Exam Preparation 1 • READING
Multiple-choice short texts
3 steps to … answering multiple-choice
questions
1 First, read the text carefully and think where
this text would appear and what its purpose is.
2 Then read the question and the three options.
Is the question asking about the main
message (What is … about?), the purpose
(often using Why …?) or a detail in the text?
3 Compare the options with the text and
choose an answer.
1 Read the tip and follow the instructions
to complete the task in exercise 2.
2 Read the texts and choose the correct
answer (A–C).
1 What does the advert say?
SPECIAL
OFFERS
20% off all games consoles
Buy one get one free on all games
Free app when you spend over £100
Buy online or in store.
Offers end 6th August.
A The store is offering all games for free.
B You can buy two games for the price
of one.
C You can get 20% off everything online.
2 Why has Tasha written the text message?
Tilly, what do you think of these sandals I’m
trying on? I attached a photo. Do they suit
me? Thanks. Tasha
A To find out if her friend likes sandals.
B To ask for her friend’s opinion.
C To recommend the sandals.
3 What is the email about?
From: Toby
To: James
I was just watching TV and I saw that
Dr Who is back. Would you like to come to
my house tomorrow night? It’ll be cool to
watch it together. I can buy some pizza,
too. Hope you can make it.
A Inviting a friend to spend the evening
together.
B Giving information about a TV series.
C Offering to cook a meal for a friend.
4 What does the notice say about the
computers?
Computers in the library
Please note: these computers are free to
use for all students from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Please use them for schoolwork only.
Social media and computer games are not
allowed.
A Students have to pay to use the
computers.
B The computers are available at all times.
C The computers are only for studying.
5 What does the blogger say about the
Rubik’s Cube?
When I was growing up, the Rubik’s
Cube was a real craze. People used to
spend hours trying to complete it. Others
practised continuously, so they learned
how to do it in record time. Do you know
anyone who can still do it?
A It always takes a long time to complete.
B She used to be able to complete it.
C It was very popular at one time.
PHOTOCOPIABLE © OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS
Exam Preparation 2 • READING
Multiple-choice long text

3 steps to … answering multiple-choice

questions
1 Read the question and the three options
carefully and eliminate the two wrong
My time
answers.
2 Wrong answers sometimes give information
that may be true but is not in the text.
3 Wrong answers sometimes use words that
are in the text but don’t answer the question.

1 Read the tip and follow the instructions to

complete the task in exercise 2.

2 Read the texts and choose the correct

answer (A–C).
1 What does Alicia say about her mum?
A She doesn’t want her to write blogs.
B She doesn’t let her stay online for
too long.
C She doesn’t allow her to use her laptop
in the evenings.
2 Where does Alicia write?
A at school
B inside and outside
C only in her bedroom
3 What does Alicia want to do in the future?
A follow other bloggers
B be a famous actor
C continue her blog
4 How are tae kwon do and karate similar?
A They both come from Korea.
B They are both Olympic sports.
C They both use the legs.
5 What are the main principles of
tae kwon do?
A respect and control
B fighting, respect and control
C respect only
6 What does Joshua do after school?
A He watches videos with his friends.
B He practises tae kwon do with his
teacher.
C He looks at videos of himself to learn.
In my free time I write a blog for teenagers, so I spend
a lot of time online. My mum puts a limit on how long
I can spend online though, because she wants me to
spend more time thinking about school. She bans me
from using my laptop after 9.30 p.m. The good thing
about writing blogs is that I can do it anywhere – all
I need is my laptop. I often sit on the sofa in front of
the TV and just write. Sometimes I work in my room,
or even in the garden. After school, my friends often
invite me to the cinema, but I’m not into films and
it’s expensive. I can write my blog for free and maybe
in the future I’ll be a famous blogger with lots of
followers.
Alicia, 13
I love tae kwon do. It’s
a martial art from
Korea and it’s also
an Olympic sport.
It’s very similar to
karate.
Both of them have
kicking, but karate
focuses more on
hand movements
and tae kwon do
focuses more on leg
movements. Martial arts are not about fighting but
about respect and control. I do tae kwon do
at school on Thursdays at 3.30 p.m. Sometimes, after
school, my friends make videos of me and I watch
them at home alone to improve my technique. My
teacher says I’m quite good.
Joshua, 13

PHOTOCOPIABLE © OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS

 Exam Preparation 3 • READING
Multiple-choice long text
3 steps to … answering multiple-choice
questions
1 Read the incomplete half of sentences 1–5
(the ‘stem’) and options A–D.
2 Find the relevant paragraph. Remember,
the text may use synonyms (words with the
same meaning) for words in the stem or the
options.
3 Choose an option. Remember, an answer
may sound correct, but if it isn’t in the text, it
is probably wrong.
1 Read the tip and follow the instructions to
complete the task in exercise 2.
2 Read the text and choose the correct
answer (A–D).
1 Nowadays British people eat a cooked
breakfast …
A several times a week.
B only at the weekends.
C because it’s healthy.
D with their families.
British food: fact or fiction?
People say many bad things about British food, but are
they true?
‘Most people eat an English Breakfast’ – False.
A complete English breakfast of sausages, eggs, bacon
and toast is a traditional breakfast in the UK but it isn’t
very common these days. Some people have a cooked
breakfast on Saturday or Sunday, but most people
don’t have time for this during the week. Cereal and
fruit are popular nowadays because they’re fast and
easy for families, and also because many people want
to eat healthy food.
‘British people don’t cook very
much.’ – True. It’s true that
in Britain lunch is often a
light meal or sandwiches,
especially during the
week when people are working. Children also take
sandwiches to school with a packet of crisps and some
2 An example of a packed lunch is …
A a packet of biscuits, a banana and
some crisps.
B a cheese sandwich, an apple and a
packet of crisps.
C sausage, bacon and eggs.
D a bacon sandwich, a cheese sandwich
and an egg sandwich.
3 Today, British people cook …
A more at lunch time.
B more than in 1980.
C less than in 1980.
D more than their parents.
4 One of the most popular dishes in the
UK is …
A the English breakfast.
B fish and chips.
C sandwiches.
D curry.
5 Young people in Britain enjoy …
A eating crisps as a snack.
B making their own food.
C drinking tea with milk.
D eating out in restaurants.
fruit, in what is called
a ‘packed lunch’. The
average time people spend cooking in the evening is
now only 34 minutes. Compare this to people cooking
for an hour in 1980!
‘British food is boring.’ – False. People from many
different cultures live in the UK so British people also
love food from other countries. One of the country’s
favourite dishes is curry! Eating out isn’t cheap, but
there’s a fantastic choice of different restaurants.
Indian, Chinese and Italian restaurants are common.
Snacks and fast food, like burgers and pizza, are
cheaper and popular with teenagers. British teenagers
eat over three billion packets of crisps each year!
‘The British drink a lot of tea.’ – True. In Britain, drinks like
caffè latte, cappuccino and espresso are all popular,
but tea with milk is the UK’s most popular drink. British
people usually have four or five cups every day.
PHOTOCOPIABLE © OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS
Exam Preparation 4 • READING
Matching
3 steps to … answering matching
questions
1 Read quickly to find the information you
need.
2 Read profiles 1–5. Then read the
information about the clubs (A–H), and
underline the information that matches or
is relevant.
3 Do not rely on matching individual words
as often the descriptions will use different
words which mean the same thing.
1 Read the tip and follow the instructions to
complete the task in exercise 2.
2 The people below are looking for clubs
to join. Read the information about the
people (1–5) and the clubs (A–H). Select
the best club for each person.
1 Dan loves being in the countryside.
He would like the chance to learn
more about the environment.
2 Lucy is an excellent chess player.
She is also very competitive. When
she was ten, she won Young Player
of the Year in her region. She would
like to continue with chess and
perhaps share her knowledge with
other young people.
Max plays the piano and the guitar,
3 the park. We think this will make a big difference to
but he likes acting, too. He has
never been in a play or a musical,
but would love the chance to do so.
He loves the idea of being on stage.
4 Jenny is creative and enjoys singing.
She wants to take up a hobby that
she can do for fun with a group of
other people. She has no interest in
performing.
5 Ben is excellent at art and would like
to use his skills to help local people.
He’d love to work outside and meet
new people.
A
Clubs
Want to learn how to take amazing
photographs? Then come to the Camera
Club and find out the necessary skills. We
meet every Saturday morning at the café in
the park. Each month we hold a competition for the best
photo. We also regularly visit exhibitions and galleries.
B Do you know how to play a game well? Would you
like to share your skills with others? GameShare is
a friendly club for 11–16-year-olds keen to learn or
teach others how to play different games. We have
monthly competitions, and some players go on to
play at a national and even international level.
C Do you dream of being a star?
We are
Would you like to try something new?
com pan y look ing for youn g and
a new theatre
orm ers for our next show . No
talented perf
e next
experience required. Auditions take plac
week. Bring your friends!
D If you want to do fun things and meet new friends, this
club is for you. We meet twice a week in the sports club.
We organize team sports including football,
basketball and volleyball for people of all ages
and abilities. If you prefer relaxing, there is
also a café and a computer games club.
E Are you tired of the usual sports?
Why not try something different?
We are an active group of people
who like being outdoors. Every
month we do a different activity
such as rock climbing or bungee jumping. All
our instructors are highly qualified.
F As part of our project to improve the area around
the music club, we are starting a new graffiti wall in
the community. We’re looking for artistic volunteers
to help with this project. If you’re interested, please
contact us through our website.
G Come along to our new club if you enjoy looking at e
nature and being outdoors. Every Sunday, we organiz
walks around the local area and once a month we
go on a longer trip to the mountains or lakes. We
also hold regular talks and invite speakers including
scientists and animal specialists.
H Are you musical? Would you like to learn
a new instrument or perhaps join a choir?
Why don’t you come to the Music Centre?
You can take music exams or simply play
for fun. Join our orchestra or the rock
band if you want to.
PHOTOCOPIABLE © OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS
Exam Preparation 5 • READING
Open gapfill

