IB English B

Question 1

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

A local store has installed many security cameras overlooking the neighbourhood, including some that are pointed at your home. You feel very uncomfortable about this. Write a text for the owner of the store to express your concerns and explain what you would like the store owner to do.

Blog

Email

Proposal

Answer keys:

The two required aspects of the task are [i] “to express your concerns” and [ii] “explain what you would like the store owner to do”. (Equal weight does not have to be given to those two elements, but both should be given some developed attention.)

It is expected that the “concerns” be plural i.e. there should be 2 or more distinguishable reasons causing the writer to be uncomfortable. However, if the script introduces only one concern, this should be fully developed and well supported with examples and details.
The concerns may relate to the number of cameras overlooking the neighbourhood (a more public perspective), or the ones pointed at the writer's own home (a more personal perspective), or both.
The response should explain what the writer would like the owner to do, rather than simply providing a list of requests.

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 suitable for the purpose of actively communicating information in a personal manner (concerns and suggestions) to a specific audience (the owner of the store).
Generally appropriate	Proposal title summarising the overall subject clearly set-out format, e.g. headings, short clear paragraphs, bullets, numbering, insetting etc. style aimed to persuade a specified audience	The text type is suitable for the purpose of making suggestions, but it is usually used in a formal context. This choice may be considered appropriate for this task if it explicitly addresses the shop owner and reveals clear understanding of context and purpose.
Generally inappropriate	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 usually used for the purpose of sharing the writer’s thoughts and opinions with a larger group of unspecified audience. It is not typically used to communicate with an individual.

Register and tone:

Formal register
Serious, explanatory, persuasive tone

Sample answer (detailed outline):

Title	To: [Name/Title of their contact] From: [Your name and address] Date: [Current Date] Subject: Name your purpose that briefly introduces the main topic
Introduction	Begin with “Dear [Store Owner Name / 'Management Team'] Clearly state who you are (a concerned neighbour) and where you live (the area affected by the cameras). Example: "I am a resident of the neighbourhood located [brief description, e.g., 'directly across from your establishment on ABC Street'] and a regular customer of your store." State the topic, e.g. "I am writing to you regarding the recent installation and positioning of your security cameras."
Body 1	Main point 1: Express your concern Build goodwill by validating their security efforts. Detail which camera is causing the issue and where it is pointed. Focus on the feeling of discomfort and privacy breach. (core concern) Consequences: anxiety, loss of confidence Explain why the angle is unnecessary for their purpose
Body 2	Main point 2: Mention your requests and explain the requested action State the desired action immediately and clearly. Define the required change to the field of view. (how the change is going to be conducted) End the request on a positive, cooperative note.
Conclusion	Request a response or confirmation within a timeline. (start with “I am looking forward to…”) Professional sign-off. ("Sincerely," or "Respectfully yours,") [Your Full Name].

Question 2

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

There is an unused piece of land next to your school. You would like to suggest that it is turned into a community garden. Write a text for the school community in which you describe what you would like to do with the area, and explain the benefits to the students and the larger community.

Email

Blog

Presentation

Answer keys:

There are two aspects to the question: (i) describing what you would like to do with the area, and (ii) explaining the benefits of making a garden for the students and the larger community. (Equal weight does not have to be given to those two elements, but both should be given some developed attention.)

The first aspect may include ideas about what could be planted or grown in the piece of land, how it is used or what is needed to prepare the land. The response may also contain a description of who might be involved in preparing the land; if a different type of garden is mentioned, then details of what that would include should be given; a description of who will be involved in the project and what will need to be done to prepare the land for making a garden. Sport equipment and buildings, such as a caf,e can be mentioned if the focus remains on a community garden.
The second aspect must include a clear benefit for the students and community. If only one benefit is given, if this is fully developed, it will be considered appropriate if it applies to both beneficiaries. These two beneficiaries may be included in one example, or there may be benefits given for each group. These may include physical benefits, psychological benefits or social benefits such as relieving stress, increasing communication, and making the community more attractive.

Choice of text type:

	Text type & Its convention	Rationale
Appropriate	Presentation 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” elements of speech rhetoric, e.g. rhetorical questions, repetition, etc.	A presentation is given to a specific, targeted audience with the purpose of delivering information on a particular subject. This direct address to the impacted community would be the most appropriate choice. The school community should consist of more than just students.
Generally appropriate	Email clear sense of address to a specific person statement of Subject in the heading appropriate opening and closing salutations	This text type is suitable for communicating a range of messages, but it typically has a specific audience or intended recipients. The choice may be considered ‘appropriate’ if the response makes clear that the email is being sent to the school community. This could be indicated at the top of the email in the 'To:’ section, or in the salutation or intro to the content of the message.
Generally inappropriate	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 sharing personal reflections and opinions with a large group of unspecified audience who will have some connection or common interest with the writer. The audience in this situation is specified as the students in your school and the local community. This text type could be ‘generally appropriate’ if the audience is clearly defined through a school community blog, and the purpose of persuading the readers to agree with the proposed idea is successful.

