Past paper questions. Ex 6&7
1. You recently attended a concert performance. Write a review of the performance, to be published as an article in a magazine for teenagers.
● Say what kind of performance it was.
● Describe the audience and their reaction.
● Give your own opinion of the performance.
● Say whether you think other people should try to see the performance and why.
Your article should be about 200 words long.
2. Your town has received a large sum of money to improve facilities for young people. Write an article for your local newspaper saying what you think the money should be used for and why. The comments below may give you some ideas but you are free to make up ideas of your own.
‘A new sports centre is needed – definitely!’
‘We need a study centre for homework and to research our projects.’
‘A club to meet our friends after school would be great.’
‘We’d like a place to go to get help and careers advice about our future education and training prospects.’
‘This town needs more culture – an arts centre would be nice.’
‘We have no theatre in town. Let’s form a drama club.’
4. You have just won first prize in a competition!
The prize is a two-week holiday to anywhere you choose in the world, for you and a friend.
Write a letter to a friend, in which you:
● explain what has happened, and why you are excited
● explain why you want to go to the place you have chosen.
● invite your friend to come with you, saying why you think he/she would enjoy the holiday.
Your letter should be about 150 words long.
5. Your school or college was recently visited by a world famous sports star.
He/she spent part of the day coaching some of your sports teams.
He/she then gave a talk to all the students, about how exciting it is to take part in sport, the importance
of training, the importance of honesty, and the importance of sport to society.
Write an article for your school/college magazine reporting on the visit of the sports star.
Your article should be about 200 words long.
6. Is advertising on television and in magazines a good or a bad thing?
Write an essay, giving your views.
The comments below may give you some ideas, but you are free to use ideas of your own.
Your essay should be about 200 words long.
0510/2 Nov00
‘Advertisements are bad, because they encourage people to want things they can’t really afford.’
‘How would we know what to buy if it wasn’t advertised?’
‘Advertising makes newspapers and magazines colourful and interesting!’
‘You are a fool if you believe what an advertisement says!‘
7. You have recently taken up a new hobby or pastime.
Write an article for your school/college magazine in which you describe how you became interested in it and what it involves.
Your article should be about 200 words long.
8. Here are some points of view about how people who have committed crimes should be treated in prisons:
Write an article for a newspaper/magazine in which you state your opinion about how people sent to prison should be treated.
The comments above may give you some ideas but you are free to use ideas of your own.
Your article should be about 200 words long.
“We must try and teach people who commit crimes that what they have done is wrong. When they leave prison they will then try to do good for society.”
“Whatever crime has been committed, the same punishment should be given to the criminal. If a man steals a car, then he should lose his own car.”
“Prisons are very expensive to run and it’s a waste of money. Criminals should spend most of their time outside, cleaning the streets or something – not watching TV or reading books in their cells.”
“I’m sure that many people in prison are only there because they are poor and unlucky. They turn to crime because it’s their only way of getting any money.”
9.
10. Last night you saw an unidentified flying object (UFO) in the sky. You have been to see Detective
Inspector Smith, and he has asked you to write an account of your experience.
In your account you should:
• say where you were and what you were doing when you saw the UFO
• describe the UFO briefly (and say what you think the object was if it was not a spaceship)
• say how you felt at the time.
Your account should be about 150 words long
11. You and your friends are very excited because a famous person from the world of music/film/fashion is coming to visit a local shopping centre.
A number of people from the community, including a student, will be presented to the famous person.
You desperately want to be that student. Write a letter to the organiser of the event, Ms Smith, to persuade her to select you.
You should write about 200 words.
12. Your school/college is planning to introduce compulsory sport/PE for all students, every day.
Here are some comments from some students in your class:
Write an article for your school/college magazine giving your views about the issue.
The comments above may give you some ideas, but you are free to use any ideas of your own.
Your article should be about 200 words long.
“I can’t stand doing sport, especially team games.”
