LEVEL B2  VANTAGE

Answer Key

Test 1: Reading
 The Answer Key

Test 2: Listening
 The Answer Key
 The Tapescript

Test 3: Writing
 Marking schemes

Test 4: Grammar and Vocabulary

 The Answer Key
 The Tapescript for Task 1

Test 5: Mediation
 The Answer Key and a Sample Answer
 The Tapescript for Part A
 Language Marking Criteria
Test 1 – Reading ANSWER KEY Page 58

TEST 1: READING – ANSWER KEY

Candidate Number:

E I
Centre
Candidate Code
Code

Task One: Short Texts – Questions 1-5

Question Your Answer

E xa mp le 
A B C D E F G H

1 A B C D E F G H

2 A B C D E F G H

3 A B C D E F G H

4 A B C D E F G H

5 A B C D E F G H

Task Two: Paragraph Headings – Questions 6-11

Question Your Answer

E xa mp le A B C D E F G H I

6 A B C D E F G H I

7 A B C D E F G H I

8 A B C D E F G H I

9 A B C D E F G H I

10 A B C D E F G H I

11 A B C D E F G H I
Test 1 – Reading ANSWER KEY Page 59

Task Three: Scanning for Information – Questions 12-18

Question Your Answer Question Your Answer

E xa mp le 
A B C D 15 A B C D

12 A B C D 16 A B C D

13 A B C D 17 A B C D

14 A B C D 18 A B C D

Task Four: Reading for Detailed Information – Questions 19-25

Question Your Answer

19 A B C D

20 A B C D

21 A B C D

22 A B C D

23 A B C D

24 A B C D

25 A B C D
Test 2 – Listening ANSWER KEY Page 60

TEST 2: LISTENING – ANSWER KEY

Candidate Number:

E I
Centre
Candidate Code
Code

Task One : Short Conversations – Questions 1-6

Question Your Answer

1 A B C D E F G H

2 A B C D E F G H

3 A B C D E F G H

4 A B C D E F G H

5 A B C D E F G H

6 A B C D E F G H

Task Two: Making Notes – Questions 7-15

7 12

boring angry
8 13

(stationery cupboard) key agree (with him)

9 14

wait ended
10 15

secretary was an idiot / destroyed his life

11

complain
Test 2 – Listening ANSWER KEY Page 61
Test 2 – Listening ANSWER KEY Page 62

Task Three: A Radio Programme – Questions 16-25

Question Your Answer Question Your Answer

16 A B C D 21 A B C D

17 A B C D 22 A B C D

18 A B C D 23 A B C D

19 A B C D 24 A B C D

20 A B C D 25 A B C D
Test 2 – Listening ANSWER KEY Page 63

Tapescripts:

Texts for Task One: Short conversations

1.
A: This smells really nice! Who is it for?
B: Well, it’s for my dad. Don’t laugh, men find it just as relaxing especially
after a long day. Or so the shop assistant told me. Anyway, if he doesn’t
like it, it’s only a small bottle….

2.
B: What do you think of this?
A: It’s a good colour to see from a distance. Is it for your brother?
B: Yes, he hasn’t got one and I think it’s quite dangerous to ride without it,
especially in the city.

3.
A: Oh, this is what I want, too! It’s great to be able to carry just this and
when you open it they are all there. How many can you put in it?
B: Ten. It’s quite good, isn’t? I hope my sister will like it, you know how she ’s
always listening to something when she is travelling.
A: Well, if she doesn’t like it, I’ll have it!

4.
B: I need your opinion on this. It’s for my aunt but I’m not sure she’ll like
it…I mean it’s not like she is always late…
A: Don’t be silly, I think it’s perfect for her! She is always complaining about
how the one she’s got has this really nice sound to it so it never actually
wakes her up. I’m sure she’ll be happy to get this.

