COLLOCATIONS

Here you have some collocations. It is important to remember them. There are some expressions that need compulsory only one verb.
Have a look to the verbs KEEP, HAVE, COME, TAKE and MAKE.

KEEP

Keep a promise
Keep in touch
Keep someone
Keep quiet
Keep calm
Keep score
Keep a diary
Keep a secret
Keep a journal
Keep records
Keep away
Keep safe
Keep tabs on
Keep in mind
Keep your job


TAKE

Take a shower
Take a chance
Take a seat
Take part
Take time
Take a bite
Take notes
Take it apart
Take a vacations
Take a picture
Take an exam
Take a taxi
Take care
Take a risk
Take a survey
Take medicine


COME

Come to power
Come prepared
Come on time
Come to life
Come last
Come direct
Come cheap
Come up with
Come first
Come to a stop
Come close
Come late
Come into something
Come to an end


MAKE

Make a decision
Make lunch
Make an effort
Make room
Make clear
Make a noise
Make a choice
Make trouble
Make a mistake
Make an offer
Make a wish
Make love
Make payment


HAVE

Have a shower
Have a party
Have rest
Have a baby
Have a break
Have a dream
Have a fight
Have lunch
Have a meeting
Have fun
Have a talk

Synonyms : VOCABULARY MIX

This is a list I will be updating. Don't worry I will post it the first one if there is any change in the number of words in the list. Pay attention!

ABILITY - SKILL
ABLE - CAPABLE
ACCURATE - CORRECT
AID - HELP, ASSIST
ALWAYS - CONSTANTLY
ARRIVE - REACH, COME
BAN - FORBID
BRIEF - SHORT
BEGINNING - START
BROAD - WIDE
BUY - PURCHASE
CALM - QUIET
CARE - CONCERN
CAREFUL - CAUTIOUS
COMPLEX - COMPLICATED
CONCRETE - REAL
CONSCIOUS - AWARE
COZY - COMFORTABLE
CRAZY - INSANE
CRUEL - MEAN
DAMAGE - HURT
DETERMINED - CONVINCED
DIE - EXPIRE
DISAGREE - DIFFER
DISPUTE - DEBATE
DIVIDE - SPLIT
DOUBT - MISTRUST
DRASTIC - EXTREME
DREADFUL - TERRIBLE
DRY - ARID
DUBIOUS - DOUBTFUL
DUMB - STUPID

LISTENING EOI EXAM A2 2013

Exercises from the exam dated June 2013 of the Official School of Languages, Avilés (Asturias), basic level (A2).
Both listenings are with multiple choice answers. Only one option is correct.

Click to listen the two recordings. In this level you can hear the recordings 3 times. Good luck!



EXERCISE 1: BIG BEN

1 Richard and Jackie decided to talk about Big Ben because it is …
 
   A as old as their programme
   B the oldest attraction in London
   C the most interesting clock in Britain

2 Big Ben started working for the first time in…

   A 1589
   B 1859
   C 1985

3 Big Ben is the … bell.

   A smallest
   B biggest
   C heaviest

4 There are … bells in the Tower.

   A 2
   B 4
   C 5

5 The Big Ben bells … to ring.

   A don’t move
   B hit each other
   C move from side to side

6 The bells are … on time.
 
   A never
   B always
   C sometimes

7 Jackie thinks the clock is …

   A electronic
   B better than a modern watch
   C more modern than other clocks

8 Somebody looks after the clock three times a …

   A day
   B week
   C year

9 The numbers on the clocks are …
 
   A British
   B Arabic
   C Roman

10 To go up to the top you have to …

   A pay £3,34
   B have a lot of time
   C walk up 334 steps


EXERCISE 2: THE CHRISTMAS MARKET

1 There are Christmas markets in Germany and several … 
   A English towns
   B Austrian cities
   C European countries

2 Visitors go to these markets to buy presents and to …
   A have fun
   B explore the city
   C see famous people

3 The market in Birmingham is the … outside Germany and Austria.
   A busiest
   B biggest
   C most interesting

4 Some of the people who sell in the market are from …
   A Vienna
   B Frankfurt
   C other cities in the UK

5 In the market, you can buy …
   A beer from Austria
   B decorations and food
   C toys from Birmingham

6 The Christmas market is full of visitors … and at weekends.
   A at lunchtime
   B in the mornings
   C in the evenings

7 A few years ago, … tried to substitute the market but there were protests so nothing changed.
   A people
   B the police
   C politicians

8 There are … other markets in Birmingham.
   A a few
   B many
   C hardly any

9 There is a market where you can buy …
   A clothes
   B animals
   C Christmas CDs

10 The speaker thinks the Christmas market is … the other markets.
   A bigger than
   B the same as
   C more interesting than