Register and tone:

Semi-formal register with flashes of informality appropriate for students and the larger community
Informative and persuasive tone

Sample answer (detailed outline):

Introduction	Greeting & Hook: “Good morning, everyone! Have you ever walked past that empty piece of land next to our school and thought… what a waste?” Purpose Statement: Introduce the idea: transforming unused land into a vibrant community garden. Engagement: Use a rhetorical question: “Wouldn’t it be amazing if that space became something we could all enjoy?”
Body 1	Main point 1: Describe what you would like to do with the area (clear description of the project) Section A: “Our Vision for the Garden” Possible suggestions: Prepare the land: cleaning, soil preparation, and setting up plots. Planting: vegetables, herbs, flowers, and perhaps fruit trees. Additional features: benches, a small greenhouse, a compost area, and maybe a corner café run by students. Involvement: students, teachers, parents, and local volunteers working together. Organization: gardening clubs, weekend workshops, rotating responsibilities. Rhetorical Device: Repetition for emphasis: “A place to grow plants, a place to grow friendships, a place to grow ourselves.”
Body 2	Main point 2: Explain the benefits for students and the larger community Section B: “Why This Garden Matters” Possible points: For students: Physical benefit: exercise through gardening. Psychological benefit: stress relief, mindfulness, pride in nurturing plants Social benefits: teamwork, communication, leadership, opportunities,.. For the community: Shared produce: fresh vegetables and herbs for families. Beautification: turning unused land into an attractive, green space. Connection: a meeting point for generations, strengthening ties between school and community. Rhetorical Device: Inclusive language: “We plant together, we learn together, we grow together.”
Conclusion	Restate Vision: “That empty land can become a living, breathing garden of health, joy, and community.” Call to Action: “Let’s not let this opportunity slip away. Let’s make it happen together!” Closing Line: Semi-formal but warm: “Thank you for listening, and I hope you’ll join me in turning this vision into reality.”

Question 3

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

Last year, there was a TV programme about your nearby beach. Since then, there have been many more visitors. You are concerned that their behaviour is affecting the environment and want to raise public awareness about the situation. Write a text in which you describe the problems, and explain the consequences if the situation does not change.

Leaflet

Letter to the Editor

Review

Answer keys:

The two aspects of this question are: (i) to describe the problems, and (ii) to explain the consequences if nothing changes. Equal weight does not need to be given to the aspects, but both should be given some developed attention.

The first aspect should focus on the issues or problems caused by too many visitors. The question includes a mention of ‘affecting the environment’ – so all the examples must be linked to the environment.
The second aspect projects future problems and may build upon the ideas given in the first aspect. For example, if one of the current problems is a decline in the population of a species, the consequence may be its extinction. Some other possible consequences could be: irrevocable damage to the environment/ecosystem (pollution, over-use, vandalism), an increase in the number of businesses drawn to the area because of the number of visitors, an increase in the number of injuries/deaths of visitors, fewer residents will be able to use the beach, etc. Accept all reasonable and supported ideas.
There must be some specificity in the response to the second aspect. Simply saying that the environment will continue to be affected is not sufficient.

Choice of text

	Text type & Its convention	Rationale
Appropriate	Letter to the Editor appropriate opening and closing salutations reference to the original article or issue raised Interesting and engaging style	This text type is suitable for expressing an opinion or raising awareness about an issue affecting the general public. It is a more formal text, which reflects the level of concern the writer has expressed (there are ‘consequences’). There might be a ‘call to action’ at the end of a letter to the editor, which the community can then respond to.
Generally appropriate	Leaflet engaging title ideas identified by formal features, e.g. sub-headings, bullet points, numbering, etc. practical information, e.g. “contact us”, or a phone number and/or an email address N.B. Graphic design is not marked	A leaflet is generally used to communicate with a large audience, to educate, inform or persuade them on a particular subject or issue. There is no direct communication or contact with the writer and the audience, and no response is generally expected. This text type could be ‘appropriate’ if there is a call for community response or action, it is addressed to the public and a clear reference to the TV programme.
Generally inappropriate	Review title intended to attract and engage the reader name of the reviewer style to engage the reader	This text type is typically used to evaluate items and events. It is not typically used to address an audience about a single issue (overuse of the beach). This choice may be considered ‘appropriate’ if it is made clear that what is being evaluated is the current overuse of the beach by the visitors (with the problems brought by this) and the consequences, and that the audience is the public.

Register and tone:

Semi-formal to formal (formal in the letter to the editor)
Concerned, informed, persuasive tone

Sample answer (detailed outline):

Title	To: [Name/Title of their contact] From: [Your name and address] Date: [Current Date] Subject: Name your purpose that briefly introduces the main topic
Introduction	Begin with “Dear Editor,” Reference to the issue: Mention last year’s TV programme about the nearby beach. Context: Since the broadcast, visitor numbers have increased significantly. Purpose: Express concern about the environmental impact and raise public awareness.
Body 1	Main point 1: Describe the problems Pollution: litter left behind, water contamination from waste Damage to ecosystem: disturbance of wildlife, trampling of plants and dunes Overcrowding: noise pollution, pressure on local facilities Vandalism: Graffiti, broken benches, misuse of public spaces
Body 2	Main point 2: Future risks Environmental consequences: Disturb wildlife or even put species at stake Irreversible damage to dunes, coral or vegetation Decline in water quality, unsafe for swimming Social Consequences: Local residents are losing access to a clean, peaceful beach. Over-commercialization: businesses crowding out natural beauty. Increase in accidents or injuries due to overcrowding. Long-term Impact: Loss of the beach’s reputation as a natural attraction. Future generations are deprived of enjoying the area. Rhetorical device: Use repetition: “If we do nothing today, we lose tomorrow.” Use a rhetorical question: “Do we want our children to inherit a polluted shoreline?”
Conclusion	Restate Concern: Emphasize the urgency of protecting the beach. Call to Action: Encourage stricter rules on waste disposal. Suggest awareness campaigns for visitors. Propose community involvement in clean-up projects. Final Appeal: Encourage readers and authorities to act responsibly. Closing Salutation: “Yours sincerely,” followed by name.

Question 4

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

You have noticed that many restaurants and supermarkets in your community throw away a large amount of unused or uneaten food. You are very concerned about the impact of food waste. Write a text for the local community in which you explain why this is a problem, and suggest ways to reduce the amount of food waste.

Journal

Social media posting

Proposal

Answer keys:

The two aspects of this question are: (i) to explain why throwing away unused food is a problem, and (ii) to suggest ways to reduce the amount of food being wasted. Equal weight does not need to be given to the aspects, but both should be given some developed attention.

