TASK 1
You are going to listen to six news items. Listen and choose the best answer A, B, C or D. You will hear the items once only. I repeat, once only. There will be a pause of 30 seconds before each news item to give you time to read through the questions to that item.
1. The Sudanese ambassador …
2. The commodity trading company Firstar …
3. The mutiny of the paramilitary troops was sparked by …
4. The most financial resources will go to …
5. The communications cut-off was the most problematic for …
6. Despite the global crisis, South Africa succeeded regarding its …
TASK 2
You are going to hear an interview. Listen and choose the best answer A, B, C or D. You will hear the piece once only. I repeat, once only. There will now be a pause of 1 minute to allow you to look through the questions.
7. When it comes to Afghanistan, the British …
8. According to Mr Miliband, the situation is described as messy because of …
9. According to the British Foreign Secretary, the stalemate has been caused by …
10. The siege of Kabul …
TASK 3
You will hear a radio discussion. Listen and complete the notes by writing a few words. You will hear the piece twice. I repeat, twice. There will now be a pause of 30 seconds to allow you to look through the questions.
11. Currently the US administration’s attitude to Israeli settlement is
12. Ghaithal-al-Omari agrees that the American stance is risky because it might
13. Rob Malley says that in the American opinion, it is possible to solve the problem of Hamas if Palestinian President Abbas
14. Apart from violence, the other obstacle to peace in the region is
TASK 4
You will hear a journalist and researcher giving a talk on Private Military Companies and their role in the contemporary world. Listen and complete the notes by writing a few words. An example has been done for you. You will hear the piece only once. There will now be a pause of 1 minute for you to look through the questions.
PMCs’ financial activities are doubtful due to (15) ...

The outcome of mutual relationship between the military and PMCs should be based on synergy
As for mutual co-operation, the most dangerous phenomenon for the military is (16) ...

Legally doubtful activities of PMCs led multinational forces to (17) ...

Due to economic and political reasons in some regions PMCs are interested in inciting local conflicts
The speaker cautions PMCs may not only undermine international relationships but even (18) ...

In order to employ best experts PMCs specialize in using brain drainage policy
The power of modern technology may tempt PMCs to employ it (19) ...

Transferring too much responsibility for national security on PMCs may finally lead to (20) ...
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