Matrix preintermediate tests by Dagmar Šípová

Pre-Intermediate Tests

Test 1 1

Class:

Reading

Vocabulary

1 Read the following text and match headings a–g with

2 Complete the sentences using one of the following verbs

paragraphs 1–6. There is one heading you do not need. a b c d e f g

World interest in Esperanto Easy to learn – and plenty to read! Will it survive or disappear? Problems for a language with no home What is Esperanto trying to do? A school project One person’s idea

Esperanto 1 The language ‘Esperanto’ is about 120 years old. It doesn’t come from any country. People call it a ‘planned’ language, because someone created it – a Pole, Dr L. L. Zamenhof. 2 The word ‘Esperanto’ means ‘someone who hopes’. The idea is for Esperanto to be a language for international communication. Everyone learns it as a foreign language, rather than learning a language from one particular country, like French or English. 3 Esperanto isn’t a difficult language. The rules are simple, and every word is easy to pronounce and to spell. There are Esperanto textbooks and dictionaries, as well as other books, and translations into Esperanto from other languages. There are 30,000 books in the British Esperanto library. 4 There are other ‘planned languages’, but Esperanto is the biggest. Many countries have their own Esperanto societies. There are over half a million Esperanto Internet sites, and you can even learn it by email! There are also some very famous Esperanto speakers – for example, six Nobel Prize winners. 5 Sadly, the fact that Esperanto doesn’t have its own country or culture also causes some problems. For example, no country uses Esperanto in schools, and no people learn it as their own language. Its speakers come from all over the world, but they also have their own languages. 6 Although Esperanto speakers care very much about its future, it’s not always easy to make other people speak it or teach it to their children. The future of Esperanto depends on new people learning it, but at the moment there are only around two million speakers of Esperanto in the world. But more than 700 million speakers of English! 6

Name:

Matrix Pre-Intermediate

in the correct form. • tell • speak • talk • say 1 Do you Spanish? 2 My mother that she enjoys reading English magazines. 3 me what you think about my idea. 4 I usually to my close friends about my problems. 4

3 Circle the correct words in these sentences. 1 For our homework we have to change / translate a text from English into our own language. 2 People are worried that the Cornish language will disappear / survive. 3 I care / fear about what’s happening to smaller languages. 4 It’s difficult to say how many smaller languages will study / survive. 5 Sorry – I can’t come to the cinema this evening. I want to check / revise for my test tomorrow. 6 If you can’t understand what your English friend says, ask her to repeat / practise it. 6

4 Complete the table with the missing nouns and verbs. Verb

Noun

memorise

repeat

revise

student

practice 5

Grammar 5 Put the verbs in brackets into the present simple or present continuous. 1 I own a mobile phone but I rarely (use) it. 2 Lara (send) her boyfriend a text message every day. 3 What (you / look) at? 4 We (study) Ancient Egypt in history this term. 5 Maria can’t come to my party tonight. She (have) a bad cold. 6 (Lucy / walk) to school with you?

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Test 1 7 I (get) more and more worried about my dog. He isn’t eating. 8 I (not / know) what most of the symbols on my mobile phone mean. 9 They (spend) a lot of money at the moment on their new house. 10 John often (watch) English films on satellite TV. 11 I (not / understand) my new computer program. 11

6 Complete the sentences using can, can’t or (not) be able to. 1 Some people think that in the year 2050 computers will have conversations with us. 2 My little brother ride a bicycle, so he wants me to teach him. 3 If I ever have children, I won’t to sleep until lunchtime any more! 4 James speak English, but he can’t speak Welsh. 5 I want to drive a car before I get my first job. 6 I don’t understand. you repeat the question, please? 7 I’m pleased because Milly might come to my party after all. 8 you recommend a good book for me to take on holiday? 9 I’m sorry. I won’t babysit tonight. 10 My parents understand why I like playing very loud music. 10

Speaking Asking questions and understanding the answer Preparation time: 1 minute. Work in pairs. One person is Student A and the other is Student B. Student A You are a stranger on holiday in Oxford. You want some directions, so you stop someone in the street. • Ask where the nearest Post Office is. • Ask the person to spell the street name. • Ask for directions to get there. • Ask the person to repeat the directions, because you didn’t understand. • Thank the person and say goodbye. You speak first. Student B You are walking down the street when a stranger stops you. • Tell the person that the Post Office is in Walton Street. • Spell the street name. • Tell the person to go past the library, then take the first left and the Post Office is next to the supermarket, on the right – but speak very quietly. • Repeat the directions in a louder voice. • Say goodbye. Wait for your partner to speak first.

Writing 7 Match the following questions with their answers. 1 Do you like learning history? 2 How many brothers have you got? 3 Where do you live? 4 How often do you play sport? 5 How old are you? 6 How tall are you? 7 What languages do you speak? 8 What do you do at the weekends?

a Polish and English. b 1.55 m. c 15. d Yes, I do. e I go out with my friends. f Warsaw. g Twice a week. h Just one. 8 Total

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Matrix Pre-Intermediate

Name:

Test 2

Class:

Reading

3 Complete these sentences using the correct form of the

1 Read the article and decide whether statements 1–5 are true or false. Write T or F in each box. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Mozart first wrote music when he was six. Mozart performed all over Europe in his childhood. Mozart’s father wanted him to move to Vienna. Four of Mozart’s children died when they were babies. The Emperor paid for clothes for Mozart’s family. Mozart continued to perform in public until he died. Mozart was always poor in his lifetime.

A child star The composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was born in Salzburg, Austria in 1756, with an extraordinary musical talent. The son of a musician, at the age of three he started to play notes on the clavier (an early kind of piano). He composed his first piece of music when he was five years old, and he first performed in public at the age of six. The boy travelled around Europe with his father and sister, performing in many countries; when he was 13 he went to Rome, where the Pope praised his wonderful talent. Wherever he performed as a child, he was a great success. He started work at the age of 15, as head of the Archbishop of Salzburg’s Orchestra. But he didn’t like the Archbishop, and so he left Salzburg and went to Vienna – even though his father didn’t want him to. He married Constanze Weber when he was 25. They had six children, but only two of them survived beyond babyhood. For a time, Mozart worked for Emperor Joseph of Austria, but the Emperor didn’t pay him very well. However, when Mozart performed in public, the Emperor gave him fine clothes and jewellery to wear. The family had very little money, and it was difficult to buy food and clothes for the children. Mozart was very hard-working. He composed an enormous amount of music. But some people in his world didn’t like his talent, and towards the end of his life, he stopped public performances and earned money teaching. Also, his friends gave him money. He was only 35 when he died, and he was never rich in his lifetime. But nearly 250 years later, recordings of his music make millions of dollars each year. 7

word in brackets. 1 It’s true to say that not all people are happy. (success) 2 To achieve things in your life, you need plenty of . (determined) 3 My sister is very – she wants to be a champion runner. (ambition) 4 Many people who get to the top say they have been . (luck) 5 You must have natural as well as be able to work hard if you want to become a dancer. (talented) 6 You have to be very if you want to be a top tennis player. (discipline) 6

4 Choose the best answer, a, b or c, to complete the text. Simona always wanted to be a ballet dancer, from a young age. She started lessons when she was only five years old. She was 1 to get to the top. She knew that to achieve her dream, she needed to be very 2 , eat properly and get enough sleep. Her parents were very 3 of their daughter and her talent. But problems started when she was 12. Although she was 4 as a small child, she quickly grew taller. Soon the worst happened: she became too tall for classical ballet. She was very sad about this, but her teacher told her to be 5 and suggested that she take up Modern Dance. Simona followed her advice, and became a very successful dance teacher. She tells all her pupils that however hard you work, some things are a question of 6 ! 1 2 3 4 5 6

a a a a a a

determined well built proud weak lucky discipline

b b b b b b

disciplined negative ambitious tiny different luck

Vocabulary

c c c c c c

strong hard-working successful skinny positive talent 6

2 Match these words to their opposites. 1 2 3 4 5 6

skinny positive proud rich different enormous

a b c d e f

poor similar negative tiny well built ashamed

Matrix Pre-Intermediate

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Test 2

Grammar

Writing

5 Put the verbs in brackets into the past simple or past

7 Complete these informal notes using the following

continuous to complete the text.

words.

An embarrassing moment Last Friday my friend Sam gave me one of his books to help with a project I was doing. On Saturday afternoon, I 1 (be) at home alone. I 2 (do) my project and looking after our new puppy, when the phone 3 (ring). It was Sam – he 4 (have) tickets for a pop concert that 5 evening and he (invite) me to go with him. He also asked me to bring his book as he needed it for his project. I 6 (finish) my work, and went 7 upstairs to take a shower. I (leave) the 8 puppy in my bedroom, as she (sleep). When I finished my shower, I 9 (go) back into my bedroom and 10 (not can) believe my eyes! My beautiful project was lying all over the floor, and the puppy 11 (play) with pens and eating bits of paper. Worst of all, the paper was from Sam’s book! When I told Sam about it, he 12 (not be) very pleased with the puppy …

• on • how • make • fancy • don’t • at • thanks • hope

Maria Do you 1 coming to my birthday party next weekend? It’s 2 Saturday, and it starts 3 7.30. 4 you can come. Let me know asa p. Ella

Ella

for the invitation – I’m really sorry, but it. My grandparents are coming I can’t 6 ow. Why for the weekend. Hope the party goes well, anyh 7 I take you for a birthday lunch next week about Tuesday, at 12.30? instead? 8 Maria

6 Read the conversation and correct the five mistakes

Total

with articles. Emma: Luca: Emma: Luca:

Emma: Luca:

So, how many languages do you speak, Luca? Two – no, three, I suppose. The French, German and Italian. And English, too! But not very well. We lived in the England when I was child, but now I can’t remember much of it. I have the English penfriend, though. And I watch lots of an English films on satellite TV. Are there many British films on TV in your country? No, sorry – most are from United States! 5

Speaking Expressing preferences and making suggestions Preparation time: 1 minute. Work in pairs. One person is Student A and the other is Student B. Student A You and your friend want to go to the cinema this Saturday. You are ringing him / her about which film to see. • Ask your friend which film he / she wants to see. • Say that you’d rather see the latest James Bond film. • Tell your friend that’s a good idea, and suggest going to the new shopping mall. • Agree with you friend, and say goodbye. You speak first. Student B You and your friend want to go to the cinema this Saturday. Your friend is ringing you about which film you want to see. • Say you’d prefer to go and see the Harry Potter film and ask what your friend wants to see. • Agree with your friend’s idea, and suggest going shopping before the film. • Agree with your friend and suggest having a pizza there as well. • Say goodbye. Wait for your partner to speak first.

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Matrix Pre-Intermediate

Name:

Test 3

Class:

Reading

3 Complete the following text using the correct form of

1 Complete the text using sentences a–g. There is one

get or make.

sentence you do not need. a b c d e

Sadly, things didn’t go well for him. We’re good at different things. In fact, it’s a family business. He ran up the stairs so fast, he fell over! We go to see them together, because none of our friends like them! f But Robbie was different. g I don’t like working with him.

