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Practice paper, not an official KPM paper
English
Ujian Akhir Sesi Akademik

English

Tingkatan 4, Paper 1: 1 hour 30 minutes; Paper 2: 1 hour 30 minutes, 100 marks
Nama / Name
Kelas / Class
Tarikh / Date
Markah / Marks:      / 100
Instructions
  1. This model paper has Paper 1 (Reading and Use of English, 40 marks) and Paper 2 (Writing, 60 marks). In the real test the two papers are taken separately.
  2. Answer all questions.
  3. Paper 1: choose or write the answer for each question.
  4. Paper 2: write your answers in the spaces provided.

Practice shows answers as you go. Exam times you and hides answers until you submit.

Paper 1 Part 1

8 marks
Read the text in each question carefully. Choose the best answer, A, B or C.
1

Question 1

SCHOOL CO-OPERATIVE: BLAZER ORDERS
Form 4 students may try on blazers during recess from 6 to 10 December.
Place your order and pay a deposit of RM20 at the counter.
Orders close on 12 December. Late orders will not be accepted.
What must a student do before 12 December?
Show answerHide answer
B
Students must place an order and pay a RM20 deposit. The full price is not asked for (A), and nothing is collected yet (C).
For the teacher: Understanding, low difficulty, Unit 3, standard Reading short texts: notices
2

Question 2

Aunt Salmah  4.40 p.m.
Hana, I'm stuck in traffic, so I will reach the station at 5.50, not 5.20. Please wait at the coffee kiosk and not at the main entrance, because the entrance is closed for repairs. Don't carry that heavy bag by yourself. I'll take it when I arrive.
Why does Aunt Salmah want Hana to wait at the kiosk?
Show answerHide answer
C
The entrance is closed for repairs is the reason given. Her lateness is caused by the traffic, not by the kiosk.
For the teacher: Understanding, medium difficulty, Unit 1, standard Reading short texts: messages
3

Question 3

RELIEF TABLETS
Adults: take two tablets with water, three times a day, after food.
Do not take with milk.
Do not exceed six tablets in 24 hours.
Keep out of reach of children.
What is true about an adult who uses these tablets?
Show answerHide answer
A
Do not exceed six tablets in 24 hours means six is the most allowed. The label says do not take with milk and after food, so B and C are wrong.
For the teacher: Understanding, low difficulty, Unit 3, standard Reading short texts: labels
4

Question 4

To: All Form 4 students
From: Mr Chong, Sports Unit
Subject: Cross-country run
Because of the haze, Saturday's run has been postponed. A new date will be announced when the air quality improves. However, sponsorship forms must still be returned to your class teacher by 20 October.
What should the students do?
Show answerHide answer
B
The run is postponed, but the deadline for the forms is still 20 October.
For the teacher: Applying, medium difficulty, Unit 4, standard Reading short texts: emails and deadlines
5

Question 5

WEEKEND KAYAK CAMP
Learn to paddle on a calm river! Ages 13 to 17.
RM180 includes life jacket, meals and a trained instructor.
Only 15 places. Bring a change of clothes.
Who is the camp meant for?
Show answerHide answer
A
Learn to paddle and ages 13 to 17 show that it is for teenagers who are learning.
For the teacher: Understanding, low difficulty, Unit 4, standard Reading short texts: advertisements
6

Question 6

CITY BUS FARES
Single trip: RM2.50
Student day pass (unlimited trips): RM8.00
Students with a school ID receive 20% off single-trip fares only.
Iman has a school ID and will make five trips in one day. What is the least she can pay?
Show answerHide answer
C
Five single trips at RM2.00 each (RM2.50 less 20%) cost RM10.00. The day pass is only RM8.00, so it is cheaper.
For the teacher: Applying, high difficulty, Unit 3, standard Reading short texts: prices and calculation
7

Question 7

MANGROVE BOARDWALK
Open daily, 8.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m.
Stay on the boardwalk. Do not feed the monkeys.
There are no bins. Please carry your rubbish out.
What should visitors do with their rubbish?
Show answerHide answer
B
Carry your rubbish out means take it away. There are no bins.
For the teacher: Understanding, medium difficulty, Unit 7, standard Reading short texts: signs and rules
8

