I. Reading

Read the text and choose the best answer (A-D) to complete the sentences (1-5).

A record-breaking' snowstorm has brought chaos to much of the north-eastern United States. Much of the region now lies covered in some two feet or more of snow and transport systems are at a standstill. Thousands of homes are without electrical power.

The United States National Weather Service says that this huge winter storm has dumped some 68.3 centimetres of snow in Central Park, making it the worst blizzard to hit New York since records began in 1869.

To add to the problems facing the entire north-eastern seaboard, winds across the region have been gusting at up to 96 kilometres an hour, causing serious localised drifting¹. The road network in many places is impassable. Most of the airports in the region have been closed, with hundreds of flights cancelled. Passengers on Transatlantic flights heading into New York have, in some cases, found themselves diverted to alternative destinations.

Here in Manhattan, snowploughs worked non-stop on Sunday in an effort to keep the streets and avenues open to traffic. But much of the city was quiet. Even the notoriously busy Times Square was all but deserted for much of the day. Some who did venture² out into the snow were rewarded with the memorable sight of people making their way down Broadway on skis.

Taken from "Snowstorm Hits US" by Jeremy Cooke, www.bbc.com, 13 February, 2006

□ C Transatlantic flights landing in Times Square I D the deserted theatres on Broadway

1	2	3	4	5

II. Writing

> Complete the sentences with the correct forms of the verbs in brackets.

1. How long (you / to learn) English?

   2. 01 □

      eu

      S u

      É u

      lu

      H <

      <

      m □

      y >

      u q

      . (you / to go) to the museum last week?

      3. 4. Before I met Susan, I

         5.1 Know that when I leave school, I 6.1 think that we

         7.1 Can't talk now. I 8. If you

         The telephone rang while I (to have a shower).

(never / to be) interested in music.

(to work) for my family's company.

(probably / to win) but you never know.

(to have) a meeting with Marion in ten minutes.

(not / to switch off) the computer properly, you will have

problems.

> Imagine that you are having a fantastic holiday. Write a postcard to a friend back home. Tell him / her about:

• how you got to the place;

• the weather;

• the accommodation;

• how you are spending your time.

< I

m

cl m

ci

Write 35-45 words on your answer sheet.

O

U