USE OF ENGLISH

INTERCAMBIOIDIOMASONLINE
PART 1

WWW.INTERCAMBIOIDIOMASONLINE.COM | Marc Andrew Huckle

 CONTENTS

1. MULTIPLE CHOICE TASK Page 3

2. WORD PATTERNS and COLLOCATIONS Page 5
3. PHRASAL VERBS Page 19
4. FIXED EXPRESSIONS Page 33
5. LINKING WORDS Page 39
6. EXAMPLE EXAM TASKS Page 40

2
 MULTIPLE CHOICE

Use of English Exam PART 1

Part 1: multiple choice gaps fill (A-D)

The key to this part of the exam is to focus on what type of word they are
assessing. It can be based on grammar; these are usually 1/2 of the 8 gaps.
Grammar is assessed with connectives, relative pronouns, quantifiers etc. The
vocabulary points (usually 6/7 of the 8) are based on word patterns, phrasal
verbs, collocations or fixed expressions. They key is to look at clues around
the gaps (PREPOSITIONS, articles etc.)

THE KEYS TO SUCCESS:

1. What you need to do is improve your vocabulary. Improve your word

patterns (verb + preposition etc.), collocations and phrasal verbs.
2. Understand prepositions. As many of the answers are word patterns or
phrasal verbs, prepositions give you many of the answers.
3. Read. You should read a lot!

The way to learn phrasal verbs is simple; through substitution. You should do it
by speaking and writing. Match phrasal verbs to synonyms then write phrases.

Get into = start liking

I started liking languages a few years ago.

I got into languages a few years ago.

3
HOW TO DO THIS PART OF THE EXAM:

When you first look at the text, it might be difficult because you do not
understand all of the words. These are the steps to follow to make sure you
can answer each gap.

1. Read the text and ignore the word that is missing. You should focus on
the word before and after, and also think, “What type of word is
missing?”
2. Look at the options and discard the options that are obviously wrong
3. Look at the word before and after the gap and think which of the
options can collocate with these words. If there are two words with
exactly the same meaning, none of them are the answer. Only one is
right.
4. Focus on the context and meaning of each of the options
5. If the gap requires a linking word, read the whole sentence and choose
the best option
6. Choose from the options A-d for all 8 gaps
7. Reread (read again) the text to check your answers make sense

Generally, the best way to do this part of the exam is to build your vocabulary.
The more you know, the easier the exam is. But you must be realistic, you
cannot learn every word pattern, collocation, phrasal verb or expression, you
should focus on the high frequency words that are normally in the exam (see
the lists below).

4
 Word patterns and collocations

Hobbies and free time

Be keen on

Be fond of

Be a fan of

Be big on

Be good/bad at

Be interested in

Be crazy/mad about

Be eager (infinitive)

Go + (ing)

Compete against

Concentrate on

Involve in

Listen to

Join in

Go for a walk

5
Travel and getting around

Be afraid/scared of

Be annoyed/angry with sb/about sth

Arrange sth for sb

Be keen on

Regret (ing)

Dream of/about (ing)

Differ from sb

Look for

Be used to (ing)

Get used to (ing)

Used to (verb)

Pay for

6
Education and lifestyles

Learn about

Revise/study for

Boast of/about

Complain about

Succeed in

Teach to sb/about sth

Talk/speak to sb/about sth

Be similar to

Be suitable for

Be interested in

Be happy with/about

Be capable of

Be able (infinitive)

7
Work and obligations

Be on duty

Apply for (a job)

Depend on

Rely on

Qualify as/in sth

Work as/in/at

Work like (=similar to)

Be experienced in/at sth

Be responsible for sth

Be good/bad at sth

Be capable of sth

Mean (infinitive)

8
Money and spending

Go shopping/do the shopping

Attention to detail

Be in debt

Lend (money) to sb

Borrow (money) from sb

Be/get used to (ing)

Spend (money) on

Charge sb for sth

An increase in (price)

