Practice igcse model questions vol1 english_language 2025 Past Questions

Question 1 View Details

The following words are given with their IPA transcriptions: cat - /kæt/, bat - /bæt/, stop - /stɒp/, spot - /spɒt/, act - /ækt/. Based on these examples, state the phonological rule that accounts for the pronunciation of the final /t/ in each word.

Correct A. /t/ is realized as an unreleased [t̚] when it occurs word‑finally after a short vowel.

B. \/t\/ is realized as a glottal stop [ʔ] when it occurs word‑finally after a long vowel.

C. \/t\/ is aspirated [tʰ] when it occurs word‑finally after a short vowel.

D. \/t\/ is deleted when it occurs word‑finally after a short vowel.

Correct Answer: A

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Question 2 View Details

The new library opens next month. ___, the budget for its renovation has been cut by 20%. ___, the students are excited about the modern facilities. ___, the administration hopes the community will support the project.

A. Thus; Moreover; Consequently

B. Consequently; Moreover; Hence

Correct C. However; Nevertheless; Therefore

D. Moreover; Consequently; Hence

Correct Answer: C

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Question 3 View Details

Rewrite the following sentence in the passive voice: "The committee will announce the results tomorrow."

A. The results will be announced by the committee today.

Correct B. The results will be announced by the committee tomorrow.

C. The results will be announced tomorrow.

D. The committee will be announced by the results tomorrow.

Correct Answer: B

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Question 4 View Details

You have been elected class prefect. At the end‑of‑year assembly you must deliver a speech (120‑150 words) that encourages all students to join the new recycling programme. The speech must contain: a greeting, a clear purpose, two separate arguments supporting recycling, a call‑to‑action, and a concluding rhetorical question. Write the speech and then name two rhetorical devices that you have used.

Correct A. Speech as shown above; Rhetorical devices: parallelism and rhetorical question.

B. Speech as shown above; Rhetorical devices: repetition and hyperbole.

C. Speech as shown above; Rhetorical devices: alliteration and metaphor.

D. Speech as shown above; Rhetorical devices: antithesis and simile.

Correct Answer: A

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Question 5 View Details

Complete the sentences with the most appropriate idiom from the list and explain its meaning. Idioms: (a) break the ice, (b) hit the sack, (c) cost an arm and a leg, (d) under the weather, (e) piece of cake. 1. After a long day of hiking, I was so tired that I just wanted to ________. 2. The new smartphone ________, but I managed to save enough money.

A. 1. under the weather - to go to bed; 2. cost an arm and a leg - to be easy.

B. 1. break the ice - to go to bed; 2. under the weather - to be very expensive.

Correct C. 1. hit the sack - to go to bed; 2. cost an arm and a leg - to be very expensive.

D. 1. hit the sack - to feel ill; 2. piece of cake - to be very expensive.

Correct Answer: C

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Question 6 View Details

Read the following excerpt: "The night was silent, but the city never truly slept. Neon signs flickered like restless fireflies, while the old baker, whose hands were as rough as the bread he kneaded, whispered prayers to a sky that seemed indifferent." Explain how the writer's use of contrast in this passage influences the reader's perception of the baker's motivations. Support your answer with two specific examples from the text.

A. The writer contrasts the silent night with the bustling city and the baker's rough hands with his silent prayers, suggesting that the baker is indifferent to his surroundings and lacks any deeper motivation.

B. The contrast between the still night and the active city, together with the baker's rough hands and his whispered prayers, indicates that the baker is conflicted and ultimately decides to abandon his work.

Correct C. The writer contrasts the silent night with the city's constant activity and the baker's rough, work‑worn hands with his gentle, whispered prayers. The first contrast underscores that life goes on regardless of the baker's personal struggles, while the second reveals his inner vulnerability. Together they make the baker appear both resilient in his daily labour and quietly hopeful for aid, shaping the reader's perception of his motivations as a mix of perseverance and yearning.

D. By juxtaposing the quiet night with the lively city and the baker's coarse hands with his whispered prayers, the passage implies that the baker is merely performing his duties without any personal hope or resilience.

Correct Answer: C

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Question 7 View Details

Scenario: You are a teenager who has just discovered an abandoned garden hidden behind a high brick wall in your neighbourhood. Write the first two sentences of a narrative that introduce the setting and the main character, using at least one sensory detail and a verb of movement.

