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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?
- Kindly accept my sincere apologies.
- I look forward to receiving your prompt reply.
- Yours faithfully,
- 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?
- The club was founded in the year 2019 by the school.
- There are many clubs in the world today.
- Do you want to try something new after school? Then read on! Correct answer.
- 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?
- 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.
- Dear Mr Jones, I am writing to confirm the weekend arrangements.
- Hi Alex, I have received your email and will reply later.
- 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?
- Kindly disclose the commencement time immediately.
- I request that you furnish me with the relevant details.
- You are required to inform me of the start time.
- 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?
- I bought apples bananas and, oranges for the picnic.
- I bought, apples bananas and oranges for the picnic.
- I bought apples bananas, and oranges for the picnic.
- 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?
- My friend and me go to the cinema yesterday.
- Me and my friend went to the cinema yesterday.
- My friend and I went to the cinema yesterday. Correct answer.
- 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?
- I stayed at home because so it was raining heavily.
- I stayed at home because it was raining heavily. Correct answer.
- I stayed at home because of it was raining heavily.
- 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?
- The girls' bags were left in the classroom. Correct answer.
- The girls bags were left in the classroom.
- The girl's bags was left in the classroom.
- 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?
- Last summer we visited my cousin in Lisbon and swam every day. Correct answer.
- Last summer we were visiting my cousin in Lisbon and swim every day.
- Last summer we visit my cousin in Lisbon and swim every day.
- 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.'
- while
- despite
- when Correct answer.
- 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?
- 9:15
- 8:15 Correct answer.
- 8:45
- 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?
- both clubs
- the football club Correct answer.
- the chess club
- 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?
- a packed lunch Correct answer.
- money for the canteen
- a repair kit
- 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?
- Her brother is better at basketball.
- She is shorter and worse at basketball.
- She is taller than her brother.
- 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?
- to finish exercise 4 Correct answer.
- to do exercise 22
- to read page 22
- 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?
- on the ground floor
- in the science block
- next to the library Correct answer.
- 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?
- £3.50 Correct answer.
- £6.00
- £9.50
- 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?
- The library closes.
- You keep the books.
- You pay a fine. Correct answer.
- 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?
- by bus
- by train
- by car
- 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?
- to buy tickets
- because the match starts at 2:30
- to warm up before the match Correct answer.
- 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?
- space Correct answer.
- animals
- a school
- 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?
- to eat at Tom's again
- a big lunch
- no food prepared for them Correct answer.
- 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?
- Only adults may swim.
- Entry costs less but is not free.
- Entry is free. Correct answer.
- 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?
- the park if it rains
- the beach, if it is not raining Correct answer.
- the park in all weather
- 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?
- next week
- Wednesday
- Friday
- 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 26Read for information, inference and textual effect
Read the school notice:
"SPORTS DAY - Friday 12 May
Bring indoor trainers and a water bottle. The bus leaves the main gate at 8:15. Students who arrive late must wait in the lobby with Mr Korhonen. Lunch is free. Return to school by 15:00."
What must students bring?
- Indoor trainers and a water bottle Correct answer.
- A formal suit and a hard hat
- Only a passport and cash for lunch
- Nothing; the school provides all equipment and drinks
Explanation
The notice clearly lists what to bring: indoor trainers and a water bottle. Other details (bus time, late arrivals, free lunch) support the day plan but are not the packing list.
Question 27Read for information, inference and textual effect
Read the email:
"Hi Mia,
Are you free on Saturday afternoon? There's a free outdoor film in the park at 16:00. I can bring snacks if you bring a blanket. Let me know by Thursday!
/Sam"
What is Sam's main purpose?
- To invite Mia to an outdoor film and organise simple plans Correct answer.
- To cancel a film they already booked tickets for
- To ask Mia to teach a film class at school
- To complain that the park is closed forever
Explanation
Sam proposes a free outdoor film, offers snacks, asks for a blanket, and wants a reply by Thursday - a friendly invitation with practical details.
