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SACE Stage 2 English as an Additional Language study materials
SACE Stage 2 English as an Additional Language study resources

SACE Stage 2 English as an Additional Language practice questions

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Question 1Communication

Which sentence uses the most appropriate register for a formal letter to a school principal?

  1. Hey, I wanna chat about my kid's marks sometime.
  2. Gonna need a meeting about my daughter's report, cheers.
  3. Just dropping a line about my daughter's grades, yeah?
  4. I am writing to request a meeting about my daughter's progress. Correct answer.

Explanation

Formal correspondence requires complete sentences, standard vocabulary and polite phrasing. Contractions, slang and casual fillers such as 'hey', 'wanna' and 'cheers' belong to informal speech. Only the first option maintains a neutral, respectful tone suited to addressing a principal.

Question 2Communication

In a group discussion, which response best shows active listening before giving your own opinion?

  1. So what you're saying is that cost is the main barrier, and I'd add that transport matters too. Correct answer.
  2. I don't really follow you, but let me talk about my view.
  3. That's interesting. Anyway, my point is more important.
  4. I disagree completely, and here is my idea instead.

Explanation

Active listening involves paraphrasing or summarising the previous speaker's point before adding your own contribution. This signals understanding and builds on the discussion rather than ignoring it. The other options dismiss or interrupt the speaker without acknowledging their meaning.

Question 3Communication

Which word best completes the sentence: 'The report, ______ was published last week, recommends stricter recycling rules.'

  1. what
  2. which Correct answer.
  3. who
  4. whose

Explanation

A non-defining relative clause referring back to a thing ('the report') uses the relative pronoun 'which'. 'Who' refers only to people, 'whose' shows possession, and 'what' cannot follow a noun in this way. The commas confirm the clause is non-defining.

Question 4Communication

A speaker says: 'The new policy is, to put it mildly, unpopular.' What does the phrase 'to put it mildly' signal?

  1. The speaker is quoting someone else's words.
  2. The speaker is changing the subject.
  3. The speaker is softening a strong criticism. Correct answer.
  4. The speaker is asking for clarification.

Explanation

'To put it mildly' is a hedging phrase that deliberately understates something strong. Here it suggests the policy is in fact extremely unpopular, but the criticism is softened. Recognising hedging helps listeners infer the speaker's real attitude.

Question 5Communication

Which sentence is punctuated correctly?

  1. Although it rained the match, continued.
  2. Although it rained, the match continued. Correct answer.
  3. Although it rained; the match continued.
  4. Although, it rained the match continued.

Explanation

A subordinate clause beginning with 'although' is separated from the main clause by a comma when it comes first. The comma belongs after the subordinate clause, not inside it. A semicolon is not used between a subordinate clause and its main clause.

Question 6Communication

Which opening sentence is most suitable for an email to a company you have never contacted before?

  1. Hi there, quick question about my thing I bought.
  2. Yo, need help with a purchase asap.
  3. So, about the warranty, right, I bought something.
  4. I am writing to enquire about the warranty on a product I purchased. Correct answer.

Explanation

A first-contact email to a business requires a clear purpose statement in standard English. The first option names the purpose politely and completely. The others use informal greetings, vague wording or conversational fillers that suit friends rather than businesses.

Question 7Communication

What is the main purpose of a topic sentence in a body paragraph?

  1. To repeat the essay's thesis word for word.
  2. To provide a direct quotation.
  3. To state the paragraph's central idea. Correct answer.
  4. To list every source used.

Explanation

A topic sentence announces the controlling idea of a paragraph so readers can follow the argument. Supporting evidence and examples come afterwards. It should not merely repeat the thesis verbatim or carry reference details.

Question 8Communication

Which sentence uses a linking word that correctly shows contrast?

  1. The weather was cold; nevertheless, the event was well attended. Correct answer.
  2. The weather was cold; for example, the event was well attended.
  3. The weather was cold; similarly, the event was well attended.
  4. The weather was cold; therefore, the event was well attended.

Explanation

'Nevertheless' signals contrast: the second idea is surprising given the first. 'Therefore' shows a result, 'similarly' shows similarity, and 'for example' introduces an illustration. Only 'nevertheless' fits the contrast between cold weather and good attendance.

