Pre-Intermediate Final exam

Complete the sentences. Use the correct form of the verb in brackets.

Complete the sentences. Use the correct form of the verb in brackets.

Complete the sentences. Use the correct form of the verb in brackets.

Complete the sentences. Use the correct form of the verb in brackets.

Complete the sentences. Use the correct form of the verb in brackets.

Complete the sentences. Use the correct form of the verb in brackets.

Complete the sentences. Use the correct form of the verb in brackets.

Complete the sentences. Use the correct form of the verb in brackets.

Complete the sentences. Use the correct form of the verb in brackets.

Complete the sentences. Use the correct form of the verb in brackets.

Complete the sentences. Use the correct form of the verb in brackets.

Complete the sentences. Use the correct form of the verb in brackets.

Complete the sentences. Use the correct form of the verb in brackets.

Complete the sentences. Use the correct form of the verb in brackets.

Complete the sentences. Use the correct form of the verb in brackets.

Complete the sentences. Use the correct form of the verb in brackets.

Complete the sentences with one word.

Complete the sentences with one word.

Complete the sentences with one word.

Complete the sentences with one word.

Complete the sentences with one word.

Complete the sentences with one word.

Complete the sentences with one word.

Complete the sentences with one word.

Complete the sentences with one word.

Complete the sentences with one word.

Choose the correct word.

1. You must / mustn’t listen to your teacher. She’s trying to help you.

Choose the correct word.

2. This is the best / better museum I’ve ever visited.

Choose the correct word.

3. This bike’s most / more expensive than mine.

Choose the correct word.

4. He’s eaten too many / too much cakes, and now he feels ill!

Choose the correct word.

5. You mustn’t / don’t have to wear a uniform at work if you don’t want to.

Choose the correct word.

6. You don’t do enough / too housework. I have to do it all!

Choose the correct word.

7. We had a boring weekend. We didn’t have anything / nothing to do.

Choose the correct word.

8. You don’t have to / should try on this shirt. I think it’ll look great on you.

Choose the correct word.

9. They might / must go to the beach tomorrow – if the weather’s hot.

Choose the correct word.

10. Wait! You walk more quickly / quicker than me.

Choose the correct word.

11. Who did paint / painted this picture? It’s great!

Choose the correct word.

12. She said / told us she was busy this weekend.

Choose the correct word.

13. Walking / Walk in the country makes me feel great.

Choose the correct word.

14. If I didn’t have to, I won’t / wouldn’t go to that conference.

Choose the correct answer.

1. fly   mosquito   dolphin   bee

Choose the correct answer.

2. palace   statue   receipt   castle

Choose the correct answer.

3. talkative   polluted   crowded   dangerous

Choose the correct answer.

4. sightseeing   ironing   camping   sunbathing

Choose the correct answer.

5. jeans   leggings   tights   gloves

Choose the correct answer.

1. David __________ me he wanted to get a burger.

Choose the correct answer.

2. We __________ a really good time at the festival.

Choose the correct answer.

3. My brother is my aunt’s __________.

Choose the correct answer.

4. Put your lights on. We’re going to drive __________ a tunnel!

Choose the correct answer.

5. The opposite of crowded is __________.

Choose the correct answer.

6. Kate’s really __________. She always gives me presents.

Choose the correct answer.

7. Can you turn __________ the TV? I want to watch the news.

Choose the correct answer.

8. Is he looking __________ to the party?

Choose the correct answer.

9. Those jeans look nice. Would you like to __________ them on?

Choose the correct answer.

10. Enter our competition now! You could __________ a great prize.

Choose the correct answer.

11. Our new school year starts __________ 5th September.

Choose the correct answer.

12. We haven’t got much money __________ we aren’t going to buy the flat.

Choose the correct answer.

13. He __________ on really well with his sister.

Choose the correct answer.

14. I’m not __________ good at languages. I find them difficult.

Write the opposite.

Write the opposite.

Write the opposite.

Write the opposite.

Write the opposite.

Write the opposite.

Complete the sentences with the correct preposition.

Complete the sentences with the correct preposition.

Complete the sentences with the correct preposition.

Complete the sentences with the correct preposition.

Complete the sentences with the correct preposition.

Complete the sentences with the correct preposition.

Complete the sentences with the correct preposition.

Complete the sentences with the correct preposition.

