Nec Mock test - 140221

Part 1. (10 pts) You will hear part of a discussion between two well-known business people, Sam Boland
and Jimmy Glynn, and a radio current affairs show host about a recent newspaper article on the subject
of jobless graduation. For questions 1-5, choose the answer (A, B, C, or D) which fits best according to what you hear.
1. What does Jimmy say about the qualifications graduate jobseekers have?
A. they help them avoid having to take 'survival jobs'
B. few graduates are sufficiently qualified for the jobs available
C. few degrees teach skills relevant in the workplace
D. they are not really an advantage in the present job market
2. Why is Sam wary of employing graduates in his own company?
A. their superior performance can lead to workplace hostility
B. they can have a damaging effect on the chemistry of their team
C. he prefers to hire unskilled workers and invest in training
D. they only accept positions above lesser-skilled employees
3. In what respect have things changed since the speakers were job-seeking graduates?
A. jobseekers used not to lie about their qualifications
B. jobseekers used to pretend they had better qualifications
C. jobseekers used to be far fresher and more enthusiastic
D. jobseekers used not to mind dumbing down their CVs
4. Why does Jimmy have some sympathy for graduates?
A. he admires their sense of entitlement
B. they were too young to understand what they voted for
C. they have accumulated huge debts at college
D. they are victims of other people's incompetence.
5. Jimmy believes that college-goers of the future should
A. not rule out the Arts and Humanities.
B. work for foreign in preference to local firms
C. choose their courses of study carefully.
D. be selective about where they study. Your answers: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Part 2. (10 pts) You will hear an interview with a psychologist about friendships. For questions 6-10,
listen and decide whether the following sentences are true (T) or false (F).
6. According to the presenter, we have to adjust our friendship as our lives changes.
7. Barbara warns that foul-weather friends never want you to be happy.
8. The danger of a trophy friend is that he/she will inhibit your social life.
9. A sisterly friend will be as close to your family as she is to you.
10. According to Barbara, a good friend doesn’t expend too much of your time and energy. Your answers: 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.
Part 3. (10 pts) You will hear a talk about an investigation into obesity. For questions 11-15, listen and
answer the following questions with NO MORE THAN FOUR WORDS. Write your answer in the space provided.
11. What are less common within the family?
____________________________________
12. What can make people eat more than their need?
____________________________________
13. What kind of emotions can affect people’s eating habits?
____________________________________
14. Who are more likely to eat more due to negative emotions?
____________________________________
15. What will the researchers continue to investigate in the coming week?
____________________________________
Part 4. (20 pts) You will hear a piece of news. For questions 16-25, listen and complete the summary with
NO MORE THAN FOUR WORDS. Write your answer in the space provided.
Nowadays, it is possible to donate money thousands of charities round the world to help people, animals and places.
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals aimed to enhance 16.
_________________________ in any country. More than three hundred inspectors were employed in England and Wales to examine 17. _________________________.
The Royal National Institute of the Blind, which is Britain’s top charity for the blind, confronts 18.
_________________________ of sight loss by helping the blind lead a normal life. The organisation also
works on the underlying causes of the disability to achieve its 19. _________________________.
TBG is the acronym of 20. _________________________ which aims to improve the local environment
quality. The TBG and its sister organisation, Going for Green, 21. _________________________ and have the same Chief Executive.
Mencap helps people with learning disabilities who are disadvantaged due to unfair treatment and lack of
22. _________________________. It also provides support and advice for families and 23. _________________________.
EveryChild believes that every child has the right to grow up and develop in a secure, safe, family
environment, free 24. _________________________. EveryChild identifies the needs of a particular
community, sets up the projects so that they are self running, then moves on to new projects, leaving things in 25. _________________________.
B. VOCABULARY AND GRAMMAR (30 pts)
Part 1. (10 pts) Choose the word/ phrase that best completes each of the following sentences. Write your
answer in the space provided.
1. Our lecturer _______ the importance of taking notes A. reincarnated B. reiterated C. rehabilitated D. reciprocated
2. The contemporary dialogue for me struck a slightly _______ note. A. disembodied B. discordant C. dismissive D. disconcerting
3. Both of the jobs I’ve been offered are fantastic opportunities – I’m in such _______! A. a constituency B. a deviation C. an arrhythmia D. a quandary
4. Sharon is such a positive person – she _______ her problems, whatever they are. A. goes light on B. throws light to C. makes light of D. sheds light upon
5. After hearing news of the attack, the general made plans for an immediate _______ against the enemy. A. compilation B. retaliation C. accumulation D. incantation
6. He didn’t mean to be offensive; it was quite an _______ remark. A. innocuous B. indehiscent C. incendiary D. insidious
7. Serena is still _______ ignorant of the fact that she is about to be made redundant. A. blissfully B. decorously C. jubilantly D. ecstatically
8. No decision has been taken about the building of the new airport. The authorities are still _______. A. beating about the bush
B. comparing apples and oranges C. sitting on the fence D. holding all the aces
9. Oil spills will _______ even the healthiest of marine ecosystem. A. play havoc on B. break ground with C. pay the consequences for D. take their toll on
10. Congratulations on your success! How does it feel to be_______? A. the man of the hour B. a word of honor C. an egg on the face D. the top of the morning Your answers: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.
Part 2. (5 pts) Complete each of the following sentences with a suitable preposition or particle. Write
your answer in the space provided.
