English Speaking Board

ESB Level 1 Certificate in ESOL International All Modes

(B2)

Contents of this Paper

Section Number of Questions Weighting for Section

Listening
Part One 10
Part Two Section A 5 20%
Part Two Section B 5
Reading
Part One 10 20%
Part Two 5
Use of English
Part One 10
Part Two 10 20%
Part Three 10
Part Four 5
Part Five 5
Writing 1 20%
The remaining 20% is for your speaking test.

Total time allowed: 2 hours and 30 minutes.

You should attempt all sections of this paper.

The use of dictionaries, notes or any electronic device is not permitted in this
examination.

Answers for the Listening, Reading and Use of English are to be put onto the
OPTICAL MARK FORM.
USE THE WRITING ANSWER BOOKLET for your answer to the Writing Section.
This question paper WILL NOT BE MARKED.

DO NOT OPEN THE EXAMINATION PAPER UNTIL YOU ARE TOLD TO DO SO.

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 ESB Level 1 Listening (Part One)

You will hear a teenage boy (Fred) and a girl (Jenny) discussing the kind of job
the girl would like to do in the future.
For questions 1 - 10, decide if the statements are True [T] or False [F].
You will hear the recording TWICE.
You now have one minute to read the questions for Part One.

A Future With Animals

1. The boy says that it is too early to think about future jobs. _____
2. The girl thought that the career‟s talk was boring. _____
3. The boy thinks that zoo work would not be suitable for the girl. _____
4. The girl says it would be interesting to work in a dog beauty salon. _____
5. The girl does not mind cleaning her bedroom. _____
6. The boy thinks the salary is important when deciding on a job. _____
7. Vets are not very well-paid according to the boy. _____
8. The girl is worried about the length of time it takes to become a vet. _____
9. The boy thinks that university life should be enjoyable. _____
10. The girl has always been good at biology. _____

Remember to transfer your answers onto the Optical Mark Form.

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ESB Level 1 Listening (Part Two Section A)

You will hear a conversation between a travel agent and a man called Steve
who wants to book a hotel room for a weekend trip to London.
For questions 11 - 15, choose the correct answer, A, B or C.
You will hear the recording TWICE.
You now have one minute to read the questions for Section A.

A Weekend in London

11. Steve says that he

A. wants to book a room for any weekend in July.
B. wants to have a room for either Friday or Saturday night.
C. forgot his wedding anniversary once in the past.

12. The Travel Agent suggests Kensington as a suitable area because

A. the hotels are not as expensive as in other places.
B. it is a very busy and lively area.
C. it is near places of interest and entertainment.

13. Steve thinks that

A. the Park Hotel is overpriced.
B. the Japanese Garden Hotel sounds dull.
C. all the hotels sound very attractive.

14. The evening boat trip is not a good idea because

A. the weather might be too cold.
B. being on water makes Steve‟s wife feel ill.
C. Steve has already decided to go to the theatre.

15. Steve decides

A. to ask his wife if she wants to go to a ballet.
B. not to buy tickets for a show until later.
C. that a musical theatre show would be the best option.

Remember to transfer your answers onto the Optical Mark Form.

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ESB Level 1 Listening (Part Two – Section B)

You will hear Mr Hargreaves, the director of Hargreaves Department

Store giving a talk about the opening of a new store.
For questions 16 – 20, choose the correct answer A, B or C. You will
hear the recording TWICE.
You now have one minute to read the questions for Section B.

A New Shopping Experience

16. The new store in Kingsbridge will be the

A. biggest Hargreaves store in the North of England.
B. only Hargreaves store in the North of England.
C. fifth Hargreaves store to be built in the area.

17. According to Mr Hargreaves’ description, the new store will

A. have places outside to sit and relax.
B. have two car-parks next to it.
C. not really change that part of the town.

18. The new store will

A. have a cafe or restaurant on each of its floors.
B. offer impressive views from „The Rooftop Restaurant‟.
C. sell furniture such as sofas on the third floor.