Question 8

INTER-CLASS DEBATE
Motion: Social media does more harm than good.
Proposing: 4 Amanah   Opposing: 4 Bestari
Speakers' names must be given to Puan Aini by Monday. No changes will be allowed after Wednesday.
What must the 4 Bestari team argue?
Show answerHide answer
A
The opposing team disagrees with the motion, so it argues that social media does not do more harm than good.
For the teacher: Analysing, medium difficulty, Unit 6, standard Reading short texts: inference from a notice

Paper 1 Part 2

10 marks
Read the text below. Choose the best word or phrase for each gap, A, B, C or D.
9

Question 9

My Day at the Food Bank

Last year, my school (9) ____ a food drive for families affected by floods. At first I thought it was just another school activity, but my opinion changed when I (10) ____ up at the distribution centre. Boxes of rice, flour and tinned fish (11) ____ in neat rows, and volunteers were busy (12) ____ them into bags.

A woman (13) ____ house had been damaged by the water thanked us with tears in her eyes. (14) ____ we were tired after four hours of work, we felt proud. If I (15) ____ the chance again, I would certainly join. Our teacher said that she (16) ____ never seen such a hard-working group.

Since then I (17) ____ every month. Volunteering has taught me that kindness does not (18) ____ money.

Gap (9)
Show answerHide answer
D
Last year points to a finished time in the past, so the past simple organised is used. Was organised is passive and cannot take a food drive as its object.
For the teacher: Remembering, low difficulty, Unit 5, standard Cloze: past simple
10

Question 10

Gap (10)   (Part 2 text, My Day at the Food Bank)
Show answerHide answer
A
Turn up means to arrive. Put up, set up and make up do not mean arriving.
For the teacher: Remembering, medium difficulty, Unit 5, standard Cloze: phrasal verbs
11

Question 11

Gap (11)   (Part 2 text, My Day at the Food Bank)
Show answerHide answer
C
The boxes did not stack themselves, so the passive is needed, and the story is in the past: were stacked. Are stacked is present tense.
For the teacher: Applying, low difficulty, Unit 6, standard Cloze: passive voice
12

Question 12

Gap (12)   (Part 2 text, My Day at the Food Bank)
Show answerHide answer
D
Be busy is followed by the -ing form: busy packing.
For the teacher: Applying, medium difficulty, Unit 7, standard Cloze: -ing form after be busy
13

Question 13

Gap (13)   (Part 2 text, My Day at the Food Bank)
Show answerHide answer
C
A woman whose house ...: whose shows that the house belongs to the woman.
For the teacher: Applying, low difficulty, Unit 2, standard Cloze: relative pronouns
14

Question 14

Gap (14)   (Part 2 text, My Day at the Food Bank)
Show answerHide answer
B
Although joins two clauses and shows contrast. Despite must be followed by a noun or an -ing form, and however cannot join two clauses.
For the teacher: Understanding, medium difficulty, Unit 6, standard Cloze: clauses of concession
15

Question 15

Gap (15)   (Part 2 text, My Day at the Food Bank)
Show answerHide answer
C
The result clause has would certainly join, so this is the second conditional: If I had ..., I would ....
For the teacher: Applying, medium difficulty, Unit 4, standard Cloze: second conditional
16

Question 16

Gap (16)   (Part 2 text, My Day at the Food Bank)
Show answerHide answer
D
The teacher spoke in the past about something earlier, so the past perfect had never seen is used.
For the teacher: Applying, medium difficulty, Unit 5, standard Cloze: past perfect
17

Question 17

Gap (17)   (Part 2 text, My Day at the Food Bank)
Show answerHide answer
B
Since then links the past to the present and takes the present perfect: I have volunteered.
For the teacher: Applying, medium difficulty, Unit 3, standard Cloze: present perfect with since
18

Question 18

Gap (18)   (Part 2 text, My Day at the Food Bank)
Show answerHide answer
C
Cost takes the thing as subject: kindness does not cost money. A person spends, pays or charges money.
For the teacher: Remembering, low difficulty, Unit 3, standard Cloze: vocabulary of money

Paper 1 Part 3

8 marks
Read the text below and answer questions 19 to 26. Choose the best answer, A, B, C or D.
19

Question 19

Farming on the Roof

On top of a nine-storey car park in Kuala Lumpur, rows of chilli plants, spinach and tomatoes grow under the hot sun. The garden, called Green Roof KL, was started in 2021 by Nadia Rahim, a 28-year-old architect who was tired of seeing empty concrete roofs across the city. “Cities have plenty of unused space,” she says, “but we never look up.”

