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Engleza Normal - Subiectul I - Variante 001-100 - An 2008

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Page 1: Engleza Normal - Subiectul I - Variante 001-100 - An 2008

 

www.examendebacalaureat.blogspot.com

Variante

001-100

Page 2: Engleza Normal - Subiectul I - Variante 001-100 - An 2008

Ministerul Educaţiei, Cercetării şi Tineretului Centrul Naţional pentru Curriculum şi Evaluare în Învăţământul Preuniversitar

Examenul de bacalaureat 2008

Proba E/F Proba scrisă la Limba engleză

L1 normal – L2

• Toate subiectele sunt obligatorii. Se acordă 10 puncte din oficiu. • Timpul efectiv de lucru este de 3 ore. SUBIECTUL I (30 puncte) Varianta 001

Read the text below and complete the following tasks.

Imagine break-room vending machines featuring fruit juice and vegetables instead of cookies and soda pop. Consider colleagues who insist on mid-morning group exercise breaks and applaud a lunchtime workout rather than criticizing the cut of the sweat suit. Ponder an organizational culture that encourages walking the stairs … (1)

A UCLA-evaluated study of a demonstration project led by Community Health Councils in Los Angeles shows how incorporating physical activity and healthy eating into an office or other organizational culture pays dividends for participants.

Published in the July 2006 edition of the peer-reviewed journal Health Promotion Practice, …(2) A 12-week curriculum, meanwhile, boosts fruit and vegetable intake while reducing feelings of sadness and depression, and can even reduce waistlines.

"Creating a culture of healthy living within an organizational framework requires buy-in by leadership, staff and clientele," said Dr. Antronette K. Yancey, lead author of the study and associate professor of health services at the UCLA School of Public Health. … (3) "However, many obstacles to organizational and individual engagement are apparent. Recommendations include offering a flexible menu of options that may be tailored to each organization and developing strong intra-organizational connections throughout the program to improve sustainability."

The Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health (REACH) 2010 demonstration project, led by Los Angeles-based Community Health Councils, adapted and implemented an organizational wellness intervention, … (4)

"Our goal is to increase life expectancy and improve quality of life for all ages by helping communities support programs that eliminate health disparities experienced by racial and ethnic minorities," said study co-author Lark Galloway-Gilliam, executive director of Community Health Councils.

(NewsTarget, September, 2006) 1. Four sentences/groups of words have been removed from the text. Select the appropriate sentence/ group of words for each gap in the text. There is one extra sentence/group of words which you do not need to use. 4 points A. the study finds that a six-week wellness-training program significantly increases vigorous physical activity among participants. B. "Both the physical and social environment must change,” she added. C. instead of riding the elevator. D. And blacks are 1.8 times as likely to have diabetes as whites. E. originally developed by the local health department. 2. Who/What do the words in bold refer to? 6 points 3. Explain the following words. 1. applaud 2. healthy eating 3. obstacles 4. tailored 5. goal 10 points

Page 3: Engleza Normal - Subiectul I - Variante 001-100 - An 2008

Ministerul Educaţiei, Cercetării şi Tineretului Centrul Naţional pentru Curriculum şi Evaluare în Învăţământul Preuniversitar

4. Answer the following questions. 6 points A. What is the result of a 12-week curriculum, according to the UCLA study? B. What do recommendations include, according to Dr. Antronette K. Yancey? C. What does Lark Galloway-Gilliam say about the goal of his program? 5. In your own words, explain the following sentence: incorporating physical activity and healthy eating into an office or other organizational culture pays dividends for participants. (50words) 4 points

Page 4: Engleza Normal - Subiectul I - Variante 001-100 - An 2008

Ministerul Educaţiei, Cercetării şi Tineretului Centrul Naţional pentru Curriculum şi Evaluare în Învăţământul Preuniversitar

Examenul de bacalaureat 2008

Proba E/F Proba scrisă la Limba engleză

L1 normal – L2

• Toate subiectele sunt obligatorii. Se acordă 10 puncte din oficiu. • Timpul efectiv de lucru este de 3 ore.

SUBIECTUL I (30 puncte) Varianta 002 Read the text below and complete the following tasks. The complaints started in earnest about two weeks before the Sasos left for Tijuana and reached a crescendo during the first few days of the trip. Rather than spend their family summer vacation, say, going to the beach like many of their friends, Patt and Steve Saso were taking their children to the barrios of Baja to build houses for the poor.

"What kind of parents would make their kids do this?" moaned the children, aged 11, 12, and 14. Faced with hours of daily physical labor and no running water or electricity, Patt herself began to have doubts, writing in her journal, …(1) But by the end of the week, everyone had met new friends and was proud of his or her accomplishments. "It was actually fun," says Patt. "The experience cemented us as a family."

Whether it's volunteering to build houses in Baja, learning about Buddhism in Burma (Myanmar), … (2), more families are trying to integrate meaning into their summer vacations.

These parents see travel as a chance to instill values or provide a learning experience for their children, …(3) What's more, they say the inherent challenges in such vacations allow for the type of bonding that's hard to come by these days. "We have this idyllic view of family coming together around the dinner table,… (4), that communication and bonding happens less at home," says Hank Phillips, president of the National Tour Association (NTA). "Family travel has become the new family dinner."

(Margaret Loftus, New Family Values)

1. Four sentences/groups of words have been removed from the text. Select the appropriate sentence/ group of words for each gap in the text. There is one extra sentence/group of words which you do not need to use. 4 points A. but with schedules and the variety of forms families take B. “they want to expose their kids to things they wouldn’t ordinarily see, to dig deeper.” C. or digging up Pueblo Indian artifacts in Colorado. D. such as teaching them about other cultures or the environment E. "Why did I say 'yes' to this trip?" 2. Who/What do the words in bold refer to? 6 points 3. Explain the following words. 10 points 1. complaints 2. moaned 3. journal 4. challenges 5. bonding 4. Answer the following questions: 6 points A. Why did the children complain? B. Why did Pat begin to have doubts? C. How are more and more families trying to integrate meaning into their summer vacations?

Page 5: Engleza Normal - Subiectul I - Variante 001-100 - An 2008

Ministerul Educaţiei, Cercetării şi Tineretului Centrul Naţional pentru Curriculum şi Evaluare în Învăţământul Preuniversitar

5. Explain the following sentence: Family travel has become the new family dinner. (50 words) 4 points

Page 6: Engleza Normal - Subiectul I - Variante 001-100 - An 2008

Ministerul Educaţiei, Cercetării şi Tineretului Centrul Naţional pentru Curriculum şi Evaluare în Învăţământul Preuniversitar

Examenul de bacalaureat 2008

Proba E/F Proba scrisă la Limba engleză

L1 normal – L2

• Toate subiectele sunt obligatorii. Se acordă 10 puncte din oficiu. • Timpul efectiv de lucru este de 3 ore.

SUBIECTUL I (30 puncte) Varianta 003 Read the text below and complete the following tasks.

For the first time in a generation, the question of whether the death penalty deters murders has captured the attention of scholars in law and economics, setting off an intense new debate about one of the central justifications for capital punishment. According to roughly a dozen recent studies, executions save lives. For each inmate put to death, the studies say, 3 to 18 murders are prevented. … (1)

The studies, performed by economists in the past decade, compare the number of executions in different jurisdictions with homicide rates over time — while trying to eliminate the effects of crime rates, conviction rates and other factors — …(2). One influential study looked at 3,054 counties over two decades.

“I personally am opposed to the death penalty,” said H. Naci Mocan, an economist at Louisiana State University and an author of a study finding that each execution saves five lives. “But my research shows that there is a deterrent effect.”

The studies have been the subject of sharp criticism, much of it from legal scholars who say that the theories of economists do not apply to the violent world of crime and punishment.… (3)

The death penalty “is applied so rarely that the number of homicides it can plausibly have caused or deterred cannot reliably be disentangled from the large year-to-year changes in the homicide rate caused by other factors,” John J. Donohue III, a law professor at Yale with a doctorate in economics, and Justin Wolfers, an economist at the University of Pennsylvania, wrote in the Stanford Law Review in 2005. … (4)

(ADAM LIPTAK, Does Death Penalty Save Lives? A New Debate)

1. Four sentences have been removed from the text. Select the appropriate sentence for each gap in the text. There is one extra sentence that does not fit. 4 points

A. “We just don’t get enough variation to be confident we have isolated a deterrent effect.” B. “The existing evidence for deterrence,” they concluded, “is surprisingly fragile.” C. and say that murder rates tend to fall as executions rise. D. Critics of the studies say they are based on faulty premises, insufficient data and flawed

methodologies. E. The effect is most pronounced, according to some studies, in Texas and other states

that execute condemned inmates relatively often and relatively quickly.

2. Who/What do the words in bold refer to? 6 points 3. Give the synonyms of the following words. 10 points 1. justifications 2. recent 3. inmate 4. eliminate 5. rarely 4. Answer the following questions. 6 points

A. What has captured the attention of scholars in law and economics? B. Why is the effect of death penalty more pronounced in Texas? C. What is Mocan’s personal opinion on death penalty?

Page 7: Engleza Normal - Subiectul I - Variante 001-100 - An 2008

Ministerul Educaţiei, Cercetării şi Tineretului Centrul Naţional pentru Curriculum şi Evaluare în Învăţământul Preuniversitar

5. Comment on the following sentence: The death penalty is applied so rarely that the number of homicides it can plausibly have caused or deterred cannot reliably be disentangled from the large year-to-year changes in the homicide rate caused by other factors. (50 words) 4 points

Page 8: Engleza Normal - Subiectul I - Variante 001-100 - An 2008

Ministerul Educaţiei, Cercetării şi Tineretului Centrul Naţional pentru Curriculum şi Evaluare în Învăţământul Preuniversitar

Examenul de bacalaureat 2008

Proba E/F Proba scrisă la Limba engleză

L1 normal – L2

• Toate subiectele sunt obligatorii. Se acordă 10 puncte din oficiu. • Timpul efectiv de lucru este de 3 ore.

SUBIECTUL I (30 puncte) Varianta 004 Read the text below and complete the following tasks.

Healthy eating really does cost more. That’s what University of Washington researchers found when they compared the prices of 370 foods sold … (1) Calorie for calorie, junk foods not only cost less than fruits and vegetables, but junk food prices also are less likely to rise as a result of inflation. The scientists took an unusual approach, … (2) Although fruits and vegetables are rich in nutrients, they also contain relatively few calories. Foods with high energy density, which pack the most calories per gram, included candy, pastries, baked goods and snacks. The survey found that higher-calorie, energy-dense foods are the better bargain for cash-strapped shoppers. Energy-dense munchies cost on average $1.76 per 1,000 kcal, compared with $18.16 per 1,000 kcal for low-energy but nutritious foods. The survey also showed that low-calorie foods were more likely to increase in price, surging 19.5 percent over the two-year study period. High-calorie foods remained a relative bargain, dropping in price … (3) “The data show that it’s easier for low-income people to sustain themselves on junk food rather than fruits and vegetables,” says the study’s lead author Adam Drewnowski, director of the center for public health nutrition at the University of Washington. However, most people eat a mix of foods. “The average American spends about $7 a day on food, “ … (4)

But it’s easier to overeat junk food, Dr. Drewnowski adds, both because it tastes good and because eaters often must consume a greater volume in order to feel satisfied.

(New York Times, October, 2006) 1. Four sentences/groups of words have been removed from the text. Select the appropriate sentence/ group of words for each gap in the text. There is one extra sentence/group of words which you do not need to use. 4 points

A. are seen among people in lower-income groups B. by 1.8 percent. C. “although low-income people spend about $4,” says Dr. Drewnowski. D. essentially comparing the price of a calorie in a junk food to one consumed in a healthier

meal. E. at supermarkets in the Seattle area.

2. Who/What do the words in bold refer to? 6 points 3. Give the antonyms of the following words. 10 points 1. less 2. rich 3. high 4. increase 5. easier 4. Answer the following questions. 6 points

A. What do foods with high energy density include? B. Why are high-calorie foods considered a bargain? C. Why is it easier to overeat junk-food, according to Dr. Drewnowski?

Page 9: Engleza Normal - Subiectul I - Variante 001-100 - An 2008

Ministerul Educaţiei, Cercetării şi Tineretului Centrul Naţional pentru Curriculum şi Evaluare în Învăţământul Preuniversitar

5. Comment on the following sentence: The highest rates of obesity are seen among people in lower-income groups. (50 words) 4 points

Page 10: Engleza Normal - Subiectul I - Variante 001-100 - An 2008

Ministerul Educaţiei, Cercetării şi Tineretului Centrul Naţional pentru Curriculum şi Evaluare în Învăţământul Preuniversitar

Examenul de bacalaureat 2008

Proba E/F Proba scrisă la Limba engleză

L1 normal – L2

• Toate subiectele sunt obligatorii. Se acordă 10 puncte din oficiu. • Timpul efectiv de lucru este de 3 ore.

SUBIECTUL I (30 puncte) Varianta 005 Read the text below and complete the following tasks.

The effects of climate change are being most acutely felt in developing countries where extreme weather conditions in vulnerable regions have become more frequent as the earth’s temperature climbs.

… (1) A report last year by Christian Aid, a non-governmental organisation (NGO), predicted that by the end of the century 182 million people in sub-Saharan Africa would die of disease directly attributable to climate change. … (2)

With such devastating predictions, the developing world itself is making moves towards addressing climate change and reducing harmful emissions. China, the biggest producer of greenhouse gases after the US, has said it is committed to improving energy efficiency and will reduce harmful emissions by 20% in the next five years. The country’s leading meteorologist, Qin Dahe, attributed recent droughts in north-west China, where up to 300,000 people are short of drinking water, to climate change.

… (3) “President Hu Jintao has said that climate change is not just an environmental issue but also a development issue.”

A recent informal meeting of EU development ministers put the topic high on the agenda and a Commission proposal for a Europe-Africa energy partnership due out later this year will also focus on development and climate change. … (4)

Climate change will reduce food security and water security and make vulnerable people lose even more. But how do poor African or Asian states haul themselves out of poverty without developing their economies and encouraging industry, both of which, will almost certainly drive up global emissions?

(Judith Crosbie, Development and climate change) 1. Four sentences have been removed from the text. Select the appropriate sentence for each gap in the text. There is one extra sentence that does not fit. 4 points

A. “The Chinese government is taking climate change extremely seriously,” he said. B. For the future, the estimates are nothing short of dire. C. “Millions more face devastation from climate-induced floods, famine, drought and

conflict,” the report says. D. “Certainly donor agencies are becoming more concerned about their investments,” she

said. E. “It is obvious that Africa is not to blame for anthropogenic climate change, but Africa is

hit particularly hard by the consequences of climate change,” said German Development Minister Heidemarie Wieczorek-Zeul.

2. Who/What do the words in bold refer to? 6 points 3. Give the synonyms of the following words. 10 points 1. climbs 2. disease 3. issue 4. also 5. development

Page 11: Engleza Normal - Subiectul I - Variante 001-100 - An 2008

Ministerul Educaţiei, Cercetării şi Tineretului Centrul Naţional pentru Curriculum şi Evaluare în Învăţământul Preuniversitar

4. Answer the following questions. 6 points A. Where are the effects of climate change being most acutely felt? B. What did the report by Christian Aid predict? C. What does president Hu Jintao think about climate change?

5. Comment on the following sentence: Climate change will reduce food security and water security and make vulnerable people lose even more. (50 words) 4 points

Page 12: Engleza Normal - Subiectul I - Variante 001-100 - An 2008

Ministerul Educaţiei, Cercetării şi Tineretului Centrul Naţional pentru Curriculum şi Evaluare în Învăţământul Preuniversitar

Examenul de bacalaureat 2008

Proba E/F Proba scrisă la Limba engleză

L1 normal – L2

• Toate subiectele sunt obligatorii. Se acordă 10 puncte din oficiu. • Timpul efectiv de lucru este de 3 ore.

SUBIECTUL I (30 puncte) Varianta 006 Read the text below and complete the following tasks.

Going to university is meant to be the time of your life when you cut loose from your family, live with strangers, embark on adventures and hopefully remember to attend some lectures.

… (1) Norman and Mark Baron both graduated from the University of Sussex in 2001. In the queue to receive their diplomas from the university's chancellor, Richard Attenborough, Mark went first, then Norman. … (2)

Norman's route to university was quite unexpected. "I took my youngest son Ross to sign up for his A-levels and while I was waiting for him, a teacher came over for a chat. When Ross came back to the car I told him I'd signed up to study politics and law. … (3) "I certainly didn't want to embarrass him and although I was seen as a novelty at first, I myself had no problem adjusting to student life.”

"The family was my full-time job and I thought I'd see how college went and kept thinking I could walk away at any time, but I ended up applying for a degree in international relations at Sussex University."

At this time, eldest son Mark was embarking on a politics degree at the University of Leeds. … (4)

"He became a useful reference point, thanks to his years of experience as an international businessman, and also our degree subjects had an element of crossover. Due to him being a student too, Dad understood the stresses I was going through and could offer me additional support, more than a working parent could maybe give."

(The Guardian, December, 2007) 1. Four sentences/groups of words have been removed from the text. Select the appropriate sentence/ group of words for each gap in the text. There is one extra sentence/group of words which you do not need to use. 4 points

A. "Like most teenagers, I did have levels of shyness and embarrassment when it came to

my dad going back to university, but it wasn't a massive problem," Mark says. B. "Ross was surprised and told me that he didn't mind as long as I didn't remind him to put

the dishwasher on if we passed each other between classes.” C. But for one father and son, who went to the same university and graduated at the same

time, the family that studies together stays together. D. "I had adapted to being part of a younger world but I maintained a presence at home.” E. "I said to Attenborough, 'You don't realise but you've just given my son his degree', and

as I told him I could hear my kids in the audience, banging on the floor."

2. Who/What do the words in bold refer to? 6 points 3. Explain the following words. 10 points 1. cut loose 2. graduated 3. chat 4. adjusting 5. walk away

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Ministerul Educaţiei, Cercetării şi Tineretului Centrul Naţional pentru Curriculum şi Evaluare în Învăţământul Preuniversitar

4. Answer the following questions: 6 points A. What does university mean to most students, according to the text? B. When did Norman and Mark Baron graduate from the University of Sussex? C. Why did Norman become a useful reference point for Mark?

5. Comment on the following sentence: Due to him being a student too, Dad understood the stresses I was going through and could offer me additional support, more than a working parent could maybe give. (50 words) 4 points

Page 14: Engleza Normal - Subiectul I - Variante 001-100 - An 2008

Ministerul Educaţiei, Cercetării şi Tineretului Centrul Naţional pentru Curriculum şi Evaluare în Învăţământul Preuniversitar

Examenul de bacalaureat 2008

Proba E/F Proba scrisă la Limba engleză

L1 normal – L2

• Toate subiectele sunt obligatorii. Se acordă 10 puncte din oficiu. • Timpul efectiv de lucru este de 3 ore.

SUBIECTUL I (30 puncte) Varianta 007 Read the text below and complete the following tasks.

I was the eldest of three children brought up in a happy working-class home. My mother was insistent that we had a good education and there was always money for family holidays, dancing lessons and trips to Guides camp.

She drummed into us that we should get ourselves office jobs - working in an office to Mum was the pinnacle of success. I would rather have followed an artistic career, enjoying dressmaking and painting as I did, but for a teenager in the late 60s attending a secondary modern school, there were not the opportunities that there are today. … (1)

I had met my future husband, Michael, when I was 15 and we had a normal courtship, and got engaged when I was 17. … (2)

There was no doubt that when we married it would be in a church with many cousins as bridesmaids. It was expected that we would own our own home, or at least would be mortgaged for 25 years. … (3) Renting a home back then meant living on a council estate - definitely not an option. Something else that Mum insisted on was that we kept our money separate "just in case anything happened."… (4) Mum did not want me to fall into the trap of having a husband who lost the weekly pay packet to Bob Shepherd, the local bookie.

I never thought to question my mother; I would never have disagreed with her. Those were the days when parents were respected and youngsters knew their place. (New York Times, November, 2007) 1. Four sentences have been removed from the text. Select the appropriate sentence for each gap in the text. There is one extra sentence that does not fit. 4 points

A. Renting was never an option. B. Besides, no one defied Mother. C. Mum was determined that I could not get married until I was at least 21, so we had an

engagement party that resembled a wedding reception - complete with cake and presents - and both our families attended.

D. I have clean habits, pay my taxes and think of myself as an honest, upright citizen. E. My father was "not good with money".

2. Who/What do the words in bold refer to? 6 points 3. Give the synonyms of the following words. 10 points 1. holidays 2. enjoying 3. opportunities 4. option 5. youngsters 4. Answer the following questions: 6 points

A. How many brothers or sisters did the author of the text have? B. When did she get engaged? C. Why wasn’t renting a home an option?

Page 15: Engleza Normal - Subiectul I - Variante 001-100 - An 2008

Ministerul Educaţiei, Cercetării şi Tineretului Centrul Naţional pentru Curriculum şi Evaluare în Învăţământul Preuniversitar

5. Comment on the following sentence: I would rather have followed an artistic career, enjoying dressmaking and painting as I did, but for a teenager in the late 60s attending a secondary modern school, there were not the opportunities that there are today. (50 words) 4 points

Page 16: Engleza Normal - Subiectul I - Variante 001-100 - An 2008

Ministerul Educaţiei, Cercetării şi Tineretului Centrul Naţional pentru Curriculum şi Evaluare în Învăţământul Preuniversitar

Examenul de bacalaureat 2008

Proba E/F Proba scrisă la Limba engleză

L1 normal – L2

• Toate subiectele sunt obligatorii. Se acordă 10 puncte din oficiu. • Timpul efectiv de lucru este de 3 ore.

SUBIECTUL I (30 puncte) Varianta 008 Read the text below and complete the following tasks.

Elyse and Paula were born in Staten Island Hospital on 9 October 1968 and, after a period of foster care, were given up for adoption. … (1) Their adoptive parents, the Scheins and the Bernsteins, unaware that either baby girl had a twin sister, took their new daughters home.

And so no one would ever have known any differently if it hadn't been for one morning, five years ago, when Elyse was bored at work. An independent filmmaker, living in Paris, paying the rent by working on reception for a venture-capital firm, trying to decide how to fill the morning before going out for lunch: 'I was kind of wondering what was happening in my life and part of that wondering was wanting to find out about these biological parents out there,' she recalls. In a desperately sad twist of fate her adoptive mother, Lynn, had died from cancer when Elyse was six. … (2) 'I was 33 but I had never gone in search of my parents.' She typed 'adoption search' into Google.

She received a letter from Louise Wise Services one year later. 'You were born at 12.51pm as the "younger" of twin girls born to a 28-year-old Jewish single woman.' … (3) 'It was a mix of elation and fear. Not only did I have a twin in the world, but suddenly I was a twin. The fact that I had shared a womb with someone maybe explained my relationships with others.'… (4) 'But then there was this fear that this person was going to replace me.’

(New York Times, 2007)

1. Four sentences have been removed from the text. Select the appropriate sentence for each gap in the text. There is one extra sentence that does not fit. 4 points

A. They would try to track her down. B. How did she react? C. She had often joked with friends that she 'felt' that she was missing a twin. D. Twenty-seven years later, Elyse was now the age Lynn had been when she died. E. Psychologists at the adoption agency, a reputable uptown company called Louise Wise

Services, believed that it was best for twins to be separated.

2. Who/What do the words in bold refer to? 6 points 3. Give the antonyms of the following words. 10 points 1. new 2. differently 3. independent 4. recalls 5. later 4. Answer the following questions: 6 points

A. Where were Elyse and Paula born? B. What happened when Elyse was six years old? C. How did Elyse react when she found out she had a twin sister?

5. Comment on the following sentence: It was a mix of elation and fear. (50 words) 4 points

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Ministerul Educaţiei, Cercetării şi Tineretului Centrul Naţional pentru Curriculum şi Evaluare în Învăţământul Preuniversitar

Examenul de bacalaureat 2008

Proba E/F Proba scrisă la Limba engleză

L1 normal – L2

• Toate subiectele sunt obligatorii. Se acordă 10 puncte din oficiu. • Timpul efectiv de lucru este de 3 ore.

SUBIECTUL I (30 puncte) Varianta 009 Read the text below and complete the following tasks.

Pain, especially pain that doesn’t quit, changes a person. … (1) The initial reaction to serious pain is usually fear (what is wrong with me, and is it curable?), but pain that fails to respond to treatment leads to anxiety, depression, anger and irritability.

At age 29, Walter, a computer programmer in Silicon Valley, developed a repetitive stress injury that caused severe pain in his hands when he touched the keyboard. The injury did not respond to rest. The pain became worse, spreading to his shoulders, neck and back. … (2)

“At age 29, I was on Social Security disability, basically confined to home, and my life seemed to be over,” Walter recalls in “Living with Chronic Pain,” by Dr. Jennifer Schneider. Severely depressed, he wonders whether his life is worth living.

Yet, despite his limited mobility and the pain-induced frown lines in his face, to look at Walter is to see a strapping, healthy young man. It is hard to tell that he, or any other person beset with chronic pain, is suffering as much as he says he is.

Pain is an invisible, subjective symptom. The body of a chronic pain sufferer — someone with fibromyalgia, for example, or back pain — usually appears intact. There are no objective tests to detect pain or measure its intensity. … (3)

Mark Grant, a psychologist in Australia who specializes in managing chronic pain, says the notion that “physical injury equals pain” is overly simplistic. … (4) With chronic pain, a persistent physical cause often cannot be determined.

(Jane E. Brody, Living With Pain That Just Won’t Go Away) 1. Four sentences/groups of words have been removed from the text. Select the appropriate sentence/ group of words for each gap in the text. There is one extra sentence/group of words which you do not need to use. 4 points

A. “We now know that pain is caused and maintained by a combination of physical,

psychological and neurological factors,” Mr. Grant writes on his Web site. B. You just have to take a person’s word for it. C. In her book, she points out that the nervous system is responsible for the two major

types of chronic pain. D. And rarely for the better. E. Unable to work, lift, carry or squeeze anything without enduring days of crippling pain,

Walter could no longer drive, open a jar or even sign his name.

2. Who/What do the words in bold refer to? 6 points 3. Give the antonyms of the following words. 10 points 1. initial 2. curable 3. worse 4. healthy 5. invisible 4. Answer the following questions: 6 points

A. What are the reactions to pain that fails to respond to treatment, according to the text? B. What is Walter’s problem? C. Is a complete relief from chronic pain possible, according to the text?

Page 18: Engleza Normal - Subiectul I - Variante 001-100 - An 2008

Ministerul Educaţiei, Cercetării şi Tineretului Centrul Naţional pentru Curriculum şi Evaluare în Învăţământul Preuniversitar

5. Comment on the following sentence: Pain, especially pain that doesn’t quit, changes a person. (50 words) 4 points

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Examenul de bacalaureat 2008

Proba E/F Proba scrisă la Limba engleză

L1 normal – L2

• Toate subiectele sunt obligatorii. Se acordă 10 puncte din oficiu. • Timpul efectiv de lucru este de 3 ore.

SUBIECTUL I (30 puncte) Varianta 010

Read the text below and complete the following tasks.

Just about any sports movie, airport paperback or motivational tape delivers a few

boilerplate rules for success. Believe in yourself. Don’t take no for an answer. Never quit. … (1) Above all, be true to yourself. It’s hard to argue with those maxims. They seem self-evident — if not written into the Constitution, then at least part of the cultural water supply that irrigates everything from halftime speeches to corporate lectures to SAT coaching classes.

Yet several recent studies stand as a warning against taking the platitudes of achievement too seriously. …(2) The findings not only confirm that such purists are often at risk for mental distress — as Freud, Alfred Adler and countless exasperated parents have long predicted — but also suggest that perfectionism is a valuable lens through which to understand a variety of seemingly unrelated mental difficulties, from depression to compulsive behavior to addiction.

Some researchers divide perfectionists into three types, based on answers to standardized questionnaires: Self-oriented strivers who struggle to live up to their high standards and appear to be at risk of self-critical depression; outwardly focused zealots who expect perfection from others, often ruining relationships; …(3)

“It’s natural for people to want to be perfect in a few things, say in their job — being a good editor or surgeon depends on not making mistakes,” said Gordon L. Flett, a psychology professor at York University and an author of many of the studies. …(4)

(Benedict Carey, Unhappy? Self-Critical ? Maybe You’re Just a Perfectionist )

1. Four sentences/groups of words have been removed from the text. Select the appropriate sentence/ group of words for each gap in the text. There is one extra sentence/group of words which you do not need to use. 4 points

A. The new research focuses on a familiar type, perfectionists, who panic or blow a fuse

when things don’t turn out just so. B. “I think of myself as either in control or out of control.” C. Don’t accept second best. D. and those desperate to live up to an ideal they’re convinced others expect of them, a risk

factor for suicidal thinking and eating disorders. E. “It’s when it generalizes to other areas of life, home life, appearance, hobbies, that you

begin to see real problems.”

2. Who/What do the words in bold refer to? 6 points 3. Give the antonyms of the following words. 10 points 1. quit 2. true 3. recent 4. unrelated 5. perfect 4. Answer the following questions. 6 points

A. What do the recent studies warn us against? B. What do the studies focus on? C. What are self-oriented strivers, according to some researchers?

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5. Comment on the following sentence: It’s natural for people to want to be perfect in a few things, say in their job — being a good editor or surgeon depends on not making mistakes. (50 words) 4 points

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Ministerul Educaţiei, Cercetării şi Tineretului Centrul Naţional pentru Curriculum şi Evaluare în Învăţământul Preuniversitar

Examenul de bacalaureat 2008

Proba E/F Proba scrisă la Limba engleză

L1 normal – L2

• Toate subiectele sunt obligatorii. Se acordă 10 puncte din oficiu. • Timpul efectiv de lucru este de 3 ore.

