SUMMARY

WRITING
Contents
1. Queen of All Flowers ...................................................................................................................................................... 2
2 The Sabi - Sand Game Reserve........................................................................................................................................ 3
3 Why Zoo Cats Loose Their Cool...................................................................................................................................... 4
4 The Enemy Within...................................................................................................................................................... 5
5 The Mangoes in Your Trolley .............................................................................................................................................. 6
6 Young Ambassadors ............................................................................................................................................................ 7
7 My daughter can achieve whatever she wants............................................................................................ 8
8 From School Boy to Clown .................................................................................................................................................. 9
9 Whats For Dinner, Mum? ....................................................................................................................................... 10
10 Pupils find internet 'a poor learning tool' ...................................................................................................................... 11
11 Lost For Words................................................................................................................................................................. 12
12 BORN TO TRADE .............................................................................................................................................................. 13
13 Perfume...................................................................................................................................................................... 14
Read the article about rose-growing. Then write a summary outlining how roses were used in previous civilisations and
why the rose is called the 'flower of life'. You should write no more than 100 words and use your own words as' far as
possible

1. Queen of All Flowers

The ancient Egyptians ornaments dating back thousands of years. There is

appear to be among the also evidence that roses were highly valued in
first early civilisations to China. The Chinese believed that fluids extracted
learn how to grow roses. from roses could be used to help treat a wide range
In 1888, at Hawara in the of illnesses, from toothache and earache to skin and
El Faiyum region of chest diseases. The healing properties of the flowers
Egypt, two-thousand- were recorded in extensive detail in their
year-old roses were manuscripts.
found in ancient graves.
In the modern world, the rose has not lost its
The discovery suggested roses were an important
popularity as the 'Queen of Flowers' - the name
part of the elaborate burial ceremony which took
given to it by the Greek poetess Sappho. A rose is a
place when an important person died. The roses
very romantic gift, and to this day more roses are
found in the tombs are thought by modern experts to
sold than any other flower. Modern techniques have
be the oldest preserved flowers ever found in the
enabled botanists to create ever more beautiful
entire world. They must have been cut and dried
hybrids, combining selected features of parent
before opening so that they would remain
plants. Transportation by air makes it possible to
undamaged. Over the centuries, the roses had
grow roses in countries with favourable climates and
shrunk and wrinkled into tight balls, but on careful
sell them within 24 hours in lucrative markets all over
examination it was discovered that the petals
the world. Tons of roses are transported this way
themselves were hardly damaged - not a grain of
every week. Roses from Ecuador can be bought in
pollen had been lost.
Holland, even though that country itself has an
Egypt's expertise in mass cultivation of roses in early enormous rose-growing business. The rose has
times led to the flowers becoming an important everything a plant can have: roots, stem, leaves,
export product. At the height of the Roman Empire, petals, thorns, colour and scent. The combination of
Egypt exported enormous quantities of the blooms beautiful flowers and sharp, prickly thorns is seen by
to the Roman courts. Wealthy Romans loved to some as symbolising the opposites of beauty and
indulge in the beautiful colours, soft texture and ugliness, happiness and pain, love and hatred. This
sensuous fragrances of roses and they would strew rich symbolism surely makes the rose deserving of
the floors of their main halls with layers of rose its other name: the flower of life.
petals.

The Romans eventually attempted to cultivate their

own roses and, after much trial and error, they
mastered the art of mass cultivation. Egypt then
decided to concentrate on growing grain instead of
roses. Economic conditions meant that grain soon
took over as the number-one agricultural product of
the Nile Valle.

Roses were appreciated in other early civilisations

too, including Greece and Persia. They are a
decorative feature on coins, sculpture, vases and
Read the article about the Sabi -Sand game reserve and write a paragraph outlining the positive steps that are being
taken to ensure the wildlife habitat is suitably protected and developed. Write no more than 100 words and use your
own words as far as possible.