Complete the sentences with one word.

Complete the sentences with one word.

Complete the sentences with one word.

Complete the sentences with one word.

Match the words with the same sound.

1. here     ideas    ______

Complete the sentences with one word.

Match the words with the same sound.

2. train     day      ______

Complete the sentences with one word.

Match the words with the same sound.

3. car       ______            ______

Complete the sentences with one word.

Match the words with the same sound.

4. bird     ______            ______

Match the words with the same sound.

5. jazz      ______            ______

Match the words with the same sound.

6. you      ______            ______

Choose the stressed syllable.

1. no|thing

Choose the stressed syllable.

2. af|ter|noon

Choose the stressed syllable.

3. un|com|for|ta|ble

Choose the stressed syllable.

4. pre|fer

Choose the stressed syllable.

5. buil|der

Choose the stressed syllable.

6. u|ni|ver|si|ty

Choose the stressed syllable.

7. de|li|cious

Choose the stressed syllable.

8. jou|rney

Choose the stressed syllable.

9. pro|mise

Choose the stressed syllable.

10. bu|tter|fly

Read the article and Choose the correct answer

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

The woman who can remember every day of her life

As part of our series on extraordinary people, this week we find out about Rita Howard, a woman with a very unusual talent.

What was the weather like yesterday? What were you thinking about when you woke up this morning? If someone asked you these questions, you probably wouldn’t find it too hard to answer. But how about remembering the same information for this date last year, or even ten years ago? Most of us find it easy to remember what happened on the most important days of our lives, but soon forget the little details of the other days, weeks, months and years. We often imagine that, without this regular ‘forgetting’, our brains would be too crowded with memories and thoughts. For Rita Howard, however, it’s as easy to remember a day thirty years ago as it is to tell us about yesterday.

Rita can choose any date from her 68 years and say where she was, what she was doing, and what day of the week it was. For years, she had no idea that this amazing memory was anything special. She was a hard-working student who always did well at school. Then later she became a historian, a job where she had many opportunities to use her ability to memorize all the facts she’d ever learned. Even so, it was only six years ago, when she was in a research project, that scientists actually told Rita she had hyperthymesia – an unusually good memory of her own experiences. Only around 20 people worldwide have the condition.

‘People began to imagine that I knew everything,’ says Rita. ‘Whereas, of course, I only know everything about my own life!’ Another common idea is that Rita has far more memories than everyone else. ‘In fact, we all have a similar number,’ she comments. ‘I’m just far better at finding and using mine than other people.’

As Rita reached retirement age, she wondered if her memory would get worse. Three years later, however, it’s just as good as ever. ‘Will that always be the case?’ she asks. ‘Who knows? I know all about the past, not the future!’

1. Question:

Most people don’t find it difficult to remember recent events.

Read the article and Choose the correct answer

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

The woman who can remember every day of her life

As part of our series on extraordinary people, this week we find out about Rita Howard, a woman with a very unusual talent.

What was the weather like yesterday? What were you thinking about when you woke up this morning? If someone asked you these questions, you probably wouldn’t find it too hard to answer. But how about remembering the same information for this date last year, or even ten years ago? Most of us find it easy to remember what happened on the most important days of our lives, but soon forget the little details of the other days, weeks, months and years. We often imagine that, without this regular ‘forgetting’, our brains would be too crowded with memories and thoughts. For Rita Howard, however, it’s as easy to remember a day thirty years ago as it is to tell us about yesterday.

Rita can choose any date from her 68 years and say where she was, what she was doing, and what day of the week it was. For years, she had no idea that this amazing memory was anything special. She was a hard-working student who always did well at school. Then later she became a historian, a job where she had many opportunities to use her ability to memorize all the facts she’d ever learned. Even so, it was only six years ago, when she was in a research project, that scientists actually told Rita she had hyperthymesia – an unusually good memory of her own experiences. Only around 20 people worldwide have the condition.

‘People began to imagine that I knew everything,’ says Rita. ‘Whereas, of course, I only know everything about my own life!’ Another common idea is that Rita has far more memories than everyone else. ‘In fact, we all have a similar number,’ she comments. ‘I’m just far better at finding and using mine than other people.’

As Rita reached retirement age, she wondered if her memory would get worse. Three years later, however, it’s just as good as ever. ‘Will that always be the case?’ she asks. ‘Who knows? I know all about the past, not the future!’