SUBIECTUL I (30 puncte) Varianta 011 Read the text below and complete the following tasks.

It has long been known that dyslexics are drawn to running their own businesses, where they can get around their weaknesses in reading and writing and play on their strengths. But a new study of entrepreneurs in the United States suggests that dyslexia is much more common … (1)

The report, compiled by Julie Logan, a professor of entrepreneurship at the Cass Business School in London, found that more than a third of the entrepreneurs she had surveyed — 35 percent — identified themselves as dyslexic. The study also concluded that … (2)

“We found that dyslexics who succeed had overcome an awful lot in their lives by developing compensatory skills,” Professor Logan said in an interview. “If you tell your friends and acquaintances that you plan to start a business, you’ll hear over and over: ‘It won’t work. … (3)

The study was based on a survey of 139 business owners in a wide range of fields across the United States. Professor Logan called the number of people who said they were dyslexic “staggering.”… (4)

She attributed the greater share in the United States to earlier and more effective intervention by American schools to help dyslexic students deal with their learning problems. Approximately 10 percent of Americans are believed to have dyslexia, experts say.

“One reason that dyslexics are drawn to entrepreneurship,” Professor Logan said, “is that strategies they have used since childhood to offset their weaknesses in written communication and organizational ability — identifying trustworthy people and handing over major responsibilities to them — can be applied to businesses.”

(New York Times, December, 2007)

1. Four sentences/groups of words have been removed from the text. Select the appropriate sentence/ group of words for each gap in the text. There is one extra sentence/group of words which you do not need to use. 4 points

A. dyslexics were more likely than nondyslexics to delegate authority, to excel in oral communication and problem solving and were twice as likely to own two or more businesses.

B. among small-business owners than even the experts had thought. C. She said it was significantly higher than the 20 percent of British entrepreneurs who said

they were dyslexic in a poll she conducted in 2001. D. “Compare that with corporate managers who read, read, read.” E. ‘It can’t be done.’

2. Who/What do the words in bold refer to? 6 points 3. Give the antonyms of the following words. 10 points 1. succeed 2. friends 3. wide 4. earlier 5. ability 4. Answer the following questions. 6 points

A. How many of the entrepreneurs professor Logan had surveyed, identified themselves as dyslexic?

B. Why is the percentage higher in the United States, according to professor Logan?

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Ministerul Educaţiei, Cercetării şi Tineretului Centrul Naţional pentru Curriculum şi Evaluare în Învăţământul Preuniversitar

C. What is the reason why dyslexics are drawn to entrepreneurship, according to professor Logan? 5. Comment on the following sentence: We found that dyslexics who succeed had overcome an awful lot in their lives by developing compensatory skills. (50 words) 4 points

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Ministerul Educaţiei, Cercetării şi Tineretului Centrul Naţional pentru Curriculum şi Evaluare în Învăţământul Preuniversitar

Examenul de bacalaureat 2008

Proba E/F Proba scrisă la Limba engleză

L1 normal – L2

• Toate subiectele sunt obligatorii. Se acordă 10 puncte din oficiu. • Timpul efectiv de lucru este de 3 ore.

SUBIECTUL I (30 puncte) Varianta 012 Read the text below and complete the following tasks.

I bless the day 3M invented Post-It notes. I don’t think I could survive without them. They decorate my computer, reminding me how to do things like create a folder, undo an error or save an attachment without opening it. … (1)

I have notes that say, “Take Lunch,” “Take Phone,” “Turn Off Computer!” lest I forget such important tasks when I leave home.

Why do I still remember the symbols for all the elements known when I took chemistry 48 years ago, but don’t recall what I wrote about yesterday?

And I know I’m not alone among the over-50 generation. A good friend, two and a half years my senior, endured a six-hour battery of neuropsychological tests because she feared encroaching Alzheimer’s disease. (She got an all clear.) We tease each other about always having to go everywhere together, because we each supply half a memory.

If my husband precedes me in death, my memory of the movies and plays I have seen will die with him. Though eight years my senior, … (2)

When I’m introduced to a new person, the name is gone from my memory before the handshake is over. Probably it was never there to start with, because I’ve known since childhood that I’m a visual, not an aural, learner. If a new acquaintance has no name tag, … (3)

All through school, I took voluminous notes and underlined every important sentence in my textbooks. … (4) No matter how hard I tried to learn just by listening, the lesson was out of my head by the time I left the classroom.

(New York Times, December, 2007)

1. Four sentences/groups of words have been removed from the text. Select the appropriate sentence/ group of words for each gap in the text. There is one extra sentence/group of words which you do not need to use. 4 points

A. he remembers not only what we have seen, but also where and when. B. They adorn my refrigerator and kitchen cabinets to help me remember what to buy, what

to order and when I have to be where. C. During exams, I could visualize the answers on their respective pages. D. a verbally stated name goes in one ear and out the other, bypassing my brain’s memory

cells. E. But if you go back to the first room, you nearly always recall your mission.

2. Who/What do the words in bold refer to? 6 points 3. Give the antonyms of the following words. 10 points 1. remember 2. always 3. new 4. start 5. left 4. Answer the following questions: 6 points

A. Why does the author of the text use Post-It notes? B. What was the author’s friend afraid of? C. Is the author of the text a visual or an aural learner?

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Ministerul Educaţiei, Cercetării şi Tineretului Centrul Naţional pentru Curriculum şi Evaluare în Învăţământul Preuniversitar

5. Comment on the following sentence: If my husband precedes me in death, my memory of the movies and plays I have seen will die with him. (50 words) 4 points

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Ministerul Educaţiei, Cercetării şi Tineretului Centrul Naţional pentru Curriculum şi Evaluare în Învăţământul Preuniversitar

Examenul de bacalaureat 2008 Proba E/F

Proba scrisă la Limba engleză L1 normal – L2

• Toate subiectele sunt obligatorii. Se acordă 10 puncte din oficiu. • Timpul efectiv de lucru este de 3 ore.

SUBIECTUL I (30 puncte) Varianta 013 Read the text below and complete the following tasks.

Despite the communication power of the Internet, nothing beats good old human interaction

when it comes to learning a new skill. You can always read a book, listen to a tape, or watch a video to learn how to do something. … (1)

Until recently, the Internet resembled a large "book" of electronic texts and pictures. … (2) The appearance of cheap "web casting" has moved this kind of meetings into a new environment. It has created an inexpensive opportunity for mass interactive communication between people spread all over the world.

The web casting enables a presenter to transmit a live presentation over the Internet to as many as 10,000 participants. … (3) They need a standard phone line and audio speakers. In the post-9/11 era, people simply don't like to travel as frequently. The meal and hotel costs associated with attending seminars or other adult education events make it even harder to attract a full audience.

… (4) After you brought them together at that specific time, you can teach them something, and in the end let them all get back to their lives without the traditional interruptions and expenses of travel. You can do everything from a simple "radio" type presentation where people passively listen, to a multimedia presentation completed with Power Point slides and live tours of actual websites. (Jim Edwards - Web Casting - The Future of Online Education)

1. Four sentences have been removed from the text. Select the appropriate sentence for each gap in the text. There is one extra sentence that does not fit. 4 points

A. And any extended "human" interactivity could only take place offline by tele-conference or in-person meetings. B. I think we couldn’t live without web casting. C. But in the end, learning from a live teacher who can answer your questions on the spot works best. D. For most online events, participants only need an Internet connection. E. In conclusion, with web casting, you can pull together a large group of people from around the world at a specific time on a given day. 2. Who/What do the words in bold refer to? 6 points 3. Give the synonyms of the following words. 1. power 2. inexpensive 3. appearance 4. opportunity 5. audience 10 points 4. Answer the following questions. 6 points A. What do people need in order to connect to a live presentation on the Internet? B. Which are some of the reasons for which people are reluctant to attend seminars? C. Which are the advantages of using web casting?

5. Comment on the importance of human interaction when learning a new skill. (50 words) 4 points

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Ministerul Educaţiei, Cercetării şi Tineretului Centrul Naţional pentru Curriculum şi Evaluare în Învăţământul Preuniversitar

Examenul de bacalaureat 2008

Proba E/F Proba scrisă la Limba engleză

L1 normal – L2

• Toate subiectele sunt obligatorii. Se acordă 10 puncte din oficiu. • Timpul efectiv de lucru este de 3 ore.

SUBIECTUL I (30 puncte) Varianta 014 Read the text below and complete the following tasks.

The benefits of higher education are obvious. It boosts your career prospects and earning

potential, while giving you the chance to immerse yourself in a subject that really interests you. … (1) And yet going to college or university, especially when it means moving away from home and to a new city, can be a daunting prospect. … (2) You are likely to meet lots of new people, have a whole range of new experiences and start learning about your independence. It's also a time to decide what you want to do and when you want to do it.

You may move into a hall of residence with lots of other students in the same position as you or you may choose to go straight into rented accommodation. Student houses are notorious for poor standards, including heating systems that don't work and windows that don't open. … (3) Don't panic though. There are student unions which were started to provide services, support and representation for students. All universities have student welfare officers who can help you choose a safe and sound place to live. … (4) You will receive details about all of these services before you arrive in your new city. (Education and Learning 2005)

1. Four sentences have been removed from the text. Select the appropriate sentence for each gap in the text. There is one extra sentence that does not fit. 4 points A. And what is worse, there is a risk of carbon-monoxide poisoning from badly maintained gas supplies. B. Remember that you are not alone! C. Moreover, it gives you the opportunity to get involved in lots of other activities. D. The costs of being a student vary between different parts of the UK. E. The university's student union may also arrange social events for you to meet potential house mates. 2. Who/What do the words in bold refer to? 6 points 3. Give the synonyms of the following words. 10 points 1. obvious 2. chance 3. prospects 4. safe 5. arrive 4. Answer the following questions. 6 points

A. Which are some of the benefits of higher education? B. What is the author’s opinion about student houses? C. What is the role of the student welfare officers? 5. Explain the following sentence in your own words: It boosts your career prospects and earning potential. (50 words) 4 points

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Ministerul Educaţiei, Cercetării şi Tineretului Centrul Naţional pentru Curriculum şi Evaluare în Învăţământul Preuniversitar

Examenul de bacalaureat 2008

Proba E/F Proba scrisă la Limba engleză

L1 normal – L2

• Toate subiectele sunt obligatorii. Se acordă 10 puncte din oficiu. • Timpul efectiv de lucru este de 3 ore.

SUBIECTUL I (30 puncte) Varianta 015 Read the text below and complete the following tasks.

Although some experts in human development say paid work can be beneficial to teens—

introducing them to the adult world and sometimes reinforcing what they learn in school—problems arise when young people work too many hours. A panel of experts conducted two separate studies … (1). They found that students who worked 15 or more hours a week while in school showed a decline in grades and performed less well on standardized tests. These students were less likely to take more demanding courses, … (2). According to the U.S. Department of Labour, high school students work an average of about 17 hours a week during school months, an amount that could jeopardize their school performance.

Not only can long workweeks have a negative impact on academic performance, but also they can take away the opportunity to build friendships and explore interests … (3). Teens have to realize their primary job is getting a good education. And it's the parents' job to see that their teens understand that. Parents have the responsibility to establish the number of hours their teenager can work. … (4) Although money may be one of the principal motivators for wanting a job, parents should emphasize to their child that he or she shouldn't take a job just for the money, especially if it's the first job to come along. (Joan Kuersten-Teens and Part-Time Jobs: At What Price?) 1. Four sentences/groups of words have been removed from the text. Select the appropriate sentence/ group of words for each gap in the text. There is one extra sentence/group of words which you do not need to use. 4 points A. particularly higher level math and science courses. B. But there are other students who are not interested in working at all. C. on the effect of part-time work on high school students' academic achievement. D. Those hours should increase only if he or she maintains good grades. E. that could enhance a teen's intellectual and emotional development. 2. Who/What do the words in bold refer to? 6 points 3. Give the synonyms of the following words. 1. conducted 2. decline 3. impact 4. opportunity 5. take. 10 points 4. Answer the following questions. 6 points A. What do the studies show? B. How much time do high school students work according to the US Department of Labour? C. What are parents responsible for? 5. Comment on the following sentence: ...paid work can be beneficial to teens. (50 words)

4 points

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Ministerul Educaţiei, Cercetării şi Tineretului Centrul Naţional pentru Curriculum şi Evaluare în Învăţământul Preuniversitar

Examenul de bacalaureat 2008

Proba E/F Proba scrisă la Limba engleză

L1 normal – L2

• Toate subiectele sunt obligatorii. Se acordă 10 puncte din oficiu. • Timpul efectiv de lucru este de 3 ore.

SUBIECTUL I (30 puncte) Varianta 016 Read the text below and complete the following tasks.

In our modern industrial society we have grown accustomed to having energy 'on tap'. Energy utilities and road builders have encouraged us to use energy as if the supplies were limitless and most of us have been only too willing to go along. The reality is that almost all energy used to run our consumer society comes from fossil fuels … (1) and these are finite and non-renewable resources. We are just beginning to appreciate the extent of the environmental problems created by the energy extravagances of wealthy industrial countries. Statistics show that the average person in a rich country uses more than ten times … (2)

The consequences can be well seen by everybody. Established systems of food and water supply, the forestry and fishing industries are put at risk by the likely destabilization of the climate. As ocean waters expand, coastal lands could be inundated by rising sea levels forcing communities … (3)

… (4) If we are to have a more equitable sharing of natural energy resources, without further endangering the environment, then wealthy nations will have to cut back greatly on their fossil fuel consumption. In the same time people should use alternative sources of energy. They are considerably more attractive in many ways than nuclear power. (SEA-US -Alternative, Safe and Sustainable Sources of Energy) 1. Four sentences/groups of words have been removed from the text. Select the appropriate sentence/ group of words for each gap in the text. There is one extra sentence/group of words which you do not need to use. 4 points

A. to withdraw to higher ground. B. in Europe forests are dying from acid rain. C. as much energy as a person in a very poor country. D. The warning of the scientists is clear. E. such as coal, oil and gas 2. Who/What do the words in bold refer to? 6 points 3. Give the antonyms of the following words. 1. modern 2. encouraged 3. wealthy 4. rising 5. attractive 10 points 4. Answer the following questions: 6 points A. Where does the energy come from? B. What do statistics show? C. What should wealthy nations do if people want to have a more equitable sharing of natural energy resources? 5. Comment on the following sentence: People should use alternative sources of energy. (50 words) 4 points

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Ministerul Educaţiei, Cercetării şi Tineretului Centrul Naţional pentru Curriculum şi Evaluare în Învăţământul Preuniversitar

Examenul de bacalaureat 2008

Proba E/F Proba scrisă la Limba engleză

L1 normal – L2

• Toate subiectele sunt obligatorii. Se acordă 10 puncte din oficiu. • Timpul efectiv de lucru este de 3 ore.

SUBIECTUL I (30 puncte) Varianta 017 Read the text below and complete the following tasks.

It's 2026. You lost your cashier job five years ago, when the supermarkets switched to automatic checkout. A job at the post office lasted only a few years, … (1) Then the avian flu came, decimating populations around the world. Your new office job shut down because everyone was afraid of getting sick. What's next? Be a quarantine enforcer! These crucial public servants patrol the streets in quarantined neighborhoods, ensuring no one leaves.

This apocalyptic scenario may never come to pass. But one thing is clear. In two decades, your job probably won't exist, at least not in the same form it is today. "I think there's going to be an enormous shift of occupations," says futurist Alvin Toffler. … (2) They'll survive, but they'll change. It's hard to think of an industry that's not undergoing change. … (3) to moviemakers, media firms are adjusting to the digital age. Meanwhile, computers continue to take over the world. Machines will learn to perform most translation services, … (4) On the other hand cars will become obsolete while teleport repairmen could replace auto mechanics. In the same way as they said a hundred years ago that planes couldn’t fly, people look at teleportation and say that such a thing will never be real. But these things are not outside the realm of possibility.

(Forbes - Jobs Of the Future) 1. Four sentences/groups of words have been removed from the text. Select the appropriate sentence/ group of words for each gap in the text. There is one extra sentence/group of words which you do not need to use. 4 points

A . eventually making language experts unnecessary. B. since no one sends mails anymore. C. Most jobs are going to change. D. From newspaper publishers E. But there's good news because technology will create new jobs as well, 2. Who/What do the words in bold refer to? 6 points 3. Give the synonyms of the following words. 10 points 1. job 2. enormous 3. hard 4. change 5. perform 4. Answer the following questions. 6 points A. What factors contributed to the disappearance of jobs? B. What does Alvin Toffler believe? C. Why will language experts be unnecessary? 5. Explain the following sentence in your own words: They'll survive, but they'll change. (50 words) 4 points

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Ministerul Educaţiei, Cercetării şi Tineretului Centrul Naţional pentru Curriculum şi Evaluare în Învăţământul Preuniversitar

Examenul de bacalaureat 2008

Proba E/F Proba scrisă la Limba engleză

L1 normal – L2

• Toate subiectele sunt obligatorii. Se acordă 10 puncte din oficiu. • Timpul efectiv de lucru este de 3 ore.

SUBIECTUL I (30 puncte) Varianta 018 Read the text below and complete the following tasks.

By the time the children reach their teens, there is only a limited amount of time left to influence them and get them started in life in the right direction. The teen years are a critical time for role models in the children's lives. Often we will find teens have a hard time… (1). This isn't always the case, but even in the closest families, teens often feel more comfortable talking to another trusted adult about some of the things going on in their lives.

… (2) would prefer their teenagers would go to an adult when they need to talk something important out, instead of relying on their friends who may not have the insight an older, more experienced adult would have. Obviously parents have no real control over who their teen goes to for advice, but there are a number of ways they can steer their teen in the right direction.

The best chance the teen has for interacting with other adults… (3) There are all kinds of activities a teen can be involved with such as church youth group, scouts, sports, music, school clubs, community service, just to name a few. … (4) led by good and capable leaders will enrich the adolescents’ life in a way few things can, and will increase the likelihood that they will establish a relationship with one of the group leaders.

(Rachel Paxton – Role Models for Your Teen) 1. Four sentences/groups of words have been removed from the text. Select the appropriate sentence/ group of words for each gap in the text. There is one extra sentence/group of words which you do not need to use. 4 points A . Of course that parents B. Carefully selected activities C. talking to their parents. D. is in extracurricular activities. E. Personally I don't encourage parents to involve their teens 2. Who/What do the words in bold refer to? 6 points 3. Give the synonyms of the following words. 10 points 1. amount 2. right 3. obviously 4. ways 5. leader 4. Answer the following questions. 6 points A. Who do teenagers feel comfortable talking to? B. What is the reason for which parents prefer their teenager would talk important things with an adult? C. How can teenagers benefit from being involved in extracurricular activities? 5. Comment on the following sentence: The teen years are a critical time for role models in the children's lives. (50 words) 4 points

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Ministerul Educaţiei, Cercetării şi Tineretului Centrul Naţional pentru Curriculum şi Evaluare în Învăţământul Preuniversitar

Examenul de bacalaureat 2008

Proba E/F Proba scrisă la Limba engleză

L1 normal – L2

• Toate subiectele sunt obligatorii. Se acordă 10 puncte din oficiu. • Timpul efectiv de lucru este de 3 ore.

SUBIECTUL I (30 puncte) Varianta 019 Read the text below and complete the following tasks.

Reading as a teen leads to success. When teens read more than just their classroom assignments, research clearly shows that they generally do well in school. … (1) It also shows them how different writers put down their thoughts leading to better writing skills. And teens who read more serious literary works gain skills in handling complex ideas. The more teens read, … (2) This leads to a solid core of knowledge that is useful in a wide variety of classes. For example, the teen who reads biographies has a better understanding of prominent people studied in history classes.

Another big advantage of reading as a teen is a good score on the verbal section of a college admission test. No other activity builds the vocabulary and comprehension skills needed to do well on these tests as well as reading.

… (3) reading also helps them expand their horizons as they learn more about people and the world. Plus, reading can show teens that everyone has problems in their life and may even help teens see solutions to their own problems.

Parents can encourage their children to stay involved with reading by expressing interest in what they are reading and tying it to other activities. If a teen likes a book… (4) they should make sure the teen sees the movie. (Family Education - Benefits of reading as a teen)

1. Four sentences/groups of words have been removed from the text. Select the appropriate sentence/ group of words for each gap in the text. There is one extra sentence/group of words which you do not need to use. 4 points

A. What are the benefits of reading as a teen? B. that has been turned into a movie, C. Besides helping teens do well in school, D. First of all, the extra reading expands their vocabulary. E. the more information they pick up. 2. Who/What do the words in bold refer to? 6 points 3. Give the antonyms of the following words. 1. success 2. different 3. useful 4. advantage 5. likes 10 points 4. Answer the following questions. 6 points A. How can extra reading help teenagers do well in school? B. What is the role of reading in getting a good score in college admission tests? C. What should parents do to encourage their children to read? 5. Comment on the importance of reading in adolescents’ life. (50 words) 4 points

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Ministerul Educaţiei, Cercetării şi Tineretului Centrul Naţional pentru Curriculum şi Evaluare în Învăţământul Preuniversitar

Examenul de bacalaureat 2008 Proba E/F

Proba scrisă la Limba engleză L1 normal – L2

• Toate subiectele sunt obligatorii. Se acordă 10 puncte din oficiu. • Timpul efectiv de lucru este de 3 ore.

SUBIECTUL I (30 puncte) Varianta 020 Read the text below and complete the following tasks.

Appearances count in today’s world as much or even more than in earlier decades. Books are judged by their covers and people are initially evaluated on how they choose to dress and behave. In a perfect world this is not fair, moral, or just. … (1) should count a great deal more. And eventually it usually does, but not right away. In the meantime, a lot of opportunities can be lost. In our lives, hundreds of very important decisions have already been made for us that impact every aspect of our lives. Our gender, skin color, height, the shape and size of our hands and feet, as well as who our parents are, and the country of our birth are factors … (2)

But we can control how we portray ourselves to the outer world. In transformational learning, the idea is to start at a place that is most visible and allows for immediately recognized results. Wardrobe and nonverbal communication are aspects that are apparent to the outside world. Combined, these factors can frame us as competent, knowledgeable, elegant, gracious, powerful, … (3)

Amazingly, appearances count even when nobody else sees you … (4) Thus, Americans have the opportunity to see their own reflection (in mirrors, windows, elevator doors) up to fifty-five times every day. That means fifty-five opportunities to feel instantaneously good, indifferent, or even negative about your physical self. (Susan Bixler - The New Professional Image) 1. Four sentences/groups of words have been removed from the text. Select the appropriate sentence/ group of words for each gap in the text. There is one extra sentence/group of words which you do not need to use. 4 points

A. as one study revealed. B. What’s inside C. Appearances count, especially in the business world. D. that we do not control or influence. E. or anything else we choose to communicate. 2. Who/What do the words in bold refer to? 6 points 3. Give the synonyms of the following words. 1. behave 2. impact 3. idea 4. apparent 5. good 10 points 4. Answer the following questions. 6 points A. What should count more in the author’s opinion? B. What is the main idea in transformational learning? C. What did the study reveal? 5. Explain the following sentence: Appearances count in today’s world as much or even more than in earlier decades. (50 words) 4 points

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Ministerul Educaţiei, Cercetării şi Tineretului Centrul Naţional pentru Curriculum şi Evaluare în Învăţământul Preuniversitar

Examenul de bacalaureat 2008 Proba E/F

Proba scrisă la Limba engleză L1 normal – L2

• Toate subiectele sunt obligatorii. Se acordă 10 puncte din oficiu. • Timpul efectiv de lucru este de 3 ore.

SUBIECTUL I (30 puncte) Varianta 021 Read the text below and complete the following tasks.

In the wake of new-age technology, many devices are becoming substitutes for face-to-face

communication, and experts say they could be killing relationships. While user-friendly phone and wireless sources benefit society in many ways, data is

showing people could be dangerously hindering their relationship ties through overuse of instant messaging. … (1) more people are relying on text messages to get their word across.

"Research has shown that if a person feels his or her likelihood of being rejected for a date is high, there is a better chance he or she will ask through a text rather than a higher risk way, such as over the phone or in person," said Derek Westra, a 23-year-old student, … (2) He explained that instant messaging keeps family interconnected online, but it can also lead to fewer in-person meetings, outings and less time actually talking. He said the data collected showed communicating online can be overused and is beginning to replace real-life relationships with virtual ones. … (3) what's extremely convenient is often less effective than what is real.

Not everybody shares this opinion. Scott Bell, a communication professor for media law and ethics says that media is a good thing and a way for people … (4) They are more reachable and can be found anywhere with the push of a few buttons.

(Theresa Kasallis -Text messaging affects student relationships)

1. Four sentences/groups of words have been removed from the text. Select the appropriate sentence/ group of words for each gap in the text. There is one extra sentence/group of words which you do not need to use. 4 points A. who conducted a survey on the effects of technology on communication. B. As cell phones go mainstream, C. since they view it as the most non-confrontational way D. Like many things in life, E. to effectively communicate worldwide. 2. Who/What do the words in bold refer to? 6 points 3. Give the synonyms of the following words. 1. ways 2. chance 3. lead 4. collected 5. convenient 10 points 4. Answer the following questions. 6 points A. How are relationships influenced by the devices of the new age technology? B. What disadvantages do instant messages have? C. What arguments does Bell bring to support his view that media is a good thing? 5. Comment on the following sentence: Many devices are becoming substitutes for face-to-face communication. (50 words) 4 points

Page 34: Engleza Normal - Subiectul I - Variante 001-100 - An 2008

Ministerul Educaţiei, Cercetării şi Tineretului Centrul Naţional pentru Curriculum şi Evaluare în Învăţământul Preuniversitar

Examenul de bacalaureat 2008 Proba E/F

Proba scrisă la Limba engleză L1 normal – L2

• Toate subiectele sunt obligatorii. Se acordă 10 puncte din oficiu. • Timpul efectiv de lucru este de 3 ore.

SUBIECTUL I (30 puncte) Varianta 022 Read the text below and complete the following tasks.

Singing and music have always played an important role in learning and the communication

of culture. … (1) That is why, for the past 30 years, some children's television has very effectively used the combination of words, music and fast-paced animation to achieve learning. The benefits of these factors were acknowledged by everybody. Most parents are concerned about what their young children see and hear, but as children grow older, parents pay less attention to the music and videos that hold their children’s interest. The sharing of musical tastes between generations in a family … (2). But many times music is a major part of a teenager's separate world. It is quite common for teenagers to get pleasure from keeping adults out and causing adults some distress.

A concern of many interested in the development and growth of teenagers is a serious deterioration in the messages some bands or singers include in their lyrics. … (3) teenagers' purchasing, listening and viewing patterns, and by helping them identify music that may be destructive, parents can help their teenagers.

The conclusion is that music is not usually a danger for a teenager whose life is happy and healthy. But if a teenager is persistently preoccupied with music that has seriously destructive themes, and … (4) isolation, depression, alcohol or other drug abuse, a psychological evaluation should be considered. (Facts for families)

1. Four sentences/groups of words have been removed from the text. Select the appropriate sentence/ group of words for each gap in the text. There is one extra sentence/group of words which you do not need to use. 4 points A. there are changes in behaviour such as B. By paying attention to their C. Children learn from the role models what they see and hear. D. some troublesome themes are prominent E. can be a pleasurable experience. 2. Who/What do the words in bold refer to? 6 points 3. Give the synonyms of the following words. 10 points 1. achieve 2. concerned 3. major 4. common 5. development. 4. Answer the following questions. 6 points A. How did children’s television facilitate learning? B. Why is music a part of the teenagers’ separate world? C. How can music have a negative influence on teenagers in the author’s view? 5. Explain the following sentence: Singing and music have always played an important role in learning and the communication of culture. (50 words) 4 points

Page 35: Engleza Normal - Subiectul I - Variante 001-100 - An 2008

Ministerul Educaţiei, Cercetării şi Tineretului Centrul Naţional pentru Curriculum şi Evaluare în Învăţământul Preuniversitar

Examenul de bacalaureat 2008 Proba E/F

Proba scrisă la Limba engleză L1 normal – L2

• Toate subiectele sunt obligatorii. Se acordă 10 puncte din oficiu. • Timpul efectiv de lucru este de 3 ore.

SUBIECTUL I (30 puncte) Varianta 023 Read the text below and complete the following tasks.

Increasing transportation efficiency is the best place to start efforts to reduce emissions of carbon dioxide which is a primary culprit in global warming. … (1) addiction to oil, stabilize the climate and maintain our standard of living. By transitioning to sustainable technologies, such as solar and wind power, we can achieve energy independence and stabilize human-induced climate change.

Transportation efficiency is usually measured without regard for how fuel ends up in the tank. It’s time to develop a better method, one that considers the finite nature of fossil fuels and how their use affects the planet’s ability to support life.

Last year, in response to increasing concerns about the effects of global warming, California passed limits on cars’ CO2 emissions. Seven northeastern states … (2) Such moves are part of a growing effort by local governments to deal with issues such as climate change and our reliance on oil.

Interest in plug-in hybrids is booming as drivers are increasingly frustrated … (3) Automakers, which previously dismissed the idea of plug-in hybrids, are now openly expressing interest. “We are pursuing a plug-in hybrid vehicle, which will conserve more oil and slice smog and greenhouse gases to nearly imperceptible levels,” … (4) Other companies have also expressed interest in plug-in hybrids.

