CELPIP WEEKEND 2 — COMPLETE REVISION SHEET 13–15 November 2026

CELPIP WEEKEND 2 — COMPLETE REVISION SHEET 13–15 November 2026 | CELPIP Winners

### LISTENING — 6 PARTS

PART 1: PROBLEM SOLVING — Cancelled class, warranty, exam rebooking, child programme.

Strategy: Identify the problem → listen for all options → note conditions/costs/timing → track changes → identify the final decision and reason.

Formula: Problem + Options + Constraint + Final decision + Reason.

Traps: First option mentioned may be rejected; an offer may have conditions; similar prices/dates can confuse you; distinguish what someone suggests from what they finally choose.

Vocabulary: reschedule, reimbursement, warranty coverage, eligible, alternative, refund, replacement, availability, cancellation policy, deadline.

PART 2: DAILY-LIFE CONVERSATION — Weekend trip, office space, home security, family gift.

Strategy: Identify each speaker’s preference, concern, agreement and disagreement. Track who will do what and when.

Formula: Situation → Speaker A’s preference → Speaker B’s response → Negotiation → Agreement.

Traps: Confusing speakers; assuming agreement where there is only partial agreement; missing a change in arrangements.

Vocabulary: itinerary, accommodation, commute, security measures, compromise, contribution, convenient, cost-effective, arrange, coordinate.

PART 3: INFORMATION — Health insurance, workplace safety, local history, extreme weather.

Strategy: Listen for the purpose, eligibility, instructions, sequence, exceptions and key facts. Group information by topic.

Formula: Main purpose → Key facts → Requirements → Exceptions → Recommended action.

Traps: Confusing recommended with compulsory; missing exceptions; mixing up dates, figures or eligibility conditions.

Vocabulary: coverage, premium, deductible, precautionary, mandatory, preserve, heritage, emergency supplies, evacuation, prevention.

PART 4: NEWS ITEM — Riverfront redevelopment, waste collection, public art, hiking trail closure.

Strategy: Capture who, what, where, when, why and impact. Pay special attention to announcements and changes.

Formula: Event → Location/time → Reason → People affected → Next step.

Traps: Mistaking a proposed plan for a completed project; confusing the reason with the consequence; overlooking temporary restrictions.

Vocabulary: redevelopment, municipal, infrastructure, installation, regulations, collection schedule, temporary closure, public consultation, residents, funding.

PART 5: DISCUSSION — Flexible work, youth study centre, classroom smartphones, electric vehicles.

Strategy: Track each speaker’s position and supporting reasons. Compare advantages and disadvantages; note any compromise or final recommendation.

Formula: Issue → Viewpoint A → Viewpoint B → Evidence/reasons → Agreement or conclusion.

Traps: Attributing one speaker’s opinion to another; choosing a benefit when the question asks for a drawback; missing a speaker’s qualified position.

Vocabulary: productivity, collaboration, accessibility, distraction, emissions, infrastructure, implementation, affordability, flexibility, long-term impact.

PART 6: VIEWPOINTS — Public-space time limits, tourist tax, AI in assignments, neighbourhood lending.

Strategy: Identify each person’s stance, reason, assumption and proposed solution. Listen for contrast and concession signals.

Formula: Claim → Reason → Example/evidence → Counterargument → Conclusion.

Traps: Confusing facts with opinions; assuming two speakers agree because they discuss the same issue; missing qualifications such as in some cases.

Vocabulary: public expenditure, revenue, accountability, academic integrity, privacy concerns, shared resources, equitable access, regulation, implementation, community participation.

Useful listening signals: however, despite that, on the contrary, as a result, the main concern, what I would suggest, having considered both options.

### READING — 4 PARTS

PART 1: CORRESPONDENCE — Volunteer scholarship, delayed delivery, transit fares, neighbourhood event.

Strategy: Read the question first → identify the document’s purpose → scan for names, dates, amounts and requests → read the relevant lines carefully.

Answer formula: Who wrote it? Why? What happened? What action is requested? What condition or deadline applies?

Traps: Choosing a detail that is true but irrelevant; overlooking a negative; confusing a request with a confirmed action.

Vocabulary: eligibility, application, compensation, dispatch, delayed shipment, fare adjustment, reimbursement, confirmation, deadline, participation.

PART 2: APPLY A DIAGRAM — Recreation centre, coastal park routes, workspace layout, rainwater collection.

Strategy: Establish the starting point and orientation → locate labels → trace the route or process → check direction words → verify the destination.

Formula: Starting point + direction/sequence + landmarks + destination/result.

Traps: Reversing left and right; confusing adjacent with opposite; skipping a stage in a process; assuming a route that is not shown.

Vocabulary: adjacent to, opposite, beyond, at the far end, directly behind, turn towards, entrance, drainage channel, filtration system, storage tank, overflow pipe.

PART 3: INFORMATION — Vertical farming, sleep and mental health, rising sea levels, emergency radio.