2 The Sabi - Sand Game Reserve

method of improving drainage. educated, often with a degree
We have also used a lot of old in botany, biology, bush craft,
aerial photographs, which have zoology and even astronomy.
helped us return the land to its
Tourists can listen to 'ranger-
Bisected by the Sabi and Sand earlier state. This meant
speak' on the two-way radio as,
rivers, the Sabi-Sand game recreating open grassland areas
with ear-piece tucked into his
reserve in South Africa is one to attract herds of wildebeest,
ear, the ranger communicates
of the richest wildlife regions zebra, buffalo, antelope and
with fellow rangers. Animals
in the African continent. Over their predators.'
are referred to by their
200 species of mammals and In addition to these measures, Shangaan names: ingwe
350 different birds can be the reserve employs a wide (leopard), shumba (lion) and
found in its vast plains, range of local workers in a khankankha (cheetah). The
grasslands and forest. I spoke to variety of occupations. local Shangaan trackers are
Michael Rattray, chairman of Building staff accommodation chosen for their keen eyesight
the Sabi-Sand management of any sort, even small and in-depth knowledge of the
committee, about the bungalows, would have made a bush. Ranger and tracker
management policies for such a big impact on the environment together make a professional
diverse habitat. 'If in a and would have gone against team. I shall never forget the
thousand years' time the the objective of keeping the moment on a game drive when
reserve is still a wonderful reserve as natural as possible. a cheetah with her five cubs
habitat for wildlife, then we Instead, transport is provided was pointed out to me. She was
will have succeeded in our so employees can live a normal, lying in a sea of long yellow
mission. We have a programme free and unrestricted life with grass, her markings almost
of ongoing management and their families outside the area, invisible. We got close enough
various measures are being put and human impact is kept to a to hear her purr.
in place. These include tackling minimum.
the problem of erosion. In 1996 The Sabi-Sand reserve offers
we had abnormally high Visitors to the reserve spend the visitor a taste of Africa as it
rainfall - 1300 ml instead of the about six hours a day in open used to be before mankind's
expected 500 ml. This could 4x4 vehicles, observing wildlife incursions, a place where
have been absolutely on game drives. They are animals co-exist in accordance
devastating. However we have accompanied by a ranger and with natural cycles, with no
successfully combated erosion local tracker. Part of the fear of humans. It is impossible
using gabion stretchers, which management policy is to to quantify the therapeutic
are cylindrical wire baskets employ only rangers and benefits of spending time -
filled with rocks. These have trackers of the highest however briefly - in such an
proved a simple and effective standard. The ranger is highly environment.
Read the article about zoo cats. Write a paragraph outlining the signs of stress which big cats in zoos may show and what
could be done to make them feel more comfortable in a zoo environment. Write no more than 100 words and use your
own words as much as you can.

3 Why Zoo Cats Loose Their Cool

Lions and tigers are stars of the show at most zoos. But the stress of
celebrity status can cause them and other big cats on display to behave
abnormally. Researchers in the US have found that cats living near visitor
areas are more likely to be disturbed in their behaviour. For example,
during the day they may pace aimlessly back and forth. They also spend
an unusual amount of time cleaning themselves, licking themselves and
generally grooming. They are also noticeably more vigilant, pricking up
their ears and moving around as though they feel the need to be on
guard against threat. This is all strange and abnormal behaviour for
naturally nocturnal felines which should not beat all suspicious during
this part of the day. In fact, big cats are usually asleep, resting or dozing
during the day and active and watchful at night.

The findings highlight the dilemma that zoos face when the welfare and happiness of the animals they look after are at
odds with the paying public's desire to get a close-up view of a lioness yawning or her cubs suckling. It seems as though
disturbed behaviour in animals may well continue unless positive action is taken to improve the environment in which
zoos house big cats and their smaller cousins in the cat family, such as caracals and bobcats. While a lot of work has gone
into designing accommodation for primates and studying how visitors affect the health and well-being of monkeys, gorillas
or chimpanzees, cats have been largely ignore

Jennifer Ryback of James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia, studied seven species of cat kept at the National
Zoological Park in Washington, DC. All the cats, including lions, tigers, caracals and fishing cats, showed abnormal
behaviour, and Ryback found that those housed near the public spend more time acting unnaturally than those that live
further away. 'Typically a cat will be resting during the day, which is certainly not what the public wants to see,' says
Ryback. When the cats seem distant or aloof and appear to be ignoring people, visitors actively try to attract their attention
by waving or calling to them. They hope to get a reaction from the cats, such as hearing them roar or spring up a nearby
tree. But the gesturing and shouting from observers make the animals even more stressed and irritated, putting them on
the alert and making them pace around and groom more.

