INITIAL TEST PAPER
IX th grade-level B1
I. Read the following text and answer the questions below: (30 points)
The Benefits of Learning a Second Language
Learning a second language has numerous benefits. It can improve cognitive skills, such as
problem-solving and critical thinking. It also enhances memory and the ability to multitask.
Furthermore, being bilingual can open up career opportunities and allow for better
communication with people from different cultures. Studies have shown that bilingual
individuals tend to have better mental health as they age and are less likely to develop
dementia. Moreover, learning a second language can be a fun and rewarding experience that
brings a sense of achievement and personal growth.
Questions:
1. What cognitive skills can be improved by learning a second language?
2. How can being bilingual benefit someone's career?
3. What health benefit is associated with being bilingual?
4. Why might learning a second language be considered fun?
5. Write a summary of the text in your own words.
II. Use of English (30 points)
Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks with the correct form of the verbs in parentheses. (10 p)
1. If I ____ (have) more time, I ____ (learn) another language.
2. She ____ (already/finish) her homework by the time I called her.
3. They ____ (play) tennis for two hours when it started to rain.
4. I wish I ____ (can) speak French fluently.
5. He ____ (travel) to London next week.
Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer. (10 p)
1. She ____ to the gym every day. a) go b) goes c) going
2. They ____ a new car last month. a) buy b) buying c) bought
3. If he ____ harder, he would have passed the exam. a) studies b)had studied c) study
4. I have never ____ to Japan. a) be b) been c) being
5. They ____ in the park when it started to rain. a) were walking b) walking c) walk
Exercise 3: Correct the mistakes in the following sentences. (10 p)
1. She don't like pizza.
2. I am looking forward to meet you.
3. He has went to the store.
4. They doesn't play football on Sundays.
5. This is the book who I like.
III. Write a letter to a friend telling them about a recent trip you took. Include the
following points: (30 points)
Where you went and why.
What you did there.
Who you went with.
How you felt about the trip.
Write between 120-150 words. 10 POINTS GRANTED
MARKING SCHEME
I. Reading (30 points)
1. What cognitive skills can be improved by learning a second language? (6 p)
o Problem-solving and critical thinking.
2. How can being bilingual benefit someone's career? (6 p)
o It can open up career opportunities.
3. What health benefit is associated with being bilingual? (6 p)
o Better mental health and less likelihood of developing dementia.
4. Why might learning a second language be considered fun? (6p)
o It is a rewarding experience that brings a sense of achievement and personal
growth.
5. Write a summary of the text in your own words. (6 p)
o Sample answer :"Learning a second language improves cognitive skills like
problem-solving and critical thinking, enhances memory, and multitasking
abilities. It opens career opportunities and improves communication with
different cultures. Bilingual individuals have better mental health and a lower
risk of dementia. Additionally, it is a rewarding and enjoyable experience."
II. Use of English (30 points)
Exercise 1:
1. If I had (have) more time, I would learn (learn) another language. (2 p)
2. She had already finished (already/finish) her homework by the time I called her. (2
p)
3. They had been playing (play) tennis for two hours when it started to rain. (2 p)
4. I wish I could (can) speak French fluently. (2 p)
5. He is traveling (travel) to London next week. (2 p)
Exercise 2:
1. She goes to the gym every day.
o a) go
o b) goes
o c) going (2 p)
2. They bought a new car last month.
o a) buy
o b) buying
o c) bought (2 p)
3. If he studied harder, he would have passed the exam.
o a) studies
o b) studied
o c) study (2 p)
4. I have never been to Japan.
o a) be
o b) been
o c) being (2 p)
5. They were walking in the park when it started to rain.
o a) were walking
o b) walking
o c) walk (2 p)
Exercise 3:
1. She doesn't like pizza. (2 p)
2. I am looking forward to meeting you. (2 p)
3. He has gone to the store. (2 puncte)
4. They don't play football on Sundays. (2 p)
5. This is the book which/that I like. (2 p)
III. Writing (30 points))
Claritate și coerență: 10 puncte
Structura scrisorii (salut, paragrafe, încheiere): 5 puncte
Vocabular și gramatică: 10 puncte
Respectarea instrucțiunilor (locație, activități, companie, sentimente): 5 puncte
Letter:
Dear [Friend's Name],
I hope this letter finds you well. I recently returned from a trip to Paris, and I wanted to share
my experience with you. I decided to visit Paris because I have always been fascinated by its
rich history and beautiful architecture.
During my stay, I visited many famous landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre
Museum, and Notre-Dame Cathedral. I also enjoyed walking along the Seine River and
exploring charming neighborhoods like Montmartre.
I went on this trip with my best friend, Sarah, who shares my love for travel and adventure.
We had a wonderful time exploring the city together and trying delicious French cuisine.
Overall, I felt incredibly happy and inspired by the trip. Paris exceeded my expectations in
every way, and I can't wait to visit again someday.
Take care and hope to see you soon!
Best regards, [Your Name]
