ecl english level b1 (hu)

c1mu angol uyelvi gyakorlokonyvi.inl( C D-vcl, mely segltseget nyujt minden kedves nyelvtanulouak, aki BI szintu angol ECL nyelvvizsgat szeretne letenni.

);- A konyv 5 teljes ECL gyakorl6 nyelvvizsga tesztet tartalma:t, sz6beli es irlisbeli vizsgahoz egyarant.

r Minden probavizsgahoz, a megoldlis mellett, killiSn hanganyag leirast is adunk.

r A knnyv alkalmas onall6 nyeh-1anul:isboz is (a megoldolmlcs segft ebben).

r Azoknak a nyrlvtanul6knak is ajanljuk, akik nemcsak a ' i '-~J::il n szeretn~nek eredmcuyrsen szerepelni, hanem jobban is akarnak tud ni angolul.

>:- A kiin)'l masodik feleben sok hasznos, a ,·izsgan is alkalmazhato peldamondat es kifejezes talalhatO.

:VIeg_jegyzes: (A J::Yllkorl61(i)ny\' feladattipusai az allamilag ellsmert alnpfoku nyelvvizsgara keszitik fel a nyelvtanulOt).

Akkreditalt nemzetkozi nyelvvizsga

az EU tagallamok nyelvebol

Megjelent a

PRACTICE EXAMINATION BOOK 1

ECL PRACTICE EXAMS 1 - 5

English Level Bl

This book is designed to help students wishing to take the ECL English Level 81 lanauage exam.

);> The book comprises of 5 complete ECL practice exam tests for the oral, the listening, the reading and the writing parts of the exam.

};> Each practice exam is accompanird by an answer key and a transcript of the listening tests.

);> The book is also suitable for self-study (using the answer key to correct your work).

);> It is recommended for students who do not only set out to pa~~ the exam but also wish to improve their .English knowledge.

~ In the second half of the book numerous useful sentences and phrases can be found for both the oral and Wt·itten parts of the exam.

(The exercise types in the book pn!Jiare students for the Elementary level lauguag(' exam recognised by the Hungarian state).

A szerzok (www.szahonyelviskola.hu) is a Pecsi Tudomanyegyetem, ldegen

Nyelvi Titkanuig, ECL vizsgakozpontja

NYEL VTUDASSAL ... ... EUROPABAN!

EN LISH EVELBl

PRACTICE EXAMINATION

BOOKl

ECL PRACTICE EXAMS

1-5

READING WRITING

LISTENING SPEAKING

SZABO SZIL VIA MICHAEL COLLINS

With language competence ... ... for a united Europe

Eu op an Consortium for the Certificate of Atta inment in Modern Languages

Eddig megjelent gyakorlokonyvek:

ENGLISH

LEVEL 82 New Edition

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ECL PRACTICE EXAMS 1-S

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www .szabonyelviskola.hu A gyakorlokonyveket a kovetkezo e-mail cimen is megrendelheti :

[email protected]

CERTIFICATE OF ATTAINMENT IN MODERN LANGUAGES

ENGLISH LEVEL Bl

Practice Examination Book 1

ECL Practice Exams 1-5

Written and Compiled by

Szab6 Szilvia and

Michael Collins

Szerzok:

Szab6 Szilvia nyelvtanar

Michael Collins anyanyelvi tanar

Lektoralta: Papp Eszter ECL munkatars

© Szab6 Szilvia and Michael Collins, March 2009

ECL Practice Examination Book 1

English Level Bl

Certificate of Attainment in Modern Languages

Dunaujvaros, March 2009

Table of Contents

Preface page 7

Practice Test page 9

~ Answer Key page . 24

Felelos kiado: Szab6 Szilvia iigyvezeto igazgato Practice Test 2 page 35

~ Answer Key page 49 Kiado neve: Szabo Nyelviskola Kft. Cime: 2400 Dunaujvaros, Bercsenyi utca 7. Practice Test 3 page 59 Tel: +36 (30) 9272-521 Fax: +36 (25) 408-741 ~ Answer Key page 74 E~mail: [email protected] u

[email protected] Practice Test 4 page 83 Web: www .szabonyelviskola.hu

- Answer Key page 98

ISBN 978-963-87846-1-2 Practice Test 5 page 109

Forgalma.zO neve: Libro-Trade Kft. - Answer Key page 123

Cime: 1173 Budapest, Pesti ut 237. Examination Instructions page 133 Telefon: +36 (1) 2540254 Fax: +36 (1) 2577472 - Examination Topic List page 141 E-m ail: [email protected] u

- Examination Tips page 144

Forgalmazo neve: Pecsi Tudomanyegyetem, Useful Phrases for the Oral Exam page 150

Idegen Nyelvi Titkarsag Cime: 7633, Pecs, Szfmto Kovacs Janos u. 1/b.

Basic Writing Skills page 154 Tel: (72) 501-500/2102 Fax: (72) 251-929 E-mail: [email protected] u

Nyomtatas: Text Nyomdaipari Kft, Dunaujvaros Felelos vezeW: Knyihar Lajos

Preface

Our teaching experience has shown that a very good understanding of the test not only greatly increases your chance of passing the test first time, but also passing it with a very good result. Realistic practice test material used prior to the test, such as shown in this book, will prepare you for the actual test.

If you should have problems understanding the information shown in this book, your teacher/tutor will be only too pleased to help you.

Each practice test contains realistic tasks of the type you would find in a real ECL examination.

There are many ways of using these practice examinations. For instance:

• You can take each test as if it were a real examination.

• You can use the whole or parts of each test for practice purposes.

• You can acquire a general impression of the contents and procedures of

the examination by studying the contents of each test.

• You can practice your listening comprehension skills by listening to the listening tasks; after which, you should check the answers /tapescript. Notice the keywords that have been used to give the correct answers. You should not read the tapescript as you listen to the recording. In a real exam, you will not have access to the tapescript.

If you wish to work through the practice examinations as if they were real tests, then you will find answer sheets for each practice exam. A complete answer key is provided, along with the tapescripts of the recordings. You will find it very useful to read these where you have answered questions incorrectly.

However, you may need the help of a tutor/teacher to organise the test in the same way as a real examination is conducted.

Above all, you should not read any of the answer sheets, pre-read any of the texts or look at any of the pictures before attempting a test. These practice tests are designed to allow you to experience an ECL examination prior to actually sitting for the examination.

7

I

I l

Using this test material for practice purposes, we would recommend that you keep to the specified times for the individual parts of the test - as in a real examination - e.g. 35 minutes for Reading Comprehension; 50 minutes for Writing and about 25-30 minutes for Listening. ln this way you will develop a feeling for the time allotted for the individual test items. You can practice the Reading Comprehension, Listening Comprehension (with the help of the CD) and the Letter/Composition Writing sub-tests.

The correct answers for the individual tests can be found at the end of each test. Do not read these before you attempt a test. Use them to check your work and pay particular attention to the letters - style, phrases used and layout - and to the short articles - use of keywords, sentence order and paragraphs.

Model answers for the letter tasks are given, but your letter should be marked by your teacher or a sim)larty qualified person. It is of course not possible for you to practise the oral test by yourself, but you will be able to familiarise yourse)f with the tasks and procedures as well as the assessment criteria.

The writing skills required by the ECL examination are quite demanding. It is for this reason that we have included a writing skills section in this book. In it you will find examples of informal and formal letters, along with common phrases which you can learn to use. A section is included on how to go about writing a short article or an essay, along with example texts which demonstrate the use of key words/ideas being turned into sentences. Finally, you will also find a section on problem English.

Thank you for purchasing this book. We hope that you find these Practice Examinations interesting and that you will pass with flying colours!

We would like to thank Dr Hazy Laszl6 and Dr Huszti Judit, University of Pecs, Foreign Language Centre, for their advice and help, as well as our colleagues who participated in the making of this publication.

Szab6 Szilvia and Micbael Collins

8

PRACTICE TEST 1

9

Read.ing (35 minutes/25 marks)

Partl (12.5 marks)

You are plamung to visit London next month a1~d you are reading an article on the famous buses of Londo11. You have to fill in the missing words into the blank spaces. You need to find 10 words. The first (A) luzs been done for you as an example.

Decline of London's double-deckers

The double-decker bus is a postcard - of London; bright red and usually packed. It is beloved, annoying, necessary and somehow worth every penny of the fare.

At a time when London Transport is seeking to cut costs and modernize safety, the 72-seat double-deckers have been replaced by other B , the long, articulated 129-seat single-decker and more C 88-seat double-deckers.

The newer buses are operated by the D alone, riders are expected to buy their tickets in advance, and all of them have closing doors and low access platforms for wheelchairs and baby strollers.

Around 250 double-deckers still use London bus routes, such as those that run along Regent Street in the E centre. Their decline has coincided with the increase in the number of bus passengers, particularly since the Mayor of London had the campaign two years ago to reduce the number of cars in central F ____ _

Around 1,000 new buses have been introduced, bringing London's fleet to around 8,500. Travel by bus, in fact, has returned to levels unseen since the late 1960's, when there were far fewer G on the city's streets.

There are about six million paid journeys a day, twice as H as the number who use the subway system and 1.8 million more than four years ago. This is by far the single biggest transport system in Britain and most of Europe.

But it is not I to operate. 700 will have been removed by the end of 2005, with a handful remaining on a tourist run linking historic sites.

10

Both The London Evening Standard and the J LBC radio station have had campaigns to complain that the city is risking its identity. Trading one of its emblems for vehicles that look similar to those of other European cities is like San Francisco losing K cable cars or Venice its gondolas.

Choose from this list of words to fill each gap in the text:

1. cheap 6. modern 11. much 2. buses 7. trucks 12. local-3. symbol 8. London 13. Tokyo 4. city 9. cars 14. its 5. many 10. driver

11

Part2 (12.5 marks)

You like surfing on tlze internet. One day you found an interactive chat website where readers can get advice. The problems and advice have been mixed-11p. M at ell the 10 problems to the matching pieces of advice given. There are fewer problems than pieces of advice. An e.UI~nple is shmam as (0).

0. l have a great respect for your work. What training do you have as a psychotherapist and a writer?

1. The time I spend fishing, which is only about one afternoon a week, makes my wife angry. I do things with her, even events that have no interest to me. I don't want to give up my hob by.

2. We are going tluough some severe financial problems and may lose our home. 1 need my husband's emotional support but he ignores the problem.

3. 1 am manied with two kids, a dog, a big house and a kind husband. All look good from the outside but I am so depressed inside. Do I need therapy?

4. I am a vegetarian who happens to like sweets. Especially after meals. Is there any truth to the notion that my sweet tooth is caused by a deficiency in certain vitamins and minerals?

5. My wife is involved in raising our children. She loves the kids and I do too. Yet I feel as though we will be in a kid-world forever. She is sad that the baby years are gone. Not me. I am ready to travel, etc.

6. My question is how to succeed in a long distance relationship. While we love each other she is planning to move back to her parents to another far away state.

7. I am having surgery in a few weeks and my family is acting like it is nothing.

8. Do you believe there are certain foods that are so high in fat, salt nitrates etc. that they should not be sold to the public?

9. My mother-in-law has just moved into our home. Do you have some tips for making it work?

10. What advice would you give to a single guy who is really shy about approaching girls? I do fine online but almost freeze in panic when I am with a girl in a potential date situation.

12

Example: I have a master's degree. I did a post master programme in marriage and family therapy 15 years ago. I come from a long line of writers but had to get formal training to write.

A. Try to get help from a bank or a consumer counselling centre. You may need couples counselling as wen. Everyone has different needs during a difficult time like this.

B. Just be certain you are eating enough foods to meet your Caloric needs. For a pure plant based eater who is active, this can be a challenge.

C. I think it can be a beautiful situation to have a senior in your home as long as there is open communication and tough topics get discussed promptly.

D. Do not expect instant results. Losing weight is a long and hard process. A professional can help you with finding the proper diet and exercise schedule.

E. Maniage is a give and take, that is for sure. Explain that you need time to yourself and that you'd happily give her time to spend on her own hobbies.

F. I feel that any food can fit into a general diet. It is a matter of balance over a period of a few days and amount. Though certain population groups must avoid certain foods totally.

G. Not necessarily. My suggestion is to talk to a trusted woman friend, your doctor, clergy person for counselling. It is key to recognize the possible problem in the family.

H. Ask a family member or close friend to go to the doctor with you before the procedure. Let the doctor explain all that is involved, the risks, your needs.

I. Get out and socialize, try getting involved with extra activities you like. Join a bike, ski, hiking club. You will meet like-minded people even nice girls.

J. A pet involves a lot of responsibility. You cannot expect a six-year-old to take care of an animal while he is having trouble taking care of himself.

K. Your children grow up so fast. Enjoy them. Before you know it, they will be out of the house. Journeys, cinema, concerts can wait.

L. With the internet, phones, low cost airfare, the separation should not be hard at all. In fact being apart may give you a chance to see how strong the two of you are as a couple.

10

13

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Writing (50 . .min.ute~/25 mar~)

Part 1 (12.5 marks)

You would like to become a member of a website which helps to make pen friend introductions. As pQI't of tlte membership application, you need to write a short description about yourself. Include the foUowing points:

• name and age

• where you live

• details about your family

• your hobbies

• what you do (school, work etc.)

Part2 (12.5 marks)

Your English pen friend will spend a week in Hungary with you on holiday. This is their first visit to Hungary. Write a letter to your pen friend giving details of how you will spend the holiday together. Include the following points in your letter:

• where you will go • where you will be staying • places of interest to visit • how you will travel

14

Part 1- Write yoUI descriptive essay here (about 120 words).

.·,·.·.: -~

My name is .............. --

5

JO

15

20

25

15

Part 2- Write your letter here (about 130 words).

Dear John,

ll am so looking forward to our holiday together.

5

10

15

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'' 20

!!fitulest regards,

16

-

-·--

Listening

Part 1

(about 25 minutes/25 marks)

(12.5 marks)

You want to work in an English speaking country that's why you regularly listen to English radio programmes. Now you are listening to uHints for the household". As listening, find the appropriate pictures and match them and the advice. You have to match ten pairs ofpictures. There is an example for you.

You will hear the programme twice. Do as much as you can the first time and correct or complete your work the second time.

Now you have thirty seconds to look at the pictures.

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Part2 (12.5 marks)

Yol4 are going to liste11 to a radio programme in which a psychologist gives advice on marragi~~g exam stress. After the interview you try to sum it up for your friettd. Decide whether the statements (1-10) are True, False or Not Mentio11ed (NM) in the interview. You 11eed to have ten crosses.

You will have one mitzute to study the table below. Do as much as you can the first time and complete or correct your work the second time.

True False NM

0. The psychologist gives advice on stress X

related problems. ~

1. Stress is the usual reaction of our body in strange situations.

2. Under stress your blood pressure goes up.

3. Some sports are more useful than others m stress management.

4. Diet can influence your stress level.

5. The less chocolate you eat the less stress you have.

6. A glass of wine can help you right before exams.

7 . Some alternative techniques can be useful.

8. Sleep before midnight is essential.

9. Always do first what you are sure of.

10. Your mistakes cannot teach you.

20

I

Oral Communication (about 20 minutes)

Part 1 Introduction- warming up interview- social interaction, not assessed.

Introduce yourself to your partner if you do not already know each other. The examiner will i~tvite eaclt candidate to say sometlring about themsel~·es.

• Each candidate should say:

- where they come from

- the type of accommodation they live in

mention brief points about members of their family

• The candidates should talk about one or two of the following topics:

- school or college where they are studying

- office or place in which they are working

- town or village in which they are residing

- hobbies, sports or other regular activities

- type of holidays they like to take

- where they have travelled

- reasons for learning

Interesting conversation will be allowed to develop within the time limit.

Part 2 Guided conversation

Playing sport whe11 you 're young is very good preparation for grow11-up life. What are the benefits? What are the disadvantages that you can think of?

21

Part 3 Picture based topic (Visual stimuli to stimulate a narrative, explaining and interpreting the stimuli)

Seasons

Possible Topic Questions


I. Which is more important in sport - winning or taking part? Are you a good loser?

2. What are the most important events io the sporting calendar in your country? Which of these events do you enjoy most? Why?

3. Is it easy to take part in sport in your country? Which sports do you do and how often do you take part?

4. Which is your favourite sport to watch and what do you think are the qualities of a good team or a true champion in that sport?

5. Do people in your country do enough sport or do they prefer to watch TV and play computer games? How could you encourage lazy people to do more sport?

6. Expressing your opinion:

• Sport is an important subject on the school timetable.

• People should not just watch sport, they should also participate.

• Do you think everybody should practice sports?

• Do you think playing sports helps people work better as a team at work?

• Do you think that parents are too involved in their children's sports activities?

• How do you feel about extreme sports? Would you Jjke to try any of these?

• Does your country do better at the summer or the winter Olympics?

Part 3 Picture based topic

I. Which is your favourite season? Why?

2. Which seasons do you like the least? Why?

3. What happens to trees and plants in autumn? (spring)

4. Are there any special traditions associated with different seasons in your country?

5. Do you think weather patterns are changing? If so what do you think is causing these changes?

22 23

Answer Key Practice Test 1

Reading Part I

Reading Part 2

··-0 1 2 3 4 5 I 6 7 8 9 10

; ...

Example E A G B K i L H F c I I

1

Not used: D and J

Writing Part 1 Model answer

My name is and I'm 16 years old. I'm rather tall (lm 70 cm). My hair is dark. I have two sisters and a brother. They are younger than me; Barbara is four, Maxis eleven, and Anna is nine years old.

My father is a mechanic and he works in Budapest. My mother works as a nurse. We live in a small house near a small lake. We have a big lawn where my brother and I onen play football. We have a dog and a cat.

I go to school in Budapest, which is about ten kilometres from my home.

I like to go shopping and going swimming. J 'm fond of reading books and listening to CDs. My favourite book is Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets and the best group is Lazy Boys.

(Words 135)

24

Writing Part 2 - Model answer

Dear John,

I am so looking forward to our holiday together.

As you will arrive early on Friday, we have decided to drive straight from the airport to Lake Balaton. We have a holiday home just outside Si6fok and we will stay there until Monday.

It's a nice area with lots of things to do. Lots of sailing, swimming and sun bathing. We will also visit some wine cellars -lots to drink.

On Monday afternoon we will drive to our home in Budapest. It is the capital city and we will spend the last tew days of your visit visiting national/cultural places of interest; such as the Castle district, national museums and Heroes' Square. We will also visit some of the tourist shopping areas.

