An original Thinka practice paper modelled on the structure and difficulty of the May 2024 SL (TZ1) IB Diploma Programme Language B paper. Not affiliated with or reproduced from IB.
Paper 1 (Writing)
Complete one task from a choice of three. Write 250 to 400 words using an appropriate text type.
1 Question · 30 marks
Question 1 · Extended Response
30 marks
Many young people face challenges when transitioning from school to the professional working world, particularly regarding the value and ethics of unpaid internships. Write a response arguing either in favor of or against unpaid internships as a starting point for young professionals. Choose an appropriate text type from the three options provided: blog post, opinion column, or formal essay. Write 250 to 400 words.
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Worked solution
Text Type Selection & Register: 1. Blog post: Should include a catchy title, an engaging, slightly informal or conversational tone, personal anecdotes or reflections, direct engagement with the target audience (e.g., fellow students/job seekers), and standard blog elements (date, tags, or a call for comments). 2. Opinion column: Should feature a compelling headline, a clear byline, a professional yet persuasive and subjective tone, logical paragraph structures, and a strong concluding thought aimed at a broader public readership. 3. Formal essay: Should have an objective, formal register with a clear introduction stating the thesis, well-structured body paragraphs with transitions, and a conclusion summarizing the main points without personal pronouns if possible.
Key Ideas & Arguments: - In favor of unpaid internships: Opportunities for skill development, resume-building, gaining a competitive edge, networking with industry mentors, and experiencing a workplace first-hand. - Against unpaid internships: Economic exclusion (only wealthy students can afford to work for free), exploitation of labor, lack of legal protections for unpaid staff, and the reinforcement of social inequalities in competitive industries.
Marking scheme
Assessment is based on the official IB Language B writing assessment criteria:
Criterion A: Language (Max 12 marks) - Evaluates the variety and accuracy of vocabulary and grammatical structures, as well as spelling, punctuation, and cohesive devices.
Criterion B: Message (Max 12 marks) - Evaluates the development, organization, and coherence of ideas. The arguments for or against unpaid internships must be clear, well-supported, and logically structured.
Criterion C: Conceptual understanding (Max 6 marks) - Evaluates the choice and execution of the text type. The response must align with the conventions of either a blog post, opinion column, or formal essay, demonstrating an appropriate register, tone, and awareness of the target audience.
Paper 2 (Reading Comprehension)
Read the three texts in the text booklet and answer all questions in the question booklet.
38 Question · 38 marks
Question 1 · Short Answer
1 marks
Based on the following text extract: 'Eco-tourism has shifted from a niche market to a mainstream preference. Modern travellers seek destinations like the Costa Rican rainforests not just for leisure, but to actively participate in reforestation efforts. These voluntourists spend their mornings planting native saplings and their afternoons exploring biodiversity hot spots.' What specific activity do voluntourists perform in the mornings?
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Worked solution
The passage states that these voluntourists 'spend their mornings planting native saplings'.
Marking scheme
Award 1 mark for 'planting native saplings' or 'planting saplings'. Reject: 'exploring biodiversity hot spots' or 'reforestation' on its own.
Question 2 · Gap Fill
1 marks
Based on the following text extract: 'This hands-on approach offers a deep connection to the local ecosystem, though critics warn against the potential carbon footprint of long-haul flights to get there.' Complete the sentence with a phrase of no more than THREE words: While eco-tourism fosters environmental connections, critics are concerned about the __________ of long-haul flights.
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Worked solution
The text directly mentions that critics warn against the potential 'carbon footprint' of long-haul flights.
Marking scheme
Award 1 mark for 'carbon footprint'. Reject any answers containing more than three words.
Question 3 · Short Answer
1 marks
Based on the following text extract: 'In response to the rapid rise of artificial intelligence, secondary schools are reforming their curricula. Rather than focusing solely on rote memorization, educators are now prioritising project-based learning.' What pedagogical method are educators prioritising over memorisation to adapt to technological changes?
