OLIMPIADA DE LIMBA ENGLEZA

FAZA LOCALA – CLASA a IX-a, SECTIUNEA A

25.01.2015
NOTĂ: Timp de lucru – 3 ore
SUBIECTUL I .……………………………………………………. 15 puncte
For questions 1 – 15, read the text below and then decide which word best fits each space, A, B, C or
D.
Our school sport activities were held last week, and the whole afternoon was a disaster. For a start, very
(1)…….. people bothered to turn (2) ………, and there is nothing (3) ………than trying to win a race with
only three or four people cheering you on. It rained (4) …….. afternoon, from the moment the first starting
pistol (5) …….. fired, until the last medal had (6)…….. presented. I was in the high jump, (7) ………
meant running up to do my best jump and then landing (8) ……. a pool of cold muddy water. It was
raining (9) ……… hard that we couldn’t see the runners in the 5,000 metres, and it (10)…….out that they
had all stopped (11) ……. the other side of the field to shelter under a tree. My other event was the javelin,
but (12) …….. time I tried to throw, the javelin kept slipping from my hand. In (13) …….. case, I couldn’t
see where I was throwing, and when I (14) ………. finally manage to launch my javelin into the air, it
disappeared in the direction of the railway line, and was never seen (15)……………. .
1 A little B small C few D rare
2 A up B about C round D over
3 A like B better C left D worse
4 A by B the C entire D all
5 A had B was C has D been
6 A to B had C been D itself
7 A which B and C so D nevertheless
8 A on B at C in D to
9 A so B as C and D very
10 A worked B found C looked D turned
11 A in B on C to D about
12 A first B in C every Da
13 A this B the C whatever D any
14 A did B had C should D have
15 A there B again C to D back

SUBIECTUL II ……………………………………………………. 15 puncte

Read the text below and think of the word which best fits each space. Use only one word in each
space.
Laughter
You not only laugh more (0) ___when___ you are relaxed, but you (1) ________relax when you laugh, and
it has (2) ________ found that when you’re (3) _________ holiday it is easier to do both. But for (4)
___________ people laughter is not just a pleasure, it is a (5) __________ of fighting illness. Some
hospitals have begun to bring in clowns to relieve the silent, depressing atmosphere, especially in
children’s wards. This scheme is called “Medical Smile” and it helps sick children in a (6) __________ that
doctors, with all (7) _____________ knowledge, can’t do. The effect of the clowns is more (8)
___________ psychological. Laughter helps strengthen the immune system- (9) _________ is, the part of
our bodies (10) __________fights off disease. We take (11) _________more oxygen when we laugh, and
our heartbeat slows (12) _________ . Hospital clowns are becoming more (13) ________more popular
because (14) ______ the positive effect they have. They both relieve depression, which tends to (15)
__________ illnesses worse, and give people the will to fight their illnesses themselves.

SUBIECTUL III ……………………………………………………. 10 puncte

Read the text and use the word given in capitals at the end of each line to form a word that fits in the
space in the same line.

The Easy Life?

It is easy to assume that life as a top sports star is both easy
and glamorous. But this is to completely (1) ...………......……… the UNDERSTAND
reality of what goes on behind the scenes. From a very early age athletes
must be absolutely (2) ...………......……… to their sport. COMMIT
But (3) ...………......……… on its own is not enough – they need to DETERMINE
be fiercely (4) ...………......……… in order to succeed, and must AMBITION
never allow themselves to be (5) ...………......……… by setbacks. COURAGE
Successful sports stars can, of course, become very wealthy,
in (6) ...………......……… to being world-famous, but can be at a ADD
severe (7) ...………......……… in their social development. ADVANTAGE
It is therefore important to (8) ...………......……… that they SURE
receive a reasonably balanced upbringing and to (9) ...………......……… BROAD
their experience beyond the daily grind of practice and competition in order
to (10) ...………......……… them to deal with the constant pressures ABLE
that success can bring.

SUBIECTUL IV ………………………………………………………….10 puncte

Complete the second sentence using the word given, so that it has a similar meaning to the first
sentence. Write between two and five words. Do not change the word given.
1. Margaret and I have had an argument, so we are not talking to each other. OUT
Margaret and I ……………………………………, so we are not talking to each other.

2. Tina was depressed because she couldn’t make friends at summer camp. INABILITY
Tina was depressed because ………………………………… friends at summer camp.

3. The witness thought I was the thief, but realized that she was wrong. FOR
The witness………………………………………….., but realized that she was wrong.

