Practice igcse model questions vol1 english_language 2019 Past Questions

Question 1 View Details

Write a suitable topic sentence for an expository paragraph that discusses the benefits of recycling.

A. Recycling conserves natural resources, creates waste, and saves energy.

B. Recycling conserves natural resources, reduces waste, and consumes energy.

Correct C. Recycling conserves natural resources, reduces waste, and saves energy.

D. Recycling increases natural resources, reduces waste, and saves energy.

Correct Answer: C

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Question 2 View Details

Correct the following sentence for subject‑verb agreement: "Each of the students have completed their assignments."

Correct A. Each of the students has completed their assignments.

B. Each of the students have completed their assignments.

C. Each of the students has completed his assignments.

D. Each of the students have completed his assignment.

Correct Answer: A

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Question 3 View Details

Write the opening sentence of a narrative that hooks the reader, using a simile to describe the setting.

A. The night draped over the town like a velvet curtain, silencing every footstep.

B. The darkness settled like dust on an old shelf, muffling the city's distant hum.

C. The evening fell as softly as a feather, quieting the bustling streets.

Correct D. The night fell like a heavy blanket, muffling the town's restless whispers.

Correct Answer: D

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Question 4 View Details

A tourist asks you for directions to the library. Provide an appropriate spoken response that is polite, clear, and uses suitable register for oral English.

A. No problem. Head straight for three blocks, then turn left at the pharmacy; the library is across the street on the opposite side.

Correct B. Certainly! From here, go straight ahead for about two blocks, then turn left at the post office; the library will be on your right.

C. Okay, just keep going straight for about a block, then take a left at the coffee shop; the library will be right behind you.

D. Sure thing! Walk two blocks forward, then turn right at the bakery; the library is on the left.

Correct Answer: B

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Question 5 View Details

Write the concluding sentence of a short story (150‑200 words) about a child who discovers a hidden garden that appears only at midnight and later learns it is a portal to their future self. The sentence must resolve the twist while maintaining the story's reflective tone.

A. As the moon rose higher, I lingered at the garden's gate, feeling the lingering doubt of my past self, unsure of the path that lay ahead.

B. At the first whisper of morning, I entered the garden once more, embracing the restless curiosity of my future self, ready to rewrite the story that had begun.

Correct C. As the first light of dawn painted the sky, I stepped back through the garden's gate, carrying the quiet confidence of my future self, ready to face the day with a heart that already knew its own destiny.

D. When the sunrise broke, I turned away from the garden's gate, leaving behind the echo of my future self and stepping into a day that felt unfamiliar.

Correct Answer: C

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Question 6 View Details

In the paragraph below, the underlined sentence is very plain. The market was busy. \underline{It was noisy.} Stalls sold colourful fruits and the smell of spices filled the air. Rewrite the underlined sentence to include at least two sensory details (sound and smell) and use vivid language.

A. The chatter of bargaining merchants and the sweet aroma of mangoes and papaya drifted across the market.

B. The roar of distant drums and the pungent odor of burnt incense filled the bustling lanes.

Correct C. The clamor of haggling voices and the sharp scent of cumin and cinnamon swirled through the air.

D. The murmur of customers and the faint fragrance of fresh herbs wafted through the stalls.

Correct Answer: C

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Question 7 View Details

Write the phonemic transcription in IPA of the word "psychology" as it is pronounced in British English. Then state which letter in the original spelling is silent.

Correct A. /saɪˈkɒlədʒi/; silent letter: p

B. \/saɪˈkɒlədʒi\/; silent letter: s

C. \/saɪˈkɒlədʒi\/; silent letter: h

D. \/sɪˈkɒlədʒi\/; silent letter: p

Correct Answer: A

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Question 8 View Details

Read the following opening paragraph: "Even now, I can still hear the ticking of the old mantel clock, a sound that seemed to count down the seconds before the accident that changed everything." Identify the narrative technique employed in this sentence.