5.
A: This is great! Is it for your mum’s next camping trip?
B: Well, it is for her but I was actually thinking that with her new job she ’ll
have to drive a lot and you know how much coffee she dri nks…Do you
think she’ll like it?
A: I think she will. It’s a lovely present for her.

6.
B: And what do you think of this for the little horror?
Test 2 – Listening ANSWER KEY Page 64

A: Your brother is not a horror! Not always, anyway…are you giving this to
him because he is afraid of the dark?
B: No, he’s actually fine now. In fact, all he wants to do these days is read
under the covers in bed so I thought he might like this. Don’t you think he
will?
A: I’m sure he’ll love it!
Test 2 – Listening ANSWER KEY Page 65

Picture descriptions for Task One: Short conversations:

A alarm clock D bicycle helmet G torch

B thermos E candle H kettle
C aromatherapy bubble bath F CD case

Text for Task Two: Making notes

Rebecca Well, Matt, could you tell us about how you defended your
principles and what happened to you.

Matt Yes, of course, Rebecca. A few years ago now I had a paper-
pushing job working as a clerk with the management consultancy
firm, Bibby and Jenner. What I was doing basically was looking after
the files on the firm’s cases. In many ways it was a boring job, but I
was happy enough at home, and with my wife working we had
enough to get by.

To make sense of the whole problem I should tell you this.

Whenever we wanted stationery - envelopes, paper or anything – I
would go to Miss Gold who had the key to the stationery cupboard.
I often felt irritated as I had to wait in her office until she ’d finished
a meeting. Anyway that was how things were done in the firm.

In the September of that year, if I remember correctly, the firm

appointed Lorna as a secretary who as part of her job had to join
me in the filing work. After a few days I learned that Lorna had been
given the key to the stationery cupboard. Well, I thought to myself,
I’ve been working here four years and she ’s been here four days.
Something’s very wrong here.

I didn’t say anything to Lorna, but I went straight to Miss Gold to

complain. She seemed completely uninterested in the problem, and
told me in so many words that I could share a key with Lorna. Well, I
was so angry I could hardly control myself. I told her bluntly that
either I got my own key or I’d leave the firm. It seemed to me that a
matter of principle was at stake.
 Test 2 – Listening ANSWER KEY Page 66

Well, to cut a long story short, I left the firm that afternoon. I really
thought that my wife would agree with what I had done, but she
was furious. I couldn’t find another job and we couldn’t live on the
one income, so soon our marriage ended. At that point the flat went
too, and I moved back to my mother’s.

Well, I sometimes think, what have I achieved? I can always comfort

myself by saying that I stood by my principles. People ask me
whether I made the right decision. The answer is clear in my own
mind. I think I was an idiot to destroy my life because of a key.

Test 2 – Listening - ANSWER KEY

Test 2 – Listening ANSWER KEY Page 67

Text for Task Three: Radio programme

T = TOM BARKER
G = Graham Potts

T When did you start school, Graham?

G Well, let me see. It was just after my fifth birthday, in 1925, no, 1926.

T That was in Cambridge, was it?

G Yes, well a village close-by called Camstock. I lived in Camford and

walked to school: 3 miles on footpaths and one along a little road.

T Really! Did you go alone or did your mother take you?

G Oh no, I don’t think she ever took me. Well, maybe right at the start. She
was too busy at home with my 2 younger sisters, so I walked with my
friends. Kids have it too easy now. We didn’t think twice about walking
that distance, and at least we got more exercise than today’s youngsters.

T What do you remember most about that school?

G There were 2 classes, about 18 in the first class and 20 in the second.
Now, what was the name of my first teacher? ( pauses) Can’t remember!
Anyway, she was kind and fair, but she soon left to have a baby. Then
Miss Strapper took over and she was strict! She didn’t hit us, though the
headmaster did. But she got really angry and shouted a lot. If I talked too
much in class or she didn’t like my work, I’d have to stand in the corner
for hours.

T What subjects did you do?

