Insight Upper-intermediate Unit 2 FCE Reading (Part 1), Use Of English (Parts 1,3)
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Questions and Answers
- 1.
On the south bank of the River Thames stands the biggest brick building in Europe, and one of the most iconic buildings in London. Thanks to its innovative design, Battersea Power Station has acquired the nickname of the ‘upside down table’ because of its unusual appearance, and is much loved by Londoners today.This wasn’t always the case, however. Back in 1927, the proposed construction of the coal-fired power station was met with fierce opposition. It wasn’t so much about it being an eyesore, but more about the concern that it might contaminate the air, especially in nearby parks such as Hyde Park. There was even concern that it would harm paintings in the National Gallery of Modern Art, now Tate Britain. A sense of ill feeling towards it lasted for several years. Nonetheless Sir Giles Gilbert Scott, the man behind the classic red telephone boxes, was asked to design the building. The power station is, in fact, two power stations alongside one another. Construction of the first power station got underway in 1929, and the second shortly after the end of the Second World War in 1945. The table legs which emitted fumes didn’t appear until 1953. As soon as the construction was complete, it won over the critics with its unique design. While it was still in operation as a working power station, Londoners began to appreciate that the benefits reached far beyond its appealing design. It was a valuable source of electricity, providing them with one fifth of the city’s total supply. The rest was generated by almost thirty other power stations.So what led to the closure of such a well-loved landmark? It was partly down to the equipment becoming outdated, but more significantly, the gradual shift towards oil, gas and nuclear energy that resulted in coal-based production coming to an end. It was saved from demolition by a campaign by people who couldn’t stand to see the structure demolished to make way for housing. Thanks to this, it became a grade two national heritage site, which means it is an important structure with special protection.Having been abandoned for thirty years, and following two failed attempts at renovation, it is finally being restored to its former glory. Early in 2013, 850 apartments went on sale and were snapped up within three weeks. Judging from this, it is clear to see the popularity of the project. Because of its considerable size, the building will not only be inhabited, but will also be a thriving centre for entertainment and commerce. Uruguayan architect Rafael Vinoly is responsible for the master plan, which also boasts the biggest ballroom in the capital.Another attractive element to this particular project is the planned extension to the London Underground’s Northern Line. The building will get its own station, which means getting there will be a piece of cake for tourists and Londoners alike. If everything goes according to plan, the public will be taking the Underground to the complex in 2020. It will also be reachable via a river bus pier.This is all very exciting and reassuring for those living nearby, who have had to watch with sadness as the neglected building has slowly crumbled before their eyes since its closure in 1983. The opportunity for employment and profit is an obvious advantage for the economy, but for fans of the power station, it’s more than that. By the time it opens, it will have transformed the area next to Battersea Park into an area where you can work, rest and play again, breathing a different kind of energy into the area.
- 2.
Why did people reject the power station initially?
- A.
They thought it would look ugly.
- B.
They thought it would create a bad smell.
- C.
They thought it would increase sickness in the area.
- D.
They thought it would pollute the local park.
Correct Answer
D. They thought it would pollute the local park.Explanation
People initially rejected the power station because they believed it would pollute the local park. This suggests that they were concerned about the potential negative impact on the environment and the health of the community.Rate this question:
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- 3.
What are the ‘table legs’ mentioned in paragraph 2?
- A.
Chimneys
- B.
Columns
- C.
Towers
- D.
Masts
Correct Answer
A. ChimneysExplanation
In paragraph 2, the term "table legs" is mentioned. Based on the given options, the most suitable explanation is that the "table legs" referred to in the paragraph are chimneys. The other options (columns, towers, and masts) do not align with the context of the paragraph or the concept of "table legs." Therefore, chimneys seem to be the correct answer.Rate this question:
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- 4.
Which of the following is true about why the power station closed?
- A.
The machinery didn’t work any more.
- B.
A housing project was planned on the land.
- C.
Other energy sources were becoming popular.
- D.
The site was going to produce another type of energy.
