Activate your Writing for B2 with answer key

Writing C Read this writing plan and write down the narrative tenses used in the story in B. Writing plan Paragraph 1 Set the scene of the story, starting with the sentence you have been given. Paragraph 2 Continue the story, using a variety of narrative tenses. End this paragraph at an important moment in the story (the surprise). Paragraph 3 Continue the story, using a variety of narrative tenses. Paragraph 4 Finish the story, explaining how the main character felt. past simple, past perfect simple, past continuous D Which verbs are used in the story instead of these verbs? ALERT! 1 saw noticed When you write a 2 opened unlocked story, use descriptive 3 were appeared verbs wherever 4 took led possible to give the 5 come gathered reader a clear visual 6 thought about wondered image of what is happening. E Now complete the diagram with these verbs. believe consider dash guess hurry jog mutter notice observe rush scream spot whisper witness wonder yell run • dash say • mutter • hurry • scream • jog • whisper • rush • yell Descriptive verbs think • believe see • notice • consider • observe • guess • spot • wonder • witness UNIT 12 51

Unit 12 Activate Your Writing A R ead this task and complete the writing plan that follows. Write a story about a promise. Begin the story with this sentence ‘Jacky knew that it was an important match, but that it would also be difficult to win.’ Continue the story. Writing plan Paragraph 1 Set the ( 1) scene of the story, starting with the (2) sentence you have been given. Paragraph 2 Continue the story, using a variety of narrative tenses. End this paragraph at a n impo rtant mome nt in th e stor y (the (3) promise ). Paragraph 3 Con tinue the s tory, usin g a v ariet y of (4) narrative tenses. Paragraph 4 Finish the story, explaining how the main character ((5) Jacky ) felt. B Now write your own story in response to the task in A. Use the writing plan to help you. Don’t forget to check your writing and complete this checklist when you have finished. My writing checklist In my story, I have the following: Four paragraphs: • Set the scene, starting with the sentence I have been given. • Continue the story; end with the promise • Continue the story • Finish the story / explain how Jacky felt. A variety of narrative tenses Descriptive verbs 52

13 Summer Employment Formal letter (for or against) Activate Your Ideas A Read the statements about summer jobs and complete them with these words. application form earn a living independent part-time job under a lot of pressure work experience Students should get a Summer is a time for students to relax. part-time job (1) in the They’re (3) under a lot of pressure all summer; even working for a few hours year round; they’ll have the rest of their helps builds their confidence and makes earn a living independent lives to (4) . them (2) . (5) Work experience I’ve filled out a(n) (6) application form for is essential and the summer is a full-time job at a seaside café. I won’t have much a good time to start! free time if I get it, but I hope I’ll make enough money to buy a car – I’ve been saving up for ages! UNIT 13 53

Unit 13 B Read the statements again and write four advantages and two disadvantages in this table. Advantages of a summer job Disadvantages of a summer job builds confidence summer is a time for students to relax makes students independent don’t have much free time work experience is essential make money C Write any other advantages and disadvantages you can think of in the table in B. Students’ own answers Activate Your Skills A Read this task and decide whether you are for or against the issue. Discuss in pairs. Students’ own answers The Students’ Voice is interested in readers’ opinions about teenage students working during the summer months. What do you think? Write a letter to the editor, giving specific reasons to explain your view. B N ow read Rory Taylor’s letter in response to the task in A and underline the advantages and disadvantages from the table in Activate Your Ideas task B which are mentioned. Dear Editor, I’m writing in response to the article in this month’s Students’ Voice about summer jobs. I find it a very interesting question, one that many teenagers ask themselves when summer arrives. I myself am a teenager, and I believe that there are many benefits to teenagers finding work during the summer. Firstly, they gain valuable work experience which will help them in the future. Furthermore, they may discover a career which they would like to follow. They also have the opportunity to use their free time constructively and to build their confidence. Last but not least, they gain financial independence. There are, of course, some drawbacks to summer jobs as far as teenagers are concerned. First of all, getting a job could interfere with their studies. Besides, some teenagers need the summer period to relax after a very tiring academic year. To sum up, there are both pros and cons of summer jobs for teenagers. However, in my opinion, the advantages outweigh the disadvantages. Yours faithfully, (Students may also underline other advantages and disadvantages Rory Taylor according to the ideas they had in Activate Your Ideas task C.) 54

Writing C Read this writing plan and circle Rory’s introductory statement. Writing plan Dear Editor, Why you are writing / introductory statement. Greeting Give your opinion (for or against) and support it. Paragraph 1 Give the opposing point of view. Paragraph 2 Summarise the main points, restating your opinion. Paragraph 3 Yours faithfully, Paragraph 4 Your first name and surname Signing off ALERT! When you are asked to discuss both sides of an issue, try not to overuse the words advantages and disadvantages to name the points which are for or against the issue; use synonyms instead. D Which words does Rory use as well as advantages and disadvantages in his letter? Advantages: benefits , pros Disadvantages: drawbacks , cons UNIT 13 55

