It is a curious tradition that the clock on the tower of Christ Church Cathedral in Oxford is always five minutes later than standard British time. The explanation for this lies in the conservative nature of the Cathedral’s clergy. It was only when the railways arrived in the middle of the nineteenth century that it became important for clocks throughout the country to be synchronised, however difficult this might be. When the Cathedral was asked to come into line, the clergy discussed the request but decided that this was an idea that needed to prove its worth before being adopted.

Why does Christ Church Cathedral clock give a different time from other British churches?

a) Oxford likes to be different from other places.

b) It was initially a protest against the coming of the railway.

c) Cathedral staff were reluctant to act too quickly.

d) It was very difficult to alter the time on the clock.

Zebras are members of the horse family. However, these ‘stripey horses’  are not used for riding. Keen riders have occasionally attempted to try. Although zebras have at times let someone sit on their back, the rider soon discovered that a zebra’s neck is stiffer than a horse’s, lacking the suppleness that enables riders to control the horse. The structure of a zebra’s back also makes it less suitable for riding. It would undoubtedly be possible to breed zebras that would ride well, but with the arrival of the internal combustion engine there has not been much incentive to do so.

What is the writer’s conclusion about zebras?

a) Zebras are not as similar to horses as they initially appear.

b) People have little motivation to develop a zebra that could be ridden.

c) It is unlikely that people could develop a zebra that would be good to ride.

d) Motorised vehicles are gradually reducing the numbers of zebras that are being bred.