Reading for ideas Banker

Read the text below.Growing more than vegetablesWhen Gulshan Girls' School turned a dusty corner of its playground into a vegetable garden three years ago, few teachers expected much. Today the plot produces spinach, tomatoes, coriander and okra, and the harvest is sold to parents every Friday. The money buys seeds and tools for the next season.Teachers say the garden has become an outdoor classroom. Biology lessons on plant growth now happen beside real seedlings, and mathematics classes measure beds and calculate yields. Students who struggle to sit still indoors often work hardest outside, and several have discovered that they enjoy something they had never tried.There are difficulties. Watering during the summer holidays depends on a rota of volunteer families, and one year the whole crop dried out when the rota broke down. Some parents worry that time in the garden takes away from preparation for exams, and the plot needs a small budget for fencing to keep out goats from the neighbouring field.The head teacher, Mrs Rubina Saleem, is clear: 'Children who have grown food understand where it comes from and why it should not be wasted. That lesson lasts longer than any test score.'

1. (a) According to the text, give two ways the garden is used in lessons. [2]
2. (b) Imagine you are a parent of a student at a different school. Your school is deciding whether to start a garden like this. What is your opinion and why? Use information from the text to support your answer. [5]

Read the text below.The bag that lasts for centuriesA thin plastic shopping bag may be used for only a few minutes, but it can remain in the environment for hundreds of years. In many towns, discarded bags block drains, which makes flooding worse in the rainy season. Animals such as cows and goats that graze on rubbish heaps can swallow them, and bags that reach rivers are carried to the sea.Several cities have banned thin plastic bags. Where bans are enforced, shoppers have switched to cloth or thick reusable bags, and street litter has visibly decreased. Local tailors in one town have even found new business stitching cloth bags from leftover fabric.However, bans are not always easy. Small shopkeepers say customers complain when they are not given a free bag, and alternatives cost more. Where checking is weak, the thin bags quickly return. Some paper alternatives tear easily in the rain and also use energy and water to make. Campaigners argue that the most important change is in habits: carrying a bag from home every time you shop.

1. (a) Imagine you are a shopkeeper in a market where a ban on thin plastic bags has just been announced. What is your opinion and why? Use information from the text. [5]

Read the text below.Paws for thoughtAnimal shelters in many cities depend on volunteers. Teenagers who volunteer walk dogs, clean cages, feed cats and help at adoption days. Shelter managers say that young volunteers bring energy and that animals become calmer and more likely to be adopted when they are handled kindly every day.Volunteers themselves report benefits. Many say caring for animals reduces stress and gives them a sense of responsibility. Some discover a career interest, such as veterinary science, and the experience looks good on university applications.There are also challenges. Shelter work can be dirty and tiring, and volunteers sometimes see animals that are sick or have been badly treated, which can be upsetting. There is a small risk of scratches and bites, so training is essential. Some shelters ask volunteers to commit to a regular weekly shift, which can be hard to fit around school and exams. Shelters also point out that volunteers who stop coming suddenly leave staff short-handed.

1. (a) Imagine your younger cousin, aged fifteen, wants to volunteer at an animal shelter every Saturday. Her parents have asked for your view. What is your opinion and why? Use information from the text. [5]

Read the text below.Two wheels to schoolIn many cities, the school run means long lines of cars outside gates every morning. Some schools are encouraging students to cycle instead. Cycling is free once you own a bicycle, provides daily exercise and avoids traffic jams. Students who cycle often say they arrive feeling more awake and ready to learn.Fewer cars outside the school also means cleaner air and safer roads near the gates. A few schools have built covered bicycle stands and run cycling-safety lessons, and some offer a small prize each term to the class with the most cyclists. Parents who no longer have to drive also save fuel and time.But there are worries. Many roads have no cycle lanes, and heavy traffic, fast motorbikes and buses make cycling dangerous. In very hot weather, students may arrive sweaty and tired. Bicycles can be stolen if there is no secure place to park them, and some parents are concerned about girls' safety on lonely roads. Carrying heavy bags full of books on a bicycle can also be awkward.

