APTIS GENERAL READING PRACTICE TEST 5

PART 1: FILLING IN THE GAP (3 MINUTES)

Question 1 – 5: Choose one word for each gap.

1. A. sleep B. early C. angry

2. A. lunch B. bed C. tutor

3. A. go B. leave C. return

4. A. bag B. jeans C. car

5. A. sleepy B. angry C. alert

Hi Sarah,
I start …(1)….in the morning.
I have …(2)…
I …(3)….the office.
I go home in my new …(4)….
I go to bed when I feel …(5)….
Best,
Mark
PART 2: INFORMATION MATCHING (7 MINUTES)
Question 6 - 15: Here you must put events in the correct order to complete paragraphs.
Topic: Participate in a race
A. A member of staff will give you a numbered armband to wear.
B. On your arrival, please go to the information point at the north gate.
C. To do this, you just need to give us your photo card.
D. Please put this on immediately and join other competitors at the warm-up area.
E. Runners must register here at least 30 minutes before the race starts at 9am

6. _________ 7. _________ 8. _________ 9. _________ 10. ______

Topic: Fire instructions

A. When you reach the bottom of these stairs, leave the building through front entrance.
B. Next, walk calmly to the doors marked Emergency Exit.
C. Outside, gather on the grass and wait for further instructions.
D. Through these doors, there are stairs leading you to the ground floor.
E. When you hear the alarm, leave your bags and belongings at the desk..

11.________ 12._________ 13._________ 14._________ 15.______

PART 3: OPINION MATCHING (10 MINUTES)

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Question 16 – 22: Four people express their opinions about plans for a new station. Read the
comments and answer the questions below.
Plans for a new station

Person A Person B
I see too many people who do not arrange a good Buses are often full of people, especially during rush
time to travel to work, they often arrive at work late. hour. This makes me very uncomfortable when I
I always think in advance about what time I will get have to travel to work by bus. The public
to work tomorrow and what means of transport I transportation improvement plan proposed by the
will use. city is very reasonable and it will improve the above
situation a lot.

Person C Person D
In my opinion, the bus is very clean and comfortable Building a new public transportation system will be
to travel. I find it has a lot of space for everyone, very costly. And we all know it's at the expense of
and the bus system is also very large. Therefore, I residents. I think we should use that money for
think improving the public transport system is something more beneficial, which is building more
unnecessary, while the old system is still good. hospitals. Hospitals in this living area are very few.

16. Who thinks the new station will cost too much to build?
17. Who thinks the bus is too busy?
18. Who thinks transport system doesn't need improving?
19. Who thinks people should plan their journeys better?
20. Who thinks the bus service is good?
21. Who thinks better medical facilities are needed?
22. Who thinks the new station will improve train travel?
PART 4: PARAGRAPH HEADINGS (15 MINUTES)
Question 23 – 29: Read the text passage quickly. Choose a heading for each numbered paragraph.
DOGGETT’S COAT AND BADGE
(23) In the early 18th century, London’s roads were often muddy, overcrowded, and difficult to travel
on. As a result, the River Thames served as the main “highway” through the city. People frequently used
water taxis—small boats rowed by trained professionals called watermen—to move around quickly. These
water journeys were not only faster but often safer than traveling by road. For many Londoners, taking a boat
was the most efficient way to attend work, markets, or social events. The Doggett’s race, therefore,
celebrates not just rowing skill, but the essential role that watermen played in daily life during that time.
(24) The Doggett’s Coat and Badge race was established in 1715 by Thomas Doggett, an Irish actor
and theatre manager, who became well known in London. According to popular accounts, Doggett once
narrowly escaped drowning while traveling on the River Thames. To express his gratitude for the boatman
who saved him and to honor the newly crowned King George I, he created this race. It was open to young
watermen who had recently completed their apprenticeships, giving them a chance to demonstrate their
rowing skills. Over time, this event became not just a tribute to a personal event, but a long-standing tradition
that celebrates both history and the craft of rowing on the Thames.
(25) The prize awarded to the winner of the Doggett’s Coat and Badge race is unlike any ordinary