As well as improving the cats' enclosures by redesigning the space, including better use of ponds, bushes and trees, Ryback
thinks zoos could greatly enhance the quality of life for their cats by displaying notices explaining how to behave near the
animals. In other words, people should show no excitement, not try to attract the animals or make a noise near them. Zoo
attendants or keepers should also watch out in particular for visitors behaving inappropriately near the animals and
intervene at once. Ryback also suspects that keeping visitors just a little further away from the animals could make a big
difference to the cats with virtually no effect on people who enjoy men.
Read the article about allergies. Then write a paragraph explaining why some people develop allergies, why allergic
reactions seem to be increasing, and how medication can help. Write no more than 100 words and try to use your own
words as far as possible.

4The Enemy Within

Allergy has become histamine and other chemicals inflame the tissues.
more and more This leads to the symptoms of allergy such as
common over the last swelling and rashes. Sneezing, sore eyes and
30 years. Now one- breathlessness. Anaphylaxla is the most severe
third of us are affected allergic reaction of all and is most often triggered by
by allergy at some wasp or bee stings or peanuts. This must be treated
point in our lives and immediately.
half of these sufferers
Allergies run in families. Some people are born with
are children. In the UK
the ability to make lots of allergy antibodies and they
three million people
are more likely to develop allergies and allergic
suffer from asthma and five per cent of children
disorders such as hay fever and asthma. Experts
suffer from food allergy. Allergy is a reaction that
believe more people have developed allergies
occurs when the immune system has a strange and
because of changes in our lifestyle which have
unnecessary reaction to a substance which is
exposed us to more allergens. We eat more
normally harmless such as pollen or peanuts. The
processed foods with a wide range of additives and
immune system is there to protect the body against
colourings; more and more people have central
outside attackers including viruses, bacteria and
heating and double glazing making our houses
parasites. To defend your body against an attacker.
warmer and less draughty - an ideal environment to
The immune system remembers these dangerous
breed the house dust mite. There may also be a link
micro-organisms and attacks them if it meets them
between allergies and antibiotics. At one time our
again. This work is done by antibodies. The immune
immune systems were kept busy fighting off disease
system in allergy sufferers makes antibodies against
and trying to win the battle for health but antibiotics
harmless substances, because it mistakenly believes
have reduced the amount of work our immune
them to be dangerous.
systems have to do. Now experts think they may
direct spare energy to harmless substances such as
strawberries. In other words our immune systems
An allergic reaction may not happen the first time a
have become over-sensitive
sufferer meets an allergen (the substance causing
the reaction. such as pollen, milk or strawberries). A good deal of research is being devoted tofinding
Sometimes people can eat nuts for years and then a cure for allergies. Sufferers may begiven medicine
suddenly become allergic to them. What has to control symptoms and theymay also be offered
happened is that the immune system has now tests to find out whatsubstances trigger an allergic
decided the substance is dangerous and has made reaction so that they can avoid contact with these in
an allergy antibody. This antibody then attaches future.
itself to cells which contain histamine. When the
antibodies meet the allergen the next time. They
attempt to destroy it. As they do that. The surface of
the cells is broken and histamine is released. The
Read the article about mangoes. Then write a summary describing how various parts of the mango tree are used, and
outlining how the problems in producing mangoes for the world's supermarkets can be solved. Write no more than 100
words. Try to use your own words as far as possible

