Corpus tasks test 1 (Units 1–4)
Achievement
15 LISTENING
You will hear five teenagers talking about creativity and the creative industries.
For questions 1–5, choose from the list a–h what each speaker says. Use the letters only once.
There are three extra letters which you do not need to use.
Speaker 1
Speaker 2
Speaker 3
Speaker 4
Speaker 5
a I love choosing the articles.
b I want to write a bestseller.
c I already know what I want to do in the future.
d I thought the actors were okay.
e We need another musician to join us.
f I really enjoyed the show.
g I believe in my uncle’s talent.
h I want to write an article.
25READING
Read the article. Are the sentences true or false? If the information is not in the text,
write ‘doesn’t say’.
Stress
I just can’t cope! How often have you heard someone say
that? Or indeed, how often have you said it yourself? Stress
is one of the most prevalent ‘diseases’ of the twenty-first
be your priority over a project that needs to be done in two
weeks’ time.
Everyone will tell you that your lifestyle plays an important
century and it presents itself in many different ways. For some part in how you feel and how you cope, so it’s a good idea
people, it’s an upset stomach or loss of appetite. For others it to spend some time looking at how you can make those all-
may be periods of insomnia. One thing is for certain, however, important changes. Getting enough sleep, cutting down on
and that is that it can be a real problem not only for the sufferer fizzy drinks and junk food, getting regular exercise away from
but also for friends and family. the computer, these are all familiar tips but you can also benefit
Although you may feel alone and unable to deal with the from getting involved in some kind of community activity.
simplest of life’s challenges, there is help out there and Whenever I feel particularly stressed, I take my neighbour’s
there are certain steps you can take to make your life easier. dog out for a long walk. The fresh air and exercise help to clear
Personally, I always start the day going through my ‘to do’ my head and I can then focus more clearly when I’m back at
list and I prioritise, which means that I leave those things that home. And don’t forget, you’re not alone. Don’t underestimate
don’t need my immediate attention. So, for example, if you the value of sharing how you feel for, as they say, a trouble
have an important piece of homework to hand in, that will shared is a trouble halved.
1 The writer thinks some people don’t feel like eating when under stress.
2 The writer has a weekly list of tasks.
3 The writer recommends doing school work in order of urgency.
4 The writer suggests turning off the computer regularly.
5 The writer believes in animal therapy.
Prepare! Level 7 This page may be photocopied © Cambridge University Press and UCLES 2015
3 WRITING: AN INFORMAL EMAIL
You have received an email from your English-speaking friend Tanya. Write your reply in
140–190 words.
From: Tanya
Can you help me with my class project? I have to write about extracurricular subjects at
school and how and why they’re important. What do you do at your school? In what
way are the activities important? Why do / don’t you enjoy them?
Thanks, Tanya.
4 USE OF ENGLISH
Choose the correct word (a, b, c or d) to complete each sentence.
1 I think I’m coming a cold.
a down to b up to c down with d up for
2 I’m really not about fashion as I live in jeans!
a bothered b mean c cautious d decisive
3 Do you remember that where Tom and Lucy meet for the first time?
a stage b staging c scenery d scene
4 Mum has always me to follow my dreams and I really appreciate her support.
a forced b encouraged c begged d warned
5 I my temper at least once a day when I’m revising for exams!
a get b make c lose d feel
6 I like to go to the gym as often as I can but it depends how much homework we have.
a for b with c of d on
7 Mum to shout at us when she’s stressed.
a expects b intends c tends d plans
5 USE OF ENGLISH
Read the text and think of the word which best fits each gap.Use only one word in each gap.
I find it difficult to (1) up to my parents’ expectations of me as they are both quite
demanding. Sometimes I feel that whatever I do, it’s not quite good (2) . I’ve always
(3) to be a fashion designer because I love clothes. Mum throws a lot of her old
clothes (4) , so I take them and make new designs out of them. I try not to follow
what’s (5) fashion so I can be more imaginative. I’ve been (6) for
different courses even though I know you (7) have to have a degree to be taken on
by a fashion house. I’m hopeless (8) being patient so I hope I hear soon whether I’ve
been accepted.
Total: 30
Prepare! Level 7 This page may be photocopied © Cambridge University Press and UCLES 2015
Corpus tasks test 2 (Units 5–8)
Achievement
1 LISTENING
Listen to five teenagers. For questions 1–5, choose the correct answer (a, b or c).
