Use of English · Test 25

The joy of photography

For questions 1-8, read the text below and decide which answer ( A, B, C or D ) best fits each gap. There is an example at the beginning ( 0 ).

Example:

Photography is a hobby with wide 0 _____. And I don’t mean taking photos on your mobile phone, though it cannot be 1 (1) ____ that such pictures can be surprisingly good these days. Serious photography means taking the 2 (2) ____ to do some research, exploring the technical 3 (3) ____ of the subject and investing in what might be quite expensive equipment. So why take up photography? Firstly, it allows you to 4 (4) ____ special moments that you want to remember forever. In addition, it 5 (5) ____ your imagination because you are always in search of ideas for original and out of the ordinary photos.

However, a lot of practice is required before you 6 (6) ____ to take really good pictures on a regular basis. When you finally do it, it will be a 7 (7) ____ of great satisfaction for you. Photography can also transform the way you look at the world. You start to see details that in the past you used to miss 8 (8) ____. All in all, it’s a highly absorbing hobby.

Running a marathon

For questions 9-16, read the text below and think of the word which best fits each gap. Use only one word in each gap. There is an example at the beginning ( 0 ). In the exam, write your answers IN CAPITAL LETTERS on the separate answer sheet.

Example: NO

So you want to run a marathon? There is 0 _____ doubt that running 42 kilometres is a great achievement. Many training plans involve running four times a week for at 9 9 three months, and sometimes longer. Experts strongly recommend that you should 10 10 used to running long distances gradually. If you don’t, it can increase the chances 11 11 picking up an injury. It 12 12 generally thought that runners should initially go on fairly relaxed training runs. The pace should be gentle enough to allow you 13 13 have a conversation with someone running alongside you.

Don’t make the mistake of eating too little before the race, or you will rapidly run 14 14 of energy. But 15 15 should you eat a large meal. It goes without saying that choosing the right footwear is also essential. 16 16 you do, avoid clothes made of cotton and go for artificial materials, or even some types of wool such as merino. Choose clothing that will be comfortable.

Until recently, the 0 _____ of planets outside our own solar system was difficult to prove. Now, thanks to increasingly 17 17 equipment, hundreds have been discovered orbiting distant stars. Recent 18 18 of the nearest star to Earth, Proxima Centauri, have led to a 19 19 discovery: a rocky planet similar in size to the Earth which may have liquid water on its surface. Although the new planet is 20 20 closer to Proxima Centauri than the Earth is to the Sun, there is still a 21 21 of life there. This is because the star is much smaller and cooler than our sun, so conditions on the planet may be 22 22 enough to support life. Temperatures on the planet will be 23 23 on whether there is an atmosphere surrounding it. Travelling to Proxima Centauri and exploring its planet is totally 24 24 at the moment. Despite it being one of the nearest stars to the sun, it would take thousands of years to get there using current technology. 0.EXIST