Online English Level Test (A2-C1)

Task 2.1

Famous Landmarks
Every country has its special places. In France, one of the most famous landmarks is the Eiffel Tower in Paris. It’s a tall iron structure, built over 130 years ago, and millions of people visit it every year to see the amazing city views. In Egypt, the Great Pyramids of Giza are ancient wonders. These massive stone structures were built as tombs for pharaohs thousands of years ago. They are a mystery to many, as no one is quite sure how such huge stones were moved. In China, the Great Wall stretches for thousands of kilometers. It was built to protect the country from invaders and is so long that it can even be seen from space!

1. Where can you see the Eiffel Tower?

2. What was the Great Wall of China built for?

Task 2.2

The Benefits of Learning a New Skill

Learning a new skill can be incredibly rewarding, both personally and professionally. It can boost your confidence and open up new opportunities. For example, if you learn to code, you might find a new career path in technology. If you learn to play a musical instrument, it can be a great way to relax and express yourself. Studies show that engaging in new learning activities keeps your brain active and can improve your memory and problem-solving abilities. It also encourages creativity and can help you connect with new people who share your interests. Whether it’s cooking, a new language, or even knitting, the process of acquiring a new skill offers numerous advantages beyond the skill itself.

3. What is one personal benefit of learning a new skill mentioned in the text?

4. According to the text, what can learning a musical instrument help with?

Task 2.3 (B2 Level)

The Future of Urban Transportation

As cities continue to grow, the need for efficient and sustainable transportation becomes increasingly urgent. Traditional car ownership is proving unsustainable due to traffic congestion, pollution, and limited parking. This has led to the exploration of various innovative solutions. Ride-sharing services, electric scooters, and smart public transport systems are already transforming urban mobility. Looking further ahead, autonomous vehicles (self-driving cars) promise to revolutionize commutes, potentially reducing accidents and optimizing traffic flow. Hyperloop technology, which involves high-speed capsules traveling through low-pressure tubes, aims to connect distant cities in minutes, though its widespread implementation faces significant engineering and financial hurdles. The future of urban transport is likely to be a multimodal network, combining different options to offer flexible, eco-friendly, and convenient travel for citizens.

5. What is one reason traditional car ownership is becoming unsustainable in cities?

6. Which future transportation technology aims to connect distant cities in minutes?

Task 2.4 (C1 Level)

The Paradox of Choice

In an age of unprecedented abundance, it might seem counterintuitive, but psychological research suggests that that having too many choices can actually lead to decreased satisfaction and increased anxiety. This phenomenon, often termed ‘the paradox of choice,’ posits that while some choice is liberating, excessive choice becomes debilitating. Faced with a multitude of options – be it cereals in a supermarket, streaming services, or career paths – individuals may experience decision paralysis, struggling to commit to any single option for fear of making the “wrong” choice. Even after a decision is made, the sheer number of unchosen alternatives can lead to post-decision regret and a nagging feeling that a better option might have been missed. This contrasts sharply with the assumption that more choice invariably leads to greater happiness and freedom. Understanding this paradox is crucial for both consumers and designers of systems, as it highlights the importance of curation and thoughtful limitation in presenting options.

7. What is the main idea of the ‘paradox of choice’?

8. According to the text, what can happen after a decision is made when there are too many options?

1. He _________ his homework every evening.

2. _________ you ever been to London?

3. They haven’t finished the report _________.

4. If I won the lottery, I _________ buy a big house.

5. You _________ have told me you were coming! I would have prepared dinner.

6. If she _________ the bus, she _________ on time for the meeting.

7. _________ lived in several different countries, she was used to _________ new cultures.

8. I wish I _________ more time to read books.

1. Apples, bananas, and oranges are types of _________.

2. She works in a hospital, so she’s a _________.

3. I’m really _________ forward to my holiday next month.

4. It’s very cold outside, so remember to wear your winter _________.

5. He was very _________ with his exam results; he passed with excellent grades.

6. The new project is quite _________, so we’ll need a lot of resources.

7. happy –> joyful; sad –> _________; big –> enormous

8. Before you throw away old clothes, you could _________ them to charity.