Placement tests
Table of specifications Placement Tests ... 4 Placement Test 1 ... 5 Placement Test 2 ... 9 Placement Test 3 ... 13 Answer key... 17Progress Tests
Table of specifications Progress tests – Module 1 ... 18 Test 1... 19 Test 2 ... 23 Test 3 ... 27 Answer key ... 31 Table of specifications Progress Tests – Module 2 ... 32 Test 1 ... 33 Test 2 ... 37 Test 3 ... 41 Answer key ... 45 Test correction criteria ... 46 Test correction grid ... 47Introduction
A teacher’s work is never done. No sooner have we become aware of the numerous challenges
in relation to our classes and students (mixed ability, special needs, number of learners) than we
realise the time has come for us to devise tools to assess our students’ progress.
These three books of tests aim to aid teachers along the “long trail of assessment” by providing
resources they can use to assess their students at different stages of learning. First and foremost, a
selection of three placement tests has been created in order to determine where each learner
stands and what their specific learning needs are. Then at the end of each module three
progress tests have been created to assess the students’ development; each one can be edited in
order to create two different versions of the same test or to adapt the test to the specific
group each teacher is working with. The tests herein include a variety of items and a level of
difficulty appropriate for 11
thgraders. With each booklet, a table of specifications, correction grids
and correction criteria are available to support marking. In this way assessment can become a
more teacherfriendly activity and a far less timeconsuming one too.
The creation of a set of minitests for each module aims to offer more opportunities for
teachers to assess their students’ development. The minitests have been created as a means to
determine learners’ strength and/or weakness with regard to the specific language items taught in
each unit of each module. It is expected that the use of these grammar tests will inform both the
teacher and the learner on the areas which need to be further explored or recycled with regard to
the progress test at the end of each module. We believe these minitests can also be viewed as
an opportunity for formative assessment, which will foster reflection and discussion about
teaching and learning between teachers and students.
More than ever, teachers need to possess a range of resources that will invest the assessment of
their students’ work with greater validity and reliability. The present set of tests is meant to offer
teachers opportunities to use resources that prepare students both for internal and for external
assessment. We hope that these materials will truly support the teachers’ practice in a valuable
and helpful way by simplifying the task of assessment.
Table of specifications
Placement Tests
Skills Contents CEF
competences Types of Items Number of items Marks Topics Language A Listening comprehension Summer holidays Future plans – going to university Dream career Verb tense revision Conditional sentences Reported speech The passive Connectors Relative clauses Word formation Linguistic • lexical • grammatical • semantic • orthographic Pragmatic • functional • discourse • Multiple choice • Sequencing • Matching phrases • Short answer (blank filling; sentence completion; rephrasing) • Short answer (text comprehension) 3 40 B Written comprehension 4 60 C Language 4 50 D Written production • Essay (120180 words) 1 50
Name ________________________________________________ No. ________ Class __________ Date ___ /___ /___ Mark ______________________________ Teacher ________________________
A — Listening comprehension
40 marks 1. What is this text about? 16 marks 2. Tick (√) what is mentioned. 12 marks (6x2 marks)
a) Summer can be deadly boring!
b) Summer is a change from the school year.
c) It’s an opportunity to catch up with sleep.
d) It’s the chance to focus on the activities we can’t do during the school period.
e) For more than 25% of teens, summer vacation are the right balance of work and play.
f) The majority plan to be busy, but still have time to chill out. 3. Who says what: Kacey, Alexis or Ashlyn? 12 marks (6x2 marks)e) You can spend more time outside and swim.
B — Written comprehension
60 marks 1. How do you usually spend your holidays? Write about 3040 words on it. 10 marks Read the following text.Edward Hartline – 15yearold Alabama
teen spent summer in a unique way
American teens spend summer holidays in a variety of ways before the chaotic pace of school starts. One young man from Alabama has used his past two summers to invest in his musical career, and he wouldn’t have it any other way. Fifteenyearold Edward Hartline is already quite an accomplished musician. Selftaught on the guitar and the piano, he has been writing songs since he was eleven and, as a member of his high school band, he has played almost all instruments. When he was thirteen, he uploaded a cover of Bobby Long’s “Who Have You Been Loving?” to YouTube. It almost immediately caught the ATO recording artist’s attention and he posted the link on Twitter. Within 72 hours, Long’s fans viewed Edward’s video over 1000 times, leaving many positive comments for the young guitarist. He made a few more covers and was encouraged by other professional musicians to share his own music, so he recorded songs on his home computer and posted them on MySpace. That December, a challenge was launched on Twitter to double his MySpace plays in three weeks; it was accomplished in six days. The fans were rewarded with the release of a demo sixsong EP. Airplay on internet radio stations soon followed and two of Edward’s songs charted at #2 before he even started high school. Edward improved his performance skills in coffee shops and restaurants, landing the position of artistinresidence for a local Starbucks’ in the summer of 2010. He spent every Friday night in June and July playing Blues on the Boulevard, entertaining customers and gaining fans. He continued to play when he returned home those nights, performing another hour or two on UStream.tv to fans from all over. He started to tour and do shows all over. Seven states, ten shows and over 4000 miles later, Edward’s summer “vacation” only 5 10 15 20 252. Decide if the sentences are True (T) or False (F). Justify all of them with a sentence from the text. 10 marks (5x2 marks)
a) A teen decided to waste his holidays doing nothing.
b) He learned music at school.
c) He became known on YouTube at the age of 13.
d) His own songs were played on TV.
e) He entertained people in restaurants and cafés. 3. Match the words from the text with their correct synonyms. 10 marks (5x2 marks) a) accomplished (l. 8) (1) displayed b) immediately (l. 15) (2) dare c) posted (l. 15) (3) gifted d) challenge (l. 20) (4) enthusiastic e) eager (l. 31) (5) straightaway 4. Answer these questions on the text. 30 marks (3x10 marks) 4.1. How did he become known to the public? 4.2. Did he record his music in a studio? Justify your answer. 4.3. What are his views towards school and music?C — Language
50 marks 1. Fill in the gaps with the verbs in brackets in the correct tense. 18 marks (6x3 marks)a) During the summer, some of Edward’s friends ___________________ (sleep) most of the holidays, while others ___________________ (do) their best to get a summer job. b) Some companies ___________________ (recruit) summer staff at that time. c) Edward was trying to publicise his music when he ___________________ (catch) the attention of experts. d) His friend Eric ___________________ (not really try) to get work experience. He wanted the opportunity to attend music festivals for free. e) Next Saturday, Edward ___________________ (have) a show in Birmingham, AL.
