Summary writing

Read the article written by a student about living in a university hostel, and then answer the question.My first term in the hostelWhen I left home in Sukkur to study engineering in Lahore, I had never spent more than a week away from my family. Living in the university hostel has taught me more than I expected.The biggest advantage is that I live only five minutes' walk from my classes, so I never waste hours in traffic as some of my classmates do. Because everyone in my corridor is a student, there is always somebody to ask when I am stuck on an assignment, and we often study together late into the night in the common room.I have also become much more independent. At home, my mother did everything for me. Now I wash my own clothes, manage my own money and plan my own time. I have made friends from every province of Pakistan and learned a little Pashto and Balochi.However, hostel life is not always easy. The food in the dining hall is cheap but it is the same almost every week, and I miss my mother's cooking terribly. My room is tiny, and I share it with a student whose alarm clock rings at five every morning. The corridor can be noisy at night, which makes it hard to sleep before exams.There are also more serious problems. In summer, power cuts mean the fans stop working and the rooms become unbearably hot. I sometimes feel homesick, especially during festivals, when I cannot afford to travel home.Despite everything, I would recommend hostel life to anyone. It has made me grow up.

1. (a) Write a summary of the advantages of living in the university hostel, and the difficulties of hostel life, as described in the article.Your summary should be about 100 words long (and no more than 120 words). You should use your own words as far as possible. [12]

Read the article about school uniforms, and then answer the question.Why wear a uniform?Almost every school in Pakistan asks its students to wear a uniform, and many parents and teachers believe it is an important part of school life. But not all students agree.Supporters say that uniforms make everyone equal. When all students wear the same clothes, nobody can show off expensive brands, and children from poorer families do not feel embarrassed. Uniforms also save time in the morning, because students do not have to decide what to wear. Head teachers point out that a uniform makes it easy to recognise students on school trips, which helps to keep them safe, and many believe it creates a sense of pride in the school.Uniforms can also be cheaper in the long run. Parents do not have to keep buying fashionable clothes to stop their children being teased.Many students, though, see things differently. They argue that a uniform stops them from expressing their personality and that choosing clothes is part of growing up. Some complain that uniforms are uncomfortable, especially thick blazers and ties in hot weather. Others say that the official shop charges much more than ordinary shops for the same items, which makes uniforms expensive for families with several children.Some schools have found a middle way: students wear a uniform four days a week and their own clothes on Fridays.

1. (a) Write a summary of the reasons why schools want students to wear uniforms, and the objections that some students have to them.Your summary should be about 100 words long (and no more than 120 words). You should use your own words as far as possible. [12]

Read the article about keeping a cat in an apartment, and then answer the question.A cat in the flatMore and more people living in city apartments are choosing to keep a cat. Unlike dogs, cats do not need to be taken for walks, and they are happy to stay indoors as long as they have space to play and climb.Owners say their pets bring many benefits. A cat is good company, especially for people who live alone, and stroking a purring cat can help to reduce stress after a long day. Cats are also clean animals that wash themselves, and many owners enjoy watching their funny behaviour. Some parents believe that looking after a cat teaches children to be responsible and kind.But a cat is not a toy, and owning one brings duties. A cat must be fed at regular times and given fresh water every day. Its litter tray needs cleaning daily, or the flat will soon smell. Indoor cats can become bored, so owners need to play with them and provide scratching posts; otherwise they may scratch the furniture.Owners must also take their cat to the vet for vaccinations and check-ups, which can be expensive. Finally, someone must look after the cat whenever the family goes away, even for a weekend.Cats can live for fifteen years or more, so anyone thinking of getting one should be ready for a long commitment.

1. (a) Write a summary of the benefits of keeping a cat in an apartment, and the responsibilities of owning a cat, as described in the article.Your summary should be about 100 words long (and no more than 120 words). You should use your own words as far as possible. [12]

Read the article about street food in Pakistani cities, and then answer the question.The magic of street foodFrom spicy chaat in Lahore to bun kebabs in Karachi, street food is one of the great pleasures of Pakistani city life. Every evening, crowds gather around stalls and carts, waiting for something hot and delicious.One reason for street food's popularity is its price. A plate of chana chaat or a paratha roll costs far less than a meal in a restaurant, so students and workers can eat well on a small budget. It is also quick: food is cooked in front of customers and served in minutes. Many people enjoy the lively atmosphere around the stalls, where friends meet and strangers chat. And for many, the flavours are simply better than anything cooked at home, because vendors have perfected the same recipe over many years.However, doctors warn that street food can be risky. Food is often left uncovered, so flies and dust settle on it. Some vendors do not have clean running water to wash their hands or plates. Cooking oil is sometimes reused many times, which is unhealthy, and much street food is very high in salt and fat.Some city authorities now give training to vendors on hygiene and award certificates to clean stalls. Customers can also protect themselves by choosing busy stalls where food is cooked fresh.

