General Training Reading

Questions 1 — 8

A Namsangol Traditional Folk Village

Located just north of Namsan Park, this re-creation of a small village depicts the architecture and gardens of the Chosun Dynasty (1393—1910). There are five restored traditional houses from that era. A large pavilion overlooks a beautiful pond and an outdoor theatre hosts dance and drama performances on weekends. There is also a hall displaying traditional handicrafts and a kiosk selling souvenirs. Recently, a time capsule containing 600 items representing the lifestyle of modern-day people of Seoul was buried to celebrate the city's 600th anniversary. In 2394, it will be opened!

B Eunan Museum

This privately-owned museum displays rare specimens of animals, ores, and species of insects collected from around the world. The building comprises six floors, one under ground and five above. Among the fauna on exhibition are shellfish, insects, butterflies and birds. The collection is housed on the lower floors. On the third floor is a library and the fifth floor has a study room and an ocean exhibition hall. One aim of the museum is to bring animal extinction to the attention of the public.

C National Museum of Korea

This is one of the most extensive museums in Seoul, housing art and archaeological relics from Korean prehistory through to the end of the Chosun Dynasty (1910). Throughout the three-floor museum, there are 4,500 artefacts on display in 18 permanent galleries. Audio guides, touch screens, and video rooms all help to bring the ancient world alive here. In addition to regular exhibitions, the museum offers special educational programs such as public lectures, arts and crafts classes, and special tours.

D Seoul Metropolitan Museum of Art

Established in 1988, this museum is located on the former site of Kyonghee-gung palace. There are four floors with six exhibition halls.The collections include more than 170 Korean paintings, Western paintings and prints. Spend a peaceful and relaxing day amidst beautiful works of art. If you are an art enthusiast and would like to learn, the museum offers art courses every Friday.

E Korea Sports Museum

This is the sole museum in Korea dedicated to sports. It displays about 2,500 items tracing back to 1920, when Korea's first sports organization was founded. You can browse through sports memorabilia such as badges, medals, photographs, trophies, and mascots related to national and international sports events. Make sure not to miss the taekwondo-related exhibits.

Questions 9 — 14

Read the information below and answer Questions 9 — 14.

Gear Guider - Buying a Backpack

Most walkers will know the value of a good backpack. Choosing one is a different matter, as any trip to an outdoor shop will reveal. To help, gear expert Peter Hawkins examines the ins and outs of a backpack.

A quick glance through my outdoor trade directory reveals 49 companies that sell or make rucksacks. If they all produce ten backpacks then we have a frightening number for the humble beginner to choose from. So before you set foot in an outdoor shop consider what you want your rucksack for.

The first and most vital consideration is your anticipated load. If your walks are short summer evening strolls then a small sack would be fine, but if your walks are day-long and year-round then your sack will need to be bigger. Mine typically contains a flask, packed lunch, waterproofs, clothing I've peeled off during the day, first aid kit and an emergency shelter. In winter I add a sleeping bag and a torch. I need a sack with a reasonable capacity.

My current backpack is a Craghopper AD30 (30 litres) which is just big enough. Admittedly I do often lead walking parties in remote places so perhaps my added responsibilities cause me to carry more. Compare my list with yours to see if you need as much carrying space.

The second consideration is weight. Choose a light sack, but make sure it can take the weight of what you are carrying and it supports the load comfortably on your back.

The next thing to consider is the rucksack's features. Today you can get quite technically advanced backpacks boasting excellent features: advanced fabrics, a variety of side and lid pockets, loops for walking poles,internal frames, adjustable straps, hip belts and clever ventilation systems to keep your back cool.

You also need to look inside. It may seem obvious, but you should choose a backpack that allows you easy access. Some have narrow necks that make removing bulky items difficult. It's also important to choose a backpack that fits the length of your back. Being six feet I need a long, thin rucksack rather than a short, wider one. If I use the latter, I have a hip belt round my stomach!

Last, and probably least, we have the look of the sack to consider. Obviously you can't see it when it's on your back, but why buy something that won't look good on you? After all, there's no shortage of colours or designs to choose from.