Part 6
You are going to read an article about an actor. Six sentences have been removed from the article. Choose from the sentences A-G the one which fits each gap (37-42). There is one extra sentence which you do not need to use.
From rags to riches
The award-winning actor Leonardo DiCaprio is frequently in the public eye, if not for his films, then for his celebrity lifestyle or his efforts to make people aware of environmental issues. But what did he use to be like when he was growing up?
Leo grew up in an area of Los Angeles close to the glamorous film studios that would later make him a star. However, the neighbourhood in East Hollywood was both poor and dangerous, and he was used to seeing crime and violence near his home.
His parents were quite unconventional people, but they were proud of their son. 37 __. They were not rich, but did their best to make ends meet and provide a loving family life for Leo. Although they divorced soon after he was born, they lived next door to each other so that they could raise him together.
38 __. At school, he didn’t use to get on well with some classmates, and bigger kids often bullied him. Every day, he saw the contrast of lifestyles between the rich and poor. He wanted a way to a better life and acting became his ambition. 39 __. Irmelin would drive him to acting classes and auditions. At the same time, Leo used to study films starring his favourite actors, like Robert De Niro, to learn more about acting. Eventually, he dropped out of school, and again his parents supported his decision. In fact, they also quit their jobs in order to help manage Leo’s acting career. He made appearances in a stream of advertisements, and soon got small roles in popular TV series.
In 1992, Leo auditioned for a part in a film with his role model, Robert De Niro. De Niro immediately recognised Leo’s talent and chose him from several hundred actors. 40 __. A few years later, in 1997, Leo achieved international fame playing the hero Jack Dawson in the blockbuster Titanic.
In his early twenties, Leo suddenly had to get used to a very different set of problems from those he had as a child. Like many young celebrities, he gained a reputation for being a bit rebellious and enjoying his new wealth. 41 __. But it was also clear that acting was still his passion.
He was careful to select roles that challenged his skills and involved intriguing and complex characters. 42 __. Eventually, in 2016, he finally won an Oscar for Best Actor for his performance in The Revenant.
Leo continues to receive a lot of media attention about his private life, but he also uses this to raise awareness of environmental issues such as climate change. He still has a house in Los Angeles, but life now could not be more different from what it used to be.
A Fame and fortune meant he was often in the headlines, and not always for his appearances on screen.
B Leo’s early TV performances made him a successful teen idol, and soon he was accepting parts in Hollywood films.
C His mother Irmelin worked as a legal secretary and his father George was a comic book artist.
D Leo’s parents agreed to do what they could to make his dream come true.
E However, despite the love and support of his parents, it was a difficult time for Leo.
F While some of his films received mixed reviews, Leo always managed to make the people he played seem real.
G This was the start of his impressive movie career.
Part 7
You are going to read an article about four young people. For questions 43-52, choose from the four people (A-D). The people may be chosen more than once.
Which person …
43. talks about not depending on another person all the time? __
44. thinks having a long friendship is important? __
45. sometimes acts without thinking? __
46. doesn’t like meeting new people? __
47. says good friends don’t have to spend a lot of time together? __
48. mentions going out to social occasions together? __
49. has a good working relationship? __
50. talks about having unexpectedly different personalities? __
51. wants to do something creative in the future? __
52. makes another person’s life more enjoyable? __
Opposites attract!
A Ian
My sister Eva and I are twins, and we get on really well. I think we’re probably far closer than most brothers and sisters. Our friends are surprised when they find out that we’re twins, and I suppose that’s because they think we will be the same sort of people. And we aren’t – not at all. I’m not half as sociable as she is. I’m a bit of an introvert – very quiet and kind of shy. We go to parties most weekends, but I just like talking to people I already know. She’s just the opposite. I often complain that she never stops talking, but she loves to chat to new people and find out all about them. She’s a lot more outgoing than I am.
В Ned
I think that old friends are the best of all, and Sam and I have been friends all our lives. We were both born in the same hospital, in rooms next to each other. He’s a little older than I am – but only by two hours. He was the cleverest kid in our school, and now he’s doing a degree in Chemistry. That suits him because he’s got quite a scientific mind, and he’s very practical and hard-working. For me, Science is the subject I’m the least interested in. I’m crazy about art and I’d love to be a painter. If that doesn’t work out, maybe I’ll go round the world or become a musician. We don’t see each other much, but close friends don’t need to, and when we do get together it’s like we haven’t been apart at all.
C Flora
I’m a singer, and I’ve had a couple of hit singles. My album is selling well at the moment, and I’m getting more and more work. But I couldn’t have done any of this without Tim. He’s more than a manager – he’s a really good friend too. I’m not in the least a business person – I’m too emotional and sensitive. I can’t make difficult decisions, but that’s where Tim is so good. He makes decisions more quickly and more carefully than me. The more difficult the situation, the more clear-headed he becomes. And he never upsets people, because he’s so open and probably the most honest person I know.
D Paula
Jane and I share a flat, but we’re complete opposites. She’s by far the most organised person that I know. Look at the way we found this flat: she went to different agents, made lists of all the advantages and disadvantages, and so on. I was much more laid-back about it. I came, had a quick look, said it seemed fine, and we moved in. That’s not to say that I rely on her all the time. She also benefits from me too. I’m much more spontaneous and enjoy doing things without thinking them through – like inviting people back to our flat for a party. That makes her panic because she’s so cautious, but generally I think she’s so also a bit happier and has more fun with me around.
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