1. (a) Imagine you are a student who lives four kilometres from school. Your parents are deciding whether to let you cycle to school. What is your opinion and why? Use information from the text. [5]

Read the text below.Museums from your sofaMany museums now offer virtual tours. With a computer or phone, anyone can 'walk' through galleries, zoom in on paintings and read information about each object. For students in towns without a museum, or families who cannot afford travel, this opens doors that were once closed.Virtual tours are also useful for fragile objects that cannot be displayed for long, and they can be visited at any time of day.Yet many visitors feel that something is lost. Standing in front of a real ancient carving or a giant dinosaur skeleton gives a sense of size and presence that a screen cannot match. School trips provide a social experience and a day away from the classroom. Museums also worry that if fewer people visit in person, they will lose ticket income needed to look after their collections. A good guide in a real gallery can also answer questions and bring objects to life in a way that recorded text rarely does.

1. (a) Imagine you are a history teacher planning a lesson on ancient civilisations. You can either take your class on a day trip to a museum in another city or use a virtual tour. What is your opinion and why? Use information from the text. [5]

Read the text below.Same clothes, same chances?Most schools in Pakistan and many other countries require a uniform. Supporters say uniforms reduce competition over fashion, so students from poorer families are not embarrassed. Uniforms also make students easy to identify on trips and create a sense of belonging to the school. Getting dressed in the morning becomes quicker and simpler, and some teachers say students behave more seriously when they are dressed for school rather than for leisure.Opponents argue that uniforms can be expensive, especially when they must be bought from one particular shop. Some students say uniforms are uncomfortable in hot weather and stop them from expressing their personality. Critics also point out that students quickly find other ways to show off, such as expensive shoes, bags or phones. In some countries schools without uniforms report no difference in behaviour or results, which suggests that uniforms may matter less than people think. A few schools have chosen a middle path: a simple dress code, such as plain colours, instead of a full uniform.

1. (a) Imagine you are a student whose school is thinking of abolishing its uniform. What is your opinion and why? Use information from the text. [5]

Read the text below.Should the school week be four days long?Several schools in different countries have experimented with a four-day week, adding about an hour to each remaining day so that total teaching time stays almost the same. Supporters point to lower running costs: buildings are closed one day a week, so less is spent on electricity, cleaning and transport. Some schools say teacher absence has dropped, because staff can book appointments on the free day, and that it has become easier to recruit new teachers.Students in these schools often report feeling less tired at the end of the week and say the extra day allows time for family duties, part-time work or catching up on assignments. However, longer days can be exhausting for younger children, whose concentration fades by mid-afternoon.Critics also point out that the free day creates problems for working parents, who must find and sometimes pay for childcare. Families who rely on free school meals may struggle when one meal a week disappears. Research so far has produced mixed results on achievement: in some places test scores stayed steady, while in others they fell slightly, particularly in mathematics.

1. (a) Imagine you are a member of a school's parent-teacher committee which is considering a four-day week. What is your opinion and why? Use information from the text to support your answer. [5]

Read the text below.Quiet wheelsOn the crowded streets of many South Asian cities, electric rickshaws are becoming a common sight. Unlike the familiar two-stroke rickshaws, they produce no exhaust fumes at the roadside and make very little noise. Drivers who have switched say their daily running costs have fallen sharply, because charging a battery costs much less than buying petrol, and there is less engine maintenance.Passengers often welcome the change. Older people say the rides are smoother, and shopkeepers on busy roads notice that the air feels cleaner on streets where electric vehicles dominate.Not everyone is convinced. An electric rickshaw costs more to buy, and many drivers cannot afford one without a loan. Batteries need replacing after a few years, and old batteries must be recycled safely or they can leak harmful chemicals. In areas with frequent power cuts, drivers sometimes cannot charge overnight and lose a day's earnings. Some traffic officers also complain that, because they are so quiet, pedestrians do not hear them coming.City planners argue that the vehicles will only bring their full benefits if charging points are built and the electricity itself comes increasingly from cleaner sources.

