Test

1
 LISTENING
WRITING
Writing Instructions
•  hoose either Task 1 (Article/Proposal) or Task 2 (Essay).
C •  se only the lines provided on the writing answer
U
Write on only ONE of these tasks. document to complete this section. You should write
•  nce you have chosen your task, darken the circle for
O about two pages.
“Article/Proposal” or “Essay” on your writing answer • Do not write your answer in this booklet.
document. •  ou will not be graded on the appearance of your paper,
Y
• You will have 45 minutes to write your answer. but your handwriting must be readable.
• Use #2 (soft) pencil only. •  ou may use the planning area provided in this booklet,
Y
but it will not count toward your score.

Writing Prompt

Devices Students Find

Useful In Class
50% of schools report
92% that tablet programs
improve academic “I’m easily distracted
72%
when I have my tablet
performance; 40% say
in class.””
it makes no difference
23%
- Ike Taylor,
Student

Smartphone Laptop Tablet

- independent research study - government study

Task 1: Article
Your school is introducing a new tablet program. Every student will be given a tablet computer for use in and out of the
classroom. Write an article for a school blog explaining the impact of this policy and your opinion of it. Include at least one
piece of information given above to support your response.

Task 2: Essay
In many countries, schools are providing laptops and tablet computers for students to use in school. These serve to replace
paper-based assignments and exams. Write an essay discussing the advantages and disadvantages of this trend. Include at
least one piece of information given above to support your response.

Remember

Once you have chosen your task, darken the circle for “Article/Proposal” or
“Essay” on your writing answer document.

20 Practice Tests for the ECPE Book 3 • Revised 2021 Format - Test 1
 LISTENING
Listening Section Instructions
This section of the test has three parts. Mark all your answers on the separate answer sheet. Do not make any stray marks
on the answer sheet. If you change your mind about an answer, erase your first answer completely. If you do not know the
answer, you may guess. Try to answer as many questions as possible.

Part 1
In this part, you will hear 20 short conversations. After each conversation, you will hear a question about it. You will hear
each conversation and question once. The answer choices are printed in the test booklet. Mark your answers on the
separate answer sheet, not in the test booklet. You should mark A, B, C, or D.
Do you have any questions?

1. What is the woman’s concern? 6. What are the speakers discussing?

A. whether the photos are high quality A. student social problems
B.  whether it is legal to use the website’s photos B.  how to keep students safe
C.  whether the photos accurately illustrate the C. positive effects of social media
past D.  an incident that occurred in school
D.  whether people will want to use the photos in
school 7. What does the woman imply?
A. Her career counselor did not give her useful
2. What did the man do for the woman? advice.
A. 
gave her a medical exam B.  She is not ready to start thinking about her
B. 
supplied her with vitamins future career.
C. 
recommended she see a doctor C.  She was advised to pursue a career in
D. 
suggested a unique treatment method computer programming.
D.  The computer program gave her an answer
3. What is the woman probably going to do? she disagreed with.
A. give a public talk
B.  quickly write some notes 8. What does the man ask the woman to do?
C.  go home and get her notes A. write her name on a form
D.  have a meeting with people she does not B.  send a message to Alex Vogel
know C.  send a package out for delivery
D.  deliver a package to Alex Vogel’s office
4. What did the woman probably do?
A. purchased the wrong product 9. Why does the man mention his roommate?
B.  had an accident involving chemicals A. to justify his restaurant suggestion
C.  put the wrong products in the cabinet B.  to explain how he learned about Lucille’s
D.  failed to inform the man about a danger C.  to suggest a dish the woman’s parents should
try
5. What can be inferred about the man? D.  to recommend a person for the woman to talk
A. He borrowed a book from the woman. to
B.  He is helping the woman study for a test.
C.  He and the woman are in the same class.
D.  He loaned the woman something for school.

Practice Tests for the ECPE Book 3 • Revised 2021 Format - Test 1 21
 LISTENING
10. What does the woman say about most people her 16. What does the woman imply?
age? A. The phone is not worth the price.
A. They should try to avoid leaving university in B.  The man does not need a new phone.
debt. C.  They should check out a different phone.
B.  They need to balance their interests with D.  She knows someone who has the same phone.
making money.
C.  They do not know what they want to do with 17. What do the speakers say about the project?
their careers. A. The deadline for the project keeps changing.
D.  They choose careers based on what they are B.  They plan to talk with their client about the
passionate about. deadlines.
C.  The clients are making them work faster than
11. What do the speakers imply? they want.
A. Fares need to be raised to improve quality. D.  They disagree on whether the requirements
B.  Subways provide better service than buses. are reasonable.
C.  Public transportation has been getting worse.
D.  They disagree with the decision to raise prices. 18. What can be inferred about the woman?
A. She wants to change her career focus.
12. What are the speakers discussing? B.  She has not yet graduated from school.
A. where the woman works out C.  She has been working in a large corporation.
B.  the woman’s exercise routine D.  She is a lawyer who specializes in writing
C.  the best local gym for fitness classes contracts.
D.  where the woman teaches a spin class
19. What can be inferred about the woman?
13. 
What does the man suggest? A. She is a musician.
A. Many salespeople have difficulty handling B.  She lives in Atlanta.
rejection. C.  She is a famous actress.
B.  Most people misunderstand the key to success D.  She met the man once before.
in sales.
C.  Most salespeople understand that sales is an 20. What kind of work does the man probably do?
emotional business. A. writing
D.  Successful salespeople know how to appeal to B.  accounting
customers’ emotions. C.  graphic design
D.  event planning
14. What can be inferred about the woman?
A. She is trying to avoid meeting with the man.
B.  She has more experience in her field than the
man.
C.  She wishes to discuss a job opportunity with
the man.
D.  She has cancelled several planned meetings
with the man.

