Exam practice: Reading Unit 1

C1 Advanced Part 6 B
1 When you do multiple-matching reading activities, Birdwhistell (1970) found that much of our communication,
what should you do first? around 65%, comes down to nonverbal cues. Even when
using the numerous video options social media has to offer,
a Underline the key words in the question. and with a willing audience who is all ears, misunderstandings
b Try to understand the opinion of each of the writers. are common due to the fact that nonverbal cues can be
harder to interpret. The message is, when you need to get
c Read each text thoroughly, writing notes as you go. something off your chest, the best method would be to see
someone in person. Without the ability to judge a person’s
2 Choose the correct alternative. emotional wellbeing, breakdowns in communication and
misunderstandings can easily take place. If you’re getting at
1 I need to get something off my chest/back so it each other’s throats, this could well be because of the way
would be good to see you. you’re communicating rather than the actual communication
2 My sisters always seem to get on my shoulders/ you’re having.
nerves without even trying! C
Later in 2011, research by Lee et al found that internet use
3 I need to pick your brains/leg about a new project I
for personal relationships appeared to have an unfavourable
have in mind. psychological impact and affected quality of life in a
4 I think Linda’s pulling my leg/foot about meeting negative manner. On the other hand, speaking to a close
Bruno Mars. friend or family member for as little as ten minutes had the
opposite effect. Furthermore, the study found that internet
5 I want to know all about your interview – I’m all communication is not as successful at enhancing our
throats/ears! interactions with others. This was largely put down to the
inability to read unspoken signs that meetings online or over
Exam tip the telephone lead to. It would seem that every one of us could
In multiple-matching reading activities, it’s a good improve our interpersonal relationships by sticking our necks
idea to underline key words in the questions. This can out to meet people for a coffee or a walk now and again.
help you find the relevant information in the texts. D
According to a Forbes study exploring the impact of both
in-person business meetings and those conducted over the
internet, the act of getting together virtually contained many
3 You are going to read an article about four limitations. For example, there was a failure to really engage
different research studies on communication. For in what was going on. It seems that the participants surveyed
questions 1–4, choose from the paragraphs A–D. admitted to routinely surfing the web, checking emails and
doing other unrelated work. This naturally led to a lack of
The Impact of Face-to-Face Contact concentration on the meeting they were attending. These
things are far harder, if not impossible to do when sitting
around a table. In-person meetings were preferred by those
interviewed when it came to decision making (82%), the
ability to persuade others (91%), and leadership (87%).
Although most of us struggle to get a good work-life balance,
the overall conclusion is as clear as day: Make time for those
who are important in our lives and we will be the ones who
see the benefit that face-to-face interaction brings.

Which study
Most contact used to be face to face. However, thanks to 1 agrees, like Birdwhistell in paragraph B, that
technology and the movement towards more and more nonverbal cues plays an important role in
online communication, is there still a place for meeting in communication?
person, both professionally and socially? 2 had participants who thought their method of
A communication was as valuable as face to face?
Vanessa Bohns and Mahdi Roghanizad carried out research
on the topic. In their study, 45 volunteers asked ten 3 concluded that online communication is not
strangers to fill out a survey. Half of the volunteers asked to successful in making people focus on the task in
question the strangers in person while the others asked for hand?
participation via email. The results, which were shared with 4 suggested that meeting virtually seems to reduce
the Journal of Experimental Social Psychology, found that
our ability to mix with people on a social level?
the former method was far more successful than the latter.
This was a surprise to the participants from the second
group, who were equally as confident about the success
of their communication method prior to the experiment.
Therefore, if you want someone to lend you a hand, it’s
probably better to ask them in person.

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Exam practice: Reading Unit 1

C1 Advanced Part 1 3 For questions, 1-8, read the text below and decide
which answer (A, B, C or D) best fits each gap.
1 Choose the correct alternative. There is an example (0) at the beginning.
When you are thinking about which words you need to The benefits of leaving your house
complete a text, you (a) should/shouldn’t cross out the
option or options that are definitely wrong. Then you
(b) should/shouldn’t read the sentence again with the
option you have left. Finally, you (c) should/shouldn’t
leave an unanswered question even if you aren’t sure of
the correct answer.

2 Complete the sentences by adding the correct

suffix to the words in the box.

decide • kind • move • partner • psychology • real

1 My mum and dad have a great ,

which is probably why they’ve been married for
50 years. People used to have to (0) go out for work and
2 The was interested in why the child study. These days we can lead our lives from the comfort
had chosen the unusual shape. of our own homes. The need to (1) in
anything outside our houses is hardly necessary at all!
3 If your arm is stiff, try forcing a bit of However, this is not advisable for many reasons.
every day to loosen it up. Firstly, anyone who’s used to being at home
4 His is something which his friends (2) will say the same thing: They miss
out on social (3) .
and family really admire in him.
Secondly, going out to work or study can reduce stress.
5 In theory it seems to work, but in Setting boundaries can leave you feeling as free as a
I’m just not as confident of its success. (4) when you’re at home because you
6 The head teacher’s was final and know that’s where you chill out. Likewise, the action of
no one would have any influence over her. travelling to the library or office can (5)
that it’s time to concentrate on work.
Exam tip Finally, how many times have you found a solution
to something as soon as you’ve stepped away from
In multiple-choice cloze exam questions, think
your laptop? Just five minutes ago you wanted to
about the meaning and grammar of the words (e.g. (6) at the screen in frustration and
if a verb goes with a particular preposition), and also now you’re not trying, you have a solution. This is no
about collocations and set phrases. (7) . Taking a break, like going for a walk,
(8) the importance of giving your mind
a rest.

Example:
0 A take leave B come in C go off D go out
1 A compete B participate C consider D perform
2 A full-time B commonly C always D overall
3 A exchange B energy C interaction D support
4 A lion B mouse C bee D bird
5 A measure B inform C sign D signal
6 A yell B whisper C gasp D mutter
7 A misfortune B doubt C coincidence D bother
8 A appears B highlights C reveals D displays

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