19. Hargreaves’ stores

A. focus on selling cheap products from other countries.
B. aim to sell only products that are made in Britain.
C. sell good quality products at fair prices.

20. Customers will find that

A. the Children‟s Department is in a practical location.
B. clothes for weddings are on the fourth floor.
C. they can have items gift-wrapped for a small price.

Remember to transfer your answers onto the Optical Mark Form.

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ESB Level 1 Reading (Part One)

You are going to read an article about the tradition of tea drinking. For
questions 21 – 24, match the headings below (A – G) with the
appropriate paragraph. The first heading has been done as an example.
There are TWO headings which you do not need.

The Tradition of Tea Drinking

Example: C. A Worldwide Custom

Tea-drinking is part of the culture and tradition of many different countries. Tea
drinking practices in some countries involve elaborate ceremonies, which are
connected to local beliefs or religions. In others, tea drinking is seen simply as a
social opportunity. There are many types of tea and while more delicate green tea is
most often drunk in countries such as China and Japan, black tea has been
traditionally more popular in Europe, especially in Britain where it is typically drunk
with milk and sugar. However, the popularity of green, white and herbal teas has
now grown across the West, and even the British are keen to try these alternatives.
This is possibly due to the health benefits these teas may offer.
21.
In Britain, tea drinking became popular through the tradition of „afternoon tea‟. This
began around 1840 among the privileged upper class, who were rich enough to live
in large houses and to have a lot of leisure time. Cups of tea were served along with
small sandwiches and cakes preventing people from getting too hungry before
dinner, which was often eaten at eight or nine in the evening. In those days, ladies
could not go into public tea or coffee shops without a male companion, so inviting
friends to their homes was a good substitute. Therefore, afternoon tea soon became
an important meeting for ladies, as they caught up on gossip and news among
friends.

22.
Originally, the serving of afternoon tea followed a rather strict protocol. The hostess
would be responsible for pouring the tea, which was usually served in a china teapot.
She would also offer milk, lemon and sugar according to her guests‟ tastes. The
mouth-watering cakes, tarts and biscuits accompanying the tea were beautifully
made by the house cook, and tastefully presented on elegant plates. As tea was an
expensive product, it was often locked in a small box and only the lady of the house

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would have the key. It was therefore a status symbol to have tea parties, as it
showed that the hostess was rich enough to afford such a luxury.
23.
Based on a Dutch idea, tea gardens were later opened in England and both men and
women could enjoy taking their tea in the fresh air, maybe listening to a concert or
watching a game of bowls. Such gardens were public and so families of different
social classes mixed freely without social criticism. The tradition of „tipping‟ originated
from these gardens, as small wooden boxes were placed on the tables with the
letters T.I.P.S which meant „to insure prompt service‟. If the customer dropped a
coin in the box before he sat down, he was guaranteed quicker service, and a better
cup of tea!
24.
Afternoon tea dances evolved in the 1880s. Tables for couples were arranged
around a small indoor dance floor, and these occasions were very sociable. They
became extremely common in the early 20th century, as new dance crazes swept
both Britain and the USA. Tea dances are still held today and are especially popular
with retired people as they provide an opportunity for them to get together for both
enjoyment and exercise. Indeed, tea drinking seems as important in our modern
lives as it was a hundred years ago.

A. Fun And Fitness.

B. Tea Drinking In Holland.
C. A Worldwide Custom.
D. Entertaining At Home.
E. A Formal Procedure.
F. Outdoor Enjoyment For All.
G. Dances And Fresh Air.

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For questions 25 – 30, decide which is the correct answer A, B, C, or D.

25. According to the text, tea drinking

A. is no longer a sophisticated event in any culture.
B. habits are not changing in Britain.
C. in western countries now includes many different sorts of tea.
D. is not considered healthy in some countries.