Question 28Read for information, inference and textual effect
Read the short article extract:
"Many Finnish teenagers start part-time jobs in summer. They learn to handle customers, arrive on time, and manage small amounts of money. The pay is often modest, but the experience can help later applications for longer jobs or study programmes."
What is the writer's main point?
- Summer jobs teach useful skills even when the pay is not high Correct answer.
- Teenagers should never work before age 30
- All summer jobs pay more than full-time careers
- Customer service is impossible for young people
Explanation
The extract balances modest pay with transferable skills and future benefits - the core message is that summer work is valuable experience.
Question 29Read for information, inference and textual effect
Read the message:
"Library self-service returns are available 24/7 in the lobby. Staffed help desk hours: Mon–Thu 10–18, Fri 10–16. Closed on public holidays. Max 10 books per loan."
When can you return books without staff?
- Any time using lobby self-service returns Correct answer.
- Only on Friday mornings
- Only during public holidays when staff are present
- Never; returns always require a librarian
Explanation
Self-service returns in the lobby work 24/7, so you can return books without staff at any time. Staffed hours are separate from return access.
Question 30Read for information, inference and textual effect
Read the blog comment:
"I tried a two-week no-phone challenge. The first days felt strange, but by the second week I slept better and finished two books. I still use my phone now, but I leave it in another room after 21:00."
What change did the writer keep after the challenge?
- Leaving the phone in another room after 21:00 Correct answer.
- Never using a phone again for any purpose
- Sleeping only two hours per night
- Deleting all books from their life
Explanation
The last sentence states the lasting habit: the phone stays in another room after 21:00. The full ban was temporary.
Question 31Read for information, inference and textual effect
Read the advertisement:
"City Youth Centre Cooking Club
Thursdays 17:00–18:30 for ages 14–18. First visit free. Bring an apron. No experience needed. Sign up by email before Monday. Places limited to 12."
Who is the club mainly for?
- Teenagers aged 14–18 Correct answer.
- Only professional chefs over 40
- Primary-school children under 10 only
- Adults who already own restaurants
Explanation
The ad states ages 14–18 clearly. Other details (free first visit, apron, limited places) support logistics but do not change the age group.
Question 32Read for information, inference and textual effect
Read the text:
"When Liisa moved from a small town to Helsinki, she missed quiet evenings. After a month she joined a library book group. "It is still a big city," she says, "but now I have people to talk to about stories.""
Why did Liisa join the book group?
- To meet people and talk about books in a large city Correct answer.
- To become the mayor of Helsinki immediately
- To close all libraries in small towns
- To stop reading forever
Explanation
Liisa missed quiet social connection; the book group gives her people to discuss stories with while living in a big city.
Question 33Read for information, inference and textual effect
Read the email to students:
"Tomorrow's history trip is postponed to next Wednesday because of heavy rain. Meet at the bus stop at the original time next week. Refunds are not needed because tickets remain valid."
What should students do?
- Meet at the bus stop at the same time next Wednesday Correct answer.
- Arrive today for an emergency rain practice
- Throw away their tickets and buy new ones online tonight
- Ignore the trip permanently
Explanation
The trip moves to next Wednesday; the meeting time stays the same and tickets remain valid, so students should follow the new date with the original schedule.
Question 34Read for information, inference and textual effect
Read the short news item:
"A new bike lane opened along the river path this spring. Local cyclists say morning rides feel safer, though some drivers complain about fewer car lanes. The city plans to review traffic data after six months."
What is true according to the text?
- Cyclists report safer rides, and the city will review data later Correct answer.
- All drivers celebrate the bike lane with a festival every day
- The city refuses to look at any traffic information
- The river path was closed forever to all bikes
Explanation
The item reports safer feelings among cyclists, some driver complaints, and a planned six-month review - the summary that cyclists report safer rides and the city will review data later matches those facts without adding extras.