Strategy: Identify the main idea of each paragraph → scan for supporting details → track cause and effect → distinguish established findings from possibilities.

Formula: Topic → Main claim → Supporting evidence → Cause/effect → Limitation or conclusion.

Traps: Treating correlation as proof of cause; missing qualifying words; selecting an example instead of the main idea.

Vocabulary: crop yield, controlled environment, circadian rhythm, cognitive function, coastal erosion, sea-level rise, resilience, early-warning system, transmission, infrastructure.

PART 4: VIEWPOINTS — Consumer data, space tourism, university education, short-term rentals.

Strategy: Identify each writer’s position → mark their principal reason → compare similarities and differences → match the question to the correct writer.

Formula: Writer’s claim + supporting reason + attitude + concession/counterargument.

Traps: Confusing the writer’s opinion with an opinion they report; missing a concession; assuming a balanced writer has no clear position.

Vocabulary: surveillance, data privacy, commercialisation, sustainability, vocational training, theoretical knowledge, housing affordability, accommodation shortage, regulatory framework, economic benefits.

Useful reading signals: nevertheless, consequently, in contrast, proponents argue, critics maintain, this suggests, the evidence indicates, a key limitation.

### WRITING TASK 1 — EMAIL

Type 1: Semi-formal complaint

Format: Greeting → Purpose → Problem and details → Impact → Requested solution → Polite closing.

Formula: I am writing regarding… + The issue is that… + This has resulted in… + I would appreciate it if you could… + I look forward to your response.

Traps: Sounding aggressive, failing to state the desired resolution, giving unnecessary background, omitting important dates or order details.

Vocabulary: defective, unsatisfactory, inconvenience, rectify, replacement, reimbursement, resolve, clarification, prompt response.

Idiomatic phrases: a considerable inconvenience; resolve the matter; bring this to your attention. Avoid overly casual idioms in a semi-formal email.

Type 2: Semi-formal invitation

Format: Greeting → Invitation and purpose → Date/time/place → Event details → Reason for inviting → Confirmation request → Closing.

Formula: I am writing to invite you to… + The event will take place… + Your participation would be valuable because… + Please let me know whether you can attend.

Traps: Missing event logistics, failing to explain the recipient’s role, assuming attendance, forgetting to request confirmation.

Vocabulary: gathering, venue, contribution, attendance, coordinate, arrangements, participation, confirm, occasion.

Natural phrases: It would be a pleasure to have you join us; your contribution would be greatly appreciated; I hope you will be able to attend.

Type 3: Semi-formal advice/help

Format: Greeting → Acknowledge the difficulty → Suggestion 1 + explanation → Suggestion 2 + explanation → Encouraging close.

Formula: I understand that… + One practical approach would be… + This would help because… + Another option is… + I hope these suggestions help.

Traps: Giving vague advice, offering too many unrelated suggestions, sounding judgemental, failing to explain how the advice works.

Vocabulary: prioritise, allocate, manageable, approach, recommendation, practical, effective, consider, implement, balance.

Natural phrases: take it one step at a time; weigh your options; set realistic priorities. Use idioms sparingly.

Universal email checklist: Answer every bullet point; keep the tone consistent; organise details logically; make the requested action clear; use an appropriate greeting and closing; check grammar and word count.

### WRITING TASK 2 — SURVEY ESSAY

Format: Introduction with clear preference → Reason 1 + explanation/example → Reason 2 + explanation/example → Brief acknowledgement of the alternative → Conclusion.

Formula: Choice + two distinct reasons + specific example + comparison + firm conclusion.

Topic 1: Bike lanes vs public buses

Vocabulary: congestion, commuter demand, sustainable mobility, transit network, accessibility, infrastructure.

Ideas: Bike lanes offer low-cost short-distance travel; improved buses serve more commuters and people travelling longer distances.

Topic 2: Renewable-energy incentives vs stricter rules for energy-intensive businesses

Vocabulary: emissions, financial incentives, compliance, energy efficiency, carbon footprint, industrial regulation.

Ideas: Incentives encourage voluntary investment; regulations can establish minimum standards across industries.

Topic 3: Cultural festivals vs local sports facilities

Vocabulary: social cohesion, cultural exchange, recreational infrastructure, public participation, community engagement.

Ideas: Festivals celebrate diversity; sports facilities support regular exercise and long-term community use.

Topic 4: Remote work vs office attendance

Vocabulary: flexibility, collaboration, productivity, commuting costs, work-life balance, employee autonomy.

Ideas: Remote work saves commuting time; office attendance can support face-to-face teamwork and mentoring.

Topic 5: AI-supported learning vs restrictions on AI

Vocabulary: digital literacy, critical thinking, academic integrity, responsible use, independent learning, plagiarism.

Ideas: AI can provide personalised explanations; restrictions may reduce misuse but can limit beneficial learning support.

Topic 6: Housing conversion vs heritage preservation

Vocabulary: adaptive reuse, housing demand, historical significance, restoration costs, urban development, cultural identity.

