IELTS/GRADE 9/UNIT 1/READING/SENTENCE COMPLETION

Choose ONE word in text that answers the question and fits in the space in the sentence.

How did the writer feel about the idea of having a BMX lesson?

The writer feels ___________.

There is only so much that you can write

about a sport without trying it yourself.

I was excited when my editor asked me to

produce an article on BMX.

The appeal of the sport for many people is the

challenge, but I started feeling anxious when

I realized that I would actually need to have a go at

it myself.

Fill in the answer to the question.

BMX, or bicycle motocross, involves riding a small bicycle on tracks which usually include several jumps. Some people prefer BMX racing; others like freestyle BMX, which is all about performing tricks. Either way, the fact that BMX bikes are fairly cheap to buy has helped to make it a sport that many people want to try.

Which two types of BMX riding does the writer mention?

1. BMX _______

2. ____________

Find the words in the text that answers the question and fits in the space in the sentence.

Which sport did BMX develop from?

It developed from ______ ______ ______.

The sport began in the 1970s, when children in

California were inspired by the stars of cross-country motorbike racing, and started racing their

bikes on dirt tracks. Many people believe that they

were motivated by an American TV documentary

which showed children riding a popular type of bicycle,

called the Sting-Ray, off-road.

This quickly became the preferred bike for BMX racing

because it was easy to adapt for better performance.

Choose the word that answers the question and fits in the space in the sentence.

Which make of bicycle did most children use for BMX racing in the 1970s?

They used ___________.

The sport began in the 1970s, when children in California

were inspired by the stars of cross-country motorbike racing,

and started racing their bikes on dirt tracks.

Many people believe that they were motivated by

an American TV documentary which showed children

riding a popular type of bicycle, called the Sting-Ray, off-road.

This quickly became the preferred bike for BMX racing

because it was easy to adapt for better performance.

Choose answer in the text and fits in the space in the sentence.

When did the first international BMX competitions take place?

It took place in _________.

By the mid-1970s, BMX racing had become officially recognized

as a sport. In 1981, the International BMX Federation

was founded, and the first world championships

were held in 1982. The International Olympic Committee

made BMX a full-medal Olympic sport in time for the 2008

summer Olympic Games in Beijing, China. The first Olympic

champion in men’s racing was Māris Štrombergs,

from Latvia; Anne-Caroline Chausson, who was French,

became the first women’s champion.

Choose answer in the text and fits in the space in the sentence.

What was the nationality of the first woman to win an Olympic BMX racing event?

Her nationality was ___________.

By the mid-1970s, BMX racing had become officially recognized

as a sport. In 1981, the International BMX Federation

was founded, and the first world championships

were held in 1982. The International Olympic Committee

made BMX a full-medal Olympic sport in time for the 2008

summer Olympic Games in Beijing, China. The first Olympic

champion in men’s racing was Māris Štrombergs,

from Latvia; Anne-Caroline Chausson, who was French,

became the first women’s champion.

Fill in the missing words:

Lots of people are attracted to BMX because there are many places to ride and do tricks. I went to my local BMX centre and met Mark Hubbard, a professional BMX rider, to try it out. I wanted him to teach me a trick that I had heard about, called the bunnyhop. To do this, riders have to lift their front wheel, then their back wheel, to launch their bike in the air, as if they are jumping off a ramp. However, Mark said this was too challenging, and he would teach me two simpler ones instead. First I tried a truck stand, which involves balancing on the front tyre with your hands in the air. My first attempts were disastrous, so Mark decided to teach me how to do a glider – a trick where you keep your feet on the wheel pegs and roll backwards and forwards with your hands above your head. Mark made it look so easy, but I just couldn’t take my hands off the handlebars. Before we ran out of time, Mark gave me one last chance to perfect the first of these tricks. Taking a deep breath, and with Mark firmly holding onto my bike, I managed to get my balance and stand upright. I then realised with horror that Mark had stepped away. I was actually supporting myself – but only for a few seconds, before I fell off! Mark later reassured me that BMX isn’t as dangerous as some people think.

What do riders need to do first if they want to perform a bunnyhop?

lift their __________then their back wheel

Fill in the answer to the question.

I also tried out BMX racing at the centre. I was only allowed on the amateur track, which had a five-metre start hill followed by a variety of jumps and turns. Then I watched some teenagers having an advanced lesson on the elite track, which has a higher start hill and a much more technically demanding layout. They all looked so cool with their bikes – another reason why the sport is so popular. I left feeling very relieved that I didn’t have to try my luck on that!

What two tracks were at the place where the writer went for his lesson?

1. ______ Track

2. ______ Track