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Walt Disney World Resort HolidaysStaying within the Walt Disney World Resort area is more affordable than it's ever been.

It’s the most magical holiday destination in the world. The Walt Disney World Resort is the place where worries and cares disappear, fantasy and fun reign supreme and dreams coming true are the everyday.

Four Disney Theme Parks, two Disney Water Parks, over 20 themed Resort Hotels, two entertainment districts, and a state of-the-art sports complex immerse you in a world filled with exhilarating excitement, fantastic thrills and wonder. Add in countless opportunities for dining,

shopping, relaxation and refreshing recreation, plus a huge range of activities from golf to relaxing spas, and it’s easy to see how this holiday of a lifetime has something for everyone.

You can also include the imaginative range of great value Disney Resort Hotels and you really will enjoy a holiday that’s unique. The choices are amazing; the fun enormous and the memories will last a lifetime. You can now access all that Walt Disney World Resort has to offer exactly how and when you please, with the fantastic Disney’s Ultimate Tickets. Do Disney your way with complete customised freedom for 14 or 21 days.

Whatever your holiday dreams, you can be sure they’ll come true at Walt Disney World Resort. There’s no other place on the planet that provides such a magical escape from everyday life. Here, everyone in the family can live the magic of Disney and share unbelievable experiences that only Disney could invent.

Staying at the Heart of the Magic

A Walt Disney World Resort Hotel offers the ultimate in rest and relaxation. You’ll just love the luxury of being able to pop back to the Hotel to enjoy a midday dip in the pool. Whatever you desire, there’s a Disney Resort Hotel to suit – all offering the legendary service, quality and attention to detail for which Disney is so famous.

Extra benefits

You can charge almost everything in the Disney Resort Hotels and Parks to your room so there’s no need to carry much cash. When you shop in the Disney Parks, as a Disney Resort Hotel guest don’t worry about having to carry it around - it can be delivered back to your hotel at no extra charge.

1. List four benefits of Walt Disney World Resort.

2. What impressions do you get of the type of holiday you would have? (3 PEEs)

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Ant and Dec's success is all down to the fact they are basically friends with the entire nation Polly Hudson says the fact the pair have made few if any enemies despite 25 years in the cut-throat world of TV is a tribute to their personalities as much as their talent

Celebrity life is fake and fickle. Household names and national sweethearts are generally very different in real life. But not Ant and Dec. The irreverent stars of all our favourite TV shows, the multi-award-winning double-act who conquered the pop charts (twice), they can seemingly do no wrong.

And after 25 years in the public eye, the two Geordies, both 38 and born a little over three weeks apart, were rewarded this week with a prestigious Landmark Award at the National Television Awards.

One TV insider who has worked with them explains: “Absolutely no one has a bad word to say about them, anywhere. After more than two decades in the business, this is unheard of. They take the time to speak to everyone, down to the lowliest crew member and they learn everyone’s names. Very few stars make that effort, especially at their level. They are unchanged by fame and it’s always a pleasure to deal with them.”

They offend no one and can’t go out of fashion because they’ve never been in it. They’re not edgy or cool. They’re not tall, dark and handsome. They’re just two pleasantly average blokes with GSOHs. In a world, and certainly a TV screen, full of people taking themselves far too seriously, Ant and Dec are just having a laugh. And we’re all in on the joke.

Sometimes they fluff their lines, sometimes they make each other crack up (genuinely, not in a forced telly way), and that’s all part of their charm. You never doubt that they’re authentic.

1. List 4 things you learn about Ant and Dec.

2. What does Polly Hudson think about Ant and Dec? (3 PEEs)

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Ricky Gervais (comedian) talks to The Independent newspaper about his relationship with co-star Karl Pilkington.

Being friends with Karl has been a nice experiment; he's a cross between my best mate, a lab chimp and a pupil. Steve [Merchant] and I had left XFM to do The Office and returned in 2002 to this tiny little radio station – where Karl worked – as conquering heroes.

I liked him instantly, as he wasn't impressed by who I was. I think the first words I said to him were, "Why have you got a round head?" and he replied, "What shape's a head meant to be?"I laughed straight away, as he didn't go, "How insulting!" So I asked if I could hit it with my phone and he said, "OK," and afterwards he asked, "Did it make a normal noise?" As humans, we use humour to see if someone's on our wavelength and I felt Karl was the funniest man I'd ever met.

Karl will do anything for you. When I got stressed with moving out, he helped me move offices – though he moaned all the way. Now I call him every day; he's the first person I call in the morning.

I like the way he sees the world differently. We might be listening to the radio about the Nativity and the Three Wise Men bringing presents for the baby Jesus, and all Karl could say would be, "Were those presents for Christmas or his birthday?" He's not trying to be funny, he just thinks stuff and says it out loud. When I write, I'm consciously trying to be funny, constructing a punchline, but Karl does it in conversation.

1. How did Gervais and Pilkington meet?

2. What are Ricky Gervais’ thoughts and feelings on Karl Pilkington? (3 PEEs)

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Karl Pilkington claims girlfriend won't be upset at being described as "plump" in new show The Moaning of Life Karl Pilkington has claimed he got a telling off from Sky for describing his long-term girlfriend as “plump” in new show The Moaning of Life - even though she may not mind.

