Surname

LABEL

Initial(s)

Signature

Centre
No.
Candidate
No.

Examiners use only

Paper Reference(s)

4142/01

4064/01

Team Leaders use only

London Tests of English

Certificate of Attainment

Question Leave
Number Blank

Level 4

Task 1

Session One 2006

Time: 2 hours 30 minutes

Task 2
Task 3a
Task 3b

Materials required for examination

Cassette player
1 Cassette per 10 Candidates

Items included with question papers

Perforated information sheets

Task 4a
Task 4b
Task 4c

Task 5

Instructions to Candidates
Your details:
Step 1: Write your name and signature in the space provided at the top right corner of the page.
Step 2: - If you have been given a label containing your details then stick it carefully in the box at
the top left corner of the page.
- If you have not been given a label then write your centre number and your candidate
number in the box at the top left corner of the page.
Use blue or black ink. Do not use pencil. Some tasks must be answered with a cross in a box ( ). If
you change your mind, put a line through the box ( ) and then indicate your new choice with a cross
( ). For Task 5 indicate which question you are answering by marking the box ( ).
Answer all questions in the spaces provided in this book.

Information for Candidates

The marks for the various tasks are shown in round brackets: e.g. (15 marks).
There are 5 tasks in this question paper. The total mark for this paper is 100.
There are 24 pages in this question paper. All blank pages are indicated.

Advice to Candidates
Write your answers neatly.
You should remove the perforated information sheets 1 and 2 (pages 912) to answer Task Three.
You should remove the perforated information sheet 3 (pages 1718) to answer Task Four.

Total
This publication may be reproduced only in accordance with
Edexcel Limited copyright policy.
2006 Edexcel Limited.
Printers Log. No.

N24910A
W850/U4142/57570 3/5/6/6/6/

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Hello everybody. Todays test is the London Tests of English Level 4. The theme of this
test is Transport Today. This test lasts two hours and thirty minutes. There are five tasks.
Tasks One and Two are listening. You must listen to the tape and write your answers in
the booklet. Good luck!
1.

Task One: Speed Cameras (15 marks)

You are doing a research project on transport issues. You hear part of a radio programme
in which three people are discussing the use of speed cameras on roads in Britain to
increase safety. Speed cameras take photographs of the number plates of vehicles which
are breaking the speed limit.
Listen to the discussion and read the statements below. For each statement, put a cross ( )
in the box if the speaker expresses the views stated. Sometimes more than one box will
need a cross. The first statement is an example.
You will hear the discussion twice. Do as much as you can the first time and complete your
work the second time.
You have one minute to look at the statements.
Julia

David

Alan

Example:
Speed cameras are only effective on
certain types of road.
1.

The government receives money from

speeding fines.

2.

Speed cameras help to reduce taxes.

3.

Dangerous roads should have speed

cameras.

4.

We should listen to communities worried

about speed.

5.

Speed contributes in some way to over

15% of accidents.

Q1
(Total 15 marks)

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2.

Task Two: Cutting Fuel Consumption (15 marks)

You now hear a talk on a radio consumer programme on cutting petrol consumption in
cars. Listen to the talk and complete the notes below. Try to write no more than three
words. The first one is an example.
You will hear the talk twice. Do as much as you can the first time and finish your work
the second time.
You have one minute to look at the notes.

cheaper
Example: Most people want to cut fuel consumption because its .........................
Radical solutions:
- use combined 1) ...................................................... and

hybrid cars

...................................................... power
fuel-cell cars - not yet available
smaller engines e.g. small lightweight 2) .......................................................
plastic bodied microcars

More efficient driving:

Smoother driving - avoid sudden 3) .......................................................

and .......................................................
- anticipate traffic movement

Regular servicing - spend enough money on maintenance

Reduce the cars 4) ....................................................... and improve the

aerodynamics
- clear out the boot and interior
- remove roof racks/trailers when not in use
- close windows to reduce 5) .............................................. and fuel consumption
- remove large aerials and decorations

Check tyre pressures - low pressure affects fuel efficiency and

6) .......................................................

