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European Baccalaureate Language 4: English practice study materials
European Baccalaureate Language 4: English practice study resources

European Baccalaureate Language 4: English practice practice questions

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Question 1Writing, argument and audience-focused mediation

Which salutation is most appropriate for a formal email to an unknown university admissions officer?

  1. Dear Sir or Madam, Correct answer.
  2. Hey there,
  3. What's up,
  4. Dearest buddy,

Explanation

'Dear Sir or Madam,' is the standard formal business/academic salutation when the recipient's specific name is unknown.

Question 2Writing, argument and audience-focused mediation

Select the most polite formula for asking a librarian for assistance:

  1. Could you please tell me where the reference section is located? Correct answer.
  2. Show me the reference books right now.
  3. Where are the reference books at?
  4. I demand you find the reference section.

Explanation

'Could you please tell me...' uses indirect modal phrasing and 'please' to form a polite, respectful request.

Question 3Writing, argument and audience-focused mediation

Read the snippet: 'ATTENTION ALL PASSENGERS: The 14:15 express train to Luxembourg has been delayed by 20 minutes due to signal maintenance.' What text type is this?

  1. A public announcement / travel notice Correct answer.
  2. A personal diary entry
  3. A formal job contract
  4. A literary poem

Explanation

The direct address ('ATTENTION ALL PASSENGERS') and factual delay details characterize a public travel notice.

Question 4Writing, argument and audience-focused mediation

Which phrase expresses polite disagreement during a formal group discussion?

  1. I understand your point, but I see it somewhat differently. Correct answer.
  2. You are completely wrong about that.
  3. That is the stupidest idea I have ever heard.
  4. Be quiet and let me talk.

Explanation

'I understand your point, but...' acknowledges the interlocutor's stance before introducing a contrasting view diplomatically.

Question 5Writing, argument and audience-focused mediation

Which sign-off formula is most appropriate at the end of a formal application letter opened with 'Dear Mr. Dupont,'?

  1. Yours sincerely, Correct answer.
  2. Cheerio,
  3. See ya later,
  4. Yours faithfully,

Explanation

When a formal letter names the recipient specifically ('Dear Mr. Dupont,'), standard British/European convention mandates 'Yours sincerely,'. ('Yours faithfully,' is used when recipient name is unknown).

Question 6Writing, argument and audience-focused mediation

Read the text message: 'I am writing to express my dissatisfaction with the severe delay of order #4029. I expect a full refund immediately.' What is the primary communicative intent?

  1. Lodging a formal complaint and demanding restitution Correct answer.
  2. Making an informal social invitation
  3. Offering career advice to a colleague
  4. Expressing gratitude for excellent service

Explanation

Phrases like 'express my dissatisfaction' and 'expect a full refund' explicitly signal a complaint and demand for refund.

Question 7Writing, argument and audience-focused mediation

Which sentence demonstrates the most appropriate formal register for a school principal's announcement to parents?

  1. Parents are kindly requested to ensure students arrive promptly prior to 08:30. Correct answer.
  2. Hey parents, make sure your kids drop in before 8:30 or else!
  3. Parents gotta get their children to school on time tomorrow.
  4. Bring the kids before 8:30, okay?

Explanation

This choice uses polite, passive formal phrasing ('are kindly requested', 'promptly prior to') appropriate for official communications.

Question 8Writing, argument and audience-focused mediation

In European professional contexts, how is indirectness used as a politeness strategy?

  1. By softening requests with modal verbs (e.g. 'Would you mind reviewing this?') to preserve recipient autonomy. Correct answer.
  2. By shouting commands loudly so everyone understands immediately.
  3. By ignoring written protocols completely.
  4. By avoiding eye contact and walking away during conversations.

Explanation

Pragmatic politeness in European professional settings often involves indirect modal phrasing ('Would you mind...') to reduce imposition.

Question 9Writing, argument and audience-focused mediation

Paragraph cohesion: What is the primary role of a topic sentence at the start of a paragraph in an essay?

  1. To state the central point or main argument of that specific paragraph clearly Correct answer.
  2. To cite dictionary definitions of every word in the sentence
  3. To list random facts unrelated to the rest of the essay
  4. To provide a detailed personal biography of the author

Explanation

A topic sentence establishes the focal idea of the paragraph, providing a structural guide for the supporting sentences that follow.

Question 10Writing, argument and audience-focused mediation

Read the editorial quote: 'To suggest that building more highways will solve urban traffic congestion is like pouring gasoline on a fire to extinguish it.' What tone does the writer adopt?