Speaking after a screening of his new Sky 1 documentary last night, the 40-year-old revealed he didn’t discuss the first episode's events with Suzanne, his partner of 20 years. In the episode, Karl risks unsettling his girlfriend by planning his own arranged marriage and experiencing a night of bizarre 'pheromone dating'.

“I don't speak to her [about it] before I go, what's the point?” he said. “There are loads of channels, so the likes of An Idiot Abroad is on every night, all the time, so she is going to see it one day but I don't worry about it."

The spin-off star also insisted that Suzanne would not be offended by her body type being described in such a way. He said: “It depends how you use that word. It's just a word that came into my head. And she won't be offended by that.

Many people have criticised him for being insensitive and thoughtless; others argue that he is a fake.

1. What did Pilkington do to upset his girlfriend?

2. What kind of person is Karl Pilkington?

Compare this text with the text on page 3. Look at:

• What he says.

• What others say about him.

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About USComic Relief is a major charity based in the UK, with a vision of a just world, free from poverty. We work tirelessly all year round to help make our vision a reality. And in the years since we started out in 1985, with the support of some remarkable people, we’ve achieved amazing things and raised over £900 million.

Comic Relief has been able to create real, lasting change to the lives of individuals, communities and the issues we strive to tackle.

None of this would have been possible without the amazing support of the public, our partners and so many of our celebrity friends who’ve helped us along the way.

There is, of course, still so much more to be done, but for an idea of just what we’ve managed to achieve together, watch this video and take in a few of the statistics that we’re particularly proud of.

EDUCATION

We will have helped over 1 million children in Africa and the world’s poorest countries to get an education. Between 1999-2008, the number of children attending school in sub-Saharan Africa increased by 46.5 million. Literacy for adults in Uganda increased to 73% by 2010.

HIV

We will have helped 3 million people affected by HIV in Africa. The number of new infections of HIV in Africa dropped by 21% between 1997 and 2010.

MALARIA

We will have helped to protect over 6 million people from Malaria in Africa. Since 2000, the number of people dying from malaria across Africa has fallen by a third. In 2009 we distributed 600,000 mosquito nets to 234,591 households in mid-western regions of Uganda

1. What areas have Comic Relief helped with in the past?

2. How does the writer make the charity sound successful? (3PEEs)

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About the Poppy AppealEach year the nation expresses its unequivocal support for The Royal British Legion's work through the Poppy Appeal.

The Appeal is the Legion's biggest fundraising campaign and was launched nationally on Thursday 24 October with a concert for Service personnel and their families.

This year, the Legion is focusing on the range of work it does to support Armed Forces families, whether they are families of personnel on active service, of those currently in transition from military to civilian life, or of veterans.

Every poppy helps us to support the British Armed Forces past and present, and their families. Please give generously and wear your poppy with pride.

Lance Corporal Cassidy Little

Royal Marine Cassidy Little30-year old Royal Marine Cassidy was seriously injured by an IED while serving in Afghanistan in May 2011, losing his lower right limb in the incident.

Cassidy participated in the Bravo 22 Company theatre project run jointly by the Legion and The Theatre Royal Haymarket Masterclass Trust. Cassidy played the lead role in the 'Two Worlds of Charlie F', an original play created through the project. It was shown on the West End stage and a subsequent UK tour to wide acclaim.

During his time at the Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre (DMRC), Headley Court, Cassidy benefited from a cinema and entertainment centre built by MediCinema and funded by The Royal British Legion. Cassidy features in the Poppy Appeal 2013 poster campaign.

Kaitlin

Kaitlin Brandon Kaitin's Dad, L/Cpl Richard Brandon of the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME), was killed in an IED blast in Afghanistan in September 2009.

In the months following Richard's death, the Legion provided support and financial advice Kaitlin's mum Emma. She said the help she received was invaluable.

“My mind was all over the place after losing Richard and the Legion helped me to cover all the bases. I have been given a lot of guidance through the Legion's services and it has helped me access the support I am entitled to.”

1. List 3 facts about The British Legion.

2. Compare this text and the text on page 5. You should look at:

Who the charities help.How they make the reader want to help.

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This is an extract from footballer Fernando Torres’ autobiography.

Flying into Manchester airport for the signing was one of the most exciting days of my career. The limo transferring me took a while longer to reach the ground than I expected but once there I was greeted by a sea of red. The chanting and atmosphere were brilliant and it all passed by in a blur.

Once inside the ground I was greeted by the manager, the first time we had met face to face. He was a lot heavier than I expected but spoke to me in good Spanish which made me feel most welcome. We went straight into a conference room for the official signing.

After I had put pen to paper the manager turned to me and said “Welcome to the biggest club in the World”.

I said thank you and asked “When will I meet Wayne and Cristiano”?

There followed about ten minutes of confusion from which it transpired that there are two clubs in the North West of England known as the “Reds” and my idiot agent had got them mixed up.

