B1 Preliminary - Gapped Text Exercise 10

The Last Chimney Sweep In Manchester

In the busy city of Manchester, one man stands out among the crowd - John Watson, the last chimney sweep. John didn't choose this career out of the blue. _____1_____ He was taught by his father, who had been a chimney sweep for more than 40 years. Since he was a young boy, John spent his school holidays assisting his father, slowly mastering the craft.

A typical day for John begins very early in the morning. "You have to get up with the birds," he says with a smile. _____2_____ He spends his day visiting homes and businesses across Manchester, ensuring their chimneys are clean and safe. "It's a physical job, but it keeps you fit," John comments.

One of the perks of the job, according to John, is the sense of history and tradition. _____3_____ It's a connection to the past that he values greatly. He also takes pride in the skill required to do his job well, ensuring that every chimney he works on is perfectly clean.

But being a chimney sweep is not all fun and games. The job can be tough and dirty. _____4_____ There is also a certain amount of risk involved, as John often has to climb onto rooftops to access chimneys.

Yet despite the challenges, John has no plans to hang up his brushes anytime soon. He loves his work, and he hopes to continue for as long as he is able. After all, someone needs to keep Manchester's chimneys clean! _____5_____

Sentences

A. Despite the soot and grime, John wouldn't trade his job for anything else.

B. After a big breakfast, he loads his van with all the necessary equipment.

C. My father was a chimney sweep, and so was his father before him.

D. I feel like I'm a part of Manchester's rich industrial history.

E. Climbing up and down ladders and crawling through narrow spaces can be tiring.

F. Even in our modern age, there is a demand for his unique skills.

G. After that, things got a lot easier for him.

H. When his father retired, it felt natural for him to carry on the family trade.