FCE Reading and Use of English - Practice Test 7
FCE Reading and Use of English - Practice Test 7
Part 1
For questions 1-8, read the text below and decide which answer (А, В, C or D) best fits each gap. There is
an example at the beginning (0).
Example:
A well В much C lots D far
Space junk
The Space Age began 0 over half a century ago, and ever since then the area just 1 the Earth’s
atmosphere has been filling up with all kinds of man-made objects that have become 2 as ‘space
junk’. The items up there 3 from old satellites and parts of rockets to hundreds of thousands of pieces
smaller than one centimetre, all of them travelling at extremely 4 speed. Over the last five years, the
number of such objects in space is 5 to have risen by 50 per cent, and this has 6 increased the
risk of damage to working satellites or space vehicles with crews on board.
International agreement has therefore now been 7 on limiting the amount of new space junk.
Scientists have also 8 some interesting suggestions for tidying up space. These include using laser
beams, giant nets and even an enormous umbrella-like device to collect tiny bits of junk.
1 A along B away C out D beyond
2 A referred B known C called D named
3 A include B enclose C cover D range
4 A high B rapid C light D fast
5 A assessed B supposed C estimated D regarded
6 A largely B greatly C importantly D absolutely
7 A arrived B reached C finished D closed
8 A caught up with B put up with C come up with D kept up with
Part 2
For questions 9-16, read the text below and think of the word which best fits each gap. Use only one word
in each gap. There is an example at the beginning (0). In the exam, write your answers IN CAPITAL
LETTERS on tho separate answer sheet.
Example: TO
Chewing gum
We still tend 0 think chewing gum is a fairly recent invention, even 9 there is evidence it was
used 5,000 years ago in Finland. The Ancient Greeks also chewed gum, as 10 the Aztecs in Mexico
during the sixteenth century. As far as we know, however, it wasn’t 11 1869 that chewing gum
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FCE Reading and Use of English – Practice Test 7
became popular in its present form, 12 a New York inventor called Thomas Adams first had the idea
of adding flavour to it.
Nowadays, of course, it is chewed around the world, 13 the fact that it continues to be regarded by
some 14 an unpleasant habit. Unfortunately, far too many people drop used gum onto the
pavement, 15 it remains for some time because it is extremely difficult to remove once it has stuck to
the surface. On the other hand, those 16 favour of chewing gum claim it helps them relax, improves
their concentration, and helps keep their teeth clean.
Part 3
For questions 17-24, read the text below. Use the word given in capitals at the end of some of the lines to
form a word that fits in the gap in the same line. There is an example at the beginning (0).
In the exam, write your answers IN CAPITAL LETTERS on the separate answer sheet.
Example: EMBARRASSMENT
With surnames, make 23 associations. For instance, imagine people called Cook,
Ford or King making a meal, driving a car or wearing a crown, respectively. Finally,
ending with the person’s name, as in ‘See you later, Max’ is a good way of 24
that you don’t forget it.
Part 4
For questions 25-30, complete the second sentence so that it has a similar meaning to the first sentence,
using the word given. Do not change the word given. You must use between two and five words, including
the word given. Here is an example (0).
Example:
0.During our holidays, we eat out rather than cook at home.
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FCE Reading and Use of English – Practice Test 7
INSTEAD
During our holidays, we eat out at home.
Example: 0. INSTEAD OF COOKING
25. Thomas spoke so quickly I had difficulty understanding him.
IT
Thomas spoke so quickly I him.
26. They’ve postponed the match and it’ll be played next weekend.
PUT
The match until next weekend.
27. I’m never going to speak to Louis again.
INTENTION
I’ve got to Louis again.
28. It seems certain that lightning started the forest fire.
HAVE
The forest fire by lightning.
29. It wasn’t worth going to the market because it was closing.
POINT
The market was closing, so going there.
30. We phoned the restaurant, but they said booking a table wasn’t necessary.
HAVE
We phoned the restaurant, but they said we a table.
Part 5
You are going to read an extract from a novel. For questions 31-36, choose the answer (А, В, C or D) which
you think fits best according to the text.
'Claire, it's Ruth.' Claire held back a sigh and walked into the kitchen to put the coffee machine on. A phone
call from her sister was never over quickly.