15. 
What does the woman explain?
A. the benefits of using makeup
B.  how to apply a makeup product
C.  the purpose of a makeup product
D.  what her friends said about a makeup product

22 Practice Tests for the ECPE Book 3 • Revised 2021 Format - Test 1
 LISTENING
Part 2
In this part, you will hear three short talks. After each talk, you will hear six questions about it. Before each talk begins, you
will have time to preview the questions that are printed in the test booklet.
You will hear each talk and the questions once. If you want to, you may take notes in your booklet as you listen. Mark your
answers on the separate answer sheet, not in the test booklet. You should mark A, B, C, or D.
Do you have any questions?

Now you will hear the first talk. Look at the questions. Notes

Listen to someone leading a conference call.

21. What is probably true about the participants?

A. They have never met each other before.
B.  They usually meet face to face.
C. They work for different companies.
D. They are usually late for meetings.

22. What does the speaker imply about the meeting?

A. 
It is being recorded.
B. 
It is starting behind schedule.
C. 
It is required for all attendees.
D. 
It is expected to last most of the day.

23. What can be inferred about some members of the speaker’s

audience?
A. 
They did not receive a copy of the agenda.
B. 
They had trouble logging into the meeting.
C. 
They are not confident using computer technology.
D. 
They have never used the videoconferencing software.

24. What instructions does the speaker give participants?

A. 
how to download a file
B. 
how to start and stop the video
C. 
how to mute their microphones
D. 
how to politely interrupt the meeting

25. What does the speaker say will happen later?

A. 
There will be a short break at 11:00 a.m.
B. 
Time will be set aside for participants to ask questions.
C. 
Attendees will be asked to participate in an online survey.
D. 
A person from outside the company will give a presentation.

26. Why does the speaker say:

A. 
People will wait for late attendees to arrive.
B. 
Participants will briefly introduce themselves.
C. 
The speaker will review all the items on the agenda.
D. 
Control of the meeting will be passed to a work colleague.

Practice Tests for the ECPE Book 3 • Revised 2021 Format - Test 1 23
 LISTENING
Now you will hear the second talk. Look at the questions. Notes
Listen to a scientist discuss a method of cleaning the environment.

27. How does the speaker introduce his talk?

A. 
by highlighting several benefits of plants
B. 
by demonstrating how phytoremediation works
C. 
by emphasizing the importance of a clean environment
D. 
by listing several environmental problems caused by pollution

28. 
What can be inferred about the history of phytoremediation?
A. 
A researcher proposed a theory that was rejected.
B. 
An accidental discovery led to testing by scientists.
C. 
A farmer invented a method for cleaning his property.
D. 
A government study was stopped due to lack of funding.

29. What is claimed about phytoremediation?

A. 
It is ineffective in removing certain types of toxins.
B. 
It takes advantage of a natural tendency of plants.
C. 
It requires that plants be bred specifically for the purpose.
D. 
It works faster than other methods to decontaminate the
environment.

30. Why are poplars used for phytoremediation?

A. 
because they grow naturally in many polluted areas
B. 
because they are not harmed when they absorb toxins
C. 
because they grow faster than most other species of trees
D. 
because they produce special chemicals that counteract
pollution

31. What does the speaker imply about bacteria?

A. 
They are not effective in breaking down toxic compounds.
B. 
They are very beneficial to some varieties of trees.
C. 
Scientists have identified several species that assist
phytoremediation.
D. 
They contain toxins that poplars are able to remove from
polluted sites.

32. Why does the speaker say:

A. 
to emphasize the long-term benefits of phytoremediation
B. 
to show the types of toxins phytoremediation can remove
C. 
to give an example of how phytoremediation is being used
D. 
to offer technical details about how poplars clean the
environment

24 Practice Tests for the ECPE Book 3 • Revised 2021 Format - Test 1
 LISTENING
Now you will hear the third talk. Look at the questions. Notes
Listen to a podcast about a scholastic health program.

33. What does the speaker imply about the Mile-A-Day program in the
past?
A. 
It failed to show significant benefits in past studies.
B. 
It was supported by government without proof that it worked.
C. 
It was controversial in many of the places where it was adopted.
D. 
It made claims about its benefits that were contradicted by
research.