Question 9Communication

A student writes: 'The data shows that most teenagers prefer texting.' Which revision makes the verb agree in formal academic English?

  1. The data is showing that most teenagers prefer texting.
  2. The data has showed that most teenagers prefer texting.
  3. The data showing that most teenagers prefer texting.
  4. The data show that most teenagers prefer texting. Correct answer.

Explanation

In formal academic writing, 'data' is the plural of 'datum' and traditionally takes a plural verb: 'data show'. The other options either use incorrect tense forms or omit a finite verb entirely. Consistency with formal conventions matters in assessed writing.

Question 10Communication

Which sentence best avoids ambiguity?

  1. The teacher told the student that she had passed the test.
  2. The teacher told the student she passed it.
  3. The teacher told her that she had passed it.
  4. The teacher told the student that the student had passed the test. Correct answer.

Explanation

Pronouns such as 'she' and 'it' can refer to more than one person or thing, creating ambiguity. Replacing the ambiguous pronoun with the explicit noun 'the student' makes the meaning clear. Precision of reference is a key editing skill.

Question 11Communication

In a presentation, a speaker says: 'Let me turn now to the second cause.' What is the function of this utterance?

  1. It introduces a counterargument.
  2. It signals a transition to a new point. Correct answer.
  3. It summarises the conclusion.
  4. It provides statistical evidence.

Explanation

Signposting phrases such as 'let me turn now to' guide listeners through the structure of a talk. They mark a move from one section to the next. Recognising signposts helps listeners follow the organisation of spoken texts.

Question 12Communication

Which sentence uses the passive voice most appropriately?

  1. The bridge was built in 1923 by a local engineer. Correct answer.
  2. The engineer was building the bridge in 1923.
  3. The engineer built the bridge in 1923 quickly.
  4. The engineer is building the bridge in 1923.

Explanation

The passive voice is useful when the action or result matters more than the agent, or when the agent is introduced at the end for emphasis. Here the bridge is the focus of the sentence. The other options are active or use an impossible tense.

Question 13Communication

A speaker says: 'I see your point, but have you considered the cost?' What communicative strategy is being used?

  1. Interrupting to change the topic
  2. Asking for factual clarification
  3. Acknowledging then politely disagreeing Correct answer.
  4. Repeating the previous speaker's idea

Explanation

The phrase 'I see your point' acknowledges the other speaker, while 'but have you considered' introduces a polite counterpoint. This is a common strategy for disagreeing without causing offence. It maintains rapport while advancing a different view.

Question 14Communication

Choose the sentence with correct use of the apostrophe.

  1. The students results were posted online.
  2. The students' results were posted online. Correct answer.
  3. The students's results were posted online.
  4. The student's results were posted, online.

Explanation

For a plural noun ending in -s, the possessive apostrophe follows the s: 'students''. Singular possession would be 'student's'. Omitting the apostrophe or adding an extra s produces non-standard forms.

Question 15Communication

Which sentence best combines the two ideas into one complex sentence? Ideas: 'The library closed early.' 'Many students were still studying.'

  1. The library closed early, many students were still studying.
  2. The library closed early and many students were still studying.
  3. Although the library closed early, many students were still studying. Correct answer.
  4. The library closed early; many students, were still studying.

Explanation

A complex sentence uses a subordinating conjunction to show the relationship between clauses. 'Although' correctly expresses the contrast between the early closure and the students continuing to study. The other options create a comma splice, a loose compound or faulty punctuation.

Question 16Communication

In an essay, a writer states: 'Social media harms teenagers.' Which revision makes the claim more appropriately qualified for academic writing?

  1. Social media always destroys teenagers' lives.
  2. Social media is bad, full stop.
  3. Social media can harm some teenagers in certain circumstances. Correct answer.
  4. Social media harms every teenager everywhere.

Explanation

Academic claims are usually hedged to reflect the limits of evidence. Adding 'can', 'some' and 'in certain circumstances' makes the claim precise and defensible. Absolute words such as 'always' and 'every' overgeneralise and are easy to disprove.