'Ruth, darling. How are you?' As she waited for her sister to start describing in detail her latest disaster,
Claire mulled over how much to reveal about her new business assignment. Her family would have to be
told something, of course. Not that they ever came to visit, or called her home phone, or sent her letters.
Still, it seemed only right to tell them it meant she was moving out for twelve months. Tuning back into the
phone call, Claire realised she had missed some key information and tried to catch up with what her sister
was talking about.
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FCE Reading and Use of English – Practice Test 7
'So the doctor said it was probably lack of sleep. You know Sky is a bad sleeper and her nightmares have
been worse since she started Year Two.' Claire worked out that someone was unwell, but was unsure
whether it was her sister or her six-year-old niece.
Claire thought about her own schooling. Her parents had paid for the best, obviously, although Claire often
wondered whether that was to ensure their three children didn't affect their lifestyle, rather than to give their
offspring a good start in life. The school had encouraged independence and character but had no time for
tears and tantrums. Claire had learned quickly to work hard and stay out of trouble. More than could be said
for Ruth. It had been a constant disappointment to her parents that, while their first and third children both
achieved academic success, Ruth only acquired a reputation for bad behaviour.
Ruth's next sentence sharply interrupted Claire's thoughts.
'The tests are the week after next. That's why I'm calling. Is there any chance you could come and look after
Sky? It's half-term and most of her friends are going skiing. Of course we can't afford that...'
Claire inhaled deeply and forced herself not to rise to the bait. Ruth was always poor and begrudged Claire
her success. Claire accepted that looking after a child on your own probably limited your career options, but
look at the 'Harry Potter' author J. K. Rowling, it hadn't held her back. She was convinced Ruth could help
herself if only she'd try harder. Claire was almost too irritated by the thinly-veiled criticism to react to the
request, but not quite.
'Have Sky? How long for? When?' Claire could hear panic in her voice and forced herself to breathe in
deeply. Once she was sure she was back in control of her emotions she said in a slow voice,‘I start a new
work assignment on 1st March, and I'll... be on the road a lot. You know. Meeting clients.'
'Dining out on someone else's credit card.' Ruth's voice cut in.
'There's more to it than that,' Claire responded quickly. Then, before Ruth could start the age-old argument,
Claire consciously lowered her voice.
'Tell me the day you need me to have Sky, I'll check my diary.'
'Well, it's two days, actually.' Ruth sounded embarrassed.
Thinking about minding a six-year-old for two days almost made Claire choke. She gulped down her coffee
and wondered if she could use the new assignment as an excuse.
There was something in Ruth's voice, though, that made her pause.
'Can't Mum take care of her? I thought Mum and Dad were the perfect grandparents?' It seemed odd to
Claire that two people who had no time for their own children could go mad over someone else's, even if
they were their grandkids.
'Er, Mum's coming with me, to the hospital.’
Ruth's words finally got through to Claire. 'Just what tests are you having exactly?'
'Weren't you listening? You never listen to me.'
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FCE Reading and Use of English – Practice Test 7
Claire almost smiled at the petulant tone in Ruth's voice. For a moment they were twelve and fourteen
again.
31. When Claire realises who is phoning her, she
A expects to hear some good news.
В tries to hide her true feelings.
C hopes it will be a long conversation.
D knows exactly what she will say to Ruth.
32. Why doesn’t Claire know who is ill?
A Ruth didn’t make it clear who she was talking about.
В None of her other relatives had written to her about it.
C She was away on business when the illness began.
D She wasn’t paying attention when Ruth was speaking.
33. How does Claire feel about her school?
A She would have achieved more at a better school.
В Her parents never appreciated how successful she was there.
C Her sister was better suited to that school than she was.
D She may have been sent there for the wrong reasons.
34. What is Claire’s attitude to Ruth’s financial problems?
A She feels they are largely Ruth’s own fault.
В She wishes she could do more to help Ruth.
C She thinks Ruth could get any well-paid job she wanted.
D She feels guilty about having more money than Ruth.
