FIRST CERTIFICATE : PART 1: READING

You are going to read an article about a famous artist, Vincent Van Gogh. Seven sentences
have been removed from the article. Choose from the sentences A H the one which fits
each gap 1-6. There is one extra sentence which you do not need to use. There is an
example at the beginning (0).
A What I want to express, in both figure and landscape, isnt anything sentimental or
melancholy, but deep anguish. In short, I want to get to the point where people see my work
and say: that man feels deeply, that man feels keenly.
B Its quite remarkable, then, that during his year in the asylum he managed to create a
series of beloved masterpieces such as the Starry Night, found today at New Yorks Museum
of Modern Art.
C I already feel, he wrote that year, old and broken.
D I didnt have to put myself out very much in order to try and express sadness and
extreme loneliness, Van Gogh wrote.
E In April 1899, Van Gogh had checked himself into the asylum in this monastery, looking for
relief from the epilepsy that had tormented him in Aries, where he had threatened his friend
Paul Gauguin with a razor and had cut off his own left ear lobe during a fit.
F Now light and wonderful pure colours were everywhere in his work: yellow, red, green and
blue, all glowing under the sun.
G At 16, he went to work for an art dealer, a job that his younger brother, Theo, followed him
into.
H The day will come, however, when people will see that they are worth more than the price
of the paint and my living expenses.
DARKNESS AND LIGHT
The Life of Vincent Van Gogh
The Provencal sun was blinding on the warm winter day when I drove into Saint-Remy. I
reached the Monastery of St Paul-de-Mausole, where the garden looked just as I thought it
would its flowers and trees much as Vincent Van Gogh had painted them more than a
century ago.
0: E
Van Gogh had arrived in Provence the previous year, finally finding himself as a painter after
a decade of artistic wandering. When the voices drove him to Saint Remy, Van Gogh was in
one of the most productive periods any artist has ever had, creating in the last 21 1/2 years

of his life the work that most people know him by. But there were times in Saint-Remy, after
he ate paint, when his doctors wouldnt let him near the artists palette. 1: _____
Van Gogh was the most autobiographical artist, and his works reveal much about the last
years of his passionate life. Born in Holland in 1853 Vincent Van Gogh was the eldest son of
a priest; his formal education was patchy, but he was a great reader who loved literature and
biography.
2: _____At 23, Vincent was fired. He then wandered through odd jobs before he decided to
become an artist. I want to paint drawings that will touch people, he wrote to Theo in
1882. 3: _____
Van Gogh started writing regularly to Theo in 1872 and continued to express his feelings and
his artistic adventures until just before his death in 1890. Half of Van Goghs painting life was
spent in the dark; working in sad tones where sunlight was rare. In early 1886 he travelled
to Paris to live with Theo, years in which Theo financially supported his brother. A series of
self-portraits shows how he felt during that period. The pictures show him with fierce,
suspicious and tired eyes. 4: _____
He would find rebirth in the south of France. That winter he moved to Arles, where he was
fascinated by the flowers and the sun. I am in a constant fever of work, he told Theo. 5:
_____
But poverty and the pain of having sold only a few of his paintings pressed in on Van Gogh
as his health failed. I cannot help that my pictures do not sell, Van Gogh wrote. 6: _____
Some years later Van Gogh shot himself. Theo died six months later but his widow, Johanna
devoted the rest of her life to establish Vincent Van Gogh as a great painter.

You are going to read an article about a racing car driver. For questions 7-14, choose the
answer A, B, C or D which you think fits best according to the text.

DRIVING AMBITION
Formula 1. The roaring engines. Speeds of up to 200 miles an hour. Millions of dollars at
stake. And it all takes place in front of millions of viewers, across five continents. Amidst this
crazy motoring circus, world champion Michael Schumacher remains a stable, mysterious
figure; keeping as low a profile as possible. He feels this is the only way to survive in a world
where nerves must be made of steel and seconds count.

