be a particularly costs are minimal. There are so few moving noxious blend. Cutting down trees will lead parts that wear and tear is practically non- to deforestation, soil being washed away, and existent. A solar oven should be for life. eventually desertification. Solar cooking avoids all of that too, and here’s how. D Beyond these two basics, there’s a world of refinements and variables. The oven walls should be insulated to stop the heat from escaping. Some devices have a valve to allow steam and excess heat to escape. The designs vary but they all do the job, and your food is cooked without cost to yourself or the environment. TEST 1 17

TΟEΝSTΕ Paper 1 Reading and Use of English Part 8 You are going to read an online article in which five professionals talk about critical thinking and reading. For questions 47–56, choose from the professionals (A–E). The professionals may be chosen more than once. Which professional makes the following statements? 47 You should occasionally read texts that challenge what you believe. 48 Understanding the writer better will bring greater enjoyment. 49 You can be convinced by an argument despite the lack of logic in its presentation. 50 Sometimes you don’t even need to read a text to know that it is worthless to you. 51 It is possible that closer analysis of a text will lead to greater self-knowledge. 52 You can be fooled by the professional-looking presentation of a text. 53 A text cannot be considered appropriate to use until you ascertain that it is not biased. 54 It is important to develop an instinct for texts which are best avoided. 55 You need to express your opinion in combination with valid opinions you have read. 56 The writer’s intention is that some messages are not immediately obvious. TEST 1 18

Paper 1 ΟTEΝSΕT Reading and Use of English Critical thinking and reading Think about what you read and take nothing at face value – that’s the message our five experts share. A art form. Great works of art stand up to closer TEST 1 As a student on a course of academic study, you analysis precisely because they are crafted in such will be required to present evidence of your own a way that there are manifold hidden gems to be thinking in most things that you write. In order to discovered. Sometimes, the full significance of reach that stage, you will necessarily have had to something might take a lifetime to appreciate, be critical of the things you read. The widespread whereas just a little questioning about the use of availability of research papers on the Internet can a word, phrase, image or rhyme can more than undoubtedly make your studying easier. However, repay you for your effort. Getting close to what the just because it has been made public, this is no writer wants to convey is a labour of love, and it guarantee of academic validity whatsoever. Has helps to open doors into hitherto unknown worlds. the paper been peer-reviewed, or is it the work of a lone writer who, for all we know, failed or D never even finished the course? Print lends an air Critical thinking when reading requires that you of authenticity but you need to be aware that, leave your own biases and prejudices at the door. beyond the classy layout, suitable font and other Too many of us read things through the filter of nods to convention, content is king. This is where our own beliefs. All that does is confirm what we your thinking gets critical. If it doesn’t, you are in already think, which could well be wrong. By all big trouble. means, compare a text with ideas and beliefs of your own, and if the views tally with yours, great. B But make sure you don’t subconsciously select only With the wealth of information available, you these types of texts to read. Once in a while, seek sometimes need to make snap decisions about out an opposing viewpoint and pay attention. what it’s worth dedicating your time to. Critical Analyse the writer’s ideas if they are different to thinking aids this process and helps you skip what you think. Put yourself in that writer’s place. things which are likely to be of little value to you. Is he or she just as committed to their beliefs as Sometimes a sensationalist title is enough to tell you are to yours? If they are wrong, how is this you that the writer has an axe to grind and is possible? Deconstruct their argument. If you do it probably not going to be very objective. Be wary fairly, you might learn some surprising facts about of this, whether in news reporting or in other areas yourself. that interest you. With a little more delving, a text can reveal giveaway clues that help you realise that E the truth is somehow being distorted. Although it Text analysis operates on different levels and it is is human to make mistakes, writing which contains important to understand anything beneath the a number of them should not be trusted. If the surface if you are to avoid getting carried away by same site regularly features writing like this, you the spirit or enthusiasm of a piece. Are the chosen can safely say that reliable information can be words purely descriptive or overly emotive? Does better sourced elsewhere. Steer clear of unreliable the writer want you to go in a certain direction in sites and publications completely and you will save your understanding of an issue, but without stating a great deal of time. so explicitly? Think about examples; do they fully support the point the writer is making or is there a C mismatch serving only the writer’s hidden agenda? Nowhere does using a little critical thinking pay Is the opposing viewpoint sufficiently dealt with? better dividends than when you are reading Is it, in fact, raised at all? When you can process literature or poetry. While a superficial reading of a text in this way, you can assess its worth as an a story or poem can provide a pleasant distraction, independent piece of writing. Only then can you those who dig deeper are rewarded with an begin to evaluate the place it occupies in your own infinitely more stimulating appreciation of an studies and its suitability for your purpose. 19