source of vitamins A and C, protein, fructose and fibre),

5 The Mangoes in Your Trolley but also expect it to look and taste perfect. Unfortunately
for producers, the seedlings of mangoes are extremely
Wild mangoes come variable in quality, and many have to be rejected as
from the foothills of the below the standard required for propagation. For mass
Himalayas. They are by cultivation, producers now select only the best quality
far the most important seedlings which have the most chance of developing into
fruit in India, and have good quality fruit.
been cultivated there for
Although the mango tree has spread from its native
4000 years. The arrival
Himalayan foothills to all of the tropics, delivering the
of the mango tree in
fresh fruit to the world's supermarkets presents a
other parts of the world
challenge, as it does not travel well. Producers transport
was probably due to the
the fruit by speedy but costly air freight for minimum
Portuguese who carried mangoes via Goa to Africa, from
delay rather than risk the cheaper but slower road or
where they eventually reached the New World. Mango
shipping routes which, although saving money, can result
trees are now so well established in many tropical
in damage to the fruit.
countries that it might appear that they have always
been there. Mangoes are usually in storage for some time after their
arrival at their destination. The fruit must be kept cold or
Like many tropical trees, the mango tree is a multi-
the sweet, juicy flesh will soon become over-ripe and the
purpose commodity. Its timber is used in boat building,
mangoes will be unfit for sale. Fortunately, extremely
and its leaves can be fed to cattle in moderation.
effective refrigeration is now available and this is the
Most of the mango crop is consumed in the areas where best way of preventing the fruit from deteriorating
it is grown, but in recent years mangoes have gained in before it reaches the supermarket shelves. Many of the
popularity across the world as people intemperate mangoes in our supermarkets come from plantations
climates become increasingly eager to savour the established in Kenya. These mangoes are sold in the
delights of the fresh fruit. shops at quite a high price relative to other fruit, but the
cost reflects the expense of air transport and top-quality
The global market for mangoes is potentially very
refrigeration. Fortunately for the producer, shoppers are
lucrative, and mango producers are keen to exploit the
prepared to pay extra to enjoy this most delicious of
fruit's growing popularity. Modern shoppers appreciate
tropical fruit at its best.
the fruit's high nutritional value (the mango is a good
Read the article about students who spend a year abroad at a foreign university as part of their course. Write a paragraph
explaining what projects students are expected to produce from this year, the practical ways the home university prepares
them for leaving, and how they maintain links with their tutors at home. You should write no more than 100 words and
use your own words as far as possible.

6 Young Ambassadors

Home universities spend a great deal of time

making sure their students have a realistic idea
of what the year abroad will be like - they
certainly do not simply wave goodbye to them
for a year.

It is important, for example, that students do

not expect the foreign institution to mirror their

C
home university or indeed be like it in anyway.
ontrary to the beliefs of many of its In many universities, students are provided with
a series of briefings throughout their second
opponents, going abroad to study at an
year of study, which include checklists, guides,
overseas university whilst on an undergraduate
handbooks and web based information. Students
degree programme is definitely not an
who went abroad the previous year and have
opportunity for a lazy year off. The year abroad
now returned answer questions on their
provides students with a remarkable period of
experiences.
linguistic and cultural immersion in the host
community. It allows them to gain first-hand Although university staff make great efforts to
insights into the history, culture and society of reduce the culture shock some students feel on
the host country, as well as an opportunity to arrival in another country, the students have
improve their academic skills. Besides attending responsibilities and obligations too. When
lectures and doing coursework while abroad, overseas, they have a duty to keep in close
students are required to complete a cultural and touch with their home departments, through
linguistic assignment for their home university. answering regular questionnaires, for example.
Maintaining contact with their personal tutor at
The year overseas is also important to students
home via email, telephone or letter is essential.
on a personal level. It calls upon untapped
Tutors can only act quickly in giving support if
reserves of tenacity, fortitude, perseverance and
they are kept informed by their students about
initiative, and requires a spirit of open-
their situation.
mindedness, curiosity and willingness to fit into
a new life. The diversity of the experiences In my experience as a lecturer; returning
certainly broadens the minds of most students are usually brimming with exciting tales
undergraduates. Many language students now to tell of their experiences abroad. They return
spend their year abroad in Spanish speaking much more competent, with a more mature and
Latin America, French territories in the considered approach, and have acquired some
Caribbean or the Indian Ocean, or the Russian valuable life skills.
speaking states that once formed part of the
Soviet Union.
Read the article about a girl who lost her feet in babyhood. Write a paragraph of no more than 100 words
outlining how she has coped with the effects of her disability, the differences between her 'old' and 'new' artificial
legs, and the effect of her new legs on her life. Use your own words as far as possible.