Unit 13 Activate Your Writing A Read this task and complete the writing plan that follows. The Students’ Voice is interested in readers’ opinions about students taking a gap year between finishing high school and going to university. What do you think? Write a letter to the editor, giving specific reasons to explain your view. Writing plan Greeting Dear Editor, Paragraph 1 Why yo u a re w rit ing / (1) introductory statement. ) and Paragraph 2 Give y our opi nio n (fo r or (2) against (3) support it. Paragraph 3 Give th e (4 ) opposing point of view. points, restating Paragraph 4 Summ ar ise t he (5) main your (6 ) opinion . Signing off Yours faithfully, Your first name and surname B N ow write a formal letter in response to the task in A. ALERT! Use the writing plan to help you. Don’t forget to check Don’t forget to write your writing and complete this checklist when you topic sentences stating have finished. the main idea in Paragraphs 2 and 3. My writing checklist In my formal letter, I have the following: Greeting Four paragraphs: • Why I am writing / introductory statement • My opinion, supported with ideas • Opposing point of view • Summary of main points / restate my opinion Signing off Synonyms for advantages and disadvantages Topic sentences 56

14 Natural Habitats Story (begin with a given sentence; prompts) Activate Your Ideas A T hink about the best place you have ever been to in the countryside. When did you go, where was it, who did you go with, what did you see and do there, and why was it so good? When: Students’ own answers Where: Who: What: Why: B Now think of three adjectives to describe the place you went to, and three adjectives to describe one of the things you saw there. Students’ own answers Place: ,, Thing: ,, UNIT 14 57

Unit 14 C Complete these sentences with the adjectives in bold in the correct order. little pretty white pretty little white boats on the lake. 1 I looked ou t of t he w ind ow a t th e small cool deep cool small deep pool at the bottom of the waterfall. 2 We swam i n t he old wise brown wise old brown owl in the barn. 3 They saw a (n ) straight amazing tall amazing tall straight trees. 4 The forest we w alked thro ugh had hund reds of big buzzing scary bees flew out of the hive. 5 Hundreds of scary big buzzing D Now look back at your answers in B and write two sentences using the adjectives. Make sure you put them in the correct order. 1 Students’ own answers 2 Activate Your Skills A Read this task and underline the three things that the writer must include in his/her story. You have seen this announcement in a new English-language magazine for young people. Stories wanted We are looking for stories for our new English-language magazine for young people. Your story must begin with this sentence: Peter sat down in the middle of the forest and took his torch and his map out of his bag. Your story must include: • an address • an apology Write your story. B nReexatdtotheeascehnotef ntcheestehahtemaduisntgbs.e gi n the story in the task in A again and write information Suggested answers: W hen: at night (he took his torch out of his bag) W here: in the middle of a forest W ho: Peter W hat: a torch and a map W hy: he’s lost 58

Writing C Now read the whole story and compare it with your answers in B. Peter sat down in the middle of the forest and took his torch and his map out of his bag. ‘Where are we?’ he asked his sister Sally. ‘I don’t know,’ said Sally. ‘You’ve got the map.’ Sally sat down next to Peter, and they both looked at the map. A few minutes later, Peter stood up and looked around. ‘OK,’ he said. ‘I think there should be a path over there. Let’s go.’ They picked up their bags and started walking. Luckily for them, it was a warm dry summer’s night. Although it was late, it wasn’t too dark, and they found the path easily. After about ten minutes, they came to a river. ‘Right,’ said Peter, ‘Now we have to find a bridge. The address is Pine Tree Farm, Stony Bridge.’ It didn’t take them long to find the bridge, and they soon arrived at the farm, where their uncle was waiting for them. ‘Peter! Sally! I’m so sorry I couldn’t pick you up from the station. Welcome to Pine Tree Farm,’ he said. ‘I hope it wasn’t too difficult to find.’ Peter and Sally just looked at each other and smiled. When: at night, but it was a warm dry summer’s night Where: in the middle of a forest Suggested answers: Who: Peter and his sister Sally What: a torch and a map Why: they’re looking for their uncle’s farm ALERT! When you write a story, you can make it more interesting by using direct speech, but make sure you use the correct punctuation. D Read this writing plan and underline the direct speech the writer uses in the story. Writing plan Paragraph 1 Set the scene of the story, starting with the sentence you have been given. Paragraph 2 Continue the story, using a variety of narrative tenses and direct speech. Paragraph 3 Continue the story, using a variety of narrative tenses and direct speech. Include one of the prompts (the address). Paragraph 4 Finish the story, including the second prompt (the apology). UNIT 14 59