I hope that you find this an interesting programme. We are looking forward to meeting with you soon.

Kindest regards,

Mike (Words 131)

Listening Part I

r----·

I 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 ·--10

... I ''* Ll 0 I I R K[ P sIx! J I G E z clw MIN A[Y .... Q[ F

Tapescript

Introduction:

Housework is a never ending process. Do a little bit each day. Remember a clean house really isn't all that important. But I hope that I can help our listeners. Who is our first caller?

---·-·--·----------------------Example:

Answer:

I have dry flowers in my flat. I don't want to throw them away but they're very dusty. What can I do?

Put some salt into a paper bag and add the flowers. Shake the bag as the salt will absorb the dust and dirt and leave the dry flowers looking like new. Works like a chann.

25

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[~mb"' l I Answer:

I have a beautiful tablecloth. I got it for my wedding from my grandparents. I'm afraid to use it because I'm afraid that the coloured candles will leave a mark on it. Have you got any tips?

Candles will last longer and will not drip if placed in the freezer for at least 3 hours prior to burning. 1

,.-------· .. -·---------------------------, I Number2:

Answer:

I'm giving a party at the weekend and I'd like to have an unusual and special atmosphere. Have you got an idea for me?

Spray a bit of perfume on the light bulb in any room and you can create a lovely light scent in each room when the light is turned on. But be careful; don't spray the bulb when the light is on!

---...... ·-----'-----''--.::.._-------=---------------'

Number3:

Answer:

My gr;ndma can hardly walk. She's physically handicapped. Jt would ] be fatal for her if she fell in winter. We have many stairs around the ; house. What can I do? !

For icy stairs and freezing temperatures - get warm water and put dishwashing liquid in it. Pour it all over the stairs. You will see they I won't freeze. - .. , ______________________________ _

,...-------.. --.... ·- ... - .... --·-----------------------..., Number4:

Answer:

I love to have fire in my fireplace, but I hate to clean it next morning. I know ('m lazy but perhaps you have a good idea to spare time.

Spread a wide sheet of aluminium foil under the coal and wood in the fireplace. The foil will catch the ashes. When the fire has burned out and cooled, put the foil around the ashes and remove them to your garden for recycling.

------------------~~~----------------------------------------...l

----·-------·--------------------------------------------------------. Number 5: When summer comes, and especially before rainy days, there are ants

Answer:

and other insects everywhere in my house. Yuk, they're disgusting. Do J have to live with them?

Well not necessarily. They are said to never cross a chalk line. So get some chalk out and draw a line on the floor or wherever ants tend to march. ------------------------------------------------------------------_...J

Number6:

Answer:

Whenever I want to cook or bake something it turns out that something is missing from among the ingredients. Then I hurry to the shop, or market, but lose much time. How can I be time effective?

It's quite simple. Make an accurate grocery shopping list, keep in on the kitchen cupboard door, and write down what you need immediately as you run out.

26

Number?:

Answer:

Number8:

Answer:

Number9:

Answer:

Have you ever peeled garlic or handled it and your hands smell high to heaven? We love garlic and onion in our meals, but my husband hates the smell of it!

Concerning smelly hands. Well here is a tip from one of our listeners. 1

She has found that washing her hands with toothpaste gets rid of the I odour.

My husband is a bicycle fan and frequently gets black bicycle oil on his trousers. I'm fed up with taking his pants to the dry cleaners. (s there any house solution?

Regular soap, especially Palmolive, takes it out with veiy little effort quite easily. You can use that discovery to take out other oily stains out of other washables; including sun tan oil and chicken gravy. I hope this can save someone else's clothes, and their day.

.. ------, Evety day I get dozens of brochures and leaflets advertising different products and services by post. I'm fed up with this junk mail. Who do I have to call?

If you want to reduce the amount of junk mail then just ask the Direct Marketing Association. They offer a telephone service for consumers who want their name removed from the National Advertising List. They receive phone calls even at weekends. -·-.. ----· ___ _.!. __________________ ,___ _ __ ...J

Number 10:

Answer:

My wife's jewellety is not shiny enough. l took them to the jewellers, but he just laughed at me. Can you help me?

Drop your jewellery into a glass of water. Add two tablespoons of vinegar and wait two minutes. Then get an old toothbrush to do the little cleaning job. It is marvellous for those hard to reach places. Don't forget to sanitise the brush by pouring alcohol on it before usage.

(Words 681)

27

Listening Part 2

l - .

0. The psychologist gives advice on stress related problems.

I. S~ess is the usual-;action of our body in l strange situations.

2. Under stress your blood pressure goes up.

3. Some sports are more useful than others in stress management.

4. Diet can influence your stress level.

5. The less chocolate you eat the less stress you have.

6. A glass of wine can help you right before exams.

7. Some alternative techniques can be usefuL

8. Sleep before midnight is essentiaL

9. Always do first what you are sure of.

10. Your mistakes cannot teach you.

True False I

X I I

- . -·

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

-

NM

X

X

Tapescript

A: Now I have with me in the studio Jerry Anderson, who is a psychologist and works with the Student Counselling Centre at the University of Reading. And our topic is today "Dealing with Exam Stress". Welcome Jerry.

Jerry: Good morning.

A: Well I think December and May are the worst months for students. They have to prepare for the exams and they suffer from exam stress. How can we help them to cope with it?

Jerry: Stress is neither negative nor postttve. It's our body's normaf response to challenge or excitement. The stress response is only a problem if it appears too often, exists too long or is too strong.

A: One of the problems of being under stress is that you don't ever really get to relax. As a result you feel tired and don't sleep well.

Jerry: Yes there are a number of ways that can help your body to calm down. The most important thing is to give your body some exercise. Just give your body what it wants. Use up the nervous energy in physical exercise.

A: What do you mean?

Jerry: Well it doesn't really matter whether you cycle, skate, swim, play tennis or do aerobics. Exercising sends the blood to the brain. and it helps you to think more clearly, and to learn better.

A: What about your diet in the exam period?

Jerry: For some foods are simply more calming than others. Milk for example contains substances which help to calm you down. Potato is a well known comfort food , and so are bread and beans. Lettuce and other raw vegetables are also helpful.

A: Are there dangerous foods?

Jerry: Definitely. Sugar is the main danger here. It may give you an instant energy hit but in fact it increases your stress level if you eat it a lot. But chocolate, interestingly enough, seems to be an exception. There is a lot of speculation why. Whatever the reason, if you must eat sweet things during your exam time, then try to keep to chocolate. Honey doesn't seem to be too bad either; as far as we know.

A: When I have to stay up late, 1 drink much coffee. Is it okay'?

Jerry: Actually, coffe.e is a very powerful drug so it is an extremely bad idea to fill your system up with such a drug. Try to drink less coffee- drink milk instead or tea.

28 29

A: How about a glass of wine before going to bed?

Jeny: Oh no. Alcohol is popular as a social drug. It helps you to forget things. And during exam times, forgetting is exactly what you don't need to do. It is best to avoid it until the exams are over.

A: Do you use alternative methods in stress management? When 1 was a student, yoga improved my concentration level and kept me feeling calm.

Jeny: That is correct; and another possibility which you might like to try out is aromatherapy. This involves using oils from plants. Try some drops of lavender oil on your pillow or put some into your bath and see if it helps you to sleep better. And get enough sleep, at least six hours a night.

A: My friend usually studies on the balcony, even in winter!

Jerry: Lots of people find that just being outside helps them to relax. Half an hour or an hour spent outside in fresh air can make a difference to how well you sleep; and to how you feel generally. If you live in the heart of the city, and can't manage the fresh air, you could always try some of the alternatives; eh, Turkish baths or saunas.

A: Well, I remember the time when I was a student. I can mention some practical things. Plan to get there early, never be late for you exam. Read the paper through before you decide which questions to answer.

Jeny: Yes, and always start with an answer you're confident about, one that you're sure that you know. Do not panic. Close your eyes and take several, long, slow deep breaths. Don' t try to be perfect. Try to do your best, but recognise tha t none of us can be perfect all the time.

A: It is important not to spend time criticising yourself after the exam. Congratulate yourself for the things you did. Learn from the mistakes and then move on.

Jerry: But don't overdo the celebration, such as getting drunk, especially if it isn't your final exam. And also remember that others will still be studying, so be considerate of others.

A: Jerry Anderson, thank you very much.

(Words 768)

30

-Oral Communication

Part 1 Introduction

Candidate A: Hello, let me introduce myself. My name is Janos Kiss.

Candidate B: Nice to meet you Hmos, I'm Peter Nagy.

Examiner: Janos would you please tell us something about yourself?

Jcinos: I come from Dunaujvaros, which is about 70 kms south of Budapest. I live in a house with my wife and two children.

I don't have too much free time, I'm afraid. J need to took after the garden and do the repairs around the house. I like to spend as much time as possible with my family. But when I have a break for a moment, 1 prefer to read a good book or a newspaper; I like to keep up-to-date with things.

I work for a big multinational company. I've got a few people working for me. We get on very wel1 with each other and tend to work together as a team. I guess I'm lucky to say that I'm satisfied with my job and my working conditions.

I speak French and have found learning English a lot easier than I did with French. I need both languages in my work.

Examiner: Thank you Janos. Peter would you please tell us something about yourself?

31

Part 2 Guided conversation - Sport

Candidate A:

Sadly enough, teenagers really don't get enough exercise; they just sit at home and watch TV or play video games instead. Even if they do go out; it's usually to either a fastfood restaurant or to a disco. Fast-food is very popular with them, which is a shame really, because it's rather unhealthy.

Candidate B:

Yes, J agree with you completely. What's more, you can't even make them go out and do some sports or simply take a walk rather than sit at home and become unhealthy. It's very important to do exercise; and preferably some sports at a young age to enjoy a long and healthy life. It's a pity that today's kids don't recognise that.

Candidate A:

Indeed. I mean, going to the gym and fitness clubs is popular among people in their twenties, but I still think that there are still a lot more of them who play ball games instead. I mean, there are just so many more possibilities with ball games, rather than lifting some weights for a long time.

Candidate B:

I have to disagree with that From what I see, gyms are a lot more popular than ball games. I mean, I've been going to the same tennis court for years, but I haven't seen any fresh faces for quite some time now. It's the same with football. There's a sports field in the area where I go with my friends, but it's always the same people who play games. On the other hand, you can see lots of very broadshouldered men in the streets these days, so I suppose they spend most of their time working out in the gym.

32

Part 3 Picture based topic- Seasons

Winter

(Visual stimuli to stimulate a narrative, explaining and interpreting the stimuli).

Winter is the coldest season. Snow and rain are common in the winter. In snowy areas, many animals have difficulties finding food and some will even sleep through the winter to conserve energy. December, January, and February are considered winter months in the northern half of the Earth, though in some countries November is a part of winter. During winter people may wear different clothing like coats, hats, and scarves and participate in different activhies such as sleddiog or skiing.

Spring

The trees have no leaves on them. The grass is covered with snow. The air is very cold. Have to keep pavements and driveways clear of ice and snow.

As the winter ends, spring begins and temperatures slowly rise as the days get longer. Snow and ice melt and more rain falls during this season. The weather is a pleasant temperature; not too cold, not too warm. The change in weather allows this to happen. At this time of year the temperature rises and the sun comes out.

Flowers and plants grow and bloom, and animals become active again. Many animals will have their young in the spring when a lot of food is available. Furthermore, their young will have time to grow before experiencing a cold winter themselves. People wear lighter coats, rain gear and begin outdoor activities like baseball, softball, or gardening.

Summer

After spring, is summer, which begins in June and ends around September. Swnmer is the warmest season and has the longest days. Most areas receive the least amount of rain during this season. People may wear shorts, skirts, shirts, hats, and sunglasses and go swimming or take a vacation. The Sun stays high in the sky during the summer and people should understand the importance of using sunscreen and staying covered and cool- as it can get hot and sticky. Sometimes people use air conditioning, especially in their cars.

33

Autumn

As the summer ends, the weather gets cooler again and the days get shorter. Autumn begins in September and ends in November. The leaves change colour and fall off the trees. The weather becomes quite changeable and we often have rain. Some plants bear fruit, such as apple trees. Some animals will begin to migrate, or move to warmer areas for the coming winter. Other animals will store and eat food to prepare for the long winter's sleep. Football is a common autumn sport in many schools and community programs. People may wear coats and sweaters.

34

PRACTICE TEST 2 -· · .

35

Reading (35 minutes/25 marks)

Part 1 (12.5 marks)

You are reading a mother's 'Letter to the Editor' of a Health l~fagazine dealing with young children. Put an X in the appropriate column on the following page to indicate whether the statements (1-10) according to tlte text, are True, False or whether there is insufficient information provided in the text (Not Stated).

The .first (0) has been done as an example. Yo11 have to put 10 crosses (X).

"I've been battling the problem that my children should have a traditional healthy diet to be able to study well at school. I have succeeded to a point but most parents just give up because they worry about their relationship with their kids.

Both my kids are different as my son favours lemonade over sodas and sorbetto over ice cream. My daughter is a candy maniac however but we do go out of our way to feed her a high protein diet with huge variety in veggies. She takes a multivitamin designed for women to help the damage of candy she eats anytime she can.

The destruction of well balanced meals three times daily has caused that snacking has become popular.

My kids grew up in Italy where school goes 6 days a week and ends at 1 :00 pm. They nonnally come home and have a big 3 course lunch and then do 2 or 3 hours of homework. After that they usually play sports till late in the evening. It worked well and both kids are excellent at school. Both have scholarships. It has to start very early however. It's also virtually impossible to feed kids well in a one parent household.

Those who know my limited writing skills would know I grew up in the Michigan school system where we would all get into someone's car for our 2 Big Macs before getting back to school.

My kids love school. I hated it. To a small or large degree nutritionally empty fast food plays a huge role in the downward spiral of our nation's test scores and fastfood restaurants play a huge role in the inability to study."

36

Thoughts True False Not

Stated

~Example: X 0. Sbe wants to be a caring mother.

1. Not many other mothers have similar problems with their children.

2. Her children love meat.

3. Sweets are her daughter's weak point.

4. Vitamin pills help both children.

5. Snacks are easy to find.

6. Her children had a healthy childhood in Italy.

7. Healthy ctiet and studies have no connection.

8. The mother also had a healthy diet as a child.

9. She was a good student.

10. Fast food makes students study better.

37

Part2 (12.5 marks)

You are reading an article in a rock magazine but there are some misprints in it and now you try to find the right words and phrases to understand it. Find the right answers from 1-11. The first (A) has been done as an example.

Who is Joe Guess and why does his fans love this red headed A 4 . so much? A rock group founder, tequila maker and of course hard rocker opens his heart and tells us about why he loves his fans. Here are some of the best parts of an interview with him.

"You've been rather busy lately.''

"My life really is busy. Honestly, I'm moving to California in August for a year. Everybody wonders what B I'm moving down there is. They all say I can spend all the time I want down there. I spent weeks at a time, but the reason I'm doing this is that it's different C back and forth. I find I slow down a bit while in California. I'm trying to slow things down overall D __ _ life. I guess I'm trying to get back at a speed I can deal with. Not like trying to stop touring. I want to spend more time on the beach and reinvent myself. I want to spend time to figure out what I really want to do instead of E of these other things. Some don't care about what they are doing. I'm too busy. I can't make a record, and I have no time F an album."

"Have your fans followed you during your rock career?"

''I think I have the coolest and most loving fans. Here's an example. We found out that some fans G in the street outside of the stadium to buy tickets for friends they just met. They know that when the new friends get there at 4 p.m. the tickets would be sold out. These people are unbelievable. They are so giving and doH to take care of each other. I could care less if I never get more new fans. I just don't want to lose the ones I got All J think about is what rny fans would I . We have open arms to our friends. My premise is to keep these guys happy and keep this going. It's now big enough to do this anywhere any time."

"It seems like your fans are now very dedicated."

"Absolutely, we live by a few rules. Pursue happiness and treat other people like you want to be treated. Go out and do J . Go out and seek fun. I'm kind of like the leader of the club. I have a wonderful lifestyle where I can fly places and check out spots for them. I go out there and find fun spots and build my places in them. My K is to make them happy."

38

The missing words:

1. in my 8. the reason 2. it 9. enjoy 3. pretty 10. goal 4. rocker 11. going 5. all 12. dogs 6. were sleeping 13. their best 7. teacher 14. to finish

I J

39

Writing (5.9Jnjnutes!25 marks)

Part 1 (12.5 marks)

What do yo~t consider w be the most important room in a house? Why is this room more importa11t to you than any other room? Use specific reasons and examples to support your opinion.

Part2 (12.5 marks)

You have found the following leaflet in your letter-box:

FRIENDS OF THE FOREST

Join our club for a weekend trip into the forest and the hills surrounding our city. Take some exercise and marvel at the wonders of the countryside. To join one of our excursions, write to: FRIENDS OF THE FOREST

31 Oakwood Road LONDON Wl8TJ

You decide to write to this dub alld ask for more information. Write a formal letter asking about the following points:

• details about the trips (places, duration, cost etc.) • equipment necessary • whether previous experience is required • club membership

40

Part 1- 'Vrite your essay here (about 120 words).

I think the most important room is the ... .......... -

5

10

15

20

25

41

Part 2- Write you letter here (about 130 words).

Friends of The Forest 31 Oakwood Road London W18TJ

Dear Sir or Madam,

With reference (o .vour recent adverlisement,

5

10

15

20

42

44 Love Lane Twickenham Surrey SW2 7HJ

4'h June 2008

:

Listening (about 25 minutes/25 marks)

Part 1 (12.5 marks)

Your friend is interested in rock music and one day he heard a radio interview with June Col/ins, Phi/ Col/ins' mother. While listeniltg he took notes but misunderstood some words. You had the opportunity to listen to the interview again. and find the right words and phrases. Try to find the correct answers. The first (0) has been done as a11 example.

You can listen to the recordi11g twice. Do as much as you can the fust time and correct or complete your work the second time. Listen carefully.