The amount of

Live above your means

The type/kind of

Communication between…and…

9
Time

Be on time

Take advantage of

According to

Confuse with

Believe in

comment on

depend on

surprise by

persuade of

share with

work on

point in (ing)

describe as

be similar to

be good at

10
Eating and drinking

Be on a diet

A piece of

A slice of

A plate of

A pinch of

A bar of

A jar of

A carton of

A bottle of

Be keen on

Be a fan of

Be fond of

A lack of

Choose between

Wait for

Regard as

Fill with

11
Health and fitness

Be/stay/keep/get in shape

Be hurt/in pain/injured

Complain of/about

Be good/bad at sth

Worry about

Be tired of

Be sick of

Be bored of

Be in danger of

Benefit from

Cope/deal with

Suffer from

Be worth (ing)

In need of sth

Exposure to

12
People and their lives

Be willing (infinitive)

Be polite to

Be rude to

Be jealous of

Be attracted to/by

Get/be married to

Take care of

Have fun with

Dream of/about

Approve of sth

Be in favour of

Work with/as/in

Live in/near to/far from

Laugh at

Talk to sb/about sth

13
Technological advances

Succeed in

Look at

Focus on

Concentrate on

Work on/at sth

Turn into

In an attempt (infinitive)

A result of

A cause of

An introduction to

A matter of (fact)

Experiment with sth

Explain sth to sb

Conclude with

An attempt to

Have a try/go at

14
Wildlife and the environment

Be aware of

Be similar to

Be worried about

Be famous/known for

Be short of/on

The defence of

Know about

Be considerate of

Worry about

Take into account

Take care of

Protect from

Become extinct

15
Life, crime and society

Accuse of

Charge with

Escape/flee from

Fine for

The purpose of

Mistake for

Arrest sb for

Forgive sb for

Respect sb for

Threaten with

Be scared/afraid of

Be worried about

Be in doubt

Be guilty of

Be innocent of

16
Design and creativity

Be similar to

Be different from

Be familiar with

Be proud of

Refer to sth

Prepare for sth

Advise about sth

Succeed in sth

Improve at sth

Look for sth

Supply with sth

Dream about sth

Insist on sth

17
Happiness and relationships

Be keen on

Be fond of

Be happy with sb/about sth

Be worried about

Be proud of

Be crazy/mad about

Be kind to

Be polite to

Be rude to

Agree with/on

Depend/rely on

Be eager (infinitive)

Dream about/of

Be married to

be angry with sb/about sth

have a tolerance for

18
Phrasal verbs

Hobbies and free time

Carry on – continue

Get (a)round to – start (after planning)

Get up to – do sth/do sth you shouldn´t

Go off – stop liking

Get into – start liking

Join in – participate in

Calm down - relax

Put off – delay

Be into - like

Put up with – tolerate

Stand for – tolerate/protect or defend

Take up – start doing

End up – final result

Take to – become good at

Hang out (with) – spend time (with)

Call off – cancel

19
Travel and getting around

Get/go away – go on holiday/escape

Set off – start a journey

Hold up – delay

Pick up – collect

Get around – move from place to place

Drop off – leave in a place

Get back – return

Make for – head in a direction

Check in – enter a hotel/flight

Check out – leave a hotel

Take off – the plane leaves the ground

Look around – explore

Hurry up – go faster

Check out – look at sth

Look forward to – be excited about

See off – say goodbye at the airport etc.