Click here to listen

SOLUTIONS LISTENING EOI EXAM A2

EXERCISE 1

1      C
2      B
3      B
4      A
5      B
6      A
7      C
8      B
9      A
10    A

EXERCISE 2

1     Tuesday
2     9.30pm
3     entrance
4     café
5     lions
6     3.00pm
7     games
8     snacks
9     adults´
10    18.75

LISTENING EOI EXAM A2 2016

Exercises from the exam dated June 2016 of the Official School of Languages, Avilés (Asturias), basic level (A2).
One listening with multiple choice answers. Only one option is correct.
In the second listening you have to fill in the gaps with the appropiate word(s) or number(s).

Click to listen the two recordings. In this level you can hear the recordings 3 times. Good luck!

EXERCISE ONE: WORK

1 What does speaker A sell?
A Clothes for men
B Clothes for women
C Clothes for children

2 Does speaker A enjoy his job?
A Sometimes
B Yes, he does
C No, he doesn’t

3 When does speaker B work?
A Weekdays
B Summer holidays
C Weekends and holidays

4 What does speaker B say tourists love doing?
A Taking a boat trip
B Visiting universities
C Swimming in the river

5 Does speaker C like his job?
A Sometimes
B Yes, he does
C No, he doesn´t

6 What does speaker C do?
A He’s a dentist
B He’s an assistant
C He’s a psychologist

7 What does speaker D say is difficult about being a pilot?
A Flying in Europe
B Travelling to many countries
C Flying planes in bad weather

8 What does speaker D say is the best about his job?
A The different weather
B Visiting different places
C Meeting different people

9 Speaker E is a …
A nurse
B doctor
C surgeon

10 What does speaker E not like about his job?
A Working nights
B Working in a big hospital
C Working in the city centre


EXERCISE TWO: FINCHESTER ZOO

1 The zoo is open from____________________ to Sunday.
2 Closing time in summer: ___________________.
3 Meeting place for tour: ___________________.
4 The tour finishes at the___________________.
5 At two o’clock, see the___________________ eat their food.
6 The elephants have their food at ___________________.
7 The zoo shop sells books and ____________________.
8 You can eat some___________________ in the café.
9 ____________________tickets cost £6.85.
10 A family ticket costs £____________________.

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN

Vocabulary - Prepositions

Complete the sentences with the correct word.


ALONG     AMONG     AROUND     BACK     BENEATH     BEYOND     THROUGH     WITHIN



1.   Luke saw his friends ________ the crowd of tourists outside the castle.

2.   I went for a tour ________ the city and was impressed by how beautiful it was.

3.   In Rome there are kilometres of tunnels _________ the city.

4.   It was getting late so we decided to head __________ the campsite.

5.   It was really relaxing taking a walk _________ the river.

6.   In the distance, ________ the mountain range, there is a huge lake.

7.   Our guide led us ________ the caves and showed us their interesting features.

8.   Many important events have happened ________ the walls of this palace.






EXPLANATION:
Along means following the length of the path
Among means in the midst of a group.
Around means in a circle or circling something.
Back means the reverse side or returning.
Beneath means below or under.
Beyond means in the distance, further.
Through means penetrate. In one side, out another.
Within means on the inside.


SOLUTION (select the area to find out the answers):
1. AMONG
2. AROUND
3. BENEATH
4. BACK
5. ALONG
6. BEYOND
7. THROUGH
8. WITHIN

Tips for writings: SUMMARY

A summary includes only the most important information in an article.

PLAN:

Ideas are organised into one cohesive paragraph with simple language. There are no unnecessary examples, details or personal information. Use only about 60 words.

EXAMPLE: Zoos - Then and now.

• Paragraph 1: Zoos first built for entertainment.
• Paragraph 2: Now zoos are changing. Save animals from extinction.
• Paragraph 3: Zoos now planned differently: take into account health and safety of animals and visitors. Educational role is now important.

Tips for writings: STORY

In a narrative, you are basically telling a story, which can be exciting, serious, informative or amusing.

PLAN:

• Opening: Give details of the time, place, main character and atmosphere.
• Body: Describe the events as they happened.
• Closing: End the story by stating the final details or consequences.

EXAMPLE:     Write a story about an occasion when everything went wrong.

• Opening: Dominic, driver, alone, cold and wet night.
• Body: Car stopped - couldn't fix it - thunderstorm - mobile phone didn't work.
• Closing: Frightened - no help - someone near his car - his father!