Unit 14 Activate Your Writing A Read this task and complete the writing plan that follows. You have seen this announcement in an English-speaking magazine. Stories please! We are looking for stories for our English-speaking magazine. Your story must begin with this sentence: I looked out of the window at the pretty little white boats on the lake. Your story must include: • a phone number • a request Write your story. Writing plan starting with the Paragraph 1 Se t the sce ne o f the sto ry, (1) sentence you have been given. Paragraph 2 Continue the story, using a variety of narrative tenses and (2 ) direct speech . Paragraph 3 Co ntinu e th e sto ry, us ing a vari ety of (3) narrative tenses and direct speech. Include one of the prompts (th e (4) phone number/request ). Paragraph 4 Finish the story, including the second prompt (th e (5) request/phone number ). B Now write your own story in response to the ALERT! task in A. Use the writing plan to help you. Don’t forget to use descriptive Don’t forget to check your writing and complete verbs to give the reader a this checklist when you have finished. clear visual image of what is happening. (See Unit 12) My writing checklist In my story, I have the following: Four paragraphs: • Set the scene, starting with the sentence I have been given. • Continue the story, using narrative tenses and direct speech. • Continue the story; include one of the prompts. • Finish the story; include the second prompt. Adjective order Direct speech Descriptive verbs 60

15 Behaviour Essay (opinion) Activate Your Ideas A Read this quote and discuss as a class. Do most people agree or disagree? Students’ own answers Freedom is not worth having if it does not include the freedom to make mistakes. Mahatma Gandhi B Read these statements about freedom from some teenagers and their parents. Who said each statement? Write T for teenager or P for parent. 1 Ah, the youth of today! Teenagers have too much freedom nowadays and values P have been lost. T 2 If our parents deprive us of our freedom and set too many restrictions, we will just rebel! P 3 If they can prove they are responsible, mature individuals, then I think they have earned their freedom. 4 I have a curfew. If I don’t respect it, I know I’ll be grounded. T C Discuss these questions in pairs. Students’ own answers • Have you ever been grounded? • Do you have a curfew? • Do you ever rebel? UNIT 15 61

Unit 15 Activate Your Skills A Read this essay about teenagers’ freedom and values and complete it with these words. curfew face ground gap hang out pressure respect youth Som e p eop le be lieve tha t the (1) youth of today have too much freedom and that, as a result, values have been lost. There is no point denying that the g en er ation (2) gap will always exist, and that parents and children will always have different opinions. However, it is important that they find common (3) ground . Tee nager s toda y are under a lot o f (4) pressure as they study very hard, so there are times when they just need to relax. This is when they want to (5) hang out with their friends, perhaps at a youth club, in a café or at t he ci nem a. Mo st te enag ers h ave a (6) curfew and as long as they (7) respect it, and are honest with their parents, they should be given the freedom to go out. However, it may be tempting to stay out later, or to lie about where they are going. When this happens, parents usually find out, and if teenagers have lied or don’t come hom e o n tim e, th ey sh ould be m ade to (8) face the consequences. To sum up, if teenagers come home on time and are honest with their parents, I believe that they have earned their freedom, and that values have not been lost. As the Ancient Greeks used to say, ‘everything in moderation’. 62

Writing B Read this writing plan and underline the writer’s final statement. Writing plan Paragraph 1 Introduce the topic of teenagers’ freedom and values and give your general opinion. Paragraph 2 Develop your opinion on one side of the discussion (why teenagers need freedom). Paragraph 3 Develop your opinion on the other side of the discussion (how teenagers take advantage of their freedom). Paragraph 4 Summarise your points and make a final statement. ALERT! When you write a formal essay, it is important not to sound too personal. Try to use impersonal constructions with it and there. C Read the essay again and circle two phrases with it and two phrases with there. D Complete these sentences with it or there and the correct form of the verbs in brackets. 1 It is i mport ant for parents to teach (teach) their children values. 2  In all h onesty, there are time s w hen we disagree (disagree) about what we should and shouldn’t let our children do. 3 Alt ho u gh it m ay be tempting to lie (lie), most teenagers avoid this as they are aware of the consequences.  4  There are man y ways of determining (determine) whether a child is mature enough to go on holiday with his friends. 5  It mig ht not be po ssible to find (find) the happy medium when it comes to deciding on a curfew. 6  There is no h arm in asking (ask) your parents for more freedom; they can only say no! 7  It is much more effective to discuss (discuss) the dangers teenagers face than to deprive them of their freedom. 8  There is no point fighting (fight) with our children all the time; compromise is the key to a balanced relationship. UNIT 15 63

Unit 15 Activate Your Writing A Read this task and complete the writing plan that follows. Teenagers need to be given the freedom to make their own choices in life. Write an essay saying whether you agree or disagree with this statement. Include information on learning from one’s mistakes, needing guidance and your own idea. Writing plan Paragraph 1 Introduce the topic of teenagers’ freedom and (1) choices and give your general opinion. Paragraph 2 Deve lop (2) your opinion on one side of the discussion ((3)(suggested answer) why teenagers need freedom). Paragraph 3 Devel op y our opin ion on (4 ) the other side of the discu ss ion ((5) (suggested answer) mistakes teenagers make ). Paragraph 4 Summ aris e you r poin ts an d ma ke a (6) final statement. B N ow write your own essay in response to the task in A. ALERT! Use the writing plan to help you. Don’t forget to check Don’t forget to use words your writing and complete this checklist when you have to express reason and finished. consequence and to conclude. (See Unit 5) My writing checklist In my essay, I have the following: Four paragraphs: • Introduction of the topic / my general opinion • Develop my opinion on one side of the discussion • Develop my opinion on the other side of the discussion • Summary of my points / final statement Impersonal constructions Words which express reason and consequence (See Unit 5), and conclude 64