Example: 0. The guest in the studio is a. Phil <:ollius

b. Phil'S' mother c. Phil's wife

]. Phil Collins was born on a. 3 January b. 13 January c. 30 January

2. His father was a. a clerk b. a sportsman c. a cartoonist

3. At the age of five he played a. the guitar b. the piano c. the drums

4. He asked his mother to drive him home because a. he did not have a car b. his car was too old c. he could not drive

5. His mother had problems with him because a. he did not want to have a haircut b. he was rude to his grandmother c. he played football all the time

43

6. He is well-known in the world of films as a. a director b. a script writer c. an actor

7. He had a. just one wife b. two wives c. three wives

8. His girlfriend is a. German b. English c. Swiss

9. His life in Geneva is a. boring b. busy c. unhappy

10. His touring season will end in a. February b. September c. January

44

JO

Part2 (12.5 marks)

You are listening to the radio when you hear an advertisement for a club. As you are interested in health issues and nature take some notes of the details of the club. The first (0) has been done as an example.

First, look at the Jtotepad and read what you have to fill in. You have one minute to do this. You will hear the recording twice. Do as much as you can the first time and finish or correct your notes the second time. Listen carefully.

Example:

0. Tb-e name of the club: Long-distance Walkl!rs

1. The profile of the club is

2. The meetings are on (2 days)

3. They don't meet in

4. Other activities at the club are

5. Equipment needed (2):

6. They decide on further tours on

7. The guest of the last meeting was by profession.

8. Contact person:

9. Cost for a student is

10. Phone number is

45

OraJ Communication (ab.~~.~ 20 min..utes)

Part 1 Introduction -warming up interview- social interaction, not assessed.


Hungarians can now travel freely and live in any of the EU member states. Would you like to go and live in another country? Wiry or wiry not?


46

Fashion

47


1. How many COWltries have you visited and which is your favourite country apart from your own? Explain why?

2. Which is the longest journey you have ever made? How did you travel? What events do you remember on the way?

3. Which is your favourite journey for beautiful scenery? Describe what there is to see.

4. Which capital city is your favourite? How do you like to spend your time there?

5. Do you suffer from travel sickness or are you nervous in cars, boats or planes? If so, what do you do to help you complete the joWlley?

6. Imagine you are an explorer and have the opportunity to make a big journey. Which continent would you visit? Where would you go? What would you hope to see?

7. Is organised travel the best way of learning about the world?


I. Have you ever bought something because it was fashionable? If so, what?

2. Is your country famous for any fashion products? Which ones? How are they marketed?

3. In your opinion, which com1tries have the best and worst fashions in clothes?

4. Which products advertised on TV in your co\.Ultry represent (a) women's fashion (b) men's fashion?

5. What would you/do you wear to feel fashionable?

6. Do you like watching fashion shows?

7. Do you think it's a pity that national costumes are disappearing?

8. Why do you think women of all ages are more interested in clothes than men are?

48

Answer Key

Reading Part 1

Thoughts

1Example: 0. She wants to J:;e a car.ng rno.tliev.

I. Not many other mothers have similar problems with their children.

2. Her children love meat.

3. Sweets are her daughter's weak point.

4. Vitamin pills help both children.

5. Snacks are easy to find.

6. Her kids had a healthy life in Italy.

7. Healthy diet and studies have no connection.

8. The mother also had a healthy diet as a child.

9. She was a good student.

10. Fast food makes students study better.

49

.Practice Test 2

True False Not Stated

-x

-

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

Reading Part 2

A 8 c D E F I G H I J K -14 1 4 8 11 1 5 6 13 9 2 10

Writing Part 1 model answer

I think the most important room is the living room.

First of all, it is where we take and seat our guests. It is the main and the biggest room in our flat. Secondly, we spend most of our time there watching TV, having our dinner and just talking with each other. Finally, since we do not have a separate room for studying, our living room is where we study; so I have my desk with the computer on. I like to study there because the room is perfectly lit with light from the large windows.

To sum up, I think most people would agree that the living room is the most important room because it is the room where people spend most of their time at home.

(Words 121 )

50

\Vriting Part 2 model answer

Friends ofThe Forest 31 Oakwood Road London Wl8TJ

Dear Sir or Madam,

44 Love Lane Twickenham Surrey SW2 7HJ

41h June 2008

With reference to your recent advertisement, please can you send me further information about club membership, the cost of joining and more details about its activities- such as places to visit, duration of activities, numbers on each visit etc.

Could you please include any advice about what equipment is necessary for these activities, and if any experience is needed? Please also include your programme for this summer - such as dates and places to visit.

I thank you for your help in this matter and look forward to receiving your earliest reply.

Yours faithfully,

P.J. Jones

(Words 118)

51

Listening - Part 1

0 1 2 I

3 I 4 ! 5 6 7 8 9 10

AI -- ------,--·· - --

B c c B AI c I B c B B I i

Tapescript

A: This is Rock Friday and this evening we play only Phil Collins music. In the studio I have with me now a special guest June Collins, Phil Collins'mother. Good evening June.

June: Good evening, I'm very happy to be here. Though my son doesn't know anything about it.

We do not know much about Phil as a child. Let's start with the very beginning. He was born in 1951, right?

June: He was born as the third child of the family on the 301h January 1951. He

has an elder sister and a brother. They're all very talented of course, ha ha. Carol was a famous ice-skater and Clive is a cartoonist. Their father worked as a clerk and he wanted them to have ordinary jobs. But he was proud of them.

A: How did Phil's musical career start?

June: He was born to play the drums; his sense of rhythm gave him a special style. He got his first drum at the age of five. If he sat down at a table he was tapping on it. He still does if you go out to a restaurant with him. Jn front of the mirror, or the TV, he was drumming along to any music he could.

A: Yes, he is a drummer above else, but he wrote some of the best songs and he is a famous singer too. What about his schools?

June: He wasn't very hard working and good at learning at school. But he sta~ed a band. I drove him to concerts. Later he brought an old van, whtch broke down all the time. In the middle of the night there was a phone call saying: "can you come and take us home?'' He brought his friends round and there were all his friends eating all my food and sleeping on the floor.

A: What was he like?

52

June: Phil \Vas a wonderful boy. Very good to his grandmother who lived with us, very caring. He was quite normal, played football. The only problem I ever had was with his hair. He loved it long and I didn't, ha ha.

A: When did he move away from home?

June: He lived at home until his father died. Then I gave him the money to rent a flat in Epson. He spent little time at his new home because he joined Genesis. Went on huge world tours with them. They loved his sense of humour and he was the best musician in the band.

A: If I remember well, he took acting: his first role was in a 1985 episode of the film Miami Vice, and then a lead role in a comedy and later a role as a police inspector.

June: Yes, yes I wanted him to be an actor so J sent him to a stage school, but he preferred music.

A: We can hear this or that about ex-wives and girlfriends. Is he married?

June: Unfortunately he divorced his two wives because he's a workaholic· ' work, work, work. He loves life on the road. But he's a good father; he

rings his children every Sunday at 8pm wherever he is.

A: He has a Swiss girlfriend hasn ' t he?

June: By the time he met this 24 year old Swiss girl, his second marriage was over. He was just following his heart. I'll visit them in the flat he's renting in Geneva over the holidays.

A: Do you know anything about his plans?

June: He's working hard on a solo album. He never gets the chance to get bored. And then he goes out at the end of February to Japan. He's touring everywhere. Japan, Australia and then Europe, basically he's on the road until the end of September.

A: June thank you for being with us.

June: Thank you.

(Words 639)

53

Listening - Part 2

'----------------~----------------~ 0. The name of the club: Long-distance Walkers ___J

1. The profile ofthe club is hiking.

2. The meetings are on Saturdays and Thursdays.

3. They don't meet in July and August.

4. Other activities at the club are cycling tours, picnics, inviting guest~, lectures.

5. Equipment needed (waterproof) anorak, good (leather) shoes.

6. They decide on further tours on Thursdays.

7. The guest of the last meeting was a photographer by profession.

8. Contact person Robin Smith.

9. Cost for a student is 8 pounds lhalfprice.

10. Phone number is 22050918.

Tapescript

Intro: This is the Western Radio, your local radio station with a weather report in our area for tomorrow the l41

h October. But first hear this.

Ad: Are you bored at the weekends, do you want to have exciting outings? Do you want to get fit, be healthy? Are you fed up lying on the couch in front of the television set? Do you want to meet new friends? Do you want to explore the countryside? Are you interested in local history?

Come and join us. Who are we? We're called 'Long Distance Walkers', a group of really friendly people who just love hiking. We meet each week on Saturdays all the year round, except July and August, and go on tidng but exciting trips to the country, to the near places of interest. We have visited the Botanic Garden in Torquay, Plymouth Bay, Mountbatten Castle and the wild ponies among the hills in Dartmoor this year. We also have picnics and sometimes cycling tours too.

Don't be afraid - you won't get lost. You will get good maps and detailed instructions to follow. All you need is a waterproof anorak, a good pair of shoes, preferably leather boots, and a strong pair of legs.

We also meet once in every second month, on Thursday to have a chat with a nice cup of tea to share the experiences or just look at the photos. At this time we plan the next month's activities and destinations.

54

r Sometimes we have guest speakers; historians, geographers or tourist guides. In September, Jim Austin, the photographer of National Geographic, came to be with us and taught us some tricks of nature photos. Everyone had a great time.

So why not come and join us. It's simple. Just phone 220-50918 and ask for the secretary Robin Smith. Come along to our next meeting, which is this Thursday, 20111 October jn St Martin's Grammar School in Church Street. It is easy to find. Take the number 11 tram at the market and get off at the fourth stop; the school is just opposite the stop, you can't miss it. We meet at 5.30pm.

It costs only sixteen pounds per year to join our club and there is a reduction for students and pensioners, they pay half price. The fee includes a monthly newsletter and five free photos of each outing.

So come and join us now. Phone 220-50918 now or let's meet on Thursday. And you can find us in Church Street.

(Words 415)

55

()ral Com~unication

Part 1 Introduction - warming up interview - social interaction, not assessed.


A. Well I think that it is nice to be able to travel around Europe without having to worry about visas etc. Don't you?

B. Yes, that's one of the main benefits of EU membership I guess.

A. I do hear that a lot of young people have gone to study in the UK. Would you like to study abroad?

B. Certainly, I think that there are some advantages providing you can get into a good university; otherwise I'm not too sure. The education system in Hungary is quite good and certainly much cheaper.

A. Yes it would be very expensive to live abroad, especially in England I hear.

B. How would you find the money to Live?

A. Not only that, but what about the 'culture shock'. new country, new language, new traditions etc.

B. Yes it would take time to get used to, just as it would mean living on your own without family and friends around. You can' t get home every weekend can you?

A. That's very true. It's probably the most difficult thing to get used to.

B. But I guess that your exposure to English would mean that your language skills would improve, and of course all your lessons would be in English. That would be good if you decide to stay there and work.

A. True. Likewise, you would be used to living in England, which would help you get a job.

B. Yes, I hear that quite a few Hungarians live and work around London.

A. Yes, I know of a doctor who got his Masters Degree in London, then found a good job. He earns a lot more than be would in Budapest

B. I think technical people and doctors can find well paid jobs in Europe. There is a shortage.

A. Perhaps in the future I might think about moving to and working in another EU country. Cheap flights and communications mean that you are not cut off from your family and friends. Perhaps do it for five years and then come home.

56

Part 3 Picture based topic- Fashion (Visual stimuli to stimulate a narrative, explaining and interpreting the stimuli)

A: In my opinion, r think that fashion is more important to teenagers than older people. Pictures of famous people, showing the clothes that are wearing, does influence what people buy to wear. They want to look like their role-models, and they feel that they must buy the latest fashion fad.

I like to be fashionable and try to keep up-to-date. I do think that many young people tend to wear the same style of clothing that the_ir friends are wearing. However, I think that it is important to remember that clothes are part of your personal image, the one that you want to show people who you are.

When I buy clothing, I want to know if it's comfortable to wear and how long it's going to last. Ifs important to remember to wear clothes and choose a look that you feel suits the image that you are comfortable with. Don't just be one of the crowd - be yourself!

Examiner: B, would you like to say something about the topic?

B: Yes I think what A has said is true in many ways.

Some people buy clothes because they want to look nice. Perhaps they have a special date or engagement. People have always liked dressing up. Some people have to wear a suit, shirt and tie to work- especially if they are dealing with people or in business. However, generally fashion today is much more casual than it used to be.

Fashion is important to younger people as it allows them to express their individuality. Style is important in fashion. The quality of the clothes? Well, we generally buy the label we like and that usually means style and the quality we are happy to pay for.

I also buy my clothes that are comfortable to wear. But I am conscious that they are part of my personal image and help to show my individuality amongst my group of friends.

57

Describing Fashion

The pictures show clothes and fashion for different age groups. I'm more interested in teenage fashion. However, it's important to remember to wear clothes and choose a look that you feel comfortable with. Don't just be one of the crowdbe yourself!

Some teenagers do have a lot of body piercings. These days it is not enough to simply wear rings in your ears. You will see many teenagers with rings in their navel, or belly button, nose, lip, or even their eyebrow.

Some girls go for a 'glamour' look. They wear T-shirts; trousers are usually preferred, blue or black, and the look is finished off with metallic bags and shoes and arms full ofbracelets. Another alternative is the 'rocker' look. You start with a T -shirt of your favourite band and tight jeans or a long skirt. On top of this you can wear a denim jacket. Jewellery tends to be large and metallic, and to add colour, wear a scarf.

The 'sporty' look - T-shirts are usually tie-dyed in hot colours. Wear Long shorts, short jeans or a denim skirt. What to wear on your feet? Beach sandals, of course!

If you prefer something mote feminine, there's the 'girly' look. Skirts are long, to the floor. Wear a top with butterflies or flowers printed on it!

Finally, how about the 'Tom Boy' look? Wear flared jeans and aT-shirt with a logo. Don't forget your waistcoat, of course!

58

p

PRACTICE TEST 3

59


Part 1 (12.5 marks)

Your family is planning to make some changes in the kitchen and you have printed out an ad of a company from the Internet that may help.

Find the right words which are missing from your copy. There are 13 words but yott need only ten. The first (A) has been done as an example.

Your kitchen is the heart of your home. It's a place where A 6 neighbours and loved ones get together to share meals and memories. Your B _____ _ should be functional, yet pleasant and inviting. If you C your home, but are not satisfied with your kitchen, we D a perfect solution for you! Trust the heart of your home to the largest home improvement company!

We can help you transform your present kitchen E the kitchen of your dreams. Whether you choose to change your entire kitchen or only your existing cupboards, we can give you a custom-designed look, to match any budget.

Whether you choose to simply change your cupboards F _ _ ___ change the whole kitchen, your kitchen design:

• Includes quality materials aod jnstallation. • fncludes a project coordinator to stay with you every G ____ of the

way. • Need no payment until job H complete. • Offers a quick kitchen change, usually done in about 4-6 days or a full

kitchen renovation. • Offers a large variety of popular door and drawer styles and a large

selection of I and wood, plus hardware. • Includes lots of sinks and tables, available in laminate or in Corian·~! by

Dupont:!:_

• Comes with a manufacturer's limited guarantee. • May J increase the value of your home.

Satisfaction Guaranteed!

Get excited about the K sides of designing a new kitchen. To learn more: simply request your free in-home brochure!

60

Possible words:

1. love 6. family 11. into

2. step 7. gtve 12. good

3. but 8. when 13. or

4. help 9. kitchen

5. colours 10. is

I: I B I c I D I E I F I G I H 1•1 J I K l

61

Part2 (12.5 marks)

You have printed out some information on travelling from the lntemet hut your printed copy has been mixed up. Match the an..-owers with the questions. The questions haJ-·e 2-3 answers. There are two more answers tha11 you fleed. You do not need to fill in every box. The first (A) has been d011e as att example.

Questions:

A. We have a flight from Gatwick at 7 a.m. one day in March. Can you please advise us of reasonably priced places that provide a bed, car parking and transport to the airport?

B. Help! Next year I will be 40! After giving up smoking a few years ago I said to the world that I would be running the Sydney marathon in my 40th year. I will be taking my wjfe and 18-month-old son. What would be your advice to our family about getting the most out of the trip?

C. We need inspiration. I like beaches and clubs, my boyfriend likes wilderness and climbing. Where in Europe can we do both during a twoweek holiday this summer?

D. To celebrate a significant birthday in August, I am planning to walk with a group of friends into Santiago de Compostela, in North West Spain. However, we only have between seven and 1 0 days free. Can you suggest a route and give any advice?

Answers:

1. Less well known is that, despite postcards showing old villagers making sausages, there are some serious nightclubs.

2. The whole walk from Roncesvalles on the French border to Santiago (461 miles) takes a month. So with shorter time, take on the final section from Astorga or Molinaseca to Santiago, around 150 miles.

3. When you take a class on a recreation trip, think of safety first. Children in a group like running and walking a Jot. Don't go to very high places with them.

4. There are two options. One, which is connected to the airport, offers packages which include parking. This hotel is by far the most convenient for an early check in Gatwick.

62

5. Arriving three or four days beforehand will give you a chance to shake off the worst of the jetlag and stretch your legs with a gentle jog before the big day.

6. The following website (www.csj.org.uk) can advise on how to get a document that gives access to albergues (hostels) along the way and stamps to prove you completed the walk.

7. The cheaper altemati ve is to go to one of the hotels in the towns near the airport. Less than three miles away is the Corner House Hotel offering double rooms for £67 per night, with free transport to the airport and secure parking. ·

8. Try Corsica. The picture is that it's like the Alps in the middle of the Mediterranean. There are wonderful mountains for your boyfriend and beautiful beaches.

9. Grandparents like taking their grandchildren on holiday though 1t 1s not always without danger. If they find a pleasant small place with other families, do not worry.

10. Treat yourself to somewhere a bit special to rest your tired limbs afterwards. The Saville offers luxury 'apartment-style' accommodation with fre.e babysitting, full kitchen facilities and a central location for around £1 00 a night.

11 . At Little Foxes Hotel car parking is £10 per week if you stay overnight and doubles start at £60. You will have to book your own taxi to Gatwick. but it's only a few minutes' drive.

12. There you will also find Europe's biggest outdoor nightclub, which has a swimming pool and numerous bars and is open all night. Spend a week on the beaches around here, and then head up north for a week in the little villages around the biggest mountains.

13. Take comfortable clothes with you especially very good hiking boots. The mountain is a hard task~ you need both light and wann clothes on the way.

B c D

63

Writing

Part 1 (12.5 marks)

Your local newspaper is running a series of articles on personal success readers have had and what the effect of the succes . ._ has been. You ltave decided to submit an article.