4. The judge told the jury to consider the man’s past life. ACCOUNT
The judge told the jury to …………………….............… the man’s past life.

5. They’ve been building that new supermarket for months. CONSTRUCTION

That new supermarket …………………………….........……… for months.

INSPECTORATUL ŞCOLAR JUDEŢEAN GALAŢI

OLIMPIADA DE LIMBA ENGLEZĂ
ETAPA LOCALĂ - CLASA a IX-a, SECŢIUNEA A
18.02.2018
Nota: Toate subiectele sunt obigatorii.
Timp de lucru: 3 ore
SUBIECTUL I - USE OF ENGLISH…………………...………………………………..40 puncte

1. Read the following text and put the verbs in brackets in the correct tense (10 x1p = 10p)
My life (1)………………….(improve) a lot since last year. You see, before that I (2)....................(work) in
the same job for five years and I (3)……………. (begin) to feel rather bored. I (4)…………………(get)
ready to apply for another job when one day my boss called me into her office. "Our company
(5)…………….(plan) to expand overseas," she said.
"We are thinking of starting with Spain, therefore we (6)……………………(need) some of our best
employees to support our new branch there. Do you think you would be interested in a transfer?" Naturally
I accepted, although at the time I (7)……………………..(not/know) that they (8)……………….(also/ go)
to promote me to assistant manager.
By the end of this month, I (9)…………………(live) in Madrid for a year. You can't imagine how exciting
my life (10)……………………(become).

2. Read the text and use the word given in capitals at the end of each line to form a word that fits in
the space in the same line. ……………………………………………………… 10 puncte
Body language is a very (1) ….. form of communication. 1. EFFECT
Some (2) ….. expressions, in particular, can be understood 2. FACE
all around the world. If we find something (3) ….. , for 3. DISGUST
example, we wrinkle up our noses. Anyone watching
immediately knows how we feel.
All people smile, and a smile is likely to get a positive (4) 4. REACT
….. . It can, however, be obvious when you don’t mean it. 5. GENUINE
When you (5) ….. smile, muscles around your eyes
automatically contract, but these muscles are difficult to
control consciously. An automatic smile fades quickly, too, 6. USUAL
while an artificial smile will (6) ….. last longer.
The expressions we make when we are angry, sad and 7. DIFFER
scared are also common to most cultures. Despite all the (7)
….. languages spoken in the world, we can still 8. UNIVERSE
communicate using this (8) ….. language of facial
expressions. 9. CARE
However, you sometimes need to be (9) ….. . Certain
gestures can vary, even within a single country. For 10. SOUTH
example, (10) ….. Italians gesturing ‘yes’ tilt their heads
forwards, never back, whereas people in the north nod by
tilting the head backwards and forwards. This can be very
confusing!

3. Read the text below and choose the correct word for each space. For each question, mark the
correct letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet………………………………………….10 puncte
WILLIAM THE HERO!
Brave William Baldock, who is six years old, is a hero after helping his mother when she fell downstairs.
William quickly rang (1)……………….an ambulance when he discovered his mother had broken her leg.
In spite of being frightened, he (2)………..the emergency services what had happened and answered all the
questions they asked him. He also telephoned his father (3)…………. work, and then his grandmother,
to explain what he had (4)…………….While waiting for (5)………people to come, William looked after
his 18-month-old sister. When ambulance man Steve Lyn went to the house, he was amazed: 'It's
(6)…………..that a young boy of six knew the right number to (7)…………, and was able to give us the
correct information. (8)…….…………of William's quick thinking, we were able to (9)………………there
immediately.'
Mrs. Baldock left hospital yesterday, very (10)………………to both William and the ambulance service.
1 A - to B - off C - for D - with
2 A - said B - talked C - spoke D - told
3 A - in B - at C - on D - by
4 A - done B - made C - acted D - worked
5 A - these B - every C - each D - this
6 A - pleased B - fine C - clever D - great
7 A - put B - set C - dial D - hit
 8 A - Since B - Because C - As D - Although
9 A - manage B - find C - get D - reach
10 A - agreeable B - happy C - grateful D - approving

4. Translate the following text into Romanian.……………………………………….…10 puncte

I was really looking forward to my first trek in the Amazon Rainforest. I was in Brazil on holiday
going on a group tour to look for exotic animals. The guide had told us to stay close to him, but there were
so many amazing things to see that I got distracted. I came across a small river. I started following it. As I
was walking I saw huge crocodiles drifting lazily in the water. I had to walk carefully and stay away from
the riverbank. When I finally looked up, the group had gone. I started shouting loudly, but no one
answered. I couldn’t remember which direction we had come from and I didn’t see any obvious paths to
follow. I was terrified. It was beginning to grow dark. Suddenly, I heard people shouting my name and saw
lights coming towards me. The guide had put together a rescue team and they had eventually found me.
I’ve never been so glad to see anyone in my life.