34. 
What information is given about the Mile-A-Day program?
A. 
the number of years it has been in use
B. 
the number of schools using the program
C. 
the number of US states that use the program
D. 
the number of students participating in the program

35. What was a feature of the Frew University research?

A. 
comparing children in different schools
B. 
tracking children’s academic performance
C. 
conducting two separate rounds of studies
D. 
examining children’s diets and exercise routines

36. What does the speaker say often happens to girls as they move
toward adolescence?
A. 
Their physical activity declines.
B. 
They begin to worry about their health.
C. 
They are more likely than boys to become obese.
D. 
They participate in fewer scholastic sports programs.

37. 
What does the speaker say the Frew University study was unable
to prove?
A. 
how the Mile-A-Day program physically affected girls and boys
B. 
why girls benefitted more from the Mile-A-Day program than
boys
C. 
if more girls become healthier from the Mile-A-Day program
than boys
D. 
which factors were most significant in improving the health of
girls and boys

38. How does the speaker conclude her talk?

A. 
by suggesting directions for further research into childhood
obesity
B. 
by implying that physical exercise is only one factor affecting
childhood obesity
C. 
by recommending that the Mile-A-Day program be
implemented in all schools
D. 
by questioning whether childhood obesity can be adequately
addressed by schools

Practice Tests for the ECPE Book 3 • Revised 2021 Format - Test 1 25
 LISTENING
Part 3
In this part, you will hear two segments from a radio program. After each segment, you will hear six questions about it.
Before each segment begins, you will have time to preview the questions that are printed in the test booklet.
You will hear each segment twice. Then you will hear the questions once. If you want to, you may take notes in your
booklet as you listen. Mark your answers on the separate answer sheet, not in the test booklet. You should mark A, B, or C.
Do you have any questions?

Look at the questions. Then, listen to the first segment. Notes

39. How do the speakers describe the sick sea lions?

A. 
like they are injured
B. 
like they are experiencing pain
C. 
like they have been deprived of food

40. How do the sea lions become ill?

A. 
by eating contaminated fish
B. 
by eating toxic marine algae
C. 
by coming into contact with pollution

41. What does Dr. Lorentz say he did with the sea lions?
A. 
He scanned their brains.
B. 
He studied their feeding habits.
C. 
He treated them with domoic acid.

42. What does domoic acid affect in sea lions?

A. 
their sense of sight
B. 
their spatial memory
C. 
their swimming ability

43. How does perseveration affect sea lions?

A. 
by preventing them from mating
B. 
by changing their usual hunting behavior
C. 
by interfering with their food metabolism

44. What can be inferred about Dr. Lorentz’s research?

A. 
It utilizes innovative new technology.
B. 
It solves a longstanding scientific mystery.
C. 
It needs to be validated by further research.

26 Practice Tests for the ECPE Book 3 • Revised 2021 Format - Test 1
 LISTENING
Look at the questions. Then, listen to the second segment. Notes

45. What does Derek Turnbull’s job involve?

A. 
training new employees
B. 
creating cross-functional teams
C. 
matching employers and job seekers

46. Why was Lydia Hayes surprised?

A. 
She did not anticipate Derek Turnbull’s question.
B. 
She did not realize Derek Turnbull had changed jobs.
C. 
She did not expect an answer Derek Turnbull gave her.

47. What does Derek Turnbull say is important for employees to

be able to do?
A. 
take directions from bosses and supervisors
B. 
understand how their companies are organized
C. 
work with people both in and out of the company

48. What is noted about cross-functional teams?

A. 
They can be difficult to lead.
B. 
They are made up of people from different teams.
C. 
They are becoming increasingly important to many
businesses.

49. What does Derek Turnbull say about the term

“collaboration”?
A. 
It is often misunderstood.
B. 
It covers many different skills.
C. 
It describes a large part of his job.

50. What does Derek Turnbull imply about people who are
good collaborators?
A. 
They have excellent writing skills.
B. 
They are likely to advance in their careers.
C. 
They are able to work well with a variety of people.

End of the listening test

Practice Tests for the ECPE Book 3 • Revised 2021 Format - Test 1 27
 READING: GRAMMAR
51. She on campus for even a year before the 55. By the time we get to the airport, Bob’s plane
noise in her dormitory forced her to move. and he’ll be wondering where we are.
A. 
is not A. 
is arriving
B. 
has not been B. 
had arrived
C. 
had not been C. 
having arrived
D. 
was not being D. 
will have arrived

52. Our sustainable development goals require 56.  much of their adult lives at work, job
differently about every facet of building satisfaction is an important element of individual
construction. well-being.
A. 
do we think A. 
As most people spend
B. 
that we think B. 
Had most people spent
C. 
we are thinking C. 
For people mostly spend
D. 
what we have thought D. 
Most people are spending

53.  finished studying for my English test, but I’ve 57. A major change brought about by the automobile
also finished writing my history essay. was suburbs connected to cities by
A. 
I am only not superhighways.
B. 
Only am I not A. 
to develop the
C. 
Not only am I B. 
of the developing
D. 
Not that I am only C. 
developing of the
D. 
the development of
54. The characteristics we are born with have
more influence on our personalities than any 58. Atsuko’s bonsai is lovely, but it’s not nearly as
experiences in our lives. impressive grown by Kumiko.
A. 
we may have A. 
the one is
B. 
we ought to have B. 
as the one
C. 
could we be having C. 
not as the one
D. 
should we have had D. 
as the one that