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Worked solution
The passage notes that educators are now prioritising 'project-based learning' instead of focusing solely on memorisation.
Marking scheme
Award 1 mark for 'project-based learning'. Reject: 'rote memorization' or 'curricula reform'.
Question 4 · Gap Fill
1 marks
Based on the following text extract: 'This pedagogical shift encourages students to collaborate on real-world problems, fostering critical thinking and adaptability. Many digital literacy experts argue that these soft skills are the key to future-proofing the next generation's careers.' Complete the sentence with a phrase of no more than TWO words: Collaborative project work helps students develop adaptability and __________.
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Worked solution
According to the text, the collaborative shift fosters 'critical thinking and adaptability'.
Marking scheme
Award 1 mark for 'critical thinking'. Reject: 'soft skills' or any answers exceeding two words.
Question 5 · Short Answer
1 marks
Based on the following text extract: 'The gig economy has redefined traditional employment structures, offering unprecedented flexibility. Freelance graphic designers, software developers, and consultants can now curate their client portfolios globally. However, this independence comes at a cost. The absence of employer-provided benefits, such as health insurance and pension contributions, leaves many independent contractors financially vulnerable.' What is one example of an employer-provided benefit that freelance workers often lack?
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Worked solution
The text lists 'health insurance' and 'pension contributions' as examples of employer-provided benefits that are absent for gig workers.
Marking scheme
Award 1 mark for 'health insurance' OR 'pension contributions'. Reject: 'flexibility' or 'independence'.
Question 6 · Gap Fill
1 marks
Based on the following text extract: 'The absence of employer-provided benefits, such as health insurance and pension contributions, leaves many independent contractors financially vulnerable during economic downturns.' Complete the sentence with a phrase of no more than TWO words: Due to the lack of steady corporate benefits, freelance workers are left __________ during tough economic times.
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Worked solution
The text states that the absence of benefits 'leaves many independent contractors financially vulnerable'.
Marking scheme
Award 1 mark for 'financially vulnerable'. Reject: 'vulnerable' alone (too vague) or answers exceeding two words.
Question 7 · Short Answer
1 marks
Based on the following text extract: 'Marine biologists are sounding the alarm over the rapid bleaching of coral reefs in the Pacific. Rising sea temperatures, driven by global greenhouse gas emissions, cause corals to expel the symbiotic algae living in their tissues.' What is the direct physical cause that triggers corals to expel their symbiotic algae?
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Worked solution
The passage states that 'Rising sea temperatures... cause corals to expel the symbiotic algae'.
Marking scheme
Award 1 mark for 'rising sea temperatures' or 'sea temperatures rising'. Reject: 'greenhouse gas emissions' (indirect cause) or 'bleaching'.
Question 8 · Gap Fill
1 marks
Based on the following text extract: 'Local conservationists are experimenting with "coral nurseries" to grow resilient strains, but they emphasize that global policy changes are the only long-term solution.' Complete the sentence with a phrase of no more than TWO words: To protect ocean biodiversity, marine researchers are growing stronger strains of coral in __________.
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Worked solution
The text explains that conservationists are experimenting with 'coral nurseries' to grow resilient strains.
Marking scheme
Award 1 mark for 'coral nurseries'. Reject: 'nurseries' on its own (too vague) or 'global policy changes'.
Question 9 · Multiple Choice
1 marks
Read the text about 'slow travel' in Europe. According to the text, what is the main purpose of the 'Slow Travel' movement?
A.To reduce travel costs by using budget airlines.
B.To prioritize deep cultural immersion over rapid sightseeing.
C.To encourage travelers to complete their trips in under a week.
D.To eliminate all forms of motorized transportation.
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Worked solution
The text explains that slow travel focuses on experiencing a destination deeply and building connections with local communities, rather than rushing through multiple tourist attractions.
Marking scheme
Award 1 mark for selecting the correct option (b). No credit is given for any other option or multiple selections.
