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CCSLC English study materials
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CCSLC English practice questions

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Question 1Writing, argument and audience-focused mediation

Which sentence is the most appropriate closing for an informal email to a friend in Part 1?

  1. Kindly accept my sincere apologies.
  2. I look forward to receiving your prompt reply.
  3. Yours faithfully,
  4. Write back soon and tell me your news! Correct answer.

Explanation

An informal email ends with a friendly, personal sign-off that invites a reply. 'Write back soon and tell me your news!' fits the friendly tone of writing to a friend. Formal closing formulas belong to letters to people you do not know.

Question 2Writing, argument and audience-focused mediation

You are writing an article about a school club. Which sentence is the best opening to attract readers?

  1. The club was founded in the year 2019 by the school.
  2. There are many clubs in the world today.
  3. Do you want to try something new after school? Then read on! Correct answer.
  4. I am going to write about a club now.

Explanation

An article should catch the reader's attention, and a direct question does this well. 'Do you want to try something new after school?' invites the reader in. Flat factual or self-announcing openings are weaker for this task.

Question 3Writing, argument and audience-focused mediation

A Part 1 task asks you to reply to an email from a friend who wants to know what you did at the weekend. Which reply best matches the task?

  1. Hi Alex, thanks for your email! Last Saturday I went swimming with my sister and we had a great time. What about you? Correct answer.
  2. Dear Mr Jones, I am writing to confirm the weekend arrangements.
  3. Hi Alex, I have received your email and will reply later.
  4. To the Weekend Committee, please note my activities below.

Explanation

The task asks for a friendly reply about your weekend, so the answer should give that information in an informal tone and invite a reply. Option 0 does exactly this. The others are formal or fail to give the requested information.

Question 4Writing, argument and audience-focused mediation

Which sentence is the most appropriate way to ask for information in a Part 1 email to a friend?

  1. Kindly disclose the commencement time immediately.
  2. I request that you furnish me with the relevant details.
  3. You are required to inform me of the start time.
  4. Could you tell me what time the film starts? Correct answer.

Explanation

'Could you tell me...?' is a polite, natural question for an informal email. The other options use formal or demanding language that does not suit writing to a friend. Register must stay friendly and simple.

Question 5Writing, argument and audience-focused mediation

Which sentence correctly uses a comma in a list?

  1. I bought apples bananas and, oranges for the picnic.
  2. I bought, apples bananas and oranges for the picnic.
  3. I bought apples bananas, and oranges for the picnic.
  4. I bought apples, bananas and oranges for the picnic. Correct answer.

Explanation

In a simple list, commas separate the items, with 'and' before the last item. 'Apples, bananas and oranges' follows this pattern. The other options place commas in the wrong positions and make the list confusing.

Question 6Writing, argument and audience-focused mediation

A candidate writes: 'Me and my friend go to the cinema yesterday.' Which correction is best?

  1. My friend and me go to the cinema yesterday.
  2. Me and my friend went to the cinema yesterday.
  3. My friend and I went to the cinema yesterday. Correct answer.
  4. I and my friend goes to the cinema yesterday.

Explanation

The subject pronoun should be 'I', placed after the other person for politeness, and the past time word 'yesterday' requires the past simple 'went'. Option 1 corrects both the pronoun and the tense. The others keep an error.

Question 7Writing, argument and audience-focused mediation

Which sentence uses 'because' correctly to give a reason?

  1. I stayed at home because so it was raining heavily.
  2. I stayed at home because it was raining heavily. Correct answer.
  3. I stayed at home because of it was raining heavily.
  4. I stayed at home because raining heavily.

Explanation

'Because' is followed by a full clause with a subject and verb, as in 'because it was raining heavily'. 'Because of' is followed by a noun phrase, not a clause. The other options mix these structures incorrectly.

Question 8Writing, argument and audience-focused mediation

Which sentence best demonstrates correct use of an apostrophe for possession in a writing task?

  1. The girls' bags were left in the classroom. Correct answer.
  2. The girls bags were left in the classroom.
  3. The girl's bags was left in the classroom.
  4. The girls's bags were left in the classroom.