1. The two countries met at the conference to iron _______ their differences.
2. He tried to paper _______ the country’s deep-seated problems
3. The party ended just as she arrived, much _______ her chagrin.
4. Linda chats so much, she could talk the hind leg _______ a donkey.
5. I’m going to put my head _______ for a while as I feel very tired.
Part 3. Complete the text by writing the correct form of the word in capitals. (10 pts)
Complaining can be used constructively, for example to draw attention to (0. EFFICIENT)
____inefficiency____ but all too often in western society it consists of (1. SOCIAL) _______________
moaning and groaning which leads to (2. TRUST) _______________ and unnecessary arguments within
relationships. So it is refreshing to live in a society where people do not complain, Kiribati consists of thirty-
three small islands located, in the Central Pacific. By western standards, the islanders, diet is plain and (3.
TONE) _______________, but, thanks to plentiful fish, none of the islanders suffer from (4. NUTRIENT)
_______________. Feasts are popular social occasions, but if the fish is (5. DO) _______________ or the rice
proves to be (6. EAT) _______________, nobody complains. Similarly, in restaurants, if the waiter brings the
wrong dish or the bill is (7. CALCULATE) _______________, the error is pointed out with a calm smile, not a
surly frown. Ships requently leave hours later than scheduled, yet the passengers wait with none of the signs of
impatience which would be loudly evident elsewhere.
Other traits of the Kiribati people complement this (8. INCLINE) _______________ to complain.
Teachers find it difficult to get their pupils to answer questions in class because it is culturally unacceptable to
show yourselves to be better than those around you. Competition is not exactly frowned upon in this society,
but it is refreshingly (9. CHARACTER) _______________. Western tennis stars, well-known for their
immodest behaviour on court, could learn a lot from one young (10. FINAL) _______________ here who,
despite being the better player, deliberately lost the match as his opponent was an older and more respected, member of the village.
C. READING COMPREHENSION (60 pts)
Part 1. (10 pts) For each gap, choose the correct answer A, B, C or D which best fits the context. Write
your answer in the space provided.
Environmental Issues in the Developing World
The issues for 1.______ economies are a little more straightforward. The desire to build on undeveloped land is
not 2.__________out of desperation or necessity, but is a result of the relentless march of progress. Cheap
labour and a relatively highly-skilled workforce make these countries highly competitive and there is a flood of
inward investment, particularly from 3._____________ looking to take advantage of the low wages before the
cost and standard of living begin to rise. It is factors such as these that are making many Asian economies
extremely attractive when viewed as investment opportunities at the moment. Similarly, in Africa, the relative
4.__________ of precious metals and natural resources tends to attract a lot of 5.__________ companies and a
whole sub-industry develops around and is completely dependent on this foreign-direct investment, it is
understandable that countries that are the focus of this sort of attention can lose sight of the environmental
implications of large-scale industrial development, and this can have devastating consequences for the natural
world. And it is a 6.__________ cycle because the more industrially active a nation becomes, the greater the
demand for and harvesting of natural resources. For some, the environmental issues, though they can hardly be
ignored, are viewed as a 7.__________ concern. Indeed, having an environmental conscience or taking
environmental matters into consideration when it comes to decisions on whether or not to build rubber-tree
8.__________or grow biofuel crops would be quite 9.__________indeed. For those involved in such schemes it
is a pretty black-and-white issue. And, for vast 10.__________of land in Latin America, for example, it is clear
that the welfare of the rainforests matters little to local government when vast sums of money can be made from cultivating the land. 1. A. emerging B. decimating C. diverging D. garnishing 2. A. grown B. born C. bred D. arisen 3. A. multinationals B. nationals C. continentals D. intercontinentals 4. A. premonition B. abundance C. amplitude D. accumulation 5. A. exploitation B. exploration C. surveyance D. research 6. A. vacuous B. viscous C. vexatious D. vicious 7. A. parallel B. extrinsic C. peripheral D. exponential 8. A. plantations B. homesteads C. ranches D. holdings 9. A. proscriptive B. prohibitive C. prospective D. imperative 10. A. regions B. plots C. tracts D. sectors Your answers 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.
Part 2. (10 pts) Read the text below and think of one word which best fits each space. Use only ONE
WORD for each space. Write your answer in the space provided.
From Royalist to Republican
Erskine Childers was not what you would call your (1) _______ Irish freedom fighter, A Briton by
birth, and a proud (2) _______ at that – for most of the early years of his life, Childers was a decorated soldier
of the British Admiralty (3) _______ had demonstrated unwavering commitment and loyalty to both king and
country. And yet, somewhere along the way, disillusionment (4) _______ in. While it is difficult to pinpoint the
precise moment when doubt started to creep into Childers' mind (5) _______ to whether his loyalty was
misguided, what was essentially a complete philosophy shift - a total realignment of ideals – did occur. Childers went from (6) _______ a royalist to a staunch nationalist,
obsessed with the cause of Irish freedom. He befriended the (7) _______ of Eamon DeVelera and Michael
Collins, key figures in the Irish Republican camp, and even went so far as to ship illegal
armaments to the leaders of the ill-fated Easter Rising of 1916, which was easily put (8) _______ by the British
army. Later, he would fight on the side of the Irish rebels in the War of Independence,
(9) _______ an uneasy truce was agreed between Britain and Ireland. Eventually, a treaty was signed
partitioning the country. For Childers, by now totally devoted to the cause of Irish freedom and the notion of a
united Ireland, partition was (10) _______ bitter a pill to swallow.