Switch off when stopped for 7) ...................................................... - switching off

and restarting saves fuel

Use the highest gear possible - 3rd gear uses 8) .......................................... more
fuel than 5th gear at 60kph

Calculate your consumption, dont necessarily rely on

9) .......................................................

Plan your journey

- you spend 20% of time getting lost on 10) ....................................................... and
350,000 tonnes of fuel driving the wrong way

Q2

(Total 15 marks)
That is the end of the listening tasks. The other tasks test your reading and writing of
English. Now go on to Task Three.

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3.

Task Three: Congestion Charging

As part of your research, you become interested in how cities deal with traffic congestion.
You find information about Londons solution to the problem in a number of articles in the
library.
Three (a): Reading (10 marks)
Read the article on Perforated Information Sheet 1 for Task Three (a) and complete the
task below.
Below are opening sentences 15 which have been removed from six of the paragraphs
AH in the article. Match each opening sentence with the correct paragraph by putting a
cross ( ) in the appropriate box. Look at the example to see what you have to do.
Be careful! There are more paragraphs than sentences.

Example: The congestion charge has led to a

33% increase in cycling inside the zone.
1

Contrary to some predictions, public

transport has coped with ease and bus
services have improved. Around 29,000
additional passengers are entering the
zone on 560 extra bus services in peak
periods.

Critics of congestion charging always

claimed that for people in low paid
occupations who have to use cars if they
work unsocial hours, the charge would
amount to an additional tax.

Reduction of traffic and congestion was

the main aim of the scheme. Before the
charge was introduced, it was predicted
that traffic would fall by 1015% and
congestion by 2030%.

When congestion charging was introduced

in London in February 2003 the chaos
and disaster predicted by its opponents
did not happen.

While all businesses are now benefiting

from shorter and more reliable journey
times, saving staff and vehicle costs,
evidence of the wider economic impact of
congestion charging remains somewhat
mixed.

Q3(a)
(Total Q3(a) 10 marks)

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Task Three (b): Writing (20 marks)

You receive this email from the editor of your college magazine.
Hi
Were running a special edition on transport and the environment next month. Your tutors
told me that youve been researching Londons congestion charging scheme and I was
wondering if youd like to contribute an article on it.
The article should cover:
why it was introduced and when
how it operates, its costs and penalties, etc
opposition to the scheme
how effective the scheme is
Thanks
Use only information on Perforated Information Sheet 1 for Task Three (a) and Perforated
Information Sheet 2 for Task Three (b) to write the article, covering all the aspects above.
Write 180 200 words. Use your own words as much as possible.
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Q3(b)

(Total Q3(b) 20 marks)

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London Tests of English

Certificate of Attainment
May 2006, Level 4
PERFORATED INFORMATION SHEET 1 FOR TASK THREE (a)
WHAT IS THE CONGESTION CHARGE?
The congestion charge is an 8 daily charge
E While there may have been an unlucky
to drive in central London at certain times.
few in this category, the argument was
Introduced in 2003, the charge is designed
overplayed. On the contrary, these people
to reduce traffic congestion by encouraging
have been among the schemes main
people to use public transport. The money
beneficiaries. Few of them own cars and
raised is being used to improve transport in
even fewer used them to drive to central
London.
London. But they do overwhelmingly use
public transport, particularly the buses,
A There was no civil disobedience, no
which are better as result of congestion
gridlock on the ring road and, despite the
charging.
temporary closure of part of the underground
system, no intolerable pressure on the public F Public opinion before the introduction
transport system. Critics searched frantically of charging was only very narrowly in
for bad news but, finding none, quickly
favour. It has since become much more
fell silent. Congestion charging in central
positive. A 2004 survey found that 60 per
London had been introduced almost without
cent supported the charge and 32 per cent
incident.
remained opposed.

