IB English B

Question 1

Use an appropriate text type from the options below the task you choose. Write 250 to 400 words.

You recently went on a two-week holiday by yourself. You feel that you learned a lot during your trip, and you want to share your experience with other young people. Write a text in which you share the highlights of the trip and explain how travelling alone can be beneficial for young people.

Article

Blog

Review

Answer keys:

The two aspects of this question are: (i) to share the highlights of the solo trip taken and (ii) to explain how traveling alone can benefit young people. (Equal weight does not have to be given to those two elements, but both should be given some developed attention.)

The first aspect must include details of the holiday. Highlights may include both a positive or a negative experience as long as the focus is on it being memorable. If the highlights are a negative memorable experience, it must not change the conclusion that travelling alone is beneficial for young people. Aspects of a trip that might be considered day-to-day, or listing activities such as waiting for baggage, eating breakfast, without development as to why these were memorable, may indicate a loss of focus. If only one highlight is given and it is fully developed, it would be considered ‘fulfilled’ or ‘fulfilled effectively’ depending on the extent to which the idea is developed. Please accept all reasonable scenarios for the trip.
The second aspect should clearly identify at least one benefit that traveling alone can bring. If only one benefit is identified, it should be fully developed. While personal examples can be given, these must be related to or link to the readers at some point in the text. Scripts that only focus on how the writer benefited, with or without reference to how it benefits the reader, will be considered ‘generally fulfilled’.

Choice of text type:

	Text type & Its convention	Rationale
Appropriate	Blog first person statement and/or narration awareness of the reader, e.g. direct address, a lively and interesting style, etc. closing statement, e.g. invitation to comment, a conclusion drawn, etc.	This text type is suitable for the purpose of sharing personal thoughts with a large audience (“young people”). Young people may relate to teenagers, teens, youth, classmates, etc. Followers, guys, friends, everyone’ do not show understanding unless coupled with phrases like we as young people, you as young people in the body of the text or, in the name of the blog e.g. Teens blog, etc.
Generally appropriate	Article relevant headline/title introduction intended to catch the reader’s attention techniques that engage and interest readers, e.g. direct address	This text type is suitable for communicating a range of messages, but it typically has a more general audience. The choice may be considered ‘appropriate’ if the response identifies the audience (“young people”) and indicates in some way where the article will be published so the audience may access it.
Generally inappropriate	Review title intended to attract and engage the reader name of the reviewer style to engage the reader	Although this text type does allow the expression of personal opinion and recounting events, it is generally used for a specific event which can also be experienced by the reader/audience (a movie, play, art exhibition, restaurant) and not for a general experience (traveling alone).

Register and tone:

Semi-formal with flashes of informality
Positive (to share benefits), enthusiastic, informative

Sample answer (detailed outline):

Title or headline	Create a title that is often engaging or informal Ex: “From Fear to Freedom: How Solo Travel Helped Me Grow”
Introduction	Hook: Start with an engaging line that sets the tone (e.g., “Two weeks, one backpack, and no travel buddy. Sounds scary? It turned out to be the best decision I’ve made this year.”) Purpose: Briefly explain why you’re writing which is to share highlights of your solo trip and encourage other young people to consider traveling alone. Ex: “Trust me, it’s not as lonely as it sounds”.
Body 1	Main point 1: Highlights of the trip Choose 1–2 memorable experiences (positive or negative, but developed). Avoid mundane details. Positive: Ex: go hiking up a mountain at sunrise Describe the scene or activities How do you feel after such an achievement? (exhausted but exhilarated, proud, feeling alive,...) Why was it unforgettable? (mark of independence, beauty, sense of achievement,..) Negative: Ex: getting lost How did you feel and how did you solve it? The lessons you have that experience.
Body 2	Main point 2: Benefits of travelling alone (You can choose one benefit but you have to fully develop it.) Independence and confidence Show how making decisions alone (where to eat, how to get around) built self-trust. Link to readers: “If you’re a student or just starting out in life, solo travel forces you to rely on yourself, and that’s a skill you’ll use everywhere.” Meeting new people How does it help build your capability for a conversation and confidence to talk to strangers, which you rarely have when with friends? Link to readers: “Traveling alone makes you more approachable. People are curious, and you end up with stories you’d never expect.” Freedom and flexibility How do you feel when you don’t have to compromise or argue with anyone? Link to readers: “It’s your trip, your pace, and that’s liberating.”
Conclusion	Wrap-up: Reaffirm that solo travel is beneficial, even if not always easy. Encouragement: Directly address young readers Ex: “If you’ve ever thought about it, don’t wait for the perfect moment or the perfect companion. Pack your bag and go. You’ll come back with more than souvenirs. Can’t wait to hear your adventure.”

