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Ote Advanced Sample Demo Test and Answer Key

The document is a sample test for the C1 level of the Oxford Test of English, covering various modules including speaking, listening, reading, and writing. It includes specific tasks and prompts for each module, such as interviews, voice messages, summaries, debates, and follow-up questions. Additionally, it provides answer keys, model answers, and marking criteria for evaluation.

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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
1K views25 pages

Ote Advanced Sample Demo Test and Answer Key

The document is a sample test for the C1 level of the Oxford Test of English, covering various modules including speaking, listening, reading, and writing. It includes specific tasks and prompts for each module, such as interviews, voice messages, summaries, debates, and follow-up questions. Additionally, it provides answer keys, model answers, and marking criteria for evaluation.

Uploaded by

fpovedacem
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

C1 SAMPLE TEST

3
Contents
Sample test
Speaking module 3

Listening module 5

Reading module 9

Writing module 16

Audioscripts 18

Answer Keys and Model Answers 23

Marking 24
DEMO MODULE SPEAKING LISTENING READING WRITING PART 1 2 3 4 5

Sample test
Speaking
Part 1 Interview
1.01 You are going to answer six questions. The clock shows how much time you have to speak. Start
speaking when you hear the tone. Try to speak for the full amount of time.

1 What’s your name?


2 Which country do you come from?
3 Thinking about education, what would you like to study in the future?
4 What’s the best time of year to visit your country?
5 How have your interests changed as you have got older?
6 Finally, how important are books in your life?

Part 2 Voice message


1.02 You are going to leave a voice message. First read and listen to the task and decide what you want
to say. You need to be polite in your response. The clock shows how much time you have to leave your
voice message. Start speaking when you hear the tone.

You work for a company. Your manager, Paul Chapman, has asked you to give an important presentation to
some clients. You are unable to give the presentation. Leave a voice message for your manager and:

• say why the presentation is important


• explain why you are unable to give the presentation
• suggest who should give the presentation, and why.

You now have some time to think about what you want to say.

Part 3 Summary
1.03 You are going to give a summary. First read and listen to the task. You can make notes while you
listen. Your notes will not be marked. Use the ‘Notes’ button below to open your notepad.
You will then have some time to think about what you want to say. [The clock shows how much time you
have to give your summary/You have 50 seconds to think about what you want to say.] Start speaking
when you hear the tone.

Your tutor has asked you to summarize some research for your tutor group.

Listen to two experts talking about research into breathing. The two experts make the same two main points.
You should:

• combine the information from the two experts and


• summarize the two main points the experts make.

Now listen to the two experts.

• Speaker 1
• Speaker 2

You now have some time to think about what you want to say.

Photocopiable © Oxford University Press Oxford Test of English Advanced C1 Sample test 3
DEMO MODULE SPEAKING LISTENING READING WRITING PART 1 2 3 4 5

Part 4 Debate
1.04 You are going to take part in a debate. First read and listen to the task, then decide what you want
to say. The clock shows how much time you have to speak. Start speaking when you hear the tone.

Your tutor has asked you to take part in a class debate. You are going to put a case for or against the following
statement:

‘Cheap, mass-produced clothes should be banned.’

Prepare your case for the debate. You should:

• use two OR three of the ideas below to argue your case


• provide support for the ideas you choose
• give a conclusion.

You now have some time to prepare. You can make notes if you wish.

effect on shops low prices

Cheap, mass-produced
employment issues impact on the environment
clothes should be banned.

quality of clothing

Part 5 Follow-up questions


1.05 You are going to answer four questions on the topic of your debate. The clock shows how much
time you have to speak. Start speaking when you hear the tone.

The topic of your talk was about fashion.

1 Do you think it’s possible to tell what someone is like as a person from the clothes they wear?
2 Many young people say there’s too much pressure to be fashionable. What do you think?
3 Do you agree that clothes are important in giving people a sense of belonging to a group?
4 Some people say that it doesn’t matter what you wear, it’s more important how you behave. What do you
think?

Photocopiable © Oxford University Press Oxford Test of English Advanced C1 Sample test 4
DEMO MODULE SPEAKING LISTENING READING WRITING PART 1 2 3 4 5

Listening
Part 1
2.01 Listen and choose the correct answer.

1 Two colleagues are discussing holidays.


What type of holiday had the woman booked?

A B C

2 A media professor is setting some work for his students.


What does he suggest about it?

A They may have difficulty accepting what they discover about themselves.
B To complete it successfully they should consult a range of sources.
C The benefits of doing it extend beyond any subject boundaries.

3 Two economics students are discussing a college research project.


What do they choose as the focus of the project?

A comparing the different motivations of consumers


B analysing possible developments in consumer behaviour
C identifying factors that influence consumers online

4 A professor is talking to his student about some research.


What aspect of off-grid living does he suggest focusing on?

A whether those who choose it have a common motive


B whether it has become more popular recently
C whether it lives up to expectations

5 A lecturer is talking about the side effects of medication.


He stresses the importance of …

A considering how each patient might react to medication.


B using patient case studies to guide medication best practice.
C providing up-to-date training for staff responsible for medication.

Photocopiable © Oxford University Press Oxford Test of English Advanced C1 Sample test 5
DEMO MODULE SPEAKING LISTENING READING WRITING PART 1 2 3 4 5

Part 2
2.02 Listen to a lecture on environmental problems caused by shipping. Complete the gaps in the notes
with a word or two-word phrase from the audio. Remember to check your spelling. The clock shows how
much time you have to look at the task.

Environmental Problems Caused by Shipping

Water pollution
1 Water pollution as a result of cargo accidents occurs most often in [1] .
2 Better [2] could improve the effectiveness of waste disposal rules.

Invasive species in ballast water


3 Above all, formulating policies to deal with invasive species requires [3] .
4 The disinfection of ballast water using [4] can lead to further ecological
problems.

Air pollution
5 Without regular servicing, a ship’s engine can emit higher levels of black carbon
[5] , which can lessen greenhouse gas emissions, is already being
trialled by shipping companies.

Noise pollution
6 It is becoming increasingly clear that the [6] of marine mammals may
be affected by underwater noise levels.

Photocopiable © Oxford University Press Oxford Test of English Advanced C1 Sample test 6
DEMO MODULE SPEAKING LISTENING READING WRITING PART 1 2 3 4 5

Part 3
2.03 Listen to an environmental journalist and an environmental scientist discussing artificial habitats
for wildlife. Match the people (the woman, the man, or both) to the opinions below. The clock shows how
much time you have to look at the task.

Woman Man Both

1 Research into the effectiveness of particular


artificial habitats is often inadequate.

2 There are benefits to sharing information about


failed artificial habitat projects.

3 If poorly designed, artificial habitats may have


the opposite effect to what is intended.

4 Developers often include artificial habitats just


to gain approval for their plans.

5 Installation alone is insufficient where artificial


habitats are concerned.