7 My daughter can achieve whatever she wants

Vanessa Hill lost her feet from Not long afterwards, the school support worker rang the
illness at such a young age family and asked if there was anything she could do to
that she never knew what it help. 'I found myself spilling out everything about the
was like to have them. At 13 private treatment', says Jan. A few weeks later the
months old she was fitted support worker called again to say she had come up with
with a set of prosthetic a plan to organise some fund-raising events to get
(artificial) limbs to assist her Vanessa new legs. 'I was completely overwhelmed. The
in learning to take her first school organized raffles, cake sales and sponsored
baby steps. 'I should have been pleased, but the artificial events. People we had never met sent donations. Every
legs were horrible,' says Vanessas mother, Jan. 'They day we got cards from well-wishers, and the cheese just
weren't even the same colour as her skin and were cold kept arriving.'
to the touch. Problems began when Vanessa was older.
'When enough money had been raised, I contacted the
'I'd see people walking past me and they would stare and
orthopaedic centre and Vanessa was measured for her
make comments. It upset me, and hurt Mum too, to see
new legs.
me so upset,' says Vanessa. 'Mum told me to ignore what
unkind people said and, in time, I was able to do that. When the consultant showed us the sort of silicone legs
When activities at school came up, like swimming and Vanessa could have, we couldn't believe how realistic
skiing, I was reluctant to take part but my mother they looked. The specialists could match her exact skin
encouraged me so much I decided to give the sports a go tone.'
anyway, and now I enjoy them. She was so brave and
'I've got loads more confidence and love going shopping
determined', says Jan. ' At first she took the teasing to
for shoes and clothes,' says Vanessa. 'Myles look so real,
heart and was very upset, but she just wouldnt give up.
and if you touch them they feel warm, like proper legs.
At home we gave her all the support we could and I think
But the best part is finally being able to do anything
that made a big difference.'
without having to worry about how my legs look. Now
A couple of years ago, the family saw a television I'm just like everyone else.
programme about a girl in Cape Town, Laura Giddings,
who had lost her leg in an explosion at restaurant. Jan
explains: 'Laura had been fitted with a silicone leg which
was much more realistic looking than the prosthetic
limbs Vanessa had. I cried as I thought what a massive
difference such natural-type legs could have on
Vanessas life. But with two other children to look after
as well as Vanessa, there was no way we could afford to
pay for silicone legs. We would have had to spend 5,500
on new legs for her every six months, as she is still
growing.'
Read the article about a boy who joined the circus. Write a paragraph outlining why Alex wanted to become a clown, and
how his life has changed since he began training as a clown. Write no more than 100 words and use your own words as
much as you can.

8 From School Boy to Clown

'Eventually David and I were offered jobs with the Moscow

State Circus', explains Anna. It was so exciting. David
worked as spotlight operator and I worked in the box office,
selling tickets. Most important of all, Alex had a chance to
begin his training as a clown. 'However, Anna admits that
there was a lot of soul-searching and agonising decision
making to do before they finally made up their minds. 'After
Alex Santas, 13, has always had a burning ambition to
all,' she says, 'we were leaving our pleasant, centrally-heated
become a circus clown. A few years ago, his dream started to
house with all its home comforts to live in a small caravan.
come true when, accompanied by his parents, he left home
But Alex was so thrilled at the prospect, and he seemed to
to begin training with the circus. When Alex was only
have so much talent and flair, we thought, why not?'
three,' says his mother Anna, 'we took him to the circus and
he absolutely could not take his eyes off the clowns.' Alex After two years, the family joined Zippo's Circus. 'We now
still remembers that visit: "I just loved the way the audience go touring, which is marvellous', smiles Anna, 'and David has
was looking and smiling at the clowns. If a juggler drops his been promoted to foyer operations manager. Although he is
clubs, or a trapeze artist falls, it messes up the act. But if a not old enough to performing the circus yet, Alexis
clown falls over, everyone thinks it's a great joke and roars continuing to develop his clowning skills. 'I think this way
with laughter.' of life is fantastic,' he says. 'And it's even better now that I'm
allowed to go out with Dad to perform in front of school
'Alex was so intrigued by the special power that the clowns
audiences when we're on tour.
seemed to have, he kept asking to visit the circus again,'
recalls his father. 'At family parties he used to dress up as a 'People ask about my education,' adds Alex, 'but wherever
clown and put on a performance doing juggling, comedy we are on tour, Mum organises a private tutor to come and
routines and magic tricks. Over the years, Alex's love of the teach me. I follow the same books as children at school and
circus began to affect the way Anna and I felt. His aspirations I've got a laptop. I just have to make sure I don't fall behind.
were rubbing off on us. Then, unexpectedly, I was made I've got used tone-to-one teaching and really like it.'
redundant from my job as a gas-heating designer. I was
And the future? 'I'm going to be a main clown in a circus one
offered similar work with an agency, but Anna and I wanted
day,' declares Alex firmly.
to explore our dream, so we wrote away to the circus to see
if there were any jobs.'
Read the article about Daphne and her experience of family meals. Then write a paragraph of no more than 100 words
explaining why mealtimes with her own children are usually tense. You should use your own words as far as possible.

