An original Thinka practice paper modelled on the structure and difficulty of the May 2025 SL IB Diploma Programme Language ab initio paper. Not affiliated with or reproduced from IB.
Paper 1 - Writing
Complete one task from Section A and one task from Section B. Use appropriate text types and write between 70 to 150 words.
2 Question · 30 marks
Question 1 · extended-writing
15 marks
You have recently started a new course or club at your school. Write a text to share your experience. In your text, you must: 1. Describe the course/club and what you do during the sessions. 2. Explain why you decided to join. 3. Invite others to participate in the next session.
Choose the most appropriate text type from the following options: - Blog post - Email to a friend - Invitation card
Write between 70 and 150 words.
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Worked solution
### Sample Response (Email to a friend)
Subject: You must join my new Photography Club!
Dear Alex,
I hope you are well. I am writing to tell you about the new Photography Club I joined at school last Tuesday.
We meet every week in the art room. During the sessions, we learn how to use professional cameras, adjust lighting, and edit our photos using computer software. It is incredibly fun! I decided to join because I have always loved taking photos on my phone, but I wanted to learn how to capture high-quality images like a professional.
Next Thursday at 4 PM, we are going to the local park to practice outdoor portrait photography. You should definitely come along and try it with me!
Let me know if you can make it.
Best wishes,
Sam
Marking scheme
The task is assessed out of 15 marks according to the following criteria:
**Criterion A: Language (6 marks)** - **5–6 marks**: Highly effective use of vocabulary and basic grammatical structures. Spelling and punctuation are highly accurate. Errors do not impede communication. - **3–4 marks**: Good use of vocabulary and simple grammatical structures. Some errors are present but they do not hinder comprehension. - **1–2 marks**: Very limited vocabulary and grammar. Numerous errors throughout that make understanding difficult.
**Criterion B: Message (6 marks)** - **5–6 marks**: All three prompts are fully developed with relevant details. The flow of ideas is logical and cohesive. - **3–4 marks**: Two prompts are fully addressed, or all three are addressed superficially. - **1–2 marks**: Only one prompt is addressed, or the writing is highly repetitive and lacks coherence.
**Criterion C: Conceptual understanding (3 marks)** - **3 marks**: The chosen text type is highly appropriate (Email or Blog). Registries, tone, and conventions (such as salutations/closings for an email or title/first-person perspective for a blog) are fully and consistently applied. - **2 marks**: The text type is suitable, but some structural conventions are missing or inconsistent. - **1 mark**: The text type is inappropriate, and standard formatting conventions are largely ignored.
Question 2 · Extended Writing
15 marks
You recently participated in a traditional outdoor leisure activity or sports day organized in your neighbourhood. You want to share your experience to encourage other young people to join next time. Write a text of 70 to 150 words in which you: - Describe the activity/event and what you did. - Explain how you felt and what you enjoyed the most. - Give reasons why other young people should participate in future events.
Choose the most appropriate text type from the three options below: - Blog post - Email to a friend - Formal letter
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Worked solution
An excellent response will choose the **Blog Post** text type.
**Key structural and content expectations:** 1. **Format elements**: A catchy title, an engaging introduction addressing readers/peers (e.g., 'Hey everyone!', 'Welcome back to my blog'), organized paragraphs, and a closing invitation/call to action. 2. **Content elements**: - *Description*: Specific details about the outdoor activity (e.g., a community hiking trip, a football tournament, or traditional outdoor games) and the student's active role. - *Feelings & Enjoyment*: Positive reflection of emotions (e.g., energized, excited, connected) and a specific highlight (e.g., scoring a goal, enjoying the scenery, or socialising). - *Persuasion*: At least two convincing reasons why other young people should join the next event (e.g., staying healthy, stepping away from digital screens, making local friends). 3. **Language**: Use of appropriate leisure-related vocabulary, cohesive connectors, and accurate grammatical structures appropriate for an ab initio level (e.g., past tense for recounting the event, present tense for recommendations).