Explanation

For a plural noun ending in -s, the possessive apostrophe goes after the -s: 'the girls' bags'. The verb 'were' also agrees with the plural subject. The other options either omit the apostrophe or place it wrongly.

Question 9Writing, argument and audience-focused mediation

Which sentence uses the past simple correctly in a story?

  1. Last summer we visited my cousin in Lisbon and swam every day. Correct answer.
  2. Last summer we were visiting my cousin in Lisbon and swim every day.
  3. Last summer we visit my cousin in Lisbon and swim every day.
  4. Last summer we have visited my cousin in Lisbon and swam every day.

Explanation

Finished actions in the past need the past simple: 'visited' and 'swam'. Both verbs in the first option are correct past simple forms, so the sentence is consistent. The other options mix tenses or use present forms with a past time phrase.

Question 10Writing, argument and audience-focused mediation

Which word correctly completes this story sentence? 'We were walking home ___ it suddenly started to rain.'

  1. while
  2. despite
  3. when Correct answer.
  4. during

Explanation

'When' introduces a short action that interrupts a longer background action in the past continuous. 'While' would need a continuous verb after it, and 'during' needs a noun. So 'when' is the only correct choice here.

Question 11Listening meaning, interaction and written-script preparation

You hear: 'The school trip to the science museum leaves at 8:15, not 8:45 as the letter said.' What time does the trip leave?

  1. 9:15
  2. 8:15 Correct answer.
  3. 8:45
  4. 8:30

Explanation

The speaker corrects the earlier written time by saying the coach leaves at 8:15, and explicitly contrasts this with 8:45 from the letter. In B1 listening tasks, a correction signal such as 'not ... as the letter said' tells you the second figure is being rejected. The time you should record is therefore 8:15.

Question 12Listening meaning, interaction and written-script preparation

A boy says: 'I wanted to join the chess club, but it clashed with football practice, so I chose football.' Which club did he join?

  1. both clubs
  2. the football club Correct answer.
  3. the chess club
  4. neither club

Explanation

The speaker states a preference that was blocked by a timetable clash and then says 'so I chose football'. The contrast word 'but' plus the result clause 'so I chose' shows which activity he actually took up. Listening for the outcome after 'so' is the key skill here.

Question 13Listening meaning, interaction and written-script preparation

You hear: 'Don't forget your packed lunch on Wednesday - the canteen is closed for repairs.' What should students bring?

  1. a packed lunch Correct answer.
  2. money for the canteen
  3. a repair kit
  4. nothing at all

Explanation

The instruction 'Don't forget your packed lunch' is a direct reminder about what to bring. The reason given is that the canteen is shut, which removes the alternative of buying food. Notices like this usually pair a reminder with a reason, and the reminder carries the answer.

Question 14Listening meaning, interaction and written-script preparation

A girl says: 'My brother's taller than me now, but I'm the one who's better at basketball.' What does she say about herself?

  1. Her brother is better at basketball.
  2. She is shorter and worse at basketball.
  3. She is taller than her brother.
  4. She is better at basketball than her brother. Correct answer.

Explanation

The clause after 'but' introduces the speaker's own advantage: being better at basketball. The first clause gives the brother the height advantage, so the two pieces of information must be kept apart. Recognising that 'but' switches the subject of the comparison prevents mixing them up.

Question 15Listening meaning, interaction and written-script preparation

You hear: 'The homework is to finish exercise 4 on page 22 and bring it on Friday.' What is the homework?

  1. to finish exercise 4 Correct answer.
  2. to do exercise 22
  3. to read page 22
  4. to hand work in on Friday only

Explanation

The task is named directly after 'The homework is to', which makes 'finish exercise 4' the assignment. The page number and the day are extra details about where the exercise is and when to bring it. Separating the task from its location and deadline is what the question tests.

Question 16Listening meaning, interaction and written-script preparation

A teacher says: 'The art room is on the first floor, next to the library - not the science block.' Where is the art room?

  1. on the ground floor
  2. in the science block
  3. next to the library Correct answer.
  4. next to the canteen

Explanation

The teacher gives the location as 'next to the library' and then rules out the science block. The phrase 'not the science block' is a correction of a common mistake, so it cannot be the answer. Following the positive statement after the place name is the reliable strategy.

