Oxford preparation and practice b2 first for schools answer key

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ANSWER KEY

Oxford Preparation & Practice for B2 First for Schools

Answer key

Answer key


PREPARATION ANSWER KEY
Reading and Use of English

Part 3 p14

Answer key

Part 1 p9
1 act suspiciously ​bitterly cold ​computer screen ​
draw the curtains ​drive dangerously ​eat healthily ​
fully aware ​heart attack ​heavy traffic ​mutual friend ​
picture frame ​seat belt ​seriously injured ​
shake hands ​soft drink ​strong coffee ​tell the truth ​
virtually impossible ​walk briskly ​watch television
2 a heavy traffic
f strong coffee
b bitterly cold
g drive dangerously
c computer screen
h virtually impossible

d eat healthily
i tell the truth
e shake hands
j seat belt
3 averbs
accuse someone of something
congratulate someone on something
lend something to someone
rely on someone to do something
share something with someone
bnouns
feel anger about something
show curiosity about something
show enthusiasm for something
express an interest in something
show kindness to someone
cadjectives
be afraid of something
be famous for something
be jealous of someone
be keen on something
be sorry for someone about something
4 aI’ve always got on well with my sister. We’ve never been
jealous of each other.
bYou shouldn’t accuse someone of something if you
have no proof.
cChildren who sleep with the light are often afraid of the
dark.
dMy brother expressed an interest in football at a very
early age.

eThe manager congratulated the team on winning the
cup for the second year.

Part 2 p12
1




1 preposition
2  relative pronoun
3 article
4 verb






5  auxiliary verb
6 conjunction
7 preposition
8  auxiliary verb






1 in

2 which
3 the
4 have






5 will
6 and
7 at
8 are

2





1 for
2 if/whether
3 but
4 at
5 more

6 to
7 from
8 the
9 when

10 did

ANSWER KEY

1 Words in brackets are above B2 level.
a REALAdjective: real, realistic
Noun: reality (realism) (realist)
Verb: realize
Adverb: really (realistically)
b CREATEAdjective: creative
Noun: creation (creator)
Verb: create
Adverb: creatively
c EXCITEAdjective: exciting, excited
Noun: excitement
Verb: excite
Adverb: excitedly (excitingly)
d USEAdjective: useful, useless
Noun: use, user
Verb: use, abuse (misuse)
Adverb: usefully (uselessly)
e SUCCEEDAdjective: successful, unsuccessful
Noun: success
Verb: succeed
Adverb: successfully
f ATTRACTAdjective: attractive
Noun: attraction
Verb: attract
Adverb: attractively
g PRODUCEAdjective: productive

Noun: product, producer, production
  (produce) (productivity)
Verb: produce
Adverb: productively
h KNOWAdjective: (knowing) (knowledgeable)
Noun: knowledge
Verb: know
Adverb: (knowingly) (knowledgeably)
i ACTAdjective: active (inactive)
Noun: action, act, actor
Verb: act
Adverb: actively
j PERFECTAdjective: perfect (imperfect)
Noun: (perfection)
Verb: perfect
Adverb: perfectly (imperfectly)
2 a  musicians
• adjective: classical
• noun
• plural
b  extremely
• adjective: talented
•  another adjective or adverb
•  -ly
c criticism
• verb: has faced
•  noun / adjective
d disagrees
• verb
•  -s (3rd person singular)

• negative
e pleasure
• adjective: great
ãnoun

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â Copyright Oxford University Press






Part 7 p28

f 
exciting
• adjective: original
•  it’s probably another adjective
g 
composer
•  a talented followed by a noun

Part 4 p17
1

2






3








a as expensive as
b wishes he had not / hadn’t left
c cannot / can’t afford to
d have / ’ve never seen such a
e time we had / time for us to have
f wanted to know where Gemma
g looking forward to going
a comparatives and superlatives
b verb patterns
c lexical patterns
d lexical patterns
e past tense with ‘unreal’ meaning
f direct and reported speech

g phrasal verbs
a were you, I would / I’d
b cut down on
c is being built
d if she had / she’d seen his
e was easier than Tom had
f if he does not / doesn’t spend
g could you lend
h is believed to have caused

Writing
Part 1 Essay p32

Part 5 p20
Paragraph 1: introducing the duo
Paragraph 2: reasons for success
1 C  2 A
1  two years
2 They live near to each other and they are friends who
like the same music.
3  Alexis and Tom are used to playing jazz.
4  All of them write songs for the quartet.
4 1 B neck of the woods means a particular area
2 C by our own efforts means without anyone’s help
1

2
3

Part 6 p24
a One of the reasons for this
bThis
cHowever
dThese
e These mechanisms
fThis
a After that / Next / Then
b At the same time (as this) / In addition to this
c Because of this
d For example / For instance
eShe
f In addition to this / Then
More information about how plants manage to live
without light.
4 C
1





2





3

ANSWER KEY

1 Children should start learning a second language while
they are at primary school. Do you agree?
Notes
Things to write about
1. the importance of learning a second language
2. the best age to start
3. my experience
2 Students’ own answers
3 Plan 2 is best.
Paragraph 1 introduces the subject; paragraphs 2 and
3 consider both sides of the argument. Paragraph 4
expresses the writer’s own opinion.
Plan 1 has no logical structure. It moves from one subject
to the other in a random way and has no conclusion.
Plan 3 only considers the writer’s opinion and just lists
reasons for this opinion. Also, it has no conclusion.
4 Paragraph C is the best because it introduces the subject
briefly and outlines two possible lines of argument. It
also includes the issues raised in the notes given in the
question. It does not give away the writer’s opinion too
early.
Paragraph A launches straight into some of the issues
implied in the question in an unstructured way. This writer
seems to be writing ideas as they come into their head
without linking them in any way.
Paragraph B starts with the writer’s personal account
of learning a second language rather than introducing
the topic in an objective, non-personal way. There is no

indication in this paragraph that the writer is going to
consider the two sides of the argument before reaching a
considered conclusion.

Oxford Preparation & Practice for B2 First for Schools
© Copyright Oxford University Press

Answer key

colleague = person you work with
culture = way of life
grateful = wanting to say ‘Thank you’
group of people of the same age = generation
manage to continue = survive
participant = someone who takes part
refugee = someone forced to leave their country
sightseeing = visiting attractions
someone I share accommodation with = flatmate
someone who believes good things will happen = optimist
2 
a Marcia’s
1 
a Marcia
b Frances’
b Rob
c Rob’s
c Frances
d Frances’
d Marcia
e Rob’s

e Rob
f Frances
3 1 C
4 B
7 C
2 A
5 A
8 B
3 C
6 A
9  A

1









2


Answer key

Part 2 Email p35

Hi Leanne,

It’s good to hear from you. Your school project on
popular food in different countries sounds very
interesting. I’ll be happy to help. (23)
There are a lot of kinds of food which are popular
in my country, but I’d say the most popular of all
is pasta. Many people eat it every day, once or
sometimes twice. It is a traditional food which
everyone can afford. This is why it is so popular.
(50)
Pasta can be eaten hot or cold but first it has to
be boiled in water until it is soft. We usually eat
it with a simple sauce made of tomato, meat or
cheese – sometimes all three! If people eat it cold
it is often used in salads. (48)
I have eaten pasta since I was little and I love it.
I hope this helps with your project. Let me know
how it goes. (25)
Your friend …
4 a the school principal will read it
b formal
c reasons why new students don’t feel relaxed; how it
shows; ways in which this situation could be improved
5 P
 ossible paragraph plan with approximate number of
words:
Para 1 Introduction: Say that, from your own experience,
you understand the problem and that you
appreciate being asked for suggestions.
(20–25 words)
Para 2 Give one or two reasons why new students

may not feel relaxed and say how this shows.
(45–60 words)
Para 3 Suggest something the school could do to make
new students feel less worried. (45–60 words)
Para 4 Ending: Say that you hope your suggestions will
help to improve the situation for new students.
(20–35 words)

Part 2 Story p37
1
2












ANSWER KEY

Possible improved version based on the same basic
information:

1 a an English-speaking friend
b quite informal – you can use contracted verb forms.
cname the most popular kind of food; say whether this
food is modern or traditional; how it is made and how it
is eaten; whether you like it yourself
2 Possible paragraph plan with approximate number of
words:
Para 1 Introduction: Start with a friendly greeting. (20–25
words)
Para 2 Name and describe the most popular kind of food
and say if it is traditional or modern. (45–60 words)
Para 3 Say how this food is usually made and eaten.
(45–60 words)
Para 4 Conclusion: Say whether you like the food and give
a reason. Wish your friend well. (20–35 words)
3 Comments on the answer:
• Content – The writer covers most of the points but
describes the food as ‘old-fashioned’ rather than
‘traditional’.
• Communicative achievement – Communication is
hampered by the lack of overall organization. It is quite
interesting, but probably frustrating to read for the
person who asked for the information.
Spelling – two errors:
definately instead of definitely
old-fashoned instead of old-fashioned
Style – inconsistent. Sometimes too formal:
It was good to receive your email. (Better It was good to
hear from you or Thank you for your email.)
the majority of the population (Better: most people)

it’s usually accompanied by tomato sauce (Better: it’s
usually with tomato sauce)
• Organization – Poor. There is no paragraphing (apart
from the last signing-off paragraph). Sentences do not
follow on logically from each other. The underlined
part of this section interrupts the flow: Your project
on popular food in different countries sounds really
interesting. I’d like to know more about that subject
myself. The most popular food in …
• Language – Grammar is generally accurate, though
there are a few slips:
everyone I know like it instead of likes it
it’s quite hard when you’re buying it from the shops
instead of you buy it
keep on touch instead of keep in touch
Lack of variety: Overuse of the adverb quite.
Poor sentence construction, for example And it’s
quite cheap.

Students’ own answers
1  switched off
2 wondered
3  had just heard
4  had fallen
5 was blocking /
had blocked
6 made
7 said
8 put
9 got

10  was lying
11 wasn’t
12  didn’t stop














13 started
14  couldn’t see
15  was going
16 was
17 knew
18  couldn’t get
19 remembered
20 lived
21 took
22 called
23  had decided
24 told

Oxford Preparation & Practice for B2 First for Schools
© Copyright Oxford University Press


3





4



abest/close/good; heavy/thick; main/narrow/quiet
bquickly/immediately
cthickest/warmest; immediately/quickly
dheavily/thickly
eeasily/quickly
fnew/heavy/thick
a during
dWhen/While
bAfter/As soon as/When eafter a few minutes
cNext/Then
fAs soon as/When

Part 2 p45
2

1 members
2 farmers
3 eating
4 traditional
5 processed

1 class
2 heavy
3 lessons
4 came
5 could

Listening

1 a People who are roughly the same age as you.
bYour opinion of family holidays; a description of a past
family holiday
cto entertain readers
dquite informal; conversational in parts
2 Suggested best title: B – you want to know what was so
bad about it.
By comparison, A and C sound boring – you can guess the
kind of thing the article will be about.
3 Suggested best first paragraph: A – the question involves
readers immediately, encouraging them to think about
their own family holidays.
Although paragraph B starts with a question, it continues

with a self-evident statement that no one could disagree
with, and ends with what sounds like the most boring kind
of holiday anyone could imagine.
Paragraph C also includes unoriginal thoughts and ideas.
The last sentence moves away from family holidays. If the
rest of the article moves straight on to an ideal holiday,
the writer will not have described a past family holiday.
4 Possible opening questions:
My favourite season of the year
 Is there anyone who does not prefer summer to all the
other seasons?
 Would you think I was mad if I said winter was my
favourite season?
My interesting hobby
 Do you really think I have time for a hobby?
 What would you say if I told you my hobby involved
a snake?
Caring for the environment
 When was the last time your breathed fresh air in
your city?
 If you care about the environment, why do you travel
everywhere by car?

Speaker 1  C
Speaker 2  H

Speaker 5  D

Part 4 p49
1 1What is Matt doing now?