16 Consumerism Report Activate Your Ideas A W rite down the first five words that come to mind when you hear the word consumerism. Compare your words with your classmates’. Students’ own answers 1 Suggested ideas: 2 shopping, shopping malls, online shopping, 3 clothes/jewellery/cars/gadgets, 4 advertising, product placement 5 excess, overspending B R ead these statements about consumerism and discuss as a class. Which one(s) do most people agree with? Students’ own answers There is a need for consumers to be Advertising is misleading. It makes us believe directed towards more responsible choices. we need to purchase new things all the time. If we were more aware of our carbon footprint, we would be less likely to over-consume. The authorities need to A change in the public’s mindset and lifestyle is adopt a more active role in apparent; the focus is now on sustainable choices consumer education. and socially-conscious behaviour. UNIT 16 65

Unit 16 C R ead these statements about shopping in local shops and shopping malls and tick the one(s) you agree with. Then discuss in pairs. Students’ own answers 1 Shopping in local shops has a more personal touch. 2 I like to help the local economy. Plus, the products in smaller shops are better quality. 3 There’s a greater selection of items at malls, so they suit all tastes. 4 Malls have more to offer than just shopping. There are food courts, cinemas and other entertainment. They’re much more fun! D Do you prefer shopping in department stores, shopping malls or small local shops? Give reasons for your answer. Students’ own answers 66

Writing Activate Your Skills A Read this report about a shopping mall and complete it with the missing title and subheadings. (1) c Introduction This report provides an overview of ReTuna, a shopping mall full of second-hand shops which is located approximately 110 km outside Stockholm. Students from Westside Secondary School visited it in order to assess the impact it has had on consumerism and whether it would work in their country. (2) a The ReTuna Shopping Mall is located next to a recycling centre, and it was set up by the local government in 2015 to discourage consumers from buying everything new. The focus is on reusing resources since, in Sweden, more than 99% of household waste is recycled. It is believed that this shopping mall will assist in tackling rising consumerism. (3) b The mall is appealing, and at first glance, one would not know that everything on sale is second-hand. There are a variety of shops, all selling items that have been donated by the public, such as toys, furniture, clothes and electronic devices. The mall also hosts events, workshops and lectures, as it has taken on the role of public educator. Conclusion This concept is revolutionary; it has changed consumers’ mindset and promotes sustainability. Although it may be difficult to set up in our country, it is definitely worth looking into. a The Location and Main Idea b The Mall in a Nutshell c Effectiveness of the World’s First Second-hand Shopping Mall B R ead this writing plan and underline the aims of the report and the information which shows that those aims were achieved. Writing plan Title Give the report a clear title so the reader understands the subject of the report. Paragraph 1 Write an introduction giving details on the subject of the report and the aims of the report. Paragraph 2 Give information about the main idea behind the shopping mall. Paragraph 3 Give information about what is available at the shopping mall. Paragraph 4 Write a conclusion which shows that the aims were achieved. C Read the report again and circle T for true or F for false. In a report: 1 I should use more colloquial language. T/F Personal opinion should be expressed indirectly. 2 I should emphasise my personal opinion. T/F 3 It is a good idea to use the passive voice. T/F 4 I focus on general opinion. T/F 5 It is wise to focus on a maximum of two points. T/F UNIT 16 67

Unit 16 Activate Your Writing A Read this task and complete the writing plan that follows. Your class recently went on a trip to a large shopping mall in your area for a project on consumerism. Your teacher has asked you to write a report on the trip. In your report, you should say what the advantages and disadvantages are of shopping in the mall and give a conclusion. Here are two comments from other students in your class: The prices are more reasonable in malls. I prefer to support local shop owners. Writing plan Title Give the repo rt a ( 1) clear title so the reader understands the subject of the report. Paragraph 1 Write an in trod uct ion giv ing (2) details on the subject of the report and the (3 ) aims of the report. Paragraph 2 Give inform atio n ab out one aspe ct of the (4) shopping mall . Paragraph 3 Give inform at io n a bout (5) another aspect of the shopping mall. Paragraph 4 Write a con clusio n whic h show s that the ai ms we re (6) achieved . B Now write your own report in response to the task in A. Use the writing plan to help you. Don’t forget to check your writing and complete this checklist when you have finished. My writing checklist In my report, I have the following: A clear title Four paragraphs: • Introduction giving details on the subject and the aims of the report • Information about one aspect of the shopping mall • Information about another aspect of the shopping mall • Conclusion showing my aims were achieved Passive voice General, not personal, opinion 68

