Gateway B2+ Unit 2 Reading And Use Of English

1. Read the article again. Are these statements True (T), False (F) or is the information Not Mentioned (NM)? The Beijing Traffic Management Bureau's main concern was to reduce pollution from transportation.

T

F

NM

The given statement is true. The article mentions that the main concern of the Beijing Traffic Management Bureau was to reduce pollution from transportation.

Explanation

The given statement is true. The article mentions that the main concern of the Beijing Traffic Management Bureau was to reduce pollution from transportation.

2. Some drivers follow the system to avoid paying a fine.

T

F

NM

Some drivers follow the system to avoid paying a fine. The statement implies that there is a system in place that, if followed, can help drivers avoid paying fines. Therefore, the correct answer is "True" as it suggests that some drivers do indeed follow this system to avoid fines.

Explanation

Some drivers follow the system to avoid paying a fine. The statement implies that there is a system in place that, if followed, can help drivers avoid paying fines. Therefore, the correct answer is "True" as it suggests that some drivers do indeed follow this system to avoid fines.

3. It is thought that more pollution comes from factories and power plants than transport.

T

F

NM

The given statement is false. It is not thought that more pollution comes from factories and power plants than transport. In fact, transportation, especially vehicles, is a major contributor to pollution, including air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. While factories and power plants do contribute to pollution, transportation is often considered one of the largest sources.

Explanation

The given statement is false. It is not thought that more pollution comes from factories and power plants than transport. In fact, transportation, especially vehicles, is a major contributor to pollution, including air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. While factories and power plants do contribute to pollution, transportation is often considered one of the largest sources.

4. Drivers have 30 days in which to pay their fine.

T

F

NM

The statement suggests that drivers have a specific time frame of 30 days to pay their fine. However, the answer "NM" implies that this statement is not mentioned or not mentioned clearly in the given information. Therefore, it cannot be determined whether the statement is true or false based on the given information.

Explanation

The statement suggests that drivers have a specific time frame of 30 days to pay their fine. However, the answer "NM" implies that this statement is not mentioned or not mentioned clearly in the given information. Therefore, it cannot be determined whether the statement is true or false based on the given information.

5. The government are planning other traffic reduction policies.

T

F

NM

The given answer "NM" stands for "Not Mentioned". The statement mentions that the government is planning other traffic reduction policies, but it does not provide any further details or information about what those policies might be. Therefore, the answer "NM" indicates that the question does not provide enough information to determine whether the statement is true or false.

Explanation

The given answer "NM" stands for "Not Mentioned". The statement mentions that the government is planning other traffic reduction policies, but it does not provide any further details or information about what those policies might be. Therefore, the answer "NM" indicates that the question does not provide enough information to determine whether the statement is true or false.

6. It is believed that the man was speeding when the police caught him. MUST The man _____ doing over the speed limit when the police caught him.

The sentence indicates that the man was caught by the police while he was speeding. The phrase "must have been" is used to express a strong belief or assumption about a past event. Therefore, the correct answer "must have been" implies that it is strongly believed that the man was indeed speeding when the police caught him.

Explanation

The sentence indicates that the man was caught by the police while he was speeding. The phrase "must have been" is used to express a strong belief or assumption about a past event. Therefore, the correct answer "must have been" implies that it is strongly believed that the man was indeed speeding when the police caught him.

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7. Today, the prohibition of vehicles in the city still exists, with, on average, a fifth of 3.6 million private vehicles being banned from the roads each week day. (5) ………………………….. Beijing is by no means free of its pollution problem, but it can be said that the city is now becoming cleaner. The cloud that used to loom above the city has now been lifted, and its inhabitants can see the real colour of their sky.

The results of the ban are positive and a daily reduction of approximately 275 tonnes of emissions has been recorded.

On average, 3.6 million private vehicles are driven through the capital every day.

When the Beijing Traffic Management Bureau saw it working they decided to increase the level of the fines.

The given answer states that the results of the ban on vehicles in the city are positive and there has been a daily reduction of approximately 275 tonnes of emissions. This suggests that the prohibition of vehicles has been effective in reducing pollution in the city. The reduction in emissions is a measurable and tangible outcome of the ban, indicating that it has had a positive impact on the environment.

Explanation

The given answer states that the results of the ban on vehicles in the city are positive and there has been a daily reduction of approximately 275 tonnes of emissions. This suggests that the prohibition of vehicles has been effective in reducing pollution in the city. The reduction in emissions is a measurable and tangible outcome of the ban, indicating that it has had a positive impact on the environment.

8. The experiment in November 2006 was repeated again during the Olympic Games.

T

F

NM

The statement "The experiment in November 2006 was repeated again during the Olympic Games" is false. The experiment mentioned in November 2006 was not repeated during the Olympic Games.