The first aspect requires the candidate to explain why food waste is a problem, not simply state that food waste is happening or the reasons why supermarkets and restaurants throw away food. Some possible explanations for the writer’s concern could include: food waste increases the cost for consumers, growing concern about waste disposal in general (landfills are full or filling, release of greenhouse gas emissions from decomposition), economic inequality (some people cannot afford to buy healthy food, the people most affected are the elderly, children, and the poor or unemployed), social inequality (the rich have access to high quality food while other people are hungry), impact on farmers (need to grow more food than is actually consumed), etc.
All the possible explanations mentioned above must be clearly linked to food wasted by the local supermarkets and restaurants, not to food waste around the world. Responses that do not link to the food wasted by supermarkets and restaurants and focus only on the global problem will be considered “generally fulfilled”.
The second aspect requires supported suggestions for ways to reduce food waste. Ideas related to any of the explanations given in the first aspect should be accepted. Other ideas might include community involvement (collecting food and distributing it within the community), not buying from stores or restaurants that waste lots of food, government intervention, etc.

Choice of text

	Text type & Its convention	Rationale
Appropriate	Social media posting first-person narration/statement seek to engage the reader, e.g. direct address, lively and interesting style may include typical online communication techniques, e.g. references to other postings, members and forums, hashtags, @references, and ‘likes’, etc	As this question cites concern about the state of food waste ‘in your community’, sharing this with the broader community makes this the most appropriate choice. (“your community” may be referred to as neighbours/residents/citizens of this community/area/neighbourhood/city)
Generally appropriate	Proposal title summarising the overall subject clearly set-out format, eg headings, short clear paragraphs, bullets, numbering, insetting etc style aimed to persuade a specified audience	This text type is suitable for submitting ideas or solutions for implementation in order to address an issue that affects a large group of people. The question states that the audience is ‘’the local community’’ so for this to be ‘appropriate’, the entities who could implement the changes need to be identified (store and restaurant owners, customers/consumers (this can be addressed as the community), government, community president, etc.).
Generally inappropriate	Journal first-person narration closing statement to round off the entry no self-evident explanatory phrases, e.g. “I see Alicia, my best friend.”	This text type is suitable for reflecting on and exploring one’s own thought about a personal issue. It is not usually used to communicate with an external audience. This may be considered generally appropriate if the student reflects on the problems of food waste in their community and explores ways to solve this issue, however, the tone will be reflective.

Register and tone:

Semi-formal to formal
Serious, informative, persuasive.

Sample answer (detailed outline):

Introduction	Direct address to the community: “Hey everyone, I’ve noticed something troubling in our local supermarkets and restaurants…” Express personal concern in the first person to establish credibility and urgency. Use hashtags or references for engagement: #FoodWaste #CommunityCare
Body 1	Main point 1: Why food waste is a problem Economic impact on consumers: wasted food -> higher operating costs -> higher price for customers Environmental concerns: Food decomposes and releases greenhouse gases Local landfill is filled up Animals bring disease can increase due to wasted food Social and economic equality: Good meals wasted while many struggle to afford nutritious food Highlight unfairness (abundance for some, scarcity for others) Impact on farmers and producers: Farmers grow more but the consumption is less -> wasted effort, resources, water -> impact on the environment Local connection: Stress that this is happening here in our community, not just globally. Example: “I’ve seen bins behind supermarkets filled with bread and vegetables that could have fed dozens of families.”
Body 2	Main point 2: How to reduce food waste Community initiatives: Organize food collection drives by volunteers to schools, shelters,... Encourage donation Consumer action: Avoid excessive purchasing in restaurants Support business that minimize waste Business responsibility: Restaurants and supermarkets could partner with charities to donate surplus food. Improve stock management to avoid over-ordering. Awareness campaigns: Use social media to spread awareness, share success stories, and encourage participation. Example hashtags: #NoWaste #ShareNotThrow #FoodForAll
Conclusion	Persuasive appeal: “Food waste is not just about leftovers. It’s about fairness, sustainability, and community care.” Direct invitation: “Let’s work together. Share this post, tag local businesses, and join me in reducing waste in our town.” End with hashtags and community spirit: #TogetherForChange #EndFoodWaste

Question 5

An activist shares her ideas for fighting the climate crisis

More than 500 young people from around the world came to the United Nations Youth Climate Summit in New York over the weekend to discuss how to solve the climate crisis.

Here’s what one young person suggested the world needs to do.

Bertine Lakjohn is 18. She comes from the Marshall Islands, a country in the Pacific Ocean made up of more than 1000 islands that are on average just over 2 meters above sea level. Global warming is bringing more frequent and more violent storms and the country’s existence is threatened because the level of the sea is rising.

Bertine said her interest in climate issues began when she was in high school.

[ – 5 – ]
In high school I facilitated a youth leadership camp about why leadership is important in fighting climate change. First, we educated young people about leadership, and about the impact of climate change. Then we had a dialogue about climate change and invited government officials to this discussion.

I also wrote a poem. It was about how industrialization has a huge impact on not just the environment but also on our culture and our traditions.

[ – 6 – ]
I moved to Japan for high school, and when I came back everything was entirely different. Before I left, the water was warmer in a place where I used to like swimming, and then when I came back it was super cold. The fish that swam there are no longer there. That’s when I knew I had to do something about it urgently.

[ – 7 – ]
Before, youth were only informing people that climate change was happening. Now we’re pressuring the government, not just people in general, but the people who can actually do something. We’re telling them that we can’t just wait until the crisis hits us.

[ – 8 – ]
I think governments need to listen to youth. In my country, it’s mostly the youth that are taking initiative on this climate change issue and the best way for us to have a voice is to have youth representation in the government.

