ENGLISH VANTAGE SEXTO SEMESTRE

“Well, I guess that’s one way to solve the problem, but it’s not what I would’ve done.” What is the speaker’s attitude?. Uninterested. Angry. Excited. Doubtful / reserved.

Choose the correct word to complete the following statement: John bought the watch, _____________ the fact that it was expensive. despite. to sum up. although. however.

What is the main purpose of writing a personal recommendation?. To tell a funny story about someone. To ask someone for a favor. To support someone's application for a job, course, or opportunity. To formally complain about a person.

Choose the best response to keep the conversation flowing naturally. Someone mentions a topic you know little about, like "I've been learning about quantum physics." How can you show interest and keep the conversation going?. "Oh, I have no idea about that.". "That sounds complicated. Let's talk about something else.". "Interesting! What's the most fascinating thing you've learned so far?". "I hate physics, it's so boring.".

Text: “When preparing this traditional dish, you need to follow the steps carefully. First, chop the onions into small pieces. Then, heat a little oil in the pan and fry them gently until they become golden. After that, add the diced tomatoes and stir the mixture for a few minutes. Finally, season everything with salt, pepper, and fresh herbs before serving.” Question: What skill is required to understand and follow this passage?. Describing attitude. Giving advice. Identifying sequence. Identifying cause and effect.

Text: In literature, nature is rarely neutral. Writers often use natural elements symbolically, to reflect emotions or foreshadow events. One of the most common symbols is the storm. Storms usually appear at moments of tension or transformation in a story. They may coincide with a heated argument between characters, or they may precede a dramatic revelation. The storm, in this case, is not merely a description of weather; it functions as a metaphor for conflict, disruption, or change. Consider Shakespeare’s King Lear , where a violent storm mirrors the chaos in Lear’s mind and the breakdown of social order. In more contemporary novels, storms often appear before decisive turning points, symbolizing danger but also the possibility of renewal. Recognizing these symbolic uses requires readers to think beyond literal description and interpret the deeper meanings that natural imagery suggests. Question: What does a storm typically symbolize in literature?. Daily weather conditions. Conflict, disruption, or dramatic change. The beauty of nature. Calmness and peace.

Your classmate argues, "Reading physical books is a waste of time now that we have e-books." You want to defend the value of physical books. How would you respond?. "No, it's not! E-books hurt your eyes.". "You're outdated. Everyone reads e-books now.". "I understand the convenience of e-books, but I really enjoy the tactile experience of holding a physical book and not being distracted by notifications.". "You just don't appreciate the smell of old paper.".

“Aliens were seen buying groceries in New York.” What is the best classification?. It should be real news. It might be an official report. It must be fake news. It can't be true.

Choose the best word or phrase to complete each sentence about a memorable experience. One of the most __________ moments of my life was when I graduated from university. I felt so proud and happy. ordinary. terrible. disappointing. significant.

Text: Understanding neuroscience requires familiarity with technical vocabulary. Terms such as parameter, entity, or dimension are not optional decorations; they are essential for following the arguments presented in scientific texts. For instance, a neuron may be described as an entity that transmits signals. A parameter might define the speed of this communication, while a dimension could refer to the different scales at which the brain operates—from microscopic synapses to larger brain regions. For students, facing this type of specialized language can be intimidating. One recommended strategy is to classify vocabulary before reading: words they fully know, partly know, or do not know at all. By doing this, learners become conscious of their knowledge gaps and can focus on meaning rather than being blocked by unknown terms. This classification does not guarantee immediate mastery, but it encourages progress and self-awareness in academic reading. Question: Why is categorizing vocabulary useful according to the text?. It eliminates the need to study technical terms. It makes scientific texts shorter and easier. It helps learners monitor their knowledge and focus on meaning. It ensures that students will never forget any word.

“Before you enter the lab, put on your safety goggles.” What detail is shown here?. Cause. Effect. Attitude. Sequence.

Choose the correct word to complete the following statement: __________ the rain, we still went to the park. However. Despite. In my opinion. Although.