Growing food on a roof is not as easy as it sounds. The soil must be light, otherwise the building could not support its weight, so Nadia's team mixes coconut husks with compost. The plants also need protection from the strong wind, so low walls were built around the beds. Water comes from the rain, which is collected in large tanks and sent to the plants through thin pipes that drip slowly.

The harvest is sold to restaurants within two kilometres of the car park. The vegetables are picked in the morning and served on the same day, so they are fresher than those transported from farms far away. Shorter journeys also mean fewer lorries on the road and less pollution. Every month, pupils from nearby primary schools visit to learn where their food comes from.

Not everyone is convinced. Some critics point out that rooftop farms produce only a tiny part of what a city eats. Nadia agrees. “We will never replace the farms in the countryside,” she says. “But every roof that grows food also keeps the building cooler and gives birds and insects a place to live.” She hopes that within ten years, the city will require new buildings to include green space.

What problem did Nadia want to solve?
Show answerHide answer
B
She was tired of seeing empty concrete roofs, and says that cities have plenty of unused space.
For the teacher: Understanding, low difficulty, Unit 7, standard Reading a long text: detail
20

Question 20

Why does the team mix coconut husks with compost?
Show answerHide answer
D
The soil must be light otherwise the building could not support its weight.
For the teacher: Understanding, medium difficulty, Unit 7, standard Reading a long text: reason
21

Question 21

Where does the water for the plants come from?
Show answerHide answer
A
Water comes from the rain, which is collected in large tanks.
For the teacher: Remembering, low difficulty, Unit 7, standard Reading a long text: detail
22

Question 22

In paragraph 4, the word convinced means
Show answerHide answer
C
Not everyone is convinced introduces critics, so some people are not sure that the idea is worthwhile.
For the teacher: Understanding, medium difficulty, Unit 7, standard Reading a long text: vocabulary in context
23

Question 23

Why are the vegetables fresher than those from far away?
Show answerHide answer
D
They are picked in the morning and served on the same day.
For the teacher: Understanding, medium difficulty, Unit 7, standard Reading a long text: cause and effect
24

Question 24

What does Nadia accept about the critics in paragraph 4?
Show answerHide answer
B
The critics say rooftop farms produce only a tiny part of a city's food, and Nadia agrees that they will never replace the farms in the countryside.
For the teacher: Analysing, medium difficulty, Unit 7, standard Reading a long text: inference
25

Question 25

What do the primary school pupils do when they visit?
Show answerHide answer
A
They visit to learn where their food comes from.
For the teacher: Understanding, medium difficulty, Unit 7, standard Reading a long text: detail
26

Question 26

How does Nadia respond to the critics?
Show answerHide answer
C
She agrees with the point about quantity, then explains other benefits: cooler buildings and homes for birds and insects.
For the teacher: Evaluating, high difficulty, Unit 7, standard Reading a long text: attitude

Paper 1 Part 4

6 marks
Read the text below. Six sentences have been removed from the text. Choose the correct sentence (A - H) for each gap, 27 to 32. There are two extra sentences that you do not need.
27

Question 27

Team Rimba and the Robot

Last March, five Form 4 students from SMK Taman Rimba entered a national robotics competition for the first time. (27) ________ None of them had ever built a robot, and the school did not have any equipment.

Their teacher, Encik Daud, solved the first problem by searching the storeroom. (28) ________ After a week of cleaning and testing, the team had a basic robot that could move forwards and backwards.

The real difficulties began when they tried to program it. (29) ________ The robot kept turning in circles, and nobody could understand why. In the end, it was Mei Ling who noticed that one motor had been connected the wrong way round.

On the day of the competition, the team was nervous because some rivals had robots that cost thousands of ringgit. (30) ________ The Taman Rimba robot picked up the plastic balls neatly and dropped each one into the correct basket.

They did not win first prize. (31) ________ The judges gave them a special award for creativity, because they had built the whole robot from recycled parts.