Question:

Find the words that complete the following sentences. Answer using the words as they appear in paragraphs 1-3.
1. The purpose of the United Nations Youth Climate Summit in New York was…
2. The Marshall Islands sit approximately…
3. The weather on the Marshall Islands has changed as a result of…
4. The future of the Marshall Islands is at risk…

Choose an appropriate question from the list that completes each gap in the text.

5. [ – 5 – ]	A. Why did you become a climate activist? B. What are governments saying to young people about climate change? C. How is your generation’s climate activism different from the past? D. What is the consequence of industrialization? E. What have you done at school to fight climate change? F. What did you learn in Japan? G. What should countries do to fight the climate crisis? H. Why is leadership important in fighting climate change?
6. [ – 6 – ]
7. [ – 7 – ]
8. [ – 8 – ]

Find the word or phrase in the last paragraph which means the following:
9. mainly
10. having a leading role
11. express opinions

Choose an appropriate word from the list that completes each gap in the following text.
Bertine Lakjohn believes we have to address global warming [ – 12 – ] because the future of the Marshall Islands is under threat. For example, certain types of fish from some of the waters around the islands have [ – 13 – ] disappeared. Bertine Lakjohn also believes that youth should be better represented in governments. [ – 14 – ], this will have a positive impact on climate change.

12. [ – 12 – ]

A. completely

B. hopefully

C. cheerfully

D. rarely

E. occasionally

F. immediately

13. [ – 13 – ]

14. [ – 14 – ]

Answer:

1. Target answer: to discuss how to solve the climate crisis

Text Evidence: "More than 500 young people from around the world came to the United Nations Youth Climate Summit in New York over the weekend to discuss how to solve the climate crisis."
Explanation: The text clearly states the objective of the gathering of young people was to discuss how to solve the climate crisis.

2. Target answer: 2 meters above sea level

Text Evidence: "...made up of more than 1000 islands that are on average just over 2 meters above sea level."
Explanation: The passage provides the average elevation of the Marshall Islands as 2 meters above sea level.

3. Target answer: global warming
Accept: global warming the climate crisis
Do Not Accept:
climate change
more frequent and more violent storms

Text Evidence: "Global warming is bringing more frequent and more violent storms..."
Explanation: The text directly attributes the change in weather patterns, specifically the increase in storms, to global warming.

4. Target answer: because the level of the sea is rising
Accept: Exact wording only

Text Evidence: "...and the country's existence is threatened because the level of the sea is rising."
Explanation: The existential threat faced by the islands is explained as being caused by the rising sea level.

5. Target Answer: E

Text Evidence: "In high school I facilitated a youth leadership camp... we educated young people about leadership, and about the impact of climate change. Then we had a dialogue about climate change..."
Explanation: The subsequent text details specific actions and activities Bertine undertook in high school related to climate change.

6. Target Answer: A

Text Evidence: "I also wrote a poem. It was about how industrialization has a huge impact on not just the environment but also on our culture and our traditions."
Explanation: The preceding text mentioned her interest beginning in high school, and this paragraph provides a creative expression of her deep concern.

7. Target Answer: C

Text Evidence: "Before, youth were only informing people that climate change was happening. Now we're pressuring the government, not just people in general, but the people who can actually do something."
Explanation: Bertine explicitly contrasts the previous generation's focus on information with her generation's focus on pressuring the government.

8. Target Answer: G

Text Evidence: "I think governments need to listen to youth. In my country, it's mostly the youth that are taking initiative on this climate change issue and the best way for us to have a voice is to have youth representation in the government."
Explanation: The concluding paragraph offers Bertine's strong recommendation that governments need to listen to youth and provide youth representation.

9. Target answer: mostly

Text Evidence: "In my country, it's mostly the youth that are taking initiative on this climate change issue..."
Explanation: The adverb mostly is used to indicate the primary or principal group, which is the definition of mainly.

10. Target answer: taking initiative

Text Evidence: "...it's mostly the youth that are taking initiative on this climate change issue..."
Explanation: The phrase taking initiative refers to the act of being the first to start an action or having a proactive leading role in addressing a problem.

11. Target answer: (to) have a voice

Text Evidence: "...and the best way for us to have a voice is to have youth representation in the government."
Explanation: The term to have a voice means to be able to participate in a discussion or decision-making process and express opinions.

12. Target Answer: F

Text Evidence: "We're telling them that we can't wait until the crisis hits us." "I moved to Japan for high school, and when I came back everything was entirely different... I knew that I had to do something about it urgently."
Explanation: Bertine's urgency about taking action (urgently / "can't wait") aligns with the need to address global warming immediately due to the existential threat.

13. Target Answer: A

Text Evidence: "The fish that swam there are no longer there."
Explanation: The text states that certain types of fish are no longer there due to changes in the environment, which suggests they have completely disappeared.

14. Target Answer: B

Text Evidence: ".... the best way for us to have a voice is to have youth representation in the government.”
Explanation: The phrase requires an adverb to introduce the desired outcome of her efforts (youth representation).

Question 6

A Car Park Becomes a Shelter for the Homeless

Homelessness is increasing in Australia and is an everyday sight in large cities like Sydney and Brisbane. Homeless statistics show that 1 in every 200 Australians have nowhere to sleep on any night. Yet a safe place to sleep is very important to a person’s good health. Beddown founder, Norm McGillivray, imagined that an underground car park, usually empty at night, could become a safe place to sleep for people in Brisbane who are living on the streets.

[ – 3 – ]
The aim of the organisation is to make use of spaces that are busy during the day but are vacant at night. Beddown uses them as accommodation for people who are homeless.

Once a car park empties for the night, Beddown volunteers set up inflatable mattresses with bed linen and pillows for each homeless person. Beddown also works with other charitable organisations that provide a laundry service and showers, food and drink and clothing.

A range of specialist service providers such as doctors, nurses and dentists also give their services for free.

