Developing English Language Skills /

English Language Framework Level 4

September 2018

Written Examination
This paper contains sections on Language in Use, Reading and
Writing.

You may complete the sections in any order.

Time: 2 hours 15 minutes

The maximum mark for this paper is 100.

Any reference material brought into the examination room must be

handed to the invigilator before the start of the examination.

All answers must be written in the answer booklet provided. Do NOT

write on this paper.
 Section A – Language in Use
Answer ALL questions

Marks
Question 1
Vocabulary – Air travel

Complete the sentences with phrasal verbs from the box below. You will not need
all the verbs.

check in fill in take out drop off

get on take off pick up get off

Example:
I like to be the first person to ___________ the plane so that I can sit down and find a
place for my bags.
I like to be the first person to get on the plane so that I can sit down and find a place
for my bags.

a) I will __________ my brother at the airport in the morning so that he won’t miss 1
his flight.

b) The plane was due to __________ at 7.30, but it was half an hour late due to a 1
storm.

c) We have to _________ an immigration card on the plane before we land, but 1

hopefully we will get through passport control quickly.

d) After landing, we have to go to the baggage reclaim area to __________ our 1

luggage.

e) I can’t wait to __________ this plane. It’s been such a long flight and I just want 1
to get to the hotel and sleep.

f) I think I am going to __________ online, which should save me some time when 1
I get to the airport.

Total 6 Marks

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Developing English Language Skills / ELF Level 4 © NCC Education Limited 2018
 Marks
Question 2
Grammar – Time phrases

Complete the sentences with the time phrases from the box below.

after as soon as before if

in case unless until when

Example:
Let’s go to the early showing at the cinema. That way we can go for dinner ________ the
movie.
Let’s go to the early showing at the cinema. That way we can go for dinner after the
movie.

a) I am going to take my satnav, just _________ I get lost. 1

b) ___________ I write emails quickly I always make mistakes. 1

c) The weather forecast is very bad for tomorrow, so don’t go out _________ you 1
really need to.

d) We played tennis _________ it got dark and then we went home. 1

e) I want to finish this report _________ I go home. I’ve already called my wife to 1
tell her I might be late.

f) ___________ you don’t finish your work in class, you will have to finish it for 1
homework.

Total 6 Marks

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 Marks
Question 3
Grammar - Adverbs

Indicate the best position for the adverb or adverbial phrase given after each
sentence. Write ‘1’ if it goes in position ‘1’, ‘2’ if it goes in position ‘2’ and ‘3’ if it
goes in position ‘3’.

Example:
(1) We’re going (2) to (3) be late. unfortunately
1

a) (1) She can speak (2) Swedish (3). fluently 1

b) I (1) missed the bus (2) but the driver (3) waited for me. almost 1

c) I wake up (1) late so I (2) have time for breakfast (3). hardly ever 1

d) (1) We should leave before 8 o’clock because (2) there will (3) be a lot of traffic 1
after. ideally

e) The (1) shop has (2) been (3) closed down. apparently 1

f) The player (1) was injured (2) and had to (3) come off the field. badly 1

Total 6 Marks

Question 4
Vocabulary – Word forms

Complete the sentences by filling each gap with the correct form of the word given
after the sentence.

Example:
I am afraid that you were ___________ with your application. success
I am afraid that you were unsuccessful with your application.

a) We must do something to tackle the extreme _________ in this country. poor 1

b) I skipped lunch because I wasn’t very __________. hunger 1

c) You need to write your __________ and weaknesses in your application. strong 1

d) I need a ladder so I can measure the _________ of these curtains. high 1

e) It was an __________ game – one of the most exciting I’ve ever seen. belief 1

f) It wasn’t my ___________ to upset you. intend 1

Total 6 Marks

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 Marks
Question 5
Vocabulary – Criminal trials

Complete the sentences with the words from the box below. You will not need all
the words.

court evidence witnesses verdict

jury innocent punishment accused

Example:
The ________ listened to all the arguments and then left to discuss their decision.
The jury listened to all the arguments and then left to discuss their decision.

a) They decided that he was _________ and so he was allowed to go free. 1

b) It was up to the judge to decide what their __________ for their part in the 1
robbery would be.

c) There was no __________ that she had taken part in the burglary so she was 1
allowed to go free.

d) It took the jury less than an hour to reach their _________. They were sure that 1
he was guilty.

e) The driver was allowed to go home after the accident but he was given a date 1
when he had to appear in _________.

f) The police are appealing for any __________ who may have seen the attack to 1
come forward.

