B2 Reading Lingua

In the opening paragraph Robert reveals that he was

• disappointed by the colours of the earth below him.

• surprised that the area seemed uninhabited.

• relieved that the winter weather had not yet arrived.

• grateful that the long night was over.

Robert uses the phrase ‘bolster my case’ in line 27 to show that he was trying to

• end the conversation.

• correct Sergei.

• change the subject.

• reassure Sergei.

Robert uses the example of the over-trousers to show that

• he had been successful in getting local people to help him.

• he had been able to negotiate good prices for his equipment.

• he had had a restricted amount of money to spend on clothes.

• he was confident that he was well prepared for the extreme cold.

What do we learn about Robert in the lecture hall?

• He didn’t want the lecturer to notice his lack of attention.

• He was unsure about what to write in the note.

• He was apprehensive about his friend’s reaction to his suggestion.

• He was puzzled by something the lecturer had said.

How can Robert’s attitude to teaching best be summarised?

• He felt the job was getting too stressful.

• He enjoyed having the respect of his students.

• The holidays were the only positive aspect of the job.

• He felt it was the right career choice for him.

What does Robert say about Al’s round-the-world trip?

• Al was pushing himself to the limit of his capabilities.

• Al never doubted that he would be successful.

• Al tried to hide the difficulties he was facing from his friends.

• Al was totally fearless as he enjoyed the adventure.

What was Robert's intention when he flew to Magadan?

• To start a new job in Siberia.

• To cycle back home to England.

• To explore the Siberian wilderness.

• To visit a friend in Russia.

How did Al react to Robert's proposal in the lecture hall?

• He suggested a different route for the trip.

• He ignored the note completely.

• He was confused but eventually agreed.

• He declined the offer immediately.

What motivated Robert to join Al in Siberia?

• His need for a budget-friendly vacation.

• His wish to prove the sceptics wrong.

• His desire to escape his teaching job.

• His passion for extreme adventures.

How did Al feel about the challenges of his round-the-world trip?

• He enjoyed facing them as they made him feel alive.

• He regretted taking on such a difficult journey.

• He found them overwhelming and gave up.

• He believed they were too easy for him.