Question 2

Use an appropriate text type from the options below the task you choose. Write 250 to 400 words.

You have had a hobby for several years, but you are feeling bored of it. Therefore, you are thinking about trying something different. Write a text in which you consider why you have become bored with your current hobby and explore other activities or hobbies you could do instead.

Blog

Journal

Personal statement

Answer keys:

The two required aspects of the task are (i) to consider why they are feeling bored of their hobby, and (ii) to explore other activities or hobbies they could do instead. (Equal weight does not have to be given to those two elements, but both should be given some developed attention.)

The response should briefly describe or identify the current hobby. The term “hobby” should be interpreted broadly, referring to any activity that is done for enjoyment.
“Explore other activities or hobbies you could do instead” should involve examination of at least two options, i.e. it should be an exploration, as opposed to a description of a single alternative activity or hobby.

Choice of text type:

	Text type & Its convention	Rationale
Appropriate	Journal: first-person narration closing statement to round off the entry no self-evident explanatory phrases (e.g. “I saw Alicia, my best friend”)	This text type is suitable for reflecting on and exploring one’s own thoughts about a personal issue in order to reach a decision.
Generally appropriate	Blog: first person statement and/or narration awareness of the reader, e.g. direct address, a lively and interesting style etc. closing statement, e.g. invitation to comment, a conclusion drawn etc.	The text type is suitable for expressing personal opinion and reflection, but it is typically written for others to read. The text may be considered “appropriate” if the writer makes clear who the audience is and why the content is being shared.
Generally inappropriate	Personal statement: relevant title/heading distinct introduction and conclusion style that is lucid and easy to follow	This text type is a formal document typically used to present a personal summary or opinion to prospective employers. It is usually not used for reflection.

Register and tone:

Informal with possible flashes of semi-formality
Reflective tone; logical when considering other options

Sample answer (detailed outline):

Introduction	Begin with your situation: Ex: “I have always loved <something>, but recently I started to lose interest in it. Therefore, I think it is time to try something new.” Express your frustration or other feelings (anxious, sad, unsure,...) End with an idea to start something new: Ex: “Though this experience affects me in many ways, I do think this is the time for a reset to find new things for myself.”
Body 1	Main point 1: Describing why there is boredom Briefly write about what was your last hobby, how much time, money, or effort you spent on it. What do you feel when you first do the thing you love? (inspirational, happy, relaxed, creative,...) When and why is there boredom? Since when did you feel that your hobby is obligated, boring, and numb rather than the first time excitement? The process has become something contrary to what you first started it (Ex, a chain of repetitive work, no room for creativity, money, or burnout) Does your free time leisure negatively affect your life? (School, work, or your relationships,... )
Body 2	Main point 2: Searching for radical changes Looking into new things The section is the opposite of the reason why you left the last hobby, so make sure its values are different. If you like digital painting, the change should be something that doesn't make you look at a screen, or you can undo it. Ex: “I used to like indoor activities, so I think I should try something more active.” What should you consider about the new hobby? (Does it affect your lifestyle like the last one? Do you need a lot of investment in it? Do you want to take it seriously?…) How are you going to start? (look it up online, ask friends or family, ...)
Conclusion	Summary of Conflict: Conclude by summarizing the dilemma: Do I completely ignore the old hobby and spend most time on the new one? Or do I need more time to think about this? Final Thought: Acknowledge that this sense of boredom is a sign of growth, not failure, and that the search for novelty is the true essence of a hobby.

Question 3

Use an appropriate text type from the options below the task you choose. Write 250 to 400 words.

You just graduated from school. You and your friends marked this occasion with a special celebration that was very meaningful to you. You want to record your thoughts about it. Write a text in which you describe the celebration and consider why it meant so much to you.

Blog

Diary

Speech

Answer keys:

The two required aspects of the task are (i) “describe the celebration” and (ii) “consider why it meant so much to you”. (Equal weight does not have to be given to those two elements, but both should be given some developed attention.)