3 steps to … answering open gapfill questions

1 Read the words on either side of the gap to get an idea of the context.
2 Try to identify what kind of word is missing, e.g. pronoun, preposition, verb.
3 When you have completed your answers, read through the whole text to
check that it makes sense.

1 Read the tip and then look at sentences 1–5. Match the types of words
(A–E) with the gaps.
A verb B article C pronoun
D adverb E preposition

1 Are you interested the future of technology?

2 One day, all cars will electric.
3 I met my friends yesterday and went to the mobile phone shop
together.
4 They have invented robot that can serve food.
5 You did very in your science test; you got 99%.

2 Now identify the missing words in exercise 1.

3 Read the text and write the word which best fits each gap. Use only one
word in each gap.

Teenagers of the future

Imagine this. You wake up tomorrow morning to the
smell of toast. A robot (1) serving
you breakfast in bed. The robot tells you that it’s
eight o’clock on Sunday 4th of February 2035. You
can stay in bed and there are no appointments
(2) tomorrow. Is this what life will
be like for teenagers of the future? Or will teenagers
still want to hang out with their friends, be interested
in fashion and music and want to have fun? Will
it be the things around them that change, not the
teenagers themselves? Well, let’s first take a look
at fashion. I predict (3) by 2035, it
will be possible for us to design and make our own
clothes on 3D printers. We will just decide what we
want to wear and then press print. Teenagers will
wear more original and wonderful clothes as they let their imagination fly. And what about music? Instead
(4) downloading music, teenagers of the future will stream ‘live’ gigs with artists performing
as holographs in their bedrooms. Computer games will also use holographs to make the gaming world feel
(5) a ‘real’ experience. Will teenagers ever leave home again? And let’s not forget phones!
Phones are already a huge part of our lives. Soon we’ll be able (6) organize most of our life
from our phone. So, these are my predictions. Do you agree? What are yours?

PHOTOCOPIABLE © OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS

Exam Preparation 6 • READING
Gapped text

3 steps to … completing gapped 1 Read the tip and follow the instructions to complete the
texts task in exercise 2.

1 Before you answer, read the text

2 Read the text. There are five sentences missing.
and decide what each paragraph
is about. Read sentences A–F
and match them to 1–5. Match
the easiest sentences first.
2 Remember you don’t need one
of sentences A–F. Find the
sentence which doesn’t have
a logical connection to the text
before or after it. Eliminate the
sentence you don’t need.
3 Read the complete paragraphs to
check they make sense.
Choose from sentences A–F and write the correct
letter. There is one extra sentence which you do
not need.
A You can enjoy watching Hollywood films in comfortable
seats for a very low price.
B There’s an amusement park with amazing rides.
C From some rooms you can see the spectacular Sierra
Nevada mountain range.
D And if you like going bowling, you are in the right place.
E It’s the biggest casino in Reno.
F If you like food, there are ten restaurants in the hotel.

THE GRAND
SIERRA RESORT

The Grand Sierra Resort, which is in the city of
Reno, USA, is more than just a hotel. It’s actually
like a little town! The hotel is huge. It has almost
2,000 rooms, and many of them have great views
of central Reno. (1)
(2) In these you can choose to eat very
cheaply or have a very expensive meal. If you don’t
like burgers, you can eat Mexican, Asian or Italian
food.
In terms of entertainment, the Grand Sierra Resort
offers it all – you can do anything you feel like.
(3) The most popular ride is the Sling Shot,
which throws people into the air at over 100
kilometres per hour! But if you fancy peace and
quiet, there’s a soft, sandy beach and a huge
swimming pool where you can chill out and
sunbathe.
If you like films, the Grand Sierra cinema offers
good value. (4) For video gamers, there’s Fun
Quest – perhaps the largest game arcade you’ll
ever see. (5) The Grand Sierra Resort has the
biggest bowling alley in Reno.
The Grand Sierra Resort has everything you want –
and more!