26. Afternoon tea in Britain

A. was usually served instead of dinner.
B. was first served in tea shops to men.
C. enabled ladies to meet and chat together.
D. provided a welcome break in the day for working ladies.

27. A word closest in meaning to ‘privileged’ [paragraph 2] is

A. selfish.
B. lazy.
C. generous.
D. fortunate.

28. In the past, afternoon tea was

A. never served by the hostess, but by servants.
B. an occasion that indicated that the hostess was well-off.
C. a relaxed meeting of friends and family.
D. a chance for the hostess to show off her cooking skills.

29. A word closest in meaning to ‘prompt’ [paragraph 4] is

A. fast.
B. free.
C. relaxed.
D. careful.

30. According to the text, afternoon tea dances in Britain

A. were often held outdoors in tea gardens.
B. are an example of the social aspect of tea drinking.
C. were first held to entertain elderly people.
D. became fashionable because of popular American music.

Remember to transfer your answers onto the Optical Mark Form.

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ESB Level 1 Reading (Part Two)

You are going to read an article about a sport called Triathlon. For
questions 31 – 35, decide which is the correct answer A, B, C or D.

Triathlon

Triathlon, a race involving swimming, cycling and running, is becoming an

increasingly popular sport in the UK and the number of competitors in the „London
Triathlon‟ doubled between 2004 and 2006. This may seem strange as the sport
demands a high level of fitness and a lot of determination. Perhaps its popularity is
because of the need to develop multiple skills because the sport combines three
very diverse activities. Both men and women from a wide range of backgrounds are
attracted to triathlon and its success has led to coaching services becoming
available to help people achieve their goal of completing a triathlon race.

It is widely agreed that the idea of the triathlon originated from a French race in the
1920s, which consisted of a short swim, cycle ride and run. The first modern
triathlon was held in 1974, involving a half kilometre swim, a forty kilometre cycle ride
and a ten kilometre run. The Olympic triathlon still adheres to this format today.

Training for a triathlon provides all-round fitness training, as the three different sports
require the use of different muscle groups. Tri-athletes therefore, are less likely to
suffer from injuries caused by putting too much strain on any one part of the body.
Triathlon training is also sociable, as many clubs encourage people to train together
and learn from each others‟ experiences. Individuals normally remain better at one
particular sport, but can improve in other areas through sharing ideas. Becoming a
serious triathlon competitor requires some investment of money. It is necessary to
have a light-weight bicycle, a helmet, a good pair running shoes and a wetsuit.
However, all of this equipment is affordable for most people and lasts for a long time.

Triathlon can be an incredible experience which helps to build self-confidence as

well as fitness, as goals are reached and participants experience the satisfaction of
all their hard work. And for those who want a bigger challenge than the triathlon
there are even tougher events in which participants have to swim further and cycle
and run over difficult, often mountainous terrain.

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31. According to the text, triathlon has become more popular in the UK
A. since the London Triathlon in 2006.
B. because of the special training services available.
C. as it provides people with an unusual challenge.
D. among people who are already very fit.

32. A word closest in meaning to ‘adheres to’ [paragraph 2] is

A. develops.
B. follows.
C. obeys.
D. produces.

33. Training for a triathlon

A. is most effective when done in groups.
B. often puts excessive strain on certain parts of the body.
C. is usually intensive, done over a short period of time.
D. requires people to be experts in all areas.

34. Triathlon is a sport which

A. requires very expensive equipment.
B. attracts mainly active young people.
C. is both difficult and dangerous.
D. can be good for a person in different ways.

35. A word or phrase closest in meaning to ‘tougher’ [paragraph 4] is

A. stronger.
B. less stressful.
C. more demanding.
D. simpler.

Remember to transfer your answers onto the Optical Mark Form.

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ESB Level 1 Use of English (Part One)

For questions 36 – 45, complete the sentences below by choosing the

correct answer A, B, C or D.