01 NAME: CLASS: Formal email asking for information Please write within the grey lines Email To: Camp head Subject: Summer adventure camp Dear Sir/Madam, I am writing in response to your advertisement in the local newspaper regarding the summer adventure camp in Switzerland. I am interested in going to a camp like this so I would appreciate more information. Firstly, could you please tell me where the village of Leysin is located and how easy it is to get there from the airport? I would also be grateful if you would tell me what different types of activities there are. I am keen on sports and this would help me decide whether this is the camp for me. In addition, please tell me how much this adventure camp costs. Finally, I would like to ask whether there will be any day trips to other towns in Switzerland. I thank you in advance and I look forward to your response. Yours faithfully, Bea Johnson ✃ Turn over ➔ 69

For Teacher’s Use Only • Coverage of Features in Checklist Poor Fair Good Very Good Excellent • Grammatical Structure Poor Fair Good Very Good Excellent • Spelling and Punctuation Poor Fair Good Very Good Excellent • Overall Impression Poor Fair Good Very Good Excellent Marks Awarded: Band 70

02 NAME: CLASS: Please write within the grey lines Article (personal anecdote) A problem shared is a problem halved I always believed I was very lucky to have a friend like Hannah and I still do. She is a friendly and caring person. Unfortunately, I recently made a decision that almost ruined our friendship. Hannah and I used to socialise often, but lately my family has had financial problems and every time Hannah asked me to go somewhere, I made an excuse. Apparently, Hannah thought I didn’t like her anymore and decided to find out the truth. One Saturday, Hannah asked me to go to a restaurant, which I would gladly have gone to, but I said I was going away. That night, she came to my house and obviously found me there. She confronted me angrily and I had to tell her the truth; I didn’t have the money to go out. Hannah was shocked and upset. Not being honest is not the best way to deal with problems but, as they say, every cloud has a silver lining and now Hannah and I still spend time together, watching videos, going for walks and doing things we enjoy. ✃ Turn over ➔ 71

For Teacher’s Use Only • Coverage of Features in Checklist Poor Fair Good Very Good Excellent • Grammatical Structure Poor Fair Good Very Good Excellent • Spelling and Punctuation Poor Fair Good Very Good Excellent • Overall Impression Poor Fair Good Very Good Excellent Marks Awarded: Band 72

03 NAME: CLASS: Please write within the grey lines Formal email of application Email To: Manager Subject: Advertisement Dear Sir/Madam, I am writing to apply for the summer job in the local sports centre, which I saw advertised on your website. I am eighteen years old and I have just finished secondary school, where I was captain of the basketball team. I am a keen and energetic sportsman and a responsible individual, two qualities that enabled me to captain my team during the last two years of school. I am also very sociable, I enjoy working with and helping others and I believe this too will help me in my role at the sports centre. I sincerely hope you will take my application into consideration and am more than willing to attend an interview at a time suitable for you. I look forward to hearing from you. Yours faithfully, Matt Morgan ✃ Turn over ➔ 73

For Teacher’s Use Only • Coverage of Features in Checklist Poor Fair Good Very Good Excellent • Grammatical Structure Poor Fair Good Very Good Excellent • Spelling and Punctuation Poor Fair Good Very Good Excellent • Overall Impression Poor Fair Good Very Good Excellent Marks Awarded: Band 74

04 NAME: CLASS: Please write within the grey lines Informal email giving advice Email To: Lia Subject: Skiing holiday Hi Lia, Thanks for your email. To be honest, a skiing trip with friends sounds amazing, but I know you’re not keen on that sort of holiday! First of all, you ought to talk to your friends about your concerns so that they know how you feel. If I were you though, I would think about it carefully as there are more advantages than disadvantages when you go on holiday with friends. Just think, you’ll have so much fun with them, you won’t even notice the cold! Also, of course you need to take warm clothes with you in case the weather is bad, but I’m sure once you get to the slopes, the sun will be shining! Finally, even though you will spend most of the day skiing, there’ll be plenty of time to have fun with your friends, so I honestly think you should go. I hope this helps a little! Jake ✃ Turn over ➔ 75

For Teacher’s Use Only • Coverage of Features in Checklist Poor Fair Good Very Good Excellent • Grammatical Structure Poor Fair Good Very Good Excellent • Spelling and Punctuation Poor Fair Good Very Good Excellent • Overall Impression Poor Fair Good Very Good Excellent Marks Awarded: Band 76