This time around, let’s hope that enough people will demand that automakers offer better transportation choices. (Mother Earth News – Why we need electric cars) 1. Four sentences/groups of words have been removed from the text. Select the appropriate sentence/ group of words for each gap in the text. There is one extra sentence/group of words which you do not need to use. 4 points

A. said one of the executives of a well-known producer. B. We already have the technology we need to cure our C. with skyrocketing gas prices and cars’ poor fuel economy. D. also have adopted California’s standards. E. It’s time to take renewable energy seriously, 2. Who/What do the words in bold refer to? 6 points 3. Give the antonyms of the following words. 10 points 1. start 2. reduce 3. support 4. imperceptible 5. better 4. Answer the following questions. 6 points A. What can we do to achieve independence and stabilize the climate change? B. Why did local governments pass laws to limit the cars’ CO2 emissions? C. What are the benefits of the plug-in hybrids in the automakers’ view? 5. Explain the following sentence: By transitioning to sustainable technologies, such as solar and wind power, we can achieve energy independence. (50 words) 4 points

Page 36: Engleza Normal - Subiectul I - Variante 001-100 - An 2008

Ministerul Educaţiei, Cercetării şi Tineretului Centrul Naţional pentru Curriculum şi Evaluare în Învăţământul Preuniversitar

Examenul de bacalaureat 2008 Proba E/F

Proba scrisă la Limba engleză L1 normal – L2

• Toate subiectele sunt obligatorii. Se acordă 10 puncte din oficiu. • Timpul efectiv de lucru este de 3 ore.

SUBIECTUL I (30 puncte) Varianta 024 Read the text below and complete the following tasks.

The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says that buses are the safest way to get our children to school; that is … (1). But most school buses also pollute the air with diesel exhaust.

The problem is that children are exposed to diesel exhaust when they play near idling school buses, or while they ride the bus, as fumes accumulate inside the vehicle. Studies show that over time, exposure to diesel fumes … (2). One well-documented concern is that these fumes can contribute to asthma and other respiratory illnesses, plus it’s been linked to increased risk of lung cancer.

But there’s also good news. … (3) are working to make their school buses less polluting. Two nonprofit organizations are involved in these efforts. Both have online resources to help the public understand the issue. Some of the steps they recommend require buying new equipment. A simple change that can make a big difference is to reduce idling by turning off the engine as soon as the bus is parked. Some communities have implemented voluntary “no idling” zones, which help keep the air cleaner for bus riders and everyone else.

One of the best options for cleaning up buses is to replace older buses … (4). Because emissions standards have changed significantly over the last 30 years, you can tell a lot about how much a bus pollutes simply by finding out how old it is. (Mother Nature News - Back to School with Better Buses) 1. Four sentences/groups of words have been removed from the text. Select the appropriate sentence/ group of words for each gap in the text. There is one extra sentence/group of words which you do not need to use. 4 points A. can cause serious health problems. B. Being preoccupied with the safety of their children, C. A growing number of communities from around the country D. eight times safer than riding in a passenger car. E. with newer, cleaner running models.

2. Who/What do the words in bold refer to? 6 points 3. Give the synonyms of the following words. 10 points 1. concern 2. contribute 3. resources 4. steps 5. replace 4. Answer the following questions: 6 points A. What problems can the exposure to diesel fumes cause? B. What are the benefits of the “no idling” zones? C. What solutions did the nonprofit organizations recommend? 5. Comment on the following sentence: Buses are the safest way to get our children to school. (50 words) 4 points

Page 37: Engleza Normal - Subiectul I - Variante 001-100 - An 2008

Ministerul Educaţiei, Cercetării şi Tineretului Centrul Naţional pentru Curriculum şi Evaluare în Învăţământul Preuniversitar

Examenul de bacalaureat 2008

Proba E/F Proba scrisă la Limba engleză

L1 normal – L2

• Toate subiectele sunt obligatorii. Se acordă 10 puncte din oficiu. • Timpul efectiv de lucru este de 3 ore.

SUBIECTUL I (30 puncte) Varianta 025 Read the text below and complete the following tasks.

The issue of ageing population is a long-term and global trend – one that will continue … (1) Some claim it is a sign of our success: as medicine, sanitation, and agricultural production have improved, life expectancy around the world has risen. This, combined with falling birth rates, is causing what experts call the "demographic transition" - the gradual change from high to low levels of fertility and mortality. … (2) is population ageing. Europe now has so many elderly people and so few newborns that mortality rates have started to climb again, now reaching levels similar to some developing countries. Today, 19 of the world's 20 "oldest" countries - those with the largest percentage of elderly people - are in Europe.

Ageing populations will create a number of challenges for current and future governments. One is how to sustain public pensions and social security systems as a bigger percentage of people reach retirement and live longer to enjoy it. … (3), where one in four people will be elderly by 2015. This demographic shift will force Japanese policymakers and companies to rethink conventional pensions, health care schemes, and mandatory retirement ages. Another is that fewer children make demographers expect there will be fewer potential caregivers, particularly from family members.

In Europe, North America, … (4), the number of elderly people who live alone is increasing, particularly among women. (Valdis Wish -Global Population Ageing) 1. Four sentences/groups of words have been removed from the text. Select the appropriate sentence/ group of words for each gap in the text. There is one extra sentence/group of words which you do not need to use. 4 points A . The situation is more urgent in Japan B. for generations to come. C. The demographic transition will be much slower in the Middle East and Africa. D. One of the biggest impacts of this transition E. as well as Asia 2. Who/What do the words in bold refer to? 6 points 3. Give the synonyms of the following words. 10 points 1. transition 2. largest 3. create 4. sustain 5. enjoy

4. Answer the following questions. 6 points A. What is the “demographic transition” caused by? B. What problems will ageing populations create? C. Why will the Japanese policymakers have to rethink the conventional pensions and health care schemes? 5. Explain the following sentence: Ageing populations will create a number of challenges for current and future governments. (50 words) 4 points

Page 38: Engleza Normal - Subiectul I - Variante 001-100 - An 2008

Ministerul Educaţiei, Cercetării şi Tineretului Centrul Naţional pentru Curriculum şi Evaluare în Învăţământul Preuniversitar

Examenul de bacalaureat 2008 Proba E/F

Proba scrisă la Limba engleză L1 normal – L2

• Toate subiectele sunt obligatorii. Se acordă 10 puncte din oficiu. • Timpul efectiv de lucru este de 3 ore.

SUBIECTUL I (30 puncte) Varianta 026 Read the text below and complete the following tasks. … (1) The holiday-makers flocked to the hill of Mercury, to rise two thousand feet above the steamy haze of the valleys. … (2) Every time it made the ascent, the funicular was crowded. It moved up the steep incline, that, towards the top, looked almost perpendicular, the steel thread of the rails in the gulf of pine-trees hanging like an iron rope against a wall. … (3) Or they looked back towards the sinking levels of the river, far-stretching over the frontier. When you arrived at the top there was nothing to do. The hill was a pine-covered cone; paths wound between the high tree-trunks, and you could walk round and see the world all round: the dim, far river-plain, to westwards; southwards, the black, forest-covered hills, with emerald-green clearings and a white house or two; east, the inner valley, with two villages, factory chimneys, pointed churches, and north, the hills of forest, with reddish castle ruins. The hot sun burned overhead, and all was in steam. Only on the very summit of the hill there was a tower and a long restaurant with its beer-garden. … (4) But the great trees began again in wilderness a few yards off. 1. Four sentences/groups of words have been removed from the text. Select the appropriate sentence/ group of words for each gap in the text. There is one extra sentence/group of words which you do not need to use. 4 points

A. The women held their breath, and didn't look. B. It was Sunday, and very hot. C. The tourists were admiring the landscape. D. Then a bit of rock-garden on the slope. E. The summer had been very wet, and the heat covered the land in hot steam.

2. Who/What do the words bold refer to? 6 points 3. Give the synonyms of the following words. 10 points 1. holiday-makers 2. rise 3. steep 4. top 5. steam 4. Answer the following questions. 6 points A. Why was the funicular crowded? B. Why did the women not look out of the window of the funicular? C. Where could the tourists see a restaurant? 5. Comment on the following words …the steel thread of the rails in the gulf of pine-trees (50 words) 4 points

Page 39: Engleza Normal - Subiectul I - Variante 001-100 - An 2008

Ministerul Educaţiei, Cercetării şi Tineretului Centrul Naţional pentru Curriculum şi Evaluare în Învăţământul Preuniversitar

Examenul de bacalaureat 2008 Proba E/F

Proba scrisă la Limba engleză L1 normal – L2

• Toate subiectele sunt obligatorii. Se acordă 10 puncte din oficiu. • Timpul efectiv de lucru este de 3 ore.

SUBIECTUL I (30 puncte) Varianta 027 Read the text below and complete the following tasks.

The next time you do a card trick - remember this. You're playing with history. (1)… The most interesting things are the suits and face cards. A "suit" of playing cards means Hearts, Spades, Diamonds or Clubs. The figures are placed on each card with the number or value of the card. The face cards are the Jacks, the Queens, the Kings, the Aces and, of course, the Jokers.

What do you think the suits stand for? Let's take the Hearts first. When you say that an athlete has a lot of heart, what do you mean? You mean that he is brave. (2) …

Look at the design of the Spade on a card. The word "spade" comes from the Italian word which means "sword." With a little imagination, you can see the handle and the blade. (3) … The Diamond and Club designs also have interesting stories. The Diamond design stands for the expensive jewels that you and I have seen in jewelry stores. The Club looks a little like a three-leaf clover design. (4) … Now you see how some suits of playing cards have more value or power than others. 1. Four sentences have been removed from the text. Select the appropriate sentence for each gap in the text. There is one extra sentence that does not fit. 4 points

A. Of course, the blade has been made much shorter on the card. B. Many people spend their time playing cards. C. Its shape came from a French design with three leaves.

D. So, you see, the King of Hearts is a "brave king." E. The playing cards we use today are much like those used for hundreds of years.

2. Who/What do the words in bold refer to? 6 points 3. Give the synonyms of the following words. 10 points 1. the next 2. figures 3. of course 4. comes from 5. stands for 4. Answer the following questions. 6 points A. What are the ‘suits’? B. What can one see on the face cards? C. What is the meaning of the “diamonds”? 5. Comment on the following sentence: Now you see how some suits of playing cards have more value or power than others.(50 words) 4 points

Page 40: Engleza Normal - Subiectul I - Variante 001-100 - An 2008

Ministerul Educaţiei, Cercetării şi Tineretului Centrul Naţional pentru Curriculum şi Evaluare în Învăţământul Preuniversitar

Examenul de bacalaureat 2008 Proba E/F

Proba scrisă la Limba engleză L1 normal – L2

• Toate subiectele sunt obligatorii. Se acordă 10 puncte din oficiu. • Timpul efectiv de lucru este de 3 ore.

SUBIECTUL I (30 puncte) Varianta 028 Read the text below and complete the following tasks.

Everyone has heard about whales. What a beautiful sight it must be to see a whale. … (1) In years gone by, men sailed in ships that did not take them back to their homes for many years. … (2) They sold certain parts of the whales to people for different uses. The whale was valuable because it was not easy to get. Whaling is not a job for many people any more.

To enjoy a story about whales means first to learn as much about them as you can. … (3) " Whale off the starboard bow!" The lookout on a whaling ship has sighted a whale. All hands spring to their jobs. The harpooner takes aim with his gun and fires. There is a short fight. The whale is dead. … (4). A crew of men sets to work stripping the great whale of its skin. The thick fat under the whale's skin protects the animal against cold waters.

Although whales spend their lives in water, they are not fish. Whales cannot breathe under water, but must come above water for air every thirty or forty minutes. The whaler's lookouts watch for the misty stream of water when the whales exhale. 1. Four sentences have been removed from the text. Select the appropriate sentence for each gap in the text. There is one extra sentence that does not fit. 4 points

A. The whale is the largest mammal. B. It is no wonder so many stories have been written about them. C. Its body is taken aboard the ship D. Their job was to capture whales. E. Aboard the whaling ship you would hear a man shout:

2. Who/What do the words in bold refer to? 6 points 3. Give the synonyms of the following words. 10 points 1. sailed 2. different 3. has sighted 4. takes aim 5. capture 4. Answer the following questions. 6 points A. How often did the whale hunters come home from the sea? B. Why were whales valuable? C. How long can whales stay under water? 5. Comment on the following sentence: To enjoy a story about whales means first to learn as much about them as you can. (50 words) 4 points

Page 41: Engleza Normal - Subiectul I - Variante 001-100 - An 2008

Ministerul Educaţiei, Cercetării şi Tineretului Centrul Naţional pentru Curriculum şi Evaluare în Învăţământul Preuniversitar

Examenul de bacalaureat 2008 Proba E/F

Proba scrisă la Limba engleză L1 normal – L2

• Toate subiectele sunt obligatorii. Se acordă 10 puncte din oficiu. • Timpul efectiv de lucru este de 3 ore.

SUBIECTUL I (30 puncte) Varianta 029 Read the text below and complete the following tasks.

Many stories about war deal with only the brave. Most often we hear about great deeds of men who fear nothing; of giants who turn the tide of battle by a single brave act … (1) Has it ever happened?

There were a number of times that this occurred in history. Every once in a while, however, the facts are made known and we can look at them and try to learn what war is really like. … (2) The time was 1861. The reason was the war between the States - often called the Civil War - the war that split the country into Northern and Southern states over the question of slavery and freedom. Many people of both sides had been happy to join the army to fight for what they believed in.… (3) They thought of war as a big game, such as football or baseball, only with man-sized toys. …. (4) It thought that the North would win easily and that the war would be over in a few months. They didn't know that it would take four long, bloody years to tear and smash their way through America before people could sleep again. 1. Four sentences have been removed from the text. Select the appropriate sentence for each gap in the text. There is one extra sentence that does not fit. 4 points A. People like listening to stories about brave deeds. B. Young men from all over saw this as a chance to win fame and fortune. C. One good example is the battle at a place called Bull Run, in Virginia. D. But what about stories of people who are really afraid in battle? E. Even the government in Washington didn't know what war was really like. 2. Who/What do the words in bold refer to? 6 points 3. Give the antonyms of the following words. 10 points 1. the brave 2. nothing 3. freedom 4. to join 5. would be over 4. Answer the following questions. 6 points A. What could giants do during a battle?

B. Why did the Northern and the Southern states fight against one another in the Civil War? C. What was the young people’s opinion about war, in general?

5. Explain the following sentence: Many stories about war deal with only the brave. (50 words) 4 points

Page 42: Engleza Normal - Subiectul I - Variante 001-100 - An 2008

Ministerul Educaţiei, Cercetării şi Tineretului Centrul Naţional pentru Curriculum şi Evaluare în Învăţământul Preuniversitar

Examenul de bacalaureat 2008 Proba E/F

Proba scrisă la Limba engleză L1 normal – L2

• Toate subiectele sunt obligatorii. Se acordă 10 puncte din oficiu. • Timpul efectiv de lucru este de 3 ore.

SUBIECTUL I (30 puncte) Varianta 030 Read the text below and complete the following tasks.

According to the weather men, last winter was one of the worst in living memory. We live in the depths of the country, and my whole family agree that it was certainly a winter we shall never forget. … (1).

At first we were all thrilled to see it. It fell silently in large soft flakes until our garden had become spotless white. The children soon spoilt its beauty by having snowball fights and leaving their footprints all over it. Hungry birds too, in search of scraps of food made delicate prints on its surface. … (2) For the next three months the whole countryside lay in a grip of iron.

Every day the birds grew tamer, often waiting hopefully almost on our backdoor step. We fed them with bits of cheese, chopped up meat and any left-overs we had. … (3) Indoors it was pretty cold too. Our central heating system proved both inadequate and uncooperative. To make matters worse there were tiny holes in the brickwork of many of the rooms. … (4) 1. Four sentences have been removed from the text. Select the appropriate sentence for each gap in the text. There is one extra sentence that does not fit. 4 points

A. As a result the water pipes froze so that for several weeks our water supply had to be brought in buckets from a nearby farm.

B. We also put out bowls of water, which unfortunately within an hour had frozen solid. C. Snow began to fall at the beginning of the New Year and continued on and off for

approximately ten days. D. Nobody expected the winter to be so frosty. E. It was now that a severe frost set in, hardening the snow into ugly lumps.

2. Who/What do the words in bold refer to? 6 points 3. Give the antonyms of the following words. 10 points 1. the worst 2 agree 3. at first 4. the next 5. tamer 4. Answer the following questions. 6 points

A. What do the author’s family agree on? B. How was the beauty of the snow spoilt? C. Why did the birds grow tamer?

5. Comment on the following sentence: For the next three months the whole countryside lay in a grip of iron. (50 words) 4 points

Page 43: Engleza Normal - Subiectul I - Variante 001-100 - An 2008

Ministerul Educaţiei, Cercetării şi Tineretului Centrul Naţional pentru Curriculum şi Evaluare în Învăţământul Preuniversitar

Examenul de bacalaureat 2008 Proba E/F

Proba scrisă la Limba engleză L1 normal – L2

• Toate subiectele sunt obligatorii. Se acordă 10 puncte din oficiu. • Timpul efectiv de lucru este de 3 ore.

SUBIECTUL I (30 puncte) Varianta 031 Read the text below and complete the following tasks.

Life insurance is not really betting although it can be compared to it. … (1) We think of insurance as a natural thing. If we scrape a fender or injure ourselves at work, we know that there is some sort of payment that we can get through insurance. …. (2) If we don't use the insurance, the companies keep the money.

"Insurance" is the term that we understand today. But how old is insurance? Two hundred years? A thousand? Or is it as old as man? … (3) We might say that "insurance" was with us while man was just beginning to develop civilization. One family or tribe might feel that they would be helped if they helped to protect another family or tribe. … (4)

This system of trading services with each other has been with us for quite a while. Today you think of Social Security or some other system. Most people who retire are still able to receive money that they have paid into the system during their working days. The idea of a reward for services like this is quite an old one. 1. Four sentences have been removed from the text. Select the appropriate sentence for each gap in the text. There is one extra sentence that does not fit. 4 points A. Of course, we don't get it for nothing; we make payments to the companies. B. I suppose that would depend upon what you mean. C. In this way, both groups got what they needed - protection from enemies. D. You pay the money just in case. E. Everybody should have life insurance. 2. Who/What do the words in bold refer to? 6 points 3. Give the synonyms of the following words. 10 points 1. think 2. sort 3. retire 4. receive 5. reward 4. Answer the following questions. 6 points

A. What is the use of insurance? B. How old is insurance? C. What does it generally happen when people retire?

5. Comment on the following sentence: Life insurance is not really betting although it can be compared to it. (50 words) 4 points

Page 44: Engleza Normal - Subiectul I - Variante 001-100 - An 2008

Ministerul Educaţiei, Cercetării şi Tineretului Centrul Naţional pentru Curriculum şi Evaluare în Învăţământul Preuniversitar

Examenul de bacalaureat 2008 Proba E/F

Proba scrisă la Limba engleză L1 normal – L2

• Toate subiectele sunt obligatorii. Se acordă 10 puncte din oficiu. • Timpul efectiv de lucru este de 3 ore.

SUBIECTUL I (30 puncte) Varianta 032 Read the text below and complete the following tasks.

Skiing isn't likely to replace football and baseball in the hearts of American sports watchers, but for the active, do-it-yourself crowd, skiing climbs higher on the list each year. … (1) Even that requires a fair-sized sum of money for equipment if you buy your own; renting, of course, is cheaper.

… (2) That way you get well-maintained slopes, the opportunity for instruction, the use of lifts, and the fun of skiing without the expense of a longer stay. Many countries, with the help of machine-made snow, now have ski areas within fairly easy reach in terms of both money and distance. … (3) Ski fans say there is nothing like it. (If any kind of skiing is out of the question for you right now, just tuck the idea for the future. …(4)

Some of you may be able to get it all together money, time, opportunity, transportation, equipment - and go with a few friends, but for the younger student, the best chance of getting to a ski area is usually with one's family. Therefore, you may be glad to learn that ski resorts have changed their policy in recent years and are now trying hard to attract family groups. 1. Four sentences have been removed from the text. Select the appropriate sentence for each gap in the text. There is one extra sentence that does not fit. 4 points

A. It doesn't hurt to think ahead. B. The simplest and cheapest way to go skiing - if you have snow - is to walk to a nearby

slope, climb up, and ski down. C. Skiing helps people keep fit. D. Best of all, perhaps, is a few days' stay at a ski area. E. Another possibility is a day trip to a ski area.

2. Who/What do the following words refer to? 6 points 3. Explain the following words. 10 points 1. likely 2. watchers 3. slopes 4. expense 5. to learn 4. Answer the following questions. 6 points

A. What is the future of skiing with Americans? B. What opportunities can one find to go skiing? C. What is the policy of many ski resorts today?

5. Comment on the following sentence: Ski fans say there is nothing like it. (50 words) 4 points

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Ministerul Educaţiei, Cercetării şi Tineretului Centrul Naţional pentru Curriculum şi Evaluare în Învăţământul Preuniversitar

Examenul de bacalaureat 2008 Proba E/F

Proba scrisă la Limba engleză L1 normal – L2

• Toate subiectele sunt obligatorii. Se acordă 10 puncte din oficiu. • Timpul efectiv de lucru este de 3 ore.

SUBIECTUL I (30 puncte) Varianta 033 Read the text below and complete the following tasks.

I cannot say which is the most dangerous creature in Africa, but the driver ant is one candidate. "I know of no insect," says an observer, "more furious. … (1) I have known a live coal of fire to be held before them at which they rushed with indescribable ferocity, releasing their hold only in death."

… (2). Should they invade a farmstead they will rifle it from top to bottom but will leave untouched any butter, honey, sugar, bread, cheese, cake, pudding - anything but meat, living or dead. … (3) During these marches any animal that cannot get out of their way is condemned. A full grown caged leopard in South Africa was killed by them and picked clean in a single night.

Every member of the army is completely blind. In addition to the male and female drivers, there are three working types. The first is the soldier, an "Officer", which is a better name than soldier, for it organizes the marches, maintains discipline, and leads attacks. … (4) The third worker (not present in all armies) is a minute creature that functions chiefly as a porter. The queen, the source and nominal head of this formidable people, is bloated and eyeless and over two inches long. 1. Four sentences have been removed from the text. Select the appropriate sentence for each gap in the text. There is one extra sentence that does not fit. 4 points

A. Driver ants are nomadic: they make temporary halts, but mainly their great armies are forever on the move.

B. <Conquer or die> is their motto. C. The second’s chief duty is to tear flesh from living prey. D. People fear driver ants. E. The driver ants are entirely flesh eaters

2. Who/What do the words in bold refer to? 6 points 3. Match the following words with their explanation: 10 points 1. candidate - A. an extra piece of information 2. observer - B. the soft part of a person’s or animal’s body between the bones and the skin 3. farmstead - C. a person who enters a competition or examination 4. in addition to - D. a person who goes to meetings to watch and listen but do not take part 5.flesh - E. a farmhouse and the other buildings near it on the farm 4. Answer the following questions. 6 points

A. What is the motto of the driver ants? B. What do driver ants eat? C. What are the duties of each type of driver ants?

5. Comment on the following words: Conquer or die. (50 words) 4 points

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Ministerul Educaţiei, Cercetării şi Tineretului Centrul Naţional pentru Curriculum şi Evaluare în Învăţământul Preuniversitar

Examenul de bacalaureat 2008

Proba E/F Proba scrisă la Limba engleză

L1 normal – L2

• Toate subiectele sunt obligatorii. Se acordă 10 puncte din oficiu. • Timpul efectiv de lucru este de 3 ore.

SUBIECTUL I (30 puncte) Varianta 034 Read the text below and complete the following tasks. What sets our planet apart from all the others? Pictures from space show earth to be the blue planet, its colour coming from the water that covers about three quarters of its surface. … (1) You'd think that something so vital to our lives would be treated by us as a valuable gift, but sadly, that has not been the case. ... (2) The conveniences of daily life that we are accustomed to have been obtained at a terrible price. In our eagerness to make what we call progress, we have contaminated our rivers and oceans and lakes. … (3) As a result, the amount of clean water is diminishing. Human beings have often demonstrated how resourceful they can be when there are problems to be solved. When we run out of something we need, we can usually find something else to take its place; however, there is no substitute for water. … (4). An extravagant person is sometimes said to "spend money like water." Now, however, the time has come for us to learn to be frugal and spend our water as carefully as a penny pincher spends money. 1. Four sentences have been removed from the text. Select the appropriate sentence for each gap in the text. There is one extra sentence that does not fit. 4 points

A. We have aggravated the problem by allowing chemical pesticides and fertilizers used on crops to run off into our water supplies.

B. Not all the people understand how important water is. C. To the best of our knowledge, ours is the only planet that can sustain life, and water is the

reason. D. We have to learn to conserve this precious liquid as though our lives depend on it because

they do. E. Except during times of drought, when we realize how precious it is, water is something we

take very much for granted. 2. Who/What do the words in bold refer to? 6 points 3. Explain the following words. 10 points 1. valuable 2. eagerness 3. amount 4. out of 5. to conserve 4. Answer the following questions. 6 points

A. What makes our planet different from the others? B. When do we generally understand how precious water is? C. How has water been polluted?

5. Comment on the following sentence: An extravagant person is sometimes said to "spend money like water." (50 words) 4 points

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Ministerul Educaţiei, Cercetării şi Tineretului Centrul Naţional pentru Curriculum şi Evaluare în Învăţământul Preuniversitar

Examenul de bacalaureat 2008 Proba E/F

Proba scrisă la Limba engleză L1 normal – L2

• Toate subiectele sunt obligatorii. Se acordă 10 puncte din oficiu. • Timpul efectiv de lucru este de 3 ore.

SUBIECTUL I (30 puncte) Varianta 035 Read the text below and complete the following tasks.

Recently, just before I left England for Bermuda, I happened to encounter an old South Seas friend, Sir Harry Luke. … (1). Sir Harry retired a few years ago and since then he has been devoting himself to the pursuit he always desired, roaming the world in search of unusual and off-the-track places, particularly islands. He used to say, down there in Suva, that of them all it was Easter Island, with its mighty, mysterious and never explained stone images, which he wished most to visit.

… (2) Now Easter Island is not a place at which world cruise-deluxe liners stop or ever have stopped. … (3). No, this is one place where, if you can get there - and want to - you have reached the ultimate getting away-from-it-all objective. That is, one where there are other human beings. On Easter Island there are 700 but no more than 20 of them are whites. "Peru raided Easter Island in a mass attack in the year 1862. At that time it had been found that wealth lay in the bird-guano deposits on rocky islets a few miles off the Peruvian coast. … (4) 1. Four sentences have been removed from the text. Select the appropriate sentence for each gap in the text. There is one extra sentence that does not fit. 4 points

A. Well, he got there, and it may interest you to hear how he did it and what he found. B. But nobody wanted to go to there, sun baked and waterless, besides smelling to the

highest heavens." C. Sir Harry Luke was very much appreciated by the natives D. No far-flying airplane touches there, neither excursion boats nor even a world-roaming

tramp steamer. E. I met him when he was governor of the Fiji group.

2. Who/What do the words in bold refer to? 6 points 3. Give the antonyms of the following words: 10 points 1. a few 2. mysterious 3. ultimate 4. wealth 5. found 4. Answer the following questions. 6 points

A. When did the author meet Sir Harry Luke? B. What kind of place is Easter Island? C. Why do not many tourists want to go to Easter Island?

5. Comment on the following words: …he has been devoting himself to the pursuit he always desired, roaming the world in search of unusual and off-the-track places, particularly islands. (50 words) 4 points

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Ministerul Educaţiei, Cercetării şi Tineretului Centrul Naţional pentru Curriculum şi Evaluare în Învăţământul Preuniversitar

Examenul de bacalaureat 2008

Proba E/F Proba scrisă la Limba engleză

L1 normal – L2

• Toate subiectele sunt obligatorii. Se acordă 10 puncte din oficiu. • Timpul efectiv de lucru este de 3 ore.

SUBIECTUL I (30 puncte) Varianta 036 Read the text below and complete the following tasks.

What purposes should a school fulfil? Some sort of systematic training and instruction should be offered, with a view to enabling pupils to pass specific examinations, so they will be qualified to continue their education at other institutions, or to start their professional lives straight away. … (1) It should encourage the pupils to develop their own abilities to the full and become social beings, able to get on with other people and work out problems in a civilized manner.

One theory is that in an ideal school children would be able to choose which lessons they want to attend. … (2) Some people, however, claim that children, if left to their own choices, will simply play all day. … (3) Others say that the children of some experimental schools show the opposite; after a short time children become bored with playing all day, and their natural curiosity leads them to attend lessons voluntarily. …(4)

1. Four sentences have been removed from the text. Select the appropriate sentence for each gap in the text. There is one extra sentence that does not fit. 4 points

A. In this way, they will follow their natural inclinations. B. The basic problem with this sort of school may be that learning according to the pupils' natural

desires would probably take away their chances of passing the state examinations. C. A school should also provide an atmosphere where children can gain wide experience and grow

to maturity. D. There can’t be any ideal school. E. In this case some compulsion is required to provide an atmosphere where they can learn.

2. Who/What do the words in bold refer to? 6 points 3. Explain the following words. 10 points 1. fulfil 2. abilities 3. ideal 4. choices 5. voluntarily 4. Answer the following questions. 6 points

A. What is school good for? B. Why do some people say that children should be allowed to choose the lessons they want? C. What happens in some experimental schools?

5. Comment on the following sentence: The basic problem with this sort of school may be that learning according to the pupils’ natural desires would probably take away their chances of passing the state examinations. (50 words) 4 points

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Ministerul Educaţiei, Cercetării şi Tineretului Centrul Naţional pentru Curriculum şi Evaluare în Învăţământul Preuniversitar

Examenul de bacalaureat 2008 Proba E/F

Proba scrisă la Limba engleză L1 normal – L2

• Toate subiectele sunt obligatorii. Se acordă 10 puncte din oficiu. • Timpul efectiv de lucru este de 3 ore.

