Reading Skills

READING SKILLS NAME___________________ CLASS ________ A 1

Read about four people (A-D) and match them to the correct statements (1-8).

Changing Fashions A In the 1950’s and early 1960’s, Tony Curtis was one of the most popular film stars in the world. He went to Hollywood and became a star in his early twenties. He realized that it was his looks that had given him his chance but he also proved to be a very talented actor and won an Oscar nomination. His greased back hair and dark, moody eyes made him a pin-up all over the world and even Elvis Presley copied his look. Ironically, it was this look that also dated Curtis in the early 1960’s. When fashions changed and longer hair that was brushed forward with a fringe became popular, Curtis’ style never changed. However, as Curtis reached middle age, his career took off again as he was still exceptionally handsome. Now, Curtis spends his time painting and is a very talented artist. B The ideal woman of the 1950’s was much bigger than most models these days. However, in the mid 1960’s a new look became fashionable and the most famous model of the time was a skinny, sixteen year old British model known to everyone as Twiggy. This name came from the fact that she was as thin as a twig on a tree She had her hair cut into a short, boyish style with a parting on one side and it was also dyed; changing from her normal mousey brown colour to a blonde that she still has today. Her make up was expertly done and she was one of the first women to paint the lashes below her eyes as well as above. This had the effect of making her brown eyes, look even bigger and more attractive. Twiggy continued as a model before moving into a successful acting career. C In late 2003, a closely cropped, grey haired man in his late fifties went to Buckingham Palace to receive a CBE from the Queen for his charitable work and for services to music. With his bright green eyes, smart suit and friendly smile showing his dimples, he could have been a bank manager or retired military man. Thirty years earlier, however, the same green eyes and smile had been hidden by windswept, long, wavy brown hair in a film made in Pompeii, Italy. David Gilmour was then, and still is on occasion now, the guitarist in one of the world’s most famous groups, Pink Floyd. D Ian Botham, one of England’s greatest ever cricketers wasn’t called ‘beefy’ for nothing. He was always well-built and, as he came towards the end of his career, seemed to have some trouble in keeping his weight down. His appearance changed in other ways, notably his hair style and facial hair. His moustache was fairly constant but a beard also appeared for a while. At one point he had highlights and, in the 1980’s a full grown mullet was in danger of developing Now a commentator for television, Botham has a very sensible short hair style. The beard and moustache have gone but there is generally two or three days stubble on his face. Lines are also appearing but not wrinkles from old age, these are around his eyes and proof of his good humour and frequent wide smile.

His/her looks helped him/her to be successful 1 _______________ He/She was a teenager when he/she first became a star. 2 _______________ He/She made him/her self more attractive by make-up. 3 _______________ His/Her face changes when he/she smiles. 4 _______________ He/She has had their hair coloured at some point. 5 _______________ 6 _______________ He/She still does the same thing now as he/she did thirty years ago. 7 _______________ He/She had a haircut that was usually worn by someone of the opposite sex. 8 _______________

He/She has not appeared in a film.

9 _______________

His/Her look never altered.

10 _______________

His/her hair is still the same colour today as it was when they were younger.

11_______________

His/Her look influenced another famous person. He/She has a nickname because of their appearance

12 _______________ 13 _______________ 14 _______________

He/She looks as if he/she had a different job.

15 _______________

He/She had several different hair styles while they were famous.

16 _______________

READING SKILLS NAME _____________________ CLASS __________ B 1

Read a brochure about the Isles of Scilly. For questions 1-6 circle the correct answers. For questions 7-16, write T (true) or F (false). ‘IF I HADN’T SEEN THEM WITH MY OWN EYES, I WOULDN’T HAVE BELIEVED ANYWHERE COULD BE SO PERFECT, ESPECIALLY NOT IN BRITAIN.’ Marvin Beano, actor.