Question 17Listening meaning, interaction and written-script preparation

You hear: 'Tickets are £6 for adults and £3.50 for students, but under-fives go free.' How much does a student pay?

  1. £3.50 Correct answer.
  2. £6.00
  3. £9.50
  4. nothing

Explanation

The price list links each group to its own price, and students are matched with £3.50. The adult price and the free entry for under-fives apply to other groups, not to students. Matching the person in the question to the right item in a list is the skill being checked.

Question 18Listening meaning, interaction and written-script preparation

A message says: 'Please return your library books by Monday, or you'll have to pay a fine.' What happens if books are late?

  1. The library closes.
  2. You keep the books.
  3. You pay a fine. Correct answer.
  4. You get new books.

Explanation

The sentence sets a deadline and states the consequence with 'or': a fine must be paid. The word 'or' signals what follows if the first condition is not met. Listening for conditional consequences is a common B1 task type.

Question 19Listening meaning, interaction and written-script preparation

A student says: 'I was going to take the bus, but the driver said the road was flooded, so I walked.' How did the student travel to school?

  1. by bus
  2. by train
  3. by car
  4. on foot Correct answer.

Explanation

The final clause 'so I walked' reports the action actually taken. The bus and the flooded road explain why the original plan changed, but they are not the means of travel. In narratives, the clause after 'so' usually gives the outcome.

Question 20Listening meaning, interaction and written-script preparation

You hear: 'The match starts at 3, so meet at the sports hall at 2:30 - that gives us time to warm up.' Why meet at 2:30?

  1. to buy tickets
  2. because the match starts at 2:30
  3. to warm up before the match Correct answer.
  4. because the hall closes at 3

Explanation

The reason is introduced by 'that gives us time to', which is followed by the purpose: warming up. The 3 o'clock start and the 2:30 meeting time are separate details that must not be confused. Purpose clauses explain why an arrangement is made.

Question 21Listening meaning, interaction and written-script preparation

A girl says: 'The film was supposed to be about animals, but it was actually a cartoon about space.' What was the film about?

  1. space Correct answer.
  2. animals
  3. a school
  4. the sea

Explanation

The structure 'was supposed to be ... but was actually ...' contrasts an expectation with the reality. The content of the film is given after 'actually', so space is the true subject. The word 'but' marks the point where the real information replaces the mistaken idea.

Question 22Listening meaning, interaction and written-script preparation

You hear: 'Mum, I've already had lunch at Tom's, so don't make anything for me.' What does the speaker want?

  1. to eat at Tom's again
  2. a big lunch
  3. no food prepared for them Correct answer.
  4. to cook dinner themselves

Explanation

Because lunch has already been eaten, the request is that nothing be made. The cause is given first ('I've already had lunch') and the request follows with 'so'. Linking a reason to a request is the point of the question.

Question 23Listening meaning, interaction and written-script preparation

A radio advert says: 'The new swimming pool opens next month, and entry is free for the first week.' What is special about the first week?

  1. Only adults may swim.
  2. Entry costs less but is not free.
  3. Entry is free. Correct answer.
  4. The pool is closed.

Explanation

The advert attaches the detail 'entry is free' directly to 'the first week'. The opening date is separate information about when the pool starts operating. Noting which detail belongs to which time period avoids mixing them up.

Question 24Listening meaning, interaction and written-script preparation

You hear: 'I'd rather go to the beach than the park, unless it rains.' What does the speaker prefer?

  1. the park if it rains
  2. the beach, if it is not raining Correct answer.
  3. the park in all weather
  4. neither place

Explanation

'I'd rather ... than ...' states a preference for the first option, and 'unless it rains' makes that preference conditional. So the beach is preferred as long as the weather is dry. Conditional preferences require holding both parts together.

Question 25Listening meaning, interaction and written-script preparation

A teacher says: 'Hand in your projects on Thursday, not Wednesday as I said before.' When are projects due?

  1. next week
  2. Wednesday
  3. Friday
  4. Thursday Correct answer.

Explanation

The teacher gives a new deadline and marks the old one as replaced with 'not Wednesday as I said before'. The corrected day is the one that now applies. When two dates appear, the one attached to a correction is the current instruction.