Unit 1 – Minitest 2
Unit 1 – Minitest 2
2. Choose the right connector to fill in the gaps. 16 marks (4x4 marks)
2.1. During the summer holidays, there are lots of music festivals where students can find job opportunities.
___________________, they get in for free and have loads of fun.
a) However b) Furthermore c) Although
2.2. ___________________ more staff is needed to keep shops running during the summer, many shops prefer to increase working hours of regular staff because of the recession.
a) In spite of b) In order to c) Though
2.3. Many students consider getting a job ___________________ make their own money and get some work experience.
a) in order to b) so that c) in addition
2.4. Companies and shops offer many job vacancies for the summer ___________________ paying low salaries.
a) since b) in spite of c) next
3. Rewrite the following sentences starting them with the given words. 16 marks (4x4 marks) a) You need some money for your holidays. You have to look for a summer job. If you ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ b) Adventure CrossCountry is seeking youth leaders to teach, lead and inspire teens. Youth leaders ___________________________________________________________________________________________________ c) There is a growing demand for seasonal workers. They must be willing to work at short notice. There is a growing demand for seasonal workers _________________________________________________________________ d) “For me, this may be my last summer hanging out with my parents,” said Sarah. Sarah said _______________________________________________________________________________________________________
D — Written production
50 marks Look at this summer motto:A — Listening comprehension
40 marks 1. Listen to the first part of the text and choose the correct alternative. The text is about… 8 marks
a) graduating and life thereafter.
b) visiting universities to get to know them.
c) the first day at university. 2. Tick (√) the information mentioned in the text. 20 marks (5x4 marks)
a) It can make you excited and nervous.
e) Don’t sign your name anywhere.
b) Nothing is new.
f) Wait until you know where your room is before taking your luggage up.
c) Print a copy of the campus.
g) Make an effort to appear friendly.
d) There will be friendly students around.
h) No one will guide you to your room. 3. Listen to the second part of the text and complete the text below. 12 marks (6x2 marks) a) ___________________ you fancy a bit of help, your guide might suggest coming back after you’ve unpacked, b) ___________________ if you aren’t the unpacking sort, you might want to take up your mum’s offer. At this point,other people will c) ___________________ be arriving too, so don’t worry about having to d) ___________________ out to
meet people just yet. As you are e) ___________________, leave your door open! It’s a great way for other new people on your floor to say hello as they are passing. Stick a sign on your door with your name and a tempting slogan such as “Come on in and say hi, I have chocolate!”. Doing this will make you seem f) ___________________ and approachable, and unless you are fibbing about the chocolate, you will have some happy housemates in your dorm room later on. http://www.thefreshersbook.co.uk/firstday.html (abridged and adapted), accessed in December 2013
Name ________________________________________________ No. ________ Class __________ Date ___ /___ /___ Mark ______________________________ Teacher ________________________
B — Written comprehension
60 marks 1. Write between 3040 words on any plans you have to go to university. 10 marks Read the following text.Teen insider tips on college visits
Smart College Visit is the educated way to plan your campus visit. Millions of high school students and their families journey to college campuses nationwide in search of the best place to study. Alex, Elise and I took a great trip up to New England to continue the college hunt that has taken over our lives. I’d like to share some tips that could make your college trip easier and less daunting. Keeping a calm attitude is beneficial to everyone involved in the college search, and staying relaxed helps parents and teenagers communicate more effectively. Make a chart of what schools you are visiting, the available times for their tours and infosessions, what kind of transportation to use to get to each school, and anything else they may offer (for example, Boston University had a free lunch for prospective students, so we were sure to hop on that offer in order to save money). It just so happens that my mom is a Microsoft Excel fanatic, so she eagerly made spreadsheets and charts to guide us through our days in New England. Alex’s mom, Luisa, was the driver on this actionpacked trip and she appreciated having all the necessary details at her fingertips as we zipped from Boston College to Boston University and Northeastern University all in ONE exhausting day! Since you can find most of the academic information online, be sure to note the fun, unique things about each school so that you can remember what sets them apart, and which university seems to be more tailored to student life. For example, Boston University has free tutors and paperediting, which is not exactly a deciding factor, but is definitely something noteworthy. Take pictures so you remember what each school looks like. I know this is a forbidden word in these precious summer months, but it is important that you research the schools you plan to visit ahead of time, so you know what you’re dealing with. Also, researching in advance allows you to ask specific questions tailored to your own academic interests so you can skip the introductory stuff at the info sessions and learn something that may be relevant to you. Talk to the students on campus; ask them about the university and why they chose that specific one. The tour guides typically can’t tell you what other universities they applied to, but anyone else can, so take advantage of the opportunity to get names of others you may not have heard of that are on the same level as the one you’re visiting. by Elaine http://www.smartcollegevisit.com/2010/08/teeninsidertipsoncollegevisits.html, (abridged and adapted), accessed in December 2013 5 10 15 20 25 302. Match the headings a) to e) with paragraphs 3 to 7. 10 marks (5x2 marks) a) Make friends with strangers. b) Bring a notebook and pen. c) Take a deep breath. d) Do your homework. e) Plan. 3. Find opposites in paragraphs 5 and 6 for the words below. 10 marks (5x2 marks)
a) forget b) unfit c) irrelevant d) allowed e) worthless
4. Complete the sentences below according to the text. 30 marks (3x10 marks) a) The best way to maintain good communication between parents and students ____________________________________ b) A chart of the schools should include ____________________________________________________________________________ c) The homework to be done involves ______________________________________________________________________________
C — Language
50 marks 1. Choose the correct option to fill in the gaps. 18 marks (6x3 marks) 1.1. Most teenagers do not have the opportunity to visit universities ___________________ the benefits of such visits.a) although b) but c) despite
1.2. It is important for parents to accompany their children during the visits ___________________ they can give them
advice and help.
a) so that b) due to c) in order to
1.3. ___________________ teenagers visit so many schools, their final decision is not an easy one.