05 NAME: CLASS: Essay (advantages and disadvantages) Please write within the grey lines Today, for most teenagers the mobile phone is their most valuable possession. Very few use it only to talk to friends; they take pictures, access Facebook and Instagram and generally spend ages on their phones. Can we say, however, that they are addicted? Firstly, having access to a phone has many advantages. Teenagers feel safer as they can communicate with anyone, any time, any place, anywhere. They can also take pictures, upload posts and stories, which is a trend in their daily lives and this explains why they spend time on their phones. However, constantly looking at a screen and communicating in this way is not favourable. Moreover, teenagers rarely speak to other people: they either message, tweet or comment and this has an effect on the way they express themselves generally, at home and at school. In conclusion, although many people believe that teenagers are addicted to their mobile phones, there are obvious advantages. Teenagers need to use them in moderation and to look away from their screens every five minutes for them to be a pro and not a con to our society. ✃ Turn over ➔ 77

For Teacher’s Use Only • Coverage of Features in Checklist Poor Fair Good Very Good Excellent • Grammatical Structure Poor Fair Good Very Good Excellent • Spelling and Punctuation Poor Fair Good Very Good Excellent • Overall Impression Poor Fair Good Very Good Excellent Marks Awarded: Band 78

06 NAME: CLASS: Please write within the grey lines Review I That was Yesterday, or was it? I recently saw the film ‘Yesterday’, an entertaining romantic comedy about a musician who suddenly shoots to fame when he has an accident, which results in his life changing forever! Jack Malik, an unsuccessful musician, suddenly wakes up after the accident to realise that nobody has heard of the Beatles. At first, he is shocked that nobody knows the song ‘Yesterday’. How can that be? Then he starts writing down the Beatles’ songs and singing them to make them real. One day, when he sings on TV, Ed Sheeran notices him and invites him on tour. He decides to go, leaving his best friend and manager behind. His life continues as a famous popstar until one day, he decides to tell the truth. The film ends on a happy note, with Jack finally getting together with his best friend, who has loved him since they were young. Even though some parts of the film are hard to believe, the leading actor’s performance is great and the music makes the film even more entertaining. To sum up, I would thoroughly recommend this film to music-lovers and people who enjoy a little romance. ✃ Turn over ➔ 79

For Teacher’s Use Only • Coverage of Features in Checklist Poor Fair Good Very Good Excellent • Grammatical Structure Poor Fair Good Very Good Excellent • Spelling and Punctuation Poor Fair Good Very Good Excellent • Overall Impression Poor Fair Good Very Good Excellent Marks Awarded: Band 80

07 NAME: CLASS: Please write within the grey lines Review II Mamma Mia! Mamma Mia is one of the most popular musicals of all time, based on the songs written by the famous pop group Abba. I had tickets to see the musical last weekend, so I set off to the West End with my family. Personally I found the performance outstanding! The storyline was touching and the cast was great, so lively and happy, especially the leading ladies, who were simply amazing. Their clothes, too, were bright and colourful. I wasn’t a huge fan of Abba before the musical, however the whole audience, including myself, was so keen to sing and dance along to these catchy tunes. Mamma Mia is a wonderful performance with songs from Abba, set on a romantic Greek island. The cast managed to create this image for us, with their beautiful voices and great acting skills. I would highly recommend this performance to people of all ages! ✃ Turn over ➔ 81

For Teacher’s Use Only • Coverage of Features in Checklist Poor Fair Good Very Good Excellent • Grammatical Structure Poor Fair Good Very Good Excellent • Spelling and Punctuation Poor Fair Good Very Good Excellent • Overall Impression Poor Fair Good Very Good Excellent Marks Awarded: Band 82

08 NAME: CLASS: Please write within the grey lines Essay (opinion) Despite the fact that we are all aware of the current situation of our planet, the real question is, are we all willing to make the changes we need in order to save the Earth? Although the environment is a very common topic in school, on social media sites and on television, each individual may feel that their contribution will not help. We all know the terrible effect toxic waste has on marine life and the damage pollution does to our cities. Similarly the significant advantages of renewable forms of energy cannot be denied. But can we as individuals do enough to have any positive effect? In order to make a difference and to prevent further global warming, there are some basic things we can do in our daily lives, such as saving energy in our homes, using products that do not contain aerosol gases and recycling waste. Furthermore, we can cycle to school instead of going by car. We cannot stand back and do nothing. In conclusion, even though making changes to our daily life may seem challenging, if we all change our habits, recycle on a daily basis and do what we can to help our planet, progress will be made. After all, it’s the little things that make a big difference. ✃ Turn over ➔ 83

For Teacher’s Use Only • Coverage of Features in Checklist Poor Fair Good Very Good Excellent • Grammatical Structure Poor Fair Good Very Good Excellent • Spelling and Punctuation Poor Fair Good Very Good Excellent • Overall Impression Poor Fair Good Very Good Excellent Marks Awarded: Band 84

09 NAME: CLASS: Informal email making suggestions Please write within the grey lines Email To: Sandy Subject: Suggestions Hello Sandy! Thanks for your email. It’s such a shame there is so much crime in your area and I’m glad you have a meeting with the teachers to discuss the issues. I do have some suggestions and I think they may be helpful! Graffiti is a problem in many areas; one thing you could suggest is that your school involves students in an urban art project to make the school more attractive. This way, students will be creating art on school walls and not destroying them with graffiti and it will be their project, a common goal. As for the broken windows, it might be a good idea to invest in a security guard to patrol the area. I know this will be a cost for the school, but in the long run management will benefit from this and the image of the school will improve. Lastly, the best solution for the local shops is CCTV cameras. They’ll have to post a notice stating that the area is monitored, so this too might stop shoplifters from acting. I hope my suggestions help you at the meeting. Please let me know the outcome! Judy ✃ Turn over ➔ 85

