Use of English · Test 30

The migration of the monarch butterflies

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:

The migration of millions of North American monarch butterflies is one of the most stunning 0 _____ phenomena on Earth. In 1 (1) ____ to other members of the same species elsewhere, the North American species migrates far in winter, taking a journey that 2 (2) ____ of 3000 miles. They 3 (3) ____ off in Canada and the US, arrive in central Mexico in November, and return in March. The sight of them together in fir trees in Mexico is an incredible 4 (4) ____ to witness.

However, none of the butterflies actually make the entire round trip. The females lay eggs in Mexico and it’s the new generation that heads north. They travel to Texas where the process is repeated. The butterflies have a 5 (5) ____ to stop twice on their way back to Canada, meaning that it takes four generations to complete the trip.

Monarch butterflies are important because they pollinate plants. In 6 (6) ____, they form a key part of the food chain. They also 7 (7) ____ danger from disease and a loss of habitat. However, at 8 (8) ____ their forest in Mexico is protected.

A sculptor’s home

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: THE

I’m currently sitting outside La Villa des Brillants, once 0 _____ home of well-known sculptor Auguste Rodin. Rodin purchased this property on the outskirts of Paris in 1895. By 1900, he 9 9 turned it into a home and a studio where he worked until his death in 1917. As well as having around 50 assistants, Rodin 10 10 regularly invite friends, family and art lovers to visit his studio.

The house has been a museum 11 11 Rodin’s death. Photographs were used to renovate the house in the latter part of the last century, so now we can see exactly what it was 12 12 when Rodin lived there. What’s special about coming here 13 13 that we can see his most famous works of art, as well as 14 14 a sense of his daily life. Rodin is buried in the grounds of the house, under a statue of The Thinker, one of his most well-loved pieces. Needless to 15 15, this is a place where artists such as myself can pay respects to the man we look 16 16 to.

How would you feel if you spent time buying someone a gift and then found out that they went and gave it to someone else? Would you be happy that it had found a 0 _____ who wanted it, or would you think it was incredibly 17 17? The act of regifting unwanted gifts is gaining in 18 18. It keeps our homes tidy, saves waste and makes gift-giving more 19 19. However, there are unwritten rules we should follow when regifting items that we’re 20 20 with. We should avoid passing anything on that was made especially for us, even if we find it 21 21. We should also take care not to forget the 22 22 of the gift giver and accidentally give the gift back to them. Giving anyone the opportunity to discover their gift was unwanted is 23 23 and allowing it to happen is 24 24. 0.RECEIVE