SUBIECTUL I (30 puncte) Varianta 037 Read the text below and complete the following tasks.

…(1) A racing driver, for example, is in direct competition with his fellow drivers, whereas a mountain climber is not directly competing with other sportsmen or sportswomen - likewise people who go parachuting or hang-gliding. … (2) What is it that drives these people to risk their lives in expensive and seemingly totally unnecessary activities?

…(3) Consequently, it is believed that, since modern life is so free from the kind of physical dangers our ancestors faced, we need some replacement available at first hand; so we like to put ourselves in some danger. While it may be exciting to watch dangerous sports, the curious thing is that a very safe sport, like billiards, can be as exciting for the spectator as one where people risk their lives.

… (4) A glider pilot may want to prove to himself that he can stay airborne for longer than he did last time, and a single-handed yachtsman who crosses the Atlantic might want to demonstrate to himself that he can do it. There are records to be broken, but often people take part in these dangerous activities knowing they will never be the best in the world, but simply wanting to set a personal record.

1. Four sentences have been removed from the text. Select the appropriate sentence for each gap in the text. There is one extra sentence that does not fit. 4 points

A. There is a challenge present in many sporting activities, even if it isn't provided by other

competitors. B. People say that exciting activities make the adrenalin flow through our bodies. C. The element of risk or danger is the common denominator. D. People enjoy extreme sports. E. Dangerous sports can be both competitive and non-competitive.

2. Who/What do words in bold refer to? 6 points 3. Explain the following words. 10 points 1. racing driver 2. seemingly 3. faced 4. risk 5. single-handed 4. Answer the following questions. 6 points

A. How can dangerous sports be divided? B. What is the common denominator of dangerous sports? C. Why do people want to break records?

5. Comment on the following: …often people take part in these dangerous activities knowing they will never be the best in the world, but simply wanting to set a personal record. (50 words) 4 points

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Ministerul Educaţiei, Cercetării şi Tineretului Centrul Naţional pentru Curriculum şi Evaluare în Învăţământul Preuniversitar

Examenul de bacalaureat 2008

Proba E/F Proba scrisă la Limba engleză

L1 normal – L2 • Toate subiectele sunt obligatorii. Se acordă 10 puncte din oficiu. • Timpul efectiv de lucru este de 3 ore.

SUBIECTUL I (30 puncte) Varianta 038 Read the text below and complete the following tasks.

The girls in this sixth grade class in East Palo Alto, California, all have the same access to computers as boys. ... (1)

Janice Weinman of the American Association of University Women says, "Girls tend to be less comfortable than boys with the computer...(2) After re-examining a thousand studies, the researchers of the Association found that girls make up only a small percentage of students in computer science classes. Girls consistently rate themselves significantly lower than boys in their ability and confidence in using computers. … (3) Six years ago, the software company Purple Moon noticed that girls' computer usage was falling behind boys. Karen Gould says, "The number one reason girls told us they don't like

computer games is not because they're too violent, or too competitive…(4) Purple Moon says it found what girls want, characters they can relate to and story line relative to what's going on in their own lives. Karen Gould says, "What we definitely found from girls is there is no intrinsic reason why they wouldn't want to play on a computer; it was just a content thing."

1. Four sentences have been removed. Select the appropriate sentence for each gap in

the text. There is one extra sentence that does not fit. 4 points A. And they use them less often than boys outside the classroom. B. But researchers say, by the time they get to high school, they are victims of what the researchers call a major new gender gap in technology. C. Girls just said they're incredibly boring. D. Many modern computer games allow the player to use a keyboard and mouse.

E. They use it more for word processing rather than for problem solving, or discovering new ways in which to understand information."

2. Who / What do the words in bold refer to? 6 points

3. Match the following words with their meaning: 10 points

1) comfortable 2) confidence 3) usage 4) competitive 5) intrinsic A. belief in yourself and your abilities B. confident and relaxed with a particular situation / person C. referring to an activity in which people try to win against others D. belonging to a thing by its very nature E. the degree to which something is used or the way in which something is used

4. Answer the following questions: 6 points

A. Is there any gender differentiation in allowing sixth graders in East Palo Alto access to computers? B. How reliable were the findings of the women research team? C. What is the main reason for the girls’ reluctance to play computer games?

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Ministerul Educaţiei, Cercetării şi Tineretului Centrul Naţional pentru Curriculum şi Evaluare în Învăţământul Preuniversitar

5. In your own words, comment on the following statement: It was just a content thing. (50 words) 4 points

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Ministerul Educaţiei, Cercetării şi Tineretului Centrul Naţional pentru Curriculum şi Evaluare în Învăţământul Preuniversitar

Examenul de bacalaureat 2008

Proba E/F Proba scrisă la Limba engleză

L1 normal – L2

• Toate subiectele sunt obligatorii. Se acordă 10 puncte din oficiu. • Timpul efectiv de lucru este de 3 ore.

SUBIECTUL I (30 puncte) Varianta 039

Read the text below and complete the following tasks. In a recent case in Oldham, a 16-year-old woman was the centre of a controversy between the Education Department, her father and her husband, for leaving school before she was legally permitted to. Debra Huxley shocked the school and local community when she announced to everybody her unexpected ‘exit’ from school life. … (1) The controversy centred around the question of whose responsibility it was to send her back to school until Easter when she would be legally permitted to leave. In the eyes of the court, she was her father’s property - oops, responsibility and he was fined $ 500 with $ 1000 costs for failing to ensure her attendance at school. Mr Huxley said, “With Debra married I cannot see

how it is my responsibility for her to go to school.…(2) Mr Groves responded to this with, “She is not going back to school. We live in a big flat and if she was at school she would have to come home at night and start cleaning. … (3) Debra (now Groves) doesn’t want to go back to school anyway (not that anyone had thought that she should be responsible for her actions); she said, ‘Being a good wife is far more important to me now.’ …(4)

1. Four sentences have been removed. Select the appropriate sentence for each gap in the text. There is one extra sentence that does not fit. 4 points

A. The marriage vows she took were to her husband not to me.” B. Will she feel like this in ten years time!? C. Dropping out of school is hardly surprising nowadays. D. I don’t want her hoovering around my feet.” E. The fact that her husband was a footballer probably contributed to the sensational coverage the case received.

2. Who/What do the words in bold refer to? 6 points

3. Give the antonyms of the following words/phrases. 10 points

1) legally 2) permitted 3) exit 4) responsibility 5) far more important

4. Answer the following questions. 6 points A. Why did Debra Huxley decide to drop out of school? B. How long would she have to stay on at school? C. What does the author of the article think of Debra’s enthusiasm about being a housewife?

5. In your own words, comment on the following statement: In the eyes of the court, she was her father’s property - oops, responsibility. (50 words) 4 points

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Ministerul Educaţiei, Cercetării şi Tineretului Centrul Naţional pentru Curriculum şi Evaluare în Învăţământul Preuniversitar

Examenul de bacalaureat 2008

Proba E/F Proba scrisă la Limba engleză

L1 normal – L2

• Toate subiectele sunt obligatorii. Se acordă 10 puncte din oficiu. • Timpul efectiv de lucru este de 3 ore.

SUBIECTUL I (30 puncte) Varianta 040

Read the text below and complete the following tasks.

We live in a society increasingly obsessed with material success. We are urged to”Get on!”, “Get ahead!”, “Get a step on the ladder!”, and “Make it to the top!” If you don’t prosper, it’s easy to feel like a flop, that you’ve wasted your life and failed your family. But is such success open to all? … (1) What can we learn from those who do make it to the top?

At school we are told that if we work hard and pass exams we will do well. … (2) When he studied the lives of successful entrepreneurs, he found that nearly 60% left school either because they were thrown out or were “bored”. … (3) The most certain route to riches is to start out wealthy. Over half the people in the most recent Sunday Times survey of the richest 200 people in the country inherited money. Twenty-five per cent of those who head large corporations were born into affluent families.

… (4) “Good looks make early life easier. Teachers and other children will expect you to be kinder, cleverer and to do better than plainer peers,” explains Dr Raymond Bull. affluent: rich 1. Four sentences have been removed. Select the appropriate sentence for each gap in

the text. There is one extra sentence that does not fit. 4 points

A. Do we have the potential to be millionaires, and can success be taught? B. You may do better by taking to crime - juries are far more likely to acquit you. C. Other studies suggest there is little correlation between how well children do at school and the salary and job satisfaction they achieve as adults. D. If you’re not born wealthy, you may be able to capitalize on another advantage: good looks. E. But a recent study by Professor Cary Cooper disproves this advice.

2. Who/What do the following words refer to? 6 points 3. Match the following words with their meaning. 10 points

1) obsessed 2) prosper 3) study 4) entrepreneur 5) wealthy A. read or look at something very carefully B. someone who uses money to start businesses and make business deals C. having a large amount of money, land, and other valuable things D. be successful, especially by making a lot of money

E. considering s.o. / sth as so important that you are always thinking about them, in a way that seems extreme to other people

4. Answer the following questions: 6 points

A. What kind of society do we live in? B. Does Professor Cary Cooper agree with the advice usually given to students? C. What is it that can ensure material success for an adult, according to some studies?

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Ministerul Educaţiei, Cercetării şi Tineretului Centrul Naţional pentru Curriculum şi Evaluare în Învăţământul Preuniversitar

5. Comment upon the following statement: Get a step on the ladder! (50 words) 4 points

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Ministerul Educaţiei, Cercetării şi Tineretului Centrul Naţional pentru Curriculum şi Evaluare în Învăţământul Preuniversitar

Examenul de bacalaureat 2008

Proba E/F Proba scrisă la Limba engleză

L1 normal – L2

• Toate subiectele sunt obligatorii. Se acordă 10 puncte din oficiu. • Timpul efectiv de lucru este de 3 ore.

SUBIECTUL I (30 puncte) Varianta 041

Read the text below and complete the following tasks. Time is running out. … (1) According to the latest research, forty-four per cent of British

workers come home exhausted. More than half suffer from stress. By almost every measure, people are more pressured, more bothered about time – or lack of it – than they have been for many years. … (2) All over the world, the old ways of managing time are disappearing. … (3) Instead, the world is having to come to terms with just-in-time production, multi-tasking computers, 24-hour shopping and video-on-demand, time-share holidays and home banking. All of these are symptoms of a revolution, a transition from an industrial time culture based around timetable and a clear division of labour between men who went to work and women who looked after the home, towards a new culture, based around flexibility, customisation and rapid flow of information. This new post-industrial culture offers, perhaps for the first time in history, the promise of people using time for their own needs. But far from ushering in a leisured utopia, its most immediate effect has been a growing divide between those with too much work and those without any. … (4) One in eight British managers works more than sixty hours a week and more than half take home work during the week. 1. Four sentences have been removed. Select the appropriate sentence for each gap in the text. There is one extra sentence that does not fit. 4 points A. Fixed jobs, shared rhythms of shopping, travel and leisure and common patterns of learning, marriage, work and retirement are on the way out. B. Or so people feel. C. In top jobs, long hours have become a mark of status and success. D. Time, they feel, has been squeezed. E. Ubiquitous computers mean that our work will always be with us and our competitors will always be working too. 2. Who/What do the following words refer to? 6 points

3. Match the following words with their meaning.

10 points 1) research 2) exhausted 3) symptom 4) customization 5) leisured A. drained physically B. free from duties / responsibilities or not involving work C. changing of appearance or features of something to suit someone’s needs D. systematic investigation to establish facts E. something which is considered to be a sign of a situation 4. Answer the following questions. 6 points A. What old ways of managing time does the text mention? B. What is the new revolution signalled by?

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Ministerul Educaţiei, Cercetării şi Tineretului Centrul Naţional pentru Curriculum şi Evaluare în Învăţământul Preuniversitar

C. What expectations has the new post-industrial culture brought about? 5. Comment on the following: common patterns of learning, marriage, work and retirement are on the way out. (50 words) 4 points

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Ministerul Educaţiei, Cercetării şi Tineretului Centrul Naţional pentru Curriculum şi Evaluare în Învăţământul Preuniversitar

Examenul de bacalaureat 2008

Proba E/F Proba scrisă la Limba engleză

L1 normal – L2

• Toate subiectele sunt obligatorii. Se acordă 10 puncte din oficiu. • Timpul efectiv de lucru este de 3 ore.

SUBIECTUL I (30 puncte) Varianta 042

Read the text below and complete the following tasks.

Design apart, the label itself has remained unchanged in its primary function, and the container to which it is attached – matchbox or tin can – has altered little since the 1850s, which is remarkable when so many extraordinary changes have happened elsewhere in daily life. What were the original functions of the label? …(1) The shape of the bottle or jar might already suggest this, but the word ‘Strawberry’, for example, impressed on the side of a jar would identify the type of jam inside it, or the word ‘Burgees’ the manufacturer. Probably the most necessary labelling was for medicines, where it was vital that the contents and directions for use should be seen plainly. The second aim was to glamorise the pack. … (2) Some designs were relevant, depicting a scene in which the product was used; some were purely to gain attention, using devices such as a beautiful girl. With the arrival of colour printing, a wide range of decorative labels could be mass-produced. … (3)

Manufacturers soon noticed that their products sold better if they had an element of prestige attached to them on the label. … (4)

1. Four sentences have been removed. Select the appropriate sentence for each gap in the text. There is one extra sentence that does not fit. 4 points A. Thus, a design or pictorial image, particularly if hand-coloured, would instantly enliven the overall effect. B. This gave customers confidence in the quality of what they were buying. C. A label may also be printed directly on the container or article. D. They could be stuck onto, say, a box of gloves, which instantly transformed it into a desirable present. E. In the first instance, there was the simple need to say what was inside the pack. 2. Who/What do the following words refer to? 6 points 3. Match the following words with their meaning. 10 points

1) alter 2) impress 3) directions 4) glamorise 5) prestige

A. make something look more attractive than it really is

B. explicit instructions C. credit in general opinion D. make a mark or pattern on something by pressing an object into its surface E. make different without changing into sth else

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Ministerul Educaţiei, Cercetării şi Tineretului Centrul Naţional pentru Curriculum şi Evaluare în Învăţământul Preuniversitar

4. Answer the following questions. 6 points A. Which element(s) has/have changed about the label since the 1850s? B. Why do you think the medicine label has to specify the contents and directions for use? C. What were labels originally created for?

5. Comment on the following statement: Design apart, the label itself has remained

unchanged in its primary function, and the container to which it is attached – matchbox or tin can – has altered little since the 1850s, which is remarkable when so many extraordinary changes have happened elsewhere in daily life. (50 words) 4 points

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Ministerul Educaţiei, Cercetării şi Tineretului Centrul Naţional pentru Curriculum şi Evaluare în Învăţământul Preuniversitar

Examenul de bacalaureat 2008

Proba E/F Proba scrisă la Limba engleză

L1 normal – L2

• Toate subiectele sunt obligatorii. Se acordă 10 puncte din oficiu. • Timpul efectiv de lucru este de 3 ore.

SUBIECTUL I (30 puncte) Varianta 043

Read the text below and complete the following tasks.

The most self-assured and sophisticated of people can find themselves unable to deal satisfactorily with certain situations - cold food in a restaurant, angry neighbours, stroppy shop assistants, uncommunicative teenagers - from time to time. … (1)

The usual reason for such awkward behaviour is an inability to express ourselves clearly and straightforwardly. … (2) Failing to communicate clearly what you want or what you feel, means that you fail to persuade the shop to exchange a faulty garment or fail to have your cold dinner replaced in a restaurant. … (3) Over the past few years, many people have learned another way of behaving, a middle course between being aggressive or passive, the assertive way. It is a way of communicating clearly one’s wishes, needs or feelings while at the same time respecting the needs, wishes and feelings of others. It is not about winning all the time, rather more about negotiating life without constant anxiety or lack of self-confidence. … (4)

wimpish: weak, lacking confidence and determination

1. Four sentences have been removed. Select the appropriate sentence for each gap in the text. There is one extra sentence that does not fit. 4 points

A. It could also mean that you’re unable to negotiate with your boss or your juniors calmly, or that you spend far too many evenings in grumpy silence because you cannot express your feelings to your partner. B. And for many of us, attempting to deal with such irritations without either losing control and our tempers, or being wimpish1 and ineffectual, is too common an occurrence. C. There is much discussion in the academic world of communication as to what actually constitutes communication. D. We beat around the bush endlessly before, if ever, we reach the essence of the argument. E. It is usually a more appropriate and a more effective form of communication.

2. Who/What do the following words refer to? 6 points 3. Match the following words with their meaning. 10 points

1) self-assured 2) angry 3) awkward 4) persuade 5) negociate A. feeling strong dislike or impatience about sth B. shy or embarrassed (behaviour) C. talk about a problem in order to solve it D. showing confidence in their own abilities

E. cause s.o. to do sth by giving them good reasons for doing it

4. Answer the following questions. 6 points A. Why do people sometimes behave awkwardly in certain unpleasant situations?

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B. What are the real life situations mentioned in the text when people may fail to communicate (mention either the situations/places or the categories of people)? C. Have people always behaved assertively? 5. In your own words, explain the benefits of assertive behaviour. (50 words) 4 points

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Examenul de bacalaureat 2008

Proba E/F Proba scrisă la Limba engleză

L1 normal – L2

• Toate subiectele sunt obligatorii. Se acordă 10 puncte din oficiu. • Timpul efectiv de lucru este de 3 ore.

SUBIECTUL I (30 puncte) Varianta 044

Read the text below and complete the following tasks. The British, in particular a sizeable percentage of the population, have regrouped into a

complex and curious web of the alternative cultures, the tribes of Britain. … (1) Punk Singer Nick Reynolds says: ‘The clothes we wear are not normal. Dirty leather, chains, tattoos. Tribes used to paint themselves to frighten the enemy away and survive. That’s what we’re doing. And the chains? They say it’s a free country, but we might as well be in chains.’

Unemployment in Britain is currently 13.3%, yet for the 7.5 million Britons between the ages of 16 and 24, the rate is 16%. … (2) The continuing stagnation of the British economy has convinced many of them that they will never have a place in the working world and that they are facing a life on the dole. … (3) Those environments have helped produce a generation of alienated youths who have turned to tribalism to give their lives meaning.

Working-class teenagers are especially attracted to the tribes. … (4) Author Peter York, an expert on the new tribes, says: ‘What they are saying about the future is that there is no future. Britain marching into the past is what this is all about. We now have a terribly divided and fragmented nation.”

on the dole = living on money from the government because of unemployment 1. Four sentences have been removed. Select the appropriate sentence for each gap in the text. There is one extra sentence that does not fit. 4 points A. These promises were taken seriously. B. For them, Britain’s rigid class system poses a formidable barrier. C. It is these jobless young people who are most likely to identify with a tribe. D. At the same time, postwar urban renewal has left many British cities and towns sterile and

featureless. E. The ornamentation of the new tribes is shocking. 2. Who/What do the following words refer to? 6 points 3. Match the following words with their meaning. 10 points 1) sizeable 2) frighten away 3) unemployment 4) stagnation 5) alienated

A. a situation in which s.o. or a lot of people do not have B. fairly large C. a period of little or no economic growth D. feeling that you do not belong in a particular society, place, or group E. make a person or animal so afraid that they run away

4. Answer the following questions. 6 points A. Why does the writer think the ornamentation of the new tribes is shocking? B. Who is most likely to indentify with a tribe? C. According to the writer, can British people who were born into a working-class family, move upwards socially?

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5. In your own words, explain the following statement: It’s a free country, but we might as well be in chains. (50 words) 4 points

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Ministerul Educaţiei, Cercetării şi Tineretului Centrul Naţional pentru Curriculum şi Evaluare în Învăţământul Preuniversitar

Examenul de bacalaureat 2008

Proba E/F Proba scrisă la Limba engleză

L1 normal – L2

• Toate subiectele sunt obligatorii. Se acordă 10 puncte din oficiu. • Timpul efectiv de lucru este de 3 ore.

SUBIECTUL I (30 puncte) Varianta 045

Read the text below and complete the following tasks.

There are certain things that you have to be British or at least older than me, to appreciate: really milky tea, allotments, the belief that household wiring is an interesting topic of conversation, thinking that going to choose wallpaper with your mate constitutes a reasonably good day out…(1) I’m not saying that these things are bad or boring or misguided, merely that I cannot yet understand their full value and appeal. …(2) I have the greatest respect for the university and its eight hundred years of tireless intellectual labour, but I must confess that I’m not entirely clear what it’s for, now that Britain no longer needs colonial administrators who can make witty remarks in Latin. I mean to say, you see all these dons and scholars striding past, absorbed in deep discussions about post-Kantian aesthetics and you think: …(3) Only a fortnight ago there was an item on News at Ten in which Trevor McDonald joyfully announced that the Samsung Corporation was building a new factory in Tyneside. Now it seems to me that when a nation’s industrial capacity has plunged so low that it is reliant on Korean firms for its future economic security we should stop to think. … (4)

1. Four sentences have been removed. Select the appropriate sentence for each gap in the text. There is one extra sentence that does not fit. 4 points A. There may be one or two others that don’t occur to me at the moment. B. ‘Most impressive, but perhaps rather indulgent in a country with three million unemployed and

whose last great invention was cat’s-eyes?’ C. We will never admit to being all-knowing. D. Perhaps it is time to re-address one’s educational priorities and maybe give a little thought to

what’s going to put some food on the table in about 2010. E. Into this category, I would also tentatively insert Oxford. 2. Who / What do the following words / phrases refer to? 6 points

3. Match the following the words/phrases with their meaning. 10 points 1) appreciate 2) reasonably 3) merely 4) entirely 5) joyfully A. used for emphasizing that sth is not as bad, severe, or important as s.o. thinks it is B. expressing great happiness in one’s actions C. to a fairly high degree, level, or standard D. used for emphasizing what you are saying E. recognize the good or special qualities of a person, place, or thing 3. Answer the following questions. 6 points A. In what circumstances can one appreciate really milky tea, allotments, etc.? B. How does the writer feel about these typically British things? C. What is the writer’s opinion about Britain’s current situation?

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5. Explain the following statement: …it is time to re-address one’s educational priorities and maybe give a little thought to what’s going to put some food on the table in about 2010…(50 words) 4 points

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Ministerul Educaţiei, Cercetării şi Tineretului Centrul Naţional pentru Curriculum şi Evaluare în Învăţământul Preuniversitar

Examenul de bacalaureat 2008

Proba E/F Proba scrisă la Limba engleză

L1 normal – L2

• Toate subiectele sunt obligatorii. Se acordă 10 puncte din oficiu. • Timpul efectiv de lucru este de 3 ore.

SUBIECTUL I (30 puncte) Varianta 046

Read the text below and complete the following tasks.

Design is the act of making something better. Everything, no matter how ordinary, has been designed. Every time you purchase a new kettle or toaster, the quality of the design is influential, encouraging you to choose one kettle or toaster over the others. Good design works well. … (1) Look at it the other way round. Some objects look very good but do not work well. Take the Alessi kettle, with its curved handle and two-tone whistle. … (2) Compare this with the familiar Hobbs automatic electric kettle. It has been in production since the late 1950s, works perfectly and looks good.

Poor designs are easy to find. … (3) If you catch your sleeve on a door handle, that is bad design. If you cannot understand how to use the controls on your cooker without searching for the instruction book - and if when you find the book, you still cannot work the timing switch, which is unpardonably bad design.

… (4) This kind of "cheapness" is one of the main reasons for the absence of good design in our homes.

1. Four sentences have been removed. Select the appropriate sentence for each gap in the

text. There is one extra sentence that does not fit. 4 points

A. Kitchen cupboard makers will say that they are making cupboards as economically as possible. B. Excellent design works well and gives pleasure. C. If you cannot see what is at the back of the kitchen cupboard without getting down on your hands and knees, that is bad design D. That some objects give us no special pleasure or are not fashionable does not alter the fact that somebody decided what they would look like, what they would do and how they would be used. E. It looks very exciting but the handle can get too hot to touch. 2. Who/What do the following words refer to? 6 points

3. Match the following words with their meaning. 10 points

1) purchase 2) influential 3) cooker 4) switch 5) reason

A. able to influence the way other people think or behave

B. a small control for an electrical device used for turning it on or off C. buy something D. fact, situation or intention that explains why something is true E. a large piece of kitchen equipment that is used for cooking

4. Answer the following questions. 6 points

A. What influences us when buying a new kettle or toaster? B. What is the difference between good design and excellent design? C. Why do people choose to buy household items with poor designs?

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5. Use your own words to explain the following words: poor design. (50 words)

4 points

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Ministerul Educaţiei, Cercetării şi Tineretului Centrul Naţional pentru Curriculum şi Evaluare în Învăţământul Preuniversitar

Examenul de bacalaureat 2008

Proba E/F Proba scrisă la Limba engleză

L1 normal – L2

• Toate subiectele sunt obligatorii. Se acordă 10 puncte din oficiu. • Timpul efectiv de lucru este de 3 ore.

SUBIECTUL I (30 puncte) Varianta 047

Read the text below and complete the following tasks. Stress is now a major health issue of our time. If left unchecked, it can lead to illnesses which

affect physical fitness, such as heart disease, high blood pressure and severe aches and pains. Yet although work is frequently cited as the main cause, holiday stress can be even more damaging. … (1) Instead of tackling the problems before they go away, a lot of people believe a

holiday will work magic for them. To begin with, holiday preparations involve a series of mini-stresses, like tying up loose ends at work, remembering to cancel the milk and newspapers, boarding the family pet, arranging foreign currency, last-minute shopping, working out how much spending money to take and worrying about securing the home against burglars. … (2) Stress experts say we should take two or three short holidays a year instead of a long mid-summer one. … (3) "A big mistake is to take your holidays according to the month, instead of when your body tells you it is time to unwind. … (4) 1. Four sentences have been removed. Select the appropriate sentence for each gap in the text. There is one extra sentence that does not fit.

4 points A. Crowded airports, delayed flights and packed hotels are also major stress factors for most holidaymakers. B. July and August can be the two most disastrous months for holidays because there are always crowds, queues and delays. C. Psychologists say: "If your one holiday a year turns out to be a disaster you have nothing to look forward to for another year." D. The traditional summer break, regarded by most people as the highlight of their year, can actually undermine health and put pressure on family relationship. E. They provide the best choice of self-catering holiday rentals around the world. 2. Who / What do the underlined words refer to? 6 points 3. Match the following words with their meaning. 10 points

1) issue 2) tackle 3) board 4) burglar 5) unwind A. arrange for a person or animal to stay with someone who is paid to look after them for a period of

time B. begin to relax after you have been working hard or feeling nervous C. a subject that people discuss or argue about D. make a determined attempt to deal with a problem E. someone who enters a building illegally in order to steal things

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4. Answer the following questions. 6 points A. What are the main factors of stress that damage health? B. What can family relationships be affected by? C. What should many people do before they go away on holiday?

5. Explain the following words: tying up loose ends at work. (50 words) 4 points

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Ministerul Educaţiei, Cercetării şi Tineretului Centrul Naţional pentru Curriculum şi Evaluare în Învăţământul Preuniversitar

Examenul de bacalaureat 2008

Proba E/F Proba scrisă la Limba engleză

L1 normal – L2

• Toate subiectele sunt obligatorii. Se acordă 10 puncte din oficiu. • Timpul efectiv de lucru este de 3 ore.

SUBIECTUL I (30 puncte) Varianta 048 Read the text below and complete the following tasks.

I wish you’d met my Uncle Bill. He was a tall man – so tall that he could change the bulbs in light sockets while hardly reaching above his head. He said that he wasn’t supposed to reach up – it was something to do with a heart condition – and that being tall made life much easier. (1)…. Those accessible bulbs were an easy target for that lofty, blundering head of his.

I realized from the start that his problem was not so much tallness as clumsiness. He blundered into anything and everything and often had injuries (though not in fact burns) to prove how accident-prone he was. A miserly man, my uncle always stuck replacement soles on his shoes as the old ones wore through, no matter how shabby the uppers became – or how badly he injured himself in the process. (2)…. Well, strictly it wasn’t the sticking that did it but the razor blade adjustments that followed. In his clumsiness, he nearly always stuck the soles slightly out of position. Once firmly glued they couldn’t be moved but at least the protruding parts could be neatly trimmed away. (3)….

I can see him now in my mind’s eye! There was the sole, slightly out of position, and there was my uncle, his fingers encrusted with firmly set glue. (4)…. Then he’d blunder round his house in search of lint and sticking plasters. Vases would topple; ornaments would get knocked off walls. He lived alone but his frequent visitors were used to the commotion my uncle made as he hurried round his untidy house. The slightest haste was enough to cause an accident. Even going to answer the phone could cause calamities and a trail of damage. 1. Four sentences have been removed from the text. Select the appropriate sentence for each gap in the text. There is one extra sentence that does not fit. 4 points A He would set to work with his razor blade, and a minute later we’d hear his cry of pain and frustration. B However, it also created problems for him. C And that’s where the razor blades came in, and all the consequent injuries to fingers and thumbs. D You should have seen him when he really got going. E But how could even a clumsy man suffer injuries sticking soles on his shoes? 2. Who/What do the words in bold refer to? 6 points 3. Explain the following words. 10 points 1. target 2. clumsiness 3. shabby 4. untidy 5. haste 4. Answer the following questions. 6 points

A. What was Uncle Bill’s opinion about being tall? B. When did Uncle Bill stick replacement soles on his shoes? C. Why did he have to adjust the soles with a razor blade? 5. Explain the following sentence: Even going to answer the phone could cause calamities and a trail of damage. (50 words) 4 points

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Ministerul Educaţiei, Cercetării şi Tineretului Centrul Naţional pentru Curriculum şi Evaluare în Învăţământul Preuniversitar

Examenul de bacalaureat 2008

Proba E/F Proba scrisă la Limba engleză

L1 normal – L2

• Toate subiectele sunt obligatorii. Se acordă 10 puncte din oficiu. • Timpul efectiv de lucru este de 3 ore.

