B1.2-Reading-Test 18

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Read the text and questions below.

For each question, mark the correct letter A, B, C or D

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Gareth Ellis

Gareth Ellis, 13, is the youngest son of Alan, an engineer, and Kath, a nursery teacher. His older brothers work in banking and computers, but Gareth's dream was always to become a clown. Three years ago, Alan, Kath and Gareth joined the circus. 'People laugh when we tell them,' says Kath. 'But it's true. Gareth has wanted to be a clown since we took him to the circus when he was three.'

When Alan lost his job, he and Kath decided to see if they could find full-time circus jobs. They both got jobs with a famous circus and Gareth began training to become a clown. He calls himself Bippo. They travel with the circus during the summer and return home for the winter. Gareth's brothers are old enough to look after the house while they are away.

'I can't say it was easy,' says Kath. 'There was a lot to think about and organise. We only had a car and a very small caravan to sleep in, and we were leaving behind our lovely house. The only thing Gareth missed was his long, hot baths.'

'People ask about my education,' says Gareth, 'but from the beginning, wherever we go, someone has always come to teach me. I follow the same books as everyone back at school and I've got a computer. I've never fallen behind my classmates.'

And the future? 'It was a difficult decision,' says Kath, 'but there was no other way to teach Gareth about being a clown. I'm happy to say it's working, and we're enjoying it.' And Gareth? 'I'm going to be the main clown in a circus one day', he says, 'perhaps Bippo's circus.'

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1. What is the writer trying to do in the text?

1. describe how one family changed their lives
2. give details about how to join the circus
3. talk about the best way to educate a child
4. advise what to do when you lose your job

2. What would a reader learn about Gareth from the text?

1. He does not enjoy school work.
2. He has a definite aim in life.
3. He would like to be at home with his brothers.
4. He wants to be the same as other boys.

3. Alan and Kath joined the circus because

1. they wanted to spend time travelling in the summer.
2. they needed money in order to buy a bigger car.
3. their older sons needed their house for themselves.
4. their youngest son wanted to train as a performer.

4. When they first joined the circus, Kath

1. wanted to go back home.
2. did not have enough to do.
3. found things difficult.
4. was not able to sleep properly.

5. Which postcard did Gareth write just after he joined the circus?

1. We've just arrived and I love it already. There's lots of space for our things and I've even got my own computer.
2. I don't miss much from home. I'm managing to do all my school work. See you in the winter.
3. I really enjoyed meeting Bippo the Clown today, but I'm missing my school friends, and I'd love a nice hot bath.
4. I'm learning all about the circus and how to entertain people. I also have a new school to go to.

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Check your answers
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