SUBIECTUL II – INTEGRATED SKILLS…………………………………………….60 puncte.

1. Read the following text and for questions 1– 5, choose the answer (A, B, C or D) which you
think fits best according to the text.…………………………………………………….10 puncte

Have you ever been barefoot water-skiing? It’s just like normal water-skiing, being pulled along
behind a boat at 40 mph – but without any skis! It sounds scary but it’s amazing! My cousin used to take
me water-skiing, and that’s where I first learnt to stand up and balance. But I moved on to barefooting
when I did it for a laugh with some mates. And I loved it!
Barefoot water-skiing is one of the most popular watersports there is – to watch, anyway! When
someone jumps really high and then lands, it’s awesome. And you don’t need expensive stuff like boards,
although a wetsuit’s a good idea. But catching your toes on things in the lake can hurt. I guess you can’t
help getting water up your nose when you start learning, too, as you have to lie almost flat in the water
before you pull yourself up – but it’s OK.
Now I’m experienced, I’ve learnt not to attempt new moves in rough water as it never goes well.
Instead, I make sure I limit myself to skiing directly behind the boat, where the water’s calmer. I ask the
boat drivers to warn me about big waves coming, although they can’t always see them.
Finding time to practise regularly is hard as I’m still at school – but then it’s not as if I’m into
winning prizes and stuff. But if I want to learn a new move, I need to repeat it over and over, and that’s not
easy in winter when it’s cold. Lots of skiers say they’ll continue during cold weather, but not many do. So
I’m often the only one out on the lake!

1. What is Dan trying to do in this text about barefoot water-skiing?

A. explain why he’s determined to become a champion
B. convince people that his sport is both safe and easy
C. suggest the best ways to begin learning his sport
D. describe what he does to get better at his sport

2. Dan started barefoot water-skiing when

A. he tried it out just for fun.
B. he realised how easy it was to do.
C. he was taught how to do it by his cousin.
D. he was persuaded by friends to have a go.

3. What does Dan think are the disadvantages of barefoot water-skiing?

A. Although not much equipment is needed, it isn’t cheap.
B. If your feet hit something in the water, it’s painful.
C. If you start in the wrong position, you breathe in water.
D. Although you jump higher without skis, it’s harder to land.

4. How does Dan feel about skiing in rough water?

A. confident that his boat drivers will keep him safe
B. annoyed about having to ski inside a limited area
C. unwilling to try anything he hasn’t practised before
D. certain of his ability to handle difficult conditions

5. What might Dan write to a friend about his barefoot water-skiing?

A. I’m one of the few people who avoids going once the weather gets a bit colder!
B. The boat travels along in the water at quite a speed, but it’s not as frightening as you’d think!
C. It’s a fantastic water sport to watch – it’s just a shame more people don’t enjoy going to see it.
D. If I can fit enough practice of the sport in with my studies, I’m hoping to win a prize.

2. Write a narrative essay on your most memorable sports experience. (180-200 words) (50p)

OLIMPIADA DE LIMBA ENGLEZĂ

FAZA LOCALĂ - CLASA a IX-a, SECŢIUNEA A
16.02.2014
SUBIECTUL I .......................................................................................................... 15 puncte

For questions 1 – 15, read the text below and decide which answer A, B, C or D best fits each space.

Prepare yourself for a big surprise. Imagine the shock, while (1) ............ through your favourite magazine,
of suddenly finding an advertisement with your (2) ............ name in the headline.
It could suggest that it’s (3) ............ you changed your car for a more up-to-date (4) ............ , and it might
(5) ............ mention the make of the old wreck you drive now. It could say what you would look (6)
............ if you should try a new shampoo. Even (7) ............ , it might suggest that you switch deodorants.
Some people might not like their names being used in an advertisement without their (8) ............ , even if
they are the (9) ............ ones to see it. There does not, though, (10) ............ to be any law to protect the
reader. Advertising agencies claim that response rates increase by at (11) ............ fifty per cent when
people see their name printed on a catalogue or direct mail communication.
So, given the possibility of greater (12) ............ , will the television companies get in on the next act, with
personalised commercials perhaps?
(13) ............ seeing a TV advertisement for, say, a (14) ............ agency, sympathetically suggesting that
you look in need of a holiday. How (15) ............ you resist? The adman is coming. And, this time, he’s got
your name.