Question 26Writing, argument and audience-focused mediation

What is the primary purpose of a resume (curriculum vitae)?

  1. To write a detailed story about your childhood.
  2. To summarize your education, skills, and work history for potential employers. Correct answer.
  3. To list the things you do not like about working.
  4. To ask for a raise at your current job.

Explanation

A resume is a professional document designed to summarize your background, skills, and experience to help you secure an interview.

Question 27Writing, argument and audience-focused mediation

When filling out a paper job application form, what should you write in a section that does not apply to you (for example, 'Military Service' if you have none)?

  1. Leave it blank so the employer can guess.
  2. Write 'N/A' (Not Applicable) to show you read the question. Correct answer.
  3. Make up a fictional military rank to look impressive.
  4. Write 'None of your business'.

Explanation

Writing 'N/A' stands for 'Not Applicable'. It tells the employer that you read the question but it does not apply to your situation, preventing the form from looking incomplete.

Question 28Writing, argument and audience-focused mediation

Which of the following is the most appropriate salutation (greeting) for a formal business letter when you do not know the recipient's name?

  1. Hey there,
  2. Dear Sir or Madam, Correct answer.
  3. To whom it may concern,
  4. Hello Friend,

Explanation

'Dear Sir or Madam' is the traditional formal greeting when writing to a specific official whose name is unknown. 'To whom it may concern' is acceptable but is typically used for general public notices or reference letters rather than targeted correspondence.

Question 29Writing, argument and audience-focused mediation

Read the following assembly instructions: Step 1: Insert the blue cable into Port A. Step 2: Turn on the switch on the back panel. Step 3: Wait for the green light to blink twice before pressing the start button. What must you do immediately after you turn on the switch on the back panel?

  1. Press the start button.
  2. Insert the blue cable.
  3. Wait for the green light to blink twice. Correct answer.
  4. Turn off the back panel.

Explanation

According to the sequence, turning on the switch is Step 2. The immediate next action in Step 3 is waiting for the green light to blink twice.

Question 30Writing, argument and audience-focused mediation

Read the warning label on a cleaning chemical: 'CAUTION: Corrosive liquid. Avoid contact with eyes and skin. Always wear protective rubber gloves and safety goggles during use. Do not mix with bleach.' Based on this label, what equipment is required to use this chemical safely?

  1. Safety goggles and rubber gloves Correct answer.
  2. A face mask and long sleeves
  3. Bleach and rubber boots
  4. No equipment is needed if you are careful

Explanation

The label explicitly commands the user to 'wear protective rubber gloves and safety goggles during use.'

Question 31Writing, argument and audience-focused mediation

Which of the following outfits is the most appropriate choice for a job interview at an office?

  1. Beach shorts, a t-shirt, and slippers.
  2. Clean, pressed trousers or a skirt, with a collared shirt. Correct answer.
  3. A sports tracksuit with running shoes.
  4. A shiny party dress with heavy jewelry.

Explanation

Professional dress codes for office job interviews require clean, modest, and business-appropriate attire like trousers/skirts and collared shirts.

Question 32Writing, argument and audience-focused mediation

What is the best email subject line when applying for a vacancy as a Sales Assistant?

  1. Job
  2. Application for Sales Assistant - Alicia Brown Correct answer.
  3. Alicia's email to the manager
  4. Hi, can you hire me please?

Explanation

A professional subject line must clearly state the purpose of the email (Application for Sales Assistant) and the applicant's name (Alicia Brown) to help human resources organize files.

Question 33Writing, argument and audience-focused mediation

Read the conditional instruction: 'If the temperature of the boiler rises above 90 degrees, press the red safety button. Otherwise, leave the control lever in the middle position.' If the boiler temperature is currently 85 degrees, what action should you take?

  1. Press the red safety button.
  2. Leave the control lever in the middle position. Correct answer.
  3. Turn off the power source immediately.
  4. Move the control lever to the maximum position.

Explanation

Since 85 degrees is not above 90 degrees, the 'Otherwise' condition applies, meaning you must leave the control lever in the middle position.

Question 34Writing, argument and audience-focused mediation

A customer is angry because their delivered order is damaged. Which of the following email responses is the most professional?