Correct Answer
C. Other energy sources were becoming popular.Explanation
The power station closed because other energy sources were becoming popular. This suggests that the power station was no longer economically viable or competitive in the market due to the increasing popularity of alternative energy sources. As a result, it was no longer feasible to continue operating the power station, leading to its closure.Rate this question:
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- 5.
Which of the following is true about the new project?
- A.
The majority of the space will be residential.
- B.
It will have the biggest ballroom in the capital.
- C.
The apartments were sold at a discounted price.
- D.
The complex will be home to the Uruguayan embassy.
Correct Answer
B. It will have the biggest ballroom in the capital.Explanation
The correct answer is "It will have the biggest ballroom in the capital." This means that out of all the given options, the new project will have the largest ballroom in the capital city. This suggests that the project is likely to be a large and prestigious one, as having the biggest ballroom indicates a focus on hosting events and gatherings.Rate this question:
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- 6.
Why is the project especially exciting for people who live nearby?
- A.
It will bring money to the area.
- B.
A number of jobs will be created
- C.
The building will be used once again.
- D.
There will be better facilities in the area.
Correct Answer
C. The building will be used once again.Explanation
The project is especially exciting for people who live nearby because the building will be used once again. This implies that the building might have been abandoned or unused for a period of time, and its revival will bring a sense of rejuvenation and activity to the area. It could also indicate that the building holds historical or sentimental value, and its reuse will preserve its significance. Overall, the prospect of the building being utilized again would generate excitement and a positive impact on the community.Rate this question:
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- 7.
Complete the text with the correct words (a–d).The coldest village on EarthI’m about to arrive at Oymyakon in north-east Russia. As I get out of the taxi, there are a handful of people on the streets. The cold hits me immediately and I’m in ________ discomfort.
- A.
legible
- B.
Amicable
- C.
Considerable
- D.
Navigable
Correct Answer
C. ConsiderableExplanation
Upon arriving at Oymyakon in north-east Russia, the narrator describes feeling an intense cold that immediately causes discomfort. The word "considerable" accurately conveys the severity of this discomfort, emphasizing the extreme coldness experienced in the village.Rate this question:
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- 8.
There’s little to prepare me for the coldest inhabited place on Earth, which has a population of only 500. And do you know what the lowest recorded temperature ________ here?
- A.
Was
- B.
Has been
- C.
Had been
- D.
is being
Correct Answer
A. WasExplanation
The correct answer is "was". The question is asking for the lowest recorded temperature in the coldest inhabited place on Earth. The use of "was" indicates that the lowest recorded temperature is a past event.Rate this question:
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- 9.
An unbelievable ˗71.2°C in 1926. I am told people will be growing vegetables only during the short summer season, and residents ________ for ten months mainly on a diet of horse and reindeer meat by the time this season arrives.
- A.
Will be surviving
- B.
Will survive
- C.
Are going to survive
- D.
will have survived
Correct Answer
D. will have survivedExplanation
The correct answer is "will have survived." This is because the sentence is referring to a future time when people will have already endured ten months of surviving on a diet of horse and reindeer meat. The future perfect tense "will have survived" indicates an action that will be completed in the future before another action takes place.Rate this question:
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- 10.
The ________ this meat are obvious, as there is no malnutrition despite the fact that very few vegetables are eaten.
- A.
Respect for
- B.
Benefits of
- C.
Grasp of
- D.
Sense of
Correct Answer
B. Benefits ofExplanation
The benefits of this meat are obvious, as there is no malnutrition despite the fact that very few vegetables are eaten. This suggests that the meat provides necessary nutrients and sustains good health.Rate this question:
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- 11.
The _______ reality is that wearing fur is a must,
- A.
Visible
- B.
Profound
- C.
Stifling
- D.
Harsh
Correct Answer
D. HarshExplanation
The word "harsh" is the correct answer because it implies that wearing fur is a necessity or requirement, suggesting that there are unfavorable or difficult circumstances that make it necessary. This aligns with the phrase "is a must," indicating that there are no alternatives or options available.Rate this question:
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- 12.
And a long fur coat ________ you £1,000 at the village shop.
- A.
will cost
- B.