1. (a) Give two problems drivers face with electric rickshaws, according to the text. [2]
2. (b) Imagine you are a rickshaw driver who owns an old petrol rickshaw. You are offered a loan to buy an electric one. What is your opinion and why? Use information from the text. [5]

Read the text below.Pages or pixels?E-readers and reading apps have changed the way many people read. A single device can hold thousands of books, which is a blessing for students who would otherwise carry heavy bags. Text size can be enlarged for people with weak eyesight, and many classic books can be downloaded free. Readers in small towns, far from any bookshop, can obtain a new title in seconds.Yet printed books remain popular. Many readers say they remember more of what they read on paper, perhaps because they can picture where a passage appeared on the page. Paper books need no charging, never crash, and can be lent to a friend or sold second-hand. Some parents worry that children reading on tablets are easily distracted by games and messages.Cost is debated. A device is expensive to buy, but e-books are often cheaper than printed copies. Printing uses paper, ink and transport, while devices need electricity and contain metals that are difficult to recycle.Librarians increasingly offer both, arguing that the format matters less than the habit of reading.

1. (a) Imagine you are a school librarian with a limited budget. You must decide whether to spend it on e-readers or on printed books. What is your opinion and why? Use information from the text. [5]

Read the text below.Game onCompetitive video gaming, often called esports, has grown into a global industry, with tournaments watched online by millions. Some schools have started esports clubs, where students compete in team games against other schools.Supporters say that team games require communication, quick decision-making and strategy, and that clubs give a sense of belonging to students who are not interested in traditional sports. Teachers who run clubs set rules on behaviour and time, which can encourage healthier gaming habits than playing alone late at night. A small number of players go on to careers in game design, broadcasting or event management.Others are uneasy. Long hours in front of a screen mean little physical exercise, and some games contain violence. Parents fear that a school club could encourage gaming addiction or take time away from homework. Equipment such as powerful computers and fast internet connections is costly, and not every school can afford it.

1. (a) Identify two skills that supporters say esports clubs develop. [2]
2. (b) Imagine you are the head of the student council. The school is deciding whether to start an esports club. What is your opinion and why? Use information from the text. [5]

Read the text below.Earning while learningMany teenagers take part-time jobs, such as helping in a family shop, tutoring younger children, or working weekends in cafés. Employers say young workers learn punctuality, how to handle money and how to deal politely with customers. Teenagers often say that earning their own money makes them more independent and more careful about how they spend it.Some families depend on the extra income, and for them a teenager's earnings can pay for school fees or books. Work experience can also help a young person decide what career they want.On the other hand, teachers warn that students who work long hours, particularly late in the evening, may be too tired to concentrate in class, and their grades can suffer. Some jobs offer low pay and no protection if something goes wrong. Experts generally recommend that students who work should keep to a limited number of hours during term time and stop working in the weeks before major examinations.

1. (a) According to the text, what do employers say young workers learn? Give two things. [2]
2. (b) Imagine you are a sixteen-year-old who has been offered a job tutoring younger children for three evenings a week. What is your opinion and why? Use information from the text. [5]

Read the text below.Counting birdsEvery year, thousands of ordinary people take part in bird counts. Volunteers spend an hour noting every bird they see in a garden, park or field, then send their results to researchers. Because so many people take part, scientists can see which species are increasing and which are declining across a whole country, information that a small team of experts could never collect alone.Taking part also changes volunteers. Many say they notice nature more, and some go on to plant trees or put out water for birds in summer.There are limits. Beginners can misidentify species, and some areas, such as remote mountains, are hardly covered while cities are counted many times. Some volunteers count only once and never return, so trends in their area are harder to follow. Researchers check unusual records carefully and use statistical methods to correct for these problems, but some scientists remain cautious about relying too heavily on volunteer data.

1. (a) Imagine you are a science teacher. You are deciding whether to involve your class in a national bird count. What is your opinion and why? Use information from the text. [5]

Read the text below.Code before twelveSome education systems now teach coding from primary school. Children as young as seven learn to give step-by-step instructions to move a character on a screen or control a small robot. Supporters say this develops logical thinking and problem-solving, skills that are useful in every subject, and prepares children for a world in which technology is everywhere.Children often enjoy the lessons because they see immediate results, and those who struggle with reading and writing sometimes shine. Many coding activities can even be done without a computer, using cards and floor games.Critics argue that young children need time for reading, mathematics, play and outdoor activity, and that adding another subject crowds the timetable. Many primary teachers have little training in computing and may lack confidence. Schools in poorer areas may not have enough computers or reliable electricity, which could widen the gap between rich and poor schools.