1. (a) Write a summary of the reasons why street food is popular, and the health risks of eating it, as described in the article.Your summary should be about 100 words long (and no more than 120 words). You should use your own words as far as possible. [12]

Read the article about teenagers who have part-time jobs, and then answer the question.Earning while learningIn many countries, it is common for teenagers to have a part-time job, such as working in a shop, delivering newspapers or helping in a family business. In Pakistan, too, more students are earning money in the evenings or at weekends, often by tutoring younger children or working online.There are clear benefits. Earning their own money teaches young people its value, and many become more careful about how they spend it. A job helps teenagers to develop skills that school may not teach, such as dealing with customers, working in a team and being punctual. It can also look good on a university or job application, and some students discover what kind of career they would like – or would not like.On the other hand, a job takes time. Students who work long hours may have less time for homework and revision, and their grades can fall. They may also be too tired to concentrate in class. Some miss out on sports, hobbies and time with friends, which are important for their health and happiness. In a few cases, employers take advantage of young workers by paying them very little.Experts suggest that teenagers should work no more than ten hours a week during term time, and that parents should check that the work is safe and fairly paid.

1. (a) Write a summary of the benefits of teenagers having part-time jobs, and the drawbacks, as described in the article.Your summary should be about 100 words long (and no more than 120 words). You should use your own words as far as possible. [12]

Read the article about online learning during floods, and then answer the question.When the classroom moved onlineIn the summer of a recent year, severe floods closed hundreds of schools across southern Pakistan. Some buildings were damaged; others were used to shelter families who had lost their homes. To keep students learning, many schools moved their lessons online.For some students, online learning worked surprisingly well. They could watch recorded lessons again if they did not understand something the first time, and shy students found it easier to ask questions by typing in the chat than by speaking in front of the class. Lessons could continue even when roads were blocked, and students saved the time and money they would normally spend travelling. Some also became confident at using computers and research tools, skills that will help them in the future.Yet online learning also created serious problems. Many families did not have a laptop, so children had to share a single phone with their brothers and sisters. In flood-hit areas, electricity and internet connections were unreliable, and lessons kept freezing or cutting out. Teachers found it difficult to tell whether students were paying attention, and some students simply switched off their cameras and did something else. Many children missed their friends and felt lonely and anxious.Teachers also noticed that practical subjects, such as science experiments and art, were almost impossible to teach properly through a screen.When schools reopened, most students said they were glad to be back, although many wanted recorded lessons to continue as extra support.

1. (a) Write a summary of the advantages of online learning during the floods, and the problems it caused, as described in the article.Your summary should be about 120 words long (and no more than 140 words). You should use your own words as far as possible. [16]

Read the article about the effects of tourism in Hunza, and then answer the question.Paradise under pressureTwenty years ago, Hunza was a quiet valley visited mainly by mountaineers and a few adventurous backpackers. Today, thanks to better roads and photographs shared on social media, hundreds of thousands of tourists arrive every summer.Tourism has brought real benefits to local people. Many families have opened guest houses, cafés and handicraft shops, and young people can now find work as drivers, guides and cooks without leaving the valley for the cities. The money earned has helped families to pay for their children's education, and some is spent on improving local roads and health clinics. Local traditions, such as music, embroidery and apricot-based cooking, have also gained new value because visitors want to experience them.However, the rapid growth of tourism has also caused problems. Litter, especially plastic bottles and food packaging, is left along roads and beside lakes. During peak season, traffic jams stretch for kilometres on narrow mountain roads. Many new hotels have been built quickly, sometimes in places where landslides are a risk, and some block the famous views. Water is becoming scarce in some villages because hotels use so much of it.Some residents also worry that prices for food and land have risen so much that local families can no longer afford them. Others feel that a few tourists do not respect local customs, for example by playing loud music late at night or dressing inappropriately.The local government is now discussing limits on new buildings and a tourist tax to pay for waste collection.

1. (a) Write a summary of the benefits that tourism has brought to local people in Hunza, and the problems it has caused, as described in the article.Your summary should be about 120 words long (and no more than 140 words). You should use your own words as far as possible. [16]

Read the article about electric cars in Pakistan, and then answer the question.Plugging inElectric cars are becoming a common sight on the roads of Europe and China. In Pakistan, they are still rare, but interest is growing as petrol prices rise.Supporters point out several advantages. Electric cars produce no exhaust fumes, so they could help to reduce the smog that covers cities such as Lahore every winter. They are much cheaper to run, since charging a car at home costs far less than filling a tank with petrol. They also need less maintenance, because they have no engine oil to change and far fewer moving parts. Drivers say they are quiet and smooth to drive. Moreover, if more cars ran on electricity generated in Pakistan, the country would need to import less oil, saving foreign currency.Yet there are major obstacles. The price of a new electric car is much higher than that of a similar petrol car, and import taxes add to the cost. There are very few public charging stations, especially outside big cities, so long journeys are difficult. Frequent power cuts mean that drivers cannot always charge their cars when they need to. Many mechanics have no training in repairing electric vehicles, and buyers worry about the high cost of replacing the battery after several years.The government has announced plans to reduce taxes on electric vehicles and to build charging points along the motorways, but progress so far has been slow.

