MSU_B2_Teachers_Book

7 Complete Practice Tests for the Michigan State University B2 Examination MSU- CELCMichigan State University B2P R A C T I C E T E S T S Sarah Yu

MSU-CELC PRACTICE TESTS 7 Complete Practice Tests for the Michigan State University B2 Examination Sarah Yu Hamilton House Publishers Ltd 2 Prespas Street 37 Bagley Wood Road Nicosia Kennington 1082 OX1 5LY Cyprus Oxford England E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.hamiltonhousepublishers.com Text, design, artwork and characters © Hamilton House Publishers 2018 ISBN: 978-9963-261-86-4 Student’s Book ISBN: 978-9963-261-87-1 Teacher’s Book All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise without the prior written permission of the publishers. Any person who carries out any unauthorised act in relation to this publication may be liable to criminal prosecution and civil claims for damages. Acknowledgements The publishers and author would like to thank all the schools and teachers that took part in the testing and piloting of the original material. Their feedback and comments were invaluable.

CONTENTS 2 MSU-CELC Practice Tests 5 I ntroduction: The MSU-CELC: An Overview Samp le Answer Sheet 7 Practice Test 1 8 14 Writing – Think about it, write about it! 19 Listening – Listen to this! 28 G rammar – G rammar you can use! Reading – Read about it! 29 Speaking – Talk about it! 30 Practice Test 2 36 Writing – Think about it, write about it! 41 Listening – Listen to this! 50 G rammar – G rammar you can use! Reading – Read about it! 51 Speaking – Talk about it! 52 Practice Test 3 58 Writing – Think about it, write about it! 63 Listening – Listen to this! 72 G rammar – G rammar you can use! Reading – Read about it! 73 Speaking – Talk about it! 74 Practice Test 4 80 Writing – Think about it, write about it! 85 Listening – Listen to this! 94 G rammar – G rammar you can use! Reading – Read about it! 95 Speaking – Talk about it! 96 Practice Test 5 102 Writing – Think about it, write about it! 107 Listening – Listen to this! 116 G rammar – G rammar you can use! Reading – Read about it! 117 Speaking – Talk about it! 118 Practice Test 6 124 Writing – Think about it, write about it! 129 Listening – Listen to this! 138 G rammar – G rammar you can use! Reading – Read about it! 139 Speaking – Talk about it! 140 Practice Test 7 146 Writing – Think about it, write about it! 151 Listening – Listen to this! 160 G rammar – G rammar you can use! 161 Reading – Read about it! Speaking – Talk about it! Listening Transcript

INTRODUCTION The MSU-CELC: An Overview The examination for the Certificate of English Language Competency (CELC) of Michigan State University is a four-section test which assesses English language ability at Level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) in all four modalities (Writing, Listening, Reading, and Speaking). Each of the four sections of the test is worth 25 points, for a total of 100 points. In order to pass the MSU-CELC, a candidate needs to obtain an overall score of 60 points and above. Section Timing Parts Number of Answers % of Total 1 Writing 60 Questions Score 2 Listening Students write their 20 minutes Think about it, write about it! 1 essay essay in pencil – 3 Reading One piece of writing in essay chosen from pens are not allowed 5 4 Speaking 45 format (35 minutes) 2 given in this exam minutes prompts 25 Students shade the Grammar you can use! 40 multiple- correct lozenges on (25 minutes) choice the answer sheet grammar in pencil items Students shade the Listen to this! 8-9 multiple- correct lozenges on Part 1 – Short conversations choice the answer sheet between 2 speakers followed questions in pencil. by 1 multiple-choice question. Each conversation is heard only once. Part 2 – Longer 11-12 conversations between multiple- 2 speakers followed by choice 3-4 multiple choice questions. questions Each conversation is heard only once. Part 3 – Extended discourse, 20 multiple- including 1 speech or choice presentation and 1 long questions dialogue followed by 10 multiple-choice questions. Each passage is heard twice. 60 Read about it! 40 multiple- Students shade the 25 minutes 4 unrelated reading choice correct lozenges on 25 passages questions the answer sheet 10-12 in pencil. minutes Talk about it! 6 Part 1 2 description questions Part 2 2 narration questions Part 3 2 supported opinion questions 2 t MSU-CELC PRACTICE TESTS

