Read the article about four young people (A–D) who live in the countryside.

Then answer
Questions 7(a)–(i)

Why I Love Living in the Countryside

A Emma
I’ve lived in the city for most of my life, but when my family moved to the countryside,
everything changed. Instead of busy streets and tall buildings, now all I see are fields and forests.
My room has a large window that overlooks the hills, and I can see the sunrise every morning.
It's a beautiful way to start the day. I spend a lot of time exploring the local area with my dog,
and I’ve even started taking up nature photography. Though I’ve grown to love it here, I plan to
move to the city again for university to pursue a career in architecture, which isn’t really an
option out here.

B Leo
For me, the countryside is perfect. I love hiking and cycling along the trails that wind through the
forests. I know every path and every tree in the area by heart. The fresh air is a huge bonus, too –
I used to get allergies when I lived in the city, but now I feel much healthier. There’s nothing
quite like the peace and quiet here. My favorite activity is birdwatching. I’ve become obsessed
with the different species I see every day, and I’ve started keeping a journal of all the birds I’ve
spotted.

C Clara
I never imagined I would enjoy living in such a quiet place, but now I can’t imagine living
anywhere else. The locals are friendly, and there’s a real sense of community. I don’t understand
how people can say the countryside is boring! I’ve picked up so many hobbies since moving
here, including gardening, which I never thought I’d enjoy. There’s something magical about
growing your own food. My friends always laugh when I tell them how excited I get about
planting new seeds, but I find it relaxing. I think I’ll stay here for the foreseeable future, though I
miss the city sometimes.

D Max
Living in the countryside has its ups and downs. I love the wide-open spaces, especially in winter
when the fields are covered in snow. But the lack of entertainment options can be a bit
frustrating, especially during the long winter nights. There’s only one cinema nearby, and it’s
often closed during the off-season. However, I enjoy the stillness of winter. My friends and I like
to build snow forts and go sledding. Last year, we even built a giant snowman that lasted for
weeks! Despite the quiet, I think there’s something calming about the countryside, and I
appreciate the change of pace from city life.
For each statement, write the correct letter A, B, C, or D on the line.

Question 7

(a) Who says that the location helps them pursue a creative hobby? ------------

(b) Who mentions being able to watch the sunrise from their home? -----------

(c) Who admits that their friends find one of their interests unusual? -----------

(d) Who describes a desire to learn more about a particular type of wildlife? ------------

(e) Who explains their feelings about the seasonal differences where they live? ----------------

(f) Who mentions that they will eventually leave the area for a career opportunity? ---------------

(g) Who mentions an improvement in health since moving? -------------------------

(h) Who describes a common issue with limited entertainment options? -----------------------

(i) Who compares their current environment to where they used to live? ----------------------
 Read the article about how analogies can help explain complex ideas, and then complete the
notes.

Explaining Complex Ideas Through Analogies

We have all come across difficult concepts at some point in our lives. Whether in a classroom,
during a work presentation, or while reading a challenging book, complex ideas can often leave us
puzzled. However, there is a tool that experts frequently use to explain such ideas effectively:
analogies. An analogy compares a complex or unfamiliar concept to something familiar, making
the difficult subject easier to grasp.

Consider this: explaining the workings of the human brain can be a daunting task. However, when
you compare it to a computer, with different parts handling various tasks like memory or
processing information, the concept becomes much more relatable. Analogies create this bridge
between the known and the unknown, allowing listeners to feel more connected to the topic.

One of the most crucial aspects of using analogies is knowing your audience. Different people may
relate to different comparisons. For example, a car engine might be an excellent analogy for a
mechanical engineer, but for a child, a playground might work better. Therefore, speakers need to
carefully think about their listeners and tailor their analogies accordingly.

Analogies are also beneficial because they can make discussions more engaging. When a speaker
draws a comparison that the audience can relate to, they are more likely to stay interested and
focused. As a result, people not only understand complex ideas better, but they also enjoy the
process of learning.

Lastly, a speaker must practice their analogies. Overly complicated analogies can confuse rather
than clarify. It is essential to test these comparisons in advance and ensure they resonate with the
intended audience. Well-chosen analogies can transform a dull presentation into a memorable one,
but only if they are clear and well-delivered.
Imagine you are preparing a talk about analogies to explain complex ideas.
Use words from the passage to help you write some notes.