1 A seeing B watching C staring D looking

2 A own B self C personal D belonging
3 A late B time C due D now
4 A mark B fashion C pattern D model
5 A even B too C although D extremely
6 A so B as C like D after
7 A worse B though C it D then
8 A permit B allowance C permission D admission
9 A single B unique C only D alone
10 A sound B look C occur D seem
11 A less B least C minimum D lowest
12 A profits B benefits C prices D fees
13 A Think B Imagine C Suppose D Guess
 14 A journey B travel C tour D trip
15 A may B are C were D could

SUBIECTUL II ......................................................................................................... 15 puncte

Read the text below and think of the word which best fits each space. Use only one word in each
space (15 p.)

The first kiss

I’m going (1) .......………..…. a difficult time at the moment – my mother says it happens to all teenagers.
Anyway, there’s this girl who moved into my block of flats (2) .......………..…. year – she’s a couple of
years older than me but the truth is I’ve wanted to kiss Samantha ever (3) .......………..…. I met her and
last week I finally (4) .......………..…. up my mind that I was (5) .......………..…. to do it. On Friday I was
coming up the stairs (6) .......………..…. I saw her walking down carrying two huge boxes. ‘(7)
.......………..…. I help you with those?’ I asked. ‘Thanks – they’re really heavy, I think I’m (8)
.......………..…. to collapse.’ I carried them to the entrance, and put the boxes down for a moment (9)
.......………..…. she opened the front door. This was my opportunity – I had been wanting to do it for
months and now I was really going (10) .......………..…. kiss her. ‘I just can’t put into (11)
.......………..…. how I feel about you,’ I stammered. ‘So I thought I’d show you instead.’ I leant over and
was (12) .......………..…. about to kiss her when my neighbour came through the door. As (13)
.......………..…. as she had gone, Samantha turned to me, grabbed the boxes and said, ‘Let me give you a
(14) .......………..…. of advice – stick to girls your own age!’
So that’s it for me – I think I’ve gone (15) .......………..…. girls completely for the moment.

SUBIECTUL III........................................................................................................ 10 puncte

Use the words in brackets to form words, which fit in the gaps.

SAMUEL PEPYS

Samuel Pepys wrote many diaries about the events of the 1660s.
Our considerable 1) ........................................ of that decade is in no KNOW
small part due to him. Pepys was an adult at the time of the 2) .............................. RESTORE of the
monarchy. It was a time when many personal freedoms and rights were
returned to the citizens. For instance, the theatre, an important
form of 3) ..................................... was given to them. Theatres were ENTERTAIN
reopened in 1660, after having been closed down in 1649. The 1660s was
a period of great change; people could start to relax more.
A 4) ................................ of this could be seen in the fashions of REFLECT
the time. Bright, colourful clothes were being introduced. Also, much of what we
know about 17th century diet and eating habits is due to Pepys, as
he described his meals and 5) ........................................ for food FOND
in some detail. Pepys socialised in a wide 6) ................................ of circles VARY
and mixed as easily with the working classes as with the 7) ....................... . ARISTOCRAT
Samuel Pepys had a gentle touch and a deep sense of 8) ............................ . HUMAN
Pepys witnessed two major events in history, the Great Plague and the Great
Fire of London. His compassion for the 9) ........................................ caused SUFFER
by both is clear in his diaries. His sorrow at the 10) ................................. DEVASTATE
effects of the plague is visible on page after page of his entries for 1664-1665.
On completing his diary in 1669, Pepys still had half his career ahead
of him, and he devoted the rest of his life to public service until his death in 1703.
SUBIECTUL IV......................................................................................................... 10 puncte
Complete the second sentence so that it has a similar meaning to the first sentence. Use the word
given and other words to complete each sentence. You must use between two and five words. Do
not change the word given.

1. The hairdresser did Mary’s hair last Tuesday. HAD

Mary …………………..last Tuesday.

2. Andrew’s job is to supervise all the employees of the company. RESPONSIBLE

Andrew ………………………..all the employees of the company.

3.I think that there won’t be many people at the book exhibition. UNLIKELY
It………………………….be many people at the book exhibition.

4. Harry reads faster than his little sister. READER

Harry………………………………his little sister.

5. They are building a new bridge close to the airport. BEING

A new bridge…………………………….close to the airport.