Gateway B1+ Unit 9 Use Of English + Reading
Questions and Answers
- 1.
The Hope Diamond Protected by strong glass, the biggest and most beautiful blue diamond in the world attracts the attention of visitors from many countries. It is one of the most popular exhibits at the Smithsonian Natural History Museum in Washington, D.C., USA, and its name is the Hope Diamond. (1) ……………………… Is it really true that the stone carries a curse and people who have touched the stone have suffered untimely deaths or financial disaster? As with all legends, it is difficult to separate fact from fiction. The Hope Diamond has certainly had a mysterious past. It is believed to have been brought to the West from India by a French merchant traveller, Jean-Baptiste Tavernier, in 1669, and sold to the famous King Louis XIV. It was then called the French Blue and was an enormous stone. (2) ……………………… The stone was worn by the French kings until Louis XVI was imprisoned during the revolution. At this time, many of the crown jewels were stolen, including the French Blue, and the beautiful stone disappeared for 20 years. There are reports of its appearance later in London and finally, after many sales, different cuts and a lot of travelling, it was acquired by the Hope family in America and given a new name. There is a strange twist to the ending of the tale of the Hope Diamond. Its final owner, merchant Harry Winston, donated the jewel to the Smithsonian in 1958. (3) ……………………… However, he didn’t send it to the Smithsonian with the full protection that a diamond like that deserves – he put it in a brown paper envelope and sent it through the post, like a letter! (4) ……………………… The Hope Diamond has definitely been identified as coming from the original French Blue of the stolen French crown jewels and therefore still carries with it the curse! It is said that the curse started because the stone was stolen by Tavernier from a temple where it was the eye of a sculpture. The stories say that Tavernier was attacked by wild dogs in Russia and also that Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette died because of their connection with the stone. (5) ……………………… The death of a Russian prince is also mentioned in the legends. Historians have proved that some of the stories are definitely false, but the belief remains that whoever touches the stone will suffer in some way. I imagine the Hope Diamond needs regular cleaning. (6) ………………………
- 2.
Write your text here
- 3.
Write your text here
- 4.
Read the article again. Are these statements True (T) or False (F)? The Hope Diamond is on display in France.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
B. FalseExplanation
The given statement is False. The article does not mention anything about the Hope Diamond being on display in France.Rate this question:
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- 5.
The Hope Diamond originally had a different name.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
The explanation for the correct answer, "True," is that the Hope Diamond was originally known as the Tavernier Blue. It was named after Jean-Baptiste Tavernier, a French merchant who acquired the diamond in the 17th century. The diamond later came into the possession of King Louis XIV of France and was eventually renamed the Hope Diamond after being purchased by Henry Philip Hope in the 19th century.Rate this question:
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- 6.
The diamond has changed its shape over the years.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
The given statement is true. Diamonds can change their shape over time due to various factors such as cutting, polishing, and wear and tear. The original rough diamond is cut and shaped into various forms based on the desired design. Additionally, over the years, diamonds can also undergo wear and tear, which can lead to changes in their shape. Therefore, it is accurate to say that diamonds can change their shape over time.Rate this question:
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- 7.
It was sold to the Smithsonian in 1958.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
B. FalseExplanation
The statement "It was sold to the Smithsonian in 1958" is false. This suggests that whatever "it" refers to was not sold to the Smithsonian in 1958.Rate this question:
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- 8.
There is a famous legend that connects the stone with the death of a Russian prince.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
The explanation for the given correct answer is that there is indeed a famous legend that connects the stone with the death of a Russian prince. This suggests that the statement is true. However, without further information, it is difficult to provide specific details about the legend or the prince in question.Rate this question:
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- 9.
All of the stories about the curse could be true.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
B. FalseExplanation
The statement suggests that all the stories about the curse could be true. However, the correct answer is False, which means that not all of the stories about the curse are true. This implies that some of the stories may be false or exaggerated.Rate this question:
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- 10.
Complete the second sentence so that it means the same as the first, using the word given. Use between two and five words. I was very tired, so I didn’t go to the party. HAVE If I hadn’t been so tired, I ……………………………………………………… the party.
Correct Answer
would have gone toExplanation
The correct answer is "would have gone to". This is because the first sentence states that the speaker didn't go to the party because they were very tired. The second sentence, using the word "have", implies a hypothetical situation where the speaker was not so tired. Therefore, "would have gone to" indicates that if the speaker hadn't been so tired, they would have attended the party.Rate this question:
- 11.
I’m sure that’s Bill’s brother because he looks just like him! BE That ……………………………………………………………………… Bill's brother because he looks just like him!
Correct Answer
must beExplanation
The phrase "I'm sure that's Bill's brother because he looks just like him!" implies a strong belief or certainty that the person in question is indeed Bill's brother. The phrase "must be" is used to express a logical conclusion or deduction based on evidence or observations. Therefore, the correct answer "must be" accurately reflects the certainty and logical reasoning behind the statement.Rate this question:
- 12.
I don’t believe that you’ve finished the work already! HAVE You ……………………………………………………………………… the work already!