INTRODUCTION Section 1 : W riting – Think about it, write about it! MSU-CELC Practice Tests General The essay section has two topics. Candidates are required to choose one and write an essay on this topic in 35 minutes. The grade awarded is based on the development of ideas, grammar, vocabulary and organization. A lthough there is no word count, candidates are expected to write a minimum of three paragraphs. The main types of essay are supported opinion, describing a problem and/ or making suggestions, a description of an obj ect or experience, and a hypothetical situation that may present a problem. Candidates may only write in pencil, not pen. H elp ful hints Because you only have 35 minutes, speed is very important. Many students have difficulty finishing their essays within the time limit, so make sure you get plenty of practice writing an essay in 35 minutes before taking the exam. A lways choose a topic quickly and spend five minutes making a brief plan of each paragraph. Y ou might think that you don’ t have enough time to make a plan, but with a little practice, a plan will help you stay on topic, write faster and produce a better essay overall. In opinion essays, MSU requires that you only express your opinion clearly; there is no need for your essay to be obj ective or balanced. A void using words that are in the topic description – especially in your introduction. Make sure you focus on answering the question without going off topic, and always develop your ideas by explaining them and giving examples. oJ in your ideas with linking words, but avoid writing long, complicated sentences. Remember: English sentences tend to be shorter than G reek sentences. Finally, do your best to write accurately, and if possible, leave a few minutes at the end to check for spelling and grammar mistakes. Grammar you can use! General This section consists of 40 multiple-choice questions on common grammatical phenomena such as verb tense, gerund vs. infinitive, prepositions, linking words and word order. Each question has four options. Candidates are given 25 minutes to complete this section. H elp ful hints Time is limited in this section, as you have approximately 30 seconds to complete each question. Process of elimination is usually the most effective way to solve multiple-choice questions. A nswer every question, as it is always better to guess than to leave a blank. Section 2 : Listening – Listen to this! This section has a total of 40 multiple-choice questions, each with three options. Y ou may take notes in the test booklet, but all answers must be marked on the answer sheet in the time given for each part of the listening section. N o extra time is given at the end for this. Part 1 – Short conversations General This part has 8-9 mini dialogues between a male and female speaker. Each dialogue is followed by one multiple-choice question. There is a short title for each dialogue to provide context. Each dialogue is only heard only once. H elp ful hints Try to read the question before listening to the dialogue in the time between the questions. A lways take your best guess right after you have heard the dialogue; if you go back to it later, you probably won’ t remember what was said. If you aren’ t sure of an answer, try not to panic. uJ st rule out the choices you know are wrong, take your best guess, and then move on. If you don’ t, you may miss some or all of the next dialogue. Part 2 – Longer conversations General This part has three longer dialogues between a male and female speaker. Each dialogue is followed by 3-4 multiple-choice questions. There is a short title for each dialogue to provide context. Each dialogue is heard only once. INTRODUCTION 3