A  He is in his last year at school.
B  He has just finished full-time education.
C  He is a part-time student.
2What reason does Matt give for studying his three
subjects?
A  They are his favourite subjects.
B  They are the choice of his parents.
C  They are the subjects he is most successful in.
3What would Matt’s parents like him to do?
A  They want him to go to university.
B  They want him to start work.
C  They want him to do what makes him happy.
4What does Matt say about physics?
A  It is his favourite subject.
B  He finds it rather boring.
C  It would help him to find work.
5What does Matt say about being a music teacher?
A He doesn’t like working with children.
B  He knows music is not a popular subject in school.
C  He doesn’t feel sufficiently qualified.
6Why does Matt feel he needs to talk to his parents
again?
A  He will need money from them in the future.
B He values their advice and assistance.
C  He wants to show them that his is the right choice.
7What attracts Matt to working as a volunteer?
A  It will help prepare him for the world of work.
B  It will give him more time to decide his future.
C  It will provide him with a source of income.
3 1A ​2 C ​

3 B ​
4 C ​5 B ​
6 A  ​7 B

Listening

Speaking

Part 1 p42

Part 1 p51

1 A
2 C
3 C
4 B
5 Agreement: Absolutely! ​Exactly! ​That’s  true.
 ​You’re right there.
Disagreement: I can’t go along with that. ​I don’t think so.
  That’s not the way I see it.
Doubt: Do you really think so? ​I’m not sure about that.
6B

Speaker 3  A
Speaker 4  F

1 and 2  Sample answers (exercise 1 answers underlined)
cI usually go by bus, but if I’m late my father takes me in
the car.
d I really like maths, probably because I’m quite good at it.

eYes, I would, but I haven’t decided which university to
apply to.
fI’d really like to work with people; perhaps something
like nursing.
gI like spending time with my friends – going shopping or
listening to music.
hYes, I play table tennis and tennis, and I’d like to learn to
play squash.

Oxford Preparation & Practice for B2 First for Schools
© Copyright Oxford University Press

Answer key

Part 3 p47

Part 2 Article p39

ANSWER KEY

4






iYes, I have two sisters and two brothers. I’m the
youngest in the family.
jI really enjoy it when we have meals together –

especially if we can eat outside.
3 Best answers to examiner’s questions
1 2
Candidate 1’s answer is too detailed and becomes
irrelevant.
Candidate 3’s answer is too short.
2 3
Candidate 1’s answer begins okay but becomes less
relevant.
Candidate 2 makes no attempt to answer.
3 1
Candidate 2’s answer is too short, lacking enough detail.
Candidate 3 doesn’t answer the question.
4 3
Candidate 1 avoids the question.
Candidate 2’s answer is too short, lacking enough detail.
5 2
Candidate 1’s answer is too detailed and rambling.
Candidate 3 doesn’t answer the question.

Answer key



Part 2 p52
Differences
1 Similarities
Clothes people are wearing
People on beach
Weather

Adults and children
Activities
On holiday
Relaxing
Some people sitting
Sandy beach
You can see the sea
2 Suggested answers
a Ben only mentions differences between the
photographs, not the similarities.
b Ben talks for less than a minute and seems to be
struggling to keep talking towards the end.

Students’ own answers
Suggested answers
a  Yes, they consider all five suggested ways of keeping fit.
b  Yes, in general.
c No, they don’t answer the actual question, which asks
them to discuss what is best for teenagers rather than
what they do personally to keep fit.
d  They talk for about the same length of time.
e  Yes, usually.
3 Phrases used to express an opinion: none. They only talk
about personal experiences, not what their opinions are.
Phrases used to invite a partner’s response: What about
you? / Do you do that? / How about you? / … don’t you
agree? / What about you?

Part 4 p55
1

2
3

Possible notes on the examiner’s questions.
2  everyday jobs – practical?
3  lot of exercise – bad?
4  exercise – regular or occasional?
5  diet or exercise – more important?
6  exercise must be painful?
Students’ own answers
Students’ own answers

ANSWER KEY

Reading and Use of English
Part 1 p57
1




apros
bclose
ctall
dclock

e top; closed
f over; driving
gminds
hrainy
iminute
jgood
3 aair
bdrop
cescape
dthoughts
eorder
ffood
gprint
hfeet
ivisit
jtalk

4








1C
2A
3D
4A

5C
6B
7D
8B

5








1 D
2C
3A
4D
5B
6C
7A
8D

Part 2 p60

Part 3 p54
1
2

4 In the first conversation, both candidates give
explanations using these phrases:
because team sports … / Let me explain. /
My point is, … / That’s because …
In the second conversation, Monica gives explanations
using these phrases:
For one thing, … / I mean, …
Jonathan implies but does not state reasons or
explanations.
5 Students’ own answers

1




2









3

apart
fcommon
bcame
ggranted
cmind
hby
dfavour
iblue
esight
jleg
a ✗  on the spur of the moment
b ✓
c ✗  If I were in your shoes
d ✗  live in fear of
e ✗  he fell asleep
f ✗  in your own words
g ✓
h ✓
i ✗  draw your attention to
j ✗ Leave me alone
a by and large
f odds and ends
b ins and outs
g peace and quiet
c law and order
h sick and tired

d loud and clear
i ups and downs
e neat and tidy
j wear and tear

4 1granted
2any




3loud
4on

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© Copyright Oxford University Press





5over
6quiet




Writing

7to

8for

Part 2 Review p75

Part 3 p63

Part 4 p65
1





2











a in order to be
b so she can’t have gone
c as soon as I heard
d go out until he had
e better singer than anyone

f is no point in running
1 b
The phrase in case is followed by a clause with a main
verb.
In case of is usually followed by a noun: in case of
emergencies.
2 b
Even is only used with though, not although. Although
means the same as even though.
3 a
Best is a superlative and needs to be used with the
definite article, the.
4 a
Be likely to + infinitive refers to the future but is
normally used with a present simple verb.
5 a
The verb form to have something done means to get or
ask someone to do something for you.
I have cut my hair means I have cut it myself and makes
no sense with I pay someone.
6 b
The first answer includes two negatives: doesn’t and no.
With no the construction is: I have no objection to…
With doesn’t the construction is:
John doesn’t have any objection to working late.
John doesn’t have any objection to me / my working
late.

ANSWER KEY

2 aIt’s only been open for about six months, but all my
friends buy things there.
They always have a selection of the latest fashions.
bThey serve a great range of coffees.
It’s on the ground floor of our local supermarket.
cYou can book Internet access in advance.
They have a fantastic reference section.
dI found several really useful sites.
The site is easy to use – you just type your question into
the search box.
eThe opening scene is an exciting car chase.
The characters were very convincing.
fIt’s not like a huge stadium or arena – it’s more like a
medium-sized club.
Their programme includes everything from punk to jazz.
3 and 4
Facts
a Everyone in the audience found it very funny.
f It took me over two days to play.
g It’s north of the river, not far from the park entrance.
hIt’s on the top floor of the building, and the day I went
the lift wasn’t working.
j The changing rooms are very small.
l The whole place is clean and tidy.
Opinions (with Positive (P) or Negative (N))
b I found the whole experience disappointing.  N
cI know it’s very popular, but it isn’t really my idea of
value for money.  N
dI must admit, it was much better than I had
expected. P

e I’d say it’s fairly expensive – especially for students.  N
i One of the best games I’ve played for a long time.  P
k The service is excellent.  P
m I’d thoroughly recommend this to everyone I know.  P
5 Suggested paragraph plan:
Para 1 Introduction: Name and appearance of the
website / What subjects it covers
Para 2 Describe how easy it is to use. Are there any special
points to be aware of?
Para 3 A brief description of what you have referred to
it for.
Para 4 Conclusion: Your recommendation – include
negative and positive points.





Part 2 Set text p77
2 Possible paragraph plans for the three questions:
A Para 1Introduction: Name the characters. Give reasons
for your choice.
Para 2Describe the characters and say what the main
differences between them are.
Para 3Say how their relationship starts, changes and
ends.
Para 4Conclusion: Say how the change in the
relationship affects the plot of the novel.

Oxford Preparation & Practice for B2 First for Schools

© Copyright Oxford University Press

Answer key

1 A nouns: -ness / -ship / - ion / -hood / -ance / -ment
B adjectives: -able / -ible / -ish / -ful / -less / -ant
C verbs: -ize / -ify / -ate / -en
2 (Words in bold have had spelling changes.)
appearANCE ​
childHOOD/childISH/childLESS ​
friendSHIP/friendLESS ​
goodNESS ​
governMENT ​
hesitatION/hesitANCE/hesitANT ​
boyHOOD/boyISH ​
breakABLE ​
horrIBLE ​
painFUL/painLESS ​
pleasANT ​
useFUL/useLESS ​
activATE ​
electrIFY ​
realIZE ​
shortNESS/shortISH/shortEN
3 dis- disable disadvantage ​
dishonest
il-
illegal ​illogical
im- impatient ​improbable
in-

inconvenient ​informal
ir- irregular irrelevant
mis-misspell misunderstand
un- unable ​unnecessary
4 agrowing
ebooking
bcompletely
ftourism
cdisagreements
gbelongings
dillegal
hcollection


B Para 1Introduction: Name the theme. Give a reason for
your choice.
Para 2The way the theme develops. Why you find it
interesting.
Para 3 Say whether the theme is still relevant today.
Para 4Conclusion: Summarize main ideas. Make a
general comment about why we still study longdead writers.
C Para 1Introduction: Events you have chosen. Why are
they are important in the story.
Para 2Describe the events and say how they are linked.
Para 3Describe how the events affect the main
characters.
Para 4Conclusion: Describe how you reacted
personally to the events.
3 A Essay
The first event I’ve chosen is Mike’s discovery of the gold

coins. This happens early in the book and is a shock to
everyone. At first they’re very happy because the family
is very poor. Their discovery means they’ll be able to sell
the coins and buy things they need. The moment when
the family realize that the coins are fake is my second key
event.
B Essay
I imagine that everyone in the world knows something
about Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. They probably
believe that the main theme is love. My view is a little
different. In my opinion the most important theme is fate.
We know from the beginning of the play that fate controls
their lives and their future.
C Article
As far as I’m concerned, the most interesting characters in
this novel are Laura and Matt. This is mainly because they
seem so perfect for each other when they meet. They
have similar interests but quite different personalities.
Laura is rather shy whereas Matt is outgoing, the sort of
person who loves parties.

Answer key



ANSWER KEY

Oxford Preparation & Practice for B2 First for Schools
© Copyright Oxford University Press

for Practice Tests 1–6

ANSWER KEY

Oxford Preparation & Practice for B2 First for Schools
© Copyright Oxford University Press

Answer key

Answer key


PRACTICE TEST ANSWER KEY
16 because  Because of is a prepositional phrase, which
introduces a reason and is usually followed by a noun or
noun phrase.

Practice Test 1
Reading and Use of English

Part 3 p16

Answer key

Part 1 p11
0 B  familiar  Familiar takes the preposition with.
Conscious and aware take of. Knowledgeable takes the
preposition about.
1 C  played  To play a part means to act a role in a film or

play. Perform and appear are used with a play: to perform
(in)/appear in a play.
2 A  interested  be interested + in something. The other
adjectives are followed by different prepositions: inspired
by; attracted to; enthusiastic about.
3 D  role  A professional role means a part in a play for
which she was paid. Task is a specific skill or job. Career is
a person’s sequence of jobs lasting many years. Character
is a person in a book, film or play. In this context, the
character is Hermione, not Emma Watson.
4 B  over  The correct phrase is all over the world.
5 C  up  Give up means to stop doing something. None
of the alternatives make any sense followed by her
education: give in + to means to surrender or agree
to something you don’t believe in; give out means to
distribute; give off means to produce a smell, heat or light.
6 A  leaving  The correct phrase, to leave school, means
to come to the end of school education. Abandon has a
more negative meaning of leave, for example to abandon
a child/house/sinking ship, etc.
7 D  continued  Continue is followed by to + infinitive.
Keep has a similar meaning, but is followed by -ing or
on + -ing.
8 C  involved  Be involved is followed by in and means to
take part in/be part of (neutral meaning). Be implicated is
also followed by in, but has a more negative meaning. For
example, be implicated in a crime.