  1. Sarcastic and strongly critical Correct answer.
  2. Enthusiastic and celebratory
  3. Uncertain and timid
  4. Reverent and admiring

Explanation

The vivid simile ('pouring gasoline on a fire') conveys sharp sarcasm and intense criticism of highway expansion policy.

Question 11Writing, argument and audience-focused mediation

Which sentence pair contrasts formal presentation register with casual conversational register?

  1. Formal: 'We shall now examine the research findings.' / Casual: 'Let's check out the results!' Correct answer.
  2. Formal: 'Hey guys!' / Casual: 'Distinguished delegates,'
  3. Formal: 'See ya!' / Casual: 'Yours sincerely,'
  4. Formal: 'What's up?' / Casual: 'Furthermore, we contend...'

Explanation

This choice correctly aligns formal vocabulary ('shall now examine the research findings') with formal context, and colloquial phrasing ('check out') with casual context.

Question 12Writing, argument and audience-focused mediation

Read the paragraph: 'The European Environment Agency published its annual report yesterday. _______ highlighted significant progress in carbon reduction across member states.' Which reference pronoun best fills the blank?

  1. It Correct answer.
  2. They
  3. She
  4. These

Explanation

'It' is the correct third-person singular pronoun referring back to the singular noun phrase 'its annual report' (or the Agency).

Question 13Writing, argument and audience-focused mediation

Register consistency revision: Identify the sentence containing an inappropriate register inconsistency in a formal academic essay draft:

  1. The committee evaluated the ecological impact of urban expansion and decided it was totally awesome. Correct answer.
  2. The committee evaluated the ecological impact of urban expansion and determined that further conservation measures were required.
  3. The committee assessed the ecological consequences of urban development and recommended policy adjustments.
  4. The committee analyzed the environmental data and concluded that intervention was necessary.

Explanation

Phrasing like 'totally awesome' injects informal slang into an otherwise formal academic sentence ('evaluated the ecological impact...'), breaking register consistency.

Question 14Writing, argument and audience-focused mediation

Which sentence demonstrates diplomatic hedging (softening assertions) in official policy recommendations?

  1. The evidence would tend to suggest that implementing green zones could potentially reduce urban emissions. Correct answer.
  2. Green zones will definitely eliminate 100% of all pollution tomorrow without exception.
  3. Nobody can doubt that green zones are the only solution.
  4. You must build green zones immediately or face disaster.

Explanation

Diplomatic hedging uses cautious language ('would tend to suggest', 'could potentially reduce') to avoid absolute claims and acknowledge complex variables.

Question 15Writing, argument and audience-focused mediation

Comparative text genres: How does an Executive Summary differ from a Press Release in European organizational communications?

  1. An Executive Summary provides a comprehensive, structured overview of a report's key findings for decision-makers, while a Press Release targets news media with engaging headlines and public quotes. Correct answer.
  2. An Executive Summary is written in verse, while a Press Release is a confidential internal memorandum.
  3. An Executive Summary contains only financial balance sheets, while a Press Release lists employee vacation days.
  4. There is no functional or stylistic difference between an Executive Summary and a Press Release.

Explanation

Executive summaries distill complete technical/policy reports for executive stakeholders, whereas press releases synthesize news-worthy points into accessible media copy for journalists.

Question 16Grammar and vocabulary through meaning and context

Complete the sentence correctly: 'Sarah usually _______ to school by bus, but today she _______ her bicycle.'

  1. goes / is riding Correct answer.
  2. is going / rides
  3. went / rides
  4. go / riding

Explanation

Habitual routines require the Present Simple ('usually goes'), while temporary actions happening today require the Present Continuous ('is riding').

Question 17Grammar and vocabulary through meaning and context

Select the correct option: 'Look at those dark clouds! It _______ rain soon.'

  1. is going to Correct answer.
  2. will be to
  3. rained
  4. was raining

Explanation

'Be going to' is used to make predictions based on immediate, visible evidence (the dark clouds).

Question 18Grammar and vocabulary through meaning and context

Fill in the blank: 'We have lived in Brussels _______ three years.'

  1. for Correct answer.
  2. since
  3. during
  4. ago

Explanation

'For' is used with a duration of time ('three years'), whereas 'since' requires a specific starting point in time.

Question 19Grammar and vocabulary through meaning and context

Complete the sentence: 'While I _______ for the biology exam, the power suddenly _______ out.'