Family Fashion Zara and Robbie both work in a fashion boutique in London. But they are more than just colleagues – they are . Their parents own brother and sister. 1 the shop. Zara on Robbie: ‘We weren’t very close when we were young. I was eight years older than my brother and we used to argue a lot. Then I went to college and did a degree in fashion, and started working for my father. 2 . When he left college, he said he never wanted to work with his family. He tried to go his own way. 3 . So about two years ago he joined me in the family shop after all! Actually, it’s worked out brilliantly. 4 . Robbie is interested in display and the look of the shop, but I decide what clothes we sell. We get on much better now, and even see each other outside of work! Our business talents are different, but we both like the same music, and love James Bond movies. 5 . And we have fun at work, too. Once Robbie was in the basement, and I phoned down and said Madonna was in the shop looking at trousers. Of course she wasn’t, but Robbie believed me. 6 . He was really angry with me at first, but then he saw the funny side of it!’ 6

Our camping holiday last summer didn’t start very well. I 1 a terrible cold the day before we left. Dad 2 a mistake when he wrote down the directions, so we arrived very late – and we 3 into trouble with the campsite manager. Then it took ages to order supper because my little brother was so tired that he couldn’t 4 his mind up which pizza he wanted. In the end, we decided for him! But things improved after the first night, thank goodness. I 5 better quite quickly and 6 some friends on the campsite. And when it was time to go, Dad 7 sure he knew the way home! He 8 said that if he ever a lot of money, he’ll get a driver to do all the driving … 8

4 Match the underlined words in 1–4 to their meaning, a or b. 1 I missed my dentist’s appointment yesterday and they made me pay £25! a didn’t go to b felt sad about 2 Tim worked hard all year – and he got 99% in his exam! a thought about something difficult b did a lot of work 3 Barnaby and Helen are very close, and people think they’re brother and sister! a near b have a strong relationship 4 Could you stay on tonight? I really need your help. a go into a higher class at school b stay late

Vocabulary

2 Match the beginning and the end of the following

Grammar

sentences. 1 2 3 4 5 6

My mother told me off My older sister looks after My mother was brought up My parents moved to the country Everyone says I take after My father says he won’t put up with

a b c d e f

in the United States. my father, because we’re both good at music. because I went out before finishing my homework. our little brother when Mum is busy. any of us answering the phone during mealtimes. so that we could grow up breathing clean air.

5 Rewrite the sentences using not as … as. Example My suitcase is lighter than yours. Your suitcase isn’t as light as mine. 1 Your garden is bigger than mine. 2 The train is more relaxing than the car.

3 The bus is more practical than the car.

6 6

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Test 3 4 The car is slower than the train. 5 The campsite is quieter than the hotel. KITTENS NOW READY Five

6 I think swimming is better than jogging.

kittens free to good home. Parents very friendly cats, and good mousers. Tel: Andy Bacon, Hexworth 872973 (farm, lovely, black-and-white)

7 Having a barbecue at home is cheaper than eating in a restaurant.

WINTER WOOLLENS TO ORDER

8 Going to a live concert is more exciting than watching bands on TV.

Keep the cold at bay! Choose from 5

my large selection of

hats, gloves and scarves, or buy your own wool and I knit for you. Very reasonable prices. Call me, Ann Morgan, on 8725 90 or email ann.morgan@netwiz.co.uk. (hand-knitted, woollen, beautiful)

9 Being late is worse than being early. 10 A mobile is more convenient than a public phone. 10

6 Circle the correct answers, 1–6, in the following text. Jean’s uncle lives in San Francisco, 1 who / which is in California, USA. He writes detective stories 2 that / who are shown on TV. The stories feature a female detective 3 which / who is only 18. Jean’s aunt, 4 which / who is from Wales, doesn’t like living in the USA. She says the apartment 5 who / which they live in is too noisy, and she misses her parents, 6 that / who live in London. 6

10 Total

Speaking Making an appointment Preparation time: 2 minutes. Work in pairs. One person is Student A and the other is Student B. Student A

Writing 7 Complete these notices by putting the adjectives in brackets in the correct order.

? DO YOU NEED A GARDENER I am a 1 your garden, in exchange student. I can help you with se call Janusz on 557931. for English conversation. Plea (Polish, hard-working, young)

CAKES FOR SALE 2 cakes, made to order. Price range to suit. Contact: Jane Forbes, Hexworth 872471 (home-made, lemon, delicious)

L3OST!

You want to make an appointment to see a bike you saw advertised for sale. You are phoning the number on the advertisement. • Explain that you are ringing about the bike and ask if it’s still for sale. • Ask if you could come and see it soon. • Suggest this evening, at 7.30. • Agree that would be fine, and say you’ll see the person then. You speak first. Student B You put a notice up advertising your bike for sale. Somebody is ringing you to make an appointment to see it. • Say that the bike is still for sale. • Agree, and say you’re in most evenings this week. • Say you’re sorry, but you’re out this evening. Suggest the same time tomorrow. • Agree that that’s OK, and say goodbye. Wait for your partner to speak first.

supermarket purse recently lost in the car park. Reward offered. after 6pm. Please call 01427 872987 (leather, red, small)

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Matrix Pre-Intermediate

Test 4 Reading 1 Read the following text and match headings a–f with paragraphs 1–5. There is one heading you do not need. a b c d e f

Who added the wheels? Our modern rollercoasters The terrifying coaster that stopped How old is the rollercoaster? Rollercoasters of the future New coasters in France and the USA

Name: Class:

5 For the next generation of rollercoasters, people are talking about Arrow Dynamics’ ‘Pipeline’ prototype. The cars run between rails which are at the same height as the riders’ stomachs. Not good to ride on if you’ve just eaten! So far, the high price of this coaster means it’s still at the design stage, but we’ll probably be able to ride on the Pipeline one day in the future. People are always looking for new thrills – and perhaps Charles Lindbergh was right when he said ‘a certain amount of danger is essential to the quality of life.’

A history of the rollercoaster 1 You probably think that we invented rollercoasters in the 20th century, but they’ve been around for a lot longer than that! Rollercoaster historians believe the first rollercoasters were actually Russian ‘ice-slides’, popular in St. Petersburg in the 16th century. Riders used to climb up the steps at the back of the ice-slide, and then speed down a wooden slope covered in slippery ice. 2 However, the 16th century ice-slides didn’t use the wheeled cars that our rollercoasters have today. Historians can’t quite agree who first added wheels and created a true ‘rolling coaster’. Some think the Russians did this in 1784 when they made little carriages which went over hills on a kind of tiny railway track. Other historians say it was the French who started using wheeled carriages on the top of long slides. 3 A French coaster did have the first loop, though. In 1846, in Paris, they opened a 13-metre high rollercoaster ride with a four-metre loop in it. The layout was simple: people rode down a gentle slope in a little carriage and went through a small metal circle. And then in 1884, LaMarcus Thompson created the first rollercoaster in the United States – with a top speed of six miles per hour. The rollercoaster industry was born! 4 During the 20th century, the rollercoaster really took off. In 1999, thrill-seekers saw the opening of nearly 120 new or rebuilt rollercoasters around the world. The number of coasters on the planet now stands at just under 900 rides. The world’s tallest rollercoaster is called ‘Superman,The Escape’, and is in California. The train races up to a height of 125 metres, then falls backwards at 100 miles per hour! And there are record-breaking continuous-circuit coasters in Japan, which can cost as much as $15 million to build.

Matrix Pre-Intermediate

Vocabulary 2 Replace the words in brackets with one of the following words. • enormous • fascinated • astonished • terrifying • tiny • terrible • exhausted • freezing A day to remember Last summer I went climbing with some friends in Scotland. We took an experienced mountain guide with us, and we were all very excited because it was our first time climbing a Scottish mountain. The mountain wasn’t really very high, (big)! but from the bottom it looked 1 The walk was lovely at first – the path was quite easy, the sun was shining and we were 2 (interested) by how many different wild flowers our guide pointed out to us. Later on, however, the climbing got more difficult, and it started to get colder. I couldn’t keep warm, and my feet were 3 (cold). It got very windy and started to rain. Our guide decided we should go back, but the journey down was 4 (frightening) because it was much harder to go back down. And we only had one 5 (small) bar of chocolate left between us all, so we were very hungry. Then it started to get dark. I thought we were never going to get home! I was 6 (surprised) when we finally reached the bottom – at nine o’clock at night! We were 7 (tired). I went straight to bed, and the next day I woke up with a 8 (bad) cold. But I’m still going climbing next weekend – this time it’s a Welsh mountain! 8

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Test 4

3 Complete these sentences using the correct form of the adjectives.

past simple.

• boring • terrified • bored • exhausting • terrifying • exhausted 1 The film about asteroids was –I couldn’t sleep for a week afterwards! 2 I don’t like the news at all and I find watching it on TV really . 3 I was so yesterday that I fell asleep in front of the TV. 4 Ann was when we watched the horror film – she shut her eyes for most of it! 5 Mario was very in class, so he listened to his Walkman. 6 The tourists said the trip to Machu Picchu was , as they had to get up at sunrise and climb for hours – but it was worth it! 6

4 Match the meanings a–f with their underlined synonyms in sentences 1–5. There is one meaning you do not need. a b c d e f

think about frighten continue vanish bored unhappy

Writing 7 Mia has written a card to her friend. Put the following sentences in the right order. a b c d e f g h

It was great, and I really enjoyed it. I’ll ring soon. Thanks for a lovely party on Saturday. Flat 6, 118 Maple Street, Woodstock Lots of love, Mia Here are some photos – don’t I look funny! Dear George, 28th April Total

Speaking

Grammar 5 Use these notes to make sentences using the present perfect. How many times / you / listen / to that CD this morning? I / never / ride / a horse. My parents / visit / my sister in Australia / twice. Paul / made / friends / at his new school. The local team / not / win / a match this year. your friend / find / her purse / yet? I / start / the new horror story / you gave me – it’s scary. We / eat / too much chocolate – let’s go for a walk! Our teacher / give / us / a lot of homework / today. you / ever / be / to the zoo? 10

A 1 (you / ever / ride) a horse? 2 B Yes, when I (stay) with my cousins last summer. A Did you like it? B The first time I tried, I 3 (be) frightened. 4 But I (start) lessons now, and I’m learning really quickly. I 5 (decided) to go on a riding holiday next summer. Can you ride? A I6 (try) once, but I 7 (fall) off after just five minutes. I 8 (not be) near a horse since then! 8

1 My brother always disappears when it’s time to do the washing-up. 2 Don’t be sad – I’m sure you’ll get a Valentine’s card next year! 3 I sometimes wonder whether an asteroid will hit the Earth. 4 My sister keeps on taking her driving test, but she never passes. 5 That barking dog scared the little boy. 5

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

6 Complete the sentences using the present perfect or the

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Giving reasons and persuading others to agree Preparation time: 2 minutes. Work in pairs. One person is Student A and the other is Student B. Use the words in brackets to complete the gaps, then read out the dialogue. Two friends are talking about preparations for Student A’s birthday party. A So, what food shall we have? B Let’s have burgers and chips. A Mmm. I burgers, I know that Tessa them because they make her feel sick. (can’t stand / but / adore). B Well, I think they’re and it’s my party! Perhaps we should have some chicken too – most people it. But we’re not having salad. I it! (delicious / don’t like / like). A But other people do! I it. So having one bowl with just tomatoes and peppers and things? have something as well as chips. (I think we should / really like / how about) B I But we’re NOT having ice cream for pudding. I know it’s strange but I it! I love things chocolate cake and crème caramel, though … (like / detest / suppose so) Matrix Pre-Intermediate