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trophy. Instead of money or medals, the champion receives a traditional red coat and a silver badge. These
items are deeply symbolic and represent the pride and respect historically associated with watermen. Each
piece is custom-made for the winner and presented in a formal ceremony that highlights the cultural
importance of the event. The coat reflects 18th-century styles, while the badge often includes royal imagery
and references to the Thames. This unique reward continues to connect the modern race with its historical
roots and honors the profession’s heritage.
(26) Although the Doggett’s race remains one of the oldest sporting events in the world, some have
raised concerns about its future. With modern boats, technology, and shifting interests among younger
generations, participation has declined in recent decades. Suggestions have been made to modernize the race
to keep it relevant—perhaps by changing the route, updating the boats, or increasing promotion on social
media. Others argue that preserving tradition is more important than making it popular. This ongoing
discussion reflects broader challenges faced by many traditional events in the modern world: how to honor
the past while adapting to the present.
(27) Winning the Doggett’s Coat and Badge race is not just about rowing fast—it’s about gaining
respect within a close-knit community. For many, this competition represents an important rite of passage. It
is often the first time a newly qualified waterman competes on such a historic stage. Success in the race can
lead to recognition, offers from exclusive rowing clubs, and opportunities to participate in ceremonial roles
along the Thames. Even those who do not win often benefit from simply being involved. The reputation built
through this race can carry weight throughout a rower’s career, especially in London’s traditional maritime
circles.
(28) One of the most heartwarming aspects of the Doggett’s race is its multi-generational appeal. In
several families, competing in the race is a proud tradition passed from one generation to the next. It’s not
uncommon to hear stories of grandfathers, fathers, and sons all having taken part over the years. Some
families even have multiple winners across decades. These personal connections add emotional depth to the
event and preserve its history in living memory. For these families, the race is more than a competition—it’s
a legacy. The bond between relatives strengthens as they share stories, train together, and wear the symbolic
red coat with pride.
(29) Unlike many modern sports competitions, the Doggett’s Coat and Badge race offers no financial
reward. The red coat and silver badge have cultural and emotional value, but not monetary. Contestants take
part out of pride, tradition, and a deep respect for the waterman’s profession. Many dedicate months to
training, not for riches but for the honor of winning one of Britain’s most historic races. The lack of financial
incentive may even enhance the race’s prestige, showing that commitment to heritage and community can
outweigh commercial interests. In today’s world, that kind of motivation stands out as truly admirable.

(23) (A) Earning a reputation

(24) (B) Not in it for the money

(C) A need for change
(25)
(D) The easiest way to travel
(26)
(E) Origins of what the winner receives
(27)
(F) Generations of champions
(28) (G) Result of a lucky escape
(29)

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 KEY ANSWER
Part 1: Question 1-5
B. early; A. lunch; B. leave; C. car; A. sleepy
I start early in the morning.
I have lunch.
I leave the office.
I go home in my new car.
I go to bed when I feel sleepy.
Part 2:
Question 6-10: Participate in a race
6 – B: On your arrival, please go to the information point at the north gate;
7- E: Runners must register here at least 30 minutes before the race starts at 9am.
8 – C: To do this, you just need to give us your photo card.
9 – A: A member of staff will give you a numbered armband to wear.
10 – D: Please put this on immediately and join other competitors at the warm-up area.
Question 11-15: Topic: fire instructions
11 – E:When you hear the alarm, leave your bags and belongings at the desk.
12 – B: Next, walk calmly to the doors marked Emergency Exit.
13 – D: Through these doors, there are stairs leading you to the ground floor.
14 – A: When you reach the bottom of these stairs, leave the building through front entrance.
15 – C: Outside, gather on the grass and wait for further instructions.
Part 3:
16. Who thinks the new station will cost too much to build? => Person D.
17. Who thinks the bus is too busy? => Person B.
18. Who thinks transport system doesn't need improving? => Person C.
19. Who thinks people should plan their journeys better? => Person A.
20. Who thinks the bus service is good? => Person C.
21. Who thinks better medical facilities are needed? => Person D.
22. Who thinks the new station will improve train travel? => Person B.
Part 4:
DOGGETT’S COAT AND BADGE
(23) - (D) The easiest way to travel
In the early 18th century, London’s roads were often muddy, overcrowded, and difficult to travel on. As a
result, the River Thames served as the main “highway” through the city. People frequently used water taxis
—small boats rowed by trained professionals called watermen—to move around quickly. These water
journeys were not only faster but often safer than traveling by road. For many Londoners, taking a boat was
the most efficient way to attend work, markets, or social events. The Doggett’s race, therefore, celebrates not

