SECTION 1 Questions 1–14
Read the text below and answer Questions 1–7.
The History of Tea
Here are some of the frequently asked questions about the history of tea:
What is the origin of tea?
Tea is believed to have originated in China around 2737 BC. According to legend, Emperor Shen Nong was sitting beneath a tree while his servant boiled drinking water. Some leaves from the tree blew into the water, and Shen Nong decided to try the infusion that his servant had accidentally created. This became what we now know as tea.
When did tea spread to other countries?
Tea was introduced to Japan by Buddhist monks in the 8th century. It reached Europe in the 16th century, brought by Portuguese traders. By the 17th century, tea had become popular in Britain, leading to the establishment of tea plantations in British colonies like India and Sri Lanka.
How is tea traditionally prepared?
Traditional tea preparation varies by culture. In China, the Gongfu tea ceremony is popular, involving multiple steepings of tea leaves in small pots. In Japan, the Chanoyu ceremony focuses on the aesthetics and preparation of matcha. In Britain, tea is commonly prepared by steeping tea bags in hot water and adding milk and sugar to taste.
What are the health benefits of tea?
Tea is known for its numerous health benefits. It contains antioxidants which help reduce the risk of chronic diseases. Green tea, in particular, is praised for its potential to improve brain function, aid in fat loss, and lower the risk of cancer. Herbal teas, like chamomile and peppermint, are also known for their calming effects and digestive benefits.
Questions 1–7
Do the following statements agree with the information given in the text on page 16?
In boxes 1–7 on your answer sheet, write
TRUE if the statement agrees with the information
FALSE if the statement contradicts the information
NOT GIVEN if there is no information on this
1.
Tea originated in Japan in the 8th century.
2.
Portuguese traders brought tea to Europe in the 16th century.
3.
The Gongfu tea ceremony consists of several infusions of tea leaves.
4.
The Chanoyu ceremony is a British tradition.
5.
Tea contains antioxidants which are beneficial for health.
6.
Green tea can enhance cognitive function and aid in weight loss.
7.
All types of tea have calming effects and aid digestion.
Exquisite Art Supplies
Online customer reviews
A. James
I recently purchased a set of watercolour paints, and I am thoroughly impressed with the quality. The pigments are vibrant and blend smoothly. The set includes a wide range of colours, which is perfect for my landscape paintings. The delivery was quick, and the packaging was secure. Highly recommended!
B. Fiona
I bought these sketching pencils for my art class, and they are exactly what I needed. The pencils have a good grip, and the lead is smooth, making them easy to use. However, I found the erasers to be a bit too hard and they smudge the drawings slightly. Overall, a good buy for beginners.
C. Liam
The acrylic paint set I ordered was a bit of a disappointment. The colours were not as bright as shown in the pictures, and some of the tubes were half empty. I contacted customer service, and they were quick to offer a replacement or refund. I decided to go for the refund and buy a different brand.
D. Chloe
This calligraphy pen set is fantastic! The pens are comfortable to hold, and the ink flows smoothly. I have tried other brands before, but this one is by far the best. It comes with different nib sizes which is great for various styles of calligraphy. The only downside is that it doesn't come with any ink refills.
E. Oliver
I bought a canvas roll for my oil paintings, and it exceeded my expectations. The canvas is of high quality and holds the paint well. It was delivered in perfect condition and was easy to stretch onto frames. I will definitely be purchasing more in the future. Great value for the price.
Questions 8–14
Look at the five online customer reviews of art supplies, A–E, on page 18.
For which review are the following statements true?
Write the correct letter, A-E, in boxes 8–14 on your answer sheet.
NB, You may use any letter more than once.
8.
The product quality did not match the online description.
9.
The customer appreciated the quick delivery and secure packaging.
10.
The customer had issues with the erasers being too hard.
11.
The customer received an offer for a replacement or refund.
12.
The customer praised the product's suitability for various styles.
13.