Question 17Communication

A student is unsure whether a website is reliable. Which feature most strongly suggests the source is credible?

  1. It lists the author's qualifications and cites peer-reviewed sources. Correct answer.
  2. It uses confident, forceful language.
  3. It was shared widely on social media.
  4. It has bright graphics and many photographs.

Explanation

Credibility depends on identifiable authorship, expertise and verifiable references. Peer-reviewed citations allow readers to check claims independently. Visual appeal, popularity and confident tone are not evidence of accuracy.

Question 18Communication

Which sentence correctly uses 'fewer' or 'less'?

  1. There were fewer interest in the course this year.
  2. There were fewer applicants this year than last year. Correct answer.
  3. There were less applicants this year than last year.
  4. There was fewer interest in the course this year.

Explanation

'Fewer' is used with countable plural nouns such as 'applicants', while 'less' is used with uncountable nouns such as 'interest'. The first option correctly matches 'fewer' with a countable noun. The others mix the two forms.

Question 19Communication

In a discussion, which question best invites elaboration from another speaker?

  1. Why do people always get this wrong?
  2. Isn't my view obviously right?
  3. Do you agree with me or not?
  4. Could you explain what led you to that conclusion? Correct answer.

Explanation

Open questions that ask about reasoning invite the speaker to expand and justify their view. Closed or loaded questions limit responses or pressure the speaker. Effective discussion questions are neutral and exploratory.

Question 20Communication

Read the sentence: 'Having finished the experiment, the results were analysed by the team.' What is the grammatical problem?

  1. The tense shifts from past to present.
  2. The article 'the' is missing.
  3. The passive voice is used incorrectly.
  4. The participial phrase has a dangling subject. Correct answer.

Explanation

The opening participial phrase 'having finished the experiment' should describe the subject of the main clause. Here the stated subject is 'the results', which cannot finish an experiment. The implied doer is 'the team', so the phrase dangles.

Question 21Communication

A writer wants to show that one study's findings contradict another's. Which sentence expresses this relationship most precisely?

  1. Kim reports a rise in literacy, and Patel records a decline over the same period.
  2. Whereas Kim reports a rise in literacy, Patel records a decline over the same period. Correct answer.
  3. Kim reports a rise in literacy because Patel records a decline over the same period.
  4. Kim reports a rise in literacy, so Patel records a decline over the same period.

Explanation

'Whereas' explicitly marks contrast between two findings, making the disagreement clear to the reader. Coordinating 'and' merely lists the findings, while 'because' and 'so' wrongly suggest causation. Precise connectives are essential for representing relationships between sources.

Question 22Communication

A speaker says: 'Some people claim the fee is too high. That may be true, but the service it funds is essential.' Which best describes the speaker's strategy?

  1. Avoiding any position on the issue
  2. Rejecting the opposing view outright
  3. Conceding a point before defending a position Correct answer.
  4. Shifting responsibility to another speaker

Explanation

The speaker first grants that the opposing claim 'may be true', which is a concession, then defends the fee by citing the service it funds. This balanced move strengthens persuasion by showing fair consideration. It differs from outright rejection or neutrality.

Question 23Communication

Which revision best improves cohesion in this extract? 'Cities are expanding. Green spaces are disappearing. This affects residents' health.'

  1. Cities are expanding, green spaces are disappearing, this affects residents' health.
  2. Cities are expanding and green spaces are disappearing; this loss affects residents' health. Correct answer.
  3. Cities are expanding. Green spaces are disappearing. This affects residents' health.
  4. Cities expand. Green spaces disappear. This affects residents' health.

Explanation

Cohesion improves when ideas are linked and pronouns have clear referents. Combining the first two clauses and replacing the vague 'this' with 'this loss' clarifies what affects health. The other options either repeat short choppy sentences or create a comma splice.

Question 24Communication

A student must summarise a 600-word article in 80 words. Which approach best preserves the source's meaning?

  1. Include every statistic to avoid losing information.
  2. Retain the central claim and key supporting reasons, omitting examples and repetition. Correct answer.
  3. Copy the first and last sentences of each paragraph verbatim.
  4. Replace the author's argument with the student's own opinion.

