FCE Tutors’ Manualdownloads.netlanguages.com/downloads/resources... · Part A – Outline 1....

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FCE Tutors’ Manual

Part A – Outline ................................................................................................. 2

1. Introduction ............................................................................................... 2

2. Writing – description and sample answers ................................................. 2

3. Speaking – procedure and criteria .............................................................. 9

4. Selection of general questions for part 1 of speaking paper ..................... 11

Part B – Practice Tests ..................................................................................... 13

Test 1 – Writing paper .................................................................................. 13

Test 1 – Speaking ......................................................................................... 16


Test 2 – Speaking ............................................................................................. 21


Test 3 – Speaking ......................................................................................... 25


Test 4 – Speaking ......................................................................................... 29


Test 5 – Speaking ......................................................................................... 33

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Part A – Outline

1. Introduction There are a total of five FCE practice tests available. Each practice test replicates a real FCE

exam and is divided into the four papers:

Reading and Use of English

Writing

Listening

Speaking

The Reading and Use of English and Listening papers are self-correcting and do not require

any tutor assistance. However, the Writing paper requires the student to send 2 writing

tasks to the tutor. This is done by email or message system on a platform. The tutor will

send written feedback. In the Speaking paper, the student needs to arrange a time with the

tutor to practise this part of the exam either by conventional phone or by Internet via voice

chat. The time is arranged by email and then at the agreed time the student telephones the

tutor.

2. Writing – description and sample answers In the Writing paper there is one compulsory question and one optional question with a

choice of three topics. The compulsory question is always an essay. Students are required to

give their opinions on a topic and two related ideas that are provided. They are also

required to add a third idea of their own, linked to the topic and title. Candidates are not

required to have any specialised knowledge.

Mark out of 20 for each piece of writing - Criteria:

Range of vocabulary and structure

Accuracy of vocabulary, structure, spelling and punctuation

Appropriacy of content

Organisation of content and linking of ideas

Register

Overall effect on target reader

Length: 140 – 190 words






Sample Written Work

Writing Part 1 – Compulsory question

You must answer this question. Write your answer in 140 - 190 words in an appropriate

style.

1 In your English class you have been talking about being environmentally friendly. Now,

your English teacher has asked you to write an essay.

Write an essay using all the notes and give reasons for your point of view.

Our activities are damaging the environment in different ways.

Do you think that we can do something to protect the environment?

Notes

Write about:

1. transport

2. consumer habits

3. ................................................. (your own idea)






Sample answer A:

Is difficult protect the environment because each time there are more people and the

people need more things, like washing machines and mobile phones and cars. So, we need

more factories too. We can buy less things and not go by planes when we are on holiday,

but people like doing this and they don't like to stop it.

About transport, is better to walk, or take public transport, a bus or a metro. There are too

many cars in the cities. A lot of cars are for just one person. This is not environmentally

friendly. The cars make pollution and noise and the use petrol, what is a fossil fuel. Why not

use a train or metro? They carry a lot of people but are not cheap. Transport should make

cheaper.

Another problem is consumer habits. It is normal for people to change their computer and

mobile phone every two or three years, but what happens with the old one? They throw

them in the country or take them to Africa in big ships. Nobody knows what to do with

these old things.

Also, destroying of forests is bad thing. You need protect the forest because the earth needs

trees to make oxygen that we breathe it. If you cut all the trees the earth dies. Government

needs protect the forests and the animals and people that live there too. We should to

change now. The climate change too is a big problem. The high of the sea will can go up. We

about that!

Mark: 9 out of 20

Comments:

Length: 256 words (too long)

Register and format: The register and style are not consistent and vary from neutral to

informal.

Range and accuracy of grammar and vocabulary: Limited range and basic errors. (The tutor

should indicate these errors in the same way as in other writing tutorials.)

Organisation of text: Clear paragraphs and basic linking words and no clear structure with

an introduction and conclusion.

Relevance of content: All the required ideas are incorporated, though some information is

not relevant to the topic.






Sample answer B:

Firstly, in my opinion, is important to protect the environment. We can do it by making small

changes in how we live.

The first change is transport. Nowadays, our cities are full of cars, usually with just one

person travelling in them. It is not sustainable to have more and more cars in our city. The

alternative is to develop better public transport which has less impact on the environment.

Secondly, a change could occur in our consumer habits. As the result of advertising and

modern culture, we are encouraged to buy more and more things, but many of them are

not necessary. Perhaps it would be better to think about the implications of this and to learn

to live with less.