Part 2 p13
0 are  The plural verb are is needed here as the subject of

the relative clause is which, referring back to the plural
noun phrase Harlequin shrimps.
9 from / to  From or to are the correct prepositions after
the adjective different (different + than is American
English).
10 with  With is the correct preposition in phrases like these.
Other examples: a shirt with red stripes; a room with blue
walls.
11 both  Both here refers to the left and right sides of the
shrimp’s body.
12 have  Have is used with physical characteristics. Other
examples: he has long legs; she has short hair.
13 which  The relative pronoun which refers back to the
word claw and completes this non-defining relative clause.
14 They  The subject pronoun They refers to the topic of the
whole text: harlequin shrimps.
15 of  The preposition of is used to show the relationship
between a general category and the thing which is part of
this category.

ANSWER KEY

0 photographer  The noun form referring to a person’s job
is needed following I’m.
17 basic  The adjective form is needed to describe a box
camera (a simple type of camera).
18 simply  An adverb is needed to describe how you pointed
the camera.
19 disappointed  An adjective is needed to describe how the
writer felt about some of the photos.

20 unclear  An adjective with a negative meaning is needed.
The prefix un- gives this meaning.
21 comparison  A noun is needed to complete the common
phrase: in comparison with.
22 effective  An adjective is needed to describe the process.
23 successful  An adjective is needed is describe ones,
referring to some of the photos.
24 satisfying  An adjective is needed to complete the phrase
as … as, describing the experience of taking photos.

Part 4 p19
0 can’t get used to  The phrase get used to means become
accustomed to/adjust to. The negative form can’t is
needed to convey the meaning of the phrase in the first
sentence: impossible to adjust to.
25 have not/haven’t seen you since  The simple past saw
in The last time I saw becomes the negative form of the
present perfect following the word since in the second
sentence.
26 such a boring film  So boring in the first sentence follows
the noun it refers to (film). When such precedes a singular
noun, it is followed by the indefinite article a/an.
27 wish I had not/hadn’t  When referring to a past regret
(regret + -ing), the verb wish is followed by a negative past
perfect form of the verb.
28 was unexpectedly cold  The comparative form colder in
the first sentence is unnecessary in the second sentence
because of the adverb unexpectedly.
29 advised Ben not to leave/against leaving  The use of if
I were you in the first sentence indicates that the speaker

is giving a piece of advice. The verb advise is followed by
someone (not) to do something or someone against doing
something.
30 have just been informed (that)  The second sentence is
a passive form, starting with I (the person referred to as
me in the first sentence). Informed is the past participle,
which carries the meaning of told in the first sentence.

Part 5 p22
31 B  Paragraph 1
The writer states: they would rather stay at home and
do things indoors than go out and experience real-life
adventures. The phrase would rather shows preference,
and at home is contrasted with go out.
A  The fact that parents support their choice (encourage
in the first paragraph) is true, but is additional information.

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32




33

34






35







36

ANSWER KEY





A  This is the opposite of what Dr Balik says.

C  Dr Balik makes no reference to the enjoyment of either
digital or real-life experiences.
D  The phrase nothing can match, meaning something
doesn’t compare to another thing, shows that there is not
equal value in the experiences.

Part 6 p26
37 G  This sentence expands on the previous sentence
in paragraph 2. The following sentence, starting with
Similarly, adds another point of comparison.
38 C  The first sentence of paragraph 3 focuses on plastic.
Sentence C, starting with However, points out that it is
not only plastic – the chemicals added to most plastics are
also dangerous.
39 E  Most of this refers back to packaging of foodstuffs,
drinks and other consumer goods in the previous sentence.
The following sentence, In fact, there are well-publicized
solutions, which would go some way towards solving the
problem, continues the idea introduced in sentence E: we
cannot go on indefinitely with this practice.
40 B  Good examples of this refers back to most plastic
packaging in the previous sentence of the text. In the
following sentence of the text, refunds on returned plastic
bottles, and many supermarkets now charge shoppers
for plastic bags refers back to drinks bottles and plastic
shopping bags.
41 A  Campaigns to encourage green behaviour refers
back to the work of Environmental organizations in the
previous sentence. The sentence following the gap says
what more needs to happen: We also need to convince

governments and businesses to reduce the production and
use of plastics for superficial applications.
42 F  Secondly, shows sequencing of ideas and relates to
Firstly, in the sentence before the gap.

Part 7 p30
43 C  Kadir says: The course organizers and managers were
fantastic – they couldn’t have done more to make us feel at
home.
44 D  Bogdana says: all the lectures and discussion sessions
were in English.
45 A  Ambroos says: I didn’t get much sleep while I was there
– I arrived home very tired!
46 E  Pirkko says: I love the outdoor life, so I spent some of my
free time swimming in the lake and walking.
47 D  Bogdana refers to the charming city with narrow streets
and a romantic castle.
48 A  Ambroos says: In addition to the course itself, which
consisted of lectures and discussions on politics and
economics, there were many optional activities to choose
from.
49 E  Pirkko says: I would definitely suggest this programme
of study would be ideal for other students who have never
left their own country before.
50 C  Kadir says the course enabled him to discover a new
culture.
51 B  Branca says: I … just looked around the city taking in the
sights.
52 B  Branca says: you make strong friendships that will
hopefully last for ever.

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Answer key



C  This answer is too extreme. The text does not say
teenagers have no interest.
D  This answer may also be true, but is another additional
point and only applies to some teenagers (more than half
were actually afraid of trying new experiences).
D  Paragraph 2
Apparently usually precedes a statement expressing some
uncertainty. This may be because you doubt the truth of
something or you are passing on information you have not
discovered for yourself.
A  The speaker may be surprised, but the word apparently
does not convey this.
B  The word knows expresses certainty, whereas
apparently implies lack of certainty.
C  Apparently indicates that this is not something which
the writer believes.
A  Paragraph 3
The writer states: To members of older generations, these
findings are worrying because it means that young people
increasingly rely on virtual reality. The phrasal verb rely
on means the same as dependent on; virtual reality is a
synonym for things that are unreal.

B  There is no information given about how the older
generations perceive young people enjoying their real-life
experiences.
C  The phrase increasingly rely on suggests that interests
are changing, but that young people are not only
interested in virtual reality.
D  Rock climbing is just one example of an outdoor activity
which some teenagers might enjoy.
B  Paragraph 4
The writer states: Forty or fifty years ago, children were
expected to spend more of their free time outside –
often engaged in activities of which their parents were
completely ignorant. The phrase completely ignorant
means to not know what someone is doing.
A  The text says they spent more of their free time outside,
not all of their time.
C  The text only says today’s teenagers have many more
indoor activities, not that there were no indoor activities
in the past.
D  The existence of new technology does not explain
this difference. (It would be easy to blame technological
advances for this development.)
A  Paragraph 5
The writer states: Many of the adults surveyed said they
thought today’s youth were more protected than they were
when they were growing up. He supports this statement
with evidence of parental control.
B  The writer states that many young people would be …
prepared to try real experiences if they could watch videos
… but does not say that videos are the reason why they

stay indoors.
C  The writer states: It is not clear whether adults believe
the world is more dangerous than it used to be. There is no
reference to this being without doubt.
D  The writer states: It is not clear … whether they do not
trust today’s youngsters to look after themselves. The
phrase not clear means that the idea is not necessarily
true.
B  Final paragraph
Dr Aaron Balik states: There is nothing in the digital world,
even virtual reality, that can match the complex and multisensory experiences of a real-life situation.


Writing

Communicative achievement  The task should be written in
a story format, using neutral language.

Part 1 p34

Organization  Clear organization and paragraphing, with use
of linking words where appropriate.

The answer should address these points:
Content  The essay should give reasons to support the
viewpoint that young people do not get enough exercise. The
essay should consider a variety of reasons for the situation,
including those given in the notes.

Answer key

Communicative achievement  The answer should be in essay
format, using neutral or formal register.
Organization  Clear organization and paragraphing, with use
of linking words where appropriate.
Language  There should be level-appropriate vocabulary and
use of functional language to express opinion, give reasons,
make additional points, evaluate, and conclude.
Sample answer
In an increasingly busy world, health and fitness is more
important than ever, particularly for young people. However,
modern lifestyles often make it difficult for them to get as
much exercise as they need. The purpose of this essay is to
explain why this is the case.
Firstly, there is more pressure on young people today to
study. Students spend a significant amount of time sitting
down, rather than moving around. Also, academic subjects are
often prioritized over physical education.
Another factor is that when young people have free time,
they enjoy playing computer games. Not only does this mean
that they are mostly sitting down, but it may also make going
outside to exercise less appealing.
Finally, many towns and cities lack safe and clean spaces to
play games outside. This means that parents may be unwilling
to let their teenagers go out alone after school.
To conclude, young people’s lifestyles often prevent them
from getting enough physical exercise. It is essential that all
members of society work together to prioritise health and
fitness in young people’s lives.
(179 words)

Examiner’s commentary
Content  The candidate answers the question very
competently, detailing a variety of reasons why young people
do not get enough exercise.
The target reader would be fully informed regarding the
writer’s views and subject matter.

Language  Narrative tenses and descriptive language should
be used.
Sample answer
Peter picked up his heavy backpack and set off towards the
forest. He was meeting his friends at four o’clock, and they
were going to camp overnight. He waited impatiently at the
entrance to the forest. His mobile phone had no signal, and
there was no sign of his friends. He was sure they had said to
meet here.
It was getting dark and cold. All he can do was try to put up
his tent. He’d never put up a tent before, so he tied some rope
between two trees, and tried to hang the tent over it.
The wind grew stronger and it started to rain. Meanwhile,
Peter was starting to feel fed up. He lay down on the wet
ground, and somehow fell asleep.
He woke to bright sunlight and the sound of his friends’
voices. ‘Peter, what are you doing here? We were calling you all
evening!’ said Andrew. It turns out that he was suppose to
meet them at Andrew’s house. In the end, the weather had
put them off, and so they had decided to camp out in the
living room!
(187 words)
Examiner’s commentary

Content  This is a very competent attempt at writing
a story. The candidate uses the sentence provided and
is able to create a convincing story from it. They have
successfully incorporated the elements briefed: a tent and a
misunderstanding.
Communicative achievement  The register is consistent
with a story. The target reader’s attention would be held
throughout.
Organization  The candidate has organized the story into
clear paragraphs and made use of some linking words
(meanwhile …, in the end …).
Language  The candidate has used a range of vocabulary and
grammatical structures with good control. There are a couple
of non-impeding errors (all he can do was …, he was suppose
to …); however, this do not affect communication.
Question 3

Communicative achievement  The essay is well written, using
the conventions of the task to communicate straightforward
ideas clearly. The language remains formal throughout the
essay. The topic is addressed directly and in an appropriate
way.

Content  The email should respond to the friend’s question
regarding a place to visit for a day trip. It should give
information about what there is to do at the chosen attraction.

Organization  The candidate uses a variety of linking words
and phrases to connect the ideas of the essay and to help it
to flow (however …, firstly …, not only …, but also …, this means

that …).

Organization  Clear organization and paragraphing, with use
of linking words where appropriate.

Language  There is a wide range of grammatical phrases and
vocabulary used with a good degree of control (e.g. spend
a significant amount of time …, are often prioritized over …,
unwilling to let …).

Part 2 p41
Question 2
Content  The story should begin with the sentence
provided in the rubric. It should also include a tent and a
misunderstanding.

ANSWER KEY

Communicative achievement  The task should be written in
email format, with informal language.

