1. Read the text and fill in the gaps.

The University of Oxford

 As the oldest university in the English-speaking world, Oxford is a unique and historic institution. There is no clear date of foundation, but teaching existed at Oxford in some form in 1096 and developed rapidly from 1167, A ____. In the 13th century, rioting between townspeople and students hastened the establishment of halls of residence. These were succeeded by the first of Oxford’s colleges, which began as medieval ‘halls of residence’. University, Balliol and Merton Colleges, B ____, are the oldest. Less than a century later, Oxford had achieved eminence and won the praise of popes, kings and sages by its antiquity, curriculum, doctrine and privileges. In 1355, Edward III paid tribute to the University for its invaluable contribution to learning; he also commented on the services C ___. Starting in 1878, academic halls were established for women D ___. Five of the all-male colleges admitted women in 1974, and since then, all colleges have changed their statutes to admit both women and men. St Hilda’s College, E ___, was the last of Oxford’s single sex colleges. During the 20th and early 21st centuries, Oxford added to its humanistic core a major new research capacity in the natural and applied sciences. In so doing, it has enhanced and strengthened its traditional role F ___. 
1. which was originally for women only
2. which were established between 1249 and 1264 
3. who were finally admitted to full membership in 1920
4. and it was a centre for religious and political disputes 
5. that were rendered to the state by distinguished Oxford graduates
6. when Henry II banned English students from attending Paris University
7. as an international centre for learning and a forum for intellectual debate

2. Read the text and fill in the gaps.

Panoramic learning across the curriculum

When students are enjoying a lesson it shows. It shows in their attention levels, in the effort they put in and the results they achieve. The education programme at the EDF Energy London Eye offers maximum educational value through unique and stimulating learning experiences. London Eye experiences provide the perfect setting A _____ historical London landmarks both on the River Thames and on view from the London Eye. Students will admire the stunning views of London from one of the hightech glass capsules. This is the perfect opportunity to point out to students the famous London sights B ____. From every angle, the London Eye is a useful and inspiring educational tool. This is because so many different disciplines went into its creation C ____ in which it can be used to demonstrate various topics, whether in specific areas such as design, technology, architecture and engineering, or more broadly D ____. The London Eye offers a range of visit options E ___, plus free tickets for teachers. In addition, free teacher planning visits can be booked. The school guided tour provides a great learning experience. Knowledgeable hosts will give an interactive commentary, highlighting key historical dates and important landmarks with an educational perspective. They will also be able to describe the technology process F _____.
1. that pass beneath them 
2. that were risky and demanding 
3. and there are so many ways
4. for various school parties
5. to promote numeracy and literacy
6. for students of all ages to discover
7. that went into creating the London Eye

3. Read the text and choose the right option.

The case for blue-collar work I have a university degree, and I work two part-time jobs. One is teaching writing at a university; the other is working at a supermarket. People don’t believe me when I tell them I make more money per hour bagging food than I do lecturing on literary techniques. We are a society that glamorizes white-collar professionals at the expense of their blue-collar counterparts. We associate office jobs with higher levels of class, income and education; unqualified jobs with lower status. The traditional formula has always been: college = white-collar job = success. At a time when unemployment is very high and college tuition becomes more expensive, the old formula no longer works. Students emerge with their hard-earned degrees and the college loans to show for it, but for what returns? The majority do not get a well-paid banking job straight out of school. According to the Economic Policy Institute, wages for recent college graduates have not grown over the last decade, and actually dropped from 2007-11. In 2011, that average was just $16.81 per hour, which is not enough to pay back the student debt. The average wage for high school graduates is $9.45 per hour, a figure not much lower than that of a university graduate. Some decide to sit out the bad economy by pursuing an advanced degree, aiming to boost their future earning potential. It’s a risky move in the American society where even Ivy League MBAs and lawyers can be easily fired. A college degree is increasingly becoming a privilege for those from higher-income families. The only guaranteed result of a college degree is the bill you'll be forced to pay every semester (and, likely, for years after you graduate). Compare white-collar jobs to some blue-collar jobs. Blue-collar professionals like electricians are enjoying 23% job growth this decade, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. They earn on average $52,910 a year, almost $10 more per hour than recent college grads, and the top 10% earn at least $82,680. Welding, light truck driving and plumbing are just some of the blue-collar fields with similar earning potential, and the vocational training required is a fraction of the cost of a college degree. If financial freedom is your ultimate aim, then going into business for yourself can greatly increase earnings. But do these blue-collar jobs give satisfaction? Yes, they do. When you choose a job, think about the advantages this job gives you. There is a personal satisfaction that comes with earning good money. There’s also something to be said for a job you can clock in and out of, leaving work safely behind. It also creates more time for family and friends.
In this tight job market, we cannot ignore the reality that a college degree is becoming a luxury, one that no longer leads directly to success. It is time we should really understand the situation with blue-collar workers. They get good salaries, and they are in constant demand. 

1. The bigger part of the author’s income comes from a job … 
1) for newspapers.
2) at a university.
3) in a shop.
4) on the street.

2.  According to the author, the general opinion is that to earn more money you have to be …
1) a university graduate.
2) a blue-collar professional.
3) a high school graduate.
4) an unqualified worker. 

3. According to the text, one of the most secure and financially attractive positions at the beginning of a career nowadays is …
1) an office worker. 
2) an electrician. 
3) a lawyer. 
4) a businessman. 

4. The author is describing the job market in …
1) Britain. 
2) the USA.
3) Australia. 
4) Canada. 

5.  According to the author, when choosing a career people are supposed to consider … 
1) future income. 
2) convenient working hours. 
3) job satisfaction.
4) time left for social life.  

6. The final paragraph suggests that the present situation for blue-collar professionals is …
1) really humiliating. 
2) a bit threatening. 
3) merely bearable. 
4) pretty favourable. 

7. The meaning of the word “case” in the title is close to … 
1) container.
 2) illness. 
3) argument.
 4) matter.