Task 2
Questions 13-18
Read the article about Guy Ford, who left the city to go and live on an island.
For questions 13-18, choose the correct answer (A, B, C or D).
Mark your answer on the answer sheet.
A quieter life
Leaving the rat race of life in a big city, or “downshifting” as it’s called these days, is one of the best things I’ve ever done. I can’t deny that I was making an awful lot of money in the capital, although this was offset to a certain extent by the really high cost of living. When we visited the island on holiday, we fell in love with the spectacular scenery. Two years later, we decided to move here, despite the fact that I’d always imagined ourselves retiring somewhere warmer. Of course, it was a huge decision. Our primary motivation was to provide a secure environment for the four of us. To be honest, we haven’t looked back once. Even earning a living is a bit calmer. I work from home over the net, which means that my study is my office. I see my kids more, too.
However, on the whole, it’s a misconception to say that life on an island is easy and involves less work. A lot of my neighbours are engaged in agriculture and fishing, and they work very long hours indeed. We’re also quite a way from the mainland, which can be an inconvenience sometimes. Property prices are going up as well, although they are still very reasonable. In fact, I would have thought that a lot more people would have moved here. I would have no hesitation in recommending such a life for most people. Nevertheless, you have to go into it with your eyes open. Like anything, there are pros and cons. While rural economies are less developed and you’re bound to experience a drop in earnings, your expenditure will fall by an equal amount. Having said that, a massive all-round adjustment is required and it does not occur overnight. Maybe that’s why so few people follow our example. It’s not a trend that I expect to change. I guess it all boils down to the kind of person you are. On the other hand, as far as the people here are concerned, the image of a tightly-knit community closed to outsiders but who know everything that goes on is a myth. Seldom have I met such a hospitable bunch.
The biggest hurdle was getting through the first couple of winters. The weather can be really dreadful at times. We sometimes get awful storms and a lot of snow. It can be less than zero several days in a row, though if you ask me, it’s the short days that take the most getting used to. The sense of loneliness generated by the season can be overcome. After all, we live in the communications age. There is also a small cinema in the town, although we do spend an awful lot of time indoors during the winter.
Undoubtedly, the move has benefited us enormously. I feel a certain sense of pride at having successfully made the transition and living in an unspoilt, clean environment. Life still has its ups and downs, and it would be dishonest to say my existence was stress free. Nevertheless, I have time to be with my wife and kids, and nobody, especially no manager, can take that from me. Will it always be like this? I’d like to say that I’m an optimist, but life has taught me never to take things for granted.
What was Guy's main reason for moving?
What does Guy complain about in the second paragraph?
What does Guy say you must be realistic about if you move to an island?
What does Guy find most difficult about winter on the island?
How does Guy's new life make him feel?
What would Guy say about downshifting?