Grammar & Vocabulary • Reading • Writing • Speaking — Listening removed
Hi Laura,
I've just started my new job. The office is quite small, but everyone is very (1) ______. My manager has already given me several projects to (2) ______, so I'm quite busy. Fortunately, my colleagues are always willing to (3) ______ advice when I need it. I'm still getting (4) ______ to the new computer system, but I think I'll learn it quickly. Overall, I'm really (5) ______ I accepted the job.
Put sentences A–F into the correct order.
A. After several meetings, they finally received permission to use an empty piece of land.
B. Within a few months, residents were growing vegetables, herbs and flowers there.
C. A group of neighbours wanted to improve their local area.
D. They therefore decided to create a community garden.
E. The project also helped people who had rarely spoken before to become friends.
F. First, however, they had to find a suitable location.
A. As a result, she gradually became more confident using digital tools.
B. At first, Maria found online learning surprisingly difficult.
C. After a few weeks, however, she developed a regular study routine.
D. She was often distracted by messages and household tasks.
E. She also began turning off her phone during lessons.
F. By the end of the course, she preferred some aspects of online study to classroom learning.
AFor much of their history, public libraries were primarily places where people borrowed books. Their main purpose was to provide access to information that many individuals could not afford to purchase themselves. Although books remain important, modern libraries are increasingly expected to perform a much wider range of functions.
BOne major change has resulted from digital technology. Many libraries now provide free internet access, computers and online databases. For people without reliable internet connections at home, these services can be essential when applying for jobs, completing school assignments or accessing government services.
CLibraries have also become places for learning outside formal education. Some organise language classes, computer workshops and sessions on financial literacy. These activities are particularly valuable to adults who may not have had opportunities to develop such skills earlier in life.
DAnother important function is social. In many cities, people have few public places where they can spend time without being expected to buy something. Libraries provide such spaces. Older people, parents with young children and people who work remotely may all use libraries as places to meet others.
EThese new roles have created challenges. Libraries are often expected to provide more services despite limited budgets. Staff members may need new skills, while buildings designed mainly to store books may require substantial changes. Some critics therefore argue that libraries are attempting to do too much.
FOthers disagree. They argue that adapting is necessary because people now obtain information in very different ways. If libraries focused only on lending printed books, fewer people might use them, making it difficult to justify continued public investment.
GThe future of public libraries will probably involve balancing traditional and newer functions. Printed books are unlikely to disappear entirely, but libraries may increasingly be judged by their contribution to digital access, education and community life rather than simply by the number of books they lend.
i. Financial and practical difficulties
ii. A place where spending money is unnecessary
iii. The original function of libraries
iv. Why adaptation may ensure survival
v. Libraries replacing schools
vi. Access to technology
vii. A broader measure of future success
viii. Opportunities for adult learning
Why did you join the photography club, and what would you like to learn?
Write about 30–40 words for each answer.
Do you think smartphones have made photography better or worse? Why?
What makes a photograph memorable?
Should people ask permission before photographing strangers in public places?
Unfortunately, next Saturday's outdoor photography trip has been cancelled because the weather forecast predicts heavy rain. Instead, we will hold an indoor workshop. Members who have already paid may either attend the workshop or request a refund.
Write to a friend who planned to attend with you. Explain how you feel and what you plan to do.
Write to the club organiser. Include your reaction to the change; whether you will attend the workshop; what you would like the workshop to cover; and one suggestion for rearranging the outdoor trip.
Prepare for 1 minute, then speak for up to 2 minutes.
Automatic marking covers Grammar & Vocabulary and Reading only. Writing and Speaking require teacher/self assessment.
Objective score: not checked yet.