“It’s great – we’ll all become much healthier because of this.”
“A bad idea – we will lose vital time to prepare for exams!”
“I don’t mind – just as long as we have a good choice of things to do.”
13. It is the end of term and there is to be a special person award. You have been asked to name someone from your class to receive the class prize.
In your recommendation you will say:
_ why you have chosen your candidate
_ what he/she has done to deserve the special person prize
_ how he/she should be rewarded.
Your nomination should be about 150 words long.
Special Person Award
Do you know someone who has done something really special?
Do you know someone who deserves a prize for effort, achievement, patience, friendliness or sheer hard work?
If you do, then name a candidate to receive the
CLASS PRIZE of the year.
Judges will be from the student council plus humanities teachers.
14. You have been invited to organise a school trip which will last two or three days.
Write a letter to the parents explaining:
_ where you plan to go
_ why the trip has been organised
_ what the activities will be (for example, sight seeing)
_ what the individuals in the group will need to take with them.
Your letter should be about 200 words long.
15. Here are some different views on space travel:
Write an article in your school magazine explaining what you think about spending money on space exploration.
The comments above may give you some ideas but you are free to use any ideas of your own.
Your article should be about 200 words long.
It is wrong to spend all this money on space exploration when people are struggling here on earth for food and water.
It is vital to make plans for the future not only for ourselves and our grandchildren but the countless generations to come.
It won’t affect me because by the time the sun is beginning to overheat the earth I’ll be long gone.
Well I can see the benefits of the research that space travel has given us already but it is much too expensive.
There have been, and will be, wonderful findings to bring back from space that might help us to contact others out there.
14. During your last school/college break you went on an adventure/activity holiday.
Write a short article for your school/college newsletter about the exciting time you had.
In your article you should explain:
• what the adventure/activity was
• who was with you
• why you found it exciting.
Your article should be about 150 words long.
15. Your school has been encouraged to enter a competition giving an opportunity to win a trip abroad as the first prize.
You are the Headteacher of the school. Write a letter to your students telling them:
• what the competition is all about – for example, it may be a sports competition or connected
with study or community service
• what they have to do to enter (either alone or in a group)
• why you think they should enter.
Your letter should be about 200 words long.
16. ‘The better your education, the better your future career prospects are likely to be.'
Write an article for your school magazine giving your opinion about this matter.
The comments below may give you some ideas but you are free to use ideas of your own.
Your article should be about 200 words long.
"I believe it is important to work hard and get good grades so my earnings will be greater."
"I have a successful technology business and
I left school early."
"My parents have always encouraged me to aim for the career I want."
"It’s always possible to study later on in life if you need to."
17. You and your class have been asked to organise a summer playgroup for young children in your local area.
Write a letter to parents and tell them what kind of things you plan to provide.
Your letter should be about 150 words long.
Your letter should include:
• where you plan to run the group
• what activities you intend to provide
• how the children and the activities will be supervised
18. Your class recently took part in a one-day activity to raise money for a charity or other good cause.
Write an article for your local newspaper about your day.
In your article you should say:
• exactly what you did to raise the money
• what was enjoyable (or not enjoyable) about the day, and how much money you raised
• what the money was used for.
Your article should be about 200 words long
19. ‘Scientists have made the production of food easier and cheaper, by using chemicals and other artificial procedures.’
Write an article for your school magazine, stating your opinion about this statement.
The comments below may give you some ideas, but you are free to use any ideas of your own.
"It's a really cheap way to grow good-quality food."
"This is the answer to feeding the world.
No one will be hungry ever again."
"If you use chemicals, then who knows what will happen to our health?"
"It means that people who work on the land will have no work."
Your article should be about 200 words long.
20. Your government recently announced that it plans to hold a major sporting event in your country. It is asking people’s views about the plan.
Here are some comments from your friends and family:
"The money we spend on this could be better spent on providing new schools and hospitals for the people."
"This event is going to make our country really famous throughout the world."