SUBIECTUL I (30 puncte) Varianta 049 Read the text below and complete the following tasks.

Nyree Dawn Porter made her first stage appearance at the age of three. Playing the part of a ladybird in an amateur production of Noah’s Ark, she walked onto the stage and into the lights to delighted applause and laughter.

(1)…‘That noise’ has charmed her ever since and in a long, successful career, both on the theatre stage and on television, she has received plenty of it. (2)… Her father was a butcher who later became a developer and a business. Nyree speaks lovingly of her father Ken, who was warm and affectionate and loved music passionately. For a long time she was an only child, but when her sister, Merle Isabel, came along, the happy family should have been complete.

(3)… ‘My parents were like oil and water,’ explains Nyree. ’They simply couldn’t live together. My father’s work kept him away from home but I think it was partly because he found it difficult to live with my mother.’ As a result, Nyree remembers her childhood as being sad but productive. She had a nervous stammer and was so shy and quiet that her teachers became extremely worried about her. She found her release through books, painting and ballet.

(4)... One of the teachers noticed that. She’d say, ‘I’m not going to repeat that for Nyree Porter because she’s not listening anyway. No doubt she’ll let me have the sketch she’s doing under the desk.’ 1. Four sentences have been removed from the text. Select the appropriate sentence for each gap in the text. There is one extra sentence that does not fit. 4 points A. Her mother also did well at school. B. Sadly, that didn’t happen. C. ‘It stopped me dead and instead of joining the other performers I walked down to the front of the stage to find out what that noise was.’ D. Nyree was born on the north island of New Zealand. E. ‘I didn’t like school and I spent most of my time in my head. 2. Who/What do the words in bold refer to? 6 points 3. Explain the following words. 10 points 1) charmed 2) productive 3) nervous 4) release 5) sketch 4. Answer the following questions. 6 points A.What was Nyree’s first part in a play? B. Why wasn’t his family complete? C. How did she find her release? 5. Comment on the following statement: My parents were like oil and water. (50 words) 4 points

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Ministerul Educaţiei, Cercetării şi Tineretului Centrul Naţional pentru Curriculum şi Evaluare în Învăţământul Preuniversitar

Examenul de bacalaureat 2008

Proba E/F Proba scrisă la Limba engleză

L1 normal – L2

• Toate subiectele sunt obligatorii. Se acordă 10 puncte din oficiu. • Timpul efectiv de lucru este de 3 ore.

SUBIECTUL I (30 puncte) Varianta 050

Read the text below and complete the following tasks.

Stories and rhymes about a band of robbers led by a man called Robin Hood have been popular for over 600 years. Five hundred years ago, a man called Wynken de Worde collected the rhymes together and printed a book about Robin Hood’s life. Since then, thousands of other books have been based on the rhymes – as well as television programmes, films and computer games. (1)…

The Robin Hood stories were certainly very popular with King Henry VIII, who ruled England at the start of the 16th century. Henry was a child when the stories first appeared in print, but they fascinated him for the rest of his life. (2)… After all this time it is hard to tell how the stories began. Some people think that Robin Hood is a fictional character; others think he really lived, and they argue about which part of England he was from.

(3)… The idea that they were stealing from rich folk to give to the poor has saved them from being branded as villains. They certainly chose their victims carefully, sparing the poor and picking on those who were wealthy and proud.

(4)… A porter is someone who has to do fetching and carrying work, and the idea fits in badly with all the other stories about his life and character. Enthusiasts prefer to believe that he spent the whole of his life in the woods. They say that most of the stories about him are perfectly true – but not this particular episode. They prefer the idea of a Robin Hood who was free and defiant from birth until death. On the other hand, they cannot explain why anyone would ever invent such a story, which ruins the whole Robin Hood romance. 1. Four sentences have been removed from the text. Select the appropriate sentence for each gap in the text. There is one extra sentence that does not fit. 4 points A. According to the stories, Robin Hood and his men were thieves who pounced on wealthy travelers in lonely woods. B. All these things have spread his fame throughout the world. C. Historians have tried to check the facts by looking for clues in all sorts of places. D. As a man he sometimes wore Robin Hood costumes for dances and May Day celebrations. E. One story says that Hood was captured and made to work as a porter at the court of King Edward II. 2. Who/What do the words in bold refer to? 6 points 3. Give the synonyms of the following words. 10 points 1. fascinated 2. folk 3. wealthy 4. proud 5. invent 4. Answer the following questions. 6 points A. What has spread Robin Hood’s fame throughout the world? B. Who was fascinated by Robin Hood’s stories for the rest of his life? C.How did Robin Hood choose his victims?

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5. Explain the following phrase using your own words: … the idea fits in badly with all the other stories about his life and character. (50 words) 4 points

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Ministerul Educaţiei, Cercetării şi Tineretului Centrul Naţional pentru Curriculum şi Evaluare în Învăţământul Preuniversitar

Examenul de bacalaureat 2008

Proba E/F Proba scrisă la Limba engleză

L1 normal – L2

• Toate subiectele sunt obligatorii. Se acordă 10 puncte din oficiu. • Timpul efectiv de lucru este de 3 ore.

SUBIECTUL I (30 puncte) Varianta 051 Read the text below and complete the following tasks.

I asked John how he got started and what requirements there are. "Well, to be a professional dancer it's useful to have had acting lessons or some background in drama. If you want to succeed in musical theatre you have to have a good singing voice as well. When you approach an agent you should take a portfolio with your CV, your statistics sheet and some good photos and reviews of past performances. You'll need dance clothes, ballet shoes, tap shoes, and even roller skates depending on what kind of show you are going to go for." (1)…

"Of course, you need to be extremely fit if you want to be a professional dancer. I dance or move about for about six hours a day. There are great health benefits to being a dancer. I can eat a lot of pasta without gaining weight because dancing increases your metabolism so much." (2)… John has a very busy schedule in the next few months. He took time out to speak to me today from the making of a pop video to promote N-ergy's latest record. "I choreographed the dance routine for the boys and they only had 2 days in which to learn it! I am going to be working on a video for another well known band - but that's top secret. Next month I'll be touring Spain in a production of a musical that was written by a friend of mine, Michaela Evans. (3)…

As for the future, I've come to realise that I would never be content to be just a chorus dancer - I'm too much of an individual for that. Like all artists I'd love to become a household name by writing and choreographing my own musicals."

John was born in Jamaica to a Jamaican father and a Scottish mother but the family emigrated to England 20 years ago. "I have a little sister I adore, who is also training to be a dancer." How does it feel to have someone else following in your footsteps? (4)… 1. Four sentences have been removed from the text. Select the appropriate sentence for each gap in the text. There is one extra sentence that does not fit. 4 points A. It's fine, but I try not to give out too much advice as it gets irritating! B. After that it's back to England to start a new term of dance classes. C. When it comes to coping with stress, I find that exercise helps me to cope with my problems, so I stay in good shape mentally as well. D. Like any profession where you’re always traveling, you tend to acquire something new almost every day. E.Being fully equipped with all this stuff beforehand makes it easier when you go for auditions. 2. Who/What do the words in bold refer to? 6 points 3. Give the antonyms of the following words. 10 points 1. professional 2. to succeed 3. benefits 4. gaining weight 5. content 4. Answer the following questions. 6 points A.What are the benefits of being a dancer? B.What are his ambitions regarding the future? C.What have you found out about his family from the text? 5. Comment on the following sentence: I’m too much of an individual for that. (50 words) 4 points

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Ministerul Educaţiei, Cercetării şi Tineretului Centrul Naţional pentru Curriculum şi Evaluare în Învăţământul Preuniversitar

Examenul de bacalaureat 2008

Proba E/F Proba scrisă la Limba engleză

L1 normal – L2

• Toate subiectele sunt obligatorii. Se acordă 10 puncte din oficiu. • Timpul efectiv de lucru este de 3 ore.

SUBIECTUL I (30 puncte) Varianta 052

Read the text below and complete the following tasks.

The stern approach that Dr. Laura has with adults is a far cry, however, from the one she adopts in her children’s books. As they are aimed at children, her publications are youthful; her messages are expressed in gentle words which are accompanied by engaging pictures. The hope is that these children’s books will generate meaningful family discussion as parents read, pause, and listen to their children’s rambling insights and questions.

(1)…. She has little patience with mums and dads who describe the time spent with their children as ‘limited’, but of a ‘quality’ nature. In Dr. Laura’s opinion, that explanation only illustrates poor parenting.

‘These people are selfish,’ she says bluntly. ‘They find a spare moment in their busy schedules and expect their child to be overjoyed by whatever activity they have planned. Going bowling is nice, but it isn’t “connecting”. (2) … They need to hear what’s on their minds.’ Dr Laura believes that a good book can serve as a catalyst for this all-important small talk, ‘Once children get excited about an idea, they keep on with it. (3) …We get embarrassed, we get uncomfortable, and we shut down. But children’s mouths keep moving and we have to be there to listen.’

(4) … She arranges her working day so she is at home when Deryk, now a teenager, leaves and returns from school. She makes sure that when he wants to tell her about his day, she has the time to give him the attention that he needs, and unconditionally deserves.

1. Four sentences have been removed from the text. Select the appropriate sentence for each gap in the text. There is one extra sentence that does not fit. 4 points

A. The key is for parents to take time to really know their children. B. Dr Laura follows her own advice. C. Although children’s books may be new territory for Dr Laura, discussions about morals are not. D. Parents need to listen to their children chatter. E. They don’t censor their talk as much as we adults do.

2. Who/What do the words in bold refer to? 6 points 3. Explain the following words. 10 points 1. patience 2. limited 3. selfish 4. overjoyed 5. working 4. Answer the following questions. 6 points

A. What kind of approach does Dr Laura adopt in her children’s books? B. What is the best advice the author gives parents? C. How does Dr Laura put into practice her theory?

5. Comment on the following sentence: Going bowling is nice, but it isn’t “connecting”. (50 words) 4 points

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Ministerul Educaţiei, Cercetării şi Tineretului Centrul Naţional pentru Curriculum şi Evaluare în Învăţământul Preuniversitar

Examenul de bacalaureat 2008

Proba E/F Proba scrisă la Limba engleză

L1 normal – L2

• Toate subiectele sunt obligatorii. Se acordă 10 puncte din oficiu. • Timpul efectiv de lucru este de 3 ore.

SUBIECTUL I (30 puncte) Varianta 053 Read the text below and complete the following tasks. I wanted to conduct my own defense in court, but as soon as my father found out what had happened, he hired a very good solicitor. We went along that Monday with all kinds of witnesses, including my English teacher from school as a character witness. (1)… My ‘trial’ didn’t get that far. The magistrate dismissed the case after fifteen minutes. I was free.The poor police had never stood a chance. The solicitor even succeeded in getting costs awarded against the police. (2)… But what was most shocking at the time was the things my acquittal so clearly depended on. I had the ‘right’ accent, respectable middle-class parents in court, reliable witnesses, and I could obviously afford a very good solicitor. Given the nebulous nature of charge, I feel sure that if I had come from a different background, and had really been unemployed, there is every chance that I would have been found guilty. (3)… Meanwhile, just outside the courtroom, one of the policemen who had arrested me was gloomily complaining to my mother that another youngster had been turned against the police. ‘You could have been a bit more helpful when we arrested you,’ he said to me reproachfully. (4)… Presumably that I should have looked outraged and said something like, ‘Look here, do you know who you’re talking to? I am a highly successful student with a brilliant academic record. How dare you arrest me!’ 1. Four sentences have been removed from the text. Select the appropriate sentence for each gap in the text. There is one extra sentence that does not fit. 4 points

A. What did he mean? B. And so I do not have a criminal record. C. While asking for costs to be awarded, my solicitor’s case quite blatantly revolved around

the facy that I had a ‘brilliant academic record.’ D. But he was never called on to give evidence. E. Then they, presumably, would have apologized, perhaps even doffed their caps, and let me

on my way. 2. Who/What do the words in bold refer to? 6 points 3. Match the words in bold with their meaning. 10 points 1. helpful a. being found not guilty and let go 2. outraged b. willing to help people 3. successful c. sadly/miserably 4. acquittal d. having the effect or result you intended 5. gloomily e. shocked and insulted, made to become very angry 4. Answer the following questions. 6 points 1. Why did the writer’s English teacher come to court? 2. Did he speak in court? Why (not)? 3. Why, according to the writer, was he found not guilty?

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Ministerul Educaţiei, Cercetării şi Tineretului Centrul Naţional pentru Curriculum şi Evaluare în Învăţământul Preuniversitar

5. Explain the following sentence in your own words: One of the policemen who had arrested me was gloomingly complaining to my mother that another youngster had been turned against the police. (50 words) 4 points

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Ministerul Educaţiei, Cercetării şi Tineretului Centrul Naţional pentru Curriculum şi Evaluare în Învăţământul Preuniversitar

Examenul de bacalaureat 2008

Proba E/F Proba scrisă la Limba engleză

L1 normal – L2

• Toate subiectele sunt obligatorii. Se acordă 10 puncte din oficiu. • Timpul efectiv de lucru este de 3 ore.

SUBIECTUL I (30 puncte) Varianta 054 Read the text below and complete the following tasks. There is more vandalism, random brutality and murder in cities than there is outside them, and the worst violence often occurs in the largest cities. It would therefore seem that there is more chance of knowing what to do about the problem if we can learn why this relationship exists. (1)… Even if all those guilty of violent behaviour could be apprehended and brought to trial; the imposition of ever harsher penalties does not attack the root of the problem. Furthermore, this suggested answer is based on the ugly and cynical assumption that people are violent when they have the chance to be. (2)… Apologists for this ‘nature red in tooth and claw’ point of view fail to see that no species on earth is in the habit of behaving destructively to members of its own kind, or to its environment, without a very clear reason related to its survival. This reason does not apply in the case of urban violence and there is therefore no point in regarding it simply as a natural urge which has to be kept in check. What, then, are the possible ways in which city life can turn a healthy instinct into a destructive habit? (3)… People who come to live in cities do so because they want to get ahead. When their dreams fail to come true they become acutely aware of the inequalities in status and wealth which exist. They find themselves on the lowest rung of the ladder without the beauties of the countryside to console them and without the country’s air of stability. (4)… 1. Four sentences have been removed from the text. Select the appropriate sentence for each gap in the text. There is one extra sentence that does not fit. 4 points

A. If this were the case, the solution would seem to be simple, at least in theory; reduce inequality and build beautiful cities.

B. The result is an explosion of violence. C. To be sure, human beings are naturally expansive and aggressive, but this is a different

matter from the violence which is in question. D. One possibility is frustration and disillusionment.

E. In using this approach I am assuming that the answer to the problem cannot be found simply by making the police more efficient or giving the courts more teeth. 2. Who/What do the words in bold refer to? 6 points 3. Explain the following words. 10 points 1. occurs 2. assumption 3. fail to 4. aware of 5. wealth 4. Answer the following questions. 6 points

A. Does the writer think that his approach needs any explanation? What is it? B. Why is the fact that human beings are naturally aggressive not relevant to his argument? C. Why is the fact that animals behave violently to protect themselves not relevant to his

discussion?

5. Explain the following sentence in your own words: They find themselves on the lowest rung of the ladder without the beauties of the countryside to console them and without the country’s air of stability. (50 words) 4 points

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Ministerul Educaţiei, Cercetării şi Tineretului Centrul Naţional pentru Curriculum şi Evaluare în Învăţământul Preuniversitar

Examenul de bacalaureat 2008

Proba E/F Proba scrisă la Limba engleză

L1 normal – L2

• Toate subiectele sunt obligatorii. Se acordă 10 puncte din oficiu. • Timpul efectiv de lucru este de 3 ore.

SUBIECTUL I (30 puncte) Varianta 055 Read the text below and complete the following tasks. Throughout this century, the role of women within society has changed, and the majority of people feel that this change is for the better. (1) … Nonetheless, there is still a great deal of sexual discrimination against women within society, and the belief that sexual equality has been achieved is not altogether accurate. Many women need to take time off work when their children are young in order to look after them and this often means they lose their place on the career ladder. (2) … With the Internet however, working from home on-line becomes a real solution, since a woman can simply move her office to the home environment and stay in constant contact with what’s happening at work. Although working from home in this way requires a great deal of discipline, it does mean that women can continue to hold positions of responsibility without depriving their children of their mother’s presence. (3) … It also means that, working from home on-line, women do not feel the need to ‘power dress’, in other words to wear the kinds of formal clothes that will force men to take them seriously as colleagues. (4) …They can simply be judged on the quality of their work alone and not on their style of dress and whether or not it conforms to the male stereotype of female appearance. 1. Four sentences have been removed from the text. Select the appropriate sentence for each gap in the text. There is one extra sentence that does not fit. 4 points

A. They can simply be themselves and know that ’lookism’ no longer applies. B. Since women often have very good communication skills, this is to their advantage

because they do not need to have the long face to face meetings that men often require to establish a good working relationship.

C. More women work than ever before, and it is accepted in Western culture that many women now have careers.

D. By the time they go back to work, they have missed opportunity and they find they cannot rise beyond a certain level.

E. The way they look is the most important in their career. 2. Who/What do the words in bold refer to? 6 points 3. Give the synonyms of these words. 10 points 1. nonetheless 2. achieved 3. accurate 4. look after 5. although 4. Answer the following questions. 6 points

1. What do many women have to do in order to look after their children? 2. What are the benefits the Internet bring to women? 3. Why should women usually wear formal clothes?

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Ministerul Educaţiei, Cercetării şi Tineretului Centrul Naţional pentru Curriculum şi Evaluare în Învăţământul Preuniversitar

5. Explain the following sentence in your own words: They can simply be judged on the quality of their work alone and not on their style of dress and whether or not it conforms to the male stereotype of female appearance. (50 words) 4 points

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Ministerul Educaţiei, Cercetării şi Tineretului Centrul Naţional pentru Curriculum şi Evaluare în Învăţământul Preuniversitar

Examenul de bacalaureat 2008 Proba E/F

Proba scrisă la Limba engleză L1 normal – L2

• Toate subiectele sunt obligatorii. Se acordă 10 puncte din oficiu. • Timpul efectiv de lucru este de 3 ore.

SUBIECTUL I (30 puncte) Varianta 056 Read the text below and complete the following tasks. ‘True friends are hard to find,’ is a statement that few people would dispute. One such individual, Shirley Handson, has every reason in the world to feel that some friendships simply aren’t worth maintaining. Shirley considers herself a sociable person and has always liked to have a close circle of friends around her. Because of this, she was greatly saddened when a job transfer meant that she would have to move halfway across the country. Not having been in her new residence for more than two days, Shirley was surprised and pleased to find a bunch of flowers on her doorstep one evening. (1)… It turned out, however, that Shirley didn’t have to wait long to have the mystery solved. (2)… Shirley expressed her gratitude to Ruth, as she turned out to be called, and they quickly struck up a conversation about the best way to go about planting begonias. Before long, the two became quite good friends, going out on Friday evenings to dine at a local restaurant or see a film. (3)… Ruth started dropping by uninvited, criticising Shirley’s appearance and insulting her intelligence. Naturally, Shirley was upset about this and asked Ruth to stop her unacceptable behaviour. Ruth persisted, however, and in the end, Shirley had to bluntly end the relationship. (4)… 1. Four sentences have been removed from the text. Select the appropriate sentence for each gap in the text. There is one extra sentence that does not fit. 4 points A. A week later, as she was gardening, a woman opened the gate and asked Shirley if she needed any help. B. To use Shirley’s words, ‘With friends like Ruth, one doesn’t need enemies!’ C. The friendship had been going on for about a month when Shirley noticed that something was amiss. D. One day, she saw an old friend in the garden. E. As the bouquet had no card attached, it remained a mystery as to who might have left it there. 2. Who/What do the words in bold refer to? 6 points 3. Give the antonyms of the following words. 10 points 1) friends 2) saddened 3) pleased 4) best 5) criticise 4. Answer the following questions: 6 points A. What did a job transfer mean? B. Why was Shirley surprised when she got back home? C. What did Ruth start doing? 5. Comment on the following statement: With friends like Ruth, one doesn’t need enemies! (50 words) 4 points

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Ministerul Educaţiei, Cercetării şi Tineretului Centrul Naţional pentru Curriculum şi Evaluare în Învăţământul Preuniversitar

Examenul de bacalaureat 2008

Proba E/F Proba scrisă la Limba engleză

L1 normal – L2

• Toate subiectele sunt obligatorii. Se acordă 10 puncte din oficiu. • Timpul efectiv de lucru este de 3 ore.

SUBIECTUL I (30 puncte) Varianta 057 Read the text below and complete the following tasks. Although we try our best to protect young children from illnesses, it is an inevitable fact that, despite our best efforts, they will all contract their share of colds, flu, and ear infections. While some babies are more prone to ear problems than others, it is highly likely that most children will have had earache at least once by the time they have reached their third year. (1) … Children often suffer from flu and ear infection at the same time which means the symptoms of one ailment are often confused with those of the other. More often than not, it is impossible to figure out if your child’s high fever, lack of energy and loss of appetite are a result of the common cold, or if they are caused by ear infections. While toddlers and pre-school children can explain to you where they hurt, babies lack the ability to communicate to you where their pain is. (2) … Primarily, there are two kinds of ear infection: one which is caused by bacteria, and the other which is viral in nature. (3) … As many ear infections clear up on their own, a GP will usually observe a child for a few days before deciding whether or not they would benefit from a course of antibiotics. If the doctor decides to prescribe antibiotics, there should be a noticeable improvement in the child’s condition within two or three days. (4) … 1. Four sentences have been removed from the text. Select the appropriate sentence for each gap in the text. There is one extra sentence that does not fit. 4 points A. As a result, they can only express their discomfort by crying. B. It has also been observed that if babies suffer earache before their first birthday, the odds are they will have to face the painful ordeal again. C. If so, they should be sent back to school. D. Antibiotics should be given for as long as the doctor has prescribed them and they should never be discontinued simply because the child is feeling better. E. Whatever the type of infection, a doctor must determine what treatment, if any, is required. 2. Who/What do the words in bold refer to? 6 points 3. Give the synonyms of the following words. 10 points 1) illnesses 2) efforts 3) fever 4) communicate 5) clear up 4. Answer the following questions. 6 points A. How do babies differ from toddlers and pre-school children? B. How many kinds of ear infection are there? C. How long will a GP usually observe a child before deciding whether or not they would benefit from a course of antibiotics? 5. Explain the following statement in your own words. Although we try our best to protect young children from illnesses, it is an inevitable fact that, despite our best efforts, they will all contract their share of colds, flu, and ear infections. (50 words) 4 points

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Ministerul Educaţiei, Cercetării şi Tineretului Centrul Naţional pentru Curriculum şi Evaluare în Învăţământul Preuniversitar

Examenul de bacalaureat 2008 Proba E/F

Proba scrisă la Limba engleză L1 normal – L2

• Toate subiectele sunt obligatorii. Se acordă 10 puncte din oficiu. • Timpul efectiv de lucru este de 3 ore.

SUBIECTUL I (30 puncte) Varianta 058 Read the text below and complete the following tasks.

Human beings have a strong need to put their experiences and problems into words. That is why everyone appreciates a “friendly ear”- someone who is willing to listen to their troubles and joys. (1) … To be a good listener requires great power of concentration, which can only be gained by practice.

There are two reasons why listening is often such hard work. (2) … How often have you missed what someone has said because you were thinking about what you were going to say in reply? (3)… The average speed is about 125 words per minute, which is not fast enough for the human brain. It allows too much time for the concentration to fail, as the brain tries to keep itself busy with other, irrelevant thoughts.

(4)… Ask yourself questions about what is being said, and see if the speaker answers them. Finally, make quick summaries in your head of the main points that have been made. All of these things will help you to concentrate and make you a better listener. 1. Four sentences have been removed from the text. Select the appropriate sentence for each gap in the text. There is one extra sentence that does not fit. 4 points A.The second reason is that people speak too slowly B.Next time you are in a listening situation, try to predict what the speaker is going to say C.But few people realize what a complex skill listening is. D.The first is simply that people much prefer to speak. E.Moreover, sometimes people seem to be listening while they do not even hear what they are told. 2. Who/What do the words in bold refer to? 6 points 3. Give the antonyms of the following words 10 points 1)friendly 2)strong 3)fail 4)irrelevant 5)gained 4. Answer the following questions. 6 points A.Why does everyone appreciate a”friendly ear”? B.Why is listening such hard work? C.Why is the average speed not fast enough for the human brain? 5. Comment on the following statement: To be a good listener requires great power of concentration. (50 words) 4 points

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Ministerul Educaţiei, Cercetării şi Tineretului Centrul Naţional pentru Curriculum şi Evaluare în Învăţământul Preuniversitar

Examenul de bacalaureat 2008 Proba E/F

Proba scrisă la Limba engleză L1 normal – L2

• Toate subiectele sunt obligatorii. Se acordă 10 puncte din oficiu. • Timpul efectiv de lucru este de 3 ore.

SUBIECTUL I (30 puncte) Varianta 059 Read the text below and complete the following tasks.

The Mary Celeste had always been considered an unlucky ship, but no one could have predicted what would happen to it when it set sail from New York, in November 1872. It was heading for Genoa with a cargo of alcohol- a journey which should have taken about five weeks. However, Captain Briggs, his wife, his two-year-old daughter, and the crew of seven sailors were never seen again.

The Mary Celeste was spotted off the Azores by a British ship called Dei Gratia. It appeared to be in trouble, so Captain Morehouse sailed closer, in order to investigate. (1)…They found the ship totally deserted.

Some of the sails had been slightly damaged by a storm but, apart from that, the Mary Celeste was in perfect condition. One small boat was missing, along with a map, and some navigation equipment. (2)… But why would they have left a large, safe ship in good working order, for a much smaller, weaker boat?

(3)…Could it have been pirates? Nothing was stolen. An attack by a sea monster? The ship was not damaged. (4)…Ghosts? To this day, no one has offered an explanation which is entirely satisfactory. 1. Four sentences/groups of words have been removed from the text. Select the appropriate sentence/ group of words for each gap in the text. There is one extra sentence/group of words which you do not need to use. 4 points A.UFO’s? B.Nobody answered his calls, so he sent three sailors in a boat to offer help. C.So, it was clear that the crew had left the ship voluntarily. D.There was no real explanation for the strange disappearance of the ship. E.Many attempts have been made to explain this mystery. 2. Who/What do the words in bold refer to? 6 points 3. Give the synonyms of the following words. 10 points 1) unlucky 2) predicted 3)closer 4)deserted 5)damaged 4. Answer the following questions: 6 points A. When did the ship set sail? B. What was the destination of the ship? C. How many people were there on board the ship when it vanished? 5. Comment on the following sentence: To this day, no one has offered an explanation which is entirely satisfactory. (50 words) 4 points

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Ministerul Educaţiei, Cercetării şi Tineretului Centrul Naţional pentru Curriculum şi Evaluare în Învăţământul Preuniversitar

Examenul de bacalaureat 2008

Proba E/F Proba scrisă la Limba engleză

L1 normal – L2

• Toate subiectele sunt obligatorii. Se acordă 10 puncte din oficiu. • Timpul efectiv de lucru este de 3 ore.

SUBIECTUL I (30 puncte) Varianta 060 Read the text below and complete the following tasks.

Most smokers sincerely want to quit. They know cigarettes threaten their health, set a bad example for their children, and cost an inordinate amount of money. (1)… It is something each person has to decide for himself, and will require a personal commitment by the smoker. (2)… What do you get out of smoking? What does it do for you? It is important to identify what you use smoking for and what kind of satisfaction you feel that you are getting from smoking.

Many smokers use the cigarette in moments of stress or discomfort, and on occasion it may work. (3)…But the heavy smoker, the person who tries to handle personal problems by smoking all day long, is apt to discover that cigarettes do not help him deal with his problems effectively.

When it comes to quitting, this kind of smoker may find it easy to stop when everything is going well, but may be tempted to start again in a time of crisis.(4)… The choice of a substitute depends on what will achieve the same effects without having any appreciable risk.

Once a smoker understands his own smoking behavior, he will be able to cope more successfully with it and select the best quitting approaches for himself and the type of life-style he leads. 1. Four sentences have been removed from the text. Select the appropriate sentence for each gap in the text. There is one extra sentence that does not fit. 4 points A.What kind of smoker are you? B.Nobody can force a smoker to quit. C.The cigarette is sometimes used as a tranquilizer. D.They forget that it is even more dangerous to inhale the smoke from the cigarettes of the heavy smokers. E. Physical effort, eating, drinking, or social activity in moderation may serve as useful substitutes for cigarettes, even in times of tension. 2. Who/What do the words in bold refer to? 6 points 3. Give the antonyms of the following words. 10 points 1)to quit 2)discomfort 3)easy 4)tension 5)in moderation 4. Answer the following questions: 6 points A. When do smokers use the cigarette? B. What is the cigarette used as? C. What does the choice of a substitute depend on? 5. In your own words explain the phrase: smoking behaviour. (50 words) 4 points

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Ministerul Educaţiei, Cercetării şi Tineretului Centrul Naţional pentru Curriculum şi Evaluare în Învăţământul Preuniversitar

Examenul de bacalaureat 2008

Proba E/F Proba scrisă la Limba engleză

L1 normal – L2

• Toate subiectele sunt obligatorii. Se acordă 10 puncte din oficiu. • Timpul efectiv de lucru este de 3 ore.