[ – 4 – ]
The organisation, Beddown, has become a partner with Australia’s largest car park owner responsible for over 600 car parks across Australia and New Zealand. Beddown has recently finished a 14-night experiment in a Brisbane car park. Every night volunteers turned the space into a shelter for 15 men and women without a place to sleep. These men and women were given toiletries, takeaway food donated by a local restaurant, and access to dentists and their services. The volunteers were delighted because they saw the same 15 people return there each night.

[ – 5 – ]
Norm McGillivray considers that the experiment in the Brisbane car park has been a success and now wants to expand the operation. He is also hoping that in the future, government and commercial sponsors will give their financial support to it.

Question:

Choose the correct answer (paragraph 1).
1. According to the writer, 1 in every 200 Australians has to sleep on the streets...
A. despite living in a large city.
B. despite the dangers to their health.
C. because of an unhealthy lifestyle.
D. because car parks are unused at night.

2. Norm McGillivray’s idea for Beddown resulted from...
A. converting his own empty car park.
B. needing a safe place to sleep at night.
C. wanting to build houses for the homeless.
D. realizing car parks were unused at night.

Choose an appropriate heading from the list that completes each gap in the text.

3. [ – 3 – ]

A. What is “Beddown”?

B. How can you help?

C. More good news

D. The Beddown experiment

E. An empty car park

F. What’s next?

4. [ – 4 – ]

5. [ – 5 – ]

6. Choose the three true statements (paragraphs 2–4).
A. Beddown works in spaces that are only available at night.
B. Beddown buys car parks to accommodate the homeless.
C. Beddown sells low-cost linen and pillows to the homeless.
D. Volunteers make up a bed for each homeless person.
E. Beddown cooperates with other charities and service providers.
F. Beddown volunteers pay for the medical services provided.

Answer the following questions (paragraphs 5–6).
7. What useful contribution could Beddown’s Australian partner bring to the project?
8. How did the volunteers at the car park know that the experiment had been successful?
9. What is Norm McGillivray’s immediate ambition for Beddown?

Choose the correct answer.
10. The title refers to…
A. One problem created by Brisbane’s homeless.
B. One reason for homelessness in Brisbane.
C. One way of helping Brisbane’s homeless.
D. One cause of homelessness in Brisbane.

Answer:

1. Target Answer: B

Text Evidence: "Yet a safe place to sleep is very important to a person’s good health."
Explanation: The passage emphasises that homelessness persists despite the demonstrable health hazards it presents.

Option A is incorrect: The text states homelessness is an everyday sight in large cities, but does not present the city size as the primary problem.
Option C is incorrect: The text does not attribute homelessness to an unhealthy lifestyle.
Option D is incorrect: This option describes the core idea of Beddown, but does not relate to why people sleep on the streets.

2. Target Answer: D

Text Evidence: "Norm McGillivray, imagined that an underground car park, usually empty at night, could become a safe place to sleep..."
Explanation: McGillivray's proposal originated from the observation that underground car parks were customarily vacant at night, providing an available resource for shelter.

Option A is incorrect: The text only says he imagined an underground car park could be converted, not that he converted his own property.
Option B is incorrect: While safety is the goal of Beddown, the idea resulted from recognizing the empty car parks.
Option C is incorrect: McGillivray’s idea was about converting existing spaces, not wanting to build new houses.

3. Target Answer: A

Text Evidence: "The aim of the organisation is to make use of spaces that are busy during the day but are vacant at night. Beddown uses them as accommodation for people who are homeless."
Explanation: This paragraph functions as an organizational definition of the Beddown program.

4. Target Answer: D

Text Evidence: "Beddown has recently finished a 14-night experiment in a Brisbane car park."
Explanation: The paragraph initiates its discussion by referencing the completion of a 14-night experiment recently conducted in Brisbane.

5. Target Answer: F

Text Evidence: "Norm McGillivray considers that the experiment... has been a success and now wants to expand the operation."
Explanation: This paragraph outlines McGillivray's subsequent plans to scale up the venture and secure financial support.

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

A. Beddown works in spaces that are only available at night.

Text Evidence: "The aim of the organisation is to make use of spaces that are busy during the day but are vacant at night."
Explanation: The organization's fundamental objective is to utilize venues that are accessible exclusively at night.

D. Volunteers make up a bed for each homeless person.

Text Evidence: "Beddown volunteers set up inflatable mattresses with bed linen and pillows for each homeless person."
Explanation: Volunteers used inflatable mattresses to make up a bed for every individual.

E. Beddown cooperates with other charities and service providers.

Text Evidence: "Beddown also works with other charitable organisations that provide a laundry service and showers, food and drink and clothing."
Explanation: The establishment of collaborative relationships with other charitable organisations and specialist service providers.

Option B is incorrect: The text states Beddown uses existing car parks as accommodation, not that it buys them.
Option C is incorrect: Beddown provides linen and pillows for free, it does not sell them.
Option F is incorrect: Specialist service providers (doctors, nurses) offer their services for free, meaning volunteers do not pay for them.

7. Target answer: (over 600) car parks (across Australia and New Zealand)
Accept: Other wording with the same meaning

Text Evidence: "The organisation, Beddown, has become a partner with Australia’s largest car park owner, responsible for over 600 car parks across Australia and New Zealand."
Explanation: They provide an extensive portfolio of over 600 car park facilities spanning Australia and New Zealand, providing numerous potential venues for expansion.

8. Target answer: (they saw) the same (15) people return (there) each night
Accept: Other wording with the same meaning
Do Not Accept: "they saw 15 people return there" without "(the) same" or "each night"

Text Evidence: "The volunteers were delighted because they saw the same 15 people return there each night."
Explanation: The success was validated by the consistent re-attendance of the identical group of 15 individuals every night, demonstrating a high level of satisfaction and sustained usage.

9. Target answer: (to) expand the operation
Accept: Other wording with the same meaning as long as the idea of "expansion" is included.
Do Not Accept: Addition of "government and commercial sponsors will give their financial support" to the target answer.