Marking scheme
The task is assessed out of 15 marks across three criteria:
**Criterion A: Language (6 marks)** - **5–6 marks**: Vocabulary is appropriate and varied. Basic grammatical structures are used with a high level of accuracy. Any errors are minor and do not impede communication. - **3–4 marks**: Vocabulary is mostly appropriate to the topic of leisure. Basic structures are used, though with some errors; the overall meaning remains clear. - **1–2 marks**: Command of language is limited; frequent grammatical and vocabulary errors impede comprehension.
**Criterion B: Message (6 marks)** - **5–6 marks**: All three bullet points are fully and clearly developed (clear description of activity, detailed expression of feelings/highlights, and persuasive arguments for youth participation). - **3–4 marks**: The bullet points are addressed but lack depth or contain some minor omissions/unclear ideas. - **1–2 marks**: The response is very brief, failing to address most of the required prompts.
**Criterion C: Conceptual Understanding / Text Type (3 marks)** - **3 marks**: The choice of text type (Blog post) is highly appropriate. The register is informal, engaging, and perfectly suited to a peer audience. Conventions of the blog format (title, informal sign-off, direct reader address) are fully respected. - **2 marks**: The text type chosen is appropriate, but some stylistic conventions are inconsistent, or the tone is occasionally too formal/informal. - **1 mark**: An incorrect text type is selected (e.g., formal letter), indicating a lack of understanding of the target audience and context.
Paper 2 - Reading Comprehension
Answer all questions based on the three texts provided in the accompanying text booklet.
40 Question · 40 marks
Question 1 · multiple_choice
1 marks
Read the passage: 'In modern cities, community centers are becoming crucial hubs. Not only do they offer shelter during extreme weather, but they also organize food drives and free language classes for new immigrants, helping them integrate and find local employment opportunities.' Question: According to the text, what is one way community centers help new immigrants integrate?
A.By providing free public transit passes.
B.By organizing free language classes.
C.By offering permanent housing options.
D.By hosting competitive local sports tournaments.
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Worked solution
The passage explicitly states that community centers 'organize food drives and free language classes for new immigrants, helping them integrate...'. This directly matches option B.
Marking scheme
Award 1 mark for correct answer (b). Award 0 marks for any other selection.
Question 2 · multiple_choice
1 marks
Read the passage: 'While youth unemployment has decreased by 3% over the past year due to new government apprenticeship schemes, local community advocates argue that long-term job security remains a major concern for young adults entering the gig economy.' Question: What is the main concern regarding young adults entering the workforce, according to local advocates?
A.The complete lack of apprenticeship programs.
B.The rising rate of youth unemployment.
C.Long-term job security in the gig economy.
D.The difficulty in accessing higher education.
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Worked solution
The text states that 'advocates argue that long-term job security remains a major concern for young adults entering the gig economy.' This corresponds to option C.
Marking scheme
Award 1 mark for correct answer (c). Award 0 marks for any other selection.
Question 3 · multiple_choice
1 marks
Read the passage: 'Many residents in the coastal town have taken up paddleboarding as a weekly pastime. Unlike surfing, which requires high waves and specialized physical training, paddleboarding is highly accessible, offering a relaxing way to enjoy the calm waters of the bay while building core strength.' Question: Why is paddleboarding preferred over surfing by many residents in the town?
A.It does not require high waves or specialized training.
B.It is a competitive team sport with many tournaments.
C.It is much cheaper to purchase paddleboards than surfboards.
D.It can only be practiced safely during the winter months.
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Worked solution
The passage explains that, unlike surfing which requires high waves and specialized training, paddleboarding is highly accessible and can be done on calm waters. This aligns with option A.
Marking scheme
Award 1 mark for correct answer (a). Award 0 marks for any other selection.
Question 4 · multiple_choice
1 marks
Read the passage: 'The Alpine valley is characterized by steep, glaciated slopes and a fast-flowing river fed by summer meltwater. While the fertile valley floor is ideal for small-scale agriculture, the surrounding slopes are highly prone to landslides during heavy spring rains, making development there extremely hazardous.' Question: What natural hazard affects the surrounding slopes of the Alpine valley during spring?