SUBIECTUL I (30 puncte) Varianta 061 Read the text below and complete the following tasks. Salt is essential to life. At one time it was considered so valuable that it was actually worshipped as a god. Roman soldiers used to be paid “salt money”, which is where the word “salary” originated from. Nowadays, however, salt is so common that few people even bother to think about it. (1)… The human body needs so little salt to survive that it is very easy to consume too much of it. (2)… Cooking with salt also reduces the nutritional quality of the food. For example, spinach boiled in salted water loses 50% of its iron, compared to only 19% when boiled in salt-free water. (3)… Some even do this before they have tasted the food. This is one of the reasons why the average person in Britain eats two and a half teaspoons of salt every day. (4)... The English language also contains phrases that remind of the importance of salt in the life of British citizens.Thus,”to sit above the salt “meant that one was a favourite of the master, while “to sit below the salt “meant quite the opposite! It all had to do with the position of the subject at the royal table: close to the salt as a favourite, and far from it, in disgrace. 1. Four sentences have been removed from the text. Select the appropriate sentence for each gap in the text. There is one extra sentence that does not fit. 4 points A. But perhaps they should. B. Many people have the habit of adding salt to their food when they are at table. C. An excess of salt in the diet can lead to high blood pressure, which in turn can increase the risk of heart disease. D. But, like in the fairy tale, we couldn’t possibly enjoy food that has no salt in it. E. The maximum recommended dose is one and a half, and the ideal dose is just half a teaspoon. 2. Who/What do the words in bold words refer to? 6 points 3.Give the synonyms of the following words. 10 points 1) essential 2) valuable 3) to worship 4) nowadays 5) actually 4. Answer the following questions. 6 points A. What was salt used for in ancient times? B. How much salt does the average person in Britain eat every day? C. What are the effects of an excess of salt? 5. In your own words explain the meaning of the phrase to sit below the salt. (50 words) 4 points

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Ministerul Educaţiei, Cercetării şi Tineretului Centrul Naţional pentru Curriculum şi Evaluare în Învăţământul Preuniversitar

Examenul de bacalaureat 2008

Proba E/F Proba scrisă la Limba engleză

L1 normal – L2

• Toate subiectele sunt obligatorii. Se acordă 10 puncte din oficiu. • Timpul efectiv de lucru este de 3 ore.

SUBIECTUL I (30 puncte) Varianta 062 Read the text below and complete the following tasks.

Napoleon III of France was responsible for the invention of the butter substitute known as margarine, while he was looking for a cheap alternative to butter for the poorer people of society, and for his army and navy. So he set up a prize competition to see who would come up with the best solution.

There was only one entry to this competition, from a man called Meges-Mouries. He had spent over two years experimenting, and finally found an acceptable butter substitute made from milk and various animal fats.(1)… Despite its colour, Meges-Mouries invention was awarded the prize. (2)… Margarine soon went into mass production and was exported all over the world. In Britain it was called “Butterine”, until protests from farmers led to that name being illegal. (3)… They objected to the yellow colouring, saying that it made it resemble butter so closely that it could deceive consumers.

(4)…The ultimate goal of every margarine manufacturer is to produce a product that is impossible to distinguish from butter. And they keep trying. 1. Four sentences have been removed from the text. Select the appropriate sentence for each gap in the text. There is one extra sentence that does not fit. 4 points A.Unlike butter, it cost less and had fewer calories. B.It tasted quite pleasant, and spread well on bread, but it was pure white. C.Yellow colouring was added to it at a later date. D.Farmers in America were not happy about the new arrival on the market either. E.In effect, Napoleon III’s competition is still going on. 2. Who/What do the words in bold refer to? 6 points 3 Give the antonyms of the following words. 10 points 1) responsible 2)acceptable 3)pleasant 4)illegal 5)cheap 4. Answer the following questions: 6 points A.What was Napoleon II trying to find? B.What were the qualities of the newly invented product? C.Why was the name “Butterine”changed? 5. Comment on the following statement: The ultimate goal of every margarine manufacturer is to produce a product that is impossible to distinguish from butter. (50 words) 4 points

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Ministerul Educaţiei, Cercetării şi Tineretului Centrul Naţional pentru Curriculum şi Evaluare în Învăţământul Preuniversitar

Examenul de bacalaureat 2008 Proba E/F

Proba scrisă la Limba engleză L1 normal – L2

• Toate subiectele sunt obligatorii. Se acordă 10 puncte din oficiu. • Timpul efectiv de lucru este de 3 ore.

SUBIECTUL I (30 puncte) Varianta 063 Read the text below and complete the following tasks. To be stuck in a lift for any length of time is a nightmare come true for many people. So, pity poor Graham Coates who was trapped inside one for three whole days! One Saturday morning in 1986, he decided to go to work at his office, which was on the second floor of a large office block. (1)… He pushed the alarm bell but, as it was the weekend, the office block was empty. The noise could not be heard from the outside of the building. (2)… Eventually, he decided that he would just have to wait. Nobody reported him missing because he was living with his parents at the time and he often spent weekends away from home. (3)... By Sunday he was dreaming of long cool drinks, and the lovely meal that people would be enjoying in the pub where he worked at weekends. Monday was a national holiday, so it was not until Tuesday morning that he was rescued by his boss. (4)… He had to have several days off work, and still gets headaches even today. Now he refuses to enter any lift which does not have a telephone installed! 1. Four sentences have been removed from the text. Select the appropriate sentence for each gap in the text. There is one extra sentence that does not fit. 4 points A.He tried shouting, but no one was able to hear that either B.He began to get thirsty, and then hungry. C.Somewhere between the first and second floor, the lift stopped.. D.It was only on Monday that he could get out of the lift. E.By that time he was very weak and ill. 2. Who/What do the words in bold refer to? 6 points 3. Give the antonyms of the following words. 10 points 1) inside 2) to push 3) empty 4) cool 5) to enter 4. Answer the following questions. 6 points A.How long was Graham Coates trapped in the lift? B.Who rescued him? C.How does he feel about lifts today? 5. Comment on the following statement: Now he refuses to enter any lift which does not have a telephone installed! (50 words) 4 points

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Ministerul Educaţiei, Cercetării şi Tineretului Centrul Naţional pentru Curriculum şi Evaluare în Învăţământul Preuniversitar

Examenul de bacalaureat 2008 Proba E/F

Proba scrisă la Limba engleză L1 normal – L2

• Toate subiectele sunt obligatorii. Se acordă 10 puncte din oficiu. • Timpul efectiv de lucru este de 3 ore.

SUBIECTUL I (30 puncte) Varianta 064 Read the text below and complete the following tasks. London features so prominently in the work of English novelist Charles Dickens (1812-1870) that people often assume that he was born and bred there. (1)… Dickens was nevertheless familiar with London and many of the things he saw there were later incorporated into his books. For example, he observed the rich pass by beggars on the streets, and saw cramped streets existing in stark contrast to vast open spaces. When his father was detained in a debtor’s prison after a lifetime of living beyond his means, the young Charles had no choice but to leave school and work in a shoe factory. (2)…This was an experience which made a lasting impression on the young Charles, perhaps explaining his later preoccupation with lost or orphaned children in his novels. (3)… His first published work was a book called “Sketches by Boz”, which appeared in 1836. This collection of London scenes was soon followed by a novel entitled “Pickwick Papers”. (4)… The reading public would follow the lives of the characters in each instalment in much the same way that people watch television soap operas today. 1. Four sentences have been removed from the text. Select the appropriate sentence for each gap in the text. There is one extra sentence that does not fit. 4 points A. There he earned just a few pennies a week with which to support his family, now without a breadwinner. B. In fact, the writer’s father worked for the navy and the family moved around a great deal. C. He was the only one who did not go to prison. D. After a spell in the legal profession, Dickens became a reporter and popular writer. E. Like most of his novels, this came out in the form of a serial in a monthly magazine. 2. Who/What do the words in bold refer to? 6 points 3. Give the synomyms of the following words. 10 points 1) assume 2) familiar 3) cramped 4) contrast 5) same 4. Answer the following questions: 6 points A. Where did young Dickens work to support his family? B. What was his first published book? C. How did readers follow the lives of the characters? 5. Comment on the following statement: This was an experience which made a lasting impression on the young Charles. (50 words) 4 points

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Ministerul Educaţiei, Cercetării şi Tineretului Centrul Naţional pentru Curriculum şi Evaluare în Învăţământul Preuniversitar

Examenul de bacalaureat 2008

Proba E/F Proba scrisă la Limba engleză

L1 normal – L2

• Toate subiectele sunt obligatorii. Se acordă 10 puncte din oficiu. • Timpul efectiv de lucru este de 3 ore.

SUBIECTUL I (30 puncte) Varianta 065 Read the text below and complete the following tasks.

In 1926, the young film director, Alfred Hitchcock, made what is now regarded as his first masterpiece called The Lodger. (1)... Although now acknowledged as the best British film of the era, film distributors at the time did not think it worthy of general release. For months it sat on the shelf while its director reflected on the thin line that divides success and failure.(2)…In a career that began with old-fashioned cameras and silent movie stars and ended with his blockbuster thrillers of the 1950s and 1960s, Hitchcock tasted success and failure in fairly equal measure. His subject matter generated controversy and his style alternately baffled and thrilled audiences and critics alike. (3)…

In retrospect, it is clear that this genius stems from his natural understanding of the language of film and his ability to exploit the potential of the cinema to the full. (4)…The term is designed to suggest that his work was superior to the more ordinary products of Hollywood. As a result, Hitchcock’s celluloid world of glamour, terror, thrills and fear continues to come under the scrutiny of academics, film historians and critics. 1. Four sentences have been removed from the text. Select the appropriate sentence for each gap in the text. There is one extra sentence that does not fit. 4 points A. For this reason, film theorists praised him and described him as an “auteur. B. Although he never received an Oscar, it is generally recognised that most Hitchcock films are true works of art. C. That thin line was to haunt him throughout his sixty years of film-making. D. Hitchcock always came up with unexpected ideas. E. It was the story of an innocent man wrongly accused of murder and it established its director as a major talent. 2. Who/What do the words in bold refer to? 6 points 3. Give the antonyms of the following words. 10 points 1) young 2) the best 3) thin 4) ability 5) superior 4. Answer the following questions. 6 points A. What was Hitchcock’s first masterpiece? B. Where does his genius stem from? C. What does the term “auteur” suggest? 5. Comment on the following statement: For months it sat on the shelf while its director reflected on the thin line that divides success and failure. (50 words) 4 points

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Ministerul Educaţiei, Cercetării şi Tineretului Centrul Naţional pentru Curriculum şi Evaluare în Învăţământul Preuniversitar

Examenul de bacalaureat 2008

Proba E/F Proba scrisă la Limba engleză

L1 normal – L2

• Toate subiectele sunt obligatorii. Se acordă 10 puncte din oficiu. • Timpul efectiv de lucru este de 3 ore.

SUBIECTUL I (30 puncte) Varianta 066 Read the text below and complete the following tasks.

Bonsai trees have always been a source of great fascination to people. (1)… You have to keep reminding yourself that these trees are identical to their larger cousins in all respects except their size. Rather like other small and perfectly formed artifacts, bonsai trees are sold for quite a high price in the market place and so they attract the attention of thieves. (2)… They are stolen from the homes of growers and collectors, then repotted by unscrupulous dealers, to be sold on, at good prices, to unsuspecting buyers.

(3)… After losing his life’s work, valued at 250.000 pounds, when burglars broke into his home one night, Paul decided to look into the possibilities of electronically tagging the trees he bought as a replacement. (4)… Each chip contains information, which is stored in a central register held by the police. Paul is quite aware that this kind of data-tagging doesn’t prevent thieves from stealing the trees in the first place, although it may increase the chances of getting them back. So he’s also installing a security alarm system, complete with infrared detectors, in his home. 1. Four sentences have been removed from the text. Select the appropriate sentence for each gap in the text. There is one extra sentence that does not fit. 4 points A. It seems that quite a flourishing business has evolved. B. One of Britain’s top collectors of bonsai trees, Paul Widdington, believes that he has found a solution, however C. They are perfect miniatures, grown in pots small enough to sit on a windowsill. D. This involves injecting a microchip the size of a grain of rice into the trunk of each tree. E. It should prevent this kind of theft in future.

2. Who/What do the words in bold refer to? 6 points 3. Give the antonyms of the following words. 10 points 1) reminding 2) high 3) aware 4) increase 5) complete 4. Answer the following questions. 6 points

A. Why do bonsai trees attract the attention of thieves? B. How much was Paul’s collection worth? C. What solution did he find to protect his collection?

5. In your own words explain the phrase: data-tagging (50 words) 4 points

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Ministerul Educaţiei, Cercetării şi Tineretului Centrul Naţional pentru Curriculum şi Evaluare în Învăţământul Preuniversitar

Examenul de bacalaureat 2008

Proba E/F Proba scrisă la Limba engleză

L1 normal – L2

• Toate subiectele sunt obligatorii. Se acordă 10 puncte din oficiu. • Timpul efectiv de lucru este de 3 ore.

SUBIECTUL I (30 puncte) Varianta 067 Read the text below and complete the following tasks.

Every year, half a million visitors make their way to Loch Ness in Scotland. The loch is a dark and mysterious expanse of water, 300 metres deep in places, but most visitors come in the hope of catching a glimpse of the famous monster, Nessie. Those who believe in the monster’s existence claim that it is a type of marine dinosaur otherwise presumed to have become extinct seventy million years ago. (1)…

Indeed, it was a local hotel owner who made the first modern sighting of the monster in 1933. The local newspaper ran the story, which was then picked up by the national and international press. A photograph of the monster, taken the following year by Robert Wilson, a local doctor, created an overnight sensation worldwide. (2)…

Dr Wilson had, however, taken part in an elaborate hoax. (3)... The photograph, which featured a serpent-like head and neck rearing up from the water of the loch had been achieved using a heavily disguised toy submarine. (4)... Only time will tell whether the other photographs that exist are genuine or not, but meanwhile Nessie continues to intrigue people and the tourists keep coming. 1. Four sentences have been removed from the text. Select the appropriate sentence for each gap in the text. There is one extra sentence that does not fit. 4 points A. This photograph remained the most convincing evidence available of the monster’s existence for almost sixty years. B. More skeptical observers, however, regard the story as nothing more than a clever ploy to attract the tourists. C. For the monster’s millions of fans, this was something of a setback, but little more than that. D. They would have been taken in by any practical joke suggesting the existence of a monster. E. A fact only revealed following the deathbed confession of one of the other people involved in 1993. 2. Who/What do the words in bold refer to? 6 points 3. Match the words in bold with their meaning: 10 points 1)expanse 2)genuine 3)glimpse 4)claim 5)elaborate A. authentic B. complicated C. pretend D. wide surface E. momentary/partial view 4. Answer the following questions: 6 points A. Why do people come to Loch Ness? B. What kind of creature is Nessie? C. When was the first modern sighting of the monster made? 5. In your own words explain the sentence: Dr Wilson had, however, taken part in an elaborate hoax. (50 words) 4 points

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Ministerul Educaţiei, Cercetării şi Tineretului Centrul Naţional pentru Curriculum şi Evaluare în Învăţământul Preuniversitar

Examenul de bacalaureat 2008 Proba E/F

Proba scrisă la Limba engleză L1 normal – L2

• Toate subiectele sunt obligatorii. Se acordă 10 puncte din oficiu. • Timpul efectiv de lucru este de 3 ore.

SUBIECTUL I (30 puncte) Varianta 068 Read the text below and complete the following tasks. The trouble with television news bulletins is that not only will they never please all the people all the time; they’ll probably annoy most of the people a lot of the time. In only half an hour they cover the globe and struggle to do the impossible. All the words in one television bulletin would fit onto just the front page of one large newspaper. … (1). No one reads a newspaper from cover to cover: readers can flick through and find the item they want. On television, they have to sit through all the stories they don’t want and may be disappointed if their particular interest isn’t featured. The typical news story contains a twenty-second introduction from the presenter, two twenty-second quotes from key people, forty seconds of commentary over pictures, and then a reporter summing everything up. … (2). Television is the hardest, most demanding kind of journalism there is. Some viewers complain that bulletins should be longer and go into much more detail. … (3). And how much of the news do people really take in anyway? I doubt if anyone ever watches the news from start to finish, and concentrates all the way through. There is no right answer, no perfect bulletin. … (4). 1. Four sentences have been removed from the text. Select the appropriate sentence for each gap in the text. There is one sentence that does not fit. 4 points

A. It represents an important educational influence. B. Large numbers of viewers will always complain. C. However, it appears that a mass audience will not watch for more than half an hour. D. Yet, viewers expect to see as much as there is in a whole newspaper. E. How much can we cram into that tight format and still make sense?

2. What/Who do the words in bold refer to? 6 points 3. Give the synonyms of the following words. 10 points

1. trouble 2. to annoy 3. to struggle 4. particular 5. kind 4. Answer the following questions. 6 points

A. What seems to be the problem of television news bulletins? B. Do people read a newspaper from cover to cover? C. Are there any viewers who complain about news bulletins?

5. In your own words, comment on the following sentence: The trouble with television news bulletins is that not only will they never please all the people all the time; they’ll probably annoy most of the people a lot of the time. In only half an hour they cover the globe and struggle to do the impossible. (50 words) 4 points

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Ministerul Educaţiei, Cercetării şi Tineretului Centrul Naţional pentru Curriculum şi Evaluare în Învăţământul Preuniversitar

Examenul de bacalaureat 2008 Proba E/F

Proba scrisă la Limba engleză L1 normal – L2

• Toate subiectele sunt obligatorii. Se acordă 10 puncte din oficiu. • Timpul efectiv de lucru este de 3 ore.

SUBIECTUL I (30 puncte) Varianta 069 Read the text below and complete the following tasks. For most people, one of the biggest fears in life is having to make a speech, whether at school, at a wedding, or in our business lives. There are several good reasons for this not least amongst them the fear that no-one will have the slightest interest in what you are saying. If you are on stage, as it is often the case with such speeches, there’s no problem. … (1) The only area of the stage that may have no light whatsoever is the lectern where you put your notes – it will be in total darkness. It’s at about this time that you probably realise that you’ve left your glasses at home. Despite having spent ages preparing it, you now have to improvise a 40-minute speech based on those few words of your notes you can actually see. It’s then that the technical faults start to come into play. First, if you need any, your slides and illustrations won’t work. … (2) If professionals are in charge, they will show the wrong pictures at the wrong time, and even jump a couple. … (3) There are times, however, when the technical support is excellent which allows you to make a good and lasting impression. … (4) To fight nerves, it’s a good idea to grip the lectern with both hands, but not too tightly, because they have been known to collapse! 1. Four sentences have been removed from the text. Select the appropriate sentence for each gap in the text. There is one sentence that does not fit. 4 points

A. It‘s always a good thing to call in sick. B. If it’s in your hands, you’ll accidentally push the wrong button and show everything upside

down. C. Fortunately, it is not possible for you to see the audience, because the lights blind you the

moment you step up. D. It’s important to start well. E. If you’re lucky, the lights will fail at this point and the speech will have to be abandoned.

2. What/Who do the words in bold refer to? 6 points 3. Give the synonyms of the following words. 10 points

1. reason 2. to realise 3. professional 4. excellent 5. to grip 4. Answer the following questions. 6 points

A. What’s the biggest fear of all when you have to deliver a speech in public? B. Which are the problems that might appear during a speech? C. Is the technical support important?

5. Explain why people are afraid of delivering a speech in public. (50 words) 4 points

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Ministerul Educaţiei, Cercetării şi Tineretului Centrul Naţional pentru Curriculum şi Evaluare în Învăţământul Preuniversitar

Examenul de bacalaureat 2008 Proba E/F

Proba scrisă la Limba engleză L1 normal – L2

• Toate subiectele sunt obligatorii. Se acordă 10 puncte din oficiu. • Timpul efectiv de lucru este de 3 ore.

SUBIECTUL I (30 puncte) Varianta 070 Read the text below and complete the following tasks. Crime, as we are all aware, has been a growing problem all over the world in the last thirty years. … (1). Much is being done – and more can be done – to reverse the trend. You can play a part in it. The first step towards preventing crime is understanding its nature. Most crime is against property, not the public, and most crime is not carried out by professionals; nor is it carefully planned. … (2). They are often committed by adolescents and young men, the majority of whom stop offending as they grow older – the peak age for offending is fifteen. Also, and not surprisingly, the risk of being a victim of crime varies greatly depending on where you live. This reliance by criminals on the easy opportunity is the key to much crime prevention. … (3). Surveys have shown that approximately one in five drivers do not bother to secure their cars by locking all the doors and shutting all the windows, and in 30 per cent of domestic burglaries the burglars simply walk in without having to use force. If opportunities like these did not exist, criminals would have a much harder time. … (4). Of, course, the primary responsibility for coping crime rests with the police and the courts, but, if you care about improving the quality of life for yourself and your community, there are many ways you can help reverse the trend. 1. Four sentences have been removed from the text. Select the appropriate sentence for each gap in the text. There is one sentence that does not fit. 4 points

A. Property crimes thrive on the easy opportunity. B. The chances are that many crimes would not be committed, which would release more police

time for tackling serious crime. C. Motor cars, for example, are a sitting target for the criminals. D. But we are not powerless against crime. E. More and more crimes are committed everyday.

2. What/Who do the words in bold refer to? 6 points 3. Match the words in bold with their meaning. 10 points 1. to reverse 2. to prevent 3. to offend 4. to secure 5. to improve

A. to change a situation to be the opposite of what it was. B. to break a law. C. stop something from happening. D. to make something better. E. to make something safe from damage, attack.

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Ministerul Educaţiei, Cercetării şi Tineretului Centrul Naţional pentru Curriculum şi Evaluare în Învăţământul Preuniversitar

4. Answer the following questions. 6 points

A. What is most crime committed against? B. What have surveys pointed out regarding domestic burglaries? C. Who has the primary responsibility for coping with crime?

5. In your own words, comment on the following sentence: This reliance by criminals on the easy opportunity is the key to much crime prevention. 4 points

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Ministerul Educaţiei, Cercetării şi Tineretului Centrul Naţional pentru Curriculum şi Evaluare în Învăţământul Preuniversitar

Examenul de bacalaureat 2008 Proba E/F

Proba scrisă la Limba engleză L1 normal – L2

• Toate subiectele sunt obligatorii. Se acordă 10 puncte din oficiu. • Timpul efectiv de lucru este de 3 ore.

SUBIECTUL I (30 puncte) Varianta 071 Read the text below and complete the following tasks. For over two hundred years, scholars have shown an interest in the way children learn to speak and understand their first language. … (1). These studies used data recorded in parental diaries. But detailed, systematic investigation did not begin until the middle decades of the twentieth century, when the tape recorder came into routine. This made it possible to keep a permanent record of samples of child speech, so that analysts could listen repeatedly to obscure extracts. … (2). The problems that have to be considered when investigating child speech are quite different from those encountered when working with adults. … (3). This happens because some aspects of children’s cognitive development, such as their ability to pay attention or to remember instructions, may not be sufficiently advanced. … (4). This is a task that is virtually impossible below the age of three. Moreover, anyone who has tried to make a tape recording of a representative sample of a child’s speech understands how frustrating this can be. Some children, it seems, are innately programmed to switch off as soon as they notice a tape recorder being switched on. 1. Four sentences have been removed from the text. Select the appropriate sentence for each gap in the text. There is one sentence that does not fit. 4 points

A. Tape recorders didn’t help scientists much in their research. B. In this way scientists could produce detailed and accurate descriptions. C. Nor is it easy to get children to express systematic judgements about language. D. Several small-scale studies were carried out, especially towards the end of the nineteenth

century. E. Thus it is not possible to carry out certain kinds of experiments.

2. What/Who do the words in bold refer to? 6 points 3. Give the synonyms of the following words. 10 points

1. investigation 2. extract 3. to encounter 4. development 5. frustrating 4. Answer the following questions using information from the text: 6 points

A. What have the scholars been interested in for over two hundred years? B. Which are the problems that have to be taken into consideration when investigating child

speech? C. What helped analysts in their study?

5. In your own words, comment on the following sentence: Some children, it seems, are innately programmed to switch off as soon as they notice a tape recorder being switched on. 4 points

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Ministerul Educaţiei, Cercetării şi Tineretului Centrul Naţional pentru Curriculum şi Evaluare în Învăţământul Preuniversitar

Examenul de bacalaureat 2008 Proba E/F

Proba scrisă la Limba engleză L1 normal – L2

• Toate subiectele sunt obligatorii. Se acordă 10 puncte din oficiu. • Timpul efectiv de lucru este de 3 ore.

SUBIECTUL I (30 puncte) Varianta 072 Read the text below and complete the following tasks. Aggression has long been a natural feature of human behaviour, perhaps ever since the emergence of the earliest hominids. … (1). The development of such conflict was closely linked to changes in economy and society, and probably became more serious after the adoption of agriculture and of sedentary life. Larger populations imposed greater pressure on land and resources, and thus they increased tension between neighbours. … (2). The stresses associated with the emergence of more hierarchical societies ruled over by chiefs and kings may also have played an important role in the growth of inter-group conflict. As human communities became organised into larger units the warfare they waged became even more lethal. … (3). The written records of ancient societies tell of full-time specialists employed by the state to produce armour and weaponry. They also mention the fact that expensively-equipped elite forces came into being, playing an important part in the life of the community. … (4).The feudal system of medieval Europe, for example, had as one of its principal objectives, the maintenance of a force of armoured knights, highly appreciated both by the kings and the people, as they ensured the peace and the stability of the world they lived in. 1. Four sentences have been removed from the text. Select the appropriate sentence for each gap in the text. There is one sentence that does not fit. 4 points

A. Aggression is a part of everyday life. B. Settled farmers also had food stores, herd animals and standing crops to steal. C. Sometimes the entire social and economic order was moulded around the requirements of

warfare. D. However, there is no evidence of organised group conflict before about 12,000 years ago. E. States had greater resources available for aggression, defence and the development of new

weapons. 2. What/Who do the words in bold refer to? 6 points 3. Give the synonyms of the following words. 10 points

1. aggression 2. conflict 3. lethal 4. to employ 5. objective 4. Answer the following questions using information from the text: 6 points

A. What seems to have caused the appearance of the organised group conflict initially? B. Were full-time weapon specialists and elite forces mentioned in the written records of ancient

societies? C. What was the main goal of the feudal system of medieval Europe?

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Ministerul Educaţiei, Cercetării şi Tineretului Centrul Naţional pentru Curriculum şi Evaluare în Învăţământul Preuniversitar

5. In your own words, comment on the following sentence: Aggression has long been a natural feature of human behaviour, perhaps ever since the emergence of the earliest hominids. 4 points

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Ministerul Educaţiei, Cercetării şi Tineretului Centrul Naţional pentru Curriculum şi Evaluare în Învăţământul Preuniversitar

Examenul de bacalaureat 2008 Proba E/F

Proba scrisă la Limba engleză L1 normal – L2

• Toate subiectele sunt obligatorii. Se acordă 10 puncte din oficiu. • Timpul efectiv de lucru este de 3 ore.

SUBIECTUL I (30 puncte) Varianta 073 Read the text below and complete the following tasks. Interest in mythology has grown steadily throughout the last hundred years, assisted by the realisation that myths are not childish stories or mere pre-scientific explanations of the world, but serious insights into reality. … (1). They are part of the fabric of human life, embodying beliefs, moulding behaviour and justifying institutions, customs and values. Myths are stories concerning the origins of the world or how the world and the creatures in it came to be in their present form. They are imaginative traditions about the nature, history and destiny of the world. … (2). The mythology of some societies includes the assignment of different functions to the various gods and goddesses. … (3). Beyond this, the term myth is also applied to the religious and secular traditions which exert a powerful influence on attitudes to life, but the literal accuracy of which there is cause to doubt. However, because myths are woven into the fabric of a society where they are accepted as true, the impact of new discoveries, new attitudes and new ways of life on myths is usually to undermine them. When old myths are lost, new ones are needed. … (4). The myths contain its vision of its past, its present and its purposes. 1. Four sentences have been removed from the text. Select the appropriate sentence for each gap in the text. There is one sentence that does not fit. 4 points

A. Myths are not worth being taken into consideration. B. They exist in all societies, of the present as well as the past. C. One deity presides over agriculture, another over war and so on. D. No society seems ever to have flourished without a set of myths. E. Definitions of myth as “story” fail because a good many myths are not stories at all.

2. What/Who do the words in bold refer to? 6 points 3. Give the synonyms of the following words. 10 points

1. present 2. function 3. powerful 4. destiny 5. accepted 4. Answer the following questions using information from the text: 6 points

A. What is the role of myths in modern society? B. What are myths? C. How do myths, science and new mentalities coexist?

5. In your own words, comment on the following sentence: When old myths are lost, new ones are needed. (50 words) 4 points

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Ministerul Educaţiei, Cercetării şi Tineretului Centrul Naţional pentru Curriculum şi Evaluare în Învăţământul Preuniversitar

Examenul de bacalaureat 2008 Proba E/F

Proba scrisă la Limba engleză L1 normal – L2

• Toate subiectele sunt obligatorii. Se acordă 10 puncte din oficiu. • Timpul efectiv de lucru este de 3 ore.