However I had signed so had to get on with it. Benitez was known as the “Gaffer”. I asked Stevie G (the only other player at the club who could control the ball) why this was.

He explained that in English “gaffe” is an embarrassing mistake. Apparently even the owners called Rafa “gaffer”.

All I can do now is play really well and hope that Real, Barca or possibly Barnsley come and save me from my nightmare.

Some days after training I drive from Liverpool to Manchester and sit outside Old Trafford and dream of what might have been. I can sit there for hours.

Then Stevie will nudge me and say “Come on Nando, we have to go back”.

We drive silently back to the gaffer.

1. What is Torres doing in the extract?

2. What are his thoughts and feelings in this extract? (3 PEEs)

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This is an extract from a travel writing blog.

After an hour's descent I reach the desert. Sweat pours from my body and evaporates in seconds. My water is half-finished, and the lake has sunk from view. I must rely on my compass from now on.

The sun is still overhead. As I breathe the hot air in and out, my mouth becomes as dry as dust. The compass in my hand burns like the gravel underfoot. The dry noodles have reached my stomach and seem to be sucking the moisture from my blood. I long to reach the shore of the lake and plunge my head in its cool water. For brief moments, refracted through the heat waves on the right, I see villages, moving trucks, or a sweep of marsh. If I didn't have a compass, I might be tempted to walk straight into the mirage.

Four or five hours go by. At last I see clumps of weed rise from the gravel. The land starts to dip. I check the compass. Sugan should be right in front of me now, but all I see is the wide stony plain.

Suddenly it dawns on me that distances can be deceptive in the transparent atmosphere of the desert. The lake that from the pass seemed so near could be a hundred kilometres away. After all, what looked like a tiny blue spot is in fact a huge lake. It is too late to turn back now though - my bottle is empty. I have no choice but to keep walking towards the water. Where there is water there are people, and where there are people there is life. There is no other path I can take.

As the sun sinks to the west, the lake reappears at last. It is not a lake exactly, just a line of grey slightly brighter than the desert stones, not wavering in the heat haze this time, but lying still at the edge of the sky. I am on course, but my legs can barely hold. There is camel-thorn underfoot now and the earth is covered with a thick saline crust. The sun sinks slowly below me, then reddens and disappears.

1. How do we know the writer is tired?

2. How does the writer make the desert sound tough? (3 PEEs)

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Customer trapped INSIDE bank after staff forget her in side room and lock up branch

Locked in: The customer became trapped in a NatWest branch A furious customer was locked inside a Natwest branch for an hour and a half tonight after being left in a side room while the bank closed.

Natwest has launched an investigation after the customer popped in just before 5pm to make an enquiry about her account.

The manager of the branch in Waterloo, central London, let the woman phone the bank’s central customer services department in a quiet side room. But after being kept on hold, the customer went to alert the manager that she hadn’t been able to get through, only to find she was all alone in a locked bank.

The woman, who has asked to remain anonymous, said: “I was calling out when I noticed the alarms were going off. I thought to myself, ‘What’s going on?’ It was then I realised that I’d been locked in. Every time I went towards the doors the alarms kept getting louder and louder.

“I rang the police and told them I was locked in a bank. They said they wouldn’t be able to send anybody round for 60 minutes.”

The customer eventually contacted the bank’s alarm control - where she says she was told to see if she could find her own way out via the fire exit. She said: “I wasn’t going to do that. For all I know my fingerprints would be left all over the bank. I told them I was staying put.”

The customer was finally released at 7.15pm - 90 minutes later - by a delivery man.

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She said: “It’s unbelievable, it’s surreal. I’ve never come across anything like it. The bank needs to be much more professional.”

1. How did the woman get trapped in the room?2. What did the woman do to escape? (3 PEEs)

British surfer who punched great white shark was saved by James Bond training

Thunderball: James Bond was no stranger to shark infested waters The British surfer who fought off a shark by punching it in the face may have escaped because of his JAMES BOND training.

Darren Mills, 28, was more than 50 yards off the coast of New Zealand when the 10ft great white shark sank its teeth into his thigh. Darren from Crawley, West Sussex, punched the shark and swam to shore heavily bleeding from three bite wounds.

Just days before the attack he took part in a promotional video for a James Bond themed day trip in which he was taken under water in a mechanical shark.

The 007 training also included a helicopter trip and a visit to a hidden island. On the video he is seen transforming from chilled out surf dude to dapper tux-wearing special agent.

Local surfer Nick Smart said: “He was sitting on his surfboard and the shark came up from nowhere and hit him. He struggled for a bit and then punched the shark and it let him go.”

Surf school owner Mr Smart added: “His friends helped him when he got to the shallow part. He was in a lot of pain and wasn’t saying much. We rushed to give him blankets and there was a doctor holidaying on the beach who also helped. I could see a cut in his wetsuit. It looked to be a 10cm gash in one leg. I’ve surfed the bay thousands of times and done thousands of instructions and thought of it as safe as a church.”