A.Extreme volcanic activity near the valley.
B.Sudden flooding from summer meltwater.
C.Landslides caused by heavy spring rains.
D.Severe drought leading to crop failures.
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Worked solution
The passage states that the surrounding slopes are highly prone to landslides during heavy spring rains, which corresponds directly to option C.
Marking scheme
Award 1 mark for correct answer (c). Award 0 marks for any other selection.
Question 5 · multiple_choice
1 marks
Read the passage: 'Traditional Mediterranean diets are famous for prioritizing fresh vegetables, legumes, and olive oil over processed meats and refined sugars. Recent studies indicate that communities adhering to these culinary habits show a significantly lower risk of cardiovascular disease and report higher energy levels.' Question: According to the passage, what is a key feature of the traditional Mediterranean diet?
A.A high daily consumption of processed meats.
B.The complete exclusion of all dietary fats and oils.
C.A focus on fresh vegetables, legumes, and olive oil.
D.An emphasis on refined sugars for physical energy.
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Worked solution
The text notes that the traditional Mediterranean diet prioritizes 'fresh vegetables, legumes, and olive oil,' which matches option C.
Marking scheme
Award 1 mark for correct answer (c). Award 0 marks for any other selection.
Question 6 · multiple_choice
1 marks
Read the passage: 'The regional board of education has announced a new bilingual curriculum starting next semester. Students will spend half of their day studying core subjects like science and mathematics in French, while the remaining subjects will be taught in English, aiming to foster cognitive flexibility from an early age.' Question: How will the new bilingual curriculum be structured?
A.All core and non-core subjects will be taught exclusively in French.
B.Students will study core subjects in French and remaining subjects in English.
C.English will only be used during recess and physical education classes.
D.Students will alternate languages on a weekly basis.
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Worked solution
The passage states that students will spend half of their day studying core subjects in French, and the remaining subjects in English. This is represented by option B.
Marking scheme
Award 1 mark for correct answer (b). Award 0 marks for any other selection.
Question 7 · multiple_choice
1 marks
Read the passage: 'Living with roommates from different cultural backgrounds can sometimes lead to minor misunderstandings. However, most students find that open communication and sharing traditional meals together help build strong, empathetic friendships that last long after university.' Question: What is highlighted as a helpful way to build strong friendships among diverse roommates?
A.Avoiding discussions about cultural differences entirely.
B.Sharing traditional meals and maintaining open communication.
C.Establishing strict personal boundaries and separate schedules.
D.Living only with students who share the exact same background.
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Worked solution
The author notes that 'open communication and sharing traditional meals together help build strong, empathetic friendships.' This directly corresponds to option B.
Marking scheme
Award 1 mark for correct answer (b). Award 0 marks for any other selection.
Question 8 · multiple_choice
1 marks
Read the passage: 'Our neighborhood has undergone a remarkable transformation since the abandoned railway line was converted into a public greenway. Now, instead of avoiding the overgrown industrial tracks, families walk their dogs, children ride their bicycles, and local artists display their sculptures along the path.' Question: What change occurred in the neighborhood as a result of converting the abandoned railway?
A.The area became an industrial zone with new factories.
B.It was turned into a high-speed commuter railway route.
C.It became a public greenway used for recreation and art.
D.It was completely closed off to the public due to safety concerns.
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Worked solution
The text explains that the abandoned railway line was converted into a public greenway where families walk, children ride bikes, and artists show sculptures. This matches option C.
Marking scheme
Award 1 mark for correct answer (c). Award 0 marks for any other selection.
Question 9 · multiple_choice
1 marks
Based on Text A ('The Montreal Green Alley Project'), what was the primary reason residents initiated the project according to paragraph 1?
A.To reduce traffic noise and create safe play spaces for children.
B.To grow organic vegetables for local commercial sale.
C.To build a new community center and library.
D.To establish a competitive neighborhood cycling team.
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Worked solution
Paragraph 1 explicitly notes that residents wanted to make local lanes safer for children and to minimize the noise and speed of cut-through motor traffic.
