English 4 Achievement Test

Part 1: Grammar and Vocabulary

You have 15 minutes to complete the 30 multiple-choice questions in this part.

WHAT ARE PUFFBALLS?

 

  Puffballs are a type of fungus. They're a little like mushrooms, although are much bigger and don't have a long stalk at the bottom. The largest ones can get to about the same size as a basketball. It's possible to eat most kinds of puffball. However, it's important to know exactly what you're looking for because some poisonous mushrooms have a very similar shape and color to young puffballs.

 

  Most puffballs are white while they're growing. Then, when they're fully grown, they begin to turn brown. At this point they start to dry out and their size decreases. If you want to eat one, you must catch it while it's still white all the way through. Even if just a small part of it has gone slightly brown, you're too late – the whole thing will taste awful. If the puffball is completely white, however, and hasn't quite reached its full size, then it can be cut up just like bread and then fried to produce delicious mushroom-flavored slices.

WHAT ARE PUFFBALLS?

 

  Puffballs are a type of fungus. They're a little like mushrooms, although are much bigger and don't have a long stalk at the bottom. The largest ones can get to about the same size as a basketball. It's possible to eat most kinds of puffball. However, it's important to know exactly what you're looking for because some poisonous mushrooms have a very similar shape and color to young puffballs.

 

  Most puffballs are white while they're growing. Then, when they're fully grown, they begin to turn brown. At this point they start to dry out and their size decreases. If you want to eat one, you must catch it while it's still white all the way through. Even if just a small part of it has gone slightly brown, you're too late – the whole thing will taste awful. If the puffball is completely white, however, and hasn't quite reached its full size, then it can be cut up just like bread and then fried to produce delicious mushroom-flavored slices.

WHAT ARE PUFFBALLS?

 

  Puffballs are a type of fungus. They're a little like mushrooms, although are much bigger and don't have a long stalk at the bottom. The largest ones can get to about the same size as a basketball. It's possible to eat most kinds of puffball. However, it's important to know exactly what you're looking for because some poisonous mushrooms have a very similar shape and color to young puffballs.

 

  Most puffballs are white while they're growing. Then, when they're fully grown, they begin to turn brown. At this point they start to dry out and their size decreases. If you want to eat one, you must catch it while it's still white all the way through. Even if just a small part of it has gone slightly brown, you're too late – the whole thing will taste awful. If the puffball is completely white, however, and hasn't quite reached its full size, then it can be cut up just like bread and then fried to produce delicious mushroom-flavored slices.

WHAT ARE PUFFBALLS?

 

  Puffballs are a type of fungus. They're a little like mushrooms, although are much bigger and don't have a long stalk at the bottom. The largest ones can get to about the same size as a basketball. It's possible to eat most kinds of puffball. However, it's important to know exactly what you're looking for because some poisonous mushrooms have a very similar shape and color to young puffballs.

 

  Most puffballs are white while they're growing. Then, when they're fully grown, they begin to turn brown. At this point they start to dry out and their size decreases. If you want to eat one, you must catch it while it's still white all the way through. Even if just a small part of it has gone slightly brown, you're too late – the whole thing will taste awful. If the puffball is completely white, however, and hasn't quite reached its full size, then it can be cut up just like bread and then fried to produce delicious mushroom-flavored slices.

WHAT ARE PUFFBALLS?

 

  Puffballs are a type of fungus. They're a little like mushrooms, although are much bigger and don't have a long stalk at the bottom. The largest ones can get to about the same size as a basketball. It's possible to eat most kinds of puffball. However, it's important to know exactly what you're looking for because some poisonous mushrooms have a very similar shape and color to young puffballs.

 

  Most puffballs are white while they're growing. Then, when they're fully grown, they begin to turn brown. At this point they start to dry out and their size decreases. If you want to eat one, you must catch it while it's still white all the way through. Even if just a small part of it has gone slightly brown, you're too late – the whole thing will taste awful. If the puffball is completely white, however, and hasn't quite reached its full size, then it can be cut up just like bread and then fried to produce delicious mushroom-flavored slices.

DVD REVIEW

 

  This DVD provides a fascinating look into the past. It contains clips that were shot by some of the first motion-picture cameras between 1890 and 1910. This is more than just a compilation of some of the world's oldest moving pictures, however. Using the latest digital technology, the producers have significantly improved the quality of the films and added full color. Obviously, the quality is not the same as the high-definition pictures we see today. But compared with typical old black-and-white films, the result is quite amazing. The pictures are much clearer. Also, the problem of the original clips moving too fast has been solved.