2. Question:

People find it easier to remember their own lives than world events.

Read the article and Choose the correct answer

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

The woman who can remember every day of her life

As part of our series on extraordinary people, this week we find out about Rita Howard, a woman with a very unusual talent.

What was the weather like yesterday? What were you thinking about when you woke up this morning? If someone asked you these questions, you probably wouldn’t find it too hard to answer. But how about remembering the same information for this date last year, or even ten years ago? Most of us find it easy to remember what happened on the most important days of our lives, but soon forget the little details of the other days, weeks, months and years. We often imagine that, without this regular ‘forgetting’, our brains would be too crowded with memories and thoughts. For Rita Howard, however, it’s as easy to remember a day thirty years ago as it is to tell us about yesterday.

Rita can choose any date from her 68 years and say where she was, what she was doing, and what day of the week it was. For years, she had no idea that this amazing memory was anything special. She was a hard-working student who always did well at school. Then later she became a historian, a job where she had many opportunities to use her ability to memorize all the facts she’d ever learned. Even so, it was only six years ago, when she was in a research project, that scientists actually told Rita she had hyperthymesia – an unusually good memory of her own experiences. Only around 20 people worldwide have the condition.

‘People began to imagine that I knew everything,’ says Rita. ‘Whereas, of course, I only know everything about my own life!’ Another common idea is that Rita has far more memories than everyone else. ‘In fact, we all have a similar number,’ she comments. ‘I’m just far better at finding and using mine than other people.’

As Rita reached retirement age, she wondered if her memory would get worse. Three years later, however, it’s just as good as ever. ‘Will that always be the case?’ she asks. ‘Who knows? I know all about the past, not the future!’

3. Question:

We generally think that it’s useful to forget small things.

Read the article and Choose the correct answer

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

The woman who can remember every day of her life

As part of our series on extraordinary people, this week we find out about Rita Howard, a woman with a very unusual talent.

What was the weather like yesterday? What were you thinking about when you woke up this morning? If someone asked you these questions, you probably wouldn’t find it too hard to answer. But how about remembering the same information for this date last year, or even ten years ago? Most of us find it easy to remember what happened on the most important days of our lives, but soon forget the little details of the other days, weeks, months and years. We often imagine that, without this regular ‘forgetting’, our brains would be too crowded with memories and thoughts. For Rita Howard, however, it’s as easy to remember a day thirty years ago as it is to tell us about yesterday.

Rita can choose any date from her 68 years and say where she was, what she was doing, and what day of the week it was. For years, she had no idea that this amazing memory was anything special. She was a hard-working student who always did well at school. Then later she became a historian, a job where she had many opportunities to use her ability to memorize all the facts she’d ever learned. Even so, it was only six years ago, when she was in a research project, that scientists actually told Rita she had hyperthymesia – an unusually good memory of her own experiences. Only around 20 people worldwide have the condition.

‘People began to imagine that I knew everything,’ says Rita. ‘Whereas, of course, I only know everything about my own life!’ Another common idea is that Rita has far more memories than everyone else. ‘In fact, we all have a similar number,’ she comments. ‘I’m just far better at finding and using mine than other people.’

As Rita reached retirement age, she wondered if her memory would get worse. Three years later, however, it’s just as good as ever. ‘Will that always be the case?’ she asks. ‘Who knows? I know all about the past, not the future!’

4. Question:

Rita Howard is best at remembering things which happened a long time ago.

Read the article and Choose the correct answer

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

The woman who can remember every day of her life

As part of our series on extraordinary people, this week we find out about Rita Howard, a woman with a very unusual talent.

What was the weather like yesterday? What were you thinking about when you woke up this morning? If someone asked you these questions, you probably wouldn’t find it too hard to answer. But how about remembering the same information for this date last year, or even ten years ago? Most of us find it easy to remember what happened on the most important days of our lives, but soon forget the little details of the other days, weeks, months and years. We often imagine that, without this regular ‘forgetting’, our brains would be too crowded with memories and thoughts. For Rita Howard, however, it’s as easy to remember a day thirty years ago as it is to tell us about yesterday.