PHOTOCOPIABLE © OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS

Exam Preparation 7 • READING
Multiple-choice gapfill
3 Read the text about Barry Comprehensive
3 steps to … answering multiple-choice
School and complete each gap (1–6) with
gapfill questions
the correct answer (A–C). There is an
1 Read the whole text first, ignoring the example given.
gaps, to get a general understanding.
2 Read the whole of each sentence before
you choose the answer. Barry Comprehensive School
3 Check your answers carefully. Make sure
Barry Comprehensive School is a secondary
that you are using the correct grammar
school in a small town in South Wales. It’s (0)
(singular or plural, verb tense, etc.).
B 45 years old, so the building is (1)
modern. There are about 1,500 students at
1 Read the tip and follow the instructions.
the school. They start at the school when they
What is the best title for the text below? are eleven and leave when they are sixteen
A Welsh villages and their problems or eighteen. (2) of the students are
B A Welsh schoolboy boys because there aren’t any girls in Years
C Transport in Wales 7–11. Girls (3) come to the school when
2 Now choose the best word (A–C) to
they reach Year 12, but before that, they go
to the local girls’ school. The boys in the
complete each gap in the sentences
lower years have to wear a uniform (4)
(1–3). There is an example given.
is a green sweatshirt and black trousers. The
Gethin has been at Barry Comprehensive older pupils don’t have to wear a uniform.
School in South Wales (0) A five The school is a comprehensive, (5) it’s
years. His brother used to go to the for students of all abilities. Most students live
school, but he has left now and works in the town or in the local villages. They walk
with their father (1) a builder. to school or they come by bus. Sport is very
Gethin’s family lives in a village and he important at Barry Comprehensive. There are
catches the bus to school (2) rugby, cricket, basketball and football teams
day. The journey is long. It (3) that play (6) other local schools.
about an hour, but
Gethin enjoys it
because he
travels with his
friends.

0 A for B just C since 0 A already B only C yet

1 A than B as C at 1 A little B quite C bit
2 A single B all C every 2 A Few B Other C Most
3 A took B takes C has taken 3 A can B should C would
4 A who B what C which
5 A too B while C so
6 A off B against C through

PHOTOCOPIABLE © OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS

Exam Preparation 8 • READING
Multiple-choice gapfill

3 steps to … answering multiple-choice gapfill questions

1 Before you look at the four options, think about what the missing word might be.
2 Then look at the options and see if your original idea is there.
3 When you have chosen your answers, read through the whole text to check
that it makes sense.

1 Read the tip. Follow the instructions and complete each gap in the
paragraph (1–3) with the correct answer (A–D). There is an example given.

Meghan Markle
Meghan Markle grew up in California. (0) B she was studying at university,
she began acting in TV programmes and in films. From 2011 to 2017, she played
her most famous role as Rachel Zane (1) the legal drama series Suits.
In 2016, she met Prince Harry, (2) at the time was fifth in line to the
throne. They fell in love and in 2018 they got married.
Meghan has done a (3) amount of humanitarian work and has represented
international charity organizations.

0 A During B While C Unless D Around

1 A in B at C as D by
2 A whose B which C how D who
3 A similar B various C different D huge

2 Read the text about Princess Eugenie and complete each gap (1–6) with
the correct answer (A–D). There is an example given.

Princess Eugenie
Princess Eugenie is a member of the British Royal Family. She is the youngest
daughter of Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson, but her parents separated a long
time (0) B . Eugenie’s older sister is called Beatrice and the two of them are
Prince William and Harry’s cousins. This (1) of course that their grandmother
is the Queen.
Eugenie attended Newcastle University (2) she studied Art History, English
Literature and Politics. She completed her studies in 2012 and then, in 2013, she
moved to New York City and worked with a charity. In 2015, she moved back to
London and joined an art gallery. Then, in 2018, she married Jack Brooksbank.
Their wedding took (3) at Windsor Castle.
Today, Eugenie and her husband live in a cottage at Kensington Palace. It’s a
beautiful and very expensive (4) in central London and is not far from
Buckingham Palace. Eugenie (5) has to do any official royal duties because
the other members of the royal family are more important than she is. (6) she
still does a lot of work with different organizations including children’s charities.

0 A since B ago C yet D already

1 A admits B lets C means D allows
2 A who B what C which D where
3 A off B rarely C place D away
4 A location B scenery C background D sightseeing
5 A rarely B rather C reasonably D really
6 A Next B However C Like D Despite

PHOTOCOPIABLE © OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS

Exam Preparation 9 • READING
Multiple choice

3 steps to … answering multiple-choice A B

questions
1 Read the three texts quickly first to get an
idea of what they are about.
2 Then read the multiple-choice questions and
try to answer them from memory.
3 Find the part of the text that has the C
information and check your answers.

School trips with a difference

Jed: Last month I was in
1 Edinburgh with my class
and we went on the ‘City
of the Dead’ tour. The tour
included walking through
dark tunnels under the
city. I expected the tour
to be scary and I was right
because our guide told
us tales of famous ghosts
and at the end, a man
jumped out and everybody
screamed. I also found out
a lot about history on this
trip. The guide gave us a lot
of interesting information
about Edinburgh. I like
history and scary things so
I wasn’t disappointed.
Karen: Last summer we visited Stonehenge, which is a circle of giant
2 stones in the south of England. Before the trip, I borrowed a book from
the library about the site. The problem was the book was boring, so I
didn’t read it and I didn’t search online. Luckily, at Stonehenge I had an
audio guide which told me interesting facts about the history of the site.
The stones are huge and they’re over 2,000 years old, but nobody knows
why they are there. Some people think it was a religious site or something
to do with the sun. Other people think aliens left the stones! It’s a mystery!
Billy: Last week we went to London. In the morning, we went to the
3 Victoria and Albert Museum. We had a tour, but the guide was a bit
boring. I preferred walking around the displays afterwards. After lunch,
we went on the London Dungeon Tour. That was more interesting. Actors
in historical costumes told us stories about people like Jack the Ripper,
who killed a lot of people in the 19th century. We also found out about
King Henry VIII from the 15th century who killed two of his six wives. It
was crowded because the dungeon is popular with tourists, but I enjoyed
the tour. I’m not usually a fan of history, but now I’m keen to know more.
I’m going to ask my history teacher for more trips like this.

1 Read the tip and the text quickly. Match
texts 1–3 with the photos of places (A–C).
2 Read the text about school trips and
choose the correct answers (A–C).
1 What happened during Jed’s tour?
A They saw a ghost.
B They heard lots of ghost stories.
C They had a tour of Edinburgh’s streets.
2 What did Jed feel about the tour?
A He was surprised how much he learned.
B He thought it was disappointing.
C He disliked the historical part of the tour.
3 How did Karen learn about Stonehenge?
A She read a book about the subject.
B She found some interesting websites.
C She listened to some information
during the trip.
4 What does she say about Stonehenge?
A There are different stories which explain the
purpose of the stones.
B It looks better in sunlight.
C People have no idea how old the stones are.
5 What did Billy think of the museum?
A He thought it was dull.
B He enjoyed part of the visit.
C He learned a lot from the guide.
6 What is true about the visit to the London
Dungeon?
A Tourists dressed up as famous murderers.
B There weren’t a lot of people there.
C The guides gave historical facts.
7 How does Billy feel after his trip?
A He never wants to study history again.
B He’s more interested in history than he was
before.
C He’s thinking about becoming a history
teacher.

PHOTOCOPIABLE © OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS

Exam Preparation 10 • READING
Word formation

3 steps to … answering word-formation questions

1 Read the text quickly to get a general idea of what it is about and
then read it again more slowly, focusing on the gaps.
2 Think about what kind of word is missing (noun, adjective, etc.).
Look at the words before and after each gap to help you.
3 When you have finished, read through the text again to check
that it makes sense.