1. (a) Imagine you are the head teacher of a primary school with only ten working computers for 300 pupils. The education department suggests all pupils should learn coding. What is your opinion and why? Use information from the text. [5]

Read the text below.Learning to playLearning a musical instrument, whether the piano, the guitar, the tabla or the violin, is often praised for its benefits. Regular practice develops discipline and patience, and studies suggest that musical training can improve memory and concentration. Playing in a group teaches cooperation and listening, and performing builds confidence.For many young people, music is also a way to relax and express feelings that are hard to put into words. Some go on to teach music, play at family celebrations or earn money from performances.However, lessons and instruments can be expensive, and progress is often slow, which can be discouraging. Daily practice takes time that might otherwise go on homework or sport, and neighbours do not always appreciate the noise. Some students give up after a year, and parents may feel that money has been wasted. Teachers suggest that borrowing or renting an instrument for the first few months is a sensible way to test a child's commitment before buying one.

1. (a) Imagine you are a parent whose thirteen-year-old son wants to start guitar lessons, which would cost a significant part of the family's monthly budget. What is your opinion and why? Use information from the text. [5]

Read the text below.Power from the roofA growing number of households are fitting solar panels on their roofs. For families tired of rising electricity bills and long power cuts, the attraction is obvious: on sunny days the panels can provide most of the power for lights, fans and a refrigerator, and some systems allow spare electricity to be sold back to the grid.The initial cost, however, is high. A system large enough for a typical home, with batteries to store power for the evening, can cost as much as several months' salary for many families. Batteries lose capacity over time and are expensive to replace. Panels must be cleaned regularly, especially in dusty areas, or their output falls noticeably.Electricity companies have raised concerns. If many wealthier households produce their own power, the companies receive less money to maintain the network, and costs may rise for families who cannot afford panels. Some engineers also warn that poorly installed systems can be a fire risk.Despite this, supporters argue that every unit of electricity generated on a roof is one less that needs to be produced by burning fuel, and that prices of panels have fallen considerably over the past decade.

1. (a) Explain, using your own words, why electricity companies are concerned about rooftop solar. [2]
2. (b) Imagine you are a member of a housing society committee deciding whether to encourage all residents to install rooftop solar panels. What is your opinion and why? Use information from the text. [5]

Read the text below.Bringing back the birdsFor many years the Saltpan Road district of one coastal city was known for little except traffic and dust. Then a local group began planting small, dense patches of native trees on empty plots, sometimes no bigger than a tennis court. The method involves planting many saplings close together so they compete for light and grow quickly. Within three years, some patches had become thick green thickets.Residents report that the patches are noticeably cooler on summer afternoons, and birdwatchers have recorded species that had not been seen in the area for years. Schools use the patches for nature walks.Critics have questions. Some ecologists say the dense planting can lead to many trees dying as they compete, and that the patches are too small to replace large parks or natural forests. Watering in the first two years can use a lot of water in a city that already suffers shortages. Land is valuable, and some residents would prefer the plots to be used for car parking or sports grounds.The group responds that a small forest is better than none, and that the choice of native species means less water is needed once the trees are established.

1. (a) Imagine you are a local councillor. A resident's group has asked you to give an empty plot near a school for one of these small forests rather than a car park. What is your opinion and why? Use information from the text. [5]

Read the text below.Drinking the seaIn coastal towns where rivers run low and groundwater is salty, desalination plants that turn seawater into drinking water can seem like a miracle. Most modern plants push seawater through fine membranes at high pressure, which removes salt and many impurities. A plant can provide a reliable supply all year, regardless of rainfall.The process, however, uses a great deal of energy, so water from desalination usually costs more than water from rivers or wells. If the energy comes from burning fossil fuels, the plant adds to greenhouse gas emissions. The leftover brine, which is much saltier than seawater, must be returned to the sea carefully; poured out in one spot, it can harm fish and the seabed.Engineers argue that these problems can be reduced. Plants can be powered by solar or wind energy, and brine can be spread out through long pipes so that it mixes quickly. Some experts say that towns should first fix leaking pipes and reduce waste, which is far cheaper than building a new plant.