You are encouraging a friend to visit a remote national park known for its stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife. Which sentence best conveys a strong and appealing recommendation?. If you want, you can check out the national park. I highly recommend the national park; its breathtaking scenery and abundant wildlife make it an absolutely unmissable experience. The national park is a place you might like to see. You could go to the national park; it's okay.

Choose the best option to complete each sentence or respond to the situation. The internet isn't working at all. What's the first practical step you should probably take to try and solve the problem?. Call your internet provider immediately to complain. Restart the Wi-Fi router. Give up and read a book instead. Buy a new computer.

Someone states, "Eating fast food every day is fine because it's convenient and cheap." You want to point out a potential negative aspect. What's the most appropriate response?. "I don't care what you eat, but don't tell me it's good.". "You're going to get really sick if you do that.". "That's a silly idea; it's obviously bad for you.". "While it's true that fast food can be convenient, it often lacks essential nutrients and can be unhealthy if consumed regularly.".

Text: In literature circles, one productive activity is to compare how a story begins and how it ends. Endings are rarely accidental; they often provide resolution or comment on the events introduced earlier. For example, a novel may open with the separation of two friends and close with their reunion, highlighting themes of forgiveness and growth. Another may begin with a crisis, such as losing a job, and finish with renewal or opportunity. Discussing beginnings and endings allows readers to trace patterns of cause and effect. What problems were introduced in the opening chapters? Were they resolved, transformed, or left open at the conclusion? Such questions help students understand the writer’s purpose and evaluate whether the ending feels satisfying or intentionally ambiguous. By linking the first and last chapters, readers can appreciate how the author constructed meaning across the entire text. Question: Why is comparing a story’s beginning and ending important in group discussions?. To identify how initial problems are resolved or transformed. To decide whether the book is realistic or not. To measure the length of the book. To memorize the story word for word.

When you write a set of guidelines, what is the most important thing to remember about your language?. It should be clear, concise, and easy to understand. It should be funny and entertaining. It should be interesting and tell a story. It should be very formal and use complex vocabulary.

What is the most common primary purpose of a magazine article?. To tell a fictional story for children. To publish academic research papers. To offer detailed information, entertainment, or advice on specific topics. To provide very short news updates.

“The lights are on in the living room, the TV is playing loudly, and there are two cups of coffee on the table. However, nobody opens the door when you knock, and the phone keeps ringing without an answer.”. They can’t be sleeping with the TV and lights on. They might have left in a hurry and forgotten to turn things off. They could be ignoring visitors on purpose. They must be at home, but they are not available to answer.

“Her car isn’t in the driveway this morning. Usually, she parks there every night, so it’s unusual not to see it.” Which is the most logical deduction?. She must be working from home. She can’t drive. She should sell her car. She might have left for work already.

Choose the adjective opposite to reliable in the context of news. Accurate. Untrustworthy. Trustworthy. Credible.

Statement: Asking “Who is supposed to be speaking the words of the text?” is an example of a contextual question in literary analysis. Verdadero. Falso.

Text: Graphs and charts are common in academic reading because they allow information to be presented visually and concisely. However, interpreting them requires training. Consider a bar chart showing internet use worldwide between 2000 and 2020. In the early years, the number of users grew slowly. From 2005 to 2010, growth accelerated dramatically, with millions of new users connecting each year. Between 2010 and 2015, however, the chart shows a period of stability: the numbers stayed almost the same, reflecting saturation in many developed countries. After 2015, growth resumed but at a more moderate pace, mostly in regions where access was still expanding. When describing these patterns, academic vocabulary is essential. Words like surge, plateau, decline, and fluctuate allow students to describe trends precisely. Saying “the numbers changed” is too vague; instead, readers must specify whether they increased sharply, stabilized, or dropped. Without this precision, interpreting data becomes unclear. Question: How should the period 2010–2015 be described?. Surge. Decline. Plateau. Fluctuation.

“I tried to watch a movie on TV last night, but it was impossible to enjoy. Every five minutes there was another commercial break, and by the end I had completely lost interest in the story.” Which annoyance is the speaker expressing?. The interruptions caused by excessive advertising. The confusing and boring plot of the movie. The poor acting skills of the characters. The spreading of fake or misleading news.

