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

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Read the text and answer questions 51-55 
 
One House at a Time 
Dear Aunt Keema, 
I just got back from New Orleans, and it was a life-changing trip. I have blisters on top of my blisters 
from hammering and sawing!
The neighborhood where we worked was almost completely destroyed. I couldn’t believe how much 
damage a hurricane could cause. Houses were left in piles of rubble, cars were rusted and ruined, and piles of 
trash flowed from curbs and yards into the street. It is too easy to see how sad it is for the people who live here.
Our class focused on helping to build a house for the DuLac family. We built it on the foundation of their 
old house, which was the only part that remained. You know, I’ve never even hammered a nail before, but now I 
can put on roof shingles and hang a door like a pro! The whole class worked incredibly hard all week, and the 
DuLacs worked side by side with us. Mr. DuLac taught us some Cajun folk songs, and Ms. DuLac taught us how 
to use a level and how to hold a hammer properly. They called each of us “Honey” or “Sweetie,” just like we 
were one huge family.
When we finished, the house was beautiful—simple but very sturdy. No hurricane will knock this house 
over! Even though it was just one house out of the thousands that need rebuilding, I feel like we’ve done 
something important. Leaving was both a happy and sad moment for me. The DuLacs were so grateful. It’s 
funny, but I was grateful, too. 
Love,
Malia 
51. Which word best describes what New Orleans is like when Malia goes there? 
A) welcoming 
B) devastated 
C) bustling 
D) nonproductive 
52. How does Malia feel about the work she did? 
A) ashamed 
B) confused 
C) embarrassed 
D) proud 
53. Why does Malia say she was grateful? 
A) She learned how to build a house. 
B) She was able to help someone. 
C) She was not in school. 
D) She was able to leave New Orleans. 
54. What is the main theme of the letter? 
A) Hurricanes can do a lot of damage. 
B) Nature is more destructive than humans are. 
C) Even a small effort can make a big difference. 
D) It is never too late to learn something new. 
55. What does the word in bold “grateful” mean? 
A) thankful 
B) heedless 
C) rude 
D) thankless