1. (a) Write a summary of the advantages of electric cars, and the obstacles to their use in Pakistan, as described in the article.Your summary should be about 120 words long (and no more than 140 words). You should use your own words as far as possible. [16]

Read the article about learning a musical instrument, and then answer the question.Learning to playWhether it is the sitar, the guitar, the violin or the tabla, learning to play a musical instrument is something many young people dream of doing. Research suggests it can be good for them in many ways.Studies show that children who play an instrument often develop a better memory and stronger concentration, because they must remember notes and focus for long periods. Playing in a band or orchestra teaches teamwork, as every player has to listen to the others. Many musicians say that playing helps them relax and express feelings that are hard to put into words. Performing in front of an audience can also build confidence, and some young players go on to earn money by performing at weddings and events.However, learning an instrument is not easy. Progress can be very slow at first, and many beginners give up after a few months when they realise how much practice is needed – usually at least half an hour every day. Good instruments and lessons can be expensive, and in some towns it is hard to find a qualified teacher. Practising at home can annoy neighbours and family members, especially with loud instruments such as drums. Students with heavy school workloads may also struggle to find time.Teachers advise beginners to start with short daily practice sessions and to choose music they enjoy, so that they stay motivated.

1. (a) Write a summary of the benefits of learning a musical instrument, and the challenges that learners face, as described in the article.Your summary should be about 120 words long (and no more than 140 words). You should use your own words as far as possible. [16]

Read the article comparing high-speed trains with air travel, and then answer the question.On the rails or in the air?For journeys of between 300 and 800 kilometres, travellers in many countries now have a choice: should they fly, or take a high-speed train? In countries such as Spain, Japan and China, trains travelling at more than 300 kilometres per hour have become serious competitors to aircraft.Trains have several advantages. Stations are usually in the centre of cities, while airports are often far outside, so passengers save time getting to and from them. Security checks are quicker, and there is no need to arrive an hour or more before departure. Passengers can walk around, use their laptops and enjoy the view throughout the journey, and seats are generally more comfortable. Most importantly for the environment, a train journey produces far less carbon dioxide per passenger than a flight.However, high-speed rail has disadvantages too. Building new lines is enormously expensive and can take more than ten years, and the tracks can divide farmland and villages. For longer distances, flying is still much faster. Train tickets are sometimes more expensive than budget flights, especially if they are not booked in advance. Finally, a high-speed line connects only the cities along its route, while aircraft can fly almost anywhere.Despite these drawbacks, many governments now see high-speed rail as an important way to reduce emissions from transport.

1. (a) Write a summary of the advantages of travelling by high-speed train, and the disadvantages of high-speed rail, as described in the article.Your summary should be about 120 words long (and no more than 140 words). You should use your own words as far as possible. [16]

Read the article about living in a joint family, and then answer the question.Under one roofIn Pakistan, it is still common for grandparents, parents, uncles, aunts and children to live together in one large house. This is known as a joint family system. Although more young couples now choose to live separately, many people still value this way of life.Joint families offer many advantages. Children grow up surrounded by people who care for them, and grandparents can pass on stories, values and traditions. When both parents work, there is usually someone at home to look after the children, which saves the cost of childcare. Expenses such as rent, electricity and food are shared, so each family spends less. In times of illness or difficulty, there are always relatives ready to help, and elderly members are cared for at home rather than living alone.However, living together can also cause problems. With so many people in one house, there is often little privacy, and young couples may find it hard to make their own decisions. Disagreements about money, household jobs or how to bring up children can lead to arguments. Some members may feel that they do more than their share of the work. The oldest members usually have the final say, which younger people sometimes find frustrating.Many families try to keep the benefits while reducing the problems, for example by living in separate flats in the same building.

1. (a) Write a summary of the advantages and disadvantages of living in a joint family, as described in the article.Your summary should be about 120 words long (and no more than 140 words). You should use your own words as far as possible. [16]

Read the article about space tourism, and then answer the question.Tickets to spaceFor most of history, only a few hundred highly trained astronauts have travelled into space. Now private companies are selling tickets to anyone who can afford them. Several have already flown paying passengers to the edge of space, where they experience a few minutes of weightlessness and see the curve of the earth against the blackness beyond.Supporters argue that space tourism is more than a holiday for the rich. The money paid by wealthy passengers helps companies develop cheaper, reusable rockets, which could later make it less expensive to launch satellites and scientific missions. The industry creates skilled jobs in engineering and manufacturing. Many passengers say that seeing the earth from above made them realise how fragile it is, and they returned determined to protect the environment. Supporters also believe that space tourism inspires young people to study science and engineering.Critics, however, are not convinced. Each launch burns large quantities of fuel and releases soot high into the atmosphere, where it may affect the climate more than pollution at ground level. Tickets cost hundreds of thousands of dollars, so only the very rich can go, and critics say the money would be better spent solving problems on earth, such as poverty and disease. There are also safety concerns: spaceflight is still risky, and passengers receive far less training than professional astronauts. Some scientists worry that more launches will add to the growing amount of 'space junk' orbiting the planet.The first space tourist, an American businessman, paid around 20 million dollars in 2001 for a week on the International Space Station. Today's shorter flights are cheaper, but still far beyond the reach of most people.