SUBIECTUL I (30 puncte) Varianta 074 Read the text below and complete the following tasks. What exactly is cloning? According To the Human Genetics Advisory Commission, cloning is defined as “producing a cell or organism with the same nuclear genome as another cell or organism”. … (1). Some mammals have successfully been cloned, but humans have not. So, why are some scientists so keen to clone human cells? … (2). Scientists believe that in the future we will be able to clone human organs such as the heart, liver and kidneys which we will be able to use in transplant operations. They also think that cloning will help us get rid of genetic diseases and will allow infertile couples to have children. However, most scientists are against human cloning at present because they argue it is not safe. It took 272 attempts before the cloning of Dolly and she has not enjoyed good health since her birth. … (3). But what if we are able to solve the safety issues? Will human cloning be acceptable then? Many politicians and religious leaders say no. There are both political and ethical arguments against human cloning. Some religious groups say that cloning would allow us to “play God”: to determinate the sex and even the height of our children. They say this is morally wrong. … (4). Cloning could also produce a black market for embryos. Unless all the countries of the world make human cloning illegal, we are likely to see more and more attempts at human cloning in the near future. 1. Four sentences have been removed from the text. Select the appropriate sentence for each gap in the text. There is one sentence that does not fit. 4 points

A. Others argue that clones will suffer severe psychological problems when they learn they have been cloned.

B. Basically, that means that a clone is a living being with exactly the same DNA as another living being.

C. First of all, is important to understand that cloning human cells does not necessarily mean that you make a new human being.

D. At present, we do not have the technology to safely clone humans. E. And religious organisations such as Catholic Church will continue to argue that the cloning of

humans is morally indefensible. 2. What/Who do the words in bold refer to? 6 points 3. Give the antonyms of the following words. 10 points

1. successful 2. infertile 3. wrong 4. early 5. illegal 4. Answer the following questions. 6 points

A. Could the cloning of humans have medical benefits? B. Is it currently safe to clone a human? C. Could there be numerous drawbacks to human cloning?

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Ministerul Educaţiei, Cercetării şi Tineretului Centrul Naţional pentru Curriculum şi Evaluare în Învăţământul Preuniversitar

5. In your own words, comment on the role of the scientist in the modern world. Is the role of the scientist simply to discover new things? Or are scientists at all responsible for what uses their discoveries are put to? (50 words) 4 points

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Ministerul Educaţiei, Cercetării şi Tineretului Centrul Naţional pentru Curriculum şi Evaluare în Învăţământul Preuniversitar

Examenul de bacalaureat 2008 Proba E/F

Proba scrisă la Limba engleză L1 normal – L2

• Toate subiectele sunt obligatorii. Se acordă 10 puncte din oficiu. • Timpul efectiv de lucru este de 3 ore.

SUBIECTUL I (30 puncte) Varianta 075 Read the text below and complete the following tasks. Pierre Wilkinson believes that TV chefs give people the wrong idea. Their clean, white kitchens, which are perfectly tidy and quiet, are a world away from his day-to-day life. Pierre is the head chef at the New York Bistro and in his kitchen you have to be tough to survive. … (1). Pierre, though, loves it when the orders are coming in thick and fast. His day at the Bistro begins before everybody else’s and ends after everybody else’s. … (2). He might be a tough boss, but nobody can ever say he doesn’t work hard. His deliveries start arriving early and he checks all of them for quality. He often sends loads back, even if he really needs the food. The supply companies know he will only accept the best. Once the restaurant opens for lunch, the action is non-stop. His kitchen becomes a mad rush, while outside in the dining room everything is quiet and calm. … (3). That’s exactly the way Pierre wants it, creating an image of peace while behind the scene his people work flat out. Pierre has a staff of ten and each of them has a particular job to do. … (4). The more experienced cooks produce the final dishes, while the beginners prepare the vegetables. Many of the workers who pass through his kitchen look at Pierre and dream of having a kitchen of their own, in the same way he once did. 1. Four sentences have been removed from the text. Select the appropriate sentence for each gap in the text. There is one sentence that does not fit. 4 points

A. This kind of discipline is important because there is no time to wonder about what is happening during busy periods.

B. It was difficult at first to adjust. C. Few diners realise the effort that goes into producing their meals. D. He likes to have a hand in every aspect of the kitchen. E. It’s noisy, fast, and some find the stress unbearable.

2. What/Who do the words in bold refer to? 6 points 3. Give the synonyms of the following words. 10 points

1. tough 2. to end 3. to check 4. mad 5. exactly 4. Answer the following questions. 6 points

A. Who is Pierre Wilkinson? B. Does Pierre have a busy schedule? C. Is Pierre a role model?

5. In your own words, comment on the following sentence: He might be a tough boss, but nobody can ever say he doesn’t work hard. (50 words) 4 points

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Ministerul Educaţiei, Cercetării şi Tineretului Centrul Naţional pentru Curriculum şi Evaluare în Învăţământul Preuniversitar

Examenul de bacalaureat 2008

Proba E/F Proba scrisă la Limba engleză

L1 normal – L2

• Toate subiectele sunt obligatorii. Se acordă 10 puncte din oficiu. • Timpul efectiv de lucru este de 3 ore.

SUBIECTUL I (30 puncte) Varianta 076 Read the text below and complete the following tasks. „A few years ago a friend studying at Brunel University was lucky enough to grab a seat in a

packed lecture hall to hear an address given by an eminent professor to the university’s engineering society. The don was delivering an oration on the subject of unusual railway bridges…1) The learned professor punctuated his talk with pithy comments and slides of the breathtaking constructions. …(2) He knew his subject inside out. He singled out many innovative designs for praise and then turned on one unusual example and slated it. He criticised the titanic structure’s size, the design, the construction methods and the impact on the environment. …(3) When the applause had died down, there was a question and answer session. An elderly gentleman raised his hand. …(4)

The professor, his feathers ruffled by his contentious interruption puffed out his chest and pointedly put the old fellow down for audaciously implying that he knew more about the subject than the professor did himself. „Well, I should”, replied the old fellow. „You see, I designed and built that particular bridge myself.” 1. Four sentences have been removed from the text. Select the appropriate sentence for each gap in the text. There is one extra sentence that does not fit. 4 points

A. His knowledge seemed to know no bounds. B. He did not like that bridge! C. Returning to the subject of the maligned bridge, took some time to explain the reasons, as he understood them, for the unusual nature of the bridge’s aspect and fabrication. D. The hall was full to bursting with budding engineers and their peers. E. He felt more and more humiliated.

2. Who/What do the words in bold refer to? 6 points

3. Match the following words with their meaning : 10 points

1) packed 2) breathtaking 3) innovative 4) slate 5) grab A. severely criticise B. take the opportunity to get something

C. astonishing D. crowded E. new

4. Answer the following questions : 6 points A. What were the professor’s comments like? B. Which were the main bridge - aspects criticised by the learned professor? C. Which phrase best reveals the professor’s pride?

5.Comment on the following sentence; His knowledge seemed to know no bounds. (50words) 4 points

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Ministerul Educaţiei, Cercetării şi Tineretului Centrul Naţional pentru Curriculum şi Evaluare în Învăţământul Preuniversitar

Examenul de bacalaureat 2008

Proba E/F Proba scrisă la Limba engleză

L1 normal – L2

• Toate subiectele sunt obligatorii. Se acordă 10 puncte din oficiu. • Timpul efectiv de lucru este de 3 ore.

SUBIECTUL I (30 puncte) Varianta 077

Read the text below and complete the following tasks. Keith Urban’s life has unfolded as many great country songs do : with joy and despair, triumph

and regret. After leaving Australia at age 25, Urban, 40, struggled for five years before his singular combination of soulfulness, sex appeal and raw musical talent finally clicked. … (1) Then he just so happened to fall in love with the world’s most famous Australian woman. In June 2006, in Sydney, Urban walked down the aisle with with his flame – haired bride. … (2) But four months later Urban shocked everyone by entering a Center in Palm Springs for treatment for his recurring battle with alcohol abuse. „Life’s about crossroads” he says. "You can choose life or you can go on other way... (3) It’s just life or no life”. Kidman, although blindsided by the news, stood squarely at her husband’s side. … (4)” „I’ve learned an enormous amount having a relationship with someone who is in recovery” Kidman recently told. „I’m more than willing to walk it with him.” Urban is back on the road walking the line between his two great passions: his music and his wife. And he’s eager not to betray his private world with Nicole.

1. Four sentences have been removed from the text. Select the appropriate sentence for each gap in the text. There is one extra sentence that does not fit. 4 points

A. It’s not a matter of all the intricate stuff in between. B. Since his first CD, Urban sold more than 10 million records. C. It was very hard to have her go through that. D. An exquisite wedding that captured the imagination of their homeland. E. Happiness is often short.

2. Who/What do the words in bold refer to? 6 points 3. Match the following words with their meaning. 10 points 1.unfold 2. raw 3. recurring 4. willing to 5. soulfulness

A. eager to B. happening again C. strong D. expression of strong emotion E. develop

4. Answer the following questions. 6 points

A. What old bad habit of Urban’s recurred after his marriage? B. How long did it take Urban to get to be original? C. Which are the three words that would best characterize Urban’s life up to now?

5. Comment on the following sentence: You can choose life or you can go the other way...It’s just life or no life. (50 words) 4 points

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Ministerul Educaţiei, Cercetării şi Tineretului Centrul Naţional pentru Curriculum şi Evaluare în Învăţământul Preuniversitar

Examenul de bacalaureat 2008

Proba E/F Proba scrisă la Limba engleză

L1 normal – L2

• Toate subiectele sunt obligatorii. Se acordă 10 puncte din oficiu. • Timpul efectiv de lucru este de 3 ore.

SUBIECTUL I (30 puncte) Varianta 078 Read the text below and complete the following tasks.

I was just a typical child of my time, I suppose open to everything. … (1) I had heard about these hip clubs in London from a friend who had actually been to one. I used to come up from school and go to clubs when I was about 16. … (2) I was just a girl from the provinces, going up to the big city to see what gives. I didn’t know anybody, I was alone and unapproachable … (3) The 1960s hadn’t happened yet, there were only hazy intimations of what was coming. I thought maybe there was a bit more to it than shuffling around smoky clubs and I was hell-bent on being there when it happened, whatever it was!

Somewhere in the back of my mind I had made a decision to leave home, to break away. … (4)I’ve always laid my plans very secretively, which more often than not has turned out to be a mistake. I didn’t know that it was possible to talk things over with people and not lose everything in the process. I thought the minute you confided anything it would be gone or they would try to stop you. This was true of my mother. I learned very young to cancel my innermost thoughts from her. 1. Four sentences have been removed from the text. Select the appropriate sentence for each gap in the text. There is one extra sentence that does not fit. 4 points

A. I was dazzled by this scene, rudimentary as it was. B. I never spoke to anyone. C. I was being a teenager: curious, rebellious, in quest of the forbidden. D. I felt strong and confident. E. My mother never suspected this.

2. Who/What do the words in bold refer to? 6 points 3. Give the synonyms of the following words. 10 points

A. guest B. come up C. innermost D. confide E. conceal

4. Answer the following questions. 6 points A. Which was the major attraction for the sixteen year old girl? B. What decision had the girl taken? C. Which word could best characterize the relationship existing between daughter and mother?

5. Comment on the following sentence: I didn’t know that it was possible to talk things over with people and not lose everything in the process. (50 words) 4 points

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Ministerul Educaţiei, Cercetării şi Tineretului Centrul Naţional pentru Curriculum şi Evaluare în Învăţământul Preuniversitar

Examenul de bacalaureat 2008

Proba E/F Proba scrisă la Limba engleză

L1 normal – L2

• Toate subiectele sunt obligatorii. Se acordă 10 puncte din oficiu. • Timpul efectiv de lucru este de 3 ore.

SUBIECTUL I (30 puncte) Varianta 079 Read the text below and complete the following tasks.

Wearing a short white robe and conical hat and carrying a wooden staff, Yada, 49 strides

along a mountain path. She is among a group of 93 pilgrims headed for a Buddhist temple on the hill. … (1) She is no stranger to the trail. This is the eighth time she has made the pilgrimage walk, which covers 100 kilometres and 34 temples. “I have become addicted to the pilgrimage walk” says Yada. “I stop thinking about worldly things when I walk. … (2) Yada says she is an atheist but has contracted a serious pilgrim disease. … (3) They are increasingly making soul-searching pilgrimage trips on nearly 300 different circuits nationwide. Instead of driving or taking tour buses, growing numbers of pilgrims prefer to walk. … (4).Walking makes them think and helps them to find themselves.“ It’s not pure tourism. They are not looking for a genuine religious experience either” says the chief monk of the temple. And the pilgrims will say: “The pilgrimage gives me peace of mind” or “It makes you think and look at life from a different perspective”. 1. Four sentences have been removed from the text. Select the appropriate sentence for each gap in the text. There is one extra sentence that does not fit. 4 points

A. It’s like emptying myself. B. The bug is spreading fast among Japanese. C. It will be Yada’s 32nd temple in four days. D. I visit interesting places. E. It looks to me like the people are tired of material things.

2. Who/What do the words in bold refer to? 6 points 3. Give the antonyms of the following words. 10 points

A. serious B. worldly C. genuine D. religious E. different

4. Answer the following questions. 6 points

A. Which could be the “worldly things” Yada is talking about? B. How do you explain this increasing need for pilgrimage? C. What do people usually search for when they start on a pilgrimage?

t 5. Comment on the following sentence: Walking makes them think and helps them find themselves. (50 words) 4 points

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Ministerul Educaţiei, Cercetării şi Tineretului Centrul Naţional pentru Curriculum şi Evaluare în Învăţământul Preuniversitar

Examenul de bacalaureat 2008

Proba E/F Proba scrisă la Limba engleză

L1 normal – L2

• Toate subiectele sunt obligatorii. Se acordă 10 puncte din oficiu. • Timpul efectiv de lucru este de 3 ore.

SUBIECTUL I (30 puncte) Varianta 080 Read the text below and complete the following tasks.

At school I was suffocated by the amount of normality I was subjected to. I knew how to count yet they, the teachers, pushed all these complex forms of mathematics down my throat. … (1) I was force-fed the school syllabus, and all because it was doomed to be standard. … (2)The misfits were destined to become farm workers or manual workers with no chance to achieve or realize their potential. I sat at my desk on the day of the Eleven Plus exam and looked at my paper. … (3) It was my whole being. I decided to settle my own fate. … (4) The room was silent, apart from the anxious schratching of pencils and yet inside my head was a triumphant explosion. I had made my first statement to the world. But it was also like watching opportunity float away on a piece of paper down the river. It would damage me, but it was a victory. For the first time in my life I realised that it would be a battle between me and them. 1. Four sentences have been removed from the text. Select the appropriate sentence for each gap in the text. There is one extra sentence that does not fit. 4 points

A. No consideration was given for talents outside the limited range required by the examining board. B. I felt it was more than my intelligence that was being tested. C. I could read, but I wasn’t allowed to read what I wanted. D. Exams are little relevant for me, though. E. I signed my name at the top of the paper, and did nothing for the rest of the exam.

2. Who/What do the words in bold refer to? 6 points 3. Give the antonyms of the following words. 10 points

A. down B. achieve C. silent D. anxious E. victory

4. Answer the following questions. 6 points

A. What does the author ironically mean by “normality”? B. Where did the author’s hatred towards school derive from? C. What does the second paragraph refer to?

5. Comment on the following sentence: For the first time in my life I realized that it would be a battle between me and them. (50 words) 4 points

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Ministerul Educaţiei, Cercetării şi Tineretului Centrul Naţional pentru Curriculum şi Evaluare în Învăţământul Preuniversitar

Examenul de bacalaureat 2008

Proba E/F Proba scrisă la Limba engleză

L1 normal – L2

• Toate subiectele sunt obligatorii. Se acordă 10 puncte din oficiu. • Timpul efectiv de lucru este de 3 ore.

SUBIECTUL I (30 puncte) Varianta 081 Read the text below and complete the following tasks. Trust is a little like blindness. In some cases you literally cannot see, as when riding a horse in

the dark. In others, you figuratively cannot see because you lack knowledge or understanding. … (1)To triumph, you have to trust. You cannot just trust, you have to trust in something, and that something must be worthy. Trustworthy. … (2) Just as God built navigational instincts into horses, he built a navigational tool into the earth – the magnetic pole. When a compass needle points towards that pole, trust it. Trust yourself, too. Some years ago, a friend and I were hunting in the wilderness. Suddenly I began to fret. Did I bring enough clothes? What if we got hurt? ... (3) I finally thought: Relax! … (4) And after that the trip went smoothly.

Just as God endowed horses and compasses with navigational tools. He endowed you with a tool to navigate life. It’s called reason. Common sense. When people succumb to fear, intimidation or other paralyzing emotions, they sell themselves short. You have something powerful: brainpower. When you’re lost in the dark, you can pull out your flashlight, map, compass, and GPS. Then, applying reason, you can navigate infallibly to any destination. Sure, trusting yourself in unknown realms can be terrifying – but just like the horse, you will find your way. 1. Four sentences have been removed from the text. Select the appropriate sentence for each gap in the text. There is one extra sentence that does not fit. 4 points A. Did we have enough food? B. Whichever the case, you have no choice. C. Trust yourself. D. A horse is one example, the compass is another. E. We have many possibilities. 2. Who/What do the words in bold refer to? 6 points 3. Match the following words with their meaning. 10 points

1) blindness 2) worthy 3) succumb 4) fret 5) smoothly A. lose the ability to fight B. easily C. worry D. lack of sight E. deserving something 4. Answer the following questions. 6 points

A. What has God endowed human beings with? B. What must be the author’s hobby? C. Is the message of the text optimistic or pessimistic? Why? (Give reasons).

5. Comment on the following sentence: When people succumb to fear, intimidation or other paralyzing emotions, they sell themselves short. (50 words) 4 points

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Ministerul Educaţiei, Cercetării şi Tineretului Centrul Naţional pentru Curriculum şi Evaluare în Învăţământul Preuniversitar

Examenul de bacalaureat 2008

Proba E/F Proba scrisă la Limba engleză

L1 normal – L2

• Toate subiectele sunt obligatorii. Se acordă 10 puncte din oficiu. • Timpul efectiv de lucru este de 3 ore.

SUBIECTUL I (30 puncte) Varianta 082 Read the text below and complete the following tasks.

Taking her inspiration from nature’s ingenuity, Janine Benyus helped launch a design revolution. … (1) 3.8 billion years of evolution have exposed the design flaws of roughly 99% of nature’s creations –all recalled by the Manufacturer…(2) For example, nature’s design has led to the creation of bat-inspired ultrasonic canes for the blind, synthetic sheets that collect water from mist and fog as desert beetles do …(3) The underwater glue mimics the natural substance used by mussels. … (4) Bio-mimicry learns and emulates how spiders make silk; biotechnology transplants spiders’ silk-making genes into goats, then sorts silk from milk and hopes the genes don’t get loose. Biotechnology is smart kids in an oil depot with matches. Biotechnology is pure hubris; bio mimicry is luminous humility-treating nature as model and mentor; cherished not as a mine to be stripped of its resources but as a teacher. Steering this design revolution is a gentle, funny, lovely lady. By revealing which organism knows how to solve design problems she is starting to help the world. This will change your life. And it may save the world. 1. Four sentences have been removed from the text. Select the appropriate sentence for each gap in the text. There is one extra sentence that does not fit. 4 points

A. Equally promising, we’ll soon make solar cells like leaves. B. She draws her design inspiration from nature’s wisdom, not people’s cleverness. C. Maybe we’ll get as smart as forests. D. The 1% that have survived can teach powerful lessons about how things should be built if they are to last. E. Bio-mimicry is one of the wonders of the human brain.

2. Who/What do the words in bold refer to? 6 points 3. Give the antonyms of the following words. 10 points

A. cleverness B. powerful C. genius D. loose E. survive

4. Answer the following questions. 6 points

A. Who is the founder of bio-mimicry thought to be? B. What is the main device that biotechnology operates with? C. Which is the main purpose of bio-mimicry?

5. Comment on the following sentence: Bio-technology is smart kids in an oil depot with

matches; bio mimicry is wise adults in a rain forest with flashlights. (50 words) 4 points

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Ministerul Educaţiei, Cercetării şi Tineretului Centrul Naţional pentru Curriculum şi Evaluare în Învăţământul Preuniversitar

Examenul de bacalaureat 2008

Proba E/F Proba scrisă la Limba engleză

L1 normal – L2 • Toate subiectele sunt obligatorii. Se acordă 10 puncte din oficiu. • Timpul efectiv de lucru este de 3 ore.

SUBIECTUL I (30 puncte) Varianta 083

Read the text below and complete the following tasks.

It makes planes fall from the sky! It causes explosions at petrol stations!... (1) It helps terorists! …(2) Why, the mobile phone of course. Mobile phones do not make planes crash. Their use in the air is banned because it would interfere with mobile networks on the ground. What of explosions of petrol stations? They are mostly caused by static electricity ; the ban on phones was introduced by overcautious oil firms in the 1980’s despite the lack of any evidence of danger. There is no credible evidence between mobile phones and cancer. It is true that terrorists use mobile phones. But they also use electricity and cars. …(3) There is a contradiction here : mobile phones are indispensable, yet they have also given rise to a bundle of curious fears. …(4) In the 19th century people worried that telegraph wires were affecting the weather or were a form of black magic. Trains were thought to cause nervous disorder. More recently, people have worried about the health effects of overhead power lines, microwave ovens, and radiation from computer monitors. Years of research have failed to find evidence of harm. So the reaction to mobile phones is merely the latest example of a familiar pattern. As new techologies emerge, the pattern repeats itself. 1. Four sentences/groups of words have been removed from the text. Select the appropriate sentence/ group of words for each gap in the text. There is one extra sentence/group of words which you do not need to use. 4 points A. But it is quite normal for successful technologies to cause concern when they are first introduced. B. Why single out phones? C. What is this terrible device? D. It gives you cancer! E. Mobile phones are useful to all of us. 2. Who/What do the words in bold refer to? 6 points 3. Give the synonyms of the following words. 10 points A. overcautious B. true C. fear D. health E. familiar 4. Answer the following questions: 6 points A. What is the real cause of explosions at the petrol stations? B. Which is the main device used by terrorists? C. What were the telegraph wires thought to be in the 19th century? 5. Comment on the following sentence: As new techologies emerge, the pattern repeats itself. (50 words) 4 points

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Ministerul Educaţiei, Cercetării şi Tineretului Centrul Naţional pentru Curriculum şi Evaluare în Învăţământul Preuniversitar

Examenul de bacalaureat 2008

Proba E/F Proba scrisă la Limba engleză

L1 normal – L2

• Toate subiectele sunt obligatorii. Se acordă 10 puncte din oficiu. • Timpul efectiv de lucru este de 3 ore.

SUBIECTUL I (30 puncte) Varianta 084

Read the text below and complete the following tasks. My husband Micah Helser is a MEDEVAC pilot for the US Army, deployed to Iraq.

… (1) At a moment’s notice, he and his crew fly to a distress call, remove the injured, and then fly to a medical facility. And most soldiers spend their free time playing video games, watching movies or reading. … (2) Micah grew up camping, climbing, mountain biking, and skiing in beautiful Oregon. … (3) Along with another soldier, Micah built a climbing wall in the middle of Iraq desert, with limited supplies and outrageous temperatures. The building materials were salvaged from other projects across the base. After months of hard work and planning the wall was ready. There are few joys during war. This simple wall created a source of refreshment, the memory of tall rock faces, cool mountain air – a reminder that war cannot take what’s inside a man. … (4) Most climb barefoot, laughing and struggling. As for my husband, you’ll most likely find him, during his time off, wearing his flight suit half-unzipped and tied around his waist. If you are near such a place, where you are able to experience miracles, please take a moment to breathe deeply and observe the beauty around you. 1. Four sentences have been removed from the text. Select the appropriate sentence for each gap in the text. There is one extra sentence that does not fit. 4 points

A. Placed in a land consumed with hatred and lacking most aspects of an outdoorman’s

landscape his inner mountain man took control – he made his own mountain. B. Many have enjoyed it. C. He flies rescue missions in a Blackhawk helicopter. D. It’s not a lifestyle to which Micah has ever been, nor wants to become, accustomed. E. Is it a proof of mountain – love or of insanity to do it?

2. Who/ What do the words in bold refer to? 6 points 3. Give the synonyms of the following words. 10 points 1. outrageous 2. distress 3. supplies 4. struggling 5. the injured 4. Answer the following questions. 6 points

A. Name the main responsibilities fulfilled by an American MEDEVAC pilot. B. Where did Micah spend his childhood? C. How long did it take to make the wall?

5. Explain the following sentence: There are few joys during war. (50 words) 4 points

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Ministerul Educaţiei, Cercetării şi Tineretului Centrul Naţional pentru Curriculum şi Evaluare în Învăţământul Preuniversitar

Examenul de bacalaureat 2008

Proba E/F Proba scrisă la Limba engleză

L1 normal – L2

• Toate subiectele sunt obligatorii. Se acordă 10 puncte din oficiu. • Timpul efectiv de lucru este de 3 ore.

SUBIECTUL I (30 puncte) Varianta 085 Read the text below and complete the following tasks. „Having spent the 1980s inventing even more sophisticated forms of performance-related pay

(PRP), business are rediscovering the merits of an older way of motivating people: performance-related gifts (PRGs). … (1) In Japan, where promotion depends on seniority companies might have to show their appreciation with foreign holidays and golf-club membership. … (2) In fact, paying people what they are worth is not always enough. Many managers are turning against performance-related pay complaining that it is expensive, clumsy and demoralising. Gifts seem to allow a show of appreciation for one person”s outstanding work without annoying everyone else. …(3) Consider Avon products, a company specialising in beauty products.They tried to give up in-house prizes: reducing travel awards, cutting commissions and stopping the practice of spending birthday presents to high performers. The result was widespread anger and hostility among the company”s crack force of 400,000 ,,Avon ladies” who sell beauty products. … (4) Levi-Strauss, a leisurewear firm, gives everyone at its San Francisco headquarters a small number of ,”You are Great” coupons which they can hand out to any of their colleagues doing a particulary good job. 1. Four sentences have been removed from the text. Select the appropriate sentence for each gap in the text. There is one extra sentence that does not fit. 4 points A. And they are usually pretty cheap. B. Firms are using presents, from Caribbean cruises to colour television, to reward outstanding work. C. Other companies are embracing the gift-giving habit. D. In a growing number of Western countries, companies could surely pay people what they are worth. E. Recipients can trade in the coupons for twenty-five dollars or a gift certificate. 2. Who / What do the following words refer to? 6 points 3. Give synonyms for the following words. 10 points 1. cruise 2. growing 3. clumsy 4. hostility 5. crack 4. Answer the following questions. 6 points

A. How did managers use to reward outstanding work in the 80’s? B. What are the advantages of gift-giving to show appreciation? C. Why do the ,,Avon ladies” represent a smashing force?

5. Comment on the following sentence: In fact, paying people what they are worth is not always enough. (50 words) 4 points

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Ministerul Educaţiei, Cercetării şi Tineretului Centrul Naţional pentru Curriculum şi Evaluare în Învăţământul Preuniversitar

Examenul de bacalaureat 2008

Proba E/F Proba scrisă la Limba engleză

L1 normal – L2

• Toate subiectele sunt obligatorii. Se acordă 10 puncte din oficiu. • Timpul efectiv de lucru este de 3 ore.

SUBIECTUL I (30 puncte) Varianta 086 Read the text below and complete the following tasks.

Catherine Hookham, 85, heaves a big sigh as she sits watching the evening news. Yet again crime is on the increase. … (1) “Is there no end to it?” Catherine “I’m not saying it was all sentimental like in adverts but we were more contented”. But there are other reasons why Catherine feels that life has become less pleasant. … (2) As a result, she moved into an old people’s house. “This would never have happened a few years ago”, she insists. Then people could go out without constantly having to look over their shoulder, and mums could send their kids to play in the streets without worrying they’d be attacked or offered drugs by someone. … (3) An expert on today’s quality of life says:” …our standard of living is rising, but they don’t take into account important factors like pollution, crime and stress. … (4) Single mum Kerry Sparrow, 28, is glad she’s bringing her daughter now. She feels today’s society more open. “Whether she wants to be a doctor or a bus driver she can choose and people have the freedom to decide how they want to live their lives. 1. Four sentences have been removed from the text. Select the appropriate sentence for each gap in the text. There is one extra sentence that does not fit. 4 points

A. Three years ago she was beaten up by a mugger. B. What people want above all is security and an environment where their children can grow

up to be healthy adults. C. Hundreds of homeless teenagers roam the streets. D. You’ve only got to look at people’s faces to see how depressed and worried they are. E. To find the right solution seems almost impossible.

2. Who/What do the words in bold refer to? 6 points 3. Give the antonyms of the following words. 10 points 1. increase 2. pleasant 3. constantly 4. worry 5. open 4. Answer the following questions. 6 points

A. Which are the three main reasons for which Catherine is so discontented? B. What are the three main threats that are present in our lives now adays? C. Who do you mostly agree with : Catherine or Kerry? Give one reason at least.

5. Comment on the following sentence: Whether she wants to be a doctor or a bus driver she can choose and people have the freedom to decide how they want to live their lives.(50 words) 4 points

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Ministerul Educaţiei, Cercetării şi Tineretului Centrul Naţional pentru Curriculum şi Evaluare în Învăţământul Preuniversitar

Examenul de bacalaureat 2008

Proba E/F Proba scrisă la Limba engleză

L1 normal – L2

• Toate subiectele sunt obligatorii. Se acordă 10 puncte din oficiu. • Timpul efectiv de lucru este de 3 ore.

SUBIECTUL I (30 puncte) Varianta 087

Read the text below and complete the following tasks.