Formula 1 racing originated in 1950, but was a very different sport then to what we see
nowadays. Talent and guts guaranteed a place at the top; the driver made all the difference.
These days, Formula 1 is a million-dollar industry. The role of the driver has diminished
substantially with the last decades rapid developments in technology. What you drive has
become more important than how you drive.
Taking that into account, Benetton, the company for which Schumacher formerly raced, was
perfect for him. At the time, they had the fastest cars, challenged only by the Williams on
the very fast circuits with long straights and fast bends. But, despite the technical perfection
that Benetton offered, Schumacher signed a contract with Ferrari last year, saying that it was
a dream contract. So far it has been unproductive, but despite losing his world title this
season to the UK driver Damon Hill, Schumachers legendary self-confidence has not been
damaged.
What is remarkable about the 27-year-old German is that, even for a racing driver, he seems
really dispassionate. He shows no signs of emotion and no signs of weakness. From the
beginning of his career he has been called a variety of names: boring, arrogant, and even a
robot. Yet Schumacher has never worried about this and has never made any attempt to
change his image. He has simply gone on with the task of winning races, and has become
the youngest ever world champion.
Born in 1969, Schumacher dreamed of becoming a policeman as a child. He fell in love with
racing at a very early age when his father put him in a car at the age of four. By 1987 he had
won the German and European championships. Mercedes trained him in their sportscar team,
and he made his debut in the World Championships in 1991 when he put Bertrand Cachots
Jordan Ford in the seventh position on the starting grid. Unfortunately, his debut
performance was shortlived. After one lap he had to withdraw, but he had made his mark.
Twelve months later he achieved his first victory. Within two years, he was world champion.
His achievements began to attract attention from talent hunters for the big teams.
Bennettons Flavio Briatore was particularly interested. A notorious name in Formula 1
racing, Briatore was the prototype of the modern team manager and has been quoted as
saying: To me Formula 1 is purely a marketing instrument. The sporting side is of minor
importance. Sports fans do not like this viewpoint, but, in some ways, he does have a point.
The impact of the sport and the money it generates, grows by the day.
Many experts have tried to analyse Schumachers career success, but he has his own ideas
about what has helped him achieve so much at a young age: Working more and harder than
the rest, always looking for something that can win you a hundredth-of-a-second, and if you
cannot find anything, trying again. There are a lot of racers in the same league and level.
The technical aspect is essential. Being an ex-mechanic, makes me good at that. I
instinctively feel what the car needs. I can translate what I have felt through to my
mechanics perfectly so they can adjust the car just right. You can always find me to be the
first in and the last remaining in the garage.
7- What kind of person is Michael Schumacher according to the text?
A a person who likes money a lot
B a person who likes fame
C a person who does anything to survive
D a person who doesnt like to show off

8.-In what way has Formula 1 changed nowadays?

A Drivers nowadays dont have the talent they used to have.
B Drivers nowadays are paid millions of dollars.
C The car has become more important than the driver.
D The rules of the sport have changed.

9.-What information do we get about Benetton?

A It is the company Schumacher always dreamed of working for.
B Its cars are technically very good.
C It gave Schumacher to Williams.
D Its cars are especially good at fast bends.

10.-What has happened since Schumacher signed a contract with Ferrari?

A He has had great success.
B He has lost his self confidence.
C He has lost the world title.
D He has been challenged by Williams.

11.-What is remarkable about Schumacher?

A He has no passion for racing.
B He has all the typical characteristics of a racing driver.
C He is not influenced by his emotions.
D He is a cruel person.

12.-What happened in the World Championships in 1991?

A He stopped early but he was noticed.
B He became the World Champion.
C He managed to finish the race in 7th position.
D He achieved his first victory.

13.-What do we learn about Flavia Briatore?

A He is Benettons racing driver.
B He strongly believes in the commercial side of Formula 1.
C He is very popular with Formula 1 fans.
D He believes that Formula 1 has become too commercial.

14.-Schumachers career has been so successful because

A he believes himself to be a better racer than the rest.
B he never interferes with the technical aspect.
C he understands what is needed to fix the car.
D he is always looking for more money.

