Skills Test Unit 2 Test A New

Skills Test Unit 2 Test A
Name: _____________________Gabija Pakalniškytė______________________
Listening
1  Listen to a local news report on a new building project. Circle the correct answer (a–
d).
1. Why are local residents happy that building work has started?
1. They aren’t able to use the local school any more.
2. A community centre will give them a place to socialize.
3. The village needed a sense of community.
4. The local government are keeping their promise.
2. At night in the community centre, there will be
1. art groups.
2. after-school clubs.
3. dance lessons.
4. fitness classes.
3. Local people are keen to
1. finish the project on time.
2. use only local builders for the project.
3. move the summer fair forward.
4. impress larger building companies.
4. What will the unpaid workers do?
1. work at the private events
2. raise money for the centre
3. attend annual meetings
4. look after the grounds
5. Why is having the sports field an advantage?.
1. Because people are playing more sport these days.
2. Because it will add to the beautiful scenery in the village.
3. Because it will stop any other building plans in the future.
4. Because a factory will be built otherwise.
Mark: ___ / 10
Reading
Battersea Power Station
On the south bank of the River Thames stands the biggest brick building in Europe, and one of
the most iconic buildings in London. Thanks to its innovative design, Battersea Power Station
has acquired the nickname of the ‘upside down table’ because of its unusual appearance, and is
much loved by Londoners today.
This wasn’t always the case, however. Back in 1927, the proposed construction of the coal-fired
power station was met with fierce opposition. It wasn’t so much about it being an eyesore, but
more about the concern that it might contaminate the air, especially in nearby parks such as Hyde
Park. There was even concern that it would harm paintings in the National Gallery of Modern
Art, now Tate Britain. A sense of ill feeling towards it lasted for several years. Nonetheless Sir
Giles Gilbert Scott, the man behind the classic red telephone boxes, was asked to design the
building. The power station is, in fact, two power stations alongside one another. Construction of
the first power station got underway in 1929, and the second shortly after the end of the Second
World War in 1945. The table legs which emitted fumes didn’t appear until 1953. As soon as the
construction was complete, it won over the critics with its unique design.
While it was still in operation as a working power station, Londoners began to appreciate that the
benefits reached far beyond its appealing design. It was a valuable source of electricity,
providing them with one fifth of the city’s total supply. The rest was generated by almost thirty
other power stations.
So what led to the closure of such a well-loved landmark? It was partly down to the equipment
becoming outdated, but more significantly, the gradual shift towards oil, gas and nuclear energy
that resulted in coal-based production coming to an end. It was saved from demolition by a
campaign by people who couldn’t stand to see the structure demolished to make way for
housing. Thanks to this, it became a grade two national heritage site, which means it is an
important structure with special protection.
Having been abandoned for thirty years, and following two failed attempts at renovation, it is
finally being restored to its former glory. Early in 2013, 850 apartments went on sale and were
snapped up within three weeks. Judging from this, it is clear to see the popularity of the project.
Because of its considerable size, the building will not only be inhabited, but will also be a
thriving centre for entertainment and commerce. Uruguayan architect Rafael Vinoly is
responsible for the master plan, which also boasts the biggest ballroom in the capital.
Another attractive element to this particular project is the planned extension to the London
Underground’s Northern Line. The building will get its own station, which means getting there
will be a piece of cake for tourists and Londoners alike. If everything goes according to plan, the
public will be taking the Underground to the complex in 2020. It will also be reachable via a
river bus pier.
This is all very exciting and reassuring for those living nearby, who have had to watch with
sadness as the neglected building has slowly crumbled before their eyes since its closure in 1983.
The opportunity for employment and profit is an obvious advantage for the economy, but for
fans of the power station, it’s more than that. By the time it opens, it will have transformed the
area next to Battersea Park into an area where you can work, rest and play again, breathing a
different kind of energy into the area.
2 Read the text. Circle the correct answer (a–d).
1. Why did people reject the power station initially?
1. They thought it would look ugly.
2. They thought it would pollute the local park.
3. They thought it would create a bad smell.
4. They thought it would increase sickness in the area.
2. What are the ‘table legs’ mentioned in paragraph 2?
1. chimneys
2. towers
3. masts
4. columns
3. Which of the following is true about why the power station closed?
1. Other energy sources were becoming popular.
2. The site was going to produce another type of energy.
3. The machinery didn’t work any more.
4. A housing project was planned on the land.
4. Which of the following is true about the new project?
1. The majority of the space will be residential.
2. The complex will be home to the Uruguayan embassy.
3. It will have the biggest ballroom in the capital.
4. The apartments were sold at a discounted price.
5. Why is the project especially exciting for people who live nearby?
1. It will bring money to the area.
2. A number of jobs will be created
3. There will be better facilities in the area.
4. The building will be used once again.
Mark: ___ / 10

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Name: _Gabija Pakalniškytė__

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