Question 10 · Multiple Choice
1 marks
Based on the blogger's experience in Peru, what major concern is raised regarding short-term 'voluntourism'?
A.Local organizations charge high fees that do not benefit the community.
B.Voluntourism projects often lack the necessary funding to purchase basic construction materials.
C.Short-term projects can create temporary solutions without sustainable community development.
D.Most tourists are unwilling to participate in physical labor during their holidays.
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Worked solution
The author points out that while well-intentioned, weekly rotations of unskilled volunteers can lead to superficial, temporary fixes instead of fostering long-term local independence.
Marking scheme
Award 1 mark for selecting the correct option (c). No credit is given for other options.
Question 11 · Multiple Choice
1 marks
According to the article, what is a primary benefit of portfolio-based assessment over standardized testing?
A.It allows teachers to grade student work much faster.
B.It completely removes the need for teachers to provide qualitative feedback.
C.It measures a student's progress and creative development over a long period.
D.It standardizes student performance across different regions automatically.
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Worked solution
The article mentions that portfolios capture the student's learning journey, creativity, and reflective skills over time, rather than a single high-stakes examination.
Marking scheme
Award 1 mark for selecting the correct option (c). No credit is awarded for incorrect selections.
Question 12 · Multiple Choice
1 marks
The education advocate suggests that bilingual education programs...
A.should only be offered to students who already speak two languages fluently.
B.enhance cognitive flexibility and cultural empathy among young learners.
C.are too costly to implement in public school systems.
D.often delay the acquisition of mathematical and scientific concepts.
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Worked solution
The interviewee highlights research showing that bilingual education develops executive brain functions and fosters greater appreciation for diverse perspectives.
Marking scheme
Award 1 mark for selecting the correct option (b). No credit is given for any other option.
Question 13 · Multiple Choice
1 marks
What was the most significant outcome observed during the four-day workweek trial discussed in the report?
A.Employee productivity declined slightly, but overall company revenue increased.
B.Burnout rates dropped significantly while high productivity levels were maintained.
C.Companies had to hire double the amount of part-time staff to cover weekends.
D.Staff members reported feeling more isolated from their colleagues.
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Worked solution
The report concludes that employee well-being and stress levels improved dramatically (reduced burnout) without a drop in overall productivity.
Marking scheme
Award 1 mark for selecting the correct option (b). No credit is given for incorrect answers.
Question 14 · Multiple Choice
1 marks
Based on the report, what is the primary benefit of the local tool library?
A.It provides employment for retired professional mechanics.
B.It allows residents to borrow expensive tools for free, reducing waste and sharing resources.
C.It manufactures custom garden equipment for the local community.
D.It replaces traditional hardware stores in the metropolitan area.
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Worked solution
The report highlights how borrowing rather than buying tools lowers costs for individual households and minimizes ecological footprint.
Marking scheme
Award 1 mark for selecting the correct option (b). No credit is given for incorrect options.
Question 15 · Multiple Choice
1 marks
According to the text, 'urban rewilding' is best described as...
A.importing non-native exotic animals to public city zoos.
B.transforming abandoned industrial spaces into highly manicured botanical gardens.
C.allowing nature to reclaim urban spaces naturally with minimal human intervention.
D.paving over natural wetlands to construct energy-efficient skyscrapers.
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Worked solution
The article defines urban rewilding as the practice of stepping back to let natural processes and native species restore themselves in urban areas.
Marking scheme
Award 1 mark for selecting the correct option (c). No credit is given for incorrect answers.
Question 16 · Multiple Choice
1 marks
Why does the author suggest that board games are experiencing a modern revival?
A.They are significantly cheaper than digital video games.
B.They offer a screen-free social experience that fosters face-to-face connection.
C.Board game tournaments are now recognized as official Olympic sports.
D.Many schools have replaced textbook studies with mandatory gaming hours.
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Worked solution
The article notes that in an increasingly digital world, people seek board games to unplug from screens and enjoy authentic social interaction.