TΟEΝSTΕ Paper 2 Writing (1 hour 30 minutes) Part 1 You must answer this question. Write your answer in 220–260 words in an appropriate style. 1 Your class has watched a documentary on initiatives which the public can take to help protect the environment. You have made the notes below: Which initiatives can the public take to help protect the environment? • Consuming less electricity Some opinions expressed in the documentary: • Recycling • Using greener means of transport “Why should I use less electricity if nobody else does?” “It’s a disgrace that we throw so much away.” “Public transport is better than cars; bicycles are better still.” Write an essay discussing two of the initiatives in your notes. You should explain which initiative would be more effective, giving reasons in support of your answer. You may, if you wish, make use of the opinions expressed in the documentary, but you should use your own words as far as possible. TEST 1 20

Paper 2 ΟTEΝSΕT Writing Part 2 Write an answer to one of the questions 2–4 in this part. Write your answer in 220–260 words in an appropriate style. 2 You have received an email from an English friend: I’ve finally decided to get fit because I spend far too long sitting down. Actually, I’d like your advice. I could join a gym as there’s one near my house. There’s also a group which meets most evenings to play tennis, and I thought that might be more fun. I know you’ve done both but I think I’m going to have to choose one, at least to start with. But which one? Let me know what you think, Rob Write your email in reply. You do not need to include email addresses. 3 You have just finished a month-long language course in an English-speaking country. The course contained intensive lessons, film viewings and discussions, as well as daily outings on which you were expected to speak English. The course organiser has asked all students to write a report about their experience. In your report, you should evaluate the course, explaining which aspects of it were the most and least useful. You should suggest changes you would recommend for future courses. Write your report. 4 There are plans to build a new shopping centre close to where you live. You feel that the location is inappropriate as it will destroy an area of natural beauty and cause too much disturbance to local residents. You decide to write a proposal for the town council explaining the problems this location will cause, suggesting an alternative location, and explaining why your proposed location is better. Write your proposal. TEST 1 21

TΟEΝSTΕ Paper 3 Listening (About 40 minutes) Part 1 You will hear three different extracts. For questions 1–6, choose the answer (A, B or C) which fits best according to what you hear. There are two questions for each extract. Extract One You hear a student telling his friend about his part-time job. 1 Why does the man think he will struggle to do his assignment? A He has just started his new job. B The rules have recently changed where he works. C He made a mistake when choosing which shifts to work. 2 The man suggests that A his boss thinks that Peter is not very good at his job. B he is not paid enough for what he does. C his job depends on his covering for Peter. Extract Two You hear a woman complaining about instructions she has received. 3 What is she most annoyed about? A having to leave the house B not having a scanner C working out what she has to do 4 They both think that the process A could be made simpler. B is harder on old people. C is easy when you know what to do. Extract Three You hear a girl and a boy talking about the boy’s room. 5 What do the boy and girl agree on? A It is hard to find things in his room. B His room is untidy. C There is too much furniture in the room. 6 The boy admits that there is potential for A getting rid of some things. B making changes to his personality. C showing off the room’s qualities. TEST 1 22

Paper 3 ΟTEΝSΕT Listening Part 2 You will hear a lecturer called Helen talking about 19th-century London as described by the writer Charles Dickens. For questions 7–14, complete the sentences with a word or short phrase. FOLLOWING IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF CHARLES DICKENS Helen describes Dickens’ writing as (7) ……………………………… even without any biographical knowledge. Dickens wrote a lot of works that are set in London or (8) ……………………………… people he met there. Helen states that the huge rise in the (9) ……………………………… of London was partly responsible for the poor conditions. Helen mentions children having (10) ……………………………… at the age of six or seven. Helen describes Dickens as a (11) ……………………………… of the society he lived in before becoming a commentator and a campaigner for change. Helen was tempted by a (12) ……………………………… of London but instead chose to plan her own route. Helen was moved by being able to see the writer’s (13) ……………………………… at the Charles Dickens Museum. Helen says that one of the things that she could not easily imagine was the (14) ……………………………… of the city in Dickens’ time. TEST 1 23