A further problem is climate change. This is caused by human activity, and in the future

could bring an increase in natural disasters and also have big economic consequences.

In conclusion, I believe that it is very important to do more to protect the environment, not

just for our quality of life now, but also for our children.

Mark: 17 out of 20

Comments:

Length: 181 words

Register and format: Correct format and suitable register.

Range and accuracy of grammar and vocabulary: Wide range of structures and vocabulary

and with minimal errors that do not impede communication.

Organisation of text: Clearly staged and cohesive.

Relevance of content: All required content is included and additional content is relevant to

the topic and question.






Part 2, first optional question:

2 Write an article for your school magazine about a problem with teenagers that is causing

problems in your town/city.

Write your article.

Sample answer C:

The dangers of balcony-jumping

Teenagers try the most dangerous activities even though their parents don’t agree with

them.

Balcony-jumping is the activity that a lot of youngsters are practising before going to school

and yesterday a youngster died when he was jumping from a balcony to another in a block

of 12 flats. It was a shocking event for the youngster, his family and neighbours.

But there is no way of stopping that real problem and they continue dicing with death. They

are not conscious about the fact of not only the danger, but also that they are disturbing all

the residents with this risky games. So, this week the police are going to call all the families

and they are going to organize a meeting in order to talk to them and get to a solution to

the problem as soon as possible.

Mark: 17 out of 20

Comments:

Length: 145 words

Register and format: Very good.

Range and accuracy of grammar and vocabulary: A very wide range of structures and

vocabulary; very accurate.

Organisation of text: Clearly organised.

Relevance of content: Student has answered the question.






Part 2, second optional question:

3 You have paid for a language course, which you have started and are enjoying. However,

you have unexpectedly been asked to pay more money for the course. Write a letter to the

company to complain about this.

Sample answer D:

19th August

Dear Sir

I am writting for complaint about the letter I have received last week for the Italian course I

bought two months ago.

How your web page explained, the total fee of the course was 250 € that students could pay

totally or in two parts.

Because It was better for me I decided to pay all course at the beginning of my studies and I

started learn a new and interesting language.

But now it is injust that you want that I pay again 100€ more for to buy material that I

supposed it was included in the course.

I am extremely unhappy about the way you deceive people who trust with your method of

teaching.

I hope that my complaint will think of you about the importance of the problem for all the

students and If you don’t consider your decision you’ll make me to leave the course.

Yours faithfully

Anne

Mark: 12 out of 20

Comments:

Length: 154 words

Register and format: Acceptable.

Range and accuracy of grammar and vocabulary: A lot of the sentences are too long and

the errors make it difficult to understand some of the ideas.

Organisation of text: Good.

Relevance of content: Student has answered the question.






Part 2, third optional question:

4 Write an email to a friend explaining the changes that have taken place in your

neighbourhood recently.

Sample answer E:

Hi John

The neighbourhood is growing at a great rate. Some months ago a lot of immigrants arrived

from their country to start a better life here.

The Major of the city has helped him to set it up and they are very kind with all of us. Surely

they will integrate into our society earlier than we think.

On the other hand, yesterday when I was coming from my work, Jason, the postman, said to

me that there is a rumour going round that they will build a new hotel in our street. It is true

that more tourists come here now. This is good for shops, but what of too many people

come?

Well, probably our streets won't be as quiet as before.

Anyway, I expect your visit in August.

Gove my love to your dog Eddy.

Love

Katia

Mark: 14 out of 20

Comments:

Length: 141 words

Register and format: Good; it is clear and informal.

Range and accuracy of grammar and vocabulary: High standard, and the mistakes do not

impede our understanding of the news.

Organisation of text: The letter needs some sort of introductory paragraph.

Relevance of content: Good.






3. Speaking – procedure and criteria

The Speaking paper is normally taken in pairs and occasionally in groups of three students.

There is an interlocutor (the person who speaks to the students) and an examiner who

listens to and marks the students.

There are four parts to this paper. The candidate speaks to the interlocutor in parts 1 and 2,

and to the other candidate in parts 3 and 4. The Speaking paper lasts 14 minutes. In these

practice tests, this paper is conducted over the phone, and just with the tutor. You will need

to look at the pictures and question prompts that are shown in this part of the exam.

Procedure

Arrange a mutually convenient time by email for the student to phone the tutor.

The student phones the tutor.

The tutor should greet the student and check that the student is ready. The structure of the

speaking test is as follows:

Part 1 (Interview) (2 minutes) Conversation with the examiner. The examiner asks

questions and the candidate gives information about interests, studies, career, etc.