INTRODUCTION H elp ful hints Since you only hear the dialogues once, it is important to pay close attention. Y ou are given approximately 15 seconds before the conversation in which you can quickly read the questions. That will help you know what to listen for. Q uestions correspond to the order in which information is heard, so you should try to answer each question as the answer comes up. Y ou can use the long pause after each dialogue to check your work and answer any questions you couldn’ t get as you were listening. Part 3 – Ex tended discourse General This part has two long passages. One is usually a speech or presentation (one speaker), and the other is a dialogue. Each passage is followed by 10 questions. The passages in part 3 are heard twice. H elp ful hints Before you hear the passage, you are given time to read the questions. Read them over as carefully as possible so you know what to listen for. The first time you hear the passage, don’ t try to answer the questions – j ust listen! The second time you hear the passage, look at the questions and answer them as you listen. A s with the longer dialogues in part 2, all questions are in the order in which the information needed to answer them is heard. Use the time at the end to check your answers. If you are not sure of an answer, use process of elimination and choose the best answer. If necessary, guess! Section 3 : Reading – Read about it! General This section comprises four extended texts followed by approximately 10 questions each. The questions require reading for specific information or key concepts, guessing lexical meaning in context, understanding text organization, and global comprehension. A ll questions are in the order in which the information needed to answer them is found in the passage. H elp ful hints Many students find it hard to finish this section in the time allotted, but you can improve your speed if you practice skimming and scanning techniques. A lways read through the text quickly to get a general idea of what it’ s about. Then go to the questions and read more carefully until you find the answer in the text. D on’ t worry about unfamiliar words; instead, try to understand the overall context. A s always with multiple-choice questions, it is advisable to eliminate wrong answers first and then try to see which of the remaining choices is the most correct. Remember that the reading section is 60 minutes long, so you need to use your time wisely. Plan to spend about 15 minutes on each passage. If you spend too much time on any one passage, you may run out of time before you have answered all the questions. Section 4 : Sp eaking – Talk about it! General The oral interview lasts 10-12 minutes, and the candidate is examined by two independent raters. One asks questions and the other observes. A fter a warm-up stage which is not rated, the candidate is given six prompts: two descriptions, two narrations and two supported opinions. The examiner models an example response for the first description and the first narration question to help the candidate. Each task is rated separately. H elp ful hints It’ s natural to feel a little nervous at the beginning of the interview, but remember: It’ s the examiners’ j ob to be friendly and make you feel at ease. Try to avoid one-word answers. Instead, remember to explain your ideas and opinions, expanding on them as much as possible with reasons and examples. Maintain eye contact. If you get stuck, don’ t worry – j ust continue as naturally as possible. If you don’ t know the word for something, describe it. A void using rehearsed answers or expressions you have memorized. Instead, speak as naturally as possible. 4 t MSU-CELC PRACTICE TESTS