1. List three facts about Darren Mills.2. How does the writer make the attack sound dangerous? (3 PEEs)

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Pixie Lott - I feel sorry for Justin Bieber and I say good luck to Miley Cyrus

Pixie Lott says she wants to be a role model but is at the age where she also wants to go out and party so she can relate to Justin Bieber and Miley Cyrus' troubles

Getty Empathy: Pixie feels for Miley and the Bieb

Our memory of Pixie Lott saw her strutting around New York in high-heeled boots and knickers in the steamy video for her anthem All About Tonight.

Pixie, 23, has come of age in the public eye. Since her debut in 2009 with the No1 hit Mama Do she’s had nine Top 20 singles including two more chart-toppers plus two hit albums.

She certainly not a goody-two-shoes. Photos of her staggering a little the worse for wear from nightspots in London and her home town of Brentwood are testament to that. “That’s just what girls my age do, what all my friends my age do,” says Pixie. “I want to be a good role model but the most important thing for me is to be a realistic role model.”

But today’s child stars have a habit of going off the rails. And currently veering way off-track is Justin Bieber, who only last month was arrested for driving under the influence of drugs then, following a separate incident, charged with assault.

“I feel sorry for Justin Bieber,” says Pixie. “If you think about it he’s just 19 and people make mistakes at that age. I can imagine loads of boys across the country doing the same thing.

“I’ve never done anything as extreme. But if I did I know it would be watched. It is harder, you know. I’ve been offered drugs before. Every teenager gets in that situation but my friends and I are just not interested. So those friends and family are keeping me grounded. I’d like to say: ‘Yes, I’ve nearly come off the rails’ but I haven’t and I know I’d have support if that ever did happen.”

She also has sympathy for Miley Cyrus, who during the five years of Pixie’s career has transformed herself from sweet Hannah Montana to the twerking sex-bomb we see today.

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1. Pick 3 words out of the text and explain what they show about Pixie Lott.

2. What does the article suggest the life of child stars is like? (3 PEEs)Michael Jackson on the perils of getting older.

In the era of X-Factor and Britain’s Got Talent, more and more young people are being lured into developing an insatiable lust for fame. Whilst fame can bring enormous rewards, it is likely that just about every famous person would acknowledge that there is also a downside. To some, of course, the negative side of fame is more damaging than to others. However, young people are likely to be especially vulnerable to this negative side, and, in this post, I want to explore the adverse effects the experience of early fame can have on child stars.

Of course, some child stars cope with their fame very well and can enjoy it. An example of someone who fitted this category is Leonardo DiCaprio (for those who have not seen films in which he starred as a child, I recommend the film ‘What’s Eating Gilbert Grape?’) who made an extraordinarily successful transition into adult stardom.

Stars who did not cope so well with early fame include Michael Jackson (indeed, he attributed many of his adult difficulties to the effect of his childhood). In interviews, Jackson described his childhood as being lonely and unhappy. it has also been alleged that his father used, sometimes, to beat him if he made mistakes during the arduous rehearsals he was forced to undertake. He also stated that he would often see happy children playing together through the window of his rehearsal room and cry because he could not join them and felt left out. As an adult, he felt his childhood had, in a very real sense, been stolen from him. In response to this, he tried to relive his childhood as an adult which is, of course, extremely well documented.

1. Pick 3 words out of the text and explain what they show about Michael Jackson.

2. Compare what this article and the one on page 11 say about childhood fame. Look at:

The positives.The negatives.

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8 Tips for Healthy Eating – NHS onlineEating a healthy, balanced diet is an important part of maintaining good health, and can help you feel your best. It doesn't have to be difficult either. Just follow these eight diet tips to get started.

Getting started, a 12-week weight loss guide that combines advice on healthier eating and physical activity.

Eat a wide range of foods to ensure that you’re getting a balanced diet and that your body is receiving all the nutrients it needs.

Base your meals on starchy foods Starchy foods should make up around one third of the foods you eat. Starchy foods include potatoes, cereals, pasta, rice and bread. Choose wholegrain varieties (or eat potatoes with their skins on) when you can: they contain more fibre, and can make you feel full for longer.

Eat lots of fruit and veg It’s recommended that we eat at least five portions of different types of fruit and veg a day. It’s easier than it sounds. A glass of 100% unsweetened fruit juice can count as one portion, and vegetables cooked into dishes also count. Why not chop a banana over your breakfast cereal, or swap your usual mid-morning snack for some dried fruit? Learn more in 5 A DAY.

Cut down on saturated fat and sugarWe all need some fat in our diet. But it’s important to pay attention to the amount and type of fat we’re eating. There are two main types of fat: saturated and unsaturated. Too much saturated fat can increase the amount of cholesterol in the blood, which increases your risk of developing heart disease.

For a healthier choice, use a just a small amount of vegetable oil or reduced-fat spread instead of butter, lard or ghee. When you're having meat, choose lean cuts and cut off any visible fat. Learn more, and get tips on cutting down, in Eat less saturated fat.

Most people in the UK eat and drink too much sugar. Sugary foods and drinks, including alcoholic drinks, are often high in energy (measured in kilojoules or calories), and could contribute to weight gain. They can also cause tooth decay, especially if eaten between meals.

