What is St. Bernard’s breed famous for?

Miністерство освіти і науки, молоді та спорту України

II етап Всеукраїнської учнівської олімпіади з англійської мови

MINISTRY OF EDUCATION, YOUTH AND SPORTS OF UKRAINE

STAGE II NATIONAL STUDENTS OLYMPIAD

IN THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE

Reading Comprehension Test

For 10th form Students

Student’s Booklet

Do not open this booklet

until advised by the teacher

Dictionaries are not allowed

Reading Comprehension Test for 10th Form Students

Directions:

In this Test you will read four texts. Each text is followed by 5-10 tasks. You should do the tasks following a text on the basis of what is stated or implied in that text. For each task you will choose the best possible answer from four possible answers (A, B, C, or D), or two symbols (+ or -) as specified prior to each task. Choose the best answer and mark the letter or symbol of your choice on the Answer Sheet.

Questions 1 through 5 refer to Text 1.

Text 1: Bernie, a St. Bernard Dog

Bernie, a loveable two-year old St. Bernard dog, had become excited during a walk with his owner, Michael Harriman, 58, and knocked down Mrs. Rae Whyte near her home in Hempland Avenue, York, in February. The dog seized Mrs. Whytes’s arm and forced her to the ground. She suffered a wound on her arm, which required several stitches, as well as suffering from shock.

Mr. Harriman told the police that Bernie, who was on a lead, was an inquisitive dog and when Mrs. Whyte had raised her arm he had thought it was a signal to play.

The case was brought to York Magistrate Court but the dog narrowly escaped the serious prosecution. Nick Darwin, defending, said, “It was an accident. Bernie had never shown any aggression. Several neighbours have confirmed it. It isn’t in a St. Bernard’s nature to bite people and the breed is renowned for saving human lives”.

Mr. Harriman agreed to keep the dog under control and was ordered to pay the costs of the hearing of the case in court. Mrs. Whyte was paid damages.

Questions (on your answer sheet circle the correct letter A, B, C or D)

Which of the following is not true?

A. Bernie was a renowned biter.

B. Bernie, two-year old, was a pet.

C. Excitement caused the dog to hurt Mrs. Whyte.

D. Mrs. Whyte was an inhabitant of York.

2. The owner of the dog:

A. suffered from the inquisitive dog.

B. had to excite Bernie during the walk.

C. was too old to keep the dog on a lead.

D. explained the reason for the accident to the police.

Why did Mrs. Rae Whyte raise her hand?

A. To tease the dogs.

B. She did it accidentally.

C. To suffer injuries.

D. She was forced to the ground.

What is St. Bernard’s breed famous for?

A. For the name of the saint who patronizes dogs.

B. It’s natural for them to be inquisitive.

C. For rescuing people.

D. For being friendly with neighbours: several neighbours have confirmed it.

5. The word “damages” means:

A. money to be paid as compensation for injury or loss.

B. stipend to a judge.

C. money paid for hearing of the case in court.

D. stipend from a judge.