1. (a) Imagine you are a fisherman in a coastal town where a desalination plant has been proposed. What is your opinion and why? Use information from the text. [5]

Read the text below.A summer without screensA growing number of summer camps for teenagers have introduced a strict rule: no mobile phones for the whole two weeks. Phones are handed in on arrival and returned on the final day.Camp leaders say the effect is remarkable. After a difficult first two days, campers talk more to each other, join in activities with more enthusiasm and sleep better. Many make friends more quickly because they are not retreating into their screens. Some campers say they feel relieved not to be checking messages constantly.Parents have mixed views. Some are delighted; others are anxious that they cannot contact their children directly and must rely on the camp office. A few campers find the separation genuinely stressful, especially those who use their phones to manage anxiety or keep in touch with a parent who lives abroad. Critics also note that the effect may not last: once phones are returned, old habits quickly come back.

1. (a) Explain, using your own words, why some campers find the rule difficult. [2]
2. (b) Imagine you are a camp organiser deciding whether to introduce a strict no-phone rule at your camp. What is your opinion and why? Use information from the text. [5]

Read the text below.Leftovers with a purposeEvery evening, restaurants and bakeries throw away food that is still safe to eat. Several smartphone apps now connect these businesses with customers who can buy the leftover food at a large discount just before closing time. Other schemes allow restaurants to donate surplus meals to charities that feed people in need.Supporters say this reduces waste, saves money for buyers and earns a little income for businesses from food that would otherwise be thrown away. Less food going to landfill also means less of the methane gas produced when food rots.There are concerns. Restaurants worry about being blamed if donated food makes someone ill, so clear rules about storage and timing are needed. Some owners fear that customers will wait for cheap leftovers instead of buying full-price meals. Charities need refrigerated vans and volunteers to collect donations, which cost money. Critics argue that these schemes treat the symptom, not the cause: the real solution is for businesses to plan better and cook less.

1. (a) Imagine you own a busy restaurant. A charity has asked you to donate your unsold meals every night. What is your opinion and why? Use information from the text. [5]

Read the text below.Books in the villageIn a number of villages, small community libraries have been set up in a spare room of a mosque, a school or someone's home. They are often started by a single volunteer with a few donated books. Children come after school to read, do homework under a reliable light and borrow books to take home. Some libraries run reading circles for women and evening classes for adults who never learned to read.Volunteers say the libraries do more than lend books: they give young people a safe, quiet place to study and a reason to stay in education.But keeping them going is difficult. Donated books are often old, unsuitable or in a language few people read. When the founding volunteer moves away, the library can close. Monsoon damp ruins books, and there is rarely money for shelves, fans or a solar lamp. Some villagers question whether a library is the most urgent need when clean water or a health clinic is lacking.

1. (a) Explain, using your own words, why some community libraries close. [2]
2. (b) Imagine you are a village elder at a meeting where a charity offers money either for a community library or for a new hand pump for clean water. What is your opinion and why? Use information from the text. [5]

Read the text below. (Picking out advice was a task on the older reading paper; it still trains the selection skill needed for the current summary.)Staying safe in the heatHeatwaves are becoming more frequent in many parts of South Asia, and temperatures above 45 °C are no longer rare. The body cools itself by sweating, but in extreme heat this may not be enough. Elderly people and young children are most at risk, along with people who work outdoors.During a heatwave, drink water regularly even if you do not feel thirsty, and avoid sugary fizzy drinks. Try to stay indoors between midday and late afternoon, when the sun is strongest. If you must go out, wear loose, light-coloured cotton clothes and cover your head. Never leave a child or an animal in a parked car, even for a few minutes. Check on elderly neighbours who live alone.Signs of heatstroke include confusion, a very high temperature and hot, dry skin. Many hospitals set up special heat-relief centres in summer. Weather services now issue heat warnings several days in advance.