Marking scheme
Award 1 mark for option (a). No other options are accepted.
Question 10 · multiple_choice
1 marks
According to paragraph 3 of Text A, how did the organizers ensure the project's launch barbecue was environmentally friendly?
A.By charging a fee for plastic bottles to fund tree planting.
B.By requesting that all attendees bring their own reusable plates and cutlery.
C.By serving only raw, uncooked organic vegetables.
D.By using solar-powered electric stoves instead of charcoal grills.
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Worked solution
Paragraph 3 explains that the organizers eliminated single-use waste by requesting that every family bring their own reusable plates and cutlery.
Marking scheme
Award 1 mark for option (b). No other options are accepted.
Question 11 · multiple_choice
1 marks
According to the final paragraph of Text A, what positive social change occurred after the alleys were greened?
A.Elderly residents began organizing weekly historical tours of the area.
B.Crime rates dropped to zero within the first month.
C.Isolated neighbors started interacting regularly through daily gardening activities.
D.The local council offered financial subsidies to all participating households.
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Worked solution
The final paragraph highlights that the green spaces fostered community interaction, helping previously isolated elderly neighbors build daily relationships over shared gardening tasks.
Marking scheme
Award 1 mark for option (c). No other options are accepted.
Question 12 · multiple_choice
1 marks
Based on Text B ('Sofia’s Swiss Exchange Diary'), what aspect of the Swiss secondary school system surprised Sofia most?
A.The lack of final exams and homework assignments.
B.The high level of independence students are given during lunch breaks.
C.The emphasis on practical vocational training alongside academic subjects.
D.The requirement to learn four languages simultaneously.
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Worked solution
Sofia writes in her diary that she was surprised by the dual-education system, where practical vocational training is highly integrated and respected alongside academic courses.
Marking scheme
Award 1 mark for option (c). No other options are accepted.
Question 13 · multiple_choice
1 marks
According to Text B, how did Sofia successfully overcome the initial barrier of making new friends at her host school?
A.By joining the school's drama club and participating in the annual play.
B.By inviting her classmates to a traditional dinner from her home country.
C.By tutoring her peers in English during her free periods.
D.By joining a local hiking group recommended by her host family.
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Worked solution
Sofia mentions that joining an outdoor hiking group over the weekends, recommended by her host family, allowed her to make friends in a relaxed environment outside the classroom.
Marking scheme
Award 1 mark for option (d). No other options are accepted.
Question 14 · multiple_choice
1 marks
According to Sofia's diary entry in Text B, what is a common weekend leisure activity for families in Switzerland during the autumn season?
A.Hosting indoor board game tournaments.
B.Visiting alpine pastures to watch cattle parades.
C.Traveling to neighboring countries for shopping.
D.Organizing competitive sailing races on the lakes.
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Worked solution
Sofia notes that Swiss families enjoy visiting alpine pastures in autumn to watch the traditional parades of cattle decorated with flowers descending from the mountains.
Marking scheme
Award 1 mark for option (b). No other options are accepted.
Question 15 · multiple_choice
1 marks
According to Text C ('Iceland’s Volcanic Landscapes'), why are visitors strongly urged to stay strictly on marked pathways in volcanic areas?
A.To protect the extremely fragile volcanic moss which takes decades to recover from footsteps.
B.To avoid active thermal vents that can erupt without warning.
C.To prevent the contamination of local geothermal drinking water sources.
D.To reduce the risk of triggering minor rockslides on the steep craters.
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Worked solution
Text C highlights that the volcanic moss growing on the lava fields is extremely fragile and taking a single step on it can destroy growth that takes up to a century to recover.
Marking scheme
Award 1 mark for option (a). No other options are accepted.
Question 16 · multiple_choice
1 marks
According to Text C, how does the local visitor center use entertainment technology to educate tourists about geological history?
A.Through an escape room game themed around volcanic survival.
B.Through virtual reality simulations that let visitors experience a historic eruption.
C.Through motion-sensor video games where players control lava flows.