Part 2 (Long turn) (1 minute) The candidate is given two photographs and is asked to talk

about them for one minute without interruption. There are questions at the top of the page

to remind candidates what to talk about. In the actual exam, the candidates also comment

on each other's photos, comparing, describing and expressing opinions.

Part 3 (Collaborative task) (3 minutes) In the actual exam this is a conversation between

the two candidates. In these practice tests, the tutor takes the role of a candidate to

exchange ideas, express and justify opinions, evaluate, speculate and make decisions to

complete the task. The tutor should be careful not to dominate the conversation, but to give

the candidate opportunities to use the appropriate language.

Part 4 (Discussion) (4 minutes) In the actual exam this is further discussion between the

candidates, guided by questions from the examiner. In these practice tests the tutor

provides questions and prompts to encourage discussion.

Feedback: Finish the conversation with some oral feedback and ask the student if they have

any questions. The whole conversation should take a total of 20 minutes.






Send detailed feedback and a mark by email.

Criteria for marking: Grammar and Vocabulary (range, accuracy and appropriacy)

Discourse Management (coherence, extent and relevance)

Pronunciation (stress and rhythm, individual sounds and intonation)

Interactive Communication (initiating and responding, hesitation and turntaking)

Global mark

Typical minimum adequate performance, i.e. 24/40:

Candidate’s control of grammar and vocabulary is sufficient to deal with tasks, despite some

inaccuracies. Contributions are coherent with extended discourse. Candidates can be

understood, maintain interaction and deal with tasks.






4. Selection of general questions for part 1 of speaking paper

Part 1 questions (Select questions from this list) Part 1 of the Speaking test starts as follows:

Good morning/afternoon/evening. My name is .... and this is my colleague ....

What are your names?

Can I have your mark sheets, please?

Thank you.

Select one or more questions from any of the following categories, as appropriate.

You and your family

Do you come from a big family?

Do you work or study?

What do you like doing in your free time?

Tell me about your hobbies.

Transport

How have you come here today?

Where are you from?

What different types of public transport are available in your town? Which do you use and

why?

Do you prefer travelling by public or private transport? Why?

Likes and dislikes

How do you spend your evenings? / What do you do? / Why?

Do you prefer to spend time alone or to socialise? / Why?

Tell us about a film or book that you really like.

Do you like cooking? / What sort of things do you cook?

The past

What did you do yesterday?

What did you do last weekend?

What did you do for your last holidays?

Tell us about where you grew up.

Special occasions

Do you normally celebrate special occasions with friends or family? / Why?

Tell us about a festival or celebration in your country.

What did you do on your last birthday?






Are you going to do anything special this weekend? / Where are you going to go? /

What are you going to do?

Where you live

Have you ever travelled abroad?

How long have you lived in your town?

Do you like your town? Why / Why not?

Would you like to live in a different town? Why/ Why not?

Media

How much TV do you watch in a week? / Would you prefer to watch more or less TV?

Tell us about a TV programme you've seen recently.

Do you use the Internet much? / Why? / Why not?

Do you ever listen to the radio? / What type of programmes do you like? / Why?






Part B – Practice Tests

Test 1 – Writing paper

Part 1


style.

1 In your English class you have been talking about being environmentally friendly. Now,

your English teacher has asked you to write an essay.


Our activities are damaging the environment in different ways.

Do you think that we can do something to protect the environment?

Notes

Write about:

1. transport

2. consumer habits

3. ................................................. (your own idea)






Part 2 Write an answer to one of the questions 2 - 4 in this part. Write your answer in 140 - 190

words in an appropriate style. Put the question number at the start of your answer.

2 This is part of an email you received from an English friend.

From: Eric

Subject: project on learning English

At school I'm doing a project on learning English as a second language. I need information

on how people in different countries learn English, and what opportunities they have to

practise and improve their English. Can you write about your experience learning English

and the general situation in your country?

Write a report for your friend's project.

3 You see this announcement in your college English-language magazine.

Articles wanted

An important lesson I have learned.

What is something important that you have learned?

How did you learn it? Why is it useful?

Write us an article answering these questions.

A selection of the articles will be published on our website.

Write your article.

4 This is part of an email from a penfriend.

From: Jan

Subject: this summer






By the way, in your last email you said you were either going to visit me in Sydney this

summer or rent a flat and move out of home. What have you decided to do? Give me all the

details. I'd love to hear about it.

Thanks,

Jan

Write your email.