28 Practice Tests for the ECPE Book 3 • Revised 2021 Format - Test 1
 READING: GRAMMAR
59. Erik and his family love the holidays; there is 63. When his alarm went off this morning, he shut it
than spend them together. off, rolled over, and slept another twenty
A. 
nothing they rather would do minutes.
B. 
they would rather do nothing A. 
by
C. 
rather they would do nothing B. till
D. 
nothing they would rather do C. 
for
D. 
from
60. Universities ought to provide graduates with the
knowledge and skills in the workplace. 64.  Edwards is the head coach, he needs to take
A. 
need full responsibility for the behavior of his players on
B. 
to need and off the field.
C. 
needed A. 
Not only but
D. 
needing B. 
On behalf of
C. 
Inasmuch as
61. Sylvia asked that she alone to finish her work D. 
In order that
without disruption.
A. 
be left 65. The new law passed by the city council requires
B. 
is to leave that the mayor a budget for approval, no
C. 
will be left later than April 1.
D. 
was leaving herself A. 
submit
B. 
to submit
62. John couldn’t decide whether to study finance or C. 
submitting
design; his father strongly supported idea. D. 
who submits
A. 
former
B. 
formerly 66. “There seems to be some tension between John
C. 
the former and Janet.”
D. 
formerly the “I know. Did you notice how, when he came into
the room, she got up and left hello to him?”
A. 
before to say
B. 
without saying
C. 
outside of saying
D. 
other than to say

Practice Tests for the ECPE Book 3 • Revised 2021 Format - Test 1 29
 READING: CLOZE
This passage is about a new animal species. 67. A. altering C. 
containing
B.  ranging D. 
comprising
Amphipods are an order of crustaceans, similar to shrimp,
that are found in saltwater and freshwater environments. 68. A. list C. 
species
B.  sum D. 
discovery
There are nearly 10,000 species of amphipods in the world,
(67) in size from 1 to 340 mm in length.
69. A. due to C. 
as well as
B.  made of D. 
according to
Now, a new species of amphipod can be added to the
(68) . Measuring about 50mm (two inches) in length, the
70. A. to C. 
into
new amphipod, Epimeria quasimodo, is named for the main B.  off D. 
besides

character in Victor Hugo's The Hunchback of Notre Dame,

71. A. lively C. 
fertile
(69) its somewhat humped back. It was discovered by
B. plush D. 
abundant
researchers in the frigid waters (70) Antarctica.
72. A. portrayed C. characterized
The genus Epimeria is (71) in the glacial waters B.  constituted D.  demonstrated
surrounding the southern continent. There are 26 known
73. A. examples C. 
comparisons
species, (72) by vivid colors and a variety of wild
B.  differences D. 
observations
morphological structures, that evoke (73) with dragons
and other mythological creatures. 74. A. Despite C. 
Although
B.  Because D. 
Throughout
(74) their morphological variety, researchers have long

assumed they knew most of what they needed to about 75. A. analysis C. 
expedition
B.  research D. 
information
the genus. In 2007, however, a comprehensive (75) of the
genus was published by a pair of Belgian researchers. Using 76. A. of learning C. 
should be learned
DNA evidence, the researchers demonstrated that much B.  to be learned D. 
had not been
learned
remained (76) about these spectacular invertebrates,
sparking newfound interest in the genus.

30 Practice Tests for the ECPE Book 3 • Revised 2021 Format - Test 1
 READING: CLOZE
This passage is about English literature. 77. A. found C. 
located
B.  traced D. 
followed
The roots of English literature can be (77) to Germanic
tribes who invaded Britain in the 5th century. These people 78. A. sign C. 
system
B.  symbol D. 
character
had no written language but learned the Latin alphabet
from Romans on the British Isles. Using this (78) , they were 79. A. via C. into
able to document epic poems; previously only memorized, B.  past D. 
through
recited, and passed down (79) generations.
80. A. spoke C. 
entered
In 1066, England was conquered by the Normans B.  arrived D. 
intruded

from France, and elements of French and Latin (80)

81. A. next C. 
more
the English language. Nearly 300 years (81) , Geoffrey B.  later D. 
again
Chaucer emerged. Chaucer is considered the “Father of
82. A. popularizing C. to popularize
English Literature.” His most famous work, a collection of
B.  popularity of D. the popularity
stories called The Canterbury Tales, helped (82) vernacular
English – English as it was spoken – (83) the French and 83. A. as for C. besides which
B.  even though D. as opposed to
Latin that were used by the royal court.

The 16th century saw the rise of lyric poetry, which 84. A. speaks C. signifies
B.  phrases D. expresses
is poetry that (84) personal feelings and emotions.
Lyric poetry reached its (85) with the work of William 85. A. rise C. top
Shakespeare, who, in addition to writing poetry, also wrote B.  height D. importance

plays that (86) today.