D.Through a 3D IMAX theater showing documentaries about continental drift.
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Worked solution
Text C mentions that the visitor center features interactive virtual reality headsets that realistically simulate the experience of historical local volcanic eruptions.
Marking scheme
Award 1 mark for option (b). No other options are accepted.
Question 17 · Multiple Choice
1 marks
Based on the text provided about the traditional food market, what is the primary reason the local council decided to ban single-use plastics from all food stalls?
A.To decrease the cost of food preparation for local stallholders.
B.To align with national waste reduction targets and preserve local marine life.
C.To encourage tourists to bring their own reusable plates and cutlery.
D.To promote the use of organic paper packaging sourced from local forests.
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Worked solution
The correct answer is B. In the text, the author explicitly states that the local council introduced the ban on single-use plastics to align with the country's national waste reduction targets and to preserve the nearby marine life from plastic pollution.
Marking scheme
Award 1 mark for selecting option b. Award 0 marks for any other option or if multiple options are selected.
Question 18 · Multiple Choice
1 marks
According to the blog post about a volunteer holiday in a rainforest reserve, how did the author feel about the lack of internet connectivity during their first few days?
A.Frustrated because they were unable to update their family about their arrival.
B.Anxious and isolated from the rest of the volunteering team.
C.Relieved to escape the constant digital distractions of daily life.
D.Initially uneasy, but they quickly adapted and appreciated the peaceful environment.
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Worked solution
The correct answer is D. The text notes that the volunteer initially found the lack of Wi-Fi highly unsettling and difficult to get used to, but by the third day, they adapted and grew to deeply appreciate the peaceful, distraction-free environment.
Marking scheme
Award 1 mark for selecting option d. Award 0 marks for any other option or if multiple options are selected.
Question 19 · Short Answer
1 marks
Based on Text A [Our Neighborhood Farmers' Market]: 'Every Sunday, our neighborhood hosts a farmers' market. It's a great place to meet neighbors and buy fresh, local food. Mrs. Dupont sells organic apples and strawberries from her farm, which is only 10 kilometers away. Mr. Rossi, the baker, prepares fresh sourdough bread every morning at 5:00 AM. Many teenagers work there part-time to earn pocket money and learn about community work.' -- According to Text A, at what time does the baker start preparing his fresh sourdough bread?
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Worked solution
The text states: 'Mr. Rossi, the baker, prepares fresh sourdough bread every morning at 5:00 AM.'
Marking scheme
Award 1 mark for '5:00 AM' or '5 AM' or 'five in the morning'. Reject other times.
Question 20 · Short Answer
1 marks
Based on Text A [Our Neighborhood Farmers' Market]: 'Every Sunday, our neighborhood hosts a farmers' market. It's a great place to meet neighbors and buy fresh, local food. Mrs. Dupont sells organic apples and strawberries from her farm, which is only 10 kilometers away. Mr. Rossi, the baker, prepares fresh sourdough bread every morning at 5:00 AM. Many teenagers work there part-time to earn pocket money and learn about community work.' -- State one reason why teenagers work part-time at this market.
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Worked solution
The text explains that teenagers work there 'to earn pocket money and learn about community work.'
Marking scheme
Award 1 mark for either 'to earn pocket money' OR 'to learn about community work' (or equivalent wording). Reject any answer not mentioned in the text.
Question 21 · Sentence Completion
1 marks
Based on Text A [Our Neighborhood Farmers' Market]: 'Every Sunday, our neighborhood hosts a farmers' market. It's a great place to meet neighbors and buy fresh, local food. Mrs. Dupont sells organic apples and strawberries from her farm, which is only 10 kilometers away. Mr. Rossi, the baker, prepares fresh sourdough bread every morning at 5:00 AM. Many teenagers work there part-time to earn pocket money and learn about community work.' -- Complete the sentence with a number: Mrs. Dupont's farm is located ________ kilometers away from the market.
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Worked solution
The text mentions Mrs. Dupont's farm is 'only 10 kilometers away.'
