Questions 1 – 10

Read the text below, and for each number, circle the correct word on the next page.

Dirt Shirts

Robert Hedin owns a shirt company (0) the Hawaiian island of Kauai. The island

is famous (1) its red earth. Kauai’s earth is red as a result of all the iron that it

(2) . When Robert was a child, his mother used to get angry if he got the red earth

on his clothes, (3) once the dirt marks something, the colour is there for ever.

That’s the (4) why Hawaiians always take their shoes off whenever they

(5) anybody’s home.

One day, a strong wind damaged Robert’s small factory, and a cloud of dirt covered

all his shirts in red marks. It looked (6) his business was finished. But then a

friend (7) him a rather interesting idea. Why not colour the shirts completely red,

and call them Dirt Shirts? And that’s exactly (8) Robert did. His wife (9) .him he

was crazy. But the Dirt Shirts soon became a (10) success, and now his business

is worth 60 million dollars!

Example:

0 on in at to

1 by for from of [1]

2 mixes consists contains involves [1]

3 because although unless therefore [1]

4 purpose aim point reason [1]

5 arrive enter come go [1]

6 as how like so [1]

7 made gave advised recommended [1]

8 what how that which [1]

9 said called replied told [1]

10 large high long great [1]

[Turn over
Questions 11 – 20

Complete the message a teenager has left on a website.

For questions 11 – 20, write ONE word in each space.

Example: (0) my

Hi, (0) …my……… name’s Francesco. I was born in Sorrento but I’ve lived in Rome since I was

seven years (11) .................................. I live with my mother, sister and my grandparents in a big

apartment in the centre (12) ............................... the city. My sister is two years older

(13) ……………………. me. (14) ............................... name is Sofia and we both go

(15) .............................. the same school.

My mother's (16) .............................. doctor. She often comes home late so my grandmother

usually cooks dinner (17) ……………………. us. She’s very good (18) …………………….

cooking. My grandfather plays the piano and he sometimes gives (19) ............................... and

my sister lessons after school. I can’t play the piano as well (20)................................ my sister

but I’m going to practise more. I’m sure that if I do this, I’ll get better.

[Total: 10 marks]
Questions 21 – 25

Complete the conversation between two friends.

What does Becca say to Susan?
For questions 21 – 25, write the correct letter A – H.

Example:

Susan: Hi, Becca. Why weren’t you at school yesterday?

Becca: C……
0 ……

Susan: Oh, nothing too bad, I hope?

A I won’t – and I’ll bring some balls as well.
Becca : 21 ………… [1]
B Why not? It’s nice and sunny. What time
Susan: What did the doctor say? is best for you?

Becca : 22 ………… [1] C I wasn’t feeling very well.

Susan: Well, do you still want to play tennis D I’ll wait for you outside the sports centre.
today?
E Yes, I know we can.
Becca: 23 ………… [1]
F I didn’t see one. My mum told me to
Susan: After lunch I think. Where shall we stay at home.
meet?
G Not really. I’m much better now.
Becca: 24 ………… [1]
H I think that’s right, isn’t it?
Susan: OK. And don’t forget your tennis
racket!

Becca: 25 ………… [1]

Susan: Great! I’ve lost all of mine.

[Turn over
Questions 26 - 30

Read the text and questions below.

For each question, circle the correct letter A, B, C or D.

Lisa Thorne talks about her athletics career

From an early age, I used to chase my brother down the street, so I always thought of
myself as a good runner. When I was twelve, I was taken along to the local athletics club
by my sports teacher, Mrs Jones. It was thanks to her that I became interested in athletics
and, shortly afterwards, I started working with my first athletics coach. After that, I was
either training or watching my sporting heroes on TV.

Athletics became my life until I had to make an important decision three years ago.
Someone had given me a guitar and I began to write songs. I sent them off to a record
company and was offered a contract. So then I had to choose between running and
writing songs. I felt sure I could earn more as a songwriter but I wasn't sure what to do.
My parents said I could continue songwriting when I was older, and I agreed with them.
My decision pleased my coach and, looking back, it was the right thing to do. Having
said that, being a professional athlete really does take over every part of your life.

If you are serious about taking up athletics, join your local club. They will help you to
train hard – I train six times a week, twice a day. I have Fridays off, so I get a chance to
rest before weekend competitions. Your diet is important – I make sure that I eat lots of
meat, vegetables and fruit. You also have to give up having a social life and late nights!
But, more than anything else, what has got me to the top is believing in myself.

41 What does the writer provide for the reader in this text?
A advice on how to become a successful athlete
B information on the careers of the writer’s sporting heroes
C a warning about the dangers of being a young athlete
D information on how to find out about your local athletics club
[1]

42 Who first encouraged the writer to become involved in athletics?

A her brother
B a teacher
C her parents
D a coach
[1]
43 Why did the writer decide against having a career in music?
A She thought she could make more money as an athlete.
B She worried about having less free time as a musician.
C She worried about disappointing her athletics coach.
D She thought she could turn to music later on in life.
[1]

44 What does the writer think the key to her success has been?
A training seven days a week
B having a good athletics coach
C eating a healthy diet
D being confident in her ability
[1]

45 Which text message would the writer send to her friend?

A B

C D

[1]
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Section B: Writing
Narrative Writing:
Personify a household object, such as a lamp or a clock, and write a short story from its perspective. How
does it feel to be used by humans every day?
OR
Personify a river or stream and narrate its journey from its source to the ocean. What obstacles does it
encounter along the way, and how does it overcome them?
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[6.5]
Poetry Writing:
Imagine yourself in a quiet forest. Write a haiku describing what you see, hear, or feel around you.
Remember to use the 5-7-5 syllable pattern to capture your observations in three concise lines.

Example:
Leaves whisper softly,
Sunlight dances through the trees,
Peaceful solitude.

[8.5]
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Descriptive Writing:
Imagine you are describing a stormy sea to someone who has never seen it before. Write a descriptive
paragraph using metaphor and simile to convey the power and intensity of the sea's movements. Compare
the sea to something familiar to help your reader visualize and understand its magnitude.
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[5]
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