 

  Of course, there's no sound of the people in the film clips talking. It wasn't possible to record people's voices in movies until the 1920s. So the only thing you hear is the voice of the narrator describing what's happening in the clips. However, often, we're not told when or where the clips were filmed. Instead, the narrator just explains what's happening, which isn't necessary because you can see for yourself. I definitely think this DVD needs a narrator. It's just a pity that he or she doesn't give us some more interesting information about the dates and locations of the films.

DVD REVIEW

 

  This DVD provides a fascinating look into the past. It contains clips that were shot by some of the first motion-picture cameras between 1890 and 1910. This is more than just a compilation of some of the world's oldest moving pictures, however. Using the latest digital technology, the producers have significantly improved the quality of the films and added full color. Obviously, the quality is not the same as the high-definition pictures we see today. But compared with typical old black-and-white films, the result is quite amazing. The pictures are much clearer. Also, the problem of the original clips moving too fast has been solved.

 

  Of course, there's no sound of the people in the film clips talking. It wasn't possible to record people's voices in movies until the 1920s. So the only thing you hear is the voice of the narrator describing what's happening in the clips. However, often, we're not told when or where the clips were filmed. Instead, the narrator just explains what's happening, which isn't necessary because you can see for yourself. I definitely think this DVD needs a narrator. It's just a pity that he or she doesn't give us some more interesting information about the dates and locations of the films.

DVD REVIEW

 

  This DVD provides a fascinating look into the past. It contains clips that were shot by some of the first motion-picture cameras between 1890 and 1910. This is more than just a compilation of some of the world's oldest moving pictures, however. Using the latest digital technology, the producers have significantly improved the quality of the films and added full color. Obviously, the quality is not the same as the high-definition pictures we see today. But compared with typical old black-and-white films, the result is quite amazing. The pictures are much clearer. Also, the problem of the original clips moving too fast has been solved.

 

  Of course, there's no sound of the people in the film clips talking. It wasn't possible to record people's voices in movies until the 1920s. So the only thing you hear is the voice of the narrator describing what's happening in the clips. However, often, we're not told when or where the clips were filmed. Instead, the narrator just explains what's happening, which isn't necessary because you can see for yourself. I definitely think this DVD needs a narrator. It's just a pity that he or she doesn't give us some more interesting information about the dates and locations of the films.

DVD REVIEW

 

  This DVD provides a fascinating look into the past. It contains clips that were shot by some of the first motion-picture cameras between 1890 and 1910. This is more than just a compilation of some of the world's oldest moving pictures, however. Using the latest digital technology, the producers have significantly improved the quality of the films and added full color. Obviously, the quality is not the same as the high-definition pictures we see today. But compared with typical old black-and-white films, the result is quite amazing. The pictures are much clearer. Also, the problem of the original clips moving too fast has been solved.

 

  Of course, there's no sound of the people in the film clips talking. It wasn't possible to record people's voices in movies until the 1920s. So the only thing you hear is the voice of the narrator describing what's happening in the clips. However, often, we're not told when or where the clips were filmed. Instead, the narrator just explains what's happening, which isn't necessary because you can see for yourself. I definitely think this DVD needs a narrator. It's just a pity that he or she doesn't give us some more interesting information about the dates and locations of the films.

DVD REVIEW

 

  This DVD provides a fascinating look into the past. It contains clips that were shot by some of the first motion-picture cameras between 1890 and 1910. This is more than just a compilation of some of the world's oldest moving pictures, however. Using the latest digital technology, the producers have significantly improved the quality of the films and added full color. Obviously, the quality is not the same as the high-definition pictures we see today. But compared with typical old black-and-white films, the result is quite amazing. The pictures are much clearer. Also, the problem of the original clips moving too fast has been solved.

 

  Of course, there's no sound of the people in the film clips talking. It wasn't possible to record people's voices in movies until the 1920s. So the only thing you hear is the voice of the narrator describing what's happening in the clips. However, often, we're not told when or where the clips were filmed. Instead, the narrator just explains what's happening, which isn't necessary because you can see for yourself. I definitely think this DVD needs a narrator. It's just a pity that he or she doesn't give us some more interesting information about the dates and locations of the films.