Ideas: Conversion may increase housing supply; preservation protects local character and historic value.

Topic 7: City-wide composting vs overall waste reduction

Vocabulary: landfill diversion, biodegradable waste, waste management, source reduction, collection infrastructure, sustainability.

Ideas: Composting diverts organic waste; reducing consumption prevents waste before it is produced.

Topic 8: Free after-school programmes vs tax breaks for families

Vocabulary: educational enrichment, childcare burden, financial relief, working parents, equal access, household expenditure.

Ideas: Programmes provide structured activities and supervision; tax relief gives families greater flexibility over spending.

Useful essay phrases: A major consideration is…; This is particularly important because…; For instance…; Another compelling reason is…; Although the alternative has merit…; On balance…

Traps: Discussing both choices without selecting one; repeating the same reason; giving examples unrelated to the argument; making unsupported numerical claims; using memorised phrases without answering the actual question.

### SPEAKING — 8 TASKS

TASK 1: GIVING ADVICE — Time management, starting a business, moving cities, interview anxiety.

Format/formula: Acknowledge → Advice 1 → Explain benefit → Advice 2 → Explain benefit → Encouraging close.

Strategy: Give specific actions, not generic encouragement. Prioritise the most practical advice.

Traps: Too many suggestions, no explanation, judgemental language, weak ending.

Vocabulary: prioritise, set achievable goals, seek guidance, weigh the options, prepare in advance, manage responsibilities.

Natural expressions: get your priorities straight; take things one step at a time; make the most of your time.

TASK 2: PERSONAL EXPERIENCE — Sudden change of plans, family skill, new hobby, unexpected destination.

Format/formula: When/where → Background → Main event → Response → Outcome → Reflection.

Strategy: Tell one clear story in chronological order. Include concrete details and how you felt.

Traps: Turning the response into a general opinion, jumping between events, forgetting the outcome.

Vocabulary: unexpected, initially hesitant, adapt, rewarding, memorable, overcome, realise, worthwhile.

Natural expressions: out of the blue; learned the hard way; turned out better than expected.

TASK 3: DESCRIBING A SCENE — Community centre, winter train station, rooftop garden, bookstore café.

Format/formula: Overall setting → Foreground → Left/right/background → People and actions → Atmosphere.

Strategy: Describe visible evidence first. Use present continuous for actions and location phrases to organise details.

Traps: Listing objects without relationships; inventing unsupported details; repeating “there is/there are” excessively.

Vocabulary: gathering, browsing, interacting, waiting area, crowded, peaceful, bustling, overlooking, arranging, examining.

Natural expressions: in the middle of the action; in the background; going about their business. Keep descriptions grounded in the scene.

TASK 4: MAKING PREDICTIONS — Seaside event, housing construction, four-day school week, traffic policy.

Format/formula: Evidence now → Prediction 1 + reason → Prediction 2 + reason → Likely outcome.

Strategy: Base predictions on visible clues or stated circumstances. Use may, might, likely to, could, probably.

Traps: Describing only the present; making certain claims about uncertain events; predicting outcomes without evidence.

Vocabulary: construction phase, anticipated, likely, expand, traffic flow, accommodate, implement, adapt.

Natural expressions: all signs point to; in the coming months; pave the way for. Use these only when they fit the evidence.

TASK 5: COMPARING AND PERSUADING — Guided tour vs independent travel; printed reading vs audiobooks; outdoor vs indoor stress relief; buying vs renting.

Format/formula: Identify options → Choose one → Benefit 1 → Benefit 2 → Address drawback of alternative → Persuasive conclusion.

Strategy: Tailor your argument to the listener’s needs. Compare both options, but clearly recommend one.

Traps: Describing both without persuading; ignoring the other option; giving benefits unrelated to the listener.

Vocabulary: convenient, cost-effective, flexibility, expert guidance, immersive, accessible, long-term value, commitment.

Natural expressions: worth considering; the best of both worlds; get more value for your money.

TASK 6: DEALING WITH A DIFFICULT SITUATION — Missed deadline, valuable family item, noisy roommate, delayed repayment.

Format/formula: Explain concern → Acknowledge other person’s position → Describe impact → Propose solution → Agree on next step.

Strategy: Be calm, direct and respectful. Offer a specific compromise and invite a response.

Traps: Blaming, threatening, being vague about the solution, failing to explain consequences.

Vocabulary: misunderstanding, inconvenience, reasonable compromise, repayment plan, deadline, resolve, alternative arrangement.

Natural expressions: meet halfway; work something out; find common ground.

TASK 7: EXPRESSING AN OPINION — Public art, second-language learning, children having pets, flexible working hours.

Format/formula: Clear opinion → Reason 1 + example → Reason 2 + impact → Counterargument → Conclusion.

Strategy: State your position immediately. Support it with realistic examples and acknowledge one reasonable opposing point.

Traps: Changing your position midway; listing points without developing them; using examples that do not prove your argument.