"I’m worried about the huge security problems."
"It’s great because more of our young people will be encouraged to take up sport."
Write a letter to the Minister for Sport giving your feelings about the plan.
Your letter should be about 150-200 words long.
Begin your letter ‘Dear Minister’ (do not write an address).
The comments above may give you some ideas, but you are free to use any ideas of your own.
You will receive up to 9 marks for the content of your letter, and up to 9 marks for the style and accuracy of your language.
21. You are president of your school’s Social Club which organises various after-school activities and visits.
The club needs more members.
Write an article for your school magazine about your club. Your article should be about 150- 200 words long.
In your article you should
• say what the club does
• describe a recent activity or visit and say why it was successful
• explain how students can join the club, and say why they should do so.
You will receive up to 9 marks for the content of your article, and up to 9 marks for the style and accuracy of your language.
22. Write a letter to the students in your school, encouraging them to join the After School Sports Club.
Your letter should be about 150-200 words long.
Don't forget to include
• where and when the club will be held
• information about the club's activities
• why students will enjoy being part of the club
You will receive up to 9 marks for the content of your letter, and up to 9 marks for the style and accuracy of your language.
23.
24. You recently moved to a different town and have just finished your first week at a new school.
Write a letter to a friend about your new situation.
Don’t forget to include:
• how you feel about your new town
• how your new school differs from the old school
• details about a person that you have made friends with.
Your letter should be between 150 and 200 words long. Do not write an address.
You will receive up to 9 marks for the content of your letter, and up to 9 marks for the style and accuracy of your language.
25. A local newspaper is inviting young people to write an article about the use of mobile/cell phones and their advantages and disadvantages.
Here are some comments your friends made when you were researching the topic:
Write an article for your local newspaper giving your views about the issue.
Your article should be between 150 and 200 words long.
The comments above may give you some ideas but you are free to use any ideas of your own.
You will receive up to 9 marks for the content of your article, and up to 9 marks for the style and accuracy of your language.
“I can get in touch with my friends at any time.”
“I feel safer having my phone with me when I am out.”
“Mobile/cell phones are noisy and annoying in public places.”
“We still aren’t sure about the health risks connected with these phones.”
26. Your school has the opportunity to send ten students to do a one-term exchange in another school in a different country.
Write a letter to your class teacher, explaining:
• why you believe you should be selected for the school exchange
• what you would like to do during the visit to the other school
• what you might learn or gain from the experience.
You may choose in which country the exchange visit is to take place.
Your letter should be between 150 and 200 words long. Do not write an address.
You will receive up to 9 marks for the content of your letter, and up to 9 marks for the style andaccuracy of your language.
27. People nowadays are always looking for new challenges. Your local newspaper has been doing research into dangerous or risky sports and activities.
Here are some comments received about the subject:
Write an article for your local newspaper giving your views about the issue.
Your article should be between 150 and 200 words long.
The comments above may give you some ideas but you are free to use any ideas of your own.
You will receive up to 9 marks for the content of your article, and up to 9 marks for the style and
accuracy of your language.
“Sailing alone on the sea gives me such a feeling of peace and tranquillity.”
“When I jump out of the aeroplane I get such a buzz of excitement and I know the parachute is safe.”
Dangerous sports and activities can cause serious physical injury to people.” People should think about their friends and relatives who are left behind worrying when they do these crazy things.”
28. You have just visited the new sports and leisure centre in your town for the first time.
After the visit, you decide to write a letter to your pen-friend describing the experience.
In your letter you should:
• say who you went with;
• describe what activity you took part in;
• give your opinion of the new sports and leisure centre.
Any one of the pictures above may give you some ideas, but you are free to use any ideas of your own.
Your letter should be between 150 and 200 words long. Do not write an address.
You will receive up to 9 marks for the content of your letter, and up to 9 marks for the style and
accuracy of your language.