Rita can choose any date from her 68 years and say where she was, what she was doing, and what day of the week it was. For years, she had no idea that this amazing memory was anything special. She was a hard-working student who always did well at school. Then later she became a historian, a job where she had many opportunities to use her ability to memorize all the facts she’d ever learned. Even so, it was only six years ago, when she was in a research project, that scientists actually told Rita she had hyperthymesia – an unusually good memory of her own experiences. Only around 20 people worldwide have the condition.

‘People began to imagine that I knew everything,’ says Rita. ‘Whereas, of course, I only know everything about my own life!’ Another common idea is that Rita has far more memories than everyone else. ‘In fact, we all have a similar number,’ she comments. ‘I’m just far better at finding and using mine than other people.’

As Rita reached retirement age, she wondered if her memory would get worse. Three years later, however, it’s just as good as ever. ‘Will that always be the case?’ she asks. ‘Who knows? I know all about the past, not the future!’

5. Question:

When she was young, Rita thought everyone had an excellent memory.

Read the article and Choose the correct answer

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

The woman who can remember every day of her life

As part of our series on extraordinary people, this week we find out about Rita Howard, a woman with a very unusual talent.

What was the weather like yesterday? What were you thinking about when you woke up this morning? If someone asked you these questions, you probably wouldn’t find it too hard to answer. But how about remembering the same information for this date last year, or even ten years ago? Most of us find it easy to remember what happened on the most important days of our lives, but soon forget the little details of the other days, weeks, months and years. We often imagine that, without this regular ‘forgetting’, our brains would be too crowded with memories and thoughts. For Rita Howard, however, it’s as easy to remember a day thirty years ago as it is to tell us about yesterday.

Rita can choose any date from her 68 years and say where she was, what she was doing, and what day of the week it was. For years, she had no idea that this amazing memory was anything special. She was a hard-working student who always did well at school. Then later she became a historian, a job where she had many opportunities to use her ability to memorize all the facts she’d ever learned. Even so, it was only six years ago, when she was in a research project, that scientists actually told Rita she had hyperthymesia – an unusually good memory of her own experiences. Only around 20 people worldwide have the condition.

‘People began to imagine that I knew everything,’ says Rita. ‘Whereas, of course, I only know everything about my own life!’ Another common idea is that Rita has far more memories than everyone else. ‘In fact, we all have a similar number,’ she comments. ‘I’m just far better at finding and using mine than other people.’

As Rita reached retirement age, she wondered if her memory would get worse. Three years later, however, it’s just as good as ever. ‘Will that always be the case?’ she asks. ‘Who knows? I know all about the past, not the future!’

6. Question:

People noticed her ability to memorize information when she was at school.

Read the article and Choose the correct answer

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

The woman who can remember every day of her life

As part of our series on extraordinary people, this week we find out about Rita Howard, a woman with a very unusual talent.

What was the weather like yesterday? What were you thinking about when you woke up this morning? If someone asked you these questions, you probably wouldn’t find it too hard to answer. But how about remembering the same information for this date last year, or even ten years ago? Most of us find it easy to remember what happened on the most important days of our lives, but soon forget the little details of the other days, weeks, months and years. We often imagine that, without this regular ‘forgetting’, our brains would be too crowded with memories and thoughts. For Rita Howard, however, it’s as easy to remember a day thirty years ago as it is to tell us about yesterday.

Rita can choose any date from her 68 years and say where she was, what she was doing, and what day of the week it was. For years, she had no idea that this amazing memory was anything special. She was a hard-working student who always did well at school. Then later she became a historian, a job where she had many opportunities to use her ability to memorize all the facts she’d ever learned. Even so, it was only six years ago, when she was in a research project, that scientists actually told Rita she had hyperthymesia – an unusually good memory of her own experiences. Only around 20 people worldwide have the condition.

‘People began to imagine that I knew everything,’ says Rita. ‘Whereas, of course, I only know everything about my own life!’ Another common idea is that Rita has far more memories than everyone else. ‘In fact, we all have a similar number,’ she comments. ‘I’m just far better at finding and using mine than other people.’

As Rita reached retirement age, she wondered if her memory would get worse. Three years later, however, it’s just as good as ever. ‘Will that always be the case?’ she asks. ‘Who knows? I know all about the past, not the future!’

7. Question:

People expect Rita to know about things that she hasn’t experienced.

Read the article and Choose the correct answer

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

The woman who can remember every day of her life

As part of our series on extraordinary people, this week we find out about Rita Howard, a woman with a very unusual talent.