The celebration in (i) may take any form, provided it involves their friends. This may be a large group of friends, or just a few. Description of the celebration may include preparations, responsibilities, etc. This should be considered relevant if the focus remains on the ‘celebration’ itself rather than the graduation.
Discussion of (ii) should focus principally on the significance of the celebration to the writer, rather than on the act of graduating.

Choice of text type:

	Text type & Its convention	Rationale
Appropriate	Diary first-person narration closing statement to round off the entry no self-evident explanatory phrases (e.g. “I saw Alicia, my best friend”)	The text type is appropriate for the purpose of expressing one’s thoughts about an event or experience that is personal to the writer.
Generally appropriate	Blog first-person statement and/or narration awareness of the reader, e.g. direct address, a lively and interesting style etc. closing statement, e.g. invitation to comment, a conclusion drawn etc.	The text type is suitable for the purpose of expressing one’s thoughts, but it has a wider audience than oneself. The choice may be considered “appropriate” if the text is reflective, but also written in a way that would be engaging for other readers.
Generally inappropriate	Speech catch the audience’s attention at the beginning, and leave a clear impression at the end address the audience and keep contact with them throughout, e.g., use of “we” and “you” etc. elements of speech rhetoric e.g., rhetorical questions, repetition etc	The text type is typically used to communicate with a large, specified audience, on a topic that would be of interest to them. It is not usually used for personal reflection.

Register and tone:

informal register
personal and reflective tone

Sample answer (detailed outline):

Introduction	Date: Begin with something diary-like “Friday night, still buzzing from yesterday…” or “It’s late, but I can’t sleep after what we did.” Mood: Capture your emotions right away, excitement, nostalgia, disbelief that school is over. Purpose: Note why you’re writing which is to remember the celebration and reflect on why it mattered so much.
Body 1	Main point 1: Describing the celebration Focus on the celebration itself, not the graduation ceremony. Include vivid, personal details. Preparations: Who organized it? Any special effort (decorations, music playlist, choosing a place)? Mention small but meaningful details (e.g., someone baked a cake, everyone chipped in for food). The event: Where it happened (friend’s house, rooftop, beach, café). What you did (dancing, singing, sharing stories, playing games, watching the sunrise). Highlight one or two memorable moments (e.g., a heartfelt toast, a funny accident, a quiet moment with close friends.) Ex: Informal, like you’re reliving it. “We laughed so hard my stomach hurt,” “Honestly, I’ll never forget that song blasting while we all shouted the lyrics.”
Body 2	Main point 2: Why did it mean so much? Personal Meaning: It wasn’t about grades or diplomas, but about friendship, shared memories, and the feeling of closing a chapter together. Maybe it felt like a rite of passage: the last time you were all together before life changes. Emotional Impact: Sense of belonging, gratitude, or bittersweet realization that things won’t be the same. Example: “Looking around, I realized these people shaped who I am. That’s why it mattered.” Connection to the future: How did the celebration give you courage, hope, or motivation for what’s next? Link to readers: “I guess anyone finishing school would understand. It’s not the ceremony, it’s the people you share it with.”
Conclusion	Wrap-up: End with a diary-style reflection: “I don’t know when we’ll all meet like this again, but I’ll carry it with me.” Tone: Personal, slightly sentimental, informal: “It wasn’t fancy, but it was perfect.”

Question 4

Use an appropriate text type from the options below the task you choose. Write 250 to 400 words.

You recently spent time talking with a teenager from a culture different to your own. You found the experience very rewarding, and you want to express your thanks. Write a text reflecting on your meeting with your new friend and explaining what you have learned from the conversation.

Journal

Email

News report

Answer keys:

The two required aspects of the task are (i) “reflecting on your meeting with your new friend” and (ii) “explaining what you have learned from the conversation”. (Equal weight does not have to be given to those two elements, but both should be given some developed attention.)

Discussion of (i) may include background information about the meeting (e.g. how or where they met the teenager), the activities made and/or the ideas discussed. This should be accepted as long as they are reflected on and there is some sense of focus on the conversation itself.
Ideas presented should include at least some cultural aspects, which was interesting/inspiring to the writer.
The text should convey a sense of thanks or gratitude for the experience.
The two aspects of the question “reflect” and “explain” may be presented in an overlapping manner and thus may not be presented separately.