G Oh,….reading, writing and arithmetic –they call it mathematics these days.

All very boring. But we also drew pictures and made models out of bits of
wood. (unenthusiastically) That was OK. Then there was physical training
–jumping up and down, running round, catching a ball, nothing terribly
exciting.
Test 2 – Listening ANSWER KEY Page 68

T And other subjects? Science, for instance.

G Science? No, but we had a nature table, and I was in charge of it for a
while. (a bit excited) Oh, the nature table… We brought in things to
display -grasses, flowers, seeds, horrible little animals like snails, or fish
in jars. Great fun it was….

T Then at 11 you changed schools….

G Yes, well, I was nearly 12 and my third sister had just been born. I moved
to the Big School in Cambridge till I was 14.

T The Big School?

G Yes, it had 5 classes with 40 in a class, even 50 in some. The whole class
crowded in one room all day. Kids today have got it made with all the
facilities they’ve got. Yeh, the Big School was far from the centre. We
weren’t allowed to talk in class, well, only if the teacher asked a question.
And we often got hit. But every week we had woodwork, and I loved it, but
best of all was football.

T You were in the school team, weren’t you?

G Yeh, just after I was 13 I joined. That’s when we played with a real football
for the first time. Outside lessons, we never had one: we used anything
we could find to kick: tin cans, bits of old tyres…. Kids today have so
much more, but simple things gave us pleasure.

T And did you still walk to school?

G well ...On my eleventh birthday I couldn’t wait to get home because I knew
I was getting a bike. It wasn’t new, but it was my own! After all those
years…..

T But, could you ride a bike at all?

G Well … My cousin John had taught me earlier or…was it my dad, I can’t

recall….
Test 2 – Listening ANSWER KEY Page 69

T So, Graham, were schooldays the best days of your life?

G No, it wasn’t completely a waste of time, but they weren’t the best days.
They came much later.

T Unfortunately, we’re not going to have time to get to that today, but
thank you very much, Graham.
Test 3 – Writing ANSWER KEY Page 66

TEST 3: WRITING – ANSWER KEY

MARKING SCHEME FOR TASK 1 & TASK 2 :

Task Achievement
Task achieved at a very high level
Intention: Entirely clear
Instructions: Completely followed
10 Effect: A very positive effect on the target reader
Outcome: Sure to achieve a successful outcome
Content: All relevant details included
Some original ideas or presentation

9
Task well achieved
Intention: Generally clear
Instructions: All important ones followed
8 Effect: A positive effect on the target reader
Outcome: Sure to achieve a successful outcome
Content: Most relevant details included
Some original ideas or presentation

7
Task achieved, some gaps
Intention: Clear in most areas
Instructions: All important ones followed
6 Effect: A generally positive effect on the reader
Outcome: Likely to achieve a successful outcome
Content: Many relevant details included

5
Task not achieved, many gaps
Intention: Unclear in some areas
Instructions: Some key instructions not followed
4 Effect: The reader may be confused
Outcome: Unlikely to achieve a successful outcome
Content: Some important details left out
Some irrelevant information

3
Task entirely unachieved
Intention: Very unclear
Instructions: Most / all not followed
2 Effect: Very negative
Outcome: Will not achieve a successful outcome
Content: Omission, irrelevance

1
Task unattempted / partially attempted
0 Not enough language to make an assessment
Test 3 – Writing ANSWER KEY Page 67
Test 3 – Writing ANSWER KEY Page 68

Range and
Coherence and Cohesion Appropriacy
Accuracy

Structure: Clear
Purpose: Clear
Information: Well organised Range: Wide Style: Appropriate to
Cohesive
5 5 5 genre

Devices: Used to link Errors: Very few

naturally Register: Range of registers

Reference: Skilled use

4 4 4

Structure: Adequate
Purpose: Mostly clear. Range: Adequate Style: Usually
Information: Some confusion appropriate to genre
3 Cohesive 3 Errors: Some but do 3
Register: Limited exponents
Devices: Adequate not significantly impede
but awareness of register is
meaning
Reference: Limited use shown