Test 5 Reading 1 Read the following text and match headings a–g with paragraphs 1–6. There is one heading you do not need. a b c d e f g

Intelligent help around the house An end to shopping as we know it? Computers in Space Managing our planet’s water Time for everyone? The electronic stars of tomorrow Exploring other worlds

How life is changing 1 The threat of a global water shortage by 2050 is now very real, which will mean that perhaps half the planet’s population won’t have enough water to live. It’s essential to plan now how we are going to manage our water supply in the future, and scientists already have several ideas. These include transporting fresh water between countries in huge nylon bags, moving icebergs, and even controlling the rain, using a technique called ‘cloud-seeding’. 2 Shopping in the future will also change. We won’t just go to the shops to buy things – we’ll go for a day out! More and more huge shopping malls will appear, with many different attractions: cinemas, restaurants, gyms and concerts – even the air will be specially ‘fresh’, thanks to machines controlling the mall’s environment. And this has already started – the largest shopping centre in Europe opened in London in 1999: 30 million ‘guests’ visit it each year. 3 Over the past few years, computers have had an enormous effect on the way we create music. Without today’s electronic music programs, the sounds of techno, big beat and garage music would not be here. And computer technology is also going to change what we see on our TV screens. By 2010, around one in four TV presenters won’t be human – they’ll be computer-generated TV stars who can walk, talk and tell jokes. And they’ll never grow old! 4 And the technology of the future will come into our homes, as well. Many household appliances will become much more ‘intelligent’. In the kitchen, the fridge will tell us when the milk is not fresh. The cooker will be able to ‘talk’ to the fridge. The bath will let us know when it’s full (and it’ll make sure the water temperature is just how you like it!). But will someone invent a self-cleaning house? They’re probably trying to! 5 How often and where we take our holidays is also going to change – and, most importantly, how much we have to pay for it. We’ll not only be able get around the world more quickly, but cheaper air travel will mean that more and

Matrix Pre-Intermediate

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more of us will have the chance to travel abroad. And when you’ve seen everywhere in the world – well, there’s always Space! In 2001, the first ‘Space tourist’, a 60-year-old American, paid $14 million to stay on a Space station for ten days. 6 Some people say that ‘time is the new money’, and certainly many of these innovations will help us to save time. But what will we do with all this time? Perhaps we’ll spend some of it helping people whose only wish for the future is clean water and enough food for their families. 6

Vocabulary 2 Complete this weather forecast using the following words. • rain • heavy • cool • widespread • weather • pressure • foggy • strong ‘It’s going to be a lovely May day here in London. Make sure you’ve got your sunscreen, though, because the sun will be 1 in the afternoon. But I’m afraid the good 2 isn’t going to last: an area of low 3 is coming in across the Atlantic, and in the evening there’ll be a 4 breeze and 5 some light . Tomorrow morning will be 6 , with 7 rain in many parts, which will continue throughout the day. As we go into the weekend, there’s more of the same, and I’m afraid there’s also a risk of 8 flooding in lowlying areas.’ 8

3 Circle the correct word to complete the sentences. 1 I hope the climate / weather will be good this weekend – we’re going sailing. 2 Skye is an environment / island off the west coast of Scotland. 3 Tim’s parents have decided to leave England and retire to a warmer climate / weather. 4 Scientists are trying to develop plants that don’t need much water, so they can be grown in countries which suffer from drought / flooding. 5 Katya’s always wanted to live at the top of a hill / forest because a good view is very important to her. 6 The competition prize is to sail across the Atlantic Ocean / Sea from London to New York. 7 We must take care of the environment / atmosphere, or our cities and countryside will become even more polluted. 8 My brother is going camping with his class in the hill / forest and studying all the different trees there.

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Test 5 9 It’s important not to build new houses too close to the river, as there are often bad floods / atmospheres in winter. 10 My grandmother goes for a swim in the sea / ocean at six o’clock every morning. 10

Grammar 4 Complete the sentences using the verb in brackets in one of the following future forms. • will • going to • present continuous 1 This year, I (eat) less chocolate! 2 Chris says he can’t come swimming after school tomorrow because he (meet) his cousin at 5pm. 3 I hope the new football stadium (be) ready in time for the World Cup. 4 Don’t throw those old clothes away – I (wear) them for doing the painting! 5 Sorry, but I can’t come out tonight – my parents are going out so I (babysit) my little brother all evening. 6 Our neighbours (fly) to Australia next week, to visit their daughter. 7 Sally says she (join) a gym this year – but she said that last year! 8 It’s my birthday next Friday, so this time next week I (be) 21! 9 I’m (have) my hair cut on Thursday at eleven. 10 Don’t ask me about it anymore – I (not / change) my mind. 10

5 Complete this letter using the correct form of the

Writing 6 Stefan is on holiday with his family. Choose the best answer a, b, or c, to complete the sentences in his postcard to a friend.

Hi, 1 ! , and Well, here we are by the sea. The weather is 2 I’ve swum every morning. We’re living on fish – they catch it . Yesterday we fresh each day, and it’s absolutely 3 my parents wanted took a boat to the nearest town 4 to meet up with some friends who are also on holiday here. I have to say I didn’t like the town centre at all - the best , and the restaurant we could find was dark and 5 6 . Even the weather was 7 waiters were really - we had the only rain we’ve had so far! And my poor old all day, because she still hasn’t heard sister was 8 from her boyfriend. I was very pleased to get back to our village, I can tell you. The others want to go to a different after yesterday, I’m going to stay town tomorrow, 9 here on the beach!! . See you 1o Love Stefan 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

a a a a a a a a a a

then brilliant delicious and smelly perfect terrible aggressive because before

b b b b b b b b b b

you delicious perfect so aggressive rude strong miserable but quickly

c c d c d c c c c c

there strong heavy because rude stressful dark awful so soon

following.

10 Total

• must • mustn’t • have to • be not allowed to

Speaking Dear Ed I can’t wait for you to get here! There are so many things I want visit Buckingham Palace to show you. We 1 and go on the London Eye! And there’s a great youth club near go into night clubs us (but I’m afraid we 2 3 be over 18). You because you 4 meet all my friends, too. They’re really looking forward to seeing you. On Friday I 5 go to the dentist in the morning, but apart from that, we can do what we like! And you 6 worry about leaving your dog! I’m sure he’ll be fine without you for a week. See you soon! Lots of love Cara xxx 6

P H OTO C O P I A B L E

Planning and making decisions Preparation time: 3 minutes. One person is Student A and the other Student B. Two friends are planning a party. Put the conversation in the correct order and complete the gaps with the following words. Then read out the dialogue. • all • let’s • how • could • know • idea a Let’s call them now. b plan what we’re going to do for Dan’s birthday. It has to be something special, as it’s his 18th. c about the youth club? d That’s a great ! But where could we do it? e I ! Why don’t we have a surprise party? f We do. But don’t you think it’d be more fun at your house? g OK. h right! I’ll have to ask my parents, though. Matrix Pre-Intermediate

Achievement test 1

Class:

Reading

Vocabulary

1 Read the following text and match headings a–f with

2 Choose the best answer a, b or c, to complete the

paragraphs 1–5. There is one heading you do not need.

sentences.

a b c d e f

1 Last week my teacher harder at my maths. a said b told

Living life through books The hard work of writing Writing about my own life A famous writer? Something better than sport! Unhappy endings

For the love of books 1 When I was a child I loved reading, and I read anything I could find. But I detested sport, and even hated going for walks, so I spent most of my time with my nose in a book. I was the only girl in a family of five brothers, and I was quite quiet – but in the world of my books, I was strong, and beautiful – the lovely princess with the handsome prince, the girl who fights enormous monsters, the star …

2 John’s father has Czech. a changed

me that I needed to work c spoke a history book from French into

b revised

4 Marco has been a talking

hard for his exams this week. b translating c revising

5 Sally is very about getting enough sleep – she only comes out with us on Saturday nights. a ambitious b disciplined c hard-working 6 Paolo’s business is very money. a successful b lucky

3 Of course, after time, I started to write my own stories. And of course, at first, I wasn’t very good at it! I found it easier to write about sad things, so my first stories were full of disasters, accidents and deaths. My father read one story and couldn’t quite understand why three characters died, a dog had an accident and a house burned down – and that was all before the end of the fourth page!

b made

5 Ten years later, my first story was published. And I used those early childhood memories. The main character is a writer. And guess what? She breaks her arm falling out of a tree, and her aunt comes to visit – and then she becomes a very famous writer! And me? Well, I’m still waiting … 5

Matrix Pre-Intermediate

c translated

3 We about the environment, so we try and save water in the home. a care b change c practise

2 As I grew older, books became my life. I didn’t need to go out, or watch TV – I lived the highs and lows of my characters in their fight for success – I worried about the dancer who broke her leg, I cried when the rider’s favourite horse died and I was so happy when the doctor got through floods and thunderstorms to save the life of a sick child!

4 Then one day my aunt said I should write about my own life. I was in bed with a broken arm, and even I got bored of books after a while. My aunt came to visit and brought me some paper and a pen. ‘Go on,’ she said, ‘write about your life with five brothers. Tell it like it is.’ And so I did. (Luckily, my right arm wasn’t broken, so I could still write!)

Name:

and he’s made a lot of c talented

7 My friends are a bringing up

my dog when I go on holiday. b looking after c growing up

8 Jamie has school. a got

a terrible cold, so he’s not coming to

9 It’s easy to a make

a mistake if you do things too quickly. b do c get

10 The teacher a brought up

c found

the pupils who were late for school. b told off c took after 10

3 Match the words in A with their meanings in B. A 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

very cold very bad very interested very tired very frightening very small very big very surprised

B a b c d e f g h

exhausted tiny astonished enormous freezing fascinated terrifying terrible 8

P H OTO C O P I A B L E

Achievement test 1

4 Complete these sentences using the correct form of the

7 Match the beginning and the end of the following

word in brackets.

sentences.

1 We are studying the local as a project this term. (environmental) 2 Scientist are worried that ice is at the North Pole. (melt) 3 Many people think that global will get worse, not better. (warm) 4 In Britain, the winters are warmer but there is more than a hundred years ago. (raining)

1 I’ve lived in London 2 Lisa says she is going 3 My sister has never seen 4 No thank you, no more cake 5 My parents are having 6 John has been in the team 7 Our school

Grammar 5 Find the mistake in each of the following sentences, and

a will close on May 1st. b for three years. c a party tomorrow. d since I was seven. e to give up chocolate. f the flat where I am living now. g – I’ve already eaten two pieces! 7

correct it. 1 Mobile phones become more and more common these days.

Listening

8 You will hear people giving or taking four different

2 What book do you read at the moment?

messages. As you listen, choose the best answer to the questions – a, b or c.

3 Every week I am spending a lot of money on travel to college.

1 Why can’t Sarah meet Bob? a Her mother is in hospital. b Her sister has had an accident. c Her brother has had a car accident.

4 ‘Don’t ring Adam now, he studies for his exam tomorrow.’ 5 My parents travelled in the USA when there was a terrible hurricane.

2 What is Chris’s message about? a a phone b a sporting event c a family party 3 Why can’t Alicia walk to school with Maria? a She hates wet weather. b She wants to do her homework. c She is feeling ill.