Explanation

The statement "The experiment in November 2006 was repeated again during the Olympic Games" is false. The experiment mentioned in November 2006 was not repeated during the Olympic Games.

9. The system can only be really successful when combined with the use of speed cameras.

T

F

NM

The given statement is "The system can only be really successful when combined with the use of speed cameras." The correct answer is "F" which means False. This suggests that the system does not necessarily require the use of speed cameras to be successful. There may be other factors or components that contribute to its success.

Explanation

The given statement is "The system can only be really successful when combined with the use of speed cameras." The correct answer is "F" which means False. This suggests that the system does not necessarily require the use of speed cameras to be successful. There may be other factors or components that contribute to its success.

10. Before 2006, the city was constantly covered by a thick brown cloud. The cause was pollution emitted from public transport, private vehicles and also by the city's numerous factories and power plants. Nitrogen dioxide, the main pollutant from these sources, was not only above the ground covering the heads of inhabitants but also on the ground in the form of dense smog. (2) ………………………….. The effects of traffic pollution were everywhere. Those particularly affected were babies and young children, the elderly, and asthmatics who often suffered respiratory problems as a direct consequence.

The results of the ban are positive and a daily reduction of approximately 275 tonnes of emissions has been recorded.

On average, 3.6 million private vehicles are driven through the capital every day.

When the Beijing Traffic Management Bureau saw it working they decided to increase the level of the fines.

The passage states that when rain fell on the city, the dirty smog turned into acid rain. This acid rain caused serious damage to cars, buildings, and the city's water supply. This explanation directly relates to the given answer, which states that when rain descended upon the city, dirty smog turned to acid rain and caused damage.

Explanation

The passage states that when rain fell on the city, the dirty smog turned into acid rain. This acid rain caused serious damage to cars, buildings, and the city's water supply. This explanation directly relates to the given answer, which states that when rain descended upon the city, dirty smog turned to acid rain and caused damage.

11. A solution needed to be implemented. With the justification of the Beijing Olympic Games looming in the future and the desperate need to act, the government set up some controls to reduce the quantity of pollution and to improve the quality of air in the city. In November 2006, an experiment was carried out in which the use of government and commercial vehicles was prohibited in the city and, in addition, the use of private vehicles was limited. The experiment took place between 4th and 5th of November. (3) ………………………….. In view of the need to further increase the air quality in the city, for its inhabitants and for the Olympic Games, the model was enforced permanently, but with some changes.

The results of the ban are positive and a daily reduction of approximately 275 tonnes of emissions has been recorded.

On average, 3.6 million private vehicles are driven through the capital every day.

When the Beijing Traffic Management Bureau saw it working they decided to increase the level of the fines.

The given answer is supported by the information provided in the passage. It states that the experiment of prohibiting the use of government, commercial, and limited use of private vehicles resulted in a 30% decrease in the number of vehicles in the city and a substantial reduction in nitrogen dioxide levels. This indicates that the controls implemented successfully achieved their goal of reducing pollution and improving air quality in the city.

Explanation

The given answer is supported by the information provided in the passage. It states that the experiment of prohibiting the use of government, commercial, and limited use of private vehicles resulted in a 30% decrease in the number of vehicles in the city and a substantial reduction in nitrogen dioxide levels. This indicates that the controls implemented successfully achieved their goal of reducing pollution and improving air quality in the city.

12. Read an article about driving in Beijing. Five sentences have been removed from the article. Choose from the sentences A–G the one which fits each gap. There are two extra sentences. Beijing, the capital of China, is one of the most polluted cities in the world, with the main contaminant believed to be gases emitted from transportation. (1) ………………………….. With a rapidly increasing population that led to more and more drivers taking to the road, in 2006, the Beijing Traffic Management Bureau began to think of the future and the different ways it could deal with this grave environmental problem.

The results of the ban are positive and a daily reduction of approximately 275 tonnes of emissions has been recorded.

On average, 3.6 million private vehicles are driven through the capital every day.

When the Beijing Traffic Management Bureau saw it working they decided to increase the level of the fines.

The sentence fits in the context of the paragraph as it provides a statistic about the number of private vehicles driven in Beijing every day. This statistic highlights the scale of the pollution problem caused by transportation in the city. It also sets the stage for the subsequent sentences that discuss the negative consequences of this high number of vehicles and the measures taken to address the issue.

Explanation

The sentence fits in the context of the paragraph as it provides a statistic about the number of private vehicles driven in Beijing every day. This statistic highlights the scale of the pollution problem caused by transportation in the city. It also sets the stage for the subsequent sentences that discuss the negative consequences of this high number of vehicles and the measures taken to address the issue.

13. Perhaps they didn't buy the electric car in the end. MIGHT They _____ the electric car in the end.

The phrase "might not have bought" suggests that there is a possibility that they did not purchase the electric car in the end. The word "might" indicates uncertainty or possibility, and "not have bought" implies that they did not make the purchase. Therefore, the correct answer is "might not have bought".

