Test 4 Paper 1 (Reading) Part 3 (FCE Practice Test Plus 1)

FCE Practice Test Plus 1

Test 4 Paper 1 (Reading) Part 3

You are going to read a magazine article about herons. Seven sentences have been removed from the article. Choose from the sentences A-H the one which fits each gap (16-21). There is one extra sentence which you do not need to use. There is an example at the beginning (a). Mark your answers on the separate answer sheet.

HERONS

Herons are beautiful birds Years ago, as I walked to work in a fish factory in Aberdeen, herons would always bring a little bit of light to the dark winter mornings. Usually there would be a couple of them standing on the river's edge. 0 _____H_____ This natural cautiousness is usual in herons, They prefer to spend the day in areas where they can hunt for fish in peace. They seldom allow close approach and are quick to take to the air when they sense humans are about. 16 __________ This cruel treatment is now on the decline and consequently the latest Bird Atlas estimates there are probably twice as many herons breeding in Britain today than in the late 1960s. 17__________ This means herons can feed and survive in areas which were previously unavailable because they were either too cold or ruined by poisonous substances in the water. Weather is probably the single most important factor in the improvement in the heron population, In effect, new areas of habitat have been opened up, 18 __________  I The one of 1963 had a notable impact, but surprisingly there is little to suggest that the same happened in the freezing temperatures of 1979 and 1892. 19__________As well as the UK, similar increases have been recorded throughout Europe. By the early 1970s, the heron had become threatened in many parts of central Europe, but has since recovered dramatically. And if not persecuted, will even breed in city centres, such as happens in Amsterdam. 20 __________ There are still numerous threats, mostly to do with habitat degradation, and which certainly affect populations on a local scale. Drainage of fields and excavation reduce food supplies, The planting of forests, while providing nesting sites, may also reduce the water flow in some water courses and hence fish availability. The heron lives on fish, 21__________ On other occasions a different tactic is adopted, this time slowly stalking through the water, looking intently at any stirrings. If the need arises, the heron will wade deep until the body is afloat and it can even swim for a short distance. They are such a delight to watch, particularly in the morning when they go hunting in the frost-draped winter semi-darkness.

A	Another reason for this increase can be found in the milder winters and the reduction in water pollution.
B	Further north the bird is equally widespread, although It is absent from areas of high ground,
C	Such nervousness is understandable, given that they have suffered from persecution from fish farmers.
D	While heron numbers have increased, it is important not to be complacent.
E	However, a hard winter will temporarily set numbers back,
F	The commonest hunting technique is to stand still by the water's edge, with only the eyes twinkling as it carefully scans for lish.
G	It appears, however, that all is well for the heron at the moment.
H	But once dawn broke, the herons would move upstream to quieter stretches of the river.

ANSWER KEY

16	17	18	19	20	21
C	A	E	G	D	F