Choice of text type:

	Text type & Its convention	Rationale
Appropriate	Email clear sense of address to a specific person statement of Subject in the heading appropriate opening and closing salutations	The text type is appropriate for sending a personal communication to a recipient known to the writer (‘new friend’).
Generally appropriate	Journal first person narration closing statement to round off the entry no self-evident explanatory phrases (e.g. “I saw Alicia, my best friend”)	The text type is appropriate for reflection, but would not communicate those ideas to an external audience. The choice may be considered “appropriate” if the response makes clear that they are expressing thanks for the experience more generally, rather than to the new friend.
Generally inappropriate	News report relevant title/headline neutral/objective style, e.g. presents ideas with only minimal embellishment (if any) clearly presented layout, e.g. sub-headings, short brief paragraphs/sections, etc.	While this text type could describe the meeting and lessons learned, it would lack the direct personal connection between writer and reader as it is a mass media text.

Register and tone:

Informal with possibly some semi-formal flashes
Friendly, excited, grateful tone

Sample answer (detailed outline):

Introduction	Subject: A thank you to my friend To: [Name/Title of their contact] From: [Your email address] Date: [Current Date]
Body 1	Main point 1: Greetings and reflection on the meeting Start immediately with a thank you for their time (grateful tone) Ex: “I want to thank you for having a conversation with me the other day.” Setting the scene: Where did you go? What are your emotions? (a little awkward, easy to talk despite the differences) Reflect on the conversation itself: Highlight the openness and honesty of the exchange. Reflect on how time seemed to fly by because the conversation was so engrossing. (Ex: "It was a truly *invaluable* exchange of ideas.") Express genuine admiration for their perspective and ability to articulate their culture.
Body 2	Main point 2: What have you learned through the conversation? Daily life/societal norms: Explain one specific thing that helps broaden your horizon on daily life. Ex: “I learned that the emphasis on multi-generational respect in your culture means family decisions are approached much more collectively than they are in mine. I was fascinated by [the specific example they gave].” Education or the future: Discuss a learning point related to goals, school, or career paths. Ex: “I feel the pressure put towards your younglings is different from mine in terms of education, …” You should explain how each new perspective affects you in your own thinking. (These values make you revalue your expectations, sense of everything) Overarching Lesson (Developed Attention): Summarize the main takeaway about cross-cultural communication. Ex: “The biggest thing I learned is how easily common ground can be found when people are just willing to listen without judgment, …”
Conclusion	Reiteration of Gratitude: Briefly restate thanks for their patience and insight. Next Steps/Friendship Invitation: Express a desire to continue the conversation soon. Action: Suggest meeting again or continuing the chat online. Example: "Let's definitely grab [coffee/tea] soon and dive into [New Topic related to a learning point]. I have so many more questions!" Final Friendly Closing: End with a warm sign-off. Best wishes, [Your Name].

Question 5

Emma’s story

Emma has come to the UK to work for Erasmus+ Volunteering Projects. This organization, sometimes called EVS (European Voluntary Service), allows young people aged 17–30 to take part in unpaid and full-time volunteering activities for up to 12 months in another country. This is Emma’s story.

“My name is Emma and I am a full-time volunteer in Norfolk (UK). I support young people with learning disabilities in their day to day lives, whether it’s going shopping, going to work or going to art classes. It is amazing to see them become more independent and more self-confident from week to week. And while they are making progress, I am also developing new abilities.

‘In my last year of school, I already knew I wanted to go somewhere new and do something different. However, I knew that travelling wouldn’t give me all I wanted during my year abroad. I therefore decided to take part in EVS, because I get to live in another country and experience new places and I can take time to decide if social work is something I’d like to do as a job later in life.

I have been a volunteer for 9 months now and I have learnt a lot in this role, not only from other volunteers and friends here but also from the people I help.

I support a young woman who is volunteering in the local library. In the beginning she seemed shy. She had been to the library before but it was a new situation with lots of new people and new challenges for her. In the 8 months we have worked together she has improved so much. She has learnt the library’s system and is able to find books quickly. She is confident in talking to people and happy to have a range of tasks. She has also taught me that everyone has their own pace. I used to be an impatient person! I now know that everyone will do and finish their tasks at a pace that is best for them.”