Part 3. (15 pts) Read the passage and choose the best answer to each of the questions. Write your answer in the space provided. The Origins of Theater
In seeking to describe the origins of theater,
A closely related theory sees theater as
one must rely primarily on speculation, since there is
evolving out of dances that are primarily pantomimic,
little concrete evidence on which to draw. The most
rhythmical or gymnastic, or from imitations of animal
widely accepted theory, championed by
noises and sounds. Admiration for the performer’s
anthropologists in the late nineteenth and early
skill, virtuosity, and grace are seen as motivation for
twentieth centuries, envisions theater as emerging out
elaborating the activities into fully realized theatrical
of myth and ritual. The process perceived by these performances.
anthropologists may be summarized briefly. During
In addition to exploring the possible
the early stages of its development, a society becomes
antecedents of theater, scholars have also theorized
aware of forces that appear to influence or control its
about the motives that led people to develop theater.
food supply and well-being. Having little
Why did theater develop, and why was it valued after
understanding of natural causes, it attributes both
it ceased to fulfill the function of ritual? Most answers
desirable and undesirable occurrences to supernatural
fall back on the theories about the human mind and
or magical forces, and it searches for means to win the
basic human needs. One, set forth by Aristotle in the
favor of these forces. Perceiving an apparent
fourth century B.C., sees humans as naturally
connection between certain actions performed by the
imitative—as taking pleasure in imitating persons,
group and the result it desires, the group repeats,
things, and actions and in seeing such imitations.
refines and formalizes those actions into fixed
Another, advanced in the twentieth century, suggests ceremonies, or rituals.
that humans have a gift for fantasy, through which
Stories (myths) may then grow up around a
they seek to reshape reality into more satisfying forms
ritual. Frequently the myths include representatives of
than those encountered in daily life. Thus, fantasy or
those supernatural forces that the rites celebrate or
fiction (of which drama is one form) permits people to
hope to influence. Performers may wear costumes and
objectify their anxieties and fears, confront them, and
masks to represent the mythical characters or
fulfill their hopes in fiction if not fact. The theater,
supernatural forces in the rituals or in accompanying
then, is one tool whereby people define and
celebrations. As a person becomes more sophisticated,
understand their world or escape from unpleasant
its conceptions of supernatural forces and causal realities.
relationships may change. As a result, it may abandon
But neither the human imitative instinct nor a
or modify some rites. But the myths that have grown
penchant for fantasy by itself leads to an autonomous
up around the rites may continue as part of the
theater. Therefore, additional explanations are needed.
group’s oral tradition and may even come to be acted
One necessary condition seems to be a somewhat
out under conditions divorced from these rites. When
detached view of human problems. For example, one
this occurs, the first step has been taken toward
sign of this condition is the appearance of the comic
theater as an autonomous activity, and thereafter
vision, since comedy requires sufficient detachment to
entertainment and aesthetic values may gradually
view some deviations from social norms as ridiculous
replace the former mystical and socially efficacious
rather than as serious threats to the welfare of the concerns.
entire group. Another condition that contributes to the
Although origin in ritual has long been the
development of autonomous theater is the emergence
most popular, it is by no means the only theory about
of the aesthetic sense. For example, some early
how the theater came into being. Storytelling has been
societies ceased to consider certain rites essential to
proposed as one alternative. Under this theory,
their well-being and abandoned them, nevertheless,
relating and listening to stories are seen as
they retained as parts of their oral tradition the myths
fundamental human pleasures. Thus, the recalling of
that had grown up around the rites and admired them
an event (a hunt, battle, or other feat) is elaborated
for their artistic qualities rather than for their
through the narrator’s pantomime and impersonation religious usefulness.
and eventually through each role being assumed by a different person.
1. The world “championed” in the passage is closest in meaning to A. changed B. debated C. created D. supported
2. The world “attributes” in the passage is closest in meaning to A. ascribes B. leaves C. limits D. contrasts
3. According to paragraph 1, theories of the origins of theater
A. are mainly hypothetical
B. are well supported by factual evidence
C. have rarely been agreed upon by anthropologists D. were expressed in the early stages of theater’s development
4. According to paragraph 1, why did some societies develop and repeat ceremonial actions?
A. To establish a positive connection between the members of the society
B. To help society members better understand the forces controlling their food supply
C. To distinguish their beliefs from those of other societies
D. To increase the society’s prosperity
5. The word “autonomous” in the passage is closest meaning to A. artistic B. important C. independent D. established
6. According to paragraph 2, what may cause societies to abandon certain rites?
A. Emphasizing theater as entertainment
B. Developing a new understanding of why events occur
C. Finding a more sophisticated way of representing mythical characters
D. Moving from a primarily oral tradition to a more written tradition
7. All of the following are mentioned in paragraph 5 as possible reasons that led societies to develop theater EXCEPT:
A. Theater allows people to face what they are afraid of.
B. Theater gives an opportunity to imagine a better reality.
C. Theater is a way to enjoy imitating other people.
D. Theater provides people the opportunity to better understand the human mind.
8. Which of the following best describes the organization of paragraph 5?
A. The author presents two theories for a historical phenomenon.
B. The author argues against theories expressed earlier in the passage.
C. The author argues for replacing older theories with a new one.
D. The author points out problems with two popular theories.
9. The word “penchant” in the passage is closest in meaning to A. compromise B. inclination C. tradition D. respect
10. Which of the sentences below best expresses the essential information in the italic sentence in the
passage? Incorrect choices change the meaning in important ways or leave out essential information.