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Cut down on sugary fizzy drinks, alcoholic drinks, cakes, biscuits and pastries, which contain added sugars: this is the kind of sugar we should be cutting down on rather than sugars that are found naturally in foods such as fruit and milk.

1. List 2 facts about sugar.

2. How does the writer make eating healthily sound important? (3 PEEs)

Dear Sir, u gt ne jobs 4 me? Spk l8r… Young unemployed using text speak when applying for jobs, employers say

Young people are locking themselves out of the jobs market by turning up late for interviews or communicating with employers in text speak, according to a report.

Businesses are also reporting candidates have unrealistic expectations, with some expecting to ‘just walk into their dream job’.

They were among the issues that emerged in a study that revealed young people and employers are often on ‘completely different planets’ over recruitment, which is hindering their access to jobs at a time of high youth unemployment.

The report – Employers are from Mars, young people are from Venus - drew on several sources including interviews with employers and young people. The main issues emerging in the recruitment process were a shortage of confidence and poor levels of preparation, communication and presentation.

Specific complaints included:• Not reading or understanding eligibility criteria for the job• General understanding of expectations such as punctuality and what to wear• Poor written communication such as emails written in text-speak• Little knowledge of ‘basic work etiquette’• Difficulty in saying why they want the job

A lack of feedback or even acknowledgement after applying for jobs is ‘de-motivating and crushing the confidence’ of many young people, the report said.

But conversely some employers reported being overwhelmed by a large volume of ‘scattergun’ applications from young people who have not researched the role.

Poor careers advice and guidance in schools was also said to be leaving many young people with little understanding of the world of work.

One in five 16 to 24-year-olds is currently unemployed in Britain.

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1. List 3 things young people are doing wrong that stop them getting jobs.

2. Who does the article suggest is to blame for young people not getting jobs in the UK (look at a different group/person for each PEE) (3PEE)

Amanda Holden: Simon Cowell can kiss his life goodbye once his baby arrives

Amanda Holden has some sound advice for Simon Cowell (Picture: Ian West/PA Wire) Amanda Holden says Simon Cowell is completely deluded if he thinks his life won’t change after having a baby.The 42-year-old – who has two children of her own – has warned Cowell that he can kiss any last-minute travel plans goodbye once he becomes a father. ‘(I just don’t think he’s ready) for how much his plans are just going to go out the window,’ she said.‘He keeps telling me all these plans he’s got saying “Oh I’m going to fly here and go there”, and I’m thinking, “yeah good luck with that”, they’re just

going to go to s***.’But Holden does believe he’s ready to be a father – even if parenthood is ‘terrifying’.‘I think he’s ready, I think he’s prepared himself as much as he can. He’ll be good, he’ll be scared but everybody is when you have a baby – it’s terrifying.’

1. List 3 facts about Amanda Holden.

2. What are Amanda Holden’s thoughts and feelings about Simon Cowell? (3 PEEs)

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Simon Cowell: A baby isn’t going to change my life – my dogs have prepared me

Simon Cowell thinks his life ‘is not going to change’ after the arrival of his first child because his girlfriend knows how busy his work schedule is.

The X Factor boss – who is expecting his new arrival with Lauren Silverman later this month – says he should be able to manage fatherhood because he has prepared himself by looking after his two dogs, Squiddly and Diddly.

‘It’s not going to change too much,’ he claimed. ‘I got the dogs in first and got used to them but Lauren knows what my work schedule is and everything else and she’s cool with that.

Cowell also revealed his plans to have his new family close to him in London.

‘We’ll travel a little bit but we made the decision last year when we came back to the UK and she wants to come and live here for a while,’ he revealed.

The 54-year-old also confessed that he thinks the heir to his empire will keep him on his toes – like his beloved pooches.

‘My dogs were definitely the test run. They’re really naughty,’ he added, ‘I’ve got a feeling he’s going to be really bad.’

1. List 5 facts about Simon Cowell.2. Compare what this text says about what it is like to have a baby

with the text on page 15.You should look at:

What Amanda Holden thinks

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What Simon Cowell thinks

This is an article about cyclist, Bradley Wiggins.

A string bean of a man in a khaki parka, smart jeans, stripy socks and flared sideburns walks past. "Bradley," I say, gently. He jumps.

"Bradley, I'm Simon, your interviewer."

"Oh," he says, unnerved. "The thing is, I've just been round the corner for coffee and was stopped three times for photos." He says it wasn't like this a

few months ago, before he became the first Briton to win the Tour de France, and he doesn't quite know how to cope.

Has victory sunk in? "No. I don't think it will, to be honest. I don't think it has to sink in. I accept that I won the Tour, but I don't know if I should feel any different. I understand what it means, because I love the history of the sport, but I don't think I'll ever…" He thinks through every sentence so thoroughly that he ties himself in knots – doubling back on ideas, qualifying every thought, adding last-second caveats.

The problem is, he says, there wasn't time. After the Tour, it was the Olympics. So what about now? Does it hit him; does he turn to his wife and kids, and say, "You know what? I've won the Tour." He smiles. "No. My wife says it to me occasionally. She'll say, 'you won the Tour, Brad!' like it dawns on her now and again."