29. Your local council wants to promote a publicity campaign to attract more tourists to your area.
Here are some comments from local people about the issue:
Write an article for the local newspaper giving your views about the issue.
Your article should be between 150 and 200 words long.
The comments above may give you some ideas but you are free to use any ideas of your own.
You will receive up to 9 marks for the content of your article, and up to 9 marks for the style and
accuracy of your language.
“More tourists will bring extra income for many local businesses.”
“The area doesn’t have the facilities to welcome more visitors.”
“It will be even more difficult to travel around the town with more tourist cars and buses.”
“People from different regions and countries create a good atmosphere in the town.”
30. You were at your local swimming pool recently when something interesting happened.
You decide to write to a friend describing the incident.
In your letter you should:
• describe what you saw;
• explain how you reacted;
• say what happened in the end.
Any one of the pictures above may give you some ideas, but you are free to use any ideas of your own.
Your letter should be between 150 and 200 words long. Do not write an address.
You will receive up to 9 marks for the content of your letter, and up to 9 marks for the style and
accuracy of your language.
31. You are doing a school project on the part that music plays in our lives. Here are some
comments from other students:
Write an article for your college magazine giving your views.
Your article should be between 150 and 200 words long.
The comments above may give you some ideas, but you are free to use any ideas of your own.
You will receive up to 9 marks for the content of your article, and up to 9 marks for the style and
accuracy of your language.
“Music is an international language which brings people together.”
“Our country's music speaks about our history and heritage.”
“Music causes arguments; no-one in my house wants to listen to the same kind of music.”
“Music doesn't mean much to me; it's just noise in the background.”
32. Last month you entered a competition and won the first prize, which was a visit to a city of your choice for a weekend.
You have now returned, and decide to write a letter to a friend about the visit.
In your letter you should explain:
• which city you chose and why;
• the best event of the weekend;
• how you felt about the visit.
Any of the pictures above may give you some ideas, but you are free to use any ideas of your own.
Your letter should be between 150 and 200 words long. Do not write an address.
You will receive up to 9 marks for the content of your letter, and up to 9 marks for the style and
accuracy of your language.
33. Some young people consider it better to start full-time work immediately after finishing school, rather
than to continue their studies.
Here are some comments from your friends on this issue:
Write an article for your school magazine giving your views.
Your article should be between 150 and 200 words long.
The comments above may give you some ideas, but you are free to use any ideas of your own.
You will receive up to 9 marks for the content of your article, and up to 9 marks for the style and
accuracy of your language.
“I need to earn money as soon as I finish school.”
“I love studying and want to learn as much as I can.”
“If I study more now, I will be able to get a better career.”
“Why should I continue to study if there is no guarantee of a good job at the end?”
34. Your close friend went away three months ago to study in another country.
Write a letter to your friend giving news about home.
In your letter you should:
• explain how you are feeling now that your friend has left;
• tell your friend about one or two particularly interesting things you have done recently;
• ask about your friend’s life.
Any of the pictures above may give you some ideas, but you are free to use any ideas of your own.
Your letter should be between 150 and 200 words long. Do not write an address.
You will receive up to 9 marks for the content of your letter, and up to 9 marks for the style and
accuracy of your language.
35. Many adults say that life for teenagers today is easier than when they were young.
Here are some comments from your friends on this subject:
Write an article for your school magazine giving your views on the subject.
Your article should be between 150 and 200 words long.
The comments above may give you some ideas, but you are free to use any ideas of your own.
You will receive up to 9 marks for the content of your article, and up to 9 marks for the style and
accuracy of your language.
“Our lives are definitely harder because we have so much pressure on us to succeed at school.”
“We have so much technology available nowadays that life must be easier.”
“Everything is more expensive nowadays so life can be tough.”
“We have far greater opportunities than our parents ever did.”
36. You are taking part in your school's annual end-of-term performance.
Write a letter to a friend telling her/him about the performance.