A. A society’s rites were more likely to be retained in the oral tradition if its myths were admired for artistic qualities.
B. The artistic quality of a myth was sometimes an essential reason for a society to abandon it from the oral tradition.
C. Some early societies stopped using myths in their religious practices when rites ceased to be seen as useful for social well-being.
D. Myths sometimes survived in a society’s tradition because of their artistic qualities even after they were no
longer deemed religiously beneficial. Your answers: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.
Part 3. (15 pts) Read the following passage and do the tasks that follows. Write your answer in the space provided. Mutual harm
on alfalfa plants. In China, around the rs
 t century AD, author of Shennong Ben Cao Jing
described 267 plants that have the abilitry to kill pests.
C Allolopathy can be observed in many aspects of plant ecology. It can a!ect where
certain species of plant grow, the fertility of competitor plants, the natural change of plant
communities over time, which plant species are able to dominate a particular area, and
the diversity of plants in an area. Plants can release allelopathic chemicals in several
ways: their roots can release chemicals directly into the soil , and their bark and leaves
can release chemicals into the soil as they rot. Initially, scientists were interested in the
negative e!ects of allelopathic chemicals. Observations of the phenomenon included poor
growth of some forest trees, damage to crops, changes in vegetation patterns and,
interestingly, the occurrence of weed – free areas. It was also realized that some species could have bene c
 ial e!ects on agricultural crop plants and the possible application of
allelopathy became the subject of research.
D Today research is focused on the e!ects of weeds on crops, the e!ects of crops on
weeds, and how certain crops a!ect other crops. Agricultural scientists are exploring the
use of allelochemicals to regulate growth and to act as natural herbicides, thereby
promoting sustainable agriculture by by using these natural chemicals as an alternative to
man-made chemicals. For example, a small fast-growing tree found in Central America,
sometimes called ‘miracle tree’, contains a poison that slows the growth of other trees but
does not a!ect its own seeds. Chemicals produced by this tree have been shown to
improve the production of rice. Similarly, box elder – another tree – stimulates the growth
of bluestem grass, which is tall prairie grass found in the mid-western United States. Many
weeds may use allelopathy to become ecologically successful; a study in china found that
25 out of 33 highly poisonous weeds had signi c
 ant allelopathic properties.
E There may be at least three applications of allelopathy to agriculture. Firstly, the
allelopathic properties of wild or cultivated plants may be bred into crop plants through genetic modi c
 ation or traditional breeding methods to improve the release of desired
allelochemicals and thus improve crop yield. Secondly, a plant with strong allelopathic
properties could be used to control weeds by planting it in rotation with an agriculture crop
and then leaving it to rot and become part of the soil in order to inhibit the growth of
weeds. Finally, naturally occurring allelopathic chemicals could be used in combination
with man-madechemicals. Boosting the e@ciency of man-made herbicides could lead to
reduction in the amount of herbicides used in agriculture, which is better for the environment.
F Despite the promising uses of allelopathic chemicals, agricultural scientists are still
cautious. Firstly, allelopathic chemicals may break down and disappear in the soil more easily than arti c
 ial chemicals. Secondly, allelopathic chemicals may be harmful to plants
other than weeds. Thirdly, allelopathic chemicals could persist in the soil for a long time
and may a!ect crops grown in the same e
 ld as the allelopathic plants at a later date.
Because the e!ects of allelopathic chemicals are not yet fully known, agriculture scientists
will need to continue to study the biological war between plants
on alfalfa plants. In China, around the rs
 t century AD, author of Shennong Ben Cao Jing
described 267 plants that have the abilitry to kill pests.
C Allolopathy can be observed in many aspects of plant ecology. It can a!ect where
certain species of plant grow, the fertility of competitor plants, the natural change of plant
communities over time, which plant species are able to dominate a particular area, and
the diversity of plants in an area. Plants can release allelopathic chemicals in several
ways: their roots can release chemicals directly into the soil , and their bark and leaves
can release chemicals into the soil as they rot. Initially, scientists were interested in the
negative e!ects of allelopathic chemicals. Observations of the phenomenon included poor
growth of some forest trees, damage to crops, changes in vegetation patterns and,
interestingly, the occurrence of weed – free areas. It was also realized that some species could have bene c
 ial e!ects on agricultural crop plants and the possible application of
allelopathy became the subject of research.
D Today research is focused on the e!ects of weeds on crops, the e!ects of crops on
weeds, and how certain crops a!ect other crops. Agricultural scientists are exploring the
use of allelochemicals to regulate growth and to act as natural herbicides, thereby
promoting sustainable agriculture by by using these natural chemicals as an alternative to
man-made chemicals. For example, a small fast-growing tree found in Central America,
sometimes called ‘miracle tree’, contains a poison that slows the growth of other trees but
does not a!ect its own seeds. Chemicals produced by this tree have been shown to
improve the production of rice. Similarly, box elder – another tree – stimulates the growth
of bluestem grass, which is tall prairie grass found in the mid-western United States. Many
weeds may use allelopathy to become ecologically successful; a study in china found that
25 out of 33 highly poisonous weeds had signi c
 ant allelopathic properties.