Harried business executive may play an occasional squash game or round of golf into their

overscheduled lives. Office clerks may sometimes trade a quick bite for a gym class during lunch hours. But if they want to get more out of their exercise routine than a competitive attitude or a leaner look, they are going to have to step up the pace. … (1) A. Harvard study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association seems to sow confusion on America’s treadmills and couches. … (2) Even couch potatoes could cut their death risk nearly in half if they started walking 3.2 kilometres in 28 to 30 minutes every other day. … (3) When health advice starts to confuse rather than illuminate, a little common sense seems the best course of action. … (4) So that best exercise that you can do probably turns out to be something that you enjoy – whether it’s an aerobics workout or just a brief walk. All it is getting up from the couch, turning off the TV and striding – briskly – out of the door. 1. Four sentences have been removed from the text. Select the appropriate sentence for each gap in the text. There is one extra sentence that does not fit. 4 points

A. Even if moderate exercise doesn’t prolong your life , it improves your quality of life. B. The study determines that any improvement in fitness is translated into longer life. C. Because those who exercise live longer than those who break a sweat only once or twice a week. D. The problems that arise seem extremely severe. E. The American College of Sports Medicine also trumpeted the health benefits of moderation.

2. Who/What do the words in bold refer to? 6 points 3. Give the synonyms of the following words. 10 points 1. occasional 2. step up 3. couch 4. illuminate 5. turn out 4. Answer the following questions. 6 points

1. What suggestions does the text offer in order to keep fit? 2. Which is the key word for prolonging our lives and keeping fit? 3. What are the TV glued people called here?

5. Comment on the following sentence: When health advice starts to confuse rather than illuminate, a little common sense seems the best course of action. (50 words) 4 points

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Ministerul Educaţiei, Cercetării şi Tineretului Centrul Naţional pentru Curriculum şi Evaluare în Învăţământul Preuniversitar

Examenul de bacalaureat 2008

Proba E/F Proba scrisă la Limba engleză

L1 normal – L2

• Toate subiectele sunt obligatorii. Se acordă 10 puncte din oficiu. • Timpul efectiv de lucru este de 3 ore.

SUBIECTUL I (30 puncte) Varianta 088 Read the text below and complete the following tasks.

Throughout most of my life, I have heard that “You are what you eat!” Then later, … (1) it became “You are what you eat, digest, and absorb!” Our world is changing daily. Over the years the quality of our food supplies has also changed. Your grandparents, and possibly even your parents, would purchase food from the grocery store … (2). Or, perhaps, they grew much of their own food. I spent several years growing my own vegetables and then either canning or freezing many of them. They were grown organically, chemical free, … (3). While at that time of my life, I just heard that “organic” was better for you, I didn’t know much about why “organic” was better for you. But I did know things tasted better. Basically, the same thing rings true with our meats. The cows that used to roam freely in the pasture, getting most of their nourishment from the grass, went to the locker plant mostly chemical free. Today they graze on grass that is heavily fertilized and had weed killers used on it. They are fed grains with chemicals added to help them put on weight faster. So, … (4), there are some increased health risks because of the added chemicals.

(British Council Magazine, 2007)

1. Four sentences have been removed from the text. Select the appropriate sentence for each gap in the text. There is one extra sentence that does not fit. 4 points A. that was not so heavily-laden with chemicals as it is today B. which is considered to be healthier C. as I became more knowledgeable about nutrition D. and were delicious E. even if the consumer is trying to purchase purely healthy-type foods 2. Who/what do the words in bold refer to? 6 points

3. Give the antonyms of the following words. 10 points 1. later 2. to purchase 3. delicious 4. better 5. increase 4. Answer the following questions. 6 points

A. What did the author know about ’’organic’’ at the beginning? B. How did the author spend some of his years? C. How is the grass that cows graze on today?

5. Comment on the following sentence: You are what you eat, digest and absorb! (50 words) 4 points

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Ministerul Educaţiei, Cercetării şi Tineretului Centrul Naţional pentru Curriculum şi Evaluare în Învăţământul Preuniversitar

Examenul de bacalaureat 2008

Proba E/F Proba scrisă la Limba engleză

L1 normal – L2

• Toate subiectele sunt obligatorii. Se acordă 10 puncte din oficiu. • Timpul efectiv de lucru este de 3 ore.

SUBIECTUL I (30 puncte) Varianta 089 Read the text below and complete the following tasks. There's no better time to examine breakfast eating habits … (1). In fact, September has been designated as "Better Breakfast Month." Studies show that children and adult students who eat breakfast do more and better work in school than those who skip it. In contrast, those … (2) tend to tire more quickly, be more irritable, and react less quickly than those who eat breakfast. … (3), breakfast is an important meal. The reasons for skipping breakfast are many. Those most frequently heard include: "There isn't time," "Food that early makes me sick," "I don't like breakfast foods," and "I'm skipping breakfast for weight control." Mostly these are just excuses. Breakfast doesn't have to take a lot of time. It can be simple or elaborate, cooked or uncooked, eaten sitting down or on- the-run, low or high in calories, mundane or varied. … (4) is to make it part of your morning routine. In short, a good nutritious breakfast need not include typical breakfast foods, but eating breakfast is a good habit to start off the school day. That is why every parent should insist on his child taking his portion of ’’energy” every single morning.

(British Council Magazine, 2007)

1. Four sentences/groups of words have been removed from the text. Select the appropriate sentence/ group of words for each gap in the text. There is one extra sentence/group of words which you do not need to use. 4 points A. Because many of the basic subjects are taught before noon B. The main thing C. than at the beginning of the school year D. who skip breakfast E. one of the least important things 2. Who/what do the words in bold refer to? 6 points

3. Give the synonyms of the following words. 10 points 1. beginning 2. to eat 3. important 4. reason 5. elaborate. 4. Answer the following questions. 6 points

A. What do studies show? B. Which are some of the most frequently heard reasons for nor having breakfast ? C. What is in the author’s opinion about the good habit of starting off the school day?

5. Comment on the following sentence: Mostly these are just excuses. (50 words) 4 points

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Ministerul Educaţiei, Cercetării şi Tineretului Centrul Naţional pentru Curriculum şi Evaluare în Învăţământul Preuniversitar

Examenul de bacalaureat 2008

Proba E/F Proba scrisă la Limba engleză

L1 normal – L2

• Toate subiectele sunt obligatorii. Se acordă 10 puncte din oficiu. • Timpul efectiv de lucru este de 3 ore.

SUBIECTUL I (30 puncte) Varianta 090 Read the text below and complete the following tasks. Many well qualified and extremely able candidates fail at job interviews … (1) and the expectations of the interviewer. Successful candidates, on the other hand, manage to impress prospective employers precisely because they know how to present themselves. Thus, they study the job advertisement; they analyse what is required in the way of skills qualifications and experience; they assess their own suitability for the job; and finally, they present themselves in a thoughtful and carefully prepared manner which will ensure their success. Their written applications are comprehensive and business like, … (2). They prepare themselves carefully for interview anticipating likely questions and rehearsing their responses. They study the structure of the interview and devise a strategy to satisfy the interviewer's requirements. In short, they prepare themselves to succeed. As a candidate you should be able to express yourself with clarity and precision. To do this, you must make adequate preparation. However, this does not mean … (3). To do so would make you sound unnatural. Your answers should appear spontaneous. At the same time, you should come across as thoughtful, articulate and coherent. Since interviewers are looking for candidates … (4), you should state that you enjoy your job, that you are enthusiastic and ambitious, and that you welcome challenge, whose presence in your life is what makes it worth living.

(British Council Magazine, 2007) 1. Four sentences/groups of words have been removed from the text. Select the appropriate sentence/ group of words for each gap in the text. There is one extra sentence/group of words which you do not need to use. 4 points A. containing all the relevant information presented neatly and concisely B. simply because they are unaware of the conventions of the job interview C. that you should learn your responses by heart D. which is quite a difficult task E. who display a positive attitude 2. Who/what do the words in bold refer to? 6 points 3. Give the synonyms of the following words. 10 points 1. able 2. to assess 3. to devise 4. likely 5. to display. 4. Answer the following questions: 6 points

A. Why do some well qualified candidates fail at job interviews? B. What are some of the things successful candidates do in order to impress employers? C. What should the candidate do in order to display a positive attitude?

5. Comment on the following sentence: In short, they prepare themselves to succeed. (50 words) 4 points

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Ministerul Educaţiei, Cercetării şi Tineretului Centrul Naţional pentru Curriculum şi Evaluare în Învăţământul Preuniversitar

Examenul de bacalaureat 2008

Proba E/F Proba scrisă la Limba engleză

L1 normal – L2

• Toate subiectele sunt obligatorii. Se acordă 10 puncte din oficiu. • Timpul efectiv de lucru este de 3 ore.

SUBIECTUL I (30 puncte) Varianta 091 Read the text below and complete the following tasks. Since the beginning of time one aspect of human social experience has stood out as the ‘place to be’ for communication and family bonding: the meal. In contemporary human life the evening dinner is often the only place and time … (1). When you want to take someone out for a romantic date, meet business colleagues, get together with old friends, whom we haven’t met for a long time, … (2). What is it about sharing some food … (3)? Could it simply be science, and the fact that if you are tense when you eat, the food doesn’t digest as well? Or, could it have some psychological basis? Think of all the problems in the world today. Maybe if we all got together for a feast we could work out some practical solutions. The current Dalai Lama is quoted as having said, “I sometimes think that the act of bringing food is one of the basic roots of all relationships.” So, next time you sit down to a meal with friends or family, remember the significance of this often undervalued experience. It is often the main time to communicate … (4), so please don’t take it for granted. Relating to each other is one of the most important elements in a social creature’s existence; the meal is a time and place for relationships to sprout and grow.

(British Council Magazine, 2007) 1. Four sentences have been removed from the text. Select the appropriate sentence for each gap in the text. There is one extra sentence that does not fit. 4 points A. which gives us so much satisfaction B. to the ones you hold most dearly C. we go out for a bite to eat D. when a family all sits down together E. that puts us in such a relaxed and communicable state 2. Who/what do the words in bold refer to? 6 points

3. Give the synonyms of the following words. 10 points 1. beginning 2. get together 3. basic 4. sit down 5. significance 4. Answer the following questions. 6 points A. How does the author consider the evening dinner? B. What does the author propose that we should do regarding the problems in the world today? C. What does the writer ask us to do next time we sit down to a meal with friends or family? 5. Comment on the following sentence: I sometimes think that the act of bringing food is one of the basic roots of all relationships. (50 words) 4 points

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Ministerul Educaţiei, Cercetării şi Tineretului Centrul Naţional pentru Curriculum şi Evaluare în Învăţământul Preuniversitar

Examenul de bacalaureat 2008

Proba E/F Proba scrisă la Limba engleză

L1 normal – L2

• Toate subiectele sunt obligatorii. Se acordă 10 puncte din oficiu. • Timpul efectiv de lucru este de 3 ore.

SUBIECTUL I (30 puncte) Varianta 092 Read the text below and complete the following tasks. One way of learning how something works is to disassemble it, finding out … (1)? People do much the same thing with complex issues, events, ideas, and phenomena of all types. That is, they break the complex whole into its component parts to gain a better understanding of the whole. This process of breaking things into their component parts is called analysis. Analysis in expository writing explains a subject by dividing it into its component parts and showing how they are related. The writer, in a sense, puts back together that … (2). The process illustrates the saying: ‘’Knowledge comes from taking things apart; wisdom comes from putting them back together.” The method of analysis to use depends greatly on the subject and the purpose of the writer. For example, a written analysis of a racing car engine would be structured differently from an analysis of the Civil War. And the Civil War … (3) would require a different method of analysis than the Civil War looked at from the standpoint of its effect upon family life in the South. In our society, an entire group of writers does nothing but write reviews that analyse works of art, dance, film, theatre, and literature. And there are a lot of people interested in culture … (4) and many students who are often called upon to review works of literature. (Cosmo Ferrara-The art of writing) 1. Four sentences have been removed from the text. Select the appropriate sentence for each gap in the text. There is one extra sentence that does not fit. 4 points A. which has been broken down into components to shed light on the whole. B. looked at from a standpoint of relevant military strategies C. what each part does and how each relates to the others D. that enables the reader to understand a very complex phenomenon E. for whom reading these reviews is a mainstay 2. Who/what do the words in bold refer to? 6 points

3. Give the antonyms of the following words. 10 points 1. complex 2. to gain 3. better 4. different 5. interested 4. Answer the following questions. 6 points A. Which is the definition of the word analysis in the writer’s opinion? B. What does the method of analysis depend on? C. What examples does the author give in order to illustrate the differences in the method of analysis? 5. Comment on the following sentence: Knowledge comes from taking things apart; wisdom comes from putting them back together. (50 words) 4 points

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Ministerul Educaţiei, Cercetării şi Tineretului Centrul Naţional pentru Curriculum şi Evaluare în Învăţământul Preuniversitar

Examenul de bacalaureat 2008

Proba E/F Proba scrisă la Limba engleză

L1 normal – L2

• Toate subiectele sunt obligatorii. Se acordă 10 puncte din oficiu. • Timpul efectiv de lucru este de 3 ore.

SUBIECTUL I (30 puncte) Varianta 093 Read the text below and complete the following tasks. The first question we might ask is : what can you learn in college… (1)? The schools teach a great many things of value to the future accountant, the future doctor, or the future electrician. Do they also teach anything of value to the future employee? The answer is :’’Yes-they teach the one thing that it is perhaps most valuable for the future employee to know. But very few students bother to learn it.’’ This one basic skill… (2), is the ability to organize and express ideas in writing and in speaking. As an employee you work with and through other people. This means that your success as an employee-and I am talking of much more here than getting promoted- will depend on your ability to communicate with people and to present your own ideas to them… (3). The letter, the report or memorandum, the ten-minute spoken ‘’presentation’’to a committee are basic tools of the employee. Expressing one’s thoughts is one skill … (4), especially to people born with natural writing or speaking talent.That’s why one should lay the foundations during the school years, as they may never have an opportunity again. (Cosmo Ferrara-The art of writing ) 1. Four sentences have been removed from the text. Select the appropriate sentence for each gap in the text. There is one extra sentence that does not fit. 4 points A. that will help you in being an employee B. but your effectiveness depends on your ability to communicate C. whose importance doesn’t need much explanation D. so they will both understand what you are driving at and be persuaded E. that school can really teach 2. Who/what do the words in bold refer to? 6 points

3. Give the synonyms of the following words. 10 points 1. value 2. perhaps 3. to bother 4. skill 5. depend on 4. Answer the following questions. 6 points A. Which is the basic skill taught in school and considered by the author as the most valuable one? B. What will your success as an employee depend on? C. Give two examples of basic tools of the employee. 5. Comment on the following sentence: But very few students bother to learn it. (50 words) 4 points

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Ministerul Educaţiei, Cercetării şi Tineretului Centrul Naţional pentru Curriculum şi Evaluare în Învăţământul Preuniversitar

Examenul de bacalaureat 2008

Proba E/F Proba scrisă la Limba engleză

L1 normal – L2

• Toate subiectele sunt obligatorii. Se acordă 10 puncte din oficiu. • Timpul efectiv de lucru este de 3 ore.

SUBIECTUL I (30 puncte) Varianta 094 Read the text below and complete the following tasks. Of all the forces … (1), none has been more potent than television. While, of course, television levels distance- puts us closer and more vividly present in Paris than we are in our state capital and takes us all instantly to the moon- it has had a less noticeable but equally potent effect on our sense of time… (2), precisely because it fills the instant present moment with experience so engrossing and overwhelming, it dulls our sense of the past. If it had not been possible for us all to accompany Scott and Irwin on their voyage of exploration on the moon, we would have had to wait to be engrossed in retrospect by a vivid chronicle, and there would then have been no possible doubt … (3). But with television we saw that historic event –as we now see more and more of whatever goes on in our country- as only another vivid item in the present. But history is a flowing stream. We are held together by its continuities, by people willing to sit there and do their jobs, by the unspoken faiths of people … (4). That makes a dull programme. So people begin to think of the outside world as if there too the programme changed every half hour.

(Cosmo Ferrara-The art of writing ) 1. Four sentences have been removed from the text. Select the appropriate sentence for each gap in the text. There is one extra sentence that does not fit. 4 points A. whose focus is on our interest on the here-and-now B. which have tempted us to lose our sense of history C. who still believe much of what their fathers believed D. because television enables us to be there, anywhere, instantly E. that the moon journey was part of the stream of our history 2. Who/what do the words in bold refer to? 6 points

3. Give the antonyms of the following words. 10 points 1. closer 2. less 3. equally 4. possible 5. willing 4. Answer the following questions. 6 points A. What does television enable us? B. What would have happened if it had not been possible for us all to see the voyage of exploration on the moon? C. How do people begin to think of the outside world? 5. Comment on the following sentence: But history is a flowing stream. (50 words) 4 points

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Ministerul Educaţiei, Cercetării şi Tineretului Centrul Naţional pentru Curriculum şi Evaluare în Învăţământul Preuniversitar

Examenul de bacalaureat 2008

Proba E/F Proba scrisă la Limba engleză

L1 normal – L2

• Toate subiectele sunt obligatorii. Se acordă 10 puncte din oficiu. • Timpul efectiv de lucru este de 3 ore.

SUBIECTUL I (30 puncte) Varianta 095 Read the text below and complete the following tasks.

Many years ago, the word 'literate' meant being able to communicate well in speaking, … (1). Story telling was an important activity in the past and it still is today in some societies. Only a hundred years ago, in the United States, … (2) if you could sign your name to a piece of paper. It was an important skill. You were not allowed to vote if you couldn't sign the voting register, so literacy was connected with political rights, … (3).

Nowadays we see reading and writing as being connected, … (4). Many people could read, but not write. Writing was a skilled profession. If you needed something written then you paid an expert to write it for you. And of course, rich and important people have always employed people to write things for them. Important company bosses dictated letters to their secretaries or personal assistants. And now with new computer software you can dictate directly to your computer.

Is literacy important? Being illiterate can have a big effect on people's lives. For example, a study in the UK showed that people who write and spell badly are seen as careless, immature and unreliable, and often unintelligent. So it is more difficult for these to find jobs, even when reading and writing are not necessary for the work. (British Council Magazine – 2007) 1. Four sentences have been removed from the text. Select the appropriate sentence for each gap in the text. There is one extra sentence that does not fit. 4 points A. and many people were excluded from the democratic process. B. which is quite irrelevant C. you were considered to be literate D. in other words what we now call “articulate” E. but that wasn't so in the past 2. Who/what do the words in bold refer to? 6 points 3. Give the antonyms of the following words. 10 points 1.able 2. important 3. rich 4. employ 5. careless 4. Answer the following questions. 6 points A. What was the situation of literacy in the US a hundred years ago? B. How was literacy connected with political rights? C. What is the connection between illiteracy and employment? 5. Comment on the following sentence: Is literacy important? (50 words) 4 points

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Ministerul Educaţiei, Cercetării şi Tineretului Centrul Naţional pentru Curriculum şi Evaluare în Învăţământul Preuniversitar

Examenul de bacalaureat 2008

Proba E/F Proba scrisă la Limba engleză

L1 normal – L2

• Toate subiectele sunt obligatorii. Se acordă 10 puncte din oficiu. • Timpul efectiv de lucru este de 3 ore.

SUBIECTUL I (30 puncte) Varianta 096 Read the text below and complete the following tasks. Nowadays there is less and less contact between the old and the young. There are many reasons for this, including the breakdown of the extended family, working parents with no time to care for ageing relations, families that have moved away, and smaller flats with no room for grandparents. But the result is the same - increasing numbers of children without grandparents and old people … (1). And more old people who are lonely and feel useless, along with more and more families with young children … (2). It's a major problem in many societies. That's why intergenerational programmes, … (3), are growing in popularity all over the world, supported by UNESCO and other local and international organisations. There are examples of successful initiatives all over the world. Some of these are using young people to teach IT skills to older people is one obvious example. Using old people as volunteer assistants in schools is another, perhaps reading with children who need extra attention. There are schemes … (4), maybe looking after the children for a while to give the tired mother a break. But it isn't only the individuals concerned who gain from intergenerational activities. The advantages to society are enormous too. If older people can understand and accept the youth of today, and vice versa, there will be less conflict in a community. (British Council Magazine – 2007) 1. Four sentences have been removed from the text. Select the appropriate sentence for each gap in the text. There is one extra sentence that does not fit. 4 points A. who desperately need more support B. who have no contact with children C. designed to bring the old and the young together D. that is why it is very helpful E. which involve older people visiting families who are having problems 2. Who/what do the words in bold refer to? 6 points 3. Give the synonyms of the following words. 10 points 1. reason 2. room 3. increasing 4. skill 5. maybe 4. Answer the following questions. 6 points A. Which are some of the reasons for which there is less contact between the old and the young? B. Who supports intergenerational programmes? C. Which is one of the advantages of intergenerational activities to society? 5. Comment on the following sentence: Nowadays there is less and less contact between the old and the young. (50 words) 4 points

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Ministerul Educaţiei, Cercetării şi Tineretului Centrul Naţional pentru Curriculum şi Evaluare în Învăţământul Preuniversitar

Examenul de bacalaureat 2008

Proba E/F Proba scrisă la Limba engleză

L1 normal – L2

• Toate subiectele sunt obligatorii. Se acordă 10 puncte din oficiu. • Timpul efectiv de lucru este de 3 ore.

SUBIECTUL I (30 puncte) Varianta 097 Read the text below and complete the following tasks. Of all the miracles of television none is more remarkable than its power to give to so many hours of our experience a new vagueness. People have become increasingly accustomed to see something-or other, happening somewhere-or-other, at sometime-or-other. The common-sense hallmarks of authentic first-hand experience now begin to be absent, … (1), in our television-experience. For our TV-experience we don’t need to go out to see anything in particular. We just turn the knob. Then we wonder while we watch. Is this programme ‘’live’’ or is it ‘’taped’’? Is this happening to actors or to real people? Is this a commercial? A documentary? Or pure fiction? Almost never do we see a TV event from what used to be the individual human point of view. For TV is many-eyed, and alert to avoid the monotony of one person’s limited vision. And each camera gives us a close-up … (2). Everything becomes theatre, any actor-or even a spectator-holds center stage, where everything is possible. Our TV perspective makes us understandably reluctant to go back to the seats on the side and in the rear … (3). The experience flowing through our television channels is a miscellanous mix of entertainment, instruction and news. Here is a supermarket of surrogate experience.Successful programming offers entertainment, instruction, political persuasion and advertising. Anyway, a new miasma… (4) - enshrouds the world of TV. (Cosmo Ferrara-The art of writing) 1. Four sentences/groups of words have been removed from the text. Select the appropriate sentence/ group of words for each gap in the text. There is one extra sentence/group of words which you do not need to use. 4 points A. that somehow dominates the screen B. or to be only ambiguously present C. which no machine before could emit D. which are ours in real life E. that reality itself becomes slightly irritating 2. Who/what do the words in bold refer to? 6 points 3. Give the antonyms of the following words. 10 points 1. to give 2. increasingly 3. authentic 4. possible 5. successful 4. Answer the following questions: 6 points A. What do we need to do for our TV-experience? B. Why don’t we see a TV event from an individual point of view? C. What does successful programming offer? 5. Explain the following sentence: Here is a supermarket of surrogate experience. (50 words) 4 points

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Ministerul Educaţiei, Cercetării şi Tineretului Centrul Naţional pentru Curriculum şi Evaluare în Învăţământul Preuniversitar

Examenul de bacalaureat 2008

Proba E/F Proba scrisă la Limba engleză

L1 normal – L2

• Toate subiectele sunt obligatorii. Se acordă 10 puncte din oficiu. • Timpul efectiv de lucru este de 3 ore.

SUBIECTUL I (30 puncte) Varianta 098 Read the text below and complete the following tasks. Whatever your interests England has something for you. If you like beautiful, historic buildings you can visit Blenheim Palace, although it is said to be haunted by the ghost of one of the Roundheads, the soldiers … (1). In fact England is shrouded in legend and myths. The actual Patron Saint of England, St. George, … (2) is himself a man of mystery. He is said to have fought off and eventually killed a fierce dragon in order to save a beautiful princess, thought by some to be the symbol of Christianity. Other mythical characters connected to England include the legendary Robin Hood … (3), and King Arthur with his honourable Knights of the Roundtable. The legends don’t stop with people as they have their internationally famous set of stones in Wiltshire: Stonehenge. This is a circle of stones … (4) and was designed possibly for astronomy observations or even sacrificial purposes. There are also amazing landscapes ranging from vast seas, pebbled beaches, lush rolling hills in the Peak District, expansive bodies of water in the Lake District, immense, windswept open spaces in the Yorkshire Dales, to the most beautiful thatched cottages in the Cotswolds countryside. All in all, England is a well-visited country. If you haven’t yet been then you should. If you’ve been, then you should go back to discover some more. (British Council Magazine – 2007) 1. Four sentences have been removed from the text. Select the appropriate sentence for each gap in the text. There is one extra sentence that does not fit. 4 points A. whose saint’s day the English celebrate on April 23 B. who stole from the rich to feed the poor C. which according to historians took 1,500 years to complete D. who supported Parliament during the 1640s English civil war E. which is an institution in itself 2. Who/what do the words in bold refer to? 6 points

3. Give the synonyms of the following words. 10 points 1. shrouded 2. connected to 3. famous 4. possibly 5. amazing 4. Answer the following questions: 6 points A. What does the beautiful princess saved by St. George symbolise? B. What famous site is situated in Wiltshire? C. Give at least two examples of amazing landscapes that can be visited? 5. Comment on the following sentence: Whatever your interests England has something for you. (50 words) 4 points

Page 126: Engleza Normal - Subiectul I - Variante 001-100 - An 2008

Ministerul Educaţiei, Cercetării şi Tineretului Centrul Naţional pentru Curriculum şi Evaluare în Învăţământul Preuniversitar

Examenul de bacalaureat 2008

Proba E/F Proba scrisă la Limba engleză

L1 normal – L2

• Toate subiectele sunt obligatorii. Se acordă 10 puncte din oficiu. • Timpul efectiv de lucru este de 3 ore.

SUBIECTUL I (30 puncte) Varianta 099 Read the text below and complete the following tasks. 1997 saw the birth of Dolly the sheep, the first animal cloned from an adult cell. This was a remarkable achievement … (1). International organisations such as the European parliament, UNESCO and WHO all declared … (2). However, we need to make a distinction between reproductive cloning and therapeutic one. Nowadays the idea of reproductive cloning – creating a copy of another person - is no longer interesting for researchers. Instead therapeutic cloning is creating excitement in the biotech world. Key to this technique are stem cells, … (3) that have the potential to become any other kind of cell in the body e.g. nerve cells, blood, heart muscle or even brain cells. Stem cells themselves have generated a lot of controversy as it was believed that only human embryos could provide them. However, it now appears that adult stem cells offer the same possibility. In the future, biotechnologists hope that stem cells could be used to grow entire organs. In this way biotechnology offers the hope of revolutionising medical treatment. In this brief overview of the history of biotechnology we have jumped from making bread to making human organs - an enormous leap- and it is clear … (4). However, we can imagine that biotechnology will still be around for some time to come - but who knows where it will take us? (British Council Magazine – 2007) 1. Four sentences have been removed from the text. Select the appropriate sentence for each gap in the text. There is one extra sentence that does not fit. 4 points A. which are master cells B. which created world-wide debate on the ethical issues surrounding cloning C. that human cloning is both morally and legally wrong D. that these modern practices raise many controversial issues E. which could then be implanted back into the organ 2. Who/what do the words in bold refer to? 6 points

3. Give the antonyms of the following words. 10 points 1. the first 2. interesting 3. appear 4. brief 5. enormous. 4. Answer the following questions. 6 points A. Which are the two types of cloning? B. Which is considered to be the key to therapeutic cloning technique? C. What was it believed about the source of stem cells? 5. Explain the following sentence: But who knows where it will take us? (50 words) 4 points

Page 127: Engleza Normal - Subiectul I - Variante 001-100 - An 2008

Ministerul Educaţiei, Cercetării şi Tineretului Centrul Naţional pentru Curriculum şi Evaluare în Învăţământul Preuniversitar

Examenul de bacalaureat 2008

Proba E/F Proba scrisă la Limba engleză

L1 normal – L2

• Toate subiectele sunt obligatorii. Se acordă 10 puncte din oficiu. • Timpul efectiv de lucru este de 3 ore.

SUBIECTUL I (30 puncte) Varianta 100 Read the text below and complete the following tasks. The 18th Century marked the beginning of the Industrial Revolution, the depopulation of the countryside and the move to towns. The towns became places of mass employment in factories and offices. Today, many town dwellers wish to reverse this trend … (1). Yet, a modern country existence is not without its problems; poor transport, lack of access to hospitals and education, and services found in towns such as large shops, banks and entertainment, aspects … (2). The debate between town and country is meaningless these days, as so many people live in towns, and very few people are actually able to choose … (3); this is dictated by their work or birth. The internet and other mass media have linked country areas to the world, providing access to information – even to remote areas. If people are to be persuaded to stay in the countryside then, … (4) (employment, healthcare and education). Conversely, the introduction of city parks and forests, and traffic free zones, has helped in bringing a little of the countryside to the city streets, in which we can breathe a less polluted air. However, there is an imperious need for strong links between town and countryside, because their mutual dependence upon each other is obvious. (British Council Magazine – 2007) 1. Four sentences/groups of words have been removed from the text. Select the appropriate sentence/ group of words for each gap in the text. There is one extra sentence/group of words which you do not need to use. 4 points A. where they live B. which town people find impossible to live without C. and return to a slower pace of life D. whose importance is obvious E. other benefits of the city need to be available 2. Who/what do the words in bold refer to? 6 points 3. Give the antonyms of the following words. 10 points 1. beginning 2. employment 3. poor 4. able 5. strong 4. Answer the following questions. 6 points A. What did the 18th century mark? B. Why is the debate between town and country meaningless these days? C. What has helped in bringing a little of the countryside to the city streets? 5. Comment on the following sentence: The debate between town and country is meaningless these days. (50 words) 4 points


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