Reading inference and writer's view

Band 6.5 readers find identical words. Band 7 readers recognise paraphrase and infer what the writer thinks. Read each short extract, then decide what is actually being claimed.

1. 1

   'While the scheme was widely praised at launch, few of its stated targets were met within the promised timeframe.' The writer's attitude to the scheme is:

   EnthusiasticSceptical about its deliveryCompletely opposed to the idea
2. 2

   'Critics claim the policy is ineffective, though the evidence they cite is largely anecdotal.' What does the writer imply?

   The critics are probably rightThe criticism is weakly supportedThe policy has been proven effective
3. 3

   'Researchers suggest that sleep may play a role in memory consolidation.' YES / NO / NOT GIVEN: 'Sleep definitely improves memory.'

   YESNONOT GIVEN
4. 4

   'Urban farming has expanded rapidly, although its contribution to national food supply remains marginal.' TRUE / FALSE / NOT GIVEN: 'Urban farming supplies most of the country's food.'

   TRUEFALSENOT GIVEN
5. 5

   'It would be premature to abandon the traditional approach entirely.' The writer recommends:

   Keeping the traditional approach for nowAbandoning it immediatelyIgnoring the question
6. 6

   Paraphrase spotting — which single word in the extract matches 'reluctant'? 'Manufacturers proved hesitant to adopt the standard.'

7. 7

   Which word signals the writer is about to give their own view? 'Arguably, the benefits have been overstated.'

8. 8

   In your own words, what is the difference between NOT GIVEN and FALSE?