Language  Making a suggestion, giving opinions, making
recommendations, giving details.
Sample answer
Hi Anna,
Thanks for your email. I’m looking forward to seeing you too!
There are quite a few good places nearby for your day trip, but
the most interesting is the Grand Palace. It’s on the edges
of the city, and there is a regular bus service there from the
centre. You can buy a day ticket which lets you go to the

palace as well as the gardens.
The palace is really magnificent! I highly recommend paying for
a guided tour, as you learn so much about the history of the

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Examiner’s commentary
Content  The candidate follows the instructions and gives the
target reader a full description of the recommended day trip.
All the content is relevant to the task.
Communicative achievement  The register is consistently
appropriate for an email to a friend. The email would leave a
positive impression on the target reader.
Organization  The email is organized into paragraphs and is
coherent. Cohesive devices (when, if) are used to link ideas in
the email.
Language  The candidate uses a wide range of vocabulary
and grammatical structures with a good degree of control.
They also successfully use functional language to make
suggestions/recommendations (You can …, I highly
recommend …, you must …). There are some errors (on the
edges of the city …, After you saw …), but these do not impede
communication.
Question 4
Content  The review should begin with a brief description of
the film, mentioning information such as the setting, subject
and characters. The candidate should then relate the film to
an issue affecting young people. It should end with a summary

of why the candidate recommends the film to young people.
Communicative achievement  Neutral or informal style.
Target readers are newspaper readers.
Organization  Clear organization and paragraphing, with use
of linking words where appropriate.
Language  Describing, recommending, giving opinions, giving
reasons.
Sample answer
One of my favourite films is an animation called ‘Not Long
Ago’. It is the story of a lady in her twenties called Fumi who
is working in an office in the city, and is generally dissatisfied
with her life. She decides to go to stay with her family in the
countryside, who run a farm. Being back in nature and with her
relatives reminds her of her childhood. She recalls both happy
and sad memories from when she was ten years old, which
causes her to think about what is truly important to her.
Although the story is quite simple and not very dramatic, it is
still a very moving film.
I felt that this film is particularly relevant to young people
as it explores the difficulty many of us have in leaving behind
our childhood and beginning our adult lives. It also shows the
importance of our childhood dreams and how they influence
us even when we become adults. For me, it summed up the
feeling that me and many of my friends feel as we approach
our graduation from school.
(183 words)

ANSWER KEY

Examiner’s commentary

Content  The candidate has followed the instructions and
fully informed the reader of their film choice and reasoning.
Communicative achievement  The candidate uses the
conventions of the task with considerable flexibility and style.
The target reader’s attention is held throughout.
Organization  The text is well organized into paragraphs and
is consistently coherent. A range of linking words and cohesive
devices is employed (although, it also …, for me …).
Language  The candidate uses a range of vocabulary
effectively and precisely. They use a range of simple and also
complex grammatical forms with control and flexibility.
Question 5
Content  The article should be based on the set text that the
candidate has studied. It should focus on first impressions of
one of the characters in their set text.
Communicative achievement  The answer should be in
article format, using neutral or formal register.
Organization  Clear organization and paragraphing, with use
of linking words where appropriate.
Language  There should be level-appropriate vocabulary and
use of functional language to express opinion, give reasons,
make additional points, evaluate and conclude.
Sample answer
The issue of first impressions is particularly relevant to the
novel Pride and Prejudice. One of the main developments in the
story is how Elizabeth Bennet’s opinion of a rich gentleman,
Mr Darcy, changes over time. In this article, I will discuss my
impressions of Elizabeth.
When we are first introduced to Elizabeth, it is clear that she
is witty and intelligent. She is not afraid to say how she feels,

even when it causes others to have a bad opinion of her; for
example, she refuses to dance with Mr Darcy. Although she
realizes that the Bingley sisters are insulting her and her
family, it does not bother her.
As the story continues, Elizabeth’s actions in the story only
seem to support my initial beliefs about her. The fact that
she rejects Mr Collins’ offer of marriage demonstrates the
strength of her belief that a woman should marry for love.
This is even more impressive when we take the customs and
traditions of the time into account. I believe it was Jane
Austen’s aim to give her readers this example of a strong
woman.
(185 words)
Examiner’s commentary
Content  The candidate has followed the instructions and
fully answered the question about the first impressions of one
of the characters. The article expands on the ideas, giving
examples from the book.
Communicative achievement  The candidate uses the
conventions of the task with considerable flexibility and style.
The target reader’s attention is held throughout.
Organization  The text is coherent and is well organized into
paragraphs. A range of linking words and cohesive devices is
employed (The fact that …, This …).
Language  The candidate uses a range of vocabulary and
grammatical forms with a good degree of control. Functional
language to express opinions is employed effectively (it is
clear that …, this is even more impressive …, I believe …).

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Answer key

building. When I visited, our guide also pointed out the famous
artworks and told us tales of the people who lived there.
After you saw the palace, you must explore the beautiful
gardens. If the weather’s nice, you should take a picnic and
hire a boat on the lake.
If you have time at the end of the day, don’t miss the
fireworks. The best place is watch them is from the bridge.
You can see the display with the palace lit up.
See you soon.
From, (Name)
(180 words)


Listening

Part 2 p46

Answer key

Part 1 p44
1 A  The boy says I thought the American was faster and
more powerful, and the girl says That’s true.
B  The girl thinks it was bad luck that the player slipped,
while the boy disagrees: I can see why you think that, but it
was still a mistake.
C  The boy thinks the American deserved to win, but the

girl disagrees.
2 A  The girl says: Recordings are great.
B  The girl says that the concert she attended was loud,
and that you can turn the volume up at home. She doesn’t
make any critical comments about the volume.
C  The girl says recordings can be exciting but can’t match
the thrill of the real thing.
3 B  The reporter says hunting threatens the tiger still more
[than the destruction of their habitat, and explains: In
some places, parts of the tiger are used to make medicines
….
A  The reporter says hunting threatens the tiger still more
[than the destruction of their habitat].
C  The reporter says that tiger hunting is dangerous. He
doesn’t mention this as a reason people kill tigers.
4 C  The teacher says the best way to do that [to make an
essay interesting] is to note down your ideas before you
put pen to paper.
A  The teacher talks about putting events in order, and
says this is the easiest thing, but recommends changing
the order to make the essay more interesting.
B  The teacher says you might begin by describing … how
you felt at the end of the day, but he doesn’t advise doing
this. The modal might suggests possibility.
5 B  The brother says I really need eight hours’ sleep and
later says We all need the same amount [of sleep].
A  The boy doesn’t mention if he would feel better or not
on less sleep.
C  It’s the boy’s sister who says that girls just don’t need
as much sleep as boys. The boy disagrees, saying That’s

stupid.
6 B  The boy says: but now I think I’d find it boring to lie
around on the beach every day.
A  The boy talks enthusiastically about the things he did
because of the rain, but does not say he liked the rain
itself.
C  The boy says that just ordering a coffee helped me feel
more confident, but not that his French improved a lot.
7 C  The newsreader says: They could only ask their
neighbours to … tell them if she turned up. If something
turns up, then it is found.
A  There is no mention of neighbours looking after the
cat.
B  The family move to a new home, but the cat didn’t go
with them. There is no mention of finding the cat a new
home.
8 A  The pianist says that his own music teacher was good,
but he tried too hard. Most music teachers do. Better to let
the music speak for itself.
B  The pianist thought of playing music as a hobby, and
didn’t expect to be making money from it.
C  The pianist mentions being forced to do art, but makes
no mention of compulsory music lessons.

ANSWER KEY

9 bread  The sentence requires a noun as its object. Jason
says that he first thought of bread but he decided it was
just too boring.
10 alert  The use of the verb felt and adverb less shows we

need an adjective. Jason says that on his way to school, he
wasn’t as alert as usual.
11 dad  The possessive suggests a noun will follow. Jason
says: my dad doesn’t sleep well if he drinks it late at night.
12 milk  The sentence requires an indirect object. Jason
says: The most basic choice we make is between white and
black … I usually prefer white coffee. Usually and most of
the time are synonyms.
13 depression  A noun is required to complete the phrase
the risk of. Jason says: some recent studies say that if
you drink coffee, you might be less likely to suffer from
depression.
14 physical  As the gap is before a noun, an adjective is
required. Jason says: I’m not sure if coffee increases my
physical energy.
15 Yemen  The name of a country is required. Jason says: it
seems to have been in Yemen … that people began to roast
and brew coffee beans in the way we do today. The phrase
it seems means probably.
16 monk  The indefinite article indicates that a noun is
required. Jason talks of a monk to whom he [the farmer]
passed on the news [about coffee beans], and says: it was
he who first boiled the dried berries to make a drink from
them.
17 1652  A date is required. Jason says: England’s first coffee
house opened in 1652.
18 relax  A verb is required to complete the structure in order
to, which means for the purpose of doing something.
Jason says that King Charles II argued that people went to
coffee houses in order to relax.

Part 3 p48
19 D  The speaker says: But me, I love visiting new places.
New places is a synonym for somewhere you have never
been before.
20 A  The speaker says: as far as I’m concerned, the weather
can do what it likes. If something does what it likes, you
are not bothered or concerned by it.
21 C  The speaker says: I know most people love going away,
but I always find more interesting things to do at home.
22 H  The speaker says: the best part of the holiday was the
return journey. The return journey is a synonym for on the
way home.
23 F  The speaker says: I like to see them [the sights] through
my own eyes, without having a guidebook to tell me what
to do.
B, D and G are not used.

Part 4 p50
24 B  Sophie says: What got me into it was seeing chess
problems in the newspaper.
A  Sophie mentions starting a chess club at school, but
says: that wasn’t where I started, either.
C  Sophie talks about learning the rules of chess online.
25 A  Sophie says My suspicion is that some people, when
they’re losing, look for help on the computer. There are
websites which recommend moves for you.
B  Sophie mentions being overconfident, but she doesn’t
really think this was the reason she lost.

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26



27


28




29


30




6 D  avoid  In this context, avoid means not do. Block and
escape have a stronger, often negative meaning.
Prevent is used about other people, not yourself. I avoid
doing something (myself), but I prevented him from doing

something.
7 A  harmful  A harmful level of something is the level that
causes a physical problem. Hurtful and destructive are
often used with behaviour.
8 B  traffic  An uncountable noun is required here after
high volumes of. Traffic means the same as vehicles,
but the correct phrase would be number of vehicles. In
English, circulation usually relates to blood.

Part 2 p62
0 the  The name of the planet Earth is normally preceded
by the definite article the. The uncountable noun earth
means soil – the substance that plants grow in.
9 been  Been completes the present perfect passive form of
the verb visit.
10 of  The preposition of is used to show the relationship
between a general category and the thing which is part of
this category.
11 a  The indefinite article is needed here. The space inside
the International Space Station (ISS) is just one of many
restricted living spaces.
12 go  The phrase to go wrong means to fail, stop working,
break down.
13 is  The singular verb is follows the noun cooperation
earlier in the sentence, and is needed before the adjective.
14 through  The phrase to go through a process such as
training means to undergo or experience.
15 with  To cope with something means to deal with
something successfully.
16 where  The relative pronoun where introduces the relative

clause which finishes the text and refers back to an
isolated room.

Part 3 p64

Practice Test 2
Reading and Use of English
Part 1 p59
0 D  fact  The correct phrase is a fact of life, which means
something accepted as true about the world. The other
options do not make recognizable phrases.
1 C  quality  The collocation air quality means how good or
bad the air is for breathing. The other options would work
with the structure the … of the air.
2 A  check  Check a forecast means listen to it and think
about what it means. Assess and test make no sense in this
context, as they mean to evaluate. Listen must be followed
by the preposition to.
3 D  attention  The correct phrase is pay attention to
meaning to take notice of.
4 B  unlikely  If something is unlikely to happen, it means it
is improbable that it will happen. The other options have
similar meanings, but are not followed by infinitives of
purpose.
5 C  predict  To predict something means to say what you
think will happen in the future. Guess is too informal in
this context. Decide would suggest the experts cause the
pollution.

ANSWER KEY

0 famous  The adjective form is needed to describe painters
in the superlative phrase, the most famous painters.
17 twentieth  The adjective form is needed to describe
which century is being referred to.
18 variety  The noun form is needed to follow the adjective
wide.
19 illness  The noun form is needed as the subject of this
sentence.
20 creative  The adjective form is needed to describe ideas.
21 original  The adjective form is needed to describe works
of art.
22 exhibition  The noun form is needed, following the
indefinite article an.
23 collections  The plural noun form is needed, following the
adjectives public and private.
24 visitors  The plural noun form is needed, following half a
million and preceding the relative pronoun who.

Part 4 p67
0 not looking forward to going  If someone is not looking
forward to doing something, it means they don’t want to
do it. The phrasal verb: to look forward to is followed by
the -ing form.