1 Read the tip and follow the instructions. 3 Read the text below. Use the word in
Look at the text below and decide whether capitals at the end of the line to form a word
each gap (1–3) is a noun (singular or plural), that fits in the gap (1–7) in the same line.
an adjective, or an adverb. There is an There is an example given.
example given.
0 = adjective A lively place to eat
If you’re a (0) visitor to VISIT
A quiet meal for two Bangkok and you want a quiet meal in
Solo per Due – or ‘Just for Two’ – is one a small, family restaurant, the
of the (0) smallest restaurants in SMALL Royal Dragon is probably the
the world. (1) place you can BAD
go. According to the Guinness World
The restaurant is in Italy, has only one
Records, it’s the largest restaurant
table and takes only two guests at a time.
in the world. It employs about 1,000
The restaurant is situated in a historical
(1) . In its grounds LOCATE members of staff and can serve food
are the ruins of a Roman villa, which to 5,000 (2) at the CUSTOM
people believe belonged to the Latin same time. The Royal Dragon is a
poet Horace. Guests can choose to sit wonderful seafood restaurant, but
outside and enjoy the (2) BEAUTY it also serves (3) TRADITION
scenery, which includes a view of olive Chinese, Japanese and Korean dishes.
groves and vineyards, or they can eat in In addition, you can find some
the dining room. (4) food on the menu. EUROPE
And because there are only two guests, Every evening, there is some form of
the waiters can (3) give EASY (5) , including Thai ENTERTAIN
you their full attention. music and dancing. The waiters are
also very (6) to watch INTEREST
because they wear roller skates so that
they can bring the food to the tables
without delay! The staff in the kitchen
have to work (7) , QUICK
too. When they aren’t preparing
food, there are 25,000 plates to wash
every day!

2 Now use the word in capitals at the end of

the line to form a word that fits in the gap
(1–3) in the same line. There is an example
given.

PHOTOCOPIABLE © OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS

Exam Preparation 11 • READING
Key word transformation

3 steps to … answering key word transformation questions

1 Read the sentences and the given word and think carefully about the
structure you need to change.
2 When you have finished, read the completed sentences carefully.
Make sure that you have made all the necessary changes and that the
meaning is the same as in the first sentence.
3 Do not leave out any of the answers. If you are not sure, make a guess.

1 Read the tip and then look at sentences

1 and 2 and match them with the structures
A–C.
A Change the comparative from positive to
negative.
B Change the comparative to the superlative.

C Change the meaning of an adjective to its

opposite. O

0 It isn’t hot enough to go to the beach. TOO

It’s too cold to go to the beach.
1 I can run faster than my sister. AS
My sister can’t run me.
2 Lucy is more intelligent than any other
student in the class. THE
Lucy is student in
the class.

2 Now complete the second sentence so that it has a similar meaning

to the first sentence, using the word in capitals. Do not change the
word given. Use between two and five words, including the word
given. There is an example given.

3 Complete the second sentence in 1–6 below so that it has a similar

meaning to the first sentence, using the word in capitals. Do not
change the word given. Use between two and five words, including
the word given.
1 I’m too short to reach the top shelf. ENOUGH
I’m to reach the top shelf.
2 Today is the wettest day in June. THAN
Today is all the other days in June.
3 When I was small, I liked playing in the park. USED
I in the park when I was small.
4 This exam is easier than I thought. DIFFICULT
This exam isn’t I thought.
5 It’s necessary to do my homework tonight. HAVE
I my homework tonight.
6 This is the first time I have ever visited Paris. NEVER
I Paris before.

PHOTOCOPIABLE © OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS

Exam Preparation 12 • READING
Title matching
3 steps to … answering title-matching
questions
1 Read each paragraph to get a general
idea of what it is about. Summarize it in
your own words.
2 Look at the list of headings and see if your
idea matches with any of them. Choose
the best option.
3 When you have finished, check that the
extra heading does not match any of the
paragraphs.
1 Read the tip and then read the paragraph
below. Choose the best heading (A–C).
A Singing and dancing for fun
B Activities for very young children
C Learning different performance skills
The Drama Club meets on Saturday
ents
mornings for three hours of fun. Stud
are divided into two age grou ps: 12–15
and 16–18. During the morning,
students learn dance,
singing and acting.
There is a show every
term and most students
take exams.
2 Read the leaflet advertising school clubs.
Choose the best title for each paragraph
from A–F below. There is one title you
don’t need.
A Create your own original style
B Practise energetic exercise outdoors
C Compete in groups and have fun
D Join a band and perform
E Combining music and energy
F Learn, practise and win prizes
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 5
This year we have an exciting selection of the
latest clubs for students to choose from.
Read about them here:
Paragraph 1
Board games are fun and competitive, but sometimes
it’s difficult to find enough people to play them. That’s
why we have started a new board game club. The
club takes place in Room 10 on Tuesday after school
from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. We have all the favourite games
including Scrabble, Cluedo, Monopoly and Trivial Pursuit.
However, please feel free to bring your own.
Paragraph 2
Cheerleading is an exciting new club which takes
place on Mondays at five o’clock in the hall. The club
welcomes boys and girls. Experienced cheerleaders
teach you how to dance and sing as well as simple
gymnastics. It’s fast! It’s fun! It keeps you fit!
Paragraph 3
Freerunning has been popular for many years now. It’s
a great way to keep fit, but you can also learn how to
move with speed and style. The new club is run by a
skilled and experienced freerunner. It meets in the park
on Saturday mornings. There is the chance to practise
freerunning both in the park and around town.
Paragraph 4
The Fashion Club focuses on designing and making
original clothes. There are opportunities to upcycle
second-hand clothes and also to make new clothes. At
the end of the year there will be a fashion show. The
club meets every Friday from 4.30 to 6.
Paragraph 5
The Photography Club meets on Thursday lunchtimes
in Room 12. An experienced photographer will teach
you how to take brilliant photos. There are regular trips
to local parks and places of interest where you can
practise your skills and we hold a competition every
month for the best photo.
PHOTOCOPIABLE © OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS
Exam Preparation 13 • READING
Completing sentences

3 steps to … answering completing

sentences questions
1 Read the text and make sure you understand
what it is about.
2 Look carefully at the gapped sentences and
see if you can guess the missing words.
3 Look back at the text and see if your ideas
are there. Find the relevant words and
complete the sentences. Remember, you do
not need to change the words.

1 Read the tip and follow the instructions to VOTES FOR WOMEN!
complete the task in exercise 2.

2 Read the text and complete sentences 1–5 E mmeline Goulding was born on 15 July
1858, in Manchester, England. She
had five younger sisters and she loved
with an exact word, phrase or number from
reading. When she was 15, she went to
the text (maximum three words). Paris to study. She came back to Britain
1 When Emmeline Goulding was fifteen, she and in 1878 she met Richard Pankhurst.
travelled to for her education. They got married in 1879 and had five
2 Emmeline and her husband, Richard, children together.
agreed that all women should be able to In Britain, at that time, women didn’t have
. the right to vote. Richard and Emmeline
3 Emmeline and her daughters organized wanted all women to have the vote
meetings and sent to political and together they helped organize the
‘Women’s Franchise League’, dedicated to
figures.
voting rights for all women. When Richard
4 The women became known as suffragettes died in 1898, Emmeline continued fighting
and took part in in different for women’s rights.
parts of the country.
In 1903, Emmeline and her daughters
5 A few weeks after Emmeline died, women
started the ‘Women’s Social and Political
finally won the same as men. Union’. The group organized meetings and
gave speeches. They wrote articles and
letters to newspapers and politicians asking
for democratic voting rights for all men and
women. This was called ‘universal suffrage’
and people called the women ‘suffragettes’.
In 1905, the suffragettes became more
active. They travelled around the country
and took part in demonstrations. In
1918, after the First World War, the
‘Representation of the People Act’ gave
votes to all men over the age of 21 and
women over the age of 30.
In 1928, the British government finally
gave equal voting rights to men and
women. Sadly, Emmeline Pankhurst died a
few weeks earlier. Many people consider
winning the right to vote as the most
important feminist achievement.