Marking scheme
Award 1 mark for selecting the correct option (b). No credit is given for incorrect choices.
Question 17 · Multiple Choice
1 marks
Based on the passage about modern travel trends, what is identified as the primary goal of 'slow travel'?
A.To visit as many countries as possible in a short timeframe.
B.To minimize expenses by choosing budget accommodations.
C.To connect deeply with local culture and reduce environmental impact.
D.To utilize high-speed transit options to avoid wasting time..
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Worked solution
The passage outlines that slow travel focuses on forming meaningful connections to local communities, cultures, and food, while actively working to minimize the ecological footprint associated with traditional mass tourism. Therefore, option C is correct.
Marking scheme
Award 1 mark for the correct answer (C). Do not award marks for any other choice.
Question 18 · Multiple Choice
1 marks
According to the discussion on bilingual education programs, how do these programs principally benefit cognitive development?
A.By ensuring students complete their studies faster than monolingual peers.
B.By improving executive brain functions such as problem-solving and task-switching.
C.By focusing exclusively on rote memorization of vocabulary lists.
D.By replacing the need for standardized testing in secondary schools.
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Worked solution
The passage states that managing two languages exercises the brain's executive control system, which enhances cognitive functions such as selective attention, problem-solving, and mental flexibility. Therefore, option B is correct.
Marking scheme
Award 1 mark for the correct answer (B). No marks are awarded for incorrect options.
Question 19 · Multiple Choice
1 marks
Based on the analysis of the modern workplace, what is noted as a major challenge of hybrid working models for management?
A.Maintaining a cohesive company culture and equitable team collaboration.
B.The complete elimination of digital communication tools.
C.Ensuring that employees work at least eighty hours per week.
D.Regulating the commute times of employees working from home.
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Worked solution
The passage states that the primary management challenge in hybrid environments is maintaining a strong, unified corporate culture and ensuring that collaboration remains equitable and effective for both remote and in-office team members. Therefore, option A is correct.
Marking scheme
Award 1 mark for selecting option A. No partial credit is given.
Question 20 · Multiple Choice
1 marks
How does the text describe the impact of community gardens on urban social cohesion?
A.They lead to increased property disputes and neighbor isolation.
B.They operate strictly as commercial enterprises for high-income residents.
C.They discourage local civic participation in city planning.
D.They serve as shared spaces that bridge generational and cultural gaps.
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Worked solution
The text explains that community gardens act as vital social hubs, creating shared spaces where people from different age groups and cultural backgrounds can collaborate, thereby building trust and bridging gaps. Therefore, option D is correct.
Marking scheme
Award 1 mark for selecting option D. Zero marks for incorrect selections.
Question 21 · Multiple Choice
1 marks
According to the article on ecological restoration, why is planting a single species of tree (monoculture) considered less effective for the environment?
A.It takes significantly less space than a diverse forest.
B.It fails to support a resilient ecosystem and makes the area vulnerable to pests.
C.It increases the amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere.
D.It prevents the natural cycle of seasonal rainfall.
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Worked solution
The author notes that monoculture forests lack biodiversity, making the entire ecosystem less resilient to climate stress, pests, and diseases, and failing to provide diverse habitats for local wildlife. Thus, option B is correct.
Marking scheme
Award 1 mark for option B. Other choices are scientifically and textually incorrect.
Question 22 · Multiple Choice
1 marks
What is the primary motivation for individuals participating in digital detox retreats during their leisure time?
A.To disconnect from screens in order to restore mental well-being and presence.
B.To acquire advanced skills in software engineering and web design.
C.To test the durability of electronic devices in extreme wilderness conditions.
D.To increase their online social media engagement during the trip.
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Worked solution
According to the article, participants seek digital detox retreats to consciously separate themselves from the constant distraction of digital devices, allowing them to lower anxiety levels, cultivate mindfulness, and focus on physical leisure and genuine offline experiences. Thus, option A is correct.