TΟEΝSTΕ Paper 3 Listening Part 3 You will hear an interview in which two writers called Andrew Phillipson and Ros Clare, who have both written self-help books, talk about their work. For questions 15–20, choose the answer (A, B, C or D) which fits best according to what you hear. 15 What does Ros say about people who are old enough to remember the days before the Internet? A The Internet causes them more serious problems. B They are not so well-equipped to solve their problems. C They quickly lost interest in using it for certain things. D It briefly took their minds off some of their problems. 16 Andrew’s point about self-help books is that A it is easier to convey useful information in book form. B people trust books more than they trust websites. C finding a reputable publisher is becoming increasingly difficult. D authors need to have a website if they have a book in print. 17 What does Ros suggest about the problem of alienation? A The old advice was not very effective. B People do not recognise that they are suffering. C It is a product of the technological age. D It is an example of a problem solved by technology. 18 On the subject of social networking, Ros and Andrew agree that it leads to A an unreal sense of belonging to a community. B a distrust of serious relationships. C an inability to think deeply about subjects. D increased exposure to less intelligent people. 19 In his book, The best there is, Andrew hopes to show people how to A excel in everything they do. B model their personalities on others. C develop a more positive outlook. D make the most of their sporting or artistic talents. 20 How does Ros compare her book, Find the real me, with Andrew’s book? A They cover entirely different subjects. B They fundamentally disagree on how to approach self-help. C They appeal to totally different audiences. D They might both be useful for the same people. TEST 1 24

Paper 3 ΟTEΝSΕT Listening Part 4 You will hear five short extracts in which people are talking about decisions they took about higher education. Task One Task Two For questions 21–25, choose from the list (A–H) the main reason each For questions 26–30, choose from the list (A–H) what each speaker speaker gives for their decision. feels now about their decision. While you listen you must complete both tasks. A to keep away from trouble Speaker 1 21 A regretful that good advice was Speaker 1 26 Speaker 2 22 ignored Speaker 2 27 B to do something different Speaker 3 23 Speaker 3 28 Speaker 4 24 B undecided if it was the right Speaker 4 29 C to make useful academic Speaker 5 25 decision Speaker 5 30 contacts C dissatisfied with the standard of D to enter the employment education market sooner D delighted to have been successful E to please someone else E happy to make a difference to F to forget about an unhappy someone childhood F disappointed with the lack of G to follow a long-term dream guidance H to delay a career decision G grateful for a good education H relieved that the decision was not a big mistake 25 TEST 1

TΟEΝSTΕ Paper 4 Speaking (15 minutes) Part 1 (2 minutes) The examiner will ask you a few questions about yourself and about one or more general topics. Here are some examples: • Where do you live? • Do you work or are you a student? • What do you do in your free time? • Have you thought about what you would like to do in the future? • If you could travel to one country in the world, where would you go? ……….. (Why?) • What sort of things do you use the Internet for? • Who do you think has had the greatest influence on your life? ……….. (Why?) • Do you spend a lot of time with your family? ……….. (Why? / Why not?) • How do you feel about the area where you grew up? Part 2 (4 minutes) In this part of the test, you will each be given three pictures. You will be asked to talk about two of them on your own for about a minute, and also to answer a brief question about your partner’s pictures. Doing things outdoors Candidate A Look at the pictures on page 156. Your pictures show people doing things outdoors. Compare two of the pictures, and say why the people have chosen to do these things outdoors, and how they might be feeling. Candidate B Which of these outdoor activities are most popular in your country? ……….. (Why?) Different ways of studying Candidate B Look at the pictures on page 157. Your pictures show people studying in different situations. Compare two of the pictures, and say why the people have chosen these situations in which to study, and how effective each method might be. Candidate A Which of these ways of studying do you use most? ……….. (Why?) TEST 1 26