Part2 (12.5 marks)

Yozl have received the following invitation from one of your friends:

Edward & Susan

Are happy to invite you to their house-wanning party. We are planning a joyful event with eating, drinking, dancing, playing games and lots of fun! We would be glad to see you there as well! Come to our party on 3rd Feb at 8.00 p.m.

Unfortullately, yozl cannot go to this party but decide to write yoz4r friends a letter illclllding the following points:

• Thank them for their invitation. • Say why you cannot go and apologise. • Ask about details of their new flal • Ask for news about them - express hopes of meeting them sometime in the

future.

64

Part 1- Write your article here (about 120 words).

I will always remember ·-

5

-

10

15

20

25

65

Part 2- Write your letter here (about 130 words). 4 January 2008

Dear Ed and S11e,

Many thanks Jot your house-warming party invitation;

- -- --

5

10

I 5

20

66

....J

Listening (about 25 minutes/25 ma.-ks)

Part 1 (12.5 marks}

Wltile surfing otz English-speaking radio channels you found an interesting

discussion about "Turning Torso"- a skyscraper in Malmo, Sweden.

You can listen to the programme twice. Decide which of the three option.5 is correct.

There is an example for you. Now read the statements; you have one minute to do

this.

Example:

0. Norman Gulf is a. a reporter b. an architect c. the designer of the Turning Torso

1. They are talking about the new skyscraper because

a. it was opened in August.

b. its construction has just started.

c. there is a scandal about it.

2. The construction price is

a. the same as planned.

b. bit more than expected.

c. a lot more than in the original plan.

3. The reporter

a. has not heard the designer's name earlier.

b. knows the facts of the designer's life quite well.

c. knows everything about the designer.

4 . Santiago Calatrava mainly designs

a. apartment blocks.

b. stadiums, bridges and stations.

c. in the USA.

5. The idea of this unique shape came from

a. his Swedish wife. b. another piece of art.

c. the Swedish government.

67

6. This building is a. the highest in Europe. b. the second highest in Scandinavia. c. the highest in Sweden.

7. The tower has a 57 floors. b. 54 floors. c. 49 floors.

8. There is no restaurant at the top because of a. the tenants' request. b. safety reasons. c. weather conditions.

9. The secretary of the Chamber of Architects thinks that it is a. dangerous to live there. b. safe. c. too expensive.

I 0. The local newspaper gave its readers a. two pages of photos of the building. b. many souvenirs. c. tips for how to make a model of the building.

68

Part2 (12.5 marks)

You are going to work with some Engli5h colleagues and you want to impress them with your knowledge of etiquette. You have heard a radio programme on good manners at the table and now you want to sum up what you have learnt Write your ideas for each heading. The first (0 ) has been done as an example.

You will hear the recording twice. Do as much as you can the first time and complete or correct your work the second time. Listen carefully.

Now you have 30 seconds to read the headings and information belmy.

r- - - - -· 0. Invitation

·-·---· -·--·· by phone I in writi1tg

~

_.,. ____

1. Arrival

. ............................

2. Not to serve

raw onion, spinach

·-························ meat

3. Special diet for

• 0 0 I 0 I I e 0. 0 o I I I o ~I 0 o 0 the ill people on a slimming diet

4. Decoration -- .. ·-- · - - .--

table napkins ........... ......... cloth

5. Glasses

Large for I . ~~~~~e:[~~ [ .......... ----~~-~.--~ ........ water -·-· ... ···-· --·- -- ... ·--··

6. Activities

Talk games ....................

7. Cheese -· ···-·· .... -. . ·-··

hard cheese on bread soft cheese ...................... -·---··· ..

69

8. Wine

white wine with fish served iced red wine with ................

9. Topic ofbusiness conversation ...

in Asia: private life I in France: ..........................

10. Flowers

red for the beloved I ................ for a girl

70

. . . O~a} Communi~~tion (about 20 minute.s)

Part 1 Introduction -warming up interview - social interaction, not assessed.


Which age-group in your country eats most fast and pre-prepared food? What could be done to encourage these people to eat more fresh food?

71


Traditions

72



1. Should the law limit the number of fast food restaurants in our towns?

2. Do you think you can get all the vitamins you need from a vegetarian diet? Would you be happy to eat a vegetarian diet for a week?

3. Should countries try to grow all their own food or is it better to depend on trade to meet your food needs?

4. Many people in Britain eat too much sugar, butter and salt. How healthy are eating habits (a) generally in your country (b) in your own family?

5. Do you think that Hungarian food is healthy?


I. Does your country have any traditional dances for special ceremonies at different times of the year? Describe the dances and the traditional dance costumes.

2. In Britain, there is a long tradition of playing cricket and tennis in the summer and football and rugby at other times of the year. What are the traditional sports in your country? Is your country still good at these sports?

3. Traditional food in Britain includes roast beef and Yorkshire pudding, ftsh & chips and haggis while traditional drinks include beer (best bitter) and whisky. What traditional food and drinks do you have in your country?

4. In very traditional British schools, the pupils stand up when the teacher enters the room. It is also traditional for all the teachers and pupils to meet all together before morning lessons, and to sing a special school song at the end of term. Do schools in your country have similar traditions?

5. In the British calendar, the traditional ceremonies include Hogmanay (the Scottish New Year), pancake day in February, dancing on 1st May and bonfire night in November when we burn a dummy of the man who tried to blow up Parliament. When are the traditional ceremonies in your country and what happens?

73

Answer: Key "Practice Test 3 -------------------------

Reading - Part 1

Reading - Part 2

~4-1 A B c D -~

i

7 11 5 10 1 8 12 2 <0 Writing Part 1 Model answer

I will always remember taking my driving test. Looking_ back I ~e~lise how

nervous 1 was, since the actual written exam was easy. Durmg the dnvmg test, l soon realized that driving can be very difficult. I was the first candidate in the line

of 50 who passed the test and received my license.

Only a few 18-year-olds pass the exams first time and I am very proud of the f~ct that I did. And last but not least, getting my driver's license has made my dally

commute much easier. I do not have to wony about the weather conditions or paying a fare.

I will never forget passing and getting my license because it was the ticket to a

better lite. It was a major success and I consider myself very lucky.

(Words 134)

74


41h January 200R

Dear Ed and Sue,

Many thanks for your house-warming party invitation; unfortunately we will be

unable to come as we have already planned to visit Tom's relatives in Scotland that weekend. We haven't seen them tor a long time.

We haven ' t met for a while so we would love to know about your latest news. and of course details about the new flat - Richmond is such a nice area, we have often looked at it ourselves. However, it is a little bit expensive I fear.

I will contact you when we get back from Scotland. Perhaps we can get together over lunch and catch-up on the gossip.

Once again, sony we can't make your party. Look forward to seeing you soon.

Love Julie

(Words 123)

Listening - Part I

A: This is the July talk of the World of Buildings programme. And here we have in the studio Nonnan Gult~ who is the secretary of the British

Chamber of Architects. Good afternoon Mr Gulf and welcome to the programme.

Gulf: Good afternoon.

A: Our topic today is the Nordic 's tallest skyscraper 'The Turning Torso' in

Sweden and we've chosen this topic for today because the official opening ceremony was not long ago on the 271

h August.

75

l ...J

Gulf: It took four years to complete this enormous job. The construction started in the swnmer of 2001, and the total cost is calculated to be about 1600 million Swedish Kronas. In the beginning they were talking about 950

million Kronas.

A: What do we know about the designer?

Gulf: It is Santiago Calatrava, and you can guess from his name he is Spanish.

A: I've prepared some information from his biography. He originates from Valencia in Spain. He's one of the world's most famous architects. Speaks six languages and has a Swedish wife. Does he design office

buildings?

Gulf: He has mostly done bridges, stadiums and railway stations before. This is his first residential building. This building won the 2005 award for best residential building in Cannes, France.

A: Yes, this building is technically unique, something exceptional but

where's the idea from?

Gulf: Originally the Turning Torso was a sculpture by Catatrava. A white marble piece based on the form of a human being. In Malmo, the politicians contacted him because of his Swedish link and asked him to design a building using the same concept.

A: And now it's become the symbol ofMalmo.

Gulf: The tallest building in Scandinavia and Europe's second highest apartment building is on the Swedish side of the Oresund River, just

opposite Copenhagen.

A: Can we have some statistics?

Gulf: Sure. The tower reaches a height of 190 metres, with 54 stories. The bottom floors are for office space. And above, there are 149 luxury

apartments.

A: And a restaurant at the top?

Gulf: Oh no! There won't be either a restaurant or a sky-bar. This is the request of the people living in the building.

76

A: How long does it take to get to the 54th floor?

Gulf: To ride from the bottom to the top takes little more than half a minute in any of the five lifts.

A: But isn't it dangerous to live in a skyscraper like this?

Gulf: Only every second window can be opened and only lOcms, there are safety blocks. And yes it is interesting; window cleaning is included in the monthly rent. Fire protection is important too. There is emergency water and electricity supply and trained safety personnel.

A: I've already see 'Turning Torso' souvenirs. Tea shirts with prints, 'Turning Torso' games.

Gulf: Yes, Malmo has registered the 'Tuming Torso' trademark, and they're in the process of creating an official souvenir collection. I 'm sure there will be clothes and key chain rings on sale soon. And a funny idea, the local Malmo newspaper on Wednesday had two pages with a description for how you can construct your own 'Turning Torso' from paper and matches. Go ahead.

(Words 529)

77

Listening - Part 2

I 0. Invitation ·= ' I l by pJ1one i11 writing

l. Arrival

On time/don't be late

2. Not to serve - ··-

hot, spicy food raw meat onion, spinach ..

3. Special diet for

vegetarians the ill people on a slimming diet

4. Decoration ··-

1.

table cloth napkins flowers I 5. Glasses

Large for smaller for

I mid-large for red wine

water white wine ... 6. Activities

- ··-

I Talk dance games i --

7. Cheese

hard cheese on bread I soft cheese li'ith a fork -·

8. Wine

white wine with fish served iced I red wine with meat and cheese

9. Topic of business conversation

in Asia: private life I in France: business only

10. Flowers

red for the beloved L pink for a girl

78

Tapescript

A: Here in the studio we have Alice Tucker, the journalist of The Ladies

Home Journal. She will teach us about proper behaviour in different social situations, and answer our listeners' questions. Miss Tucker welcome to the programme.

Alice: Thank you. Good manners are very, very important; that is way we started our etiquette section in our journal.

A: What to do when you invite someone round? How to set the.table, how to arrange the seating?

Alice: You invite your guests by either phone or in writing. But if it is an invitation to an important meal, after the phone call, a written invitation must follow.

A: Shall I arrive later or earlier than the meal begins?

Alice: In England, you should arrive exactly on time, but you cannot be late. The

host will already be in the dining room when the first guest arrives.

A: Our first caller is on the line!

Caller: Yes, hello. My name is Jay. Would you say some words about the meals? How to serve them, and how to eat properly.

Alice: You have to know who your guests are. You should choose the menu

according to the tastes and eating habits of the guests. If you don't know anything about the guests' eating habits, a simple menu should be served.

Don't serve hot or spicy dishes, raw meat dishes and strongly f1avoured vegetables such as onion and spinach. It would be kind to take note of

vegetarian or slimming diets, many of which mean avoiding certain foods. If someone has health problems, respecting their needs is not only kind but it is a must.

A: Our next caller is with us.

Caller: Hello, J'm calling from Liverpool. Eh, Miss Tucker, can you give some suggestions for setting the table?

79

Alice: Get some seasonal flowers, a particularly nice tablecloth and some attractive napkins. Also choose pleasant music which is good for a relaxed conversation. Fork, knife and spoon must be placed on the sides of the dish according to the order they are used.

As far as glasses are concerned. there is a large one for the water; mineral water is served from the bottle. A smaller glass is used if white wine is served. Mid-large glasses are used with red wine. The last element is your guests. When the guests arrive, read some poetry, do a little dance, play a word game or simply talk.

Our first caller asked me about the food. So turning back to food. If we speak about cheese; eat hard cheese with a knife, cut a small piece and place it on a piece of bread before bringing it to the mouth. If soft cheeses are served, use a fork.

A: The wine drinking rules are very strict, aren't they?

Alice: Drink dry white wine with fish and serve it iced. Rose matches all kinds of dishes. Red wine must be served at room temperature with meat and cheese, and I serve sweet white wine with desserts or cheese.

A: Business etiquette is very important; would you say some words about it?

Alice: Every country has its own rules. For example: in Asia you must ask questions about ones private life. In Europe, in France particularly, where business is only business; dinner and business often go in pair. Bring a small present to the person who has invited us. It can be flowers or liquor or a box of chocolates. The red roses must be given as a present only to the beloved woman, while pink roses are better tor a girl.

(Words 606)

80

Oral Communication

Part 1 Introduction ~warming up interview- social interaction, not assessed.

part 2 Guided conversation Dialogue:

F

M

F

M

F

M

F

M

F

M

F

Well I think that is definitely children aged I 0-19 years.

Yes definitely, but I mean junk food is here to stay whether we like it or not, so the real question is how we deal with the problem.

Well, I agree that junk food is a problem. I think we need to know that healthy and unhealthy food is definitely on the increase.

But certain companies just produce the cheapest, unhealthiest food to make the most profit. There is little governments can do in this situation, is there? I mean, it's not as if they're breaking the Jaw or anything.

Well, the law could always be changed. I'd be in favour of some kind of regulation of the food industry and perhaps some products that are proved to be unhealthy could be banned altogether.

f certainly think somebody should look into some of the things that companies put on the package. I mean, how do we know whether it's true or not?

Well, the fact is we don't. Often when foods claim to be 'less fat' or the 'healthy alternative' it's only relative to some other product - it's not an absolute fact. I think that a lot of research needs to be done. The same is true when companies say things about their products which arc false.

Well, most countries do control advertising, but these controls should be tightened. I think the problem is advertising aimed at kids. In some countries they try to teach children to see through advertising, but I don't think education can make that much difference.

But we live in a free society; it's better to give kids the information they need to make their own choices. If you pass too many laws about things, people begin to feel that they have no say in the matter.

I think that parents have to set an example to their children. By the time kids get to school, they've already been influenced by advertising and they're probably already eating fast food regularly.

Well, I think schools should be responsible- and it's not only a matter of food! Schools can also encourage kids to get more exercise by promoting team sports - that's another route to good health.

81

M I agree about the exercise, that's essential for all of us- but do we really want kids to be competing all the time? That means somebody's always got to lose.

F Well if you ask me, healthy diet and exercise go hand-in-hand and it's the competitive element that provides the motivation for both.

Part 3 Picture based topic (Visual stimuli to stimulate a narrative, explaining and interpreting the stimuli).

Examiner: Do you think we should keep our traditions or make way for change?

A: In some countries people have done both, though it's usually older people who pass on the traditions. The young are often embarrassed by them. This is a shame.

Let me explain. Take a traditional song, for example. Perhaps children learn to sing this song from their grandmother when they are five years old. Well, when they reach the age of fifteen, they don't like the songs of their childhood any more. Instead, they are into pop or rock songs which they will forget within weeks.

It would be O.K. if they recognised the quality of the songs that their grandmother taught them and went on to sing them to their own grandchildren. Why shouldn't they? After all, these songs have been traditional for many generations.

Music today is owned by large multinational recording companies, many of which are based in the United States. The same applies to soft drinks.

Examiner: I don't understand. What's the connection between a folk song and a soft drink?

A: I'm talking about soft drinks; and only a few Spanish bars will serve you with "horchata", their own traditional soft drink. However, they are happy to serve you with American soft drinks which are advertised all over the walls of the bar and on the sign outside. It's the same with music. The traditions of small countries are being replaced by worse American imports.

Examiner: Thank you candidate A. Candidate B, what would you like to say about the topic?

82

PRACTICE TEST 4

83


Part 1 (12.5 marks)

You are reading a magazine tltat you have found on the bus. It is a little dirty and you cannot read every word. Find tlte right words to the missing parts. Note: there are two extra words you will not need. The first (A) has been dotr as an example.

A few minutes before 7 a.m., Martin Stewart greeted a visitor to his apartment

with the news that he had eaten 14 egg whites for A 6 . But he was still

hungry. A plate full of cornflakes, a B and a glass of fresh grapefruit

juice were waiting for him, and still Martin wanted more egg whites. "It's O.K.,

six more is not going to hurt,'' Mat1in said. "It's good protein."

Martin's day always begins like this. He eats the first of five, sometimes six,

meals before the sun has risen over the horizon. Sometimes he adds vegetables,

like tomatoes or C , to his egg whites or he has a bagel instead of

cornflakes. Martin has known no other way for the last 15 or so years. He likes

this diet not only D he plays baseball for a living. He also wants to

stay alive as E as possible.

The 47-year old Martin is, by 4 years 2 months 26 days, the oldest player in the

major leagues. But he has the best muscle definition and slim waist of an athlete

half his age.

If, as Martin wishes, he plays until he is 50, he will take about 5,000 calories

daily, lift weights six F a week; and attend weekly sessions with his

chiropractor and massage therapists to help his spine and restore his balance.

A religious man, Martin obeys the Ten Commandments, and he also has G personal rules, in increasing order of importance: eat well, work

hard and get proper rest.

"There are no magic pills," Martin said.

Why else, he said, would he drink a liquid mix made from beets, cauliflower,

celery, broccoli, garlic, onions and an apple? "It tastes nasty, but it's so good for

you and 1 00 percent H , " Martin said. "That's all that I care about."

Spending time with Martin, listening to him describe his philosophies on health

and I , it almost becomes possible to believe he'll be around in a few

hundred years.

84

On willpower, Martin said: "All the time people tell me that they shouldn't eat

something but they do anyway. They don't need cake. They don't have to have it."

On his easygoing nature: "If it's hot outside, great. If it's cold, great. If it J _ _ _ or it's windy, I don't care. They're out of my control. The things in my life that I can control -my diet, baseball, my interaction with friends, family, team-mates-

that's what I can control, and that's what enriches K life."

Possible words:

1. happiness 5. organic 9. my 2. days 6. breakfast 10. glasses 3. banana 7. rains 11. long 4. Wednesday 8. because 12. spinach

13. three

85

Part 2 (12.5 marks)

Read tlu interview below with a woman racing car driver. l~{atch the question..<; (1-

13) of the interview with her answers (A-K). There are more questions than you need. The first (A) has been done as an example.

Born in Naples in 1926, Maria Teresa de Filippis started racing Fiat 500s at the age of 22. In 1958 she became the first woman to compete in a Formula One world championship. Although she was very successful she gave up professional racing in 1959 and started a family.