Total 6 Marks

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 Marks
Question 6
Grammar – Clauses of contrast and purpose

Complete each sentence with ONE (1) word from the box below. You will not need
all the words.

although to even order not

spite as despite that

Example:
They decided to go on the trip anyway, in ________ of the terrible weather.
They decided to go on the trip anyway, in spite of the terrible weather.

a) I am going to the bank in _________ to check the balance of my account. 1

b) ___________ though we arrived late at the cinema, we still saw most of the film. 1

c) We can put up this umbrella, so __________ to block the sun. 1

d) __________ the fact that he studied very hard, he still failed the exam. 1

e) I went to the meeting so _________ I could speak to people face to face. 1

f) __________ it was hot in the meeting, he didn’t take his jacket off. 1

Total 6 Marks

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 Marks
Question 7
Grammar – countable and plural nouns

Some sentences are correct and some sentences have mistakes. Write YES if a
sentence is correct and write NO if there is a mistake.

Example:
This week’s homework is very difficult.


a) I need to buy a new pair of trouser. 1

b) Can you pass me those scissors, please? 1

c) We had some beautiful weathers on our holiday. 1

d) The staff in the hotel are all very friendly. 1

e) I need a piece of paper for making notes. 1

f) The teacher gave me some useful advices about my exams. 1

Total 6 Marks

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 Marks
Question 8
Vocabulary – Verbs related to the body

Complete the sentences with verbs from the box below. Put the verbs into the past
tense. You will not need all the words.

bite taste throw nod point

stare smile whistle clap

Example:
I __________ at the picture for ages but I couldn’t find the key.
I stared at the picture for ages but I couldn’t find the key.

a) I needed stitches in my arm because the dog _________ me. 1

b) I __________ my head when he spoke, but I didn’t actually agree with what he 1
was saying.

c) I didn’t eat all of the meal because the chicken _________ awful. 1

d) He __________ the ball to me but I dropped it. 1

e) The teacher __________ her finger at me and asked me to give an answer. 1

f) When the show finished, the audience _________ their hands enthusiastically. 1

Total 6 Marks

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 Marks
Question 9
Pronunciation – Word stress

Write the number of the stressed syllable in each underlined word. The total
number of syllables in the word has been given to help you.

Example:
I didn’t get the job because I didn’t have enough experience (4).
2 (because there are 4 syllables in ‘ex/pe/ri/ence’ and the 2nd one is stressed)

a) I completed the application (4) form and submitted it. 1

b) I think the director is going to retire (2) this year. 1

c) Unfortunately, some workers were made redundant (3). 1

d) You have all the qualifications (5) needed for this job. 1

e) We can’t give you a permanent (3) contract at the moment. 1

f) I got extra money for working overtime (3) this weekend. 1

Total 6 Marks

Question 10
Grammar - Articles

Complete the sentences with a, an, the or 0 for ‘no article’.

Example:
My mother is _______ teacher.
My mother is a teacher.

a) When you go to the supermarket, can you buy me ________ apple. 1

b) Do you need to wear ________ uniform at your school? 1

c) You need to take ________ umbrella in this rain. Do you have one? 1

d) I love _______ dogs but I’ve never had one. 1

e) We’ve rearranged _________ time of your interview. It’s now going to be at 12 1

o’clock.

f) That hotel is ________ tallest building in the country. 1

Total 6 Marks

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Developing English Language Skills / ELF Level 4 © NCC Education Limited 2018
 Section B – Reading
Answer ALL questions

Case Study 1
Taxis around the world

Read the text and answer the questions below.

We interviewed six people about the experiences of their families and friends of using taxis
in different countries. Here are some of their responses.

My parents went on holiday to Greece last year. They arrived very early in the morning, so
the taxi ride from the airport to their hotel was in the dark. They were falling asleep in the
back seat when they were thrown violently to one side as the taxi swerved across the road.
Suddenly wide-awake, they could just see the tail of a rabbit as it zigzagged on the road in
panic. They thought that the taxi driver was swerving to avoid the terrified animal but my
mother was quite shocked when the driver turned round and shouted 'Rabbit! I love the
rabbit! My wife cooks it for me!'

Before I met my boyfriend he got a job in Colombia. He was a bit worried about it, due to all
those stories about drug gangs and guns, but he was also looking forward to it. Of course
his first view of Bogota was from the taxi window on the way from the airport. The taxi driver
was fascinated that he had come from England and wanted to try out his English. But when
he heard that his passenger came from London he threw both arms up in the air with horror:
'London! Is terrible! Is full of hooligans!'

