Using a public telephone (Junio 00)

Using a public telephone Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha
Prueba de Aptitud - LOGSE Junio 2000
Using a public telephone


Using a public telephone may well be one of the minor irritations of life, demanding patience, determination and strong possibility of failure. Peter waits till six o'clock in the evening to take advantage of the so-called 'cheap rates' for a long-distance call. The telephone box stands at the junction of two main roads with buses, lorries and cars roaring past. It is pouring with rain as Peter joins a queue of four depressed-looking people. Time passes slowly while the person immediately before Peter carries on an endless conversation. Eventually the receiver is replaced and the caller leaves the box. Peter enters and starts to dial. Then he hears the burr-burr of the ringing tone, immediately a cold voice informs him, 'Grand Hotel, Chalfont Wells'. -'I´ve an urgent message for a Mr Smith who is a guest in your hotel. Could you put me through to him?

1. READING COMPREHENSION (2 points, 0,5 each correct answer)

Which of the following options is correct in the context of the passage?

1. The main intention of the passage is...
a) to provide instructions about how to use a public call box.
b) to inform us about where Mr Smith is.
c) to give an account of possible annoyances in using a public box.

2. Which of the following calls would you probably make at the 'cheap rates' referred to?
a) to have a chat with your neighbour.
b) to call your uncle in China.
c) to discuss your account in the bank.

3. Peter...
a) has to call.
b) is not making a call.
c) is calling for a chat. (the call is not important)

4. Peter can at least be thankful that ...
a) the telephone itself is working.
b) the weather is lovely.
c) he is talking to some people while he is waiting.

2. EXPRESSING THE MAIN IDEAS (2 points, 1 each correct answer)

According to the text and using your own words, answer the following questions:
a) Do you think the telephone box is in a good place? Why?
b) Do you think Peter is having a good time? Why?

3. COMPOSITION (About 100 words, 3 points máx.)(Además del contenido, se tendrá en cuenta la forma de expresión, estructuras correctas, vocabulario adecuado y buena ortografía) Choose one of the following options. Specify your option:

A - Do you like talking on the phone? Why?
B - It is better to call or to write to somebody...

4. USE OF ENGLISH (3 points, 0,5 each correct answer)

Rewrite the following sentences starting with the words given:
a. I was not invited and I am sorry about that. I would like to ...
b. I am having my house painted now. My house ...
c. I'm sorry I haven´t got a car. I wish ...
d. The teacher said to me "Wait for me outside".The teacher told me ....
e. She needed a job, so she sent off an application form. She sent off an application form ...
f. [Make a question for the following underlined words]........It takes me two hours to get there.