1. (a) Identify three pieces of advice the text gives about staying safe during a heatwave. [3]
2. (b) Give one piece of information from the text that is NOT advice. [1]

Read the text below. (Picking out advice was a task on the older reading paper; it still trains the selection skill needed for the current summary.)Your first week at a new schoolStarting at a new school can feel overwhelming. Corridors are unfamiliar, timetables are confusing and everyone else seems to know each other already. Most students say the worst feelings fade within a fortnight.Before your first day, pack your bag the night before so that the morning is not a rush. When you arrive, look for a map or ask a teacher to show you the main rooms. Introduce yourself to the person sitting next to you; they may be just as nervous. It is a good idea to join at least one club in the first month, as this is one of the easiest ways to make friends with similar interests. Write down your homework in a diary rather than trusting your memory.Many schools have a counsellor or a 'buddy' scheme for new students. Teachers expect new students to make mistakes, such as going to the wrong room, and are usually understanding.

1. (a) Identify three pieces of advice for a student starting a new school. [3]
2. (b) Which piece of advice do you think is the most useful? Give a reason. [2]

Read the text below. (Picking out advice was a task on the older reading paper; it still trains the selection skill needed for the current summary.)Safe onlineSocial media and messaging apps make it easy to stay in touch, but they also bring risks such as scams, cyberbullying and people pretending to be someone they are not.Use a different password for each account, and never share your passwords, even with close friends. Think carefully before posting photos that show your school uniform or your home, as these can reveal where you can be found. If someone sends you hurtful messages, do not reply; take a screenshot and tell an adult you trust. Be suspicious of messages promising prizes or asking you to click a link, and never agree to meet someone you know only online without an adult.Most apps have privacy settings that let users decide who can see their posts. Surveys show that many young people have received a message from a stranger at least once, and that most did not tell anyone about it.

1. (a) Identify three pieces of advice for staying safe online. [3]
2. (b) Why does the writer warn against posting photos of your school uniform? Give the reason from the text. [1]

Read the text below. (Picking out advice was a task on the older reading paper; it still trains the selection skill needed for the current summary.)Making your allowance lastFor many students, a monthly allowance seems generous on the first day and disappears long before the month ends. Financial advisers say that the habits formed as a teenager often last into adult life.A simple first step is to write down everything you spend for two weeks; most people are surprised by how much goes on snacks and phone top-ups. Once you know where the money goes, decide on a fixed amount to save at the start of each month, rather than saving whatever is left over at the end. Before buying something expensive, wait at least a week: if you still want it, it is probably a sensible purchase. Avoid lending money you cannot afford to lose.Banks in some countries offer accounts designed for young people, and a few schools now teach basic money management. Surveys suggest that teenagers who save regularly are less likely to borrow money as young adults.

1. (a) Identify three pieces of advice the text gives for managing an allowance. [3]
2. (b) Explain, using your own words, why the writer suggests saving at the start of the month rather than at the end. [2]

Read the text below. (Picking out advice was a task on the older reading paper; it still trains the selection skill needed for the current summary.)Trekking in the high valleysEach summer, hikers head for the northern mountains, drawn by glaciers, lakes and some of the highest peaks on Earth. The scenery is spectacular, but the conditions can change quickly, and every year some trekkers have to be rescued.Altitude is the first danger. Above about 2,500 metres, the air contains less oxygen, and climbing too fast can cause headaches, nausea and, in serious cases, life-threatening illness. Experienced guides recommend that you climb slowly, spending an extra night at a middle altitude to let your body adjust. If symptoms become worse, go down immediately rather than waiting to see if they improve.Weather is the second danger. Always tell someone your route and when you expect to return. Carry warm layers even on a sunny morning, because temperatures can drop sharply in the afternoon. Hiring a local guide or porter not only improves safety but also supports the mountain economy.Litter is a growing problem on popular routes, and some local groups now organise clean-up treks.

1. (a) Identify three pieces of advice for trekkers. [3]
2. (b) Give two reasons, from the text, for hiring a local guide or porter. [2]

Read the text below. (Picking out advice was a task on the older reading paper; it still trains the selection skill needed for the current summary.)A cat in the familyCats are popular pets because they are independent and do not need to be walked. However, they still need care and attention, and an unhappy cat may scratch furniture or stop using its litter tray.Vets advise that a new cat should be given a quiet room for its first few days, with food, water and a litter tray, so that it can get used to new smells and sounds. Take your cat for vaccinations and a health check soon after it arrives. Feed it food made for cats rather than leftovers from the family meal, as some human foods, such as onions, are harmful to them. Provide a scratching post to protect your furniture.Cats often sleep for more than twelve hours a day, so a sleepy cat is not necessarily ill. Many live for fifteen years or more, so adopting one is a long-term commitment for the whole family.