You are going to read some information about some cultural events happening in different
European cities. For questions 15-28, choose from the cities (A-I). Some of the cities may be
chosen more than once. When more than one answer is required, these may be given in any
order. There is an example at the beginning (0). For questions 27-35, indicate the answer to
each question by choosing from the list of events A-D. Some of the events will be required
more than once. Note: Where a city offers more than one event, you may give the answers
in any order.
Which city or cities would you recommend for someone who:
likes photography?
enjoys folk music?

0: H
15: ____

is interested in stone carving?

16:____

is interested in musical instruments?

is interested in South America?

17: _____

18:______

19:______

What are the events offered in the following cities?

Aachen 20:_____
Amsterdam
Antwerp

22:______

23:______

24: _______

Barcelona
Basel

21:______

25:______

26:_____

Copenhagen

27: _____

28: _____

A music
B dance
C art
D theatre
CULTURAL EVENTS IN EUROPE
________________________________________
AACHEN-A
LUDWIG FORUM FUR INTERNATIONALE KUNST Julicher Str 97-109. Die 5.Biennale von
Havanna. This is the first time that this event has been held in Europe. Visitors can see
street theatre and dance from Colombia, music from Argentina, Uruguay, Cuba and Trinidad,
and enjoy literature and film from Brazil. There will also be a two-day Latin-American
market.
Until II December. Tel +49 241-18070
_______________________________________
AMSTERDAM B
HET MUZlEKTHEATER Waterlooplein 22. Performances of Mozarts Le nozze di Figaro on 9,
11, 14 October. Conducted by Graeme Jenkins and directed by Jurgen Flimm. It features
Dean Peterson as Figaro, Roberto Scaltriti as the Count of Almaviva and Joan Rodgers as the
Countess of Almaviva. The music is provided by the Netherlands Chamber Orchestra.
Tel +31 205518922

_________________________________________
ANTWERP-C
HESSENHUIS FALCONRUI 53. Music and Painting in the Golden Age: Music and
Graphics. An outstanding collection of works from Flemish and Dutch artists of the 17th
century. In addition to 55 paintings there are musical instruments and pieces of music on
display. There are stilllifes of instruments, portraits in which the subjects play music and
pastoral settings. There are 120 prints, mostly from the 16th century, which portray the
social and symbolic importance of music, song and dance at this time.
Until 30 October.
Tel +32 2-2269300
_________________________________________
BARCELONA D
CENTRE CULTURAL DE LA FUNDACIO LA CAIXA Passeig de Sant Joan.Kandinsky/Mondrian
Two roads towards abstraction. This exhibition celebrates the anniversary of the deaths
of two great pioneers of modern art. One of its aims is to highlight the parallels as well as
the differences which mark the stylistic development of the two artists. Among the works on
display are 35 canvases by the Russian-born Kandinsky and 56 oils, drawings, watercolours
and gouaches by the Dutch-born Mondrian. Until 1 3 November.
Tel +34 3-4046073
___________________________________________
BASEL- E
KUNSTMUSEUM BASEL St Alban-Graben 16. Fernand Leger 1911-1924 Ie rhythme de
la vie moderne. A collection which concentrates on major works and work groups dating
back to the critical early years of Legers career when he developed his style. He is
considered a painter of the modern world, seeing the basis of modern art in the principle of
opposites.
Until 27 November.
Tel +41 61-2710828
__________________________________________
BUDAPEST-F
HUNGARIAN NATIONAL GALLERY, Buda Castle. Several museums in the Hungarian capital
have permanent exhibitions and this gallery has an important collection of Hungarian art
from all periods, medieval stone carvings as well as Renaissance and Baroque art.
HUNGARIAN NATIONAL MUSEUM, Muzeum Krt. 14 which has Hungarian coronation regalia on
display is also worth a visit.

