Cats in the Hermitage: Reading answers

The passage opens

Answers 21–29

1. 21

   It is stated that the road sign near the Hermitage…

   B: is built to defend cats Multiple choice

   The option “is built to defend cats” paraphrases “introduced to protect the cats.”

   “It was introduced to protect the cats living on the territory.”

2. 22

   The tradition of cats' privileges goes back to the …

   C: time when Elizabeth I ordered to bring the cats from Kazan Multiple choice

   The tradition dates back to the time when Elizabeth I ordered cats from Kazan. The passage says the tradition goes back to the 18th century, then describes this order.

   “By the order of Empress Elizabeth I, 30 cats were brought from Kazan to help the situation.”

3. 23

   Cats became very expensive when …

   C: Leningrad was besieged Multiple choice

   The question’s “became very expensive” paraphrases “became worth its weight in gold.” This happened during the Siege of Leningrad.

   “The hardest time for cats in the Hermitage was the Siege of Leningrad during World War II. There were almost none of them left in the city. The rats multiplied enormously and a cat became worth its weight in gold.”

4. 24

   Vaska the Lawyer …

   D: seeked attention from the visitors Multiple choice

   “Seeked attention from the visitors” paraphrases Vaska lying by the stairs to get more attention when visitors entered.

   “When the first visitors entered the hall, he would lay by the stairs to get more attention.”

5. 25

   The director of the Hermitage dislikes cats.

   NOT GIVEN True / False / Not Given

   The passage says the director remarks that the cats interest journalists more than the exhibits. It does not say whether he likes or dislikes cats, so the statement is NOT GIVEN.

6. 26

   Cats in the Hermitage are taken good care of .

   TRUE True / False / Not Given

   The passage describes the cats receiving identification, regular veterinary check-ups, and specially cooked meals. This supports the statement that they are taken good care of.

   “Firstly, each one has a passport and a personal plate and a collar. Secondly, they undergo regular vet check-ups. Their meals are cooked in a special kitchen in the basement.”

7. 27

   There are several different areas for cats in the Hermitage.

   TRUE True / False / Not Given

   The statement’s “several different areas” paraphrases the halls and stairs, basement, and yard where different cats live.

   “The most privileged are allowed into the halls and stairs, others live in the basement and in the yard.”

8. 28

   Cats appeared in the Winter Palace to entertain the Empress.

   FALSE True / False / Not Given

   The statement says the cats came to entertain the Empress, but the passage says they were brought to tackle the rats destroying royal food stores and belongings. The statement is therefore FALSE.

   “The hungry creatures were destroying the royal food stores and belongings. By the order of Empress Elizabeth I, 30 cats were brought from Kazan to help the situation.”

9. 29

   All the cats delivered to the Hermitage from Yaroslavl were common domestic cats.

   NOT GIVEN True / False / Not Given

   The passage says that five thousand male hunters arrived from Yaroslavl, but it does not say whether they were common domestic cats. The statement is NOT GIVEN.

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