Pte c2 Test 1

PTE C2 - Level 5 - Pr Test 1-TB_City Guilds B2-Pr-TEST-1-TB new.
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PTE General
Pearson Test of English
Level 5
Level
C2
Practice Test 1
SECTIONS
SKILLS
Listening
Listening and
writing
10
(5 listening
5 writing)
Listening
10
Reading
Reading
Reading
Reading
Writing
10
Writing
10
TOTAL
SCORE POINTS
TIME
10
2 hours and
55 minutes
75
Please check the table above for the total time given to complete the written test at this level and score points
available for each section. Please use the accompanying audio files for sections 1-3.
The written test is scored out of 75 points in total at all levels.
49
PTE C2 - Level 5 - Pr Test 1-TB_City Guilds B2-Pr-TEST-1-TB new.qxd 8/18/2010 12:22 PM Page 50
Test 1
LISTENING
Section 1
You will have 10 seconds to read each question and the corresponding options. Then
listen to the recording. After the recording you will have 10 seconds to choose the
correct option. Put a cross X in the box next to the correct answer, as in the example.
Example. Listen to the man speaking. What is he doing?

A
complaining about tax evaders
trying to calculate his taxes
C X
arguing that a process is unfair
6. What is the womans reaction

1. What did Brian Mayweather do before his death?
A
to the man?
he was a barman
she is sympathetic and helpful
B X he was a politician
C
he was a radio presenter
she is genuinely concerned and supportive
2. What does this advert suggest?
C X she thinks he is overreacting

7. Why does the man not like working
we spend too much money on ourselves
with strong personalities like himself?
the foundation only wants you to contribute 5
C X we can afford to contribute to the foundation
people with similar personalities always clash
B X they arent sensitive to the people around them

C
they cause immediate worker morale problems
3. Who is the speaker?

A
a pole-vaulter
B X a politician
C
a party/event organiser
4. What is the products main
8. What is the womans job?

A
a nurse
B X a police officer
C
a teacher
selling point?
A
reliability
extra features
C X price
5. What is the mans reaction
9. What is the mans probable

line of work?
A
a construction worker
a craftsman
C X an engineer
to what the woman says?

A
he mostly agrees with her
he empathises with what shes said
C X he thinks she is looking for sympathy
10. What is she probably

talking about?
A
her employment prospects
B X her projected pension

C
her savings account
50
10 marks
TEST 1
LISTENING
Section 2
You will hear a recording about wartime experiences. Listen to the whole recording
once. Then you will hear the recording again with pauses for you to write down
what you hear. Make sure you spell the words correctly.
11.
Never had I been so terrified.
I was totally isolated and seemingly abandoned as well.
Not knowing what to do, I determined to head southwards for no particular
reason that I was consciously aware of.
It was a decision that would ultimately save my life though as I was
fortuitously rescued not long afterwards.
10 marks
51
LISTENING
Section 3
You will hear a telephone conversation. First, read the notes below, then listen
and complete the notes with information from the conversation.
pupils
Example: The results of a recent study indicate computers can be good for .............................
.
concentration
12. Students mathematical skills, attendance, punctuality and .............................................
are improved
by playing computer games.
enhanced
13. As well as performing better, students also experience .................................................
collegiality.
(100-question) arithmetic test by 50%.
14. Students improved their scores on an .................................................
lowest-achieving
15. The most obvious improvement was evident in the .................................................
students.
education
16. The computer has the potential to play a very positive role in child .................................................
.
You will hear a talk. First, read the notes below, then listen and complete the
notes with information from the talk.
possess a 2:1 before many employers will even consider them for a job.
Example: Graduates must ......................
few/scarce
17. Because jobs are so ...........................................
employers can be picky about who they recruit.
vacancies / available jobs has fallen by 7% this year.
18. The number of ...............................................
33
19. About ........................................
percent of jobseekers are being rejected before they have had
the opportunity to have an interview.
remained
20. Starting salaries have ...........................................
at 25,000 for the past two and a half years.
recovery
21. David Sinclair thinks the ........................................
process will be slower than previously thought.
This is the end of the listening section of the test. Now go on to the other sections of the test.
10 marks
52
TEST 1
READING
Section 4
Read each text and put a cross (X) by the missing word or phrase,
as in the example.
Example
Of all the things that Ironmakers Inc could have done, few analysts would have predicted a
public share offering of this kind. I think that was the ............... any of us expected to happen.
A
only thing
first thing
C X
last thing
22.
It was not until he realized that his bag had been stolen from right under his nose that George
began to panic and ............................. of stress.
A X
show signs
demonstrate examples
express indications
23.
Although we really had to push ourselves hard to complete this project, the fact is our efforts
have certainly .............................. based on the enormous amount of revenue weve managed to
generate in the last eight weeks.
A
been in vain
B X
paid off
shown off
53
READING
Section 4
24.
Having raced home from work, he was ............................... to watch the match. If only the result
had been a more favourable one!
A X
just in time
in no time
out of time
25.
There has been an incident involving multiple vehicles on the M1 motorway this evening.
Drivers are encouraged to avoid the M1 between Bray and Greystones if ................................... .
A
B
it was probable
at all possible
at any cost
26.
Unless the baby starts showing signs of flu again, I really wouldnt panic. He seems to be over
the worst of it at this stage. Just keep ........................... on him for the next few days and monitor
the situation. If anything changes, be sure to call me.
A
very aware
B X
an eye
attending
5 marks
54
TEST 1
READING
Section 5
Read the passage and answer the questions below. Put a cross (X) in the box
next to the correct answer, as in the example.
Get on your bike!

