END-OF-TERM READING SOLUTIONS PRE-INTERMEDIATE UNIT 3-4

Storm chasers

North America is famous for its wide open spaces, and this landscape can cause some very exciting weather. In fact, the USA has more tornadoes than any other country – there are about 1,200 every year in a part of the country called 'Tornado Alley'. ¹___ It's also in this area that there are hundreds of people studying the weather. They are just normal people, but their favourite activity is following storms and getting as close as possible to a tornado! We call these people 'storm chasers', and it’s quite easy to become a storm chaser these days. All you need is a mobile phone, a good car and GPS.

Gabe Matthews is a storm chaser, and he follows the weather as often as possible. ‘Seeing a powerful tornado is an amazing experience,’ says Gabe, 'but it isn't easy to be in the right place at the right time. ²___ When we know that a big tornado is coming, we have to drive a long way. Then we have to wait for ages before we see the weather changing. But when that starts to happen, it’s so exciting.’

Many people become storm chasers because they like the danger. But Gabe is always very careful. ³___ 'Once I saw cars flying through the air,' says Gabe, 'and a big American truck! That was really exciting, but we watched it from far enough away. You don’t want those cars to hit you!’

Another reason people chase storms is to film them. A news channel recently used one of Gabe’s films. ‘That film was exciting because it was a strong storm and it caused a lot of damage. It was great to get it on TV.’ ⁴___ ‘My friends and I heard screams when we were filming. We followed the sound and found some people inside a building. They couldn’t get out, so they were very relieved when we rescued them. It was great to help people like that.’

Perhaps you have to be a little crazy to be a storm chaser. Certainly, some people say that storm chasers just want to do something thrilling. ⁵___ So actually, they often save lives. 

Gap 1 is...

Storm chasers

North America is famous for its wide open spaces, and this landscape can cause some very exciting weather. In fact, the USA has more tornadoes than any other country – there are about 1,200 every year in a part of the country called 'Tornado Alley'. 1___ It's also in this area that there are hundreds of people studying the weather. They are just normal people, but their favourite activity is following storms and getting as close as possible to a tornado! We call these people 'storm chasers', and it’s quite easy to become a storm chaser these days. All you need is a mobile phone, a good car and GPS.

Gabe Matthews is a storm chaser, and he follows the weather as often as possible. ‘Seeing a powerful tornado is an amazing experience,’ says Gabe, 'but it isn't easy to be in the right place at the right time. 2___ When we know that a big tornado is coming, we have to drive a long way. Then we have to wait for ages before we see the weather changing. But when that starts to happen, it’s so exciting.’

Many people become storm chasers because they like the danger. But Gabe is always very careful. 3___ 'Once I saw cars flying through the air,' says Gabe, 'and a big American truck! That was really exciting, but we watched it from far enough away. You don’t want those cars to hit you!’

Another reason people chase storms is to film them. A news channel recently used one of Gabe’s films. ‘That film was exciting because it was a strong storm and it caused a lot of damage. It was great to get it on TV.’ 4___ ‘My friends and I heard screams when we were filming. We followed the sound and found some people inside a building. They couldn’t get out, so they were very relieved when we rescued them. It was great to help people like that.’

Perhaps you have to be a little crazy to be a storm chaser. Certainly, some people say that storm chasers just want to do something thrilling. 5___ So actually, they often save lives. 

Gap 2 is...

Storm chasers

North America is famous for its wide open spaces, and this landscape can cause some very exciting weather. In fact, the USA has more tornadoes than any other country – there are about 1,200 every year in a part of the country called 'Tornado Alley'. 1___ It's also in this area that there are hundreds of people studying the weather. They are just normal people, but their favourite activity is following storms and getting as close as possible to a tornado! We call these people 'storm chasers', and it’s quite easy to become a storm chaser these days. All you need is a mobile phone, a good car and GPS.

Gabe Matthews is a storm chaser, and he follows the weather as often as possible. ‘Seeing a powerful tornado is an amazing experience,’ says Gabe, 'but it isn't easy to be in the right place at the right time. 2___ When we know that a big tornado is coming, we have to drive a long way. Then we have to wait for ages before we see the weather changing. But when that starts to happen, it’s so exciting.’