6 When the fire was starting, the family were watching television. 7 Lotty was being on holiday in Los Angeles when she met Edwin. 7

6 Complete the sentences using the comparative or

4 What does the message say about buying tickets? a You cannot buy tickets by telephone. b Tickets are now available to buy. c Only the more expensive tickets are available. 4 Total

superlative form of the word in brackets. 1 I think Budapest is one of the cities in the world. (beautiful) 2 Rory says that learning Spanish is than learning Greek. (easy) 3 Our holiday this year was than last year, because it didn’t rain all the time! (good) 4 In London, travelling by underground is the way to get around. (convenient) 5 That was the birthday party I’ve ever been to. (nice) 5

P H OTO C O P I A B L E

Matrix Pre-Intermediate

Name:

Test 6 1

Class:

Reading 1 Read this email from Tess, an English girl travelling round South America with her friend Helen. Decide whether statements 1–6 are true or false. Write T or F in each box. 1 Helen has been having Spanish classes in Mexico. 2 Tess and Helen have found somewhere inexpensive to stay. 3 Tess’s luggage is too heavy to carry. 4 They are going to see Helen’s family in Honduras. 5 Tess has taken lots of photos of children. 6 Tess doesn’t miss the British weather.

3 Choose the best answer, a, b, or c, to complete the sentences. 1 I have decided to apply for the a work b place

Hi everyone!

in the café. c job

Well, here I am in Mexico!! I’ve arrived! I’m slowly getting used to the fact that after ages working in that boring office, I’ve finally got three months to do what I like! I met up with Helen OK – she’s been working as a volunteer in a children’s orphanage and now her Spanish is really good. She’s just learned by talking to people – but I’m glad I had those lessons before I left.

2 John wants to a take part

Mexico City was very hot and the pollution was terrible, so we moved on quickly and travelled by overnight bus to Oaxaca, which is beautiful. We’ve found a room in a very cheap hostel, and yesterday we went to the market, which was fascinating. It’s completely different to anywhere I’ve ever been – and full of smells, some are wonderful, and others not! So far I’m managing to carry everything on my back – but I mustn’t buy too much!

4 We are a summer house by a lake – it’s exhausting! a building up b building c making 5 Sarah’s parents have all the food for the end-ofterm party. a provided b protected d placed 5

4 Match the following words 1–5 with their meanings a–f.

The children here are lovely, and so friendly. They let me take loads of photos of them yesterday. I’ll try to send some pictures by email.

There is one meaning you do not need. 1 2 3 4 5

Anyhow, I’ll be in contact again when we find another Internet café – email is an amazing way to stay in touch, isn’t it? I do miss you all – but don’t worry, I’m having a fantastic time. Can’t say I miss the English rain, though! Lots of love TessXXX

Vocabulary 2 Complete the sentences using the following words. • rising • at home • loads of • unique • last • abroad • common • few • falling • next 1 I’ve got homework this weekend, so I’m going to start doing it early on Saturday. 2 You are – there’s only one of you in the whole world! 3 Thank goodness I’ve only got a Christmas cards left to write. 4 John lived for six months after college – he said it was great to live in another country for a while, but he missed his friends. 5 Can you believe it? summer it rained nearly every day. Matrix Pre-Intermediate

golf next year. b take away c take up

3 I’ve lost my sunglasses, can you help me them? a look up b look for c look after

We’ve joined up with some other people who are travelling, and we might go with them as far as Honduras. One of them has parents who are working there and perhaps we’ll go and see them, if there’s time.

6 The number of people using email is each year. 7 We must hurry up and buy our tickets for that concert week – they’ve nearly all gone. 8 The number of wild birds in Britain is each year. 9 It’s now quite to see foxes in London gardens. 10 Sorry, I don’t feel like coming out tonight – I’d prefer to stay . 10

earn apply employers reference salary

a to write asking for a job b monthly or annual amount of money paid weekly for work done c helping somebody to make money d the people you work for e to work to make money f a letter describing a person’s character and ability 5

Grammar 5 Complete this dialogue using the verbs in brackets in the present perfect simple or present perfect continuous. Simon:

You look exhausted, Sasha! What 1 (you / do)?

Sasha:

I’ve 2 3

And I 4 breakfast!

(working) since 7am! I (not / finish) my project yet. (not / have) any

P H OTO C O P I A B L E

Test 6 Simon:

I’ll buy you a coffee! How much more do you have to do?

Sasha:

About another two hours. I 5 nearly (finish) it.

Simon:

Why didn’t you do it yesterday?

Sasha:

My cousin came to see me. I 6 (not / see) him for ages, so we went out dancing – and then I was too tired. 7 (you / do) your project yet?

Simon:

Yes, sorry – I finished it last week.

Sasha:

So what 8 Nothing? You lucky thing!

(you / do) this week?

I am a keen swimmer and have in life saving and swimming instruction. I enclose my CV, which gives 5 further details. My work includes two summers at a swimming pool in Edinburgh. I am starting a course at college in sports administration in October. Please contact me if you require any further to hearing from you.

Yours

Fiona Simpson Fiona Simpson

Simon:

Er, no, actually. This week I (study) for our end of term exams.

Sasha:

Oh, I hate you, Simon! I 10 (not / start) to revise for them yet!

8 Total 10

6 Complete sentences 1–6 using one of the following prepositions and the verb in brackets in the correct form. • to • in • at • on • of • with

Speaking Enquiring about a job Preparation time: 2 minutes. Work in pairs. One person is Student A and the other is Student B. Student A

1 I’m not very keen (watch) tennis on the TV. 2 My mum’s really tired (ask) us to tidy our rooms. 3 Martin’s looking forward (go) on holiday. 4 I’m so fed up (hear) about lottery winners – when am I going to win? 5 You have to be very good (listen) if you want to be a doctor. 6 Are you interested _______________ (come) to see new film with me tonight? 6

You work in a music shop. Today you are taking calls about a job for an assistant in the music shop. The phone rings. • Answer the phone and give the name of the shop, ‘Mad Music’. Ask how you can help the caller. • Explain that the job is part-time – mornings only, Monday to Friday. • Say that the wages are £5 per hour. • Say that no experience is necessary, because you’ll train the new person. • Promise to put an application form in the post. • Thank the person for their call. You speak first.

Writing

Student B

7 A swimming pool needs helpers at weekends. Complete

You want a job for the summer holidays. You’ve seen an advertisement for a job as an assistant in a music shop, and you are phoning to ask about it. • Explain that you’re phoning about the job advertised in the newspaper, and say you’d like some information. • Ask what the wages are. • Ask if you need experience. • Ask the person to send you an application form. • Thank the person for their help. Wait for your partner to speak first.

the letter with the following words and phrases. • I look forward • Dear • sincerely • experience • qualifications • position • 3 April 2002 • information 76 Castle Drive Stirling FK6 4JG Scotland 1

Benjamin Lethbridge Stirling Leisure Centre Stirling FK8 3JR Scotland 2

Mr Lethbridge,

I saw your advertisement in the paper, and I would like to apply 3 for the of weekend swimming pool helper.

P H OTO C O P I A B L E

Matrix Pre-Intermediate

Name:

Test 7

Class:

Reading 1 Match the following questions with their answers. 1 How old is Lucy? 2 What ranking does Lucy have? 3 What ranking does Lucy’s boyfriend have? 4 How long before the European Championships did Lucy have exams? 5 How long before a race does Lucy like to arrive? 6 How long did Lucy live in Greece? 7 By what age was Lucy competing regularly? 8 In the male race, where did Lucy finish?

a 2nd b 2 days c 13

d 5th in the UK e 2 years f 2nd in the world g 1 week h 20

A Windsurfer’s Story ‘My idea of a nightmare is to be 40 miles from the sea. I couldn’t stand living without it,’ says Lucy Horwood. It’s certainly essential for her chosen sport of windsurfing, and she’s already been very successful. Lucy is not yet 21, but her current ranking is second in the world. Just to make life more interesting, her boyfriend is another windsurfing champion, Dan Ellis, and currently ranks fifth in the UK. ‘Things can get difficult if one person does well in an event and the other has had a bad day,’ she says. ‘But most of the time we support each other, and we enjoy training together.’ Lucy also finds time to study sport at university, when she’s not taking part in competitions around the world. In fact, she only just made it to the European Championships in Poland, as she had an exam two days before the event started! ‘It isn’t ideal,’ she says. ‘I like to have a week before the race to get used to the place …’ says Lucy. ‘Conditions are unique in each individual location'. Lucy’s love affair with salt water began in Greece. ‘I spent the first couple of years of my life there and I was in the sea all the time.’ she says. Her love for windsurfing was inherited from her father, Philip. By the age of 13, she was competing regularly, and winning. ‘Once I realised I could be very good, I abandoned the other sports I enjoyed like horse riding and hockey. ’ she smiles. Lucy is a top name in women’s windsurfing, but she has competed in some male events, too. ‘I finished second in an amateur male race,’ she remembers. ‘Men hate being beaten by women, so it was a great moment. ’ she laughs. Suddenly you can see how she’s got where she has. 8

Matrix Pre-Intermediate

Vocabulary 2 Read the following text and choose the best answer, a, b or c, to complete the sentences. Tennis is a popular 1 in Britain and for two weeks in the summer, many people sit for hours in front of their television sets 2 the Lawn Tennis Championships at Wimbledon. It’s every tennis player’s dream to 3 Wimbledon. The competition first started in 1877, with only a few hundred 4 , but now over 450,000 people attend. Top tennis players from more than sixty countries 5 the two-week long Wimbledon tournament, and 6 of the tennis stars wait all night for tickets! After Wimbledon has finished, you see people on tennis courts all over the country 7 tennis shots. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

a a a a a a a

sport viewing win viewers come in watchers training

b b b b b b b

match watching beat watchers join in viewers practising

c c c c c c c

game seeing score spectators take part in fans playing 7

3 Complete the compound nouns in sentences 1–6 using words a–g below. There is one word you do not need. a men b work c boarding f coaster g skiing

d style

e cart

1 I’ve got too much home to do. It’s not fair! 2 A healthy life is very important if you want to live for a long time. 3 Jan adores jet, but he falls in the sea all the time – it’s lucky he can swim! 4 A lot of business take the early train to work. 5 I’ve never been on a roller – I’m too scared! 6 Snow is even more dangerous than skiing, so my mum doesn’t like my brother doing it. 6

4 Complete the following sentences with the correct form of the words in brackets. 1 The skiers came down the mountain (spectacular) fast. 2 Phillip was (slight) embarrassed when he came last in the race. 3 My friends were pretty (worrying) when their daughter took up sky diving. 4 Sue found the football match a bit (bored). © Oxford University Press

P H OTO C O P I A B L E

Test 7 5 Many people find scuba diving (extreme) exciting. 6 If you try and teach yourself, skiing can seem rather (difficulty). 6

Grammar 5 Complete the text using the verbs in brackets in the past

Dear Stuart a I had so much fun that I’m going to have scuba-diving lessons at home now. How about you? Would you like to learn as well? You’d love it, I’m sure!

b Bye for now. Hope to see you soon. c Before I went down on my own, I had to do a short course, because you have to learn about the equipment and some very important safety rules. Then you have to take a short test, and your first dive is with an instructor.

simple or past perfect. One day, it was very cold and I really 1 (not want) to go to my sports lesson. So I 2 (say) that I 3 (fall) down the stairs, and that I couldn’t walk properly. The teacher called the doctor. When he arrived, everyone else 4 (leave) for the sports ground already. The doctor looked at my foot, and 5 (ask) me about my family. Then he told me to stand up and jump in the air, which I did. The doctor smiled. I 6 (forget) that my foot was ‘hurt’! When the teacher 7

(find out) that I (not hurt) my foot, she was very angry. She sent me to the sports ground straight away. When I 9 (get) there, I found that everyone else 10 (go) home for tea – but I had to run around the sports ground for two hours! 8

6 Complete the following sentences with the modal verbs in brackets.

d I first discovered scuba diving when we were on holiday in Spain. The sea is so beautifully clear there, and they have wonderful fish. e Swimming underwater is spectacular, you feel like you’re a fish! And there’s so much to see. The other great thing about it is that with a wet suit on, you don’t get cold (very important if you ever go in the English sea!!).