  1. was studying / went Correct answer.
  2. studied / was going
  3. have studied / goes
  4. am studying / had gone

Explanation

The long, ongoing background action takes Past Continuous ('was studying'), interrupted by a short completed action in Past Simple ('went').

Question 20Grammar and vocabulary through meaning and context

Choose the sentence that correctly distinguishes between Present Perfect and Past Simple:

  1. I have visited Berlin twice, but I went there for the first time in 2021. Correct answer.
  2. I went to Berlin twice, but I have gone there for the first time in 2021.
  3. I have visit Berlin twice, but I go there in 2021.
  4. I visited Berlin twice, but I am going there for the first time in 2021.

Explanation

'have visited' expresses life experience without a specified date, while 'went... in 2021' specifies a completed past time.

Question 21Grammar and vocabulary through meaning and context

Complete the sentence: 'By the time the presentation started, the technicians _______ all the equipment.'

  1. had already tested Correct answer.
  2. have already tested
  3. already test
  4. were tested

Explanation

'By the time' + past simple ('started') requires Past Perfect ('had tested') for an action completed prior to that past moment.

Question 22Grammar and vocabulary through meaning and context

Select the sentence containing a grammatically correct Second Conditional:

  1. If I had more time, I would join the debate club. Correct answer.
  2. If I will have more time, I would join the debate club.
  3. If I have more time, I would joined the debate club.
  4. If I had more time, I will join the debate club.

Explanation

Second conditional structure requires 'If' + Past Simple ('had'), followed by 'would' + base verb ('join').

Question 23Grammar and vocabulary through meaning and context

Which modal verb best expresses lack of obligation? 'You _______ bring printed copies; digital versions on your tablet are acceptable.'

  1. don't have to Correct answer.
  2. mustn't
  3. couldn't
  4. shouldn't have

Explanation

'Don't have to' signifies that bringing printed copies is unnecessary (no obligation), whereas 'mustn't' implies prohibition.

Question 24Grammar and vocabulary through meaning and context

Select the correct reported speech form: Direct quote: 'I am finishing the report,' said David.

  1. David said that he was finishing the report. Correct answer.
  2. David said that he is finishing the report.
  3. David told that he finished the report.
  4. David said that I was finishing the report.

Explanation

When reporting direct present continuous speech in the past ('said'), the tense shifts back to past continuous ('was finishing') and pronouns shift ('I' -> 'he').

Question 25Grammar and vocabulary through meaning and context

Which sentence correctly uses 'used to' to describe a past state that is no longer true?

  1. My grandfather used to live in Luxembourg before moving to Spain. Correct answer.
  2. My grandfather is used to live in Luxembourg before moving to Spain.
  3. My grandfather used to living in Luxembourg before moving to Spain.
  4. My grandfather get used to live in Luxembourg before moving to Spain.

Explanation

'used to' + bare infinitive ('live') expresses a past state or habit that no longer exists.

Question 26Grammar and vocabulary through meaning and context

Complete the Third Conditional sentence correctly: 'If the team _______ the instructions more carefully, they _______ the mistake.'

  1. had followed / would not have made Correct answer.
  2. followed / will not make
  3. has followed / would not make
  4. would have followed / had not made

Explanation

Third conditional requires 'If' + Past Perfect ('had followed') and main clause 'would not have' + Past Participle ('made') to discuss hypothetical past events.

Question 27Grammar and vocabulary through meaning and context

Choose the correct past modal of deduction: 'The lab lights are completely off and the door is locked. The researchers _______ home.'

  1. must have gone Correct answer.
  2. should go
  3. can't have gone
  4. must go

Explanation

'must have gone' expresses a logical deduction about a past event based on strong present evidence (lights off, locked door).

Question 28Grammar and vocabulary through meaning and context

Select the correct advanced passive reporting structure: 'The new climate initiative _______ by the European Parliament later this autumn.'

  1. is expected to be ratified Correct answer.
  2. is expecting to ratify
  3. expects to be ratifying
  4. was expected to ratifying

Explanation

'is expected to be ratified' uses the formal passive reporting pattern: Subject + present passive verb + passive infinitive ('to be ratified').

Question 29Grammar and vocabulary through meaning and context

Complete the sentence using an unreal past structure: 'It is high time the city council _______ public infrastructure in suburban areas.'