6 The success of artificial habitats can distract


attention from the root causes of habitat loss.

Photocopiable © Oxford University Press Oxford Test of English Advanced C1 Sample test 7
DEMO MODULE SPEAKING LISTENING READING WRITING PART 1 2 3 4 5

Part 4
2.04 Listen and choose the correct answer.

1 An architect is reviewing a book about housing.


How does he feel about the housing the book describes?

A confident that more of it will now be built


B pleased that it is influencing current designs
C relieved that it is being given protected status

2 A journalist is interviewing an arts critic.


Why is the critic talking about theatre?

A to attribute blame for an increase in ticket prices


B to point out the cause of a trend towards one genre
C to correct a misconception about the purpose of theatre

3 A professor is talking about bans on plastic items.


What does she focus on?

A the alternatives to the bans


B the negative response to the bans
C the limitations of the bans

4 A tourism expert is talking about her country’s tourism industry.


How does she feel about it?

A proud of what it has achieved


B optimistic about its change in focus
C relieved that it has recovered from a crisis

5 A professor is concluding a lecture on friendship.


Why does he mention a recognized writer?

A He agrees with her views on friendship.


B He finds a friendship of hers particularly interesting.
C He recommends the books she wrote about friendship.

Photocopiable © Oxford University Press Oxford Test of English Advanced C1 Sample test 8
DEMO MODULE SPEAKING LISTENING READING WRITING PART 1 2 3 4 5

Reading
Part 1

1 Read the extract from a blog and choose the correct answer.

[Link]
You’d instinctively presume that learning two languages simultaneously would result
in students mixing up one with the other due to their efforts being spread too thinly.
A recent investigation suggests otherwise. Students learning a single language were
compared with those studying the same language plus another besides. Interference
from the mother tongue, a well-documented effect of language acquisition, was evident
in both groups to a roughly similar degree. Perhaps surprisingly, those in the latter
group were as proficient in both target languages as those in the former were in their
single one. Stunning was the fact that double-language students scored more highly
relative to the others in logic, reasoning, and mathematical assessments conducted at
the end of the research.

What was unexpected in the findings from research on learning two languages simultaneously?

A the impact observed on learners’ first language ability


B the associated improvements seen in learners’ non-language skills
C the extent to which learners reported confusion between languages

2 Read the review and choose the correct answer.

Quick2Talk language-learning app


I believe everyone should have an equal opportunity to learn languages, yet free access to decent
educational materials seems increasingly to be a rarity in the online world. Quick2Talk’s decision to
offer their app for free is a welcome change then, especially given its technological sophistication.
At face value, it scarcely appears to be unique, with its prime focus, like so many language-learning
apps, firmly on speaking skills developed by the tried and trusted listen-and-repeat method.
Unusually though, these activities are uploaded and returned with spoken commentaries and
corrections – brilliant for developing the abilities of the novice learner. Its other offerings, including
traditional gap-fill exercises, are effective and, if anything, rather challenging. A great package
overall.

The reviewer expresses approval of the app for …

A avoiding unrealistic claims about its superiority over similar products.


B abandoning conventional ways of acquiring knowledge.
C alternating from a particularly common trend.

Photocopiable © Oxford University Press Oxford Test of English Advanced C1 Sample test 9
DEMO MODULE SPEAKING LISTENING READING WRITING PART 1 2 3 4 5

3 Read the extract from a letter and choose the correct answer.

Dear editor,
I was intrigued by the article in Monday’s edition about the ongoing legal dispute between
the City Museum and residents of a nearby apartment block, with the latter claiming invasion
of privacy as the museum’s recently opened top floor viewing platform enables visitors to look
directly into their luxury homes. Nobody likes being watched by neighbours, but the wealthy
individuals who purchased those apartments with views across the city – views now quite
properly more widely accessible – would have done so knowing further high-rise construction
would be likely in such a central location. Museum representatives have suggested that the
residents could install blinds, though admittedly this would somewhat defeat the object of
investing in a lofty apartment with floor-to-ceiling windows.

What does the writer imply about the two sides in the dispute described in the letter?

A The community should have been informed of the potential architectural eyesore.
B Neither have shown any signs of being willing to find any resolution.
C One side should have anticipated that such an occurrence was possible.

4 Read the extract from a novel and choose the correct answer.

Amory looked back at the stream of his life. He was still afraid – of people and how they perceived
him, of misery and monotony. Yet, deep in his bitter heart, he wondered if he might actually be
worse than most people. He acknowledged that he was capable of convincing himself that his
weakness was just the result of recent circumstances; he also admitted that often when he raged
at his own egotism, something would whisper: ‘No. Genius!’ That voice was one manifestation
of his fear, and it whispered that he could not be both great and good, and that his genius was
a combination of those incomprehensible, hidden twists in his mind, and that any compromise
would reduce his genius to the ordinary.

Adapted and abridged from an authentic source, acknowledged at the end of the test.

The narrator suggests Amory was aware that he had a tendency …

A to make excuses for his poor behaviour.


B to attempt to conceal his true character from others.
C to make out in his own mind that he was a victim of a difficult upbringing.

5 Read the extract from a professional journal and choose the correct answer.

The current interest in gardening as therapy has been enhanced by a peer-reviewed article in
Health and Psychology, reporting on a recent study comparing two admittedly small groups of
patients undergoing treatment for low-level stress. After a ten-week course of either traditional
therapy or gardening, the latter group showed a marginally greater improvement than the former.
However, the researchers’ imprecise use of the term ‘gardening’ could cover a multitude of tasks
and activities, and the extent to which additional advantages such as greater socialization or
exposure to sunlight also played a role is as yet unclear. Nevertheless, the findings will ring true to
many readers, so the topic may return in future editions.

What does the writer of this extract suggest about the study on gardening and mental well-being?

A It illustrated that gardening works best as a remedy if participant numbers are kept down.
B It demonstrated that the benefits of gardening derived from different factors.
C It indicated that gardening might be suitable as a tool for healing.

Photocopiable © Oxford University Press Oxford Test of English Advanced C1 Sample test 10
DEMO MODULE SPEAKING LISTENING READING WRITING PART 1 2 3 4

6 Read the review and choose the correct answer.

A tour of the night sky


Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park in New Zealand’s South Island is a protected International Dark
Sky Reserve, and earlier this year, I joined a night-sky guided tour at the park’s Star Base. Through
powerful telescopes and the naked eye, the southern sky was an awesome spectacle. Stargazing
has always excited the human imagination, and the notion that 80% of us are now routinely
deprived of this experience struck me as a profoundly sobering one. Our guide reminded us how
badly light pollution affects a wide range of creatures. She also made the thought-provoking claim
that unlike water and air pollution, light pollution can be turned off with the flick of a switch –
though it’s probably not quite that simple, really.

What made a particularly deep impression on the reviewer during his visit to a national park?