9 Whats For Dinner, Mum?

where people smile warmly, compliment the cook and enquire
politely about each other's day.

Family meals in our house usually start with a row between I

1-year-old Frankie and 14-year-oldjessica about whose turn it
is today the table or why one of them has got a drink for
themselves but not for the other. Then when dinner is served
the annoying grumbles about the food begin of the 'I hate soup
/ salad /anything healthy whatsoever variety "Yuk' said
I'm the product of a Latin family. That means I was raised in an
Frankie the other night as I put a dish of lovely home-cooked
environment in which food was vital part of family life and
vegetables on the table. 'I'd really like to shoot that broccoli.'
family mealtimes were sacred. The scene around our kitchen
table when I was a child must have seemed a bit like a Mealtimes also seem to lead to quarrels about other things
television commercial for the perfect family I remember us all perhaps it's because we're tired and argumentative after a
sitting down to dinner every night. Laughing and talking while long day at work or school, and sitting down together as a
we consumed huge platefuls of my mum's delicious home family stirs up conflicts. However much we try.my husband
cooking. and I can't seem to avoid using this opportunity for telling the
children off about the state of their bedrooms. Their disregard
Actually, when I was younger I sometimes thought my Spanish
for the value of money or their flagrant laziness. Other
family was too rigid and insistent about being at home for
families. In my imagination are spending mealtimes having
meals. When I was at college. For example, living miles from
intelligent discussions - about the state of the environment.
home. I used to have to trail home every weekend for Sunday
Perhaps. We, meanwhile, are declaring World War Three a
lunch. Although this wasn't always convenient. If I didn't turn
tour own dinner table. Dont ask me why my family mealtimes
up Iran the risk of my strict father cutting me off without my
are so confrontational- ask a psychiatrist. Whatever the reason
inheritance! Our lives were ruled by the idea that families who
- too much eye contact perhaps? - I do know that I end up
eat together, Stay together and there were certain
feeling very resentful about the time I've spent preparing a
expectations regarding eating and mealtimes. In my family.
tasty meal only for it to stick in my throat while my family
No one ever ate in front of the TV or said. 'I'll grab a sandwich
bicker with each other. Maybe the kids are right after all and
later.
it's time to hang up my apron, put away the saucepans and the
It's strange that although I felt resentment about these rules cookery books pick up the 'dial a pizza' menu and let it go.
when I was a teenager now as a mother of two children myself.
Ive found that the old habits have reasserted themselves.
Now I myself insist that we all sit down together every evening
and eat dinner - although frankly, I often wonder why I do this.
I have to admit that our mealtimes are rarely civilised affairs,
Read the article about research into modern educational methods. Then write a summary of no more than 100 words
explaining what classroom learning methods were found to be most popular with school students. Try to use your own
words as much as you can.

10 Pupils find internet 'a poor learning tool'

school and pupils spend an hour a week learning how to

master information and communications technology
(ICT).Pupils, however, regard the internet's use across the
curriculum as limited.

