Sentence Transformations - 3

FCE Sentence Transformations 3 » create exam

Word Formation 2

Try these word formation exercises!

FCE Word Formation 2

Sentence Transformations 1

Try these sentence transformations and see how you do!

Sentence Transformations 1

Word Formation 1

Need some word formation practice?  Try these!

Word Formation 1

Extra Listening - Part 2

Try this listening at home and see how you do.  It's an authentic listening so if you don't do very well, don't worry!  This is a native speaker speaking to a native audience!

Try Something New for 30 Days - Matt Cutts

Listening - Part 1

Here are some useful tips for the FCE Listening Part 1 test.

Extra Use of English Practice

Find some new Use of English Parts 3 and 4 extra practice on the Extra page of this blog.  Click here then click on the exercise you want to do.

Writing Part 2 - Reports

In this post, we'll be looking at how to write a good report.  A report is often an option in Part 2 of Paper 2, the Writing test.  There are 4 questions, numbered 2 to 5 from which you choose ONE option and write between 120 and 180 words.  The options are:
•    Formal/Informal letter or email
•    Essay
•    Report
•    Review
•    Story

Question 5 is based on a book.  At ELI, most centres don't study the book so it's a good idea to ignore question 5, unless you've studied it with your teacher.

You should choose your question based on the vocabulary you know, and the type of writing you are best at.  Before you start, make sure you understand the question properly so that you can answer it.  Underline the key words in the question to help you focus, and to start thinking of ideas to write about.

What is a Report?
The purpose of a report is to give information and a recommendation based on the information in the report.  It is usually written in formal or semi-formal language, depending on who the report is for. 

Planning your Report
To enable you to write the report, you should read the question carefully and underline the key words to help you focus.  Underline:

• who the report is for (this will help you decide if the report is formal or semi-formal
• the topic (this will help you think of relevant vocabulary and ideas)
• what information is being asked (this will help you organise your ideas)

Then, write some key words and phrases that you could include in each paragraph of the report.  Think of titles for the paragraphs.

Organization and Layout
In a report, you can use paragraph titles, numbered lists and bullet points.

Decide on titles for the paragraphs.  There are usually three or four paragraphs in an FCE report which includes:

• Introduction - the reason you are writing the report based on the question
• One or two paragraphs containing the information requested in the report.
• Recommendation - your recommendation based on the information you have mentioned in the report.

This can vary depending on the question so do read the question carefully.

Grammar and Vocabulary
A report is written in formal or semi-formal language.  This means:

• do not use contractions
• reported speech
• use formal expressions to describe quantity (e.g. The majority of people.....)
• use formal expressions
• use formal linking expressions

Some Useful Expressions


Introduction
The aim of this report is to...
This report is intended to...

Reporting results
Most people seemed to feel that...
Several people said that/told me that/suggested that/thought that...

Presenting a list
They gave/suggested the following reasons...
They made the following points...

Making the Recommendation
I would therefore recommend that we (+ infinitive without to)
It would seem that (+ verb+ing...)

Some Linking words
although, however, therefore, because, furthermore, in addition, despite, nevertheless,

Examples and Practice

• There are some sample reports on pages 152 and 202 of your coursebook.  
• Go to the Writing Class at Flo Joe for useful expressions and practice.  Click here.
• Go to the Writing Class Makeover to see what other students write.  Click here.

Good luck with your writing!

Listening Part 1

In Part 1 of the Listening test you will hear people talking in eight different situations.  They can be monologues or dialogues.  You choose the correct answer A, B or C for each situation.  There is one point for each question.

Tips

• Read the question before the options and underline the key words
• Each question is based on a different situation
• Focus on each new text as you hear it.  Do not look back at the question you have just done or the one that comes next.
• Decide on one of the options after the first listening.  If you are not sure, make a sensible guess by eliminating the options you are sure are not the answer.
• Do not listen for single words.  Listen for the general meaning.
• If you don't understand every word, don't worry. 
• Try to relax!