Explanation

An effective summary condenses the source by keeping its main claim and essential support while cutting examples and repetition. Verbatim stitching or including every detail defeats the purpose of condensation. Inserting personal opinion changes the writer's meaning rather than representing it.

Question 25Communication

Which sentence uses modality to express the strongest obligation?

  1. All applicants must submit their forms by Friday. Correct answer.
  2. All applicants might submit their forms by Friday.
  3. All applicants may submit their forms by Friday.
  4. All applicants could submit their forms by Friday.

Explanation

Modal verbs express different degrees of obligation. 'Must' conveys the strongest obligation, while 'could', 'might' and 'may' express possibility or permission. Choosing the right modal is crucial in rules, instructions and formal notices.

Question 26Communication

Which greeting is most appropriate at the start of a formal letter to a school principal whose name you do not know?

  1. Dear Sir or Madam, Correct answer.
  2. Hey there,
  3. Hi Principal,
  4. To whom it may concern, friend,

Explanation

When the recipient's name is unknown, standard formal correspondence uses 'Dear Sir or Madam', which is neutral and respectful. It signals a polite, professional register suitable for an official audience.

Question 27Communication

A student wants to end an academic essay by restating the thesis and suggesting a direction for future research. Which closing sentence best achieves this?

  1. So yeah, that is basically everything I wanted to say about the topic.
  2. Therefore, this essay has proved that my opinion is completely correct.
  3. I hope you enjoyed reading my essay about education policy.
  4. In conclusion, further studies could examine how these policies affect rural schools. Correct answer.

Explanation

An academic conclusion restates the main position and may point to further inquiry in a measured tone. The sentence does both concisely and maintains a formal register.

Question 28Communication

Which word best fills the gap? 'The council approved the plan; ____, several residents still oppose it.'

  1. moreover
  2. therefore
  3. however Correct answer.
  4. similarly

Explanation

The second clause contrasts with the first, so a contrastive connector is needed. 'However' signals that the residents' opposition runs counter to the council's approval.

Question 29Communication

In a group discussion, a participant says: 'Could you say a bit more about how you reached that figure?' What is the main purpose of this utterance?

  1. To disagree with the speaker's conclusion
  2. To summarise what the speaker has already said
  3. To request clarification and elaboration from the speaker Correct answer.
  4. To change the topic to a new subject

Explanation

The question invites the speaker to expand and explain their reasoning, which is a clarification and elaboration move. It does not challenge the conclusion or redirect the discussion.

Question 30Communication

Which sentence expresses the idea with the most appropriate level of certainty for a single small study?

  1. The findings prove that sleep controls memory consolidation.
  2. The findings guarantee that sleep always improves memory.
  3. The findings show beyond doubt that sleep causes better memory.
  4. The findings suggest that sleep may influence memory consolidation. Correct answer.

Explanation

Hedged language such as 'suggest' and 'may' matches the limited weight of evidence from one small study. Overclaiming with words like 'prove' or 'guarantee' misrepresents what such data can support.

Question 31Communication

A speaker presenting data says: 'As this graph shows, sales rose sharply after the campaign.' Which communicative function does 'As this graph shows' perform?

  1. It introduces a personal opinion unrelated to the data
  2. It directs attention to visual evidence supporting the claim Correct answer.
  3. It signals that the speaker is about to end the talk
  4. It apologises for a mistake in the presentation

Explanation

The phrase points the audience to a visual source and frames it as evidence for the following claim. This is a common signposting move in presentations that links data to interpretation.

Question 32Communication

Which sentence correctly uses a semicolon?

  1. The experiment; failed because the equipment was old.
  2. The experiment failed; and the equipment was old.
  3. The experiment failed; the equipment had not been calibrated. Correct answer.
  4. The experiment failed; because the equipment was old.

Explanation

A semicolon joins two independent clauses that are closely related, and both halves here are complete clauses. It should not separate a clause from a dependent fragment or split a subject from its verb.

Question 33Communication

Which sentence uses the most precise and formal vocabulary for an academic report?

  1. The survey says a lot of folks were not happy with the service.
  2. The survey shows that people were pretty unhappy with the service.
  3. The survey proves that everyone hated the service.
  4. The survey indicates that participants were dissatisfied with the service. Correct answer.