USEFUL LANGUAGE:

• When
• While
• Before / After
• As soon as
• By the time
• Until
• During
• Yesterday / the previous day / the following day / a week later...
• It all began when...
• Suddenly
• Meanwhile
• At last / in the end / finally
• Later / next

Tips for writings: OPINION ESSAY

In an opinion essay, we express and justify our personal opinion on a particular subject.

PLAN:

• Opening: State the topic.
• Body: Give facts and examples. When you introduce a new idea, begin a new paragraph.
• Closing: Say your opinion.

EXAMPLE:     Does the Internet cause more harm than good?

• Opening: Does the Internet cause harm? 
• Body: 
• Internet breaks geographical, social and personal barriers.
• Innocent surfers are not usually harmed by the Internet.
• Closing: If you use the Internet properly, it will change your life!

USEFUL LANGUAGE:

• In my opinion
• As I see it
• It seems to me that
• It is clear that
• I think/feel/believe
• I agree/disagree
• Obviously
• Clearly
• As far as I'm concerned
• Personally
• (Un)Fortunately
• Of course

Tips for writings: PROCESS FOR SUCCESSFUL WRITING

1. BRAINSTORMING
1. Make sure that you have understood the topic. Then very quickly write down all the ideas that you can think of.
2. PLANNING
1. Group similar ideas together.
2. Cross out any irrelevant ideas.
3. Give each group a name.
4. Number the groups in a logical order.
3. FAST WRITING
1. Quickly write down your points for each of the main ideas. If you can't think of a word in English, write it in your own language. Don't write complete sentences and don't worry about spelling. At this stage, your ideas are more important!
4. DRAFTING
1. Now you are ready to begin writing, using your plan from Step 2.
2. Write in pencil. Leave wide margins for notes. Leave space between lines for additions and corrections.
3. Write quickly. Don't worry about neatness or accuracy.
5. IMPROVING
1. When you have finished writing the first draft, you will almost certainly need to improve it. Read your paragraph/essay again and clearly mark the things that you need to improve.
6. GIVING FEEDBACK
1. Read again and make suggestions. Ask for another opinion if neccesary.
7. PRESENTING
1. When you are satisfied with your work, present it in a neat, attractive manner. Be sure to include all your corrections and your paragraphs clearly indicated.