If you would like to try some online listening practice, there are lots of websites on this blog.  Here is a Part 1 listening test for you to try:

Listening Part 1

Writing Part 1 - Transactional Letter or Email

Part 1 of the Writing test is compulsory.  You are asked to write a letter or email of between 120 and 150 words in response to input material.  The input material can consist of advertisements, extracts from letters, emails, schedules, etc.  The writing may be more or less formal, and you will know this from the input material.  Here are two extracts from typical exam questions.  Are they formal, neutral or informal?  (See end of post for answer):

(a)  You recently entered a competition for learners of English and you have received a letter from the organisers of the competition.  Write to the organisers of the competition giving the information requested and using all your notes.

(b)  You have received an email from your English speaking friend, Mary, who is planning to open a restaurant.  Read Mary's email and the notes you have made.  Write to Sara using ALL your notes. 

The purpose of this question is to test your ability to respond to written text.  It is important that you respond to ALL of the notes on the input material using the correct register and style.

Here is a list of some of the types of language that you may need to use in this part of the test:

• advice
• apologising
• comparing
• describing
• explaining
• expressing opinions
• justifying
• persuading
• recommending
• suggesting

Your writing will be marked by the examiners using the following criteria:

• Content - Have you included ALL the points in the question in an appropriate manner?
• Organisation and Cohesion -  Are your ideas clearly organised into suitable paragraphs using linking words and expressions, and appropriate opening and closing expressions?
• Range - have you used a good range of vocabulary and grammatical structures suitable for the task? e.g. expressing opinions, making suggestions, etc.
• Accuracy - Have you checked your writing for mistakes?
• Appropriacy of Register and Format - Should your writing be more formal or informal? 
• Target Reader - What is the effect on the target reader?  e.g. Is it easy to read?  Have you given all the information asked for?  Will the reader know what you are asking for? etc.

Exam Success!
The exam is one hour and 20 minutes long.  This gives you lots of time to plan, write and check your writing before finishing.  If you are short of time, DO NOT rewrite a clean version.  You will find that you are wasting valuable time copying the same mistakes instead of checking your writing to improve it.  If you plan properly, you will only need to write your letter once, then you'll have more time to check for mistakes.

Good Luck!

Answer
(a) neutral
(b) informal

Speaking Part 4

Cambridge Sample Video Speaking Part 4

Speaking Part 3

Cambridge Sample Video Speaking Part 3

Speaking Part 2

Cambridge Sample Video Speaking Part 2

Speaking Part 1

Cambridge Sample Video Speaking Test Part 1

Listening Part 1

In Part 1 of the listening test you will hear people talking in different situations.  You will hear either a monologue or a short discussion.  There are 8 multiple choice questions, each carrying one mark and you have to choose the best answer. 

There are different types of questions that test your ability to understand the general idea of the conversation, such as HOW people are feeling, WHAT their opinions are, WHERE they are and WHO they are speaking to.

There are DISTRACTORS in this part of the test.  This means you may hear words or expressions that are in the question.  This does not mean that it is the correct answer and you should listen carefully for key words and expressions to help you decide on the best answer.  Here are some ideas to help you with this part of the listening test:

1. Predict the content of the conversation by reading the main part of the question and underlining the key words.
2. Read the options and think about the similarities and differences between them.  This will help you listen for key information.
3. Focus on each conversation as you hear it.  Do not look back to the previous question or forward to the next question.
4. Decide on one option after the first listening.
5. Use the second listening to check your answers.
6. If you're not sure, use a process of elimination to make a guess.  This means crossing out the one or two you decide can't be the answer and choosing from the remaining options.
7. Do not listen for single words.  Try to get an overall understanding of the text.

Click here for some online listening practice of Part 1 of the FC Listening exam.

If you like music, you can practise your listening skills at www.lyricstraining.com. 

For other websites to help you with your listening skills, click on the listening tab under General English where you will find websites that include the text to help you improve your listening skills generally.  There are also other exam practice websites for extra online listening practice.

Keep studying and practising and you will only get better!