  1. We did not break the item, so it is not our fault.
  2. Please stop emailing us. Go buy another one.
  3. We apologize for the inconvenience. Please return the damaged item, and we will issue a replacement immediately. Correct answer.
  4. You probably broke it yourself while opening the package.

Explanation

Professional customer service emails apologize for problems, offer solutions (replacement), and maintain a polite, helpful tone.

Question 35Writing, argument and audience-focused mediation

How should work experience be listed on a standard resume?

  1. In chronological order, starting with your very first job years ago.
  2. In reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent job. Correct answer.
  3. In order of how much money you earned at each job.
  4. In alphabetical order by the name of the company.

Explanation

Standard resume formats list work history in reverse chronological order so employers can see your most recent work experience and current skill level first.

Question 36Writing, argument and audience-focused mediation

Identify which of the following sentences contains language that should be avoided in a formal job cover letter.

  1. I am writing to apply for the position advertised in the local newspaper.
  2. I have attached my resume for your review.
  3. I'm super excited about this job because it sounds like a blast! Correct answer.
  4. I look forward to discussing my application at an interview.

Explanation

Slang terms like 'super excited' and 'sounds like a blast' are too informal for professional correspondence.

Question 37Writing, argument and audience-focused mediation

Read the workplace memo: TO: All Staff Members FROM: Office Manager DATE: July 15, 2026 RE: Maintenance of Air Conditioning Units Which section of the memo tells you what the document is about?

  1. TO
  2. FROM
  3. DATE
  4. RE Correct answer.

Explanation

'RE' stands for 'Regarding' or 'Reference', which highlights the subject or main topic of the memo.

Question 38Writing, argument and audience-focused mediation

Read the company policy excerpt: 'Employees are entitled to a 15-minute paid rest break for every 4 hours worked. Breaks cannot be combined to shorten the workday or extend lunch hours.' According to this policy, can an employee combine two 15-minute breaks to leave work 30 minutes early?

  1. Yes, if they work a full 8-hour shift.
  2. No, because combining breaks to shorten the workday is strictly prohibited. Correct answer.
  3. Yes, if the office manager gives verbal permission.
  4. No, because breaks must be taken at the beginning of the shift.

Explanation

The policy states: 'Breaks cannot be combined to shorten the workday...', which directly prohibits leaving early in this manner.

Question 39Writing, argument and audience-focused mediation

If you are filing physical folders for employees alphabetically by their last names, which of the following names comes first?

  1. Alicia Brown
  2. Charles Adams Correct answer.
  3. David Clarke
  4. Brenda Bennett

Explanation

To file by last name, look at the last names: Adams, Bennett, Brown, Clarke. Sorting alphabetically makes 'Adams' (Charles Adams) the first entry.

Question 40Writing, argument and audience-focused mediation

Which of the following is the most effective action verb to describe your duties in a resume entry about working at a store?

  1. Was in charge of things
  2. Managed inventory and processed customer transactions Correct answer.
  3. Helped out with whatever was needed
  4. Did retail work

Explanation

Resumes are most effective when they use strong, specific action verbs like 'Managed' and 'processed' to detail specific accomplishments and responsibilities.

Question 41Writing, argument and audience-focused mediation

A sign-in sheet at an office reads: 'PLEASE PRINT YOUR NAME IN BLOCK LETTERS AND SIGN BELOW.' How should you fill out this sheet?

  1. Write your name in cursive writing and sign next to it.
  2. Write your name in neat capital letters, then write your signature below it. Correct answer.
  3. Type your name on a computer and email it to the receptionist.
  4. Just sign your name anywhere on the paper.

Explanation

'Block letters' means individual capital letters that are separate and easy to read. You must print your name this way and then add your signature.

Question 42Writing, argument and audience-focused mediation

Look at the shift schedule table: - Shift A: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. - Shift B: 4:00 p.m. - 12:00 a.m. - Shift C: 12:00 a.m. - 8:00 a.m. If your supervisor schedules you for 'Shift B' on Tuesday and 'Shift C' on Wednesday, what time do you start work on Wednesday?