We couldn't have handpicked a better British hero – Wiggins has struggled plenty (he's been racing professionally for 11 years, often couldn't make ends meet, and has had a drink problem), he is funny (he does great impressions), cool (a retro mod), a bit of an extrovert (he jumped on a car after winning the Tour) but more of an introvert (he did it only because he didn't know how he was expected to react). The French nicknamed him Le Gentleman when he slowed to allow rivals to repair their bikes and catch up after saboteurs had thrown tacks on the ground. Fellow cyclist Chris Hoy described his victory as the greatest achievement by a British athlete.

However much he protests, his is a remarkable story. Wiggins was 12 when he started racing at the Herne Hill velodrome in London – the same track on which his father had raced years before – and says he knew from then on this would be his future. He loved everything about it – the freedom of track and road, the sweet agony of training to peak fitness, the natural high, the rivalries, and the battle of man versus machine.

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1. Pick out 3 facts about Bradley Wiggins.

2. How is Bradley Wiggins presented in this article? (3 PEE)

The following is taken from an opinion blog on cyclist Lance Armstrong.

Lance Armstrong took banned substances to enhance his cycling performance. He used EPO. He blood doped and had transfusions. There was testosterone, cortisone and human growth hormone. He did so in every one of his seven Tour de France victories.

It confirmed Armstrong as the most cold-blooded, calculating cheat in the history of sport. A man who ran a racket of intimidation and bullying to protect his empire. Wrapped it in the protective shroud of a humanitarian cause. And proclaimed it with a relentless pitch of sanctimony.

In an interview with Oprah Winfrey he said, "I'm not the most believable guy in the world right now, I understand." The rest was a series of contradictions.

Armstrong is sorry now. He knows he has to be. Too late, yes, but it's the only thing left. He's just a little hazy on the specifics of what he should be sorry for.Except that he is sorry he got caught.

It seems like Armstrong takes responsibility and that he knows all the fault and blame lies with him. At the same time though he twice stated the drugs were as essential in team preparation as air in the tyres.

Be gone, Lance Armstrong, for you know not what you have done.

1. Highlight three of the writer’s opinions in this text.

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2. Compare and contrast how Lance Armstrong and Bradley Wiggins (in the article on page 17) are presented. You should explore:

The things they have done

What people have said about them.

The story of Pudding the rescue dog Stretched out on the sofa playing with her favourite toy, Pudding is a picture of canine happiness. But as she bites and chews away, something looks out of place, something is not quite right.

Then, as she lifts her head, all becomes apparent. A large amount of the front of her mouth is missing. At some point in her life, she has suffered horrific injuries and experienced excruciating pain.

Pudding’s new owner, Toni, sits close by. She has become quite a character in the village. Everyone now knows all about her story and frequently ask how she’s getting along. It’s been an education for a lot of people.

At the tail-end of 2012, Toni and her husband Ed decided to look for another four-legged companion to share their lives and love with. Once again they turned to the RSPCA and as Toni gradually scrolled through the rehoming pages of the national website, searching for a Jack Russell, something happened that would changed her plans.

“A picture of Pudding came up on the screen and I stopped in my tracks. I found the image compelling and I actually cried. Despite the injuries and disfigurement I just wanted to find out more.”

Toni discovered that Pudding was in the care of the RSPCA Animal Centre at Bryn-y-Maen in the North of Wales. Despite being almost 300 miles away, Toni and husband Ed agreed the distance didn’t matter.

“She has been an absolute delight since we collected her. Sleeps during car journeys and is silent in her bed all night. Meets other dogs politely and seems content to be left on her own. She is just happy about everything. It must have taken her a little over two weeks to completely settle in. When she started barking at the postman was the day that we knew she truly felt at home!”

Cruelty seems a lifetime away

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1. Pick 5 words and explain what they show about Pudding.

2. What things did Toni do in order to adopt Pudding? (3 PEE)

Guide dog saved baby by pushing pram away from car A guide dog saved the life of a baby after it broke free from its owner to push a pram out of the path of a car that had careered out of control.

Guide dog Jet with owner Jessica Cowley and her son Jacob Photo: Lorne Campbell / GuzelianThe dog managed to wrench herself free from the grip of her owner Jessica Cowley, who is registered blind, after she spotted the car heading for the pram, which had one-year-old Jacob in. Jet, a black Labrador who has been a guide dog for five years, pushed the pram out of the way of the car, which then hit Mrs Cowley, knocking her to the