Explanation

Formal academic reporting favours measured verbs such as 'indicates' and precise terms such as 'participants' and 'dissatisfied'. This keeps the tone objective and avoids casual or absolute wording.

Question 34Communication

A student paraphrases a source as follows: 'According to Lee (2020), remote work increased productivity in the firms studied.' Which feature shows correct academic attribution?

  1. The sentence is shorter than the original quotation
  2. The claim is stated without any evaluative adjectives
  3. The sentence uses the past tense for a completed study
  4. The author and year are named to credit the source of the claim Correct answer.

Explanation

Naming the author and year in the sentence credits the original source and distinguishes the writer's voice from the cited claim. This is the defining feature of in-text attribution in academic writing.

Question 35Communication

Which sentence best uses a relative clause to combine information without ambiguity?

  1. The scientist published her results last week who led the study.
  2. The scientist who led the study published her results last week. Correct answer.
  3. The scientist, led the study, published her results last week.
  4. The scientist led the study published her results last week.

Explanation

The relative clause 'who led the study' sits directly after the noun it modifies, so the reader knows which scientist is meant. Placing it elsewhere creates confusion about what is being described.

Question 36Communication

In a formal discussion, which response most appropriately acknowledges a differing view before presenting your own?

  1. That is a silly point and I will ignore it.
  2. Whatever you say, but I disagree.
  3. You are wrong, and here is why.
  4. I understand your concern about cost, although the long-term savings may outweigh it. Correct answer.

Explanation

Conceding the other view with 'I understand your concern' before offering a counterpoint shows respectful, reasoned engagement. This balanced move is valued in formal academic discussion.

Question 37Communication

Which sentence most clearly avoids a dangling modifier?

  1. After reviewing the data, it was clear the hypothesis was wrong.
  2. After reviewing the data, the hypothesis was revised.
  3. After reviewing the data, the researchers revised their hypothesis. Correct answer.
  4. After reviewing the data, the hypothesis needed revision.

Explanation

The introductory phrase must describe the subject of the main clause. Here the researchers are the ones reviewing the data, so the modifier attaches correctly.

Question 38Communication

Which sentence uses the article correctly?

  1. She is a honest researcher who values an ethical approach.
  2. She is an honest researcher who values a ethical approach.
  3. She is a honest researcher who values a ethical approach.
  4. She is an honest researcher who values an ethical approach. Correct answer.

Explanation

The choice between 'a' and 'an' depends on the following sound, not the letter. 'Honest' begins with a vowel sound, so 'an' is used, while 'ethical' also begins with a vowel sound and takes 'an'.

Question 39Communication

A writer wants to introduce a contrasting example after stating a general trend. Which transition is most suitable at the start of the new sentence?

  1. In addition,
  2. For instance,
  3. As a result,
  4. By contrast, Correct answer.

Explanation

'By contrast' explicitly signals that the following example runs against the trend just described. The other options signal addition, exemplification, or consequence rather than contrast.

Question 40Communication

Which version of the sentence is punctuated correctly for a non-defining relative clause?

  1. My supervisor, who has published widely reviewed the draft.
  2. My supervisor who, has published widely, reviewed the draft.
  3. My supervisor, who has published widely, reviewed the draft. Correct answer.
  4. My supervisor who has published widely, reviewed the draft.

Explanation

A non-defining relative clause adds extra information and must be enclosed by a pair of commas. The commas here correctly bracket 'who has published widely'.

Question 41Communication

A student must present both sides of a debate in a short spoken response. Which structure best organises the content?

  1. State only your personal opinion and ignore the opposing view.
  2. Give all arguments for one side, then stop without mentioning the other.
  3. List random points about the issue in the order they come to mind.
  4. State the issue, outline one position, outline the opposing position, then summarise. Correct answer.

Explanation

A balanced spoken response names the issue, presents each side in turn, and closes with a summary. This structure makes the comparison clear to listeners and shows awareness of multiple perspectives.

Question 42Communication

Which sentence uses the colon correctly?