36. I was walking ____________ a forest, when I saw some beautiful deer.
A. between C. through
B. along D. at

37. My cousin is not very fond of ____________, so he never comes away

on holiday with us in winter.
A. ski C. skiing
B. to ski D. skied

38. My husband ____________ not have worn a suit for the dinner last
night as everyone else was wearing jeans!
A. could C. would
B. need D. might

39. We looked at the two different models of car carefully. ___________

had its advantages.
A. Either C. None
B. Neither D. Each

40. Sarah did not enjoy the language course at first, but ___________ a
while she began to find it interesting.
A. after C. during
B. in D. before

41. John would really appreciate it if you __________ to visit him.

A. have gone C. will go
B. went D. had gone

42. I will call you on Wednesday. You _____________ your exam results
by then.
A. will receive C. are receiving
B. will have received D. will be receiving

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43. Although we were late, we were able to catch ________ last train to
Oxford.
A. the C. any
B. a D. each

44. The village ______ my grandmother was born is called Chippingham.

A. which C. when
B. whose D. where

45. My sister was _______ tired last night that she went straight to bed
without having any dinner.
A. so C. very
B. such D. much

Remember to transfer your answers onto the Optical Mark Form.

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ESB Level 1 Use of English (Part Two)

For questions 46 – 55, complete the sentences below by choosing the

correct answer A, B, C or D.

46. The police have not been able to catch the thieves, who __________
with four valuable paintings and some diamond jewellery.
A. got along C. got back
B. got away D. got down

47. I have been trying to ____________ James on his mobile phone, but
it is turned off.
A. connect C. reach
B. access D. speak

48. My teacher _____________ me to do a summer course in order to

improve my English.
A. advised C. explained
B. offered D. suggested

49. A good detective keeps out of ___________ when following a crime

suspect.
A. control C. luck
B. sight D. mind

50. We should __________ time for a meeting next week, in order to

discuss the new project.
A. spend C. put
B. make D. do

51. This coffee is too ____________ for me. The barman has put too
much water in it.
A. thin C. weak
B. gentle D. bitter

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52. Could you ___________ me the way to the post office please?
A. show C. direct
B. help D. lead

53. Kate did not tell her friend the news because she could not ________
him to keep it a secret.
A. rely C. ensure
B. believe D. trust

54. If my parents ___________ me go out tonight, I will go to the cinema

with you.
A. allow C. accept
B. permit D. let

55. This area used to be full of cherry trees, but they were all cut _______
before these new houses were built.
A. up C. down
B. off D. out

Remember to transfer your answers onto the Optical Mark Form.

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ESB Level 1 Use Of English (Part Three)

For questions 56 – 65, read the text and choose the correct answer for
each gap A, B, C or D.

Healthy Eating

Healthy eating is a topic that one just cannot ignore nowadays. Magazines are full of
tips on how to cook the latest „super food‟, and their glossy photographs of colourful
dishes make us wonder how we (56) _______ever touch a greasy burger and chips.
Even the advertisements on television seem to show an increasing proportion of
„food items‟, as advertisers hope that the viewers will remember their particular brand
name the next time they (57) _______ the supermarket. Healthy food is sometimes
seen as the (58) _______ for many of today‟s health problems, and the fact that
many ailments have become more apparent ever since (59) _______ arrival of
convenience foods in the 1960s and 1970s certainly supports this view.

However, fruit and vegetables may not always be as fresh as they seem, having
been sprayed with chemicals to (60) _______ their appearance. In addition, organic
products, which are produced without chemicals, are often more expensive and
some families just cannot (61) _______ such high prices. People must be convinced
(62) _______ the benefits of these products before they will give (63) _______ their
normal eating habits for something more nutritious.