86. A. still perform C. still are performing
B.  are still performed D. have still performed

Practice Tests for the ECPE Book 3 • Revised 2021 Format - Test 1 31
 READING: VOCABULARY
87. Research shows that lack of sleep is linked to 91. Recent studies indicate that the ability in
colds, migraines, and other health problems. chimpanzees to exert self-control is strongly
A. 
typical to intelligence.
B. 
chronic A. 
alike
C. 
established B. 
allied
D. 
conventional C. 
related
D. 
controlled
88. People’s lives are changing automation and
new technologies. 92. Despite advances in machine learning, computers
A. 
now that are not yet able to draw from pictures.
B. 
as long as A. 
inferences
C. 
as a result of B. 
indications
D. 
provided that C. 
innuendoes
D. 
interpretations
89. Newly single, Helen wanted to establish a life that
was from her recent past. 93. Many of the icebergs endangering vessels in the
A. 
unlike North Atlantic Ocean in western Greenland.
B. 
distinct A. 
create
C. 
specific B. 
proceed
D. 
obscure C. 
originate
D. 
introduce
90. There were a number of that made editors
question whether Jorgensen had faked the events 94. The World Snooker Championship gets in
he reported in his article. Bangkok, Thailand, next Saturday.
A. 
factions A. 
in force
B. 
opposites B. 
on hand
C. 
alternatives C. 
underway
D. 
irregularities D. 
on the road

32 Practice Tests for the ECPE Book 3 • Revised 2021 Format - Test 1
 READING:VOCABULARY
95. Students who attend schools with culturally 99. One third of the earth’s soil is said to be
populations learn at a young age how to get along contaminated, and sustained efforts are necessary
with people from different backgrounds. to further pollution.
A. 
diverse A. 
refrain
B. 
various B. 
prevent
C. 
assorted C. 
protect
D. 
miscellaneous D. 
struggle

96. “Simpson and I never agree on anything.” 100. While the technology is evolving, the basic of
“I think you should both work harder to magnetic recording have remained.
understand each other’s .” A. 
reasons
A. 
respects B. 
principles
B. 
relations C. 
vibrations
C. 
appraisals D. 
backgrounds
D. 
perspectives
101. Once the bear is sedated, it needs to be examined
97. Regardless of what one thinks of him, Brady has quickly before the effects of the drug .
been writer, publishing more than forty A. 
wear off
novels in his career. B. 
drop out
A. 
a prolific C. 
turn away
B. 
an ample D. 
touch down
C. 
a plentiful
D. 
an opulent 102. There is no as to whether or not a space
belongs between a number and a percent sign in
98. The governor, public health concerns, tried written English.
to raise taxes on sugary drinks. A. 
context
A. 
citing B. 
consent
B. 
urging C. 
consensus
C. 
referring D. 
concurrence
D. 
summoning

Practice Tests for the ECPE Book 3 • Revised 2021 Format - Test 1 33
 READING
This passage is about a medical condition. 103. What is learned about tinnitus?
Tinnitus is the perception of ringing or buzzing, in the A. 
It is a common affliction.
ears. Affecting up to a third of the population in the US at B. 
Its severity depends on age.
C. 
It may cause other health problems.
some point, tinnitus is often a symptom of an underlying
D. 
It is centered in the brain and not the ears.
condition, such as ear injury, circulatory system disease,
or age-related hearing loss. While tinnitus is not usually 104. What does the author suggest about people
harmful in and of itself, chronic tinnitus can be extremely suffering tinnitus?
difficult to bear. A. 
They are frequently unable to sleep.
Until recently, tinnitus sufferers had little reason to B. 
They have historically had little hope of relief.
believe doctors would ever find a cure. Drug therapies C. 
They first experience symptoms as children.
D. 
They often suffer from depression and anxiety.
consistently failed, as did more invasive procedures like
surgeries to remove the auditory nerve that transmits sound
105. What is CBT given as an example of?
from the ear to the brain. The most common treatment
A. 
an ineffective treatment
today, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), doesn't even
B. 
an alternative drug therapy
attempt to cure the condition; it only provides patients with C. 
an invasive surgical treatment
strategies for living with it. D. 
an unpopular treatment
New treatments, however, are offering hope that a
106. According to the passage, what limits the
cure may be possible. One such treatment is Vagus Nerve
effectiveness of Vagus Nerve Stimulation?
Stimulation. This treatment involves implanting a small
A. 
danger of damaging the auditory cortex
electrode into the neck near the vagus nerve, sending
B. 
the brain’s natural over-sensitivity to sound
short electric pulses into the nerve while a short audio tone
C. 
maintaining the sensitivity of the brain to
simultaneously stimulates the brain's auditory cortex – the stimuli
part of the brain that processes sound. When it works, it D. 
finding touch-sensitive nerves to target with
"tones down" the tinnitus. The difficult part is getting the electrodes
brain to maintain attention. Normally, when a signal is
repeatedly sent to the brain, the brain eventually learns to 107. Why is clothing mentioned in the third paragraph?
ignore it. Not unlike the suppressed sensation of our clothes A. 
to demonstrate the effects of tinnitus on the
touching our skin. brain
B. 
to explain the theory underlying Vagus Nerve
Like Vagus Nerve Stimulation, Auditory-Somatosensory Stimulation
Stimulation also involves pairing auditory stimulation with C. 
to emphasize the ineffectiveness of traditional
timed electric impulses aimed at the brain. In fact, most treatments
current experimental treatments involve stimulating or D. 
to illustrate a problem with one modern
altering the brain's activity in some way. In clinical trials, treatment option
all these treatments work in about 50 percent of patients
– a far cry from a cure, but a significant improvement over 108. What do the new treatments mentioned in the
article have in common?
simply learning to live with it.
A. 
using electrical pulses to monitor the brain’s
activity
B. 
simultaneously stimulating multiple parts of
the body
C. 
implanting electrodes into the patient’s
auditory cortex
D. 
targeting the brain with sounds that are
louder than tinnitus