Tel. +361-1179800
___________________________________________
COPENHAGEN G
THE ROYAL THEATRE Kongens Nytorv.An adaptation of Bournonvilles La Sylphide ballet by
Peter Schaufuss can be seen on 5, I I and 13 October. Musical adaptation is by Ole Norlyng
and Graham Bond is the conductor. Tchaikovskys Onegin. based on Pushkins famous novel
about the cynical antihero in the Russia of the I 820s, can be seen on 8 and 17 October.
Conducted by Graham Bond and choreographed by John Cranko. Tel. +45-33141002
___________________________________________
EDINBURGH H
THE FRUITMARKET GALLERY 29 Market Street. BT new contemporaries. This is an
exhibition designed to showcase student and new graduate art in the UK. There is a variety
of work on show from 36 artists including the six prizewinners. A strong feature of the
exhibition is photography, with a wide variety of examples of how this medium can be
employed. The artists have used materials as diverse as wood and soap.
8 October-12 November.
Tel. +44 31-2252383
__________________________________________
FRANKFURT I
DEUTSCHES ARCHITEKTURE-MUSEUM Schaumainkai 43.
Zeitgenossische Architektur in Brasilien (Contemporary architecture in Brazil). The
exhibition is devoted to architecture of the past ten years and the aim is to show how
dynamically contemporary architecture has developed. The climate alone in Brazil tropical
temperature as well as frost and snow means that architects must be very creative with
their methods.
8 October-6 November.
Tel +49 69-2121847

USE OF ENGLISH
For questions in Tasty snacks read the text below and think of the word which best fits
each gap. Use only one word in each gap.
(16-30)

Tasty Snacks
We (0) ____all____ love to eat between meals, (16) ________its a bar of chocolate after breakfast or a packet of
crisps before dinner. But when we think (17) _______it, most of these snack foods are (18) __________of fat, salt
and sugar and thus contain a (19) ________of calories. Another disadvantage is that after (20) _________consumed
these foods, there is a temptation to eat (21) __________as they still leave you feeling hungry. But who says snack
foods have to be bad (22) ___________you? They can, in (23)___________ , be very good for you if you just choose
carefully. One of the best and healthiest snack options is dried fruit. Its really tasty and makes a brilliant, easy-to- eat
snack, as (24) __________as leaving you satisfied. (25)_____________ is also a great variety to choose (26)
________, with dried bananas, apricots, grapes and apples available at (27) ___________ supermarkets. You can
enjoy dried fruit for morning and afternoon breaks, at school or at work, in the car or (28) ___________watching
television. Dried fruit also makes the perfect fast food for late-night homework sessions. So next time you fancy (29)
___________sweet, try the healthy option and youll (30) _________ pleasantly surprised.

(31-40)

For questions 1-15, read the text below and decide which answer A, B, Cor D best fits each
space. There is an example at the beginning (0).
Example: 0 A opposite B variable C different D similar
A TYPICAL DAY
Nowadays, country kitchens are not very (0) different from those in the city.
(1) .., in the past the differences could easily be (2) .. . By
the 1940s most city homes had gas or electric cookers (3) .. but in the country the farmers
wife still (4) .. on a fuel cooker. This gave her more work because she had to (5) .. at five
oclock in the morning and enter the kitchen with a candle which was always kept (6) .. .
She then removed the ashes from the cooker and got some newspaper and pieces of wood
from the box (7) .. the side of the kitchen door.
Next, the kettle was filled and put over the fire in (8) .. to make the first pot of tea of the
day. Once this was (9) .. she made sure she (10) .. fed the animals (11) .. the left-overs
and then got (12) .. with breakfast. After breakfast the plates would be (13) .. and more
wood put in the cooker. The only opportunity she had to rest next to the fire was after dinner.
This (14) .. of lighting the cooker was repeated every day. Wood was used in (15) .. of
petrol till the Second World War.
1.

A) however

B) In spite of

C) because

D) Despite

2.

A) glimpsed

B) noticed

C) understood

D) made

3.

A) bought

B) put

C) connected

D) installed

4.

A) baked

B) stirred

C) boiled

D) cooked

5.

A) raise

B) arise

C) rise

D) get

6.

A) handy

B) far

C) obvious

D) reachable

7.

A) by

B) next

C) close

D) outside

8.

A) so far as

B) order

C) view

D) case

9.

