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EXTRA EXAM PRACTICE

Name

Read the text and answer the questions that follow.

10

15

20

WHATS IN A PACKAGE?
Packaging has become a big business. More and more people around the world are employed in
companies that specialise in making and designing packaging and product labels. Companies spend large
sums of money on eye-catching packages designed for their products. It is a very effective form of
advertising. In fact, for many shoppers, a products appeal is as much about the packaging as it is about
what is inside.
Creating appealing packaging requires talent. According to Robert Opie, Britains biggest collector of
packaging, packaging is a work of art. In his opinion, people do not recognise its artistic value because
they usually see different forms of packaging on supermarket shelves, not in museums. He is happy that
visitors to London can now see displays of packaging in the new Museum of Brands, Packaging and
Advertising. There are 10,000 exhibits including bottles, tins, jars, boxes and cartons dating from the early
19th century until today.
Packaging isnt only about appearance. Sometimes the appeal is in the fact that it is hygienic or
convenient. Products such as meat, vegetables, fruits and baked goods that were once sold individually are
often packaged in attractive, clean trays and boxes. Shoppers are also attracted to the convenience of preprepared foods which come in disposable containers, leaving no dishes to be washed.
There is, however, a price to be paid. Getting rid of all this material creates a serious environmental
problem. Although recycling helps, it is not a perfect solution. Appeals have been made to manufacturers
and retailers to use less packaging, and some have been cooperative by using lighter glass bottles and tins,
and replacing heavy cardboard boxes with light fibre containers.
Concerned governments are still not convinced that enough is being done to protect the environment.
They want to make stricter laws, such as banning all packaging material that is not biodegradable, or
limiting the amount of packaging that manufacturers and retailers are allowed to use.

Complete the sentences using the information

given in the text. Use your own words as far as
possible.

1. Companies spend a lot of money on packaging

because....................................................................
............................................................................... .
2. Packaging isnt usually considered art because.....
.................................................................................
............................................................................... .
3. In many countries, there would be less damage to
the environment if....................................................
............................................................................... .
2

Match a word to its definition.

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

appeal (line 4)
disposable (line 15)
getting rid (line 16)
cooperative (line 18)
banning (line 21)

.... a. forbidding the use of

.... b. attraction
.... c. willing to help
.... d. disposing
.... e. made to be thrown away

Rewrite the sentence without changing the original

meaning.
Getting rid of all this material creates a serious
environmental problem.
A serious environmental..........................................
............................................................................... .

Are the following statements true (T) or false (F)?

Find evidence in the text to support your answer.

...... 1. Packaging is never as important as the product.

............................................................................
............................................................................
...... 2. Packaging didnt exist a hundred years ago.
............................................................................
............................................................................
...... 3. Both hygiene and convenience are a part of
packaging.
............................................................................
............................................................................
5

Write a composition of about 100-150 words.

Choose one option.
1. What influences you when deciding where to shop?
2. Write a letter of complaint to a shop or restaurant.

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