2 2 2

Structure: Muddled
Purpose: Unclear.
Style: Inappropriate to
Information: Very confused Range: Narrow
1 Cohesive 1 1 genre

Devices: Minimal Errors: Many

Register: Minimal
Reference: Simple / none

Not enough language to make an Not enough language to Not enough language to make
0 assessment.
0 make an assessment.
0 an assessment.
Test 3 – Writing ANSWER KEY Page 69

Sample Answers
Task One: 168 w ords
Dear Sir or Madam,

I am writing to ask you for some information about Alicante.

First of all I would like some general information about the city and the area around
it; for example some information about local travel and the cost. Are there other
towns nearby which are worth visiting?

I would also like to know if there are any special events or festivals happening
during the time I am in Alicante. Could you please give me details of the venues, the
prices and when they take place.

I am coming to Alicante with a friend and we both enjoy sports activities such as
windsurfing, climbing and walking. I would be grateful if you could send me
information about the opportunities for taking part in these activities. Are there
local beaches which do not have many tourists? If so please send me details. We
both also like live music so a guide to local clubs and discos would be appreciated.

Thank you for your help.

Yours sincerely,

Task Two: An Article (190 w ords)

Approaching the European Union? – Life in Central & Eastern Europe Today

Walking in the centre of Budapest, capital city of Hungary, one of the new members
of the EU you can see the colourful mixture of poverty and richness, heavy burdens
and mixed blessings of a partly Asian, partly European, partly Stalinist tradition.

Hungary – similarly to many others in the area - today is a changing country.

After forty years of a Soviet type economic structure followed by the radical
changes towards a modern economy, they all have to go through difficult phases.

But the most difficult change seems to be the way of thinking. Generations had been
brought up without the real experience of democracy, the possibility of thinking
speaking or acting freely, without the slightest possibility of changing their own lives
or fulfilling their dreams. Even travelling to Western countries was very limited.

On the other hand the rich European cultural tradition of these countries is also a
strong component that helps them to catch up with the luckier parts of the
continent.

Is there a hope for today’s generation to enjoy the blessings of a Common Europe?
Hopefully yes. But no doubt there is a long road ahead.
Test 3 – Writing ANSWER KEY Page 70

A re port (202 w ords)

Dear Councilor,

I am writing on behalf of the local residents’ committee to express some of our

views regarding the proposed new shopping centre in our area. I have listed the
advantages and disadvantages we feel are important.

As for the positive side of the project the development will bring new jobs into the
area and this will be a good thing for local people. The shopping centre will also
provide a good service for the local community. Another advantage is that there
will be opportunities for some small local businesses to rent space in the new
centre.

On the other hand there will be a lot of disruption during building including a lot
of heavy construction traffic on the local roads. We wish to know if new roads will
be built as part of the project. Another issue we have is the effect on the local
environment. We live in a quiet part of the countryside and we are concerned
that the new development will spoil the beautiful countryside around us.

I hope we will have the opportunity to meet to discuss these issues in the near
future.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Yours sincerely,
Chairperson Local Residents’ Committee

A composition (200 w ords)

The place I would most like to visit is The USA. There are several reasons for this
but the most important for me is music. I love all kinds of music and The USA has
everything.

I would not spend time looking at famous buildings, but I would do a musical tour
of Louisiana in the Deep South., because I am fascinated by the different cultural
influences that American music incorporates.

First of all I’d go to New Orleans, because this amazing city has traditional jazz
and blues influenced by African Americans. After that I’d visit other parts of
Louisiana, where there is Cajun, Creole and Zydeco music influenced by the French
settlers and as well as many other styles.

I would visit as many places as possible, and make a photographic record of all the
musicians I had seen and publish it on the web for people to see. Most live music is
at night and during the day I would find out as much as I could about the local
music scene and where the music originally came from.

