Read the following passage and mark the letter A, B, C, or D on your answer sheet to indicate the correct word or phrase that best fits each of the numbered blanks.

GOOD FRIENDS

Psychologists have long known that having a set of cherished companions is crucial to mental well- being. A recent study by Australian investigators concluded that our friends even help to (46) ________ our lives. The study concentrated on the social environment, general health, and lifestyle of 1,477 persons older than 70 years. The participants were asked how (47) ________ contact they had with friends, children, relatives and acquaintances.

Researchers were surprised to learn that friendships increased life (48) ________ to a far greater extent than frequent contact with children and other relatives. This benefit held true even after these friends had moved away to another city and was independent of factors such as socio- economic status, health, and way of life. According to scientists, the ability to have relationships with people to (49) ________ one is important has a positive effect on physical and mental health. Stress and tendency towards depression are reduced, and behaviours that are damaging to health, such as smoking and drinking, occur less frequently. (50) ________ , our support networks, in times of calamity in particular, can raise our moods and feelings of self-worth and offer helpful strategies for dealing with difficult personal challenges.

The road to our village ________ next year.

Mark the letter A, B, C, or D on your answer sheet to indicate the word that differs from the other three in the position of stress in each of the following questions.

Mark the letter A, B, C, or D on your answer sheet to indicate the word that differs from the other three in the position of stress in each of the following questions.

The two scientists disagreed and a ________ argument developed.

Mark the letter A, B, C, or D on your answer sheet to indicate the underlined part that needs correction in each of the following questions.

When I got to 16, some of my friends left school to get a job, but most ________ .

Mark the letter A, B, C, or D on your answer sheet to indicate the word whose underlined part differs from the other three in pronunciation in each of the following questions.

Mark the letter A, B, C, or D on your answer sheet to indicate the word CLOSEST in meaning to the underlined word in each of the following questions.

Read the following passage and mark the letter A, B, C, or D on your answer sheet to indicate the correct answer to each of the questions.

THE MAN BOOKER PRIZE

The Man Booker Prize for Fiction is awarded annually for full-length novels of writers from the Commonwealth or the Republic of Ireland with a view to representing the very best in contemporary fiction. The prestigious prize was originally called the Booker-McConnell Prize, the name of the sponsor company; however, it was better-known as the “Booker Prize”. In 2002, the name was modified when Man Group became the sponsor and they keep the word "Booker”.

Books from publishers can be submitted for consideration for the prize. In addition, the judges can sometimes send invitations to authors if they think the books should be included. Initially, the Advisory Committee give advice if there are any changes to the rules for the prize. Then, the people who will judge the books will be selected. There is an annual change in the judging panel and usually an individual is only a judge once.

The organizers also made to ensure that the judging panel is balanced in terms of gender and professions. Normally a writer, a critic, an editor and an academic are chosen along with a celebrity from wider society. Nevertheless, when the panel of judges has been confirmed, they are left to make their own decisions without any further involvement or interference from the prize sponsor.

The Booker Prize is highly appreciated because it rewards the finest in fiction, features great books to readers and transforms authors' careers. The influence of the prize is so huge that the winner will almost certainly see the sales increase considerably, along with the £50.000 that comes with the prize.