Looking back, Mei Ling says that the most important lesson was not about robots. (32) ________

AFor three weeks, they stayed behind after lessons to check the code line by line.
BNobody expected them to get very far.
CHowever, the result was better than anything they had hoped for.
DWhen their turn came, the whole hall fell silent.
ERobots are now widely used in hospitals and factories.
FHe found a box of old sensors and motors that had been forgotten for years.
GShe learnt that a robot must always be made from brand-new parts.
HShe learnt that a big problem becomes smaller when a group of friends works on it together.
[1 mark] Gap 27
Show answerHide answer
B
Nobody expected them to get very far is explained by the next sentence: None of them had ever built a robot. E is a general fact and does not link to None of them.
For the teacher: Analysing, low difficulty, Unit 2, standard Gapped text: cohesion and reference
28

Question 28

[1 mark] Gap 28
Show answerHide answer
F
Searching the storeroom leads to what he found there. The next sentence says that after cleaning and testing the team had a basic robot, using the old parts.
For the teacher: Analysing, medium difficulty, Unit 2, standard Gapped text: reference and sequence
29

Question 29

[1 mark] Gap 29
Show answerHide answer
A
The difficulties lasted a long time, and A shows the effort (three weeks of checking code). The next sentence then gives the problem: the robot kept turning in circles.
For the teacher: Analysing, medium difficulty, Unit 2, standard Gapped text: time expressions
30

Question 30

[1 mark] Gap 30
Show answerHide answer
D
The team is nervous before the competition; When their turn came moves the story to the robot's run, which is described next.
For the teacher: Analysing, low difficulty, Unit 2, standard Gapped text: sequence of events
31

Question 31

[1 mark] Gap 31
Show answerHide answer
C
They did not win first prize. However, ... contrasts with the good result, which is the special award in the next sentence.
For the teacher: Analysing, high difficulty, Unit 2, standard Gapped text: contrast
32

Question 32

[1 mark] Gap 32
Show answerHide answer
H
The lesson was not about robots, so H (teamwork) fits. G is about robots and contradicts the recycled parts.
For the teacher: Evaluating, medium difficulty, Unit 2, standard Gapped text: concluding sentences

Paper 1 Part 5

8 marks
Read the text below and complete the notes. Use no more than three words and/or a number from the text for each answer.
33

Question 33

CAREERS WEEK AT SMK BANDAR BARU

From 2 to 6 March, the school will hold its annual Careers Week for Form 4 and Form 5 students. On Monday, Wednesday and Friday, a guest speaker will give a talk in the Resource Centre. Each talk begins at 10.15 a.m. and ends at 11.30 a.m. On Monday the speaker is a solar energy engineer, on Wednesday a nurse and on Friday a chef, who will also give a short cooking demonstration.

On Thursday afternoon, a mock interview session will be held in the school hall. Students must wear their school uniform and bring a one-page resume.

Students who wish to attend must register with Puan Hanisah, the Guidance and Counselling teacher, by 25 February. There is no fee, but each talk can take only 60 students, so early registration is advised.

Notes: Careers Week
Date on which Careers Week begins33. ____________________
Time each talk starts34. ____________________
Place where the talks are held35. ____________________
Job of the speaker on Wednesday36. ____________________
Teacher to register with37. ____________________
Last date to register38. ____________________
Maximum number of students at each talk39. ____________________
What to bring to the mock interview40. ____________________
[1 mark] Date on which Careers Week begins
Show answerHide answer
From 2 to 6 March: the week begins on 2 March, a Monday.
Tick each point you got.
For the teacher: Understanding, low difficulty, Unit 3, standard Information transfer: scanning for details
34

Question 34

[1 mark] Time each talk starts
Show answerHide answer
Each talk begins at 10.15 a.m. The time 11.30 a.m. is when it ends.
Tick each point you got.
For the teacher: Understanding, low difficulty, Unit 3, standard Information transfer: scanning for details
35

Question 35

[1 mark] Place where the talks are held
Show answerHide answer
The talks are given in the Resource Centre. The school hall is for the mock interviews.
Tick each point you got.
For the teacher: Understanding, low difficulty, Unit 3, standard Information transfer: scanning for places
36