Vocabulary: public engagement, cultural awareness, responsibility, independence, employee morale, practical benefits, long-term development.

Natural expressions: from my perspective; a strong case can be made for; the benefits outweigh the drawbacks.

TASK 8: DESCRIBING AN UNUSUAL SITUATION — Flooded street, museum picnic, beach-cleaning robot, rooftop wedding at night.

Format/formula: Identify unusual event → Describe people/objects/actions → Explain what makes it unusual → Predict what may happen next.

Strategy: Highlight the unusual feature first. Use precise details and logical predictions.

Traps: Describing a normal scene without identifying what is unusual; making unsupported assumptions; forgetting the likely next event.

Vocabulary: unexpected, out of place, unconventional, obstructed, gathered, improvised, unusual circumstances, draw attention.

Natural expressions: not something you see every day; an unusual turn of events; caught everyone by surprise.

### FINAL EXAM STRATEGY

Listening: Predict answer type, track paraphrases and changes, verify the final decision.

Reading: Use question-led scanning, check context and avoid assumptions.

Writing: Plan briefly, answer every requirement, develop specific examples and check grammar.

Speaking: Answer directly, organise ideas, explain reasons, use natural linking phrases and finish clearly.

Daily drill: 1 listening set + 1 reading set + 1 timed email or survey essay + 2 recorded speaking tasks. Rotate tasks until all six Listening parts, four Reading parts, both Writing tasks and all eight Speaking tasks have been practised.

### CELPIP Winners — Weekend 2 Practice Lesson Pack

13–15 November 2026 | Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking

Practice method: Attempt the questions before reading the answers. For Listening, have someone read the scripts aloud or use text-to-speech without looking at the script while answering.

### LESSON 1 — LISTENING

### Part 1: Problem Solving

Practice 1: Cancelled fitness class

Listen to the conversation and answer Questions 1–3.

Script for the reader or text-to-speech:

“Hi, I’m calling about the yoga class scheduled for Wednesday evening. Unfortunately, the instructor is unavailable, so we need to cancel that session. You can attend the Friday class at 6:30 p.m., but it is nearly full. Alternatively, we have a Saturday morning session at 9:00 a.m. Your current booking can be transferred at no additional cost. If neither option works, we can issue a full refund. Which would you prefer?”

1\. Why is the caller contacting the customer? A. To increase the class fee B. To explain a cancellation C. To change the instructor permanently D. To advertise a new course

2\. What is a possible disadvantage of the Friday option? A. It costs extra B. It starts in the morning C. It has limited availability D. It requires a new registration

3\. What can the customer do if neither alternative is suitable? A. Transfer the booking to another person B. Receive a full refund C. Attend without registering D. Pay a reduced fee

### Part 2: Daily-Life Conversation

Practice 2: Home security

Script:

“Ravi: I think we should install a security camera near the front entrance.

Mina: That might help, but I’m more concerned about the dark pathway beside the house. Visitors can barely see where they’re walking.

Ravi: We could install motion-sensor lights first. They’re cheaper than cameras, and they might discourage people from approaching the property unnoticed.

Mina: That sounds sensible. Let’s check whether the landlord permits outdoor fixtures before buying anything.”

4\. What is Mina’s main concern?

A. The cost of replacing the door B. Poor lighting near the house C. The number of visitors D. The lack of indoor cameras

5\. What do they agree to do first?

A. Buy a camera B. Move to another property C. Check permission for outdoor lights D. Contact the police

### Part 3: Information

Practice 3: Workplace safety induction

Script:

“Welcome to the new employee safety session. Before entering the workshop, all staff must complete the online safety module and collect a protective helmet from the equipment desk. Safety footwear is compulsory in the workshop area. Employees who notice damaged equipment should stop using it immediately and report it to their supervisor. Only trained and authorised staff may carry out repairs.”

6\. What must employees do before entering the workshop?

A. Repair damaged equipment B. Complete the online safety module C. Purchase their own helmet D. Obtain written approval from a customer

7\. Who may repair damaged equipment?

A. Any employee B. Visitors who have experience C. Trained and authorised staff D. The newest employee

### Part 4: News Item

Practice 4: Riverfront redevelopment

Script:

“The city council has announced a riverfront redevelopment project intended to improve public access and restore the surrounding environment. Work will begin in January and is expected to continue for eight months. During the first phase, the eastern walking path will be closed. The western path will remain open, although visitors should expect occasional noise. The project includes additional seating, improved lighting and native plants along the riverbank.”

8\. What is one main purpose of the project?

A. To build a shopping centre B. To improve public access and the environment C. To remove all walking paths D. To expand a private parking area

9\. Which area will initially close?

A. The western path B. The main entrance C. The eastern walking path D. The entire riverfront

### Part 5: Discussion

Practice 5: Flexible working arrangements

Script:

“Speaker A: Flexible working hours could help employees manage family responsibilities and reduce stress.

Speaker B: I agree, but teams still need some shared hours for meetings and collaboration.