A. Imagery

Correct B. Foreshadowing

C. Flashback

D. Alliteration

Correct Answer: B

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Question 9 View Details

In the sentence "The cheetah ran swiftly across the plain," what part of speech is the highlighted word "swiftly"?

A. Verb

Correct B. Adverb

C. Adjective

D. Noun

Correct Answer: B

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Question 10 View Details

You bought a toaster from "HomeTech" two weeks ago, but it stopped working after the first use. Write a formal letter of complaint to the company requesting a replacement. Include all required parts of a formal letter (your address, date, recipient address, salutation, body, closing, and signature).

A. Your Name 123 Maple Street Lagos, Nigeria 15 October 2026 Customer Services Manager HomeTech Ltd. 45 Business Avenue Lagos, Nigeria Dear Sir/Madam, I am writing to request a full refund for the toaster (model HT‑200) purchased on 1 October 2026, which stopped working after its first use. Please process the refund to my original payment method. Yours faithfully, [Signature] Your Name

B. Your Name 123 Maple Street Lagos, Nigeria 15 October 2026 Customer Services Manager HomeTech Ltd. 45 Business Avenue Lagos, Nigeria Dear Sir/Madam, I am writing to complain about a toaster (model HT‑200) that I purchased from your store on 1 October 2026. The appliance stopped working after its first use, despite following the instructions provided. I would appreciate it if you could arrange for a replacement toaster to be sent to me at your earliest convenience. Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter. Yours faithfully, [Signature] Your Name

Correct C. Your Name 123 Maple Street Lagos, Nigeria 15 October 2026 Customer Services Manager HomeTech Ltd. 45 Business Avenue Lagos, Nigeria Dear Sir/Madam, I am writing to complain about a toaster (model HT‑200) that I purchased from your store on 1 October 2026. The appliance stopped working after its first use, despite following the instructions provided. I would appreciate it if you could arrange for a replacement toaster to be sent to me at your earliest convenience. I have enclosed a copy of the receipt for your reference. Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter. Yours faithfully, [Signature] Your Name

D. Your Name 123 Maple Street Lagos, Nigeria 15 October 2026 Customer Services Manager HomeTech Ltd. 45 Business Avenue Lagos, Nigeria Hi, I bought a toaster (model HT‑200) on 1 October 2026 and it broke after the first use. Please send me a new one. Thanks, Your Name

Correct Answer: C

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Question 11 View Details

Identify the error in the following sentence and rewrite it correctly: "She don't like going to the market on Sundays."

Correct A. She doesn't like going to the market on Sundays.

B. She doesn't like going to market on Sunday.

C. She doesn't likes going to the market on Sundays.

D. She doesn't like going to the market on Saturday.

Correct Answer: A

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Question 12 View Details

You bought a laptop from a local electronics store, but after two weeks it stopped working. Write a formal letter of complaint to the store manager. In your letter you must: - state the date of purchase and the model of the laptop; - describe the fault you have experienced; - state what you expect the store to do (repair, replacement or refund); - give a reasonable deadline for a written response. Your letter should be between 150 and 200 words.

Correct A. Your Name Your Address City, Postcode Nigeria 15 September 2023 The Manager TechWorld Electronics Shop No. 5, Market Street Lagos, Nigeria Dear Sir/Madam, I am writing to complain about a laptop I purchased from your store on 1 September 2023. The device is a TechWorld UltraBook model X200, costing ₦150,000. Two weeks after purchase, the laptop began to shut down abruptly after a few minutes of use, even when fully charged. I have followed the troubleshooting steps in the user manual, but the problem persists. Under the Consumer Protection Act, I am entitled to a product that is of satisfactory quality. I therefore request that you either repair the laptop, replace it with a new unit of the same model, or refund the full purchase price. Please respond in writing within 14 days of the date of this letter. If I do not receive a satisfactory reply, I will consider escalating the matter to the relevant consumer protection authority. Yours faithfully, [Signature] Your Name