Example:

Question: 7

A. Yes. Two of my brothers thought tbat 1 COllldn't drive fast and 1 wanted to prove them wrong. 1 trained on the coast and ~on my first race in a Fiat 500.

Question:

B. My Dad was sceptical to begin with. I'd always been more interested in horses than cars, but they never raised too many objections because I won straight away. My mother used to tell me: 'Go slow and win.'

Question:

C. At first they thought I wouldn't be able to compete, but then I got all the way to the Formula One. The only time I wasn't allowed to compete was the French Grand Prix. Apart from that I don't think I encountered any prejudice -only surprise at my success.

Question:

D. At the time it was Juan Manuel Fangio; later, Ayrton Senna.

Question:

E. Lots. He used to say: 'You go too fast, you take too many risks.' I wasn't frightened of speed, you see, and that's not always a good thing. He worried I might have an accident.

86

Question:

F: I reme~ber receiving £500 for taking part in the Daily Express Trophy at Stlverst~ne 1.n 1958, but apart from that I can't say I made very much. My contract with Maseratt spht all costs and prize money fifty-fifty.

Question:

G. Because too many friends had died.

Questjoo:

H. Yes,_ though tbere will always be only very few of them. The physical strength n~eded ts not a feminine characteristic. Those bull necks, for instance - not a pretty Stght.

Question:

l. I am a bit. Maybe they just don't feel like it. Then, of course, there is the question of money. It's a shame because I think there would be a huge amount of interest if a woman was given a chance to race in Formula One.

Question:

J. I don't li~e today's races much._ Success is based more on electronics or the speed of the mechan1cs and less on the sktll of the driver. In our day the drivers were friends. We travelled together, stayed in the same hotels. Today the drivers don't go out together at all.

Question:

K. I have been the vice-president of the International Club of Former Fl Grand Prix Drivers since 1997 and am the president of the Maserati Club. I have two grandchildren and live near Milan.

QUESTIONS:

1. What was the attitude of men drivers towar:ds you?

2. Did you earn much money?

3. Can women compete with men?

4. What is the ideal car for you?

5. Are you surprised more women haven't followed your example?

6. What do you do nowadays?

87

1. [s it true you started racing to show your family that you were good at it?

2. Did you have a hero?

3. Why did you stop?

4. What do you think of Formula I now'?

5. What do you remember about racing in your first championship?

6. What did your parents think?

7. Did Fangio give you any advice?

I : I B I c I D I E F

I (; I 11

I

I J

88

Writing (50 minutes/25 marks)

fart 1 (12.5 marks)

In your opinion, what discovery has given the most benefit to mankind? Gi~·e reasons and examples to .vupport your opinion.

Part 2 (12.5 marks)

You have recerrtly developed a new hobby (choose your own, for e.:ICample: yoga, computing, weight training, fishing etc.) and decided to join a local club. Write to a friend telling them about your experiences/describing your hobby.

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Part 1- \Vrite your essay here (about 120 words). part 2- Write your letter here (about 130 words).

In my opinion, the discovery that has given the most benefit to manki11d DearJon,

'

~a11ks a lot for your letter. -r

5 1-"

r--

-5 1-

10

1-;

10

15

15

20

i 2()

25

90 91

Listening {abou.t 25 minutes/25 marks)

Part 1 (12.5 marks)

You are staying in Londo11. One day you need a book from the British Library. At the reception you meet a librarian; she is ready to help yo11. She is explainbtg everytlring to you very patiently. Listen to her instructions and take 11otes for

yourself.

You will hear the recording twice. Do as much as you can the first time and complete or correct your work the second time. Listen carefully. Now you have one minute to

read the sentences below.

Example:

0. The number of copies in the library: 150 milli<m.

1. The library offers services not only for students and researchers but for

----------------------'too.

2. You can reach the library by------------

3. On Saturday you can visit the library----------

4. In the best restaurant you can have

5. You have to fill in an application form on the computer and then you will get

6. In the reading-rooms readers can use---------- for writing.

7. Youcansmoke ____________________ _

8. If you enter or leave the reading room the librarian has the right _ ____ _

9. You can find the lockers and the cloakroom - --------

10. Put on warm clothes in---------------- -

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Part 2 (12.5 marks)

Travel on the Orient Express 011 receiving the train ticket, the tourist guide is giving tourists information about the trai'n and journey. Listen to the explattation and find the right answer from the

three options. You have to find the ten right answers. The first otre is an example for

you.

You can listen to the recording twice. Do as much as you can the first time and correct or complete your answers the second time. Listen carefully.

Now you have one minute to read the sentences and the options.

EXAMPLE:

0. The Orient Express is the a. safest } b. most expensive c. slowest

train in the world.

l. In its design a. comfort b.ptice c. practicality

} is the most important issue.

2. The first journey took place in a. 1896 b. 1985 c. 1883

3. Now the train runs between a. London and Paris b. London and Istanbul c. Paris and Istanbul

4. The train makes stops in many cities because the passengers a .. want to have a shower b. want to go on sightseeing c. are bored

5. You can travel by the Orient Express a. all year round b. only in winter c. between March and November

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6. Smokers can smoke a. in the dining car b. nowhere c. in the corridor

7. fn the dining car they offer a. international dishes b. Italian dishes c. French dishes

8. Breakfast is served a. in private compartments b. in the dining car c. between 7 and 10 o'clock

9. The Orient Express Magazine is about a. technical facts of the train b. famous people, cars and cooking c. politics and politicians

10. The ticket prices are high a. and no one can get reduction b. but pensioners can pay less c. but children under 12 can pay less

I : 11 12 _ [ ~J] __ s / 6 17 18

94

oral Communication (about 20 minutes)

part 1 Introduction -warming up interview- social interaction, not assessed.

part 2 Gdided connrsation

Your friend will be visiting you in H11ngary soon. Hungarian cultllral traditions are different from those of other c01mtries. Speak about and describe some aspects of good manners (etiquette) which you tllink a foreigner should be aware of when they vi\·it Hungary.

. (Think about things such as: eating habits, meeting and contact with other people, relationships & communication, family, celebrations, music and clothes, etc).

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Animals

Possible Topics

Part 2 Guided com·ersation

l. Why should somebody know about traditions and ceremonies in your country?

2. In Britain, when you are invited to a dinner party, you should bring a bottle of wine and flowers or chocolates for the hostess. It is normal to arrive on time, but not too early. What should guests do in your country?

3. How should a person behave when meeting somebody for the first time?

4. What should a foreigner know about how Hungarians communicate with other people? ·


l. Do animals have rights?

2. Are there any animal rights groups in your country?

3. Do you think it is right to keep wild animals in a zoo?

4. Do you think it's okay to free animals that have been in captivity all their lives? Why or why not?

5. Why are there so many people who are willing to sacrifice their time and money to raise a pet?

6. What are some things a child can learn by having a pet?

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Reading - Part 1

f:l: l ~ l : \ ~[:1~1:1: I~ J:J Reading - Part 2

I : I : I : I : I : I : I : I : I : I ~ I : I


In my opinion, the discovery that has given the most benefit to mankind is electricity.

This is something that most people now take for granted. Just switch it on. In many

parts of the world, people do not have electricity; they live their day by the sun.

Without electricity we would not have all the electrical appliances that we have in our

homes, such as the microwave, the washing machine, the TV or hi-fi; just to name a

few.

Our work place would be very different without computers; and how would we pay for

things at the shops if we didn't have 'a card'. Electricity has a very big impact on our

lives. One wonders how things would be without it. Sometimes we experience short

periods of time with power cuts and it seems as if the world stops still.

(Words 127)

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Dear Jon,

Thanks a lot for your tetter. It was really great to hear from you again.

1 recently started yoga lessons and I would like to describe them to you.

Every lesson starts with a warm-up and different exercises, which can sometimes be

especially complicated. You have to stretch your muscles to feel your body. Yoga

involves many different exercises, such as: breathing, meditation, concentration and

some physical stretching exercises. It's very relaxing, exciting and interesting.

One lesson lasts for approximately 3 hours plus one short break. Our teacher is from

India. He always tries to make his students feel the Indian spirit, and during the lesson

he always burns some )ncense. It creates thoughtful environment and helps you to

relax.

l have met some really marvellous people. The lesson was hard, but we were all in the

same boat!

I'm looking forward to hear from you.

Best wishes,

Mary (Words 132)

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Listening - Part 1

Example: 0. The number of copies in the library: 150 million.

1. The library offers services not only for students and researchers but for companies and teachers, too.

2. You can reach the library by buses, train and underground.

3. On Saturday you can visit the library from 9.30 am to 8.00 pm.

4. In the best restaurant you can have Italian food/good cappuccino.

5. You have to fill in an application fonn on the computer and then you will get tlze reader's pass.

6. In the reading rooms readers can use only pencils for writing.

7. You can smoke nowhere in tlze building.

8. If you enter or leave the reading room the librarian has the right to check your bag/look into your bag/folder.

9. You can find the lockers and the cloakroom on the lower ground floor.

10. Put on wann clothes in the reading room.

Tapescript

The British Library is the national library ofthe UK and one of the world's greatest libraries. The collection includes 150 million items in most known languages. We also have manuscripts, maps, newspapers, magazines, drawings and music scores. In the sound archive, we keep even the latest CD, DVD and mini disc recordings. We have a reading room for over 1200 readers.

The British Library serves companies, researchers, teachers and students in the UK and worldwide. You can come here by train, underground or buses. Unfortunately, there is no car parking for the public on-site, but there are car parks under the Brunswick Shopping Centre.

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The library is open from 9.30am to 8pm every day except Friday. On Fridays we open at I lam and close at 1 Opm. On Sundays and English public holidays the library is c1osed.

There are _galleries, o?e bookshop, four restaurants and a cafe; they open and close at the s~m~ ttme as the hbrary itself. If you are hungry, and have time, go to the restaurant 'Tunn' m the basement, it is the best. They offer fine Italian food and cappuccino.

To ~s~ our reading rooms, you must first apply for a reader's pass at the reader admtssions on the ground floor. You have to complete a PC based application fonn. We need your home address, national identity card or driving licence. You can use the library free of charge, but there is a ten pound charge if you lose or damage your pass.

There is a pencils only policy in the reading rooms, which means that readers are asked not t? bring pens into the reading rooms. This protects our collections from the damage that ~nk can cause. VIe have other strict rules as well. Readers may not bring into the readmg rooms any Items that could harm the collection. This includes food drink sweets, chewing gum, scissors, knives, highlighter pens, scanner pens, matches and umbrellas. Readers must ~ot eat o~ ~rink in the reading rooms. And of course, you must not smoke anywhere m the bmldmg, not even in the restaurants or cafes.

~o large bags may be taken into the reading rooms. The library has the right to look mto your bags when you enter. The library can open and inspect your bags folders as you leave the reading rooms. '

~o coats may be taken into the reading rooms; this includes overcoats, raincoats and Jackets. Befo~ entering the reading room, you must leave coats and bags at the cloaJa:oom or m a locker. Use of the cloakroom is free. You will need a one pound depos!l to use a locker. You will find the cloakroom and the locker room on the lower ground floor. These can be accessed via a lift or stairs.

~o not forget that the temperature in the reading room is cool, so please wear sufficient mdoor clothing; a warm pullover or sweater for you comfort.

~t is_ important not to disturb other readers. Mobile telephones must be switched off or m St!e~t mode be~ore _entering the reading rooms, and must not be used tor making or recetvmg calls wh1lst m the reading rooms.

We are p_roud of the service we offer, but we know that sometimes things go wrong. W.hen t~1s happens, ~e would like to know immediately so that we can try to put thmgs nght. If there IS a problem, please speak to a member of staff, who will try to help you.

(Words 572)

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Listening - Part 2

I I [ I

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

I B A c c l A l c I B c A B c

Tapescript

A:

B:

A:

B:

A:

C:

Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen. Welcome to our little tour back in time. And let me show you the world's most celebrated, most famous and most expensive train; which is called the 'train of kings' and the 'king of trains'. The Orient Express. This is not an ordinary train because its carriages were designed for comfort, and the passenger's comfort is the main point. Never had a train so much prestige. No other train played politically, culturally, diplomatically a so important role than the Orient Express.

The history of the Orient Express goes back to 1883, when the firs~ trai~ with sleeping carriages and restaurant cars started to operate. At that ttme, tt was running a long route from London to Istanbul. Connecting the English Channel with the Black Sea, and covered a route of more than 3,000kms. The journey took approximately 70 hours, without stopovers of course. After the Second World War, people chose aeroplanes instead of trains because air travel was

faster and cheaper.

Eh. Since when has it been in operation again?

The legend was reborn in 1982 when the nostalgia Orient Express made its run from London to Venice. Now it operates between Paris and Istanbul and contains sixteen carriages. There are 87 double and 14 single compartments on the express. In 1988, an Orient Express train from London to Hong Kong was put into action and this was the longest railway journey ever.

Oh. And how long is the journey now?

Now it takes a week because of two factors. One, the maximum speed of the train is 120kms an hour, two, the route contains many stop-overs; which_ is necessary because there are no showers on the train; there are only wash basms

in every compartment.

Can l take my child on a trip before Christmas as a present?

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A:

B:

A:

C:

A:

C:

A:

C:

A:

No. Today it operates from March to November each year. Of all the international trains of Europe, the Orient Express is the most international, it passes 13 countries.

And does it have the original furniture?

It has restored carriages of the original Orient Express so it is a moving museum. It has mahogany doors, mirrors everywhere, huge armchairs and large panorama windows. The compartments are relatively small; there is not enough space for more than two suitcases. But the train is air-conditioned. It is important that the train is a non-smoking train.

Can passengers have meals on board?

Of course, of course. The train is famous tor its cuisine. The service and food is as good as that of any high quality restaurant. There are tl1ree kitchens with expert French chefs and French dishes. The dinner consists of five courses. After dinner, the passengers can sit down in the bar and listen to some piano music. Breakfast is served at 9am in one's private compartment. At 11 am, brunch is served. At 5pm tea, cakes and sandwiches. During the day, passengers can order wine, champagne and fresh fruit.

Who travels on board the Orient Express?

Many famous people travelled by the train. For example: Michael Jackson , the British royal family, politicians, spies like Mata Hari and also Pope Pius the twelfth. It is perfect for any celebration or special holiday. Some people go on their honeymoon; it offers the most romantic journey in the world.

And what about the prices?

A Paris-Istanbul one-way ticket costs 4500 Euros; but children under 12 get 20% reduction.

(Words 581)

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Oral Communication

Part 1 Introduction -warming up interview- social interaction, not assessed.


Candidate A: I think if you visit another country you need to understand the most important cultural traditions. It's so easy to upset people unwillingly if you do not know the basic rules of behaviour.

Candidate B: That's very true. I'm hoping that my English friend will understand that Hungarians expect friends to share private and intimate details of their personal lives. I will teU her that if she feels that she is asked personal questions that it is simply part of the getting-to-know-you process.

Candidate A: I think meeting people will be a bit different for her. In England people shake hands on meeting each other or just say 'hello'. Here in Hungary, friends kiss one another lightly on both cheeks.

Candidate B: She may find that difficult to get used to as the English are very reserved, you know. I will make sure she knows that if she's invited to a Hungarian's home for a meal, then it is good manners to take a box of good chocolates, flowers or

Western liquor for the host.

Candidate A: Yes and tell her that she should take off her outdoor shoes when enters the house. It's not done in England. She must remember that hospitality is measured by the amount and variety of food served. She should try everything because the host will always try to get you to eat more.

Candidate B: Yes food and drink - I must remind her that the host will immediately refill an empty glass, so if she does not want more to drink, she should leave her glass

half-full.

Candidate A: Obviously the language will be difficult at first. Remember that Hungarians are suspicious of people who do not speak about their innermost thoughts, so she should try to speak as much as possible. Also tell her that Hungarians often use stories, jokes and play with words to prove their points.

·---==eo

Other Points of Etiquette- Hungarian Culture

family in Hungary

• The family is the centre of the social structure. • Generations of extended family often live together. • The grandparents play an important role in helping raise the grandchildren. • The family provides both emotional and financial support to its members.

Meeting People

• Both men and women greet by shaking hands, although a man should usually wait for the woman to extend her hand.

• The older generation may still bow to woman. • Close friends kiss one another lightly on both cheeks. • In the business context it is safest to address people by their titles and

surnames.

Gift Giving

• When you visit a company it is not necessary to bring gifts.

• If you give flowers to somebody, they should be of odd numbers, but not 13, which is considered an unlucky number. Do not give lilies, chrysanthemums or red roses.

• People usually open their gifts when they get them.

Dining Etiquette

• Arrive on time if you are invited for dinner. • If you are invited to a party or other large gathering, arrive no more than 30

minutes later than invited. • Do not ask for a tour of the house.

Table manners are formal in Hungary

• Table manners are Continental - hold the fork in the left hand and the knife in the right while eating.

• The hostess will wish the guests a hearty appetite at the start of each course. • Do not begin eating until the hostess starts. • Do not rest your elbows on the table, but your hands should be visible at all

times. • If you are not finished, cross your knife and fork across your plate.

104 105

• Indicate you have finished eating by laying your knife and fork parallel across the right side of your plate.

• The guest of honour usually proposes the first toast which generally salutes the health of the people present.

• At the end of the meal, someone toasts the hosts to thank their hospitality.

• Never clink glasses when you are drinking beer.

Relationships & Communication

•

• •

•

•

•

In order to conduct business, you do not require long-standing personal relationships; being introduced by someone known and trusted can often help. Socializing is an important part of the relationship building process .

Expect many invitations to dinner or cultural events. If you have the time, give return invitations. Hungarians prefer face-to-face meetings rather than more impersonal means of communication such as letters. Hungarians are emotive speakers who say what they think and expect you to

do the same. Hungarians like to maintain eye contact. They believe that people who cannot look them in the eye while speaking have something to hide.


Points for and against keeping pets:

Against:

Keeping pets is a bad use of resources. Pets are costly to keep in time, money and energy. As well as the cost to owners in food, vet's bills and the time spent cleaning and exercising, the cost to society is very high.

Dogs' mess makes many streets and parks horrible to walk in. Stray dogs and cats over breed and need to be controlled by the state. Bites, scratches and illnesses given by animals take up hospital time and money. And the planet as a whole can't cope with all the food and energy given to just a few pet species.

Animals don't really belong in a human home. We can't properly meet their needs in terms of exercise, diet and environment, so it is cruel to keep them as pets. For example, dogs are pack animals that need companionship, but they are often kept singly and left alone during the day.