Question 36

[1 mark] Job of the speaker on Wednesday
Show answerHide answer
On Wednesday a nurse. The engineer is on Monday and the chef is on Friday.
Tick each point you got.
For the teacher: Applying, medium difficulty, Unit 3, standard Information transfer: matching days and details
37

Question 37

[1 mark] Teacher to register with
Show answerHide answer
Register with Puan Hanisah.
Tick each point you got.
For the teacher: Understanding, low difficulty, Unit 3, standard Information transfer: scanning for names
38

Question 38

[1 mark] Last date to register
Show answerHide answer
By 25 February. The week itself begins on 2 March.
Tick each point you got.
For the teacher: Understanding, medium difficulty, Unit 3, standard Information transfer: scanning for dates
39

Question 39

[1 mark] Maximum number of students at each talk
Show answerHide answer
Each talk can take only 60 students.
Tick each point you got.
For the teacher: Understanding, medium difficulty, Unit 3, standard Information transfer: numbers
40

Question 40

[1 mark] What to bring to the mock interview
Show answerHide answer
Students must wear school uniform and bring a one-page resume. The uniform is worn, not brought.
Tick each point you got.
For the teacher: Understanding, medium difficulty, Unit 3, standard Information transfer: scanning for details

Paper 2 Part 1

20 marks
Short message. You should spend about 20 minutes on this part.
41

Question 41

Read the email from your pen friend, Kenji, who will visit you in the school holidays.
Hello,
My flight arrives on 12 December and I'm so excited! What is the weather like in December? What should I pack? Also, is there a special place you would like to take me to? And is there any food I must try?
Best wishes,
Kenji
In about 80 words, write an email to Kenji.
To: kenji@email.com
[20 marks] Write your email.
Show answerHide answer

How the examiner marks it (official rating scale, Paper 2): a score from 0 to 5 in each of the four areas, total 20. The twenty points above are a checklist of five points for each area.

ScoreContentCommunicative achievementOrganisationLanguage
5All content is relevant to the task. Target reader is fully informed.Uses the conventions of the communicative task to hold the target reader's attention and communicate straightforward ideas.Text is generally well organised and coherent, using a variety of linking words and cohesive devices.Uses a range of everyday vocabulary appropriately, with occasional inappropriate use of less common lexis. Uses a range of simple and some complex grammatical forms with a good degree of control. Errors do not impede communication.
4Performance shares features of scores 3 and 5.
3Minor irrelevances and/or omissions may be present. Target reader is on the whole informed.Uses the conventions of the communicative task in generally appropriate ways to communicate straightforward ideas.Text is connected and coherent, using basic linking words and a limited number of cohesive devices.Uses everyday vocabulary generally appropriately, while occasionally overusing certain lexis. Uses simple grammatical forms with a good degree of control. While there are some errors, meaning can be determined.
2Performance shares features of scores 1 and 3.
1Irrelevances and/or misinterpretation of task may be present. Target reader is minimally informed.Produces text that communicates simple ideas in simple ways.Production unlikely to be connected, though punctuation and simple connectors (i.e. and) may on occasion be used.Uses basic vocabulary reasonably appropriately. Uses simple grammatical forms with some degree of control. Errors may impede meaning at times.
0Content is totally irrelevant. Target reader is not informed.Performance below score 1.

Model answer (about 80 words):

Hi Kenji,
Thank you for your email. I am so happy that you are coming!
December is usually hot and humid, and it often rains in the afternoon. You should pack light clothes, sun cream and a small umbrella.
I would like to take you to the old harbour in Melaka because the buildings are colourful and the sunset is beautiful. You must also try nasi lemak. It is rice cooked in coconut milk, and it is delicious!
See you soon,
Farid

Count Kenji's questions first: the weather, what to pack, a place and a food. Answer each one in order with a short detail, and finish with a closing sentence and your name.
Tick each point you got.
For the teacher: Creating, low difficulty, Unit 1, standard Writing: a short informal message

Paper 2 Part 2

20 marks
Guided writing. You should spend about 30 minutes on this part.
42

Question 42

Your school is celebrating Environment Week. You have been chosen to give a speech at the assembly with the title “Say No to Single-Use Plastic”.
In about 120 words, write your speech. You must use all the points in the box.
Write about:
  • why single-use plastic is harmful
  • what students can do in their daily lives
  • one thing the school can do to help
[20 marks] Write your speech.
Show answerHide answer

Marking: the same official rating scale (Content, Communicative achievement, Organisation, Language, 0 to 5 each, total 20).