Question 35Read for information, inference and textual effect
Read the forum post:
"Does anyone know a cheap place to practise English speaking in Tampere? I can trade Finnish conversation help. Even 30 minutes a week would help before my exam."
What does the writer want most?
- Affordable English speaking practice, ideally as a language exchange Correct answer.
- A free flight to London next week
- Someone to write the whole exam for them
- A job as an English grammar examiner
Explanation
The post asks for cheap speaking practice and offers Finnish conversation in return - a classic language-exchange request before an exam.
Question 36Read for information, inference and textual effect
Read the paragraph:
"Plastic bags used to be free in many shops. Now customers often pay a small fee or bring reusable bags. Some people say the change is annoying, but street litter surveys show fewer plastic bags in parks."
What contrast does the writer present?
- Short-term annoyance versus evidence of less litter Correct answer.
- Free plastic bags forever versus higher park entry tickets
- Only rich customers versus only poor customers
- Indoor shopping versus online shopping only
Explanation
The writer acknowledges annoyance at fees/reusable bags but contrasts that with survey evidence of less park litter.
Question 37Read for information, inference and textual effect
Read the museum leaflet line:
"Audio guides are available in English, Finnish, and Swedish. Last entry is 30 minutes before closing. Photography without flash is allowed in most rooms."
Which visitor action is allowed in most rooms?
- Taking photos without flash Correct answer.
- Using any camera flash freely in every room
- Entering five minutes after closing time
- Borrowing audio guides only in French
Explanation
The leaflet permits photography without flash in most rooms. Flash, late entry, and French-only guides conflict with the stated rules.
Question 38Read for information, inference and textual effect
Read the student diary extract:
"Monday felt endless. I misunderstood the homework, so I rewrote it after dinner. Tuesday was better: the teacher said my second version was clear. I will check instructions twice from now on."
What lesson does the student take away?
- Check homework instructions carefully before writing Correct answer.
- Never rewrite any homework under any circumstances
- Teachers dislike clear second versions
- Monday should be removed from the calendar
Explanation
The final sentence states the lesson: check instructions twice. The rewrite improved the work, so careful reading of tasks is the takeaway.
Question 39Read for information, inference and textual effect
Read the product review:
"These wireless earbuds last about five hours per charge. Sound is fine for podcasts, but bass is weak for music. The case is easy to lose because it is so small. For the price, still OK for language listening practice."
Who would these earbuds suit best according to the review?
- Someone who mainly listens to podcasts or language audio on a budget Correct answer.
- A professional DJ who needs powerful bass
- A collector who wants a large, hard-to-lose case
- Someone who needs 20-hour battery life without charging
Explanation
The review rates sound as fine for podcasts/language practice and acceptable for the price, while criticising bass, battery length for long sessions, and the tiny case.
Question 40Read for information, inference and textual effect
Read the workplace notice:
"Fire drill on Wednesday at 10:00. Leave bags at your desk. Follow the green signs to the assembly point in the car park. Do not use the lifts. Teachers will take attendance outside."
What must people avoid during the drill?
- Using the lifts Correct answer.
- Following green signs
- Going to the car park assembly point
- Letting teachers take attendance
Explanation
The notice explicitly says not to use the lifts. The other actions are required parts of the drill procedure.
Question 41Read for information, inference and textual effect
Read the opinion paragraph:
"School should start later in the morning. Many teenagers sleep too little because their body clocks shift during adolescence. A later start will not fix every problem, but it could reduce tiredness in the first lessons."
What is the writer's position?
- Support for later school starts as a partial help against teenage tiredness Correct answer.
- Strong opposition to any change in school times
- A claim that sleep science is completely fake
- A demand to cancel all first lessons forever
Explanation
The writer argues for later starts, cites adolescent sleep patterns, and carefully says it will not fix everything - a moderate supportive position.
Question 42Read for information, inference and textual effect
Read the travel tip:
"If you visit Tallinn for a day trip from Helsinki, check the return ferry times before you leave the harbour area. Many cafés near the Old Town get busy after 12:00. Comfortable shoes help on the cobblestones."