My first dive was amazing. I was pretty nervous to start with, but soon I was so fascinated by the underwater world that I forgot to be scared.

g Hi! How are you? I haven’t seen you for ages, because we’ve been away on holiday in Spain. We had a really fantastic time.

h I must tell you about the wonderful new sport I’ve taken up scuba diving! I’m sending you some photos, too, so you can see how amazing it is. Love, Eloise xxx

1 In the summer, I have more time for sport. (will)

8 Total

2 I start to run every day, to get fit. (may)

Speaking 3 It be very difficult at first. (could)

Joint interview: Free time Preparation time: 1 minute. Work in pairs. One is Student A and the other is Student B. You have 2 minutes to exchange the following information. After one turn, change roles.

4 But if I keep doing it, I become very fit. (will) 5 Who knows, I even enjoy it! (might)

Student A 5

Writing 7 You are writing to a friend about a new sport you’ve taken up. Put paragraphs a–h in the correct order, using the following plan to help you.

• Ask what your partner’s favourite free-time activity is. • Ask how often your partner does it and for how long. • Find out what your partner enjoys about it. • Say whether you do / would like to do it, and why. You speak first.

PLAN

Student B

• • • • • • • •

• • • •

Open your letter. Say why you are writing and mention your photos. Talk about how you found out about the sport. Talk about any training you did. Talk about your first experience of the sport. Talk about why you love the sport. Say how your friend could start doing the sport. Finish your letter.

P H OTO C O P I A B L E

Tell your partner what your favourite free-time activity is. Talk about how often and for how long you do it. Explain why you enjoy doing it. Say what you think about your partner’s opinion of your favourite activity. Wait for your partner to speak first.

Matrix Pre-Intermediate

Test 8 Reading 1 Look at 1–8, and read Part A and Part B. Decide where the notes in 1–8 come from – Part A or Part B. One of the notes is in both texts. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

a royal wife whose life ended horribly no need to wait in the dark nowadays how to make people believe you’re not lying ghost hunting on the Internet feeling something strange the first ghost hunt in theTower one way of talking to a ghost night is like day for these cameras

Help! I’ve seen a ghost! Part A: Who lives in the Tower of London? Do you believe in ghosts? Some people do. They’re absolutely certain that they’ve seen or felt something strange. They report feeling cold, not being able to move, and, above all, a terrible feeling of fear. But it’s very hard to prove you really have seen a ghost. Without a photo, how can your friends and family believe you? If you ever want to meet a ghost, the Tower of London is a good place to start. It’s nearly 1,000 years old, and many terrifying things have happened there. Nearly 500 years ago, Queen Anne Boleyn, the wife of King Henry VIII (eighth), had her head cut off there. Perhaps it’s not a surprise, then, that people say they’ve seen her ghost walking through the Tower gardens. Another famous ghost of the Tower is Sir Walter Raleigh. He was an explorer who lived in the 16th century, and Queen Elizabeth I (first) put him in prison in the Tower. Many people say his ghost haunts the Tower on moonlit nights. If you work or live in the Tower, you have to be good with ghosts! In 1976, one of the guard’s wives was alone in her apartment in the Tower when she felt an ice-cold hand on her back. She knew it wasn’t her husband, but she didn’t scream – she just said, quietly, ‘Oh, go away, Raleigh.’ Part B: Looking for signs Of course, ghost hunters can now use technology to help them prove a ghost has visited. If they don’t want to wait for hours in a dark, empty building, they can just set up a camera to do it for them, and take a picture! One group of ghost hunters did manage to get photos of some strange lights. About 90% of what was in the photos was easy to explain, but 10% wasn’t … In 2001, the same group decided to hunt for ghosts in the Tower of London, which had never been done before. They used equipment that could tell if the air got colder or hotter, and they also set up special cameras which could see in the dark. They linked their cameras to a website, and over two days, you could watch some of their film on your computer, sitting 18

Matrix Pre-Intermediate

Name: Class:

in your warm home. Although you were safe, it was still frightening, as you were watching a ‘real’ film. But at least if you got a strange feeling, you could turn the computer off! 8

Vocabulary 2 Choose the best answer, a or b, to complete these sentences. 1 The drivers on the motorway slowed down because of the . a missed b mist 2 I’ve been found it. a haunting

for my mobile all day, but I still haven’t b hunting

3 We if you’d like to spend the weekend with us? a wonder b wander 4 I agree – you’re a quiet 5 The postman by knocking! a disturbed

right about Mary. b quite me this morning – he woke me up b puzzled

6 The tourists were happily to see how little the meal cost. a surprised b shocked 6

3 Match the following negative prefixes to adjectives a–j, then complete sentences 1–10 using the negative adjectives. • un- • il- • ir- • in- • im- • disa b c d e f g h i j

selfish correct tidy responsible regular legal happy possible like practical

1 Bob is a very person – he’s always doing things for others. 2 My best friend is a bit at the moment as he’s just split up with his girlfriend. 3 It’s totally of you to ride your bike without a safety helmet. 4 Liz’s desk at school is always I don’t know how she finds anything! 5 I’m afraid it’s quite to get tickets for the Madonna concert now – they’ve all gone.

P H OTO C O P I A B L E

Test 8 6 In Britain, it’s to drink alcohol in a pub under the age of 18. 7 I the way you’re talking about my friend. Please stop it. 8 No, sorry, that’s – the bill should be £5, not £500! 9 Your payments into the bank have been very Madam, so I’m afraid we’ve closed your account. 10 That idea sounds good, but it won’t work – it’s completely 10

Grammar 4 Match the beginning and the end of the following sentences. 1 If you want to pass your driving test, 2 If I won the lottery,

a I’ll pay you!

3 If you were two years older, 4 If they listened to the guide, 5 You look so tired – if I were you, 6 If we had more time for the project, 7 If it stops raining tomorrow, 8 If Ben trained hard, 9 If they arrive in the next ten minutes, 10 If you wash the car for me,

b I’d stay at home this evening. c we’ll go for a long walk. d we won’t be late for the concert. e you could go to the new night club. f he’d have a good chance of winning. g you’ll need some driving lessons. h they’d learn more about the museum. i I’d never need to work again. j we could do it better. 10

Writing 6 Put the events in this short story in order. a One day, my friends decided to play a trick on me. b When my alarm went off, I got up and rushed to the lecture hall. c These days I always wake up early, but it wasn’t always like that. d A few days later, it was my turn to laugh when my friends forgot that the clocks were changing for summer time. e They changed the time on my clock so it was an hour fast. f It was locked, and I had to wait outside for an hour. g Many years ago, I was always oversleeping and missing classes at university. h I didn’t tell them, and they missed breakfast! 8 Total

Speaking Making your story more interesting Preparation time: 2 minutes. Work in pairs. One person is Student A, the other is Student B. Take it in turns to tell a story. Use the ideas 1–4 below and the language in the box. You have 2 minutes to tell your stories. 1 overslept – late for test – very upset 2 lost cat – searched everywhere – put notices up 3 invited friends to supper – forgot to buy salad – rushed to shop 4 bought lottery ticket – got winning numbers – lost ticket • You’ll never guess what … • What did you do? … • What could I do? … • You’re not going to believe what happened later … • Poor you … • It turned out … • I was really upset

5 Complete the following dialogue using should, ought to, or shouldn’t.

Student A

Andrew:

• Choose a story from the box. You have to think of the ending. • Tell your story to your partner. Try to use some of the phrases above. • When you have finished, listen to your partner’s story. Try to use some of the phrases above as you listen.

Yvette: Andrew: Yvette: Andrew: Yvette: Andrew: Yvette: Andrew:

I feel really terrible. I keep falling asleep in lessons. go to bed earlier. And you You 1 2 read so late. The problem is that I’m wide awake at 11pm. I can’t get to sleep! Well, you 3 do more exercise. And you 4 eat later than 7pm. I know. And you certainly 5 stay up watching late-night films. Oh, OK, OK. And maybe you 6 stop telling me what to do all the time! Well, I am your big sister, so you 7 do as I tell you! And we 8 argue – sorry. You’re right, as always… 8

P H OTO C O P I A B L E

Student B • Choose a story from the box. You have to think of the ending. • Listen to your partner’s story. Try to use some of the phrases above as you listen. • When your partner has finished, tell your story. Try to use some of the phrases above.

Matrix Pre-Intermediate

Name:

Test 9

Class:

Reading 1 Read the article and decide whether statements 1–6 are true or false. Write T or F in each box.

• come up with • make up • find out • set up • come out

April Fool’s Day The origin of ‘April Fool’s Day’ is actually 16th century France. At that time, the start of the new year was April 1st, but in 1562 the Pope introduced a new calendar for the Christian World: New Year’s day was now January 1st. Howevr, communication wasn’t always perfect in 1562, and some people didn’t realise that the date had changed, so they continued to celebrate New Year’s Day on April 1st. Other people played tricks on them and called them ‘April Fools’ – as a fool is someone who is silly or stupid. One of the most famous April fool hoaxes was on April 1st, 1957, on BBC television. The programme ‘Panorama’, a serious news programme still running today, showed a short film about a family of Swiss spaghetti farmers who grew spaghetti on trees. The TV audience watched the Swiss family pulling pasta off the ‘spaghetti trees’ and putting it into baskets. The programme said there was lots of spaghetti in Switzerland that year, because it had been a warm winter and hadn’t snowed very much, so the spaghetti had grown very well. Almost as well as in Italy, in fact. The programme also tried to answer questions that viewers might have. For example, why are all the bits of spaghetti in a packet always the same length? The answer was that this came from many years of hard work and careful farming, to produce spaghetti of all the same length. But viewers also learned that the life of a spaghetti farmer wasn’t free of worries: there was a risk of frost in late March, which might destroy the year’s spaghetti. Surprisingly, many viewers believed the programme! The BBC was flooded with calls, and when curious viewers asked how they could grow their own spaghetti trees, the BBC reportedly replied that they should ‘place a sprig of spaghetti in a tin of tomato sauce and hope for the best.’ One reason that people believed it is that spaghetti was not a common food in Britain in the 1950s and was considered by many to be foreign and very exotic. 6

Matrix Pre-Intermediate

2 Complete sentences 1–5 with one of the following phrasal verbs in the correct form.

1 Some people didn’t agree with changing the calendar in the 16th century. 2 The programme said spaghetti grew on trees. 3 The programme explained why all the bits of spaghetti were the same length. 4 The programme said that frost in the last two weeks of March might destroy the year’s spaghetti. 5 The BBC told people how to cook their spaghetti. 6 Spaghetti was a very well-known and popular dish in Britain when the film was shown.