In your letter you should:
• tell your friend what the performance is and what part you are playing;
• explain how you are preparing for the performance;
• invite your friend to come to the performance.
Your letter should be between 150 and 200 words long. Do not write an address.
Any one of the pictures above may give you some ideas, but you are free to use any ideas of your
own.
You will receive up to 9 marks for the content of your letter, and up to 9 marks for the style and
accuracy of your language.
37. Shopkeepers in your area are trying to persuade people only to buy food which is locally produced.
Here are some comments which have been made in letters to the newspapers:
Write an article for your school magazine giving your views.
Your article should be between 150 and 200 words long.
The comments above may give you some ideas, but you are free to use any ideas of your own.
You will receive up to 9 marks for the content of your article, and up to 9 marks for the style and
accuracy of your language.
“We must support our neighbourhood farmers.”
“Local products are much fresher and healthier than those which travel long distances.”
“Imported food is cheaper. We cannot afford expensive local products.”
“Many essential foodstuffs are not produced in this region.”
June 1999 –June 2010
38. Would you rather go to a pop concert or to a performance of classical music by an orchestra? Explain your reasons. You should write about 150 words
39. A member of your family (aunt, cousin or elder sister) has just given birth to a baby. Write a letter telling your pen-friend what has happened. Your letter should be about 100 words long.
In your letter you should:
– explain why everybody will be pleased with the news;
– describe your own feelings about it;
– comment on the name which will be given to the baby;
– give an account of any planned celebrations.
40. Here are some arguments expressed by students either for or against the wearing of school uniforms.
‘Wearing a uniform helps us to identify with our school friends.’
‘Uniforms are dull. We don’t think that we look good wearing them.’
‘Uniforms can be expensive and some families may not be able to afford them.’
‘A uniform is the most practical kind of clothing to wear at school.’
‘Wearing the uniform encourages students to take a pride in their school.’
‘Young people are different from one another. Why should they all have to dress alike?’
Write an article for your school newspaper stating your opinion. These comments may give you some ideas but you are free to use ideas of your own. You should write in your own words as far as possible. Your answer should be about 200 words long.
41.
You have seen this poster for a Travel Competition and have decided to enter the competition.
Write an article on the opposite page. In your article you should:
• describe where you want to go
• give your reasons for wanting to go there
• say why you deserve to win the prize.
Your article should be about 150 words long.
42. You have a friend who lives in another part of the world, who is coming to stay with you for a month and will be attending your school. Write a letter to her/him describing a day in the life of your school. Your letter should be about 200 words long
43. Here are some views about smoking expressed by students you know:
Write an article for a newspaper or magazine aimed at young people (e.g. your school newspaper), giving your opinion about smoking.
The comments above may give you some ideas, but you are free to use any ideas of your own. Your article should be about 150–200 words long.
‘Children need to be taught about the dangers of cigarettes as early as possible.’
‘Smoking looks grown-up and sophisticated.’
‘People who smoke in public are harming others .’
‘I smoke because all my friends do
44. Celebrate the end of term!
You are invited to attend the school’s end of term party.
The party will be held in the Main Building next Wednesday starting at 6.00 pm.
To finish the evening we are asking everybody to bring along a gift in a box.
At the end of the party the gift boxes will be mixed up and everyone will receive a gift to open. We hope that you get something interesting!
It is late on Wednesday, and you have just got back from the party. You have decided to write about it in your diary.
Write a diary entry in which you
• describe what happened at the party
• say what gift you took along and why you chose it
• say what gift you received and whether you are pleased with it
• describe how you are feeling at the end of the evening.
Your diary entry should be about 150 words long.
45. Your teacher is arranging a special activity weekend for members of your class. During the weekend you will take part in sporting activities out of doors that you are not able to do during school.
He/she has asked you for ideas about what activities might be offered.
Write a letter to your teacher about the activity you would like to take part in. (Some
members of the class have suggested rock climbing, horse riding, and mountain biking. You
could choose one of these, or make your own suggestion.)