A finding out about the severity of a threat to nature


B becoming aware of something missing from modern life
C realizing how straightforward a solution to a problem could be

Photocopiable © Oxford University Press Oxford Test of English Advanced C1 Sample test 11
DEMO MODULE SPEAKING LISTENING READING WRITING PART 1 2 3 4 5

Part 2
Read the questions and match them to the correct text about a new collection of poetry.

The Healing Hands by Irena Dobrenska


Three critics review a new collection of poetry by the acclaimed Polish poet Irena Dobrenska

A Professor Naomi Purfleet


In her third poetry collection, Irena Dobrenska has turned the approach used in her first two volumes on its
head, substituting single book-length pieces with 40 shorter poems. Readers should not assume that the use
of poetic lengths favoured by more conventional poets corresponds with a similar shift in Dobrenska’s subject
matter, however. Far from it – her vivid imagination is given the same free rein we see in her earlier work. The
book is divided into two sections, the first comprising a series of ‘letter-poems’ addressed directly to the author’s younger self.
The poems in this section paint the picture of a girl making an awkward transition into womanhood while wholly determined
to plough her own furrow in her chosen career as a writer, no matter the disapproval, even resistance, from those around
her. Dobrenska’s upbringing in relative poverty in rural Poland is dealt with in a matter-of-fact way, rejecting any temptation
to accuse and blame, which prevents any sense of self-pity from creeping in. In the second section, the poems draw on a
strikingly diverse selection of stories and characters from world mythology. These act as beacons to the young Irena and
hence to the poet in the present day, illuminating some of the pain and challenges that life inevitably places in her and our
paths. So convinced was I that the poems in this collection were first written in English, that it came as something of a shock
to see the translator, Piotr Kowalski, credited on the cover.

B Lecturer Milosz Wojcik


Although I greatly admired Irena Dobrenska’s first two collections, my immediate reaction on opening this, her
third volume of poetry, was one of unease. The dismay I felt on realizing that she had resorted to the shorter
poems favoured by less adventurous writers largely dissolved once I read on, however. The correspondence
addressed to the young Irena in the first section contrasts markedly with the mythology of the second; each
half feels, in fact, as though it were written by two different poets. It is indeed remarkable that Dobrenska has such control of
language that she can assuredly accomplish this feat. That said, I was left wondering what the overall influence on the reader
would have been if the two sections had been merged in some way. Perhaps if poems from the first section alternated with
those from the second, it might have achieved an even more dramatic impact. There’s always a danger of poetry in translation
having some or all of its strength and energy diluted as it makes its way from one language into another. Having read The
Healing Hands in both English and Polish, I can report that this was occasionally the case in this instance, but not to any great
degree. It is my hope that poetry such as this will soon make its way onto curricula worldwide, particularly those designed for
adolescents. The wisdom contained in these poems is exactly the kind of thing I sorely needed when I was that age.

C Dr Adaku Bolaji
Irena Dobrenska stated that the idea for her third volume of poetry took a great deal longer to emerge than
the actual poems, which she describes as largely having written themselves. It was well worth the wait.
Whenever I open a collection of poetry composed in another language, I invariably feel anxious. Putting poetry
translation into the hands of those who aren’t skilled poets themselves is a risky business, sometimes resulting
in a poor choice of language and struggling to fully capture the intended meaning. This English translation is no exception,
although Dobrenska’s brilliance shines through sufficiently for the poetry still to be a cut above that of the majority of her
contemporaries. The partitioning of the book into two distinct halves is both disconcerting and convincing. The first section
is an exploration of her youth, allowing the poet to come to terms with the mistakes and wrong turns she made along the
way. She thereby invites each and every reader to take part in their own similar therapeutic process. The second half of the
book uses personalized adaptations of mythological stories as a vehicle for commenting on what the poet feels it means to be
human in the 21st century. When poets attempt to capture and transmit moral messages, there’s always the danger of coming
across as overbearing and arrogant. Dobrenska avoids falling into this trap by demonstrating that she’s just as flawed as the
rest of us while providing much food for thought for young and old alike.

1 Who suggests that a different structure might enhance Dobrenska’s collection? A   B   C
2 Who thinks Dobrenska’s work is superior to that of many other current poets? A   B   C
3 Who wishes they could have read Dobrenska’s poetry when they were younger? A   B   C
4 Who suggests that Dobrenska’s poems are as good in English as they are in the original? A   B   C
5 Who believes that the collection might have a healing effect on anyone who reads it? A   B   C
6 Who reports that the poems in Dobrenska’s new collection were created relatively easily? A   B   C
7 Who initially thought Dobrenska’s new collection would be less impressive than her others? A   B   C

Photocopiable © Oxford University Press Oxford Test of English Advanced C1 Sample test 12
DEMO MODULE SPEAKING LISTENING READING WRITING PART 1 2 3 4 5

Part 3
Six sentences are missing from this text. Drag and drop the correct sentence into each gap. There is one
extra sentence which you do not need to use.

Engineering
Engineering is, in its most general sense, turning an idea separated. 3
Some people respond by growing their
into a reality – creating and using tools to accomplish a task own food and some by taking up various forms of manual
or fulfil a purpose. The ability of humans to make tools is craftwork. Crawford wants us to reassess what sort of work
remarkable. But it is our ingenious ability to make sense of is worthy of being honoured since productive labour is the
the world and use our tools to make even more sense and foundation of all prosperity.
even more ingenious tools that makes us exceptional. Tools Of course, technical developments will continue, but as
are part of what it is to be human. Crawford argues, we need to re-evaluate our relationship
However, for many, there is a disturbing cloud. Once, with them. 4
In the same way, perhaps a fulfilled life
tools were simple common sense – almost all were is more likely when you have some harmony with the things
understandable to the non-specialist. 1
In fact, you rely on and some feeling of why sometimes they don’t
engineers have been accused of ‘rendering many of perform as you might wish.
the devices we depend on every day unintelligible to One only has to think of the railways, the internal
direct inspection’, and there is a realization that science, combustion engine, the telephone, the digital computer,
technology, engineering and mathematics are interwoven and social networking to realize that technical change
in a way that needs separating. This is urgent because we profoundly affects social change. Some economists
need to understand what engineering offers, what it might argue that technological development is fundamental to
offer in the future, and what it cannot ever deliver. economic progress. Historians argue about the early drivers
All through history, people have expressed their awe, of the Industrial Revolution, but all recognize the profound
spirituality and faith by making tools. From ancient stone social changes resulting from the exploitation of coal and
tablets to present-day Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) screens, iron, the building of canals and the development of clever
from horse-drawn carts to space rockets, our tools have new machines for the textile industry. 5
What is
become ever more powerful, conspicuous and central to important, according to this view, is how we humans use
our lives. Imagine waking up in the morning, attempting to them. But engineering is a value-laden social activity – our
switch on your light, but finding that everything provided tools have evolved with us and are totally embedded in
by engineers had gone. Many disaster movies rely on this their historical, social and cultural context.
kind of idea. 2
At the beginning of the 21st century, Our way of life and the objects we use go hand in hand
almost everything we use is a product of the activities of – they are interdependent parts of our culture. 6

engineers and scientists. Communications were transformed, and the consequent


Of course, just because you rely on something doesn’t social changes were large. They affected the places people
mean you must find it interesting. After all, few drivers want chose to live. They enabled people to take seaside holidays.
to know in detail what is happening in the car engine. They conveyed natural resources such as coal and iron
However, Matthew Crawford, in his book The Case for much faster. Different kinds of fresh food became widely
Working with Your Hands, argues that each of us is struggling available. Newspapers and mail were distributed quickly.
for some measure of self-reliance or individual agency in an These social changes led to a cultural ‘climate’ where further
age in which thinking and doing have been systematically technologies could flourish.