Marking scheme
Award 1 mark for '10' or 'ten'. Reject any other number.
Question 22 · Short Answer
1 marks
Based on Text B [A Volunteer Day in the Forest]: 'Last Saturday, thirty students from Green Valley School participated in a forest clean-up project. They met at 8:30 AM at the entrance of the National Park. Armed with reusable bags, gloves, and pickers, they spent four hours collecting plastic bottles and aluminum cans left behind by tourists. Thanks to their hard work, they filled over forty bags of waste. The local council provided free organic sandwiches and juice to thank the volunteers.' -- State two items that the students used to help them collect the trash.
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Worked solution
The text lists three items: 'reusable bags, gloves, and pickers'.
Marking scheme
Award 1 mark for any two of the following: 'reusable bags', 'gloves', 'pickers'. Reject if only one correct item is listed.
Question 23 · Short Answer
1 marks
Based on Text B [A Volunteer Day in the Forest]: 'Last Saturday, thirty students from Green Valley School participated in a forest clean-up project. They met at 8:30 AM at the entrance of the National Park. Armed with reusable bags, gloves, and pickers, they spent four hours collecting plastic bottles and aluminum cans left behind by tourists. Thanks to their hard work, they filled over forty bags of waste. The local council provided free organic sandwiches and juice to thank the volunteers.' -- What food and drink did the local council give to reward the students?
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Worked solution
The text says: 'The local council provided free organic sandwiches and juice to thank the volunteers.'
Marking scheme
Award 1 mark for mentioning both 'organic sandwiches' and 'juice' (accept 'sandwiches and juice'). Reject if only food or only drink is mentioned.
Question 24 · Short Answer
1 marks
Based on Text C [My New Hobby: Rock Climbing]: 'I started indoor rock climbing three months ago because I wanted a hobby that improves both physical strength and focus. At first, I was afraid of heights, but my instructor, Leo, taught me how to use the safety harness properly. Now, I climb twice a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays after school. Next month, our climbing club is planning an outdoor excursion to the Blue Mountains, which will be our first real-world challenge.' -- Why did the author decide to start indoor rock climbing?
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Worked solution
The author writes that they wanted a hobby that 'improves both physical strength and focus.'
Marking scheme
Award 1 mark for mentioning 'improving physical strength and focus' (accept 'to build physical strength' or 'to improve focus'). Reject unrelated answers like overcoming a fear of heights.
Question 25 · Short Answer
1 marks
Based on Text C [My New Hobby: Rock Climbing]: 'I started indoor rock climbing three months ago because I wanted a hobby that improves both physical strength and focus. At first, I was afraid of heights, but my instructor, Leo, taught me how to use the safety harness properly. Now, I climb twice a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays after school. Next month, our climbing club is planning an outdoor excursion to the Blue Mountains, which will be our first real-world challenge.' -- On which two days of the week does the author practice climbing?
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Worked solution
The author climbs twice a week on 'Tuesdays and Thursdays'.
Marking scheme
Award 1 mark for 'Tuesdays and Thursdays'. Both days must be correctly listed. Reject if other weekdays are mentioned.
Question 26 · Sentence Completion
1 marks
Based on Text C [My New Hobby: Rock Climbing]: 'I started indoor rock climbing three months ago because I wanted a hobby that improves both physical strength and focus. At first, I was afraid of heights, but my instructor, Leo, taught me how to use the safety harness properly. Now, I climb twice a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays after school. Next month, our climbing club is planning an outdoor excursion to the Blue Mountains, which will be our first real-world challenge.' -- Complete the sentence with the place name: Next month, the climbing club will travel to the ________ for their outdoor excursion.
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Worked solution
The text states they are planning an outdoor excursion to the 'Blue Mountains'.
Marking scheme
Award 1 mark for 'Blue Mountains'. Reject any other location.
Question 27 · Short Answer
1 marks
Read the text below and answer the question:
**Text A: Community Kitchens** Every Thursday, the local community center hosts a 'Green Soup' kitchen. The goal is to reduce food waste by using surplus vegetables donated by nearby supermarkets. Volunteers of all ages come together to cook, and meals are served to anyone in need for free. Last week, they served 120 hot meals, promoting social integration.