A friend of mine lived in Vietnam for a few years. One night a taxi driver told her that he
didn't want to put the taxi meter on, and offered a cheaper price for the journey. She agreed.
But just as the taxi was about to turn the final corner a man opened the door and jumped in
beside her! She thought he wanted a ride so she decided to get out. But the man wouldn't
let her pay and started shouting angrily at the driver. To my friend's horror he then started
hitting the driver around the head. My friend got out of the car and ran down the road. Later
she found out that the taxi driver had been caught stealing from his company and the
manager was extremely angry!

My sister went to New York for a business trip. After a few days she was still amazed at how
friendly everyone was to her until she took a taxi back to her hotel one night. First she gave
just the name of the hotel, but then the driver also asked for the address. Then she was
asked how to get there but of course she had no idea. Imagine how frightened she was
when he started shouting at her for not knowing the way. She said it was awful.

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Developing English Language Skills / ELF Level 4 © NCC Education Limited 2018
 Marks
5

A friend of mine was in London for a conference. He took a cab and there were no problems:
the driver knew the way and was very cheerful. The problem started after the journey when
he realised he had left his laptop in the taxi! He called the company up and, in a panic, went
straightaway to their Lost and Found office (and missing some of the conference as a result).
He was over the moon to find the laptop waiting for him, and then very surprised that it was
one of 2,900 laptops left in taxis over the past six months!

My brother took a Mediterranean cruise one summer and had a day in Tunisia. He spent
most of the afternoon in the market buying presents when he suddenly realised he'd
completely lost track of time and there was only half an hour before the ship left the port.
There had been lots of yellow taxis in the centre, so he wasn't worried until he stood on the
pavement and waited for one to appear - and of course there wasn't a single one in sight!
Nothing! Frantic, he questioned a passer-by who explained that the cost for the taxi ride
goes up in the evening so the taxi drivers disappear until they can charge higher prices!
Luckily for my brother the man then offered to give him a lift and he caught the boat just in
time!

(Adapted from OneStopEnglish.com)

Question 1

Match the numbers of paragraphs 1 to 6 with the headings (a) to (h) below. You will not
need TWO (2) headings.

a) No sense of direction

b) Your city is more dangerous than mine

c) A helpful local person

d) Driving over an animal

e) Leaving something behind

f) When a taxi breaks down

g) A dishonest driver

h) Not wanting to pay for a ride

Total 6 Marks

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Developing English Language Skills / ELF Level 4 © NCC Education Limited 2018
 Marks
Question 2

Read the following sentences and write true if the view is expressed in the text, false if the
opposite view is expressed in the text and not given if the information is not given in the
text.

a) The driver in Colombia thinks London is dangerous. 1

b) The driver in Vietnam was sent to prison. 1

c) Most people in New York had not been friendly. 1

d) The man in London was unable to get his laptop back from the Lost and Found 1
Office.

e) The man in Tunisia got back to the ship in time. 1

Total 5 Marks

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Developing English Language Skills / ELF Level 4 © NCC Education Limited 2018
Case Study 2
Chocolate

Read the text and answer the question below.

While I was out shopping in the local supermarket I bumped into a friend of mine. While we
were chatting I glanced into her trolley and couldn’t help noticing how much chocolate was
in there - there were boxes and bars of all kinds of chocolate! “Ah, yes,” Cheryl said having
seen my glance, “I know it’s bad for the children to eat so much chocolate but I like it too.”
We then arranged to have a coffee together after we’d both done our shopping.

In the café I ordered an espresso, but Cheryl asked for a hot chocolate and two pieces of
chocolate cake. “Oh, not for me thanks,” I said when I heard the request, “it’s time for lunch
soon.” Cheryl looked embarrassed and said, “they’re both for me – I’m starving!” While she
was eating and drinking I could see that she was really enjoying the chocolate. “You certainly
like your chocolate!” I laughed. She then looked very serious, leant towards me and said in
a whisper. “Please don’t laugh, please don’t tell anyone – but I’m addicted to chocolate!”

Cheryl went on to tell me about her addiction. It started because whenever she felt unhappy,
or angry or just generally fed up she had a bar of chocolate which would make her feel
better, and much happier. She then needed to have the chocolate regardless of how she
felt; it was like wanting to have a cigarette she said. She admitted to having a box in a kitchen
cupboard just for her chocolate bars, it was hidden away of course because she didn’t dare
confess her addiction to her husband.