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just rowing skill, but the essential role that watermen played in daily life during that time.
(24) - (G) Result of a lucky escape
The Doggett’s Coat and Badge race was established in 1715 by Thomas Doggett, an Irish actor and theatre
manager, who became well known in London. According to popular accounts, Doggett once narrowly
escaped drowning while traveling on the River Thames. To express his gratitude for the boatman who saved
him and to honor the newly crowned King George I, he created this race. It was open to young watermen
who had recently completed their apprenticeships, giving them a chance to demonstrate their rowing skills.
Over time, this event became not just a tribute to a personal event, but a long-standing tradition that
celebrates both history and the craft of rowing on the Thames.
(25) - (E) Origins of what the winner receives
The prize awarded to the winner of the Doggett’s Coat and Badge race is unlike any ordinary trophy. Instead
of money or medals, the champion receives a traditional red coat and a silver badge. These items are deeply
symbolic and represent the pride and respect historically associated with watermen. Each piece is custom-
made for the winner and presented in a formal ceremony that highlights the cultural importance of the event.
The coat reflects 18th-century styles, while the badge often includes royal imagery and references to the
Thames. This unique reward continues to connect the modern race with its historical roots and honors the
profession’s heritage.
(26) - (C) A need for change
Although the Doggett’s race remains one of the oldest sporting events in the world, some have raised
concerns about its future. With modern boats, technology, and shifting interests among younger generations,
participation has declined in recent decades. Suggestions have been made to modernize the race to keep it
relevant—perhaps by changing the route, updating the boats, or increasing promotion on social media.
Others argue that preserving tradition is more important than making it popular. This ongoing discussion
reflects broader challenges faced by many traditional events in the modern world: how to honor the past
while adapting to the present.
(27) - (A) Earning a reputation
Winning the Doggett’s Coat and Badge race is not just about rowing fast—it’s about gaining respect within a
close-knit community. For many, this competition represents an important rite of passage. It is often the first
time a newly qualified waterman competes on such a historic stage. Success in the race can lead to
recognition, offers from exclusive rowing clubs, and opportunities to participate in ceremonial roles along
the Thames. Even those who do not win often benefit from simply being involved. The reputation built
through this race can carry weight throughout a rower’s career, especially in London’s traditional maritime
circles.
(28) - (F) Generations of champions
One of the most heartwarming aspects of the Doggett’s race is its multi-generational appeal. In several
families, competing in the race is a proud tradition passed from one generation to the next. It’s not
uncommon to hear stories of grandfathers, fathers, and sons all having taken part over the years. Some
families even have multiple winners across decades. These personal connections add emotional depth to the
event and preserve its history in living memory. For these families, the race is more than a competition—it’s
a legacy. The bond between relatives strengthens as they share stories, train together, and wear the symbolic
red coat with pride.
(29) - (B) Not in it for the money

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Unlike many modern sports competitions, the Doggett’s Coat and Badge race offers no financial reward. The
red coat and silver badge have cultural and emotional value, but not monetary. Contestants take part out of
pride, tradition, and a deep respect for the waterman’s profession. Many dedicate months to training, not for
riches but for the honor of winning one of Britain’s most historic races. The lack of financial incentive may
even enhance the race’s prestige, showing that commitment to heritage and community can outweigh
commercial interests. In today’s world, that kind of motivation stands out as truly admirable.

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