Test 1: Paper 2

Writing #1: Essay

Learning a new language is a skill widely considered to be beneficial. However, many people
question the usefulness it has in our daily lives, and whether or not it’s worth the effort.
Personally, I believe it is something every person should learn.

Firstly, a second language increases your possibilities for getting a corporative job, as your CV
will be more attractive to business executives. Furthermore, it will allow you to work in other
parts of the world.

Secondly, if you wish to travel around the globe it is in your best interest to know as many
languages as you possibly can, in order to communicate easily with natives. It would be very
difficult to ask them something without knowing the words.

Thirdly, it should be considered that languages are an integral part of every culture, so learning
a new one will surely mean discovering a new set of traditions and beliefs. Acquiring knowledge
about the world we live in can never be a bad thing.

To sum up, everyone should learn as many languages as they can, as its benefits greatly
outweigh the amount of work it encompasses.

Writing #2: Email

Hey, Maria! It’s good to hear from you.

About our English course, I’m really excited about it too, even though we’ll have classes in the
morning –you know I hate to wake up early.

I think we should definitely choose outdoor activities! It’s not every day that you get the
opportunity to go outside and ride horses. Besides, after being stuck in a classroom all morning,
we will probably want a bit of fresh air, don’t you agree?

My favourite outdoor activities include: horse riding (I love horses, as you may know), playing
volleyball and tennis, and basically any other sport we can do together! Sport teams could be
the perfect place to meet new people and make friends! What about you?

I have to go and do some homework, so that’s all for now. Hope to hear from you soon!

Valen.
Test 2: Paper 2

Writing #1: Essay

People tend to be quite divided on where it is best to shop. While some prefer big supermarkets,
others choose small local shops. I am of the opinion that supermarkets are the ideal place for
the consumer.

To begin with, supermarkets have a wider arrange of goods available –from food to beauty
products–, but small shops usually provide only one kind. In addition, the former sell a variety
of different brands, so you can choose whichever you prefer.

To continue, local shops have higher prices due to their need to compensate for making less
sales. Supermarket chains are usually forced to have lower prices in order to compete with each
other, and they sell so much that losing profit is not a concern.

Lastly, whilst it is true that supermarkets are far from most people’s houses and thus it’s more
comfortable to go to their local shops, this is compensated by the fact that buying in
supermarkets takes much less time, since all the products you need are in one place.

In conclusion, supermarkets offer variety, comfort and good prices, so I believe it is best to shop
there.

Writing #2: Story

As soon as he heard the noise, Tim ran outside to see what was happening. He hadn’t heard a
single sound that didn’t come from him in weeks. Specifically, since The Event happened. I am
referring, of course, to the night the dead rose from their graves with the desire to eradicate
human beings from the planet.

That dreadful night, he was with his goth friends at the Cemetery, like every other Friday. When
Tim started hearing noises, he thought they were playing a prank at his expense. They weren’t.
By the time he realized this, however, it was too late to do anything but run, and he did, without
looking back.

When he arrived home, he locked all the windows and doors, to stop the undead from coming
in. The following days, he saw them walking down his street, but thankfully they didn’t notice
him.

When he heard the noise of someone cursing, he didn’t stop to think. It had been so long since
he talked to another person! So he rushed outside to meet this stranger. That’s how he was
recruited by the Monster Hunter.
Test 3: Paper 2

Writing #1: Essay

Traveling in cities can be a challenging experience, due to the amount of traffic they get. When
it comes to the chosen method of transportation, we have the option of using public transports
or private cars. Personally, I believe that cars are the best alternative.

To begin with, I would like to address the claim being made that cars cause a large amount of
pollution. Although this is true, new electric and hybrid cars are being sold which don’t
contaminate as much, so environmental concerns could be easily solved by replacing old cars
with new ones.

To continue, the cost of a car (in the long term) is lower than taking the bus several times a day.
While buying a car may be an investment, it is one that pays off.

Last but not least, the security and comfort a car of your own provides is irreplaceable. Public
transport may not be available sometimes, it is often dangerous and you must share the little
space there is with strangers.

In conclusion, I believe cars are superiors to public transport due to their cost and commodities.

Writing #2:

The magic world of Ice Skating.

Figure skating is an individual or group sport where participants perform figure skates (jumps,
spins, spirals and other moves) on an ice rink. These figures are part of a choreography, which
they accompany with music and costumes. The reason I like this sport is its beauty—the
movements are so gracious and the skaters emotional that I find myself lost in the world they
are depicting.

Skaters don’t need a+ny other element than their ice skates (bladed shoe wear). However, in
official events they dress with the most imaginative of costumes, to represent the theme of the
songs. Costumes tend to be tight, in order to showcase the cleanness of their movements.

This isn’t an easy sport. You must have quite a good physical condition in order to perform the
jumps correctly—professionals quadruple jumps, but also training as a dancer to achieve a good
technique.

All in all, figure skating is a difficult sport, similar to dancing, loved for its beauty and amazing
movements. I think everyone who loves music, dancing, or theatre will love this sport as much
as I do.