Catch up with – get to the same point as

20
Education and lifestyles

Drop out (of) – stop studying/going to school

Deal with – handle/cope with

Get on with – continue doing

Think over – consider

Get at – suggest

Catch on – understand

Go for – choose

Be into – like

Find out – discover information

Fall behind – not do sth fast enough

Go over - review

Go into – begin to describe in detail

Get away with – not be caught or punished

Make up – invent information or a story

Take down – write down

Take in – understand

21
Work and obligations

Carry out – do sth/realize an action

Back out (of) – decide not to

Turn down – reject

Set up – start a business

Stand in for – substitute

Bring out – start selling a new product

Keep on – continue

Work away – work abroad

Work on – spend time to try to perfect sth

Work out – solve or find a solution

Catch up (on/with) – reach the same level as sb

Take to – become good at/become a habit

Go over – review

Opt out of – decide not to

Take over – take control of

Take on – hire/employ

22
Money and spending

Bank on – depend

Buy (sth) up – purchase large amounts of sth

Buy (sb) out – pay to have control of a business

Come across – find sth or meet by chance

Come by – visit

Save up (for) – keep a little money for sth

Get by – manage with little money

Do without – live without sth

Cash in on (sth) – sell sth for profit

Give away – give as a gift

Take back – return sth to the shop

Put by – save money for the future

Sell out – not have any left/sell all of sth

Pay (sth) off – pay all of sth

Pay up – give sb the money you owe them

Save ($) on (sth) – avoid spending money on sth

23
Time

Clock in – record when people start work

Clock out – record when people finish work

Take off – spend time away from work

Press on – continue working

Run out (of) – not have any left/remaining

Get together – meet to spend time together

Fit in – find time to do sth

Hang out (with) – spend time with

Get up to – do sth/ do sth you shouldn´t

Be up to – do sth

Hang on - wait

Mess around – waste time doing sth

24
Eating and drinking

Go for – choose

Eat out – eat in a restaurant

Go/keep on – continue

Put off – make sb not want sth any more

Run out of – not have any left

Eat/drink up – eat or drink all of sth

Try out – experiment with

Take to – begin to like

Throw away/out – put in the rubbish

Wash up – clean the dishes

Turn out – have a particular result

25
Health and fitness

Feel up (to) – feel well enough to

Cut down (on) – reduce the amount of

Get over – recover from

Give up/in – stop doing

Look after – take care of

Put on – gain weight

Pass out – faint/become unconscious

Work out – do exercise

Go/come down with – become ill

Bring on – cause an illness

Warm up – prepare for sth

Swell up – become inflamed

Get rid of – throw/give away or sell

Pull through – recover from

Pass away – die

26
People and their lives

Bring up - start talking about sth

Get at – suggest

Grow up – become older

Look up to – admire

Pass away – die

Get along (with) – have a good relationship

Stick to – continue doing the same

Chill out – relax

Get into – start liking

Go off – stop liking

Stay up – not go to bed

Stay out – not go home

Stay in – not go out

Fit in with – be assimilated into friends

Stand out – be different/remarkable

Put up with – stand for

27
Technological advances

Build up – construct a lot of buildings

Find out – discover information

Work on – dedicate time to perfect sth

Work out – find a solution/resolve

Carry out – perform an experiment

Come on – make progress

Come up with – think of

Turn into – become/change into

Plug in – connect to a power supply

Turn off – stop machine from working

Come off – succeed

Look forward to – be excited about

28
Wildlife and the environment

Call off – cancel

Call for – require

Cut down (on) – reduce

Cut out – stop using/doing

Cut down (trees) – chop trees down

Clear up – when the weather becomes better/clean

Throw away – get rid of/put in the bin

Put down to – suggest that sth is the result of sth

Stand for – represent sth

Stand up for – defend/protect

Look after – take care of

Give off – emit (fumes etc.)

Die out – when all of sth dies

Face up to – accept as true

29
Life, crime and society

Give up/in – stop doing

Back down – stop demanding sth

Get away with – not be punished for sth

Look into – investigate

Be into – be interested in

Get away – escape

Lock up – put in prison

Blow up – explode

Run away – flee/ escape by running

Beat up – attack with violence

Tell off – shout at

Let off – not punish/forgive

Break in – force entry

30
Design and creativity

Lay out – plan

Work out – solve/plan

Dream up – create an idea

Set out – organize/arrange

Make up – create a story/information

Go over – review

Set up – start and prepare for an activity

Think over – consider

Wear out – become exhausted or unusable

Grow out of – develop from a certain point

Do away with – get rid of

Draw up – create a plan of action

Dress up – get well dressed/put on a costume

Cut out – stop using/doing sth

31
Happiness and relationships

Fall out with – argue with

Fall for – fall in love with

Get on with – be friends with

Get along with – have a good relationship with

Look up to – admire

Look down on – think badly of

Make up – make peace

Stand up for – protect/defend

Put up with – tolerate

Pick on – tease/make fun of

Put down – criticize

Look after – take care of

Go out with – be in a relationship with

32
Fixed expressions:

Hobbies and free time

As well as

As long as

I´d rather + verb (do)

Regret (not) + ing

Be worth + ing

A part of

Travel and getting around

Just in case

In order to

In terms of

Give consideration to

Keep in touch

Either way

Every other way

On board

33
Education and lifestyles

Make sense

Make up your mind

Pay attention to

See no point in

Have (little/no) difficulty in

On your own

The benefit to/of

Work and obligations

On purpose

By accident

Be willing

Be praised for

Better/worse than expected

The pros and cons of

34
Money and spending

Be on sale

Break down in tears

Have/keep something under control

Dream come true

Make an impression on

The advantage/disadvantage of

Time

As soon as

By the time

On/at the point of

Take ages

Take by surprise

From time to time

A matter of time

At this point

At a time

During which

35
Eating and drinking

Be keen on

There is no comparison

To have nothing to do with – (no tener nada que ver con)