  1. upgraded Correct answer.
  2. upgrades
  3. will upgrade
  4. has upgraded

Explanation

The pattern 'It is high time' is followed by a subject and past simple verb ('upgraded') to express that an action should have been done already.

Question 30Grammar and vocabulary through meaning and context

Select the term that best fits: 'Replacing fossil fuels with _______ energy sources such as wind and solar is key to reducing carbon emissions.'

  1. renewable Correct answer.
  2. exhaustible
  3. artificial
  4. temporary

Explanation

'Renewable' refers to energy sources like solar and wind that naturally replenish without depleting finite resources.

Question 31Grammar and vocabulary through meaning and context

Which noun best completes the sentence? 'Completing an international _______ allowed the graduate to gain hands-on professional experience.'

  1. internship Correct answer.
  2. intermission
  3. interference
  4. interrogation

Explanation

An 'internship' is a period of work experience offered by an organization for students or graduates.

Question 32Grammar and vocabulary through meaning and context

Avoid false cognates: What is the true English meaning of 'eventually'?

  1. In the end, after a period of time Correct answer.
  2. Possibly or by chance
  3. Currently or right now
  4. Occasionally from time to time

Explanation

In English, 'eventually' means ultimately or in the end after time passes, unlike false friends in French/Spanish (éventuellement/eventualmente) which mean 'possibly'.

Question 33Grammar and vocabulary through meaning and context

Choose the appropriate idiomatic phrase to express partial agreement: 'I see your point; _______, we must also consider the economic costs.'

  1. having said that Correct answer.
  2. under no circumstances
  3. as a consequence
  4. without a shadow of doubt

Explanation

'Having said that' is used to introduce a qualifying or contrasting point after partial agreement.

Question 34Grammar and vocabulary through meaning and context

Distinguish between closely related adjectives: 'Installing LED lightbulbs across the school building proved to be very _______ in reducing power bills.'

  1. economical Correct answer.
  2. economic
  3. economist
  4. economize

Explanation

'Economical' means thrifty or avoiding waste of money/resources, whereas 'economic' relates to the economy as a whole.

Question 35Grammar and vocabulary through meaning and context

Which phrasal verb correctly completes the sentence in an academic context? 'Renewable energy sources currently _______ approximately 30% of total national power consumption.'

  1. account for Correct answer.
  2. take after
  3. make up with
  4. look out for

Explanation

'Account for' in statistical contexts means to form, supply, or constitute a specified proportion of a whole.

Question 36Grammar and vocabulary through meaning and context

Register shifting: Select the most appropriate formal academic replacement for the informal phrase 'got way worse': 'The environmental crisis _______ over the last decade.'

  1. deteriorated significantly Correct answer.
  2. got really bad
  3. went down the drain
  4. turned sour

Explanation

'Deteriorated significantly' elevates informal spoken vocabulary ('got way worse') to formal academic register suitable for European Baccalaureate essays.

Question 37Grammar and vocabulary through meaning and context

Identify the abstract noun that best completes the passage: 'The passage of the landmark treaty served as a major _______ for regional economic cooperation.'

  1. catalyst Correct answer.
  2. impediment
  3. bottleneck
  4. detriment

Explanation

A 'catalyst' is an event or person that precipitates or accelerates significant change or action.

Question 38Grammar and vocabulary through meaning and context

Complete the sentence with the correct coordinating conjunction: 'The exam was challenging, _______ all students managed to finish on time.'

  1. but Correct answer.
  2. so
  3. or
  4. for

Explanation

'But' introduces a contrast between the difficulty of the exam and the positive outcome of everyone finishing on time.

Question 39Grammar and vocabulary through meaning and context

Select the option with standard English word order:

  1. She carefully reviewed her notes before the exam. Correct answer.
  2. She reviewed before the exam carefully her notes.
  3. Carefully her notes she reviewed before the exam.
  4. Reviewed she her notes carefully before the exam.

Explanation

Standard word order places manner adverbs like 'carefully' before the main verb or at the end of the clause, keeping verb and object together ('reviewed her notes').

Question 40Grammar and vocabulary through meaning and context

Complete the sentence with the appropriate connector of contrast: '_______ heavy rain flooded the athletics track, the European Schools sports tournament continued as scheduled.'

  1. Although Correct answer.
  2. Because
  3. Despite
  4. Therefore

Explanation

'Although' introduces a subordinate clause of contrast containing a subject and verb ('heavy rain flooded').

Question 41Grammar and vocabulary through meaning and context

Select the correct cause-and-effect connector: 'The university updated its online registration portal; _______, students were able to enroll in classes in half the time.'