In your letter say
• what the activity involves
• why you want to take part in it
• why it is suitable for other members of your class.
Your letter should be about 200 words long.
46. There has been some argument in your local community about tourists and tourism.
Here are some comments from some people you know:
Write an article for your local newspaper in which you state your views about tourists.
The comments above may give you some ideas, but you are free to use any ideas of your own.
Your article should be about 200 words long.
‘If it wasn’t for tourists, everyone here would be much poorer.’
‘I don’t mind the tourists being here, but I wish they were here ALL the year, not just the holiday season. When they aren’t here I lose my job in the hotel.’
‘Tourists may bring lots of money into the area, but this leads to more crime and a less safe community.’
‘It used to be lovely here before the tourists came. Now it’s just tall buildings and expensive shops everywhere.’
‘I love living in this tourist area – there are always lots of things going on, and interesting new people to meet.’
47. Write an article for your school/college magazine about what you consider to be the most important invention in the past 150 years.
The pictures above may give you some ideas, but you are free to choose something different.
In your article you should include the following:
• the name of the invention, and what it does
• what its benefits to people have been
• why you have chosen it
Your article should be about 150 words long.
48. You have been asked by your Principal for ideas about making your school/college buildings and grounds more pleasant for students.
Write a letter to your Principal in which you give your ideas for improvements. Your letter should
include the following areas:
• what to do about rubbish (litter)
• encouraging students to keep the school/college tidy and in good order
• creating a leisure/quiet/garden area for students.
Begin your letter ‘Dear Principal, .... ’. (You do not need to write an address at the top.)
Your letter should be about 200 words long.
49. Research in some countries has suggested that educating boys and girls in separate schools produces better results. Not everyone agrees.
Write an essay in which you give your opinion about this matter.
The comments below may give you some ideas, but you are free to use ideas of your own.
Your essay should be about 200 words long.
“I think it is very important for the future to have mixed classes.”
“I find I concentrate better on my studies.”
“I enjoy the debate between boys AND girls.”
“Boys are disruptive, and as a girl I don’t get distracted in a single-sex class.”
50.
51.
52. The poster below is displayed in your town.
Read the poster and write a letter to the town council.
Your letter should be about 150 words long.
Save our swimming pool!
Did you know that our local, open-air pool is to be filled in to make
way for a new block of flats?
Don't let this happen. Write to the town council and:
• explain how important the pool is to local
families and visitors to your area
• describe the pool's many other functions
− for example, canoeing, diving, snorkelling
tuition
• suggest an alternative place for a building site.
Your voice counts - write to your town council now
53. Your friend has just come out of hospital and must recover quietly for a long period of time.
Write a letter of encouragement to her/him, suggesting ways of filling her/his time while she/he
gets better.
Your letter should be about 200 words long.
54. Below are some points of view about the advantages and disadvantages of using mobile phones.
Write an article for your school or college magazine expressing your own views about mobile phones.
The comments below may give you some ideas, but you are free to use your own ideas.
Your article should be about 200 words long.
“If I have my mobile with me, I can phone home and say if I am going to be late.”
“If someone’s phone rings during a film, I get very angry!”
“I just use my phone in emergencies, so my bills are not too high.”
“Mobile phones are a proven health hazard.”
55. Your school is arranging a visit to the school for students from other places or other countries.
You have been asked to write an article for the school magazine asking for volunteers to welcome the visitors.
In the article you should include the following:
• who the visitors are
• how they will be welcomed and included in the school's everyday life
• what kinds of things the volunteers will be expected to do for the visitors.
Your article should be about 200 words long.
56. Some students take a year off after finishing school and before starting university. This is called a
‘gap year’.
Write an article for your school magazine discussing the advantages and disadvantages of a
gap year.
The comments below may give you some ideas, but you are free to use any ideas of your own.
Your article should be about 200 words long.
"A gap year is just an excuse to have a good time."