Many people become storm chasers because they like the danger. But Gabe is always very careful. 3___ 'Once I saw cars flying through the air,' says Gabe, 'and a big American truck! That was really exciting, but we watched it from far enough away. You don’t want those cars to hit you!’

Another reason people chase storms is to film them. A news channel recently used one of Gabe’s films. ‘That film was exciting because it was a strong storm and it caused a lot of damage. It was great to get it on TV.’ 4___ ‘My friends and I heard screams when we were filming. We followed the sound and found some people inside a building. They couldn’t get out, so they were very relieved when we rescued them. It was great to help people like that.’

Perhaps you have to be a little crazy to be a storm chaser. Certainly, some people say that storm chasers just want to do something thrilling. 5___ So actually, they often save lives. 

Gap 3 is...

Storm chasers

North America is famous for its wide open spaces, and this landscape can cause some very exciting weather. In fact, the USA has more tornadoes than any other country – there are about 1,200 every year in a part of the country called 'Tornado Alley'. 1___ It's also in this area that there are hundreds of people studying the weather. They are just normal people, but their favourite activity is following storms and getting as close as possible to a tornado! We call these people 'storm chasers', and it’s quite easy to become a storm chaser these days. All you need is a mobile phone, a good car and GPS.

Gabe Matthews is a storm chaser, and he follows the weather as often as possible. ‘Seeing a powerful tornado is an amazing experience,’ says Gabe, 'but it isn't easy to be in the right place at the right time. 2___ When we know that a big tornado is coming, we have to drive a long way. Then we have to wait for ages before we see the weather changing. But when that starts to happen, it’s so exciting.’

Many people become storm chasers because they like the danger. But Gabe is always very careful. 3___ 'Once I saw cars flying through the air,' says Gabe, 'and a big American truck! That was really exciting, but we watched it from far enough away. You don’t want those cars to hit you!’

Another reason people chase storms is to film them. A news channel recently used one of Gabe’s films. ‘That film was exciting because it was a strong storm and it caused a lot of damage. It was great to get it on TV.’ 4___ ‘My friends and I heard screams when we were filming. We followed the sound and found some people inside a building. They couldn’t get out, so they were very relieved when we rescued them. It was great to help people like that.’

Perhaps you have to be a little crazy to be a storm chaser. Certainly, some people say that storm chasers just want to do something thrilling. 5___ So actually, they often save lives. 

Gap 4 is...

Storm chasers

North America is famous for its wide open spaces, and this landscape can cause some very exciting weather. In fact, the USA has more tornadoes than any other country – there are about 1,200 every year in a part of the country called 'Tornado Alley'. 1___ It's also in this area that there are hundreds of people studying the weather. They are just normal people, but their favourite activity is following storms and getting as close as possible to a tornado! We call these people 'storm chasers', and it’s quite easy to become a storm chaser these days. All you need is a mobile phone, a good car and GPS.

Gabe Matthews is a storm chaser, and he follows the weather as often as possible. ‘Seeing a powerful tornado is an amazing experience,’ says Gabe, 'but it isn't easy to be in the right place at the right time. 2___ When we know that a big tornado is coming, we have to drive a long way. Then we have to wait for ages before we see the weather changing. But when that starts to happen, it’s so exciting.’

Many people become storm chasers because they like the danger. But Gabe is always very careful. 3___ 'Once I saw cars flying through the air,' says Gabe, 'and a big American truck! That was really exciting, but we watched it from far enough away. You don’t want those cars to hit you!’

Another reason people chase storms is to film them. A news channel recently used one of Gabe’s films. ‘That film was exciting because it was a strong storm and it caused a lot of damage. It was great to get it on TV.’ 4___ ‘My friends and I heard screams when we were filming. We followed the sound and found some people inside a building. They couldn’t get out, so they were very relieved when we rescued them. It was great to help people like that.’

Perhaps you have to be a little crazy to be a storm chaser. Certainly, some people say that storm chasers just want to do something thrilling. 5___ So actually, they often save lives. 

Gap 5 is...