1. (a) Write a summary of the arguments in favour of space tourism, and the arguments against it, as described in the article.Your summary should be about 120 words long (and no more than 140 words). You should use your own words as far as possible. [16]

Read the article about wind farms near Jhimpir in Sindh, and then answer the question.Turning with the windDrive east from Karachi towards Thatta and you will soon see them: rows of tall white turbines, their blades turning slowly above the dry plains near Jhimpir. This area, known as the Gharo–Keti Bandar wind corridor, has some of the strongest and most reliable winds in Pakistan, especially between April and September.Wind power has clear benefits. Once the turbines are built, the wind costs nothing, so electricity can be produced cheaply for many years. Unlike power stations that burn oil, gas or coal, wind farms produce no greenhouse gases or smoke while they operate. Pakistan imports much of its fuel, so generating electricity from wind reduces the country's dependence on expensive imports. The wind farms have also brought jobs, new roads and, in some cases, schools and clinics paid for by the companies that run them.Not everyone is enthusiastic, however. The wind does not blow all the time, so other power stations must be ready to supply electricity when it drops. Some local people complain that land their families have grazed animals on for generations was taken for the turbines with too little compensation, and that most skilled jobs went to engineers from outside the area. The turbines can kill birds, including migrating species that fly along the coast. In addition, the electricity grid in the area is weak, and at times turbines have been switched off because the power lines could not carry all the electricity they produced.Each turbine stands about 80 metres tall, roughly the height of a 25-storey building.

1. (a) Write a summary of the benefits of the wind farms near Jhimpir, and the concerns about them, as described in the article.Your summary should be about 120 words long (and no more than 140 words). You should use your own words as far as possible. [16]

Read the article about the use of smartphones in schools, and then answer the question.Phones in the classroomShould students be allowed to use smartphones in class? Schools around the world have reached very different answers. Some countries have banned phones in schools completely, while others encourage teachers to use them as learning tools.Those in favour point out that a smartphone gives students instant access to information, from dictionaries to science videos, which can make lessons more interesting. Teachers can use quiz apps to check understanding quickly, and students who are too shy to put up their hands can answer anonymously. Phones also allow students to photograph notes on the board, record experiments and work together on shared documents. Some parents feel reassured that they can contact their children in an emergency. Supporters argue, too, that learning to use technology responsibly is itself an important skill.Opponents, however, believe the disadvantages are greater. Notifications from social media and games constantly distract students, and research suggests that even a phone lying silently on the desk reduces concentration. Phones make it easier to cheat in tests by searching for answers or sharing photos of questions. Some students use them to bully others, by spreading unkind messages or photos. Teachers report that pupils talk to each other less at break times because they are looking at screens. Finally, not every student owns a modern phone, so lessons that depend on them can leave poorer students behind.A survey of 2,000 teachers found that 62 % supported limiting phone use in lessons, while only 9 % wanted no rules at all.

1. (a) Write a summary of the benefits of allowing smartphones in classrooms, and the drawbacks, as described in the article.Your summary should be about 120 words long (and no more than 140 words). You should use your own words as far as possible. [16]

Read the article about meat grown in laboratories, and then answer the question.Meat without the animalImagine eating a burger made from real meat that never came from a slaughtered animal. Scientists have been working for more than a decade to make this possible by growing meat from a small number of animal cells in large steel tanks called bioreactors. Some countries, including Singapore, have already allowed cultivated chicken to be sold in restaurants.Its supporters list many possible advantages. Raising animals for meat uses huge areas of land and large amounts of water, and cattle release methane, a powerful greenhouse gas. Growing meat in tanks could reduce all of these. No animals would need to be killed, which appeals to people who care about animal welfare. Because the meat is produced in clean conditions, there would be less risk of diseases passing from animals to humans, and antibiotics would not be needed. Producers could also control the fat content, making the meat healthier.However, there are serious concerns. At present, cultivated meat is extremely expensive to produce, and it is not yet clear whether costs can fall enough for ordinary families. The bioreactors need a lot of energy, so if this comes from fossil fuels, the environmental benefits may be smaller than claimed. Many consumers say the idea of meat from a laboratory seems unnatural, and they doubt whether it will taste the same. Farmers fear for their jobs, and some religious scholars are still discussing whether such meat can be considered halal.The first laboratory-grown burger was presented in London in 2013. It cost more than 250,000 euros to produce.