Speaker A: That’s fair. The company could establish core hours while allowing staff to choose their start and finish times.

Speaker B: That seems more practical than allowing everyone to work completely different schedules.”

10\. What arrangement do both speakers support?

A. Fixed hours for all employees B. No meetings during the week C. Core hours with some flexibility D. Fully independent schedules

### Part 6: Viewpoints

Practice 6: AI in school assignments

Script:

“Speaker A: Students should be allowed to use AI tools for brainstorming and feedback. These tools can help learners identify weaknesses and improve their writing.

Speaker B: I’m concerned that students may submit AI-generated work as their own. Schools need clear rules to protect academic integrity.

Speaker A: I agree that submitting generated work without disclosure is a problem. However, banning every use of AI would prevent students from learning how to use it responsibly.”

11\. What is Speaker A’s position?

A. All AI use should be prohibited B. AI can be useful if used responsibly C. Students should submit only AI-generated work D. Teachers should stop assessing writing

12\. What is Speaker B’s main concern?

A. Students may misuse AI and misrepresent their work B. AI tools are too expensive for schools C. Students cannot learn independently D. Teachers will have fewer assignments

### Listening answer key

* B — The scheduled class has been cancelled.

* C — The Friday session is nearly full.

* B — A full refund is available.

* B — Mina focuses on the poorly lit pathway.

* C — They decide to check permission before installing lights.

* B — The online safety module must be completed first.

* C — Repairs are restricted to trained, authorised staff.

* B — Improving access and restoring the environment are stated goals.

* C — The eastern walking path closes first.

* C — They agree on core hours and flexible schedules.

* B — Speaker A supports responsible AI use.

* A — Speaker B is concerned about academic misconduct.

Listening review: Notice the contrasts: Friday is nearly full, check permission before buying, only trained and authorised staff, and core hours with flexibility. These details distinguish the correct answers from plausible distractors.

### LESSON 2 — READING

### Part 1: Correspondence

Read the email.

Subject: Community Volunteer Scholarship

Dear Community Members,

Applications are now open for the Green Neighbourhood Scholarship, which supports residents who volunteer in local environmental projects. Successful applicants will receive a grant of $600 to cover approved training or project expenses.

Applicants must have completed at least 30 hours of community service during the past twelve months. Applications must include a reference from a project coordinator and a brief description of the applicant’s contribution. The deadline is November 20. Late applications will not be considered.

Shortlisted applicants will be contacted by email during the first week of December.

Community Development Office

1\. What is the scholarship intended to support?

A. Full-time university tuition B. Environmental volunteering and related expenses C. Travel outside the country D. The purchase of personal electronics

2\. Which requirement must applicants meet?

A. Complete 30 hours of service in the next twelve months B. Provide a reference from a project coordinator C. Attend an interview before applying D. Submit their application in person

3\. When will shortlisted applicants be contacted?

A. Before November 20 B. On November 20 C. During the first week of December D. At the end of December

### Part 2: Applying a Diagram

A community recreation centre has the following layout:

* Main entrance: south side of the building.

* Reception: immediately inside the entrance.

* Café: east of reception.

* Library: west of reception.

* Fitness room: north of the café.

* Multipurpose hall: north of the library.

* Toilets: beside the multipurpose hall corridor.

4\. A visitor enters the building and wants to borrow a book. Where should they go?

A. East of reception B. West of reception C. North of the café D. South of the entrance

5\. Which room is directly north of the café?

A. Library B. Reception C. Fitness room D. Multipurpose hall

6\. A visitor at reception wants to reach the multipurpose hall. Which direction should they take first?

A. West B. East C. South D. Outside the building

### Part 3: Information

Vertical Farming: Benefits and Challenges

Vertical farming involves growing crops in stacked layers, often inside controlled environments. Artificial lighting, temperature regulation and carefully managed water systems can allow crops to be produced throughout the year. Because these farms can operate in urban buildings, they may reduce the distance food travels before reaching consumers.

However, vertical farms often require substantial electricity for lighting and climate control. Their financial viability depends on factors such as energy prices, crop selection and the efficiency of the equipment. Leafy vegetables and herbs are often suitable because they grow relatively quickly and can be sold at a premium in some markets. Large staple crops may be less practical because of their space and energy requirements.

Vertical farming is not a complete replacement for conventional agriculture. Instead, it may complement existing food systems, particularly in areas where land is limited or fresh produce is expensive to transport.

7\. One potential advantage of vertical farming is that it can:

A. eliminate all food production costs B. operate throughout the year in controlled conditions C. grow every crop more cheaply than conventional farms D. function without electricity

8\. What can affect the financial viability of a vertical farm?

A. Energy prices and crop selection B. The number of roads in rural areas only C. The colour of the building D. The absence of water management

9\. What is the writer’s overall position?

A. Vertical farming should replace all conventional agriculture B. Vertical farming has benefits but also limitations C. Vertical farming is unsuitable for cities D. Vertical farming requires no further development

### Part 4: Viewpoints

Should short-term rentals be restricted in residential neighbourhoods?

