Test 1A

Version A
School: ________________________________

English Test – 11th Form Level VII

Student: __________________________________Class: 11th ___________________Date: ___/___/___

Teacher: _________________________________ Mark: _____ Parent’s Signature: _________

Before you begin:

· Read all the questions carefully.
· Check that you have answered all the questions.
· If you do not know the answer to a question, move on and come back to it at the end.
· Re-read your work once you have finished and look out for any silly mistakes.

A Before reading the text, answer the questions below in no more than 40 words. (20 marks)

In your opinion, is immigration a positive or a negative thing for the host country? State your reasons.

Immigration in the UK: Is it really a problem?

PART 1
The economic advantages of migrants for the UK are great in comparison to the problems they
bring. In general, they have good work ethics, with some groups being more focused than
others. They are very willing to work for lower wages making them favourable by many
employers who are employing low skilled staff. In many cases, these jobs they are doing are the
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jobs the natives aren’t willing to do, examples of these jobs are agriculture, catering and hotels.
The migrants, the employer, the industry and the prices charged to the customer all benefit.
Currently, Britain is developing a top heavy population pyramid, which is about to boom at the
top further more as the 1960s baby boom comes through. The ‘working population to dependent
population’ ratio will therefore drastically increase which could cause taxes to increase as more
10 people live off the state and the people paying taxes reduces. Therefore, the working migrants
are a helpful boost for improving this ratio, and could even stop any potential taxation increases.
PART 2
Here are some figures to back up the fact that migrants do add a large value to the UK’s economy:
– In 2002, migrants contributed over an estimated £2.5 billion to the economy;
– A 1% population increase through migration can lead to a 1.25% to 1.5% increase in the Gross
15 Domestic Product;
– Migrants now account for one in eight of the UK’s working population, which is estimated to
boost economic output by £6 billion.
These statistics show that migrants aren’t by any means hindering us when it comes to the
economy; they are instead greatly helping us.
20 The UK has and still is adapting to a multicultural society successfully. Although the media
publicises a minority of bad stories, the migrants are generally well behaved and subsequent
generations of both native and mixed race people will live side by side in harmony.
The list of benefits migrant populations bring to the UK are endless and not publicised enough,
they outrun the problems with ease and as seen in most cases, the UK would be in a slightly
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tougher situation if the migrants were never there.
Source: HubPages.com

B Re-read Part 1 carefully. (12 marks)

1. Find evidence for the following statements. Quote from the text.
a. Immigrants contribute positively to Britain’s economical development.
b. By hiring immigrants employers can greatly reduce their expenses with personnel, which is an
 advantage for everybody concerned.
c. In Britain, the proportion between people working and dependent people is balanced, preventing
higher taxes.
d. Immigration in Britain benefits the country in terms of economic perspectives.

2. Complete the following sentences according to Part 2. (30 marks)

a. Statistics show us that immigration
b. Immigrants’ global behaviour doesn’t match the stereotype
c. If Britain didn’t accept multicultural groups

3. Explain the meaning of the following expressions from the text in your own words: (18 marks)
a. “… some groups being more focused than others.”
b. “… which is about to boom at the top”
c. “… migrants aren’t by any means hindering us”

C Fill in the gaps with an appropriate word in the box below. (16 marks)

reality; towards; complex; perceived; makers; between; process; prevent

It is important to realise that the a. _______________ of migration will continue, in spite of the various
actions to b. _______________ and hinder it. Migration is an element of globalisation and an inextricable
part of 21st century c. . Immigrants and nationals will continue to live side by side and it is
thus essential to find ways in which this cohabitation can be of benefit to all.
The key to promoting tolerance d. _______________ migrants is fostering a greater sense of understanding
of the phenomenon of migration – among policy e. _______________ – but also the population at large.
Knowledge is crucial to overcoming the superficial barrier created f. _______________ nationals and
immigrants.
Migration should be g. _______________ in its sociological, historical and geographical context. It is
important to understand that the decision to migrate is taken as result of a more h. _______________ set of
factors, going beyond just mere poverty.
Source: Hubpages.com

D
1. Complete the gaps with the appropriate form of the verb in brackets. (40 marks)
a. If John _______________ (not leave) for Canada two years ago, his family _______________ (not
survive).
b. You (not find) a good job at once even if you _______________ (take up) a degree at the University.
c. Unless you _______________ (change) your behaviour, your employer _______________ (not keep)
you in the firm.
d. I _______________ (never emigrate) even if I _______________ (have) to accept a lower job here.

2. Rephrase the following sentences beginning with the word given without (24 marks)
changing their meaning.
a. Immigration brings host countries more prosperity and economical benefits.
Host countries ______________________________________________________________________
b. The media show us a negative image of minorities.
We _______________________________________________________________________________
c. People say that Britain is still adapting to a multicultural society.
Britain ____________________________________________________________________________
E Choose one of the following topics and write a composition of about 150-200 words. (40 marks)

1. Multiculturalism brings in colour, diversity and other benefits in spite of the problems it may raise.

2. Instead of observing migrants in terms of a “community”, thus making generalisations, one should
learn to regard every immigrant as an individual, a human being with his/her own background, past experiences,
abilities, hopes and wishes for the future.

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(Total: 200 marks)