Explanation

The phrase "might not have bought" suggests that there is a possibility that they did not purchase the electric car in the end. The word "might" indicates uncertainty or possibility, and "not have bought" implies that they did not make the purchase. Therefore, the correct answer is "might not have bought".

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14. During the Olympics even tighter measures were adopted. The government brought in an even-odd licence plate system where only cars with a specific number plate were allowed to use the streets in the city on any specific day. (4) ………………………….. The Beijing Traffic Management Bureau again reported, during this period, a substantial drop in traffic congestion, and the levels of pollution within the city diminished.

The results of the ban are positive and a daily reduction of approximately 275 tonnes of emissions has been recorded.

On average, 3.6 million private vehicles are driven through the capital every day.

When the Beijing Traffic Management Bureau saw it working they decided to increase the level of the fines.

The correct answer is about the reaction of the city's inhabitants to the implementation of the even-odd license plate system. It states that many people in the city were angry and felt that their civil rights were being violated because they were forced to use buses or trains instead of their cars to reach their destinations. This suggests that there was resistance and opposition to the new system, indicating the negative impact it had on the daily lives of the city's residents.

Explanation

The correct answer is about the reaction of the city's inhabitants to the implementation of the even-odd license plate system. It states that many people in the city were angry and felt that their civil rights were being violated because they were forced to use buses or trains instead of their cars to reach their destinations. This suggests that there was resistance and opposition to the new system, indicating the negative impact it had on the daily lives of the city's residents.

15. I think you should wear your seatbelt in the back seat. SUPPOSED You _____ be in the back seat without wearing a seatbelt.

Wearing a seatbelt is a safety measure that should be followed by everyone, regardless of where they are seated in a vehicle. The phrase "aren't supposed to" or "are not supposed to" implies that it is not recommended or allowed to be in the back seat without wearing a seatbelt. This suggests that wearing a seatbelt is expected and necessary for safety reasons.

Explanation

Wearing a seatbelt is a safety measure that should be followed by everyone, regardless of where they are seated in a vehicle. The phrase "aren't supposed to" or "are not supposed to" implies that it is not recommended or allowed to be in the back seat without wearing a seatbelt. This suggests that wearing a seatbelt is expected and necessary for safety reasons.

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16. It's highly likely that Peter was having a joke. MUST Peter _____ my leg.

The phrase "pulling my leg" is an idiom that means joking or teasing someone in a playful manner. The use of "must have been" indicates a strong probability or likelihood of an action happening in the past. Therefore, the correct answer "must have been pulling" suggests that Peter was likely joking or teasing someone.

Explanation

The phrase "pulling my leg" is an idiom that means joking or teasing someone in a playful manner. The use of "must have been" indicates a strong probability or likelihood of an action happening in the past. Therefore, the correct answer "must have been pulling" suggests that Peter was likely joking or teasing someone.

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17. It isn't necessary to buy tickets for the match in advance. NEED You _____ buy tickets for the match in advance.

The correct answer options "don't need to," "need not," and "do not need to" all convey the same meaning, which is that it is not necessary to buy tickets for the match in advance. These options indicate that purchasing tickets beforehand is not required or obligatory.

Explanation

The correct answer options "don't need to," "need not," and "do not need to" all convey the same meaning, which is that it is not necessary to buy tickets for the match in advance. These options indicate that purchasing tickets beforehand is not required or obligatory.

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18. It is probable that Tom was using his mobile phone when he had the accident. WELL Tom may _____ his mobile phone when he had an accident.

Tom may well have been using his mobile phone when he had an accident. This suggests that there is a high possibility that Tom was using his mobile phone at the time of the accident. The phrase "may well have been" indicates a strong likelihood or probability.

Explanation

Tom may well have been using his mobile phone when he had an accident. This suggests that there is a high possibility that Tom was using his mobile phone at the time of the accident. The phrase "may well have been" indicates a strong likelihood or probability.

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19. It's more than likely that he didn't see the exit sign. CAN'T He _____ the exit sign.

The phrase "can't have seen" is used to express a strong belief or certainty that someone did not see something. In this context, it suggests that it is highly likely that he did not see the exit sign.

Explanation

The phrase "can't have seen" is used to express a strong belief or certainty that someone did not see something. In this context, it suggests that it is highly likely that he did not see the exit sign.

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20. It is possible that she will have to complain to the school. MIGHT She _____ a complaint to the school.

The sentence suggests that there is a possibility that she will need to complain to the school. The word "might" indicates uncertainty or possibility, and "have to make" implies the action of making a complaint. Therefore, the correct answer is "might have to make."

Explanation

The sentence suggests that there is a possibility that she will need to complain to the school. The word "might" indicates uncertainty or possibility, and "have to make" implies the action of making a complaint. Therefore, the correct answer is "might have to make."

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