Marking scheme
Award 1 mark for option A. Zero marks for option B, C, or D.
Question 23 · True/False with Justification
1 marks
Read the following text about remote work: 'Recently, a survey of 500 remote workers in the UK revealed that while 70% appreciate the flexibility of working from home, more than half feel isolated from their colleagues. Amanda Davies, a software developer, noted: "I save two hours on commuting daily, which is fantastic, but I really miss the spontaneous coffee break chats." Interestingly, the study also highlights that employers are increasingly concerned about digital burnout. To combat this, some progressive tech firms have introduced "offline hours"—designated periods where employees are strictly forbidden from sending emails or messages. Despite these challenges, only 12% of respondents expressed a desire to return to a traditional five-day office week full-time.' Based on this text, determine whether the following statement is TRUE or FALSE and provide a justification using an exact word or phrase from the text. Statement: Most remote workers surveyed do not enjoy the flexibility of working from home.
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Worked solution
The statement is FALSE because the text explicitly states that '70% appreciate the flexibility of working from home', which indicates a clear majority of the surveyed workers do enjoy this flexibility.
Marking scheme
Award 1 mark if BOTH 'FALSE' and the correct justification (or a precise equivalent quote such as '70% appreciate the flexibility') are provided. Do not award any marks if the justification is incorrect, incomplete, or missing, even if 'FALSE' is correctly identified.
Question 24 · True/False with Justification
1 marks
Read the following text about remote work: 'Recently, a survey of 500 remote workers in the UK revealed that while 70% appreciate the flexibility of working from home, more than half feel isolated from their colleagues. Amanda Davies, a software developer, noted: "I save two hours on commuting daily, which is fantastic, but I really miss the spontaneous coffee break chats." Interestingly, the study also highlights that employers are increasingly concerned about digital burnout. To combat this, some progressive tech firms have introduced "offline hours"—designated periods where employees are strictly forbidden from sending emails or messages. Despite these challenges, only 12% of respondents expressed a desire to return to a traditional five-day office week full-time.' Based on this text, determine whether the following statement is TRUE or FALSE and provide a justification using an exact word or phrase from the text. Statement: Amanda Davies saves time every day by not having to travel to work.
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Worked solution
The statement is TRUE because Amanda Davies explicitly states: 'I save two hours on commuting daily', confirming that her travel time to work has been reduced since working remotely.
Marking scheme
Award 1 mark if BOTH 'TRUE' and the correct justification (or a precise equivalent quote such as 'save two hours on commuting daily') are provided. Do not award any marks if the justification is incorrect or missing.
Question 25 · True/False with Justification
1 marks
Read the following text about remote work: 'Recently, a survey of 500 remote workers in the UK revealed that while 70% appreciate the flexibility of working from home, more than half feel isolated from their colleagues. Amanda Davies, a software developer, noted: "I save two hours on commuting daily, which is fantastic, but I really miss the spontaneous coffee break chats." Interestingly, the study also highlights that employers are increasingly concerned about digital burnout. To combat this, some progressive tech firms have introduced "offline hours"—designated periods where employees are strictly forbidden from sending emails or messages. Despite these challenges, only 12% of respondents expressed a desire to return to a traditional five-day office week full-time.' Based on this text, determine whether the following statement is TRUE or FALSE and provide a justification using an exact word or phrase from the text. Statement: To prevent burnout, some technology companies have banned sending emails at all times.
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Worked solution
The statement is FALSE because the ban on digital communication is not permanent or 'at all times'; rather, companies have implemented 'offline hours' which are described as 'designated periods' during the day.
Marking scheme
Award 1 mark if BOTH 'FALSE' and a correct justification highlighting that the restriction is limited to specific times (such as 'offline hours' or 'designated periods') are provided. Do not award any marks if the justification is incorrect or missing.