The customer plans to purchase the same product again.
14.
The product was found to be ideal for beginners.
SECTION 2 Questions 15–27
Read the text below and answer Questions 15–21.
The Benefits of Gardening
Gardening offers numerous benefits not only to the environment but also to the individuals who engage in it. Here are some key advantages:
Improved Mental Health
Gardening can significantly improve mental health. It provides a sense of purpose and accomplishment, which can boost self-esteem. Engaging in gardening activities reduces stress and combats depression by fostering social connections and creating a support system.
Physical Health Benefits
Gardening helps maintain physical fitness. Activities such as digging, planting, and weeding are excellent forms of moderate exercise. These activities encourage a more active lifestyle and can reduce the risk of chronic diseases. Additionally, exposure to sunlight helps the body produce vitamin D, which is essential for bone health.
Skill Development
Gardening helps in developing new skills and enhancing existing ones. Whether it's planning garden layouts, understanding plant care, or learning about soil composition, gardeners gain valuable knowledge and experience that can be beneficial in other areas of life.
Environmental Impact
Gardening plays a crucial role in environmental conservation. It helps in the maintenance of biodiversity by providing habitats for various species of insects, birds, and small animals. Gardening also aids in reducing carbon footprints by promoting local food production and reducing the need for transportation.
Community Building
Community gardens bring people together and foster a sense of community. These gardens provide a space for individuals to collaborate, share knowledge, and support each other. They also enhance the aesthetic appeal of neighbourhoods, making them more pleasant places to live.
Questions 15–21
Complete the sentences below.
Choose ONE WORD ONLY from the text for each answer.
Write your answers in boxes 15–21 on your answer sheet.
15.
Gardening provides a sense of purpose and improves
16.
Gardening activities help produce vitamin D, which is crucial for health.
17.
Gardeners acquire useful understanding and that can be valuable in other aspects of life.
18.
Gardening helps maintain by offering shelter for various species.
19.
Gardening helps lower carbon footprints by encouraging the production of local .
20.
Community gardens instil a sense of among participants.
21.
They also make them more enjoyable places to live by improving the visual of neighbourhoods.
Effective Public Speaking
Public speaking is a valuable skill that can enhance both personal and professional life. Here are some tips to improve your public speaking abilities:
Preparation
Thorough preparation is crucial for effective public speaking. Research your topic well and understand your audience. Organise your content logically, with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion. Practise your speech multiple times to become familiar with the material and to refine your delivery.
Confidence
Confidence plays a significant role in public speaking. Believe in your message and your ability to deliver it. Confidence can be built through practice and positive visualisation. Visualise yourself speaking confidently and successfully in front of an audience.
Engagement
Engage your audience by making eye contact, using gestures, and varying your tone of voice. Ask questions and encourage participation to make your speech more interactive. Use anecdotes and examples to illustrate your points and make your message more relatable.
Managing Nerves
Feeling nervous before speaking in public is natural. Manage your nerves by taking deep breaths, staying hydrated, and practising relaxation techniques. Remember that your audience is there to listen and learn, not to judge you.
Feedback
Seek feedback from others to improve your public speaking skills. Record your speeches and review them to identify areas for improvement. Constructive criticism from peers, mentors, or coaches can provide valuable insights and help you become a more effective speaker.
Questions 22–27
Complete the notes below.
Choose ONE WORD ONLY from the text for each answer.
Write your answers in boxes 22–27 on your answer sheet.
Tips for Effective Public Speaking
Preparation:
- Investigate your subject and comprehend your 22
.
- Organise content with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion.
- Practise your speech to polish your 23 .
Confidence
- Build confidence through practice and optimistic 24 .
Engagement
- Make eye contact and use gestures.
- Use anecdotes and examples to convey your message in a 25 way.
Managing Nerves:
- Calm your nerves by taking deep 26 and using relaxation techniques.
Feedback
- Search for constructive 27 from others to identify areas for improvement.