ground. Mrs Cowley, who is registered blind and has tunnel vision, said Jet had not been specifically trained for this type of rescue but was very protective of her young son. Mrs Cowley, 28, said: "Just after we stepped off the kerb to cross the entrance of the car park, I heard a screeching of a car and it banged into me sending me flying. Just before it hit me I felt Jet let go. She a strong dog and she pulled out of my hand and actually pushed the pram out of the way. The pram toppled over but Jacob was out of safety and even while I was lying face down on the ground, I was happy to know he was safe. She reacted really quickly, and she's just amazing." The car is thought to have been shunted behind from another vehicle and forced off the road to head for Mrs Cowley and her son as they crossed the entrance to a car park in Leigh in Lancashire, near their home. Mrs Cowley was knocked to the floor face down, and had her leg trapped on one side of a bollard. The pram was knocked on its side, but Jacob only suffered a cut to his lip. Mrs Cowley added: "Jet is trained to help me but she's not trained to do that sort of thing. It doesn't bear thinking about what might have happened if she hadn't have done what she did. She was worried about me but once she had licked my face and checked I was conscious she was fine. She loves Jacob and thinks of him as her own. What she did was extremely brave and I am very proud of her.” Vet Caroline Purnell, who saw the incident, said: "We feel that she really demonstrated exactly how important these dogs are. She showed no concern for her own safety and went to protect her handler's child before helping her handler."

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1. List 5 events that happened in the accident.

2. Compare how the dogs are presented in this article and the one on page 19. You should explore:

How they are described by people.

What they do/have done.

Writing 1Correct the 7 spelling mistakes in the following sentences:She was going to the party but couldn’t deside what to where. Were did she put the shoes that she bought last weak? Witch top would go with her knew skirt? To many questions!

Write an answer to the following tasks. Spend 3 minutes planning and 25 minutes writing. Make sure every paragraph explores a different idea.

Write an article for the school magazine, advising students on how to cope with exam stress.Introduction – Paragraph 1 – Paragraph 2 – Paragraph 3 – Conclusion -

Writing 2Place 5 commas in the following sentences:Even though she had been many times before Annie felt nervous visiting her Gran. She was always so bitter nasty and spiteful especially if Annie hadn’t been round for a while. This time compared to all the others was going to be the worst.

Write an answer to the following tasks. Spend 3 minutes planning and 25 minutes writing. Make sure every paragraph explores a different idea.

Some people argue that violent computer games are dangerous when played by young people. Write a newspaper article arguing whether you agree or disagree with this opinion.Introduction –

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Paragraph 1 – Paragraph 2 – Paragraph 3 – Conclusion -

Writing 3When can you use a semi colon? Explain below and write two examples.

Write an answer to the following tasks. Spend 3 minutes planning and 25 minutes writing. Make sure every paragraph explores a different idea.

Write a review of a film or TV programme for a teenage magazine.Introduction – Paragraph 1 – Paragraph 2 – Paragraph 3 – Conclusion -

Writing 4When can you use a colon? Explain below and write two examples.

Write an answer to the following tasks. Spend 3 minutes planning and 25 minutes writing. Make sure every paragraph explores a different idea.

Write a letter to your head teacher persuading him/her to allow the use of mobile phones in school.

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Introduction – Paragraph 1 – Paragraph 2 – Paragraph 3 – Conclusion -

Writing 5Why have the following exclamation marks been used?I’ve had the worst day in the history of the world!

(Said when it is raining) Lovely weather!

Write an answer to the following tasks. Spend 3 minutes planning and 25 minutes writing. Make sure every paragraph explores a different idea.

Does reality TV set a bad example for young people? Write an article for an opinion blog arguing your views on this.Introduction – Paragraph 1 – Paragraph 2 – Paragraph 3 – Conclusion -

Writing 6Why have the following exclamation marks been used?I’m so excited!

Get out!

Write an answer to the following tasks. Spend 3 minutes planning and 25 minutes writing. Make sure every paragraph explores a different idea.

Write an article for a travel magazine, advertising your local area as a good place to visit.Introduction –

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Paragraph 1 – Paragraph 2 – Paragraph 3 – Conclusion -

Writing 7Place 7 apostrophes correctly in the following sentences:Bens mums so cool. Shes always buying him clothes and washes his mates football kits. Ill always go to her with a problem and woulnt go to my mum. Hes really lucky!

Write an answer to the following tasks. Spend 3 minutes planning and 25 minutes writing. Make sure every paragraph explores a different idea.

Write an article for the school magazine, advising students on how to cope with exam stress.Introduction – Paragraph 1 – Paragraph 2 – Paragraph 3 – Conclusion -

Writing 8Correct these spellings:Accidently Beleive Definately

Experiance Gratefull Indepenant

Write an answer to the following tasks. Spend 3 minutes planning and 25 minutes writing. Make sure every paragraph explores a different idea.

Write a speech for a radio station advising young people how to stay safe and happy when on social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter.Introduction –

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Paragraph 1 – Paragraph 2 – Paragraph 3 – Conclusion -

Writing 9Place 4 full stops and 8 capitals in the correct places:morecambe community high school has a lot to offer its students the range of sports facitilites opportunities out of school and the high quality teaching in the classroom make it an ideal site for edcuation don’t waste any time come and take a look at a school that lancashire should be proud of

Write an answer to the following tasks. Spend 3 minutes planning and 25 minutes writing. Make sure every paragraph explores a different idea.

