BILETE ENGLEZA Examen national 2011-2012 clasa a 8 a

INSPECTORATUL SCOLAR AL JUDETULUI PRAHOVAPROBA DE VERIFICARE LA LIMBA ENGLEZAIUNIE 2011

BILETUL NR. 1

Read the following text and answer the questions below it:

A king had an only son, the apple of his eye. The king wanted his son to master different fields of knowledge and to experience various cultures, so he sent him to a far-off country, supplied with a generous quantity of silver and gold. Far away from home, the son squandered all the money until he was left completely destitute. In his distress he resolved to return to his father's house and after much difficulty, he managed to arrive at the gate of the courtyard to his father's palace.In the passage of time, he had actually forgotten the language of his native country, and he was unable to identify himself to the guards. In utter despair he began to cry out in a loud voice, and the King, who recognized the voice of his son, went out to him and brought him into the house, kissing him and hugging him.

1) Why did the son go abroad?2) Why wasn’t the son allowed into the house?3) What was the relationship between the king and his son?4) Which word from the text means “wasted”?

Presedinte comisie :

Profesori evaluatori: 1) 2)


BILETUL NR. 2


Loch Ness is arguably Scotland’s most famous tourist attraction. Every year, people from around the world visit this 24-mile stretch of water for its breathtaking beauty, and of course to revel in the legend of the fabled Loch Ness Monster. Loch Ness is just one of many lochs (or lakes) hidden amongst the awe-inspiring Scottish countryside, and is also one of the most rewarding. There is so much to discover along its picturesque shoreline and in the surrounding countryside, providing families and the young at heart with fun, excitement and adventure.

1) Why do people come to Loch Ness?2) Where is Loch Ness situated?3) Find a word in the text that means “to get great pleasure from”.4) Do tourists have a good time when they come to Loch Ness?




BILETUL NR. 3


When the American, Mr Otis, bought Canterville Castle, everyone told him that this was very foolish, as the place was haunted. But Mr Otis answered, “I come from a modern country, where we have everything that money can buy. And if there were such a thing as a ghost in Europe, we would have it at home in one of our museums.”

A few weeks later, on a lovely July evening, Mr Otis, his wife and their children, Washington, Virginia and the twins, went down to their new home. When they entered the avenue of Canterville Castle, the sky suddenly became dark and a spooky stillness was in the air.

Mrs Umney, the housekeeper, led them into the library of the castle, where they sat down and began to look around. Suddenly, Mrs Otis saw a red stain on the floor just by the fireplace and said to Mrs Umney, “I am afraid something has been spilt there.”

“Yes, madam,” said the old housekeeper in a low voice, “blood has been spilt on that spot.”

1) Why were people against Mr Otis buying Canterville Castle?2) What did Mrs Otis see near the fireplace?3) What country did the Otis family come from?4) Find a word in the text that means “unwise”.




BILETUL NR. 4


If you are a sports fan you are sure to know the name Michael Jordan, because he is probably the greatest basketball player the world has ever seen. Although his career as a player is over, his fame will live for many years to come.Michael Jordan certainly looks like a star. He is tall, well-built and handsome, with friendly brown eyes and a wide grin. He always manages to look well-dressed, whether he is wearing the casual clothes he prefers, or smart suits for important occasions.His personality, too, is as outstanding as his playing ability. Michael is a very determined person, which was one of the reasons why he was such a successful basketball star. He is also very generous and has given lots of money and support to charities.

1) Who is the article about?2) Why is Michael Jordan famous?3) What does Jordan look like?4) What examples does the text give to support the statement that “Jordan looks like

a star’?




BILETUL NR. 5


Alice was beginning to get very tired of sitting by her sister on the bank, and of having nothing to do: once or twice she had peeped into the book her sister was reading, but it had no pictures or conversations in it, 'and what is the use of a book,' thought Alice 'without pictures or conversation?'

So she was considering in her own mind (as well as she could, for the hot day made her feel very sleepy and stupid), whether the pleasure of making a daisy-chain would be worth the trouble of getting up and picking the daisies, when suddenly a White Rabbit with pink eyes ran close by her.

There was nothing so very remarkable in that; nor did Alice think it so very much out of the way to hear the Rabbit say to itself, 'Oh dear! Oh dear! I shall be late!' (when she thought it over afterwards, it occurred to her that she ought to have wondered at this, but at the time it all seemed quite natural); but when the Rabbit actually took a watch out of its waistcoat-pocket, and looked at it, and then hurried on, Alice started to her feet, for it flashed across her mind that she had never before seen a rabbit with either a waistcoat-pocket, or a watch to take out of it, and burning with curiosity, she ran across the field after it, and fortunately was just in time to see it pop down a large rabbit-hole under the hedge.