Writer A: Short-term rentals provide homeowners with extra income and give visitors alternatives to hotels. They can also bring spending to local cafés and shops. Instead of imposing broad restrictions, local authorities should focus on safety standards and clear registration rules.

Writer B: In areas with severe housing shortages, large numbers of short-term rentals can reduce the availability of long-term accommodation. Residents may also experience noise and frequent visitor turnover. I support reasonable restrictions in high-pressure neighbourhoods, provided occasional home-sharing remains possible.

10\. Which writer places greater emphasis on the economic benefits for property owners and local businesses?

A. Writer A B. Writer B C. Both equally D. Neither writer

11\. What concern does Writer B raise?

A. Visitors cannot find restaurants B. Short-term rentals may reduce long-term housing availability C. Hotels are too expensive to maintain D. Homeowners are unable to register properties

12\. What do both writers appear to accept?

A. All short-term rentals must be banned B. No regulation is necessary C. Some form of rules or oversight is appropriate D. Residential areas should exclude all visitors

### Reading answer key with explanations

* B — The grant supports environmental volunteering and approved expenses.

* B — The email explicitly requires a project coordinator’s reference.

* C — The contact period is the first week of December.

* B — The library is west of reception.

* C — The fitness room is north of the café.

* A — The multipurpose hall is north of the library, which is west of reception.

* B — Controlled environments allow year-round production.

* A — Energy prices and crop choice are stated factors.

* B — The final paragraph presents vertical farming as a complement, not a total replacement.

* A — Writer A highlights income and local spending.

* B — Writer B discusses reduced long-term housing availability.

* C — Writer A supports registration and safety rules; Writer B supports reasonable restrictions.

Reading review: Watch for scope words such as all, some, often, may, and only. They can change an answer’s meaning. In viewpoint questions, select the writer whose position matches the question—not merely the writer who mentions the same topic.

### LESSON 3 — WRITING TASK 1: EMAIL

### Practice A: Semi-formal complaint

Prompt: You ordered a desk online for your home office. It arrived with a damaged leg, and the assembly instructions were missing. Write an email to the customer service manager. Explain the problems, describe how they affect you, and state what you would like the company to do.

Plan before writing

* Purpose: report a damaged delivery.

* Problem 1: unstable desk due to damaged leg.

* Problem 2: instructions missing.

* Impact: desk cannot be assembled or used safely.

* Request: replacement leg and instructions, or a replacement desk.

Model response

Dear Customer Service Manager,

I am writing regarding a desk I recently ordered from your online store. Unfortunately, the item arrived with a damaged leg, and the assembly instructions were missing from the package.

The damaged component makes the desk unstable, so I cannot use it safely. In addition, without the instructions, I am unable to determine how to assemble the remaining parts correctly. This has delayed the setup of my home office.

I would appreciate it if you could send me a replacement leg along with the correct assembly instructions as soon as possible. If the desk cannot be repaired with a replacement component, I would prefer to receive a complete replacement at no additional cost.

Please let me know how this issue can be resolved and whether you require photographs of the damage or my order details.

Thank you for your assistance. I look forward to your response.

Kind regards,

[Your Name]

Why this works: It addresses every point, explains the practical impact, offers a clear resolution and maintains a polite semi-formal tone.

### Practice B: Semi-formal invitation

Prompt: Your community centre is organising a cultural evening. Invite a colleague to help organise the event. Explain the purpose, provide the arrangements and describe how the colleague could contribute.

Your task: Write the email yourself before reading the model.

Model response

Dear Sam,

I am writing to invite you to help organise a cultural evening at our community centre next month. The event aims to bring local residents together and give people an opportunity to share their traditions, food and music.

We are planning to hold it on Saturday, 21 November, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the main community hall. We expect families from different backgrounds to attend, so we hope to include a range of performances and activities.

Your experience in coordinating group activities would be particularly valuable. You could help arrange the performances and coordinate the volunteers on the day.

Please let me know if you are available to participate. I would be happy to discuss the arrangements with you.

Kind regards,

[Your Name]

### Practice C: Semi-formal advice/help

Prompt: A colleague has recently started a demanding job and is struggling to balance work and family responsibilities. Write an email offering advice. Explain two practical steps and why they may help.

Model response

Dear Priya,

I understand that adjusting to your new job while managing family responsibilities has been challenging. I would suggest making a few changes to your routine to make the workload more manageable.

First, try preparing a weekly plan that identifies your most important work tasks and family commitments. This can help you prioritise urgent responsibilities and avoid leaving everything until the last minute.

Second, consider discussing your workload with your manager. You may be able to agree on realistic deadlines or arrange some flexibility in your working hours. It is also worth setting aside a little time each day to rest, as this can help you maintain your energy and concentration.

You do not need to change everything at once. Start with one or two practical adjustments and review how well they work.

I hope these suggestions are useful. Please feel free to let me know if I can help further.