ScoreContentCommunicative achievementOrganisationLanguage
5All content is relevant to the task. Target reader is fully informed.Uses the conventions of the communicative task to hold the target reader's attention and communicate straightforward ideas.Text is generally well organised and coherent, using a variety of linking words and cohesive devices.Uses a range of everyday vocabulary appropriately, with occasional inappropriate use of less common lexis. Uses a range of simple and some complex grammatical forms with a good degree of control. Errors do not impede communication.
4Performance shares features of scores 3 and 5.
3Minor irrelevances and/or omissions may be present. Target reader is on the whole informed.Uses the conventions of the communicative task in generally appropriate ways to communicate straightforward ideas.Text is connected and coherent, using basic linking words and a limited number of cohesive devices.Uses everyday vocabulary generally appropriately, while occasionally overusing certain lexis. Uses simple grammatical forms with a good degree of control. While there are some errors, meaning can be determined.
2Performance shares features of scores 1 and 3.
1Irrelevances and/or misinterpretation of task may be present. Target reader is minimally informed.Produces text that communicates simple ideas in simple ways.Production unlikely to be connected, though punctuation and simple connectors (i.e. and) may on occasion be used.Uses basic vocabulary reasonably appropriately. Uses simple grammatical forms with some degree of control. Errors may impede meaning at times.
0Content is totally irrelevant. Target reader is not informed.Performance below score 1.

Model answer (about 120 words):

Say No to Single-Use Plastic

Good morning, teachers and friends. Every day, millions of plastic straws, bags and bottles are used once and thrown away.

Firstly, this plastic is harmful because it takes hundreds of years to break down. It pollutes our rivers and seas, and animals such as turtles often mistake it for food. Plastic bags also block drains and make floods worse.

Secondly, there is a lot that each of us can do. If we bring a reusable bottle and a cloth bag, we will use much less plastic.

In addition, the school can help by banning plastic bags in the canteen and placing recycling bins in every block.

Let us act now, because a clean planet begins with small choices. Thank you.

Greet the audience, give one paragraph to each bullet point with a reason or an example, and end with a call to action. Use persuasive words such as we must and let us.
Tick each point you got.
For the teacher: Creating, medium difficulty, Unit 7, standard Writing: a guided speech

Paper 2 Part 3

20 marks
Extended writing. Answer one question, (a) or (b). You should spend about 40 minutes on this part. Write about 150 words.
43Choose 1

Question 43

(a) Story. Your English teacher asks you to write a story for the school magazine. Your story must end with this sentence:
“I will never forget the look on her face.”
Write your story in about 150 words.
[20 marks] Write your story.
Show answerHide answer

Marking: the same official rating scale (0 to 5 in each of the four areas, total 20).

ScoreContentCommunicative achievementOrganisationLanguage
5All content is relevant to the task. Target reader is fully informed.Uses the conventions of the communicative task to hold the target reader's attention and communicate straightforward ideas.Text is generally well organised and coherent, using a variety of linking words and cohesive devices.Uses a range of everyday vocabulary appropriately, with occasional inappropriate use of less common lexis. Uses a range of simple and some complex grammatical forms with a good degree of control. Errors do not impede communication.
4Performance shares features of scores 3 and 5.
3Minor irrelevances and/or omissions may be present. Target reader is on the whole informed.Uses the conventions of the communicative task in generally appropriate ways to communicate straightforward ideas.Text is connected and coherent, using basic linking words and a limited number of cohesive devices.Uses everyday vocabulary generally appropriately, while occasionally overusing certain lexis. Uses simple grammatical forms with a good degree of control. While there are some errors, meaning can be determined.
2Performance shares features of scores 1 and 3.
1Irrelevances and/or misinterpretation of task may be present. Target reader is minimally informed.Produces text that communicates simple ideas in simple ways.Production unlikely to be connected, though punctuation and simple connectors (i.e. and) may on occasion be used.Uses basic vocabulary reasonably appropriately. Uses simple grammatical forms with some degree of control. Errors may impede meaning at times.
0Content is totally irrelevant. Target reader is not informed.Performance below score 1.