34 Practice Tests for the ECPE Book 3 • Revised 2021 Format - Test 1
 READING
This passage is about an American artist. 109. What does the author imply about most people who
view photographs?
We widely assume that photographs capture reality,
but through the lens of an artist, they can also serve to A. 
They uncritically accept that images depict reality.
B. 
Their perceptions are influenced by their experiences.
make statements. This is precisely what American artist
C. 
Their reactions reflect cultural norms and social
Cindy Sherman has been doing her entire career: using
standards.
photography to express her views on gender, media, and D. 
They are unaware of how their perceptions are
society. manipulated.
Sherman burst onto the art world in the 1970s,
110. Why does the author mention Sherman’s “Untitled
with an iconic series of black-and-white photographs
Film Stills”?
entitled "Untitled Film Stills." As the title suggests, the
A. 
to emphasize Sherman’s camera techniques
photographs represent images from 1950s and 60s
B. 
to show how Sherman’s style has evolved over time
Hollywood movies, often reflecting a single female
C. 
to argue that Sherman's first works were
protagonist played by the artist herself. It was a brilliant uninteresting
concept: grainy images from movies that never existed; D. 
to establish themes Sherman has focused on her
created with such verve that they appeared authentic. In entire career
each still, Sherman photographed herself in a role that
was ambiguously alluring, and the images surreptitiously 111. What can be inferred about reactions to Sherman’s
critiqued conventional standards of female attractiveness. early work?
She became an instant favorite of cultural critics the A. It immediately achieved commercial success.
world over. Feminists, postmodernists, and structuralists B. It was instantly recognized as culturally significant.
each claimed her as their own. C. It provoked opposing opinions among cultural
experts.
These early works established the motif in which D. It was criticized by feminists for its depictions of
Sherman has spent her entire career: elaborately styled women.
"self-portraits" that reflect and comment upon social
mores, stereotypes, and values. Sherman's elaborate 112. What can be inferred is a feature of Cindy Sherman’s
tableaux always feature her in wigs and costumes that work?
evoke images reflecting advertising, television, film, and A. 
imitation of landscape imagery
fashion; challenging the cultural stereotypes proffered B. 
self-portrayal in various costumes and roles
C. 
refusal to use advanced photographic technology
by these media. During the 1980s, Sherman began
D. 
use of un-stereotypically beautiful female models
using color film and lighting intended to highlight facial
expressions. In the 90s, she introduced stark photographs 113. How does Sherman’s later style differ from her earliest
featuring mannequins and dolls, thus becoming less works?
ambiguous and more strident in her critique of social A. It is more direct in its criticism of cultural norms.
conventions. B. It increasingly focuses on issues other than
Still going strong in her sixties, few artists have gender roles.
C. It incorporates color images of male models.
embraced their contradictions so easily as Sherman. She
D. It is more ambiguous in its representations of
takes photos of herself that are anything but self-portraits,
female beauty.
all the while thumbing her nose at the widespread
assumption that the camera never lies. 114. In the last paragraph, what does the author mean by
thumbing her nose?
A. 
glorifying
B. 
ridiculing
C. 
portraying
D. 
acknowledging

