End-of-course Test A

End-of-course Test

Grammar, Vocabulary, and Pronunciation A

GRAMMAR

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VOCABULARY

PRONUNCIATION

Reading and Writing A

READING

We tend to think that people who do extreme sports are just addicted to the adrenaline rush you get along with the thrill of danger. However, recent research shows that the many are motivated by the emotional experience of being in nature, and the psychological benefits it can bring. A recent study based on interviews with people who practise a range of high-risk extreme sports, suggests that exposure to natural environments in early childhood can provide significant psychological and health benefits. It can also help people to form a strong, life- long emotional connection to nature. The majority of the participants reported that nature provided powerful emotional experiences, which had drawn them to engage in outdoor activities such as climbing, kayaking, and surfing. They mentioned the importance of their early childhood experiences in the outdoors and how these had influenced their adult lives as extreme sportspeople. Richard, a skyrunner – who runs on high paths in the mountains – said, ‘My best childhood memories are of being out in nature. Camping by the beach, swimming in the sea, climbing on the rocks, lighting fires in the woods, hiking up mountains … the natural environment in Scotland where I grew up is incredible. I just wanted to be out in it. I still do.’ Similarly, for surfer Mika, the natural world was an inspiration: ‘I lived by the sea, and from an early age I was drawn to the water. I can’t remember not being able to swim. It just came naturally to me – I can’t really separate myself from the sea. It’s such a huge part of who I am.’ Mika also emphasized how being in close contact with nature, away from the urban environment, has led to a commitment to the environment and nature conservation: ‘My deep connection to the sea led me to become a marine biologist. It’s so important to me that the marine environment is protected.’ Her views on conservation were shared by many of the other participants. Obviously, extreme sports present a high level of risk to survival. The participants acknowledged this but almost all felt that the connection to nature was as important, if not more so, as the excitement of risk-taking. Nick, an ice climber and professional mountain guide said, ‘When you’re climbing in winter, you’re in extreme conditions all the time. It’s a constant battle between fear and attraction, but the psychological benefits for me are huge. I’d never give it up.’ Extreme mountain biker Louise has a similar attitude: ‘I could do my sport on an indoor track and it would give me that adrenaline hit I enjoy, but it wouldn’t be the same. It’s the experience of cycling in the natural environment that attracts me more than anything. You can’t beat that feeling.’ Other positive factors were related to the senses. Sound was said to have a calming influence. Skyrunner Richard said, ‘When I run, I notice the thud of my feet on the ground, the rhythm of my breath, I hear the sounds of my environment – birds, water flowing in the hill streams. My mind is empty of worry and stress.’

Jake, a free diver, appreciates the silence he experiences under water: ‘I suffer from noise sensitivity and I find urban environments exhausting. When I dive, it’s incredibly still and silent. It works like meditation for me.’ Touch and smell also featured highly in the participants’ responses. Free climber Holly explained, ‘I like the feel of the different types of rock under my hands, and also the smells. Where I climb, there are native herbs that grow on the rocks. The smell helps me stay relaxed and focused when I’m climbing.’ Overall, the results of the study showed that participants valued the greater connection with nature that extreme sports provided, and most felt that their attitude towards the environment was positive and more caring as a result. This led to them spending more time outdoors, not only while practising their extreme sports, but also when they were with family and friends, therefore reducing and preventing stress in others too. The study’s results are particularly significant because they provide evidence to support the development of waterways and natural spaces in urban areas in order to promote outdoor sports and leisure activities. It is hoped that this will in turn boost both the physical and mental health of whole communities.

WRITING

 say what you think the cities of the future will be like  say why you think changes in cities will take place  discuss how the changes will affect residents’ lives.

Listening and Speaking A

LISTENING

Choose from the list (A–H) what each speaker says they have included as the main feature of their design. Use the letters only once. There are three extra letters you do not need to use. A hi-tech monitoring systems B creating a more natural environment C energy solutions D reducing rubbish E adesign centred around the residents of the city F urban sprawl G consumerism H an environmentally friendly transport model B creating a more natural environment C energy solutions D reducing rubbish E a design centred around the residents of the city F urban sprawl G consumerism H an environmentally friendly transport model Speaker 1 [ ] Speaker 2 [ ] Speaker 3 [ ] Speaker 4 [ ] Speaker 5 [ ]

are fake news / people often mistakenly think they’ve seen Nessie.

SPEAKING

‘People who post fake news stories on the Internet should be punished as criminals.’ ‘Advertising that targets children and their parents should be banned.’ ‘Taking care of the environment is the responsibility of politicians and large companies, not ordinary people.’ Speaking total 20 Listening and Speaking total 30