Health and fitness

As far as I know

Likely to result in

Take care

People and their lives

At its height

At that time

Ever since

For a long time to come

On the outskirts

Technological advances

In fact

On average

As a result

All in all

36
Wildlife and the environment

By chance

By no means

On purpose

By accident

In no time

Set a fire

A means by which

Life, crime and society

Against the law

On purpose

Safe and sound

Commit a crime

Commit suicide

Break the law

On account of

Be at fault

37
Design and creativity

In fashion

Out of fashion

It seems that

A matter of time

As part of

But nor should…

By the time

Happiness and relationships

Be on good terms with

Bear in mind

Brace yourself

For some… for others

Pull yourself together

38
UNIT 1

Are we the lost generation?

According _____ (1) a damning recent UNICEF report there is a crisis amongst the Spanish youth,
“the lost generation” they call them. With a high school dropout _____ (2) of almost 25 percent, and
one of the highest youth unemployment rates in Europe, are things really as grim as they would like
to make _____ (3)? In spite of the recent upward turn of the Spanish economy, the 7 long years of
recession have obviously taken their toll _____ (4) the workforce, it is pretty tough for those trying
to buy a home and salaries are at an all time low compared to the cost of living. The famous state
exams have been frozen for _____ (5) years so movement in the job market can be frustrating and
has forced many workers to look for opportunities elsewhere. What is most worrying is the
supposed child poverty ratio. Although data is easily misinterpreted, the effects are _____ (6) and
many households, especially in the south of Spain, struggle to feed and clothe their kids to the same
standard as they could in the 90´s with child spending down 15% since 2010. The Spanish economy is
improving, but _____ (7) like in most capitalist societies, the richest 1% is benefiting and the workers
are feeling most of the effects. In fact the poverty game is far higher than the government likes to
make out. The future is looking brighter for Spain, but what is to be seen is whom will most benefit
from this, and also if the worker´s unions will _____ (8) their fingers out and tackle the large
enterprises that are exploiting some of the younger workforce. If our generation will be able to get a
mortgage in the future is yet to be seen.

Choose the best word from the following options:

1. A. for B. at C. with D. to
2. A. pace B. rate C. rhythm D. amount
3. A. out B. up C. for D. around
4. A. for B. with C. on D. of
5. A. too many B. several C. too much D. long
6. A. normal B. comforting C. evident D. obvious
7. A. even B. as C. just D. like
8. A. pull B. look C. run D. take

39
UNIT 2

Unemployment in Spain

Youth unemployment is at 42.2%, but this is nothing compared to the 54% or 2015. General
unemployment is 18.2%. The figures speak _____ (1) themselves, Spain has deep-seated
employment issues that need to be solved, and fast. The conservative government in power are
talking up the 7 year lowest unemployment levels, but are they really what they seem? There are
more people working than 5 years ago, but what is _____ (2) is the quality of contracts and working
conditions. Spain´s economy is ____ (3) on a vast number of temporary jobs, whether they are in
agriculture or tourism, two of the largest sectors in Spain. Many of these jobs have zero-hours
contracts and offer little or no long-term stability. Rajoy's conservative government credits a labour
law reform that reduced severance pay and introduced a new permanent contract with a one-year
trial period for the _____ (4) in joblessness. But this all seems to be a bodge-job to make immediate
employment rates seem better than they ____ (5) are. The main issue affecting employment in Spain
is lack of movement in the job market. There is still a mentality amongst some people of finding a
fixed job and remaining in that job until retirement. But in the modern economic minefield that is
our globalized society, this is simply _____ (6). We need to move focus away from public spending
and encourage private investment in many of our job sectors. The first step would be to do _____ (7)
with the monthly quota for self-employed people so that those who could potentially create small
businesses would be able to do it without the constant worry of income. It should be done on an
earnings based system, let´s say 18% of earnings, if you earn a lot, you pay a lot etc. What a country
can´t permit is that 40% of its economy is under the table and is not even registered on its GDP. The
Spanish people need to change their mentality of being Civil Servants and having a secure job for life
because quite frankly, this _____ (8) exists in a capitalist society. There needs to be a constant
creation of new job opportunities to cater for workers under-25 and in need of vital time in a job to
gain work experience. There needs to be a massive amount of economic reform if Spain wants to
compete in the future on a global scale.