Questions:

Find the words that complete the following sentences. Answer using the words as they appear in paragraphs 1-2.

1. EVS is for young people who are...
2. EVS’s volunteers typically work abroad for a period of…
3. Emma works with young people who have…
4. Emma thinks the young people’s progress is…

5. Choose the four true statements (paragraphs 3-5).
A. Emma decided on volunteering while she was still at school.
B. Emma travelled abroad for a year before starting with EVS.
C. Emma already knows that she wants to become a social worker.
D. Emma believes that the people she helps have helped her learn.
E. The library volunteer supported by Emma had previously visited the library.
F. Emma has worked with the library volunteer for nine months.
G. The library volunteer has developed greater confidence.
H. Emma still finds it difficult to be patient with people who work slowly.

What do the following words mean in the text (paragraph 5)? Choose the appropriate words from the list.

6. situation

A. order

B. experience

C. variety

D. set-up

E. change

F. climate

7. system

8. range

Choose the correct answer.

9. The text is...
A. a diary entry.
B. a case study.
C. a review.
D. an advert.

10. In this text, we mainly learn about…
A. how to get involved in volunteering.
B. the work of the EVS organization.
C. Emma and her experience of EVS.
D. people with learning disabilities.

Answer:

1. Target answer: (aged) 17–3
Accept: 17 to 30
Do Not Accept: Addition of "years old" to the target answer.

Text Evidence: "This organization... allows young people aged 17–30 to take part in unpaid and full-time volunteering activities..."
Explanation: The introductory paragraph precisely delineates the eligible demographic for the EVS organization as individuals aged 17–30.

2. Target answer: up to 12 months
Do Not Accept: Addition of "in another country" to the target answer.

Text Evidence: "...to take part in unpaid and full-time volunteering activities for up to 12 months in another country."
Explanation: The text clearly specifies the maximum permissible duration for the full-time volunteer engagements as a period lasting up to 12 months.

3. Target answer: learning disabilities (in their day to day lives)

Text Evidence: "I support young people with learning disabilities in their day to day lives..."
Explanation: Emma’s role involves providing assistance to young individuals who face the challenge of learning disabilities in their day to day lives.

4. Target answer: amazing (to see)
Do Not Accept: Addition of "them" to the target answer.

Text Evidence: "...it’s going shopping, going to work or going to art classes. It is amazing to see them become more independent..."
Explanation: Emma characterizes the observation of the young people's increasing independence and self-confidence as amazing (to see).

5. Target Answer: A, D, E, G (in any order)

A. Emma decided on volunteering while she was still at school.

Text Evidence: "In my last year of school, I already knew I wanted to go somewhere new and do something different."
Explanation: Emma's self-declaration of her intent to pursue novel experiences in her last year of school establishes that the decision to volunteer was formulated before her graduation.

D. Emma believes that the people she helps have helped her learn.

Text Evidence: "...I have learnt a lot in this role, not only from other volunteers and friends here but also from the people I help."
Explanation: The statement confirms that her acquisition of knowledge (learnt a lot) originates from multiple sources, conspicuously including the beneficiaries of her assistance

E. The library volunteer supported by Emma had previously visited the library.

Text Evidence: "...she seemed shy. She had been to the library before but it was a new situation with lots of new people and new challenges for her."
Explanation: The text explicitly states that the library volunteer had been to the library before, which confirms her prior attendance at the location.

G. The library volunteer has developed greater confidence.

Text Evidence: "She is confident in talking to people and happy to have a range of tasks."
Explanation: Her current state of confidence in talking to people is evidence of a substantial improvement from her initial shyness, indicating a development of greater self-assurance.

6. Target answer: B

Text Evidence: "...it was a new situation with lots of new people and new challenges for her.”
Explanation: The word situation refers to the context or set of circumstances the volunteer was in, which is synonymous with an experience in this text.

7. Target answer: D

Text Evidence: "She has learnt the library’s system and is able to find books quickly."
Explanation: The library's system is the organized way things are done or arranged there, which is best matched by set-up.

8. Target answer: C

Text Evidence: "She is confident in talking to people and happy to have a range of tasks."
Explanation: A range refers to a variety or collection of different kinds of things, which is synonymous with variety.