Question 26 · True/False with Justification
1 marks
Read the following text about remote work: 'Recently, a survey of 500 remote workers in the UK revealed that while 70% appreciate the flexibility of working from home, more than half feel isolated from their colleagues. Amanda Davies, a software developer, noted: "I save two hours on commuting daily, which is fantastic, but I really miss the spontaneous coffee break chats." Interestingly, the study also highlights that employers are increasingly concerned about digital burnout. To combat this, some progressive tech firms have introduced "offline hours"—designated periods where employees are strictly forbidden from sending emails or messages. Despite these challenges, only 12% of respondents expressed a desire to return to a traditional five-day office week full-time.' Based on this text, determine whether the following statement is TRUE or FALSE and provide a justification using an exact word or phrase from the text. Statement: The vast majority of the surveyed remote workers do not wish to go back to the office full-time.
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Worked solution
The statement is TRUE because if 'only 12%... expressed a desire to return', it implies that the remaining 88% (the vast majority) do not wish to return to a traditional office schedule full-time.
Marking scheme
Award 1 mark if BOTH 'TRUE' and the correct justification (or a precise equivalent quote such as 'only 12% of respondents expressed a desire to return') are provided. Do not award any marks if the justification is incorrect or missing.
Question 27 · Vocabulary
1 marks
Text Extract: 'Although mass tourism has brought economic benefits to the coastal region, it has also threatened the local ecosystems. Many conservationists argue that only sustainable travel practices can preserve these fragile marine environments for future generations.' Question: Based on the text extract, find a word that means: 'able to be maintained at a certain rate or level without depleting natural resources'.
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Worked solution
The word 'sustainable' in the text refers to practices that can be maintained without causing long-term damage to the environment, matching the definition provided.
Marking scheme
[1 mark] Award 1 mark for the correct word: 'sustainable'. Do not accept variations or longer phrases.
Question 28 · Referent Identification
1 marks
Text Extract: 'When backpackers decide to venture off the beaten track, they must prepare for unpredictable weather. This challenge, however, rarely deters seasoned adventurers.' Question: Based on the text extract, what does the phrase 'This challenge' refer to?
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Worked solution
The demonstrative noun phrase 'This challenge' refers back to 'unpredictable weather' which backpackers must face.
Marking scheme
[1 mark] Award 1 mark for 'unpredictable weather' or 'unpredictable weather conditions'. Reject 'weather' on its own.
Question 29 · Vocabulary
1 marks
Text Extract: 'In the modern educational landscape, schools are increasingly shifting away from rote learning. Instead, they encourage collaborative projects that prepare students for real-world teamwork.' Question: Based on the text extract, find an adjective that means: 'produced or conducted by two or more parties working together'.
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Worked solution
The adjective 'collaborative' means working jointly with others, which fits the definition perfectly.
Marking scheme
[1 mark] Award 1 mark for 'collaborative'. Do not accept 'rote' or 'modern'.
Question 30 · Referent Identification
1 marks
Text Extract: 'Many corporations are now offering flexible working hours to their employees. This initiative aims to help them achieve a better work-life balance.' Question: Based on the text extract, to whom does the pronoun 'them' refer?
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Worked solution
The pronoun 'them' refers back to the noun 'employees' mentioned in the preceding sentence.
Marking scheme
[1 mark] Award 1 mark for 'employees' or 'their employees'. Reject 'corporations' or 'working hours'.
Question 31 · Vocabulary
1 marks
Text Extract: 'The sudden shift to remote work has highlighted the digital divide. While some staff members adapted seamlessly, others found the transition unprecedented and struggled with the new software.' Question: Based on the text extract, find a word that means: 'never done or known before'.
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Worked solution
The word 'unprecedented' describes an event or transition that has no previous example, matching the definition.
Marking scheme
[1 mark] Award 1 mark for 'unprecedented'. Do not accept 'seamlessly' or 'digital'.