Paper 4 ΟTEΝSΕT Speaking Part 3 (4 minutes) Here are some things many of us do that require thinking about and a question for you to discuss. (See below.) First you have some time to look at the task. (pause 15 seconds) Now talk to each other about what influences people’s choice when doing these things. Then decide which situation requires the most careful consideration. buying a car What influences people’s choice choosing friends when doing these things? choosing what going on a to study finding a place summer holiday to live Part 4 (5 minutes) Answer these questions. • Is it possible to think too much about an important decision? ……….. (Why? / Why not?) • What kind of people can give the best advice when it comes to important decisions? ……….. (Why?) • Why do you think some people make bad choices in life? • Is there anything our education system can do to help us make important life choices? ……….. (Why? / Why not?) • Do you think people are influenced by the media when they have to make difficult choices? ……….. (Why? / Why not?) • What advice could be given to someone who has realised that their choice was a bad one? TEST 1 27

TΟEΝSTΕ Consolidation Grammar 1 Complete the sentences using the words in the box. be else is might one that to unless what which 1 We missed the last bus home and didn’t know .............................. to do. 2 I’ve spent all my money on a laptop, .............................. could turn out to be a mistake. 3 Taking extra vitamins .............................. help you, I suppose, but you should see a doctor. 4 .............................. learn a language well, some people say you need to use it every day. 5 Accepting that job was .............................. of the biggest mistakes I’ve ever made. 6 Can we go somewhere .............................. tonight – I’m a bit bored with that restaurant. 7 Don’t ask Donald to explain it to you – he can’t .............................. trusted to get things right. 8 I haven’t got my glasses with me – can you make out what .............................. written on that sign? 9 I won’t keep you a moment – I just need to ascertain .............................. the details you have given me are correct. 10 I wouldn’t trust that website .............................. you have double-checked that the information is accurate. 2 Look at some of the uses of more, many of which can be found in Test 1. Suggest one word that could fill in each gap. More than one answer is sometimes possible. 1 Research suggests that you are more .............................. to succeed if you have a clear plan. 2 I’m suspicious. I think there’s more .............................. this than meets the eye. 3 The text is sometimes accompanied by one .............................. more photographs. 4 The camp offered sports, shows, organised outings and .............................. more besides. 5 I don’t need to work. I’ve got more .............................. enough money to live on. 6 I’ve struggled with that old computer for years. I can’t do it .............................. more. I’m buying a new one. 7 I find I can get to sleep more .............................. if I’ve done some exercise during the day. 8 Of course, walking requires more .............................. than taking the bus but you feel better afterwards. 9 Some of .............................. more recent models of TV are still very expensive. 10 This is .............................. more elaborate dish than the others and it will take longer to prepare. 11 There’s a .............................. more room in my new flat. 12 Computers can cost thousands but I don’t really need one of the more expensive ............................... 13 I found the book .............................. more interesting than the film. 14 We visited the island briefly but we realise there is .............................. much more to discover. 15 I will have to wait a .............................. more years until I can buy my own home. TEST 1 28

Consolidation ΟTEΝSΕT Grammar 3 Complete the sentences using the correct form of use, used to, get used to or be used to. Use the words in brackets in the correct form. More than one answer is sometimes possible. 1 Did it take you long to ......................................................... on such a small keyboard? (type) 2 I don’t mind the night shift. After so many years, ......................................................... at night. (work) 3 How on earth did people ......................................................... research before the Internet? (do) 4 In the past, lead ......................................................... for pipes. Then they discovered it was poisonous. (use) 5 I ......................................................... here but it was a long time ago and I remember very little. (live) 6 It didn’t ......................................................... so polluted here before that factory was built. (be) 7 I could never join the army. I’m not ......................................................... what to do. (tell) 8 Archaeologists identified when this object was made but not what it ......................................................... for. (use) 9 You’ll find driving my car a bit strange at first, but don’t worry – you ......................................................... it. (soon) 10 I feel a lot fitter since I started ......................................................... the stairs instead of the lift. (use) 4 Complete the second sentence using the passive voice. More than one answer is sometimes possible. 1 Nobody can solve this mystery; it’s impossible. Nobody can solve this mystery; it cannot ........................................................................... 2 You must always follow safety procedures. Safety procedures ........................................................................... 3 Some style guides say that you should always avoid using the passive voice. According to some style guides, the passive voice is ........................................................................... 4 They are preparing the venue for tonight’s show. The venue for tonight’s show ........................................................................... 5 I hoped that they would invite me to the party. I hoped to ........................................................................... 6 He expects everyone to call him ‘Sir’. He expects ........................................................................... 7 The boy loved it when the puppy chased him. The boy loved ........................................................................... 8 They’ve finally pulled down that ugly old building. That ugly old building ........................................................................... 9 They had planned the event months in advance. The event ........................................................................... 10 Someone is going to announce the results in a minute. The results ........................................................................... TEST 1 29