"It is good to see the world before beginning more intensive studying."
"I need to earn some money to help me through my time at university."
"A gap year means that you forget how to study and lose your enthusiasm to return to full-time education."
57. Your school/college is planning to invite a famous person to give a speech at the next Prize Day.
Think of any famous person you would like to invite. Write an article for your school/college magazine giving your suggestion.
Your article should be about 150-200 words long.
Don’t forget to include:
• who the person is
• what you admire about her/him
• why you think others in your school/college will approve of your choice
You will receive up to 9 marks for the content of your article, and up to 9 marks for the style and
accuracy of your language.
58. You have recently learned that there are plans to build a very large factory near your neighbourhood.
Here are some comments from local people:
"We can’t stop progress."
"It will bring many new jobs to our area."
"We don’t want to lose our lovely open spaces."
"What about the increase in pollution?"
59. Recently you visited an elderly relative for a week’s holiday.
After the visit, you decide to write a letter to a friend about your holiday.
Your letter should be between 150 and 200 words long. Do not write an address.
In your letter you should:
• explain one problem that occurred
• say what you did about it
• describe your feelings about the visit
You will receive up to 9 marks for the content of your letter and up to 9 marks for the style and accuracy of your language.
60. Your school/college is preparing a project about keeping animals in zoos.
Here are some comments from your friends on this topic:
“Most people have the chance to see endangered species in our zoos.”
“Animals were born to be free and live naturally.”
“No animals are happy in a cage.”
“We can study their behavior better in captivity.”
61. You are being reunited with a family member you haven’t seen for a long time.
Write a letter to this family member, explaining:
• how much and why you are looking forward to seeing him/her again
• what new activities you have become interested in
• what you would like to do together when you meet again
Your letter should be between 150 and 200 words long. Do not write an address.
You will receive up to 9 marks for the content of your letter, and up to 9 marks for the style and accuracy of your language.
62. In the twenty-first century, more and more people rely on new technology and computers.
Here are some comments from your friends on this subject:
Write an article for your school magazine giving your views about the issue.
Your article should be between 150 and 200 words long.
The comments above may give you some ideas but you are free to use any ideas of your own.
You will receive up to 9 marks for the content of your article, and up to 9 marks for the style and
accuracy of your language.
“People forget how to talk to each other if they use computers all the time.”
“I prefer being active and doing sport to sitting and staring at a computer screen.”
“It’s really helpful with my homework being able to research on the Internet.”
“Most jobs nowadays need you to know how to use a computer
63. You have just completed some part-time work during your school holidays.
Write a letter to a good friend about the experience.
In your letter you should:
• mention what the job was and why you did it
• describe the main duty that you had to perform
• say how you felt about the whole experience
Your letter should be between 150 and 200 words long. Do not write an address.
You will receive up to 9 marks for the content of your letter, and up to 9 marks for the style and
accuracy of your language.
64. Your school is proposing that each pupil spends some of his/her free time helping in the community.
Here are some comments from students in your school:
As a member of the student council you have been asked to write a speech to be delivered to the teachers about the issue.
Your speech should be between 150 and 200 words long.
The comments above may give you some ideas but you are free to use any ideas of your own.
You will receive up to 9 marks for the content of your speech, and up to 9 marks for the style
and accuracy of your language.
“I need every spare moment to relax and have fun with my friends.”
“This will give me great experience when I start looking for jobs.”
“If we are helping the community then we should get paid.”
“Great! I get so bored at home with nothing to do.”
65. Your school has been invited to send a team of students to take part in the Association of World Youth Groups.
Write a letter to your year group, inviting students to become part of the team.
In the letter you need to tell them:
• for which activity you are sending a team
• what kind of experience or special skills are needed
• how members of the team will be selected.
Your letter should be between 150 and 200 words long. Do not write an address.
You will receive up to 9 marks for the content of your letter, and up to 9 marks for the style and
accuracy of your answer.