1) Why didn’t Alice like the book her sister was reading?2) What did Alice find strange about the rabbit?

3) How did Alice react when the rabbit looked at its watch?

4) Find a word in the text that means “to look secretly at”.




BILETUL NR. 6

Read the following text and answer the questions below it:The Wind and the Sun were disputing which was the stronger. Suddenly they saw a traveller coming down the road, and the Sun said, "I see a way to decide our dispute. Whichever of us can cause that traveller to take off his cloak shall be regarded as the stronger. You begin." So the Sun retired behind a cloud, and the Wind began to blow as hard as it could upon the traveller. But the harder he blew the more closely did the traveller wrap his cloak round him, till at last the Wind had to give up in despair. Then the Sun came out and shone in all his glory upon the traveller, who soon found it too hot to walk with his cloak on.

1. How did the Sun and the Wind want to find out which was the stronger?

2. How did the Wind try to achieve his aim?

3. How did the Sun try to achieve his aim?

4. What's the moral of the fable?

Kindness affects us more than severity.

Union gives strength.

It is best to prepare for the days of necessity.



INSPECTORATUL SCOLAR AL JUDETULUI PRAHOVAPROBA DE VERIFICARE LA LIMBA ENGLEZA

IUNIE 2011

BILETUL NR. 7Read the following text and answer the questions below it:

There had to be a king and queen, of course. The king was a terrible old man who wore six-shooters and spurs, and shouted in such a tremendous voice that the rattlers on the prairie would run into their holes under the prickly pear. Before there was a royal family they called the man "Whispering Ben." When he came to own 50,000 acres of land and more cattle than he could count, they called him O'Donnell "the Cattle King."

The queen had been a Mexican girl from Laredo. She made a good, mild, Coloradoclaro wife, and even succeeded in teaching Ben to modify his voice sufficiently while in the house to keep the dishes from being broken. When Ben got to be king she would sit on the gallery of Espinosa Ranch and weave rush mats. When wealth became so irresistible and oppressive that upholstered chairs and a centre table were brought down from San Antone in the wagons, she bowed her smooth, dark head, and shared the fate of the Danaë

1) Was the nickname “Whispering Ben” suitable for the king?Why?2) Why did the people change Ben’s nickname into ” the king”?3) How did the queen spend her time after her husband became king?4) Did the queen have any influence on her husband?



INSPECTORATUL SCOLAR AL JUDETULUI PRAHOVAPROBA DE VERIFICARE LA LIMBA ENGLEZA

IUNIE 2011


The American way of life is now everywhere and exerts a magnetic influence on young and oldin countries as far apart as China and Argentina. Many Europeans worry that their own culture will be swamped by inferior American products. Hollywood is one example: about 75% of all feature films seen in Europe are American in origin and the European film industry faces the threat of extinction. The language which most people use when they make contact with other nationalities is English: when a Chinese person meets someone from Spain, they will probably speak in English, not in Spanish or Chinese. English is the international language of communication, and is spoken by about 800 million people all over the world. It is also the language of business, science and advertising.

1) Why are many Europeans worried?2) Why makes English so important in today’s world?3) What does “.....exerts a magnetic influence” mean? Is it difficult or easy to resist its influence?4) Explain in your own words the meaning of the sentence “The European film industry faces the threat of extinction.”





In our class there was a boy no one liked. It wasn’t because he was disgusting, like Billy Reilly, who chewed erasers and then spat out the pieces onto his desk. Nor was he like Lorraine Smith, whose dad was the headmaster of the school and who always wanted to be popular with the teachers and so kept putting up her hand to answer questions(even when she had no idea what the answer was).No, Edgar’s problem was far more irritating : he tried too hard to be a “good guy”. He was so desperate to be liked by the rest of us that eventually even the most tolerant amongst us couldn’t stand him. The more he tried to be liked, the less we liked him. The irony was that on the surface Edgar price should have been the most popular kid in class. He shared his sweets, he gave you the answers in tests and he gave great birthdays parties.

1) Which of the children wanted to be the teachers’ pet?2) Was there any reason why the children in the class should have liked Edgar?3) Why did Lorraine annoy the rest of the class?4) Find a word in the text that is synonymous with “fellow”.





Somewhere in the world, every hour of every day, The Flintstones is being broadcast. An incredible 300 million fans tune in to watch it regularly. Whether you like them or not, Fred, Wilma and their neighbours, Barney and Betty Rubble, are impossible to avoid. Recently, all 166 episodes were broadcast non-stop on television across the USA. Not bad for a cartoon which was badly received by the critics on its first run 38 years ago.