**Question:** According to Text A, what is the primary goal of using surplus vegetables from supermarkets?
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Worked solution
The text states: 'The goal is to reduce food waste by using surplus vegetables donated by nearby supermarkets.' Therefore, the primary purpose is to reduce food waste.
Marking scheme
Award 1 mark for any response that mentions 'reducing food waste' or 'to reduce food waste'.
- Accept: 'to lower food waste', 'saving food from being wasted'. - Reject: 'to feed poor people' (this is a benefit, not the stated primary goal of using surplus veggies), 'to serve hot meals'.
Question 28 · Short Answer
1 marks
Read the text below and answer the question:
**Text B: Traditional Diet** In the coastal town of San Marco, residents still adhere to the traditional Mediterranean diet. This lifestyle is characterized by high consumption of olive oil, fresh fish, and locally grown fruits. Processed foods are rarely consumed. Dr. Elena Gomez notes that this dietary pattern is the main reason why San Marco has the highest life expectancy in the region.
**Question:** According to Dr. Elena Gomez, why do residents of San Marco have the highest life expectancy in the region?
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Worked solution
Dr. Elena Gomez notes that 'this dietary pattern' (referring to the traditional Mediterranean diet described in the previous sentence) is the main reason for the high life expectancy.
Marking scheme
Award 1 mark for mentioning the 'traditional Mediterranean diet' or their 'eating habits / dietary pattern'.
- Accept: 'because of their Mediterranean diet', 'due to their healthy eating pattern'. - Reject: 'because they eat olive oil' (too specific/incomplete), 'because they live in a coastal town'.
Question 29 · Sentence Completion
1 marks
Read the text below and complete the sentence:
**Text C: Modern Schooling** At Oakridge International Academy, students do not use physical textbooks. Instead, every student is provided with a digital tablet loaded with interactive educational software. While some parents worry about screen time, the principal, Mr. Harris, argues that this method allows teachers to customize lessons instantly to meet each student's individual learning speed.
**Sentence:** Digital tablets allow teachers to instantly customize lessons to match each student's __________.
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Worked solution
The text states that the digital method 'allows teachers to customize lessons instantly to meet each student's individual learning speed.'
Marking scheme
Award 1 mark for 'individual learning speed' or closely related variants.
**Text D: Mountain Formations** The Sierra de la Cruz mountain range is famous for its unique geological formations called 'The Whispering Chimneys'. Over millions of years, strong winds carrying abrasive sand particles have eroded the soft sandstone, leaving behind tall, slender pillars that make a whistling sound when the wind passes through them.
**Sentence:** The geological pillars known as 'The Whispering Chimneys' were formed over millions of years as wind eroded the soft __________.
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Worked solution
The text notes that strong winds carrying sand particles 'eroded the soft sandstone, leaving behind tall, slender pillars...' Therefore, the missing word is 'sandstone'.
**Text E: Weekend Hiking** For city dwellers seeking an escape, the 'Bayside Hiking Trail' offers a perfect weekend retreat. It is a 5-kilometer path suitable for beginners. To protect the local wildlife, hikers are strictly required to stay on the marked path and must pack out all trash. The trail is closed during the winter months due to heavy snowfall.
**Question:** According to Text E, why are hikers strictly required to remain on the marked path?
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Worked solution
The text states: 'To protect the local wildlife, hikers are strictly required to stay on the marked path...'
Marking scheme
Award 1 mark for mentioning 'to protect local wildlife' or 'protecting wildlife'.
- Accept: 'to protect animals', 'for wildlife protection'. - Reject: 'to avoid getting lost', 'due to heavy snowfall'.
Question 32 · Short Answer
1 marks
Read the text below and answer the question:
**Text F: Intergenerational Program** The 'Grand-Friends' program connects local teenagers with elderly residents living in nursing homes. Every Friday afternoon, the participants meet to share stories, play board games, and teach each other new skills. While the teenagers teach the elders how to use modern smartphones, the elders offer valuable life advice, fostering strong mutual respect.