Correct Answer
can't have finished, can not have finishedExplanation
The correct answer is "can't have finished, can not have finished" because it accurately reflects the negative form of the verb "have" in the present perfect tense. The phrase "I don't believe that you've finished the work already" implies doubt or disbelief, suggesting that the work being finished is unexpected or surprising. Therefore, the negative form "can't have finished, can not have finished" is used to convey this disbelief.Rate this question:
- 13.
I’m sure your work at the college is very interesting. BE Your work at the college …………………………………………………………… very interesting.
Correct Answer
must beExplanation
The phrase "must be" is used to express a strong belief or assumption about something. In this context, it suggests that the speaker is confident that the work at the college is interesting.Rate this question:
- 14.
I think you’ve put on the wrong channel because this isn’t the documentary we wanted to watch. HAVE You ……………………………………………………………………… the wrong channel because this isn’t the documentary we wanted to watch.
Correct Answer
must have put onExplanation
The correct answer is "must have put on". This is because the phrase "must have put on" indicates a strong possibility or assumption that the action of putting on the wrong channel has occurred. The phrase suggests that the speaker believes it is highly likely that the person in question made a mistake and selected the incorrect channel.Rate this question:
- 15.
I think it’s possible that Dave’s gone to the bank. MIGHT Dave ……………………………………………………………………… the bank.
Correct Answer
might have gone toExplanation
The phrase "might have gone to" is used to express a possibility or speculation about Dave's whereabouts. It suggests that there is a chance that Dave went to the bank, but it is not confirmed. The word "might" indicates uncertainty or a lower level of probability. Therefore, "might have gone to" is the correct answer as it fits the context of the sentence and conveys the idea that Dave possibly went to the bank.Rate this question:
- 16.
I didn’t go out last night because I didn’t have enough money. IF I would have gone out last night ……………………………………………………………………… enough money.
Correct Answer
if I had hadExplanation
The correct answer is "if I had had". This is because the sentence is in the past unreal condition, indicating a hypothetical situation. The phrase "if I had had" is the correct past perfect tense form of the verb "to have" in the conditional clause of the sentence. It is used to express a past unreal condition or a regret about a past event. In this case, it suggests that if the person had had enough money, they would have gone out last night.Rate this question:
- 17.
I don’t believe those are the same shoes that you wore to our wedding three years ago! BE Those …………………………………………………………………… same shoes that you wore to our wedding three years ago!
Correct Answer
can't be the, can not be theExplanation
The correct answer is "can't be the, can not be the". This is because the sentence is expressing disbelief or doubt about the shoes being the same ones that were worn to the wedding. The use of "can't be" and "can not be" indicates that the speaker does not believe the shoes are the same.Rate this question:
- 18.
Six sentences have been removed from the article. Choose the best sentences (A–F) to complete the article. The Hope Diamond Protected by strong glass, the biggest and most beautiful blue diamond in the world attracts the attention of visitors from many countries. It is one of the most popular exhibits at the Smithsonian Natural History Museum in Washington, D.C., USA, and its name is the Hope Diamond. (1) ……………………… Is it really true that the stone carries a curse and people who have touched the stone have suffered untimely deaths or financial disaster?
- A.
However, visitors are not only attracted by the beauty, but also by the mysteries that surround this precious jewel.
- B.
Other deaths that may have been a result of the curse are the premature death of jeweller Jacques Colot and the murder of a diamond cutter, Wilhelm Fals, by his son.
- C.
I certainly wouldn’t like to have the job!
- D.
Luckily, it arrived safely!
- E.
Since that time, it has been cut into smaller stones.
- F.
There is nothing particularly unusual about that.
Correct Answer
A. However, visitors are not only attracted by the beauty, but also by the mysteries that surround this precious jewel.Explanation
The sentence "However, visitors are not only attracted by the beauty, but also by the mysteries that surround this precious jewel." explains that the visitors are not just interested in the beauty of the Hope Diamond, but also in the mysterious stories and legends associated with it. This sentence suggests that the diamond has a certain allure and intrigue, making it even more fascinating for visitors.Rate this question:
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- 19.
As with all legends, it is difficult to separate fact from fiction. The Hope Diamond has certainly had a mysterious past. It is believed to have been brought to the West from India by a French merchant traveller, Jean-Baptiste Tavernier, in 1669, and sold to the famous King Louis XIV. It was then called the French Blue and was an enormous stone. (2) ……………………… The stone was worn by the French kings until Louis XVI was imprisoned during the revolution. At this time, many of the crown jewels were stolen, including the French Blue, and the beautiful stone disappeared for 20 years. There are reports of its appearance later in London and finally, after many sales, different cuts and a lot of travelling, it was acquired by the Hope family in America and given a new name.
- A.
However, visitors are not only attracted by the beauty, but also by the mysteries that surround this precious jewel.
- B.
Other deaths that may have been a result of the curse are the premature death of jeweller Jacques Colot and the murder of a diamond cutter, Wilhelm Fals, by his son.
- C.
I certainly wouldn’t like to have the job!