I think many people would find my photos and notes interesting so I wish I could
realize that plan.
Test 4 – Grammar & Vocabulary ANSWER KEY Page 70

TEST 4: GRAMMAR & VOCABULARY – ANSWER KEY

Candidate Number:

E I
Centre
Candidate Code
Code

Task One: Dictation

1. Evenings in the mountains

2
2. are likely to be considerably 3. colder than you think,

3
4. so bring plenty of warm 5. and waterproof clothes.

4
6. Ski resorts tend to have an active nightlife

5
7. with restaurants, bars and dance clubs.

6
8. As the majority of hotels 9. have pools or hot tubs,

7
10. be sure to bring your bathing suit.
Test 4 – Grammar & Vocabulary ANSWER KEY Page 71

8
11. When purchasing ski clothes such as gloves,

9
12. consult your local ski shop.
1
0
13. Tell them 14. where you are going
1
1
15. and they'll suggest 16. appropriate gear.
1
2
17. Please, do not wear 18. valuable jewellery or watches 19. on the slopes
1
3
13. as they could 20. get damaged or lost.

How to mark your dictation:

There are 20 points for the dictation.

Example

4
6. Ski resorts tend to have an active nightlife

You must spell all these It is not important if

words correctly to get you get these words
ONE POINT.
Test 4 – Grammar & Vocabulary ANSWER KEY Page 72

TEST 4: GRAMMAR & VOCABULARY – ANSWER KEY

Candidate Number:

E I
Centre
Candidate Code
Code

Task Two: Multiple Choice Gap Fill – Questions 1-10

Question Your Answer Question Your Answer

Example A B C D

1 B B C D 6 A B C D

2 A B C D 7 A B C D

3 A B C D 8 A B C D

4 A B C D 9 A B C D

5 A B C D 10 A B C D

Task Three: Gap Fill – Questions 11-20

Example the
Do not write here
11 16

more / rather to
12 17

as since / for / because / as

13 18

it at / many
14 19

when / that the

15 20

their / the / some as

Test 4 – Grammar & Vocabulary ANSWER KEY Page 73
Test 5 – MEDIATION Part A ANSWER KEY Page 73

TEST 5: MEDIATION - PART A – ANSWER KEY

 Give one mark for each distinct piece of information that is present. (Divided
by numbers – in the Answer Key)

 If the meaning is clear, the mark is awarded. The use of both third person and
first person is acceptable.

 The meaning may be conveyed using different words from those used in the
answer key.
 Errors of grammar and spelling are not penalised if the meaning is still clear.

Write in Example: Prof. V ágó from Budapest - booked room

Ex 1
Englis h by fax
Wri te in Example: megvan – ajánlhatnám - legszebb, Sco re
Ex 2
H ungarian tengerre néző s zobát? max

Write in something simpler ok – 1.won’t be

1 English spending much time in the hotel
1

Write in
2 Hungari 205. – 2. mennyi időre? 1
an
Write in
3 3. Wednesday – 4. maybe a day longer 2
English
Write in 5. hogy fizet? – minden fontosabb
4 Hungari hitelkártyát elfogadunk – 6. pénzautomata 2
an is van a ház előtt

Write in 7. cash – registration form – 8. (request)

5 English w ake me up at 6 am
2

Write in
9. hogyne – 10. kér újságot? – 11. reggelit
6 Hungari
a szobába
3
an
Write in 12. no – 13. (preference) come down to
7 English restaurant
2
Test 5 – MEDIATION Part A ANSWER KEY Page 74

Write in
14. köszönöm – 15. csomagját a szobába
8 Hungari
viszik – 16. érezze jól magát
3
an
16/2
Total
=8
Test 5 – MEDIATION Part A ANSWER KEY Page 75

TAPESCRIPT:

Dialogue Possible translation

Bocsánat, Vágó professzor vagyok

Ex Excuse me, I’m Professor Vágó from
Budapestről. Faxon rendeltem
1 Budapest. I’ve booked a room by fax.
önöknél szobát.