1 Emily enjoys learning about .
a ancient civilisations b her ancestors c traditional gardening
2 How does Harry feel about his friend’s behaviour?
a relieved b fed up c sympathetic
3 John’s mother suffers from a fear of .
a open spaces b being alone c heights
4 Julia misses her old home area because it was .
a remote and rural b a close community c culturally diverse
5 How do Mark’s parents feel?
a concerned b scared c irritated
2 READING
Read the blog about communities. Five sentences have been removed from the blog.
Choose from the sentences a–f the one which fits each gap (1–5). There is one extra sentence
which you do not need to use.
According to recent research, more than 50% of Britons do not know their
neighbours’ names. (1) I can’t imagine not knowing who is
living next door to me. It’s not that I need to know where my neighbours are and what
they’re doing but it’s good to be aware and keep an eye out. My neighbours have a
spare key and I have a spare set of their house keys as well, just in case we forget our
own.
So, what has happened to community spirit? What does community spirit mean?
(2) On the one hand, it is difficult to do anything without
someone knowing about it, but on the other hand, that familiarity means that there is
always someone there if you need help and surely that has to be a good thing.
My family moved to the area a few years ago and was immediately made to feel
welcome. Having come from a large city, it took me some time to get used to talking
to people I didn’t already know at the local shop. People don’t do that in cities, do
they? (3)
The disadvantage, however, if it can be called that, of living in a small,
close community is that you are unlikely to have the cultural diversity that a
larger town can offer but you can always go to the big city if you want that.
(4)
Finally, I would say that a community is made up of individuals and some
will be friendly and welcoming and some will prefer to keep themselves to
themselves. It is our responsibility to make the most of our environment, so
rather than staying at home on your computer, why not get out and engage?
(5) And you won’t even have to go very far!
a If you talk to a stranger, they’ll look at you suspiciously and wonder what you want.
b Once you start looking, you’ll be amazed at what you find.
c I was shocked when I read that statistic as I started to think about what that really means in terms
of community.
d Personally, I’d rather live in an anonymous city than in a small village.
e And it is true that diversity breeds more tolerance of different cultures.
f I live in a small town or large village, depending on your point of view.
Prepare! Level 7 This page may be photocopied © Cambridge University Press and UCLES 2015
35WRITING: A STORY
You have seen a story-writing competition in an English language magazine. The story must
begin with this sentence: Hannah opened the letter and smiled.
Your story must include:
• an invitation
• a concert
Write your story in 140–190 words.
45USE OF ENGLISH
Choose the correct word (a, b, c or d) to complete each sentence.
1 We live in a small town but we recently moved to London.
a would b used to c do d had
2 Natasha over to Emma’s as soon as she heard the news.
a was driving b would drive c had been driving d drove
3 Do you think you’ll ever get used English all the time?
a speaking b to speak c to speaking d speak
4 I don’t think my team this weekend as they’ve been playing really badly.
a wins b is winning c might win d is going to win
5 By the time we got to the party, everybody .
a left b had left c had been leaving d has left
6 I must admit to getting so much homework every day.
a I still didn’t use b I still wasn’t used c I still didn’t get used d I’m still not used
7 Hurry up! The train .
a is about to leave b will leave c could leave d leaves
55USE OF ENGLISH
Complete the text with the words in the box.
end account most irritated
on
take once good
I go to the gym (1) days even if only for half an hour or so. Exercise is very
important to me as it makes me feel good. My brother, (2) the other hand, prefers to
(3) it easy and he can go for weeks on (4) without doing any physical
exercise. Every (5) in a while, however, he’ll join me for a game of tennis and I must
say he’s surprisingly good taking into (6) the fact that he’s so lazy. I don’t know how
he does it. It’s a (7) thing that we get on so well otherwise I’d probably get quite
(8) by his casual attitude.
Total: 30
Prepare! Level 7 This page may be photocopied © Cambridge University Press and UCLES 2015
Corpus tasks test 3 (Units 9–12)
Achievement
1 LISTENING
Josh and Clare are talking about relationships. Listen and complete the sentences.