Vocabulary

1 Simon a story about catching an enormous fish, and almost everyone believed him! 2 Now I’m self-employed, I’m going to my office at home. 3 My friend has been thinking all morning, but she can’t a solution to the problem. 4 The novel 1984 first in 1948. 5 Yesterday, John that he’d passed his exam. 5

3 Find the mistake in each of these sentences, and correct it. 1 I went sightseeing twice at my week in London. 2 John says he’ll be at home during 10 o’clock, then he’s leaving for the airport. 3 We must collect the tickets on 5 o’clock, because the ticket office closes then. 4 Margaret learned the piano during five years. 5 Our teacher is getting married at August. 6 I’m handing in my project in Friday. 7 In the meal, my mobile phone rang three times. 8 I’ll stay during my friend arrives. 8

Grammar 4 Change these sentences from active to passive. 1 Someone sent me a strange email this morning. I 2 People often use microwaves for heating up cold cups of coffee. Microwaves 3 A very young writer won the poetry competition. The competition 4 They took all my jewellery when I was burgled. All my jewellery

P H OTO C O P I A B L E

Test 9 5 People say that eating carrots helps you see in the dark. It 6 They grow a lot of rice in China. A lot 7 A man discovered some Roman treasure in a field near London. Some Roman treasure 8 They sent out 10,000 emails to advertise the new dog food. 10,000 emails 9 People buy a lot of chocolate eggs at Easter. A lot 18

5 Match the beginning and the end of the following sentences. 1 2 3 4 5

The cat did a lot of damage I don’t like people shouting John is very worried I enjoy all the advantages James likes listening

a b c d e

about his exam. to loud rock music of living in a city. at me. to my computer. 5

Writing 6 Alex Morland is writing an email to her friend, Joe Brown. Put the words and phrases in the right order.

Speaking Exchanging information: Memories Preparation time: 2 minutes. Work in pairs. One person is Student A, the other is Student B. You are going to tell each other about your memories of a special or important event. You should try and talk for about half a minute. Your partner can ask questions. Student A Tell your partner your memories of one of the following: • A holiday • A difficult situation • An exam • A sporting event Then listen to your partner talking about his / her memory. You speak first. Student B Listen to your partner talking about a memory. Then tell your partner about one of the following: • A party • A family celebration • A difficult situation • Your first day at school Wait for your partner to speak first.

• Give me a ring. • Can you come skating on Saturday? • Joe • Hi, how are you? • joe.brown@clara.co.uk • alex.morland@telecom.com • Alex • Skating

From:

To:

Subject:

8 Total

P H OTO C O P I A B L E

Matrix Pre-Intermediate

Test 10 Reading 1 Read the article below and find the following information. 1 The century when railways were first built under London.

Name: Class:

parties. Aldwych is just one of 40 ‘ghost stations’. Another is a station called ‘British Museum’, which some people say was closed because an Egyptian mummy had escaped from the nearby museum and was haunting the station! 9

2 The place where the Roman High Street was discovered. 3 The river that was once the city’s water source. 4 The number of tunnels under the Thames.

Vocabulary 2 Rewrite these sentences using one of these verbs or phrases in the correct form. • grin • face • set off • manufacture • make (your) way 1 Stand in front of the camera and smile!

5 The engineer who built the first tunnel under the Thames. 2 We started our journey in the middle of the night. 6 The year work started on the first tunnel under the Thames.

3 Alice was smiling from ear to ear – she’d won first prize!

7 The year work finished on this tunnel.

4 Old Mrs Robbins found it hard to walk along the icy road.

8 The number of ‘ghost’ underground stations.

5 China makes a lot of toys.

9 The name of the station that people say is haunted.

3 Complete these sentences using the following words. The Underground City There has been no space for new buildings in Central London for many years now. In fact this was a problem faced by city planners as long ago as the 19th century. They decided that the only way to build was down. So they dug. Railways, roads, footpaths, sewers – they even buried rivers underneath the streets of London. Recent building work in the heart of London has uncovered even more of London’s underground past, finding a hidden world from as far back as Roman times. One recent development, at a building called ‘Number 1, Poultry’, unearthed the ‘Via Decumana’ – the old High Street of Roman London, which follows exactly the line of today’s main roads through the City of London. There are even secrets under the River Thames which has around 30 tunnels beneath it. The first of these was built by Marc Brunel back in the 19th century. He began work in 1825 – it was a very difficult job, and took him and his men 15 years. But the tunnel finally opened in 1840 and was a great success. Some years later it was closed to people and used for a railway line. One of the biggest underground networks in London is, of course, the underground railway – known as ‘the Tube’. Some Tube lines are more than a hundred years’ old, and several have recently closed. For example, the tiny line to Aldwych, the heart of London’s theatreland, was closed in the 1990s. The empty station is now hired out for films and

Matrix Pre-Intermediate

There is one word you do not need. • drive • package • catch • travel • flight • miss • sightseeing • tour • ride 1 Our teacher’s going on a of Egypt and the Pyramids. 2 Why don’t we our bikes down to the beach? 3 If you don’t hurry up, you’ll your train. 4 It’s often cheaper to get a holiday. 5 My boyfriend and I always do loads of when we’re on holiday. 6 That’s lucky – we can the bus from right outside our hotel. 7 How old do you have to be to a car in Australia? 8 Jeremy isn’t back yet – his was late taking off. 8

4 Circle the correct answers, 1–5, in the following text. 1 Journey

/ Travel in England is very expensive if you use the trains, but really quite cheap if you’re happy to go by bus. This weekend we’re going on a 2 trip / travel to Cambridge, travelling by bus. The 3 journey / trip from London to Cambridge takes about an hour. It’s usually rather a nice 4 travel / journey, and very easy. And Cambridge is so beautiful – it’s well worth a 5 travel / trip. 5 © Oxford University Press

P H OTO C O P I A B L E

Test 10

Grammar

Writing

5 Rewrite sentences 1–10 in reported speech.

7 You’re writing to a local hotel about hiring a room for

1 ‘I want to choose my own birthday presents,’ Isabella told her parents. Isabella told her parents 2 ‘I bought Dad’s birthday present yesterday,’ Donald told his sister. Donald told his sister 3 ‘Is Jamie coming to the Christmas party?’ Katy asked Ben. Katy asked Ben 4 ‘What do you want for Christmas?’ I asked my parents. I asked my parents 5 ‘We’ve bought you a CD for your birthday!’ my little brothers told me. My little brothers told me

your sister’s wedding. Complete the letter using phrases a–i. There is one phrase you do not need. a b c d e

reference sincerely forward Mr Woodford comment

f g h i

enclosing enquire Thank you grateful

The White Hart Hotel Chipping Norton Oxon OX3 4HG Dear

for sending me details of your rooms for hire. I am writing to 3 if the Blue Room is free on Saturday 16 June. My sister is getting married then, and we’re looking for a room for the wedding reception. With

to cost, I would be if you could let me know how much you charge for weddings. We’d like drinks and dinner as well as the room, and there will be around 75 guests.

6 ‘I’m still thinking about what I want for my birthday,’ said Tom. Tom said 7 ‘Mum’s doing the Christmas shopping today,’ my dad told me. My dad told me

I am 6 details of the menu my sister and her fiancé would like. Please could you let me know if it would be possible to have this menu, or something similar? Many thanks. I look Yours

to hearing from you. ,

Bertie Edwards

8 ‘Can you help me choose a present for Dad?’ my mum asked me. My mum asked me 9 ‘I’ve opened ten presents this morning!’ Robin told Daniel. Robin told Daniel

6 Match the beginning and the end of the following sentences.

a b c d e

because Maria knows all about the cathedral. – it’s healthier to walk! because we’ll need to book in advance. the Millennium Wheel. The views are wonderful! I don’t have to get up early.

P H OTO C O P I A B L E

Speaking Preparation time: 1 minute. Work in pairs. One person is Student A and the other is Student B.

Tomorrow I’m on holiday so You don’t have to bring your guidebook When you’re in London, you have to go on If you want to visit Buckingham Palace, say now Come on, we don’t need to take the car

Total

Booking tickets

10 ‘Would you like to come to the Christmas party with me?’ Jamie asked Katy. Jamie asked Katy

1 2 3 4 5

Student A You work in the booking office at the local theatre. • Answer the phone and ask how you can help the caller. • Find out when the caller wants tickets for and say price is £15 or £25. • Explain there are no cheap tickets for Thursday, but there are three more expensive ones. • Say you accept credit cards and cheques. Take caller’s name. • Thank the caller and say goodbye. Student B

You are ringing to book tickets for a concert. • Say you want to book tickets for the Dance King concert next week. • Say you’d prefer Thursday, ask ticket price and ask for three tickets at £15. • Agree to buy the tickets and ask to pay by credit card. • Say you will pay and collect your tickets tomorrow. Give your name. • Say goodbye.

Matrix Pre-Intermediate

Achievement test 2

Reading 1 Look at 1–8, and read Part A and Part B. Decide where the notes in 1–8 come from – Part A or Part B. One of the notes is in both texts. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

the word for a cat lover how fast cats can run showing sadness when a cat died how good cats are at hunting helping people relax too many rats in Europe more cats than dogs when cats were hunted themselves

‘As every cat owner knows, nobody owns a cat’. (E P Berkeley) A The first cats About 40 million years ago, members of the cat family first appeared. As early as 3500 B.C., Egyptians were keeping African wildcats. They taught these wildcats to live alongside people in their homes, and the cats stopped being wild, and became much-loved pets. They were wonderful cats, and there are many Egyptian paintings showing how good they were at hunting and killing snakes, rats and mice. Around 1500 B.C. cats were actually so loved by the Egyptians, that if a person killed a cat, they were killed themselves. When a pet cat died, the Egyptians used to cut off their own eyebrows to show how sad they felt. Pet cats came to Europe around 1000 B.C., but during the 12th and 14th centuries people thought that cats were bad animals who belonged to the Devil. Hundreds of thousands of cats were hunted and killed because of this fear. The destruction of so many cats meant that there were less cats to hunt the rats, and so in turn there were more rats. These rats carried a terrible disease called ‘Bubonic Plague’ or ‘The Black Death’. Almost a quarter of the people in Europe died from the Black Death – maybe it hadn’t been such a good idea to kill all those cats after all! B The cat today Over time, people grew to love cats again. Now in the UK and USA there are more cats than dogs. About 37% of American homes today have at least one cat, and we still love them for their talent at hunting, and need them to keep our mice away.