Keeping pets is a risk to human health. Many animals can pass diseases on to humans. Examples include salmonella from touching reptiles and amphibians, and bird flu from

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rnany birds. Pregnant women risk their babies by handling cat litter. And many people are allergic to pet hair or feathers.

Ke~ping pets can be dangerous. There is a trend for keeping exotic animals; such as poisonous snakes, spiders, alligators and tigers - there are 10 000 big cats kept at homes in Texas alone! None of these can ever be regarded as domestic and safe. Each year people are killed or hurt by such pets - and not just their owners, children and neighbours are attacked too. Even some breeds of dogs, such as pit bulls, can be very

aggressive and go for humans.

People often fail to look after pets properly. Today we all lead such busy lives that animals can be neglected. Dogs go without walks and proper training, cais don ' t get their litter trays changed, fish tanks go un-cleaned, etc. Many owners let their cats, dogs or hamsters breed, and then fail to find good homes for the babies.

We should not look on animals as a consumer toy, to be enjoyed for a while and then put away. Too often films inspire families to buy pets which are then abandoned. Examples include (Teenage Mutant Ninja) turtles, clownfish (Finding Nemo), and breeds of dog (any Hollywood dog film).

Producing animals for the pet trade is cruel. There are two reasons for this. Many dogs arc born on puppy farms where conditions are bad and individual dogs do not receive the care they should. In some countries, cats are de-clawed and dogs have their tails docked (cut off) to make them easier to sell - both cruel and painful processes. The other reason is that the whole pedigree (purebred) animal business is cruel. Breeding

animals to meet human standards is bad science.

For:

Humans and some animals can have a special relationship of fiiendship and care. Keeping a pet adds to the quality of life of both the owner and the animal. The animal receives shelter, is well fed and looked after. It is likely to live much longer than similar wild animals, and will have better health. The owner can enjoy the total love of another creature (with some pets at least). All owners gain from the interest and stimulus which comes from caring for and playing with their pet.

Owners work very bard to care for their pets well. Most types of pet have been trained to live with humans over centuries, and could not survive in the wild anyway. They can have rich, interesting Jives as pets.

Some owners may be uncaring, and some animals are not suitable to keep as pets, but almost all owners are responsible and caring. No one should take on a pet without being willing to spend time, money and effort giving it the best possible life. But if they are willing to do that, they should be able to.

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There is very little risk to human health from pets. Almost always simple hand washing

and good cleaning will keep both pet and owner safe. Diseases which can jump from

one species to another are very rare and almost never fatal.

Overall, having a pet improves human health. For example, children on farms and in

homes with furry pets are less likely to have allergies.

Elderly and lonely people can have better mental health if they share their life with a

pet. And walking a dog or riding a horse gives healthy exercise to hundreds of millions

of people.

The vast majority of pets and owners are no risk to anyone. Just because some owners

are bad doesn't mean no one should own a pet. In fact, many pets keep people safer.

For example, dogs can discourage criminals. Buying an animal without thinking it through carefully is bad. Welfare laws should be

made tighter, so that those who don't care for pets properly can be punished.

People need to control the breeding of dogs and cats.

Having a pet is great for children. It teaches them to take responsibility for something

other than themselves. Caring for an animal makes them more thoughtful about the

world and others. It also keeps them fitter, and makes them more dependable.

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PRACTICE TEST 5

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Part 1 (12.5 marks)

You are staying in an English speaking country and as everything is new around you, you cannot sleep well. One day you find a newspaper article on the topic of .sleeping problems. Read the article and match the pictures with the texts.

There are more pictures than texts. The first (0) has been done as an example.

Example: A

0. Do not have drinks that contain caffeine, which keeps people awake. Sources of caffeine include coffee, chocolate, soft drinks, non-herbal teas. Smokers often wake up in tbe early morning because they miss nicotine.

I. If you have trouble falling asleep night after night, or if you always feel tired the next day, then you should find a sleep specialist at a hospital near you.

2. Read, watch television, or listen to music, until you feel tired. Return to bed when you begin feeling sleepy, and try to avoid sleeping in locations other than your bed. Do

not read in your bed.

3. Go to bed at the same time each night and get up at the same time each moming. "Sleeping in", sleeping until 10 on weekends also makes it harder to wake up early on Monday morning because it re~sets your sleep cycles for a later awakening.

4. Have a comfortable temperature in the bedroom. Extreme temperatures may disturb sleep or prevent you from falling asleep. Have a dark, quiet place whenever possible. Try to avoid going to sleep with the lamp on, because it can be a bad habit that leads to the need to have the light on every time you try and sleep.

5. A warm bath, or a warm shower, can make it easier to fall sleep. You can train yourself to associate certain restful activities with sleep and make them part of your

evenings.

6. About half of all people over sixty~ five have frequent sleeping problems and deep sleep stages in many elderly people often become very short or stop completely. This change may be a nom1al part of biological changes, or it may result from medical problems that are common in elderly people and from taking medicine and other

treatments for those problems.

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7. People with sleeping problems and who are tested by using a driving simulator or by perforn1ing a hand-eye coordination task perform as badly as or worse than those who are drunk. Tiredness of a driver is responsible for an estimated 100,000 motor vehicle accidents each year.

8. Daily workout often helps people sleep, although a workout soon before bedtime may interfere with sleep. Do not do it within two hours of bedtime. For maximum benefit, try to do sports about 5 to 6 hours before going to bed.

9. Particularly intense dreams are disturbing and they are related either to physiological causes such as a high fever, or to psychological ones, such as unusual trawna or stress in the sleeper's life. Frequent nightmares can interfere with sleep ari.d may cause serious problems.

10. Snoring is noisy breathing durjng sleep that occurs when structures in the throat vibrate and make noise. Most snoring is harmless, though it can disturb the sleep of others. If your snoring is loud and frequent, you may also have daytime sleepiness. People who snore tend to also be overweight, and it's more common among men than women.

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......... -----------------

®

l \'

®

®

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Part2 (12.5 marks)

Read the text below in which tire writer is giving Iris opinion about women. Complete the smtences (1-10) with a short answer (max 2 words). You need to fill in 10 gaps. The first (0) has been done as an example.

What I know about women ...

Powerful women frighten a lot of men but they don't frighten me. Having been married to someone as remarkable as Kate for 40 years; has seen to that. She's taught me so much. If you spend 40 years with a woman as clever as she is, you ~ither end up getting divorced or getting brighter. It's one or the other. But Kate always kindly says that I've taught her a lot, too.

I think women are superior to men in almost every way - they're more efficient, honest, decent and hard-working. But ( think there are two things men do better.

Firstly, public speaking. lt's very rare for the top woman orator to be as good as the top man. Take some politicians. Yes, some may be very good but few are exceptional. Secondly, women don't necessarily make entrepreneurs. They're not risk-takers. They're the ones who say: 'Yes, but have you thought about this ... 'they're cautious, so they make very good deputy chairmen of companies.

If I have any energy, it's come from my mother. l was very close to my mother. She had a tough life- my father died and she pretty much brought me up single-handedly. She was very determined: Kate always says that if my mother had been born 30 years later, she'd have gone to Oxford. She wrote a newspaper column, 'Over the teacups', for 1he local paper. She used to write about my adventures as an eight-year-old but it didn't embarrass me because I wasn't aware of it until later in life.

I met Kate at a party at Oxford. She was very beautiful - I remember, weeks later, being shocked to hear that she was one of the cleverest women of her generation. At the time, she was going out with a man, who later became head of sport at the BBC. I didn't know how serious the relationship was, so I wrote to him asking if I could go out with her. Even then, in the sixties, this was considered old-fashioned. But he gave me the green light.

I eventually proposed to Kate · on one knee, of course - at Stratford-upon-A van, after we'd been to see Much Ado About Nothing. She said yes immediately, though her father felt she was too young - she was 21. He may have been right.

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I enjoy Kate's company now as much as I ever have. She's always got something to talk about. I've often thought, 'Would it have been nice to have had a wife who was pretty and charming, cooked meals and had my slippers ready at the end of the day?'. But I would advise young people: for God's sake, make sure you've got something to dtscuss at breakfast.

0. The writer is not afraid of women. I Example:

1. The writer has learnt a lot from--------------~

2. According to the author, women are not good at---- - ---types of activities.

3. Usually woman politicians cannot---- ----- - ---as well as men.

4. Usually women are not good managers because they do not

5. The writer's example of energetic women was _____ _ ___ __....

6. His mother's stories were about---------- - -----=-

7. He and Kate made friends in-------- - ---- - -----'

8. In his thinking he was-- - ---- - --- ----- ---'.

9. He thinks his choice 40 years ago was _ _____ _____ _ --'.

10. He thinks couples should be able to ------------~

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]

Writing (50 minutes/25 marks)

Part 1 (12.5 marks)

Children today seem to get m ore and more homework to do out of school. Do you

think that tlris is right? How mltch homework do you think children should do each

day? Do you think that homework is a good way of/earning?

Part 2 (12.5 marks)

You ordered a gift set of p ens by post for a friend's birthday but:

• The company sent the gift to you late and it arrived after the birthday date. • You were not happy with the quality of the gift. • The name was poorly printed in gold lettering on the pen, and it was

incorrectly spelt. • You should explain why you are not happy with the gift and ask for your

money back.

Write a letter to: Mr P. Marsden

Personal Pens Limited

44 Dukes A venue

L ondon SE9 8GH

11 5

Part 1 - \Vrite your essay here (about 120 words).

In my oj}inion, homework Is something ((not) very important) for clti/dren.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------·~--

5

10

15

20

25

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.......

Part 2 - Write your letter here (about 130 words).

Mr P. Marsden Personal Pens Limited, .t/4 Dukes Avenue, London SE98GH

[)ear Mr Marsden,

12'h August 2008

.--------------------------------~

I'm writi11g to complain about an order for a writing set that I am not Slltisfied with.

~ - - ---

5

10

15

20

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(a~o11t 25J1linutes(25 m.arks)

Partl (12.5 marks)

One day you found an interesting programme on the radio where a psychologist gave

advice to listerrers. Listen to the advice and mke notes for yourself. Fill in the boxes.

You will hear the recording o,{the programme twice. Do as much as yo1t can the first

time and correct or complete your work the second time. The first (0) has been done

as an example. Listen carefuUy.

~~E-· x_a_m_p_J_e_: _T_e_l_ep_h_o_n_e_n_u_m __ b_er--to_c_an __ : ___________ 44 __ s_6_2_0_7 ____________ ~ PROBLEM ADVICE

1. Eight exams

2. Money problems

3. Barking dog

4. Neighbour in bikini

5. Neighbour' s son

6. Friend collecting things

7. Birds in the fridge

8. Bad music at home

9. Bad boss

10. Child afraid of noises

118

Part 2 (12.5 mark~

You are in England and want to go to the zoo. While waiting in a queue you

overhear a conversation hetn.·~en two people who have already been there. Sum up

what you have heard and wnte your notes 11nder the headings below. The first (0)

has been done as an example.

You can listen to the conversation twice. Do as much as you can the first time and

correct or complete your work the second time. Now you have I minute to read the

headings below. Listen carefully.

ExampJe:

0. Location: north-west part of tbe town

1. Means of transport

2. Opening hours

3. Nota1lowed

4. Price for adult: for children under three

5. Zoo birthday party presents

6. Meal

7. Number of children

8. Phone number

9. Activities in the children's zoo

10. Presents in the shop

119

Oral Communication (about 20 minutes)

Part 1 Introduction- warming up inten'iew- social interaction, not assessed.


Do you prefer to book holidays through travel agents or to make your own arrangements? Describe your best and worst holiday.

120

Part 3 Pkture based topic (Visual stimuli to stimulate a narrative, explaining and

interpreting the stimuli). Computers

.,~: ~·: ~ -·~

i

~·~ ~

121



1. What are the advantages and disadvantages of TWO of the following forms of holiday accommodation:

a. five star hotel b. budget hotel c. guest house

d. bed & breakfast e. self-catering viUa f. farmyard cottage

g. ocean liner b. student family I. youth hostel

j. caravan k. tent l. canal boat?

2. Which form of accommodation did you have on your last holiday? Were you satisfied with it?

3. Which form of accommodation would you prefer for your next holiday and how many people would you like to accompany you?

4. What are your favourite holiday activities?

5. A friend wants to get to know your country and is planning a tour. What advice would you give about places to visit, travel, accommodation, eating out, shopping, sightseeing, things to bring and souvenirs to buy?


1. Are you computer literate? Which software applications do you know?

2. Have computers changed society for the better or for the worse?

3. Have you ever searched for anything on the Internet?

4. What can you use a PC for? What do you use it for?

5. Asking your opinions:

• whether you can imagine life without computers, if not, why not • what are computers good for • how educational are computer games • how much time children should spend each day using a computer • what are the advantages of computers and the Internet • whether it is worth chatting on the Intemet and why

122


Reading - Part 1

1 : 1 : 1 : : : 1 : _

1 :-r: 1

: 1 : 1

9 1n c

Reading- Part 2

.---- -·-----1 0. The writer is not afraid of women. i L__ __ _____:.:_:..:.:.........:....:.:.~..:.._:__::_:..:.:.::.:..:_::__ ________ .. _J

I. The writer has learnt a lot from Katelhis wife.

2. Women are not good at two/certain types of activities.

3. Usually woman politicians cannot speak as well as men.

4. Usually women are not good managers because they do not take risks.

5. The writer' s example of energetic women was his mother.

6. His mother's stories were about him.

7. He and Kate made friends in Oxford.

8. In his thinking he was old-fashioned.

9. He thinks his choice 40 years ago was right.

10. He thinks couples should be able to talk.

123

-

\Yriting Part 1 Model answer

In my opinion, homework is something very important for children. They need to

review at home what they have learnt during the day at school. Consequently, I think

they learn better with homework.

They also need to play, to relax after school. Actually, it's crucial that children do

something else at home; for instance, they can do some sports or other activities.

The problem, today, is to look for a good balance between homework and no

homework. I believe that the quantity of homework should depend on the child's age.

For example, for a seven-year-old child, I think that half an hour a day is enough.

Young children, actually, can't concentrate for a long time. For older children, two

hours a day is, for me, a maximum.


Mr P. Marsden Personal Pens Limited, 44 Dukes A venue, London SE9 8GH

Dear Mr Marsden,

(Words 127)

12'h August 2008

I'm writing to complain about an order for a writing set that I am not satisfied with.

The product does not look at all as attractive as you claim, as it is obviously made of

poor quality plastic. Also the gold lettering has just been poorly printed on the pens.

Besides which, the name printed was wrongly spelt.

I think you will agree with me, that with a personalised gift it is essential to pay great

attention to such things as names. Also, the pen and the pencil is not a matching set, I

got a green pencil and a red pen.

Lastly, you guaranteed a delivery time of a week, but I actually got the item after three

weeks - which was too late considering I needed the gift within 10 days of ordering ~

so I had to buy something else.

For the reasons stated above, I request that you refund my money.

Yours faithfully, (Words 138)

124

Listening -Part 1

l_L PROBLEM

o. Teleohone number to call f--

]. Eight exams

2. Money problems

3. Barking dog

4. Neighbour in bikini

5. Neighbour's son

6. Friend collecting things

7. Birds in the fridge

8. Bad music at home

9. Bad boss

10. Child afraid of noises

44 56 207 ADVIC~

Walk, exercise, relax

Shopping list, look for chetfp things

Call the city hall/ nothing

High fence, trees, bushes

Play, learn, work with him

Take her to a doctm

Offer your help

Keep out, refuse, give new

Understand him

Hold her, sing, read stories

125

.....

Tapescript

Intra: This is Exeter Radio where you can get advice for you problems from our psychologist Caroline Harnish. Caroline, welcome to the programme.

CH: Hi. Call us, our number is 44 56 207. Our first caller, Jim O 'Neil from London is on the line.

1 :

CH:

2:

CH:

3:

CH:

4:

CH:

5:

CH:

[ have to take eight exams in January. They are all important exams and it is only the third of January, but I am very tired, I cannot sleep and eat.

If you're studying in the evening, don't go straight to be.d afterwa~ds. Do something else. Maybe walk or get exercise. Choose somethmg that will relax you.

Hi Caroline, my name is Jill. I have a good salary but at the end of the month, I have to borrow from my mother.

Use a shopping list so that you don't buy extra things you don't need. Look for special cheap offers.

I'm calling from Plymouth. I have a neighbour that has recently got a dog. I understand that dogs will bark. I work at night and sleep during the day. I'm losing sleep. What should I do?

I think you need to call your local city hall or town office and find o~t wh~t the local regulations are. On private property he can do what he wants, 1f he s not creating a health hazard. So you can do nothing.

Hello, my name is Monica and I run a child care business fro~ my home and I'm most disturbed by my next door neighbour who sunbathes m her backyard with nothing on but a small bikini. And parents of children have even mentioned it!

I think you're going to need to buy a higher fence or you should plant trees or bushes maybe!

Hi, this is A lex from Devon. Our new neighbours have a 1 O~year old~ boy who goes to school here in the neighbourhood. After school he comes home and he is over here at our house hanging around. His parents both work apparently. What should I do?

My guess is that he's afraid to be alone in an empty house. Learn o~ play with him. Try to incorporate him into your afternoons as a helper or domg garden work.

126

6: I have a friend who collects - everything. She has sets of everything from salt shakers to the latest plates and glasses. She seems to be getting a little odd about it. Her family is beginning to look worried. l am too!

CH: Urn, sometimes normal behaviour becomes unbalanced. She cannot bring herself under control. Your friend sounds like she needs to have some professional intervention. She needs help. Take her to a doctor.

7:

CH:

8:

CH:

9:

CH:

10:

CH:

1 have a rather funny problem. My roommate enjoys birds. I enjoy them too. This winter three of her birds died. Well ifs July and they' re still in our freezer. How can I give her a hint to get rid of them?

Tell your room mate that you can no longer face seeing Pete, Budgie and Pretty Boy parked between the peas and the ice cream. Offer to dig a hole in the garden and help give them a dignified send off

1 have a 10 year old daughter who is beginning to follow rock'n'roll music. I listened to one of the COs recently and was not happy with the tunes or the lyrics. All her friends listen to them too. What should I do to minimise this kind of thing in our home?

You can refuse your daughter anything the popular culture gives. If you take away her music, replace with different, more acceptable music or interesting acceptable films. Always explain and help your child evaluate with your families values and beliefs.