1) Which of these headings would be the most suitable for the text ?a) The most expensive showb) Success at the eleventh hour c) A popular show2) What kind of TV show is The Flintstones?3) Explain the phrase” 300 million fans tune in to watch it’.4) When was The Flintstones first broadcast?





A 79-year-old man was slightly injured on Saturday while waiting in his brand new

convertible in a drive-through lane at Burger Prince restaurant. Herman Sherman of

Northville suffered a mild burn about 9:00 p.m. when a young female employee

accidentally spilled a cup of coffee into his lap. Sherman said the coffee was hot but not

scalding.

He refused medical aid, saying the only problem was the stain on his slacks, but it

would wash out. He was given a fresh refill. Before Sherman drove off, the restaurant

manager, John Johnson, gave him two free gift certificates-one for an extra-large coffee

and one for the restaurant's newest sandwich, the McRap.

The employee, who was a new hire, was let go later that evening. She was quite

upset. She said she would probably sue Burger Prince for letting her go. She said it was

the man's fault for ordering something that she might be able to spill.

1) Where is Herman Sherman from?2) Had the employee been working at Burger Prince for a long time?3) How did the restaurant compensate Herman for the incident?4) Explain this sentence in your own words: “He was given a fresh refill”.


Profesori evaluatori: 1)

2)

INSPECTORATUL SCOLAR AL JUDETULUI PRAHOVAPROBA DE VERIFICARE LA LIMBA ENGLEZA,IUNIE 2011


Goats are being hired to do the work of men in a neighborhood just outside of San Diego.

The fires that occurred in Hillborough four years ago destroyed thirty homes, most of which have

been rebuilt. While contractors were rebuilding the homes, nature was regrowing the grasses,

bushes, and shrubs. The area is now so overgrown in brush that it again poses a major fire hazard.

The city council asked for bids to remove the brush. The lowest bid they received was

$50,000. And that was if the city provided breakfast and lunch for the work crews for the six

weeks it would take to clear the overgrown area. The city countered, offering unlimited coffee

(black only) and a doughnut a day for each crew member. When that offer was rejected, the city

asked for help on its website.

A sheepherder in Montana and a goatherder in San Bernardino read about the city’s plight

while surfing the web on their laptops. They both offered to do the job for $25,000. The council

chose the goatherder because he lived closer. When told that the city dump was overflowing, the

goatherder said, “No problem. My goats will eat everything in your dump. Except for the

automobile engines, of course.”

1) What risk is San Diego facing?

2) Why did the city reject the lowest bid?

3) How did the two men find out about San Diego’s problem?

4) Choose the most suitable title for this article:

a) City Rejects Lowest Bid b) Goats Being Hired c) Goats Will Eat Anything


Profesori evaluatori: 1)

2) INSPECTORATUL SCOLAR AL JUDETULUI PRAHOVAPROBA DE VERIFICARE LA LIMBA ENGLEZA, IUNIE 2011

BILETUL NR. 13 Read the following text and answer the questions below it:

A 39-year-old woman admitted that she had lied. She claimed that she bought the latest winning

lottery ticket in Massachusetts, but then lost it. The ticket was worth $18 million after all

deductions. Jean Fenn was charged with grand larceny. A conviction could put her in prison for

up to seven years.

The real winner of the ticket, Kevin Hayes, 66, presented it a week ago to the liquor store where

he had bought it. That store will receive one percent of the prize, or $180,000. The owner of the

store, Mark Abrams, 56, was overjoyed. “Last year we had a storm that blew half of our roof off.

It cost $25,000 to put a new roof on.”

“But I feel sorry for this woman," said Hayes. "She only did this out of desperation. In fact, I'm

going to help her out financially after she gets out of prison. It’s a shame that this wealthy country

has so many poor people. So, I’m going to donate a lot of this money to different charities. What

do I need $18 million for?”

1) What would be the most suitable title for this text?

a)Lottery Winner Donates All Prize Money b) Store Owner Rebuilds Roof c)Woman Lies about

Lottery Prize

2) Why does Hayes want to give away a large sum of money?

3) What punishment is Jean Fenn facing?

4) Find a word in the text which means “very happy”.

Presedinte

Profesori evaluatori:

1)

2)



It was 10 p.m. Fritz said good night to his wife. She was watching TV. He went to bed.

Tomorrow was a big day. It was his last day of work. Thirty years with the federal government.