Ex Yes, here we are. Can I recommend Igen, megvan. Ajánlhatnám a

2 our finest room, with a sea-view? legszebb, tengerre néző szobánkat?

Something simpler will do. I don’t

Jó lesz valami egyszerűbb is.
mind where it looks out on. because I
1 Mindegy, hová néz, úgysem leszek
won’t be spending much time in the
sokat a szállodában
hotel.

I think you’ll like room 205 then. Akkor azt hiszem, a 205-ös tetszeni
2 Can I ask you how long you are fog. Megkérdezhetem, mennyi időre
planning to stay? tervezi az itt tartózkodást?

Szerdáig maradnék, de
I’m staying until Wednesday, but I
3 előfordulhat, hogy egy nappal
might stay a day longer.
tovább.

How would you like to pay? We Hogy szeretne fizetni? minden

4 accept all major credit cards. There fontosabb hitelkártyát elfogadunk.
is also a cash machine outside. Van egy pénzautomata is a ház előtt.

Készpénzzel szeretnék. Tessék, itt I’d prefer cash then. Here’s my

5 a bejelentőlap. Felébresztenének registration form. Could you wake me
reggel hatkor? up at six in the morning?
Test 5 – MEDIATION Part A ANSWER KEY Page 76

Certainly, Madam. Would you like a

Hogyne, hölgyem. Kér újságot, vagy
6 newspaper, or breakfast in your
reggelit a szobájába?
room?

Nem, köszönöm. Inkább lejövök az No, thanks. I’d rather come

7
étterembe. downstairs to the restaurant.

Thank you. Your luggage will be Köszönöm. A csomagját rögtön a

8 taken to your room in a moment. szobájába viszik. Érezze jól magát
Have a nice stay. nálunk.
 Test 5 – Mediation Part B ANSWER KEY Page 75

TEST 5: MEDIATION – PART B – ANSWER KEY

Candidate Number:

E I
Centre
Candidate Code
Code

Task One: Summary – Questions 1-5

Question Your Answer

1 A B C

2 A B C

3 A B C

4 A B C

5 A B C

Task Two: Translation – A letter

INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE EXAMINERS
Content
 Candidates receive one mark for each one of the following pieces of meaning that is
clear in context.
 The information can be present in any order.
 Do not mark for linguistic accuracy. Mark only for presence of information.
 The words here in this table are only a guide to target meanings – NB these exact
words are not required
Test 5 – Mediation Part B ANSWER KEY Page 76

1 You mus t have been 1

2 s urprised to find my letter 1
3 haven’t heard from each other for 10 years 1
4 I hope (expression of hope) 1
5 you haven’t forgotten 1
6 I got your address 1
7 pleased to hear (reaction to news from Tom) 1
8 what you’ve always wanted (fulfillment of long held desire) 1
9 is n’t it? (seeking c onfirmation) 1
10 you are getting on well 1
11 really (qualifying modifier) 1
12 s till… s ame job 1
13 not much of (qualifying modifier) 1
14 any more (used to be but not now) 1
Total 14/2=7
Language mark 5
Test 5 – Mediation Part B ANSWER KEY Page 77

SAMPLE ANSWER:

Dear Lucy

You must have been surprised to find this letter in your letter-box.
We haven't heard from each other for ten years. I hope you
haven't forgotten me.

I got your address from a friend, Tom, who has told me a lot
about you. I was pleased to hear that you are fine and have
opened a restaurant. That's what you’ve always wanted, isn't it?
I bet you are getting on well, and I can still remember what a
brilliant cook you were.

My dreams haven’t really come true. I still have the same job. I
like it but it isn't much of a challenge any more. I don’t really see
old friends either these days.

I'd be glad if you wrote to me.