Adapted and abridged from an authentic source, acknowledged at the end of the test.
A We want to feel that our world is comprehensible so we can be responsible for it, and we feel alienated by
impersonal, strange forces.
B Yet designing, making and selling new technical products involves numerous people – many of whom are
not engineers.
C Nevertheless, many people still regard the products of engineering as morally and ethically neutral – they
are inherently neither bad nor good.
D Heat sources and electricity, not to mention convenient ways to travel, are all aspects of life that we take
for granted until one of them lets us down at any given moment.
E Transport is a good example: the canal network opened up possibilities for trade, while the steam engine
and the railways created new opportunities for travel.
F Since the Industrial Revolution in Britain in the 18th century, however, the interior workings of many have
become mysterious, complex and non-transparent to all but the experts.
G Just as a healthy lifestyle is easier if you have empathy with your body, so you might be a more relaxed
flyer if you have some understanding of how aviation works.

Photocopiable © Oxford University Press Oxford Test of English Advanced C1 Sample test 13
DEMO MODULE SPEAKING LISTENING READING WRITING PART 1 2 3 4 5

Part 4
Read the passage about management. For questions 1–5, choose the correct answer.

Management as troubleshooting
While routine administration may be the most time- up to the job and might require extra training? Is there an
consuming dimension of managing, the most preoccupying element of wilful neglect, calling for the commencement of
is troubleshooting, or responding to what British Prime disciplinary procedures? Or are there other things going on
Minister Harold Macmillan famously coined as ‘events’. in the person’s life with relationships or family problems that
Unplanned, unexpected and often unwanted events suggest a need for support and counselling?
happen. Things go wrong. Machines break down. Supplies Such situations can be very difficult and stressful for the
get delayed. Competitors steal a march. Customers get manager in charge, as well as the employee who has messed
upset. Projects go over budget. Deadlines get missed. Tasks up – there may well be a fellow worker affected by the
get forgotten or fall through the cracks. People get ill or mistake, too. It is very tempting to put off dealing with the
have accidents at times when they are most needed. People problem, to sweep things under the carpet and hope they’ll
make mistakes. People become convinced that other people go away. It is a common feature of organizational life that,
have made mistakes. Colleagues fall out. Rumours spread. when the time comes for disciplinary action or action on the
The best-laid plans go awry, and things don’t turn out as grounds of incompetence, it often transpires that there has
intended. been some awareness of the person concerned for years,
Whatever the origins of the difficulty, the responsibility for but nobody has taken the steps of raising the matter, going
troubleshooting generally lies with the manager, and it may through the formal procedures and establishing a paper trail
involve a number of different strategies. It certainly requires of warnings. This means everything has to start from scratch
thinking, and clear thinking at that – all the harder, but all and what should be a final offence becomes a first one. Since
the more necessary in an atmosphere of crisis. It is also the same manager is rarely in place long enough to see these
when troubleshooting that a manager is most likely to get kinds of procedures through, this becomes a collective task,
involved in direct action, doing a job themselves that would but if it is not done, other workers in the unit suffer. So, a
normally be delegated. This may involve taking over from critical part of managing is being able to manage, and not
one or more members of staff – a case of all hands on deck just to cope.
– or the problem may need the extra knowledge, contacts, How managers deal with slips or blunders they themselves
or wisdom that only the manager can bring to bear: dealing are responsible for is also something that should not be
with an awkward customer, calling in favours to secure a overlooked. Some managers simply won’t admit they are
delivery or finding a technical fix. at fault, of course, and blame anything amiss on someone
When a problem arises from an employee’s mistake, the else. But while this sometimes advances their careers in the
interpersonal side of managing comes into play. There is short term, it doesn’t make for good management. Almost
very little discussion of this in literature – it is almost as if the as appalling, however, are those who obsess over their errors,
very idea that mistakes can happen runs so counter to the as they can become unable to act. The basic recipe here
dominant image of management as a technical, rational is simple: minimize the damage (and make sure that the
utopia that it simply cannot be accommodated. In reality, innocent are acquitted), maximize the learning and act in the
you need to determine what kind of mistake you are dealing best interests of the organization. Putting this into practice,
with. Is it just an accidental one-off, in which case you might though, can be quite demanding.
forget it and move on? Is it a sign that the person isn’t really

Adapted and abridged from an authentic source, acknowledged at the end of the test.

1 In the second paragraph, what is the writer’s main purpose?

A to express an abstract idea in concrete terms


B to exemplify the consequences of ineffective management
C to demonstrate how expectations around the working environment should be managed

2 According to the writer, a manager with responsibility for troubleshooting should always …

A have the confidence to rely on their own experience.


B show a willingness to stand in for absent workers.
C possess the ability to reason effectively under pressure.

Photocopiable © Oxford University Press Oxford Test of English Advanced C1 Sample test 14
DEMO MODULE SPEAKING LISTENING READING WRITING PART 1 2 3 4 5

3 When discussing the issue of employee mistakes, the writer suggests that …

A it is wrong to expect that they can all be accounted for.


B it is essential to be sensitive when handling them.
C it is foolish to pretend that they are all avoidable.

4 The phrase ‘a critical part of managing’ means an aspect of management that …

A requires careful analysis.


B is absolutely essential.
C should be urgently addressed.

5 In the final paragraph, the writer expresses most disapproval of managers who …

A attempt to cover up their own mistakes.


B fail to protect colleagues from false accusations.
C worry too much about what they have done wrong.

Photocopiable © Oxford University Press Oxford Test of English Advanced C1 Sample test 15
DEMO MODULE SPEAKING LISTENING READING WRITING PART 1 2

Writing
Part 1 Essay
The clock shows how much time you have to write an essay.

Write 220–280 words.

You have been discussing the topic of entertainment in your class. Your tutor has asked you to
write an essay on the following:

Online video streaming services allow people to choose exactly when and
where they watch films, TV shows and sports events.

Do you think that this is a positive or a negative development?

Your essay must include at least two of the following ideas:

• impact on live entertainment


• impact on traditional broadcasting
• impact on viewing habits.