- D.
Luckily, it arrived safely!
- E.
Since that time, it has been cut into smaller stones.
- F.
There is nothing particularly unusual about that.
Correct Answer
E. Since that time, it has been cut into smaller stones.Explanation
The given answer explains that since the time the Hope Diamond arrived safely, it has been cut into smaller stones. This implies that the original large stone has been divided into smaller pieces. The statement also mentions that there is nothing particularly unusual about this, suggesting that it is a common practice in the diamond industry.Rate this question:
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- 20.
There is a strange twist to the ending of the tale of the Hope Diamond. Its final owner, merchant Harry Winston, donated the jewel to the Smithsonian in 1958. (3) ………………………
- A.
However, visitors are not only attracted by the beauty, but also by the mysteries that surround this precious jewel.
- B.
Other deaths that may have been a result of the curse are the premature death of jeweller Jacques Colot and the murder of a diamond cutter, Wilhelm Fals, by his son.
- C.
I certainly wouldn’t like to have the job!
- D.
Luckily, it arrived safely!
- E.
Since that time, it has been cut into smaller stones.
- F.
There is nothing particularly unusual about that.
Correct Answer
F. There is nothing particularly unusual about that.Explanation
The statement "There is nothing particularly unusual about that" refers to the fact that the diamond has been cut into smaller stones since it was donated to the Smithsonian. This implies that cutting large diamonds into smaller stones is a common practice, and therefore, there is nothing strange or unique about it. The statement suggests that this aspect of the diamond's history does not contribute to the mysteries or curses surrounding it, unlike the other deaths and incidents mentioned in the passage.Rate this question:
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- 21.
However, he didn’t send it to the Smithsonian with the full protection that a diamond like that deserves – he put it in a brown paper envelope and sent it through the post, like a letter! (4) ………………………
- A.
However, visitors are not only attracted by the beauty, but also by the mysteries that surround this precious jewel.
- B.
Other deaths that may have been a result of the curse are the premature death of jeweller Jacques Colot and the murder of a diamond cutter, Wilhelm Fals, by his son.
- C.
I certainly wouldn’t like to have the job!
- D.
Luckily, it arrived safely!
- E.
Since that time, it has been cut into smaller stones.
- F.
There is nothing particularly unusual about that.
Correct Answer
D. Luckily, it arrived safely!Explanation
The given answer "Luckily, it arrived safely!" is the correct answer because it is the only statement that directly relates to the previous sentence about the diamond being sent through the post in a brown paper envelope. The statement implies that despite the lack of proper protection, the diamond arrived without any damage or loss.Rate this question:
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- 22.
The Hope Diamond has definitely been identified as coming from the original French Blue of the stolen French crown jewels and therefore still carries with it the curse! It is said that the curse started because the stone was stolen by Tavernier from a temple where it was the eye of a sculpture. The stories say that Tavernier was attacked by wild dogs in Russia and also that Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette died because of their connection with the stone. (5) ……………………… The death of a Russian prince is also mentioned in the legends.
- A.
However, visitors are not only attracted by the beauty, but also by the mysteries that surround this precious jewel.
- B.
Other deaths that may have been a result of the curse are the premature death of jeweller Jacques Colot and the murder of a diamond cutter, Wilhelm Fals, by his son.
- C.
I certainly wouldn’t like to have the job!
- D.
Luckily, it arrived safely!
- E.
Since that time, it has been cut into smaller stones.
- F.
There is nothing particularly unusual about that.
Correct Answer
B. Other deaths that may have been a result of the curse are the premature death of jeweller Jacques Colot and the murder of a diamond cutter, Wilhelm Fals, by his son.Explanation
The given answer states that other deaths that may have been a result of the curse are the premature death of jeweller Jacques Colot and the murder of a diamond cutter, Wilhelm Fals, by his son. This suggests that there is a belief or legend surrounding the Hope Diamond that curses those who possess or interact with it, leading to unfortunate events or even death. The mention of these specific deaths adds to the mysterious and potentially dangerous reputation of the diamond.Rate this question:
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- 23.
Historians have proved that some of the stories are definitely false, but the belief remains that whoever touches the stone will suffer in some way. I imagine the Hope Diamond needs regular cleaning. (6) …………………
- A.
However, visitors are not only attracted by the beauty, but also by the mysteries that surround this precious jewel.
- B.
Other deaths that may have been a result of the curse are the premature death of jeweller Jacques Colot and the murder of a diamond cutter, Wilhelm Fals, by his son.
- C.
I certainly wouldn’t like to have the job!
- D.
Luckily, it arrived safely!
- E.
Since that time, it has been cut into smaller stones.
- F.
There is nothing particularly unusual about that.
Correct Answer
C. I certainly wouldn’t like to have the job!Explanation
The given answer "I certainly wouldn't like to have the job!" is the correct answer because it refers to the previous statement about the Hope Diamond needing regular cleaning. This statement implies that the job of cleaning the diamond would be undesirable or challenging, possibly due to the belief in the curse surrounding the diamond.Rate this question:
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