LRN_B2_Teachers_Book

Sarah Yu LRN B2 PRACTICE TESTS 10 Practice Tests

Contents Introduction: The LRN B2: An Overview 4 Answer Sheet 9 Practice Test 1 11 Practice Test 2 29 Practice Test 3 47 Practice Test 4 65 Practice Test 5 83 Practice Test 6 101 Practice Test 7 119 Practice Test 8 137 Practice Test 9 155 Practice Test 10 173 Model compositions 193 Audioscript 203 LRN Level B2 3

Introduction LRN B2 (Level 1): An Overview The Learning Resource Network (LRN) is an awarding organisation based in the UK which administers examinations twice a year. The LRN B2 consists of four sections: Listening, Writing, Reading and Use of English, and Speaking. The four sections are weighed equally as follows: Speaking: 20 marks Listening: 20 marks Reading & Use: 20 marks Writing: 20 marks Total: 80 marks In order to pass the LRN examinations, you must score an overall mark of 50% and higher. The total mark is an average of all four sections and it is possible to pass the examination even if you fail one section. The entire written examination lasts two and a half hours, and you are allowed to use the time in the best way you see fit. LRN Structure Listening Sections Number of Total Marks questions 9 All sections are heard twice, Section 1: and time is given to look over Candidates hear nine short dialogues 9 6 the questions beforehand. between a male and female speaker and Questions in the three sections answer one question about each dialogue. 6 are multiple choice format with three options. Section 2: Candidates hear three longer dialogues and answer two questions about each dialogue. Section 3: 5 5 Candidates hear a message which is from a friendly letter / email. There are five questions. The message is heard twice, and then a third time for Writing Task One. Writing Sections Length Total Marks 100 – 120 20 Two pieces of writing. The first 10 is mandatory and the second words is a choice from three options. 120 – 170 20 Task 1 – Friendly Letter You will hear Section 3 of the Listening words again. You are asked to take notes about specific points that are given to you, as well as anything else you may wish. With the information from the recording and your notes, you are asked to write a similar email / letter to a friend. Task 2 – C hoice of Three A friendly letter, story or essay. For the Topics friendly letter and essay, points are given that should be included in your writing. For the story, the first sentence is given and you must continue the story. 4 Introduction

Reading and Use Parts Number of Total Marks Reading questions 40 Section 1 4 Use One passage with eight questions. All 40 questions are multiple choice with three 8 options. Section 2 7 3.5 Two short passages with a linking theme. Each passage has three to four questions, 15 7.5 All questions are multiple choice with three 10 5 options. Section 3 Fifteen questions testing grammar. All questions are multiple choice with three options. Section 4 A passage with ten gaps. For each gap, three possible options are given. Speaking Duration Parts Description Total Marks Two candidates are 14-16 3 Topics for Section 2 are given to students at the 20 examined by one minutes beginning of the school year. interlocutor. Section 1: 3 minutes The examiner asks the candidates about their Warm-up Stage hobbies, free time activities, school, hometown, future plans, etc. Section 1: 6-7 Each candidate talks for about 1 minute about the Warm-up Stage minutes topic that has already been prepared. After the talk, the examiner asks some questions and the Section 3: 5-6 other candidate expresses his/her point of view on Respond to a minutes the same topic. Question and The examiner gives each candidate a question Interaction related to the topic prepared in Section 2. Ideas are given in point form. Then, the other candidate is asked to comment and express his/her views. Grading Grade Fail Minimum Marks Required out of Pass a Possible 80 marks (overall) Merit 0-39 40-51 Distinction 52-63 64+ LRN Level B2 5