Its official! The benefits of cycling in an urban environment outweigh the risks posed by air pollution and accidents,
according to a new study which has just concluded.
Researchers at Dover Institute of Science analyzed data from a number of international studies on the benefits of
exercise and the dangers posed by traffic exhaust fumes and traffic hazards. They then proceeded to estimate the
likely health impact were say 500,000 English adults to make the switch from driving to cycling for one round trip of
about ten kilometers a day.
It should come as no surprise, considering the smoggy environs of our major cities and towns, that cycling, even for
such a short length of time, can and does lead to significant exposure to the components of car exhaust fumes, such
as soot, which may contribute to a heightened risk of developing respiratory and heart problems later in life. Indeed,
because cyclists tend to breathe almost twice as deeply as car drivers, they tend to inhale larger amounts of air pollutants generally.
It was also established that the risk of dying in a fatal traffic accident is nearly four times greater for cyclists than
for car drivers.
Now, you might be asking yourself, hang on a minute, why should I park the car in the garage then and use the
two-wheeler? Well, it seems that the health benefits are about nine times greater than the risks. By switching to your
bike, you would live up to fourteen months longer due to increased physical activity. On the other hand, the risks
cycling-converts would face would be losing about forty days of life due to increased exposure to pollutants in the air
and an average of say nine days from a fatal traffic accident.
And if switching to the bike isnt just good for you, it seems its good for everybody. It would eliminate about half a
million car trips every day, leading to reduced air pollution, reduced traffic congestion and a better quality of life for
all urbanites.
So now you have no excuses; don your best pair of cycling shorts and peddle to work in the morning its better
for us all!
Example: What were the findings of this new study?

