Skills Test 4A Units 7-8

READING SKILLS

1 Match descriptions 1-8 to sports holidays A-F. There are two extra descriptions that you do not need.

1 There are a lot of places where you can learn to do this sport. *

2 A water adventure holiday that lets you visit areas you couldn't get to in other ways. *

3 If you're not good at this sport, there are professionals who will take you out. *

4 All the equipment is provided on this holiday so you don't need to bring your own. *

5 This is a good winter holiday activity for parents and children who want to try something different. *

6 This is definitely the best holiday to try if you like extreme climbing. *

7 Try this holiday if you like being by the water but don't enjoy water sports. *

8 There are plenty of places where you can do this sport and there is a special kind of transportation to take you there. *

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Ontario - a sports holidays paradise!

Adventure sports fans love variety, excitement and the natural world and Ontario in Canada is a great place to find all of these. Not only that, heavy snowfalls in winter and sunny skies in summer mean it's an all-year-round place to go. So, if you're looking for a great sports holiday, check these ideas out.

A White water rafting

There are 1,200 km of Ottawa River to raft, although most rafting takes place on a 12 km stretch. If you are an expert and have your own raft, you can go where you want. However, most people choose one of the many companies that organise days out or short trips. You go with guides who know the river very well and who will make sure your experience is safe and enjoyable as well as fast and thrilling. Hold tight!

B Kayaking and canoeing

Ontario is a province of rivers and lakes and kayaking or canoeing gives you the chance to reach areas you couldn't reach otherwise. There are thousands of lakes with islands you can camp on and 1,600 km of routes. Using these you can get to remote areas of Ontario's national parks such as Algonquin or if you don't fancy that, you could go on a trip round the Mink Islands. You can camp or stay in luxury lodges (small hotels). This is one of the most popular adventure sports on offer and perhaps the most rewarding.

C Diving

If you thought Australia was the best place for scuba diving, then think again! The Thousand Islands region has warm crystal water and there's lots to see - from shipwreck to great marine life. You can do dives from the beach or go out further and try deep water diving down to 30 metres. There are plenty of diving schools so both beginners and qualified divers can enjoy diving.

D Ice climbing

Ice climbing is different from rock climbing, but it's just as challenging. Batchawana Bay is a great area and there are more than 300 climbs to do. You can try smaller climbs or the higher mountain peaks. It's a great winter sport, especially for families who're looking for exciting days out and something new - and you get great views too.

E Mountain biking

There are so many routes for mountain biking in Ontario that there is a special `Bike Train'! It's not just for bikes, but it stops at the start of the best rides and routes. You can take the train too and try one of the trails or just explore the countryside. Huntsville has many superb trails around the lakes and through its forests - if you want a more remote route, try the 100 km Powassan Circle Route.

F Hiking

If biking isn't your thing, you can try hiking. There are 800 km of trails to explore. You'll find routes for every level of fitness, so it doesn't matter if you're a bit out of shape. Spring or autumn are the ideal times to try walks through the 275 km Grand Valley Trail. Another great route to try is the Waterfront Trail which follows the St Lawrence River and the shores of Lake Ontario - great if you want to enjoy the water without going in it!

2 Read the text again. Are the statements true (T) or false (F)?

1 It is possible to go on a sports holiday in Ontario at any time of year. *

2 If you want to go white water rafting on Ottawa River, you have to go with a guide. *

3 If you go kayaking or canoeing, you have to camp because there are no hotels. *

4 Winter and summer are not the best times to go hiking along the Grand Valley Trail. *

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LISTENING SKILLS

1 Track 5 Listen to a radio show and match speakers 1-5 to statements A-G. There are two extra statements that you do not need. (5 points)

1 Sarah *

2 Mike *

3 John *

4 Carolyn *

5 Thomas *

A `I'm happy I didn't go to university.'

B `I teach at university and I don't think the students work hard.'

C `I think everyone would benefit from going to university.'

D `I wish I had gone to university when I left school.'

E `I haven't got a full-time job at the moment, I only work part-time.'

F `I think more young people go to university now than before.'

G `I'm not sure if I want to go to university or not.'

/ 5

2 Track 5 Listen again and choose the correct answers.

1 Sarah says that

a she wants to get some work experience after finishing university.

b she has to do work experience as part of her degree.

c she hasn't had any work experience yet.

2 Mike

a had no idea what he wanted to do when he left school.

b didn't get a job immediately after leaving school.

c knew what he wanted to do when he left school.

3 John says that

a he really enjoys his job.

b he will never look for a permanent job.

c he isn't sure what he wants to do yet.

4 Carolyn

a complained that companies want graduates to have experience too.

b found that it was much easier to get a job than she'd expected.

c said that most graduates find it difficult to get a job these days.

5 Thomas thinks that his manager

a was right to sack him.

b shouldn't have sacked him.

c was sorry to see Thomas leave.

/ 5

COMMUNICATION

1 Complete the missing words. The first letter of each word is given.

Both these photos show people travelling by plane. Another ¹ s_____ is that they both show unusual aspects of flying. In the photo on the left, a mouse has escaped inside the plane and the cabin crew are trying to catch it. You can see the mouse at the ² b_____ of the picture. In the ³ b_____ you can just see the pilot and he's laughing! In the second picture you can see some passengers and it looks as ⁴ t_____ most of them are sleeping. ⁵ P_____ it's a long intercontinental flight.

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TOTAL				/ 25

PHOTOCOPIABLE New Matura Success Intermediate © 2011 Pearson Central Europe Sp. z o.o.

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PHOTOCOPIABLE New Matura Success Intermediate © 2011 Pearson Central Europe Sp. z o.o.

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