 

Writing Part 2 - Essays

In this post, we'll be looking at how to write a good essay.  An essay is often an option in Part 2 of Paper 2, the Writing part of the exam.  There are 4 questions, numbered 2 to 5 from which you choose ONE option and write 120 and 180 words.  The options are:
•    Formal/Informal letter or email
•    Essay
•    Report
•    Review
•    Story
Question 5 is based on a book.  At ELI, most centres don't study the book so it's a good idea to ignore question 5, unless you've studied it with your teacher.

You should choose your question based on the vocabulary you know, and the type of writing you are best at.  Before you start, make sure you understand the question properly so that you can answer it.  Underline the key words in the question to help you focus, and to start thinking of ideas to write about.

Writing Essays
There are different types of essays and you need to read the question carefully to decide what you are being asked to do.  Here are two example questions:
1.    You have been discussing transport in your English class. Your teacher has asked you to write an essay giving your opinions on the following statement.
            Because cars are so convenient public transport has no future.

2.    You have been discussing society in your English class.  Your teacher has asked you to write an essay discussing the advantages and disadvantages of the following statement:

            Living in the city is better than living in the country.

In the examples, you are asked to do different things.  What types of language will you need to use in both examples?  See below for ideas.

Plan
Before you start writing your exam essay, plan what you are going to write.  You can write notes before you start writing the main essay then put a line through the notes when you have written your essay:
•    Brainstorm ideas and vocabulary relating to the topic
•    Brainstorm phrases and expressions
•    Start Writing
•    Write your introduction
•    Write at least two paragraphs to develop your arguments/opinions, etc.
•    Give reasons for arguments/opinions
•    Use a variety of linking words and phrases
•    Don't use contractions
•    Write a conclusion that reflects your arguments/opinions in the main part of the essay

Finally, check your work!  Some common basic mistakes include:

•    Not answering the question
•    3rd person singular
•    Spanglish
•    Spelling of common words
•    Missing words
•    Verb tenses (especially present perfect!)
•    Position of adverbs

Useful Expressions
Presenting two opposing views:
•    on the one hand, on the other hand

Expressing Contrast:
•    nevertheless
•    even so
•    even though
•    however
•    in spite of
•    despite
•    but
•    although

Giving examples:
•    such as
•    like
•    for example
•    for instance

Expressing results:
•    because of this
•    therefore
•    thus
•    as a result
•    for this reason
•    consequently

Expressing Personal Opinion
•    Personally, I think
•    I (strongly) believe
•    In my opinion
•    I think (that)…

Expressing the opinion of someone else
•    some people say
•    some people say that
•    many people say
•    many people say that
•    people often say
•    it is said
•    it is said that
•    according to

If you would like to look at other students' writing, and do some exercises, click here

UoE Part 2

In Part 2 of the Use of English test there is a text with 12 gaps to be filled.  The test focuses mainly on grammar but it also tests your vocabulary by including gaps to complete fixed expressions, phrasal verbs, etc.  Here is a list of typical types of words that are omitted:

• Auxiliary verbs
• Articles
• Personal Pronouns
• Relative Pronouns
• Possessive Adjectives
• Intensifiers
• Prepositions
• Either the verb or the particle of phrasal verbs
• Linking words or phrases
• Fixed expressions

Here's an example of Part 2:


You will pass the exam, as __________ as you study hard.
(a)  What type of word is missing?  Is it an expression?  In the context of the sentence, which word is most appropriate?  See below for the answer.

The Exam

1. Each question is worth one mark.
2. Complete each gap with ONE word.
3. Read the text quickly to get an idea of what it is about before starting to complete it.
4. Decide what type of word is needed (preposition, pronoun, etc.) in each gap.
5. Check that the sentence makes sense.

If you do not know the answer, make a guess.  You never know, but you might get the answer right and that will be extra points for you!

Answer
The missing word is "long" from the expression "as long as".  This expression has three meanings depending on the context:

• During the time that: I'll study as long as I need to.
• Since: As long as I study, I'll pass my exams. 
• On the condition that: You will pass your exams as long as you study hard.

 If you would like more practice of Part 2, click here for some online exercises.