I have a boss that J just cannot stand. He was just recently made my boss and we just do not get along. He acts like he knows everything. He is always giving me more work than I can do and even complains to other workers about me.

A big dose of helpfulness and understanding would help. An attitude that loo~s for this new person's good points and realises how hard it must be to come m and take over a position, might change your view.

My 2-year~old is terribly afraid of loud noises, especially thunder and lightning. She cowers in my arms. I can't put her down. What should I do?

Hold her, rock her, sing to her and talk in soothing tones. Play music to drown out the sound of thunder. Read story books and get her involved in a toy or a game.

(Words 778)

127

Listening - Part 2

Example:

o. Location:

l. Means of transport

f2 Opening hours

3. Not allowed

4. Price for adult: 14.50

5. Zoo birthday party presents

6. Meal

7. Number of children

8. Phone number

9. Activities in the children's zoo

10. Presents In The Shop I

north-west part of the town

bus, tube, waterbus

10.00 -16.30

take photos, film, dogs,

bicycle, skateboard

for children under three: Free

sticker, mask, CD

cold meal, salads, cake, ice cream

min. 6- ma.x. 30

7449 6235

feeding, walking, touching

books, soft toys, clothes, games

128

Tapescript

Gill: Hi Robert, how are you?

Robert: Hi Gill, fine, just fine. Do you know where I was on Saturday?

Gill: No idea - in Devon? You always wanted to go there.

Robert: This time not there, but in the zoo, which is in the North West part of the town.

Gill: Oh, and what was it like'? My children are nagging to take them there. Which is the best way to get there?

Robert: You can take a bus, number 274. It runs from Oxford Circus and Baker Street to Ormonde terrace. The shortest way is by the tube. Visitors can use Regents Park tube station, on the Bakerloo line. From Regents Park station it is a tenminute walk. But the most romantic way is to go by water bus.

Gill: Ah, when do they open?

Robert: London Zoo is open every day of the year except Christmas Day. They open at 10 and close at half-past-four. The last admission is one hour before the closing time.

Gill: I got a digital camera for Christmas and I love taking photos. I can try it there!

Robert: Jt is not so simple. You are not allowed to film and take photographs. There are some other rules as well. No dogs are allowed to the zoo, and no bicycles and skateboards.

Gill: How much is a ticket?

Robert: For adults fourteen pounds fifty. For children under 12 years twelve pounds fifty. Under three it is free. State schools are sponsored and can get free admission.

Gill: Urn, it's not so expensive as I thought.

Robert: Last month my wife had an excellent idea. We celebrated my son's birthday in the zoo; the children loved it; complete with party food and games; a special document signed by a zoo animal for the birthday child and presents for all the guests to take home afterwards.

Gill: What was the present?

129

Robert: An animal sticker, an animal mask, a super party game CD, to suggest great

games to play around the park or zoo.

Gill: Did the children get a meal there?

Robert Of course, of course. Cold party meal was served with salads, ice cream, at a decorated table in the Oasis Cafe. And imagine, we ordered a special birthday

sponge cake with my child's name on it.

Gill: How much does the party cost'?

Robert: The price of the birthday party package per child aged 3-15 is fifteen pounds.

One adult per 1 0 children enters free with the party.

Gill: Do you think I can take the whole class of my children?

Robert: There is a minimum of six and a maximum of thirty children per party.

Gill: When do 1 need to book?

Robert: You must book and pay for your party seven working days before the date of

your booking. Contact the group bookings line on 7 449 62 35 or send an

em ail.

Gill: What can we do while we're there?

Robert: There is a daily programme of animal shows; animal talks and feedings you

can attend during your visit. But the greatest idea is the children's zoo. It's a

great place to take the kids tor a little advice about keeping pets healthy and

happy. You can learn about how to keep and care for your pets. There are all

the usual suspects; such as rabbits, guinea pigs, mice and rats; plus some more

exotic species. If you arrive at feeding time, you may be able to help the

keepers serve lunch. Plus they are taken on daily walks. Touch sessions take

place during the holidays and sometimes at weekends; allow visitors to get up

close.

Gill: And is there a gift shop?

Robert: Yes, though I didn ' t buy anything because it is very expensive. But you can

buy books, clothes, son toys and games there.

Gill: Well it was nice to meet you. Now I know where to go next weekend.

(Words 652)

130

Oral Communication

Part 1 Introduction -warming up interview -social interaction, not assessed.


A: What do you think of package holidays?

B:

A:

B:

A:

B:

Well, they're usually very cheap, but joining a crowd of noisy people and

eating plastic food is not my idea of a holiday.

Are the resorts worth visiting?

Some of them are, but in my experience it's better to arrange private

accommodation rather than accepting the tour operator's choice of hotel.

But surely, you can see what you're getting in the holiday brochure.

You may see a picture of the hotel and there may even be a popular beach, but

if you want to go to a nicer locality, you can spend all day getting there.

A: Then how do you go about making your own arrangements?

B:

A:

B:

A:

B:

J~s not as difficult as you think. First, you look at the "flight only"

advertisements on teletext, in Sunday newspapers, on the net or travel shop

windows to get an idea of the best time to go. I usually go in early June or mid

September to avoid school children. There's a good range of flights and prices

aren't too high.

How do you find private accommodation?

That's very easy in Europe because many people buy holiday homes which

they let to other people while they're not staying there themselves. They

advertise in journals and newspapers or on the web.

l suppose that if they own these homes, they must be in nice locations.

That's the point. Also, they are usually well maintained and the owners will

leave you details of the best shops, restaurants and places to visit. They really

want you to recommend their homes to your friends. However, remember to

ask them about transport, especially if you don't drive.

131

A: Surely, most of these resorts would have bus services.

B: There are t\vo problems here. Some of these homes are a long way from bus

routes. Moreover, bus services can disappear altogether when the tourist season

comes to an end. Many of these resorts are like ghost towns from October to

May.

Part 3 Picture based topic {Visual stimuli to stimulate a narrative, explaining and interpreting the stimuli).

Examiner: Do you think everybody should be trained to use computers?

A: I think it's important that all children are taught to use computers at school

because in a sense most of us are already using them. For instance, when we

program our washing machines to work in a certain way, we are using a

computer that's built into the machine.

But talking about desktop PCs. That's the technology which is popular at

present, but it's difficult to say what will happen over the next five or ten years.

Examiner: Would you like to make a guess?

A: Computers are still not very user~friendly even with the latest version of

Windows. This will get better and computers will be in every home and people

will use laptops more.

You have probably noticed that screens are getting bigger. We will soon have a

big screen in your living-room which could cover a whole wall. Digital

television and video will use this space. You will be able to open windows of

any size depending on the distance you want to be from the screen. Keyboards

will be portable and of course you'll have the option of voice control.

You'll literally be able to talk to the wall. What you say will appear as text on

the wall. Your computer will be able to search the local supermarkets for the

items you have listed; information about quality and price; and you may even

see pictures of what is available. Then you'll fill in ao order form and the items

will be delivered to your door the next day. There'll be different levels of user

friendliness for different users. Shopping by computer needn't be any more

difficult than operating a cassette player.

Examiner: Thank you candidate A. Candidate B, would you like to say something

about the topic?

132

Examination Instructions, Topic List and Tips

133

Levels of the ECL Exam System

The levels are in accordance with the Common European Framework of Reference (CEF) levels set by the Council of Europe.

L~vel A2 (beginner level- not officially recognised in Hungary)

After successfully achieving level A2, you are a good tourist: you can ask questions, you understand the simpler answers, you can go shopping, you can ask for food and drink in the target language, and you understand the signs, that is: you can manage.

Level Bl (officially recognised elementary level in Hungary)

After achieving level B 1 you start understanding the main points of newspaper and radio news, TV programmes, you can even try going to the cinema or theatre. You can take part in conversations on familiar topics.

LevelB2 (officially recognised intermediate level in Hungary)

After achieving level B2, you can start studies in the secondary schools and at the colleges and universities of the target language country. You understand most TV programmes and films. You can have a natural conversation with a native speaker. You have learned the structure of the target language and understood its logic - and by now you have surely got to like it. You start appreciating literature. That is you are starting to feel comfortable in the target language and in the target language country.

Level Cl (officially recognised advanced level in Hungary)

When you achieve level C 1, you become an equal partner of the native speakers of the target language. You write, read and speak almost like they do, you can study, work and do research among them, and you can continue expanding your knowledge of the culture, literature and history - that is the past and present - of the target language culture without difficulty.

134

~evels Re~ding

Time (minute)

Number of Tasks

Number of Words (only of the texts and tasks)

Correct Answers

- - -~riting

Time {minute)

Number of Tasks

Number of Words

Listening - -

Time (minute)

Number of Tasks

Number of Words {only of the recorded texts)

Correct Answers

ECL TEST FORMAT

A2 Bl B2 Cl . ..

! 35 35 45 45

-· 2 2 2

2

Total400-500 Total500-700 Total 800-1000 Total 1000-1300

Total: 20 Total: 20 Total: 20 Total: 20

( 10 each part) (lO each part) ( 10 each part) (I 0 each part)

45 50 75 90

2 2 2 2

Total 150 Total250 Total400 Total600

(70-80) (120~130) (200-200) (300-300)

ea 25 ta 25-30 ea 30-35 ea 35-40

2 2 2 2

Total400-500 Total500w700 Total 800-1000 Total 1200-1 500

Total: 20 Total: lO Total: 20 Total: 20

(10 each part) (10 each part) (1 0 each part) (I 0 each part)

135

Parts of the ECL Exam (Sample tests can be found at: http://imt.pte.hu/teszt.html)

GENERAL OBJECTIVE

The test assesses the ability of the candidate to understand and express him/herself in the spoken and written language, using basic skills, in everyday situations requiring a simple and direct exchange of information.

The primary objective is to check whether the candidate is able to talk and write about topics he I she is familiar with and is interested in and whether he I she is able to understand texts of a similar content and complexity.

Oral Exam

Candidates will be interviewed in pairs. Each interview should last about 20 minutes. Tests are at 20 minute intervals.

1. Oral Communication

The candidate must demonstrate the ability to communicate in a variety of situations and to express personal opinions on familiar topics.

Part 1 Introduction (3-5 minutes approximately)- is not assessed.

The main purpose of this part of the test is, firstly, to put the candidates at their ease and to enable the interviewer to gather information about the candidates for the remainder of the exam.

• Each candidate should say:

- where they come from

- the type of accommodation they live in

mention brief points about members of their family

• The candidates should talk about one or two of the following topics:

- school or college where they are studying

- office or place in which they are working

- town or village in which they are residing

- hobbies, sports or other regular activities

136

- type ofholidays they like to take

- where they have travelled

- reasons for learning.

Interesting conversation will be allowed to develop within the time limit.

Part 2 Guided conversation (5 - 8 minutes) (Topics: see list).

The interviewer gives a conversation topic of his/her choice and asks questions to help conversation between the two candidates.

Part 3 Picture topic based on visual stimuli.

The visual stimuli (pictures etc) are selected and provided by the interviewer. If necessary, the interviewer can help the candidates with questions.

Marks are awarded on a scale of 0 to 5 (a total of 25) according to each of the following criteria:

• Fonnal accuracy (morphology and syntax) • Oral accuracy (pronunciation, prosody and fluency) • Vocabulary (range and activation) • Style (pragmatic and sociolinguistic aspects) • Communicative effectiveness (adequate task completion)

2. Writing

0-5 points 0-5 points 0-5 points 0-5 points 0-5 points

The candidate must be able to write short, simple texts to give information and express personal opinions on a variety of topics.

Marks are awarded on a scale of 0 to 5 (a total of 25) according to each of the following criteria:

• Formal accuracy (morphology and syntax) • Accuracy (test construction and spelling) • Vocabulary (range and activation) • Style (pragmatic and sociolinguistic aspects) • Communicative effectiveness (adequate task completion)

137

0-5 points 0-5 points 0-5 points 0-5 points 0-5 points

3. Reading Comprehension

The candidate must be able to understand the general sense of items on a variety of topics and essential details of simple items on familiar topics Uob advertisements, instructions for use, personal letters).

4. Listening Comprehension

The candidate must be able to understand both the general sense and some essential details of a conversation between two native speakers on a variety of topics, and of public messages, news reports and commentaries.

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES (ACCORDING TO SKILLS)

Speech Intentions I Speech Acts

The candidate shall be expected to deal with thefollowing tasks:

1. Expressing and responding to feelings such as surprise, happiness, sadness, interest and indifference.

2. Giving instructions.

3. Expressing necessity, obligation and possibility.

4. Making proposals, suggestions and invitations.

5. Expressing belief, opinion, agreement and disagreement.

6. Expressing intention and offeringjustification.

7. Discussing people, events and experiences from the past; recounting short stories.

Communication topics (see topic list).

Syntax, Morphology and Lexis

1. Syntax

• imperatives, positive and negative • statements with infinitive and gerund • compound and complex sentences • question tags • clauses oftime, manner, place, purpose • exclamations • use of linking devices

138

2. Morphology

• tenses: present perfect conditional continuous tenses past perfect

• modals:can, must, may, tnight • passives • possessive pronouns (statements and interrogatives) • comparative and superlative • prepositions • conjunctions

3. Lexis

• extended to include abstract and concrete nouns related to everyday life and to the communicative tasks listed below.

4. Other Linguistic Aspects

• standard British/American English, extended to include standard Scottish and Welsh English accents

• use of shortened forms, e.g. 'didn't' in spoken English • some current colloquialisms

139

--

Test format The exam has two parts: an oral exam (listening comprehension + speaking) and a

written exam (reading comprehension + writing). You can take a complex exam

including all 4 skills, or just the oral or just the written exam.

Pass marks:

Overall you will need 60% of the total marks to pass the exam in a way that you have no less than 40% in each skill. This means that you need a minimum of 1 0 points in each skill and at least 30 points in the reading + writing part and 30 points in the

listening + speaking part.

Oral exam

Listening comprehension

Time: ea. 25-30 minutes Points: 25 2 texts, approximately 6 minutes each, I 0 items per each text The texts are audio recorded, and played twice. There is a break after the instructions so that you can read the items, and there are short breaks between

and after the playing of each of the recorded tasks.

Oral communication

Time: 20 minutes Points 25 Procedure: candidates in pairs

a) warming up b) general guided conversation about given topics c) picture description based on a series of pictures to stimulate a

monologue

Written exam

Reading comprehension

Time: 35 minutes Points: 25 Totalling 800-1000 words (2 texts, I 0 items per text)

Writing

Time: 50 minutes Points: 25 2 compositions: 200-200 words each

140

Level Bl -Elementary Topic List

1. The individual

• personal particulars

• appearance

• inner characteristics

2. Partnership

3. Family

• •

relatives, acquaintances, friends classmates/schoolmates/ colleagues

• family members • family occasions /celebrations • distribution of tasks in the family

4. Place of Jiving

• environment • house/condominium/flat • furnishing/gadgets • rent and bills • housework

5. Travelling/transport

• means of transport • timetablelinfonnation • public transport • buying tickets I travelling documents

6. Shopping/shops

• shops/markets/department stores • groceries/household goods • clothing/electric appliances

141

7. Communication/keeping in contact

• post (letter, telegram, parcel) • telephone (traditional, mobile) • Internet (e-mail)

8. Services

• financial services (transfer, exchange) • restaurant (menu, ordering, paying) • hotel (booking, paying)

9. Culture/entertainment

• guests • cinema, theatre • museums

10. Time/weather

• seasons • rainfall • weather forecast

11. Health/illnesses

• at the doctor's • common illnesses and their symptoms • prescriptions I medication /pharmacy

12. Sport

• popular sports • national sports • doing sports

13. Media

• television/radio • newspapers/magazines

142

..._

14. Hobby

• gardening/DJY • reading/listening to music • PC

15. Studying/work

• types of schools • subjects • popular professions/jobs

16. European Union

• members of the EU • candidate countries • travelling/work/visa/customs within the EU

17. Culture and civilisation

• basic practical information regarding the home country and the target language country (weather, currency, eating habits, daily routine, celebrations, shopping opporttmities, etc.)

• tourist attractions • accommodation/restaurants

143

-

Examination Tips

Tips: Reading- Gapped Text

l. The aim is to help students to interpret linking and referencing devices in

context.

2. The first thing students should always do is cross off the word/sentence part that has been given as an example. It's amazing how often students waste time trying to fit this in elsewhere.

3. Students should always remember that there are extra sentence clauses/sentence parts that do not fit anywhere. If they have time, the last thing they should do is check that the words/sentence parts left over really do not fit in any of the gaps.

4. As well as the referencing and linking devices, it can also be useful for students to look at bow the topics change over the length of the text and whether the text follows a chronological order.

5. Students must get into the habit of underlining the language that helps them complete the task (e.g. expressions like 'after that'), and then underline the language that it refers/links to (e.g. 'the birthday party'). Look for the subject links to the first sentence/part. This will make it much easier for students

during the exam.

6. As always. if students don't know they should guess, as a blank space is always zero points and there are no deductions for guesses.

7. There is nothing really to be gained from filling in the missing sentence clauses or sentence parts in the same order as the text, so it is always best to start with the one you feel most sure about after having read through all of the gapped text and the missing bits (and having underlined the relevant parts, of

course).

144

Tips: The Writing Test

l. Read the instructions very carefully and respond appropriately.

2. Make brief plans before you start to write.

3. Spend only 25 minutes on Writing Task 1 to allow enough time to answer Writing Task 2.

4. Give yo~rself time to organise your ideas and your argument. Make sure that you provide any supporting evidence that is necessary to support your answer.

5. ~aragraph yo~r. work very carefully. Appropriate paragraphing is very Important and 1t JS a key to a good answer. .

6. Start each paragraph with a clearly stated topic sentence. Make sure that you don't deviate from that topic in that paragraph.

7. Write in the styl~ requi~ed by the task. Do not use contractions or colloquial language and avo1d multi-word verbs when you have to write a formal letter.

8. Be careful about the length of your answers and write the appropriate number of words for the. question.

9. You will lose marks for spelling mistakes and grammatical mistakes so leave time to check your answer.

10. You will gain marks by displaying a range of language. Try to use a range of vocabulary, a range of phrases and a range of structures in your answers. Do not repeat favourite phrases several times in the hope of gaining marks.

