O/L English

Model Questions

Questions to practise on, arranged by task. Write them by hand, to time, and correct them with the checklist from the matching lesson.

How to use these questions

Read the lesson for that task first. These questions are for step five — writing independently — not for step one.
Write by hand. You will write the examination by hand.
Set a timer. Practising without time pressure prepares you for an examination that has it.
Correct your own work afterwards with the checklist from the lesson. This matters more than doing another question.

Notices

Ten notice questions

Write a notice announcing that the school will be closed for two days for repairs to the electrical system.
As secretary of the Science Society, write a notice inviting members to a talk by a visiting speaker.
Write a notice informing students that applications are open for the school prefects' board.
As librarian, write a notice reminding students to return all borrowed books before the term ends.
Write a notice announcing a blood donation campaign to be held at your school.
As secretary of the Sports Council, write a notice about trials for the school cricket team.
Write a notice informing parents of a meeting to discuss the new school timetable.
Write a notice announcing that a mobile telephone found on the premises may be claimed at the office.
As president of the Environmental Club, write a notice about a tree-planting programme.
Write a notice announcing that the inter-house athletics meet has been postponed, with the new date.

Emails

Ten email questions

Write an email to your principal requesting permission to organise an English quiz competition.
Write an email to a bookshop enquiring whether a particular title is in stock, its price, and whether it can be delivered.
Write an email to your class teacher explaining your absence for three days and asking about missed work.
Write an email to a friend inviting them to your sister's wedding, giving the date, place and time.
Write an email to the manager of a hotel enquiring about rooms and rates for a school trip.
Write an email to the editor of a school magazine submitting an article, and describing what it is about.
Write an email to a former teacher thanking them for their help before your examination.
Write an email to a company complaining that a delivered item was damaged, and asking for a replacement.
Write an email to a cousin abroad describing a festival you recently celebrated.
Write an email to your school's old boys' or old girls' association asking how to become a member.

Letters

Ten letter questions

Write to the Divisional Secretary about the poor condition of a road used by schoolchildren.
Write to the editor of a newspaper about the need for a public library in your area.
Write to your principal requesting permission to start a school English newspaper.
Write to a shop manager complaining about a faulty item and requesting a refund.
Write to the Medical Officer of Health about mosquito breeding in your neighbourhood.
Write to a friend who has moved to another town, describing your new class teacher.
Write to your uncle thanking him for a gift and telling him your examination plans.
Write to a hotel making a reservation for your family, giving dates and requirements.
Write to the chief occupant of a house advertised for rent, enquiring about the terms.
Write to a younger cousin who is discouraged about studies, encouraging them.

Paragraphs and essays

Twelve paragraph topics

The value of reading a newspaper every day
Why students should learn to cook
A tradition in my family
The best advice I have been given
Why school sports matter
The problem of rubbish in our town
A place I would like to visit
How the internet has changed studying
The person I turn to for help
Why kindness costs nothing
An old building near my home
The importance of drinking clean water

Twelve essay titles

The importance of learning English in Sri Lanka today
Village life and city life
Should students be given fewer examinations?
The advantages and disadvantages of social media
An experience I shall never forget
The person I admire most
How our school could be improved
Is technology making us lazy?
The role of women in society today
A day that did not go as planned
Should school uniforms be compulsory?
The greatest problem facing young people today

Picture description, dialogue and speech

Picture description practice

Because a picture cannot be reproduced here, use pictures from any newspaper, magazine or textbook. Choose ones with several people doing different things, which give you more to organise.

A busy market, described in about 100 words
A railway station platform
A classroom during a lesson
A village scene after heavy rain
A family preparing for a celebration
A road accident scene, described factually
A beach on a public holiday
Workers at a building site

Ten dialogue questions

A student and a librarian about a book that is not available
A passenger and a bus conductor about incorrect change
Two friends deciding how to spend a free Saturday
A customer and a shopkeeper returning a faulty item
A student and a class teacher about joining a school society
A patient and a receptionist making an appointment
A parent and a child about spending too long on the telephone
Two students discussing how to prepare for an examination
A tourist asking a local resident for directions
A student and a bank officer about opening a savings account

Eight speech questions

A speech at the opening of your school's English Day
A farewell speech to a teacher who is retiring
A speech to your school on the importance of reading
A speech welcoming a new principal
A speech at a prize-giving, thanking parents and teachers
A speech on protecting the environment, to a school assembly
A speech encouraging younger students before their examination
A speech at a school society's annual general meeting, reviewing the year

Model Answers

Full answers to compare against, with notes.

Interactive Revision

Grammar, vocabulary and comprehension activities that mark themselves.

Past Papers

Once you are confident, work on complete papers under timed conditions.

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