B. Your Name\nYour Address\nCity, Postcode\nNigeria\n15 September 2023\n\nThe Manager\nTechWorld Electronics\nShop No. 5, Market Street\nLagos, Nigeria\n\nDear Sir/Madam,\n\nI am writing to complain about a laptop I purchased from your store on 5 September 2023. The device is a TechWorld UltraBook model X210, costing ₦160,000.\n\nTwo weeks after purchase, the laptop began to shut down abruptly after a few minutes of use, even when fully charged. I have followed the troubleshooting steps in the user manual, but the problem persists.\n\nUnder the Consumer Protection Act, I am entitled to a product that is of satisfactory quality. I therefore request that you either repair the laptop, replace it with a new unit of the same model, or refund the full purchase price.\n\nPlease respond in writing within 7 days of the date of this letter. If I do not receive a satisfactory reply, I will consider escalating the matter to the relevant consumer protection authority.\n\nYours faithfully,\n\n[Signature]\nYour Name

C. Your Name\nYour Address\nCity, Postcode\nNigeria\n15 September 2023\n\nManager\nTechWorld Electronics Ltd.\nShop No. 5, Market Street\nLagos, Nigeria\n\nDear Manager,\n\nI am writing to complain about a laptop I purchased from your store on 1 September 2023. The device is a TechWorld UltraBook model X200, costing ₦150,000.\n\nTwo weeks after purchase, the laptop began to shut down abruptly after a few minutes of use, even when fully charged. I have followed the troubleshooting steps in the user manual, but the problem persists.\n\nUnder the Consumer Protection Act, I am entitled to a product that is of satisfactory quality. I therefore request that you either repair the laptop, replace it with a new unit of the same model, or refund the full purchase price.\n\nPlease respond in writing within 14 days of the date of this letter. If I do not receive a satisfactory reply, I will consider escalating the matter to the relevant consumer protection authority.\n\nYours sincerely,\n\n[Signature]\nYour Name

D. Your Name\nYour Address\nCity, Postcode\nNigeria\n15 September 2023\n\nThe Manager\nTechWorld Electronics\nShop No. 5, Market Street\nLagos, Nigeria\n\nDear Sir/Madam,\n\nI am writing to complain about a laptop I purchased from your store on 1 September 2023. The device is a TechWorld UltraBook model X200, costing ₦150,000.\n\nTwo weeks after purchase, the laptop began to shut down abruptly after a few minutes of use, even when fully charged. I have followed the troubleshooting steps in the user manual, but the problem persists.\n\nI request that you repair the laptop and respond within 30 days.\n\nYours faithfully,\n\n[Signature]\nYour Name

Correct Answer: A

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Question 13 View Details

Read the following passage and then write a summary of no more than 50 words. "Climate change is the long‑term alteration of temperature and typical weather patterns in a place. It may refer to a particular location or the planet as a whole. The primary cause of recent climate change is the increase in greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide, which trap heat in the atmosphere. Human activities—especially the burning of fossil fuels, deforestation and industrial processes—have dramatically raised these gas concentrations since the Industrial Revolution. The consequences are already evident: rising sea levels, more frequent extreme weather events, loss of biodiversity and threats to food security. To mitigate these impacts, nations must reduce emissions, transition to renewable energy sources, protect and restore forests, and adopt sustainable agricultural practices. International cooperation, as exemplified by the Paris Agreement, is essential for coordinated action and to limit global warming to well below 2°C above pre‑industrial levels." Your summary should capture the main ideas and key details.

Correct A. Human activities have increased greenhouse gases, causing climate change with effects such as rising seas, extreme weather and biodiversity loss. Mitigation requires cutting emissions, adopting renewable energy, protecting forests, sustainable agriculture, and global cooperation like the Paris Agreement.

B. According to the passage, the only solution is to relocate coastal cities inland, with no mention of reducing emissions or renewable energy.