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Answer key

C  Sophie mentions that opponents may not have been
concentrating at first, but she doesn’t really think this was
the reason she lost.
C  Sophie says: I lost some of my early [face-to-face]
games – against people I really should have beaten –
because I just wasn’t used to it.
A  Sophie mentions the clock making a difference, but not
that it distracted her.
B  Sophie doesn’t comment on what her opponent looked
like or whether it distracted her.
A  Sophie says: just as I was on the verge of victory, I made
a stupid move, … the game is drawn.
B  Sophie mentions her opponent being shocked that she
was better than him, not that she was amazed.
C  Sophie says that her opponent was lucky because she
made a poor move, not that he made a lucky move.
C  Sophie says that, when she started secondary school,
not many of the students even knew the rules and, at first,
there was very little interest.
A  Sophie says there was very little interest, meaning
nobody was eager to learn the game.
B  Sophie says that our numbers have increased a lot but
this does not refer to when Sophie started secondary
school.
B  Sophie says: It’s easy to weaken one player slightly in
order to make the game more competitive.
A  Sophie says not many in school would want to play me
on equal terms, but doesn’t say that no one will.

C  Sophie mentions that she doesn’t do it to show off,
meaning that she isn’t boasting about her ability.
A  Sophie says (of becoming a grandmaster): Of course,
that would be very difficult, but I think it could happen.
B  Sophie says: I’m still way short of the ability of the best
in the world. This means that top players are much better
than her.
C  Sophie says she is improving all the time.


Answer key

25 would rather you did not/didn’t  Would rather someone
+ verb in the simple past form means the same as prefer
someone not to do something.
26 even though I had not/hadn’t/I’d not  The participle
phrase despite not having had changes to even though +
a clause in the past perfect negative: even though I hadn’t
had.
27 is too young  The negative phrase not old enough
changes to the affirmative too young.
28 I remind her of  Remind someone of someone means to
make someone think of someone because they are similar
in some way.
29 need not/needn’t have taken  The past modal form
needn’t have taken means you did something, but it wasn’t
necessary.
30 had to get home by  To get somewhere by a time means
to be there at or before that time.

Part 5 p68
31 B  Paragraph 1
To be set free is often used about people or animals being
released from captivity. It is appropriate here, because the
girls would probably have felt they were in captivity for
most of their stay in Paris.
A  This option suggests a decision has been made by
someone else.
C  This option implies that the students were being forced
rather than permitted to go somewhere.
D  There is no mention of whether this is true or not.
32 D  Paragraph 2
The writer states that the girls were not used to the noise
and bustle of city life. They’d spent the odd day in London
or Manchester before, but always with their parents.
Therefore they had been supervised.
A  The writer states that the girls had been given a street
plan, so they knew where to go.
B  The writer states: they knew enough about the ticket
system and the different lines and their directions.
C  The writer says the girls were not used to the noise and
bustle, not that it was too noisy for them.
33 C  Paragraph 3
The writer states: They were slightly surprised when the
waiter replied in fluent English, but they weren’t upset.
Slightly surprised suggests it wasn’t too important.
A  The waiter answered in English, so he must have
understood them.
B  The girls weren’t upset, suggesting that they weren’t
offended by the waiter’s behaviour.

D  They were only slightly surprised. Astonished means
very surprised.
34 A  Paragraph 4
The writer states that the girls went to the department
store to choose presents to buy for their mothers, fathers,
brothers and sisters.
B  The girls bought tourist T-shirts rather than fashion
items.
C  The girls are described as buying presents for others,
not themselves.
D  Alexis says Let’s do our shopping now. This suggests
that their focus was on buying, not just looking.
35 C  Paragraph 5
The writer states: they didn’t want to spend any more
money, suggesting they had already spent enough.

ANSWER KEY

A  We don’t know whether they could afford it, only that
they didn’t want to spend more money.
B  There is no mention of what the time was at this point.
D  The writer states: Jo didn’t have a head for heights,
meaning she was afraid of high places, but this isn’t the
reason they didn’t go.
36 B  Paragraph 6
Becky says: I think we’re going the wrong way.
A  The girls didn’t travel on the wrong line – they took the
right line in the wrong direction.
C  The girls caught a train, but one going in the wrong
direction,

D  The main problem was that they were travelling in the
wrong direction; we are not told that the train didn’t stop
at their station.


Part 6 p70
37 E  This develops the idea expressed in the previous
sentence. The sentence which follows says more about
why girls feel these pressures: There is also evidence
that parents demand higher standards of behaviour and
performance from their daughters than from their sons.
38 A  The idea of competition between girls occurs in the
sentence before the gap. The sentence which follows
mentions examples of bullying: cruel treatment they
receive online.
39 G  This understanding refers back to the word understand
in the previous sentence. The six … characteristics
mentioned at the end of sentence G are listed in the
sentence which follows: the need for independence, the
desire to rebel, close friendships, planning for the future,
emotional disturbance, and taking responsibility for
themselves.
40 D  Not only this builds on the idea expressed in the
previous sentence: The psychologist reassures parents by
telling them that their daughters’ difficult behaviour is
completely normal.
41 C  She refers back to the psychologist in the previous
sentence. The sentence which follows the gap gives a
particular example of a parent–teenage girl relationship.
42 F  They refers back to Most experts, the subject of the

previous sentence. The word this in the sentence after the
gap refers to the suggestion that parents should try to
keep track of their daughters’ online activity.

Part 7 p72
43 B  Paul says: I had no idea whether I’d enjoy it or not, so I
bought an inexpensive machine.
44 C  Ed says: As a young boy, I remember reading a story
about a robbery that took place in our town … As soon as I
got my first metal detector, I hunted in this place.
45 D  Sally says: My dad had told me that one day I would find
a precious gold coin. Well, amazingly, not only did I find
one, but I found more: three gold coins, five silver ones and
various other old artefacts.
46 C  Ed says: … several townspeople suggested a particular
site where the box might have been buried.
47 A  Megan says: I certainly won’t stop hunting; perhaps I’ll
be luckier next time.
48 C  Ed says: The thief was arrested … he’d buried the cash
box and wouldn’t say where it was. … As soon as I got my
first metal detector, I hunted in this place …
49 D  Sally says: You can be sure I’ll go on hunting there.

Oxford Preparation & Practice for B2 First for Schools
© Copyright Oxford University Press


50 A  Megan says: I’d taken the metal detector I’d been given
as a birthday present
51 B  Paul refers to metal detecting as a profitable hobby.

52 A  Megan says she found some bottle tops buried in the
sand, and a tent pole. These are worthless objects.

Part 2 p79
Question 2

Writing

Content  The email should be about a song or piece of music
that the writer likes or dislikes, with reasons given for their
choice.

Part 1 p74
Content  The essay should give an opinion on whether it is a
good or a bad idea for robots to do many of the jobs currently
done by humans. The essay should consider a variety of
reasons for the situation, including those given in the notes.
Communicative achievement  The answer should be in an
essay format with neutral or formal language. The target
reader is a class teacher.
Organization  Clear organization and paragraphing, with use
of linking words where appropriate.
The essay should either provide an opinion in paragraph 1 and
then present arguments to support this opinion OR consider
both sides of the argument before giving an opinion in the
final paragraph.
Language  There should be level-appropriate vocabulary and
use of functional language to describe, express opinion, give
reasons, express contrast, make additional points, evaluate,
and conclude.

Sample answer
We hear the word ‘robot’ more than we used to. In the
past, robots were machines that looked like small humans.
Commentators now think that robots will soon do many of the
jobs done by humans.
Robots have done some jobs for many years, for example in car
factories. They are now starting to do other jobs, for example,
in hospitals where they can check patients and even decide
their treatment. In future, it is likely that robots will do more
everyday jobs, for example in food production and building.
The public is reacting in different ways to this development.
Some think that it would be good for robots to do more jobs
because this will give humans more free time. There are others,
however, who believe that it could be dangerous if robots start
thinking for themselves.
I am sure that robots will do more human jobs, but I believe
they should only do unpleasant or difficult work. They must not
make too many people redundant or start to control humans.
(172 words)
Examiner’s commentary
Content  The candidate answers the question very
competently. All the content points are addressed and
fully expanded. Register and language use is consistently
appropriate.
Communicative achievement  The essay is very well written,
using the conventions of the task effectively to hold the
target reader’s attention. The language is neutral throughout
and the topic is treated in an appropriate way. Balanced views
and opinions are given in a well-argued manner.
Interesting ideas – for example, the danger of robots

controlling humans – are mentioned briefly.
Organization  The text is well organized, and a range of
simple cohesive devices is used. Paragraphing is appropriate,
although the final paragraph where the writer expresses their
own opinion is a little brief.

Communicative achievement  Informal language. Email
format. Suitable for an English-speaking penfriend.
Organization  Clear organization and paragraphing, with use
of linking words where appropriate.
Language  Describing, explaining, giving reasons.
Sample answer
Hi Sam,
Good to hear from you. Your class project sounds great! I’m
sure you’ll get some really interesting replies.
I’ve decided to tell you about a piece of music that I really love.
It’s called The Stranger from Limoise and it’s a kind of slow
French folk tune that I first heard when I was on holiday in
France. Since then, I’ve managed to find a recording of it.
So, why do I like it? There are several reasons, but the main
one is the melody which is sad and happy at the same time.
Secondly, whenever I hear it it reminds me of that fantastic
French holiday and takes me back to the square in a sleepy
little village in the middle of the French countryside, when we
saw people dancing to this tune. It was a magic sight which I’ll
never forget.
Good luck with your project.
Keep in touch
(153 words)
Examiner’s commentary

Content  All points are addressed. The piece of music is
described briefly, and the candidate provides some clear
reasons for their choice.
Communicative achievement  Register is consistently
appropriate: informal email language is used throughout.
Organization  The writing has a natural flow, and a range of
cohesive devices is used to good effect. The writing is well
organized, and each paragraph has a clear focus.
Language  A range of relevant vocabulary is used, including a
number of less common lexical items, e.g. melody, magic sight.
Question 3
Content  The review should give a description of a reality TV
show and offer a recommendation, with reasons, to other
people.
Communicative achievement  Neutral language. Review
format. Suitable for readers of an international magazine for
teenagers.
Organization  Clear organization and paragraphing, with use
of linking words where appropriate.
Language  Describing, explaining, giving reasons,
recommending.
Sample answer
Maybe you’re tired of reality TV shows because they are so
similar to each other. Last night, however, I watched one I’d
never heard of before. It was called Parent Swap, and was
quite different from the others.

Oxford Preparation & Practice for B2 First for Schools
© Copyright Oxford University Press

Answer key

The answer should address these points:

ANSWER KEY

Language  Language is well controlled, and a range of
structures and vocabulary is used. Some awareness of less
common lexical items is evident – for example, reacting,
redundant.


Answer key

Two families with teenage children meet and spend a few days
together in a hotel to get to know each other. When they leave,
the teenagers swap families. In other words, one teenager
from each family goes and lives with the other family.
This sounds quite a simple idea, doesn’t it? But what makes
it interesting is that the producers choose very different
families. In last night’s programme one family was rich and
lived in a large country house, while the other was poor and
lived in a small inner city flat.
Personally, I enjoyed seeing how the teenagers involved
adjusted to life in a family very different from their own. Most
of them coped very well. If you’re my age, I think you’ll enjoy
Parent Swap. Try it at least once.
(170 words)

Examiner’s commentary

Examiner’s commentary

Question 5

Content  All parts of the question are addressed. There is a
clear description of the programme and sufficient information
to enable the reader to decide whether or not to take up the
writer’s recommendation.
Communicative achievement  Register is consistently
appropriate throughout. The conventions of a review are, on
the whole, followed. The style is appropriate for a teenage
audience, and the writer speaks directly to the reader on a
number of occasions.
Organization  The structure of the text is well organized and
coherent. There is a good introduction to the topic and the
final closing sentence suggests people watch the programme
‘at least once’.
Language  A range of everyday vocabulary specific to the
topic is used appropriately.
Question 4
The answer should address all the points listed in the question
and include the first given line of the story, and mention a
thunderstorm and a stranger.
Content  The story should follow on from the given prompt
and is a submission for an English-language magazine for
young people.
Communicative achievement  Neutral language. Story format.
Organization  Clear organization and paragraphing, with use
of linking words where appropriate.