What was the weather like yesterday? What were you thinking about when you woke up this morning? If someone asked you these questions, you probably wouldn’t find it too hard to answer. But how about remembering the same information for this date last year, or even ten years ago? Most of us find it easy to remember what happened on the most important days of our lives, but soon forget the little details of the other days, weeks, months and years. We often imagine that, without this regular ‘forgetting’, our brains would be too crowded with memories and thoughts. For Rita Howard, however, it’s as easy to remember a day thirty years ago as it is to tell us about yesterday.

Rita can choose any date from her 68 years and say where she was, what she was doing, and what day of the week it was. For years, she had no idea that this amazing memory was anything special. She was a hard-working student who always did well at school. Then later she became a historian, a job where she had many opportunities to use her ability to memorize all the facts she’d ever learned. Even so, it was only six years ago, when she was in a research project, that scientists actually told Rita she had hyperthymesia – an unusually good memory of her own experiences. Only around 20 people worldwide have the condition.

‘People began to imagine that I knew everything,’ says Rita. ‘Whereas, of course, I only know everything about my own life!’ Another common idea is that Rita has far more memories than everyone else. ‘In fact, we all have a similar number,’ she comments. ‘I’m just far better at finding and using mine than other people.’

As Rita reached retirement age, she wondered if her memory would get worse. Three years later, however, it’s just as good as ever. ‘Will that always be the case?’ she asks. ‘Who knows? I know all about the past, not the future!’

8. Question:

Everyone’s brain has as many memories as Rita’s.

Read the article and Choose the correct answer

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

The woman who can remember every day of her life

As part of our series on extraordinary people, this week we find out about Rita Howard, a woman with a very unusual talent.

What was the weather like yesterday? What were you thinking about when you woke up this morning? If someone asked you these questions, you probably wouldn’t find it too hard to answer. But how about remembering the same information for this date last year, or even ten years ago? Most of us find it easy to remember what happened on the most important days of our lives, but soon forget the little details of the other days, weeks, months and years. We often imagine that, without this regular ‘forgetting’, our brains would be too crowded with memories and thoughts. For Rita Howard, however, it’s as easy to remember a day thirty years ago as it is to tell us about yesterday.

Rita can choose any date from her 68 years and say where she was, what she was doing, and what day of the week it was. For years, she had no idea that this amazing memory was anything special. She was a hard-working student who always did well at school. Then later she became a historian, a job where she had many opportunities to use her ability to memorize all the facts she’d ever learned. Even so, it was only six years ago, when she was in a research project, that scientists actually told Rita she had hyperthymesia – an unusually good memory of her own experiences. Only around 20 people worldwide have the condition.

‘People began to imagine that I knew everything,’ says Rita. ‘Whereas, of course, I only know everything about my own life!’ Another common idea is that Rita has far more memories than everyone else. ‘In fact, we all have a similar number,’ she comments. ‘I’m just far better at finding and using mine than other people.’

As Rita reached retirement age, she wondered if her memory would get worse. Three years later, however, it’s just as good as ever. ‘Will that always be the case?’ she asks. ‘Who knows? I know all about the past, not the future!’

9. Question:

Rita is working as a historian.

Read the article and Choose the correct answer

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

The woman who can remember every day of her life

As part of our series on extraordinary people, this week we find out about Rita Howard, a woman with a very unusual talent.

What was the weather like yesterday? What were you thinking about when you woke up this morning? If someone asked you these questions, you probably wouldn’t find it too hard to answer. But how about remembering the same information for this date last year, or even ten years ago? Most of us find it easy to remember what happened on the most important days of our lives, but soon forget the little details of the other days, weeks, months and years. We often imagine that, without this regular ‘forgetting’, our brains would be too crowded with memories and thoughts. For Rita Howard, however, it’s as easy to remember a day thirty years ago as it is to tell us about yesterday.

Rita can choose any date from her 68 years and say where she was, what she was doing, and what day of the week it was. For years, she had no idea that this amazing memory was anything special. She was a hard-working student who always did well at school. Then later she became a historian, a job where she had many opportunities to use her ability to memorize all the facts she’d ever learned. Even so, it was only six years ago, when she was in a research project, that scientists actually told Rita she had hyperthymesia – an unusually good memory of her own experiences. Only around 20 people worldwide have the condition.