C. While natural climate cycles have always occurred, the passage emphasizes that recent warming is mainly due to volcanic eruptions and solar variability, and suggests that no human action is needed.

D. The text states that climate change will primarily benefit agriculture by extending growing seasons, and recommends increasing fossil fuel use to boost economic growth.

Correct Answer: A

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Question 14 View Details

You have been elected head prefect of your school. The school council is considering whether to introduce a recycling programme for paper, plastic and metal waste. Write a persuasive speech of 120-150 words addressed to the council. Your speech should: - open with a clear statement of purpose; - present at least two strong arguments supporting the programme (e.g., environmental, financial, educational benefits); - address a possible counter‑argument; - conclude with a compelling call to action. Use an appropriate formal yet engaging tone.

Correct A. Honourable members of the school council, I stand before you to advocate for the introduction of a comprehensive recycling programme in our school. Firstly, recycling will significantly reduce the amount of waste we send to landfill, conserving precious natural resources and lowering our carbon footprint. Secondly, it offers clear financial benefits: by reusing paper, plastic and metal we can cut disposal costs and even generate modest income from recyclable materials, funds that could be redirected to school projects. I understand some may worry about the initial expense of bins and supervision. However, many schools have shown that the modest upfront investment is quickly offset by the savings and the enthusiasm of students who volunteer to manage the system. Therefore, I urge you to vote in favour of the recycling programme today, setting a proud example for our community and teaching our peers the value of sustainable living. Thank you.

B. Honourable members of the school council, I propose we adopt a recycling programme because it will help the environment by reducing waste. Recycling also teaches students about responsibility. These benefits alone are enough to justify the change. I look forward to your support. Thank you.

C. Honourable members of the school council, I stand before you to argue against introducing a recycling programme. The costs of bins, collection, and supervision far outweigh any minor environmental gains, and our budget is already stretched thin. Rather than diverting funds to recycling, we should focus on improving academic resources. Therefore, I ask you to reject the proposal and keep our resources directed toward core educational priorities. Thank you.

D. Honourable members of the school council, Recycling is a good idea. It will make our school look modern and may save some money. I think we should try it. Please consider this. Thank you.

Correct Answer: A

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Question 15 View Details

Write an informal letter to your friend Ada describing your recent holiday to the coastal town of Badagry. In your letter you should: - tell her when you went and how long you stayed; - describe the place you visited and one activity you enjoyed; - express how the experience made you feel; - invite her to join you next time. Your letter should be between 120 and 150 words.

A. Dear Ada, I hope you're doing well. I just returned from a short trip to Lagos last month. We stayed there for two days, arriving on Thursday evening and leaving Friday night. Lagos is a bustling city, and I spent most of my time shopping at the markets. I did try a boat ride on the lagoon, but it was very crowded. The trip was okay, but I missed the quiet of the countryside. Maybe you could visit sometime, but I'm not sure when I'll go again. Love, [Your Name]

Correct B. Dear Ada, I hope you're well! I just got back from a wonderful three‑day break in Badagry last weekend. We arrived on Friday afternoon and left Sunday night. Badagry's sandy beach was stunning, and I loved strolling along the shore at sunrise. The highlight was a boat ride on the lagoon, where we spotted colourful birds and even a dolphin! The whole trip left me feeling completely refreshed and reminded me how much I enjoy the sea breeze and the laid‑back vibe of the town. You must come with me next time - we could explore the historic market together and maybe try some fresh seafood. Can't wait to hear from you. Love, [Your Name]

C. Dear Ada, Just got back from Badagry where I spent a wonderful five‑day vacation last month. We arrived on Monday and left on Saturday. I spent most of my time at the hotel pool and didn't get to see the beach. I did try a local restaurant, which was delicious. The trip made me feel bored and I wish I had done more. You should definitely come with me next time - we could relax together. Love, [Your Name]

D. Dear Ada, I'm writing to tell you about my recent holiday in Badagry. I went there last weekend and stayed for three days, from Saturday morning until Tuesday evening. The beach was nice, and I enjoyed walking along the shore. I also visited the historic museum, which was interesting. The experience left me feeling a bit tired, but it was nice to get away. Let's catch up soon. Love, [Your Name]

Correct Answer: B

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Question 16 View Details

The recent report warned that if greenhouse gas emissions continue at their present rate, the average global temperature could rise by as much as 2°C by 2050, ___ leading to more extreme weather events.