SAMPLE ANSWER SHEET SAMPLE ANSW MSU-CELC Practice Tests ER SH EET SAMPLE ANSWER SHEET 5

LISTENING TRANSCRIPT PRACTICE TEST 1 F: I’m afraid I’m a tourist, just like you. But come to think of MSU-CELC Practice Tests it, I saw a street sign for Talbot Street a few minutes ago. Part 1 – Short conversations M: Do you remember where? 1. Office redecoration F: Let me think – yes! It’s just around the corner at the end M: Wow, you’ve done a marvelous job redecorating the of this street. offices. F: Do you like it? I was afraid it was too much. 8. At the beach M: The company is doing really well. The furniture and F: I just love coming to this beach. It’s my favorite spot design of our offices should reflect this. after a long day at the library. F: So you don’t mind that I spent so much on leather M: Yeah, it’s a great way to clear your mind. I actually think couches and glass light fixtures? better after I’ve spent a few hours at the beach. M: Not at all. They were worth it. F: Hmm, that sounds more like an excuse for not doing 2. At the bookstore homework. F: Hello. Can you tell me where the cookbooks are? M: Nah, when I need an excuse not to do homework, I M: They’re in the next aisle. All dessert cookbooks are 30% make myself a snack. off today. F: Oh, I don’t eat sweets. My doctor has told me to cut 9. In-class essay F: Dad, guess what we had to do in class today. Write an down on sugar. But maybe I could get one as a gift for my sister. It’s her birthday soon, and she loves baking. in-class essay! It was really difficult. M: I’m sure you’ll find something you like. We’ve got a large M: Why was it such a big deal? selection. F: I’ve never actually written an essay like that before. I 3. Concert at the stadium mean, without spellcheck or the Internet. M: Mom, I need to take the car. There’s a huge concert at M: (amused) Well, that’s how we used to do it back in my day! the stadium outside of town. Can you tell me where the Part 2 – Longer conversations keys are? F: Actually, Joey, I’d rather you didn’t drive such far 10-13 Planning a school dance distances. M: But you know what a careful driver I am. M: Dana, we really have to start planning the dance. It’s F: It’s not about you, it’s the other drivers that scare me. Most of them are young and not very experienced. supposed to take place in less than a month. 4. Bake sale F: I know, but shouldn’t we do it with the whole committee? M: Mom, I can’t figure this recipe out. It needs all different We were supposed to have a meeting yesterday but no amounts of flour, sugar, and other stuff. F: Well, first, you need to get measuring cups. They tell one else came. you how to measure the ingredients you need. Is this for M: Exactly my point. The other three kids don’t seem to be 10 a school project? M: No, it’s not for a project. It’s for a bake sale we’re very committed. Why don’t we go ahead and make the having. We’re selling cakes and cookies tomorrow. F: That’s great. Maybe you can help me bake things for plans, and then just check with the others afterwards? 11 Christmas as well. F: Good idea. So … let’s start with the venue: in the school 5. Getting in shape M: Sandra, do you want to join the gym with me? They gym or at a dance hall? have a two for one special this week. I really need to get M: Definitely at a dance hall. They’re really not so 12 into shape. F: Sounds like a great deal, but I really don’t have time for expensive, and if we sell tickets at about three bucks the gym. M: You could just go to the aerobics classes. They’re only each, it’ll cover the cost. 30 minutes long. F: Hmm. Okay, I’ll give it a try. F: I’ll write that down, but I don’t really agree. Maybe fewer 6. In a hotel room kids will come if they have to pay, and then we’ll be F: Sir, just a reminder, breakfast is served from 7:00 to stuck with the bill for the dance hall. I know. Why don’t 9:00. Would you like anything else? M: Just a wakeup call at 6:00. But I’ll ask the reception we have it in the school gym and sell tickets so we can desk to do that. pay for a live band? F: You can also order room service or have drinks brought M: Actually, I was thinking that we could ask Replay to to your room. Have a pleasant evening. perform. You know them – they’re all kids from our year. 7. Asking for directions M: Excuse me, miss, but could you direct me to Talbot F: Are they any good? Can they play music that people will Street? I think I’m lost. dance to? M: Absolutely. I heard them practicing last week, and I 13 couldn’t stop dancing. I’ve got a demo CD. Do you want to hear it? F: Sure! So if we don’t have to pay for the music, then I agree that we could probably rent a dance hall. I was against paying for both. 14-17 Buying an exercise machine M: Excuse me. I’m thinking of buying an exercise machine. I need to exercise in the evening, and I don’t have time 14 to go to the gym. Which one do you recommend? F: Well, it depends on your needs … and, of course, your budget. M: I was thinking of spending anywhere between a hundred and three hundred dollars. I want to train for a marathon 15 TRANSCRIPT u 161