1. (a) Write a summary of the possible advantages of laboratory-grown meat, and the concerns about it, as described in the article.Your summary should be about 120 words long (and no more than 140 words). You should use your own words as far as possible. [16]

Read the article about schools that teach only four days a week, and then answer the question.Four days of school?In some parts of the United States, Australia and New Zealand, a number of schools have moved to a four-day week, with longer lessons from Monday to Thursday and no classes on Friday. The idea is now being discussed in other countries, including Pakistan, where some private schools are considering it.Schools that have made the change report several benefits. Running costs fall, because buildings do not need to be heated, cooled or cleaned on the fifth day, and fewer buses are needed. Some schools say it has become easier to attract teachers, who value the extra day for rest or planning lessons. Attendance often improves, as families book doctor's and dentist's appointments on Fridays instead of taking children out of class. Many students say they feel less tired and more motivated, and they use the free day for sport, hobbies or part-time jobs.However, critics have found problems. Longer school days can leave younger children exhausted by the afternoon, so they learn less in the final lessons. Working parents may have to pay for childcare on Fridays, which can cost more than the school saves. Children from poorer families, who may depend on school meals, can miss out on food. Some studies have also found that, over several years, test scores in maths and reading fell slightly in four-day schools compared with similar five-day schools.Researchers say that how the extra day is used – for example, whether the school offers optional clubs or tutoring – makes a big difference to the results.

1. (a) Write a summary of the benefits of a four-day school week, and the problems with it, as described in the article.Your summary should be about 120 words long (and no more than 140 words). You should use your own words as far as possible. [16]

Read the article about walking to school, and then answer the question.Walk to school!Fifty years ago, most children in Pakistan walked to school. Today, many are driven, even when their school is less than a kilometre away. Health experts would like to see this change.Walking to school is one of the easiest ways for children to get regular exercise. A twenty-minute walk each way adds up to more than three hours of activity a week, which helps to keep children fit and at a healthy weight. Research also shows that children who walk arrive at school more alert and ready to learn than those who are driven.Walking gives children a chance to chat with friends and neighbours, and it helps them to learn about their local area and become more independent. If fewer parents drive, there is less traffic and air pollution around school gates in the morning, which makes the streets safer for everyone. Families also save money on fuel.Of course, parents worry about safety, especially on busy roads. Some schools have organised 'walking buses', in which a group of children walk together along a fixed route with two adults, collecting others at 'stops' along the way.

1. (a) Write a summary of the benefits of walking to school, as described in the article.Your summary should be about 100 words long (and no more than 120 words). You should use your own words as far as possible. [12]

Read the article about saving water at home, and then answer the question.Every drop countsPakistan is one of the countries most at risk of water shortages. As the population grows, every household can help by using water more carefully.In the bathroom, a running tap wastes several litres of water every minute, so turning it off while brushing your teeth makes a real difference. Taking a short shower instead of filling a bucket for a long bath also saves water. A dripping tap should be repaired as soon as possible, because a single drip can waste thousands of litres a year.In the kitchen, vegetables can be washed in a bowl rather than under a running tap, and the water can then be used for plants. Washing machines should only be used when they are full.Outside the house, many families wash their cars or the floor of the yard with a hosepipe. Using a bucket instead can save a large amount of water. Plants should be watered early in the morning or in the evening, when less water evaporates in the heat. Some families collect rainwater from their roofs during the monsoon and store it in tanks for later use.Water experts say that if every household in a large city saved just ten litres a day, millions of litres would be saved.

1. (a) Write a summary of the ways in which families can save water at home, as described in the article.Your summary should be about 100 words long (and no more than 120 words). You should use your own words as far as possible. [12]

Read the article about keeping houseplants, and then answer the question.Bringing nature indoorsHouseplants have become hugely popular in recent years, especially among young people living in small city flats. Shops that once sold only a few spider plants now offer hundreds of different kinds.One reason for their popularity is that plants make a room look more attractive and welcoming. Green leaves bring a feeling of nature into homes that may have no garden or balcony. Many people also find caring for plants relaxing: watering them, cleaning their leaves and watching them grow can reduce stress after a busy day.Some people believe that plants improve the air in a room. Scientists say that while a few plants will not clean the air of a whole house, they can make the air feel fresher and add a little moisture, which can help in dry, air-conditioned rooms.Social media has also played a part. People enjoy sharing photos of their plants online and swapping cuttings with friends, which has created a sense of community. Finally, compared with pets, plants are cheap and easy to look after, and they can be left alone for a few days.Experts recommend that beginners start with tough plants such as the snake plant or the money plant, which survive even if they are forgotten.

