Learner instructions
Answer all 60 questions. Questions 1-55 can be checked automatically here. Questions 56-60 need teacher review because they involve sentence correction and writing quality.
Use UK English spelling. For writing, plan first and write in clear paragraphs.
Reading text - newspaper-style article
Local Skills Hub Opens After-Work Classes to Help Residents Cut Costs
A community centre in North London has launched a weekly evening programme offering free classes in cooking, budgeting, digital skills and simple home repairs. Organisers say the project was created after residents said they were worried about rising bills and felt isolated after work. The classes run on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6 pm to 8 pm and are open to adults of all ages.
Last week, participants practised comparing supermarket prices, writing short emails to employers and changing a plug safely under supervision. Volunteer tutor Mariam Patel said the aim is not to turn everyone into experts, but to give people practical confidence. "When someone can fix a small problem at home or send a clear email, it can make daily life less stressful," she said.
The hub uses donated laptops, local volunteers and a small council grant to keep the programme free. Several nearby businesses have given leftover materials, while the library has advertised the sessions on its noticeboard. Centre manager Daniel Green said adults often learn fastest when the lesson solves a real problem. He added that the friendly atmosphere has helped learners to ask questions without feeling embarrassed.
Demand has been higher than expected, especially for the digital skills course, which already has a waiting list. Organisers now plan to run a Saturday family workshop in July so parents can bring their children while they learn. They hope the programme will reduce waste, improve confidence and help neighbours support each other during a difficult financial period.
Questions 56-58: teacher-reviewed sentence correction - 6 marks
Q56. Correct this sentence: i recieve a email from the centre yesterday [2 marks]
Q57. Correct this sentence: If I was confident I will apply for the course [2 marks]
Q58. Correct this sentence: The classes was organised by a local volunteers. [2 marks]
Q59. Sentence writing - 10 marks
Write five clear sentences about improving your skills. Include: one present perfect sentence, one type 2 conditional sentence, one phrasal verb, one strong adjective, and one indirect question.
| Criteria | Marks |
|---|---|
| Five relevant sentences | 2 |
| Required language included | 3 |
| Grammar accuracy | 2 |
| Spelling and punctuation | 2 |
| Clear adult-appropriate meaning | 1 |
Q60. Short functional writing - 20 marks
Your friend Sam has emailed you. Sam wants to join an evening class but feels nervous because they have not studied for a long time. Write a friendly reply to Sam. Give advice, explain the benefits of joining a class, and suggest one practical next step. Write 120-160 words in 3 paragraphs.
Mind map
Thank Sam. Say you understand. Reassure them.
Give benefits. Give advice. Use an example.
Suggest a next step. Offer help. End warmly.
confident, practical, affordable, supportive, nervous, improve, join, find out, carry on
definitely, separate, receive, advice/advise, their/there/they're, course, neighbour
I have learned... If I were you, I would... Could you tell me...?
Punctuation checklist: capital letters, full stops, commas after opening phrases, apostrophes, question marks, paragraph breaks.
| Criteria | Marks |
|---|---|
| Purpose and audience | 4 |
| Three clear paragraphs | 4 |
| Task content and practical advice | 4 |
| Grammar range and accuracy | 4 |
| Spelling, punctuation and layout | 4 |
Learner reflection
What was easy?
What was difficult?
What will I practise next?