“If you enjoy mysteries, you’ll love this series. The ending exceeded my expectations.” What type of speech act is this?. Complaint. Warning. Recommendation. Deduction.

Text: The sea is one of the most powerful symbols in world literature. For some authors, it represents freedom and the possibility of new beginnings. Characters who cross the ocean often embark on journeys that transform their lives. For others, the sea embodies danger, mystery, and unpredictability. It can be a place where characters face their fears, test their courage, or confront forces beyond their control. In Moby Dick by Herman Melville, the sea is vast and threatening, reflecting humanity’s struggle with nature. In contrast, in modern travel literature, the sea may symbolize opportunity, escape, or personal growth. Readers must recognize that the same element can carry multiple symbolic meanings depending on the context. Interpreting such symbols deepens our understanding of how literature communicates ideas indirectly. Question: What literary element is emphasized in the passage’s interpretation of the sea?. Setting description. Symbolism. Plot development. Characterization.

Text: When students read neuroscience articles, they quickly realize that the challenge is not only the ideas, but the language itself. Authors frequently use highly technical terms, many of which belong to the Academic Word List. For example, concurrent describes events happening at the same time, while stable refers to conditions that remain unchanged. Without recognizing these words, readers may lose the main argument. Researchers suggest a simple but effective strategy: highlight key vocabulary before starting the reading. Then, classify words according to how well you know them—“I know it,” “I’ve seen it but I’m unsure,” or “I don’t know it at all.” This metacognitive practice, or “thinking about thinking,” allows learners to predict where difficulties may appear and to prepare accordingly. The strategy does not replace careful study, but it does increase confidence when approaching dense academic texts. Question: Why is highlighting and classifying vocabulary helpful in neuroscience reading?. It avoids the need to read complex articles. It makes students aware of which words may block comprehension. It automatically translates terms into simpler English. It guarantees students will never make mistakes.

“Wow, I never expected the team to win by that much!” What attitude does the speaker show?. Disappointment. Neutrality. Surprise. Boredom.

Text In recent decades, robotics has advanced rapidly, moving far beyond the traditional image of machines working on assembly lines. One of the most innovative approaches is biomimicry —the design of robots inspired by the structures and behaviors of living organisms. For example, scientists have created underwater robots that mimic the swimming patterns of fish, allowing them to move gracefully in turbulent waters. Similarly, drones designed after birds can adjust their wings in strong winds, making them more stable and efficient. A particularly fascinating branch is swarm robotics , based on the collective behavior of ants and bees. Instead of relying on one powerful machine, a group of small robots works together, communicating constantly to achieve a common goal. This method offers important advantages. Most significantly, if one robot fails, the group continues, ensuring reliability. However, challenges exist too: communication errors may slow the entire system, and programming collective behavior is complex. Question: What is the main advantage of swarm robotics according to the text?. They can replace all human workers completely. They do not require programming. They always work faster than humans. They remain reliable because the group functions even if one fails.

Choose the best option to complete each sentence or respond to the situation. You're trying to assemble a new piece of furniture, but you can't understand the instructions. What's a good way to approach this problem?. Get angry and abandon the project. Just force the pieces together until they fit. Ask a friend for help or look for a video tutorial online. Throw the instructions away and try to guess.

Choose the correct word to complete the following statement: _______________ it was expensive, John bought the watch. As a conclusion. Secondly. Despite. Although.

When writing a personal recommendation, what kind of information should you usually include about the person you are recommending?. Their positive qualities and skills relevant to the recommendation. Their personal secrets and private life. Only their hobbies and favorite foods. Negative feedback and areas where they need to improve.

Choose the best option to complete each sentence. My friend thinks I must hate waking up early for work, but actually, I __________ it. I've been doing it for years and it's become normal for me. used to. am used to. get used to. get used.

“You’d better talk to your teacher before the deadline.” What is being given?. Complaint. Advice. Deduction. Description.

Choose the correct word to complete the following statement: __________ the rain, we still went to the park. In my opinion. However. Despite. Although.