1 Clare’s cousin has with her brother.
2 Clare thinks Josh’s relatives all fine with each other.
3 Josh’s mother him by changing her plans.
4 Clare thinks that Josh doesn’t his mother.
5 Clare agrees that she and Josh need to and be there for each other.
2 READING
Read the posts on this online forum. Write the correct names: Alex, Claudia, Nick, Emma or Paul.
How have you made a difference?
Alex
My best friend was knocked off his bike recently and has been in hospital for weeks with
a broken back. The nurses and doctors have been absolutely brilliant so we’ve decided to
run in the London marathon to raise money for the spinal unit at the hospital. There’ll
be ten of us in Harry’s team and we’re hoping to raise at least £500 each. It’ll be hard
work but should be good fun and we know we’re doing it for a great cause.
Claudia
I was reading something about random acts of kindness the other day and I thought
it was a really great idea so I decided to try it out in the local supermarket. I bought
some flowers, waited at the checkout and then decided to give them to a woman who
looked really stressed with two young kids and loads of shopping bags. I was a bit
surprised by her reaction as she refused to take them but I won’t give up!
Nick
It makes me really mad to see how much food is thrown away every day when
there are so many hungry people around so I’ve started going round the local cafés
whenever I can, asking for the leftover food and then I take it to the local homeless
shelter. It’s amazing how many places won’t join in but it’s a start at least and
hopefully more will get involved.
Emma
Our school always chooses a charity to raise money for and every class does something.
This year I suggested a sponsored silence so for one whole day no one in my class will
speak. I’m not sure how the teachers will react but they’re usually really supportive. I
guess we’ll end up having a day of reading and tests. I bet Stephen won’t manage to last
the day as he never stops talking!
Paul
The local council wants to get rid of our skate park and build another supermarket so
I’ve organised a petition and so far I’ve got over 1,000 signatures. We’re also going to
hold a demonstration in the town centre next Saturday. We’ve put stuff on Twitter and
Facebook so I’m hoping that lots of people will turn up.
Who …
1 did not get the reaction they expected?
2 has come up with a fundraising idea?
3 needs to be fit?
4 wants to help people with nowhere to live?
5 is using social media for their project?
6 hopes that more people will join their campaign?
7 wants to stop a new building project?
8 will be fundraising for medical research?
9 has a friend who will find their fundraising project quite difficult?
10 plans to try again despite being disappointed?
Prepare! Level 7 This page may be photocopied © Cambridge University Press and UCLES 2015
35WRITING: AN ARTICLE
Articles wanted!
Write about someone you admire, explaining what they have done and why you admire them.
It can be someone you know personally or someone well-known.
Write 140–190 words.
45USE OF ENGLISH
Choose the correct word (a, b, c or d) to complete each sentence.
1 You have seen the look on Stephen’s face when he heard the news. It was so funny.
a should b would c will d might
2 David this evening?
a Will you have seen b Will you have been seeing c Will you be seeing d Do you see
3 Our grandparents, emigrated to Australia, are coming to visit us soon.
a that b who c which d whom
4 How many Bollywood films every year?
a are being made b have made c are made d have been made
5 I have been so worried as the exam was really quite easy.
a wouldn’t b needn’t c mustn’t d can’t
6 Sally doesn’t really have much common with her sister.
a on b at c in d for
7 Luke the country by the time you find his note!
a will have left b will have been leaving c will leave d is going to leave
55USE OF ENGLISH
Complete the sentences. Use the word in capital letters to form another word that fits the gap in
the sentence.
1 I get a lot of from beating my brother at tennis. SATISFY
2 Tom really is for his age. REMARK
3 Do you have a good with your parents? RELATE
4 A balanced diet is to your health. BENEFIT
5 Reading magazines and watching films are ways of improving your English. EFFECT
6 I don’t think Jenny has the right to be a lawyer. PERSON
7 Looking after children is a huge . RESPONSIBLE
8 I’m always of deals that seem too good to be true. SUSPECT
Total: 30
Prepare! Level 7 This page may be photocopied © Cambridge University Press and UCLES 2015
Corpus tasks test 4 (Units 13–16)
Achievement
15 LISTENING
Listen to an interview with Amy, an aspiring young author. For questions 1–5, choose the
correct answer (a, b or c).
1 Amy Hingston .
a is a published author b has written a book c is a successful writer
2 As a child, Amy would .
a spend her time reading b hang out with her friends c write stories for her teachers
3 Amy has had support from .
a a local librarian b her friends c a teacher and her parents
4 What does Amy say about her writing?
a She does it when she feels motivated.
b She only does it to make money.
c She does it every day whatever happens.