Reading Comprehension: 1

Topics for an oral exam: DAILY LIFE

TOPIC: DAILY LIFE

1. What are some things you do every day?

2. What are some good habits you have?

3. Do you have any bad habits?

4. Can your group give you any advice for your bad habits?

5. What is something you should do every day but you don't?

6. What are some activities you like to do?

7. How much do you exercise every week?

8. What is a successful life? What habits should you have to have a successful life?

9. What three habits will improve your life?

10. What are some habits that can improve your English ability?

11. What is something you do about once a week, month or year?

12. How life-style has changed in the recent days?

13. If you could live anyone's life, which person would you choose?

14. What things would you change in your life to make it better?

15. Can you think of any differences between daily life in your country and another one?

Topics for an oral exam: THE MEDIA

TOPIC: THE MEDIA

1. Where do you get your news from?

2. How important is it for people to follow the news?

3. Do you think that news agencies sometimes tell lies to make a story more popular?

4. How much do you trust newspapers, tv or news from the internet?

5. Which is the most reliable source of information?

6. What kind of news interest you the most?

7. Do you think the news is too depressing?

8. How has techonology changed the way we consume news?

9. What is the purpose of news companies in society?

10. Should news be more entertaining or informative?

11. Would you ever consider getting a job in the news industry?

12. What do you think about how the news is reported in your country?

13. Are people nowadays more interested in gossip or global news?

14. Do you think it is important to be updated?

15. How the media has changed in the recent years?

Topics for an oral exam: SPORTS

TOPIC: SPORTS

1. What are some sports you like watching?

2. What are some sports you dislike? Why?

3. Would you like to learn how to play a particular sport or activity? Which one?

4. Do you play any sports?

5. Why are sports so popular?

6. Do you know of any interesting or strange sport or activity?

7. What two sports would you like to mix?

8. Do you prefer to watch sports or play them?

9. What do you think is the most dangerous sport?

10. What do you think of athletes making so much money?

11. Do you think there are differences between women and men in sports?

12. Why football is the most famous sport in the world?

13. Do you like winter sports?

14. Would you like to try extreme sports?

15. Do you prefer being part of a team or playing alone?

Topics for an oral exam: SCIENCE & TECH

TOPIC: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

1. Talk about how technology has changed in your lifetime.
2. What do you think has been the most important invention in the last 100 years?
3. Are there any new gadgets that you really want to get?
4. What do you think will be the next biggest techonological advance?
5. How can countries help to create more inventors?
6. What is your favourite piece of technology you own?
7. How will computers change in the future?
8. Do you think that there will be more or less new innovation in the future?
9. Is there a piece of technology that you really want that doesn't exist?
10. Give some examples of technology that have made the world worse.
11. What do you think is the most important thing that humans have created?
12. Do you think that people will travel outside of our solar system? How will they get there?
13. What are the possibilities of technology in clothing?
14. Is science always a good thing?
15. Do you trust science?
16. What has science done for humankind?
17. What is the future of transportation?
18. Do you like new gadgets or do you prefer to use technology you are confortable with?
19. Do really techonology help people in their lives?
20. Do you think people are addicted to techonology?

Topics for an oral exam: HOUSE

TOPIC: HOUSE

1. Are you a "house and home" person?

2. What is your favourite thing about your home?

3. What is your dream house?

4. What home improvements would you like to make to your home?

5. Do you like being at home alone?

6. Do you like the houses in other countries?

7. What comes to mind when you hear the word "home"?

8. Are you a stay-at-home person or a going-out person?

9. Do/would you like to own your own house?

10. Do you like the location of your home?

11. Do you get jealous of other people's homes?

12. Is there anything you hate about your home?

13. Would you like to work at home?

14. Do you agree that "home is where the heart is"?

15. Would you rather live in a house or an apartment?

16. Would you participate in a tv show to redecorate your house?

17. What makes a house feel like home?

18. Would you like to live in the countryside?

19. What about those "new-age" houses?

20. Describe your house.

Topics for an oral exam: EDUCATION

TOPIC: EDUCATION

1. How important do you think education is?

2. Do you think you had a good education?

3. What would the world be like if everyone had access to good education?

4. Does your government really care about education?

5. In which country do you think you can receive the best education? Why?

6. Is the level of education in your country good?

7. What do you think about single-sex education?

8. What would you do to improve the educational system in your country?

9. When does education begin?

10. Would you like to work in education?

11. Is education only an academic issue?

12. What kind of qualifications do you think a government's education minister needs?

13. Is your educational system different from your parents'?

14. What students need to be more efficient?

15. What are the pros and cons of studying in public schools?

Topics for an oral exam: TRAVELLING

TOPIC: TRAVELLING

1. Do you like travelling?

2. What is "travel" for you?

3. What different kinds of travelling are there?

4. What's the best place you've ever been to?

5. What's the best kind of travelling for you?

6. Would you like to go travelling for a few years non-stop?

7. What are the good and bad things of travelling?

8. Where do you want to travel before you die?

9. What are the pros and cons of travelling in first class and backpacking?
10. Where did you spend your last vacation?
11. What are the benefits of travelling alone?
12. What is the longest journey you have ever made?
13. Would you like to travel to the moon?
14. What would make you wiser - Travel around the world for 10 years or reading 10.000 books?
15. What are the things you always take with you to a trip?

Topics for an oral exam: CINEMA

TOPIC: CINEMA

1. What do you think of when you hear the word "film"?

2. Would you like to work in the film industry?

3. Which film would you like to live in?

4. What's the best film you've ever seen? Why?

5. Do you prefer watching movies at the cinema or on TV?

6. Who is the biggest movie hero ever?

7. Which country makes the best films?

8. Who are your favourite film star? Why?

9. Are movies good for us?

10. Do you think films make people more violent?

11. What film genre do you like the most?

12. What things make a film great?

13. If you could make a movie, what would it be about?

14. Do you prefer to watch a good film, documentary or match?

15. Who do you prefer to watch films? Why?

16. What people do during films that really annoys you?

17. Which is more important, acting or special effects?

18. Do you cry during movies?

19. Is it usual in your country to go to the cinema?

20. What is the worst film you've ever seen? Why?

Topics for an oral exam: PEOPLE

TOPIC: PEOPLE

1. What is the first thing you notice about a person?

2. What do the clothes someone wears say about a person?

3. Is there a part of your appearance that you are very proud of?

4. What is the most interesting haircut you have seen?

5. Have you ever gone through the entire day without noticing something was wrong with your appearance?

6. What kind of things do you do to improve/maintain your appearance?

7. Are there any fashion tends in the past you followed but think are silly looking now?

8. How long does it take you to get ready in the morning?

9. Have you ever been intimidated by someone's appearance?

10. Do people in your country talk a lot about other people's appearance?

11. Is it rude to tell a person that they need to improve their appearance?

12. What is the most attractive quality in a person?

13. Do you think physique ir more important than personality?

14. What is your best quality?

15. In your opinion, what physical and personal qualities make a person attractive?