Language  Narrative tenses, discourse markers, direct or
reported speech.
Sample answer
Jo was an hour from home when she noticed that her bicycle
had a flat tyre. She’d been playing football in a neighbouring
town and was cycling home. At first, she just thought the
road was rather bumpy, but when she looked she saw that
there was no air in her tyre.
She couldn’t ride any further without damaging the wheel, so
she decided to mend the tyre. She got off her bike, walked to
the edge of the road and turned her bike upside down. Then
she heard thunder and felt a few spots of rain. She ran with
her bike to shelter under a tree.
‘That was bad luck,’ said a voice, ‘getting a flat tyre in a storm.’
Jo turned round and saw an old woman.
‘I don’t mind getting wet,’ said Jo. ‘But I still have a half-hour
bike ride home.’
‘I could give you a lift,’ said the old woman.
‘That’s very kind, said Jo, ‘but you don’t have a car.’
‘You’re right,’ said the old woman, smiling, ‘but my son does.
He’s coming to pick me up.’
(183 words)

ANSWER KEY

Content  The story follows on from the prompt in an
appropriate way and includes mention of a thunderstorm and
a stranger.
Communicative achievement  The narrative is easy to follow
and has a satisfying conclusion.

Organization  The organization is clear, and the story holds
together very well.
Language  There is an appropriate range of vocabulary. A
number of less common lexical items are used with some skill
(neighbouring, bumpy), and there is evidence of knowledge of
some idiomatic language (a few spots of rain, give you a lift). A
variety of structures is used, and direct speech and narrative
prose combine appropriately.
Content  The article should be based on the set text that the
candidate has studied. It should briefly outline the story. The
second paragraph should describe the ending and show how
this follows on from what has gone before. In the third and
final paragraph the candidate should say how effective they
find the ending and, if relevant, provide a different, better
alternative.
Communicative achievement  The answer should be in
article format, using neutral or formal register.
Organization  Clear organization and paragraphing, with use
of linking words where appropriate.
Language  There should be level-appropriate vocabulary and
use of functional language to describe a story, give opinions,
and give reasons.
Sample answer
The plot of [title of set text] is quite complicated, and
involves a lot of different characters. As the story
progresses, we see how these characters know one another,
and how their actions impact on each others.
At the end of the story the six different people meet in a
small hotel on an island off the west coast of Scotland. This
is where they must face a dark secret that has affected all

their lives. At the very end, Dr Johnstone reveals that when
the characters were newborn babies, he swapped them, to
see how their lives would be different if they were brought
on by another parent. Hearing this news, Katy attacks the
doctor, and accidently kills him. The others all agree to keep
their secret, and burn the hotel down.
In my opinion the ending is a bit too dramatic. I didn’t feel
it was effective because it was hard to believe a caring
character like Katy would do something so terrible. I would
have preferred if the six decided to tell the world what the
doctor had done. This would be more realistic.
(187 words)
Examiner’s commentary
Content  The candidate has followed the instructions and
fully answered the question about the ending of the story. The
article expands on the ideas, giving examples from the book.
Communicative achievement  The candidate uses the
conventions of the task with some flexibility and style. The
target reader’s attention is held throughout.
Organization  The text is coherent and well organized into
paragraphs. A range of linking words and cohesive devices is
employed (At the end of the story …, In my opinion …).
Language  The candidate uses a range of vocabulary and
grammatical forms with a good degree of control. Functional
language to express opinions is employed effectively (I didn’t
feel …, I would have preferred if …).

Oxford Preparation & Practice for B2 First for Schools
© Copyright Oxford University Press

Listening
Part 1 p80

Part 2 p81
9 understand  The auxiliary verb don’t is followed by a verb.
The speaker says: Lots of us are frightened of lightning
and its almost strange power, perhaps because we don’t
understand it.

ANSWER KEY

Part 3 p82
19 D  The speaker says: In my experience, the arrival of spring
affects people, too. Everyone seems to walk around with a
smile on their face.
20 F  The speaker says: … autumn is the best season for
several reasons … maybe because my birthday is in the
middle of September, actually the day before my father’s
birthday. These are all examples of personal connections.
21 B  The speaker says: It hasn’t always been like this; until I
was about twelve, I loved spring as much as anyone else,
but then suddenly one year, it all changed. This indicates
that a contrast, and therefore a difference in feeling.
22 H  The speaker says: For me, the only thing I didn’t like
about the summer was getting bitten by insects. Only one
[bad] thing and one disadvantage are synonyms.
23 E  The speaker says: It’s the time of year when my mother
cooked some of my favourite meals and we’d all sit round
the table eating and chatting.

A, C, and G are not used.

Part 4 p83
24 B  Ruby says: I’m just an ordinary seventeen-year-old girl
who lives a normal life at home with my family.
A  The interviewer mentions that Ruby is making an
international name for herself, meaning becoming famous
worldwide, but Ruby doesn’t describe herself in such
terms.

Oxford Preparation & Practice for B2 First for Schools
© Copyright Oxford University Press

Answer key

1 B  The speaker says: I used to get annoyed, because it
seemed that Helena could get away with doing things that
I’d never been allowed to do – it didn’t seem fair to me. This
suggests that their parents were less strict with her sister.
A  The speaker says that she was more sociable than her
sister, but doesn’t mention how often they went out.
C  The speaker mentions going to university next
September.
2 A  The speaker says: We’re launching it [new album] here
in London two weeks today. I’m really excited!
B  The speaker says that she flew to the States to perform.
This means she has been to America recently.
C  The speaker mentions that the album launch is in two
weeks, but doesn’t say whether she will stay in London for
that time.

3 C  One of the speakers says: It always feels more of an
occasion in the evening, doesn’t it?
A  The woman says she would prefer the evening, but this
is before they decide which film to see.
B  The woman says she would prefer the evening, but
doesn’t mention if she is busy during the afternoon.
4 B  The speaker says: Your passport ran out three weeks
ago. Run out means expired, or out of date, in this context.
A  The speaker mentions having the passport with him at
the time.
C  The man has just got off a plane, but there is no
suggestion that he was on the wrong plane.
5 A  The teacher says: In the end, it’s up to you, Shaun. To
make up your own mind means to decide on something.
B  Shaun only says that his parents disagree with his
choice of optional subjects: my parents think they
wouldn’t be very useful … in the future.
C  The teacher does not tell Shaun which subjects to
choose.
6 B  The speaker says: In the first half, very little happened. …
But, after half time, it all suddenly came to life.
A  The reporter says it wasn’t the most thrilling game I’ve
ever seen, although it became more exciting as the game
progressed.
C  The speaker mentions the game getting better after
half time, when it all suddenly came to life.
7 C  The speaker says: amazingly, they [the parents] were in
bed and still fast asleep.
A  The speaker says the window broke, indicating that
there was damage to the house.

B  The speaker mentions his sister looking very scared.
8 B  The speaker says: My father had been scared of dogs
ever since he was bitten on the arm as a small boy. So I
guess that’s where my phobia came from.
A  The speaker’s father was bitten, but the speaker doesn’t
mention a similar incident.
C  The speaker mentions avoiding visiting people who
owned dogs, but not that he was attacked by one.

10 strikes  The adverb never needs to be followed by a verb.
The speaker says: Perhaps the most well known of these is
that lightning never strikes twice.
11 location  The adjective physical needs to be followed by
a noun. The speaker says: some places are more likely than
others to be struck by lightning. This is usually to do with
their physical location. Location means place.
12 the open  The speaker says: And as for people, I read
about a Canadian park worker who spent a lot of his time
working in the open and was actually struck seven times.
The phrase in the open means outside.
13 downwards  An adverb is required to describe the
direction of travel. The speaker says: Another common
belief is that lightning only comes from the sky and in a
downward direction.
14 weather conditions  The definite article indicates that
a noun phrase is required. The speaker says lightning
is associated in most of our minds with certain weather
conditions – particularly rainstorms or changes in
temperature.
15 Photographic  An adjective is required before the noun,

evidence. The speaker says: There is plenty of photographic
evidence that shows lightning accompanying eruptions.
16 large orange  The indefinite article indicates that a noun
phrase is required. The speaker says: Glowing balls about
the size of a large orange and of many different colours
seem to float slowly in the air.
17 outside activities  The definite article indicates that a
noun phrase is required. The speaker says: The first thing
to do is to avoid outside activities, particularly open-air
sports, like golf and fishing.
18 electrical devices  A noun phrase is required. This
should describe a set which includes the examples. The
speaker says: You should also unplug electrical devices like
computers and televisions, because they can be damaged
by the sudden increases in electrical power … .



25


Answer key


26




27

28


29


30



C  The interviewer mentions Ruby’s ability, but Ruby
describes herself as an ordinary seventeen-year-old.
A  Ruby says: To be honest, I don’t remember much about
those early lessons.
B  Ruby says: I certainly never made a fuss about going to
lessons.
C  Ruby says: I think I enjoyed them, so is unclear on this.
A  Ruby says: One day my music teacher came round
to our house and spent an hour talking to my parents.
Afterwards, they told me that my teacher wanted to put
me in for a national competition for under-ten-year-olds.
That really made me want to go on doing it.
B  Ruby mentions passing exams before other children,
but not that this made her decide to take the violin more
seriously.
C  Ruby mentions watching TV with friends as being just a
thing she did, not an influence on her future.

C  Ruby says: They stressed that I couldn’t have any
time off school and that I’d have to keep up with all my
schoolwork. But I didn’t mind that.
A  Ruby says she wasn’t allowed to take any time off
school.
B  Ruby mentions the other children, but not whether she
would discuss the competition with them.
C  Ruby says: … by the time the competition came, I was
exhausted.
A  Ruby says it was a little scary, but doesn’t suggest she
was very nervous.
B  Ruby says it was a little scary, which suggests she
wasn’t relaxed.
A  Ruby says: I really enjoyed the day and it was such an
honour to take part in the competition.
B  Ruby says: I didn’t mind not winning.
C  Ruby says: playing the violin was something I enjoyed so
much that I wanted to go on doing it for the rest of my life.
B  Ruby says: I’m lucky enough to be able to do what I like
doing.
A  Ruby says she performs as a soloist because that’s what
other people want.
C  Ruby says: for the most time, I’m still an ordinary girl
who goes to school and lives with her family. This is a
normal situation, though, and not one that she feels
fortunate to be in.

Practice Test 3
Reading and Use of English
Part 1 p86

0 A  aim  An aim is an ambition or goal.
1 A  caught  The correct expression here is something
catches your attention. You give someone or something
your attention. Pay attention to something means focus
your mind on something.
2 D  take  The correct expression is take … interest in
something. Create interest means make something
interesting to other people. Gain interest means people
become interested in you.
3 C  connection  A connection with someone/something
is an understanding of, or relationship with, a person or
thing.

ANSWER KEY

4 C  choice  The expression is have no choice but … meaning
have no other option except the one named.
5 A  advantage  The expression take advantage of means
use something that is available. You take the opportunity
to do something.
6 D  therefore  Therefore means for this reason. Although
and however express contrast, while moreover introduces
supporting information.
7 C  keeping  The phrasal verb keep up means to continue
or maintain something at the same level; get up means
rise, while set up means start something new.
8 B  assist  Assist someone in doing something means help
someone do something. Allow and permit are followed by
a full infinitive and let by an infinitive without to.

Part 2 p87
0 one  To give a single example of something, we use one of.
9 was  The simple past of the passive (was known) is used
because once indicates past time.
10 in  After a superlative (the largest fruit and vegetable
market), we use the preposition in to describe the
category in which it is the largest, here in the country.
11 which  The relative pronoun which refers back to the
famous square and completes the non-defining relative
clause.
12 up  The phrasal verb be made up of means consist of.
13 than  The structure more than is used with a number
or an amount to show comparison, meaning a greater
number than (200).
14 can/will  A modal verb of possibility (can) or probability
(will) is needed before the infinitive find.
15 at  The preposition at is used with times.
16 over/around  The phrases all over/around the world
mean all parts of the world.