1. (a) Identify three pieces of advice from the text about caring for a cat. [3]
2. (b) Give the reason the text gives for not feeding a cat family leftovers. [1]

Read the text below. (Picking out advice was a task on the older reading paper; it still trains the selection skill needed for the current summary.)A garden on the balconyYou do not need a large garden to grow your own food. A sunny balcony or rooftop can produce tomatoes, chillies, mint and spinach.Choose containers with holes in the bottom so that water can drain away; roots sitting in water soon rot. Use a mixture of soil and compost rather than plain soil from the street, which may be poor or contain litter. Most vegetables need at least five or six hours of sunlight, so place pots where the sun reaches them for most of the day. In hot weather, water early in the morning or in the evening, when less water is lost to evaporation. Start with easy plants such as mint or spinach before trying more demanding crops.Growing even a few herbs can save money and encourages children to try new vegetables. Some families say tending the plants has become a relaxing evening routine.

1. (a) Identify three pieces of advice for growing food on a balcony. [3]
2. (b) Explain, in your own words, why the writer suggests watering at certain times of day. [2]

Read the text below. (Picking out advice was a task on the older reading paper; it still trains the selection skill needed for the current summary.)Revision that worksMany students spend hours reading their notes again and again and highlighting almost every line, yet feel unprepared on exam day. Psychologists who study memory have found that some popular habits are much less effective than they feel.Re-reading gives a false sense of confidence because familiar text feels easy. Testing yourself is far more powerful: close the book and write down everything you can remember, then check what you missed. Spread your revision over several weeks; short sessions on many days beat one long session the night before. Mix different topics in a single session rather than doing all of one topic at once, as this trains you to choose the right method in the exam. Past-style questions should be answered under timed conditions at least a few times.Sleep also matters. During sleep, the brain strengthens memories formed during the day, so staying up all night before an exam can do more harm than good.

1. (a) Identify three pieces of advice the text gives about revising. [3]
2. (b) Explain why the writer thinks re-reading notes is a poor method. Use your own words. [2]

Read the text below. (Picking out advice was a task on the older reading paper; it still trains the selection skill needed for the current summary.)Getting around a new city abroadArriving in a foreign city for the first time can be exciting and bewildering. Ticket machines are in an unfamiliar language, maps show routes in a tangle of colours, and announcements are too fast to follow.Before you travel, download an offline map of the city, so that you are not relying on mobile data, which may be expensive. Many cities sell a travel card that can be topped up and used on buses, trams and the metro; it is usually cheaper than buying single tickets. When you arrive, keep a written note of your hotel address in the local language to show a taxi driver if your phone runs out of charge. On crowded trains, carry your bag in front of you.Public transport in many large cities runs until after midnight, though services are less frequent at night. Most metro systems also have staff at ticket offices who can help visitors.

1. (a) Identify three pieces of advice for travellers using transport in a new city. [3]
2. (b) For one piece of advice you identified, explain the problem it is meant to prevent. [2]

Read the text below. (Picking out advice was a task on the older reading paper; it still trains the selection skill needed for the current summary.)Your first interviewWhether you are applying for a volunteer post, a place at college or a part-time job, an interview can be nerve-racking. Interviewers know that young applicants have limited experience, and they are often more interested in attitude than in a long list of achievements.Research the organisation beforehand so that you can explain why you want to join it. Prepare two or three examples from school or community life that show qualities such as reliability or teamwork. On the day, arrive ten minutes early, and switch your phone to silent before you go in. Listen to each question fully before answering, and if you do not understand it, ask politely for it to be repeated. At the end, have a question of your own ready; it shows genuine interest.Many interviewers make up their minds within the first few minutes, so first impressions matter. A failed interview is still useful practice for the next one.

1. (a) Identify three pieces of advice for a young person going to an interview. [3]
2. (b) According to the text, what are interviewers of young applicants often most interested in, and why? [2]