E There may be at least three applications of allelopathy to agriculture. Firstly, the
allelopathic properties of wild or cultivated plants may be bred into crop plants through genetic modi c
 ation or traditional breeding methods to improve the release of desired
allelochemicals and thus improve crop yield. Secondly, a plant with strong allelopathic
properties could be used to control weeds by planting it in rotation with an agriculture crop
and then leaving it to rot and become part of the soil in order to inhibit the growth of
weeds. Finally, naturally occurring allelopathic chemicals could be used in combination
with man-madechemicals. Boosting the e@ciency of man-made herbicides could lead to
reduction in the amount of herbicides used in agriculture, which is better for the environment.
F Despite the promising uses of allelopathic chemicals, agricultural scientists are still
cautious. Firstly, allelopathic chemicals may break down and disappear in the soil more easily than arti c
 ial chemicals. Secondly, allelopathic chemicals may be harmful to plants
other than weeds. Thirdly, allelopathic chemicals could persist in the soil for a long time
and may a!ect crops grown in the same e
 ld as the allelopathic plants at a later date.
Because the e!ects of allelopathic chemicals are not yet fully known, agriculture scientists
will need to continue to study the biological war between plants
on alfalfa plants. In China, around the rs
 t century AD, author of Shennong Ben Cao Jing
described 267 plants that have the abilitry to kill pests.
C Allolopathy can be observed in many aspects of plant ecology. It can a!ect where
certain species of plant grow, the fertility of competitor plants, the natural change of plant
communities over time, which plant species are able to dominate a particular area, and
the diversity of plants in an area. Plants can release allelopathic chemicals in several
ways: their roots can release chemicals directly into the soil , and their bark and leaves
can release chemicals into the soil as they rot. Initially, scientists were interested in the
negative e!ects of allelopathic chemicals. Observations of the phenomenon included poor
growth of some forest trees, damage to crops, changes in vegetation patterns and,
interestingly, the occurrence of weed – free areas. It was also realized that some species could have bene c
 ial e!ects on agricultural crop plants and the possible application of
allelopathy became the subject of research.
D Today research is focused on the e!ects of weeds on crops, the e!ects of crops on
weeds, and how certain crops a!ect other crops. Agricultural scientists are exploring the
use of allelochemicals to regulate growth and to act as natural herbicides, thereby
promoting sustainable agriculture by by using these natural chemicals as an alternative to
man-made chemicals. For example, a small fast-growing tree found in Central America,
sometimes called ‘miracle tree’, contains a poison that slows the growth of other trees but
does not a!ect its own seeds. Chemicals produced by this tree have been shown to
improve the production of rice. Similarly, box elder – another tree – stimulates the growth
of bluestem grass, which is tall prairie grass found in the mid-western United States. Many
weeds may use allelopathy to become ecologically successful; a study in china found that
25 out of 33 highly poisonous weeds had signi c
 ant allelopathic properties.
E There may be at least three applications of allelopathy to agriculture. Firstly, the
allelopathic properties of wild or cultivated plants may be bred into crop plants through genetic modi c
 ation or traditional breeding methods to improve the release of desired
allelochemicals and thus improve crop yield. Secondly, a plant with strong allelopathic
properties could be used to control weeds by planting it in rotation with an agriculture crop
and then leaving it to rot and become part of the soil in order to inhibit the growth of
weeds. Finally, naturally occurring allelopathic chemicals could be used in combination
with man-madechemicals. Boosting the e@ciency of man-made herbicides could lead to
reduction in the amount of herbicides used in agriculture, which is better for the environment.
F Despite the promising uses of allelopathic chemicals, agricultural scientists are still
cautious. Firstly, allelopathic chemicals may break down and disappear in the soil more easily than arti c
 ial chemicals. Secondly, allelopathic chemicals may be harmful to plants
other than weeds. Thirdly, allelopathic chemicals could persist in the soil for a long time
and may a!ect crops grown in the same e
 ld as the allelopathic plants at a later date.
Because the e!ects of allelopathic chemicals are not yet fully known, agriculture scientists
will need to continue to study the biological war between plants.
on alfalfa plants. In China, around the rs
 t century AD, author of Shennong Ben Cao Jing
described 267 plants that have the abilitry to kill pests.
C Allolopathy can be observed in many aspects of plant ecology. It can a!ect where
certain species of plant grow, the fertility of competitor plants, the natural change of plant
communities over time, which plant species are able to dominate a particular area, and
the diversity of plants in an area. Plants can release allelopathic chemicals in several
ways: their roots can release chemicals directly into the soil , and their bark and leaves
can release chemicals into the soil as they rot. Initially, scientists were interested in the
negative e!ects of allelopathic chemicals. Observations of the phenomenon included poor
growth of some forest trees, damage to crops, changes in vegetation patterns and,
interestingly, the occurrence of weed – free areas. It was also realized that some species could have bene c
 ial e!ects on agricultural crop plants and the possible application of
allelopathy became the subject of research.
D Today research is focused on the e!ects of weeds on crops, the e!ects of crops on
weeds, and how certain crops a!ect other crops. Agricultural scientists are exploring the
use of allelochemicals to regulate growth and to act as natural herbicides, thereby
promoting sustainable agriculture by by using these natural chemicals as an alternative to
man-made chemicals. For example, a small fast-growing tree found in Central America,
sometimes called ‘miracle tree’, contains a poison that slows the growth of other trees but
does not a!ect its own seeds. Chemicals produced by this tree have been shown to
improve the production of rice. Similarly, box elder – another tree – stimulates the growth
of bluestem grass, which is tall prairie grass found in the mid-western United States. Many
weeds may use allelopathy to become ecologically successful; a study in china found that
25 out of 33 highly poisonous weeds had signi c
 ant allelopathic properties.
