Section A
Conversation One
M: Mum, I can’t find my car keys. I put them here in the drawer last night.
W: Oh, yes. I had to go and see Aunt Jane this morning. So I took the car. I think I put the keys in my purse.
M: There are not in there, mum. Did you leave them in the car?
W: Of course not, dear. Oh, here they are, in my pocket.
Conversation Two
M: Oops! I’m late getting home, but I don’t have enough money for a taxi.
W: Why don’t you just take the bus?
M: At this time? The traffic is terrible. I need to be home in less than thirty minutes. My piano teacher will be there soon.
W: Well, I suppose the train is the only thing left for you. It’s fast and not too expensive, either.
M: Yes, you’re right. I better be off. Bye!
Conversation Three
M: Good evening, Mary. Why didn’t you go to the party this afternoon? It was so fun.
W: It’s because I was ill.
M: No, but you looked just fine this morning. Tell me why you didn’t go.
W: Well, I just didn’t have the time. Ok?
M: But you were sleeping the whole afternoon? Come on. Tell me exactly why you didn’t go there.
W: Ok, you want to know why? I’m telling you why. I wasn’t invited. That’s why.
Conversation Four
M: Hi, I like to buy a mobile phone, please.
W: What functions do you want, sir?
M: Just basic functions, please.
W: Ok, then I would recommend the PE310.
M: Err… What if I also want to store some music?
W: How about the RT230? It’s also a wonderful music player. If you want to listen to music and take photos, then the FG160 may be a good choice.
M: How much is that?
W: 300 dollars. But if you pay in cash, you can get a ten percent discount.
M: You mean 270 dollars? But that’s still very expensive.
W: Then how about the first one? It costs just 100 dollars. Ok, I’ll take the first one then.
Conversation Five
W: Hello, Philip. How are you?
M: Fine, thank you. Emily. I’m so glad that you phoned. How is your dress designing going in London?
W: Pretty good. And how was your basketball game in Paris?
M: It’s great. We won it and I was named the best player of the game.
W: Congratulations. You’re always the best.
M: Thanks. Oh, did I tell you about my trip to London?
W: Yes. When are you coming?
M: I will be arriving at Heathrow Airport at around 4 o’clock tomorrow afternoon.
W: Oh, dear. I can’t meet you at the airport then because I have an appointment with my son’s headmaster at that time. But never mind. I can ask my brother Bob to pick you up.
M: That’s good. Thanks a lot.
Conversation Six
W: How is your studying going?
M: It seems that university is much harder than high school.
W: Yes, I agree. I’m very pleased that I finished my studies and started my job in a supermarket. Ok, now. What do you want to see tonight?
M: I don’t know. I quite like comedy and drama, but adventure is always my favorite.
W: Well. There is a new adventure movie on at the Circle Cinema tonight. Will that do?
M: Yeah. Why not?
W: Well, would you mind if we first stopped off at the café on Long Street?
M: No worries.
Section B
Now, class! I like to give you some instructions for joining in this year’s essay competition. So, have your pens ready. The topic for this year’s competition is “My Ideal City” and the following four questions must be answered.
The first question is: Where would you build the city? Would you like it near the sea, by a river, or on an island?
The second question is: How large would you like the city to be? It can be large, medium, or small, depending on your own choice.
The third question: What would make your city special? Will it have many mountains to make it pretty? or will it have the fastest trains in the world?
Finally, you’ll need to explain why this city is your ideal city. You can give as many reasons as you like. But you’re required to make at least three major points. The prize for this year’s competition is a free trip to Europe for a two-week stay. So start writing and good luck.