  1. consequently Correct answer.
  2. on the contrary
  3. nevertheless
  4. in contrast

Explanation

'Consequently' is a conjunctive adverb indicating a logical result or effect following a stated cause.

Question 42Grammar and vocabulary through meaning and context

Fill in the blank with the correct complex preposition: '_______ the heavy snowfall, the flight departed on schedule.'

  1. In spite of Correct answer.
  2. Because of
  3. Owing to
  4. As a result of

Explanation

'In spite of' expresses contrast between the adverse condition (snowfall) and the unexpected positive outcome (on-time departure).

Question 43Grammar and vocabulary through meaning and context

Choose the option that correctly applies negative inversion: 'Rarely _______ such a profound impact on international environmental policy.'

  1. has a single document had Correct answer.
  2. a single document has had
  3. had a single document has
  4. a single document had

Explanation

Starting a sentence with a restrictive negative adverb like 'Rarely' requires inversion of the auxiliary verb and subject ('has a single document had').

Question 44Grammar and vocabulary through meaning and context

Identify the sentence that maintains proper parallel structure:

  1. The internship program helps students develop leadership skills, gain practical experience, and build professional networks. Correct answer.
  2. The internship program helps students develop leadership skills, gaining practical experience, and to build professional networks.
  3. The internship program helps students to develop leadership skills, gain practical experience, and building professional networks.
  4. The internship program helps students leadership skill development, gain practical experience, and build networks.

Explanation

This choice maintains parallel structure by using bare infinitives across all three list items ('develop...', 'gain...', 'build...').

Question 45Grammar and vocabulary through meaning and context

Complete the sentence with correlative conjunctions: 'The research project will _______ investigate marine pollution _______ propose concrete conservation measures.'

  1. not only / but also Correct answer.
  2. either / nor
  3. neither / or
  4. both / as well

Explanation

The paired correlative conjunction 'not only... but also' connects two parallel verbal phrases emphasizing addition.

Question 46Grammar and vocabulary through meaning and context

Select the correct temporal conjunction to complete the sentence: 'We will notify all candidates _______ the final marks are published by the examination board.'

  1. as soon as Correct answer.
  2. until
  3. while
  4. whereas

Explanation

'As soon as' specifies immediate action taking place at the moment a future event occurs.

Question 47Grammar and vocabulary through meaning and context

Complete the nominal clause correctly: '_______ the committee decides to implement the proposal remains uncertain.'

  1. Whether Correct answer.
  2. What
  3. That
  4. Whom

Explanation

'Whether' introduces a subject nominal clause expressing an alternative or open question ('Whether... or not').

Question 48Grammar and vocabulary through meaning and context

Select the correct cleft sentence structure used for emphasis:

  1. It was Dr. Aris who spearheaded the multilingual education initiative. Correct answer.
  2. What Dr. Aris spearheaded it was the multilingual education initiative.
  3. It were Dr. Aris that spearheaded the multilingual education initiative.
  4. That Dr. Aris spearheaded was the multilingual education initiative.

Explanation

An 'It-cleft' sentence follows the formula: 'It' + 'was/is' + emphasized element + 'who/that' + relative clause ('It was Dr. Aris who spearheaded...').

Question 49Read for information, inference and textual effect

Read the excerpt: 'Cities across Europe are expanding dedicated cycling lanes and introducing electric bus fleets to diminish urban emissions.' What is the main idea of this excerpt?

  1. European urban areas are implementing sustainable public transport and cycling initiatives to lower emissions. Correct answer.
  2. Private vehicle ownership is being banned across all major European capitals.
  3. Electric buses are proven to be less efficient than traditional diesel models.
  4. Cycling is becoming the mandatory mode of transportation for all European commuters.

Explanation

The text highlights expanding bike lanes and introducing electric buses specifically to reduce emissions in European cities. these choices, C, and D state extreme or inaccurate claims not mentioned in the passage.

Question 50Read for information, inference and textual effect

Read the announcement: 'The Museum of Contemporary Art will remain closed on Mondays for gallery maintenance. Admission is free for secondary students on Thursdays.' According to the notice, when can secondary students visit without paying?

  1. On Thursdays Correct answer.
  2. On Mondays
  3. Every day of the week
  4. Only during weekend guided tours

Explanation

The notice explicitly specifies that admission is free for secondary students on Thursdays. Mondays are designated for gallery maintenance when the museum is closed.