INITIAL TEST (10th grade)
I. Read the text and then choose one of the answers: (30 p)
A. Right B. Wrong C. Doesn’t say
New Zealand is a democratic country with its own parliament. However, it is part of the British
Commonwealth, and therefore the official head of state is Elizabeth II, the queen of England, Scotland and
Wales. New Zealand was the first country in the world to give the right to vote to women in 1893, to have
old age pensions and the eight-hour working day. New Zealand, in the South Pacific, consists of two large
islands plus other smaller islands having an area of 270,000 sq km. North Island has a warm climate and
there is quite a lot of volcanic activity. South Island is cooler and has a higher rainfall. In the South Island
there are the Southern Alps with Mount Cook (3754) the highest mountain in New Zealand. New Zealand
has some industry but agriculture is more important – there are 55 million sheep, 8 million cows and 1
million goats in New Zealand!
Over 80% of the 3.6 million people are of European (mainly British) origin. Around 9% of the
population are Maoris - who came to New Zealand from Polynesia in the thirteenth and fourteenth
centuries. The two official languages in the country are English and Maori. New Zealanders, who are also
known as “Kiwis”, are relaxed people who love the outdoor life. It is not surprising that New Zealand is
successful at many sports. Its national sport is rugby and its team. “The All Blacks”, are often the best in the
world. Before every game, the All Blacks perform a “haka”, a Maori war dance, to frighten the opposing
team! New Zealand has beautiful landscapes. In North Island, the Bay of Islands has lovely old forests and
beautiful beaches and the Coromandel is perfect for sailing and water sports. Rotorua is the center of Maori
culture and has wonderful hot springs. In South Island, the Southern Alps, the West Coast region and the
national park of Fiordland all have beautiful scenery.
1. New Zealand is a constitutional monarchy.
2. New Zealand was the first country in the world to give the right to vote to women in 1899.
3. There are many female politicians in the Parliament of New Zealand.
4. There isn’t much volcanic activity in New Zealand.
5. The Maoris came to New Zealand in the seventeenth century.
6. The New Zealanders are also known as “kiwis”.
7. All New Zealanders like to play rugby.
8. Rugby is a national sport in New Zealand.
9. There are millions of sheep in New Zealand.
10. New Zealand has forests, beaches and mountains.
II. Use the following prefixes and suffixes to form new words starting from the words written in bold
below: -ic, -ion, -ial, -ion, -ment, -ed, -an, -er, -ness, -ist, -ed, re, inter, -ary, -ery. (30 p)
history,
1. locate, part, construct, settle, defend, Europe, small, weak, colony, employ, create, discipline,
scene.
III. Describe your favorite star (actor / actress, singer, sportsman / sportswoman etc) in terms of
physical appearance, character and argue why you like them. (30 p)
Note! 10 points are granted to begin with.