40
Choose the best word from the following options:

1. A. about B. on C. for D. with

2. A. debatable B. evident C. curious D. reasonable
3. A. reliable B. reliant C. dependable D. worked
4. A. downturn B. consist C. interest D. drop
5. A. actually B. currently C. presently D. now
6. A. wasteful B. lost C. naïve D. intuitive
7. A. out B. rid C. away D. off
8. A. barely B. luckily C. almost D. fortunately

41
UNIT 3

Robotics and robot simulation

In today´s _____ (1) economic climate it is essential to be both cost effective and provide a top
quality service to clients. Offline programming is the best way to maximize _____ (2) on investment
for robot systems. ABB’s simulation and offline programming software, RobotStudio, allows us to
_____ (3) out robot programming on a PC in the office without shutting down production. This saves
both time and money. Many large production companies have _____ (4) with installing automation
systems as they are worried about the time they will need to stop production to do so. In the long-
run, automation systems save a company a lot of money but if installing these systems bankrupts
the company, then it is a massive issue. Offline programming is the _____ (5) that can solve this
problem. RobotStudio provides the tools to increase the profitability of your robot system by letting
you perform tasks such as training, programming, and optimization without disturbing production.
This provides numerous benefits including: Risk reduction, quicker start-up, shorter change-over,
and increased _____ (6) etc. All of which are of interest to a producer as it saves them money. The
Japanese have been doing it for decades and _____ (7) one of the most cost effective production
lines in the world, this is why us in Europe need to catch up to be able to compete on a global scale.
A fantastic programming tool named RobotStudio is now available (since 2007); it is built on the ABB
VirtualController, an exact copy of the real software that runs your robots in production. This allows
very realistic simulations to be performed, using real robot programs and configuration files identical
to those used on the shop floor. This way there are not technical issues when installing programmes
and the production lines that are being modified will only be shut down for a matter of hours and
not days. One of the best providers of this software is Premier Automation Limited, UK. Premier can
offer RobotStudio as part of our projects to assist our customers in understanding the products they
are purchasing so that all sides are happy and new _____ (8) relationships can be established.

Choose the best word from the following options:

1. A. secure B. stable C. fluctuating D. turbulent

2. A. investment B. costs C. return D. earning
3. A. look B. work C. carry D. turn
4. A. dangers B. issues C. limits D. drawbacks
5. A. way B. measure C. means D. methodology
6. A. productivity B. effectiveness C. outlay D. costs
7. A. boast B. presume C. try D. pursue
8. A. helpful B. reliable C. lucrative D. dependable

42
UNIT 4

Are the clothes you wear really all that important?

Fashion is growing in importance and there are many people who _____ (1) a person on what they
wear. But is it really that important? We are told that what we wear gives an impression of _____ (2)
we are. Our clothes reflect our personalities and also give people an idea of how we want to be
seen. For example, if you go to a job interview looking a little _____ (3), you are quite unlikely to be
considered for the position. The interviewers will take you for a person with little self _____ (4) or
even, little work-ethic. our clothes get a lot of attention and are often the first thing that people look
at _____ (5) meeting us. In fact, many big business´ actually put this down as a key point in the
consideration of a person´s application. Especially if you are to work with other clients or with the
public. So as we can see, fashion affects our job prospects. As fashion is of the utmost importance
then, what do you do if you don´t have good fashion-sense? How do you _____ (6) with the latest
trends? A good way to be fashionable is to read up on the latest styles in fashion magazines such as
Vogue. Through reading these current forms of media, it is easy to stay up to date- This way you can
know how to choose clothes that both fit you and _____ (7) you well. By doing this you can stick out
from the crowd in all aspects of life without spending an arm and a leg. On the other hand, clothes
should not really be all that important as it is what is inside that counts. We need to take a look at
our society and work out how to form a realistic image of ourselves without all the focus being on
clothes. We are told that we should not be so superficial and not judge a book by its cover. By doing
this, people should generally take time to form an opinion about somebody else and not just focus
on their dress-sense and also consider other alternatives. So, all in all, following the latest _____ (8)
is a constant battle to make sure that your style doesn´t go out of fashion. Being fashionable does
have its advantages.