PHOTOCOPIABLE © OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS

Exam Preparation 14 • READING
Selecting the true statements
3 steps to … answering true statements
questions
1 Read the text and make sure you understand
what it is about.
2 Look carefully at the statements. Compare
the meaning of the sentence with the text
and decide if it is true.
3 Remember that you may think a statement is
true, but if it isn’t stated in the text, it cannot
be correct.
1 Read the tip and follow the instructions to
complete the task in exercise 2.
2 Read the text and choose the five statements
from A–H that are TRUE according to the
information given in the text.
A Folk music came to the USA with people
from Europe.
B Country and western music was popular in
the USA before folk music appeared.
C Berry Gordy left his job in a car factory to be
a famous singer.
D DJs in New York were the first to create the
idea of rapping.
E Rap artists talked about important subjects
in their songs.
F Hip hop became internationally famous in
the 1980s.
G Grunge rock and heavy metal music
developed into punk rock.
H Grunge bands were interested in fashion.
USA – A MUSIC
CITY TOUR
During the 1800s, immigrants from Eastern
Europe made their homes in the southern state
of Tennessee. They brought folk music with
them, and sang songs about their lives in this
new country. This developed into country and
western music. Because of this, people consider
Nashville (Tennessee’s capital) the home of
country and western.
Detroit, Michigan, in the north-east of the USA,
was once famous because of its car factories.
People called it ‘Motor City’. In 1959, a
songwriter called Berry Gordy left his job at
one of the factories and started a record label
called Motown Records. They made pop songs
that were fun and easy to remember. They
signed many brilliant African-American artists
including the Supremes, Marvin Gaye and
Stevie Wonder.
In the 1970s, hip hop developed on the north-
east coast of the USA, in the Bronx area of
New York. DJs began to talk over songs. They
called this ‘MC-ing’, or ‘rapping’. The words of
rap songs were often about social problems. In
the 1980s, hip hop became popular all over
the world.
Around 1990, grunge rock began in Seattle, on
the north-west coast of the USA. Grunge rock
developed from punk rock and heavy metal.
The bands dressed in ‘anti-fashion’ clothes and
played loud guitars. Their songs were often
very negative. Nirvana was the most successful
grunge rock band, and it became even more
popular after its singer, Kurt Cobain, died
in 1994.
PHOTOCOPIABLE © OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS
Exam Preparation 15 • READING
Multiple matching
3 steps to … answering multiple-matching
questions
1 Read all of the texts to get a good idea
of what each is about and what the main
message is.
2 Read the questions carefully. Don’t choose
an answer simply because one word is the
same.
3 Match the questions with the texts and check
your answers. Remember that some texts
can match more than one question.
1 Read the tip and follow the instructions to
complete the task in exercise 2.
2 Read the adverts A–D and the questions
1–5. Decide which advert each question
refers to. You can use any letter more than
once.
Which text …
1 suggests discussion helps creativity?
2 explains that an activity will appeal to people
with different ambitions?
3 advises people to be prepared for a difficult
task?
4 describes a daily routine?
5 says that previous knowledge is necessary?
Text A
FASHION WEEKEND
This is a brilliant opportunity for
anyone interested in the creative
world of fashion. Spend three
days in Madrid with top teenage
designers. See models wearing
the latest fashions. Have the
chance to walk down the
catwalk and find out what it’s like. Whether you’re
interested in being a fashion designer or being a
model or you simply want to find out about the latest
fashion, this trip is for you.
Text B
Are you fit enough to spend five days
in a forest? Are you brave enough
to sleep beneath the stars? On this
challenging trip you will learn how to
make a fire and a shelter and to find
food. This trip is not for the nervous
or for people who have no
experience of outdoor living.
Bring your own sleeping bag
and suitable clothes. We
provide the rest.
Text C
AN IM AL FAR M
Spend a week on a farm, have fun and learn about
animals. You don’t need any previous experience
or special skills as we will teach you everything.
We only ask that you love animals. Begin the
day early milking the cows at 6.00 a.m. Later in
the morning you will feed the animals, including
goats and chickens. We also have horses and if
you are over fourteen you can ride them. No need
for experience; a trained instructor is here for
beginners.
Text D
Writing
Courses
Do you enjoy writing? Is your ambition to write
a novel? We are a small group of young people
at
aged 12–16 who meet every Saturday morning
Redlands Library from 10.30 to 12.00. Each week
as
we talk about a different genre of writing, such
crime, science fictio n or litera ry fictio n. Then we
spend time writing our own stories, using the ideas
th
we have shared to improve our work. Once a mon
we invite a guest speaker. Gues ts have inclu ded
best-selling authors and editors.
PHOTOCOPIABLE © OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS
Exam Preparation 16 • READING
Multiple matching
3 steps to … answering multiple-matching
questions
1 Read the whole text first. What is each
paragraph about?
2 Read the sentences and then look back at
each paragraph. Decide which sentence
contains information from which paragraph.
3 Do not be distracted by the same word
repeated in a sentence and a paragraph.
Look at the complete meaning.
1 Read the tip and follow the instructions to
complete the task in exercise 2.
2 Read an article about capsule hotels in
Japan. For questions 1–10, choose from
the sections (A–D). The sections may be
chosen more than once.
Which paragraph …
1 states that outside Japan, some capsule
hotels have a different name?
2 explains how the room doesn’t have
everything you need inside it?
3 says that capsule hotels are popular with
people who want a simple place to stay?
4 mentions that people use capsule hotels
when they are working in different cities?
5 says that the rooms are for individual use
only?
6 explains how the bathroom is for you and
other people?
7 gives examples of personal things you need
to have with you?
8 describes the size of the rooms?
9 mentions when capsule hotels began?
10 says how much you usually have to pay?
A hotel room in
a capsule
A Acalled
capsule hotel is a hotel that has tiny rooms
‘capsules’. The capsules are very small –
about 2 metres long and 1.25 metres wide –
which means they are only sufficient for one
person. Capsule hotels are a cheap and basic
place to stay for people who don’t want to
pay the price of a normal hotel and who don’t
need the luxuries that hotels usually provide.
B The idea for capsule hotels started in Japan,
where the original one opened in 1979. This
was the Capsule Inn in the city of Osaka, which
was designed by Kisho Kurokawa. The idea
became popular and spread to other places.
Most capsule hotels in Japan are for men only.
They use them when they travel away from
home on business.
C One of the rules is that you must take off your
shoes before you enter the capsule. You have
to keep your shoes in lockers outside. You can’t
keep your suitcases in the room because there
isn’t space! You can’t eat in the rooms, but
some capsule hotels have a restaurant. Finally,
you must bring your own soap, shampoo
and toothpaste and share the bathroom with
others.
D Capsule hotels are getting more popular
around the world. China opened its first
capsule hotel in the city of Xi’an in 2012. They
cost less than €10 a night and are popular with
travellers. Other countries have similar hotels,
called ‘pod’ hotels, but these have larger rooms
and sometimes a private bathroom.
PHOTOCOPIABLE © OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS
Exam Preparation 17 • LISTENING
Multiple choice with pictures
1 Read the tip and follow the
3 steps to … answering multiple-choice questions
instructions to complete the task in
with pictures
exercise 2.
1 Before you listen, look at the sets of pictures. What can
2 e TRACK 1   Listen to four short you see? How are the pictures different in each set?
2 When you listen, eliminate the pictures that are not
dialogues. Choose the correct
correct.
answer (A, B or C).
3 Sometimes the correct answer is at the end, so
always listen to the end of the recording.