Practice Tests for the ECPE Book 3 • Revised 2021 Format - Test 1 35
 READING
This passage is about Colony Collapse Disorder. 115. What is the primary purpose of this passage?
The world’s bee population has been in decline for A. 
to show how CCD affects crops
nearly two decades, due to what is called Colony Collapse B. 
to describe a problem affecting bees
C. 
to discuss an important finding regarding CCD
Disorder (CCD).
D. 
to explain how bees adapt to environmental
CCD is a catastrophic event in which the worker bees of threats
a beehive rapidly disappear, leaving behind an abandoned
hive. This is disastrous for the bee colony and financially 116. According to the passage, what is the leading
ruinous for beekeepers. indication that a hive is suffering from CCD?
A. 
that the hive is full of food
Colonies suffering from CCD are characterized by three
B. 
that the hive is free of pests
simultaneous conditions. The first is that the abandoned C. 
that the queen bee is present
hives contain unhatched honeybee eggs. Ordinarily, D. 
that the worker bees have left the hive
healthy bees will not abandon a hive with unhatched eggs.
The second is that the abandoned hives have significant 117. According to the passage, what is implied about
quantities of stored food, including honey and pollen. the cause of CCD?
Normally, such unguarded food sources are robbed by bees A. 
It could be due in part to climate change.
from other colonies, or immediately raided by other hive B. 
It is probably due to a combination of several
pests. The last condition is that the queen bee is still present. factors.
C. 
It is currently thought to be due primarily to
Although, what causes CCD is still not well understood, pesticides.
there are several leading theories. Possible culprits include D. 
It seems increasingly likely to be due to
pesticides, parasites, or pathogens. Mounting evidence human activity.
suggests, however, that CCD is most likely caused by
complex interactions among these factors. 118. What is noted about the majority of US bee
colonies during February and March?
Beekeepers around the world lose an estimated 30
A. 
They produce very little honey.
percent of their bee colonies each year to CCD. This is B. 
They become more susceptible to CCD.
significant, because more than one-third of the world’s crop C. 
They have large numbers of unhatched eggs.
production is heavily dependent on pollination by bees. D. 
They are used to pollinate almonds in
Certain crops are particularly threatened by the loss of bees. California.
The state of California, in the United States, produces 80
percent of the world’s almonds. When California’s almond 119. Why does the author mention crop-dusting aircraft?
trees bloom – from February to March – nearly 60 percent of A. 
to compare them to insects
America’s bee colonies are brought in to pollinate the crop. B. 
to suggest a possible cause of CCD
C. 
to give an example of an alternative pollinator
Because CCD poses such an imminent threat to California’s
D. 
to identify a problem associated with growing
almonds, many growers are exploring alternatives to bee
almonds
pollination, including pollinating crops by hand, spraying
pollen from crop-dusting aircraft, using insects other than 120. What statistic is provided?
bees, and even the use of so-called robotic bees.
A. 
the number of almond trees grown in California
B. 
the financial impact of CCD on the honey
industry
C. 
the total number of beekeepers impacted by
CCD each year
D. 
the amount of global crops dependent on bee
pollination

End of the test

36 Practice Tests for the ECPE Book 3 • Revised 2021 Format - Test 1
 TEST 1 VOCABULARY REVIEW
COLLOCATIONS: VERB + OBJECT
1 Choose a verb in list A and a word or phrase from list B to complete the sentences below with the correct
collocation or phrase.
List A Answer List B
1 assemble a conclusions
2 trace b people’s spirits
3 address c an immune response
4 pursue d new information
5 raise e a team
6 stimulate f a key issue
7 process g a career
8 draw h the origins

9 
During the dark days of the war, cheerful songs and made them forget about
their problems, if only for a short while.
10 
As we read, our brains are continually and making connections between the
various statements.
11 
A vaccine works by introducing a small amount of the virus into the body, in order to
and cause the body to build its natural defenses.
12 
There is not enough data about this phenomenon for scientists to as to its
causes.
13 
The government has of expert economic advisors to design a new policy for
economic recovery.
14 
Although the article covers most aspects of the topic, it fails to : namely, how
to persuade people to act in the public interest, not just in their own interests.
15 
This documentary aims to of current social problems, by showing how the
roots of these problems lie in changes that occurred two centuries ago.
16 
At the age of twenty-three, Daniel quit his law studies to as a professional
musician.

COLLOCATIONS: SUBJECT + VERB

2 Replace the words in italics with more suitable verbs from the box.
• mount • proliferate • thrive • nod • consent • decline • emerge • hatch • bloom • evolve
Plants do not succeed in the right kind of climate. They
1  .
Technology does not grow from simple to more complex forms. It
2  .
When a company keeps borrowing money, it debts do not ascend. They
3  .
4 
Flowers do not mature in the spring. They .
Bird eggs do not burst when the baby birds come out. They
5  .
When many people move out of an area, the local population doesn’t weaken. It
6  .
When a new style of music appears as a result of developments in older styles, it doesn’t rise. It
7 
.
When animals of a certain species grow rapidly in number, they don’t duplicate. They
8  .
9 
If a friend wants to show that he agrees with you, he doesn’t bow. He .
10 
If you visit a website and a message asks whether you agree to let that website use cookies,
you don’t conform. You .

Practice Tests for the ECPE Book 3 • Revised 2021 Format - Test 1 37
PHRASAL VERBS
3 Complete each sentence with the correct form of one of the phrasal verbs in the box.
• drop out • set aside • tone down • build up • set up • hand over
• come down to • flare up • wear off • drop off
1 
The music sounds very heavy, so maybe we should the bass a bit.
2 
The pain seemed to return as soon as the painkillers .
3 
These stories about people of college or university, in order to follow their dreams,
seem to suggest that success is possible without academic achievement.
4 
Poisonous chemicals in the soil over time, until levels are too high for plants to grow.
5 
The students a group whose aim was to raise awareness about inequality.
6 
Profits continued rising higher and higher then suddenly about the middle of the
decade.
7 
All these arguments between you and your parents basically the same simple fact:
you feel that they are controlling your life.
8 
I thought the injury to my ankle had healed fully, but the pain again as soon as I
returned to jogging.
9 
I appreciate that you are very busy at the moment, but I’d be very grateful if you could
just ten minutes so that we can discuss this matter.
10 
Professor Jones will give a brief introduction to the debate before to the first speaker.