Text Evidence: "Norm McGillivray considers that the experiment... has been a success and now wants to expand the operation."
Explanation: McGillivray's declared immediate objective is to enlarge the current operational scale of the Beddown initiative.

10. Target Answer: C

Text Evidence: The entire text details the Beddown initiative, which is a method of converting car parks into temporary shelters to aid the homeless population in Brisbane (and beyond).
Explanation: The entire text is dedicated to explicating the innovative Beddown scheme, which represents a novel approach to providing assistance and shelter to the city's unsheltered demographic.

Option A is incorrect: The title refers to the solution (car park shelter), not a problem created by the homeless.
Option B is incorrect: The text describes a solution to homelessness, not a cause of it.
Option D is incorrect: The text describes a solution to homelessness, not a cause of it.

Question 7

Why Kids Need to Spend Time in Nature

As the suburbs continue to expand, nature is parcelled off more, and kids seem less inclined to spend time in a fenced-in yard, let alone jump the fence into a neighbor’s yard or walk in the woods. Moreover, for kids who are growing up with multiplayer video games and social media accounts, indoor activities can seem more sociable and even safer.

Most studies agree that kids who play outside are happier and more attentive. They appear less anxious than kids who spend more time indoors. While it’s unclear how mood improvements occur, there are a few things we do know about why nature is good for your kids’ minds.

[ – 5 – ]
The way that kids play outdoors has a lot less structure than most types of indoor play. There are infinite ways to interact with nature and letting your child choose how they treat nature means they have the power to control their own actions.

[ – 6 – ]
This unstructured style of play will soon have kids responding to their surroundings. They will be able to use their imagination, improvise their own activities, and approach the world in more inventive ways.

[ – 7 – ]
Living things die if mistreated or not taken care of properly and entrusting a child to take care of the living parts of the environment means they’ll learn what happens when they forget to water a plant or pull a flower out by its roots.

It presents new possibilities
Nature may seem less inspiring than your child’s violent video game, but in reality, it activates more senses—they can see, hear, smell, and touch outdoor environments. As the young spend less and less of their lives in natural surroundings, their senses narrow, and this reduces the richness of human experience.

It aids well-being
Most ways of interacting with nature involve more exercise than sitting on the couch. Your kid doesn’t have to be joining the local soccer team or riding a bike through the park—even going for a walk will get their blood pumping.

It generates curiosity
Nature creates a unique sense of wonder for kids that no other environment can provide. The phenomena that occur naturally in backyards and parks every day make kids ask questions.

It replaces indifference with serenity
In natural environments, we practice an effortless type of attention known as “soft fascination” that creates feelings of pleasure and peacefulness, not tiredness and boredom.

So, while screen time might be the easier, more popular choice for your children, it’s important to set aside time for outdoor play.

Question:

The following statements are either true or false. Tick the correct option, then justify it using words as they appear in the text.
1. More and more land is being used for housing.
True
False
Justification:

2. Some children think that playing inside the house is a better option.
True
False
Justification:

3. A majority of researchers are of the opinion that outdoor activities have benefits for children.
True
False
Justification:

4. We now understand the process by which children become happier.
True
False
Justification:

Choose an appropriate heading from the list that completes each gap in the text.

5. [ – 5 – ]

A. It develops reasoning skills

B. It stimulates creativity

C. It improves personal decision making

D. It encourages quick thinking

E. It promotes better social skills

F. It teaches responsible behaviour

6. [ – 6 – ]

7. [ – 7 – ]

Answer the following questions (paragraphs 6-8).
8. What false impression do some people have about the outdoors compared to playing video games?
9. What is the consequence for children who do not play outdoors?
10. What is the minimum activity children need to do to benefit from being outdoors?
11. What is the special feeling that only nature can bring?

Choose the correct answer.
12. According to the text, what positive effect does “soft fascination” (paragraph 9) have on us?
A. We understand the value of doing exercise.
B. We become lost in the wonders of our environment.
C. We stop experiencing feelings of sadness.
D. We start to feel much calmer and at ease.

13. The writer concludes by saying that...
A. children should not spend time in front of screens.
B. children should look after the natural world better than at present.
C. children should spend equal amounts of time outside and online.
D. children should spend some of their free time outside the house.

14. Which audience is directly addressed in the text?
A. Adults with children
B. Older children
C. School teachers
D. The general public

Answer:

1. Target answer: True

Justification: (as the) suburbs continue to expand, (nature is parcelled off more)
Explanation: The statement signifies that an increasing amount of undeveloped land is being sectioned and utilized, which includes development for housing.

2. Target answer: True

Justification: (for kids who are growing up with) multiplayer video games and social media accounts, indoor activities can seem more sociable (and even safer)
Explanation: The perception that indoor pursuits offer enhanced sociability and safety implies that for children accustomed to digital engagement, playing inside is viewed as a comparatively more desirable option.

3. Target answer: True

Justification: most studies agree that kids who play outside are happier (and more attentive)
Explanation: The phrase indicates that a majority of researchers concur on the advantageous outcomes (happier and more attentive) associated with outdoor engagement for children.

4. Target answer: False

Justification: it’s unclear how mood improvements occur
Do Not Accept: Addition of "while" to the target answer.
Explanation: The text explicitly maintains that the mechanism underlying the enhancement of mood remains unresolved (unclear), therefore refuting the claim that the process is currently understood.

5. Target Answer: C

Text Evidence: "The way that kids play outdoors has a lot less structure than most types of indoor play... letting your child choose how they treat nature means they have the power to control their own actions."
Explanation: The passage advocates for allowing children the agency to control their own actions and make choices regarding their interaction with nature, which directly correlates with the improvement of personal decision-making.
Option A is incorrect: The focus here is on freedom of action and control, not developing reasoning skills.
Option D is incorrect: The less structured environment encourages control over actions, not necessarily quick thinking.