Organize your essay clearly, introducing the topic, providing support for the points you make, and
giving a conclusion.

Write your essay.

Photocopiable © Oxford University Press Oxford Test of English Advanced C1 Sample test 16
DEMO MODULE SPEAKING LISTENING READING WRITING PART 1 2

Part 2 Summary
The clock shows how much time you have to write a summary.

Write 80–100 words.

You have been learning about an aspect of science for a college course. You have read
a textbook extract and attended a lecture and now your tutor has asked you to write a
summary of the main ideas for your classmates to read.

Write one paragraph, combining information from the textbook extract and the lecture
transcript to summarize the main ideas. Your summary should provide the reader with
enough information to understand the main ideas from both texts.

Write full sentences, using your own words where possible. Do NOT write more than
100 words.

Textbook extract Lecture transcript

The law of Conservation of Energy ‘The experiment in front of me is not … er


states that energy cannot be created or … particularly complicated but it shows
destroyed. It can only be transferred to a you the way that … shows you different
different place or changed into a different types of energy transfer. The gas burning in
type of energy. This law explains why some a flame here is an example of combustion.
chemical processes produce heat and It is giving off heat and light so this is an
light. Since the total amount of energy exothermic reaction. You can all see the
cannot change, the excess energy from energy released as light and we are about
these exothermic reactions is released as to see the effect of the heat energy on this
heat or light. Corrosion – when a metal water above it. If you look carefully, you
breaks down due to its environment – is can see the water is changing into steam
an example of this, but we don’t notice the which, of course, we call evaporation.
heat as it is released very slowly. Changes The water is absorbing the heat energy,
of state can also be exothermic. Most so this is an endothermic process with
people don’t realize that when water energy being taken from the environment.
freezes it is giving off heat, but, of course, Changes of state from solid to liquid
heat lost from the water as it cools must be to gas require heat so they are always
transferred to the surrounding air. The law endothermic.’
of Conservation of Energy also explains
why some processes take in heat and light.
For example, during photosynthesis, plants
absorb energy in the form of sunlight and
convert it into food allowing the plants to
grow.

Glossary
absorb take in from the surrounding environment
excess more than is needed
law a scientific rule that describes something that
always happens

Write your summary.

Photocopiable © Oxford University Press Oxford Test of English Advanced C1 Sample test 17
Audioscripts

Oxford Test of English Advanced the most common ideas, consistently being put forward, is
Sample Test that learning to breathe better enhances quality of life and
reduces stress levels. Focusing on breathing and training
ourselves to breathe in certain ways has a respectable history
Speaking Module in traditions such as yoga and meditation, and significant
evidence exists to link good breathing with maintaining
Speaking Part 1 good mental and physical health. Another, more far-reaching
claim is that certain breathing techniques can actually cure
You are going to answer six questions. You have 10 seconds
some illnesses, though more solid evidence from high-quality
per question for questions 1 and 2, and 30 seconds per
scientific research is needed to back these up
question for questions 3–6. Start speaking when you hear
the tone. Try to speak for the full amount of time. Speaker 2: The benefits of breathing have been discussed
for centuries. A growing number of studies have confirmed
Question 1: What’s your name? that breathing techniques can help to manage issues such as
Question 2: Which country do you come from? stress and support general good health. By following certain
Question 3: Thinking about education, what would you like practices, such as breath focus and equal breathing, not only
to study in the future? can we relieve stress and feel calmer but also reduce our
chances of becoming ill. In more recent years, suggestions
Question 4: What’s the best time of year to visit your country?
have been made that breathing techniques can be used to
Question 5: How have your interests changed as you have successfully treat and heal specific medical conditions. Whilst
got older? these findings are promising, no firm conclusions can be
Question 6: Finally, how important are books in your life? drawn without further research.
You now have 40 seconds think about what you want to
Speaking Part 2 – Voice message say.
You are going to leave a voicemail message. First read and
listen to the task, then decide what you want to say. You Speaking Part 4 – Debate
need to be diplomatic in your answer. You have 40 seconds to
You are going to take part in a debate. First read and listen
leave your voicemail. Start speaking when you hear the tone.
to the task, then decide what you want to say. You have
You work for a company. Your manager, Paul Chapman, two minutes to speak. Start speaking when you hear the
has asked you to give an important presentation to some tone.
clients. You are unable to give the presentation. Leave a voice
Your tutor has asked you to take part in a class debate. You are
message for your manager and:
going to put a case for or against the following statement:
• say why the presentation is important
‘Cheap, mass-produced clothes should be banned.’
• explain why you are unable to give the presentation
Prepare your case for the debate. You should:
• suggest who should give the presentation, and why.
• use two OR three of the ideas below to argue your case
You now have 10 seconds to think about what you want to
say.
• provide support for the ideas you choose
• give a conclusion
You now have 45 seconds to prepare. You can make notes
Speaking Part 3 – Summary
if you wish.
You are going to give a summary. First read and listen to the
task, then decide what you want to say. You can make notes
while you listen. Your notes will not be marked. Use the ‘Notes’ Speaking Part 5 – Follow-up questions
button below to open your notepad. You have 50 seconds to You are going to answer four questions on the topic of
give you summary. Start speaking when you hear the tone. your debate. You have 40 seconds to answer each question.
Start speaking when you hear the tone.
Your tutor has asked you to summarize some research for
your tutor group. The topic of your talk was about fashion.
Listen to two experts talking about research into breathing. 1 Do you think it’s possible to tell what someone is like as a
The two experts make the same two main points. You person from the clothes they wear?
should: 2 Many young people say there’s too much pressure to be
• combine the information from the two experts and fashionable. What do you think?
• summarize the two main points the experts make. 3 Do you agree that clothes are important in giving people a
• You can make notes if you wish. sense of belonging to a group?
Speaker 1: Today we are going to talk about some of the 4 Some people say that it doesn’t matter what you wear, it’s
claims being made about the benefits of breathing. One of more important how you behave. What do you think?