A) ended

B) done

C) used up

D) fulfilled

10. A) often

B) sometimes

C) always

D) seldom

11. A) at

B) in

C) without

D) on

12. A) down

B) away

C) along

D) on

13. A) cleaned

B) removed

C) washed

D) polished

14. A) time

B) process

C) procession

D) progress

15. A) place

B) exchange

C) favour

D) position

TRANSFORMATIONS
Complete the second sentence so it has a similar meaning to the first, using the word given.
DO NOT CHANGE THE WORD GIVEN. You must use between TWO and five words, including
the word given.(41-50)

1. Samantha felt happy after having a hard work out with her tennis instructor.

mood

Samantha

after having a good work out with her tennis

instructor.
2. Writing all of the sentence isnt necessary in this exercise.

need
Theres

all of the sentence in this exercise.

3. Nobody, apart from Pepitos mother, thought he would pass the FCE exam.

person
Pepitos mother

thought he would pass the FCE exam.

4. The secretary connected me to the managing director.

put
The secretary

the managing director.

5. Samantha would have gone to dinner with Leonardo if she hadnt been so tired.

tired
Samantha was

to dinner with Leonardo.

6. The Indian restaurant was practically empty.

hardly
There

the Indian restaurant.

7. Pepito couldnt solve the problem.

solution
Pepito was unable

the problem.

8. I cant believe this is the best paella restaurant in Valencia!

better
There must

in Valencia!

9. Its a waste of time for you to ask Samantha for her phone number.

point
Theres

Samantha for her phone number.

10. Pepito has a full time job and looks after his mother too.

well
Pepito has a full time job

his mother.

Task Type: Article

Question
You have seen the following announcement in an international magazine for 16-25 year olds:

'Young people are spending more time each day on their computers than watching television. Is this
a change for the better?'
We are interested in your views on this topic. You can contribute to the debate by sending us a short article with
your opinion.

Write your article for the magazine (around 140-190 words).

Task Type: Informal Letter

Question
You have received the following letter from your English-speaking friend:

...We're doing a project this month at school on eating habits and customs around the world. Will you be able to
help me by telling me what the traditional meals are in your country, what people typically eat and at what time of
day?

Thanks very much!

Love Alison

Write a letter to your friend giving her the information she needs (around 140-190 words).

Task Type: Report

Question
Last year a new sport and leisure centre opened in your home town. You have recently received the following letter from
the manager of the centre.
I am writing to all members of the Active Leisure Club to thank you for your custom over the last year. We want to
make the facilities even better this year! Please send a short report to us, telling us what you think are the best
and worst aspects of the club. We also want to hear your suggestions for new facilities...

Write your report to the manager of the club (around 140-190 words).

Task Type: Informal Letter

Question
You have received the following letter from your English penfriend:
I'm really pleased you're planning to come to England to study. Let me know what type
of course you're interested in and I'll ring some colleges for details. The more
information you can give me the better!

Write your letter of reply to your penfriend (around 140-190 words).

The Life of Vincent Van Gogh

16
17
18
19
20
21 H

B
G
A
C
F

DRIVING AMBITION
8

10

11

12

13

14

15 C
22
23
24
25
27
30
31
32
33
34

A
F
C
A 26 I (in any order)
D 28 B 29 A (in any order)
A
C
C
C
A 35 B (in any order)

about having fact from something/a whether lot for there while full more
well most/many/all be

1. Samantha was/felt in a good mood after having a hard work out

with her tennis instructor.
2. Theres no need to write all of the sentence in this exercise.
3. Pepitos mother was/is the only person who thought he would
pass the FCE exam.
4. The secretary put me through to the managing director.
5. Samantha was too tired to go to dinner with Leonardo.
6. There was hardly anyone in the Indian restaurant.
7 . Pepito was unable to find the/a solution to the problem.
8. There must be a better paella restaurant in Valencia!
9. Theres no point (in) asking Samantha for her phone number.
10. Pepito has a full time job as well as looking after his mother.

A TYPICAL DAY
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9

A
B
D
D
C
A
A
B
B

10
11
12
13
14
15 A

C
D
D
C
B