  1. The report reached: one clear conclusion that the policy had failed.
  2. The report reached one clear conclusion, the policy: had failed.
  3. The report reached one clear conclusion: the policy had failed. Correct answer.
  4. The report: reached one clear conclusion that the policy had failed.

Explanation

A colon introduces an explanation or expansion of what precedes it, and here it correctly precedes the content of the conclusion. It should follow a complete clause and not separate a verb from its object.

Question 43Communication

Which sentence best maintains a consistent formal register throughout?

  1. The committee examined the proposal and concluded that further funding was required. Correct answer.
  2. The committee looked at the proposal and said yeah, give us more funding.
  3. The committee checked out the proposal and figured more money was needed.
  4. The committee examined the proposal and it was like, we need more cash.

Explanation

Consistent formal register means avoiding slang and conversational fillers in every clause. The first sentence uses formal verbs and a measured tone throughout.

Question 44Communication

A speaker wants to soften a disagreement during a meeting. Which utterance achieves this most effectively?

  1. You are completely mistaken about that.
  2. That makes no sense at all.
  3. I see it slightly differently, and I would be interested in your view on this point. Correct answer.
  4. No, that is simply wrong.

Explanation

Softening language such as 'slightly differently' plus an invitation to the other speaker's view reduces face threat. This keeps the disagreement polite and collaborative.

Question 45Communication

Which sentence uses the modal verb that expresses the strongest recommendation?

  1. You might submit the form before Friday.
  2. You could submit the form before Friday.
  3. You must submit the form before Friday. Correct answer.
  4. You may submit the form before Friday.

Explanation

Modal verbs vary in strength, and 'must' expresses the strongest obligation or recommendation among these choices. The others indicate possibility or permission rather than firm requirement.

Question 46Communication

A student writes: 'The results were analysed. The results were surprising.' Which revision best improves cohesion?

  1. The results, which were surprising, were analysed. Correct answer.
  2. The results were analysed and surprising results.
  3. The results were analysed. The results were surprising.
  4. Analysed the results were surprising.

Explanation

Combining the two short sentences with a relative clause removes repetition and links the ideas smoothly. Cohesion improves when repeated nouns are integrated rather than repeated verbatim.

Question 47Communication

Which sentence uses 'affect' and 'effect' correctly?

  1. The new rule will affect students, and its affect may be long-lasting.
  2. The new rule will affect students, and its effect may be long-lasting. Correct answer.
  3. The new rule will effect students, and its effect may be long-lasting.
  4. The new rule will effect students, and its affect may be long-lasting.

Explanation

'Affect' is normally a verb meaning to influence, while 'effect' is normally a noun meaning a result. The first sentence uses each word in its standard grammatical role.

Question 48Communication

In a seminar, a student says: 'Building on what Maya said, I would add that cost is also a factor.' Which communicative move is this?

  1. Repeating the previous speaker's words exactly
  2. Extending a previous speaker's point Correct answer.
  3. Changing the subject entirely
  4. Rejecting the previous speaker's argument

Explanation

The phrase 'building on' signals that the speaker is developing and adding to the earlier contribution. This is an extension move that connects new content to what has already been said.

Question 49Communication

A writer is paraphrasing a long source and wants to keep the original meaning. Which approach is most reliable?

  1. Identify the main claims, then restate them in your own words with a citation. Correct answer.
  2. Copy whole sentences and change one or two words.
  3. Replace technical terms with synonyms and keep the sentence structure.
  4. Reorder the original sentences without changing the wording.

Explanation

A sound paraphrase captures the source's main claims and expresses them in genuinely new wording, with a citation to credit the author. Surface edits leave the original structure intact and risk plagiarism.

Question 50Communication

Which sentence most clearly reports a source's finding while distinguishing it from the writer's own view?

  1. Chen is right because improved outcomes are clearly the best result.
  2. Outcomes improved, and everyone knows this is true.
  3. Chen says outcomes improved and that is obviously the final answer.
  4. Although Chen (2019) reports improved outcomes, the sample was small and further trials are needed. Correct answer.

Explanation

The sentence reports the source's finding, then adds the writer's critical evaluation of the evidence. This separation of reported claim and personal assessment is a key academic skill.