Photocopiable © Oxford University Press Oxford Test of English Advanced C1 Sample test 18
Listening Module F This project about the modern shopper is a wide field. We
obviously need to narrow it down. Any ideas?
Listening Part 1 M I feel it’d be a mistake not to concentrate on online
Listen and choose the correct picture (A, B, or C). shopping. After all, it’s the defining trend in retail, and that’s
hardly likely to change in the foreseeable future.
Question 1 F It’s always tempting to try to see into the future. If it
Two colleagues are discussing holidays. What type of weren’t for the fact that it’s getting a bit off-topic, looking
holiday had the woman booked? at what lies ahead could be worth pursuing. But coming
M Nice to see you back! Tell me all about your amazing trip. back to what you said about online shopping, it’s an often
overlooked fact that in-store shopping still accounts for
F It’d be great if I could! I was so looking forward to spending over 60% of retail spending – at least in this country.
a week living outdoors until the whole thing fell through
when the company collapsed. M Good point. Lots of interesting issues there. Are shopping
habits down to price, or convenience, say?
M Unbelievable! The same thing happened with that cruise
we put the deposit on last year. F Or branding? And actually, are they consistent across a
range of retailers?
F Too bad! Being at sea would’ve been an experience
too good to miss. This time though I’d thought about M OK, let’s make some notes. I think we’re onto something.
trying one of those city breaks – you know, doing some Now listen again.
sightseeing? Should’ve gone with that ...
Question 4
M Well, how were you to know ...?.
A professor is talking to his student about some research.
Now listen again. What aspect of off-grid living does he suggest focusing on?
Question 2 A whether those who choose it have a common motive
A media professor is setting some work for his students. B whether it has become more popular recently
What does he suggest about it? C whether it lives up to expectations
A They may have difficulty accepting what they discover F Professor, I’m considering doing my research project on
about themselves. people who live off-grid, miles from anywhere, with no
B To complete it successfully they should consult a range of connections to public utilities like water or electricity.
sources. M Interesting. I know there’s a perception that increasing
C The benefits of doing it extend beyond any subject numbers are opting for that kind of alternative lifestyle,
boundaries. though the evidence is mixed, I’d suggest. There’ve always
M Confirmation bias is the tendency to look for, remember been those who value their freedom and independence,
and interpret information in a way that supports your own wouldn’t you say?
view on an issue. We’re doing this piece of work early in F Yes, and I imagine there must be a real sense of
the term because it’s vital that you see how confirmation achievement in being completely self-sufficient. And from
bias affects our interpretations of what we’re exposed to – studies I’ve read, they often seem to be people who’ve
whether that’s a news story, a piece of scientific research, previously had very stressful lives …
or the writings of a historian. In order to really get to grips M Indeed. Or perhaps a break-up or a personal tragedy.
with an issue – any issue – we need to recognize our own Some kind of follow-up wouldn’t go amiss. You know, x
bias. So, over the course of three days, I’d like you to be years down the line, do those benefits – such as increased
on the lookout for examples of your own confirmation happiness, lower stress, greater feeling of being connected
bias and note them down. Then when we next meet, to the environment – persist?
we’ll discuss them. If that sounds a bit too revealing, I can F Well, I’ll firm up my thesis by next week. Thanks, professor.
assure you, everyone will have examples, and you’ll all be
Now listen again.
surprised at just how many you find.
Now listen again. Question 5
A lecturer is talking about the side effects of medication.
Question 3
He stresses the importance of …
Two economics students are discussing a college research
project. What do they choose as the focus of the project? A considering how each patient might react to medication.
B using patient case studies to guide medication best
A comparing the different motivations of consumers
practice.
B analysing possible developments in consumer behaviour
C providing up-to-date training for staff responsible for
C identifying factors that influence consumers online medication.

Photocopiable © Oxford University Press Oxford Test of English Advanced C1 Sample test 19
M There’s a basic principle that many doctors and other Invasive species carried in ballast water can be dealt
medical professionals follow which states that every with by disinfection. Passing the water through filters
medication has the capacity both to heal and to harm. Of can remove the larger organisms but offers insufficient
course, it’s vital that anyone who’s qualified to prescribe environmental protection on its own. Generally, a second
drugs is obliged to refresh their knowledge of the subject step is required, usually involving chemicals. While this
on a regular basis as new or improved products are process is highly efficient, it can cause contamination
continually being developed. It’s also critically important when the ballast water is ultimately released.
to bear in mind that much of the information given about In addition to polluting water, ships also emit a range
the pros and cons of any particular medication is based of pollutants into the air, including black carbon, which
on a hypothetical, average patient, and decisions on its is a by-product of burning fossil fuels. Just how much
appropriacy for the actual person being treated need to be is emitted will depend on which one is used, and
informed by their medical history. No amount of studying unfortunately, there are currently no clean fuels that
the extensive data sets on how a range of people have could provide a viable alternative. Having said that,
responded to a medication in the past will create a more regular servicing of the ship’s engine is important, as poor
accurate picture of how best to avoid complications. maintenance leads to increased amounts of black carbon.
Now listen again. Fossil fuels also emit carbon dioxide, contributing to
climate change. In fact, global shipping produces more
Listening Part 2 carbon dioxide than most individual countries. The faster a
ship travels, the higher its fuel consumption, and the more
Listen to a lecture on environmental problems caused by
carbon dioxide it produces. There are steps that can be
shipping. Complete the gaps in the notes with a word or
taken to alleviate the problem, however. A speed reduction
two-word phrase from the audio. Remember to check your
of just 10% across the global shipping fleet would lead to
spelling. You now have 30 seconds to look at the task.
a 23% fall in emissions. Some firms in the industry have
M Welcome to this lecture on environmental problems started to adopt this change voluntarily, although cost
caused by shipping. 90% of the world’s trade is carried cutting is their major incentive.
by ships, and unfortunately, they can cause numerous Finally, there’s noise pollution. Research shows that
problems for the environment. man-made noise has negative consequences for marine
Let’s begin with water pollution caused by a ship’s cargo mammals such as humpback whales. It can interfere with
falling overboard. Although this can be the result of their navigational ability, making it harder for them to
careless handling of freight, the most serious incidents reach their breeding grounds, and there is a growing body
are those resulting from collisions. Now, because ports are of evidence that the social interaction between them
always busy with maritime traffic, these tend to happen suffers as a consequence of the noise from ships, sonar and
there because the lack of space makes avoiding other seismic surveys.
ships more difficult. In open water, a ship which strays from That concludes my talk. I’ll now take any questions.
its intended route is statistically less likely to hit something,
Now listen again.
although the risk does increase in bad weather.
Water pollution also occurs when ships illegally dispose
of waste at sea. This can be anything from fishing nets to Listening Part 3
packaging materials, but plastic is particularly harmful. Listen to an environmental journalist and an environmental
Landside disposal using port facilities is costly and scientist discussing artificial habitats for wildlife. Match
complex, and while disposal at sea is prohibited, enforcing the people [the woman, the man, or both] to the opinions
the regulations is far from straightforward. It’s widely below. You now have 30 seconds to look at the task.
accepted that more accurate tracking is required – which
M Welcome to my podcast. I’m environmental journalist
technology could facilitate. This would be a powerful
Andrew Padstow, and joining me today is Stacey Rich,
deterrent to the discarding of waste at sea.
who’s an environmental scientist. We’re going to be
When it comes to invasive species, ships are a huge discussing artificial habitats.
contributing factor. Sea water is often pumped into a ship Stacey, could you begin by explaining what an artificial
before a journey to keep it stable when travelling without habitat is.
cargo. This ballast water, as it’s called, inevitably contains
F Sure. An artificial habitat provides animals or birds with a
aquatic species. When the ballast water is discharged
place to nest, breed, or shelter, helping them to survive in
before loading at the ship’s destination, these species are
habitats which have been disturbed in some way, usually
released into the sea. Clear definitions of invasive species
due to human activity.
are still lacking, and regulations remain fragmentary.
Further research is urgently needed to indicate which M Right, and examples abound. All over the world, you can
areas are most at risk and this will be invaluable for policy find conservationists trialling and installing nesting boxes
makers. for wildlife and mammals, artificial rocks for lizards, or reefs