A
that cycling is extremely dangerous
B
that cycling is more hazardous than driving
C X that cycling in urban areas has more
benefits than risks
27. What did the researchers try to calculate?
A X the health consequences related to
a large-scale lifestyle change
B
how many people would be willing to swap
cars for bikes
C
how many people cycle for at least 10km
every day
28. What did the study say about long-term health
risks for cyclists?
A
cyclists might inhale larger amounts of
air pollutants in the future
B
there is a four-times-greater risk of dying
in a car than on a bike
C X cyclists may have breathing difficulties
in the long-term
29. What did the scientists conclude about the risks and
benefits of cycling?
A
the risks are about nine times greater than
the benefits
B
the benefits are significantly fewer than the risks
C X the benefits of cycling vastly outnumber the risks
30. What is the main benefit to the individual who
switches to his bicycle?
A
he will only be exposed to pollutants for
40 days
B
he will live longer
C X he will have a longer life expectancy
31. What does the study say about the expected impact
of more people deciding to cycle rather than use
their cars on urbanites generally?
A X all city dwellers would have an enhanced
quality of life
B
urbanites would experience further pollution
and less traffic
C
traffic congestion and air pollution would be
all but eliminated
5 marks
55
READING
Section 6
Read the web article below and answer the questions.
Nick Dogherty could be forgiven for thinking he leads a charmed life; such has been the good fortune hes had of
late. First, he inherited the presenters seat on the longest running chat show on Irish TV. Many thought he would
fail, but viewing figures have been on the up and up ever since he became host. In fact, the viewers have turned on
in their hundreds of thousands every Friday night without fail.
Then, he landed a high-profile radio slot on Irelands biggest radio station and this new show has, while not quite
the instant hit that was his TV show, been a steady performer nonetheless.
Now comes the news that Englands national TV and Radio broadcaster has also offered him a programme to present over the summer. So spoilt for choice is Dogherty that he was able to turn down this offer citing the fact that his
schedule is already brimful understandable when you factor in the writing of his new book on President Kennedy
due for release in the autumn. Is there anything this 37-year-old cannot put his hand to?
a charmed life
Example:
What kind of life does it seem like Nick Dogherty leads? ......................................
....
32. What have been increasing ever since Dogherty became the presenter of Irelands longest
viewing figures
running chat show? ....................................................................................................................................
33. On what did Dogherty get a new high-profile show more recently?
(Irelands biggest) radio station
.......................................................................................................................................................................
34. What was Doghertys schedule like when he received an offer from England?
busy/hectic/brimful
.......................................................................................................................................................................
35. What is Dogherty working on at the moment that he plans to have ready for sale soon?
a/his new book (on President Kennedy)
.......................................................................................................................................................................
Due to the current economic situation, an old-fashioned
notion has made a comeback in the services industry.
The idea of getting value for money seemed consigned
to history during the good years. There was easy money
floating around everywhere and people were only too
happy to splash their cash and spend excessively to satisfy their every whim without even sparing a thought for
whether they were getting good value for their not so
hard-earned cash. Well, not anymore.
Suddenly were back in a demand-driven climate and not
only must companies provide worthwhile services to
their customers, but they must also do so at a fair price
heaven forbid! The old saying the customer is always

right has never been more true than it is today.
John Clemmins, head of the Consumer Rights
Association, welcomes the change. I think its about
time companies stopped trying to rip off their customers
and were forced to show some concern for their needs.
For much of the past decade, customers have been
forced to endure shoddy service. Finally, now that people have to be more careful with their money, they are
starting to wise up to the businesses conmen trying to
give them a raw deal. Now, they have the power and
they can demand more for their money.
the economic situation

Example:
What has caused an old-fashioned idea to become popular again? .............................................
....
36. What was plentiful during the good years?
(easy) money / cash
.......................................................................................................................................................................
37. What must companies offer their customers in the current economic climate?
worthwhile services / a fair price / value for money services
.......................................................................................................................................................................
38. Who were companies trying to take advantage of before the change according to John Clemmins?
their customers / consumers
.......................................................................................................................................................................
39. What used some business try to trick customers into getting?
a raw deal
......................................................................................................................................................
56
8 marks
TEST 1
READING
Section 7
Read the web article and complete the notes. Write no more than
three words in each gap from the article.
The Spaniard who Mastered Grass