A. I pushed aside the vines and entered the garden. My heart raced as I stood still, listening to the silence.

Correct B. I pushed aside the tangled ivy and stepped into a garden that smelled of damp earth and forgotten roses. The cracked stone path beneath my feet led me deeper into the hidden oasis, and my heart raced with every cautious step.

C. I stared at the hidden garden behind the high wall and imagined what lay within. The silence of the space made me pause, and I remained rooted, unsure of what to do.

D. I climbed over the low fence and entered the garden. The path was dusty, and I walked slowly, feeling the weight of the unknown.

Correct Answer: B

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Question 8 View Details

Situation: The local council has asked you to prepare a report on the recent water shortage in your town. Identify three essential sections that should be included in the report and, for each section, state its primary purpose.

A. 1. Executive Summary - to outline the report's conclusions and recommendations. 2. Methodology - to describe the research methods used. 3. Appendices - to provide supplementary data and charts.

B. 1. Abstract - to briefly summarize the entire report. 2. Literature Review - to discuss previous studies on water scarcity. 3. Budget - to detail financial costs of proposed solutions.

C. 1. Background - to give historical context of water usage. 2. Data Collection - to list raw measurements. 3. Conclusion - to summarize findings without recommendations.

Correct D. 1. Introduction - to define the water‑shortage problem, its geographic scope and the reason for the report. 2. Findings - to present and analyse data, observations and causes of the shortage. 3. Recommendations - to suggest practical measures the council can adopt to resolve or mitigate the shortage.

Correct Answer: D

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Question 9 View Details

When the storm finally passed, the village emerged ___(1)___ a blanket of debris. The children, ___(2)___, rushed to the riverbank to see if the fish had survived. By noon, the elders had begun ___(3)___ the damaged roofs, while the mayor promised ___(4)___ more resources for reconstruction. Fill each blank with the most appropriate single word.

Correct A. from; shivering; repairing; to allocate

B. through; crying; restoring; to donate

C. amid; trembling; cleaning; to provide

D. under; laughing; building; to fund

Correct Answer: A

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Question 10 View Details

Write a formal letter to the principal of your school complaining about the lack of library resources. In your letter, mention three specific problems you have observed and suggest two realistic solutions. Keep the letter between 120 and 150 words.

A. [Your Address]\n[Date]\n\nThe Principal\n[School Name]\n[School Address]\n\nDear Principal,\n\nI am writing because the library has only one computer and no chairs. Please buy more chairs.\n\nSincerely,\n[Your Name]

Correct B. [Your Address] [Date] The Principal [School Name] [School Address] Dear Sir/Madam, I am writing to draw your attention to the serious shortcomings of our school library. Firstly, the majority of the textbooks are more than ten years old and no longer reflect the current curriculum. Secondly, the reading area provides only five chairs for a class of thirty students, forcing many to stand. Thirdly, the computer terminals are limited to two, which restricts research work during lessons. To address these issues, I suggest organising a book‑donation campaign involving parents and alumni, and allocating part of the school's budget to purchase new reference materials. Additionally, extending the library's opening hours would allow students to use the existing computers more effectively. I trust you will consider these proposals and look forward to improvements. Yours faithfully, [Your Name]

C. [Your Address]\n[Date]\n\nThe Principal\n[School Name]\n[School Address]\n\nDear Sir/Madam,\n\nOur library suffers from three problems: textbooks older than ten years, only five chairs for thirty students, and only two computer terminals. I suggest constructing a brand‑new library building and hiring a full‑time librarian.\n\nI hope you will act.\n\nYours faithfully,\n[Your Name]

D. [Your Address]\n[Date]\n\nThe Principal\n[School Name]\n[School Address]\n\nDear Sir/Madam,\n\nI wish to inform you about two issues in our library: the outdated textbooks and the insufficient seating. I propose a book‑donation drive.\n\nThank you.\n\nYours faithfully,\n[Your Name]

Correct Answer: B

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Question 11 View Details

Write a short argumentative paragraph (max 120 words) supporting the introduction of school uniforms in secondary schools. After the paragraph, state a concise, one‑sentence counter‑argument that the writer could insert to strengthen the essay by acknowledging the opposite view.