Do you want to be on TV or in a film? Well, if you do, then why not become an extra? Extras play a very small part in a film or TV programme. They don’t usually speak. However, they may have to walk across the set or stand with other extras as part of a crowd.

There are many agencies that are always looking for extras and some of them are online, so it’s easy to apply wherever you live. You usually just need to fill in an application form and send in some photos. TV and film directors often want extras who have a particular look. For example, they may want women with long hair for period dramas and people who look a bit scary for horror films, so try to think about the kind of programme that you’d like to be in when you’re choosing which photos to send.

So imagine you get a call to say a director wants you in their next film. You’re really excited, but what happens next? Well, don’t be anxious about how you’ll look on screen, as the company will do lots of work on you when you arrive on the set. You might have to wear your own clothes, but don’t worry about your hair and make-up as there will be staff to make you look perfect for the role.

Now, although it all sounds really exciting, be prepared to sit around for a lot of the day, waiting until you are needed for your scene. The time can go very slowly if you don’t have anything to do, so it’s a good idea to take a book with you on any job that you get. Take some food and drink, too – you’ll probably get lunch, but remember it’ll be a long day!

Most extras can earn about £90 to £110 a day. This isn’t very good for the number of hours that you need to be available, but for the actual work that you do, it’s OK. However, people usually become an extra for the chance to be on the big screen rather than for the money. Some people hope that it may lead to a real acting part. This doesn’t happen very often, but there are some stories of extras becoming famous because a director saw them on a film set. However, even if you continue to just be an extra, you might get to see one of your favourite Hollywood actors one day, and it will definitely be something to tell all your friends about! 

    1   The writer thinks you’re more likely to get a part in a film if...

Do you want to be on TV or in a film? Well, if you do, then why not become an extra? Extras play a very small part in a film or TV programme. They don’t usually speak. However, they may have to walk across the set or stand with other extras as part of a crowd.

There are many agencies that are always looking for extras and some of them are online, so it’s easy to apply wherever you live. You usually just need to fill in an application form and send in some photos. TV and film directors often want extras who have a particular look. For example, they may want women with long hair for period dramas and people who look a bit scary for horror films, so try to think about the kind of programme that you’d like to be in when you’re choosing which photos to send.

So imagine you get a call to say a director wants you in their next film. You’re really excited, but what happens next? Well, don’t be anxious about how you’ll look on screen, as the company will do lots of work on you when you arrive on the set. You might have to wear your own clothes, but don’t worry about your hair and make-up as there will be staff to make you look perfect for the role.

Now, although it all sounds really exciting, be prepared to sit around for a lot of the day, waiting until you are needed for your scene. The time can go very slowly if you don’t have anything to do, so it’s a good idea to take a book with you on any job that you get. Take some food and drink, too – you’ll probably get lunch, but remember it’ll be a long day!

Most extras can earn about £90 to £110 a day. This isn’t very good for the number of hours that you need to be available, but for the actual work that you do, it’s OK. However, people usually become an extra for the chance to be on the big screen rather than for the money. Some people hope that it may lead to a real acting part. This doesn’t happen very often, but there are some stories of extras becoming famous because a director saw them on a film set. However, even if you continue to just be an extra, you might get to see one of your favourite Hollywood actors one day, and it will definitely be something to tell all your friends about! 

   2 The writer suggests taking a book so that...

Do you want to be on TV or in a film? Well, if you do, then why not become an extra? Extras play a very small part in a film or TV programme. They don’t usually speak. However, they may have to walk across the set or stand with other extras as part of a crowd.

There are many agencies that are always looking for extras and some of them are online, so it’s easy to apply wherever you live. You usually just need to fill in an application form and send in some photos. TV and film directors often want extras who have a particular look. For example, they may want women with long hair for period dramas and people who look a bit scary for horror films, so try to think about the kind of programme that you’d like to be in when you’re choosing which photos to send.

So imagine you get a call to say a director wants you in their next film. You’re really excited, but what happens next? Well, don’t be anxious about how you’ll look on screen, as the company will do lots of work on you when you arrive on the set. You might have to wear your own clothes, but don’t worry about your hair and make-up as there will be staff to make you look perfect for the role.

