A2 KET Test #23 - Reading & Writing

Three teenage boys talk about music

Kevin

Kevin is fourteen, and he is the main singer in the school band. He often sings at school concerts. Although he always feels very worried before he starts, he relaxes when the music begins. Kevin doesn't play an instrument because his best friend plays the piano for him. Kevin writes all the words for his songs himself. He hopes to be a famous singer in the future, and he wants to make an album one day.

Patrick

Patrick is fifteen, and he sings in a rock group with his older brother. His brother plays the drums, and Patrick plays the guitar while he sings. They practice in their garage every evening because their music is very loud. Patrick never feels afraid of big crowds. At the moment, the boys are busy making their first CD, which is very exciting. They don't write new songs because they have a musician write for them.

Eric

Eric is thirteen, and he loves singing pop music. He has a singing lesson with a great teacher every Saturday morning. His teacher says Eric has a beautiful voice. Eric only sings in his bedroom. He has never sung in a concert. He doesn't know how to play the guitar, but he can play the piano very well. He cannot write his own music, but he is learning to do it.

A Race I Wanted to Win
By Jack, age 12

In February, our teacher, Mr Wood, told us about the 800 metres race on sports day in June. The first three runners would go to the city race. I wanted to try, so I ran with my dad before school three times a week for four months. At first, I needed four minutes, but I got faster every week.

In May, Mr Wood showed us last year’s results. The third boy ran 800 metres in three minutes and ten seconds. That week, I ran it in three minutes and fifteen seconds, so I told Mr Wood my time. He smiled and said, "You are very close, Jack. If you keep training, you can go to the city race." After that, I thought about it every day.

On the night before sports day, I went to bed early, but I felt too nervous to sleep. I lay in the dark and thought about the race. At midnight, I was still awake. I finally fell asleep at one o’clock.

On the morning of the race, I ate a banana and felt fine. But on the field, my stomach began to hurt. I wondered, "Is it the banana, or did I sleep badly?" I did not tell anyone because I wanted to run. In the race, my legs felt heavy and my stomach kept hurting. I tried my best, but three boys ran past me. I finished fourth, only two seconds behind the third boy.

After the race, I told Mr Wood about my stomach. He said, "You trained very hard, Jack, but I think you were tired and nervous. Next year, look after your body and your mind. Go to bed early and try to relax."

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