Your friend is looking for a tranquil spot to relax. Which sentence effectively recommends a quiet, beautiful natural area using B2-level language?. There's a quiet lake. It's nice. You can go to the lake, and maybe you'll like it. The lake is not too bad if you don't mind quiet. You should definitely explore the serene lake; it's a hidden gem with crystal-clear waters, perfect for finding peace.

Text: Critical thinking in literature means moving beyond the surface of the text. For instance, a short story about a character leaving their hometown may not only describe travel. It could symbolize independence, fear of the unknown, or a search for identity. Readers must ask: What deeper meaning does the author want to convey? What hidden themes are implied in the character’s actions? This process requires connecting explicit events with implicit ideas. Simply retelling the plot is not enough, nor is highlighting vocabulary without interpretation. Instead, students should evaluate why certain details were included, how they influence the reader’s perception, and what values or assumptions underlie the narrative. Critical thinking, therefore, transforms reading into an active, analytical activity that reveals multiple layers of meaning. Question: What best demonstrates critical thinking when reading literature?. Identifying implicit themes and evaluating the author’s intentions. Copying sentences directly from the text. Retelling the story chronologically. Highlighting only unknown words.

Your friend says, "I think online learning is much better than traditional classroom learning because it's more flexible." You disagree. How would you politely respond and explain your viewpoint?. "That's completely wrong! Online learning is terrible.". "I see your point about flexibility, but I find that face-to-face interaction in a classroom helps me focus and ask questions more easily.". "I totally disagree. Classrooms are the only way to learn.". "Well, you're just not trying hard enough in a classroom.".

Choose the best word or phrase to complete each sentence about a memorable experience. The concert last night was an __________ experience. The band played all my favorite songs, and the atmosphere was fantastic!. unexciting. unforgettable. unpleasant. average.

Text: Wilkie Collins’ The Moonstone (1868) is often called the first modern detective novel. It begins with a narrator who insists he is telling the truth and who asks readers to trust him. Yet, critical readers know that a narrator may not always be reliable. His words may be shaped by personal interests, prejudice, or lack of information. Responding critically means that readers should not accept a text passively. Instead, they must ask: Why is this narrator presenting the story in this way? What is his perspective? What might he be hiding? Even when the language is formal and persuasive, readers must remain alert. This active questioning is what transforms reading from a passive activity into a critical one. Question: What is the most important first step for a critical reader when analyzing The Moonstone?. Translate each line literally. Question the narrator’s reliability and motives. Ignore unknown vocabulary. Accept the narrator’s words as absolute truth.

Your friend asks where to go for a relaxing weekend. Which description would best recommend a quiet beach?. It's a fantastic beach with clear, calm water and soft, white sand – perfect for relaxing!. The beach was very crowded and noisy. It's just a beach with sand. There are usually lots of shops at the beach.

“I’ve been following this TV series for weeks, but something keeps bothering me. The characters never change their clothes, no matter the situation. It makes the whole story feel unrealistic and artificial.” Which annoyance is the speaker expressing?. The storyline being too clear and predictable. The excessive number of commercial interruptions. The quality of the acting in the show. The lack of realism in how the characters are presented.

Choose the best response to keep the conversation flowing naturally. The conversation has a brief silence. What's a good way to re-engage the other person and avoid an awkward pause?. "Well, I guess that's everything.". "So, anything exciting happening this weekend for you?". "Well, that's all for today.". "Do you want to leave?".

Choose the best response to keep the conversation flowing naturally. You've just finished telling a story about your holiday. To involve the other person, what's a good follow-up question?. "So, what did you have for dinner last night?". "Have you ever been there, or do you have any exciting travel plans?". "Don't you think my holiday sounds amazing?". "Anyway, I'm done talking now.".