TΟEΝSTΕ Consolidation Vocabulary 1 Match the words to make collocations. a power / a weapon 1 to harness b a danger/threat 2 to plough c energy 3 to adhere to d the fields 4 to wield e information/data/statistics 5 to ascend/descend f awareness 6 to pose g the rules 7 to interpret h stairs/steps 8 to raise 2 Write example sentences using the collocations in exercise 1. 1 ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 2 ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 3 ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 4 ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 5 ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 6 ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 7 ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 8 ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 3 Choose the correct answer. 1 For many ordinary people, it was the arrival of the Internet that ushered / led / commenced in the technological age. 2 Smith’s brilliant management greatly served / contributed / attended to the success of the project. 3 Although I acclaim / applaud / delight the effort you have put in to this essay, I’m afraid it is off-topic. 4 Global warming is contemplated / believed / perceived as one of the biggest threats to the environment. 5 Her success in the sport was, to a large point / part / extent, thanks to her extremely dedicated coach. 6 Although Maya was a bright student, her persistent / tenacious / enduring interruptions angered the lecturer. TEST 1 30

Consolidation ΟTEΝSΕT Vocabulary 4 Complete the phrasal verbs in the sentences. 1 In the days leading .............................. to the holidays, few students feel much like working. 2 The course can be broken down .............................. three main parts. 3 To get the work done in time, we might have to call .............................. the services of an outside contractor. 4 This change in the market calls .............................. swift action if we are to stay ahead of the competition. 5 We need to process and act .............................. any complaints as they arrive. 6 We didn’t want to get caught .............................. in the traffic delays so we took the train. 5 Choose the sentence, a or b, that follows logically from the first sentence. Use the phrases in bold to help you. What do these phrases mean? 1 This writer clearly has an axe to grind. a I particularly like the way he presents both sides of the argument. b His writing is so emotional that there’s no way he’s being objective. 2 You should steer clear of that part of town at night. a It can be a dangerous place. b There won’t be much traffic. 3 In a nod to the financial crisis, the company changed its retail prices. a They realised that people haven’t got so much money to spend. b This could be disastrous when they see that nobody is buying their products. 4 I recommend that we delve a little more deeply into his history. a He seems like a very honest and genuine guy. b I don’t think he’s telling us the whole truth. 5 Organising your revision will pay dividends in the end. a You will be delighted with the amount of time you save. b Most rich people became rich because they used this method. 6 The play is the work of a hitherto unknown writer, Alan Thomas. a I doubt that we shall see him in our theatres again anytime soon. b His anonymity won’t last long as I’m confident that he will soon be famous. 7 When you go to see this film, you should leave your preconceptions at the door. a The director needs to be seen with a fresh eye; this is unlike anything else he’s done. b Don’t expect to find it convincing – it’s really hard to take it seriously. 8 I only meant to make six pies, but I got carried away. a I think I made more like twenty-six! b I’m not very good at making pies, am I? 9 He says he wants to represent the people but I think he’s got a hidden agenda. a I think we’re about to see some really good aspects of his character. b I don’t think he’s going to use his power to help us at all. 10 Her words and actions don’t tally with the philosophy of our organisation at all. TEST 1 a She’s the perfect spokesperson for our values. b I think she should consider looking for a job elsewhere. 31

For Cambridge English: Certificate in Advanced English CAMBRIDGE CAE PRACTICE TESTS Scott Newman and Rob Nicholas Cambridge CAE Practice Tests has been specifically written for the Cambridge English: Certificate in Advanced English (CAE). The tests have been designed to familiarise students with the exact format of the examination as well as to ensure that students are thoroughly prepared for the examination. Key features: • six complete practice tests for the Cambridge English: Certificate in Advanced English • full introduction to the examination • exam technique sections advising students on how to approach each part of the examination to score maximum points • audio CDs providing listening practice involving a wide variety of accents • consolidation exercises after every test providing extra vocabulary and grammar practice Cambridge CAE Practice Tests consists of: Cambridge CAE Practice Tests Student’s Book Cambridge CAE Practice Tests Teacher’s Book Cambridge CAE Practice Tests Audio CDs