Final assessment has shown that traffic

entering the zone is 18 per cent down during
charging hours, with a reduction in car traffic
of 30 per cent and a reduction in congestion
of the same amount. In all, 65,000 fewer
car movements per day are being made into
or through the zone. Conditions in central
London have been transformed. Even on
the ring road where many people expected
additional congestion, traffic has continued
to flow smoothly despite a 4 per cent
increase in volume. There has been very
little displacement onto other roads around
the boundary of the charging zone.

G London Chamber of Commerce surveys

continue to find substantial numbers of retail
businesses concerned about the impact of
the charge on their trade. However, there is
no firm evidence of a link between reduced
turnover and profitability on the one hand
and the congestion charge on the other, and
it is likely that other factors, such as the
recent economic downturn, have contributed.
Transport for London says there has been
no measurable effect on total central
London retail sales. Other surveys show a
big majority of businesses in favour of the
charge.

Routes serving the zone now suffer 60

per cent less disruption caused by traffic
delays. Improvement has not been confined
to the zone. Delays to services on the inner
ring road have been halved, and across
London as a whole the fall is about 40 per
cent. Average bus speeds have increased by
7 per cent. There have been no reports of
additional overcrowding on the Underground
or overground rail network.

H Many observers believe that in the

medium term, when congestion charging
has settled down, a better environment will
encourage people to spend more time and
money in central London. It will be then
that retail, restaurant, cultural, entertainment
and other businesses that form an important
part of the central London economy will
benefit substantially from the scheme.

Predictions that systems for the administration

and enforcement of the charge would break
down have not been realized. In fact, over
half a million congestion charge payments
are being made each week; the payment
channels (text messaging, retail, web and call
centre) are all working well; the cameras are
correctly identifying cars entering the zone.
About 40,000 penalty charge notices for nonpayment are being made each week.

There is no data on walking; this is a

gap in Transport for Londons monitoring
arrangements. But the evidence suggests that
walking conditions have improved since car
and other traffic no longer chokes the roads.
However, Transport for London has yet to
recognise the importance of walking and
allocate resources to it.

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10

London Tests of English

Certificate of Attainment
May 2006, Level 4
PERFORATED INFORMATION SHEET 2 FOR TASK THREE (b)
LONDON CONGESTION CHARGE WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
Where is it? The congestion charging zone operates across 8 square miles in the centre of
London. The zone is bordered by the Inner Ring Road and is clearly indicated by signs and
a large C painted on the road.
How does it work? There are no barriers or toll booths on the boundary to the zone and you
are not required to show any tickets or passes. The zone is monitored by cameras, which record
all vehicle number plates and determine whether the charge has been paid. They recognise
both British and European number plates.
How to pay The easiest way to pay is at Congestion Charge on the internet or by phone
on +44 (0) 20 7649 9122 - Minicom +44 (0) 20 7649 9123, using most credit or debit
cards. MasterCard and Visa cards are accepted - American Express and Diners Club arent.
Youll need to provide your vehicle registration number, the date(s) you would like to pay the
charge for, and your credit/debit card details. You can also pay at special self-service machines
in major car parks, at selected petrol stations and at shops displaying the congestion charging
sign. Charges can be paid up to a year in advance.
Does everyone have to pay? Exemptions and discounts are available to certain categories of
drivers, vehicles and individuals. They include disabled drivers, residents, drivers of alternative
fuel vehicles, vehicles with 9 or more seats and accredited breakdown organisations.
What if its not my car? All visitors driving hire cars within the central zones must pay
the charge. Failure to do so will result in the fine being levied upon the hire company. Hire
companies can then contact the drivers.
Time of operation: 7.00 am to 6.30 pm Mon Fri
Daily cost:
Penalty charges:
payment before 22.00 on the day
payment between 22.00 and 24.00 on the day
payment within 14 days
payment within 15 to 28 days
payment after 28 days

8
0
2
50
100
150

Effects of congestion charging on numbers of vehicles per day driving into central London

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4.