NOUNS
4 Circle the correct noun, based on the definitions given.
1 the action of polluting or poisoning something disruption / contamination
2 a difference or dissimilarity between things that should be the same discrepancy / determinant
3 an animal that does not have a backbone, e.g. a spider automaton / invertebrate
4 energy and enthusiasm verve / affliction
5 somebody or something that is to blame for a problem subordinate / culprit
6 an inconvenience that makes things difficult hassle / pest
7 something you take in order to get enough nutrition in your diet supplement / abundance
8 the willingness or ability to change as required sustainability / flexibility

NOUNS IN PHRASES AND EXPRESSIONS

5 Use the nouns in the box to complete the sentences.
• hand • ball • cry • domain • satisfaction • nose • hazard • index • part • force • behalf • ground
Though Hannah’s anxiety is due in
1  to work stress, this is not the only cause.
The world we see today is a far
2  from the future visions of people in the past, who imagined
that the 21st century would be some kind of space-age dream world.
There are always sales assistants on
3  to answer customers’ questions about the products on
display.
The new rules, which are now fully in
4  , prevent people from using the internet as they did in
the past.
Smoking is not allowed near the laboratories, as lit cigarettes represent a fire
5  .
There was a growing sense that politicians did not act on
6  of the whole community, but only
to help those who were already in positions of power.
Beth may not earn very much from her gardening work but at least her job
7  is high, as she is
doing what she loves most.
According to your body mass
8  , you are currently at a healthy weight for your age and
gender.

38 Practice Tests for the ECPE Book 3 • Revised 2021 Format - Test 1
 9 If we are going to share an apartment, we need to set some rules, such as no playing loud
music after midnight and no leaving dirty plates in the kitchen.
10 Songs that were written over fifty years ago become part of the public and you can use
these songs however you wish.
11 Brando refused to attend the awards ceremony, as a way of thumbing his at those in the
movie industry whom he saw as hypocrites.
12 The boss didn’t punish Steven for missing the deadline, whereas anyone else on our team who had dropped the
like that would have faced a severe reprimand.

ADJECTIVES
6 Choose the correct adjective from the box to complete each sentence.
• vernacular • newfound • vivid • frigid
• potential • innovative • disoriented • spatial • solitary • longstanding
1 
The novel is written in Scottish English, so that the narrator sounds like a Scottish person
might actually speak.
2 
Michael’s career successes gave him a sense of confidence which he had never possessed
before.
3 
Some of the paintings are in black and white, others in colors that seem to jump off the
canvas.
4 
Two birds were perched on a tree branch, shivering in the wind blowing in from the lake.
5 
The charity sent out letters to thousands of donors.
6 
Using this new technology, greenhouse gas emissions can be reduced to almost zero.
7 
The travelers felt from lack of sleep and hardly knew where they were anymore.
8 
By asking subjects to imagine what a shape will look like if turned in a certain direction, the traditional IQ test
measures awareness, a basic mental ability.
9 
The shark is a creature that hunts and lives alone, as opposed to in a group.
10 
Over the centuries, many great minds have tried to answer this philosophical question.

7 Read the words in the box below. Then, cover the box, so that you cannot see the words, and fill in the gaps in
the text from memory. (Remember to change the form of the words where necessary, so that they fit the text.)
• harbor • stigmatize • chronic • strong • susceptible
• remedy • ruinous • hassle • dehydration • world • habituate • rid
Many people suffer a persistent ringing noise in their ears, the medical name for which is ‘tinnitus’. For some people,
a brief period of tinnitus may be a minor (1) , caused by a single event (e.g. a loud rock concert),
which soon disappears. For one in eight people, however, the ringing is a (2) condition that
continues for years and years.
Up until recently, many medical professionals (3) negative attitudes towards tinnitus sufferers
who worked in the live music industry. The view was that rock musicians, dance music producers, and others whose
jobs involved being around loud music, had made themselves (4) to hearing damage through
their choice of profession. This view has some truth to it, in that musicians the (5) over have
developed tinnitus symptoms. However, the (6) of the condition is thankfully a thing of the past,
as is the belief that tinnitus can be (7) for those pursuing a career in music.
In actual fact, many people in the live music industry are still going (8) despite having
developed tinnitus. Many have simply become (9) to the constant ringing, so that they hardly
notice it anymore. Others seem to have practically (10) themselves of the condition’s worst
effects by using simple (11) , such as drinking plenty of water (tinnitus can be made worse by
(12) ), and meditating. A famous bass guitarist even described the ringing in his ears as “kind of
beautiful”, saying that it helped him fall asleep at night!

Practice Tests for the ECPE Book 3 • Revised 2021 Format - Test 1 39