Gáspár
Test 5 – Mediation Part B ANSWER KEY Page 78

Language marking criteria of me diating from Hungarian to English, Le ve l B2

Mark Criteria
Range
 Ideas linked across sentences and paragraphs (cohesive
devices/adverbials to express reasons, opinions, feelings etc.) in
a way that the text reads as a whole.
 Uses polite forms where necessary and can differentiate
reasonably between different levels of formality (eg very polite
for a difficult request).

5 Ac c uracy
Some minor errors (slips) that rarely obscure meaning.

Source Language interference

Some minor examples of source language interference (choice of
word /phrase, word order)may be evident but they do not obscure
meaning.

4 some elements of 5 & 3

Range
 Adequate to complete the task.
 Ideas linked across sentences and paragraphs although not
always with the most appropriate choice of language.
 Polite forms used where necessary.

3 Ac c uracy
 Some errors may be present; they may sometimes obscure
meaning but not usually significantly.
 Errors are not so common as to have a negative affect on the
target reader.

Source Language Interference

2 some elements of 3 & 1

Test 5 – Mediation Part B ANSWER KEY Page 79

Range
Cohesive devices to link ideas not used at all.
Inappropriate register.

Ac c uracy
1 Basic errors (verb tense, auxiliary be, concord) that obscure the
message and have a negative effect on the target reader.

Source Language Interference

Source language interference (choice of word /phrase, word order)
Test 6 – Speaking Marking schemes Page 78

Speaking Mark Scheme – Interlocutor’s copy - Level B2

Overall impression

Good ability to maintain accurate, fluent and natural conversation.

Suitable range of grammar, lexis and cohesive devices to complete tasks.
5 Some ability with complex language.
Pronunciation is natural with appropriate intonation, though occasionally
problematic.

4
Smooth use of language. Occasional small difficulties or gaps that do not
severely impede understanding.
3 A number of errors , including slips in simple sentences.
Pronunciation may place some small strain on the listener.
Conversation is maintained in a generally natural and appropriate manner.

2
Noticeable hesitation. Jumpiness. Insufficient grammar, lexis and cohesive
devices to do the tasks.
1 Frequent errors in simple sentences.
Avoidance of complex structures or lexis.
Significant pronunciation difficulties.

0 Very hard to understand. Clearly significantly below level criteria

 Speaking Mark Scheme – Assessor’s copy - Level B2
Range and Accuracy
Wide range of grammar, lexis
and cohesive devices used to
complete the tasks,
circumlocution only occasionally
5 necessary.
Comfortable with more complex
structures and lexis although
errors still occur.
4
Sufficient range of grammar,
lexis and cohesive devices to
adequately complete the tasks
although circumlocution may be
necessary.
3 Few errors in simple sentences.
Errors when attempting more
complex structures and lexis do
not generally hinder
communication.
2
Range of grammar, lexis and
1 Frequent hesitation and
cohesive devices insufficient to
adequately complete the tasks.
Repeated errors even in simple
sentences.
0 Insufficient language for assessment
Fluency and Coherence
Maintains a smooth flow of
language with hesitation mainly
to formulate ideas, not
language.
Links ideas into clear coherent
discourse with little or no
jumpiness even in extended
contributions.
Some hesitation while
formulating language, but can
effectively maintain flow of
speech.
Can link ideas into clear,
coherent discourse although
with noticeable jumpiness
especially in extended
contributions.
inability to link ideas coherently
causes great strain on the
listener.
Pronunciation
Although there may still be an
evident foreign accent,
pronunciation is natural and
places little strain on the
listener.
The candidate often utilises
features of connected
speech and English
intonation patterns.
Pronunciation is clearly
intelligible in spite of evident
foreign accent and
occasional mispronunciations
putting some strain on the
listener.
Mispronunciations and
inability to produce certain
sounds frequently impedes
communication of the
message.
Test 6 – Speaking Marking schemes
Communication Strategies
Initiates maintains and ends
turns.
Uses repair strategies
(clarification, circumlocution)
where necessary.
Uses appropriate register and
intonation.
Initiates maintains and ends
turns satisfactorily although not
always smoothly.
Evidence of ability to use repair
strategies (clarification,
circumlocution) although not
always applied.
Uses appropriate register.
Generally, fails to initiate
maintain and end turns
satisfactorily.
Does not use repair strategies
(clarification, circumlocution).
Uses inappropriate register.
Page 79
Task One
Dear Sir or Madam,