35. What does ‘it’ refer to? (second half of the text, sentence underlined)
A spending the firm’s money
В the task Claire has been given
C looking after Ruth’s daughter
D the reason Claire sounds stressed
36. What do we learn about Claire and her family?
A Her relationship with her sister has completely changed since their childhood.
В She realises that her parents treated her very well when she was a child.
C She doesn’t understand why her parents are so close to their grandchildren.
D She accepts that her mother is more interested in Ruth than in her.
Part 6
You are going to read an article about the new headquarters of the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF). Six
sentences have been removed from the article. Choose from the sentences A-G the one which fits each gap
(37-42). There is one extra sentence which you do not need to use.
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FCE Reading and Use of English – Practice Test 7
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FCE Reading and Use of English – Practice Test 7
Part 7
You are going to read an article from a travel magazine about beaches. For questions 43-52, choose from
the authors (A-D). The authors may be chosen more than once.
Which section...
43. recommends paying the entrance fee?
44. states that the beach has featured in advertisements?
45. says visitors may be surprised by the water temperature?
46. points out that the water is quite shallow?
47. suggests visitors should take photos of the beach?
48. says visitors can walk on the beach in their bare feet?
49. mentions a pleasant smell from the trees?
50. advises visitors to get to the beach early in the day?
51. states that it is not always possible to visit the beach?
52. warns visitors to the beach to protect their skin?
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FCE Reading and Use of English – Practice Test 7
sandals. As the island has no permanent inhabitants, and most day trippers leave by boat quite early, in the
late afternoon and evening you can have the place almost to yourself.
C Matira Beach, Bora Bora, Tahiti
Matira Beach on the Pacific island of Bora Bora has incredibly white sand, beautiful fish swimming in clear
blue-green water, and stunning sunsets. The air temperature hardly varies around the year, and neither does
that of the ocean - which is only waist-high even hundreds of metres from the shore. And unlike windier
beaches nearby, Matira is quite well sheltered. There isn't, however, much shade, so it is advisable to use
plenty of sun cream, and the sand can feel uncomfortably hot unless you wear beach shoes or something
similar. There is no charge to visit the beach, yet it rarely becomes crowded at any time of day. Everyone
should go there at least once in life, and when you do, make sure you have your photo taken as the sun goes
down
D Anse Source d’Argent Beach, Seychelles
This must be one of the most photographed beaches in the world, so don’t forget to get some shots of your
own, especially of the sea and the sand framed by the background of enormous pink rocks, with tall palm
trees right behind them. It’s easy to see why commercials have been made there. The patches of brilliantly
white sand between those beautiful rocks make it the perfect place to spend a relaxing day, and it is well
worth the small amount it costs for access. The best spots - those with both sunshine and shade - quickly get
taken, so make sure you arrive well before the sun starts to beat down and the sand heats up.
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FCE Reading and Use of English – Practice Test 7
Answer Keys
Part 1
1. D - beyond. 'just beyond' here means 'right outside, in the immediate vicinity on the outside'.
2. B - known. 'Referred' takes preposition 'to'; 'Called' and 'named' do not fit the context - it would have
been 'are called' and 'have been named' respectively.
3. D - range. 'Range from ... to' phrase is used to refer to the spectrum or variety of something, space
junk in this case.
4. A - high. 'High speed' is the accepted collocation. Just how prices are high and low, rather than
'expensive' and 'cheap', speed can't be 'fast' or 'slow'.
5. C - estimated. 'To estimate' is to guess or calculate something, such as price, amount and so on.
6. B - greatly. By a considerable amount. 'Largely' in this context would have meant 'generally', so it
shouldn't be used.
7. B - reached. 'To reach an agreement' is another strong collocation. Other words do not form any.
8. C - come up with. To invent, to suggest an idea or a plan. 'Caught up with' and 'kept up with' have a
similar meaning of reaching something you're late for, e.g. something you're falling behind. 'To put
up with' means to accept something unpleasant or undesirable.
Part 2
9. though/when. 'Though' is used to contrast two ideas in the sentence. We can also use 'when' to
connect two ideas, although with lesser contrasting.
10. did. "As did" is an expression that is used to avoid saying "the Aztecs chewed gum".
The meaning is the same to construction "So did".