2. Complete the text with the correct forms of the verbs in brackets. 12 marks (6x2 marks) Last summer more teenagers a) ___________________ (visit) schools before they b) ___________________ (make) their decision than ever before. Some schools admitted they c) ___________________ (not have) so many visitors in previous years. This is why they d) ___________________ (think) the number of new students e) ___________________ (increase) significantly in the future. Some have even confessed there f) ___________________ (already / be) a rise in the number of students. 3. Fill in the gaps with the correct form of the word given. 12 marks (4x3 marks) a) Teen Travel is a web site ___________________ by teens for teens who love to travel. (write)
b) The site includes travel stories by teens and a ___________________ forum. (discuss)
c) Through good ___________________ and ___________________, she and her family and friends were able to visit three
colleges in one day. (plan / efficient) 4. Rewrite the following sentences starting with the words given. 8 marks (2x4 marks) a) “I know this is a forbidden word in these precious summer months,” said Elaine. Elaine said ______________________________________________________________________________________________________ b) Teens visit many schools so they can make an informed decision. If teens _________________________________________________________________________________________________________
D — Written production
50 marks Should teenagers start preparing their future as soon as possible or should they wait until they get a bit older? In 120180 words, write an opinion essay on this topic.A — Listening comprehension
40 marks 1. Listen to the first part of a text about American 10 marks writer Toni Morrison. The excerpt is about…
a) Morrison’s early life.
b) Some of her best known books.
c) The reasons she decided to become a writer. 2. Say whether the sentences are true (T) or false (F) according to the excerpt. 18 marks (6x3 marks)
a) Toni was a nickname.
b) Black people were poorer than the rest of their neighbours.
c) Her parents did not like interference from others.
d) Her family never got help from the government.
e) Her first job was at a magazine.
f) Her mother wrote to Franklin D. Roosevelt. 3. Listen to the second part of the text and complete the text below. 12 marks (6x2 marks) “He said, ‘Go to work, get your money and come home. You don’t live there.’” She repeats it, slowly, with the air of a) ___________________, “Go to work, get your money, come home.” She was notb) ___________________, he said, to live as they saw her in their imagination. Later, when Morrison
c) ___________________ at school, it had little d) ___________________ her, she says. “A little Italian boy called me an
Ethiopian. ‘Hee hee hee, you Ethiopian, you’. I went home and said to my mother, ‘What is that?’ And she said, ‘It’s a country in Africa.’ And it was sort of like, ‘what?’ He obviously thought it was a great e) ___________________.”
Morrison, dry as ice, says, “It was not f) ___________________ .”
Name ________________________________________________ No. ________ Class __________ Date ___ /___ /___ Mark ______________________________ Teacher ________________________
B — Written comprehension
60 marks 1. What is your dream career? Why? Write between 3040 words on it. 10 marks Read the following text. 5Building a dream
It’s a seemingly ordinary August morning, but it will be no ordinary day in the city of Johannesburg. Oprah Winfrey is here to view the new school she has dreamed of for South Africa. Beyond inspecting the handiwork of the builders, she has come to personally select girls for the founding 7th and 8th classes. From poor, troubled backgrounds,these too are no ordinary girls. Many have been handchosen by teachers across South Africa for academic excellence and early displays of leadership. On the cusp of adolescence, they are 11, 12, and newlyturned 13 years old. The Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls – South Africa is an innovative high school the aim of which is to discover, teach and inspire young South African girls to become a new generation of leaders. It is the first of several she hopes to build in struggling communities on every continent. She’s looking for brave girls, children who have already conquered adversity with a feeling of “I can!” That dream began for her a long time ago. The idea of a school strikes the deepest chord in Oprah. “My own success has come from a strong background in reading and learning. The greatest gift you can give is the gift of learning.” And so began her quest for special girls who want to learn, “brighteyed wonders who have struggled in life,” Oprah calls them. “I want somebody who already knows that education is empowerment, and who wouldn’t have had the chance to fulfill the great possibilities of her life had this not happened. I want to change the trajectory of a child’s life.”
Oprah has chosen South Africa as the birthplace of this intensely personal work because “it is the country of new beginnings, only 12 years out of Apartheid, and also because of my deep love for Nelson Mandela and all that he means to this country and to the world.” Creating this school has not been easy, logistically or socially. From the beginning, she struggled to explain her vision, a school that could “contain the emotional, spiritual selves of the girls.” Because these girls come from poverty, she was first given designs she felt looked like a chicken coop, then a barracks. Planners advised that these African children were not accustomed to much – many sleep on dirt floors in housing with no water or electricity; some share a bed with relatives. Oprah was told that the simplest environment would be a luxury to them, that they would need only basics. She sent the plans back. “I said, from the start, I am creating everything in this school that I would have wanted for myself – so the girls will have the absolute best that my imagination can offer.” In 2002, she announced her plans to build a leadership academy and donated $10 million for the school. Her donation has grown into more than $40 million. http://www.oprah.com/entertainment/BuildingaDream/2#ixzz2mKj084Qt (abridged and adapted), accessed in December 2013 5 10 15 20 25 30 35
Name ________________________________________________ No. ________ Class __________ Date ___ /___ /___ Mark ______________________________ Teacher ________________________
2. Find equivalents for these words/expressions in paragraph 5. 10 marks (5x2 marks) a) setting up b) fought c) plans d) used to e) essentials 3. Say what or who the words below refer to in the text. 10 marks (5x2 marks)
a) here (l. 2) b) these (l. 6) c) It (l. 11) d) her (l. 14) e) them (l. 18)
4. Complete the sentences below according to the text. 30 marks (3x10 marks) a) The two main reasons why the school was started in South Africa are ___________________________________________ b) In Oprah’s view, by educating these girls _______________________________________________________________________ c) At first, it was hard for Oprah to make people understand _______________________________________________________
C — Language
50 marks 1. Match the two halves to make correct sentences. Two options do not apply. 18 marks (6x3 marks) a) It seems to be an ordinary day (1) unless similar projects are put into action. b) Many girls have had a hard life (2) because they built the school. c) Oprah became a successful professional (3) however, Oprah believes they will fight. d) Many girls live in total misery (4) fulfill a longtime dream. e) Many South African girls will have no opportunities (5) despite this. f) The academy was set up so as to (6) although it is in fact a great one. (7) as a result of her education. (8) despite their tender age.2. Complete the text with the correct forms of the verbs in brackets. 12 marks (6x2 marks)
The first group of graduates from The Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls a) ___________________ (graduate) in 2012. The first school b) ___________________ (set up) in 2007, when Oprah c) ___________________
(fight) to make sure the girls d) ___________________ (give) the best possible
conditions. The school e) ___________________ (still / fill) with girls who hope
the future f) ___________________ (offer) them leadership opportunities.