For Teacher’s Use Only • Coverage of Features in Checklist Poor Fair Good Very Good Excellent • Grammatical Structure Poor Fair Good Very Good Excellent • Spelling and Punctuation Poor Fair Good Very Good Excellent • Overall Impression Poor Fair Good Very Good Excellent Marks Awarded: Band 86

10 NAME: CLASS: Please write within the grey lines Article (opinion) Unwanted clothes: What do you do with them? Nowadays, many of us spend lots of money on clothing; we want to stand out from the crowd and we enjoy buying new outfits for certain occasions. However, let’s face it, after a while we may feel the need to replace these clothes with newer, more fashionable ones. Should we throw our less trendy clothes out or find a more useful home for them? We all know how nice it is to wear brand new clothes, however it is wrong to assume that everyone can afford them. Some people choose to gather old clothes and take them to a charity shop for the less fortunate. Others visit second-hand shops that gladly take in clothes and sell them at low prices. Nevertheless, some people prefer to keep their clothes for the future, just in case they become fashionable again, or they may hand them down to family members or close friends. Others may just throw them away. Personally, clothes are a very important part of my life. I enjoy being in fashion. When I feel it is time to buy new clothes, I like the fact that I will give my clothes to a second-hand shop, for other people to enjoy wearing them as much as I did. ✃ Turn over ➔ 87

For Teacher’s Use Only • Coverage of Features in Checklist Poor Fair Good Very Good Excellent • Grammatical Structure Poor Fair Good Very Good Excellent • Spelling and Punctuation Poor Fair Good Very Good Excellent • Overall Impression Poor Fair Good Very Good Excellent Marks Awarded: Band 88

11 NAME: CLASS: Please write within the grey lines Formal letter (opinion) Dear Editor, I am writing in response to the article in today’s Town Gazette concerning the council’s plan to replace the old stadium. First of all, I believe this is a fantastic idea, as the old stadium is no longer in use and it is a large, unused area which needs to be exploited. In my opinion, a shopping mall would be more beneficial to our local community for a number of reasons. Firstly, it would create jobs for the locals and it would also provide teenagers with a place to socialise when they have free time. It would also mean that the shops are all under one roof, and easily accessible, an advantage for people of all ages. The image of our town would be greatly improved. The community centre is also a nice idea, however I do not believe that nowadays it is so popular with youngsters. In conclusion, I strongly believe that a shopping mall should be built in our area, as it will solve one of the greatest problems, unemployment, whilst also providing a place for people to spend their free time and shop with ease. Yours faithfully, Vanessa Beckwith ✃ Turn over ➔ 89

For Teacher’s Use Only • Coverage of Features in Checklist Poor Fair Good Very Good Excellent • Grammatical Structure Poor Fair Good Very Good Excellent • Spelling and Punctuation Poor Fair Good Very Good Excellent • Overall Impression Poor Fair Good Very Good Excellent Marks Awarded: Band 90

12 NAME: CLASS: Story (begin with a given sentence) Please write within the grey lines Jacky knew that it was an important match, but that it would also be difficult to win. He had witnessed the moment when Max, a player from the rival team, had committed a terrible foul on his best friend and team captain, Robbie. Now Robbie had a broken leg and couldn’t play in the final. Jacky had been asked to captain the team in the final; he considered it and had agreed. Now he felt nervous; the fans were yelling, screaming out the names of players and the only thing that made him go on was the promise he had made to Robbie, to take his team to victory. Even though Jacky was dashing around trying to score, at the end of the first half his team was losing. Before the whistle blew for the second half, Max whispered ‘the team is useless without Robbie’ and laughed. Jacky spotted Robbie on the bench, and he remembered his promise again. He spoke to the players, gave them the motivation they needed and they played football like never before. Jacky did lead his team to victory. He was ecstatic, so proud! Not only had the team played well, but he had also managed to keep his promise. ✃ Turn over ➔ 91

For Teacher’s Use Only • Coverage of Features in Checklist Poor Fair Good Very Good Excellent • Grammatical Structure Poor Fair Good Very Good Excellent • Spelling and Punctuation Poor Fair Good Very Good Excellent • Overall Impression Poor Fair Good Very Good Excellent Marks Awarded: Band 92