11. until/till. "It wasn't until" indicated a period of time that marked the beginning of
chewing gum popularity as we know it. 'Till' can also be used, the less formal option.
12. when. A reference to the previous date is made, clarifying what happened in that year.
13. despite. Another contrast is introduced by "despite the fact" construction.
14. as. "To regard as" has the same meaning as "to believe, to consider"
15. where. 'Where' here refers to the pavement.
16. in. "To be in favour of something" means to be for it, to support it.
Part 3
17. introductions. The plural form of the noun is required, as suggested by the plural form
'are' after the gap.
18. impolite. The negative form of the adjective is required, the context helps us to understand that.
19. overcome. The meaning of the word is 'to solve, to deal with a problem'.
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FCE Reading and Use of English – Practice Test 7
20. observation. Do not use the gerund 'observing', generally avoid using gerunds in
CAE Part 3 if an actual noun can be used in its place.
21. characteristics. Another plural form should be used here - the author is giving several
examples such as foreheads and eyebrows.
22. variety. A characteristic of being different. If there's a variety of something, it means
that it comes in many different forms, shapes or colours.
23. isual. The following noun suggests that we should be using an adjective.
24. ensuring. Good way of doing something. Use the en- prefix, as 'insuring' has a different
meaning.
Part 4
25. found it difficult to understand. 'To find something easy/difficult to do'
26. has been put off. 'To put off' means to postpone, to move to a later date. Note that
you have to use Present Perfect as in the original sentence to get full points.
27. no intention of (ever) speaking. 'To have (no) intention' means to be (not) willing or
planning to do something.
28. must have been started. A passive voice structure is required here - suggested by the keyword
'have'.
29. there was no point in. If there is no point in something, it is not worth doing.
30. didn't have to book. 'Didn't have to do something' - both sentences contain the
negative form of the verb.
Part 5
31. B. In the first sentence of the text Claire is mentioned to have 'held back a sigh' - that
is, she prevented herself from sighing, that is a sign of tiredness, irritation or desperation. She is
trying to conceal her true feelings.
32. D. Last sentence of Paragraph Two: 'Tuning back into the phone call, Claire realised
she had missed some key information...'. Claire was too deep in her own thoughts to pay attention to
the telephone conversation.
33. D. Second sentence of Paragraph Four: '... Claire often wondered whether that was to
ensure their three children didn’t affect their lifestyle...'. Her parents sent her to that school to have
her away and just live their own lives.
34. A. In Paragraph Seven, Claire uses the example of J. K. Rowling as a self-made
woman who managed to become wealthy despite having to raise children of her own: 'She was
convinced Ruth could help herself if only she’d try harder.'. Answer C is not mentioned.
35. B. Ruth believes that all Claire has to do is to go out with clients spending company
money which is not true.
36. C. 'It seemed odd to Claire that two people who had no time for their own children
could go mad over someone else’s, even if they were their grandkids.'
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FCE Reading and Use of English – Practice Test 7
Part 6
37. G. At the beginning of the paragraph they are talking about possible extinction of the
human race and the changing weather conditions. Sentence G then confirms that if the human race
plans to survive, it will have to live in such structures.
38. D. 'Their' refers to the animals. 'Living example of that' talks about the attempts at
protecting those animals.
39. C. These are all the examples of using natural resources without creating unnecessary
pollution. Option F shouldn't be used here - even though it too focuses on eco-friendliness, it will be
better used later on in the text.
40. A. A contrast is introduced here - the building gives a sense of calm, despite being in an
ugly part of downtown.
41. F. An ecosystem is the mass of all living things and how they affect each other and the
environment. The words 'global approach' help us to connect it with the phrase 'you have to persuade
people of the world' from Sentence F.
42. E. The paragraph focuses on having to deal with the current situation and not looking
back. Sentence E fits right in, confirming the statements.
Part 7
43. D. '... it is well worth the small amount it costs for access'
44. D. 'It’s easy to see why commercials have been made there.'
45. A. ' At first sight it almost seems tropical, until dipping your toe in the water
encourages you to spend a lazy day on the beach rather than dive in for a swim.'
46. C. 'he air temperature hardly varies around the year, and neither does that of the
ocean – which is only waist-high even hundreds of metres from the shore.'