3. Fill in the gaps with the correct form of the words given. 12 marks (4x3 marks)
a) There is no tradition of ___________________ in South Africa and the girls feel ___________________ and excited. (graduate / nerve) b) This is a school for ___________________ girls who will use their power in the service of their nation and the world. To make it a ___________________ Oprah has to find perfect students. (power /real) 4. Rewrite the sentences without changing their meaning. 8 marks (2x4 marks) a) Oprah has chosen South Africa as the birthplace of this intensely personal work. South Africa ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ b) The school was created in 2007. The girls received their diplomas in 2012. If _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
D — Written production
50 marks Do you think successful people should help those in need? How important do you think their support is? Which age groups should be helped? In 120180 words, write an opinion essay on this topic.Placement Tests
Test 1
A – Listening comprehension 1. It’s about summer vacation and the way teens occupy themselves during that season. 2. b); c); d); f).3. a) Kacey, Alexis, Ashlyn; b) Ashlyn; c) Kacey; d) Alexis; e) Alexis; f) Ashlyn. B – Written comprehension 1. Open answer. 2. a) F. “One young man from Alabama has used his past two summers to invest in his musical career (…)” (ll. 35). b) F. “Selftaught on the guitar and the piano (…)” (ll. 78). c) T. “When he was thirteen, he uploaded a cover of Bobby Long’s ‘Who Have You Been Loving?’ to YouTube” (ll. 1112). d) F. “Airplay on internet radio stations soon followed (…)” (l. 20). e) T. “Edward improved his performance skills in coffee shops and restaurants. (…)” (l. 22). 3. a) 3; b) 5; c) 1; d) 2; e) 4. 4. 4.1. He posted his version of a song by Bobby Long on YouTube. 4.2. No, he didn’t. “he recorded songs on his home computer” (l. 17). 4.3. He values what he learns at school and he wants to graduate and go to college without giving up on his musical career. C – Language
1. a) slept; were doing. b) were recruiting. c) caught. d) wasn’t really trying. e) is having.
2. 2.1. b); 2.2. c); 2.3. a); 2.4. b).
3. a) need some money for your holidays, you’ll have to look for a summer job. b) are being sought by Adventure CrossCountry to teach, lead and inspire teens. c) who must be willing to work at short notice. d) that, for her, that might be her last summer hanging out with her parents.
Test 2
A – Listening comprehension 1. c). 2. a); c); d); f); g).3. a) Unless; b) although; c) gradually; d) rush; e) unpacking; f) friendly.
B – Written comprehension 1. Open answer.
2. a) 7; b) 5; c) 3; d) 6; e) 4.
3. a) remember (l. 21); b) tailored (l. 22); c) noteworthy (l. 24); d) forbidden (l. 26); e) precious (l. 26).
4. a) is to stay calm and relaxed. b) available times for tours and info sessions. c) detailed research of the school to be visited.
C – Language
1. 1.1. c); 1.2. a); 1.3. b); 1.4. c); 1.5. c); 1.6. c).
2. a) visited; b) made; c) hadn’t had; d) think; e) will increase; f) has already been.
3. a) written. b) discussion. c) planning; efficiency.
4. a) she knew that was a forbidden word in those precious summer months. b) don’t visit many schools, they won’t make an informed decision.
Test 3
A – Listening comprehension 1. a). 2. a) T; b) F; c) T; d) F; e) F; f) T. 3. a) revelation; b) obliged; c) was bullied; d) effect on; e) insult; f) impressive. B – Written comprehension 1. Open answer.2. a) creating (l. 26); b) struggled (l. 27); c) designs (l. 28); d) accustomed (l. 30); e) basics (l. 32).
3. a) in Johannesburg; b) girls; c) The (Oprah Winfrey Leadership) Academy for girls; d) Oprah; e) special girls who want to learn. 4. a) that it is a country of new beginnings and because she loves Nelson Mandela deeply. b) she is inspiring them to become a new generation of leaders. c) what her vision was. C – Language 1. a) (6); b) (8); c) (7); d) (3); e) (1); f) (4).
2. a) graduated; b) was set up; c) fought; d) would be given/were given; e) is still filled; f) will offer. 3. a) graduation; nervous. b) powerful; reality. 4. a) has been chosen by Oprah as the birthplace of this intensily personal work. b) the school hadn’t been created in 2007, the girls wouldn’t have received their diplomas in 2012.