E There may be at least three applications of allelopathy to agriculture. Firstly, the
allelopathic properties of wild or cultivated plants may be bred into crop plants through genetic modi c
 ation or traditional breeding methods to improve the release of desired
allelochemicals and thus improve crop yield. Secondly, a plant with strong allelopathic
properties could be used to control weeds by planting it in rotation with an agriculture crop
and then leaving it to rot and become part of the soil in order to inhibit the growth of
weeds. Finally, naturally occurring allelopathic chemicals could be used in combination
with man-madechemicals. Boosting the e@ciency of man-made herbicides could lead to
reduction in the amount of herbicides used in agriculture, which is better for the environment.
F Despite the promising uses of allelopathic chemicals, agricultural scientists are still
cautious. Firstly, allelopathic chemicals may break down and disappear in the soil more easily than arti c
 ial chemicals. Secondly, allelopathic chemicals may be harmful to plants
other than weeds. Thirdly, allelopathic chemicals could persist in the soil for a long time
and may a!ect crops grown in the same e
 ld as the allelopathic plants at a later date.
Because the e!ects of allelopathic chemicals are not yet fully known, agriculture scientists
will need to continue to study the biological war between plants.
on alfalfa plants. In China, around the rs
 t century AD, author of Shennong Ben Cao Jing
described 267 plants that have the abilitry to kill pests.
C Allolopathy can be observed in many aspects of plant ecology. It can a!ect where
certain species of plant grow, the fertility of competitor plants, the natural change of plant
communities over time, which plant species are able to dominate a particular area, and
the diversity of plants in an area. Plants can release allelopathic chemicals in several
ways: their roots can release chemicals directly into the soil , and their bark and leaves
can release chemicals into the soil as they rot. Initially, scientists were interested in the
negative e!ects of allelopathic chemicals. Observations of the phenomenon included poor
growth of some forest trees, damage to crops, changes in vegetation patterns and,
interestingly, the occurrence of weed – free areas. It was also realized that some species could have bene c
 ial e!ects on agricultural crop plants and the possible application of
allelopathy became the subject of research.
D Today research is focused on the e!ects of weeds on crops, the e!ects of crops on
weeds, and how certain crops a!ect other crops. Agricultural scientists are exploring the
use of allelochemicals to regulate growth and to act as natural herbicides, thereby
promoting sustainable agriculture by by using these natural chemicals as an alternative to
man-made chemicals. For example, a small fast-growing tree found in Central America,
sometimes called ‘miracle tree’, contains a poison that slows the growth of other trees but
does not a!ect its own seeds. Chemicals produced by this tree have been shown to
improve the production of rice. Similarly, box elder – another tree – stimulates the growth
of bluestem grass, which is tall prairie grass found in the mid-western United States. Many
weeds may use allelopathy to become ecologically successful; a study in china found that
25 out of 33 highly poisonous weeds had signi c
 ant allelopathic properties.
E There may be at least three applications of allelopathy to agriculture. Firstly, the
allelopathic properties of wild or cultivated plants may be bred into crop plants through genetic modi c
 ation or traditional breeding methods to improve the release of desired
allelochemicals and thus improve crop yield. Secondly, a plant with strong allelopathic
properties could be used to control weeds by planting it in rotation with an agriculture crop
and then leaving it to rot and become part of the soil in order to inhibit the growth of
weeds. Finally, naturally occurring allelopathic chemicals could be used in combination
with man-madechemicals. Boosting the e@ciency of man-made herbicides could lead to
reduction in the amount of herbicides used in agriculture, which is better for the environment.
F Despite the promising uses of allelopathic chemicals, agricultural scientists are still
cautious. Firstly, allelopathic chemicals may break down and disappear in the soil more easily than arti c
 ial chemicals. Secondly, allelopathic chemicals may be harmful to plants
other than weeds. Thirdly, allelopathic chemicals could persist in the soil for a long time
and may a!ect crops grown in the same e
 ld as the allelopathic plants at a later date.
Because the e!ects of allelopathic chemicals are not yet fully known, agriculture scientists
will need to continue to study the biological war between plants. In forests and e
 lds all over the world, plants are engaged in a deadly chemical war to
suppress other plants and create conditions for their own success. But what if we could
learn the secrets of these plants and use them for own purpose? Would it be possible to
use their strategies and weapons to help us improve agriculture by preventing weeds from
germinating and encouraging growth in crops? This possibility is leading agriculture
researchers to explore the e!ects plants have on other plants with the aim of applying their ndi  ngs to farming
A. In forests and fields all over the world, plants are engaged in a deadly chemical war to suppress other plants
and create conditions for their own success. But what if we could learn the secrets of these plants and use them
for own purpose? Would it be possible to use their strategies and weapons to help us improve agriculture by
preventing weeds from germinating and encouraging growth in crops? This possibility is leading agriculture
researchers to explore the effects plants have on other plants with the aim of applying their findings to farming.