1. (a) Write a summary of the reasons why houseplants have become popular, as described in the article.Your summary should be about 100 words long (and no more than 120 words). You should use your own words as far as possible. [12]

Read the article giving advice to students preparing for exams, and then answer the question.Ready for examsExams are stressful for almost every student, but good preparation can make a huge difference. Teachers and psychologists agree on several simple steps.First, make a revision timetable several weeks before the exams begin, so that every subject gets enough time. Instead of studying for hours without a break, work in short sessions of around forty minutes, with a ten-minute rest in between. Rather than simply re-reading notes, test yourself: write answers to past-style questions, make flashcards or explain a topic to a friend.Where you study matters too. Choose a quiet place and keep your phone in another room, as messages and notifications break your concentration.Looking after your body is just as important as studying. Get at least eight hours' sleep, because the brain stores new information while you sleep. Eat regular meals and drink plenty of water, and take some exercise, even a short walk, to clear your mind.Finally, on the night before an exam, prepare your pens, calculator and other equipment so that you are not rushing in the morning. Many students say that, after all this, exams felt much less frightening than they had expected.

1. (a) Write a summary of the advice given to students preparing for exams, as described in the article.Your summary should be about 100 words long (and no more than 120 words). You should use your own words as far as possible. [12]

Read the article about planting trees in cities, and then answer the question.Green citiesMany cities in Pakistan have lost thousands of trees as roads have been widened and new buildings have gone up. Now, groups of volunteers and city governments are trying to replace them, and scientists say the benefits are enormous.Trees provide shade, which can make streets several degrees cooler during summer heatwaves. This helps people who work outdoors, such as street vendors and traffic police, and reduces the need for air-conditioning in nearby buildings. Trees also absorb some of the dust and pollution from traffic, and their leaves take in carbon dioxide.During heavy rain, trees and the soil around them soak up water, which reduces flooding in streets. Their roots hold soil together and help to prevent erosion.Trees are home to birds, insects and squirrels, bringing wildlife back into busy neighbourhoods. Studies have even shown that people who can see trees from their windows feel calmer and less stressed. Streets lined with trees are also more pleasant for walking, and property values are often higher.Experts advise planting local species such as neem and sheesham, which are suited to the climate and need little watering once established.

1. (a) Write a summary of the benefits of planting trees in cities, as described in the article.Your summary should be about 100 words long (and no more than 120 words). You should use your own words as far as possible. [12]

Read the article about the decline of house sparrows in cities, and then answer the question.Where have the sparrows gone?Not long ago, the cheerful chirping of house sparrows was one of the most familiar sounds in towns across South Asia. Sparrows nested in the roofs of houses, hopped around market stalls and bathed in the dust at the side of the road. In many cities today, however, they have become hard to find. Scientists have suggested several reasons for their decline.One major cause is the change in buildings. Older houses had gaps under roof tiles and holes in walls where sparrows could build their nests, but modern concrete and glass buildings offer no such spaces. At the same time, gardens and empty plots of land, where sparrows once found seeds and insects, have been replaced by car parks and roads.Changes in shopping have also played a part. In the past, grain was sold loose from open sacks, and sparrows could pick up what was spilled. Now most food is sold in sealed plastic packets. Sparrows also like to clean their feathers by bathing in dust, but the bare patches of earth they used have mostly been covered with concrete and paving.Young sparrows are fed almost entirely on insects in their first days, but the use of chemical pesticides in parks and gardens has reduced the number of insects available. Some researchers believe that air pollution from traffic may also harm the birds' health, although this has not yet been proved. Finally, cities now have large numbers of crows and pet cats, which take sparrows' eggs and chicks.Bird lovers in several cities have started putting up wooden nest boxes and bowls of water, and in some neighbourhoods sparrows are slowly returning. March 20th is now celebrated as World Sparrow Day.

1. (a) Write a summary of the reasons for the decline of house sparrows in cities, as described in the article.Your summary should be about 120 words long (and no more than 140 words). You should use your own words as far as possible. [16]

Read the article about how museums attract young visitors, and then answer the question.Museums for a new generationMuseums were once seen as quiet, dusty places where visitors looked at objects in glass cases and read long labels. Many young people found them boring. Today, museums around the world – including several in Pakistan – are working hard to change that image.One popular approach is to make exhibitions interactive. Instead of simply looking, visitors can touch copies of ancient objects, try on traditional clothes or use touchscreens to explore how a historic city once looked. Some museums now offer virtual reality headsets that let visitors 'walk' through places such as the ruins of Mohenjo-daro.Museums are also using social media to reach young people. They post short videos about surprising objects, run online quizzes and invite followers to vote on which items should be shown in future exhibitions.Many museums organise special events, such as evening openings with live music, storytelling sessions and craft workshops where visitors can make pottery or block-print fabric. Others have introduced discount tickets or free entry for students, and cafés where young people can meet friends.Finally, some museums invite young people to help design exhibitions themselves, which gives them a sense of ownership. A curator in Lahore says the number of visitors under twenty-five has doubled since these changes were introduced.