India Dhillon, 12, said: 'as I see it, the internet can be quite
Schoolchildren believe they learn more from traditional good but anyone can put anything on it, so you should not
methods, such as taking notes from the teacher, than they do necessarily believe what you read. I learn most from listening
from using the internet or watching videos, a government- and writing things down. Answering questions the teacher
funded study shows. writes on the board is a good way to remember as well.' Jessica
Burns, a classmate, valued textbooks specially written for her
The findings will undermine the current trend to put
age group. Quyen Hoang, 15, a pupil at King Edward VI School
information technology at the heart of learning. The present
in Birmingham, said that material from the internet was often
fashion is to put more and more of the curriculum online and
too easy or complex to be useful.
to enable more schools to have faster access to the internet.
The government-funded survey, designed by pupils and Children now use computers and the internet in every subject
carried out by the Science Museum, found that almost half of and from an early age. Groups of pupils gathered around a
pupils thought that taking notes from the teacher was one of terminal looking at a monitor is a common sight in many
the most useful classroom activities. classrooms. However, pupils complain that group work such as
this can lead to some students not concentrating, distracting
Three-quarters of students said that watching videos was
others, and generally 'messing around. Most head teachers
enjoyable but only a quarter of them thought it was effective.
think that there is a place for computers in the classroom but
Fewer than one in ten rated the internet as useful. The report
believe the teacher remains the most important resource.
concluded that: the internet, though moderately enjoyable, is
Lynn Gadd, the head of Copthall Girls' School in North London,
ranked very poorly as a learning tool.'
said: 'In my opinion, you cannot just stick pupils in front of a
Research commissioned by the Association of Maintained computer and expect learning to happen by itself.'
Girls' Schools recently reported similar results. Academics at
Some critics also claim that multimedia approaches, including
London Metropolitan University found that the 203 pupils
distance learning, e-learning, CD-ROMs and video, are being
questioned from eight schools valued contact with the teacher
promoted as a solution to teacher shortages in the mistaken
most highly. Less than a third of pupils said that learning
belief that students can access these resources independently
through specially designed science and history computer
and fewer teachers are required. The Education Minister is not
courses was effective, compared with 70 per cent who said
convinced by the criticisms. He argues that computers help
that opportunities to do practical work and listen to teacher
teachers to be creative and engage pupils. 'Some people have
explanations were essential. At Kendrick Girls, a high-
contested the value of ICT in teaching and learning. I challenge
performing state school, computers are dotted around the
that view.
Read the article about the decline in minority languages. Then write a summary explaining what measurement experts
use to assess whether a language is in danger of being lost, and why the students interviewed want to preserve their
traditional languages. You should write no more than 100 words and use your own words as far as possible.

11 Lost For Words

UNESCO estimates the degree to which languages are under

threat by looking at trends in language use. If 30 per cent of
the children in a community no longer learn a .language, then
experts reckon it to be endangered, around 3000languages
across the globe - half the world's languages - are thought to
The Scottish island of Lewis, in a remote part of the British be in peril.
Isles, has two languages: English and the local language of
One of these is Sami. For thousands of years the Sami people
Gaelic. In the village post office of Skigersta, little is spoken
were nomads whose way of life was based on reindeer
that isn't in Gaelic. Theres Gaelic gossip and Gaelic small talk,
husbandry around the Arctic Circle. Today, 80,000 Sami live in
and even the business is transacted in Gaelic - a sweet and
the extreme north of Europe, where their former herding
lilting Celtic tongue.
grounds are divided between Norway, Sweden, Finland and
But while older residents ding to Gaelic, each of the greeting Russia. Many modern Sami have rejected the old language in
cards in the post office is in English.' 'Happy Anniversary' they order to be progressive. This attitude appeals l8-year-old Anna
shout and 'Well-done! You've passed your exams!' For Gaelic Karrstedt. She is at high school and lives with her family in the
is an endangered language, constantly threatened by English, Kirunaregion of Sweden.
Jayne, the 19-year-old daughter of the postmistress, says:
Where Jayne regards Gaelic as her first language, so Anna
'Gaelic is definitely dying out. It seems to have an image
regards Sami as her mother tongue, her enthusiasm for her
problem among the youth and it's considered uncool and old-
ancestry and cultural heritage is also inspired by her
fashioned to speak it,'
grandmother, who has taught her many of the old skills
Jayne, unlike many of her peers, has chosen to remain on Lewis associated with reindeer tending.
and study for a BA in Gaelic language and culture, In her spare
'I get so much joy out of being Sami and using the language:
time, she organises traditional dancing classes, and she has
she says. 'I feel my Sami life is like an extra life, I would be so
taken part in a project to record the memories of older
sad to see my language die out. I have my Swedish friends, but
residents. She also hosts a radio programme in Gaelic.
at the weekends I go off to the mountains with my uncle and
In all of this, her inspiration comes from her grandmother, get to be with the reindeer and with nature.'
whose wealth of memories fascinates and motivates her, this
These days few young Sami or teenagers on Lewis expect to
close contact with the past has made Jayne realise how much
survive using the traditional skills, but both Jayne and Anna are
will be lost if Gaelic dies out. 'It is so expressive: she says.
determined to preserve their heritage. 'If there aren't any
'There are sayings and phrases that just can't be translated into
reindeer when my grandchildren are born, I would at least like
English, but it's not just that. The language and culture go hand
to tell them how it was for me and my grandmother', says
in hand and it makes me sad to see them slipping away, its
Anna. 'And, most of all, I would like to pass on the language.
part of my roots - part of my ancestry.'
Read the following article about trade and then write a summary of its history. Your summary should be one paragraph
of no more than 100 words. You should use your own words as much as you can.