A. therefore

B. thus

Correct C. thereby

D. consequently

Correct Answer: C

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Question 17 View Details

When the manager heard the sales figures, she ___ and demanded an immediate meeting.

A. kept her composure

B. lost her temper

C. lost her focus

Correct D. lost her cool

Correct Answer: D

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Question 18 View Details

Do we really want a world where the rich hoard wealth while the poor starve? The answer is obvious.

A. It presents statistical data, encouraging readers to analyze market trends objectively

B. It offers a neutral overview, allowing readers to form their own opinion without bias

C. It highlights the economic disparity, urging readers to support charitable initiatives

Correct D. It forces the reader to consider the moral implication, creating urgency and aligning them with the writer's viewpoint.

Correct Answer: D

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Question 19 View Details

After months of negotiations, the two companies finally ___ and signed the contract.

A. declined the offer

B. broke off negotiations

C. ended the talks

Correct D. reached an agreement

Correct Answer: D

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Question 20 View Details

The claim is made that school uniforms suppress individuality and should be banned. Identify two logical weaknesses in this argument and give one counter‑point a debater could use.

A. Weakness 1: ad hominem; Weakness 2: circular reasoning. Counter‑point: uniforms simplify dress‑code enforcement and save families money.

B. Weakness 1: red herring; Weakness 2: appeal to tradition. Counter‑point: uniforms create a professional atmosphere and reduce bullying.

C. Weakness 1: false dilemma; Weakness 2: slippery slope. Counter‑point: uniforms reduce socioeconomic visibility and enhance school safety.

Correct D. Weakness 1: over‑generalisation; Weakness 2: no supporting evidence. Counter‑point: uniforms promote equality and reduce peer pressure, fostering belonging.

Correct Answer: D

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Question 21 View Details

In the sentence 'She _____ the invitation because she was ill.', which word correctly completes the sentence?

A. accepted

Correct B. declined

C. postponed

D. ignored

Correct Answer: B

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Question 22 View Details

A writer wants to create suspense in a story about a missing heirloom. Which narrative perspective would most effectively keep the reader guessing about the culprit?

A. first-person

B. third-person omniscient

Correct C. third-person limited

D. second-person

Correct Answer: C

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Question 23 View Details

The manager's decision was ____, causing the team to feel demoralized. The atmosphere in the office was ____ after the announcement. Fill the first blank with a synonym of ‘harsh' and the second blank with an antonym of ‘tense'.

A. gentle, stressed

B. soft, anxious

C. mild, nervous

Correct D. severe, relaxed

Correct Answer: D

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Question 24 View Details

A report on a school's new recycling programme contains three paragraphs. Paragraph 1 gives statistics of waste reduction, paragraph 2 describes the types and placement of recycling bins, and paragraph 3 offers recommendations for future improvements. Which heading best fits paragraph 2? Options: A) Results B) Methodology C) Implementation D) Conclusion

A. Results

Correct B. Implementation

C. Methodology

D. Conclusion

Correct Answer: B

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Question 25 View Details

Excerpt: "The clock ticked, ticked, ticked—each second a reminder that time was slipping away." What is the effect of the writer's use of repetition in this sentence?

Correct A. It creates a sense of urgency and emphasizes the passage of time

B. It adds a musical rhythm to the prose but does not affect the meaning

C. It highlights the author's indecision by repeating the same word

D. It serves to confuse the reader about the sequence of events

Correct Answer: A

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