5 What are Amy’s thoughts about the future?
a She is looking for someone to represent her.
b She doesn’t want to aim too high.
c She would like to have the same publisher as J.K. Rowling.
25READING
Read the article. Are sentences 1–5 ‘True’ (a) or ‘False’ (b)? If there is not enough information to
answer ‘True’ (a) or ‘False’ (b), choose ‘Doesn’t say’ (c).
WWOOFing – the best way to travel
Do you know what you want to do when you finish school? Is it a given that you will continue
your studies and go to university or are you one of the many who is undecided? Increasingly,
teenagers are choosing to take a gap year in order to give themselves time to think about what
they really want to do.
In this article we will be focusing on an exciting and environmental way to see the world, namely
through the ‘WWOOFing’ organisation. Originally called Willing Workers on Organic Farms, World
Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms (as it is now known) was established in the early 1970s
in East Sussex, England. The idea behind it is simple: in return for volunteering up to 25 hours
per week, you are offered free board and lodging (i.e. food and accommodation). Admittedly, the
standards vary but that’s all part of the experience. One of our colleagues here at the magazine
spent some time on a farm in Australia and she was given a bedroom in the house and treated
very much like one of the family. In fact she enjoyed herself so much that she left to go travelling
and then returned a few months later.
For young people who do not have much money but a desire to see the world, this is the ideal
set up. You can become a member for a small fee which will then allow you to access the contact
details of all the organic hosts in the country you wish to visit and there are currently over 6,000
hosts in more than 100 countries. You then contact your chosen host and if they have a space for
you, the job’s yours.
Apart from the valuable experience you will gain and the interesting people you will meet, this is
one of the safest ways to enjoy life abroad. And not only that, your parents will be able to relax,
safe in the knowledge that you are being looked after. So, what are you waiting for? All those
adventurers out there, sign up today and get WWOOFing!
1 The article has been written for university students. a True b False c Doesn’t say
2 WWOOF was set up by a young English couple. a True b False c Doesn’t say
3 You are unpaid for the work you do. a True b False c Doesn’t say
4 You can only get hosting details if you join up. a True b False c Doesn’t say
5 Your parents will still worry. a True b False c Doesn’t say
Prepare! Level 7 This page may be photocopied © Cambridge University Press and UCLES 2015
35WRITING: A REVIEW
Write a review of a television show or computer game. Explain what the show or game is about
and why you do or don’t enjoy it.
Write 140–190 words.
45USE OF ENGLISH
Choose the correct word (a, b, c or d) to complete each sentence.
1 Laura said she your birthday party for ages so make sure you look surprised!
a planned b has planned c is planning d had been planning
2 If I you, I’d take a gap year and go travelling.
a am b were c would be d had been
3 It’s no good targets for yourself if you don’t achieve any of them.
a to set b set c setting d at setting
4 Dad says he to run his own company.
a always wants b had always wanted c is always wanting d has always wanted
5 You have seen Sophie yesterday as she’s in Germany at the moment.
a can’t b might not c may not d mustn’t
6 If you break the law again, you fined.
a are b ’d c ’ll be d ’ve been
7 You would expected to represent your class at the students’ meeting if necessary.
a to be b be c being d have been
55USE OF ENGLISH
Complete the second sentence so it has a similar meaning to the first sentence, using the word
given. Do not change the word given. You must use between two and five words including the
word given.
1 Can you distinguish what that sign says? MAKE
Can you what that sign says?
2 We were delayed because the train was late. HELD
We because the train was late.
3 ‘Of course I can help Liam with his essay,’ said Sarah. AGREED
Sarah Liam with his essay.
4 ‘I’ll never manage to meet my parents’ expectations.’ LIVE
‘I’ll never my parents’ expectations.’
5 ‘You talk too much in class, Harry,’ said Alice. CRITICISED
Alice too much in class.
6 ‘I’m not surprised you’re always tired.’ WONDER
you’re always tired.’
7 ‘It was your mistake, Oliver, not mine,’ said Fred. POINTED
Fred Oliver’s mistake, not his.
8 ‘It’s a good idea to take more exercise,’ said Max. RECOMMENDED
Max more exercise.