A. Uniforms may improve students' discipline and focus.

B. Uniforms may limit teachers' authority and control.

Correct C. Uniforms may suppress students' individuality and self‑expression.

D. Uniforms may increase school costs and financial burden.

Correct Answer: C

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Question 12 View Details

The city council proudly announced, "We have achieved a bright future for our dwindling planet." What is the writer's intended effect of the phrase "bright future for our dwindling planet"?

A. to emphasize optimism about environmental recovery

B. to highlight the council's commitment to sustainability

Correct C. to use irony to criticize the council's denial of environmental problems

D. to employ sarcasm praising the council's achievements

Correct Answer: C

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Question 13 View Details

You are writing a formal letter of complaint to Ms. Adeyemi about a faulty blender you purchased. Which closing salutation is appropriate for this letter?

A. Yours truly

B. Kind regards

Correct C. Yours sincerely

D. Sincerely yours

Correct Answer: C

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Question 14 View Details

Write the opening line of a short story that creates suspense through foreshadowing, set in a quiet village at night.

Correct A. The wind whispered through the empty lanes, carrying the scent of a secret that would shatter the village at dawn.

B. A distant owl cried as the shutters clattered, foretelling a secret that would unravel the village before sunrise.

C. The moon hung low over the silent cottages, hinting at a darkness that would soon engulf the hamlet.

D. Shadows stretched across the cobblestones, whispering of a hidden danger that would awaken the town at first light.

Correct Answer: A

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Question 15 View Details

Renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric power have become increasingly vital in the global effort to reduce carbon emissions. While fossil fuels still dominate the energy market, the cost of installing solar panels has dropped dramatically over the past decade, making them accessible to households in both developed and developing nations. Wind farms, particularly offshore installations, generate large amounts of electricity without emitting greenhouse gases, though they sometimes face opposition due to visual impact on coastal landscapes. Hydroelectric dams provide reliable baseload power but can disrupt local ecosystems and displace communities. Governments worldwide are introducing subsidies and tax incentives to encourage the transition to cleaner energy, aiming to meet the targets set by the Paris Agreement. However, the shift requires substantial investment in grid infrastructure and storage technologies to manage the intermittent nature of renewable sources. Write a summary of this passage in no more than 30 words, capturing the main idea.

A. Renewable energy's role is minor in cutting emissions, as solar panels become more expensive, wind farms face no opposition, and hydroelectric dams need no ecosystem considerations.

B. Renewable energy primarily replaces nuclear power, with stable solar prices, decreasing wind capacity, and hydro projects that eliminate the need for grid upgrades.

Correct C. Renewable energy is essential for cutting emissions, with falling solar costs, expanding wind farms, and hydro benefits, but requires investment, subsidies, and grid upgrades to overcome challenges.

D. Renewable energy is optional for emission reduction, with rising solar costs, limited wind development, and negligible hydro impact, requiring no additional investment or subsidies.

Correct Answer: C

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Question 16 View Details

Three words are given with their IPA transcriptions: 1. ship - /ʃɪp/ 2. sheep - /ʃiːp/ 3. cheap - /tʃiːp/ (a) Which two of these words form a minimal pair? (b) State the phoneme that differs between the two words.

Correct A. ship and sheep; the vowel phoneme (/ɪ/ vs /iː/)

B. sheep and cheap; the vowel phoneme (/iː/ vs /iː/)

C. ship and sheep; the consonant phoneme (/ʃ/ vs /ʃ/)

D. ship and cheap; the consonant phoneme (/ʃ/ vs /tʃ/)

Correct Answer: A

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Question 17 View Details

Three sentences are presented: 1. The wind whispered through the trees. 2. The river flowed calmly. 3. The sun rose slowly over the hills. Identify the sentence that uses personification and name the non‑human element that is given human qualities.

A. Sentence 3; the sun

B. Sentence 1; the trees

Correct C. Sentence 1; the wind

D. Sentence 2; the river

Correct Answer: C

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Question 18 View Details

Consider the following argument: "All students who skip breakfast perform poorly in exams, therefore schools should ban all snacks before lunch." (a) Identify the logical fallacy present in the argument. (b) Rewrite the claim so that it avoids this fallacy while still suggesting a policy related to breakfast and snack times.

