Name: ______________________________________ Nr: _____ Class: _______ Date: January/2013

Teacher: Ana Teixeira

Mark: _____________________________ Tutor: _____________________

Escola Mem Ramires

ENGLISH TEST 8th form

I - Reading Comprehension
SURFING
I have been surfing for two years. The reason why I started surfing is that I came across a
beautiful beach in Miyazaki, Japan. Miyazaki is one of the most famous spots for surfing in
Japan. In summer time, many surfers visit Miyazaki from all over Japan or even from
overseas.
I live in a village which is close to the beach. Because the beach was close, I had no
doubts about deciding to learn to surf. I did many sports in the past, such as soccer,
American football and rugby. However, now I realize that I like surfing the best because surfing is a sport which
improves me the most. To learn surfing techniques is very difficult, and it takes time. Also, surfing is done in a totally
natural environment, the sea.
I realized that the size, the quality and power of waves are different in each surfing are, so I have tried surfing in
Hawaii and Australia as well as in all areas in Miyazaki.
As I have improved my surfing skill, Ive begun to seek for the big wave, even a typhoon situation. When the
wave is big, its very exciting and enjoyable. Each wave is different. A wave never comes in the same way. If I
succeed in riding a big wave, it gives me a feeling of happiness and excitement.
But sometimes you cant succeed in riding the wave. Then you just go into it. This can be dangerous. Surfers with
less experience can be surprised by the power of the sea. Some time ago, a friend of mine was enjoying himself on his
surfboard when a wave pulled him off and under the water. Fortunately, he was able toswim to the beach and he didnt
get hurt.
Arata Narita from Japan
A. Choose the best answer in each case.
1. Arata started surfing because ____.
a. he likes this sport
b. he found a pleasant beach by chance
c. all his friends like this sport

4. Now his favourite sport is surfing because its ____.

a. safe
b. challenging
c. better for him

2. In Summer, a lot of people visit Miyazaki to ____.

a. have a suntan
b. swim in the swim
c. go surfing

5. Its not very easy to ____.

a. ride big waves
b. learn how to surf
c. find a good place for surfing

3. He lives in a place ____.

a. far from the sea
b. near the sea
c. opposite the sea

6. Arata has tried surfing ____.

a. just in Japan
b. in Australia
c. in different places, both in Japan and abroad

B. Give complete answers to these questions.

1. How long has Arata been surfing?
2. What sports did Arata do in the past?
3. Why has he gone surfing in different places?
4. How does he feel when he is able to ride a big wave?

5. When can surfing be dangerous?

C. Find the equivalents for these words/phrases.

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

surfing ___________________
makes better _____________________
near __________________
giving pleasure ___________________
understand ___________________
a violent tropical storm with very strong winds __________________
III Grammar& Vocabulary

A. Put the words from the box in front of the correct sport.
court pitch
trainers hit
1.
2.
3.
4.

pool mountains
helmet goggles

goal
racket swimsuit ropes
climb
kick net
butterfly

Rappelling: ________________, ________________, _________________, _________________

Swimming: ________________, ________________, _________________, _________________
Football: ________________, ________________, _________________, _________________
Tennis:
________________, ________________, _________________, _________________

B. Complete with the Past Continuous.

C. Choose the correct form of the verb.