‘People began to imagine that I knew everything,’ says Rita. ‘Whereas, of course, I only know everything about my own life!’ Another common idea is that Rita has far more memories than everyone else. ‘In fact, we all have a similar number,’ she comments. ‘I’m just far better at finding and using mine than other people.’

As Rita reached retirement age, she wondered if her memory would get worse. Three years later, however, it’s just as good as ever. ‘Will that always be the case?’ she asks. ‘Who knows? I know all about the past, not the future!’

10. Question:

Age hasn’t changed Rita’s abilities.

Read the text again and answer the questions.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

The woman who can remember every day of her life

As part of our series on extraordinary people, this week we find out about Rita Howard, a woman with a very unusual talent.

What was the weather like yesterday? What were you thinking about when you woke up this morning? If someone asked you these questions, you probably wouldn’t find it too hard to answer. But how about remembering the same information for this date last year, or even ten years ago? Most of us find it easy to remember what happened on the most important days of our lives, but soon forget the little details of the other days, weeks, months and years. We often imagine that, without this regular ‘forgetting’, our brains would be too crowded with memories and thoughts. For Rita Howard, however, it’s as easy to remember a day thirty years ago as it is to tell us about yesterday.

Rita can choose any date from her 68 years and say where she was, what she was doing, and what day of the week it was. For years, she had no idea that this amazing memory was anything special. She was a hard-working student who always did well at school. Then later she became a historian, a job where she had many opportunities to use her ability to memorize all the facts she’d ever learned. Even so, it was only six years ago, when she was in a research project, that scientists actually told Rita she had hyperthymesia – an unusually good memory of her own experiences. Only around 20 people worldwide have the condition.

‘People began to imagine that I knew everything,’ says Rita. ‘Whereas, of course, I only know everything about my own life!’ Another common idea is that Rita has far more memories than everyone else. ‘In fact, we all have a similar number,’ she comments. ‘I’m just far better at finding and using mine than other people.’

As Rita reached retirement age, she wondered if her memory would get worse. Three years later, however, it’s just as good as ever. ‘Will that always be the case?’ she asks. ‘Who knows? I know all about the past, not the future!’

Read the text again and answer the questions.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

The woman who can remember every day of her life

As part of our series on extraordinary people, this week we find out about Rita Howard, a woman with a very unusual talent.

What was the weather like yesterday? What were you thinking about when you woke up this morning? If someone asked you these questions, you probably wouldn’t find it too hard to answer. But how about remembering the same information for this date last year, or even ten years ago? Most of us find it easy to remember what happened on the most important days of our lives, but soon forget the little details of the other days, weeks, months and years. We often imagine that, without this regular ‘forgetting’, our brains would be too crowded with memories and thoughts. For Rita Howard, however, it’s as easy to remember a day thirty years ago as it is to tell us about yesterday.

Rita can choose any date from her 68 years and say where she was, what she was doing, and what day of the week it was. For years, she had no idea that this amazing memory was anything special. She was a hard-working student who always did well at school. Then later she became a historian, a job where she had many opportunities to use her ability to memorize all the facts she’d ever learned. Even so, it was only six years ago, when she was in a research project, that scientists actually told Rita she had hyperthymesia – an unusually good memory of her own experiences. Only around 20 people worldwide have the condition.

‘People began to imagine that I knew everything,’ says Rita. ‘Whereas, of course, I only know everything about my own life!’ Another common idea is that Rita has far more memories than everyone else. ‘In fact, we all have a similar number,’ she comments. ‘I’m just far better at finding and using mine than other people.’

As Rita reached retirement age, she wondered if her memory would get worse. Three years later, however, it’s just as good as ever. ‘Will that always be the case?’ she asks. ‘Who knows? I know all about the past, not the future!’

Read the text again and answer the questions.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

The woman who can remember every day of her life

As part of our series on extraordinary people, this week we find out about Rita Howard, a woman with a very unusual talent.

What was the weather like yesterday? What were you thinking about when you woke up this morning? If someone asked you these questions, you probably wouldn’t find it too hard to answer. But how about remembering the same information for this date last year, or even ten years ago? Most of us find it easy to remember what happened on the most important days of our lives, but soon forget the little details of the other days, weeks, months and years. We often imagine that, without this regular ‘forgetting’, our brains would be too crowded with memories and thoughts. For Rita Howard, however, it’s as easy to remember a day thirty years ago as it is to tell us about yesterday.