9. Target answer: (B) a case study.

Text Evidence: The text is titled "Emma's story" and details the specific experiences, motivation, and results of one volunteer (Emma) in a structured manner.
Explanation: The narrative presents a detailed, biographical account of an individual's participation within a specific program (EVS), functioning as an illustrative example of the program’s effect, which characterizes a case study.

Option A is incorrect because a diary entry is typically private and spans multiple dates, whereas this is a single public report.
Option C is incorrect because a review evaluates a product or service, but this text focuses on a personal experience.
Option D is incorrect because an advert aims to sell a product, while this text recounts a personal experience.

10. Target answer: (C) Emma and her experience of EVS.

Text Evidence: The entire text revolves around the personal narrative of Emma: her name, her motivation, her volunteer work, and her growth.
Explanation: While the text touches upon the organization (EVS) and the people she assists, the overarching thematic focus remains the autobiographical account of Emma's journey and personal development within the EVS framework.

Option A is incorrect because the text is a personal story, not a general guide on how to start volunteering.
Option B is incorrect because the EVS organization is only mentioned briefly to set the context for Emma’s story.
Option D is incorrect because the focus is on Emma's support role, not a comprehensive discussion of the people with learning disabilities.

Question 6

Learning to read at 104!

For almost a century, Kuttiyamma’s daily routine was much the same. Getting up early at home in the village of Thiruvanchoor in Kerala, the 104-year-old began her day’s work of cooking and cleaning, and feeding the cows and chickens.

But now, every morning, there’s something new to get up for. She eagerly waits for the paper boy to deliver the local newspaper to her home.

For two hours, she reads the news and gets to know what’s happening in the world. But it is only in recent months that she could achieve her dream to do this. In April last year, Kuttiyamma finally began to learn to read.

“I was always curious about news around the world,” she said. “Many times I regretted I could not read the newspaper. I depended on the younger generations at home to read out newspapers to me.”

It was Kuttiyamma’s neighbour Rehana John, a 34-year-old literacy teacher, who persuaded her to start to learn to read. Rehana noticed Kuttiyamma’s curiosity about her grandchildren’s schoolwork and gave her some books. Previously, Rehana’s oldest student had been 85.

“Except for some vision and hearing problems, Kuttiyamma was a perfect and sometimes naughty student. She made me feel my teaching work was a good thing,” said Rehana. “She always has her textbook, notebooks and pens ready before I reach her home.”

Rehana said, “She is like my mother now. We share a very close friendship.” Rehana said Kuttiyamma still asks for lessons every day and, at the same time, refuses to let any other family members take over the household chores or the cooking. “Her courage and commitment are exceptional,” she said.

After months of evening classes, Kuttiyamma took the Kerala state primary literacy exam last month, the oldest woman to do so. She achieved 89% in literacy and 100% in mathematics.

Kuttiyamma now wants to take the fourth standard examination, which students normally pass at the age of nine. This time the subjects are Malayalam, English, environment and mathematics. “I don’t think English is too difficult,” said Kuttiyamma. “I will try to achieve 100% marks in all papers.’’

Question

Find the words that complete the following sentences. Answer using the words as they appear in paragraphs 1- 4.
1. Kuttiyamma’s life remained unchanged for a long time, but now she has…
2. Kuttiyamma finally fulfilled her ambition when she…
3. Before, in order to get the news, Kuttiyamma needed help from…

Choose the correct answer (paragraphs 5–6).

4. Kuttiyamma’s neighbour, Rehana, had…
A. worked with other elderly people.
B. taught Kuttiyamma’s grandchildren.
C. introduced Kuttiyamma to a literacy teacher.
D. brought writing materials for their class.

5. Kuttiyamma learned to read…
A. at a local school.
B. with other students.
C. at Rehana’s house.
D. in her own home.

7. Based on paragraph 6, which word best describes Kuttiyamma’s attitude as a student?
A. Independent
B. Reflective
C. Organized
D. Serious

Choose an appropriate ending from the list that completes each sentence (paragraphs 7–9).

7. Kuttiyamma and Rehana have started to…

A. read more English books.

B. develop a strong connection.

C. focus on learning many languages.

D. do all the cooking for the family.

E. ask for additional homework.

F. get perfect results in the English exams.

8. Kuttiyamma continues to…

9. In the future, Kuttiyamma plans to…

What do the following words mean in the text? Choose the appropriate words from the list.