What should travellers do first, according to the tip's opening advice?
- Check return ferry times before leaving the harbour area Correct answer.
- Wait until midnight to plan the return ferry
- Avoid wearing any shoes in the Old Town
- Only visit cafés before they exist
Explanation
The first tip prioritises checking return ferry times early. Café timing and shoes are additional practical advice.
Question 43Read for information, inference and textual effect
Read the paragraph:
"Online group projects can save travel time, but silent members and unclear deadlines often create stress. Successful groups usually agree on roles in the first meeting and keep short weekly updates."
According to the text, what helps online group projects succeed?
- Agreeing roles early and sharing short weekly updates Correct answer.
- Never setting any deadlines at all
- Keeping every member completely silent
- Avoiding any first meeting
Explanation
The text contrasts common problems with two success habits: clear roles from the first meeting and short weekly updates.
Question 44Read for information, inference and textual effect
Read the message from a coach:
"Practice is moved indoors because the field is flooded. Bring both indoor shoes and your usual kit. If you feel ill, message me before 14:00 - do not come and spread a cold."
What should a player who feels ill do?
- Message the coach before 14:00 and stay away Correct answer.
- Come anyway to prove toughness
- Ignore the coach and train alone on the flooded field
- Bring only outdoor metal spikes for the wet grass
Explanation
The coach asks ill players to message before 14:00 and not attend, protecting the group from infection.
Question 45Read for information, inference and textual effect
Read the extract:
"Some apps send constant notifications. Turning off non-essential alerts for one week can show you which messages truly matter. Many users keep only calendar and message alerts afterwards."
What experiment does the text suggest?
- Disable non-essential notifications for a week to see what matters Correct answer.
- Delete the phone permanently on day one
- Turn on every possible alert at maximum volume
- Stop using calendars and messages forever
Explanation
The suggested experiment is a one-week reduction of non-essential alerts, after which many people keep only key categories.
Question 46Read for information, inference and textual effect
Read the two short comments:
A: "Public transport should be free for students all year."
B: "A discount is fairer; free tickets might reduce service quality if funding falls."
What is the main difference between A and B?
- A wants fully free student travel; B prefers discounts and worries about funding quality Correct answer.
- Both demand higher ticket prices for students only
- A and B both refuse any student support
- B wants free travel while A opposes all discounts
Explanation
A supports year-round free student travel. B supports a discount model and raises a funding/service-quality concern - a classic policy disagreement.
Question 47Read for information, inference and textual effect
Read the subtle paragraph:
"The brochure promises 'unlimited adventure' at the activity park. In practice, three of the main rides close in light rain, and 'unlimited' drinks means one small cup per hour. Still, the staff are friendly."
What is the writer's overall attitude?
- Mildly critical of marketing claims while noting one positive point Correct answer.
- Pure celebration with no criticism
- Anger that the park should be illegal
- Confusion about whether the park exists
Explanation
The writer exposes gaps between brochure language and reality (rides, drinks) but still credits friendly staff - balanced, mildly critical tone.
Question 48Grammar and vocabulary through meaning and context
Choose the correct form: "She ___ to school by bus every morning."
- go
- goes Correct answer.
- going
- gone
Explanation
Present simple third-person singular needs -s/-es: she goes. The routine marker "every morning" also fits present simple.
Question 49Grammar and vocabulary through meaning and context
Choose the correct article: "I bought ___ umbrella because it was raining."
- a
- an Correct answer.
- the only when plural
- no article is possible in English
Explanation
"Umbrella" begins with a vowel sound /ʌ/, so the indefinite article is an: an umbrella.
Question 50Grammar and vocabulary through meaning and context
Choose the correct preposition: "The meeting starts ___ 9 o'clock."
- in
- on
- at Correct answer.
- by the way of
Explanation
Clock times normally take at: at 9 o'clock. In is for longer periods (in July); on is for days/dates (on Monday).