1. (a) Write a summary of the ways in which museums are trying to attract young visitors, as described in the article.Your summary should be about 120 words long (and no more than 140 words). You should use your own words as far as possible. [16]

Read the article about people who move from villages to cities, and then answer the question.Moving to the big cityEvery year, hundreds of thousands of people in Pakistan move from villages and small towns to big cities such as Karachi, Lahore and Faisalabad. Most come in search of work or education. For many, though, the first months are much harder than they expected.Finding somewhere to live is often the first problem. Rents in the city are high, and newcomers may have to share a small room with several other people or live far from their workplace. Long journeys on crowded buses can take hours each day.Although cities have more jobs, competition for them is fierce. Many new arrivals have no contacts and no experience of city work, so they may end up in low-paid, temporary jobs. The cost of living, including food and transport, is much higher than in the village, so saving money is difficult.Newcomers also face social challenges. In the village, everyone knew each other; in the city, they may feel lonely and isolated. They miss their families, and the noise, pollution and fast pace of city life can be stressful. Some find that their way of speaking or dressing makes them feel like outsiders.Despite these difficulties, many people eventually build successful lives in the city and send money home to support their families.

1. (a) Write a summary of the difficulties faced by people who move from villages to big cities, as described in the article.Your summary should be about 120 words long (and no more than 140 words). You should use your own words as far as possible. [16]

Read the article about traditional ways of preserving food, and then answer the question.Keeping food before fridgesRefrigerators have only been common in homes for around a hundred years, and in many villages they are still a luxury. So how did people keep food from going bad in the past? The answer is a range of clever methods, many of which are still used today.Drying is one of the oldest. Fruit such as apricots and dates, as well as fish and meat, were spread out in the sun until most of the water had gone, because bacteria cannot grow easily without water. In the mountains of northern Pakistan, dried apricots are still an important winter food.Salt was also widely used. Packing fish or meat in salt draws water out of it and prevents bacteria from growing. Sugar works in a similar way, which is why fruit can be kept for months as jam. Milk, which goes sour within hours in hot weather, was often turned into ghee, which keeps for months.In South Asia, pickling in oil, vinegar and spices was – and still is – a popular method. Mango and lemon pickles can last for a year or more. Smoking meat or fish over a wood fire both dries it and adds substances that slow down decay.To keep water and milk cool, people used clay pots, which allow a little water to seep through and evaporate, cooling the contents. Some households stored food in underground rooms or in cool streams.Many people say that food preserved in these ways has a richer flavour than anything kept in a fridge.

1. (a) Write a summary of the traditional methods people used to preserve food, as described in the article.Your summary should be about 120 words long (and no more than 140 words). You should use your own words as far as possible. [16]

Read the article about the effects of noise pollution on health, and then answer the question.Too loud to live withCar horns, rickshaw engines, construction machines, wedding loudspeakers: for people living in many cities, noise never really stops. Doctors now say that this constant noise is not just annoying but harmful to health.The most obvious effect is damage to hearing. People exposed to very loud noise for long periods, such as workers in factories or traffic police at busy junctions, may gradually lose their hearing, and the damage is often permanent. Some also develop a constant ringing in the ears.Noise also disturbs sleep. Even if people do not wake up completely, noise at night can stop them from sleeping deeply, leaving them tired and irritable the next day. Over time, this lack of sleep can weaken the immune system.Studies have found that people living near busy roads or airports are more likely to suffer from high blood pressure and heart disease, because noise causes the body to release stress hormones. Children in noisy schools may find it harder to concentrate, read and remember information. Noise can also increase anxiety and make people more likely to argue with each other.Experts recommend planting trees along roads, using double-glazed windows and enforcing laws against unnecessary use of horns.

1. (a) Write a summary of the effects of noise pollution on people's health, as described in the article.Your summary should be about 120 words long (and no more than 140 words). You should use your own words as far as possible. [16]

Read the article about why volunteering is good for young people, and then answer the question.Giving your timeWhen Sadia Anwar, aged sixteen, first agreed to help at a weekend reading club for children in a low-income area of Karachi, she did it only because a teacher had asked her. Two years later, she runs the club herself. 'I thought I was giving up my free time,' she says. 'In fact, I've gained far more than I've given.'Research supports her view. Young people who volunteer regularly often develop practical skills that are useful later, such as organising events, managing money, speaking in public and solving problems under pressure. Because they work alongside people of different ages and backgrounds, they learn to communicate and cooperate with others and become more understanding of other people's lives.Volunteering can also improve mental health. Many volunteers say that helping others gives them a sense of purpose and makes them feel happier and more confident. Some studies have found that teenagers who volunteer are less likely to feel lonely.There are practical advantages too. Universities and employers value volunteer experience on applications, as it shows commitment and responsibility. Volunteering can also help young people to explore possible careers: a student who helps at an animal shelter may discover a love of veterinary work, while another may realise that teaching is not for them.Organisations in Pakistan that welcome young volunteers include hospitals, environmental groups and charities that support refugees. Experts advise young people to choose a cause they genuinely care about and to start with just a few hours a month, so that volunteering does not interfere with their studies.