Perhaps the answer can be found in „moderation‟. Many of our grandparents ate a
varied and balanced diet without really (64) _______ about it. They often grew their
own vegetables and most certainly used local markets for the majority of their
shopping. That generation did not have freezers, so food was freshly prepared each
day and much more time and effort was spent to make simple ingredients tastier.
And our grandparents had their treats! (65) _______ chocolate and candy were
occasional luxuries, a range of delicious sweets and puddings was created,
complimenting the seasons by utilising the ingredients available.

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56. A. should C. must
B. will D. could

57. A. will visit C. were visiting

B. visit D. have visited

58. A. cure C. cause

B. healing D. method

59. A. any C. some

B. the D. an

60. A. continue C. defend

B. assist D. maintain

61. A. have C. spend

B. afford D. find

62. A. of C. for
B. with D. at

63. A. in C. up
B. away D. out

64. A. to think C. thought

B. have thought D. thinking

65. A. Despite C. Since

B. Because of D. Due to

Remember to transfer your answers onto the Optical Mark Form.

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ESB Level 1 Use of English (Part Four)

For questions 66 – 70, complete the sentences below by choosing the

correct answer A, B or C.

66. John is always with his girlfriend! It seems that they are _____________.

A. separable B. separated C. inseparable

67. My neighbour is giving up his job and moving to the country because he
does not want to feel the ___________ of city life any longer.

A. stress B. stressing C. stressful

68. Walking in the fresh air, totally surrounded by nature, was a really
__________ experience for me.

A. careless B. careful C. carefree

69. There is a lot of ____________ in the weather at the moment; it is rainy

one day and sunny the next!

A. variation B. variant C. variable

70. You had better ____________ the batteries for your camera, if you want
to take more photographs today.

A. discharge B. recharge C. overcharge

Remember to transfer your answers onto the Optical Mark Form.

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ESB Level 1 Use of English (Part Five)

For questions 71 – 75, choose the sentence A, B, C or D, which is

closest in meaning to the sentence given.

71. I will go to the party provided Sam goes too.

A. If Sam goes to the party, I will probably not go.
B. I will not go to the party unless Sam goes as well.
C. I will not go to the party because Sam is not going.
D. Sam will go to the party as long as I go too.

72. Not having much money, we stayed in the least expensive hotel in the
town.
A. We stayed in the cheapest hotel available, because we had little
money.
B. Although we had enough money, we stayed in the cheapest hotel in
the town.
C. The hotels in the town were so expensive that we had to pay a lot of
money to stay there.
D. As the hotel prices were high in the town, we could not afford to stay
there.

73. Anna is as fast a runner as my brother.

A. Anna can run faster than my brother.
B. My brother runs slower than Anna does.
C. Anna and my brother run at the same speed.
D. Both Anna and my brother are fast runners.

74. It is such a dangerous road that I really think there will be an accident
one of these days.
A. There are frequent accidents on this road because it is not very safe.
B. As this road is very dangerous, it is likely that an accident will happen
in the future.
C. This road is so dangerous that there is an accident on it every day.
D. Accidents were often caused by dangerous driving on this road.

75. I wish I had never agreed to organise the school trip because it is
taking up too much time.
A. I did not agree to organise the school trip because of the amount of
time involved.
B. If I were asked to organise the school trip, I would not agree to do it.
C. I wanted to organise the school trip but I was not able to do it due to
the fact that I was busy.
D. I regret agreeing to organise the school trip.

Remember to transfer your answers onto the Optical Mark Form.

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ESB Level 1 Writing

Choose ONE of the following options.

Write between 120 – 150 words in English.
USE THE SEPARATE WRITING ANSWER BOOKLET.

1. Write a letter to your friend recommending an interesting book you have just
read. Explain what you liked about the book and why you think your friend will
enjoy it.

2. Your school or college magazine has asked readers to write an article

describing their favourite town or city. Write a description of your chosen
place which you could send to the magazine.

3. You have been asked to write a story about a teacher with a secret life which
ends with the line “I never knew my teacher was so famous.”

END OF PAPER

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