B. The Phenomenon by which an organism produces one or more chemicals that influence the growth, survival
and reproduction of other organisms is called allelopathy. These chemicals are a subset of chemicals produced
by organism called secondary metabolites. A plant primary metabolites are associated with growth and
development. Allelochemicals, however, are part of plants defence system and have a secondary function in the
life of organism. The allelopathy comes from the Greek : allele and pathy meaning’ mutual harm’.The term was
first used by Austrian scientist Hans Molisch in 1937, but people have been noting the negative effects that one
plant can have no another for a long time. In 300 BC, the Greek philosopher Theophrastus noticed that pigweed
had a negative effect on alfalfa plants. In China, around the first century AD, author of Shennong Ben Cao Jing
described 267 plants that have the abilitry to kill pests.
C. Allolopathy can be observed in many aspects of plant ecology. It can affect where certain species of plant
grow, the fertility of competitor plants, the natural change of plant communities over time, which plant species
are able to dominate a particular area, and the diversity of plants in an area. Plants can release allelopathic
chemicals in several ways: their roots can release chemicals directly into the soil , and their bark and leaves can
release chemicals into the soil as they rot. Initially, scientists were interested in the negative effects of
allelopathic chemicals. Observations of the phenomenon included poor growth of some forest trees, damage to
crops, changes in vegetation patterns and, interestingly, the occurrence of weed – free areas. It was also realized
that some species could have beneficial effects on agricultural crop plants and the possible application of
allelopathy became the subject of research.
D. Today research is focused on the effects of weeds on crops, the effects of crops on weeds, and how certain
crops affect other crops. Agricultural scientists are exploring the use of allelochemicals to regulate growth and
to act as natural herbicides, thereby promoting sustainable agriculture by by using these natural chemicals as an
alternative to man-made chemicals. For example, a small fast-growing tree found in Central America,
sometimes called ‘miracle tree’, contains a poison that slows the growth of other trees but does not affect its
own seeds. Chemicals produced by this tree have been shown to improve the production of rice. Similarly, box
elder – another tree – stimulates the growth of bluestem grass, which is tall prairie grass found in the mid-
western United States. Many weeds may use allelopathy to become ecologically successful; a study in china
found that 25 out of 33 highly poisonous weeds had significant allelopathic properties.
E. There may be at least three applications of allelopathy to agriculture. Firstly, the allelopathic properties of
wild or cultivated plants may be bred into crop plants through genetic modification or traditional breeding
methods to improve the release of desired allelochemicals and thus improve crop yield. Secondly, a plant with
strong allelopathic properties could be used to control weeds by planting it in rotation with an agriculture crop
and then leaving it to rot and become part of the soil in order to inhibit the growth of weeds. Finally, naturally
occurring allelopathic chemicals could be used in combination with man-madechemicals. Boosting the
efficiency of man-made herbicides could lead to reduction in the amount of herbicides used in agriculture,
which is better for the environment.
F. Despite the promising uses of allelopathic chemicals, agricultural scientists are still cautious. Firstly,
allelopathic chemicals may break down and disappear in the soil more easily than artificial chemicals.
Secondly, allelopathic chemicals may be harmful to plants other than weeds. Thirdly, allelopathic chemicals
could persist in the soil for a long time and may affect crops grown in the same field as the allelopathic plants at
a later date. Because the effects of allelopathic chemicals are not yet fully known, agriculture scientists will
need to continue to study the biological war between plants.
Choose the correct heading for paragraphs B-F from the list of headings below. Write the correct
number, i-ix, next to Questions 1-5. (Example: 0. Paragraph A) List of Headings i What are metabolites?
ii The negative effects of allelopathy
iii Biological warfare in the plant world
iv Why we cannot use alleiopathic chemicals at present v What is allelopathy?
vi The reasons why plants compete with other plants
vii The effects of allelopathy and realisation of its possible uses
viii How could we use alleiopathic chemicals in farming?
ix Specific examples of alleiopathic plants
1. Paragraph B2. Paragraph C3. Paragraph D 4. Paragraph E5. Paragraph F Your answers: 0. iii 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Questions 6-10: Complete the summary below. Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the
passage for each answer. Write your answer in the space provided.
Scientists can see three potential uses of allelopathic chemicals in farming. Firstly, the ability to produce
allelopathic chemicals could be (6) ________ into agricultural crops; secondly, allelopathic plants could be
planted in rotation with the (7) ________; finally, naturally produced chemicals could be combined with (8)
________ herbicides. However, agriculturalists are still (9) ________ as allelopathic plants may have negative
effects on plants which are not the intended target and the chemicals could remain in the ground for a(n) (10)
________, even after the plants themselves have died.
Part 5 (10 pts) You are going to read the transcript of a series of interviews with ordinary people
conducted for the Have your say feature of a daily newspaper. For Questions 1-10, choose from the
people (A-D). The people may be chosen more than once. Write your answer in the space provided.