6. Target Answer: B

Text Evidence: "This unstructured style of play will soon have kids responding to their surroundings. They will be able to use their imagination, improvise their own activities..."
Explanation: The outcomes described—the ability to use imagination and improvise activities—are definitive attributes of fostering and stimulating creativity.

Option E is incorrect: The focus is on imagination and improvisation (creativity), not specifically on promoting better social skills.

7. Target Answer: F

Text Evidence: "...entrusting a child to take care of the living parts of the environment means they’ll learn what happens when they forget to water a plant or pull a flower out by its roots."
Explanation: The consequence of having to take care of living elements of the environment ensures children acquire an understanding of cause and effect regarding life and growth, thereby facilitating the instruction of responsible behaviour.

Option E is incorrect: This is about responsibility towards the environment, not general social skills.

8. Target answer: (nature may seem) less inspiring (than your child’s violent video game)
Accept: Other wording with the same meaning
Do Not Accept: Addition of "but, in reality, it activates more senses" to the target answer.

Text Evidence: "Nature may seem less inspiring than your child’s violent video game, but in reality, it activates more senses..."
Explanation: The text identifies the prevailing misapprehension as the notion that nature lacks the stimulative quality that a child's electronic media may possess, hence it may seem less inspiring than a video game.

9. Target answer: (their) senses narrow, (and this reduces the richness of human experience.)

Text Evidence: "As the young spend less and less of their lives in natural surroundings, their senses narrow, and this reduces the richness of human experience."
Explanation: The text specifies that reduced interaction with the natural world leads to the constriction of sensory perception (senses narrow), which subsequently diminishes the richness of human experience.

10. Target answer: (even going for) a walk
Accept: Other wording with the same meaning

Text Evidence: "...doesn't have to be joining the local soccer team or riding a bike through the park—even going for a walk will get their blood pumping."
Explanation: The author establishes that the lowest threshold of beneficial physical activity is simply going for a walk, as this is sufficient to achieve physiological benefits like increased blood flow.

11. Target answer: (nature creates a unique) sense of wonder (for kids that no other environment can provide)
Accept: Other wording with the same meaning
Do Not Accept:
"wonder" on its own
soft fascination

Text Evidence: "Nature creates a unique sense of wonder for kids that no other environment can provide."
Explanation: The text attributes the generation of a unique sense of wonder as a distinct psychological effect that is exclusively stimulated by interaction with the natural world.

12. Target Answer: D

Text Evidence: "In natural environments, we practice an effortless type of attention known as 'soft fascination' that creates feelings of pleasure and peacefulness, not tiredness and boredom.”
Explanation: The state of "soft fascination" induces sensations of pleasure and peacefulness, which are the affective counterparts of experiencing deep serenity and feeling much calmer and at ease.

Option A is incorrect: The benefit relates to feeling peaceful, not understanding the value of exercise.
Option B is incorrect: The text describes a type of attention, not becoming lost in the wonders of the environment.
Option C is incorrect: The text states it replaces tiredness and boredom, not sadness.

13. Target Answer: D

Text Evidence: "So, while screen time might be the easier, more popular choice for your children, it's important to set aside time for outdoor play."
Explanation: The final recommendation urges the readers to allocate designated periods for outdoor activities, which directly translates to the necessity of children spending some of their free time outside the house.

Option A is incorrect: The writer suggests setting aside time for outdoors, not completely prohibiting screen time.
Option B is incorrect: The essay's focus is on what children gain from nature, not on their duty to care for it (though that is mentioned as a benefit).
Option C is incorrect: The writer advises setting aside time, not mandating equal time spent on different activities.

14. Target Answer: A

Text Evidence: "...why nature is good for your kids’ minds." and "...easier, more popular choice for your children…”
Explanation: The consistent use of the possessive pronoun "your" in reference to kids and children signifies that the author is directly engaging and speaking to the adult caregivers who are responsible for these children.

Option B is incorrect: The audience is addressed as the decision-makers regarding the children's time.
Option C is incorrect: The text addresses parents/caregivers, not the teachers.
Option D is incorrect: The language is specifically targeted at those with parental responsibility, not the general public.

Question 8

Microchips and drones: Kenyan conservationists’ high-tech fight against poachers

Kenyan wildlife officials are planning to implant microchips into the horns of every rhino in the country in order to combat poaching. It’s hoped that the chips will not only allow the rhinos to be more effectively monitored, but that the ability to track horns individually will help crack down on illegal smuggling and provide evidence for prosecutors. “With poachers getting more sophisticated in their approach it is vital that conservation efforts embrace the use of more sophisticated technology to counter the killing of wildlife”, said the Kenyan Wildlife Service (KWS).

The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) has donated chips and five scanners for the project at a cost of 1.3 million Kenyan shillings, but tracking and fitting the devices in the country’s 1,000 plus rhino population will cost much more than this.

Poaching in Kenya has increased significantly in recent years, with hunters targeting elephants as well as rhinos. Since the beginning of 2013 poachers have killed 34 rhinos, a 17 per cent increase from the whole of 2012 and in August this year a rhino was even killed in Nairobi’s national park, one of the most guarded sites in the country.

The demand for rhino horns comes mainly from other countries where people believe the horn to be an effective medicine. Rhino horns are made from keratin, the same material as human fingernails and hair, and although the animals can survive having their horn chopped off, poachers often kill them to make the collection of the horn easier. The KWS has said that the project’s success would not only safeguard Kenya’s rhino population but help combat the groups of organized criminals that profit from the illegal trade and secure Kenya’s economically vital tourism industry.

