Name and surname:

Date:

Written paper

I. Read the text below. For questions 1-10, choose the answer (A, B, C or D) which you think fits
best according to the text.

If you're in Britain over summer, why not come to a Prom? Don't worry, you don't need a tuxedo, fancy dress,
corsage or a limo. These aren't high school proms, but a uniquely British form of classical music concerts. The
main Proms take place in London from July to September each year. In addition, many castles, abbeys and country
houses hold Proms throughout the summer.
In 1894, Mr. Robert Newman, manager of the Queen's Hall, London, met a talented young musician and
conductor named Henry Wood and informed him of his plans for a new series of concerts to be held over summer.
These 96 concerts would, Newman hoped, educate the people about classical music and hopefully make it more
popular. The concerts would begin with easy pieces and gradually introduce more challenging music. Mr. Wood
agreed to become the conductor of a permanent orchestra and to help Mr. Newman develop his concerts. And so the
first of the Proms, or as they were then known, "Mr. Robert Newman's Promenade Concerts," was performed on
August 10, 1895.
They were called "Promenade" concerts because a large part of the seating area had no seats and so the patrons
had to stand during the performances. This is still true at Proms concerts in London today and dedicated Prommers
will tell you that this is the best place to be. During the original Proms the patrons could smoke, eat and drink, as
Newman and Wood wanted to keep the atmosphere as informal as possible, although customers were asked not to
strike matches during vocal performances.
The Proms today consists of over 70 main Prom concerts at the Albert Hall and additional Proms Chamber Music
performances at the Victoria and Albert Museum. There is at least one Prom concert every evening and a large
number of these are preceded by a pre-Prom talk. Every Prom concert is broadcast on BBC Radio 3 and a number
of Proms are now broadcast on the web and on BBC4 - a digital television channel. The "Last Night of the Proms"
is always
shown on BBC television.
Each Prom season now has themes and the works reflect one of these themes. The performance is still a mix of
old and new and includes music, conductors, performers and orchestras from around the world. However, the
highlight of the Proms season is the "Last Night of the Proms".This is an amazing, bizarre, uniquely British event.
It is also incredibly popular and tickets for the Last Night are invariably the first to be sold out when tickets go on
sale in mid-May.
The concert begins with music representing each of the main themes for the season. During this part of the
concert, the Prommers will behave as impeccably as they normally do, even though they're wearing unusual
clothing festooned with Union Jacks and carrying Union Jack flags. But this is not what the Prommers are really
here for. No, they are here for the patriotic finale: "Land of Hope and Glory" (or Elgar's "Pomp and Circumstance"
March No. 1), the Fantasia of British Sea Songs (including the very popular "Rule Britannia"), and finally "Auld
Lang Syne", "Jerusalem" and the National Anthem. Throughout all of this the Prommers will rousingly sing along,
bob up and down in time with the music and join in with whistles and hooters! It is quite a sight land an amazing
atmosphere! You really need to experience it to believe it. (TimeTravel-Britain - www.timetravel-britain.com)
1. Proms are
A. mass assemblies.
B. classical music performances.
C. high school reunions.
D. housewarming parties.
2. Their purpose is
A. to entertain the public.
B. to shape people's tastes in fashion.
C. to popularize classical music.
D. to attract large audiences.
3. They were called Promenade concerts because
A. people were allowed to sit on the grass.
B. the orchestra played ballroom dances.
C. the audience could stand while listening to music.
D. the musicians rehearsed in pleasure gardens.
4. Newman and Wood wanted
A. to foster a climate of cooperation.
B. to encourage a relaxed environment.
C. to promote an atmosphere where business can thrive
D. to teach the public good manners.
5. Pre-prom talks
A. begin before the concert.
B. cover a wide range of topics.
C. explore music films.
D. are given by leading composers.
6. Each Prom season
A. follows the same basic pattern.
B. is inspired by a muse.
C. focuses on a different topic.
D. offers a new challenge.
7. Performers and orchestras
A. travel great distances to be present here. B. come from various countries.
C. receive awards and diplomas.
D. rank in the top five of the world.
8. The "Last Night of the Proms"
A. is never broadcast on television.
B. is the main attraction of the Proms.
C. features only British musicians.
D. is very unpopular with tourists.
9. During the "Last Night", prommers
A. behave outrageously.
B. wear formal clothes.
C. go on the stage.
D. team up with the orchestra.
1O. The writer
A. recommends us to attend such a concert.
B. tries to convince us not to buy tickets.
C. advises us to avoid the prommers.
D. highlights the environmental impact of such celebration.

II. Write an essay giving your opinion on the dangers and the benefits of the Internet. Give
arguments and examples to support your ideas. (180 – 200 words)