Sandy, shell-covered beaches, crystal-clear water, fresh air and a warmer climate than anywhere else in Britain, the Scilly Isles are a jewel, perfectly placed in the Atlantic Ocean, 20 km west of Land’s End in Cornwall. Four of the five inhabited islands are car-free and, because of strict limits on the number of visitors, there are no crowds, even in summer. Life on the islands About one in three of the population are self employed; working in fishing, farming or tourism. Flowers such as daffodils can be grown much earlier than in other parts of the country. Snow and frost are almost unheard of, which enables all sorts of other flowers to be grown that are unknown on the mainland. Travelling to the islands There are three ways of getting to the islands. A ferry called the Scillonian sails all year round from Penzance to St Mary’s, the journey taking about 2 ½ hours altogether. A helicopter also flies from Penzance, both to St Mary’s and, in summer, direct to Tresco. You can also fly in a plane from Southampon, Bristol, Exeter, Plymouth and Newquay. The Islands St Mary’s is the biggest island and the only one on which cars are allowed. Here you can find the only supermarket and bank on the islands as well as a post office, pubs and restaurants. It is also where most of the hotels and guest houses are. Tresco is famous for its sub-tropical gardens. It is the only island which doesn’t have a campsite. Just to the west of Tresco lies Brhyer, it’s quiet, green, sheltered eastern shore a complete contrast to its wild and rocky western side. St Agnes is the furthest west of all the islands and you can stare out to sea and know that there is nothing but water between you and America. St Martins is the furthest from St Mary’s but a beautifully sheltered island with the best beaches and breathtaking views. There are also other smaller islands and rocks where you can see seals and puffins, a distinctive sea bird with a bright orange beak. You can walk on Samson and see the ruined cottages dating back to the time, before 1850, when the island was inhabited until a lack of fresh water and shelter drove the people off. On St Helens, it is said that St Elidius, the son of a British King, is buried although no one has ever found his grave. Things to do The sea is the centre of most people’s holidays. Boat trips take you to the different islands. There are fishing trips and the clear water is perfect for scuba diving. The least popular activity is swimming, not because of the jellyfish and basking sharks that can be found here but because the deep Atlantic Ocean is like getting into a cold bath compared to the shallow and dirty seas around the mainland. There are also prehistoric remains, ruined castles, art galleries and sports. The nightlife is perfect for those whose idea of a good time is a quiet drink or meal rather than discos or concerts.

1

Marvin Beano a never went to the Scilly Isles. b wasn’t surprised when he saw them. c only realized how beautiful the Scilly Isles were when he visited them. d thought that only other countries could be as perfect as the Scilly Isles. 2 The percentage of people living on the Scilly Isles who don’t work for themselves is a 33. b 3. c 66. d unknown. 3 From Penzance, a there are two ways of getting to the Scilly Isles. b there is one way of getting to the Scilly Isles. c it is about 20km to the Scilly Isles. d you can fly to Southampton, Exeter, Bristol, Plymouth and Newquay. 4 The Scilly Isles are a a good place to find jewellery. b always sunny. c a place where you can find crystals. d never very crowded. 5 On the mainland, people a can’t grow flowers as early in the year as on the Scilly Isles. b don’t know what daffodils are. c can’t grow daffodils. d know all about the flowers that are grown on the Scilly Isles. 6 If you want to get to the Scillys a you have to go from Penzance. b you don’t have to go to St Mary’s. c it will take about 2 ½ hours. d there is more than one island you can fly to by plane. 7

Tresco is to the west of Bryher.

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8

On four of the inhabited islands, you are not allowed to drive.

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9

People swim less often in the sea here than in other places because of the temperature.

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10 The Scilly Isles don’t get crowded because not many people know about them.

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11 If you want to go to the Scilly Isles, you don’t have to fly.

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12 There is a very lively nightlife on the islands.

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13 On St Mary’s you can’t camp.

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14 St Elidius is thought to be buried on one of the uninhabited islands.

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15 A holiday on the Scilly Isles not be a good idea for someone who likes dancing.

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16 About 33% of the people on the islands work for themselves.

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LISTENING SKILLS A 1

CD Track 5 Read the statements and listen to a radio phone-in show. Write T (true) and F (false).

1

The radio show takes place on a Saturday evening.

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2

Oxford lost their first five matches when the new manager arrived.

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3

Colin is not surprised that the manager is doing well.

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4

Oxford have got through to the Cup Final this year.

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5

The fighting started when Halifax scored a goal.

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6

Bev didn’t have a good view of the fighting.

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7

Liverpool moved into a new stadium this season.

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8

Liverpool’s Polish player is playing well.

 /8

LISTENING SKILLS B 1

CD Track 5 Read the statements and listen to a radio phone-in show. Write T (true) and F (false).

1

Chelsea lost their game today.

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2

The Oxford manager has bought some good, young players.

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3

Colin is worried that Billy Smith will move to another club.

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4

There was fighting in the crowd at Chester.

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5

The police arrested a player during the match at Chester.

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6

Chester beat Halifax 2-0.

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7

One of Liverpool’s players now plays for Barcelona.

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8

The seats in Liverpool’s old stadium were more comfortable than the seats in the new one.  /8