Choose the best word from the following options:

1. A. judge B. interpret C. focus D. take

2. A. that B. which C. who D. whose
3. A. unclean B. scruffy C. under kept D. unfashionable
4. A. respect B. limits C. importance D. indulgence
5. A. in B. on C. at D. for
6. A. keep on B. carry on C. go on D. keep up
7. A. meet B. suit C. stay D. keep
8. A. types B. clothing C. outfits D. trends

43
UNIT 5

Everest

The highest place on our planet, Mount Everest continues to _____ (1) crowds of climbers to their
peril as they keep trying to _____ (2) it. Nepal is currently becoming the most popular destination in
the world for adventure tourism. _____ (3) to the increase in number of climbers, especially those
without the right amount of experience is causing _____ (4) with schedules and waiting times to be
able to _____ (5) the summit. Everest has taken the lives of one in every three people who have
tried to climb it and in reality; people should have some kind of assessment to see if they _____ (6)
to the job of climbing it. One suggestion has been to only allow people to climb with an overpriced
permit (more expensive than the one that currently exists), so that only a _____ (7) few or those
with a waiver for the fee can actually have access to it. Everest should really only be for the
privileged few who have the necessary skills to _____ (8).

Choose the best word from the following options:

1. A. bring B. draw C. attract D. get

2. A. conquer B. win C. defeat D. take on
3. A. Because B. Due C. On account D. As
4. A. harm B. issues C. havoc D. interruptions
5. A. reach B. arrive at C. go to D. get up to
6. A. are into B. are up C. have D. take
7. A. chosen B. select C. fortunate D. lonely
8. A. face it B. confront it C. take it on D. beat it

44
ANSWERS:

UNIT 1
According to a damning recent UNICEF report there is a crisis amongst the Spanish youth, “the lost
generation” they call them. With a high school dropout rate of almost 25 percent, and one of the
highest youth unemployment rates in Europe, are things really as grim as they would like to make
out? In spite of the recent upward turn of the Spanish economy, the 7 long years of recession have
obviously taken their toll on the workforce, it is pretty tough for those trying to buy a home and
salaries are at an all time low compared to the cost of living. The famous state exams have been
frozen for several years so movement in the job market can be frustrating and has forced many
workers to look for opportunities elsewhere. What is most worrying is the supposed child poverty
ratio. Although data is easily misinterpreted, the affects are evident and many households,
especially in the south of Spain, struggle to feed and clothe their kids to the same standard as they
could in the 90´s with child spending down 15% since 2010. The Spanish economy is improving, but
just like in most capitalist societies, the richest 1% is benefiting and the workers are feeling most of
the effects. In fact the poverty game is far higher than the government likes to make out. The future
is looking brighter for Spain, but what is to be seen is whom will most benefit from this, and also if
the worker´s unions will pull their fingers out and tackle the large enterprises that are exploiting
some of the younger workforce. If our generation will be able to get a mortgage in the future is yet
to be seen.

45
UNIT 2
Youth unemployment is at 42.2%, but this is nothing compared to the 54% or 2015. General
unemployment is 18.2%. The figures speak for themselves, Spain has deep-seeded employment
issues that need to be solved, and fast. The conservative government in power are talking up the 7
year lowest unemployment levels, but are they really what they seem? There are more people
working than 5 years ago, but what is debatable is the quality of contracts and working conditions.
Spain´s economy is reliant on a vast number of temporary jobs, whether they are in agriculture or
tourism, two of the largest sectors in Spain. Many of these jobs have zero-hours contracts and offer
little or no long-term stability. Rajoy's conservative government credits a labour law reform that
reduced severance pay and introduced a new permanent contract with a one-year trial period for
the drop in joblessness. But this all seems to be a bodge-job to make immediate employment rates
seem better than they actually are. The main issue effecting employment in Spain is lack of
movement in the job market. There is still a mentality amongst some people of finding a fixed job
and remaining in that job until retirement. But in the modern economic minefield that is our
globalized society, this is simply naïve. We need to move focus away from public spending and
encourage private investment in many of our job sectors. The first step would be to do away with
the monthly quota for self-employed people so that those who could potentially create small
businesses would be able to do it without the constant worry of income. It should be done on an
earnings based system, let´s say 18% of earnings, if you earn a lot, you pay a lot etc. What a country
can´t permit is that 40% of its economy is under the table and is not even registered on its GDP. The
Spanish people need to change their mentality of being Civil Servants and having a secure job for life
because quite frankly, this barely exists in a capitalist society. There needs to be a constant creation
of new job opportunities to cater for workers under-25 and in need of vital time in a job to gain work
experience. There needs to be a massive amount of economic reform if Spain wants to compete in
the future on a global scale.

