Use of English
Multiple Choice - Example 2

Part 1

For questions 1–8, read the text below and decide which answer (A, B, C or D) best fits each gap.

There is an example at the beginning (0).

Mark your answers on the separate answer sheet.

Example:

0 A aspect B part C element D factor

The Japanese Bobtail

Cats have been (0) _______________ of the lives of human beings for thousands of years. One interesting breed which fascinates scientists is the Japanese Bobtail - a domestic cat with an unusual 'bobbed' tail more (1) _______________ resembling the tail of a rabbit than that of other cats. The breed has been known in Japan for centuries, and it features (2) _______________ in folklore. In many traditions, cats are frequently (3) _______________ of fear and mistrust but in Japanese stories the Bobtail tends to be (4) _______________ as a force for (5) _______________ The image of a Bobtail seated with one paw raised is considered a lucky charm.

But how did the Bobtail (6) _______________ its short tail? One legend tells of a sleeping cat whose long tail (7) _______________ fire. In a panic, it tore through the town, spreading flames everywhere. As a result, the then emperor declared that all cats should have their tails cut short as a (8) _______________ measure. Science, however, has a less romantic' explanation based on genetics.