1 Which is Sara’s mobile phone?

A B C

2 Where is Maria’s games console?

A B C

3 Where are the keys?

A B C

4 Which is Joe’s living room?

A B C

PHOTOCOPIABLE © OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS

Exam Preparation 18 • LISTENING
Multiple choice
3 e TRACK 2   Now listen again and for
3 steps to … answering multiple-choice
questions
1 Before you listen, read the task and the
sentences carefully. Underline the key words.
2 During the first listening, listen out for words
and expressions that relate to the words that
you underlined. They may be a synonym
(a word with a similar meaning) or an
antonym (a word with an opposite meaning).
3 Listen again and choose your answers.
1 e TRACK 2   Read the tip and then listen to
five people talking about different trips they
have been on. Match the adjectives 1–5 with
words you hear that have a similar meaning
(synonyms). The first one has been done
for you.
synonym antonym
1 unsafe dangerous safe
Text 2
2 brilliant
Text 3
3 terrible
Text 4
4 great
Text 5
5 peaceful
2 Now think of words with opposite meanings
(antonyms) for each of the words above.
The first one has been suggested for you.
questions 1–5 choose the best answer
(A, B or C).
1 You hear a man talking about a trip to
Europe. What does he feel about it?
A It was lonely with no one to talk to.
B It was exciting, but not always safe.
C It was boring being on the same form of
transport.
2 You hear a woman talking about a journey to
the USA. What was the most difficult part of
her trip?
A the journey to Florida
B meeting her relative
C the journey home
3 You hear a man talking about a visit to
Spain. What does he say about the journey?
A It was too long.
B He was ill for part of the time.
C He drove for twenty hours.
4 You hear a woman talking about her
summer holiday. What did she do
differently?
A She drove instead of flying.
B She went to Italy instead of France.
C She travelled alone instead of with other
people.
5 You hear a man talking about travelling
to festivals. What does he say about the
experience?
A He likes camping on the way.
B He likes to get there as soon as possible.
C He likes it best when he is alone.
PHOTOCOPIABLE © OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS
Exam Preparation 19 • LISTENING
Gapfill

3 steps to … answering gapfill

questions ENVIRONMENTAL
SCIENCE FAIR
1 First, read the written information. Try to
predict the sort of information you need
to listen out for (e.g. a number, a day of
the week, a month, a location, etc.).
2 When you listen for the first time, follow Date of event: 6–9 (0) March
the written information and note down
any answers you can.
3 Listen carefully the second time to Location of event: The (1)
check or complete the answers. Your of Science and Industry
answers should be exactly as you
hear them and they need to be spelled
correctly.
Things to see:
New products and companies
1 Read the tip and then look at part of a
doing (2)
listening task. What kind of information Electric cars and bikes made from
do you think is missing from the recycled products
information about Joe’s week? How to turn (3) into
fuel
Saturday morning Insect farms
play (1) in the
(2)
Saturday afternoon
(3) or go to the cinema
(4)
do homework

2 e TRACK 3   Now listen and complete

the gaps. Check your answers to
exercise 1.

3 e TRACK 4   Now listen to some

information about a science fair.
Follow the instructions in the tip and
complete the gaps with the missing
information. An example has been
given.
Competitions:
Young Scientist of the Year:
turning dirty water into clean
Green Science: finding out about
energy and (4)

Tickets: Adults £(5)

Children under 16 FREE

PHOTOCOPIABLE © OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS

Exam Preparation 20 • LISTENING
Matching

3 steps to … answering matching questions

1 Read the task carefully and become familiar with the five names and
eight words you need to match.
2 Listen carefully for the names and the words in the task.
3 Remember that you will hear all of the eight words in the list, but that
three of them are not relevant. They are included as a distraction. Be
careful with your choice and think about the whole meaning of what is said.

Luke I love playing basketball, but my favourite sport is football. What

about you? Do you still play tennis?
Max Yes, but I prefer swimming. I usually go to the pool twice a week.
Luke Does Tess still go swimming?
Max No, she gave it up ages ago. She did hockey for a bit, but didn’t
really like it. Now she’s mad about gymnastics.

1 Read the tip and then read the 2 e TRACK 5   Now listen to Lucy talking to a
conversation between Luke and Max. friend about holiday activities. What activity
Match the names of the people (1–3) does each person like? Write a letter next to
with the sport A–F that they like best. each person.
There are three extra sports. People Activities
A swimming A sightseeing
1 Luke B hockey 1 Ben’s aunt B skiing
2 Max C gymnastics 2 Lucy’s grandad C fishing
3 Tess D basketball 3 Lucy D museums
E tennis 4 Lucy’s dad E shopping
F football 5 Ben F sailing
G swimming
H climbing

PHOTOCOPIABLE © OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS

Exam Preparation 21 • LISTENING
Multiple choice

3 steps to … answering multiple-choice questions

1 Read the questions quickly and underline the key words and phrases.
2 It is not necessary to understand every single word when you listen.
Focus on the key words, and use your general knowledge as well as
the context to find out the meaning of unfamiliar words.
3 Some questions will ask you what somebody thinks (opinion) or how
they feel (attitude). Listen carefully for words like think, believe, should,
might, feel and in my opinion.

1 e TRACK 6   Read the tip and then listen to
the first part of an interview with a careers
adviser. Choose the correct answer (A–C).
Which question asks about an opinion and
which about attitude?
1 How did Tulli feel before he left school?
A He was very excited.
B He was nervous and confused.
C He felt confident and happy.
2 What did his parents think about what he
wanted to do at first?
A They thought it was a good option.
B They thought it was a bad option.
C They didn’t have an opinion.
2 Listen to the rest of the interview and
choose the correct answer (A–C).
1 What happened to Tulli because of his exam
results?
A He had a gap year.
B He became a journalist.
C He didn’t get into college.
2 What is Tulli’s advice for students who can’t
go to university?
A To become careers advisers.
B To talk to a careers adviser.
C To do a career aptitude test.
3 Why did Tulli start writing a blog?
A Because he wanted to earn money.
B Because he thought people would like it.
C Because he wanted to share his
experiences.

PHOTOCOPIABLE © OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS

Exam Preparation 22 • LISTENING
Speaker-opinion identification

3 steps to … answering speaker-opinion identification questions

1 Before you listen, read the task and statements carefully.
2 Remember you are listening to identify people’s opinions, so listen out for
language such as: I think, In my view, In my opinion, I prefer, etc.
3 Listen to the whole of what the speakers say about each topic before making
a decision. Remember that they may agree and then you will write both.