Text: When students participate in group discussions about novels, one productive strategy is to examine how a story develops from beginning to end. Many narratives follow a structure where situation A changes into situation B. For example, a story may begin with a conflict—such as a family divided by misunderstanding—and end with reconciliation. Another may start with loss and end with recovery. This structure highlights cause-and-effect: problems introduced early in the text often lead to changes that are resolved by the conclusion. In discussions, students can ask: How did the initial situation shape the events? How was it transformed? Did the ending provide closure, or did it leave questions unanswered? Focusing on these transitions helps participants understand how the author built the narrative and what message emerges from the changes. Question: Why is it useful to analyze how a story changes from its beginning situation to its ending situation?. To shorten the story into a single summary. To recognize cause-and-effect development in the plot. To memorize every detail of the novel. To identify the author’s age and biography.

“The roads are icy, so classes have been cancelled.” What detail is this?. Advice. Sequence. Description. Cause and effect.

Choose the best word or phrase to complete each sentence about a memorable experience: My trip to the Amazon rainforest was truly __________. I saw so many incredible animals and plants. amazing. forgettable. boring. normal.

Texto: Understanding literature involves more than reading the words on the page; it also requires examining the historical and social context in which a text was produced. For example, many 19th-century novels reflect the impact of industrialization, the rise of the middle class, and debates about gender roles. Knowing these contexts helps readers recognize why certain themes, like poverty or inequality, were so prominent. Literary analysis often begins with contextual questions: When and where was the text written? What events were influencing society at the time? Who was the intended audience? These questions encourage readers to connect the text with real life, rather than treating it as an isolated piece of fiction. By answering them, students discover how literature functions both as art and as a mirror of its time. Pregunta corregida: In literary analysis, contextual questions focus on the historical and social background of a text. Which of the following is a contextual question?. Who is the text addressed to?. Does the text contain quotations from other works?. When and under what circumstances was the text produced?. Do names in the text have symbolic meaning?.

Choose the best option to complete each sentence. People often assume that living in a big city is always stressful. However, once you __________ the noise and the fast pace, it can actually be very exciting. used to. get used to. are used to. be used to.

When you write a set of guidelines, what is the most important thing to remember about your language?. It should be very formal and use complex vocabulary. It should be funny and entertaining. It should be clear, concise, and easy to understand. It should be interesting and tell a story.

Text: Charts and tables provide valuable evidence for academic reading. Consider Apple’s iPod sales between 2002 and 2006. In 2002, only 376,000 units were sold, but by 2003 sales had more than doubled. The real explosion happened in 2004 and 2005, when the number reached over 22 million units. By 2006, Apple reported nearly 40 million iPods sold in just one year. These figures illustrate the rapid adoption of portable digital music during that decade. Describing this growth requires precise vocabulary. Readers cannot simply say “sales grew” because the increase was extraordinary. Academic words such as dramatic rise, surge, or sharp increase communicate the magnitude more accurately. Learning to describe patterns in this way is a crucial skill for international exams like IELTS or university tasks that involve data interpretation. Question: How should the sales trend between 2002 and 2006 be described?. A decline. Stability. Fluctuation. A dramatic increase.

Choose the best option to complete each sentence. Many foreigners assume that the local food is too spicy, but after a few weeks, they usually__________ the strong flavors and start to enjoy them. are used to. used to. be used to. get used to.

You want to tell your friend about a beautiful park you visited. Which sentence is the best way to recommend it?. I visited a park once. The park is. There are parks. You really should visit Central Park; it has amazing trees and a lovely lake!.

“After watching the film, I thought the acting was fine and the plot was decent, but what really stood out to me was the soundtrack. It was one of the highlights of the entire movie.” What is the speaker doing?. Expressing annoyance with the film. Spreading false or misleading information. Making a deduction about the film’s message. Describing a notable feature of the film.

“Although she attended most of her classes, she rarely reviewed her notes or practiced past papers. As a result, when the exam day came, she struggled with many of the questions and failed the test. The reason for her poor performance was clearly her lack of preparation.” Question: What type of relationship is being shown in this passage?. Sequence of events. Comparison between two students. Detailed description. Cause and effect.

“If I were you, I’d save some money each month.” What type of expression is this?. Order. Advice. Prediction. Criticism.