Test 1 – Speaking

Part 1 (Interview) (2 minutes): General Questions Choose from the suggested list of questions (above, in Part A: 4. Selection of general

questions for part 1 of Speaking paper).

Part 2 (Long turn) (1 minute): People and Animals Now look at your photos for part 2. They show people working with animals in different

situations.

I’d like you to compare and contrast these photos, saying what the relationship is between

the animals and the people.

(In the actual examination, Candidate B will then talk about his/her two pictures, and then

you will be asked to talk briefly about each other's pictures.)






Part 3 (Collaborative task) (3 minutes): Learning a Language

‘Here are some of the different ways of learning a language.’

‘Talk about these different methods saying in what ways they might help you to improve

your English.’

‘Now decide what type of person would benefit most from each of the methods.’

Part 4 (Discussion) (2 minutes)

Do you prefer to study on your own or in a group? Why?

How important is it to have a teacher?

Define a good teacher.

What techniques do you use to study?







Part 1 You must answer this question. Write your answer in 140 - 190 words in an appropriate

style.

1 In your English class you have been talking about the collection of data. Now, your English

teacher has asked you to write an essay.


The collection of data nowadays means that companies can and do target customers in

ways that were not possible in the past.

What repercussions does this have on our society?

1. advertising on the Internet

2. privacy

3. ................................................. (your own idea)








2 This is part of an email you received from an English friend.

From: Jane

Subject: article about where you live

Can you write an article for the travel magazine I am working for now? I need an article

about where you live. I would like the article to contain information about things to do and

see in your town. The title of the article is "A day in (name of your town)".

Write your article.

3 You have just seen the following advertisement in an English newspaper.

Do you speak English?

Do you want to work abroad this summer?

Do you like children?

We are looking for people to organise activities for children and teenagers in our small beach

resort. Experience is not necessary, but you must be able to organise sports and other fun

activities. Write to us explaining what you can do.

Contact: Priscilla Brown

Write your letter of application to Ms Brown. Do not write any addresses.






4 You see this announcement in your college English-language magazine.

Reviews wanted

Have you read a surprising book or seen a surprising film?

Write us a review of the book or film, explaining what was surprising about it. Tell us

whether or not you would recommend this book or film to other people.

Write your review.






Test 2 – Speaking Part 1 (Interview) (2 minutes): General Questions Choose from suggested list of questions (above, in Part A: 4. Selection of general questions

for part 1 of Speaking paper).

Part 2 (Long turn) (1 minute): Musicians Now look at your photos for part 2. They show people playing musical instruments in

different places.

I’d like you to compare and contrast these photos, saying whether you would like to listen to

or play music in either of the two situations.






Part 3 (Collaborative task) (3 minutes): New Facilities ‘I’d like you to imagine that the local government has invited suggestions from the public for

what to build on some land that has become available in this area.’

‘Here are some suggestions for what could be done with the land.’

‘Talk about who in your local community would benefit most from the different suggestions,

and then decide which suggestions would be most and least popular.’

Part 4 (Discussion) (2 minutes) Are there many public facilities in your town?

If you could build something for the community in your town, what would you build? Why?

Is it important to ask the public their opinion or should the local government decide? Why?

Would you like to participate more in decisions that affect your area?








style.

1 In your English class you have been talking about sport. Now, your English teacher has

asked you to write an essay.


All through history sport has been a popular part of culture all over the world.

What role does sport play in society?

1. why sport is popular

2. sport and business

3. ................................................. (your own idea)








2 You see the advertisement below on your school noticeboard:

The Scott Conway Travel Award is open to students of this school who wish to travel to the

country of their choice to further their studies. The value of the award is £750.

LEAVE YOUR LETTER OF APPLICATION IN RECEPTION, ADDRESSED TO PAUL JONES. IN YOUR

LETTER EXPLAIN WHAT YOU WOULD DO WITH THE AWARD MONEY. APPLICATIONS MUST

BE RECEIVED BEFORE THE END OF THIS CURRENT TERM.

Write your letter.

3 You have seen this advertisement in an English-language learning blog.

Write and tell us about the most memorable event in your life.

What happened, and when and where did it happen?

Why was it so memorable?

Write your article.

4 You receive this email from a penfriend.

From: Ahmed

Subject: time on the Internet

I spend all my free time on the Internet these days, doing social networking, watching

videos and listening to music. I don't go out very often with my friends. I am happy to stay at

home, alone. Do you think this is a problem?

Reply to your penfriend. Write your email.