I am writing to ask you for some information about Alicante.

First of all I would like some general information about the city and the area around it;
for example some information about local travel and the cost. Are there other towns
nearby which are worth visiting?

I would also like to know if there are any special events or festivals happening during the
time I am in Alicante. Could you please give me details of the venues, the prices and
when they take place.

I am coming to Alicante with a friend and we both enjoy sports activities such as
windsurfing, climbing and walking. I would be grateful if you could send me
information about the opportunities for taking part in these activities. Are there local
beaches which do not have many tourists? If so please send me details. We both also
like live music so a guide to local clubs and discos would be appreciated.

Thank you for your help.

Yours sincerely,
168 words

Task Two
1. An Article

Approaching the European Union? – Life in Central & Eastern Europe Today

Walking in the centre of Budapest, capital city of Hungary, one of the new members of
the EU you can see the colourful mixture of poverty and richness, heavy burdens and
mixed blessings of a partly Asian, partly European, partly Stalinist tradition.

Hungary – similarly to many others in the area - today is a changing country. After forty
years of a Soviet type economic structure followed by the radical changes towards a
modern economy, they all have to go through difficult phases.

But the most difficult change seems to be the way of thinking. Generations had been
brought up without the real experience of democracy, the possibility of thinking
speaking or acting freely, without the slightest possibility of changing their own lives or
fulfilling their dreams. Even travelling to Western countries was very limited.

On the other hand the rich European cultural tradition of these countries is also a strong
component that helps them to catch up with the luckier parts of the continent.

Is there a hope for today’s generation to enjoy the blessings of a Common Europe?
Hopefully yes. But no doubt there is a long road ahead.

190 words

2. A report

Dear Councilor,

I am writing on behalf of the local residents’ committee to express some of our views
regarding the proposed new shopping centre in our area. I have listed the advantages and
disadvantages we feel are important.

As for the positive side of the project the development will bring new jobs into the area
and this will be a good thing for local people. The shopping centre will also provide a
good service for the local community. Another advantage is that there will be
opportunities for some small local businesses to rent space in the new centre.

On the other hand there will be a lot of disruption during building including a lot of
heavy construction traffic on the local roads. We wish to know if new roads will be built
as part of the project. Another issue we have is the effect on the local environment. We
live in a quiet part of the countryside and we are concerned that the new development
will spoil the beautiful countryside around us.

I hope we will have the opportunity to meet to discuss these issues in the near future.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Yours sincerely,

Chairperson Local Residents’ Committee

202 words

3. A composition
The place I would most like to visit is The USA. There are several reasons for this but
the most important for me is music. I love all kinds of music and The USA has
everything.

I would not spend time looking at famous buildings, but I would do a musical tour of
Louisiana in the Deep South., because I am fascinated by the different cultural influences
that American music incorporates.

First of all I’d go to New Orleans, because this amazing city has traditional jazz and blues
influenced by African Americans. After that I’d visit other parts of Louisiana, where
there is Cajun, Creole and Zydeco music influenced by the French settlers and as well as
many other styles.

I would visit as many places as possible, and make a photographic record of all the
musicians I had seen and publish it on the web for people to see. Most live music is at
night and during the day I would find out as much as I could about the local music scene
and where the music originally came from.

I think many people would find my photos and notes interesting so I wish I could realize
that plan.

200words