Read the text and answer the questions. Read them carefully in order to understand exactly what is required from you.

Whether or not you are suited to DIY depends on whether you regard a tool box as something that opens up the wonderful world of interiors, or a Pandora's box likely to release DIY devils into the woodwork. The inconvenient truth is that a lot of DIY shouldn't really be DIY at all - it's best done by a professional. But don't be put off; much is do-able and even enjoyable. And let's face it, you don't want to have to call a builder in to hang a picture, or a decorator to paint over the splashes behind the cooker, so even if you think a spirit level is a herbal remedy it's worth knowing that a small dose of DIY can help raise the spirits of both you and your home. (Paragraph 1)

Before deciding what you can and can't do, try a little self-analysis. There are no rules on distinguishing those destined for DIY greatness from those who should consult the yellow pages. Dentists can be crap at drilling and filling walls, it's by no means certain that neurosurgeons will connect up the right wires, and even mathematicians find it difficult to calculate how many rolls of wallpaper it takes to cover a room. Neither is it a macho thing; many women are very good at it (it's the multi-tasking thing). And if you are a man, there is no shame in having your wife/partner doing the DIY; after all you've got the dinner to cook and the ironing to do. (Paragraph 2)

It's not only aptitude but attitude that determines successful DIY. Reluctant DIYers rarely do a good job, and if you are one of life's bodgers then stop now and phone a competent friend or a professional. (Paragraph 3)

A lot of DIY requires only a few basic skills. If you can drill a hole and use a spirit level then, in theory, there is nothing stopping you from putting up a shelf or even a whole kitchen. However, the most common application of DIY is interior decoration, though it is worth noting that the actual decoration is the fun bit amounting to about 10% of the job; the rest consists of the all-important "preparation, preparation, preparation" plus a lot of moving stuff around and cleaning up afterwards. (Paragraph 4)

When it comes to other DIY tasks shape and size are an important factor. Awkward shapes are best avoided and novices should only attempt wallpapering, tiling or laying floors in regular-shaped spaces with straight edges, right-angles and perfectly flat surfaces; curves are best left to the big boys, as are big jobs which involve heavy materials, the use of potentially dangerous equipment, high ladders or scaffolding. (Paragraph 5)

If you need further help in the DIY versus getting in a professional conundrum there are clues in the name of the job to be done. Carpentry, plumbing and plastering are all noble trades requiring training and qualifications. Interfering with water pipes is unwise and except for adjusting the pressure on your boiler, don't touch gas. Confine electrical exploits to sockets and light fittings - and only then if you are the type who will not forget to switch off the current at the mains. (Paragraph 6)

Any job including the word "install" is also to be approached with caution; this includes new floors, lighting systems, kitchens and bathrooms. The same goes for anything "structural".(Paragraph 7)

Do learn about lintels, which are found above windows, doorways and fireplaces and stop walls falling down; joists, which keep walls, floors and ceilings in their place, and UBs (universal beams, formerly known as RSJs) which, if you remove, a wall will need to be inserted to stop upstairs coming downstairs. Don't knock down walls before you have consulted an expert; even modest-looking walls can turn out to be the one thing that keeps your house, and those either side, standing up. Knock it down and you could find yourself the next Harold Lloyd as the rest of the terrace falls prey to the domino effect. (Paragraph 8)

If you want to bring the house down, do it with a good joke rather than bad DIY... (Paragraph 9)


*DIY – do it yourself


1. What can you infer from the passage?

The passage states that:

All these statements can be inferred from the text EXCEPT:

If you are a novice you should avoid:

The word “trades” in Paragraph 6 means:

If you want to knock down walls in your house, you: