Exam information | Matching headings
In the exam, you may be given a list of headings, and a text divided into sections. The headings will be in the form of short statements which summarize the information in a section. You will need to read the text sections and decide which of the headings best fits that section. This type of task tests whether you understand the organization of texts and can identify the main idea or topic in a paragraph.
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1a. To focus on this type of task, write the main point in box A (the introduction). Then
check your answer in the key before continuing.
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1b. Read all the paragraphs that follow and write any evidence that links to this main point.
Notice how one main theme is developed throughout the text.
Paragraph B
Paragraph C
Paragraph D
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1c. Explain how the meaning of each of the following phrases is related to the overall theme of the text. The first one is done for you.
first of all (in B) introduces the first reason why it
is difficult to describe 'Victorian' (you need to
be aware of the dates of when British royalty
ruled)
secondly (in B) gives another reason for the
difficulty (the style continued after the end of
her reign)
last but not least (in B) the last, but also
important reason is introduced (different styles
could all be referred to as 'Victorian')
despite (in C) introduces a contrast (romanticism
can refer to Victorian times or the time before)
then again (in C) introduces a contrast (Georgian
clearly related to the 18th and 19th centuries . . .
but can also refer to the 20th)
moreover (in C) another reason for the difficulty in
describing what Georgian refers to (it includes
previous styles/ and has a subdivision)
unsurprisingly (in D) this word indicates that by
now the reader will not be surprised to hear
that another style (Art Nouveau) is around
at the same time as other styles and has
elements in common with different styles
(e.g. floral motifs, which were also around in
Victorian times)
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1d. We can say that each of the paragraphs B-D exemplifies the general theme with an example of a particular period. What is the example in each of these paragraphs?
B:
C:
D:
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1e. The text has no conclusion. Look at the following suggestions for the conclusion of this text
and cross out any that are not suitable.
The conclusion could:
a. pick up the point about how easy it is to be confused (i.e. the fact that different words refer to the same period and that the same words can refer to different periods)
b. refer back to the three main examples in paragraphs A-D
c. mention that non-British people may find it harder to understand the vocabulary relating to artistic styles
d. give information about another period (e.g. introduce the Elizabethan period)
e. include a personal opinion or comment relating to the main idea, or its consequences (e.g. visitors to the UK may need more information about tourist attractions than we might think)
Point d is unsuitable: conclusions should not
include new information. The other ideas are
very relevant in the conclusion. Point a is
essential: the conclusion should pick up the
main point. Point b is important as referring
back to the main ideas brings the text together.
Points c and e emphasize the relevance of the
text as they link the issue that is explained in
the text to real-life consequences
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A
It is not easy to compare the artistic styles and periods of different countries, especially as they may use different words to refer to the same features, and perhaps occasionally also use the same words with a slightly different meaning. Moreover, particular styles and periods overlap.
B
An example of this is the 'Victorian' period in Britain, which has a style that is often described as romantic. First of all, the name of this period links it immediately with British royal history, which potentially creates confusion to non-British people who may not be aware that the reign of Queen Victoria relates to approximately the second half of the 1 9th century. Secondly, despite the fact that Queen Victoria died in 1901 the style itself continued into the 20th century. And last but not least, it can be argued that there are distinctly different styles which can all be referred to as Victorian, e.g. the use of flower motifs and pastel colours.
C
Despite Victorian times being characterized by romanticism, the famous British romantic poets belong to the period before Queen Victoria. These are poets such as Robert Burns, William Wordsworth, Samuel Taylor Coleridge and John Keats. From the same era date famous writers such as Jane Austen and Mary Shelley (who wrote Frankenstein), and great architects such as James Wyatt and John Nash. The great painters Gainsborough, Reynolds, Turner and Constable can also be categorized in this period. But who outside of Britain could label this era? And, even if we know they can all be described as Georgian artists, which King George does this refer to? Actually, it refers to four of them (George I, George II, George III and George IV). and thus spans a long period incorporating most of the 18th century and some of the 19th. But then again, there was a Georgian revival in the 20th century, which means the label can also relate to that. Moreover, the style itself incorporates previous styles, including gothic, and has its own subdivision, Regency style, which describes the period of George IV.
D
The period after the Victorian era is referred to as Edwardian, after Edward VII who reigned from 1901 to 1910, when he died. Nobody is sure whether 1910 is the correct end point for the period, with some people suggesting it should be 1912, when the Titanic sank, the start ofWorld War I (1914), its end (1918), or the signing of the post-war peace treaty of Versailles (1919). Elsewhere in Europe, the Art Nouveau era ended around the same time, and unsurprisingly, Art Nouveau is also used to describe the style which was common in Britain at that time. Floral motifs were very common ... now where have I heard about that before?
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2. Read the following paragraphs about British castles. Choose the best heading from the options.
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