Test 3 – Speaking

Part 1 (Interview) (2 minutes): General Questions Choose from suggested list of questions (above, in Part A: 4. Selection of general questions


Part 2 (Long turn) (1 minute): Beach and Mountain Holidays Now go to part 2 and look at your photos. They show people on holiday in different

situations.

I’d like you to compare and contrast these photos, saying what attracts people to the two

types of holiday.






Part 3 (Collaborative task) (3 minutes): Keeping Fit ‘Here are some pictures of different ways of keeping fit.’

‘I’d like you to talk about the benefits of the different activities and then decide which

activities you would recommend for each group of people.’

Part 4 (Discussion) (2 minutes) What exercise do you do?

Is it important to keep fit? Why?

What are the most popular sports in your country?

Do you have a healthy lifestyle?







Part 1


style.

1 In your English class you have been talking about using technology like smartphones,

tablets and computers. Now, your English teacher has asked you to write an essay.


Hi-tech devices have become an integral part of the lives of many people.

How are these devices changing the way we live?

1. leisure time

2. work

3. ................................................. (your own idea)






Part 2

Write an answer to one of the questions 2 - 4 in this part. Write your answer in 140 - 190


2 Opinion in your town is divided between whether or not to make the main street

pedestrian-only. You have been asked to write an article for your local newspaper. Explain

the advantages and disadvantages of each option, and then say what you think should

happen and why.

Write your article.

3 You recently saw this notice in an English-language online magazine called Learning with

English.

Reviews needed!

Have you found any interesting sites on the Internet recently? If so, could you write us a

review of the site you found? Include information on the topic of the site, what it contains

and why you think it is interesting.

The best reviews will be published next month.

Write your review.

4 You receive this email from your college events organiser.

From: Sandra

Subject: visitors to our city

A group of foreign students is coming to visit our city for one week this summer. Can you

write a report for the group leader about possible activities and places to visit? Explain why

you think these places and activities would be suitable for the group of students from

another country.

Write your report.






Test 4 – Speaking



Part 2 (Long turn) (1 minute): Working with People Now go to part 2 and look at your photos. They show people doing different jobs.

I’d like you to compare and contrast these photos, saying what skills you need to do the

jobs.






Part 3 (Collaborative task) (3 minutes): Planning a Visit ‘I’d like you to imagine that your town is receiving a group of visitors from its twin town in

another country. You are responsible for organising a programme of activities for the day.’

‘The pictures show some ideas.’

‘Talk about the advantages and disadvantages of the different ideas, and then decide which

ideas you want to include in your programme.’

Part 4 (Discussion) (2 minutes) Do you like going on holiday in a group? Why /Why not?

Is it difficult to keep a group happy?

What is the secret of a good holiday?

When you go on holiday, what activities do you like to do?








style.

1 In your English class you have been talking about food and diets. Now your English

teacher has asked you to write an essay.


The type of food that we eat and the way that we eat is changing.

How is this changing and how does it affect our quality of life?

1. health

2. food production

3. ................................................. (your own idea)






Part 2

Write an answer to one of the questions 2 - 4 in this part. Write your answer in 140 - 190


2 You have seen this letter in an English-language newspaper. Write a letter to the editor

expressing your opinion about what is said in the letter below. Do not write any addresses.

Young people seem to be so inconsiderate nowadays. They are rude, inconsiderate, and

they never help anyone. Are there any young people at all who still have good manners?

Desmond Haslett

Write your letter.

3 A local newspaper has organised a short story competition and you have decided to

enter. The rules say that the story must begin with the following words:

Harry put the letter on the desk and sat down.

Write your story.

4 The local tourist information office wants to promote new places to visit in your town and

has placed this advertisement in a local newspaper:

Secret Spots

Fed up with going to the same places? Looking for something new to do? Tell us about your

favourite places in your city.

Write a report describing your secret places and things to do. The best reports will be

published in our monthly online magazine.

Write your report.






Test 5 – Speaking



Part 2 (Long turn) (1 minute): Voluntary Work Now go to part 2 and look at your photos. They show people doing voluntary work.

I’d like you to compare and contrast these photos, saying what skills you need to do the

jobs.






Part 3: (Collaborative task) (3 minutes): Voluntary Work ‘Here are some pictures of people doing voluntary work.’

‘I’d like you to talk about the skills and qualities you need to do each job, and then decide

which type of work is most urgently needed in your area.’

Part 4 (Discussion) (2 minutes)

Have you ever done any voluntary work? Explain what you did and if it was a good

experience or not.

If not, why not? Would you like to?

What volunteers do you most admire? Why?

Do you think that there are more or fewer volunteers now that there used to be? Why?



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