47. D. '... don’t forget to get some shots of your own...'
48. B. 'The sand, in contrast, always remains cool as it is of a type that reflects the sunlight,
so you won’t need sandals.'
49. A. '... the scent of pine from the nearby woods...'
50. D. 'The best spots – those with both sunshine and shade – quickly get taken, so make
sure you arrive well before the sun starts to beat down and the sand heats up.'
51. A. '... with public access limited to the summer months...'
52. C. 'There isn’t, however, much shade, so it is advisable to use plenty of sun cream...'
Vocabulary
The vocabulary below is meant to help you with the more difficult words. If the word isn't on the list then
you are either supposed to know it or it is too specific to be worth learning and you don't have to know it to
answer the question. Symbols in brackets mean part of speech(see bottom of the list). Sentences in italics
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FCE Reading and Use of English – Practice Test 7
give examples of usage for some more complex words and phrases. And remember — you are not given a
vocabulary list(or a dictionary) at your real exam.
Part 1
Man-made (adj) - created by humans (artificially) rather than by nature (naturally). Some scientists doubt
that the Pyramids of Egypt are man-made.
Crew (n) - people who operate a complex machine such as a plane, a ship or in this case a space vehicle.
Tidy up (phr v) - to make something cleaner by removing unnecessary items.
Part 2
Evidence (n) - proof, supporting information. Evidence suggests that dolphins are the most intelligent
animals found on our planet.
Flavour (n) - a particular taste added to food, usually done by chemicals. Note that while the word 'taste' is
the natural way the food feels like, 'flavour' is artificial.
Regard (v) - to have an opinion about something, to know as having some quality. Students of Harvard are
regarded to be one of the most knowledgeable when it comes to liberal arts.
Part 3
Mental note - something that you force, or tell yourself, to remember without actually writing it down. I
was making mental note of the names of all the places we were visiting during our trip to Japan.
Forehead - the part of one's face between the eyebrows and the beginning of hairline.
Part 4
Postpone (v) - to move something like an event or a meeting to a later date, to reschedule.
Intention (n) - a plan or an idea, something that you are going to do in the future.
Part 5
Sigh (n) - an act of letting air our through your mouth or nose when you feel upset or relieved. I could
swear I could almost feel a sigh of relief from her as soon as she heard the good news.
Mull over (phr v) - to think about carefully before deciding what to do next.
Offspring (n) - a formal word meaning children. Can also be used to refer to animals.
Tantrum (n) - when a child loses their temper and protests in a noisy when, they are said to throw a
tantrum. Same could be used to talk about an adult, not literary but as a form of criticism.
Rise to the bait - to let yourself be provoked by something intended as a provocation. The politician didn't
let himself rise to the bait of groundless accusations by the opposing party members.
Begrudge (v) - not to begrudge somebody something is to try and not say that somebody did something
unfairly or didn't deserve it. Note that this is mostly used with 'not'. I never begrudge my dad his academic
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FCE Reading and Use of English – Practice Test 7
Part 6
Hemispherical (adj) - in the shape of half a sphere, like an orange sliced in half.
Enshrine (v) - to protect something valuable.
Extinction (n) - the situation when a species no longer exists because of being hunted or due to natural
causes such as climate change. The reason for dodo extinction is that it had no natural predators and
therefore was not afraid of humans who took advantage of the situation to hunt the bird down.
Vast (adj) - extremely big. This politician's influence in the region is vast.
Environmentalist (n) - a person who actively protects the environment by various means or advocates for
the importance of such actions.
Shrink (v) - to reduce in size suddenly and considerably, like a balloon when all air escapes it.
Part 7
Fee (n) - a sum of money that you pay either for a service or for the right to access some place. The
entrance fee is $5 during the week and $7 on the weekend.
Shallow (adj) - the opposite of deep. Shallow beaches of this region are very popular with kids of all ages.
Stunning (adj) - so amazing or impressive that it blow your mind; extremely beautiful.
Charge (n) - a synonym to fee in this context, it is an amount of money you have to pay to access some
location, in this case the beach.
Patches (n) - small, isolated areas of something, usually some surface. The lawn was pretty far from perfect
with patches of naked dirt here and there.
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