Kind regards,

[Your Name]

Email self-check: Have you answered all parts of the prompt? Is the tone consistent? Is the request or advice specific? Have you used paragraphs and a suitable closing? Check the word count against the official task instructions.

### LESSON 4 — WRITING TASK 2: SURVEY RESPONSE

### Practice prompt

Your city council is considering two ways to improve transportation:

* Option A: Build more bike lanes.

* Option B: Improve public bus services.

Which option should the council prioritise? Explain your choice.

Planning formula

Position: Option B.

Reason 1: Buses serve a wider range of residents, including older adults and people who cannot cycle.

Reason 2: More reliable and frequent buses can reduce dependence on private cars.

Example: Better connections between residential areas and workplaces could make commuting easier.

Counterpoint: Bike lanes encourage healthy, low-emission travel, but they do not meet every commuter’s needs.

### Model response

I believe the city council should prioritise improving public bus services because this would benefit a wider range of residents and help reduce traffic congestion.

One important advantage is accessibility. Not everyone can cycle to work or school, particularly older people, individuals with mobility limitations and those travelling long distances. More frequent buses with reliable schedules would make public transport a practical option for these groups. For example, residents living in suburban areas could reach employment centres more easily if buses operated regularly during peak hours.

Another benefit is the potential reduction in private car use. When buses are affordable, comfortable and dependable, commuters are more likely to leave their cars at home. This could reduce congestion and lower transport-related emissions. Improving routes between residential neighbourhoods, business districts and educational institutions would make the network more useful.

Admittedly, expanding bike lanes would encourage physical activity and provide an environmentally friendly travel option. However, cycling is not suitable for every journey or every resident. A well-planned bus network would therefore address a broader range of transportation needs.

Overall, improving bus services should be the priority because it would increase accessibility, support commuters and offer a practical way to reduce reliance on private vehicles.

### More survey practice prompts

Write one response for each. Select a clear preference and support it with two developed reasons.

* Renewable energy: financial incentives for businesses vs stricter regulations for high-energy-consuming businesses.

* Community spending: more cultural festivals vs more local sports facilities.

* Work: allowing remote work vs requiring office attendance.

* Education: allowing AI tools to support learning vs limiting AI to prevent misuse.

Urban planning: converting old industrial buildings into housing vs preserving them as heritage sites.

Waste management: city-wide composting vs reducing overall waste.

Family support: free after-school programmes vs tax breaks for families with children.

Survey-writing traps: Do not merely list both options. State your choice early, explain why each reason matters, include a relevant example, and acknowledge the alternative briefly without weakening your own position.

LESSON 5 — SPEAKING: ALL 8 TASKS

TASK 1: GIVING ADVICE Topics: Time management, starting a business, moving cities, interview anxiety. Format/Formula: Acknowledge → Advice 1 → Explain benefit → Advice 2 → Explain benefit → Encouraging close. Strategy: Give specific actions, not generic encouragement. Prioritise practical advice. Traps: Too many suggestions, no explanation, judgemental language, weak ending. Vocabulary: prioritise, set achievable goals, seek guidance, weigh the options, prepare in advance, manage responsibilities. Natural expressions: “Get your priorities straight”; “Take things one step at a time”; “Make the most of your time.”

TASK 2: PERSONAL EXPERIENCE Topics: Sudden change of plans, family skill, new hobby, unexpectedly different destination. Format/Formula: When/where → Background → Main event → Response → Outcome → Reflection. Strategy: Tell one clear story in chronological order. Include concrete details and feelings. Traps: Turning the response into a general opinion, jumping between events, forgetting the outcome. Vocabulary: unexpected, initially hesitant, adapt, rewarding, memorable, overcome, realise, worthwhile. Natural expressions: “Out of the blue”; “Learned the hard way”; “Turned out better than expected.”

TASK 3: DESCRIBING A SCENE Topics: Community centre, winter train station, rooftop garden, bookstore café. Format/Formula: Overall setting → Foreground → Left/right/background → People and actions → Atmosphere. Strategy: Describe visible evidence first. Use present continuous for actions and location phrases to organise details. Traps: Listing objects without relationships, inventing unsupported details, repeating “there is/there are.” Vocabulary: gathering, browsing, interacting, waiting area, crowded, peaceful, bustling, overlooking, arranging, examining. Natural expressions: “In the middle of the action”; “In the background”; “Going about their business.”

TASK 4: MAKING PREDICTIONS Topics: Seaside event, new housing construction, four-day school week, traffic policy. Format/Formula: Evidence now → Prediction 1 + reason → Prediction 2 + reason → Likely outcome. Strategy: Base predictions on visible clues or stated circumstances. Use may, might, likely to, could and probably. Traps: Describing only the present, making certain claims about uncertain events, predicting without evidence. Vocabulary: construction phase, anticipated, likely, expand, traffic flow, accommodate, implement, adapt. Natural expressions: “All signs point to”; “In the coming months”; “Pave the way for.”