Its the day after yesterday, nothing out of the ordinary to report really. The dry spell has continued, weve been
blessed with some pleasant sunshine, and theres not a shower in sight for the next week or two as has been the case
for at least a month now. Same old same old really. Oh, and Rafael Nadal has won his second Wimbledon title.
Indeed, you could be forgiven for talking about this tennis phenomenon, this master of the courts, in such a nonchalant and matter of fact way because it has become pretty normal to expect such extraordinary things from this
extraordinary young Spaniard. Five years ago, Nadal broke onto the world stage and brushed away all before him to
win the French Open and become the King of Clay.
It was soon clear that the kid had talent and that his talent reigned supreme on the clay courts of Paris, but many
labeled him a one-trick-pony. Sure he had a swashbuckling forehand, a penetrating backhand, could match anyone
from the back of the court and had arms the size of tree trunks, but there are four different tennis surfaces and a
true great can master all four as the skeptics were quick to point out.
And it wasnt long before they had some ammunition. For the next couple of years, Nadal failed to win any of the
other major tournaments and often went out in the early rounds. He struggled at Wimbledon, the Australian Open
and the US. The aura of fear that surrounded him in Paris disintegrated as soon as he walked out the gates of
Roland-Garos.
But not everyone lost faith. There was something different about this kid. Many had overlooked his age he wasnt even 20 when he won his first major title. Nadal had time to improve, lots of time in fact before he reached his
peak and a wise few knew it. There was another factor which gave them cause for hope. Nadal was proving himself
a supreme fighter and match-player time and time again. He showed all the great qualities of a champion. Unlike so
many clay court specialists who gave up on the grass and hard courts, Nadal simply tried even harder.
Then, finally, in 2008, the breakthrough his supporters had been waiting for. Not only did Rafael Nadal conquer
his most difficult surface and win the most important prize in tennis the Wimbledon Crown but he did so by
beating Roger Federer, the man many regarded as the greatest tennis player to have ever lived and certainly the
most prolific grass-courter of his generation. Put simply, Nadal beat the best player in the world on his weakest and
that players strongest surface. Go figure
Two years later, the kid is barely 24, hasnt even reached his peak and has already racked up a total of 8 grand
slams. He is also humble, well-mannered and charming. He heaps praise on his opponents and never talks himself
up. Rafa is my hero and Im nearly twice his age! Nothing this kid is going to achieve could surprise me. And to the
doubters - hate to say I told you so!
in sight
Example: There is not a shower ................................
for the next few weeks.
defeated / beat /
40. In the process of winning the French Open five years ago, Nadal ....................................
all his opponents.
brushed away
master / be great at
41. To be considered a great champion, you have to ................................................
all the different surfaces.
aura of fear
42. As soon as Nadal left Paris and the French Open, the ..........................................
around him disappeared.
give up (trying) / resign
43. Nadal was different to most clay court specialists because he didnt ................................................
on other types of courts.
of his generation / that has ever
44. Many people regarded Roger Federer as the best grass court player ..................................................
. lived
8 / eight
45. Nadal has so far collected ................................................
major titles.
heaps praise
46. Nadal never makes himself sound too good and always ................................................
on the people
he plays against.
7 marks
57
WRITING
Section 8
Use the information in Section 7 to help you write your answer.
47. You have read the article about Rafael Nadal. An English language magazine has invited readers to submit
letters expressing their views on the subject What makes a winner. Write your letter in about 150 200
words and include the following information:
A brief outline of Nadals journey to success
What characteristics you think made him a champion/winner
What characteristics all winners need to possess - explain why

Write your answer below.
10
marks
Section 9
Choose one of the topics below and write your answer in 250-300 words.
48. A) Write an essay in response to the following question:

Stars of the sporting world have become role models for the youth of today, but are they the sort of role models
we should be promoting?
Or
48. B) Write a contribution to a website blog about tolerance of people who are different. Use experiences
from your own life as examples to support your points and make some suggestions for how to encourage
people to become more tolerant and understanding towards people who choose to lead a different or
unusual lifestyle.
Write your answer here.
58
10
marks
PTE C2 - Level 5 - SPEAKING_City Guilds B2-Pr-TEST-1-TB new.qxd 8/18/2010 11:09 AM Page 34
Test 1
SPEAKING
SPOKEN TEST
INSTRUCTIONS FOR INTERLOCUTORS
[Start the test with the following]
Good morning/afternoon. My names ..