Other high-tech conservation efforts in Kenya include a project launched last year by Google and the WWF using drones to track endangered species including rhinos and elephants. A $5 million grant from Google’s Global Impact Award program is funding the operation, with conservationists controlling autonomous aircraft with tablet computers. Although the drones’ intended use was to provide aerial coverage, it’s been reported that they have a secondary use in herding elephants away from danger—be that poachers or areas where conflict with humans is possible. Wildlife researchers believe that the elephants confuse the buzzing noise produced by the drones for a swarm of bees, and run away whenever they hear the devices approaching.

Question:

Find the word or phrase in paragraph 1 which means the following:
1. insert
2. watched
3.proof
4.accept

Choose the correct answer (paragraphs 1–3).
5. The Kenyan Wildlife Service believes...
A. that better technology is needed.
B. poachers are working less effectively than before.
C.new technology is too expensive.
D. the killing of wildlife is unstoppable.

6. The World Wildlife Fund...
A. has provided technology for tracking rhinos.
B. is tracking the whole rhino population.
C. has made a cash donation of 1.3 million Kenyan shillings.
D. is donating enough money to microchip all rhinos.

7. Elephants...
A. are still safe in Kenya.
B. were the only animals killed in August.
C. and rhinos are both at risk.
D. were safer in 2013 than in 2012.

8. According to the text, in Kenya, ...
A. poaching has increased by 34% since 2012.
B. 17% of the rhino population was killed in 2012.
C. killings in national parks are common.
D. Nairobi’s national park has good security.

Find the words that complete the following sentences. Answer using the words as they appear in paragraph 4.
9. Some people think that rhino horns are...
10. Rhino horns are composed of the same substance as...
11. Poachers kill rhinos to simplify…

12. Choose the four true statements (paragraphs 4–5).
A. The Kenyan Wildlife Services’ project aims to reduce illegal trade.
B. Organized criminals are profiting from Kenya’s tourism industry.
C. According to the KWS, tourism in Kenya is essential to the country’s economic growth.
D. Google live-streams videos of endangered species to boost Kenya’s tourism industry.
E. The Kenyan Wildlife Services took a $5 million loan from Google to fund this project.
F. The text suggests that Google has a program that helps fund projects around the world.
G. Poachers have used drones to follow rhinos and elephants.
H. Researchers think that many elephants are afraid of bees.

Answer:

1. Target answer: implant

Text Evidence: "Kenyan wildlife officials are planning to implant microchips into the horns of every rhino..."
Explanation: The word implant means to place or insert something into a body or a solid object.

2. Target answer: monitored

Text Evidence: "...will not only allow the rhinos to be more effectively monitored..."
Explanation: To be monitored means to be observed, checked, or watched for a specific period or purpose.

3. Target answer: evidence

Text Evidence: "...and provide evidence for prosecutors."
Explanation: Evidence refers to facts or information indicating whether a belief or proposition is true or valid, which is the definition of proof.

4. Target answer: embrace

Text Evidence: "...it is vital that conservation efforts embrace the use of more sophisticated technology..."
Explanation: To embrace an idea or approach means to willingly support or accept it.

5. Target Answer: A

Text Evidence: "With poachers getting more sophisticated in their approach it is vital that conservation efforts embrace the use of more sophisticated technology to counter the killing of wildlife..."
Explanation: The KWS statement directly calls for the embrace of more sophisticated technology, indicating that current methods are insufficient against advanced poaching techniques.

6. Target Answer: A

Text Evidence: "The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) has donated chips and five scanners for the project..."
Explanation: The WWF donated the microchips and scanners, which are the devices used for tracking the rhinos.

7. Target Answer: C

Text Evidence: "Poaching in Kenya has increased significantly in recent years, with hunters targeting elephants as well as rhinos."
Explanation: The text states that poachers are targeting elephants as well as rhinos, indicating that both species are currently under threat (at risk).

8. Target Answer: D

Text Evidence: "...a rhino was even killed in Nairobi’s national park, one of the most guarded sites in the country."
Explanation: The park is explicitly described as one of the most guarded sites, which means it possesses good security.

9. Target answer: (an effective) medicine

Text Evidence: "...people believe the horn to be an effective medicine."
Explanation: The belief in other countries is that the horn serves as an effective medicine.

10. Target answer: human fingernails (and hair)
Do Not Accept:
Keratin
"hair" on its own

Text Evidence: "...the same material as human fingernails and hair..."
Explanation: Rhino horns are made of keratin, the same material found in human fingernails and hair.

11. Target answer: (the) collection of the horn

Text Evidence: "...poachers often kill them to make the collection of the horn easier."
Explanation: The killing is performed to facilitate the collection of the horn.

12. Target Answer: A, C, F, H (in any order)

A. The Kenyan Wildlife Services’ project aims to reduce illegal trade.

Text Evidence: "...help combat the groups of organized criminals that profit from the illegal trade..."
Explanation: The project's goal is to combat criminals involved in illegal trade, indicating a direct aim to reduce this activity.

C. According to the KWS, tourism in Kenya is essential to the country’s economic growth.

Text Evidence: "...and secure Kenya’s economically vital tourism industry."
Explanation: The KWS describes tourism as "economically vital," confirming it is essential to the country's economic health.

F. The text suggests that Google has a program that helps fund projects around the world.

Text Evidence: "A $5 million grant from Google’s Global Impact Award program is funding the operation..."
Explanation: The phrase Global Impact Award program implies a worldwide initiative by Google to fund projects.

H. Researchers think that many elephants are afraid of bees.

Text Evidence: "...elephants confuse the buzzing noise produced by the drones for a swarm of bees, and run away whenever they hear the devices approaching."
Explanation: Elephants' avoidance behavior is attributed to their misinterpreting the drone noise as a swarm of bees, suggesting they fear bees.

Option B is incorrect: Organized criminals profit from the illegal trade, not the tourism industry itself.
Option D is incorrect: Google provided a grant, not live streams.
Option E is incorrect: Google provided a $5 million grant, not a loan.
Option G is incorrect: Drones are used by conservationists, not poachers.