Total: 30
Prepare! Level 7 This page may be photocopied © Cambridge University Press and UCLES 2015
Corpus tasks test 5 (Units 17–20)
Achievement
15 LISTENING
You will hear five teenagers talking about things they do, views they hold and their hopes
for the future. For questions 1–5, choose from the list a–h what each speaker says. Use the
letters only once. There are three extra letters which you do not need to use.
1 Speaker one a I’d like to earn lots of money.
2 Speaker two b I have to learn English.
3 Speaker three c I love learning about the origin of expressions.
4 Speaker four d I’m pretty easy-going.
5 Speaker five e I’m not interested in reading about what
celebrities do.
f I want to write songs in English.
g I’d enjoy going to different places.
h I read all the news online.
25READING
Read this online forum about future careers. Five sentences (1–5) have been removed. Choose
from the sentences a–f the one which fits each gap (1–5). There is one extra sentence which you
do not need to use.
Lucy
My parents are both doctors so of course they want me to follow in their footsteps, but I’ve got
other ideas! (1) I know they’ve made lots of sacrifices for me and I
want them to be proud of me but at the end of the day, it’s my life, so I’m going to apply to drama
school because I’ve always loved film and theatre. They don’t know this yet mind you!
Harry
I’m not really interested in making lots of money or having a big house.
(2) There’s no point doing something like that if you’re not passionate
about it but, who knows, I might find some buried treasure and then I would be rich!
Sally
You know what, I really don’t know what I want to do. I keep changing my mind. One
day I want to be a teacher, then I want to study IT. It’s just that nothing really excites me.
(3) It makes life so much easier. I guess I’ll just drift through life doing
different things until I find the one thing that I find rewarding.
Alec
I rather fancy the idea of being my own boss. I’m not good at being told what to do (as my parents
will tell you) so that’s the perfect solution. (4) I’d certainly like the
challenge. I mean, look at all those young IT multi-millionaires out there. I just need to come up
with a good idea for an app!
William
I’d be quite happy doing a manual job or working shifts as you can get on with your own things
when everyone else is at work. (5) My dream is to be a singer so I
spend all my spare time writing and recording songs.
a I really envy people who’ve always known what they want to do.
b I know it means that your social life is a bit of a mess but if it’s just for a short time, it’s okay.
c Yes, of course I know that to be successful you have to put in long hours but I think I have quite an
entrepreneurial spirit.
d I see how hard they work and how tired they are all the time and I really don’t want to live like that.
e I’ve always been really ambitious.
f My friends are all applying for law and medicine at university but I’m going to study archaeology
because I love ancient history.
Prepare! Level 7 This page may be photocopied © Cambridge University Press and UCLES 2015
35WRITING: AN ESSAY
Learning about history is a waste of time. Do you agree?
Write an essay in 140–190 words, giving reasons for your point of view.
45USE OF ENGLISH
Choose the correct word (a, b, c or d) to complete each sentence.
1 Dan keeps me. I wish he wouldn’t because I’m very busy at the moment.
a to call b calling c call d to calling
2 Unfortunately there’s hope of me passing my driving test!
a a little b a c a bit of d little
3 Someone my phone, haven’t they?
a has used b have used c uses d used
4 Mathematics hard to understand.
a are b be c is d being
5 Do you think it’s worth so much money on the latest technology?
a to spend b we spend c spending d on spending
6 I wouldn’t have had such a great holiday if I Jacob.
a didn’t meet b wouldn’t meet c haven’t met d hadn’t met
7 If we hadn’t fallen out last week, Charlie here now.
a would be b is c has been d will be
55USE OF ENGLISH
Complete the text. Use only one word in each gap.
‘Sooner or (1) , you’ll have to think about getting a job.’ That’s what my parents
tell me over and (2) again! I’ve only just finished college so I want to take a bit of
(3) off to think about my options. I certainly don’t want a routine nine-to-five job so
I’m going to look for something with (4) working hours or I might consider working
(5) : for example, one week during the day, the next at night. (6) my
mind it’s better to look at all the possibilities rather than taking the first thing that comes along.
Anyway, who said this job-hunting thing would be a (7) of cake?! I do believe, however,
in keeping an (8) mind and I’m sure that something will come along very soon.
Total: 30
Prepare! Level 7 This page may be photocopied © Cambridge University Press and UCLES 2015