**Question:** Based on Text F, what specific skill do the teenagers teach the elderly residents?
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Worked solution
The text states: 'While the teenagers teach the elders how to use modern smartphones, the elders offer valuable life advice...'
Marking scheme
Award 1 mark for 'how to use modern smartphones' or 'using smartphones / mobile phones'.
- Accept: 'using technology / smartphones', 'how to use mobile phones'. - Reject: 'playing board games', 'life advice', 'sharing stories'.
Question 33 · Vocabulary Matching
1 marks
Based on Text A (Neighbourhood), look at paragraph 1: 'The community garden is a bustling hub where residents meet daily.' Which word in this sentence has the closest meaning to 'vibrant and busy'?
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Worked solution
The word 'bustling' describes a place full of activity and energy, which is synonymous with 'vibrant and busy'.
Marking scheme
Award 1 mark for the correct word 'bustling'. Do not accept any other words from the sentence.
Question 34 · Reference Matching
1 marks
Based on Text A (Neighbourhood), look at paragraph 2: 'The volunteers spent weeks planting seeds, and they were thrilled to see the first green shoots.' To whom does the word 'they' refer?
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Worked solution
The pronoun 'they' refers back to 'the volunteers' who spent weeks planting seeds.
Marking scheme
Award 1 mark for 'the volunteers' or 'volunteers'. Reject 'seeds' or 'shoots'.
Question 35 · Vocabulary Matching
1 marks
Based on Text B (Education), look at paragraph 1: 'Studying abroad is a challenging endeavor, but it builds incredible independence.' Which word in this sentence means 'difficult but testing one's abilities'?
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Worked solution
The word 'challenging' means testing one's abilities in a demanding but stimulating way.
Marking scheme
Award 1 mark for the exact word 'challenging'. Do not accept spelling variations that alter the meaning significantly.
Question 36 · Reference Matching
1 marks
Based on Text B (Education), look at paragraph 3: 'Although the local customs were unfamiliar at first, adapting to them made the students feel at home.' What does the pronoun 'them' refer to?
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Worked solution
The word 'them' replaces the plural noun phrase 'local customs' in the preceding clause.
Marking scheme
Award 1 mark for 'local customs' or 'the local customs'. Reject 'students'.
Question 37 · Vocabulary Matching
1 marks
Based on Text C (The environment), look at paragraph 1: 'The accumulation of toxic chemicals in the ocean poses a severe threat to marine life.' Which word in this sentence means 'poisonous or harmful'?
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Worked solution
The word 'toxic' directly translates to poisonous or harmful to living organisms.
Marking scheme
Award 1 mark for 'toxic'. Reject any other words.
Question 38 · Reference Matching
1 marks
Based on Text C (The environment), look at paragraph 2: 'Local school children started a recycling campaign, and their efforts were praised by the mayor.' To whom does the possessive adjective 'their' refer?
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Worked solution
The possessive adjective 'their' refers back to 'local school children'.
Marking scheme
Award 1 mark for 'local school children' or 'school children' or 'the children'. Reject 'the mayor'.
Question 39 · Vocabulary Matching
1 marks
Based on Text C (The environment), look at paragraph 3: 'The city council decided to implement new green regulations next month.' Which word in this sentence means 'to put a decision or plan into effect'?
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Worked solution
The verb 'implement' means to put a decision, plan, or agreement into effect.
Marking scheme
Award 1 mark for 'implement'. Reject other verbs.
Question 40 · Reference Matching
1 marks
Based on Text A (Neighbourhood), look at paragraph 3: 'The organizers introduced a new compost system, which has significantly reduced the community's organic waste.' What does the relative pronoun 'which' refer to?
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Worked solution
The relative pronoun 'which' refers back to the noun phrase 'a new compost system' (or 'new compost system').
Marking scheme
Award 1 mark for 'a new compost system' or 'new compost system' or 'compost system'. Reject 'organic waste' or 'organizers'.
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