  1. 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday
  2. 12:00 a.m. (midnight) on Wednesday Correct answer.
  3. 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday
  4. 8:00 a.m. on Wednesday

Explanation

Wednesday's shift is 'Shift C', which runs from 12:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m., meaning the start time is 12:00 a.m. (midnight) on Wednesday.

Question 43Writing, argument and audience-focused mediation

Identify which of the following instructions is written in the active voice.

  1. The box must be sealed with heavy-duty tape.
  2. Seal the box with heavy-duty tape. Correct answer.
  3. Heavy-duty tape should be applied to the box.
  4. It is recommended that the box be taped.

Explanation

'Seal the box...' is an imperative sentence in the active voice. It clearly commands the reader to perform the action.

Question 44Listening meaning, interaction and written-script preparation

Which of the following statements is a verifiable fact rather than an opinion?

  1. Mangoes are the most delicious fruit in the Caribbean.
  2. The blue mahoe is the national tree of Jamaica. Correct answer.
  3. Every student should learn to play the steel pan.
  4. Watching cricket is the best way to spend a Saturday afternoon.

Explanation

A fact is a statement that can be proven true or false through objective evidence. The national tree status of the blue mahoe is officially documented and verifiable.

Question 45Listening meaning, interaction and written-script preparation

Which of the following sentences uses persuasive language to encourage recycling?

  1. Some people put plastic bottles in blue bins.
  2. Recycling is one way to manage solid waste.
  3. We must act now to recycle and save our beautiful beaches before they are ruined forever! Correct answer.
  4. The recycling plant operates from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Explanation

This sentence uses emotional appeal ('beautiful beaches', 'ruined forever') and an urgent call to action ('must act now') to persuade the reader.

Question 46Listening meaning, interaction and written-script preparation

Under the concept of student rights and responsibilities, if you have the right to express your opinion in class, what is your corresponding responsibility?

  1. To talk as loudly as possible so everyone hears you.
  2. To listen respectfully to the opinions of others, even if you disagree. Correct answer.
  3. To make sure nobody else gets a chance to speak.
  4. To leave the classroom if the teacher disagrees with you.

Explanation

Rights are balanced by responsibilities. The right to speak is balanced by the duty to listen respectfully and allow others the same right.

Question 47Listening meaning, interaction and written-script preparation

Read the public notice: 'Attention Fishermen: To protect marine life, catching lobsters is strictly prohibited between May 1st and July 31st.' Who is the primary target audience for this notice?

  1. Tourists visiting the beaches
  2. Local restaurant owners who sell chicken
  3. Commercial and recreational fishermen Correct answer.
  4. School children studying marine biology

Explanation

The notice begins with 'Attention Fishermen' and regulates catching lobsters, making fishermen the primary audience whose behavior is targeted.

Question 48Listening meaning, interaction and written-script preparation

Which of the following is the strongest thesis statement for a persuasive speech advocating for school uniforms?

  1. School uniforms are clothes that students wear to school every day.
  2. School uniforms should be mandatory because they reduce social bullying and promote school pride. Correct answer.
  3. I like school uniforms because my mom doesn't have to buy me jeans.
  4. Some schools have uniforms, but other schools do not.

Explanation

A strong thesis statement clearly states the writer's position and outlines the main arguments (reducing bullying, promoting pride) that will support it.

Question 49Listening meaning, interaction and written-script preparation

Read the statement: 'Everyone in our town is voting to ban plastic bags, so you should support the ban too!' What type of persuasive technique is used here?

  1. Factual evidence
  2. Expert testimony
  3. The Bandwagon effect Correct answer.
  4. Fear appeal

Explanation

The bandwagon technique encourages people to do or believe something simply because 'everyone else' is doing it.

Question 50Listening meaning, interaction and written-script preparation

When delivering a speech to your classmates, what is the best way to show confidence and engage your audience?

  1. Keep your eyes fixed on your paper and read as fast as you can.
  2. Look at the ceiling to avoid getting nervous.
  3. Maintain comfortable eye contact and speak clearly at a moderate pace. Correct answer.
  4. Whisper so that students have to lean forward to hear you.

Explanation

Effective public speaking requires eye contact to connect with listeners and a clear, moderate pace to ensure everyone understands the speech.