TASK 5: COMPARING AND PERSUADING Topics: Guided tour vs independent travel; printed reading vs audiobooks; outdoor vs indoor stress relief; buying vs renting. Format/Formula: Identify options → Choose one → Benefit 1 → Benefit 2 → Address the alternative → Persuasive conclusion. Strategy: Tailor the argument to the listener’s needs. Compare both options but clearly recommend one. Traps: Describing both without persuading, ignoring the alternative, giving benefits unrelated to the listener. Vocabulary: convenient, cost-effective, flexibility, expert guidance, immersive, accessible, long-term value, commitment. Natural expressions: “Worth considering”; “The best of both worlds”; “Get more value for your money.”

TASK 6: DEALING WITH A DIFFICULT SITUATION Topics: Missed deadline, valuable family item, noisy roommate, delayed repayment. Format/Formula: Explain concern → Acknowledge the other person’s position → Describe impact → Propose solution → Agree on next step. Strategy: Be calm, direct and respectful. Offer a specific compromise and invite a response. Traps: Blaming, threatening, being vague about the solution, failing to explain consequences. Vocabulary: misunderstanding, inconvenience, reasonable compromise, repayment plan, deadline, resolve, alternative arrangement. Natural expressions: “Meet halfway”; “Work something out”; “Find common ground.”

TASK 7: EXPRESSING AN OPINION Topics: Public art, second-language learning, children having pets, flexible working hours. Format/Formula: Clear opinion → Reason 1 + example → Reason 2 + impact → Counterargument → Conclusion. Strategy: State your position immediately. Support it with realistic examples and acknowledge one reasonable opposing point. Traps: Changing your position midway, listing points without developing them, using irrelevant examples. Vocabulary: public engagement, cultural awareness, responsibility, independence, employee morale, practical benefits, long-term development. Natural expressions: “From my perspective”; “A strong case can be made for”; “The benefits outweigh the drawbacks.”

TASK 8: DESCRIBING AN UNUSUAL SITUATION Topics: Flooded street, picnic inside a museum, beach-cleaning robot, rooftop wedding at night. Format/Formula: Identify unusual event → Describe details → Explain why it is unusual → Predict what happens next. Strategy: Highlight the unusual feature first. Use precise details and logical predictions. Traps: Describing a normal scene without identifying what is unusual, making unsupported assumptions, forgetting the likely next event. Vocabulary: unexpected, out of place, unconventional, obstructed, gathered, improvised, unusual circumstances, draw attention. Natural expressions: “Not something you see every day”; “An unusual turn of events”; “Caught everyone by surprise.”

LESSON 6 — ADVANCED VOCABULARY AND NATURAL EXPRESSIONS

Work and time management: prioritise, workload, delegate, flexible schedule. Expression: “Keep on top of things.”

Complaints and customer service: resolve, rectify, reimbursement, inconvenience. Expression: “Bring the issue to your attention.”

Community: accessibility, participation, infrastructure. Expression: “Strengthen community ties.”

Environment: emissions, conservation, sustainability. Expression: “Make a meaningful difference.”

Education and AI: critical thinking, integrity, responsible use. Expression: “Learn the ropes.”

Housing: affordability, availability, residential area. Expression: “Put pressure on housing.”

Transport: congestion, reliable service, commuter. Expression: “Get from A to B.”

Persuasion: practical, cost-effective, suitable, worthwhile. Expression: “Get the best of both worlds.”

Difficult situations: compromise, resolve, negotiate, clarify. Expression: “Meet halfway.”

Personal experience: memorable, rewarding, unexpected, adapt. Expression: “Turn out for the better.”

Predictions: likely, anticipated, expand, accommodate. Expression: “Pave the way for.”

Unusual scenes: unconventional, unexpected, out of place. Expression: “Catch people by surprise.”

Use expressions naturally and selectively. Accurate vocabulary and clear development are more valuable than forcing idioms into every response.

LESSON 7 — FINAL MOCK TEST PLAN

1\. LISTENING: Attempt all 12 questions from Lesson 1 using audio or a reader. Do not look at the script while answering. Review why each correct answer fits and why the distractors do not.

2\. READING: Attempt all 12 questions from Lesson 2 under timed conditions. Identify keywords, locate supporting evidence and check the context before choosing an answer.

3\. WRITING TASK 1: Complete one email from Lesson 3 independently. Answer every required point, maintain the correct semi-formal tone, organise paragraphs logically and check grammar and word count.

4\. WRITING TASK 2: Choose one of the eight survey topics and write a complete response. State your choice clearly, develop two distinct reasons, give a relevant example and acknowledge the alternative briefly.

5\. SPEAKING: Record all eight responses. Review whether each answer addresses the prompt, develops its ideas, uses clear transitions and ends naturally.

SELF-ASSESSMENT: For each module, review task completion, organisation, vocabulary, grammar and clarity. For Speaking, also assess pacing, pronunciation and unnecessary pauses. For Writing, check sentence structure, tone, paragraphing and whether each idea is adequately explained.