Thirty years of flying out of town for weeks on end. Thirty years of interviews, meetings, and

heavy briefcases. Tomorrow it would all be over. Not that he didn’t like it. He had enjoyed his

career.

Fritz felt blessed. His father had had a tough life as an unskilled laborer. Whenever Fritz was a bit

discouraged or upset, he thought about his overworked and underpaid father. He thanked God for

his own good life, and for the fact that he had been able to make his dad’s last years comfortable.

Friday morning, he went to work for the very last time. Those who knew him well would

miss him. Fritz was a genuinely nice guy. He never had a bad word to say about anyone. Some

people might have thought he was a little dull, but he was intelligent, a hard worker, and a team

player. He had taken only three weeks of sick leave in 30 years.

1) Was kind of employee was Fritz?

2) Did Fritz’s father have a good job? Why?

3) How long had Fritz been working for the federal government?

4) Explain the sentence”...he had been able to make his dad’s last years comfortable” in

your own words.

Presedinte


1)

2)



Maxwell had not held a steady job in almost two years. Today was a big day, because he was

going to a job interview that he felt good about. The secretary he had talked to on the phone

sounded friendly and encouraging.

Maxwell was a typist. His fingers danced on the keyboard. However, his people skills were not

nearly as good as his typing skills. Sometimes his mouth got in the way of his employment. At his

last steady job, his boss had told him to start making coffee every morning. Maxwell laughed.

“I’m not making coffee,” he said. “It’s not part of my job description.”

“Read the employee manual again,” his boss said. “Your job description is anything I say it is.”

“That’s a woman’s job,” said Maxwell. “Do it yourself.”

1) Why did Maxwell believe the interview would go well?

2) Which words in the text tell you that Maxwell was good at typing?

3) Why did Maxwell sometimes lose his job?

4) What kind of person was Maxwell’s last boss?

Presedinte


1)

2)



Six months ago I made a rash promise. The leader of the youth club in our village rang me in March saying, “We’re thinking of running a children’s play scheme for a day in October half-term. Would you be prepared to help?” My response was “Sure, why not?” In truth I was a little flattered to be asked, even though working as a care assistant with old people hardly qualified me for the role. Still, I duly put the date in my diary and of course I forgot all about it. I don’t know if you’ve noticed this but time has a habit of speeding along faster than a police car chasing a robber and, before I knew it, the day was dawning.

I arrived at the youth centre that morning feeling full of trepidation. There was a gang of 12 helpers including me and each pair had been allocated a particular age group. Mine was the 10 to 11 year olds. Even with the planning meeting I had attended the week before, I worried about whether I was up to the task. Why hadn’t I read through the copious lesson plans we were given beforehand? And wasn’t the average 10-year-old more interested in the latest Play Station game than making things with paper and glue?

1) How did the writer feel about being offered the job?

2) Did the writer believe she had enough experience for the job she was offered?

3) Why was the writer surprised when the day to start her job arrived?

4) Why was the writer worried when she arrived to start her job?

Presedinte


1)

2)



My most unfortunate driving experience happened ages ago, before I'd actually passed my driving test. My girlfriend's father used to let her borrow his car whenever we were going to the cinema or something. Anyway, I'd been thinking about learning to drive and I persuaded her to let me have a go. We took the car down to the beach on the sand where no one could see us and she let me take the wheel. We were having such fun that we didn't notice the tide was coming in until the car was actually swimming in the water. We had to leave the car where it was and catch the bus back to tell her dad. By the time the three of us returned, the car was almost covered in water. Needless to say, her father wasn't too pleased. The funny thing is her dad ended up selling me the car after I passed my test.

1) Why did the writer drive the car on the beach?2) Whose car was he driving when the incident happened?3) What did he find funny about the happening?4) Which words in the text mean “to try”?

Presedinte


1)

2)


BILETUL NR. 18


My advice about learning to drive would be to have proper lessons from a qualified instructor and never to let a friend or family member try to teach you. It's a guaranteed way to spoil a good relationship. Every Sunday, when the traffic was quieter, my father would pick me up and take me for a drive along the streets of our hometown and give me a lecture on how to drive, explaining everything he was doing and why. Eventually it was my turn to have a go. My dad was so nervous that he panicked before I'd even started up the engine. He used to shout at the slightest mistake, and when the lesson was finally over he'd come home and have a large glass of whisky to calm down.

1) How did the father react when his son started driving the car?2) Why should we avoid taking driving lessons from a member of the family? 3) Why did the driving lessons take place on Sundays?4) Which words from the text mean “to try one’s hand at”?

Presedinte


1)

2)

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BILETE ENGLEZA Examen national 2011-2012 clasa a 8 a