Questions 21-24
Choose the correct letter, A, B, or C.
The answer is B. Josie’s initial reaction to Mason’s topic is sarcastic and dismissive, indicating she finds it boring. She says, '(sarcastically) Hmm. Sounds interesting!' and later, '(sarcastically) How exciting!', clearly not enthusiastic but rather mocking. Therefore, (B) boring is the most accurate description of her first impression.
Associated Text:
J: (sarcastically) Hmm. Sounds interesting! J: (sarcastically) How exciting!
The answer is C. Josie listens to Mason because he suggests it would be good practice for both of them and promises to listen to hers afterwards. She does not show interest in the topic itself nor does she mention needing help for her own topic at this point. Mason says, 'I'll listen to yours when you finish it, if you like. That way we can both practise.' Josie replies: 'Oh fine. Let's do it.' This shows she is participating to help him practice.
Associated Text:
M: Well, it would be good practice for my presentation if you don't mind listening. I'll listen to yours when you finish it, if you like. That way we can both practise. J: Oh fine. Let's do it.
The answer is C. Mason mentions that 'the first animal to make the transition from a wild animal to a kind of pet was the wolf, the common ancestor of all modern-day dogs.' Therefore, he is saying wolves were the first pets, making (C) correct.
Associated Text:
M: ... but the first animal to make the transition from a wild animal to a kind of pet was the wolf, the common ancestor of all modern-day dogs.
The answer is A. Mason says, 'Although domesticated dogs were probably treated with respect in primitive societies, there is evidence that at least some were also considered friends or companions of humans as early as 12,000 years ago.' This shows that dogs were considered as friends of humans, making (A) correct.
Associated Text:
M: Although domesticated dogs were probably treated with respect in primitive societies, there is evidence that at least some were also considered friends or companions of humans as early as 12,000 years ago.
Questions 25-29
Complete the notes below.
Write NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS for each answer.
The answer is hunted mice. Mason explains that cats became useful to farmers about 8,000 years ago because 'cats would have been welcomed by humans because they hunted the mice and kept them out of the grain supplies.'
Associated Text:
M: Houses, barns, and grain stores would have been full of mice and other small mammals and cats would have been welcomed by humans because they hunted the mice and kept them out of the grain supplies.
The answer is Dogs. Mason says, 'Many generations of Chinese emperors also kept dogs.'
Associated Text:
M: Many generations of Chinese emperors also kept dogs.
The answer is servants. Mason notes that the surprising fact is 'can you believe that these dogs even had their own servants?'
Associated Text:
M: And can you believe that these dogs even had their own servants?
The answer is in Europe. Mason says, 'In Europe, pet ownership didn't really become common until the 19th century.'
Associated Text:
M: In Europe, pet ownership didn't really become common until the 19th century – it was a Victorian invention.
The answer is nature. Mason explains, 'At this time, pet ownership was thought of as a link with nature, which itself was no longer seen as threatening.'
Associated Text:
M: At this time, pet ownership was thought of as a link with nature, which itself was no longer seen as threatening.
Questions 30-32
Choose three letters A-F.
What are the three benefits of pet ownership?
The answer is A. Mason specifically states, 'having pets is said to improve human health,' making this a clear benefit of pet ownership.
Associated Text:
M: For example, having pets is said to improve human health
The answer is C. Mason also mentions, 'having pets is said to improve ... psychological well-being,' confirming this benefit.
Associated Text:
M: For example, having pets is said to improve human health and psychological well-being.
The answer is D. Josie says, 'But the most common reason for owning pets must be companionship. That’s why most people I know own pets,' making companionship another clear benefit of pet ownership.
Associated Text:
J: But the most common reason for owning pets must be companionship. That’s why most people I know own pets.