Could you tell me your name, please?
[Begin test]
SECTION 10 (2 minutes)
[Put one of the main prompts to the test taker and allow them to speak continuously for up to 1.5 minutes. Use the related follow-up prompts to encourage them to continue talking]
Now Id like you to speak on your own for about 1.5 minutes.
Main prompt 1:
Do you pay a lot of attention to your image the way you dress and the way you look?
Please give reasons for your answer.
Follow-up prompts:
To what extent do you agree that first impressions count?
Do you think society is obsessed with image and appearance?
Do you think we are likely to become more or less superficial in the future?
Why, in your opinion, is material wealth very important to so many people?
Main prompt 2:
Do you take more than just a casual interest in politics? Please explain your answer.
Follow-up prompts:
What do you think are the reasons why so few young people in general vote or show any interest in politics?
What can be done to make politics more relevant to young people?
Given the power to change the political system, what would you do?
What characteristics would you look for and admire in a politician?
Main prompt 3:
Tell me about a national festival or celebration in your country that you have attended.
Follow-up prompts:
Do you think that as the world becomes more globalised, traditions unique to certain areas will die out?
Is a globalised world a good or a bad thing in your opinion? Please justify your answer.
What is the value of preserving ones culture and traditions?
What role does technology play in globalisation? Please mention specific examples.
Main prompt 4:
They say that today there is no such thing as a job for life anymore.
Do you agree with this statement? Explain why or why not.
Follow-up prompts:
What do you think are the main factors people consider when choosing a career?
Do you think status is the most important aspect of a job? Please explain your answer.
Do you agree that women and men are equally suited to all jobs? Please explain your answer using examples.
Are women still discriminated against in the workplace and if so, to what extent and where?
34
TEST 1
SPEAKING
Now, we are going to discuss something together. The question is:
Young people have never had life easier than they do today. What do you think?
[Use the following arguments as appropriate to take an opposing view to that of the test taker]
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Agree:
Young people have more opportunities today than ever before. They get a good education and a great start in life.
Young people today are given more than any previous generation. They have more money, more clothes and more
possessions.
Young people are free to express their opinions and speak up for themselves. They have a lot of independence.
This wasnt always the case.
Young people used to have to work from a very young age to help support the family. Not anymore!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Disagree:
There is a huge amount of stress and pressure on young people today caused by exams and competition to succeed.
Today young people are forced to grow up too quickly; they no longer get to enjoy their childhood and innocence.
The media places a lot of pressure on young people to look perfect. It creates unreasonable expectations.
The fact that the suicide rate among young people is so high clearly shows that their lives arent easy.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Now, here are two pictures showing people and animals together.
These pictures are being considered for the illustration of an article called Animals and People. Please tell me what you can see
in the pictures.
[Hand the pictures to the test taker]
[Allow the test taker to speak for about 1 minute, then put this secondary prompt to them]
Which of these pictures would you choose for the article and why?
[Retrieve the pictures]
35
TEST 1
SPEAKING
Now, we are going to take part in a role play. Here is a card with the situation on it.
[Hand the card to the test taker]
[Allow up to 15 seconds to study the card]
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Test takers card
The situation: You have returned to the clothes shop where you bought a new top last week. The top is one size too small.
Your goal: Find a way to solve this problem.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Interlocutors script
You have returned to the clothes shop where you bought a new top last week. The top is one size too small.
I am the shop assistant.
Alright? You start.
Hello. How can I help you?

Why didnt you check the size before you bought it?
Have you brought your receipt?
Im sorry but the top you bought was the last in stock. Were sold out Im afraid so an exchange wont be possible.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------[Retrieve the card]

Thank you. That is the end of the test.
36

Pte c2 Test 1

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Example. Listen to the man speaking. What is he doing?

complaining about tax evaders

trying to calculate his taxes

arguing that a process is unfair

6. What is the womans reaction

she is sympathetic and helpful

she is genuinely concerned and supportive

2. What does this advert suggest?

C X she thinks he is overreacting

we spend too much money on ourselves

with strong personalities like himself?

the foundation only wants you to contribute 5

C X we can afford to contribute to the foundation

people with similar personalities always clash

B X they arent sensitive to the people around them

they cause immediate worker morale problems

3. Who is the speaker?

8. What is the womans job?

9. What is the mans probable

to what the woman says?

he mostly agrees with her

he empathises with what shes said

C X he thinks she is looking for sympathy

10. What is she probably

her employment prospects

B X her projected pension

Get on your bike!

Example: What were the findings of this new study?

heaven forbid! The old saying the customer is always

the economic situation

The Spaniard who Mastered Grass

Use the information in Section 7 to help you write your answer.

A brief outline of Nadals journey to success

What characteristics you think made him a champion/winner

What characteristics all winners need to possess - explain why

48. A) Write an essay in response to the following question:

PTE C2 - Level 5 - SPEAKING_City Guilds B2-Pr-TEST-1-TB new.qxd 8/18/2010 11:09 AM Page 34

Good morning/afternoon. My names ..

PTE C2 - Level 5 - SPEAKING_City Guilds B2-Pr-TEST-1-TB new.qxd 8/18/2010 11:09 AM Page 35

[Retrieve the pictures]

PTE C2 - Level 5 - SPEAKING_City Guilds B2-Pr-TEST-1-TB new.qxd 8/18/2010 11:09 AM Page 36

Hello. How can I help you?

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------[Retrieve the card]

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