English as a Second Language
Reading for detail — Paper 1
- 1.
‘Maria kept checking her watch and glancing at the door. When her name was finally called, she took a deep breath before walking in.’ What can you infer about how Maria was feeling, and why?
[2 marks] · no calculator - 2.
In the sentence ‘The lecture was so tedious that several students struggled to stay awake,’ explain what the word ‘tedious’ most likely means.
[2 marks] · no calculator - 3.
A passage states: ‘The city's new library opened last month. It has over 10,000 books and a reading room for students.’ Based only on this passage, decide whether this statement is True, False, or Not Given: ‘The library is the largest in the country.’
[2 marks] · no calculator - 4.
A leaflet begins: ‘Are you spending too much on electricity? Here are five simple ways to cut your bill.’ Identify the writer's main purpose and the intended audience.
[2 marks] · no calculator - 5.
A short guide has three paragraphs: one about packing light, one about arriving early at the airport, and one about keeping documents safe. Match each paragraph to the best heading: A ‘Travel Documents’; B ‘What to Pack’; C ‘Getting to the Airport’.
[3 marks] · no calculator - 6.
A weather forecast reads: ‘Tomorrow will start cloudy with a chance of rain in the morning, clearing up by early afternoon, with sunshine expected for the rest of the day.’ State what the weather will be like in the morning and in the afternoon.
[2 marks] · no calculator - 7.
‘Because the bridge was closed for repairs, traffic was redirected through the old town, and journey times doubled for commuters.’ Explain the cause and the effect described in this sentence.
[2 marks] · no calculator - 8.
A short article states: ‘The new bus route began running last week. In my view, it is a huge improvement for the whole neighbourhood.’ Distinguish the factual statement from the writer's opinion.
[2 marks] · no calculator - 9.
‘Omar checked his phone for the fifth time in ten minutes, then finally put it face-down on the table and sighed.’ What can you infer about how Omar was feeling?
[2 marks] · no calculator - 10.
In the sentence ‘The hikers were relieved to finally reach the summit after the gruelling climb,’ explain what the word ‘gruelling’ most likely means.
[2 marks] · no calculator - 11.
A passage states: ‘The new community centre opened in March. It includes a hall, a kitchen, and two meeting rooms.’ Based only on this passage, decide whether this statement is True, False, or Not Given: ‘The community centre is open every day of the week.’
[2 marks] · no calculator - 12.
A leaflet begins: ‘Struggling to fit exercise into your busy week? Here are three simple tips that take less than ten minutes a day.’ Identify the writer's main purpose and the intended audience.
[2 marks] · no calculator - 13.
A short guide has three paragraphs: one about choosing a strong password, one about recognising suspicious emails, and one about keeping software updated. Match each paragraph to the best heading: A ‘Email Safety’; B ‘Password Security’; C ‘Keeping Your Software Current’.
[3 marks] · no calculator - 14.
A notice reads: ‘The museum is free to enter on the first Sunday of every month. On all other days, tickets cost $8 for adults and $4 for children.’ State the cost for an adult on a normal Tuesday, and the cost for anyone on the first Sunday of the month.
[2 marks] · no calculator - 15.
‘Because the main road was closed for repairs, deliveries were rerouted through the town centre, and local shop owners complained about the extra traffic.’ Explain the cause and the effect described in this sentence.
[2 marks] · no calculator - 16.
A weather forecast reads: ‘This morning will be foggy with poor visibility, improving by midday, with clear skies expected overnight.’ State what the weather will be like this morning and overnight.
[2 marks] · no calculator - 17.
A short article states: ‘Attendance at the youth club has doubled this year. Frankly, I believe this is the best thing that has happened to this town in years.’ Distinguish the factual statement from the writer's opinion.
[2 marks] · no calculator - 18.
A short text has three paragraphs: one listing ingredients, one describing preparation steps, and one giving serving suggestions. Identify the overall type of text this most likely is.
[2 marks] · no calculator - 19.
‘Layla read the email twice, then closed her laptop quietly and stared out of the window for a long moment.’ What can you infer about the email's content?
[2 marks] · no calculator - 20.
In the sentence ‘The negotiations were tense, but both sides eventually reached an amicable agreement,’ explain what the word ‘amicable’ most likely means.
[2 marks] · no calculator - 21.
A passage states: ‘The company was founded in 2010. It now has offices in three countries.’ Based only on this passage, decide whether this statement is True, False, or Not Given: ‘The company's headquarters are in the capital city.’
[2 marks] · no calculator - 22.
An email begins: ‘I am writing to express my disappointment with the service I received at your restaurant last Friday.’ Identify the writer's main purpose and likely tone.
[2 marks] · no calculator - 23.
‘Since the new manager introduced flexible working hours, staff satisfaction has risen noticeably, and fewer employees have left the company.’ Explain the cause and the effects described in this sentence.
[2 marks] · no calculator - 24.
A short article states: ‘The number of visitors to the national park rose by 20% last year. Personally, I think the park's new website made booking a visit much easier.’ Distinguish the factual statement from the writer's opinion.
[2 marks] · no calculator