A. a) Slippery slope. b) "If research shows that skipping breakfast improves focus, schools could allow students to have a light snack before classes instead of banning snacks before lunch."

Correct B. a) Hasty generalisation (or false cause). b) "If research shows that skipping breakfast is linked to lower exam performance, schools might consider encouraging students to eat breakfast before classes rather than banning snacks before lunch."

C. a) Straw man. b) "If research shows that skipping breakfast has no effect on exam scores, schools might consider providing optional breakfast programs rather than banning snacks before lunch."

D. a) Appeal to tradition. b) "If research shows that skipping breakfast is linked to lower exam performance, schools could require mandatory breakfast for all students instead of banning snacks before lunch."

Correct Answer: B

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Question 19 View Details

What does the word 'ubiquitous' mean?

Correct A. present everywhere

B. rarely seen

C. limited to certain areas

D. found only in specific locations

Correct Answer: A

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Question 20 View Details

Provide one synonym and one antonym for the adjective 'arduous'.

A. Synonym: pleasant; Antonym: difficult

B. Synonym: brief; Antonym: lengthy

C. Synonym: effortless; Antonym: challenging

Correct D. Synonym: difficult; Antonym: easy

Correct Answer: D

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Question 21 View Details

In the sentence "She whispered softly to the child.", what part of speech is the word "softly"?

Correct A. adverb

B. verb

C. adjective

D. noun

Correct Answer: A

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Question 22 View Details

Convert the following direct speech into reported speech: "I will finish the report by tomorrow," said Ahmed.

A. Ahmed said that he will finish the report tomorrow.

Correct B. Ahmed said that he would finish the report by the next day.

C. Ahmed said that he might finish the report by the following day.

D. Ahmed said that he had finished the report by the next day.

Correct Answer: B

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Question 23 View Details

You are asked to give a persuasive speech to senior students encouraging them to volunteer in community projects. Provide a concise outline that includes: (a) an opening with a rhetorical question, (b) a statistic supporting the benefits of volunteering, (c) a counter‑argument and its refutation, (d) a clear solution or call‑to‑action. Use no more than four main points.

A. Opening: rhetorical question (e.g., "What would happen if nobody helped the neighborhood?") Statistic: e.g., "Companies prefer hiring graduates who have logged at least 50 volunteer hours." Counter‑argument: "Volunteering will hurt my grades" and refutation: research shows volunteering improves time‑management skills. Solution/Call‑to‑action: register on the volunteer portal and commit to a monthly project.

B. Opening: rhetorical question (e.g., "Do you really want to miss out on making a difference?") Statistic: e.g., "Volunteering increases GPA by 0.5 points on average." Counter‑argument: "Volunteering is too costly" and refutation: many projects are free and provide scholarships. Solution/Call‑to‑action: sign up for the annual Service Day at the student union.

C. Opening: rhetorical question (e.g., "Can you imagine a campus without community spirit?") Statistic: e.g., "Students who volunteer report 20% higher satisfaction with university life." Counter‑argument: "I don't have any skills to offer" and refutation: tasks range from simple to advanced, everyone can contribute. Solution/Call‑to‑action: join the Peer Mentoring Program and attend the info session next week.

Correct D. Opening: rhetorical question (e.g., "What legacy do you want to leave when you graduate?") Statistic: e.g., "Students who volunteer are 30% more likely to secure employment within six months after graduation." Counter‑argument: "I don't have time for volunteering" and refutation: even a one‑hour weekly commitment is feasible and builds skills. Solution/Call‑to‑action: join the school's Community Impact Club with flexible one‑hour weekly projects and sign up at the end of the assembly.

Correct Answer: D

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Question 24 View Details

Complete the sentence with the most appropriate idiom: "He was ______ when he heard the news that his novel had been accepted for publication."

Correct A. over the moon

B. over the hill

C. in seventh heaven

D. on cloud nine

Correct Answer: A

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Question 25 View Details

Read the following passage and state which sense is most vividly described: "The market bustled with colour; stalls draped in bright fabrics fluttered in the breeze. Voices rose and fell as traders shouted their wares, but it was the scent of sizzling spices, sweet mangoes, and fresh coriander that filled the air, making every breath a burst of flavour."

A. sound

B. taste

Correct C. smell

D. sight

Correct Answer: C

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igcse model questions vol1 2025 english_language | Objective

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