Online English Level Test (A2-C1)

Task 2.1

The Colours of the Rainbow
The rainbow is a beautiful arc of colours that appears in the sky after it rains. But did you know that different cultures have special meanings for the rainbow?
In Ireland, people say there’s a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, hidden by leprechauns. In Hawaii, the rainbow is a symbol of good luck and prosperity. In some African cultures, the rainbow is a bridge between the sky and the earth. In Australia, Aboriginal people believe the Rainbow Serpent created the land and its people. And in Scandinavian myths, the gods use the rainbow as a bridge to send messages to humans.

1. Where do people believe a pot of gold is hidden at the end of the rainbow?

2. Which culture sees the rainbow as a bridge between the sky and the earth?

Task 2.2

Unusual and Wonderful Jobs

Have you ever thought about a job that’s a bit different? Here are five unusual and wonderful professions:

1. Chocolate Consultant: Imagine tasting chocolate all day! A chocolate consultant advises companies on new flavours and designs. It requires a refined palate and a passion for sweets.
2. LEGO Sculptor: This job is for creative minds who love building. LEGO sculptors create amazing models for theme parks and exhibitions. It’s like playing all day, but with a serious artistic goal.
3. Island Caretaker: The Great Barrier Reef in Australia once offered a job to live on a beautiful island, feed the fish, and write a blog about it. It was called «the best job in the world.»
4. Professional Sleeper: Yes, it’s a real job! Some scientists hire people to sleep in special labs so they can study sleep patterns and test new beds or pillows.
5. Water Slide Tester: Before a new water park opens, someone has to test all the slides to make sure they are safe and fun. This job involves a lot of splashing and screaming!

3. Which job involves writing a blog?

4. What does a LEGO Sculptor do?

Task 2.3 (B2 Level)

Using AI to Communicate with the Deceased

The concept of using Artificial Intelligence to communicate with deceased loved ones, while seemingly futuristic, is gaining traction. Companies are developing AI chatbots trained on vast amounts of personal data – messages, emails, social media posts, and even voice recordings – to simulate conversations with individuals who have passed away. The goal is to create a digital avatar that can mimic the deceased’s personality, speech patterns, and knowledge base.

Proponents argue that such technology could offer a new form of grief therapy, allowing individuals to process loss by maintaining a semblance of connection. It could provide comfort and a sense of closure. However, the ethical implications are profound. Questions arise about consent: did the deceased agree to have their digital persona replicated? There are also concerns about the potential for psychological harm if individuals become overly reliant on these digital interactions, hindering their ability to move on. Furthermore, issues of data privacy and the commercial exploitation of personal legacies are significant considerations. As the technology advances, society must grapple with these complex ethical dilemmas to ensure responsible development and use.

5. What is the primary purpose of AI chatbots mentioned in the text?

6. Which of the following is not mentioned as an ethical concern regarding AI communication with the deceased?

Task 2.4 (C1 Level)

Text: The Longest Hour

The sun beat down relentlessly on the small raft, turning the ocean into a shimmering, endless expanse of blue. Matthew, adrift for what felt like an eternity, squinted at the horizon, his throat parched, his skin burning. He tried to ignore the gnawing fear that had settled deep in his stomach, a fear intensified by the sudden, ominous shadow that glided beneath the surface. It was large, too large to be a dolphin. A shark.
He remembered the advice from a survival manual: Don’t panic. Make slow, deliberate movements. Don’t splash. Every instinct screamed at him to thrash, to make noise, to somehow scare it away. But he knew that would only attract it. He focused on his breathing, trying to make himself as small and uninteresting as possible. The shadow circled, a silent, predatory dance. The minutes stretched into hours, each second an eternity, as he waited for the inevitable, or for a miracle. His mind drifted to home, to the cool shade of his garden, the laughter of his children. He clung to these images, a fragile shield against the vast, indifferent ocean and the silent hunter below.
Questions:

7. What is Matthew’s primary emotion throughout the passage?

8. Which of the following best describes Matthew’s strategy for survival?

1.She _________ in a small house near the park.

2. Where _________ they from?

3. I’ve already called her four times _________.

4. If I had more time, I _________ do more exercise.

5. That wasn’t a good idea – you _________ thought about it more carefully.

6. If he _________ one minute later, he _________ the train.

7. _________ spent time abroad when I was a student, I found it easier to get used to _________ in another country.

8. I wish he _________ so rude to people when we go out.

1. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are _________.

2. She’s a police officer, so she has to wear a _________ at work.

3. I don’t _________ going out tonight.

4. If I were you, I’d leave earlier, so you can avoid the _________.

5. Her hair isn’t completely straight – it’s slightly _________.

6. It’s a good idea, but it’s _________ that the boss will agree with you.

7. tired –> exhausted; small –> tiny; angry –> _________

8. Every time I wear something white, I _________ coffee or orange juice or something on it.