Sample tasks - reading


1. Supply the  missing phrases

Quality of cartographic message depends on  1…….. and symbols. During map design process, symbol
specification is often uncertain. Graphical signs 2…… to tastes, needs and context of use. Colours
use is of special relevance to environmental, topographic and thematic maps whose primary purpose
is to 3……. of main characteristics conveyed by the map. Communication in colour is more effective
if the 4……..  . Colours choices, as mistakes or misunderstandings, are often highlighted: too many
colours, 5…... , too meaningful colours, etc. involving disturbances when readers try to 6…….. .


A   colours used are appropriate

B   choices may be unsuitable

C   understand its cartographic message

D   create a mental image

E   kinds of chosen data

F   colours un-adapted to user’s data





key 1E, 2B, 3D, 4A, 5F, 6C


2. Read the text and put the missing words in the gaps. There are more words than gaps, you will
not need three of them.

           located                sideways                       creates         divided
zones             consists

     categories             boundaries             moved                   composed


The lithosphere (the earth’s crust and the rigid upper part of the mantle) is
    (1) into seven large and several smaller plates. The plates, which are rigid, float on the
underlying semi-molten mantle (the asthenosphere)  and are                         (2)  by
convection currents. There are two types of plate: continental and oceanic. However, these terms do
not refer to actual continents and oceans but to different types of crust or rock. Continental
crust is                         (3)_________  of older, lighter rock of granitic type. Oceanic
crust                         (4) of much younger and denser rock of basaltic composition.

As a result of convection currents generated by heat from the centre of the earth, plates may move
towards, away from, or                 (5)  along adjacent plates. It is at plate
       (6)________  where earthquake, volcanic and mountain-building zones are
    (7).


Key

1divided    2 moved      3 composed      4 consists       5 sideways      6 boundaries     7
located


3. Synonyms. Find 1 word from  the text  for each description below:

The Sahara has one of the harshest climates in the world. (1) The prevailing north-easterly wind
often causes sand storms and dust devils. When the wind blows towards the Mediterranean, it is
known as sirocco and often reaches hurricane speeds (2) in North Africa and southern Europe. Half
of the Sahara receives (3) less than 20 mm of rain per year, and the rest receives up to 100 mm per
year.[36] The rainfall happens very rarely, but when it does it is usually torrential when it
occurs after long dry periods.

a)      the most severe, unpleasant

b)      the most frequent, common

c)      severe, often destructive storm, esp. a tropical cyclone

d)      pouring or flowing fast, violently, or heavily


key a) harshest   b) prevailing    c) hurricane    d) torrential