Now, although it all sounds really exciting, be prepared to sit around for a lot of the day, waiting until you are needed for your scene. The time can go very slowly if you don’t have anything to do, so it’s a good idea to take a book with you on any job that you get. Take some food and drink, too – you’ll probably get lunch, but remember it’ll be a long day!

Most extras can earn about £90 to £110 a day. This isn’t very good for the number of hours that you need to be available, but for the actual work that you do, it’s OK. However, people usually become an extra for the chance to be on the big screen rather than for the money. Some people hope that it may lead to a real acting part. This doesn’t happen very often, but there are some stories of extras becoming famous because a director saw them on a film set. However, even if you continue to just be an extra, you might get to see one of your favourite Hollywood actors one day, and it will definitely be something to tell all your friends about! 

3  The writer thinks that extras ...

Do you want to be on TV or in a film? Well, if you do, then why not become an extra? Extras play a very small part in a film or TV programme. They don’t usually speak. However, they may have to walk across the set or stand with other extras as part of a crowd.

There are many agencies that are always looking for extras and some of them are online, so it’s easy to apply wherever you live. You usually just need to fill in an application form and send in some photos. TV and film directors often want extras who have a particular look. For example, they may want women with long hair for period dramas and people who look a bit scary for horror films, so try to think about the kind of programme that you’d like to be in when you’re choosing which photos to send.

So imagine you get a call to say a director wants you in their next film. You’re really excited, but what happens next? Well, don’t be anxious about how you’ll look on screen, as the company will do lots of work on you when you arrive on the set. You might have to wear your own clothes, but don’t worry about your hair and make-up as there will be staff to make you look perfect for the role.

Now, although it all sounds really exciting, be prepared to sit around for a lot of the day, waiting until you are needed for your scene. The time can go very slowly if you don’t have anything to do, so it’s a good idea to take a book with you on any job that you get. Take some food and drink, too – you’ll probably get lunch, but remember it’ll be a long day!

Most extras can earn about £90 to £110 a day. This isn’t very good for the number of hours that you need to be available, but for the actual work that you do, it’s OK. However, people usually become an extra for the chance to be on the big screen rather than for the money. Some people hope that it may lead to a real acting part. This doesn’t happen very often, but there are some stories of extras becoming famous because a director saw them on a film set. However, even if you continue to just be an extra, you might get to see one of your favourite Hollywood actors one day, and it will definitely be something to tell all your friends about! 

    4   What does the writer say is a benefit for extras? 

Do you want to be on TV or in a film? Well, if you do, then why not become an extra? Extras play a very small part in a film or TV programme. They don’t usually speak. However, they may have to walk across the set or stand with other extras as part of a crowd.

There are many agencies that are always looking for extras and some of them are online, so it’s easy to apply wherever you live. You usually just need to fill in an application form and send in some photos. TV and film directors often want extras who have a particular look. For example, they may want women with long hair for period dramas and people who look a bit scary for horror films, so try to think about the kind of programme that you’d like to be in when you’re choosing which photos to send.

So imagine you get a call to say a director wants you in their next film. You’re really excited, but what happens next? Well, don’t be anxious about how you’ll look on screen, as the company will do lots of work on you when you arrive on the set. You might have to wear your own clothes, but don’t worry about your hair and make-up as there will be staff to make you look perfect for the role.

Now, although it all sounds really exciting, be prepared to sit around for a lot of the day, waiting until you are needed for your scene. The time can go very slowly if you don’t have anything to do, so it’s a good idea to take a book with you on any job that you get. Take some food and drink, too – you’ll probably get lunch, but remember it’ll be a long day!

Most extras can earn about £90 to £110 a day. This isn’t very good for the number of hours that you need to be available, but for the actual work that you do, it’s OK. However, people usually become an extra for the chance to be on the big screen rather than for the money. Some people hope that it may lead to a real acting part. This doesn’t happen very often, but there are some stories of extras becoming famous because a director saw them on a film set. However, even if you continue to just be an extra, you might get to see one of your favourite Hollywood actors one day, and it will definitely be something to tell all your friends about! 

    5   What is the best title for the article?