ARROW FALLS

 

  Arrow Falls are one of the most spectacular sights in the region. However, to get there you'll need to put on your hiking boots and walk as the waterfall is 8 kilometers / 5 miles from the nearest highway. The starting point for the walk is the parking area in the valley next to the stream below Arrow Head Hill. From here, simply take the track which follows the east side of the stream all the way up to the waterfall. The path is quite rocky and climbs steeply, but is well marked and easy to follow.

 

  For most of its length, the walk crosses open country, offering superb views of the valley and forest below. A short section of the track runs through the edge of the forest, providing some welcome shade on a hot summer's day and making an ideal place to stop for lunch.

 

  It takes about 3 hours to get from the parking area to the waterfall. The return trip along the same path is much less tiring, as it's all downhill. However, you'll need to allow roughly the same amount of time to walk back, as progress down the steep track is slow. It's therefore a good idea to set off reasonably early in the morning, especially as there are often thunderstorms during late afternoon and early evening.

ARROW FALLS

 

  Arrow Falls are one of the most spectacular sights in the region. However, to get there you'll need to put on your hiking boots and walk as the waterfall is 8 kilometers / 5 miles from the nearest highway. The starting point for the walk is the parking area in the valley next to the stream below Arrow Head Hill. From here, simply take the track which follows the east side of the stream all the way up to the waterfall. The path is quite rocky and climbs steeply, but is well marked and easy to follow.

 

  For most of its length, the walk crosses open country, offering superb views of the valley and forest below. A short section of the track runs through the edge of the forest, providing some welcome shade on a hot summer's day and making an ideal place to stop for lunch.

 

  It takes about 3 hours to get from the parking area to the waterfall. The return trip along the same path is much less tiring, as it's all downhill. However, you'll need to allow roughly the same amount of time to walk back, as progress down the steep track is slow. It's therefore a good idea to set off reasonably early in the morning, especially as there are often thunderstorms during late afternoon and early evening.

ARROW FALLS

 

  Arrow Falls are one of the most spectacular sights in the region. However, to get there you'll need to put on your hiking boots and walk as the waterfall is 8 kilometers / 5 miles from the nearest highway. The starting point for the walk is the parking area in the valley next to the stream below Arrow Head Hill. From here, simply take the track which follows the east side of the stream all the way up to the waterfall. The path is quite rocky and climbs steeply, but is well marked and easy to follow.

 

  For most of its length, the walk crosses open country, offering superb views of the valley and forest below. A short section of the track runs through the edge of the forest, providing some welcome shade on a hot summer's day and making an ideal place to stop for lunch.

 

  It takes about 3 hours to get from the parking area to the waterfall. The return trip along the same path is much less tiring, as it's all downhill. However, you'll need to allow roughly the same amount of time to walk back, as progress down the steep track is slow. It's therefore a good idea to set off reasonably early in the morning, especially as there are often thunderstorms during late afternoon and early evening.

ARROW FALLS

 

  Arrow Falls are one of the most spectacular sights in the region. However, to get there you'll need to put on your hiking boots and walk as the waterfall is 8 kilometers / 5 miles from the nearest highway. The starting point for the walk is the parking area in the valley next to the stream below Arrow Head Hill. From here, simply take the track which follows the east side of the stream all the way up to the waterfall. The path is quite rocky and climbs steeply, but is well marked and easy to follow.

 

  For most of its length, the walk crosses open country, offering superb views of the valley and forest below. A short section of the track runs through the edge of the forest, providing some welcome shade on a hot summer's day and making an ideal place to stop for lunch.

 

  It takes about 3 hours to get from the parking area to the waterfall. The return trip along the same path is much less tiring, as it's all downhill. However, you'll need to allow roughly the same amount of time to walk back, as progress down the steep track is slow. It's therefore a good idea to set off reasonably early in the morning, especially as there are often thunderstorms during late afternoon and early evening.

ARROW FALLS

 

  Arrow Falls are one of the most spectacular sights in the region. However, to get there you'll need to put on your hiking boots and walk as the waterfall is 8 kilometers / 5 miles from the nearest highway. The starting point for the walk is the parking area in the valley next to the stream below Arrow Head Hill. From here, simply take the track which follows the east side of the stream all the way up to the waterfall. The path is quite rocky and climbs steeply, but is well marked and easy to follow.

 

  For most of its length, the walk crosses open country, offering superb views of the valley and forest below. A short section of the track runs through the edge of the forest, providing some welcome shade on a hot summer's day and making an ideal place to stop for lunch.