Answer key
Table of specifications
Placement Tests
Skills Contents CEF
competences Types of Items Number of items Marks Topics Language A Listening comprehension The multicultural patchwork The right to be or not to be In or out? Proact Relative pronouns with prepositions Quantifiers Adjectives and nouns Word formation Connectors Reported speech Conditional clauses The passive Linguistic • lexical • grammatical • semantic • orthographic Pragmatic • functional • discourse • Multiple choice • Sequencing • Matching phrases • Short answer (blank filling; sentence completion; rephrasing) • Short answer (text comprehension) 3 40 B Written comprehension 4 60 C Language 4 50 D Written production • Essay (120180 words) 1 50
A — Listening comprehension
40 marks 1. Listen to the first part of the text and choose the correct alternative. What type of text do you think this is? 12 marks
a) A news report.
b) A biography.
c) An opinion essay.2. Order the sentences below as they are mentioned in the text. 18 marks (6x3 marks)
a) In October, Wallace invaded northern England.
b) He was briefly successful, but the French eventually turned against the Scots.
c) On July 22, Wallace’s troops suffered defeat in the Battle of Falkirk.
d) Wallace gained an unlikely and crushing victory.
e) On September 11, 1297, an English army confronted Wallace and his men at the Forth River.
f) But four months later, Edward invaded Scotland again. 3. Listen to the second part of the text and complete the text below. 10 marks (5x2 marks)a) ___________________ William Wallace refused to submit to English rule, and
Edward’s men b) ___________________ August 5, 1305, when they captured and
arrested him near Glasgow. He was taken to London and c) ___________________ to the king and was hanged. He was seen by the Scots
as a martyr and d) ___________________ of the e) ___________________, and his fight continued after his death.
http://www.people/williamwallace9522479
B — Written comprehension
60 marks 1. Who is the person you admire the most? Why? Write between 3040 words. 10 marks Read the following text.Nelson Mandela: world leaders
mourn inspirational figure
Tributes were paid by Barack Obama, David Cameron, Ban Kimoon, François Hollande and other politicians and spiritual leaders around the world. America’s first black president paid tribute to Nelson Mandela in a sombre statement delivered from the White House, in which Barack Obama described the personal inspiration he had drawn from the man he called Madiba.“I am one of the countless millions who drew inspiration from Nelson Mandela’s life,” said a visibly moved Obama. And like so many around the globe, I cannot fully imagine my own life without the example that Nelson Mandela set, and so long as I live I will do what I can to learn from him.”
The US president, who met Mandela once as a senator and was prevented from visiting him during a trip to South Africa in June by the latter’s illness, has been reluctant to overemphasise the comparisons, but revealed how much his own political career had been influenced by the antiapartheid struggle. “My very first political action, the first thing I ever did that involved an issue or a policy or politics, was a protest against apartheid,” said Obama. “I studied his words and his writings. The day that he was released from prison gave me a sense of what human beings can do when they’re guided by their hopes and not by their fears.” Obama did not say when his first protest took place, but he is known to have become involved in antiapartheid politics at Occidental College in Los Angeles, between 1979 and 1981. In London, David Cameron said Mandela was a towering figure: “A great light has gone out in the world. Nelson Mandela was a towering figure in our time; a legend in life and now in death – a true global hero. Across the country they will be mourning a man who was the embodiment of grace. Meeting him was one of the great honours of my life.” Former US president Bill Clinton said, “Today the world has lost one of its most important Name ________________________________________________ No. ________ Class __________ Date ___ /___ /___ Mark ______________________________ Teacher ________________________ 5 10 15 20 25
2. Say what or who the words below refer to in the text. 10 marks (5x2 marks) a) him (l. 12) b) his (l. 15) c) their (l. 20) d) my (l. 26) e) us (l. 31) 3. Find opposites of these words in paragraphs 7, 8 and 9. 10 marks (5x2 marks) a) insignificant _________________________ b) celebrating ___________________________ c) conflict ______________________________ d) friends ______________________________ e) broad _______________________________ 4. Complete the sentences below according to the text. 30 marks (3x10 marks) a) Ban Kimoon and François Hollande were among ________________________________________________________________ b) While he was a senator, __________________________________________________________________________________________ c) The three traits that characterise Mandela’s philosophy are that ___________________________________________________
C — Language
50 marks1. Connect the items in columns A and C using the appropriate relative pronoun and preposition from
column B. Three of them do not apply. 18 marks (6x3 marks)
A B C a) Steven Biko was a South African Civil Rights leader b) Biko was imprisoned at Pretoria prision c) After much public unrest, the government decided to investigate the reasons d) At first there was no evidence e) Biko’s death caused much protest (1) for which (2) for whom (3) about whom (4) of whom (5) by whom (6) in which (7) without which (8) on whom (9) with which (A) few people have heard. (B) investigators could start their work. (C) he ended up dead. (D) Biko had been tortured and beaten. (E) there would have been no inquiry. (F) he died eventually.
f) South African authorities were able to ascertain
2. Complete the text with six words from the box. 12 marks (6x2 marks)
Shaka Zulu was the most influential king of the Zulus and is widely credited with uniting many of the Northern Nguni people a) ___________________ groups. His
statesmanship and vigour marked him as one of the greatest Zulu kings. The Zulus are the largest South African b) ___________________ group,
c) ___________________ from KwaZuluNatal, one of the d) ___________________ of South Africa. Under e) ___________________, Zulu people were classed as thirdclass citizens and suffered from statesanctioned f) ___________________. They remain today the most numerous ethnic group in South Africa, and now have the same rights as all other citizens. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shaka; invaded Scotland again en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zulus (abridged and adapted), accessed in December 2013 3. Fill in the gaps with the correct form of the words given. 12 marks (4x3 marks) Cry Freedom is the title of a film which centres on the Black Consciousness Movement (BCM) founder’s life and
death. It also talks about Biko’s a) ___________________ (friend) with a white journalist Donald Woods who sympathises with Biko’s strong b) ___________________ (apartheid) feelings and defence of greater
c) ___________________ (equal) in South African society. Many, whites and blacks, fought against policies of
d) ___________________ (segregate). http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cry_Freedom#Plot (abridged and adapted), accessed in December 2013 4. Rewrite the following sentences starting with the words given. 8 marks (2x4 marks) a) “Today the world has lost one of its most important leaders and History will remember Nelson Mandela as a champion,” stated Bill Clinton. Bill Clinton stated _______________________________________________________________________________________________ b) Obama did not say when his first protest took place. He is known to have become involved in politics against apartheid. Despite Obama __________________________________________________________________________________________________
D — Written production
50 marks In about 120180 words, write a text expressing your opinion on the role of world leaders in today’s world. Which aspects seem to be positive? What about the negative ones? (1) condemned (2) originating (3) discrimination (4) minority (5) segregated (6) provinces (7) apartheid (8) ethnicA
— Listening comprehension
40 marks 1. Listen to the first part of the text and choose the most appropriate title. 10 marks
a) What is a European?