Write an entry for an online blog entitled ‘ My most embarrassing moment ’ . Introduction – Paragraph 1 – Paragraph 2 – Paragraph 3 – Conclusion -

Writing 10Correct these spellings:Lesure Maintanance Libary

Probarly Occasionaly Questionaire

Write an answer to the following tasks. Spend 3 minutes planning and 25 minutes writing. Make sure every paragraph explores a different idea.

Write a letter to your head teacher persuading him/her to run a school trip of your choice.

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Introduction – Paragraph 1 – Paragraph 2 – Paragraph 3 – Conclusion -

Writing 11Think of 5 connectives you could use instead of ‘Also’ (they must mean ‘another similar idea’).

Write an answer to the following tasks. Spend 3 minutes planning and 25 minutes writing. Make sure every paragraph explores a different idea.

Write an entry for an online blog entitled ‘ My most embarrassing moment ’ . Introduction – Paragraph 1 – Paragraph 2 – Paragraph 3 – Conclusion -

Writing 12Correct these spellings:Reccommend Incredable Relevent

Restarant Unitll Responsable

Write an answer to the following tasks. Spend 3 minutes planning and 25 minutes writing. Make sure every paragraph explores a different idea.

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Write an article for a teen magazine explaining whay a celbrity of your choice is a bad role model.Introduction – Paragraph 1 – Paragraph 2 – Paragraph 3 – Conclusion -

Writing 13Think of 5 connectives you could use instead of ‘On the other hand’ (they must mean ‘an opposite idea’).

Write an answer to the following tasks. Spend 3 minutes planning and 25 minutes writing. Make sure every paragraph explores a different idea.

Write an entry for a newspaper writing competition about a time you lied.Introduction – Paragraph 1 – Paragraph 2 – Paragraph 3 – Conclusion -

Writing 14Correct these spellings:accross adress basicly

calender enviroment exsaggerate

Write an answer to the following tasks. Spend 3 minutes planning and 25 minutes writing. Make sure every paragraph explores a different idea.

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Write the text for a leaflet that advises parents on how to educate their children on drugs and alcohol.Introduction – Paragraph 1 – Paragraph 2 – Paragraph 3 – Conclusion -

Writing 13Turn these sentences into metaphors:The little girl looked pretty.

The man ate most of the buffet.

Write an answer to the following tasks. Spend 3 minutes planning and 25 minutes writing. Make sure every paragraph explores a different idea.

Write a speech for a school assembly informing students on how they can help save the environment at school, persuading them to get involved.Introduction – Paragraph 1 – Paragraph 2 – Paragraph 3 – Conclusion -

Writing 14Correct these spellings:Exersise Garantee Freind

Rediculous Terrably Goverment

Write an answer to the following tasks. Spend 3 minutes planning and 25 minutes writing. Make sure every paragraph explores a different idea.

Write an entry for an online blog that is entitled ‘ Holiday of a lifetime ’ .

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Introduction – Paragraph 1 – Paragraph 2 – Paragraph 3 – Conclusion -

Writing 15Turn these sentences into metaphors:The waves on the sea were rough.

I was very angry.

Write an answer to the following tasks. Spend 3 minutes planning and 25 minutes writing. Make sure every paragraph explores a different idea.

Write an article for the school newspaper, advising students on how to live a healthy lifestyle.Introduction – Paragraph 1 – Paragraph 2 – Paragraph 3 – Conclusion -

Writing 16Correct these spellings:Exersise Garantee Freind

Rediculous Terrably Goverment

Write an answer to the following tasks. Spend 3 minutes planning and 25 minutes writing. Make sure every paragraph explores a different idea.

30

Write the text for a leaflet advising young people on how to deal with bullying.Introduction – Paragraph 1 – Paragraph 2 – Paragraph 3 – Conclusion –

Writing 17Make these sentences more formal:I am really hacked off.

I couldn’t believe his cheek.

Write an answer to the following tasks. Spend 3 minutes planning and 25 minutes writing. Make sure every paragraph explores a different idea.

Write an article for the school magazine about a TV advert you love or hate.Introduction – Paragraph 1 – Paragraph 2 – Paragraph 3 – Conclusion -

Writing 18Correct these spellings:Fasinating Forwad Dilema

Diffrence Brillient Irratated

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Write an answer to the following tasks. Spend 3 minutes planning and 25 minutes writing. Make sure every paragraph explores a different idea.

Write a speech for a school assembly warning students about the dangers of smoking.Introduction – Paragraph 1 – Paragraph 2 – Paragraph 3 – Conclusion –

Writing 19Write a definition for these types of sentences:Complex –

Compound -

Write an answer to the following tasks. Spend 3 minutes planning and 25 minutes writing. Make sure every paragraph explores a different idea.

Write a letter to local people persuading them to attend a charity event at your school.Introduction – Paragraph 1 – Paragraph 2 – Paragraph 3 – Conclusion -

Writing 20Write a definition for these types of sentences:Simple –

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Minor -

Write an answer to the following tasks. Spend 3 minutes planning and 25 minutes writing. Make sure every paragraph explores a different idea.

Are models too skinny? Write an article for a newspaper arguing your views on this topic.Introduction – Paragraph 1 – Paragraph 2 – Paragraph 3 – Conclusion -