66. Many people believe that young people spend too much time playing computer games. Others view computer games as just another form of relaxation or hobby.
Here are some comments from your friends on this topic:
Your teacher has asked you to write an article for the school magazine giving your views about the issue.
Your article should be between 150 and 200 words long.
The comments above may give you some ideas but you are free to use any ideas of your own.
You will receive up to 9 marks for the content of your article, and up to 9 marks for the style and
accuracy of your language.
"Computer games are more exciting than anything else
I know."
“I’m not keen on computer games at all. I prefer to go out and spend time with my friends doing different things like basketball, youth club and visiting the cinema.”
"I don't have much money. I can get hours of entertainment from a computer game without spending too much."
"I think it's much healthier to go outside and do some exercise than stay in the house playing on the computer
67. You have just organised and taken part in a school festival to celebrate an important day
in your country's tradition.
Write an article for your local newspaper, explaining
• what the festival was about
• what the highlight or main attraction of the festival was
• how the younger students who took part benefited from the experience.
Your article should be between 150 and 200 words long.
You will receive up to 9 marks for the content of your article, and up to 9 marks for the style and
accuracy of your language.
68. The manager of your favourite cinema wants to make a big increase in the price of an entry ticket.
Here are some comments from your friends on this proposal:
Write a letter to the cinema manager giving your views on this proposal.
Your letter should be between 150 and 200 words long.
The comments above may give you some ideas but you are free to use any ideas of your own.
You will receive up to 9 marks for the content of your letter, and up to 9 marks for the style and
accuracy of your language.
"I like to go to the cinema regularly, but I won’t be able to afford it now."
“I'm happy to pay the extra because they have made the cinema much more comfortable recently.”
"The cinema management should try to raise money in other ways, for example, by selling refreshments or posters."
"Both the quality of the sound and the picture are so much better at the cinema than on TV."
69. You have just had your birthday and a relative who lives in another country has sent you some money as a present.
Write a letter thanking your relative for the present.
In your letter you should:
• thank your relative and describe how happy you were to receive the money;
• tell your relative how you plan to spend the money;
• give your relative some news about yourself.
Your letter should be between 150 and 200 words long. Do not write an address.
You will receive up to 9 marks for the content of your letter, and up to 9 marks for the style and
accuracy of your language.
70. Your Headteacher is considering using the internet to make a link with a school in another country.
Here are some comments from your friends about this suggestion:
Write an article for your school magazine giving your views.
Your article should be between 150 and 200 words long.
The comments above may give you some ideas, but you are free to use any ideas of your own.
You will receive up to 9 marks for the content of your article, and up to 9 marks for the style and
accuracy of your language.
“We could make new friends and learn about life in another country.” “I already have enough friends. I don’t need any more.”
“We could find out if other teenagers have the same interests and ambitions as we have.”
“We already have too much school work to do. We haven’t got time to write to other people.”
71. You were recently out walking when you found a very interesting item.
You decide to write a letter to your friend, explaining what happened.
In your letter you should:
• say where you were when you found the item;
• describe the item that you found;
• explain what you did next.
Any one of the pictures above may give you ideas, but you are free to use any ideas of your own.
Your letter should be between 150 and 200 words long. Do not write an address.
You will receive up to 9 marks for the content of your letter, and up to 9 marks for the style and
accuracy of your language.
72. It is widely believed that people attach too much importance to buying and wearing fashionable clothes.
Here are some comments from your school friends on this topic:
Write an article for your school magazine giving your views.
Your article should be between 150 and 200 words long.
The comments above may give you some ideas but you are free to use any ideas of your own.
You will receive up to 9 marks for the content of your article, and up to 9 marks for the style and
accuracy of your language.
"I like to be different and stand out in the crowd, so I don’t follow fashion."
“I think if you wear the latest fashions people respect you more.”
"It costs too much money to keep up with fashion."
"Wearing fashionable clothes makes me feel good when I am out with my friends