Rita can choose any date from her 68 years and say where she was, what she was doing, and what day of the week it was. For years, she had no idea that this amazing memory was anything special. She was a hard-working student who always did well at school. Then later she became a historian, a job where she had many opportunities to use her ability to memorize all the facts she’d ever learned. Even so, it was only six years ago, when she was in a research project, that scientists actually told Rita she had hyperthymesia – an unusually good memory of her own experiences. Only around 20 people worldwide have the condition.

‘People began to imagine that I knew everything,’ says Rita. ‘Whereas, of course, I only know everything about my own life!’ Another common idea is that Rita has far more memories than everyone else. ‘In fact, we all have a similar number,’ she comments. ‘I’m just far better at finding and using mine than other people.’

As Rita reached retirement age, she wondered if her memory would get worse. Three years later, however, it’s just as good as ever. ‘Will that always be the case?’ she asks. ‘Who knows? I know all about the past, not the future!’

Read the text again and answer the questions.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

The woman who can remember every day of her life

As part of our series on extraordinary people, this week we find out about Rita Howard, a woman with a very unusual talent.

What was the weather like yesterday? What were you thinking about when you woke up this morning? If someone asked you these questions, you probably wouldn’t find it too hard to answer. But how about remembering the same information for this date last year, or even ten years ago? Most of us find it easy to remember what happened on the most important days of our lives, but soon forget the little details of the other days, weeks, months and years. We often imagine that, without this regular ‘forgetting’, our brains would be too crowded with memories and thoughts. For Rita Howard, however, it’s as easy to remember a day thirty years ago as it is to tell us about yesterday.

Rita can choose any date from her 68 years and say where she was, what she was doing, and what day of the week it was. For years, she had no idea that this amazing memory was anything special. She was a hard-working student who always did well at school. Then later she became a historian, a job where she had many opportunities to use her ability to memorize all the facts she’d ever learned. Even so, it was only six years ago, when she was in a research project, that scientists actually told Rita she had hyperthymesia – an unusually good memory of her own experiences. Only around 20 people worldwide have the condition.

‘People began to imagine that I knew everything,’ says Rita. ‘Whereas, of course, I only know everything about my own life!’ Another common idea is that Rita has far more memories than everyone else. ‘In fact, we all have a similar number,’ she comments. ‘I’m just far better at finding and using mine than other people.’

As Rita reached retirement age, she wondered if her memory would get worse. Three years later, however, it’s just as good as ever. ‘Will that always be the case?’ she asks. ‘Who knows? I know all about the past, not the future!’

Read the text again and answer the questions.

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The woman who can remember every day of her life

As part of our series on extraordinary people, this week we find out about Rita Howard, a woman with a very unusual talent.

What was the weather like yesterday? What were you thinking about when you woke up this morning? If someone asked you these questions, you probably wouldn’t find it too hard to answer. But how about remembering the same information for this date last year, or even ten years ago? Most of us find it easy to remember what happened on the most important days of our lives, but soon forget the little details of the other days, weeks, months and years. We often imagine that, without this regular ‘forgetting’, our brains would be too crowded with memories and thoughts. For Rita Howard, however, it’s as easy to remember a day thirty years ago as it is to tell us about yesterday.

Rita can choose any date from her 68 years and say where she was, what she was doing, and what day of the week it was. For years, she had no idea that this amazing memory was anything special. She was a hard-working student who always did well at school. Then later she became a historian, a job where she had many opportunities to use her ability to memorize all the facts she’d ever learned. Even so, it was only six years ago, when she was in a research project, that scientists actually told Rita she had hyperthymesia – an unusually good memory of her own experiences. Only around 20 people worldwide have the condition.

‘People began to imagine that I knew everything,’ says Rita. ‘Whereas, of course, I only know everything about my own life!’ Another common idea is that Rita has far more memories than everyone else. ‘In fact, we all have a similar number,’ she comments. ‘I’m just far better at finding and using mine than other people.’

As Rita reached retirement age, she wondered if her memory would get worse. Three years later, however, it’s just as good as ever. ‘Will that always be the case?’ she asks. ‘Who knows? I know all about the past, not the future!’

Listen to the conversation. Choose the correct answer.

Listen to five conversations about travel. Match them with sentences A–E.