1. (a) Write a summary of the benefits that volunteering brings to young people, as described in the article.Your summary should be about 120 words long (and no more than 140 words). You should use your own words as far as possible. [16]

Read the article about how desert animals cope with heat, and then answer the question.Surviving the furnaceIn the Thar and Cholistan deserts, summer temperatures can rise above 45 °C, and rain may not fall for months. Yet these deserts are home to a surprising variety of animals. Over thousands of years, they have developed different ways of coping with the heat.Many desert animals simply avoid the hottest part of the day. Desert foxes, gerbils and many snakes are nocturnal: they rest in underground burrows during the day, where the temperature is much lower, and come out to hunt or feed at night when the air has cooled.Some animals lose heat through their bodies. Desert hares and foxes have large ears full of blood vessels; as blood passes through them, heat escapes into the air. Pale fur or skin reflects sunlight, helping animals to stay cooler.Saving water is equally important. Some small rodents rarely drink at all; they get most of the water they need from seeds and plants, and their bodies produce very concentrated urine so that little water is lost. The camel can go for days without drinking, and its body temperature is allowed to rise during the day so that it sweats less, saving water.Lizards control their temperature by changing their position, moving between sun and shade and sometimes lifting their feet off the hot sand one at a time.Scientists warn that as the climate gets hotter, even these well-adapted animals may struggle to survive.

1. (a) Write a summary of the ways in which desert animals cope with heat and lack of water, as described in the article.Your summary should be about 120 words long (and no more than 140 words). You should use your own words as far as possible. [16]

Read the article about what makes a small business successful in a bazaar, and then answer the question.The secret of a busy stallIn the narrow lanes of Anarkali Bazaar in Lahore, hundreds of small shops sell almost identical goods: bangles, shawls, shoes and spices. Some are always busy, while others nearby stand almost empty. What makes the difference?Shopkeeper Javed Akhtar, who has sold shawls in the same spot for thirty years, believes the most important factor is trust. 'If you cheat a customer once, they will never come back, and they will tell their friends,' he says. He always tells customers honestly about the quality of each shawl, even if it means selling a cheaper one.Knowing your customers is also essential. Successful shopkeepers remember regular customers' names and what they like, and they greet them warmly. They are patient with people who want to bargain, treating it as part of the fun rather than an argument.The appearance of the shop matters too. Goods should be clean, well lit and neatly arranged so that customers can see the range at a glance. Javed changes his window display every week so that people walking past notice something new.Younger shopkeepers have added modern ideas. Many now accept mobile payments, which tourists and young customers prefer, and some advertise new stock on social media and offer home delivery. Others work with nearby shops, sending customers to a neighbour who has what they need – knowing that the favour will be returned.Javed admits that location helps: shops near the main entrance get more passing customers. 'But a good shop in a bad place,' he says, 'will still beat a bad shop in a good place.'

1. (a) Write a summary of the factors that make a small shop in the bazaar successful, as described in the article.Your summary should be about 120 words long (and no more than 140 words). You should use your own words as far as possible. [16]

Read the article about the causes of winter smog in Lahore, and then answer the question.Why Lahore can't breatheEvery year, from late October until January, a thick grey haze settles over Lahore and much of Punjab. On the worst days, buildings a few hundred metres away disappear from view, schools close and hospitals fill with people suffering from coughs and breathing problems. Scientists say there is no single cause of the smog; instead, several sources of pollution combine with the winter weather.Vehicles are one of the largest sources. The number of cars, motorbikes and rickshaws in Lahore has grown rapidly, and many older vehicles, as well as some fuel of poor quality, release large amounts of smoke and harmful gases.Industry adds to the problem. Factories on the edge of the city burn coal, oil and sometimes waste materials such as old tyres. Hundreds of traditional brick kilns around the city burn fuel inefficiently and produce thick black smoke.At the start of winter, farmers in Punjab – on both sides of the border – burn the stubble left in their fields after the rice harvest, because it is the quickest and cheapest way to clear the land for the next crop. The smoke drifts towards the cities.Dust from building sites and unpaved roads, and the burning of rubbish in the open, add further pollution.Finally, the weather traps all of this close to the ground. In winter, the wind is often very light, and a layer of warm air above the city can act like a lid, preventing pollution from rising and spreading out.The government has tried several measures, including closing kilns and schools on the worst days, but experts say lasting improvement will need action on every source at once.

1. (a) Write a summary of the causes of the winter smog in Lahore, as described in the article.Your summary should be about 120 words long (and no more than 140 words). You should use your own words as far as possible. [16]