Name: Class:

It has been scientifically shown that owning a cat is good for our health – the feel of a happy cat sitting on your knee will always make you feel good. And luckily, human beings are also good for cats! We feed and look after them, and today’s cats live nearly twice as long as they did 50 years ago. Oh, and if you love your cat, there’s a special name for you. You’re an ailurophile! 8

Vocabulary 2 Choose the best answer a, b or c, to complete the sentences. 1 Global warming is causing the Earths’ temperature to . a rise b grow c heighten 2 Yesterday evening it poured with rain, and only people went to the firework display. a little b a little c a few 3 I want to travel people live. a away

and see how other b abroad

4 John said he found learning Latin boring. a a part b a piece

c along

c a bit

5 The dog was barking at 3am last night – something must have him. a shocked b disturbed c puzzled 6 Our teacher will be very cross that we’re late – we’d better a good story! a make up b find out c set up 7 I was so tired, I fell asleep a until b during

the film. c at

8 Bella is coming round to listen to my new CD half an hour. a on b at c in 9 Ellie overslept, so she a lost b missed 10 Next summer we’re going on a Scottish Highlands. a travel b ride

her flight. c dropped of the c tour 10

And there are many interesting facts about cats. For instance, did you know that a domestic cat can run as fast as 30 mph? That it has more bones than a human being? That a cat’s hearing is much more sensitive than that of people or dogs? And that they can see six times better in the dark and at night than us? And though cats are excellent hunters, they spend about 16 hours of their day asleep.

Matrix Pre-Intermediate

P H OTO C O P I A B L E

Achievement test 2

3 Complete these sentences using the word in brackets.

6 Match the beginning and the end of the following

Sometimes you need to add a prefix or change the form of the word. Examples Daisy didn’t like Physics – she found it really boring. (bored) At school, we got into trouble if our rooms were untidy.(tidy) 1 Cathy is keen on riding. (extreme) 2 I found the ending of the book very (puzzle) 3 Damian did well in the test – he only had two (correct) answers. 4 I don’t mind the rain, but I really the wind. (like) 5 Please could you play your music more It’s too loud. (quiet) 6 Luckily, my brother was only hurt in the car accident. (slight) 6

sentences. 1 Our carpets were damaged 1908. 2 London’s Millennium Bridge 3 Jim says his family’s video opened collectionby 4 My brother says he met some great people 5 I learned after the storm that 6 Dan told me the record shop 7 My grandparents’ house

8 My handbag was stolen

Grammar

a was built in b was built up by his brother. c had been a pop star. d all the city had been flooded. e when the house was flooded. f when he travelled round India. g while I was waiting for the bus. h was opened in 2000. 8

4 Put the verbs in brackets into the correct tense: past simple, past perfect, present perfect continuous or present perfect simple.

Listening

1 My uncle (build) his house by the lake five years ago. 2 I (work) in the garden since 9am this morning, but I still (not do) it all. 3 Dad (not finish) finding out about our family history yet; he’s still looking it all up on the Internet. 4 I (learn) so much while I was revising yesterday. 5 How long (you / be) living in London? 6 I went to school yesterday – I forgot the teacher (tell) us that it would be closed! 7 When I (arrive) at my friend’s house last night, she (leave) for the station already. 7

7 You will hear part of a radio phone-in where people are talking about embarrassing experiences. As you listen, write down which statement a–e each speaker 1–4 makes. There is one statement you do not need. Speaker 1: Speaker 2: Speaker 3: Speaker 4: a b c d e

I was ashamed about what I’d said. I never worked there again. A very young child helped me. I had to pay for my mistake. I couldn’t stay awake.

4 Total

5 Circle the correct answers in these sentences.

1 If the train is on time, I’ll pick you up / I’d pick you up from the station. 2 If I were you, I’ll ring / I’d ring your mother now. 3 What will you do about the dog when you go / will go away on holiday? 4 I’d help you with your homework if I know / knew more about geography. 5 I’ll go on holiday with my parents if they’d decided / they decide to go in August. 6 We could always go to the cinema if we finish / finished our homework in time. 7 I will / would be so pleased if they accept my invitation. 7

P H OTO C O P I A B L E

Matrix Pre-Intermediate

Test 1key Answer Test 1

Speaking

1 1 g 2 e 3 b 4 a 5 d 6 c 2 1 speak 2 says 3 Tell 4 talk 3 1 translate 2 disappear 3 care 4 survive 5 revise

Assessment guidelines Suggested rating: 1–5. Each student is awarded the following profile description according to his / her participation in the role-play.

6 repeat

4 1 memory 2 repetition 3 revision 4 study 5 practise

5 1 use 2 sends 3 are you looking 4 are studying 5 has 6 Does Lucy walk 7 am getting 8 don’t know 9 are spending 10 watches 11 don’t understand

6 1 d 2 h 3 f 4 g 5 c 6 b 7 a 8 e 7 1 d 2 h 3 f 4 g 5 c 6 b 7 a 8 e Speaking Assessment guidelines Suggested rating: 1–5. Each student is awarded the following profile description according to his / her participation in the role-play. Teachers can use their judgement in deciding which of the good (4–5) and inadequate (1–2) marks students should be awarded. Good: 4–5 participates effectively in the role-play, asking and answering questions appropriately and confidently. Use of grammatical structures is mostly accurate. Adequate: 3 participates satisfactorily in most of the role-play by asking and answering questions. Some errors in the use of grammatical structures occur. Inadequate: 1–2 has difficulty participating in the role-play and asking and answering questions. The use of grammatical structures is frequently inaccurate.

Test 2 1 1 F 2 T 3 F 4 T 5 F 6 F 7 T 2 1 well built 2 negative 3 ashamed 4 poor 5 similar 6 tiny

3 1 successful 2 determination 3 ambitious 4 lucky 5 talent

6 disciplined

4 1 a 2 c 3 a 4 b 5 c 6 b 5 1 was 2 was doing 3 rang 4 had 5 invited 6 finished 7 left 8 was sleeping 9 went 10 could not / couldn’t 11 was playing 12 was not / wasn’t

6 1 Line 2 ‘The French’ 2 Line 5 ‘the England’ 3 Line 7 ‘the English’ 4 Line 8 ‘an English films’ 5 Line 11 ‘United States’

7 1 fancy 2 on 3 at 4 Hope 5 Thanks 6 make 7 don’t 8 How

Matrix Pre-Intermediate

Good: 4–5 participates effectively in the role-play, asking and answering questions, expressing preferences and making suggestions appropriately and confidently. Use of grammatical structures is mostly accurate. Adequate: 3 participates satisfactorily in most of the role-play by asking and answering questions, expressing preferences and making suggestions. Some errors in the use of grammatical structures occur. Inadequate: 1–2 has difficulty participating in the role-play, asking and answering questions, expressing preferences and making suggestions. The use of grammatical structures is frequently inaccurate.

Test 3 1 1 c 2 f 3 a 4 b 5 e 6 d 2 1 c 2 d 3 a 4 f 5 b 6 e 3 1 got 2 made 3 got 4 make 5 got 6 made 7 made

8 makes

4 1 a 2 b 3 b 4 b 5 1 Your garden is not as small as mine. 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

The car is not as relaxing as the train. The car is not as practical as the bus. The train is not as slow as the car. The hotel is not as quiet as the campsite. I think jogging is not as good as swimming. A restaurant meal is not as cheap as a barbecue. Watching bands on TV is not as exciting as going to a live concert. 9 Being late is not as good as being early. 10 A public phone is not as convenient as a mobile.

6 1 which 2 that 3 who 4 who 5 which 6 who 7 1 young, hardworking, Polish 2 3 4 5

Delicious, home-made, lemon small, red, leather lovely, black-and-white, farm beautiful, hand-knitted, woollen

Speaking Assessment guidelines Suggested rating: 1–5. Each student is awarded the following profile description according to his / her participation in the role-play.

P H OTO C O P I A B L E

Answer key

Good: 4–5 participates effectively in the role-play, asking and answering questions when making the appointment appropriately and confidently. Use of grammatical structures is mostly accurate.

4 1 am / ’m going to eat 2 is / ’s meeting 3 will be

Adequate: 3 participates satisfactorily in most of the role-play by asking and answering questions when making the appointment. Some errors in the use of grammatical structures occur.

5 1 must / have to 2 are / ’re not allowed to

Inadequate: 1–2 has difficulty participating in the role-play, asking and answering questions, and making an appointment. The use of grammatical structures is frequently inaccurate.

Test 4 1 1 d 2 a 3 f 4 b 5 e 2 1 enormous 2 fascinated 3 freezing 4 terrifying 5 tiny

6 astonished

7 exhausted

8 terrible

3 1 terrifying 2 boring 3 exhausted 4 terrified 5 bored

6 exhausting

4 1 d 2 f 3 a 4 c 5 b 5 1 … have you listened … 2 … have never ridden … 3 5 7 9

… have visited … 4 … has made … … has not won … 6 Has your friend found …? … have / ’ve started … 8 … have / ’ve eaten … has given us … 10 Have you even been …?

6 1 Have you ever ridden …? 2 … stayed … 3 … was … 4 … have started / ’ve 5 … have decided 7 … fell 8 … have not / haven’t

3 must / have to 6 mustn’t

4 have to / must

5 have to

6 1 c 2 a 3 a 4 c 5 a 6 b 7 a 8 b 9 b 10 c Speaking Assessment guidelines Suggested rating: 1–5. Each student is awarded the following profile description according to his / her participation in the conversation. Good: 4–5 participates effectively in the activity, choosing the correct order and the correct words to complete the gaps, and reading aloud intelligibly and confidently. Adequate: 3 participates satisfactorily in the activity, generally choosing the correct order and the correct words to complete the gaps, and reading aloud without too much hesitation. Some mispronunciations may occur. Inadequate: 1–2 has difficulty participating in the activity, choosing the correct order and the correct words to complete the gaps, and reading aloud. Some utterances may be difficult to understand.

6 … tried

6 1 d 2 h 3 g 4 c 5 a 6 f 7 b 8 e Speaking Assessment guidelines Suggested rating: 1–5. Each student is awarded the following profile description according to his / her participation in the activity. Good: 4–5 participates effectively in the activity, choosing the correct words to complete the gaps, and reading aloud intelligibly and confidently. Adequate: 3 participates satisfactorily in the activity, generally choosing the correct words to complete the gaps, and reading aloud without too much hesitation. Some mispronunciations may occur. Inadequate: 1–2 has difficulty participating in the activity, choosing the correct words to complete the gaps, and reading aloud. Some words may be difficult to understand.