Addiction? It sounded a strong word to me. Was she really addicted to chocolate? Cheryl
explained that she had tried to give up a few times but she would have terrible headaches
which only went away when she started to eat a chocolate bar. Once, when there was none
in the house, the urge to have some chocolate was so bad that she drove out late at night
to find a garage in order to buy some bars. She also admitted to stealing chocolate from her
children, “So the chocolate makes me feel good when I eat it, but then very guilty too!”

Cheryl had done some research on chocolate addiction. “There was a report that suggested
chocolate might help fight heart disease. Apparently, there are chemicals in chocolate that
could thin the blood and help to prevent clotting. I thought this was a positive thing, but then
saw that the scientists’ research was funded by a company that makes chocolate!” Cheryl
sighed and took another big bite. “Other research also suggested if you eat chocolate three
times a month you’ll live a year longer. But then they said that chocolate’s high fat content
means it can lead to an increased risk in heart disease!” The only good thing I learned really
was that dark chocolate is better for you than milk chocolate. This is because it has lots of
antioxidants in it which can help control blood pressure.

We had now both finished our drinks, and Cheryl’s plate was spotless. So what was she
going to do about this? “I don’t know!” she sighed. “Well,” I suggested, “wouldn’t it be a good
idea to talk to your husband first of all?” She agreed, and we parted, although I saw her
slowing down as she approached a chocolate vending machine. I called her name and she
turned round, “Yes, you’re right of course!” She put her purse back in her bag and reluctantly
walked away.

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Developing English Language Skills / ELF Level 4 © NCC Education Limited 2018
 Marks
(Adapted from OneStopEnglish.com)

Questions

Complete the sentences below by filling each gap with ONE (1) or TWO (2) words, a year
or a number from the text.

a) Cheryl ate ___________ of chocolate cake in the café. 1

b) Cheryl explained that chocolate made her ___________ whenever she felt sad 1
or angry.

c) Cheryl has never told her __________ about her chocolate addiction. 1

d) _________ chocolate is the healthiest kind. 1

e) As Cheryl left, she was going to buy chocolate from a ___________ but she 1
changed her mind.

Total 5 Marks

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Developing English Language Skills / ELF Level 4 © NCC Education Limited 2018
Case Study 3
High heels

Read the text and answer the question below.

Many people believe high heels on shoes make women look good. So much so, it seems,
that the organisers of the Cannes Film Festival reportedly prevented women in flat shoes
from walking the red carpet. But all this fashion comes at a cost: wearing heels over 10cm
high can damage your ankles.

A study by Hanseo University in South Korea suggests that continuous wearing exposes
women to the risk of injury, and can make them lose their balance. A total of 40 women who
wear high heels at least three times a week took part in the study. The strength of their
ankles was measured regularly: researchers found that two of the four main muscles
became stronger after a period of between one and three years. This created an imbalance
in their feet.

Dr Yong-Seok Jee from Hanseo University said that the habit of wearing heels can result
in deformed feet, back pain and unhealthy walking patterns. He recommends
that women limit the use of these kinds of shoes and exercise their ankle muscles properly.

High heels are considered by some people to be feminine, but in fact the fashion started
with men's feet. These shoes were a form of riding footwear, and were seen on the feet of
17th Century Persian soldiers. Elizabeth Semmelhack of the Bata Shoe Museum in Toronto
says: "When the soldier stood up in his stirrups, the heel helped him to secure his stance so
that he could shoot his bow and arrow more effectively."

Before becoming a staple of modern women's wardrobes, high heels were used by Louis
XIV of France. These shoes were seen as status symbols as they showed the person was
privileged and had the money to be able to buy luxurious and impractical clothing. However,
high heels are of course unsuitable for many jobs such as farming, factory work or working
in a hospital.

(Adapted from BBC Learning English)

Questions

Answer the following questions by writing ONE or TWO words or a number.

a) Women are not allowed on the red carpet at Cannes if they wear what? 1

b) Which part of the body does Dr Jee suggest that women exercise? 1

c) Which profession first wore high heels? 1

d) What were high heels viewed as in the past? 1

Total 4 Marks

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Developing English Language Skills / ELF Level 4 © NCC Education Limited 2018
 Section C – Writing
You must answer this question

Read the question below and write an answer of between 200 and 250 words.

Pollution is a major problem in many large cities.

Outline some of the types of pollution which affect big cities and suggest some ways of
solving the problems.

Total 20 Marks

End of paper

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