Question 32 · Referent Identification
1 marks
Text Extract: 'Local volunteering programs foster a strong sense of civic duty among residents. By participating in such initiatives, individuals can directly contribute to the improvement of their neighborhoods.' Question: Based on the text extract, what does the phrase 'such initiatives' refer to?
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Worked solution
The demonstrative phrase 'such initiatives' refers back to 'local volunteering programs' mentioned in the first sentence.
Marking scheme
[1 mark] Award 1 mark for 'local volunteering programs' or 'volunteering programs'. Accept 'volunteering initiatives'.
Question 33 · Vocabulary
1 marks
Text Extract: 'Scientists warn that the rapid rate of melting glaciers is detrimental to coastal communities worldwide, as sea levels continue to rise.' Question: Based on the text extract, find a word that means: 'tending to cause harm'.
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Worked solution
The adjective 'detrimental' means causing harm or damage, fitting the context of the environmental impact.
Marking scheme
[1 mark] Award 1 mark for 'detrimental'. Do not accept 'rapid' or 'melting'.
Question 34 · Referent Identification
1 marks
Text Extract: 'In recent years, mindfulness and meditation have gained immense popularity as leisure activities. Many practice the former to alleviate daily stress and anxiety.' Question: Based on the text extract, what does the phrase 'the former' refer to?
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Worked solution
The cohesive device 'the former' refers to the first of the two items mentioned, which is 'mindfulness'.
Marking scheme
[1 mark] Award 1 mark for 'mindfulness'. Reject 'meditation' (which would be 'the latter').
Question 35 · Referent Identification
1 marks
Read the short passage below: 'When eco-tourists explore remote tropical rainforests, they are often accompanied by local guides. These experts help them navigate the dense foliage and spot rare wildlife.' To who or what does the word 'them' refer in this passage?
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Worked solution
The pronoun 'them' functions as the direct object of the verb 'help' in the second sentence. Contextually, the local guides are helping the 'eco-tourists' who are exploring the rainforest. Therefore, 'them' refers to 'eco-tourists'.
Marking scheme
Award 1 mark for 'eco-tourists' (or 'eco-tourists explore remote tropical rainforests'). Do not accept 'local guides' or 'experts'.
Question 36 · Vocabulary Identification
1 marks
Read the short passage below: 'Schools are now implementing pedagogical frameworks that prioritize student-centered learning. By encouraging active participation, teachers can instigate a deeper curiosity and love for lifelong education.' Which word in the passage is closest in meaning to 'bring about' or 'provoke'?
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Worked solution
In the passage, 'instigate' is used in the context of 'instigate a deeper curiosity' which means to initiate, provoke, or bring about. Therefore, the word is 'instigate'.
Marking scheme
Award 1 mark for 'instigate'. Do not accept variations like 'instigating' or 'encouraging'.
Question 37 · Referent Identification
1 marks
Read the short passage below: 'Many corporations have transitioned to hybrid working models to support their workforce. This has drastically reduced commuting times, allowing employees to spend more quality time with their families.' To what does the word 'This' refer in this passage?
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Worked solution
The demonstrative pronoun 'This' at the start of the second sentence refers to the entire action or concept introduced in the previous sentence: the transition to hybrid working models.
Marking scheme
Award 1 mark for 'transitioning to hybrid working models', 'transition to hybrid working models', or 'hybrid working models'. Accept variations that clearly capture this shift in working style. Reject 'workforce' or 'commuting times'.
Question 38 · Vocabulary Identification
1 marks
Read the short passage below: 'The rapid depletion of marine resources has forced coastal communities to adopt sustainable fishing practices. These conservation efforts aim to curb overfishing and restore the delicate oceanic equilibrium.' Which word in the passage is closest in meaning to 'balance'?
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Worked solution
In the final sentence, the phrase 'oceanic equilibrium' refers to the state of balance in the ocean ecosystem. Therefore, the word is 'equilibrium'.
Marking scheme
Award 1 mark for 'equilibrium'. Do not accept 'sustainable' or 'conservation'.
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