Reading Section 1: Questions 1-14

Passage:

A. The Green Planet: A Documentary

Creating a film about the environmental crisis seemed like a heavy task, but the filmmakers managed to make it both informative and engaging. The people interviewed were actual environmental activists who shared their genuine passion, making the film more compelling. I thought it would be just a series of interviews, but the narrative was surprisingly moving, especially when it highlighted the personal stories of those affected by climate change, leaving me with a deeper appreciation of their efforts.

B. Urban Legends

I expected another predictable horror film with clichéd plot twists, similar to the director's previous works. However, Urban Legends was unexpectedly thrilling and kept me guessing until the end. It’s a film that definitely deserves a re-watch. However, despite being marketed as a family film, the extensive discussions on societal fears might bore younger viewers as they add little to the horror elements.

C. The New Neighbours

A remake of the classic comedy The Old Neighbours seemed unnecessary, yet The New Neighbours brought fresh humour and perspective. The standout performance was by Lisa Brown, who made her character charming and relatable, but unfortunately, the dialogue felt forced and unnatural, failing to capture the original's wit.

D. Virtual Reality 2.0

This film tackles the ethical implications of virtual reality technology, stressing the importance of understanding its impact on society. However, its references to early tech advancements might be lost on today's younger viewers, the intended audience, who are more familiar with recent developments in technology.

E. Highland Adventures

Highland Adventures had the potential to be a delightful family movie with its beautiful scenery and humorous script. Yet, the main actors, known for their roles in intense dramas, seemed out of place in this light-hearted film. John Smith, who plays the protagonist, struggles to engage the audience emotionally, which is essential for this genre.

Questions:

Complete the notes below.

Choose ONE WORD ONLY from the text for each answer.

Reading Section 2: Questions 15-27

Passage:

How to deal with workplace stress

Workplace stress is a common issue that affects many employees, regardless of their role or industry. While it's often unavoidable, there are strategies that can help manage and reduce it effectively. Here are some tips to cope with workplace stress.

First and foremost, acknowledge your stress rather than ignoring it. This can prevent it from escalating. Take a moment to write down all the tasks and responsibilities causing you stress. Creating a list will help you prioritise and manage your workload more efficiently. Knowing your rights and understanding your workplace's stress management policies can also be beneficial.

Maintain a positive relationship with your colleagues and supervisors. Even if you feel overwhelmed, try to communicate openly about your stress and seek support. This can lead to a more collaborative and understanding work environment, which can be crucial in managing stress levels.

Consider seeking help from a professional counsellor or therapist who specialises in workplace stress. Many companies offer Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) that provide access to mental health services. These professionals can provide coping strategies and support tailored to your specific situation.

Don't rush into every task immediately. Instead, take time to assess what is urgent and what can wait. This approach can prevent you from feeling overwhelmed and ensure that you focus on one task at a time. Talk to your colleagues and managers to understand the most pressing needs and align your priorities accordingly.

Identify if there are any skills or areas of knowledge that must be improved. Enrolling in relevant training or professional development courses can boost your confidence and reduce stress by equipping you with the tools you need to handle your job more effectively.

Remember, workplace stress can also be an opportunity for growth. It can push you to develop new skills and improve your work habits. By approaching it as a challenge rather than a threat, you can turn a stressful situation into a chance to advance in your career.

Questions:

Complete the notes below.

Choose ONE WORD ONLY from the text for each answer.

Restaurant Service Guidelines

Instructions for new front-of-house staff

Professional appearance and behaviour are crucial for all staff at our restaurant. The following guidelines will help you maintain the high standards expected in your role.

Our restaurant provides new front-of-house staff with their uniforms. Please ensure you come prepared with your chest, waist, and hip measurements. On your first day, you will receive two shirts, two pairs of trousers, two aprons, and a name tag. Make sure the name tag is securely attached to the uniform but not visible to customers.

Keeping your uniform clean is your responsibility, but we provide a laundry allowance to help with this. While at work, use the provided towels, but it's advisable to bring a personal one as well for extra use. Personal belongings can be stored securely in the lockers available to staff. We recommend bringing a small padlock for your locker.

Uniforms should only be worn while on duty. Travel to and from work in your own clothes, ensuring they are presentable. For example, avoid wearing hoodies or other casual attire. Use the changing rooms located next to the lockers to change into your uniform. You may wear your own shoes as long as they are suitable for a restaurant environment, preferably with non-slip soles.

In case of any injuries that require you to use crutches, you will not be able to perform tasks that require standing. However, we will try to accommodate you in a suitable role that allows you to sit. For minor injuries, such as cuts, consult your manager to determine if you need to take time off to prevent any health risks.

Questions:

Complete the sentences below.

Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the text for each answer.

Reading Section 3: Questions 28-40

Passage:

The role of women in early computing

A

A group of historians recently uncovered evidence of the significant contributions made by women in the early days of computing. This challenges the long-held belief that men were the primary contributors to the development of computer technology. The discovery was made through a collection of letters and documents showing that women played key roles in programming and operating early computers. These findings highlight the need to recognise the efforts of these pioneering women in the history of computing.

B

The team made this discovery by meticulously examining archives that had been largely overlooked. Many of these documents were personal letters, employment records, and project reports. The evidence shows that women were not only operating computers but also developing software and solving complex problems. This archival material provides a new perspective on the gender dynamics of early computing, showing that women were essential contributors.

C

Much of the previous research on the history of computing has focused on hardware advancements and prominent male figures. However, the contributions of women have been underrepresented. These newly discovered documents reveal that women were often involved in significant projects and made considerable contributions that have gone largely unrecognised until now.

D

The team examined the records of a group of women who worked as "computers" during the 1940s and 1950s. These women performed calculations and developed programming techniques that were crucial to the success of early computing projects. Their work was foundational, yet their names and achievements were rarely recorded or acknowledged in historical accounts.

E

To confirm the significance of the women's contributions, the historians used a variety of analytical methods, including textual analysis and comparison with known historical records. These methods confirmed that the women's work was instrumental in the development of early computing technology. This discovery underscores the importance of revisiting historical narratives to include the contributions of overlooked groups.

F

The role of these women in early computing raises questions about why their contributions were forgotten. Possible reasons include the gender biases of the time, which often led to the underreporting of women's achievements, and the fact that many of the women left the workforce after their significant contributions, further obscuring their roles in the history of computing.

G

The findings suggest that women in early computing were highly skilled and dedicated professionals who made substantial contributions to the field. This challenges the traditional narrative and highlights the need to acknowledge and celebrate the achievements of women in the history of technology. By doing so, we can inspire future generations of women to pursue careers in science and technology.

Questions:

Choose the correct letter, A, B, C, or D.

Which paragraph mentions the following?

Complete the summary below.

Choose ONE WORD ONLY from the text for each answer.

Women in early computing