I. Read the text and questions below. For each question, mark the correct letter A, B, C, D.
FLASH MOBS – A DIFFERENT KIND OF EVENT
In 2003, an unusually large number of customers arrived without warning in the carpet department of Macy’s Department Store in New York. His assistants couldn’t understand why all of them were so interested in buying exactly the same carpet. In 2006, 4,000 people arrived with MP3 players and
headsets at a London railway station and started dancing at a set time. As no music could be heard, this looked very strange. Police were even called to make sure that trains continued to run on time, but when they arrived the dancers had gone.
These are two examples of ‘flash mob' events, when a crowd of people suddenly come together in a public place, perform an unusual action and disappear as quickly as they appeared. They are organised using electronic media such as mobile phones or the internet.
To their fans, flash mobs are simply a chance to have some light-hearted, if rather silly, fun. However, when just under 2,000 people got together in San Francisco for an enormous pillow fight, it ended up costing thousands of dollars. Unfortunately, a heavy rainstorm meant that the city was left covered with wet feathers, which caused streets, shops and a restaurant to be flooded, and ruined the local fountain.
It took several days to put the damage right. Norman Dito, head of the city’s Recreation and Park Department said, ‘In future, organisers of such events should apply for permission beforehand and pay the standard fee to cover security, insurance and cleaning up afterwards. Unfortunately, I’m afraid this
is unlikely to happen, since nobody knows who the organisers are, or when or where a flash mob will take place next’.
1.What is the writer’s aim in this text?
A. to complain about a recent flash mob
B. to warn people against going to flash mobs
C. to give advice on how to arrange flash mobs
D. to explain what flash mobs involve
2.The police were called to the London railway station to
A. stop the trains being delayed
B. arrest the dancers
C. make sure no-one was injured
D. prevent people watching the event
3.What does the reader learn about the pillow fight in San Francisco?
A. Videos of what happened appeared on the internet.
B. Local businesses closed before it happened.
C. The city had to spend a lot of money as a result.
D. The crowd cleaned up afterwards.
4.Norman Dito thinks controlling future flash mob events would be impossible because
A. the identity of the organisers is unknown.
B. the preparations would take too long.
C. so many people take part.
D. it would be too expensive.
5.What would a fan of flash mob say?
A. There’s an advertisement in the newspaper about an event in the Central Square on Friday. We can go together if you’re interested.
B. The organisers have made all the safety arrangements for the next event. It’s expensive, but it’ll be worth it.
C. A big crowd is expected at the event. Afterwards, it’ll be great to have a chat with everyone there.
D. It’ll be fantastic fun – nobody is expecting to see us and we’ll disappear before anyone realizes.
II. Read the text and questions below. For each question, mark the correct letter A, B, C, D.
Carter’s Bottles - a young man’s business
At home, Carter Kostler’s parents prepared jugs of water flavoured with fresh healthy fruit. The family enjoyed it, but Carter noticed his mum found the not-so-healthy soft drinks from the shops were more convenient to take whenever she went out.
He knew his mum would rather choose a healthier option, and in school he and his friends were studying health problems connected with many soft drinks. This encouraged Carter to create a new kind of bottle himself to let everyone carry flavoured water with them.
He proudly showed his parents drawings of his clever design. It was an unusual, beautiful bottle, with two separate parts. Fruit is placed in the bottle part, then the ‘strainer’ - a piece of plastic with tiny holes - is attached between the two parts. The water flows through the strainer, leaving the fruit behind.
Although Carter felt the design was ready to be used for business, when he had some bottles produced by one factory, he was shocked at their quality, so he found another to do it. Now they’re perfect and selling well. Carter likes being in charge, busy with customers, but there’s a balance between running a business and seeing friends. Carter’s lucky: ‘I have lots of family here. When I’m out with friends, they do what needs doing.’
As for his plans, Carter’s got lots of ideas for new styles ready, but he enjoys seeing if a new idea succeeds with customers, rather than running the business. So, what advice would he give other people? ‘Be prepared, and have family support. Success doesn’t come immediately. Also, expect the unexpected!’
6. The writer’s purpose in the article is to
A. describe the process of designing a bottle.
B. explain why a young person created a new product.
C. advertise a new way to make drinking water more enjoyable.
D. warn about the hard work involved in running a business.
7.Carter’s main reason for designing his bottle was to
A. help his mother make drinks at home.
B. encourage his school friends to have a healthier diet.
C. teach people about the problems caused by drinking soft drinks.
D. allow anyone to create their own individual, healthy drink.
8.For Carter, it was important that his bottle would
A. be easy to take to pieces.
B. keep a soft drink cold.
C. be well-made as well as useful.
D. make his parents proud of him.
9.Carter found some parts of the business process
A. disappointing, due to a problem with a company making the bottles.
B. annoying because he missed spending time with his school friends.
C. challenging, as he couldn’t create the design he wanted.
D. tiring, as he worked by himself when things got busy.
10.What might a magazine article about Carter say?
A. His teachers are pleased that Carter’s brought the knowledge he gained from working in the health industry back to school to share with his friends
B. His friends are happy to help Carter by packing bottles – he is so busy these days, it’s the only chance they get to see him!
C. Carter’s customers use the special bottle for carrying their usual soft drinks, and add fruit to make them more healthy!
D. His parents are happy to help with the business side of the company, whilst Carter concentrates on inventing more products.