Model answer (about 150 words):

For weeks, I had been saving my pocket money to buy a gift for Puan Salmah, our old school librarian, who was retiring at the end of the year.

On the last day of term, I carried a small box to the library. My hands were trembling because I was not sure that she would like it. Inside, I had put a bookmark that I had made from dried flowers, together with a card signed by every student in my class.

The library was silent except for the ticking of the old clock. “What is this?” she asked softly.

“It is to say thank you,” I said. “You taught us all to love books.”

She read each name on the card slowly. Then her eyes filled with tears, and she smiled so widely that the whole room seemed to brighten. I will never forget the look on her face.

Plan backwards from the last sentence: decide who she is and why her face matters. Write the problem, the turning point and the ending in past tenses, with some direct speech.
Tick each point you got.
For the teacher: Creating, high difficulty, Unit 5, standard Writing: a story
44Choose 1

Question 44

(b) Essay. Some people think that teenagers should have part-time jobs during the school holidays. Others believe that holidays should be used for rest and study.
Write an essay giving your opinion in about 150 words.
[20 marks] Write your essay.
Show answerHide answer

Marking: the same official rating scale (0 to 5 in each of the four areas, total 20).

ScoreContentCommunicative achievementOrganisationLanguage
5All content is relevant to the task. Target reader is fully informed.Uses the conventions of the communicative task to hold the target reader's attention and communicate straightforward ideas.Text is generally well organised and coherent, using a variety of linking words and cohesive devices.Uses a range of everyday vocabulary appropriately, with occasional inappropriate use of less common lexis. Uses a range of simple and some complex grammatical forms with a good degree of control. Errors do not impede communication.
4Performance shares features of scores 3 and 5.
3Minor irrelevances and/or omissions may be present. Target reader is on the whole informed.Uses the conventions of the communicative task in generally appropriate ways to communicate straightforward ideas.Text is connected and coherent, using basic linking words and a limited number of cohesive devices.Uses everyday vocabulary generally appropriately, while occasionally overusing certain lexis. Uses simple grammatical forms with a good degree of control. While there are some errors, meaning can be determined.
2Performance shares features of scores 1 and 3.
1Irrelevances and/or misinterpretation of task may be present. Target reader is minimally informed.Produces text that communicates simple ideas in simple ways.Production unlikely to be connected, though punctuation and simple connectors (i.e. and) may on occasion be used.Uses basic vocabulary reasonably appropriately. Uses simple grammatical forms with some degree of control. Errors may impede meaning at times.
0Content is totally irrelevant. Target reader is not informed.Performance below score 1.

Model answer (about 150 words):

Should Teenagers Work During the Holidays?

Many teenagers spend the school holidays at home. Some people believe that a part-time job would be a better use of their time. In my opinion, this is a good idea.

Firstly, a job teaches responsibility. If teenagers arrive on time and follow instructions, they will learn the habits that employers expect. In addition, earning their own money gives them independence, and they learn how to manage it. For example, a student who works in a shop learns to serve customers politely and to work with a team. Moreover, the experience will look impressive in future applications.

However, some parents argue that students need rest and should revise for examinations. This is true, but a few hours of work each day still leave plenty of time for both.

In conclusion, I believe that a part-time job during the holidays is useful, provided that it does not harm a student's health or studies.

State your opinion in the introduction, give two reasons with examples, deal with the opposite view, and finish by repeating your opinion. Use linking words and conditional sentences.
Tick each point you got.
For the teacher: Creating, high difficulty, Unit 4, standard Writing: an essay giving an opinion
Test specification (JSU)
UnitRememberingUnderstandingApplyingAnalysingEvaluatingCreatingItemsmarks
1. Let's chat–1 (1)–––1 (20)221
2. Ready for anything––1 (1)5 (5)1 (1)–77
3. Buy it!1 (1)9 (9)3 (3)–––1313
4. Being a teen–1 (1)2 (2)––1 (20)423
5. Globetrotting2 (2)–1 (1)––1 (20)423
6. Time out–1 (1)1 (1)1 (1)––33
7. Mother Nature1 (1)6 (6)1 (1)1 (1)1 (1)1 (20)1130
Total4 (4)18 (18)9 (9)7 (7)2 (2)4 (80)44120
Each cell shows items (marks).