10. depended	A. focused B. convinced C. questioned D. scored E. relied F. forced G. observed H. completed
11. persuaded
12. noticed
13. achieved

1. something new to get up for

Evidence: “But now, every morning, there’s something new to get up for. She eagerly waits for the paper boy to deliver the local newspaper to her home.”

Explanation: Previously, Kuttyiamma’s life was routine, but now she has a new reason to be excited each morning — waiting for the newspaper to read.

2. (finally) began to learn to read

Evidence: “In April last year, Kuttyiamma finally began to learn to read.”

Explanation: This sentence shows that her ambition was to learn to read, and she has now fulfilled it by finally starting to read.

3. (the) younger generations at home (to read out newspapers)

Evidence: “I depended on the younger generations at home to read out newspapers to me.”

Explanation: Before learning to read herself, Kuttyiamma relied on the younger people in her family to read the news aloud for her.

4. Kuttiyamma’s neighbour, Rehana, had… → A. worked with other elderly people.

Evidence: “Rehana John, a 34-year-old literacy teacher... Previously, Rehana’s oldest student had been 85.”

Explanation: This shows Rehana had experience teaching elderly students before meeting Kuttiyamma (who is 104). Therefore, she had worked with other elderly people.

Why others are incorrect:

B – The text only says Rehana noticed the grandchildren’s schoolwork. It never says she taught them.
C – Rehana is the literacy teacher; she didn’t introduce Kuttiyamma to someone else.
D – Rehana gave her books once, but the text says Kuttiyamma prepares her own materials (“she always has her…pens ready”), not Rehana.

5. Kuttiyamma learned to read… → D. in her own home.

Evidence: “She made me feel my teaching work was a good thing,” said Rehana. “She always has her textbook, notebooks and pens ready before I reach her home.”

Explanation: Rehana visits Kuttyiamma’s home to teach her. It’s not a school setting or group class, so the learning takes place in her own home.

Why others are incorrect:

A – No mention of school.
B – She studied alone, not with other students.
C – Lessons were at Kuttiyamma’s home, not Rehana’s.

6. Kuttiyamma’s attitude as a student → C. Organized

Evidence: “She always has her textbook, notebooks and pens ready before I reach her home.”

Explanation: Having all her materials “ready before I reach her home” shows that Kuttiyamma prepares in advance, keeps everything in order, and is ready to start learning immediately. Those are all characteristics of being organized.

Why others are incorrect:

A – The information talks about preparation, not independence.
B – No evidence of deep thinking in those lines.
D – She may be serious, but the line specifically shows organisation, not seriousness.

7. Kuttiyamma and Rehana have started to… → B. develop a strong connection.

Evidence: “Rehana said, ‘She is like my mother now. We share a very close friendship.’”

Explanation: This line clearly shows a strong emotional bond and friendship between Kuttiyamma and Rehana. Therefore, they have started to develop a strong connection.

8. Kuttiyamma continues to… → D. do all the cooking for the family.

Evidence: “Rehana said Kuttiyamma still asks for lessons every day and, at the same time, refuses to let any other family members take over the household chores or the cooking.”

Explanation: Even though she is studying, Kuttiyamma still insists on doing all the cooking and chores herself, showing her dedication and independence.

9. In the future, Kuttiyamma plans to… → F. get perfect results in the English exams.

Evidence: “I don’t think English is too difficult,” said Kuttiyamma. “I will try to achieve 100% marks in all papers.”

Explanation: Her goal for the future is to achieve perfect scores in all her subjects, especially English, in the upcoming fourth standard examination.

10. depended → E. relied

Evidence: “I depended on the younger generations at home to read out newspapers to me.”

Explanation: To depend on someone means to rely on them for help or support.

11. persuaded → B. convinced

Evidence: “It was Kuttiyamma’s neighbour Rehana John… who persuaded her to start to learn to read.”

Explanation: If you persuade someone to do something, you convince them to take action.

12. noticed → G. observed

Evidence: “Rehana noticed Kuttiyamma’s curiosity about her grandchildren’s schoolwork and gave her some books.”

Explanation: To notice something means to observe or become aware of it by seeing or paying attention.

13. achieved → D. scored

Evidence: “She achieved 89% in literacy and 100% in mathematics.”

Explanation: In an exam context, to achieve a percentage means to score that result.