1 Read the tip and then read the conversation below. Match the opinions
1–3 to the person who says them. Write Ben, Liz or both. Underline the
parts of the dialogue that help you decide the answers. An example is
given.
0 People must look after the environment. both
1 Ben is really good at art.
2 It’s hard to have a new idea.
3 They should work together.

Liz Have you entered the art competition? You have to design a poster
about saving the environment. In my view that’s so important.

Ben I agree, but I’m terrible at art.

Liz No, you aren’t. You’re so talented!

Ben Oh, well, thanks. But it’s too difficult to think of anything
original for this. You know loads about the environment.
You should enter. I’m sure you’d win.

Liz Hmm, I might have the ideas, but I’m not creative like you.
I know. I could think of something and you could draw it!

Ben Great idea.

2 e TRACK 7 You will hear two students, Sally and Jake, talking about a
design competition. Match the opinions 1–5 to the person who says them.
Write Sally, Jake or both. An example is given.
0 This year’s prize is superior to last year’s prize. Sally
1 The other designers aren’t as good as Sally.
2 Everyone loved the T-shirts Sally designed last year.
3 The clothes in the shops for women are disappointing.
4 Sally should design something for men.
5 Designing trainers would be a good idea.

PHOTOCOPIABLE © OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS

Exam Preparation 23 • LISTENING
Matching

3 steps to … answering matching questions

1 Read the task and the options carefully. Underline the key words.
2 Think of other ways of saying and describing the ideas you have underlined.
3 When you listen, you may hear the key words, but it doesn’t mean they are
the correct answer. Listen out for other ways of saying the same ideas.

1 Read the tip, then study sentences 1–6.
Match the underlined key words with the
similar ideas in A–F. There is an example
given.
1 We’re going to have a meal out. C
2 They’ll be sleeping in a tent.
3 We’ve been invited to a wedding.
4 I’m going to dance a lot.
5 He’s spending a lot of money on clothes.
6 He’s sick so he’s going to the doctor’s.
A going camping
B getting married
C going to a restaurant
D feeling ill
E going shopping
F being at a festival
2 e TRACK 8   You will hear five people
talking about a special event in their lives.
For speakers 1–5 choose the correct answer
(A–H). There are three extra answers you do
not need to use.
Speaker 1: Maria
Speaker 2: James
Speaker 3: Saffy
Speaker 4: Marcus
Speaker 5: Claire
A welcoming a new family member
B getting married
C meeting a famous person
D having an important birthday
E listening to the music they like best
F cooking for family and friends
G disliking what they have to wear
H succeeding for the first time

PHOTOCOPIABLE © OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS

Exam Preparation 24 • LISTENING
Sentence completion

3 steps to … completing sentences

1 Read the instructions carefully. They tell you how many words to
write in the gap.
2 Think about the type of word or information that you need to write.
Is it a number, a place, or something else?
3 Write an answer. Read the complete sentences. Check your
answers make sense.

1 Read the tip and follow the instructions to complete the task in
exercise 2.

2 e TRACK 9   Listen to a student talking about her school

subjects. Write the missing information in sentences 1–6.
Write no more than ONE word or a number for each gap.
1 This year Olivia is in year .
2 The subjects she has today are English, ICT, science, PE and
.
3 Science is her favourite subject and she enjoys working in the
.
4 The thing she doesn’t like is that she carries many large
.
5 She gets a lot of homework from her English teacher and she
does a for ICT every month.
6 She listens to music when she studies because it helps her to
on her homework.

PHOTOCOPIABLE © OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS

Exam Preparation 25 • WRITING
A short message

3 steps to … writing a short message

1 Read the task quickly. Note the person you’re writing to and the topic.
2 Make notes on the three points to include.
3 In your email, answer the three points clearly and concisely, and don’t
include anything else. Don’t forget to write at least 25 words.

1 Read the tip and follow the instructions to complete the task in
exercise 2.

2 It’s your birthday at the weekend and you’re going out with your
best friend, Tara. Write an email to her. In the email, you should:
• say what you’re planning to do and how you’re going to get there
• explain where and at what time you’re going to meet her
• check that those arrangements are OK with her.

Write your message (25 words or more).

PHOTOCOPIABLE © OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS

Exam Preparation 26 • WRITING
An email

3 steps to … writing an email

1 Read the email and take note of the three questions that you need
to answer.
2 Make sure you use the information in the email to respond to
the questions, but use your own words and add more detail to
the answers.
3 When you have finished writing, read your email carefully and check:
• that you have used the appropriate opening and closing
expressions
• that the tone of your email is friendly and informal
• that your ideas are divided into clear paragraphs
• grammar, spelling and punctuation.

1 Read the tip and follow the instructions to complete the task in
exercise 2.

2 You and your friend Sam are going on a school trip to France.
Read Sam’s email and write a reply (80–120 words).

Hi Marie,
I’m so excited about the trip to France!
I can’t wait until Friday. I’m not sure which
bag to take. Are you taking a suitcase or
just hand luggage? [Yes, give details.]
The weather forecast says that it’ll be sunny
all weekend. Should I just bring summer
clothes? [No, because …]
By the way, Jenny asked if she can sit next
to me on the plane, because she’s scared of
flying. Is that OK? [Fine …]
See you later.
Sam

PHOTOCOPIABLE © OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS

Exam Preparation 27 • WRITING
An opinion essay

3 steps to … writing an opinion essay

1 Read the task asking you to write an opinion essay. Note the
topic and the title of the essay.
2 Think of reasons for and against both sides of the argument.
Make notes and decide on your opinion.
3 Write your essay in a logical sequence: opening statement which
rephrases the question, one side of the argument, the other side
of the argument (your opinion) and conclusion.

1 Read the tip and follow the instructions to complete the task in
exercise 2.

2 Children are often prevented from bringing toys such as

Pokémon cards or Loom bracelets into school. Your teacher has
asked you to write an opinion essay. The title of the essay is:
‘Should children be allowed to play with the latest craze in the
school playground?’
Write an opinion essay (100–160 words).

PHOTOCOPIABLE © OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS

Exam Preparation 28 • WRITING
An essay

3 steps to … writing an essay

1 Read the task and decide which three things you are
going to write about.
2 Brainstorm ideas and make notes. Think of examples to
support your ideas.
3 Include an introduction, one paragraph for each idea, and
a conclusion summarizing the main points.

1 Read the tip and follow the instructions to complete the

task in exercise 2.

2 You have been learning about health and fitness in your

English class. Your teacher has asked you to write an
essay. The title of the essay is:
‘If you could change three things in society to make us
healthier, what would you change?’
Write an essay (100–160 words).

PHOTOCOPIABLE © OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS

Exam Preparation 29 • WRITING
A story

3 steps to … writing a story

1 Read the task. Then brainstorm ideas and
plan your story before you start writing.
2 Pay attention to the names and pronouns in
the sentence given and continue the story in
the same way.
3 Describe the events in the order that they
happened. Use time expressions and make
sure you have used the correct tenses.

1 Read the tip and then look at the task. Have

you ever been frightened? What situations
do you find frightening?

2 Brainstorm ideas for your story. Answer the

questions below.
• Where does your story take place?
• What is happening at the beginning of
the story?
• What is the sound? Why is it frightening?
• What happens next?
• Who are the characters?
• What happens at the end of the story?
Task
 our teacher has asked you to write a story.
Y
It must begin with the words:
‘Tom felt frightened. He remembered that noise
and he didn’t like it.’
Tom felt frightened. He remembered that noise and he
didn’t like it.