Photocopiable © Oxford University Press Oxford Test of English Advanced C1 Sample test 20
for aquatic species. Just a quick online search reveals pages additions to existing sea walls have meant that these man-
and pages of studies on artificial habitat projects. made structures can be utilized by wildlife rather than
F Quantity doesn’t necessarily mean quality. I’ll give you simply causing problems for them.
an example of what I mean, from a review I’ve been M Yes, I’ve seen those. They’re excellent. I guess what remains
conducting. Fewer than 40% of the studies I looked into – as a niggle in my mind is that people get so caught up
and there were hundreds – compared the artificial habitat in how much we’re improving things for wildlife that we
to a control, which is something of an oversight, to put it forget the bigger picture – the fact that these things are
mildly. only necessary because of our own actions.
M Surely the key indicator is whether there is an increase in F It seems to me there’s so much in the media about climate
population of the species in question? I mean, the studies change it would be pretty hard to ignore.
I’ve read seem to be remarkably positive about what M Well, anyway, our time is up. Thank you, Stacey.
artificial habitat projects are achieving.
Now listen again.
F Which doesn’t necessarily make them valuable to others.
In a sense, it’s negative outcomes that you’re after because
they flag up areas where you have to tread especially Listening Part 4
carefully. Listen and choose the correct answer.
M Making that kind of information public is something
Question 1
people often avoid doing though – understandably.
Nevertheless, when it is made available, its value can’t be An architect is reviewing a book about housing.
underestimated. How does he feel about the housing the book describes?
F And just to further the point, there have been examples of A confident that more of it will now be built
artificial habitats which favour predators over the species B pleased that it is influencing current designs
they’re supposed to protect, although admittedly that’s C relieved that it is being given protected status
quite rare. And interestingly, some species are perfectly
happy to use artificial habitats, while others seem very M Even if you’ve never been to Los Angeles, movies will
reluctant. have shown you the preferred housing: large, two-storey
detached homes. However, there are exceptions, as this
M Yes, I read about one recently – an Australian bird called book shows. It’s full of low-rise schemes in which small
the superb parrot which was very slow to adapt. It was numbers of apartments are arranged around central
down to the fact that the size of the nesting boxes was less gardens. I was amazed how many survive, given that they
than ideal. Even so, they went some way to compensating were mostly constructed prior to the 1970s. That’s when
for the loss of huge trees which had been cut down when planning rules virtually outlawed apartment blocks. There
a road was being widened. are signs of change though, as illustrated by a recent
F That’s an example of what I was saying earlier, about housing competition. Among the entries, I couldn’t help
artificial habitats being installed to help a species which noticing some heart-warming echoes of the projects the
has been adversely affected by human behaviour. author featured. Will they be chosen? Let’s hope so. There’s
M Mm – you know, I sense there’s this attitude among a lot no more space for large houses.
of people involved in construction projects – they throw Now listen again.
in a man-made lake or a certain number of nesting boxes
simply because they realize that their project won’t be Question 2
given the green light otherwise. A journalist is interviewing an arts critic.
F Effectively it boils down to merely paying lip service to Why is the critic talking about theatre?
conservation rather than having any genuine conviction, A to attribute blame for an increase in ticket prices
and there’s been a concerted backlash to that to the
extent that its prevalence has diminished considerably. B to point out the cause of a trend towards one genre
And actually, that brings us to another issue with artificial C to correct a misconception about the purpose of theatre
habitats – the whole business of monitoring. There’s M I’m hearing lots of talk about shows closing. That’s the
no way of knowing whether a habitat has achieved its nature of theatre though, isn’t it? That things have a limited
purpose if you don’t check back periodically. run?
M It’s not just a question of inspecting the shelters, either. If F Well, what isn’t just the nature of theatre is that plays
there’s evidence of predator interference, or the placement are losing out to musicals. With the way the cost of a
of the habitat isn’t appropriate, modifications have to be seat has gone in this city over the last decade, there are
made. few residents who can afford them anymore. So, theatre
F Having said all of that, a lot has been achieved with audiences are now made up chiefly of tourists, who have
artificial habitats. In the marine environment, for example, more disposable income and are, understandably, looking

Photocopiable © Oxford University Press Oxford Test of English Advanced C1 Sample test 21
for something upbeat. They’re neither familiar with nor Question 5
interested in the kind of social issues addressed in a A professor is concluding a lecture on friendship. Why does
serious play. he mention a recognized writer?
M I see.
A He agrees with her views on friendship.
Now listen again.
B He finds a friendship of hers particularly interesting.
Question 3 C He recommends the books she wrote about friendship.
A professor is talking about bans on plastic items. M Finally, I think it’s worth mentioning the writer Iris
What does she focus on? Murdoch. She’s probably best known for her award-
winning novels, which you should be familiar with, that
A the alternatives to the bans
frequently centre on morality and relationships. She was
B the negative response to the bans also a philosopher. She believed that true friends build
C the limitations of the bans up a deep understanding of each other, which inevitably
F Bans on plastic items are becoming increasingly common, involves familiarity with each other’s negative qualities as
and there’s no denying that they’re necessary, even if they well as positive ones. It contrasts with the more popular
initially face some resistance from both consumers and but flawed idea that you should overlook a friend’s bad
businesses. What the bans so far enacted have in common points, and no doubt stems from the enduring and intense
is that they tend to operate on a national, rather than bond she shared with fellow philosopher Philippa Foot.
international level, whereas plastic pollution is clearly a They exchanged hundreds of letters over the course of 50
global problem, requiring action on a much wider scale. years of friendship.
That’s not to say that localized bans achieve nothing. When Now listen again.
they’re accompanied by information campaigns, public
support can grow, making further measures more likely to
succeed. And if businesses receive guidance on accessing
suitable plastic substitutes, they’re less likely to flout the
rules.
Now listen again.

Question 4
A tourism expert is talking about her country’s tourism
industry. How does she feel about it?
A proud of what it has achieved
B optimistic about its change in focus
C relieved that it has recovered from a crisis
F Numbers of international visitors have declined
significantly in recent years, and while that has inevitably
caused enormous problems for the sector, and some firms
have gone to the wall, there are upsides too. The domestic
market was largely ignored until relatively recently. Of
course, in order to tap into it, providers are having to tailor
the experiences they offer. And although domestic tourists
lack the spending power of their foreign counterparts,
they’re more loyal – like … making return visits. And of
course, what’s on offer is fantastic – we have amazing
heritage sites, world-beating national parks, exciting cities
– you name it.
Now listen again.

