B1

Thursday, 19 November 2015

B1.2 Reading comprehension

Read the article about names. Five sentences have been removed. Choose from the sentences A–G the one which fits each gap (1–5). There is one extra sentence which you do not need to use.

What’s in a name?

The arrival of a baby in the family causes plenty of excitement for all new parents. They have to get a room ready for the little one, buy new clothes, and choose a name. 0 G Many also go on to pick something a little bit different from their own or those of their family members.

But, according to new research, parents should really go for traditional names such as Michael, John, Ian, or Andrew if they want their sons to be successful in life. 1 There are also more lawyers and politicians with these four names than any other names. And it doesn’t stop there – they are well represented across the country’s police forces too, with eight of the chief constables in the country’s 52 forces named either Michael or Ian.

2 However, at present there is not a single person with this name in a senior position in government or the police force. Many top managers are selected through an interview process, and research seems to support the theory that people with straightforward names are the ones who are contacted and invited to come and meet the panel.

Andrew Watson, an author and parenting expert, said the survey highlighted the importance of traditional names over more unusual, trendy ones. He warned parents that the effects of their choice of name for their child will last a lifetime. 3 And this is not only important in childhood, but also in youth and adulthood. Mr Watson also warned parents to consider the spelling of the name. No child wants to go through life explaining an unusual name over and over again, or repeating it on the phone. The fact is that giving a child a fairly ordinary name can help them do well in life. Mr Watson reminded parents that unusual names come in and out of fashion quite quickly. Names which were trendy 30 years ago are almost unheard of today.

4 According to the most up-to-date data from the Office of National Statistics, Michael, Andrew, and Ian are not even among the 50 most popular names of the last few years. Instead, more unusual ones such as Ethan, Noah, Oscar, and Jayden were all preferred by new parents.

While Jack, Harry, Alfie, and Thomas were the four most popular boys’ names with new parents last year, it is unclear whether they will make a success of their lives when they get older. 5 Earlier this year, it was identified as the most popular name in the record books. In total, more than two million boys have been given this name since records began in Britain in 1837.

A In the 1970s, one of the most popular boy’s names was Jason.

B But despite the apparent advantages of solid traditional names, they are currently out of fashion.

C Most people like it and it has been popular for many years now.

D Only John, it seems, has managed to stand the test of time.

E Their name is part of how others see them and feel about them.

F These ‘power names’ are the most common among the top British businessmen.

G They spend hours looking through thousands of names in baby books before deciding what to call their child.

Monday, 16 November 2015

B1.1 Composition 23rd November

Write about your best friend or person you admire. Include the following information (140-180 words)

who he/she is
what he /she is like
what he/she does
why you admire him/her
where, when and how you met.
what you do together.

Use relative clauses

Thursday, 5 November 2015

B1.2 Composition: by 12th November

Write an email to a friend telling him / her about a holiday you have just had (150–180 words). Include the following information:

• say where you went on your holiday

• describe what you did on the holiday

• explain if you enjoyed your holiday or not and why

The Story of Guy Fawkes

Wednesday, 4 November 2015

Read the article and tick A, B, or C.

While multi-generational living is normal in many cultures, in some countries such as Britain and the US, it isn’t very usual. However, homes where grandparents live with their children and their families in the same house are becoming more common in these countries because of the economic climate. Here, the members of one extended family explain how it works for them.

Georgina – Anna’s grandmother

I was really pleased when my son wanted to move back home. I love spending time with Anna, my granddaughter. She’s a lovely little girl at the minute – so happy and affectionate – everybody who meets her likes her. It will be wonderful to watch her grow up. I think even my unsociable husband is enjoying it! We eat together twice a week and, once a month, we have a family conference – my husband and I, my son and his wife – to discuss how things are going. We try to respect each other’s space. Having my son here makes me less anxious about the future, too. At the moment, we’re healthy, but in a few years we’re going to need more help.

Esther – Anna’s mother

Actually, it’s all working out well! My mother-in-law remembers what it’s like to have young children, so she’s very patient with Anna and sympathetic to me when I’m tired. She often just says: ‘Go and rest. I’ll look after her’. I think she wants to give advice about what Anna eats and what time she goes to bed, but she usually says nothing! And occasionally I ask her opinion and find her ideas are really sensible. We are all learning to be quite honest with each other, which I think is a good thing.

Chris – Anna’s grandfather

I prefer a quiet life and a tidy house, and I think young people should be independent, but my wife loves having the family here. From a selfish point of view, it’s good for me too because Georgina is quite talkative and now she can chat to her daughter-in-law. I think it’s a very satisfactory situation for everyone concerned!

Alan – Anna’s father

I was worried because my mother can be bossy, but actually, she is being sensitive and we’re lucky to have a reliable babysitter in the house! My dad is sometimes moody, but he’s very affectionate with Anna. We’re planning to buy our own house in a couple of years, but I think we’ll stay near my parents because the relationship between Anna and her grandparents is so special.

Example: More people are living in extended families in Britain than before.

A True cü B False c C Doesn’t say c

1 Georgina thinks that Anna is charming.