Is costing
- C.
Will be costing
- D.
Will have cost
Correct Answer
A. will costExplanation
The correct answer is "will cost." This is because the sentence is in the future tense, indicating that the action of buying a fur coat and its cost will happen in the future. "Will cost" is the correct future tense form of the verb "to cost."Rate this question:
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- 13.
Western notions of animal rights are pointless in this place. Tonight, people ________ their car engines because if they do, they won’t be able to start them again. Children will have been told to stay away from school tomorrow as the forecast is below ˗52°C, the temperature at which schools close.
- A.
have switched off
- B.
Won’t switch off
- C.
Aren’t switched off
- D.
Don’t switch off
Correct Answer
B. Won’t switch offExplanation
In this context, the correct answer is "won't switch off" because it indicates that people will not turn off their car engines. This is supported by the statement that if they do switch off their engines, they won't be able to start them again, implying that it is necessary to keep the engines running. The other options ("have switched off," "aren't switched off," and "don't switch off") do not accurately convey the future tense and the idea that people will not turn off their car engines.Rate this question:
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- 14.
My guide ________ me ice fishing in the morning, and maybe we’ll go swimming, too. I hope he’s joking!
- A.
Is going to take
- B.
will have taken
- C.
Takes
- D.
Will have been taking
Correct Answer
A. Is going to takeExplanation
The correct answer is "is going to take." This is because the sentence is referring to a future event, the guide taking the speaker ice fishing in the morning. The phrase "is going to" is commonly used to express future intentions or plans.Rate this question:
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- 15.
Complete the sentences with the adjective form of the words in brackets.The abandoned building was only ________________ (access) through a small dark street
Correct Answer
accessibleExplanation
The correct answer is "accessible". In this sentence, the adjective form of the word "access" is needed to describe the building. The word "accessible" means capable of being reached or entered, which fits perfectly in the context of the sentence. It implies that the abandoned building could only be reached or entered through a small dark street.Rate this question:
- 16.
The community elders had a ________________ (value) knowledge of herbal medicine.
Correct Answer
valuableExplanation
The word "valuable" is the correct answer because it accurately describes the knowledge of herbal medicine possessed by the community elders. This suggests that their knowledge is highly esteemed and considered to be of great worth or importance.Rate this question:
- 17.
The benefits of drinking green tea are ________________ (consider).
Correct Answer
considerableExplanation
Green tea has numerous health benefits, making it a popular beverage choice. The word "considerable" suggests that the benefits of drinking green tea are significant or substantial. This implies that consuming green tea can have a positive impact on one's health, such as boosting metabolism, aiding in weight loss, improving brain function, reducing the risk of certain diseases, and promoting overall well-being. The term "considerable" emphasizes the extent and importance of these benefits, highlighting the value of incorporating green tea into one's diet.Rate this question:
- 18.
The river was made ________________ (navigate) for small boats.
Correct Answer
navigableExplanation
The word "navigable" is the correct answer because it is an adjective that means suitable for navigation. In the given sentence, it describes the river being made suitable for small boats to navigate.Rate this question:
- 19.
The pathway was not ________________ (vision) in the fog.
Correct Answer
visibleExplanation
The word "visible" is the correct answer because it means able to be seen or perceived. In the context of the sentence, the pathway was not able to be seen or perceived due to the fog.Rate this question:
- 20.
She did not find her working conditions ________________ (accept), so she left her job.
Correct Answer
acceptableExplanation
The correct answer is "acceptable" because the sentence states that the person did not find their working conditions acceptable, meaning that they were not satisfied or content with the conditions. This dissatisfaction led them to leave their job.Rate this question:
- 21.
It was not ________________ (sense) to travel alone across the country.
Correct Answer
sensibleExplanation
The word "sensible" is the correct answer because it fits grammatically and contextually in the sentence. It completes the sentence by conveying the meaning that it was not a reasonable or practical decision to travel alone across the country. The word "sensible" implies that there may be risks or drawbacks associated with such a journey, suggesting that it would be wiser to have company or make alternative arrangements.Rate this question:
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