Have your say ... on the Economic Crisis A. Robert
in civil unrest in the coming months and years,
I find it infuriating to reflect on the fact that bankers,
especially if the economic crisis continues to hit
at least the ones at the top, continue to be paid huge
ordinary people hard. After all, if no one is going to
sums of money every year and receive massive
look after their interests, they will have to start
bonuses despite the fact that they are largely
looking after their own - don't be surprised to see
responsible for the poor state of health of the
protest marches in the near future, and where there are
economy, and let's not forget, the toughest and longest
large groups of unhappy people gathered together,
recession since the l930s. I mean, where is the justice
there s always a danger that the situation will descend
in that? While ordinary decent folk are losing their
into chaos. I would never condone violence, but I
jobs and struggling to put food on the table as a result
think that the more desperate people get, the more I
of problems that are no fault of their own, the very
can empathise with why they might resort to it. If you
problem-makers themselves continue to earn big
are a man who has been unemployed for over a year,
bucks. I wouldn't be surprised if there was an increase
and who has to look on helplessly as his family
disintegrates right before his very eyes, it must be
indictment of our politicians and the extent to which
awful - these people need help.
they have failed us. The people no longer see a point B. Barbara
in voting as it won't make any real difference either
The solution to our problems is very simple and I
way. Besides, nowadays, all the main parties have
blame the political system for it not having happened
centrist policies; the whole political system might just
already. Politicians, you see, are totally reliant on rich
as well join together into one big party and then we
business people to bankroll their efforts to get elected.
wouldn't even have to hold elections anymore. People
Now, ask yourself this, why on earth would a
often complain about the bankers and how they acted
businessperson donate money to a politician out of the
corruptly, and that this was the main cause of the
goodness of their heart? I mean, are we really so naive
economic crisis we are in today. Okay, fine; the
as to believe that that can actually happen. Well, just
bankers were definitely at fault, but they hardly have a
in case, let me put you straight - it can't and it doesn't.
monopoly on corruption. I mean, think about the
The only reason businesspeople give money to
expenses scandal from a couple of years ago -
politicians is in return for favours when they get into
politicians were trying to claim huge sums of money
power. And that's the problem. We have a situation
they weren't entitled to; let's not kid ourselves; the
where the government doesn't have trough money to
whole system from the top down is corrupt, not just
cover spending. The logical thing to do then would be
the bankers. They are just being made a scapegoat.
to increase taxes to generate more, and obviously this D. Mary
obligation to pay extra tax should fall on those who
I think, today, that we live in a very cynical world.
earn re most - ah, but this is where we get into
Everyone is very quick to point the finger of blame
problem territory. You can't really expect politicians
for our economic woes on anyone but themselves - the
to vote to increase the tax rate of those who support
easy targets usually; the politicians, the bankers and
them financially. To do so would be risk angering
so on. It is so easy to criticise other people and wash
their backers and losing their support, putting the very
your hands of responsibility for what is happening.
careers of the politicians themselves in jeopardy.
But that is what got us into this mess in the first place
Politicians clearly have a vested interest in
- people not taking responsibility for their actions. The
maintaining low tax rates for the wealthy. The only
way I see it, it is about time that we all started to take
way we are ever going to create a situation where this
a little bit of responsibility and instead of blaming the
is not so is if we ban all private donations to political
rest of the world for our problems, perhaps we should
parties and fund them instead with money from the
start by looking at ourselves. Okay, so the bankers did
state's coffers. In the long run, it will work out less
wrong; they were careless with money, but so were
expensive - just think of all the money that would be
we. Who put a gun to your head and made you buy a
saved as a result of there being less corruption - we
house that was so overpriced it was obvious there was
might finally have politicians who focused on doing
going to be a dramatic downward correction? Is it the
what's best for country rather than on trying to
bank's fault or your own that you are in negative
prolong their political careers by doing favours for
equity now? Now, just because you 1 made a mistake their 'buddies'.
with your money doesn't mean you are some kind of C. Ned
monster - and the same goes for the bankers... Let's
It is not just the economy that is in crisis; it is the
stop trying to find scapegoats and instead try to work
whole of society. The extent to which we have lost
together to pull ourselves out of this crisis. We do not
hope is, I think, reflected in voter apathy. Every time
need the cynicism of naysayers, we need people to
there is an election now, the number of people who
think positively and try to make good things happen to
turn out to vote is less and less. Surely this is a sign
get this recovery underway. I for one am done with
that people feel totally disenfranchised - powerless to the blame game.
make a difference. But, more importantly, it is an
Which person gives each of these opinions about the economic crisis?
1. A culture of trying to look for people to blame for our problems is what caused the crisis in the first place.
2. People feel helpless to change the situation and this is reflected in their lack of interest in the political system.
3. It was glaringly obvious that the bottom would fall out of the housing market, not just to experts but to everyone.
4. Some form of civil disturbance or protest by ordinary members of the public is likely if the economic crisis continues.
5. It is very unfair that the people in finance who caused our economic problems continue to be well-rewarded
for their work while ordinary hard-working people suffer.
6. Political parties should not receive funds from private sources but should instead be entirely state-funded.
7. The highest earners should be required to pay more tax in order to generate more revenue for the government.
8. The fact that some politicians tried to defraud the state by claiming more expenses than they were due is
evidence that corruption is widespread in our society.
9. There is very little difference in terms of policies between all of the main political parties today.
10. We should stop trying to vilify bankers and take a more positive and proactive approach to speed up the economic recovery. Your answers: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. D. WRITING (60 pts)
Part 1 (20 pts) The graph shows the reasons for the use of social media by bussinesses, by size of business,
in 2012. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons
where relevant. Write at least 150 words.
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Part 3 (45 pts) Write an essay about the following topic:
More and more qualified people are moving from poor to rich countries to fill vacancies in specialist areas
like engineering, computing and medicine. Some people believe that by encouraging the movement of such
people, rich countries are stealing from poor countries. Others feel that this is only part of the natural
movement of workers around the world.
Do you agree or disagree? Write 300 – 350 words.
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