13 NAME: CLASS: Please write within the grey lines Formal letter (for or against) Dear Editor, I am writing in response to your question in this month’s Student’s Voice, regarding opinions on whether students should take a gap year between school and university. Personally, I believe many teenagers who plan to go to university ask themselves this question. When students finish school, they are extremely tired, as they have spent the last few months studying. Many may decide to take a gap year, maybe travel or apply for a part-time job, which I consider an excellent choice. Students broaden their horizons by travelling, and they gain work experience if they find a job vacancy, which is essential in today’s world. Naturally, there are benefits of going straight to university, mainly the fact that students will finish earlier, they will not have other distractions and they will focus on their studies again. However, in my opinion the pros of taking a gap year definitely outweigh the cons. To sum up, although there are both advantages and disadvantages of taking a gap year, to my mind it is much more beneficial for a student’s future to take a year off, either to visit different places or to gain valuable work experience. Yours faithfully, John Smith ✃ Turn over ➔ 93

For Teacher’s Use Only • Coverage of Features in Checklist Poor Fair Good Very Good Excellent • Grammatical Structure Poor Fair Good Very Good Excellent • Spelling and Punctuation Poor Fair Good Very Good Excellent • Overall Impression Poor Fair Good Very Good Excellent Marks Awarded: Band 94

14 NAME: CLASS: Story (begin with a given sentence; prompts) Please write within the grey lines I looked out of the window at the pretty little white boats on the lake. I had come to my grandfather’s house that weekend to revise; it was a tiny, picturesque village with no distractions. ‘Fancy a delicious breakfast?’ Granddad asked. ‘Yes, please!’ I replied. I took out my books, saw my phone and stared at it. ‘You came here to concentrate,’ I reminded myself and decided to go for a long, leisurely stroll. Back home, I turned on my phone. I looked for the phone number of Toby, the friendly teenager I had met on the train, although I had promised myself not to as I was determined not to socialise this weekend. I stared at it, then saw granddad behind me. ‘Maybe you should call,’ he said, smiling. Toby had helped me with my suitcase and we had chatted for ages. Then, he had given me his number and said ‘Call me before you leave the village. I have just one request.’ I did. ‘Hi,’ he said. ‘You’re invited to a party,’ he said. ‘It’s after the exams, hope you can come.’ I was so happy! Time to revise. Life was great! ✃ Turn over ➔ 95

For Teacher’s Use Only • Coverage of Features in Checklist Poor Fair Good Very Good Excellent • Grammatical Structure Poor Fair Good Very Good Excellent • Spelling and Punctuation Poor Fair Good Very Good Excellent • Overall Impression Poor Fair Good Very Good Excellent Marks Awarded: Band 96

15 NAME: CLASS: Please write within the grey lines Essay (opinion) It is a fact that teenagers today ask for more and more freedom when it comes to making choices concerning studies, clothing, friendships or going out. However, despite the generation gap, we cannot deny that our parents have our best interests at heart when they give us advice. Teenagers of course need to be given enough freedom to make certain choices which will not cause them harm. For example, they can decide what clothes they want to wear, within reason, which friends to hang out with and where they socialise. However, there are instances where parents need to guide their children in order for them not to make mistakes that will have consequences. For example, if they have decided on a curfew, this should be respected by teenagers because safety is involved. Furthermore, when students decide what they want to study, although they should choose their subject as it is their future, nevertheless they should also accept some guidance from their parents. In conclusion, though teenagers need to have a certain amount of freedom to make choices in life, they should also seek advice from parents who, after all, have much more experience. ✃ Turn over ➔ 97

For Teacher’s Use Only • Coverage of Features in Checklist Poor Fair Good Very Good Excellent • Grammatical Structure Poor Fair Good Very Good Excellent • Spelling and Punctuation Poor Fair Good Very Good Excellent • Overall Impression Poor Fair Good Very Good Excellent Marks Awarded: Band 98

16 NAME: CLASS: Please write within the grey lines Report Shopping malls: Big is better, or is it? Introduction The aim of this report is to state the advantages and disadvantages of shopping in malls. Our recent trip to the shopping mall was a very useful experience as it enabled us to form an opinion on the subject. Something for all There is a huge variety of shops at malls, to suit all tastes. There are chain stores, such as the ones that are found on our local high streets and there are other kinds of shops where clothes, furniture and food are sold. These are all under one roof, with parking available, making shopping easier for the consumer. Furthermore, malls offer more than just shops; there are food courts and sometimes a cinema complex. Therefore, going to a shopping mall is an experience: a day out for families, teenagers and the elderly alike. A friendly face On the other hand, there is shopping along the local high street, which is a totally different experience. Faces are familiar, there are boutiques with unique clothes and the local shop owners always provide service with a smile. This is something you don’t find at malls. Conclusion In conclusion, after spending hours walking around the mall, despite the benefits of shopping there (the all-in-one experience) what is missing is the personal touch. ✃ Turn over ➔ 99

For Teacher’s Use Only • Coverage of Features in Checklist Poor Fair Good Very Good Excellent • Grammatical Structure Poor Fair Good Very Good Excellent • Spelling and Punctuation Poor Fair Good Very Good Excellent • Overall Impression Poor Fair Good Very Good Excellent Marks Awarded: Band 100