b) What is Europe?
c) What is European?2. Tick (3) the names of the cities mentioned in the text. 12 marks (6x2 marks)
a) Warsaw
f) Bruges
b) Chartres
g) New York
c) Copenhagen
h) London
d) Berlin
i) Venice
e) Cracow
j) Lisbon Name ________________________________________________ No. ________ Class __________ Date ___ /___ /___ Mark ______________________________ Teacher ________________________bureaucracy is modeled on the French bureaucracy because of d) _____________________________. He goes on to claim
that “the French political class has been far e) _____________________________ Germany, or indeed, than that of any
other major European nation.’’ The danger he perceives for Europe in this is that any further political unification will be on a French model f) _____________________________.
B — Written comprehension
60 marks1. What are your expectations for the future? Write between 3040 words. 10 marks
Read the following text.
Name ________________________________________________ No. ________ Class __________ Date ___ /___ /___ Mark ______________________________ Teacher ________________________
May Europe’s multicultural
new generation succeed
where we failed?
Writing to her son, Loretta Napoleoni looks forward to a continent breaking free of history’s straitjacket. Dear Julian, Next year you’re 18 and will leave secondary school, no doubt excited and at the same time worried. For the average European teenager, the future must look both bleak and exciting at the moment. Joblessness, mountains of debt, prophecies of monetary meltdown and the rare prospect of a secure professional career muddy the view. Thirtyfive years ago a generation of school leavers – your parents – looked at a future equally thrilling and bleak. Coming of age in the shadow of nuclear holocaust and terrorism, this generation had to make do with doubledigit inflation and unemployment. The new generation of teenagers is the first born inside the united Europe’s multicultural melting pot, one no longer just populated by Europeans. Multiculturalism may well be our saviour, wresting us out from the straitjacket of our history, thrusting the old continent into an environment where other ethnicities, less cynical and more positive, will play a big role in its future. Watching the student demonstrations in Parliament Square in London recently, I saw a new Britain and a new Europe. Never before has this country seen this type of protest. The new blood of the children of immigrants both drives transnational protest and cements solidarity among Europe’s young. Teenagers equally wary of tomorrow and yet determined not to let history repeat itself want a different Europe. Their solidarity flies on the wings of the net, an international meeting point connecting to WikiLeaks, Porto Allegre, and all the other initiatives to transform our planet. Will you succeed where we failed? I believe so. Because the sociocultural paradigm of Europe has finally shifted, and those who rule us today do not represent such a shift. As your generation comes to power, then the political paradigm will inevitably alter. Europeans will no longer be explorers; they will not adventure across unknown seas to steal others’ treasure, they will not scale the highest mountains to plant flags, nor will they look west or east to decide what to think and how to behave internationally. But they will be able to delve into the new multicultural spirit of a reinvigorated continent for new economic, social and political formulas. That is the Europe I dream of for you and the one I want to belong to. http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2011/jan/03/europemulticulturalnewgeneration (abridged and adapted), accessed in December 2013 5 10 15 20 25 5 302. Find the equivalents of the words/expressions below in paragraph 6. 10 marks (5x2 marks) a) public displays of discontent b) disagreement c) consolidates d) unsure of e) actions 3. Say what or who the words below refer to in the text. 10 marks (5x2 marks) a) your (l. 8) b) its (l. 14) c) Their (l. 20) d) we (l. 23) e) I (l. 30) 4. Complete sentences below according to the text. 30 marks (3x10 marks) a) Loretta Napoleoni states teens and their parents share_____________________________________________________________ b) She believes multiculturalism____________________________________________________________________________________ c) Napoleoni not only dreams of the “new” Europe, _________________________________________________________________
C — Language
50 marks1. Connect the items in columns A and C using the appropriate relative pronouns and prepositions from
column B. Three of them do not apply. 18 marks (6x3 marks)
A B C a) People may be discriminated on the grounds of the place b) Minorities sometimes receive (1) from whom (2) without which (3) by which (A) it was written. (B) they were born. (C) the men were shot.
f) Not all newcomers are given the documents
2. Complete the text with six words from the box. 12 marks (6x2 marks)
The International Day for Tolerance is an opportunity for each of us to renew our a) ___________________ to practicing tolerance and promoting harmony. Globalizing
quickly, the world is also increasingly fragile. This is why every day, in every society, we need to build new bridges of tolerance, b) ___________________ and understanding.
This takes commitment and time. We must begin with quality education, to combat c) ___________________, prejudice and hatred, which are at the d) ___________________ of
discrimination and racism. We need education to disarm the fears that many feel of the e) ___________________ and of other people, their cultures, life choices and beliefs. Education is the best way to foster a culture of peace and build inclusive societies. Intolerance is a global challenge that takes many local shapes. To be effective, global action must be combined with national, local and, not least, f) ___________________
measures.
http://www.un.org/en/events/toleranceday/2013/dgmessage.shtml (abridged and adapted), accessed in
December 2013
3. Fill in the gaps with the correct form of the words given. 12 marks (4x3 marks)
a) Europe expects multiculturalism will bring ___________________ and understanding to its ___________________.