Task Four: New Responsibilities in the Area of the Urban Environment

You find an article on mobility in European cities. Read the article on Perforated
Information Sheet 3 for Task Four and complete the tasks that follow.
Task Four (a): (10 marks)
For each statement 1 10, put an ( ) in the appropriate box to indicate whether the
statement is True, False or Not Stated. Look at the example to see what you have to do.
Statement

True

False

Not Stated

Example: Elected representatives can modify

national policy on mobility.
1.

The majority of motorists think they

should be able to use their cars without
restriction.

2.

The number of road accidents is falling

sharply.

3.

The problems caused by cars in urban areas

were largely unexpected.

4.

83% of French people would like a greater

role for public transport.

5.

The Automobile Association is asking some

motorists to give up their cars in favour of
bicycles.

6.

Car ownership in Arhus has stayed at

approximately the same level.

7.

Bicycles are faster than cars on some

journeys over 5km.

8.

Politicians and voters tend to disagree over

transport policy.

9.

It is difficult to defeat well-organised

pressure groups.

10. Opposition to changes in transport policy in

Fribourg has declined.
Q4(a)
(Total Q4(a) 10 marks)

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Task Four (b): (4 marks)

What do the following highlighted words from the text refer to? The first one has been done
as an example.
Example: They (paragraph (i))

......elected representatives.....

(a) they (paragraph (ii))

................................................

(b) they (paragraph (vi))

................................................

(c) it (paragraph (xi))

................................................

(d) they (paragraph (xiii))

................................................
(Total Q4(b) 4 marks)

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Task Four (c): (6 marks)

Find words from the article which mean the same as each of the following. The first has been
done as an example.

Paragraph

Meaning

(i)

make easier

(iii)

excessive

(iv)

without equal

(vi)

results

(vii)

encourage

(x)

satisfy

(xiii)

Word from text

Example: facilitate

complete agreement

Q4(c)
(Total Q4(c) 6 marks)

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London Tests of English

Certificate of Attainment
May 2006, Level 4
PERFORATED INFORMATION SHEET 3 FOR TASK 4
NEW RESPONSIBILITIES IN THE AREA OF THE URBAN ENVIRONMENT
(i)

Elected representatives are responsible for providing the inhabitants of their towns with a
healthy environment. They must also facilitate mobility to guarantee the right conditions
for companies, services and businesses to develop, and to ensure ready access to shops,
schools, public services, community facilities and jobs.

(ii)

A number of motorists call for a right to mobility, which they often equate with a right
to use their car no matter what the conditions. The image of the car that they wish to
project is that of a perfect and irreplaceable mode of transport. In practice, however, a
car does not fulfil all our needs. A fairly large number of urban households do not have
a car and, even if they do, some members of the household may not have access to it or
may not hold a driving licence.

(iii) When viewed from the collective standpoint, the problems caused by the thoughtless use
of private cars are very serious. Cars are partly responsible for the misuse of urban space,
consume precious resources and are a burden on the environment. Pollution is not only a
threat to our historic heritage but also a health hazard through both atmospheric pollution
and noise. The cost in human and economic terms of road accidents is going down but
still remains exorbitant and is not generally recognised. In addition, the economic cost
of traffic jams has now reached critical proportions.
The car is the victim of its own success
(iv) The advantage of towns is that they offer an unparalleled range of choices through
accessibility to cultural, commercial, educational, service, social and political
infrastructures and facilities. But such accessibility must be the best possible for all
people, in a way which respects the common interest.
(v)

It was thought that the car would fulfil this requirement of accessibility both for town
residents and for people from non-urban areas. But it has turned out that the cars success
has had a boomerang effect. Millions of hours are wasted in traffic jams. The mobility
that we associate with the private car has merged with apocalyptic images of towns that
have come to a complete standstill.

