Test B: English (Listening) Part 1: Listen and answer questions 1-6

 

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Read the text and answer questions 46-50 
 
In India long ago, there was a proud turtle who talked all the time. One afternoon he heard two hunters 
discussing their plan to catch turtles the next day, and he became very nervous. He thought and thought about 
how he could save himself.
Then he found two cranes in a nearby pond. He said, “Beautiful birds, you have such graceful wings. 
And your white feathers are lovelier than fresh-fallen snow. Perhaps you would be willing to use your powerful 
wings and feathers to help a friend. Hunters plan to catch me tomorrow. If you will agree to hold a stick between 
your beaks, I can hold on to it with my teeth. Then you can fly away and carry me to a safe place.” The cranes, 
flattered by the turtle’s kind words, agreed to the turtle’s plan.
When the hunters came back the next day, the birds took up the stick, and the turtle latched on to it with 
his mouth. The cranes flapped their wings forcefully, carrying him high into the air, just as the turtle had planned. 
Some people far below caught sight of the birds flying with the turtle and cried out, “What clever birds they are, 
to figure out how to carry a turtle!”
When he heard that, the turtle could not help shouting out, “It was my idea!” Of course, as soon as he 
opened his mouth, he let go of the stick and tumbled to the ground. 
46. What is the turtle’s plan? 
A) to be carried away on the cranes’ backs 
B) to bite a stick that the cranes carry 
C) to have the cranes hide him from the hunters 
D) to have the cranes frighten the hunters 
47. What does the turtle do to get the cranes to help him? 
A) He warns them that they, too, are in danger. 
B) He praises their beauty. 
C) He convinces them that his plan was their idea. 
D) He says he wants to show them something far away. 
48. What causes the turtle’s downfall? 
A) He is jealous that the cranes can fly. 
B) He talks all the time.
C) He wants to be recognized for his idea.
D) He thinks he is smarter than the hunters. 
49. Which of these is a theme of this story? 
A) It is impolite to eavesdrop. 
B) You must do a job yourself to get it done well. 
C) Cranes are more clever than turtles. 
D) Pride can lead to one’s downfall. 
50. What does the word in bold “graceful” mean? 
A) elegant 
B) awkward 
C) careless 
D) clumsy