(tolerant / citizenship) b) Two of the greatest challenges the European Union faces are ___________________ of difference and respect for the continent’s ___________________. (accept / lingual) 4. Rewrite the following sentences starting with the words given. 8 marks (2x4 marks) a) Napoleoni has watched the student demonstrations in Parliament Square in London recently. She thinks Britain and Europe have come a long way. As a result of ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ b) A new generation came to power. The political paradigm was altered. If no _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
D — Written production
50 marks (1) root (2) individual (3) money (4) unknown (5) commitment (6) trust (7) multiculturalism (8) ignoranceA
— Listening comprehension
40 marks 1. Listen to three young women. What is the text about? Choose the correct option. 12 marks
a) Legal versus illegal immigrants.
b) The disadvantages of staying in a country illegally.
c) The road to becoming a legal immigrant. 2. Listen to the Sherry, Molly and Stephanie and decide who says what. 18 marks (6x3 marks) a) She knew her future husband for a year before they started dating. ________________________________________________ b) She had no intention of overstaying her visa deadline. ____________________________________________________________ c) Her husband is in Mexico at the moment. ________________________________________________________________________ d) She worked with her husband. ___________________________________________________________________________________ e) She was prevented from returning to the USA. ___________________________________________________________________ f) She thinks her husband is being treated like a criminal. ___________________________________________________________ 3. Listen to the second part of Stephanie’s account and fill in the gaps in the text below. 10 marks (5x2 marks) So why are they a) _________________________? My husband is still locked up in Delany Hall in Newark NJ. We are trying to see what we can do b) _________________________, but it is taking a lot of time and money and I feel like c) _________________________. We can make a change if weall d) _________________________ for our beliefs and
e) ___________________.
Name ________________________________________________ No. ________ Class __________ Date ___ /___ /___ Mark ______________________________ Teacher ________________________
B — Written comprehension
60 marks1. What are your expectations for the future? Write between 3040 words. 10 marks
Read the following text.
Employment rights of immigrants under
federal antidiscrimination laws
Immigrants are protected from employment discrimination by laws enforced by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). This pamphlet answers questions often asked by people who think that they have suffered discrimination in employment. It describes what the law covers, how to file a complaint, and typical examples of employment discrimination.
The EEOC is a federal agency responsible for enforcing laws prohibiting employment discrimination and harassment because of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age (40 and over) and physical or mental disability. Employers with 15 or more employees (20 or more for age discrimination), employment agencies, unions, employerunion apprentice programs, and local, state, and federal agencies must obey these laws. If you think that you have been discriminated against on the job or while applying for a job, you should contact the EEOC. The law has strict time limits for filing a charge of discrimination, and in some cases the EEOC will not have jurisdiction unless the charge is filed within 180 days of the occurrence of discrimination. Unlawful national origin discrimination may include discrimination because of a person’s looks, customs, or language. It isn’t necessary for a person to show that his or her ancestors are from a particular country or region to prove national origin discrimination. A claim can be proven if a person is discriminated against for having the characteristics for a different group. For example, a person might mistakenly be thought to be Haitian and may be discriminated against based on certain characteristics, even though he is not actually Haitian. Similarly, a person may be perceived as being foreign born or of foreign ancestry and may be discriminated against in violation of the law. The law prohibits discrimination because a person associates with people of a national origin group (discrimination because of attendance at schools or places of worship used by persons of a particular nationality, and discrimination because a person’s or spouse’s name is associated with a national origin group). For example, if someone is denied a promotion or otherwise is discriminated against because she is married to a Hispanic man, that violates the law. Some employment practices, such as citizenship requirements, minimum height requirements, and policies against hiring individuals with arrest and conviction records, may screen out people of a particular national origin. For example, a minimum height requirement for certain jobs, such as police officers or firefighters, may disproportionately screen out people of certain national origins, such as Hispanics and Asians, and would be against the law unless the employer could prove that it is related to the job and needed for the employer to operate safely or efficiently. http://www.eeoc.gov/eeoc/publications/immigrantsfacts.cfm (abridged and adapted), accessed in December 2013 5 10 15 20 25 30
2. Match the headings a) to e) with the paragraphs of the text 1 to 5. 10 marks (5x2 marks) a) Association with National Origin Groups. b) Immigrants rights and opportunities. c) Discrimination related to certain professions. d) The Role of the Equal Employment Opportunities Commission. e) What is National Origin discrimination? 3. Find equivalents for the expressions below in paragraph 2. 10 marks (5x2 marks) a) declaring illegal b) undue trouble, worry or torment c) act according to d) treated unfairly e) officially recording 4. Complete the sentences below according to the text. 30 marks (3x10 marks) a) The law establishes a 180day limit ______________________________________________________________________________ b) Three examples of discrimination on the grounds of origin _______________________________________________________ c) Employment practices may ______________________________________________________________________________________
C — Language
50 marks1. Connect the items in columns A and C using the appropriate expression of quantity from column B.
Three of them do not apply. 18 marks (6x3 marks) A B C a) Every day ethnic groups face b) Often there is c) Unfortunately, sometimes not d) Education and perseverance are e) If a person is discriminated against because of his/her colour, (1) few (2) any (3) much (4) both (5) little (6) neither (A) is done to avoid episodes of intolerance. (B) strength and courage to face those who disrespect you. (C) crucial to change the mentality of the intolerants.
2. Complete the text with six words from the box.
Ethnic minorities can fall victim to a) ___________________ bias that includes a
recurrent preoccupation with b) ___________________ (i.e., policies favoring people
born in the United States), c) ___________________ when socalled “immigrants”
succeed (often related to a fear of losing jobs to d) ___________________), and disdain
or anger when they act against the established norm (e.g. when they don’t know or refuse to learn the language). In the second case, negative e) ___________________ of
certain ethnic groups or people of a certain f) ___________________ can fuel
antagonism.
http://www.dosomething.org/tipsandtools/backgrounddiscriminationagainstimmigrants,
(abridged and adapted) accessed in December 2013
3. Fill in the gaps with the correct form of the words given.
a) Today some groups within society still do not contribute to promoting ___________________ but rather seem to
advocate ___________________ discrimination. (integrate / race)
b) The implications of the above are that too many people still perpetuate ___________________ attitudes and feel pleasure in making others feel ___________________. (respect / inferiority) 4. Rewrite the following sentences using the words given. a) A minimum height requirement for certain jobs may disproportionately screen out people of certain national origins. People ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ b) A person might mistakenly be thought to be Haitian and may be discriminated against based on certain characteristics although he/she is not actually Haitian. Despite not _____________________________________________________________________________________________________
D — Written production
In about 120180 words, write a text expressing your opinion on the measures adopted by countries to combat (1) nationality (2) stereotypes (3) intolerance (4) segregating (5) resentment (6) “nativism” (7) antiimmigrant (8) newcomersProgress Tests (Module 1)
Test 1
A – Listening comprehension
1. b). 2. a) 3rd; b) 6th; c) 5th; d) 2nd; e) 1st; f) 4th.