GLOSSARY WRITING think of (phr v) πιστεύω για, έχω γνώμη για Practice Test 1 the rest (of something) (pl n) ο υπόλοιπος, οι GLOSSARY υπόλοιποι 1. committee (n) επιτροπή vacation (n) διακοπές care (v) νοιάζομαι, ενδιαφέρομαι 2. serious (adj) σοβαρός move out (phr v) μετακομίζω, φεύγω commitment (n) υποχρέωση get married (expr) παντρεύομαι announce (v) ανακοινώνω well-paying (adj) καλοπληρωμένος check (v) επιβεβαιώνω, ελέγχω cheap (adj) φτηνός LISTENING familiar (adj) γνώριμος safe (adj) ασφαλής Y inexpensive (adj) οικονομικός PART 1 1. Questions 14 - 17 expensive (adj) ακριβός exercise machine (n) μηχάνημα / όργανο furnishings (n) επίπλωση γυμναστικής redecorate (v) ανακαινίζω train (v) προπονούμαι 2. professional (adj) επαγγελματίας dessert (n) γλυκό, επιδόρπιο event (n) αθλητική εκδήλωση, αγώνας cookbook (n) βιβλίο μαγειρικής gain weight (expr) βάζω βάρος cook (n) μάγειρας distance (n) απόσταση advise (v) συμβουλεύω weight lifting (n) άρση βαρών own (v) έχω, μου ανήκει stretch (v) κάνω διατάσεις / ζέσταμα 3. concert (n) συναυλία Questions 18 - 20 4. argument (n) καβγάς, λογομαχία bake sale (n) πώληση γλυκών και κέικ σε πάγκους complain (v) διαμαρτύρομαι, παραπονιέμαι (για κάποιον καλό σκοπό) laundry (n) άπλυτα ρούχα school project (n) σχολική εργασία tool (n) εργαλείο bake (v) ψήνω (γλυκό, ψωμί κ.λπ.) drive (somebody) crazy (expr) τρελαίνω goods (n) είδη, προϊόντα (κάποιον) measure (v) μετράω, ζυγίζω appointment (n) ραντεβού, συνάντηση ingredient (n) συστατικό hire (v) προσλαμβάνω 5. conversation (n) συζήτηση get in shape (expr) αποκτώ καλή φυσική iron (v) σιδερώνω κατάσταση, βρίσκω τη φόρμα μου join the gym (expr) γίνομαι μέλος στο PART 3 γυμναστήριο 6. Questions 21 - 30 reception desk (n) ρεσεψιόν (ξενοδοχείου) psychologist (n) ψυχολόγος serve (v) σερβίρω advantage (n) πλεονέκτημα wake (somebody) up (phr v) ξυπνώ (κάποιον) introduce (v) παρουσιάζω 7. course (n) μάθημα (στο πανεπιστήμιο) directions (pl n) οδηγίες major (n) κύριο θέμα σπουδών, ειδίκευση (σε lost (adj) χαμένος πανεπιστήμιο στις ΗΠΑ) as well (expr) επίσης offer (v) προσφέρω visitor (n) επισκέπτης science (n) επιστήμη 8. test (v) εξετάζω library (n) βιβλιοθήκη similar (adj) παρόμοιος 9. imply (v) υπονοώ in-class (expr) μέσα στην τάξη high-paying (adj) καλοπληρωμένος essay (n) έκθεση relationship (n) σχέση time limit (n) χρονικό όριο scientist (n) επιστήμονας minor (n) δευτερεύον θέμα σπουδών (σε PART 2 πανεπιστήμιο στις ΗΠΑ) Questions 10 - 13 research (n) έρευνα plan (v) σχεδιάζω publish (v) δημοσιεύω article (n) άρθρο PRACTICE TEST 1 u 5

Michigan State University MSU-CELC B2 PRACTICE TESTS The Hamilton House MSU-CELC Practice Tests contains seven complete practice tests for the Michigan State University B2 examination.The tests comply with the level, content and rationale of the most recent MSU-CELC examinations, as of 2017. The materials in this book give students the opportunity to: • consolidate all important language skills and sub-skills while familiarizing themselves with the actual format of the MSU-CELC; • get invaluable practice by doing exam-style activities simulating all parts of the “Listen to this!” and “Read about it!” sections. • review grammar concepts that frequently recur in the “Grammar you can use!” section; and • develop and practice effective written and oral communication skills essential for the “Think about it, write about it!” section and the MSU-CELC Speaking Test. The Teacher’s Book contains the overprinted key and justi cation of the answers to the reading tasks, as well as a complete Listening Transcript with underlined answers.The Listening Transcript with underlined answers is also available online at www.hamiltonhousepublishers.com. The components of the Hamilton House MSU–CELC Practice Tests are: MSU–CELC Practice Tests Student’s Book MSU–CELC Practice Tests Teacher’s Book MSU–CELC Practice Tests Glossary MSU–CELC Practice Tests Audio CDs