12 BORN TO TRADE

It is sometimes thought that the longing for material goods, the need to buy
things, is a relatively modern invention, but in fact its roots go back to the
dawn of humanity. Trade or 'shopping' is certainly an ancient obsession, and
existed before our ancestors invented writing, laws, cities or farming, even
before they used metal to make tools.

Humans are born to trade; and we don't need shops or money to do it. Evidence
from modern hunter-gatherers suggests that the exchange of food and other
essentials comes naturally, as well as the ability to keep a record of the credits and debits involved. And once trade begins,
the economic benefits are hard to resist.

Until less than fifty years ago, a group of coastal aboriginals in northern Australia traded fish hooks, along a chain of trading
partners, with people living 400 miles inland, who cut and polished local stone to make axes. Every individual along the
chain made a profit, in the form of hooks or axes, even if he produced neither himself. And both groups of 'manufacturers',
by concentrating on things they could produce efficiently and exchanging them for other things they needed, benefited
as a result.

Trade in the necessities of life, such as food and simple tools, is not really surprising, considering the link between these
basic items and survival. What is surprising, though, is that our taste for luxury items - objects with no obvious survival
value - also goes back a long way. Archaeologists used to think that 'consumer culture' first began about 40,000 years ago.
However, recent findings in Africa, of art, jewelry, cosmetics and decorative objects, .are pushing the origins of
consumerism much further back into human' prehistory'.

In South Africa, 100,000-year-old decorative dyes have been found in a region where none were produced; it is thought
that these goods had been bought at least30 kilometres away. Beads76, 000 year sold were also found at the same site.
These earliest beads known to us were not just random findings - they were grouped together in size and had holes like
those used for threading onto a necklace.

Archaeologists argue that trade prepared the way for the complex societies in which we live today. Modern-day shoppers
may not be impressed by simple beads, axes and fishing hooks, but their modern equivalents - fast cars and designer labels
- hold the same fascination for us as 'trade goods' did for people 100,000 years ago.
Read the following article about perfume and then write a summary explaining why perfume manufacturers use artificial
ingredients. Your summary should be one paragraph of no more than 100 words. You should use your own words as much
as you can.

13 Perfume

The use of scent dates back to earliest times. The ancient Egyptians perfumed the bricks
used to build their houses and temples, and wore cones of perfumed fat in their hair.
Fragrant cedar wood was thought to preserve bodies, and temple doors were made from it.
We know that perfume was used in ancient purification rituals, and that the Romans used
lavender in their baths.

These days, consumer demand for perfumed products is intense. In the home, from detergents to paper tissues, soap to
shoe polish, fragrance is the common ingredient. Artificial leather is perfumed to make it smell like the real thing, and
on the New York subway the scent of chamomile has been tested as an anti -crime aid .In Japan, some companies spray
scent through the building's air conditioning system at key times of the working day.

To meet the demands of the perfume industry, manufacturers use ingredients from many countries: rose from Morocco,
eucalyptus from Portugal, patchouli from Indonesia and sandalwood from India. Scientific developments also mean
that companies can use substitutes for some natural ingredients. Scientists have discovered that natural and synthetic
materials are highly complementary and are acceptable to the consumer. Even the most expensive perfumes are in fact
compounds of both natural and synthetic ingredients. The French perfume manufacturers were among the first to
incorporate synthetics when they made the famous perfume Chanel No 5 in 1923.Cory'sL'Aimant and Lanvins Arpege
followed in 1927.

Producing natural oils is very expensive. For example, 1000kilosof jasmine flowers make just one kilo of extract. Using
synthetic fragrance has reduced the costs of manufacture overall, although the chemical operations involved can be
very time-consuming and costly - sixteen or seventeen chemical separations may be needed to produce the right result.
Nevertheless, the use of sophisticated chemicals to reproduce fragrances is likely to increase, as the supply of many
natural ingredients is insufficient to meet demand. Natures own products are subject to variations in the weather,
pests, and changes in natural oil yield and crop failure. Using artificial ingredients as well as natural oils gives perfume
manufacturers more control over the production process, which is why many classic perfumes owe their characteristic
top notes to the fruits of science, not nature.

Ingredients, whether natural or synthetic, are not the main cost of a fragrance, however. Packaging, marketing and
advertising makeup a higher percentage of the final cost.