Read the text below and answer Questions 1-7.

Great cycling trails

Why not take the bike and try one of these wonderful cycling routes next weekend?

A Bo’ness to Blackness Castle, Edinburgh

If you like cycling on flat ground and enjoy having interesting things to look at, this is one of the best trails in Scotland. Among its plus points, there are fantastic views of three of the bridges across the river Forth. Simply return by the same path or continue on to South Queensferry for a longer day out.

B The Montgomery Canal cycle path, Wales

Dragonflies, swans, buzzards, fish and other creatures can be spotted as you cycle alongside the canal. The path is in good condition and broad enough for a family to ride safely. A day out cycling in the area can also include a visit to the nearby thirteenth-century Powis Castle and its beautiful gardens.

C A walking and cycling path in Birmingham, West Midlands

The busy city of Birmingham has several well-known bike trails, including a quiet route along the Bourn Brook to Woodgate Valley country park. One hump-backed bridge is best walked across, but the rest of the route is flat and suitable for a range of bikes. It’s then 2km along the signposted path to Woodgate Valley, which is perfect for picnics, has a family-friendly visitor attraction especially known for its sheep, and offers a break from cycling.

D The Cycle Trail in the Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire

The path is on a former railway route from the time when the area was involved in coal mining. Cyclists can visit sites from this period on the way, but those just along for the views won’t be disappointed. Stop for lunch at one of the numerous picnic spots along the way. The route is circular, fully marked and suitable for the whole family, including the dog.

E The Wirral Trail, Liverpool

The trail is safe, flat and with plenty of cafés on the way. Take in the views of North Wales, have a rest on the beach at Caldy or Thurstaston, then cross the border into Cheshire and on towards Chester. Both West Kirby and Chester have regular direct trains back to Liverpool.

Read the text below and answer Questions 8–14.

What steps to take to become a fashion designer

First, it’s important to think about what types of fashion designers are in demand currently. There are so many womenswear designers, yet not as many menswear, sportswear or accessories designers. Opportunities might be greater in those categories.

When applying for internships, think about what you’ll bring to the company as well as what they can offer you: Is the company going to teach you skills that are relevant to your future career? What mix of skills can you bring to the company that is relevant to their needs? Try to find the company that’s the right fit for you, and you are much more likely to be what the company is looking for as well.

Knocking on doors can lead to fantastic opportunities: Designers are very busy and overwhelmed with people applying to work with them, but they’re far more impressed by people that try that little bit harder. For example, some graduates go overseas to New York or Milan to deliver a self-directed design project and CV to the designer of their choice. Of course that can lead to considerable expense, but it often results in success.

Make use of online fashion and business networking sites. Create your profile on each one, as you never know who might be looking. Apply to as many fashion hiring agencies as you can – there are more than 20 in the UK alone. Not all of them take on new graduates, but try them all anyway.

Consider your training and fill in any gaps in it. Assistant designers and interns can make themselves more employable through investing time in obtaining, for example, computer-aided design (CAD) skills. Unfortunately, not all colleges and universities have CAD as an integral part of their courses. If this has affected you, you should study using online learning applications.

Finally, talent is not enough – you need to get out there and make sure everybody knows about your skills. Graduates should be aware that they need to be proactive and persistent. It’s all down to developing new contacts and utilising the ones you already have