(vi) Car use must be reduced if both car mobility and accessibility to the major centres of
interest and activity in our towns are to be maintained. Most Europeans recognise this
fact. Already in 1991, a survey conducted across the European Union indicated that 83%
of respondents agreed that public transport should receive preferential treatment over
private cars. When surveys are carried out locally, as was recently the case in France,
they produce similar findings.

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Towns and bicycles

(vii) Public transport is not the only alternative to the car. In the United Kingdom, the
Automobile Association is wholly in favour of persuading its members to step up their
use of bicycles and has published a study on motorists who also cycle, entitled Cycling
Motorists. By combining measures to promote cycling and public transport, towns can
succeed in lowering car use. Although the rate of car ownership remains roughly the
same, the rate of private car use becomes lower than in other towns. Thus motorists can
be persuaded to cycle regularly - while still keeping the family car - while people who
used to be transported by car become autonomous by riding a bicycle.
(viii) This has been borne out by an operation in Arhus (Denmark) called Bikebusters. Even
in a country where alternatives to the car are already well developed, there is still the
potential to change the habits of motorists in favour of modes of transport which are
better for the environment.
(ix) A recent study of short distance trips highlights the very high proportion of car journeys
which could perfectly well be made using another mode of transport without any
significant difference in the journey time door to door.
(x)

Technical improvements have made modern bicycles efficient and convenient to use.
There is no pollution from bicycles; they are silent, economical, accessible to all
members of the family and, above all, faster than a car over short urban distances (5
km and even more in the case of traffic jams). More than 30 % of trips made in cars in
Europe cover distances of less than 3 km and 50 % are less than 5 km! For such journeys
alone, bicycles could easily replace cars. This would meet a large proportion of the
demand and contribute directly to cutting down traffic jams.

(xi) Although the bicycle is not the only solution to traffic and environmental problems in
towns, it provides a solution which fits perfectly into any general policy which seeks
to enhance the urban environment and improve the quality of a town. It also mobilises
comparatively few financial resources.
Europeans want something else
(xii) An interesting fact arises from the abovementioned survey, namely that 73 % of
Europeans believe that bicycles should benefit from preferential treatment compared
with cars.
(xiii) Interestingly, surveys also prove that voters and politicians, while they share the same
opinion on the need to change their transport policy, are not aware that there is such
unanimity of viewpoint. Politicians believe that they will come up against massive
opposition from voters if they vigorously promote a mobility policy and voters believe
that their representatives do not want to follow public opinion in favour of a different
mobility policy.
(xiv) Why is this? Pressure groups in favour of cars, who actually represent a minority, are
well-organised and highly active. However, towns which ignore their protests quickly
gain support from their population, including their former opponents. The cars are only
tolerated policy in Fribourg (Germany) is now supported by shopkeepers previously
opposed to the centre being pedestrianised.
Every effort has been made to contact copyright holders to obtain their permission for the use of copyright material. Edexcel will, if notified,
be happy to rectify any errors or omissions and include any such rectifications in future editions.

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5.

Task Five: Writing (20 marks)

Your college tutor has asked you to write an essay.
Choose ONE of the following topics.
Either
(a) The future of the worlds cities lies in a good public transport system, not better,
faster cars for all! How far do you agree with this statement?
If you refer to information or ideas from other parts of the test, you should use
your own words as far as possible.
Or
(b) It was always thought that the ability to travel quickly and cheaply throughout the
world would bring understanding between cultures and peoples. To what extent do
you think this has happened?
If you refer to information or ideas from other parts of the test, you should use
your own words as far as possible.

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Put a cross ( ) in the box next to the topic you have chosen.

Write 200 250 words.

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(Total 20 marks)
TOTAL FOR PAPER: 100 MARKS
THAT IS THE END OF THE TEST

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