11. Try t~ write as c~early as possible. The test is relatively short so try to express your 1deas as bnefly. and as c_learly as possible. Do not write long, complex s~ntences unnecessanly, as thts may make understanding your answers more difficult. Equally, do not only write short, simple sentences.

12. Do not use headings, sub-headings or numbering in your answers.

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Tips: The Listening Tasks

l. You should concentrate only on the information they need. You shouldn't try to understand everything; it will only make things more complicated. You may get confused and give the wrong answer, or waste valuable time.

2. ft is important that you try to answer all questions during the first listening, so that you can use the second listening to check your answers. If you use up both times to give initial answers, then you will have to rely on your memory in order to check. But memory for details tends to be quite unreliable under the psychological strain of the exam!

3. In multiple choice tasks; you shouldn't pay attention to the options (A, B, C, D) before & during the first listening, because three out of four are designed to confuse you! Words from the distracters are 'planted' in the text; if learners have read the distractors they may be led to choose the wrong option. You have much more chance of giving the correct answer if you listen having only the question in mind, and then approach the distracters 'armed' with specific ideas. You always have the second listening to check.

4. When taking notes (on rough paper), you shouldn't write full sentences; write key words only. You don't need to write whole words, either; only parts of words (e.g. univ. for university). Also, you don't need to write neatly; if you can understand your notes, they are OK. Remember: speed is very important! You will have time to write them down neatly at the end of the Part, as well as at the end of the test.

5. When the question is about feelings or attitude, learners should pay particular attention to the speaker's tone of voice.

Tips: Speaking Part 1: Speaking About Yourself

Help to give information about yourself

1. This part of the exam is mainly there to relax the students and start them talking about an easy and pleasant topic - themselves. It is important for the final mark but the real challenge is to be relaxed and sociable.

2. Candidate should ask each other questions for one minute. The non-talking candidate should listen attentively.

3. There will also often be a mix of past, present and future forms used.

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.......

4. The examiner generally starts each topic with a simple (even Yes/ No) question and then moves onto more difficult ones. Generally, if the students relax and react naturally they should have no problems - so no need to respond to 'Do you have a big family?' with a five minute speech!

Tips: Speaking Part 2 Discussion

Help to understand common topics found in the exam.

1. Students have to answer the actual question that is asked! If they don't understand, they should say so (as many times as necessary).

2. Students must listen to their partner(s). They can show they are doing so by reacting to/commenting on what they say.

3. Occasionally, three students have to do the speaking exam together instead of two. Each student will still have exactly the same amount of time to show what they can do, so the test takes more than 20 minutes.

4. Body language is an important part of communication. Students should keep eye contact (i.e. look at the people, not the pieces of paper) and feel free to use their hands. Students should uot look at the examiner, but on their partner during the conversation.

5. They should not play with their pen/earrings/bracelet even if they are nervous. Similarly, avoid chewing gum, hats and dark glasses.

6. Grammatical accuracy is only one small part of your mark - fluency is just as important. So unless students think that they haven't been understood, there is no need for them to worry too much about mistakes.

7. On the day(s) before the exam, students should speak and listen to as much English as possible. It will probably be too late to do much exam practice, so just chatting with friends or watching an English film is just as useful.

8. Finally, students should be confident and act natural. Most people find this the easiest part of the exam. If students talk just like they talk to their classmates during pair work, they will have no problem.

9. If this is a three-way spoken interaction, as in the other parts of the speaking exam, it is meant to be as natural as possible. Therefore, students can comment on what the other candidate has said and (politely!) interrupt etc.

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l 0. Students often ask whether the questions will be aimed at both of them or

specifically to one person. The answer is that it depends - on the examiner and

on the candidates. An examiner will often choose to direct the questions if one

candidate has been dominating the conversation too much, or if somebody is

unwilling to speak freely.

11. Students are often uncertain about how long they have to talk about each one

of the examiner's questions. This part generally lasts 5-8 minutes: the

examiner, however, has a certain amount of flexibility on when to stop this

part. The examiner has about 6 or 7 questions to last this time, so two-word

answers for each one are going to lead to a very unhappy examiner!

12. Not having much to say on one or two questions is no big deal, however, at the

other extreme, if the candidates find one of the questions so fascinating that

they can talk about it in a natural way for a few minutes this is a good (if

unlikely) thing, as it saves them from any more tricky questions the examiner

has on his/ her list.

13. The functional language of asking for and giving opinions, including some

agreement and disagreement language is useful for this part of the exam.

Tips- Speaking Part 3: Picture Topics

1. In the exam, the examiner will show the candidates some pictures. This means

that everyone has seen the pictures and it is therefore perfectly acceptable to

say 'this picture' and point. More complex language such as 'the top picture'

or ' the former/the latter' is, of course, even better.

2. The examiner will then ask the candidates questions about the topic

represented by the pictures, or suggest ideas to think about, so students should

listen very carefully.

3. If there is anything a student doesn't understand about a question, they should

ask the examiner to repeat. If they stili don't understand, they should ask again.

What they are being scored on is their ability to actually answer the question

they are asked.

4. Candidates will have to talk about the pictures individually. The examiner

almost always asks the students to 'compare and contrast the pictures'. They

will never be asked to simply describe them. Any activities giving oral practice

of comparing language (more than, less than, (not) as - as, similar to, etc.) and

contrasting language (although, whereas, however, etc.) are good practice for

this.

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5. Questions are usually about giving some kind of opinion e.g. 'Compare and

contrast the two holidays and say which you would prefer' . Language such

as: 'jn my opinion' and 'personally' can be very useful here. 'Which

holiday would most people prefer?' This only requires a short answer, but is

a perfect chance to show they have been listening to what their partner said,

with language such as ' As (Zoli) said ..... .', or 'I agree entirely with (Kata).'

6. Students should make sure they are talking to the examiner rather than to

the picture! This can be practised by students turning over the pictures once

they have taken a glance at them, or even doing a task with imaginary

pictures.

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Useful Phrases for the Oral Exam

Mald.ng Transitions between Ideas

• Now, let's see what happens .

• • •

The second point I want to make is ... Let's get back to the idea of.. I'd like to finish talking about ... before we move on .

Summarizing and Concluding

• • •

What we have been talking about... Okay, we have discussed ... So far (up until now), I have been trying to show you ...

• To conclude ...

• The important points to remember are ...

Inviting Participation or Discussion

• Could you say a little more about that? • Can you elaborate on that? • Do you agree ... ? • What do you think ... ? • How do you feel...?

Clarifying Points

• • •

In other words ... What you said is ... I think I understand what you mean. Let me put it another way .

• If I understand you correctly, you mean ...

Emphasizing Points

• • •

The point to understand is ... This brings us to our major question ... What this means is that...

Giving Examples

• For example ... • Take ... , for example. • To be more specific .... • Let me give you an example ... • For instance ...

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Interrupting or Redirecting Conversation

• Let me interrupt for a minute. • Speaking of ... we need to move on to ... • That reminds me of... • Well, we need to ... • What you're saying relates to ...

If you need the speaker to repeat something:

• Pardon? • Excuse me. Could you please repeat that? • Would you mind repeating your question?

If the speaker is talking too quickly:

• I'm sorry. Could you please speak more slowly? • Excuse me. Would you mind speaking more slowly? I couldn't follow what

you said.

If the speaker is talking too softly:

• Sorry, I didn't bear you. • Sorry, l didn't hear what you said. • Excuse me. Would you mind speaking a little louder?

If you do not understand the speaker:

• I'm sorry, but J'm not sure I understand. • Sorry, but I don't understand what you mean. • I'm not sure I follow what you said. Did you say that... ... ?

Asking Questions

• l wonder if you could tell me .. . • Excuse me, but do you know .... .. • Something else I'd like to know is .....

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Answering Questions

If you need to hesitate or delay your answer:

• Well, Let me see ... • Well, now .... • Oh, let me think for a minute. • I'm not sure. • That's a very interesting question.

If you don't know the answer:

• I'm not really sure. • I can't answer that one. • I'm sorry, I really don't know. • I've got no idea. • I'd like to help you, but.... • That's something I'd rather not talk about right now.

Getting More Information

• Could you tell me more about .... ? • Would you mind telling me more about ... ? • I'd like to know more about... • Sorry, that's not really what I mean. What I'd like to know is ... • Sorry, but I don't quite understand why .....

To hesitate when beginning a turn

• well • well, let's see now • you see • you know • the thing is • how can I put this • it's like this, you see • hmmm

To stop someone from interrupting you

• Even though I Although .... • However .. .. • And another thing

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To interrupt someone

• •

Ifl could just come in here .... Sorry to interrupt, but...

• Um ... Um .... Um (until the speaker notices you) • By the way ... .

Asking for clarification

• What do you mean? • I'm not sure what you mean. • Sorry, but I don't understand what you mean. • Could you explain what you mean by ..... ? • Are you saying that....? • I'm not sure I follow you. Did you say that.. ... ?

Clarifying or restating

• I mean .... • In other words .... • The point I'm trying to make is .... • What I'm trying to say is ......

Paraphrasing and checking for understanding

• John said that.. .. • What Mary means is ... .. • I believe Joe's point is ... . • I think Jeannie feels ........ lsn't that right? • Let me see if I understood you: You said ....... • Do you see what I mean? • You got it?

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Basic Writing Skills- Letters, Articles or an Essay

154

What is a sentence?

Types of Sentences

Simple Sentences

A simple sentence contains a subject and a main verb; it contains one independent clause.

• I like cqffee

This is a simple sentence with one subject and one verb forming an independent clause. Natura[Zv, a simple sentence can include other things:

• I like a couple of cups of coffee first thing in the morning.

Compound Sentences

A compound sentence contains two or more independent clauses, often joined by a coordinator.

• I like coffee, but my partner prefers tea.

Complex Sentences

Complex sentences can be written by joining related actions together in one sentence. This is achieved using the words (conjunctions):

and

• but

or

so

• because

and by using Relative clauses

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who that

whose which

AND

Sentence 1 Sentence 2

The car stopped. The driver got out.

Because these are directly related actions the two sentences can be re-written as one:

The car stopped and the driver got out.

Example: Sentence 1 Con Sentence 2

We stayed at home and (we)* watched television.

*it is not necessary to repeat "we" "he" "I'' etc.

Comma (,) plus and

More complex when many actions are related:

l got home, had something to eat, sat down in an annchait and fell asleep.

BUT An assumed action is not done or something is omitted from an idea.

I brought a newspaper but I did not read it. (Assumed action - to read)

It is a nice house but it has not got a garden. (Idea omitted from "nice

house")

OR Links together options

Asks is there a reason for not doing an action.

Do you want to go to the cinema or the theatre? Do you want to go out or are you too tired?

SO The result of something

It was very hot so I opened the window

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BECAUSE The reason for something

I opened the window because it was very hot. Because it was ve1y hot, 1 opened the window.

Using more than one conjunction

It was late aud I was tired so I went to bed.

1 always enjoy visiting London, but I would not like to live there because it is too big.

Relative clauses

That/Which for things

'\\'HO

THAT


An aeroplane is a machine. An aeroplane flies high in the sky.

An aeroplane is a machine which flies high in the sky.

An aeroplane is a machine that .flies high in the sky.

for people


A thief is a person. A thief steals things.

A thief is a person who steals things.

when the second sentence is linked to the object of the first sentence and is linked to the subject (person).

Subject Emma

The house

Verb Jives in

she lives in

Emma lives in a house that is 100 years old.

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Object a house.

is l 00 years old

Compound-Corn plex Sentences

A compound-complex sentence contains at least t\vo independent clauses and one or more dependent clauses.

• Some people say that the best coffee comes from Brazil, but others say that the best coffee comes from the Blue Mountains in Jamaica.

Informal Letters

You write an informal letter to someone you know e.g. a friend or relative. The language is informal and it does not matter if you use contracted words: (i.e. it is -ifs). You use everyday vocabulary that is familiar to you both.

• You can write your address

• You have to put the date under the address

• You start the letter using a friendly term e.g. Dear Dave or Hello Lisa

• You can use a nickname that is familiar to you both

• Finish off the letter using a friendly ending

e.g. Love Sue or See you soon, Paul or Write back soon, Best wishes Carol

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Dear Karl, Thanks for your letter. It's good to hear from you.

21 Prince St Chorley Lancs. PR58GH

5th March 2004

The pho~ographs you sent me of your holidays are brilliant! I like the one of you and me wtth the fish that we caught. Do you think you can get me a copy? I will ...............

Let me know when you are coming up for the weekend.

Write soon, Chris

Useful Words for Informal Letters

Dear/Hi Write back soon

See you soon Your loving friend

Love to all Many thanks

Thank you Kind est regards

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Love from

Best wishes

Write soon

Reply to me soonest

FormalLetters

Fonnalletters are used for business matters. You write a formal letter to:

Apply for a job • Ask for information

Make an enquiry Order goods

• Make a complaint

The language and style you use will depend on the reason for writing the letter.

F ormalletters should:

Paragraphs:

Be precise Have correct grammar Have correct punctuation

• Be set out correctly Have a formal tone Be clear and to the point

1. The opening paragraph - explaining why you are writing.

2. Main paragraphs - giving details of the problem and what you

want done.

3. Closing paragraph and phrases.

You wili usually write to a company and to people you do not know.

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The Layout of a Formal Letter (Example)

The Ticket Office Opera House Manchester M23 8JK

Dear Sir,

4 7 Church Street Luton Bedfordshire LU24TG

I Oth September 2008

I would be grateful if you could send me four tickets for the evening pertbnnance of 'Grease' on Friday 24th October 2008.

I enclose a cheque for £45 and would prefer front seat stalls, though if these seats are not available, any other seats would do.

Please include details of your future programme and also your special party rates along with the tickets.

Yours faithfully,

Dean Scott

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Useful Words for Formal Letters

!{ you do not kno·w the name of the person you are writing to, start your letter with:

Dear Sir Dear Madam Dear Ms

Dear Miss Dear Sir or Madam

and close with:

Yours faithfully

Jfyou know the name of the person you are writing to, start with

Dear Mr Smith or Dear Mrs Jones

and.finish with:

Yours sincerely

Useful phrases:

With reference to ....

ln reply to your letter

I am writing to ask for

I refer to your recent ..... .

I look forward to hearing from you ....

I enclose a stamped addressed envelope

Please could you send me ....

Please could you send me

I would like to request a ... ..

I would be grateful if ..... .

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Letters of complaint

These can be difficult to compose because there is a 'fine line' between being firm and insistent and being rude. If you use a sarcastic or angry tone you are less likely to encourage the person who receives your letter to deal with it quickly. It is often useful to write a letter of complaint if you have not had success by other means.

Paragraphs:

Paragraph I

Paragraph 2

Paragraph 3

Paragraph 4

The reason you are complaining

Exact details about your complaint

Details of how you have been affected I what has happened

Details ~[what you think should happen next

Remember; letters of complaint should be clear, concise and courteous.

Some Useful Phrases:

I would like ...

There appears to have been a mistake ...

By return of post at your earliest convenience ...

Could you supply ...

Could you please give this matter your urgent attention ... ?

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Letter Asking for Information

Letters asking for information should be clear, concise and courteous. If you are writing in response to an advertisement or article; state clearly where and when you saw it.

You need to be clear about the infonnation you require.

Some Useful Phrases:

Please could you send me ...

I would be grateful ifyou would send me ...

I would like to get some information about ....

As advertised in (name of newspaper I magazine) on (date) I am inqu1ring about ....

I was interested in your advertisement for. .... in (name of newspaper I magazine) of (date) and ... I am particularly interested in ...

Please could you also let me know ... Please could you send me ...

I enclose a cheque for (amount)

I enclose a stamped addressed envelope

I look forward to hearing from you

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Writing a Good Article

In order to write a good article, you need first to find the theme or topic sentence which summarises what you are going to write about, and then make a plan. This strategy will enable you to write quickly and clearly, help you think of a title more easily and your work will have cohesion.

Using this method gives the topic sentence of each paragraph and connects it to the other paragraphs. These topic sentences can be made into one paragraph and then developed to form a whole article. Conversely, these topic sentences, when taken together, can be used to cut down the entire article into a one-paragraph summary of the whole piece.

Imagine you have been asked to write the following article:

Have you studied abroad?

Have you spent time studying in another country? We invite you, our readers, to submit an article on your experiences in that country, to be included in our series on living and studying abroad.

Share your experiences with us. Tell us what you studied and about any difficulties you faced while you were there. Have you changed as a result of this?

Write your article.

First think about:

• Where is the article going to appear? (In a magazine.)

• Who are the intended readers? (Probably a wide age group.)

• What is the aim of the article? (To talk about your experiences, good and bad, while studying abroad.)

Then you need to decide:

• Which country have you studied in?

• How long were you there for?

• What did you study?

• What problems did you have while you were there?

• How have you changed?

Brainstorm your ideas and make notes of what you are going to include.

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Such as:

• getting used to the food I different meal times

• going shopping

• weather

• money or expenses

• language

• looking after yourself- cooking, shopping, housework

• finding somewhere to live

• difficulty studying

• finding friends

• being lonely

• homesickness

Then, after some thought, you should be able to think of a topic sen~ence which can be expanded into a paragraph. For example, a topic sentence whtch could start an introduction is:

'Studying abroad gives you the opportunity to learn more about the traditions and culture of the host country and its people.'

This could then be expanded into the following paragraph:

'Studying abroad gives you the opportunity to learn more about the t~aditions and culture of the host country and its people. J also made new friends and tmproved my language skills. I learned how to face and deal with various problems, and as a result, have become more independent and self-confident.'

If we extract the ideas out of this one paragraph, it is possible to form a plan for the article, based on the following topic sentences:

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INTRODUCTION

Paragraph 1 - learning about the host country and the people.

Paragraph 2 -friends and language skills.

MAIN BODY

Paragraph 3- various problems.

CONCLUSION

Paragraph 4 - Result- independent and self-confident.

Read the following article based on the above plan.

Learning about life

Studying abroad gives you the opportunity to learn more about the traditions and culture of the host country and its people.

You can make new friends and improve your language skills. I learned how to face and deal with various problems which helped me to become more independent and selfconfident.

When I first arrived I couldn't understand some accents and slang, but now I am a more fluent and natural speaker, and my writing has improved, too.

The biggest problems I had were finding somewhere to live, looking after myself and planning my time. Living in a new country is not easy; however, learning to look after yourself certainly makes you more self-confident and independent.

I feel I can now handle any problem in a calm and confident manner, and I did not have to ask someone for their help.

(138 words)

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ecl english level b1 (hu)

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