Introduction General Comments LRN Level 1 Certificate in ESOL International (CEF B2) has been designed in line with the Common European Framework for Reference for Languages (CEFR) and is internationally recognised by educational institutes, professional bodies and governments. LRN Level 1 offers some advantages over other similar examinations. First of all, you are given 2.5 hours for the entire examination which you can use as you best see fit. This means that you may go back and check or correct parts of the test at any time. Secondly, all multiple choice questions have three options only. Finally, retaking the test in the event of failure is offered free of charge. All parts of the LRN examination are answered in pencil. Although you may write in the test booklet, all answers must be recorded on the mark sheet. Please be sure to record your answers as you do the test. Improper filling in of the answer sheet is the most common problem LRN examiners encounter. Listening In the Listening Section, you will hear English spoken at a natural speed. You should be able to extract information from texts of varying length, listen for grammatical and phonological detail, listen both for gist and specific information and recognise a variety of feelings and viewpoints expressed by a speaker. All of the conversations have titles, to give you a context. Each conversation is heard twice, allowing you to check your answers the second time. You are allowed to make notes in the Test Booklet. In Section 1, make sure your answer is an appropriate response to the question or statement heard. The best answer may be very general or may require you to make a conclusion. There are usually two exchanges, but there can be as few as one. The questions and statements are generally taken from everyday speech. As is always the case with multiple choice questions, be sure to eliminate incorrect answers as you listen for the correct answer. In Section 2, you hear longer conversations with approximately three exchanges. The questions are presented in the order they appear in the conversation. The English is everyday language, and the conversations take place between friends and family, or in slightly more formal situations between two strangers. In Section 3, you hear a message from one friend to another. The language is informal. The questions are presented in the order they appear in the message. Writing In the Writing Section, you must produce two pieces of writing, an informal letter / e-mail, and a choice of an informal correspondence, a creative story or an essay. The skills being tested are: • the ability to plan your writing piece well. • the selection of how much to write and the level of detail to include. • structuring your writing sequentially and coherently. • appropriate format and structure for different purposes. • the use of proof-reading to revise writing. • the use of complex sentences. • correct use of punctuation, grammar and spelling. SECTION 1 (No choice of topic – 100-120 words) Task 1 You will hear the message from Section 3, Listening a third time. You are given space in the writing Booklet as well as points to help you take notes about the Listening. Be sure to take notes about anything else you hear that might be relevant. After hearing the message, you write your own email in the Writing Booklet. You may base your writing entirely on what you have heard in the listening, use some of the elements, or make up a completely original letter or email. It is up to you. 6 Introduction

Since this is a friendly email, try to make it as realistic as possible. Use exclamation marks, rhetorical questions and lively language in general. Some common expressions include: • Oh, by the way … • Why don’t you … • Well, anyway, I wanted to … • I was wondering if … • Let me know if … • To tell you the truth, Start off by greeting the person you are writing to by using: • Dear (Jenny), • Hi / Hello (Jenny)! Make sure you have an appropriate introduction, which may include one of the following common phrases: • Sorry I haven’t written for so long but… • It was so nice to hear from you! • It’s been a while since we last wrote to • I’ve been so busy lately. How about you? each other. • How are you and your family doing? After your introduction, be sure to state the reason why you are writing. Avoid using the exact words given in the topic. Informal emails usually have a total of four short paragraphs, an introduction, two main body paragraphs covering the content of your email, and a final paragraph to conclude. Your last paragraph could include one of the following phrases: • I’ve got to run! That’s all for now. • Hope to hear from you soon! • Make sure you get back to me as soon as you can. • I can’t wait to hear from you / see you soon! • Well, I’d better finish off here! Finally, to sign off, you can use one of the following: • Bye for now! • Love, • All my love, • Take care, • See you soon, The email should only be 100-120 words long, so write concisely. Make sure your handwriting is legible and always proofread your work. SECTION 2 (Choose one out of three topics – 120-170 words) Task 2 You are asked to write another informal email / letter, this time with the points provided. You must mention all of the points given, and are advised to add some of your own. This email / letter should be more detailed than Task 1, as it is 50 words longer. Follow the same advice provided for Task 1 concerning the phrases to use, but you may need to have five or even six paragraphs in total. Task 3 You are asked to write a story for which you are given an opening sentence. Be sure to rewrite the sentence at the beginning of your story, and continue with the same tense and person. For example, if ‘I’ is used, you must be the main character of your story. A good story has a beginning, several problems or events, a climax, and then a satisfying ending. Very good stories contain some kind of message, such as how important it is to help others, or how we should not trust everyone we meet. Be careful with tenses. Most stories use the past tense, so that anything before the story’s events should be in the past perfect, and future events need ‘would’ or the past continuous tense. Before writing your story, ask yourself: • WHO? (Who your characters are) • WHEN? (When is the story taking place?) • WHY? (Why do things happen the way they do?) • WHERE? (The setting of the story) • HOW? (How do your characters get into and out of the situations you write about?) Although your story should be interesting and even exciting, make it realistic. Do not exaggerate too much! Finally, if possible, use direct speech as it makes your story livelier. Just be sure to use correct punctuation: “Where are you going?” Della asked me. “Nowhere. Not today, anyway,” I answered. LRN Level B2 7

Introduction Task 4 You are asked to write an essay with advantages, disadvantages, the importance of an issue, problems and solutions, etc. Points are given to assist you, but if possible, add one or two of your own. This is formal writing, which requires formal language, a proper introduction, two body paragraphs and a conclusion. Be sure to use linkers to join ideas and paragraphs: • First and foremost, • Last but not least, Finally, • In addition, Moreover, Furthermore, • On the one hand / on the other hand, • However, • In conclusion, Do not simply list points. You need to support or explain your arguments, if possible, with examples. It is always best to make a plan before you start writing, to make sure that your ideas flow smoothly. Reading and Use Section 1 You are given a long text which is followed by eight questions. Use skimming and scanning techniques to identify where the answers are. The questions are given to you in the order they appear in the text. Remember to use the process of elimination to identify wrong answers. Some questions refer to vocabulary, the function of a word, which word would best fill a gap, etc. Be careful not to get confused with questions which ask you for the FALSE alternative. You may be asked to draw a conclusion based on what you read. Section 2 You are given two thematically related texts which have three to four questions after each text. They are similar in style to the questions in Section 1. Section 3 You are given 15 grammar multiple choice questions which test your knowledge of B2 grammar phenomena, including word order, prepositions, passive voice, phrasal verbs, countable and uncountable nouns, verb tenses, relative clauses, full infinitive versus gerunds, conditionals, etc. Section 4 You are given a paragraph with ten gaps, testing the same grammar phenomena as well as some vocabulary. Speaking In the LRN Speaking, there are three main sections. The first part consists of personal questions concerning hobbies, school, your neighbourhood, future plans, etc. In Section 2, you talk for about a minute about the topic you have prepared. A list of the five possible topics is supplied to you at the beginning of the school year. You should prepare your talk well and practise it, to make sure you do not make grammar errors. The interlocutor will ask you some questions about what you have said, and your partner can express his / her point of view on the same topic. Your partner then does the same. In Section 3, you are asked a question related to the topic that you prepared. Some points are given to you, but you should also try to come up with a few original ideas if possible. Your partner will be asked to comment on what you say. Then your partner will go through the same procedure. To do well in the Speaking Section, you are expected to: • express statements of fact • express and ask about feelings, likes/dislikes, • give factual accounts and explanations opinions • give personal information • present information in a logical sequence • narrate past events • include detail and develop ideas • relate to other speakers • take part in social interaction • involve others in a discussion 8 Introduction

SAMPLE LRN Level B2 9

Model Compositions LRN Task 3 Level B2 TEST 1 Even though it was really early when I woke up, I just couldn’t get back to sleep. Something was Task 1 making a strange noise outside, and I decided to get up and see what it was. Hi Lisa, How are you? I have some exciting news. My I went downstairs to open the door that led to parents have agreed that we can go to Rhodes the garden, since that was where the noise was this summer, but they’ve told me to arrange coming from. When I opened the door, I really everything. I think you’ve been there, haven’t you? wasn’t expecting the sight I saw. It was a little Let me tell you my plans, because I’d love your kitten, crying on our back doorstep. opinion. Of course, we’d go there by ferry boat. It’s a long “Hello, little kitty,” I said, picking it up. It was ride, but I love travelling by sea. We’d also take freezing cold and wet. I got a kitchen towel and the car so we could drive around on the island. Oh wrapped it around the kitten to keep it warm. My and there’s a boat tour that takes you to nearby mother woke up just then, and we warmed up islands which costs 30 euros a person. We would some milk for it to drink. It drank the whole bowl definitely spend a day doing this. The rest of the in a few seconds. days, we’ll explore ancient sights. How does this sound to you? “Can we keep her, Mum? Please?” I asked. Please write back soon, “We’ll make sure she doesn’t belong to someone, Love, and then yes,” she answered. Mary Now my kitten is a big cat, and her name is Task 2 Morning, because I’ll never forget that morning when I first saw her. Hello Jack, How is everything at your new home? I miss you Task 4 a lot and wanted to ask for your advice about a problem I’m having. In my country, most students dream of going to Do you remember Danny, the boy who likes university. However, there are both advantages fighting? Well, this year, things are even worse. and drawbacks to attending university here. He has some new friends and they’re really rough. He’s been asking me to do his homework for him, On the one hand, having a university degree and since I said no, he keeps pushing me around. opens the door to more job opportunities and Last week, he and his friends started picking on better-paid jobs. For example, you cannot be a me. Luckily the teacher came, but I was scared. doctor if you have not studied to become one. I want to talk to the headmaster about it, but I People always need doctors and generally, they know Danny’s already in a lot of trouble. If I say receive high salaries. You also learn a great deal at anything, he may get kicked out of school. And university, so your general knowledge increases. then, I know he’ll come after me. So I was thinking of telling my parents to talk to his parents. They On the other hand, there are some negative know them. points to consider. Attending university can be What do you think I should do about this very expensive, especially if you have to move to problem? How I miss you being here. I could really another city. Many people cannot afford to do use your advice. this. University courses are also difficult to follow Well, I’ve got to go and revise for a test. and a degree takes many years. Another thing to Bye for now, consider is that there is no guarantee you will find Jim a job even if you do get a university degree. All in all, I am of the opinion that each person must decide whether going to university is the right thing for them. LRN Level B2 193

Audioscript LRN TEST 1 Number 6. A robbery This is the LRN Listening Examination Level 1 B2. F: Sir, calm down please and tell me what ➤ LISTENING happened. M: These two men asked me for directions to the SECTION 1 Listen to 9 short conversations. For questions 1-9, post office. I explained how to get there, and choose the best answer (A, B or C). You will hear each then they left very quickly. I checked my pocket, conversation TWICE. You now have 2 minutes to read and realised that my wallet was missing. I didn’t the questions. have any money in it, but I had two credit cards. Mark your answers on the separate Answer Sheet. F: Did you have any identification in it? M: Thank goodness, I didn’t. I always keep my Number 1. driver’s licence in my car. At the supermarket Number 7. M: Excuse me, how much are these tins of tuna? I Business meeting M: Thank you all for coming today. I know it’s not can’t work out if this sign applies to them. Are easy giving up your weekend for a company they two for the price of one? meeting, but this is an important issue. Sarah, F: No, that’s for the Starfish brand tuna. The one can you start off? you’re looking at is 20 per cent off, though. F: Yes, of course Paul. Welcome everyone. Today M: So if I buy ten tins, I will save eight euros. That’s we’ll be discussing our new client, and the still a good deal. Thanks for your help. different jobs each of you should do. We will also F: You’re welcome. talk about some complaints that a few of you Number 2. have made. Let’s start with that, shall we? I’d like A party everyone to be happy at the office, so I want to F: Hi John. I didn’t see you at Larry’s party on find solutions to any problems. Saturday. Weren’t you invited? Number 8. M: Actually, I was. We had a big argument last School orchestra month, but he apologised in the end so M: So, have you decided what instrument you’re going everything’s okay now. to choose, Darla? I’m going to play the drums. F: So why weren’t you there? We had a great time. F: Iwant to play the saxophone, but I’ll probably M: I’m not the party-going type, to be honest. I’d play the violin, Ray. rather stay at home and watch a good film. M: Seriously? But you love wind instruments. Why Number 3. not play the trumpet? A summer trip F: We don’t have enough wind instruments so I M: Have you booked our air tickets to Rome? doubt the conductor will let me. F: But we haven’t decided when we want to go. Number 9. M: I thought we had agreed on July 1st. A visit to the zoo F: No, I have an important presentation the week after, F: What a waste of time. Most of the animals were so I need to prepare for it. What about July 15th? asleep and we couldn’t see them, and the areas M: That sounds fine to me. with the most interesting animals were closed. Number 4. No wonder they didn’t charge any admission. Mother and son conversation M: Good thing they didn’t. It usually costs 25 pounds F: Can you pick up your towel from the floor, Jake? per person to get in. We would have spent a Why are you so messy! fortune without having seen a thing! M: Sorry, mum. I didn’t see it. F: How could you not see it? Honestly, sometimes I ➤ LISTENING just don’t understand you. M: But I’m doing better at school. I’ve done my SECTION 2 homework every day this week and the teacher Listen to 3 longer conversations. For questions 10-15, has noticed it. She said she was proud of me. choose the best answer (A, B or C). You will hear each F: Oh, that’s great news. Just try a little harder at conversation TWICE. You now have 1 minute to read home, please. the questions. Number 5. Mark your answers on the separate Answer Sheet. Cooking class Listening to classical music M: Now class, make sure you melt your chocolate F: Andy, aren’t you supposed to be revising for completely. If you don’t, there will be lumps in it and it won’t make a good sauce. your exam tomorrow? Why were you listening to F: Could I ask a question? Can we make this recipe classical music? without chocolate? I’m not very keen on it. M: Haven’t you heard, Liz? There are new studies M: There is a version with vanilla sauce instead, but that prove that listening to classical music actually it has completely different ingredients. If you like, improves your memory. (10) Experts are saying we could make it in the next class. that for this reason, classical music can help you when you’re studying. LRN Level B2 203

GLOSSARY LISTENING type (n) τύπος, είδος Practice Test 1 study (v) μελετώ, διαβάζω Section 1 important (adj) σημαντικός 12. 1. according to (prep) σύμφωνα με tuna (n) τόνος (ψάρι) promotion (n) προαγωγή tin (n) κονσέρβα lately (adv) προσφάτως, τώρα τελευταία discounted (adj) με έκπτωση 13. 2. seem (v) φαίνομαι argument (n) τσακωμός, καβγάς activity (n) δραστηριότητα invite (v) προσκαλώ 14. 3. allergic (adj) αλλεργικός following (adj) που ακολουθεί difficult (adj) δύσκολος statement (n) δήλωση, πρόταση book (v) κάνω κράτηση Section 3 already (adv) ήδη 4. 16. conversation (n) διάλογος, συζήτηση historical (adj) ιστορικός annoyed (adj) ενοχλημένος 17. homework (n) εργασία για το σπίτι hot air balloon (n) αερόστατο neat (adj) καθαρός, τακτικός dawn (n) αυγή, ξημέρωμα 5. afternoon (n) απόγευμα recipe (n) συνταγή evening (n) βράδυ sauce (n) σώς, σάλτσα 18. lump (n) σβώλος ride (n) βόλτα melt (v) λιώνω interesting (adj) ενδιαφέρων 6. sold out (adj) που έχουν εξαντληθεί τα εισιτήρια wallet (n) πορτοφόλι expensive (adj) ακριβός credit card (n) πιστωτική κάρτα 19. cash (n) μετρητά tour (n) ξενάγηση, περιήγηση identification (n) ταυτότητα include (v) περιλαμβάνω 7. dinner (n) βραδινό γεύμα meeting (n) συνάντηση online (adv) διαδικτυακώς, στο Ίντερνετ take place (expr) λαμβάνω χώρα, συμβαίνω 20. company (n) εταιρία, επιχείρηση concerning (prep) σχετικά με, που αφορά client (n) πελάτης atmosphere (n) ατμόσφαιρα complaint (n) παράπονο meal (n) γεύμα 8. dessert (n) γλυκό, επιδόρπιο orchestra (n) ορχήστρα prefer (v) προτιμώ WRITING saxophone (n) σαξόφωνο 9. Section 1 zoo (n) ζωολογικός κήπος visitor (n) επισκέπτης Task 1 boring (adj) βαρετός space (n) χώρος, κενό admission (n) εισιτήριο, είσοδος provided (adj) που παρέχεται expensive (adj) ακριβός note (n) σημείωση information (n) πληροφορία Section 2 recording (n) ηχογράφηση vacation (n) διακοπές 10. choice (n) επιλογή classical (adj) κλασικός last (v) διαρκώ nervous (adj) αγχωμένος recommendation (n) πρόταση remember (v) θυμάμαι exam (n) διαγώνισμα, εξέταση Task 2 11. advice (n) συμβουλή probably (adv) μάλλον, πιθανώς certain (adj) κάποιος, συγκεκριμένος Pra ctice T est 1 u 5

LRN Also available: B2 Activate your Grammar & PRACTICE TESTS Vocabulary B2 Hamilton House LRN B2 Practice Tests contains ten complete practice tests for the LRN Level 1 Certificate in ESOL International (CEF B2). The tests have been specifically written to comply with the level, content and rationale of the most recent LRN B2 examinations. They have been designed to familiarise students with the format and style of the examination as well as to ensure that students are thoroughly prepared. Key features: ● 10 complete practice tests for the LRN B2 examination ● an overview of the examination ● detailed information about each section of the examination with helpful tips ● model compositions to help students improve their performance in the Writing Section of the examination The Teacher’s Edition contains the overprinted key and justification of the answers to the reading tasks, as well as a complete Listening audioscript with underlined answers. The Listening audioscript with underlined answers is also available online at www.hamiltonhousepublishers.com. LRN B2 Practice Tests consists of: LRN B2 Practice Tests Student’s Book LRN B2 Practice Tests Teacher’s Book LRN B2 Practice Tests Glossary LRN B2 Practice Tests Audio CDs LRN B2 Practice Tests Interactive Whiteboard Software