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UNIT 3
In today´s turbulent economic climate it is essential to be both cost effective and provide a top
quality service to clients. Offline programming is the best way to maximize return on investment for
robot systems. ABB’s simulation and offline programming software, RobotStudio, allows us to carry
out robot programming on a PC in the office without shutting down production. This saves both time
and money. Many large production companies have issues with installing automation systems as
they are worried about the time they will need to stop production to do so. In the long-run,
automation systems save a company a lot of money but if installing these systems bankrupts the
company, then it is a massive issue. Offline programming is the measure that can solve this problem.
RobotStudio provides the tools to increase the profitability of your robot system by letting you
perform tasks such as training, programming, and optimization without disturbing production. This
provides numerous benefits including: Risk reduction, quicker start-up, shorter change-over, and
increased productivity etc. All of which are of interest to a producer as it saves them money. The
Japanese have been doing it for decades and boast one of the most cost effective production lines in
the world, this is why us in Europe need to catch up to be able to compete on a global scale. A
fantastic programming tool named RobotStudio is now available (since 2007); it is built on the ABB
VirtualController, an exact copy of the real software that runs your robots in production. This allows
very realistic simulations to be performed, using real robot programs and configuration files identical
to those used on the shop floor. This way there are not technical issues when installing programmes
and the production lines that are being modified will only be shut down for a matter of hours and
not days. One of the best providers of this software is Premier Automation Limited, UK. Premier can
offer RobotStudio as part of our projects to assist our customers in understanding the products they
are purchasing so that all sides are happy and new lucrative relationships can be established.

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UNIT 4
Fashion is growing in importance and there are many people who judge a person on what they
wear. But is it really that important? We are told that what we wear gives an impression of who we
are. Our clothes reflect our personalities and also give people an idea of how we want to be seen.
For example, if you go to a job interview looking a little scruffy, you are quite unlikely to be
considered for the position. The interviewers will take you for a person with little self respect or
even, little work-ethic. Our clothes get a lot of attention and are often the first thing that people
look at on meeting us. In fact, many big business´ actually put this down as a key point in the
consideration of a person´s application. Especially if you are to work with other clients or with the
public. So as we can see, fashion affects our job prospects. As fashion is of the utmost importance
then, what do you do if you don´t have good fashion-sense? How do you keep up with the latest
trends? A good way to be fashionable is to read up on the latest styles in fashion magazines such as
Vogue. Through reading these current forms of media, it is easy to stay up to date- This way you can
know how to choose clothes that both fit you and suit you well. By doing this you can stick out from
the crowd in all aspects of life without spending an arm and a leg. On the other hand, clothes should
not really be all that important as it is what is inside that counts. We need to take a look at our
society and work out how to form a realistic image of ourselves without all the focus being on
clothes. We are told that we should not be so superficial and not judge a book by its cover. By doing
this, people should generally take time to form an opinion about somebody else and not just focus
on their dress-sense and also consider other alternatives. So, all in all, following the latest trends is a
constant battle to make sure that your style doesn´t go out of fashion. Being fashionable does have
its advantages.

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UNIT 5
The highest place on our planet, Mount Everest continues to draw crowds of climbers to their peril
as they keep trying to conquer it. Nepal is currently becoming the most popular destination in the
world for adventure tourism. Due to the increase in number of climbers, especially those without
the right amount of experience is causing havoc with schedules and waiting times to be able to
reach the summit. Everest has taken the lives of one in every three people who have tried to climb it
and in reality; people should have some kind of assessment to see if they are up to the job of
climbing it. Once suggestion has been to only allow people to climb with an overpriced permit (more
expensive than the one that currently exists), so that only a select few or those with a waiver for the
fee can actually have access to it. Everest should really only be for the privileged few who have the
necessary skills to take it on.

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