 

  It takes about 3 hours to get from the parking area to the waterfall. The return trip along the same path is much less tiring, as it's all downhill. However, you'll need to allow roughly the same amount of time to walk back, as progress down the steep track is slow. It's therefore a good idea to set off reasonably early in the morning, especially as there are often thunderstorms during late afternoon and early evening.

EMAIL TEXT

 

  We booked our hotel on the Internet at the last minute and managed to find a room that cost only 25% of the normal price. So I was very pleased with that. I was surprised to get a room at all during the weekend of the art festival, so to get such a good price was a great deal. The reservation was for bed and breakfast, which suited us fine. There was a restaurant at the hotel, but we didn't eat there in the evenings because the menu was pretty expensive. And there were plenty of good restaurants in town. It was sometimes a bit difficult to get a table, as it was so busy with the art festival. But we always managed to get in somewhere, even though we didn't book. It helped that we like to eat quite late, whereas it seems that people there eat fairly early, so the restaurants were quieter toward the end of the evening.

EMAIL TEXT

 

  We booked our hotel on the Internet at the last minute and managed to find a room that cost only 25% of the normal price. So I was very pleased with that. I was surprised to get a room at all during the weekend of the art festival, so to get such a good price was a great deal. The reservation was for bed and breakfast, which suited us fine. There was a restaurant at the hotel, but we didn't eat there in the evenings because the menu was pretty expensive. And there were plenty of good restaurants in town. It was sometimes a bit difficult to get a table, as it was so busy with the art festival. But we always managed to get in somewhere, even though we didn't book. It helped that we like to eat quite late, whereas it seems that people there eat fairly early, so the restaurants were quieter toward the end of the evening.

EMAIL TEXT

 

  We booked our hotel on the Internet at the last minute and managed to find a room that cost only 25% of the normal price. So I was very pleased with that. I was surprised to get a room at all during the weekend of the art festival, so to get such a good price was a great deal. The reservation was for bed and breakfast, which suited us fine. There was a restaurant at the hotel, but we didn't eat there in the evenings because the menu was pretty expensive. And there were plenty of good restaurants in town. It was sometimes a bit difficult to get a table, as it was so busy with the art festival. But we always managed to get in somewhere, even though we didn't book. It helped that we like to eat quite late, whereas it seems that people there eat fairly early, so the restaurants were quieter toward the end of the evening.

EMAIL TEXT

 

  We booked our hotel on the Internet at the last minute and managed to find a room that cost only 25% of the normal price. So I was very pleased with that. I was surprised to get a room at all during the weekend of the art festival, so to get such a good price was a great deal. The reservation was for bed and breakfast, which suited us fine. There was a restaurant at the hotel, but we didn't eat there in the evenings because the menu was pretty expensive. And there were plenty of good restaurants in town. It was sometimes a bit difficult to get a table, as it was so busy with the art festival. But we always managed to get in somewhere, even though we didn't book. It helped that we like to eat quite late, whereas it seems that people there eat fairly early, so the restaurants were quieter toward the end of the evening.

EMAIL TEXT

 

  We booked our hotel on the Internet at the last minute and managed to find a room that cost only 25% of the normal price. So I was very pleased with that. I was surprised to get a room at all during the weekend of the art festival, so to get such a good price was a great deal. The reservation was for bed and breakfast, which suited us fine. There was a restaurant at the hotel, but we didn't eat there in the evenings because the menu was pretty expensive. And there were plenty of good restaurants in town. It was sometimes a bit difficult to get a table, as it was so busy with the art festival. But we always managed to get in somewhere, even though we didn't book. It helped that we like to eat quite late, whereas it seems that people there eat fairly early, so the restaurants were quieter toward the end of the evening.

You are going to hear a telephone call. Listen and mark true or false.

You are going to hear a conversation at the ticket counter in a train station. Listen and mark true or false.

You are going to hear a conversation at the front desk of a hotel. Listen and mark true or false.

TOPIC A:

  Write a short description of a movie that you enjoyed watching. Give the names of one or two actors who appear in the movie. Describe the types of characters that they play and briefly explain what happens in the story. There's no need to mention the title of the movie if you don't know what the film is called in English.

TOPIC B:

  Write a short description of the city or region that you live in, or another city or region that you know about. You could describe things such as geography, climate, tourist attractions and local food. Also discuss any other interesting local characteristics.