3. a) Unwilling to compromise; b) pursued him until; c) condemned as a traitor; d) as a symbol; e) struggle for independence. B – Written comprehension 1. Open answer. 2. a) Nelson Mandela; b) the US President’s; c) human beings’; d) David Cameron’s; e) people.
3. a) towering (l. 23); b) mourning (l. 25); c) reconciliation (l. 29); d) adversaries (l. 31); e) closed (l. 33).
4. a) the world leaders who paid tribute to Nelson Mandela. b) Barack Obama met Mandela for the first time. c) there is freedom in forgiving, a big heart is better than a closed mind, and life’s real victories must be shared. C – Language 1. a) (4) (A); b) (6) (F); c) (1) (C); d) (9) (B); e) (7) (E); f) (5) (D). 2. a) minority (4); b) ethnic (8); c) originating (2); d) provinces (6); e) apartheid (7); f) discrimination (3). 3. a) friendship; b) antiapartheid; c) equality; d) segregation. 4. a) that day the world had lost one of its most important leaders and History would remember Nelson Mandela as a champion. b) not saying when his first protest took place, he is known to have become involved in politics against apartheid.
Test 2
A – Listening comprehension 1. a). 2. b); c); e); f); g); h). 3. a) a European identity; b) as an extension of French culture; c) have been prime movers; d) French enthusiasm and persistence; e) more skillful than that of; f) with a centralized government.B – Written comprehension
1. Open answer. 2. a) demonstrations (l. 16); b) protest (l. 17); c) cements (l. 18); d) wary of (l. 19); e) initiatives
(l. 21).
3. a) Julian’s; b) the old continent’s; c) Teenagers’; d) parents/adults today; e) Loretta Napoleoni. 4. a) a vision of the future. b) will save Europe. c) but she also wants to belong to it. C – Language 1. a) (8) (B); b) (1) (F); c) (7) (A); d) (6) (D); e) (4) (C); f) (2) (E).
2. a) commitment (5); b) trust (6); c) ignorance (8); d) root (1); e) unknown (4); f) individual (2).
3. a) tolerance; citizens. b) acceptance; multilingualism.
4. a) having watched the student demonstrations in Parliament Square in London recently, Napoleoni thinks Britain and Europe have come a long way; b) new generation had come to power, the political paradigm would not have been altered.
Test 3
A – Listening comprehension
1. b). 2. a) Sherry; b) Molly; c) Sherry; d) Stephanie; e) Molly; f) Stephanie.
3. a) being discriminated against; b) to stop the deportation process; c) we are running out of both; d) get together and fight; e) stand up for our rights.
B – Written comprehension
1. Open answer. 2. a) 4th; b) 1st; c) 5th; d) 2nd; e) 3rd.
3. a) prohibiting (l. 6); b) harassment (l. 7); c) obey (l. 10); d) discriminated against (ll. 1011); e) filing (l. 12).
4. a) for the filing of a complaint. b) are appearance, customs or language. c) exclude people of a particular national origin. C – Language 1. a) (8) (D); b) (5) (F); c) (9) (A); d) (4) (C); e) (1) (E); f) (3) (B). 2. a) antiimmigrant (7); b) “nativism” (6)”; c) resentment/intolerance (5)/(3); d) newcomers (8); e) stereotypes (2); f) nationality (1). 3. a) integration; racial. b) disrespectful; inferior. 4. a) of certain national origins may disproportionately be screened out by a minimum height requirement for certain jobs. b) actually being Haitian, a person might mistakenly be thought to be Haitian and may be discriminated against based on certain characteristics.
Table of specifications
Placement Tests (Module 2)
Skills Contents CEF
competences Types of Items Number of items Marks Topics Language A Listening comprehension Job on the go School for life Take away office Crossing borders So / such and that Adjectives and nouns Verb forms: past simple and present perfect simple Verb forms: gerund, infinitive and past participle Word formation Collocations: jobs Linguistic • lexical • grammatical • semantic • orthographic Pragmatic • functional • discourse • Multiple choice • Sequencing • Matching phrases • Short answer (blank filling; sentence completion; rephrasing) • Short answer (text comprehension) 3 40 B Written comprehension 4 60 C Language 4 50 D Written production • Essay (120180 words) 1 50
A — Listening comprehension
40 marks 1. Listen to the first part of the text. What type of text do you think this is? Choose the correct option. 10 marks
a) A job ad.
b) A magazine article.
c) A blog spot. 2. Listen again and fill in the gaps in the first part of the text. 18 marks (6x3 marks) Why don’t more people enjoy their work? Satisfaction comes from spending the hours of your day in ways a) ___________________, and you spend a large portion of your day at work, so I’d say “job satisfaction” is pretty important. Yet, a lot of people seem content in finding a job that b) ___________________ and doesn’t excite them, only to pick up c) ___________________ at the end of each month. They act as if money is the most important thing in the world. Well if that’s the case, why don’t they find a job with more money? It’s very important that your job satisfies you in some way, due to d) ___________________. The benefits of job satisfaction are many. Here are four that come to mind: 1. It promotes e) ___________________, keeping stress levels to a minimum. 2. Knowing that you’re doing something good fosters pride in your work. 3. It motivates you to get out of bed earlier, with more energy and enthusiasm. 4. It f) ___________________ on more than just the money. I could go on, but now we dive into the important part of this article: the “howto”! http://advancedlifeskills.com/blog (abridged and adapted), accessed in December 20133. Listen to the second part of the text and tick (√) the topics which are mentioned. 12 marks (3x4 marks)