Photocopiable © Oxford University Press Oxford Test of English Advanced C1 Sample test 22
Answer Keys and Model Answers

Speaking Module – model answers Listening Part 2


The model answers below have been prepared by an assessor 1 ports
to show examples of good responses. However, many 2 tracking
different answers are possible. 3 research / further research
4 chemicals
Speaking Part 1 5 speed reduction
6 interaction / social interaction
Students’ own answers.
Listening Part 3
Speaking Part 2
1 Woman 3 Woman 5 Both
Hi. I’m calling about your request regarding the presentation. 2 Both 4 Man 6 Man
I know that it is an important one because we will be
spreading the information about the new tech product to
be launched soon. However, as much as I’d love to, I’m a bit Listening Part 4
snowed under right now. I’ve got a big deadline coming up, 1 B 2 B 3 C 4 B 5 A
and my clients are breathing down my neck for that. Would
you mind asking Alex to give the presentation? She is highly
skilled and knows a lot about the product features. Reading Module – answer key

Speaking Part 3 Reading Part 1


The idea that improved breathing techniques can have 1 B 2 C 3 C 4 A 5 C 6 B
beneficial mental and physical effects have been gaining
ground in the last few years. On the one hand, both speakers Reading Part 2
feel that there seems to be a reasonable amount of evidence 1 B 2 C 3 B 4 A 5 C 6 C 7 B
that certain breathing techniques can reduce stress and
anxiety levels, for example, in the practice of yoga and Reading Part 3
meditation. On the other hand, evidence for more radical
claims about what enhanced breathing techniques can do to 1 F 2 D 3 A 4 G 5 C 6 E
improve health appears to be lacking, and both speakers are
in favour of further investigations to find satisfactory evidence Reading Part 4
to support such claims. 1 A 2 C 3 C 4 B 5 A

Speaking Part 4
Writing Module – model answers
These types of clothing are often produced in bulk by large
companies, and sold at extremely low prices, making it The model answers below have been prepared by an assessor
difficult for local and independent retailers to compete. This to show examples of good responses. However, many
can lead to the closure of small businesses and a loss of different answers are possible.
community and economic diversity. Considering its impact
on the environment, the fast fashion industry is known Writing Part 1 – Essay
for its high water an energy consumption as well as its Video streaming services have radically changed the way
contribution to pollution and waste. Overall, banning cheap we watch films, TV shows and sports events. Although
mass produced clothes could encourage the use of more consumers generally welcome the choice and flexibility these
sustainable and eco-friendly production methods while services offer, negative social impacts mean they may not
benefiting the economy. represent a positive development overall.
It was once common to gather around the TV with family to
Speaking Part 5 enjoy an evening’s entertainment, and discuss shared viewing
Students’ own answers. with friends and colleagues the following day. However,
families today often watch different TV shows in different
rooms, and we can’t discuss shows episode by episode
Listening Module – answer key with friends and colleagues when we all watch at different
times and speeds. This represents a huge loss of communal
Listening Part 1 experience, which must surely result in more people feeling
1 B 2 C 3 A 4 C 5 A isolated or disconnected.
Changes in viewing habits also impact broadcasters, who
may find they have to spend more money on big budget

Photocopiable © Oxford University Press Oxford Test of English Advanced C1 Sample test 23
Marking

productions in order to compete with streaming platforms, The Reading and Listening modules are marked by computer.
while their advertising revenue from live TV decreases as The Speaking and Writing modules are marked by trained
audience share decreases. This may result in broadcasters assessors using specially developed marking criteria.
cutting down on programming seen as inessential, for
Test Takers are assessed on their performance across each
example in daytime schedules. This would have a negative
individual module.
impact on elderly and housebound people who may rely on
daytime TV for company.
Streaming services could also contribute to the closure of Speaking
community assets such as cinemas and live sport venues. Test Takers are assessed according to four analytical criteria:
With movies being released directly onto streaming platforms,
Task fulfillment: This relates to the meeting of task
people have less reason to visit the cinema, and the ability
requirements (as set out in the task instructions), the
to stream any sport means people may not gather to watch
development of ideas, the appropriacy of register, and the
sporting events. The loss of these places could have both an
clarity of communication to the listener.
economic and a social impact on local communities.
Pronunciation and fluency: This refers to the ability to
All in all, we should think carefully before declaring video
control stress, rhythm and intonation to convey meaning, to
streaming services to be a positive development.
express oneself with a smooth flow, and to use a variety of
cohesive features to produce organized discourse.
Writing Part 2 – Summary Grammar: This relates to range, control (the ability to use
According to the law of Conservation of Energy, energy grammar to express ideas precisely) and accuracy, with
cannot be created or destroyed, but it can be transformed consideration of the effect and frequency of errors.
into different kinds of energy or moved to other places. Lexis: This relates to range (including the use of appropriate
Exothermic reactions, such as the combustion of gas in a collocations, idioms and colloquialisms) and accuracy, with
flame, release excess energy as heat or light. Endothermic consideration of the effect and frequency of errors.
reactions take in energy from the surrounding environment,
for example sunlight being converted into food in
photosynthesis. Changes of state also illustrate energy Writing
conservation. When water evaporates, it absorbs heat, Test Takers are assessed according to four analytical criteria:
making it an endothermic reaction, but when it freezes, water Task fulfillment: This relates to the meeting of task
gives off heat, so it is an exothermic reaction. requirements (as set out in the task instructions), the
development of ideas, the appropriacy of register, and the
clarity of communication to the reader.
Organization: This relates to coherence, cohesion, and the
extent to which ideas are presented in a clear and logical way.
Grammar: This relates to accuracy and control (the ability to
use grammar to express ideas precisely). For the Part 1 Essay,
grammatical range is also considered, and for the Part 2
Summary, test takers are also assessed on the extent to which
they use grammatical resources to express the ideas from the
texts concisely and in their own words.
Lexis: This relates to accuracy and control (the ability to use
lexis to express ideas precisely). For the Part 1 Essay, lexical
range is also considered, and for the Part 2 Summary, test
takers are also assessed on the extent to which they use
lexical resources to express the ideas from the texts concisely
and in their own words.

Photocopiable © Oxford University Press Oxford Test of English Advanced C1 Sample test 24
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The Publisher would like to thank the following for their kind permission to
reproduce photographs: Alamy, Gareth Boden, Getty, Shutterstock
The author and publisher are grateful to those who have given permission to
reproduce the following extracts and adaptations of copyright material: Part 3
excerpt abridged and adapted from Engineering: A Very Short Introduction
by David Blockley, Oxford University Press, © David Blockley 2012,
reproduced with permission of the Licensor through PLSclear. Part 4 excerpt
adapted from Management: A Very Short Introduction by John Hendry,
Oxford University Press, © John Hendry 2013, reproduced with permission of
the Licensor through PLSclear.
Part 1 literary extract was adapted from This Side of Paradise, by F. Scott
Fitzgerald, 1920.

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