Make short notes under each heading.

Question 8

How analogies can help explain complex ideas:

Example: make difficult subjects more relatable

• ............................................................................................................................
• ............................................................................................................................
• ............................................................................................................................ [3]

Question 9

How speakers should prepare to use analogies:

• ............................................................................................................................
• ............................................................................................................................
• ............................................................................................................................
• ............................................................................................................................ [4]
 Read the article written by a travel blogger, and then answer the questions.

Samir Khan: Travel Blogger

Travel blogging is a dream job for many people, offering the chance to explore new places while
sharing experiences. This month, we hear from Samir Khan, a successful travel blogger who has
made a name for himself in the industry.

Traveling was something that fascinated me from an early age. My family loved going on
vacations, and I would always keep a journal of where we went and what we saw. It’s no surprise
that I turned my love of exploring new places into a career. But being a travel blogger isn’t just
about taking trips and posting beautiful photos. Writing engaging content that keeps readers
coming back is crucial, and that’s where I believe I excel. Crafting stories that inspire people to
explore the world is my passion.

Early on, I started my own blog called "The Wandering Soul." It was just a personal project at
first, but as I traveled more and shared my experiences, I began gaining a loyal following. Soon,
companies reached out to collaborate with me, and I learned the importance of networking in the
travel industry. Making connections with hotels, tour operators, and other bloggers has helped me
grow my blog into a full-time job.

A big part of my content now focuses on responsible tourism. In today’s world, more people are
becoming aware of how travel affects the environment. I always encourage my readers to travel
responsibly—whether it’s minimizing plastic use or supporting eco-friendly hotels. There’s still a
lot to be done in this area, but I’m hopeful that travelers are moving in the right direction. However,
I still come across destinations that prioritize profit over sustainability, and it’s disappointing to
see.

Although I’ve traveled to many amazing places, my favorite trips are the ones that involve
connecting with local cultures. I’ve been fortunate to attend festivals in remote villages and even
stay with families in their homes. These experiences give me a much deeper appreciation for the
places I visit. And, surprisingly, some of the best travel stories come from small, less-known
destinations rather than the popular tourist spots.

Besides traveling, I also mentor aspiring travel bloggers. I frequently speak at workshops, and I’ve
created an online course to help beginners. There’s one website I recommend to all my students,
"Travel Insight." It’s a great resource for new bloggers, offering tips on everything from content
creation to understanding the technical side of running a blog.

For each question, choose the correct answer, A, B, or C, and circle it.
Question 1
Why does Samir believe he is successful as a travel blogger?
A He has visited more places than most other bloggers.
B He knows how to create engaging travel stories.
C He frequently updates his blog with new photos.
Question 2
What does Samir say about starting his blog, "The Wandering Soul"?
A It was mainly a way to keep track of personal travels.
B He intended to use it for business from the beginning.
C His initial focus was connecting with other bloggers.
Question 3
What is Samir’s current focus in his travel content?
A Encouraging people to visit lesser-known places.
B Highlighting ways to travel in an eco-friendly manner.
C Partnering with companies that promote tourism.
Question 4
What does Samir find disappointing about some travel destinations?
A They have not made significant efforts to be sustainable.
B Tourists often ignore responsible travel practices.
C They offer few opportunities to engage with local cultures.
Question 5
What does Samir enjoy most about his travels?
A Staying in luxury hotels around the world.
B Connecting with people in the places he visits.
C Visiting large cities and well-known attractions.
Question 6
What does Samir mean when he says, “small, less-known destinations”?
A Places that are not yet popular with tourists.
B Cities that are hidden from most maps.
C Locations that require special permits to visit.
Question 7
What advice does Samir give to new travel bloggers?
A Focus on posting as many photos as possible.
B Build a network with travel companies early on.
C Use helpful resources like "Travel Insight."
Question 8
What does Samir’s online course teach?
A How to book the best travel deals.
B How to run a successful travel blog.
C How to choose the best destinations to visit.
Question 9
Samir says that traveling responsibly means
A choosing hotels that offer luxury services.
B avoiding destinations that are crowded.
C minimizing your negative impact on the environment.
Question 10
Samir wrote this article to
A explain how travel blogging became his career.
B describe why tourism needs to be more sustainable.
C share the secrets of how to become a famous blogger.