Part 3 p88
0 fitness  The use of the possessive pronoun your indicates
that the noun form is needed.
17 daily  The adverb daily, meaning every day, is needed to
indicate how often the activity should be done.
18 strength  The use of the possessive pronoun their
indicates that the noun form is needed.
19 performance  The possessive pronoun your and adjective
mental indicate that the noun form is needed.
20 harmful  An adjective form is needed since the gap is

preceded by the and followed by a noun.
21 gradually  An adverb is needed to follow the phrasal verb
build up.
22 choice  The indefinite article a followed by the adjective
careful indicates that the noun form is needed.
23 protection  The structure is offer someone something, so
the noun form is needed here.
24 heat  The noun form is needed here after the verb keep
in, and body is used here as an adjective.

Part 4 p89
0 looking forward to hearing  The phrase be keen to is
replaced by look forward to and is followed by the -ing
form of the verb hear.
25 had/took a close look  The passive construction changes
to active, and the phrase had/took a close look replaces
examined closely.

Oxford Preparation & Practice for B2 First for Schools


Part 5 p90
31 C  Paragraph 1
The writer states: The appeal for young travellers was
clear: expensive hotels were not mentioned, which
attracted those managing on a limited budget. Limited
budget suggests little money.
A  The guides emphasized the importance of … meeting
local people, but they did not explain how to make friends.
B  While the guides emphasized the importance of

spending time in a country and taking the time to get to
know other cultures, the writer does not say that they
gave any new information about the cultures.
D  While the guides encouraged spending time in a
country and taking the time to get to know other cultures,
there was no suggestion that trips should be very long.
32 C  Paragraph 2
The phrases a tendency to make decisions spontaneously
and a willingness to cheerfully adapt highlight their
enjoyment of the unexpected.
A  The writer mentions the Wheelers’ use of unreliable
transport bringing out their willingness to cheerfully
adapt.
B Their tendency to make decisions spontaneously
suggests that they did not seek practical advice in
advance.
D  They saw that tourists needed information on where to
stay and how to survive, not good facilities.
33 B  Paragraph 3
The writer stresses: the main selling point was that they
produced guidebooks to places nobody else investigated.
The fact that nobody else investigated the locations
suggests they were unusual.
A  The writer says that today they have to sell enough
books to remain profitable, but does not compare its sales
to that of the competition.
C  The writer states: they prefer not to use advertising.
D Today’s Lonely Planet writers cover almost everywhere,
but we are not told in the third paragraph that the
number of writers made Lonely Planet books different.

34 D  Paragraph 4
Tony says: it’s always valuable to know what’s happening
and that keeping up to date is the key, suggesting that
they achieve this partly through reader feedback.
A  Tony says: complaints from readers are often beyond
our control … but of course it’s always valuable to know
what’s happening, suggesting that there are good reasons
for the complaints.

ANSWER KEY

B  Tony says complaints from readers are often beyond
our control, but this doesn’t mean that writers need to be
controlled.
C  Tony mentions that feedback is often about prices
going up, but he doesn’t say that they pay readers
anything for their feedback.
35 B  Paragraph 5
The Wheelers say: you need to honestly consider [if]
you really want excitement or moments of discomfort,
suggesting that adventure is not for everyone.
A  They mention that if you are interested in culture, this
will affect where you go, but not that all travellers should
focus on culture.
C  They say that you should only travel for as long as
you’re happy to be travelling.
D  They say you should consider what the options are for
getting there and travelling around, but do not mention
convenience.
36 C  Paragraph 6

The writer says building the company was never easy and
that the Wheelers had to take months off [other jobs] to
do research, suggesting they overcame many challenges.
A  The writer says that the Wheelers had to take months
off to do research but that they would still love to repeat
that life-changing trip, which suggests they are not tired
of travel or research.
B  The writer says that it was never easy, but there is no
suggestion that they regret the time spent travelling.
D  The writer says that the books have inspired many to
follow in their footsteps and see the world, but not that
the Wheelers have inspired others to write.


Part 6 p92
37 D  The words strength and determination refer back to
the other women looking confident and extremely fit, and
this idea is continued in the following sentence: In fact …, I
made it my mission to be at the peak of physical fitness …
38 F  The phrase this preparation refers back to the ten days
spent getting used to the environment and training on
the ice. The slow progress they made is explained by the
terrible conditions referred to in the following sentence.
39 A  This trip refers back to trekking solo to the South Pole;
I’d be alone refers back to solo, and I felt differently is
focussed on in the following sentence: Other people were
also concerned for my safety.
40 E  The phrase physical difficulties refers back to having
to drag a 120 kg sleigh, while the emotional ones are
addressed in the following sentence: I missed my family

terribly, which is introduced by the phrase For example.
41 B  The phrase At the same time adds another challenge –
lack of sleep – to the difficulties already described in the
previous sentences. The phrase hardly any sleep refers
forward to the phrase cut back so much on the amount of
rest I had.
42 G  That’s why I never thought about giving up refers back
to the challenge suggested in the phrase No woman had
ever done this. The phrase I had to admit defeat in the
following sentence refers back to giving up in sentence G.

Part 7 p94
43 B  Amanda says: It’s virtually impossible just to go along
to your local pool … There are so few occasions when it’s
empty enough to practise without other people around.

Oxford Preparation & Practice for B2 First for Schools

Answer key

26 had arrived in time  If … wouldn’t have shows that a third
conditional is needed; the phrase in time means with
enough time to spare.
27 said a word  The adverb hardly is followed by an
affirmative verb form; the auxiliary has and the time
phrase this evening indicate that a present perfect form is
needed.
28 not have enough money  To say that something is too
expensive for you indicates that you do not have enough
money to pay for it.

29 rather you didn’t/did not  The phrase I’d rather is
followed by an object and the past form of the verb.
In this case it is negative because the preference is for
something not to be done.
30 to keep an eye on  The phrase keep an eye on
(something) means watch (something) carefully.


Answer key

44 D  Tony says: Success is just a matter of hard work. You
could get the same results from any youngster that you
worked with on a daily basis.
45 B  The writer refers to Amanda’s tough training schedule
based in several different locations.
46 D  Tony says: The media side of it is fine as long as it takes
second place to my training.
47 C  The writer states: Sadly, injuries have slowed Sally’s
progress this year. ‘It’s hard to be philosophical and accept
that it’s something every competitor has to deal with at
some point’.
48 A  The writer states that Paul’s coach has instructed him to
build up his muscle power.
49 C  The writer describes how last year Sally broke her own
personal record three times. It changed everything for her.
50 D  Tony says: The best advice I’ve ever had was … that the
moment being rich and famous becomes more important
than the sheer love of swimming, I should get out of the
pool and never get back in.
51 A  The writer describes how Paul and his family talk

together about every aspect of the next race: how to
approach it, the importance of not being afraid of losing,
the need to maintain concentration.
52 B  The writer describes how Amanda left school at sixteen
to focus on her sport. It involved a lot of heart-searching,
because it meant not going to university, despite pressure
from her teachers and family.

Writing
Part 1 p96
Question 1
The answer should address these points:
Content  The essay should discuss why music is so important
in the lives of young people today.
Communicative achievement  The answer should be in essay
format, using appropriately neutral or formal register.
Organization  Clear organization and paragraphing, with use
of linking words where appropriate.
Language  There should be level-appropriate vocabulary and
use of functional language to express opinion, give reasons,
compare and conclude.
Sample answer
In this essay is discussed the statement ‘music is one of the
most important things in the lives of young people today.’
On the one hand there are lots of activities based on music,
for example going to a concert as well as talking about music.
One could say that young people are choosing friends because
of the music style the other person prefers. On the other
hand, young people are meeting each other much more often
to watch TV than to hear music. Additional the time young

people spend on the computer is incredible high.
Most of teenagers enjoy music in order to relax. Often they
put music when they study to help with concentration.
However, it depends on the style and it’s a good way to
express your feelings – sometimes happy and lively, other
times sad.
Digital music has additionally increased the importance of
music. As a result music is heard everywhere now. One can
add that the importance of music is continiously increasing
since the 1960s.

ANSWER KEY

On balance I agree with the statement, because music is a
very important factor of our all day life.
(188 words)
Examiner’s commentary
Content  The candidate answers the question very
competently. Both the content points given are covered,
and the candidate includes their own third point. The target
reader would be fully informed and would understand the
writer’s opinion and reasons for that opinion.
Communicative achievement  The essay is well written, using
the conventions of the task. There are several minor errors in
the essay, but they probably would not lead to confusion or
misunderstandings.
Organization  The candidate has linked together ideas and
arguments, and correctly uses a wide range of linking words
and phrases (on the one/other hand, as well as, however,
additionally, as a result, on balance).

Language

Part 2 p97
Question 2
The answer should address these points:
Content  The story should end with the words provided in the
rubric and include a problem and a mistake.
Communicative achievement  The task should be written in
a story format, using neutral language.
Organization  Clear organization and paragraphing, with use
of linking words where appropriate.
Language  Narrative tenses and descriptive language.
Sample answer
It was a rainy day in Germany. Everything seemed so perfect.
All my guests arrived and they were waiting in the church
for me, to see me in my beautiful wedding dress. All of these
people were expecting from me saying ‘I do’.
There I was, staying in my room in front of a big mirror. I looked
so beautiful but my thought were getting crazy. I was so
confused, my fiancé was waiting for me. He was so lucky with
me and to win me. But I could just think about his best man.
He was the only man I really wanted to marry. I loved him and
he loved me. How could I tell Mark that I felt in love in his best
friend. I couldn’t impossibly say that I have had an affair with
John for one year. But in a few minutes our both our dream will
be over, although I understood it was a big mistake.
Mark answered ‘I do’. The same question for me. My heart
was beating faster than never before. The words ‘I do, I do, I
do …’ were in my head but I couldn’t speak them out. Instead
of ‘I do’ I said to Mark I couldn’t do this and I didn’t love him. I

told him that John was the man I felt in love with and it would
be horrible for me, for us be together. I expected him crying,
shouting, swearing. But for god’s sake he looked deeply in
my eyes and said ‘I know. I say you together in the chapel.’ He
excused for this disappointment and walked away slowly and
didn’t look back even once.
(280 words)
Examiner’s commentary
Content  The story ends naturally and appropriately with the
words given in the question and includes the two content
points given, but is over the word limit of 190 words.
Organization  There is a fairly good range of linking words
and phrases in the story (there I was, but in a few minutes,
although, instead of).

Oxford Preparation & Practice for B2 First for Schools


Language  The candidate uses some good expressions
(my heart was beating faster, he looked deeply in my eyes),
although on other occasions attempts at more ambitious
language result in inaccuracies.
There are several errors in the story (people were expecting
from me saying ‘I do’, in a few minutes our both our dream will
be over, John was the man I felt in love with, he excused for this
disappointment), but the narrative is mostly clear.
Question 3
The answer should address these points:

Communicative achievement  The task should be written in

email format, with informal language.

Examiner’s commentary

Organization  Clear organization and paragraphing, with use
of linking words where appropriate.

Content  The candidate has followed the instructions, and the
review successfully includes all the content points.

Language  Describing, explaining, giving examples, giving
reasons.

Communicative achievement  The register is appropriate for
a review. The target reader would be fully informed.

Sample answer
Dear Peter
I was really pleased to get your email and to hear that you
might coming to my country. I’d like to see a film with you when
you are visiting.
There are too many movies which I like, but in my opinion
comedy films are best because they make me to laugh a lot.
My favorite film is called ‘Monster Trucks’. Have you seen this
movie?
In my town is one cinema where we can go to see many films
but it must be expensive for us. I think the best place that we
can watch a film is in my house. So if we download some films
on the Internet it isn’t so expensive.
Finally, please write and tell me about the movies you like.

Do you like comedy films or something diferent? I am looking
forward to recieving your reply.
Hope to hear from you soon!
(150 words)

Organization  The review is clearly organized, but includes a
limited range of linking words (when, then).

