Exams:

Part 1 (20)

Part 2 (20)

Part 3 (20)

Part 4 (20)

Part 5 (20)

Part 6 (20)

Part 7 (20)

Exercise

Instructions:

You are given a piece of text with seven spaces.

Seven paragraphs have been removed from the text, corresponding to the spaces.

You are also given a set 8 paragraphs A, B, C, D, E, F, G and H for each space.

There is one paragraph which you do not need to use.

There are 2 ways of putting your chosen paragraph into the correct location:
1 - Type the letter which corresponds to the chosen paragraph into the empty space.
2 - Click on the chosen paragraph first and then click on the chosen empty space. The paragraph will appear in the chosen empty space.

Once all the questions have been answered, click on the check button.

Correct answers will appear in green, incorrect answers in red.

Your mark will be given as a percentage.

The pass mark for this exercise is 60% or over and you need to be able to do this exercise in the exam in about 10 minutes.

(Here a timer is given to help.)

10:00 min.

The Colosseum

The Colosseum, also known as the Flavian Amphitheatre is an oval amphitheatre in the centre of the city of Rome, Italy. Built of concrete and sand, it is the largest amphitheatre ever built.

Construction began under the emperor Vespasian in AD 72, and was completed in AD 80 under his successor and heir, Titus. Further modifications were made during the reign of Domitian (81-96). These three emperors are known as the Flavian dynasty, and the amphitheatre was named in Latin for its association with their family name (Flavius).

Used for gladiatorial contests and public spectacles such as mock sea battles, animal hunts, executions, re-enactments of famous battles, and dramas based on classical mythology, reliable estimates suggest it could hold an average of 65,000 spectators.

(1)

The great earthquake of 1349 caused very severe damage to the whole area, and the outer south side, which sat on less stable terrain collapsed. Much of the fallen stone was reused to build palaces, churches, hospitals and other buildings elsewhere in Rome.

(2)

In 2011 a local businessman, entered into an agreement with local officials to sponsor a $25 million restoration of the Colosseum. The project was originally planned to last for two and a half years, but there were many delays before it could get started.

(3)

At the completion of the first phase, and amid great excitement from the public, Italy's culture minister Dario Franceschini described his vision for this iconic building.

(4)

There would also be the possibility to do cultural events of the highest level, although major sporting events could not be held there.

(5)

Before work began, there had been widespread speculation as to the type of events that could be hosted by the Colosseum. Would it look for cultural events or use the site's obvious prestige for business gatherings?

(6)

The nearby Circus Maximus, Rome's ancient chariot racing ground, was hired by the Rolling Stones and Bruce Springsteen. While Franceschini did not detail the type of events to be allowed at the Colosseum, his approach suggested theatrical performances would be more likely than rock concerts.

(7)

Tourists visiting Rome were asked about their feelings about the project and for suggestions as to how it ought to be used. They were extremely excited and felt that events that reflected its ancient history would be the most appropriate, rather than modern forms of entertainment.

The Guardian

The Paragraphs

A The objective of returning the colosseum to its full historical lustre, including its arcaded facade metal enclosures that blocked the ground-level arches, was considered by many to be ambitious.
B The location had been proposed as a venue for athlete parades and medal ceremonies as part of Rome's possible 2024 Olympic bid, although the city's new mayor, Virginia Raggi, dampened such dreams by saying staging the games are not a priority for citizens.
C The arena's completion would give the world a place which would be even more beautiful. It would be great for the visitors who would be able to see the colosseum from the centre of the arena.
D Having ceased to be used for entertainment in the early medieval era, it was later reused for such purposes as housing, workshops, quarters for a religious order, a fortress, a quarry, and a Christian shrine.
E He was joined by Italy's prime minister, Matteo Renzi, who called for an end to criticism of the way the country handles its vast cultural heritage. "The time of complaining that there's no money for culture is over. The money and resources to restore the extraordinary heritage is there," he said.
F The bronze clamps which held the stonework together were pried or hacked out of the walls leaving the scars which can be seen today, and is the reason for its gradual decline.
G The archaeologists have since moved inside to start on the second stage, and will restore the passages and underground vaults, while a new visitor centre will be moved outside the amphitheatre.
H Events of a high level, of high quality, could take place, but great care would need to be taken to retain the special character the building holds.