3 Make a list of time expressions that you

can use.

4 Make a list of adjectives that you can use.

PHOTOCOPIABLE © OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS

Exam Preparation 30 • WRITING
A review

3 steps to … writing a review

1 Read the advert and the instructions. Note the details you are
asked to include in your answer. These are often in the form of
questions.
2 Decide which website you are going to write about and think of
answers to the questions.
3 Organize your review into clear paragraphs. In the introduction,
give general information about the website. Write one
paragraph for each of the questions in the advert. Finish your
review with a summary or recommendation.

1 Read the tip and follow the instructions to complete the task
in exercise 2.

2 You have seen the following advert in an online magazine for

English language students. Write a review for the magazine
(100–160 words).

Write a review of a travel website which you use to

find out about places to visit, accommodation and
activities to do. What do you like about the website?
Why do you think it’s better than other websites?

We will print the best review

in next week’s magazine.

PHOTOCOPIABLE © OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS

Exam Preparation 31 • WRITING
An informal letter

3 steps to … writing an informal letter

1 Read the task carefully and identify the topic and the key
information you need to include in your response. Think of ideas
to answer the questions and take notes.
2 Before you start writing, think about the type of composition and
the register. Answer the following questions:
• Who are you writing to?
• Is the situation formal or informal?
• Are there any special requirements for this type of composition
(e.g. date and address, signature, etc.)?
• How do letters normally start and end?
3 Make sure you include a range of tenses, appropriate phrases
and varied vocabulary in your answer.

1 Read the tip and follow the instructions to

complete the task in exercise 2.

2 This is part of a letter you received from an

English-speaking friend:

For a school project, I have to write about three

things that people do in your country to help
the environment. Which three things should I
write about? What information should I include?

Write a letter to your friend (100 words).

PHOTOCOPIABLE © OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS

Exam Preparation 32 • WRITING
An article

3 steps to … writing an article

1 Remember that what you write doesn’t have to be true.
2 Think of an interesting title and introduction.
3 Use adjectives to make descriptions more interesting.

1 Read the tip and follow the instructions to complete the task
in exercise 2.

2 You have seen the following advert in a magazine. Write

an article for the magazine (100–160 words).

com pet i t ion!

Has anything unusual ever
happened to you?
Perhaps you have seen something that you
couldn’t explain? Tell us about your experiences.
We will publish the best articles in our next
edition about unusual events.

PHOTOCOPIABLE © OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS

Exam Preparation 33 • SPEAKING
Collaborative task

3 steps to … doing a collaborative task

Task A
1 In a collaborative task, you must discuss a
given topic with your partner, finding a solution 1 Imagine that a sports company wants to
to a problem or a proposal. First look carefully launch a new running shoe. Here are some
marketing ideas they could use and a
at the task and the options provided and make
question for you to discuss with your partner.
sure you know what to do.
2 Consider what you think about the topic before 2 Now decide together which marketing idea
you begin. Which options do you think are would be most effective for this product.
most / least effective?
3 During the discussion, don’t worry if you disagree
cool product name high / low price
with your partner as this can actually make the
discussion more interesting.
How
1 Read the tip and then read Task A and the would these
suggestions in the chart. Answer the questions. marketing ideas help
the company to sell
1 What is the topic for the collaborative task?
more shoes?
2 How many ideas from the list do you need
to choose?
fun adverts
3 At first glance, which idea do you like best?
celebrity promotion
Which idea do you like least? Why?

2 Think about the language you can use to

politely agree and disagree with your partner.
Make notes. Here are some ideas.

Key phrases
Sorry to interrupt, but …
Wait a minute.
I’m afraid I don’t really agree with you about …
Task B
Sorry, but … 1 Imagine a sports centre is trying to increase
Perhaps, but I’m not sure … its membership. Here are some ideas
Hmm, maybe. they’re thinking about and a question for
We’ll have to agree to disagree on that. you to discuss with your partner.
2 Now decide together which marketing idea
would be most effective.

family events membership discounts

How would
these activities help
the sports centre to
3 e TRACK 10   Listen to Jessica and Victoria attract more
doing Task A. Which marketing idea do they members?
agree on in the end?
advertising on a health and fitness blog
4 Now do Task B. Don’t forget to use the key
local radio station
phrases.

PHOTOCOPIABLE © OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS

Exam Preparation 34 • SPEAKING
Individual long turn

3 steps to … doing an individual long-turn task

1 When describing a photo, you may be asked to speculate about
what the people are doing. Think about what you can see: people,
place, objects, foreground, background, etc.
2 You may also be asked to speculate on how they are feeling and to
explain why. Think about expression, body language, other clues in
the photo, etc.
3 While you are speaking, say what you think and remember to give
reasons for your opinions.

1 Read the tip and then read Task A and look

carefully at the photo. Think about how you
would answer the question and write three
sentences using the key phrases.
2 Work in pairs. One of you is Student A and
one of you is Student B. Do Task B. Don’t
forget to use the key phrases to explain
your ideas.
Task B
The two photographs below show people
experiencing emotions. Describe your
photograph to your partner and tell him / her
how you think the people are feeling.
STUDENT A

Key phrases
It looks like / as if … because …
He / She seems / appears …
I get the impression that …
I guess / Maybe / Perhaps …

Task A
The photograph below shows a person
experiencing an emotion. Describe your
photograph to your partner and tell him / her
how you think the person is feeling. STUDENT B

PHOTOCOPIABLE © OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS

Exam Preparation 35 • SPEAKING
Introductory phase

3 steps to … completing an introductory-phase task

1 In the introductory phase, you must answer questions about your
personal life, e.g. daily life, int erests, likes and dislikes, etc.
2 Prepare answers about these topics beforehand. Try to avoid
saying just ‘yes’ or ‘no’ when you are asked a question. Always
provide extra information.
3 Practise asking and answering questions with a classmate so that
you become confident.

1 Read the first tip and the topics 1–3 below.
Think of as much information about the
topics as you can. Write sentences. Use the
key phrases to help you.
1 family
2 school
3 hobbies
Key phrases
I’ve got … brothers and sisters.
I’m the youngest / oldest / middle child.
I’m an only child / a twin.
I like being … because …
We live in … . I have my own / share a room.
My favourite / worst subject is … because …
My English teacher is from …
We do … hours of … every week.
I enjoy playing / doing …
I play / do / go … once a week / at the weekend.
My favourite activity is …
I’m (not) keen on / interested in …
2 Read the tip and then write notes to answer
questions 1–3 as fully as you can. There is
an example given.
1 Have you got any brothers and sisters?
2 Do you study English?
3 Do you play a lot of sport?
Yes, I have. I have a younger brother called Lucas
and an older sister called Erin. I am the middle child,
which I don’t really like because sometimes I don’t get
enough attention.
3 Work in pairs. Take it in turns to ask and
answer questions from the list.
1 Where do you live?
2 Do you share a room?
3 How often do you play sport at school?
4 Do you have any hobbies?
5 Where’s your English teacher from?
6 Do you have a large family?
7 Is music your favourite subject?
8 Where do you usually go with your friends?

PHOTOCOPIABLE © OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS