ESB_B2_Practice_Tests_Teachers_Book

PRACTICE TESTS B2 Sarah Yu 2017 EXAM FORMAT 10 Practice Tests

CONTENTS Introduction: The ESB Level 1: An Overview 2 ESB Level 1 Practice Tests Sample Answer Sheet 6 ESB: Contents of the paper 7 Practice Test 1 8 Practice Test 2 22 Practice Test 3 36 Practice Test 4 50 Practice Test 5 64 Practice Test 6 78 Practice Test 7 92 Practice Test 8 106 Practice Test 9 120 Practice Test 10 134 Speaking 148 Model compositions 169 Audio script 179

INTRODUCTION ESB Level 1: An Overview The ESB Level 1 examination is administered twice a year by the English Speaking Board Ltd. ESB Level 1 is equivalent to B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) and consists of five sections: Listening, Reading, Use of English, Writing and Speaking. The five sections are weighted equally, so that each one is worth 20% of the total mark. In order to pass the ESB Level 1, you need to score an overall mark of 55%. It is not necessary to pass each part individually. All questions in each part are weighted equally. The ESB Level 1 written exam (all sections except Speaking) is 150 minutes long (2 hours and 30 minutes). Section Parts Number of Description questions Listening Part 1 10 10 short dialogues with one question for each dialogue (1-10) Each dialogue is heard twice Question Type Three-option multiple choice questions Part 2 10 One extended dialogue between two speakers (11-20) The dialogue is heard twice Question Type True/False questions Reading Part 1 10 One text consisting of five paragraphs, approximately 450 words (21-30) Question Type Two Parts: A. Choose the four best paragraph headings from the six options given B. S ix multiple-choice questions with four options for each question Objectives Skimming and scanning; inferring meaning of words from context Part 2 5 One text of approximately 450 words. (31-35) Question Type Part 1 Multiple-choice questions with four options for each question Part 2 Objectives Part 3 Skimming and scanning; inferring meaning of words from context Part 4 Use of 10 Four-option multiple-choice questions testing grammar English (36-45) Four-option multiple-choice questions testing vocabulary 10 (46-55) Cloze text with 10 gaps Four-option multiple-choice questions testing grammar and 10 vocabulary (56-65) 5 Three-option multiple-choice questions testing vocabulary, prefixes, (66-70) suffixes 2 t ESB LEVEL 1 PRACTICE TESTS

INTRODUCTION Section Description Description ESB Level 1 Practice Tests Writing Length One piece of writing from the three topics given 180 - 200 words Speaking Topic Types 1. an email to someone you know 2. a story Marking 3. an essay Criteria Content and appropriacy, organisation and cohesion Grammar: level-appropriate range and accuracy Description Vocabulary: level-appropriate range and accuracy Duration All questions for all parts are taken from the 20 predicative speaking topics Number of 11 minutes Students Part 1 Two or three tested together (3 minutes) Part 2 Introductory personal questions (4 minutes) Part 3 Interactive discussion between the candidates (4 minutes) Respond to the examiner’s questions Timing and General Comments The ESB Level 1 written examination lasts for two and a half hours. The listening part is thirty minutes long, leaving the remaining two hours for the Reading, Use of English, and Writing sections. Each student uses the time in the way they best see fit. If you divide the time among the sections, you have 40 minutes to complete each one. However, if one section (particularly Writing) takes you longer and another (such as Use of English) is easier for you to complete, you are free to allocate more time for the former and less for the latter. Knowing how long each section takes you requires timing yourself while doing the practice tests in this book. It is important not to spend too much time on the section(s) which you find the most difficult in case you do not leave enough time to do the section(s) you find easier. For this reason it is advisable to start with the easier section(s), and finish them as quickly as possible, leaving the rest of the time for the difficult part(s). Many students find that they have time left over at the end of the exam. Use this time to go back and check your writing for careless errors and grammatical mistakes. You can also check the answers to the passages. However, be very careful about changing your multiple choice answers. Statistically, your first instinct is more likely to be correct. All answers must be recorded on a computer-marked answer sheet in pencil. Remember to fill in the lozenges clearly, and completely erase any changes that you make. If the computer picks up two answers, it automatically counts it as a mistake. You may see that you have enough time to write your answers on the test paper and then transfer them afterwards. If you choose to do this, make sure you record your answers accurately. The writing section (email, story or essay) must be written in pen. Listening Part 1 Each dialogue can have three to five exchanges between the speakers. Be aware that the answer to the question asked can be found anywhere in the dialogue, including the beginning. You may be asked to describe the tone being used by a speaker. Get plenty of in-class practice identifying how a speaker feels when saying something. Every dialogue is heard twice, allowing you to listen for gist the first time, and for the answer the second time. INTRODUCTION u 3

INTRODUCTION Part 2 In this part you hear one long dialogue between two speakers. The questions are presented in the order that the answers come up in the dialogue. Again, since you hear the dialogue twice, it is best to listen for gist the first time, and listen for the answer the second time. Reading Part 1 As an exercise, the first reading is more challenging than the second, and is worth twice as many marks. Bear this in mind when allocating your time. The first task requires you to assign the most appropriate title to each paragraph. The first paragraph is done for you as an example and two titles are not necessary. The titles given can be general statements of what is expressed in the paragraph, but more often they are a paraphrase of a specific point or sentence. If you cannot get the first or second one, keep going. The third or fourth one might be much easier to identify, leaving you with fewer choices for the difficult ones. Before you start trying to assign titles to the paragraphs, skim through the entire passage to get a rough idea of the gist. Then scan each paragraph to try to figure out which title is most suitable. After you have answered the questions in Part 2, go back and check your titles as you will probably have gained a better understanding of the text. The six comprehension questions are presented in the order that they appear in the text. A good strategy is to underline the part of the text that answers the question. If you can identify where the answer is, you have a much better chance of choosing the correct option. Get plenty of classroom practice skimming and scanning texts. Part 2 The second passage may be as long as the first, but you are only required to answer five comprehension questions after reading it. Use the same strategies as in Part 1. Again, the questions are presented in the order that they appear in the text and you are advised to underline the part of the text that answers the question. Use of English Part 1 In Part 1, there are ten multiple choice questions with four possible options testing grammar at a B2 level. Common items tested include prepositions, gerunds versus infinitives, modal verbs, uncountable nouns, adverbial connectors, conditionals, verb tenses, phrasal verbs and passive voice, among others. As with all multiple-choice questions, which applies to all of the questions in ESB Level 1, it is wise to eliminate the wrong options and then choose the best answer. Generally, trust your first instinct; it is more likely to be correct than a nagging doubt that strikes you afterwards. And remember, never leave an option blank. If you do not know the answer, always guess after having eliminated wrong options. Part 2 In Part 2, there are ten multiple-choice questions with four possible options testing vocabulary at a B2 level. Common items tested include words easily confused, collocations, idioms, prepositional phrases, and phrasal verbs, among others. Part 3 In Part 3, you are given a passage with ten gaps. For each gap you must choose the best of four options. Start by skimming the text for gist. Both vocabulary and grammar skills are tested, and items include words easily confused, collocations, tenses, prepositions, relative pronouns, adverbial connectors, phrasal verbs, and modal verbs, among others. A good idea is to write the option you have chosen into the gap and then read the passage over to make sure it makes sense. Part 4 In part 4, there are five questions testing word formation, also known as derivatives. Doing well in this part requires learning about suffixes, prefixes and parts of speech. Although there are many rules which can help you predict which suffix/prefix/ending is correct, extensive reading is the best way to learn derivatives. Words start to sound ‘right’ to your ear regardless of the rules you have learnt. 4 t ESB LEVEL 1 PRACTICE TESTS

INTRODUCTION Writing ESB Level 1 Practice Tests In the writing section, you choose ONE of the three subjects given and write 180-200 words. You must write in pen. You are also given paper to do a rough draft of your writing if you wish, which can be done in pencil and then copied in pen. Whether you do this depends entirely on how much time you have. The first subject is an email to someone you know. The topic generally asks you to request information, recommend, invite or describe. In friendly emails, language is informal so try to sound as natural as possible. Use rhetorical questions, contractions, idioms and phrasal verbs. Include a natural opening (How have you been? Sorry for not writing for so long, etc.) and a closing (That’s all for now; Hope to hear from you soon etc.) The second subject is a story. You are generally given a sentence that begins your story but you may be given an idea to base your story on. If you choose this subject, make sure you have practised writing stories. All stories must have a setting, characters and a plot. The plot should have a climax, and there should be some sort of theme or moral. It is advisable to use reported speech to make the story come alive, and be careful with tenses. The story takes place in a hypothetical past, and anything before the events of the story require the past perfect tense. Aim for an ending that satisfies the reader, either because it is a surprise or because it ties up loose ends. The third topic is an essay. This is usually a pros/cons topic, but can also be a problem/solution topic. Make sure you rephrase the topic in your introduction, develop your points in two to three body paragraphs and end with a concluding paragraph. It is a good idea to make a plan before you start writing so that you can organise your points and group similar ones together. You can either present two sides of an argument topic or choose one side and develop it. Be sure to use connectors to introduce your points (In addition; Furthermore; Finally, etc.) and always develop a point with an explanation and / or example. Otherwise, you will only be making a list. When you have finished your writing, check to find any grammar / careless mistakes that you are likely to have made. Cross out mistakes and rewrite corrections clearly. Please note that correction fluid is not permitted. Speaking The speaking test is conducted by two interviewers, one of whom asks questions (the interlocutor) and the other who assesses the candidates. Generally, students are tested in pairs but in the case of an odd-numbered group, there may be three candidates tested together. The first part of the interview lasts for three minutes and consists of personal questions, with candidates being invited to respond alternately. Candidates interact with the interlocutor, not with each other. Questions are asked about leisure time, daily life, places, education, work, etc. Think about things you would like to say beforehand, but do not come to the interview with memorised answers, as these are easily recognisable. The second part of the interview is an interactive discussion which lasts for four minutes. Candidates are given a card which contains two prompts, one of which has eight options which the candidates discuss together. You need to maintain a discussion based on the prompts, but you do not have to reach an agreement. The interlocutor should not be addressed in this section. Be sure to include your partner in the discussion by asking for their opinion and responding to what they say. It is important to learn how to agree and disagree with people in a conversation, and to speak as naturally as possible. The third part of the interview is a three-way discussion between the interlocutor and the candidates based on another topic, and lasts for about four minutes. Candidates are encouraged to respond to and elaborate on their partner’s answers. Again, speak as naturally as possible and make sure you respond to what is being said. This is a discussion, not a monologue, so verbal interaction is very important. All ESB speaking questions are based on the following twenty topics: Animals Holidays/Tourism Clothes and Fashion Learning and Education Communication and Language Leisure Time Daily Life Places Dreams and Ambitions Science and Technology Entertainment and Culture Special Occasions Fame and Famous People Sports and Hobbies Friends and Family The Natural World Food and Drink Travel and Transport Health Work/Jobs and Professions INTRODUCTION u 5

SAMPLE ANSWER SHEETSAMPLE ANSWER SHEET 6 t ESB LEVEL 1 PRACTICE TESTS

ESB ESB Level 1 Certificate in ESOL Practice Test 1 International All Modes – (B2) Contents of this Paper Section Number of Questions Weighting for Section 20% Listening 10 20% Part One 10 Part Two 20% 10 20% Reading 5 Part One Part Two 10 10 Use of English 10 Part One 5 Part Two Part Three 1 Part Four Writing The remaining 20% is for your speaking test. Total time allowed: 2 hours 30 minutes. You should attempt all sections of this paper. The use of dictionaries, notes or any electronic device is not permitted in this examination. Put your answers for Listening, Reading and Use of English on the OPTICAL MARK FORM. Use the WRITING ANSWER BOOKLET for your answer to the Writing Section. This question paper WILL NOT BE MARKED. DO NOT OPEN THE EXAMINATION PAPER UNTIL YOU ARE TOLD TO DO SO. Pra ctice T est 1 u 7

Model Co mpositions for T est s 1-10 1. W rite an email to your friend inviting him/ given me a new green leather purse with an ethnic Practice Test 1 her to spend a week at your house. Tell your pattern on it, and I loved it. friend what you will do, where you will go, I put the purse inside my rucksack, together what the weather will be like and any other with my homework and school books. When useful information. lunchtime came, I took my rucksack to the cafeteria and looked for my purse to get some Dear Jenny, coins to buy a drink. But it was gone! Someone had stolen it! Then I turned around and saw How are you? I have some great news. My Sandra, the girl I dislike the most in my class, parents suggested I invite you to our country holding my purse! I went up to her and demanded house for a week, in August. I really hope you can she give it back. come! We’ll have an amazing time! ‘It’s not your purse, it’s mine! I’m not a thief!’ she shouted at me. I was so angry that I took my Our house is by the sea, on a large island called stuff and went running back to the classroom. Evia. So bring your swimsuit, of course, because And that’s when I saw it – my green leather purse we’ll be doing a lot of swimming! I know that your was on my desk. Sandra hadn’t stolen it and I felt skin is quite sensitive, so make sure you also pack awful. sunscreen. It can get very hot in Greece – up to I apologised to Sandra but she’s still angry 40 degrees Celsius! However, the evenings are with me. That’s the day I learned never to accuse quite cool so you should bring a light jacket and anyone unless you are completely certain. some long sleeve tops. You don’t need to bring any equipment for the sea, as we have everything 3. Human beings have done a lot of harm to the under the sun, like goggles, flippers and masks. environment. What can each one of us do to be environmentally friendly? Write an essay Besides swimming, we’ll also be going out a lot, giving your views. so consider bringing a few outfits that are smarter. Nothing too fancy, but some nice tops and maybe Nowadays, we are constantly hearing about a skirt would be great. And definitely bring a pair of jeans for our casual outings. how the environment is in trouble and that we I’m so excited about your visit! You’re going to must all take better care of it. But how can each of meet all my friends and we’re going to have the best time! us do this? Model Co To begin with, we must try to use fewer I’ve got to do some homework now, but we’ll talk soon. materials that harm the environment, and when Love, we do, we must recycle. For example, we should Mariana try to repair things that are broken, and not always 2. W rite a story that begins with ‘I woke up that morning feeling like something bad was going buy new ones. We should also reduce our use of to happen.’ Continue the story. plastic items, as they are not biodegradable. My I woke up that morning feeling like something bad was going to happen, even though it was a family always uses reusable shopping bags when normal school day like any other. In fact, I should have been very happy because my parents had we go to the supermarket, and we have stopped using plastic bottles and straws. I also return glass bottles to the supermarket. Finally, I use my bicycle as much as possible so that my parents do not have to drive me everywhere. Fumes from cars are one of the biggest sources of air pollution and we should all try to leave our cars at home and cycle, walk or use public transport instead. To sum up, to be more environmentally friendly, we should use less plastic, recycle as much as possible and avoid using cars whenever we can. Model Co mpositions u 169

Audio scri pt Test 1 Zoe: Call a few of your friends to come over and help. ESB Level 1 Practice Tests Tim: Great idea! Section 1 Listening Test Zoe: And I’ll call Aunt Dana. She’s always willing to help. I’m going to give you the instructions for this part of Tim: Thanks Zoe. I appreciate it. the test. You will hear this sound [tone] at the start of each piece. Remember to transfer your answers to the Now listen again. [Passage is repeated.] Optimal Mark Form before the end of the exam. Now [tone] open your question paper and look at Part 1 of the Passage 4 Listening Test. Mother: Jim, Christmas is just around the corner. Have you Listening Part 1 thought about what you want to get your teacher? Jim: Do I have to get a gift for Ms Simpson? You will hear people talking in 10 different situations. Mother: At this new school, it seems all of the kids do. For questions 1-10, choose the correct answer (A, B or C). You will hear each passage twice. You have one What about a piece of clothing, like a jumper? minute to read the questions for Part 1. Jim: But I have no idea what women like to wear. [1 minute pause] Mother: That’s true! Let’s think of something more [tone] personal, something you like too. Part 1 Jim: What about an electronic gadget? Passage 1 Mother: I don’t think that would be appropriate. And it Janet: So Brian, don’t you think it’s time we decided where would probably be quite expensive. we’re going this Christmas? Jim: Oh, I know. A box of chocolates. All teachers like Brian: Somewhere warm. To be honest, that’s all that getting chocolate. matters to me. Janet: We should really think about booking a holiday, or Now listen again. [Passage is repeated.] [tone] all the good packages will be sold out. Passage 5 Brian: But Janet, it’s only September! What if we change Thomas: Hey, Scarlet. You look a bit depressed. What’s up? Scarlet: I’m trying to figure out how to make some money our minds by Christmas? Janet: We can take out cancellation insurance. But I doubt during the summer holiday. Thomas: What do you need the money for? we will. Scarlet: I want to get a better phone, and my mum said I’ll Brian: Okay then. Hmm, what about Morocco? Janet: I’ve already been there twice. Jamaica? have to pay for it by myself. Brian: That would cost a fortune. But we could always cut Thomas: That makes sense. What about getting a job? Scarlet: My parents think I’m too young. You know how down on our summer holidays, and spend more money now. they are, Thomas. Janet: Great idea! I’ll call the travel agent first thing Thomas: T hat’s because they worry about you. But you tomorrow morning! could always do some tutoring. You’re good at Now listen again. [Passage is repeated.] maths, and I’m sure you could find a few students to tutor. [tone] Scarlet: That’s a great idea. And my parents would definitely let me do that! Passage 2 Now listen again. [Passage is repeated.] Receptionist (male): Golden Hair and Nail Salon. How can I [tone] Passage 6 help you? James: Hi Nancy. What are you eating? Nancy: Hi James. This is my second steak. I’m so full I Client (female): Hello. I’d like to make an appointment might burst. to get my hair dyed. James: Why are you eating so much? Nancy: Didn’t I tell you? My track and field coach said I Receptionist: Would you like a cut and style as well? need to put on a few pounds. Client: Astyle, yes, because I’m going out James: Shouldn’t you be doing that by working out? I tonight. But a cut won’t be necessary. mean, like by lifting weights? I’ve heard that muscle is much heavier than fat. Receptionist: It won’t cost you extra. We have a Nancy: I have been working out, but I lost weight doing that. It’s unusual, so my coach suggested I eat special which includes cut, colour and more proteins. James: It’s so funny, most people our age are trying to styling, all for €85. lose weight, and here you are eating as much as you want. Client: But I’m trying to grow my hair. Nancy: I’m eating meat, James, not tasty stuff like puddings and chips. You should try it. It’s not as fun Receptionist: Then our stylist will just give it some as it looks. shape. She’ll only trim the ends. Now listen again. [Passage is repeated.] [tone] Client: All right, then. Can I come tomorrow at around 11 a.m.? Receptionist: That’s fine. I’ll see you then! Now listen again. [Passage is repeated.] [tone] Passage 3 Zoe: Tim! Are you still in bed? I told you to wake up early and clean up the house. Tim: But my alarm clock didn’t go off. It’s not my fault, Zoe! Zoe: You were the one who threw a big party when our parents were out of town. Tim: Ok, you’re right, but what shall we do now? AUDIO SCRIPT u 179

GLOSSARY LISTENING READING Practice Test 1 Y Y Part One Part One 1. parenting (n) η ανατροφή παιδιών trend (n) τάση, μόδα idea (n) ιδέα logic (n) λογική visit (v) επισκέπτομαι term (n) όρος far away (adv) μακριά introduce (v) εισάγω, συστήνω expensive (adj) ακριβός helicopter (n) ελικόπτερο 2. common (adj) κοινός, συνηθισμένος refer (v) αναφέρομαι have something done (expr) βάζω κάποιον να κάνει above (adv) πάνω από κάτι για μένα protect (v) προστατεύω difficulty (n) δυσκολία colour (v) βάφω possible (adj) πιθανός, δυνατός style (v) χτενίζω, κάνω χτένισμα make sure (phr v) βεβαιώνομαι, διασφαλίζω 3. suffer (v) υποφέρω protective (adj) προστατευτικός depend (v) εξαρτώμαι positive (adj) θετικός solve (v) λύνω dangerous (adj) επικίνδυνος 4. protection (n) προστασία statistics (n) στατιστική think (v) πιστεύω, σκέφτομαι crime (n) έγκλημα piece of clothing (expr) ρούχο, ρουχισμός ever (adv) ποτέ expensive (adj) ακριβός encourage (v) ενθαρρύνω impersonal (adj) απρόσωπος self-opinion (n) αυτοεκτίμηση choose (v) επιλέγω, διαλέγω league (n) πρωτάθλημα 5. score (n) βαθμολογία spectator (n) θεατής strict (adj) αυστηρός cheer (v) πανηγυρίζω, επικροτώ stingy (adj) τσιγκούνης loudly (adv) δυνατά unkind (adj) αγενής, κακός in case (conj) σε περίπτωση που 6. prepare (v) προετοιμάζω ahead (adv) μπροστά diet (n) διατροφή, δίαιτα recently (adv) πρόσφατα pleasant (adj) ευχάριστος psychologist (n) ψυχολόγος necessary (adj) απαραίτητος harm (n) κακό ridiculous (adj) γελοίος do more harm than good (expr) κάνουν περισσότερο unfair (adj) άδικος 7. κακό παρά καλό effort (n) προσπάθεια change somebody’s mind (expr) αλλάζω τη γνώμη make an effort (expr) προσπαθώ, βάζω τα δυνατά κάποιου μου convince (v) πείθω succeed (v) πετυχαίνω cycling (n) ποδηλασία discouraged (adj) απογοητευμένος 8. miss out on (phr v) χάνω, αφήνω να πάει χαμένο important (adj) σημαντικός adore (v) λατρεύω force (v) αναγκάζω allergic (adj) αλλεργικός pick myself up (expr) μαζεύω τα κομμάτια μου, want (v) θέλω 9. συνέρχομαι whereas (conj) ενώ throw out (phr v) πετάω create (v) δημιουργώ purchase (v) αγοράζω generation (n) γενιά 10. believe (v) πιστεύω special (adj) ξεχωριστός impossible (adj) αδύνατος, απίθανος opinion (n) γνώμη on strike (adv) σε απεργία earn (v) κερδίζω available (adj) διαθέσιμος argue (v) λογομαχώ, τσακώνομαι take somebody’s side (expr) παίρνω το μέρος Part Two κάποιου close (adv) κοντά deserve (v) αξίζω restaurant (n) εστιατόριο relationship (n) σχέση main course (n) κυρίως πιάτο order (v) παραγγέλνω PRACTICE TEST 1 u 5 meal (n) γεύμα dish (n) πιάτο heavy (adj) βαρύς beef (n) μοσχάρι find (v) βρίσκω quite (adv) αρκετά cheap (adj) φθηνός

PRACTICE TESTS B2 Sarah Yu Hamilton House ESB B2 Practice Tests has been speciÿ cally written for the ESB Level 1 (B2) examination. The tests have been designed to familiarise students with the exact format of the examination as well as to ensure that students are thoroughly prepared for the examination. Key features: ● 10 complete practice tests for the ESB B2 examination ● an overview of the examination ● information about marking and timing as well as helpful tips for each part of the examination ● model emails, stories and essays for the writing task in each practice test The Teacher’s Book contains the overprinted key and justiÿ cation to the reading tasks as well as a complete Listening audio script with underlined answers. 10 Practice Tests ESB B2 Practice Tests consists of: ESB B2 Practice Tests Student’s Book ESB B2 Practice TestsTeacher’s Book ESB B2 Practice Tests Glossary ESB B2 Practice TestsAudio CDs