Test 5 1 1 d 2 b 3 f 4 a 5 g 6 e 2 1 strong 2 weather 3 pressure 4 cool 5 rain 6 foggy 7 heavy

4 ‘ll / will wear 5 I’m babysitting 6 are flying 7 is going to join 8 will be 9 having 10 ‘m / am not going to change

Achievement test 1 1 2 3 4 5

1 e

2 a

3 f

4 c

5 d

1 b

2 c

3 a

4 c

5 b

6 a

7 b

8 a

1 e

2 h

3 f

4 a

5 g 6 b

7 d

8 c

1 environment

2 melting

3 warming

9 a

10 b

4 rain

1 are becoming 2 are you reading 3 spend 4 is / ’s studying 5 were travelling 6 started

7 was

6 1 most beautiful 2 easier 3 better 4 most convenient 5 best

7 1 d 2 e 3 f 4 g 5 c 6 b 7 a 69 8 Tapescript Message one Girl: Hi! Is Bob there? Woman: Hello Sarah. Bob’s taking the dog for a walk. Girl: Oh, we arranged to meet later, but Mum and I are going to the hospital. My sister has broken her arm. Woman: Oh poor thing! Girl: Yea, she was playing football and she fell. My brother’s driving us there but the traffic’s terrible so I don’t know when I’ll be back. Please tell Bob I’ll ring him later. Woman: Of course. Girl: Thanks, Bye. Woman: Goodbye

8 widespread

3 1 weather 2 island 3 climate 4 drought 5 hill 6 Ocean 7 environment

8 forest

9 floods 10 sea

P H OTO C O P I A B L E

Matrix Pre-Intermediate

Answer key

Boy: Girl: Boy: Girl: Boy:

Oh hi Ali. It’s Chris. Is George there? No, sorry, George’s gone to the cinema with my sister. Could you give him a message? Sure. Tell him that I found his mobile at my house after he left. I’m going to my cousin's birthday party at 6, but I’ll bring it to college tomorrow. Girl: That’s great – he ‘s looked for it everywhere. He’ll be so pleased. Boy: Thanks Ali. Bye. Girl: See you. Message three Answering machine: Could you please leave your message after the long tone Girl: Maria, it’s me, Alicia. Sorry to ring so early. Look, I’m really sorry but I can’t walk to school with you today. And no, it’s not because it’s cold and raining! I’ve got a terrible cold and didn’t sleep much last night. Mum said I must stay in bed today and rest. Can you phone me tonight and tell me what the history homework is? Oh, and good luck with your presentation! Message four This is a recorded message. Tickets for The Big Band’s live concert on March 18th are now on sale. We have seats at all prices. You can come to the box office in person between 9am and 8pm. Mondays-Fridays, and from 9-1 on Saturday. If you prefer, you can book by credit card. You need to ring 0207 34684. Please have all your details ready.

1 b

2 a 3 c

4 b

Test 6 1 1 F 2 T 3 F 4 F 5 T 6 T 2 1 loads of 2 unique 3 few 4 abroad 5 Last 6 rising

7 next

8 falling 9 common 10 at home

3 1 c 2 c 3 b 4 b 5 a 4 1 e 2 a 3 d 4 f 5 b 5 1 have you been doing 2 have / ’ve been working 3 5 7 9

have not / haven’t finished 4 have not / haven’t had have / ’ve [nearly] finished 6 hadn’t / had not Have you done 8 have / ’ve you been doing ‘ve / have been studying 10 haven’t / have not started

6 1 on watching 2 of asking 3 to going 4 with hearing 5 at listening

6 incoming

7 1 3 April 2002 2 Dear 3 position 4 qualifications 5 experience 8 sincerely

6 information

7 look forward

Speaking Assessment guidelines Suggested rating: 1–5. Each student is awarded the following profile description according to his / her participation in the role-play. Good: 4–5 participates effectively in the role-play, asking and answering questions regarding an enquiry about a job appropriately and confidently. Use of grammatical structures is mostly accurate. Adequate: 3 participates satisfactorily in most of the role-play, asking and answering questions regarding an enquiry about a job. Some errors in the use of grammatical structures occur.

Matrix Pre-Intermediate

Inadequate: 1–2 has difficulty participating in the role-play, and asking and answering questions regarding an enquiry about a job. The use of grammatical structures is frequently inaccurate

Test 7 1 2 3 4

1 h 2 f 3 d

4 b

5 g 6 e

7 c

1 a

2 b

3 a

4 c

5 c

6 c

7 b

1 b

2 d

3 g

4 a 5 f

6 c

1 spectacularly 2 slightly 3 worried 5 extremely 6 difficult

8 a

4 boring

5 1 didn’t want 2 said 3 had / ’d fallen 4 had / ’d left 5 asked 6 had forgotten 7 found out 8 had not / hadn’t hurt 9 got 10 had gone

6 1 … will have more time … 2 I may start … 3 It could …

4 I will / ‘ll come

5 … I might even …

7 1 g 2 h 3 d 4 c 5 f 6 e 7 a 8 b Speaking Assessment guidelines Suggested rating: 1–5. Each student is awarded the following profile description according to his / her participation in the interview. Good: 4–5 participates effectively in the interview, exchanging information confidently. Use of grammatical structures and vocabulary is mostly accurate and appropriate. Adequate: 3 participates satisfactorily in most of the interview when exchanging information. Some errors in the use of grammatical structures and vocabulary occur. Inadequate: 1–2 has difficulty participating in the interview, and exchanging information. The use of grammatical structures and vocabulary is frequently inaccurate or inappropriate.

Test 8 1 1 A 2 B 3 A 4 B 5 A and B 6 B 7 A 8 B 2 1 b 2 b 3 a 4 b 5 a 6 a 3 1 unselfish 2 unhappy 3 irresponsible 4 untidy 5 impossible 6 illegal 7 dislike 9 irregular 10 impractical

8 impossible

4 1 g 2 i 3 e 4 h 5 b 6 j 7 e 8 f 9 d 10 a 5 1 ought to / should 2 shouldn’t 3 should / ought to 4 shouldn’t 5 shouldn’t 6 should / ought to 7 should / ought to 8 shouldn’t

6 1 c 2 g 3 a 4 e 5 b 6 f 7 d 8 h Speaking Assessment guidelines Suggested rating: 1–5. Each student is awarded the following profile description according to his / her ability to tell a story.

P H OTO C O P I A B L E

Answer key

Good: 4–5 tells the story effectively, making it more interesting by using the phrases given, and supplying a suitable ending. Use of grammatical structures and vocabulary is mostly accurate and appropriate. Adequate: 3 tells the story satisfactorily, making it more interesting by using some of the phrases given, and supplying an ending. Some errors in the use of grammatical structures and vocabulary occur. Inadequate: 1–2 has difficulty telling the story, making it more interesting, and supplying an ending. The use of grammatical structures and vocabulary is frequently inaccurate or inappropriate.

Test 9 1 1 F 2 T 3 T 4 T 5 F 6 F 2 1 made up 2 set up 3 come up with 4 came out 5 found out

Test 10 1 1 The 19th century 2 Number 1, The Poultry 3 The River Walbrook 4 Around 30 5 Marc Brunel 6 1825 7 1840 8 40 9 British Museum

2 1 Face the camera and smile! 2 We set off in the middle of the night. 3 Alice was grinning from ear to ear… 4 Old Mrs. Robbins found it hard to make her way along the icy road. 5 China manufactures a lot of toys.

3 1 tour 2 ride 3 miss 4 package 5 sightseeing 6 catch

4 1 Travel 2 trip 3 journey 4 journey 5 trip 5 1 Isabella told her parents that she wanted ... 2 3 4 5 6

3 1 (atX) during 2 (duringX) until 3 (onX) by 4 (duringX) for 5 (atX) in 8 (duringX) until

6 (inX) on 7 (InX) During

4 1 I was sent … 2 … are often used … 3 5 7 9

… was won by … 4 … was taken … … is said that … 6 … of rice is grown … … was discovered … 8 … were sent … … of chocolate eggs are bought

5 1 e 2 d 3 a 4 c 5 b 6 1 alex.morland@telecom.com 2 joe.brown@clara.co.uk 3 Skating 4 Joe 5 Hi, how are you? 6 Can you come skating on 7 Saturday? 8 Give me a ring. 9 Alex

Speaking Assessment guidelines Suggested rating: 1–5. Each student is awarded the following profile description according to his / her participation in the information exchange. Good: 4–5 participates effectively in the information exchange, talking about memories for about a minute, and answering and asking questions correctly and confidently. Use of grammatical structures and vocabulary is mostly accurate and appropriate. Adequate: 3 participates satisfactorily in most of the information exchange, talking about memories, and answering and asking questions. May talk for less than a minute. Some errors in the use of grammatical structures and vocabulary occur. Inadequate: 1–2 has difficulty participating in the information exchange, talking about memories, and answering and asking questions. May talk for considerably less than a minute. The use of grammatical structures and vocabulary is frequently inaccurate or inappropriate.

P H OTO C O P I A B L E

7 drive 8 flight

7 8 9 10

Donald told his sister that he had bought … Katy asked Ben whether Jamie was coming … I asked my parents what they wanted … My little brothers told me that they had bought … Tom said that he was still thinking about what he wanted … My dad told me that Mum was doing … My mum asked me if I could help her choose … Robin told Daniel that he had opened … Jamie asked Katy if she would like to go …

6 1 e 2 a 3 d 4 c 5 b 7 1 d 2 h 3 g 4 a 5 i 6 f 7 c 8 b Speaking Assessment guidelines Suggested rating: 1–5. Each student is awarded the following profile description according to his / her participation in the role-play. Good: 4–5 participates effectively in the role-play, asking and answering questions regarding booking tickets appropriately and confidently. Use of grammatical structures is mostly accurate. Adequate: 3 participates satisfactorily in most of the role-play, asking and answering questions regarding booking tickets. Some errors in the use of grammatical structures occur. Inadequate: 1–2 has difficulty participating in the role-play, and asking and answering questions regarding booking tickets. The use of grammatical structures is frequently inaccurate.

Achievement test 2 1 1 B 2 B 3 A 4 A&B 5 B 6 A 7 B 8 A 2 1 a 2 c 3 b 4 c 5 b 6 a 7 b 8 c 9 b 10 c 3 1 extremely 2 puzzling 3 incorrect 4 dislike 5 quietly

6 slightly

4 1 built 2 have not / haven’t done 3 has not / hasn’t finished 4 learned 6 had told 7 arrived … had left

5 have you been

Matrix Pre-Intermediate

Answer key

5 1 I’ll pick you up 2 I’d ring 3 go 4 I knew 5 they decide

6 we finish

7 I will

6 1 e 2 h 3 b 4 f 5 d 6 c 7 a 8 g 70 7 Tapescript Speaker 1 I’ll never forget my first baby-sitting job. I was looking after two little boys they were so naughty. Every time I put them into bed, they got out again. Finally I decided to let them watch a video, to make them sleepy. But it was me that was exhausted. When their parents returned, we were all in front of the television. The boys were eating popcorn and I – well I was fast asleep! Speaker 2 My worst experience was as a waiter in our local café. This man came in – he was smartly dressed - and ordered breakfast. I knocked over his cup of coffee while I was putting his food on the table. It was awful. The coffee went everywhere. He was very angry and I lost half my wages for that day as my boss had to pay for the man's trousers to be cleaned. Speaker 3 I once worked in a clothes shop. A lady came in and tried on a bright red dress. I told her it looked very elegant – anyway, she bought it. I thought she had left the shop and said to the other assistant, "That woman looked like a tomato in that dress!" I turned and she was standing behind me. I felt awful. She said nothing. If only I had kept my mouth shut! Speaker 4 I was skiing with some friends who were better than me. I was going extremely slowly and kept falling. Finally, I was so frightened and cross that I just sat down in the snow, and didn't move. A man came up to me with his five-year-old son, and said. ‘Don’t worry, follow us." We got down the slope OK, but all my friends were watching as I arrived, skiing after this tiny child! 1e 2d 3a 4c

Matrix Pre-Intermediate

P H OTO C O P I A B L E

Maxwell-Hyslop Gude

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Matrix

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Pre-Intermediate Tests

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Acknowledgements The authors and publisher are grateful to those who have given permission to reproduce the following extracts and adaptations of copyright material: p16 ‘Interview with Lucy Horwood’ by Nerys Lloyd-Pierce © The Observer (Sports Monthly) April 2002. Reproduced by permission. p22 ‘The Underground City’ from www.heritagemagazine.co.uk © Romsey Publishing Group. Reproduced by permission.

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