Examiner’s commentary
Content  The candidate follows the instructions and all the
content questions in Peter’s email are answered successfully.
Communicative achievement  The register is appropriate
for an email to a friend. The target reader would be fully
informed.
Language  The candidate has an adequate but not wide range
of vocabulary and expressions. Only some basic linking words
are used (but, so, finally). There are several errors in the letter
(might coming, make me to laugh, diferent, recieving), but they
probably would not lead to confusion or misunderstandings.
Question 4
The answer should address these points:
Content  The review should describe the plot, main characters
and ending of a book for young people, and the candidate
should say whether they would recommend it.
Communicative achievement  Neutral or informal style.
Organization  Clear organization and paragraphing, with use
of linking words where appropriate.
Language  Describing, explaining, making a recommendation,
giving reasons.
Sample answer

Do you like reading books? Are you looking for an excellent
story that will entertain you? Then why not read The Lie Tree.

ANSWER KEY

Language  The candidate has used a good range of
vocabulary and included expressions appropriate to a review
(Do you like reading books? Are you looking for an excellent
story? Then why not read …). There are very few errors and
these would not confuse the reader.
Question 5
The answer should address these points:
Content  The essay should answer the questions and give
reasons for opinions.
Communicative achievement  Appropriate style for essay.
Clear ideas and holds reader’s attention.
Organization  Clear organization and paragraphs, with a
variety of linking words.
Language  There should be a variety of vocabulary and
grammar, with some complex sentences.
Sample answer
The main character in this book needs to make a lot of hard
decisions. But I think the most difficult decision for him is
when he decides to turn down the opportunity to get rich.
He had a very hard life as a child and young man because he
was very poor. That’s why he was impressed when he saw how
life could be lived when you have lots of money. Even though he
didn’t feel happy about doing some of the dangerous and cruel
things the gang asked him to do, he thought about how he
could look after his parents with all that money and give them

a comfortable life. It might have been an easier decision to
accept the money and carry on working for the gang. However,
he knew what they were doing was wrong and he was not keen
on going to prison!
Although it was a difficult choice, I believe it was the right one
for anyone in such a situation to make, because it is better to
be poor and free than wealthy and scared or behind bars.
(185 words)
Examiner’s commentary
Content  Both questions in the essay title are answered, and
opinion about the answer is supported with reasons. Gives
a balanced argument for opinion. The target reader is well
informed about the situation.
Communicative achievement  Style is appropriate
throughout, ideas expressed clearly and it holds reader’s
attention.

Oxford Preparation & Practice for B2 First for Schools

Answer key

Content  The email should answer all the questions in Peter’s
email.

You are sure to love this fantasy novel!
The story takes place a long time ago during the Victorian
times. The main character of the story, who is called Faith
Sunderly, is fourteen years old. When her father is killed in a
strange situation, she tries to discover the truth of what
had happened to him. Then Faith discovers an unusual tree

and when she tells it a lie, it has a fruit. Inside this fruit is
the truth and Faith believes she might find out who killed her
father – but there is a lot of danger for her!
I think all teenagers will love this book. It is mysterious and
frightening and you will really want to know what happens at
the end! I recommend everyone to read it today!
(154 words)


Organization  Organization is generally clear and paragraphs
are used. The candidate uses a variety of linking words (Even
though, However, Although).
Language  There is a good variety of vocabulary (cruel,
impressed), with use of phrasal verbs (keen on, turn down) and
synonyms (prison, behind bars; rich, wealthy).
There is a good variety of simple and more complex
grammatical structures.

Answer key

Listening
Part 1 p98
1 A  The speaker says it is increasingly important to be able
to connect with people in other countries. The phrase be
able to connect with means to have the ability to contact.
B  The speaker says that the majority of tourists have
read up on their destination, but does not mention guides
specifically.
C  The speaker says that tourism is cheaper generally and
that you can stay in somebody’s house rather than in a

hotel, but not that tourists want cheaper accommodation.
2 C  The woman says you must be capable of working with
a range of people and making connections and that
these relationships are essential in the business world. To
cooperate means to work with others.
A  The woman says it’s difficult to say whether
qualifications are necessary, and that although she has
a business degree, it has only helped a bit as attitude is
more important.
B  The woman says I spent a long time working on my
business plan, but not that thinking about your plans is
important in general.
3 A  The man says I’m never satisfied with being second best,
and says that doing his best is the most important thing to
him, suggesting that winning is important.
B  He says he has competed in two sports and is often
asked if he’d consider taking up a third sport in the future,
but this doesn’t interest him.
C  He says that he could make an awful lot of money from
adverts and TV appearances, but he is not interested in
financial rewards.
4 C  The man says that the money they [the supermarkets]
earn from just a few night-time customers easily covers
the salaries of a couple of extra staff members and it’s
definitely worth them staying open. This implies there is
little cost to the supermarkets.
A  The man says that an awful lot of people work at night,
rather than a normal nine-to-five day, but he does not
mention the staff’s opinion on working hours.
B  The man does not talk about the earnings of night-time

staff, and only says that the supermarkets earn enough to
pay the extra staff.
5 B  The man says that if you’re thinking of moving to
another country, you shouldn’t wait (… what are you
waiting for?).
A  The man says that people are friendly … even if you
can’t really speak the language, but does not say you
should learn it.
C  The man says that moving abroad can be easier in some
ways when you’re older, and that his own family was quite
young to have made a risky move like this.
6 C  The woman says that the course is especially suitable
for those without any writing experience.

ANSWER KEY

A  The woman says that they will advise you on how to go
about finding ideas for stories and articles, not that they
will give you the ideas.
B  The woman says that the course can be completed at
home but that you can take as long as you like, so there’s
no need to hurry. This does not suggest that the course
can be completed quickly.
7 B  The woman says that the best thing is to ask about
things like what someone remembers wearing, or their best
friend at school, and that asking very general questions is
not useful.
A  The woman says that a photograph might make
someone talk about a particular place or time, but that she
is not convinced that it is the most useful tool.

C  Regarding what people say, the woman says you should
write everything down in case you forget, but not that
your questions should be written down.
8 B  The man says that video games are used to train people
in all sorts of jobs, and that playing video games can also
be really useful as training for the world of business.
A  The man says that playing video games can also be
really useful as training for the world of business, but not
that businesses make a lot of money from them.
C  The man says that schoolchildren learn useful skills
from video games, but not that they are used in schools.


Part 2 p99
9 hospitals  The preposition in suggests a place. People
are sometimes surprised to find them inside hospitals and
public libraries!
10 music  The relative pronoun which indicates that a noun
is required. Starbucks closely studied consumer needs,
trying to find out things like their favourite colours and
music. Research matches the phrase closely studied
consumer needs.
11 twenty/20 years  The adverb ago indicates that a
timescale is required. Twenty years ago, people weren’t
drinking coffee in such large amounts as today … .
12 office  The definite article indicates that a noun is
required. How many other businesses would let people
treat their shop spaces as an office?
13 chairs  The adjective uncomfortable indicates a noun
is required. The chairs and stools customers had to sit on

were rather uncomfortable. There were complaints about
this … .
14 flavour  The definite article indicates that a noun is
required. They didn’t really care about the coffee’s flavour
so much … . Not very interested in is a synonym for don’t
care about.
15 luxury  The indefinite article indicates that a noun is
required. … they want you to view their products as a
luxury. Regard and view are synonyms.
16 advertisement  The adjective important indicates
that a noun is required. … the cup is a really effective
advertisement for their brand … .
17 stone  Another material is required. Natural materials
like stone are preferred, or wood to give an impression of
warmth.
18 kitchens  The noun phrase research and development
acts as a modifier here, indicating that a noun is required.
… people in the research and development kitchens are
trying to figure out what colour to use with each flavour
next year.

Oxford Preparation & Practice for B2 First for Schools


Part 3 p100

Part 4 p101
24 C  David says that what sets him [Nick] apart is the
confident and grown-up way that he carries and uses all
his camera equipment.

A  David says that Nick looks and dresses like any other kid
of that age.
B  The interviewer mentions the paparazzi who spend
their time trying to get photographs of the rich and the
famous, but does not say that Nick is rich.
25 C  David says that, with digital cameras, if you can afford
the equipment, then you have all you need to start taking
great pictures, and that no formal training is needed.
A  David says that anyone can take good pictures without
needing any formal training.
B  David does not suggest that the media prefer younger
photographers, just that there are more and more
paparazzi of increasingly younger ages.
26 B  David states that Nick’s parents actually take him round
the town in the car at all hours of the day and night, thus
supporting his work.
A  David says that Nick’s mother can see her son has some
talent, but not that she is surprised by the fact.
C  David says Nick’s parents don’t seem that concerned
about his age.
27 A  The speaker mentions that other photographers often
helped him and gave him advice.
B  David says that Nick’s first photographs weren’t very
professional.
C  The speaker says that Nick really enjoyed the thrill of
mixing with the rich and famous, suggesting that he had
no problem talking to them.
28 B  David states that Nick is very sympathetic to the
celebrities he shoots and avoids taking pictures of them in
embarrassing situations.

A  Nick has refused to take some photos that he could
sell to magazines, but there is no suggestion that Nick
thinks the paparazzi in general should avoid working for
magazines.
C  David refers to other paparazzi who do things they
shouldn’t just to get a picture, and says that Nick doesn’t
agree with it.

ANSWER KEY

29 B  David says that it’s frequently the stars themselves who
call up the paparazzi to tell them where they’re going to be
and when.
A  David says that it’s easier than people imagine because
frequently the stars themselves … call up the paparazzi to
tell them where they’re going to be and when, so there’s no
need to guess where they will be.
C  David says there are few chances to get photos of the
stars when they do appear, and he does not talk about
meeting them.
30 A  David says that he’s not sure that teenagers should be
doing it, but also that Nick’s father or one of his uncles is
always with him, so he’s safe, and that Nick not using an
agency is also an advantage.
B  David says that all the photos Nick takes are sold on
their own website, rather than going through an agency,
which is a good thing, suggesting that it is better to avoid
using an agency.
C  David says Nick’s father never pushed Nick into this
area.

Practice Test 4
Reading and Use of English
Part 1 p104
0 B  remember  Remember can be followed by the -ing
form of a verb, and in this context means that the
autograph collector has actually met the famous person.
1 A  way  The noun way + infinitive means a method of
doing something.
2 C  exception  The expression to be no exception means
that someone/something is the same as everyone/
everything else.
3 B  approach  The verb approach in this context means get
closer, and is the only option that fits the sentence.
4 A  get into  The phrasal verb used with entering cars is
get into.
5 B  worth  The expression It is worth (doing) something
means that this is recommended.
6 C  depend  The verb depend is followed by on here to
mean that what follows (how the individual is feeling) is
a necessary condition for what is mentioned before (the
chances of success).
7 D  likely  The expression to be (more/less) likely to means
that it is (more/less) probable that something will happen.
8 C  out  The phrasal verb to knock someone out of
something means to defeat someone so that they cannot
continue in a competition.

Part 2 p105
0 the  Before the superlative form highest, the definite

article is needed.
9 this  The expression this time means on the particular
occasion referred to, compared to others in the past.
10 in  The preposition in is used in the expression to succeed
in doing (something).
11 to  The structure after the superlative + noun phrase is
ever + infinitive with to.
12 up  The phrase of up to … means up to a maximum of … .
13 it  The word it completes the expression make it +
adjective + for someone to do something.

Oxford Preparation & Practice for B2 First for Schools

Answer key

19 E  The speaker explains that my mum and dad sometimes
invite friends to join us. I prefer it when they’re old friends
that I feel comfortable with. If you feel comfortable with
someone, you usually know them well.
20 A  The speaker feels that it’s important that we all have a
laugh when we’re on holiday, forget all our troubles and
feel free. Feeling free is a synonym for being relaxed.
21 D  The speaker believes that people have to be willing
to look for something a little out of the ordinary and to
seek adventure, and adds that most people just want to
play it safe and don’t want to be challenged by something
different. Out of the ordinary suggests something new.
22 B  The speaker talks about his children and says he will be
concentrating on them, and adds that he will play football
and anything else they feel like doing.

23 H  The speaker says that they go to the same place every
year and that being in a friendly place we know well
matters a lot, and we don’t want to have the stress of
anything unexpected or strange.
C, F, and G are not used.