Before writng a composition related to guidelines in an international exam, what is the best way to organize a set of guidelines so people can follow them easily?. Use bullet points or numbered lists for each guideline. Use only pictures and no words. Write everything in one long paragraph. Mix different topics together to make it more creative.

Text: Every literary text has a speech situation, which refers to the relationship between the speaker, the addressee, and the circumstances of communication. In a novel, the speaker may be a narrator who tells the story, or a character who addresses another. Identifying the speech situation helps readers understand perspective: who is speaking, to whom, and why. For example, in first-person narratives, the narrator’s voice is highly personal, shaping our understanding of events. In third-person omniscient narration, the speaker seems distant and objective, though even here choices about what to include or omit influence interpretation. By asking questions like “Who is supposed to be speaking these words?” students can uncover the layers of meaning that result from the act of narration itself. Question: Which of the following relates directly to the speech situation?. Who is supposed to be speaking the words of the text?. What symbols appear in the text?. How long are the sentences in the passage?. What historical events influenced the author?.

Choose the best response to keep the conversation flowing naturally. A friend says, "I had a really busy week at work." How can you encourage them to say more?. "Oh, that's too bad.". "Tell me more about it! What kept you so busy?". "What kind of work do you do?". "Me too, my week was also busy.".

Choose the correct word to complete the following statement: John bought the watch. ___________, it was expensive. First. Although. However. Despite.

Choose the correct word to complete the following statement: John bought the watch, _____________ the fact that it was expensive. however. despite. although. to sum up.

“I tried to watch a movie on TV last night, but it was impossible to enjoy. Every five minutes there was another commercial break, and by the end I had completely lost interest in the story.” Which annoyance is the speaker expressing?. The poor acting skills of the characters. The spreading of fake or misleading news. The confusing and boring plot of the movie. The interruptions caused by excessive advertising.

Choose the correct word to complete the following statement: It was raining. _____________, we still went to the park. Despite. To sum up. However. Although.

“If you enjoy mysteries, you’ll love this series. The ending exceeded my expectations.” What type of speech act is this?. Complaint. Recommendation. Deduction. Warning.

Choose the correct word to complete the following statement: _______________ it was expensive, John bought the watch. Despite. Secondly. Although. As a conclusion.

Choose the best response to keep the conversation flowing naturally. You've just finished telling a story about your holiday. To involve the other person, what's a good follow-up question?. "So, what did you have for dinner last night?". "Anyway, I'm done talking now.". "Don't you think my holiday sounds amazing?". "Have you ever been there, or do you have any exciting travel plans?".

A researcher claims: “Robots will support doctors, not eliminate them.” What does this imply?. Robots are more intelligent than doctors. Robots complement human work. Robots will fully replace doctors. Robots will be independent decision makers.

“It might not appeal to everyone, but I strongly recommend watching it.” Which communicative function is used here?. Describing an annoyance. Making a deduction. Telling a lie. Giving a recommendation with a caveat.

A short story ends ambiguously. How should students respond critically?. Ignore the ending. Summarize only the plot. Consider multiple interpretations. Demand one “correct” answer.

“The player trained daily; as a result, his performance improved.” What is expressed?. Advice. Cause and effect. Sequence. Attitude.

“The trees whispered in the wind.” What literary device is present?. Personification. Metaphor. Simile. Hyperbole.

“Honestly, I don’t think that’s a good idea at all.” What attitude is being expressed?. Disapproval. Support. Happiness. Excitement.

Working from home saves commuting time; however, it can cause isolation. Which analysis fits best?. None of the above. Both advantages and disadvantages. Only disadvantages are mentioned. Only advantages are mentioned.

A participant monopolizes the conversation and doesn’t let others speak. What is the problem?. Summary skills. Lack of turn-taking. Critical thinking. Creativity.

Instead of just saying "The girl was sad," what technique can a writer use to make the narrative more interesting and show the reader her sadness?. Use only names of colors in the sentence. Describe her tears, her slumped shoulders, and the quiet sigh she let out. Tell the reader that she did not smile for two days. Write a very long sentence about the weather.

Choose the best word or phrase to complete each sentence about a memorable experience. One of the most __________ moments of my life was when I graduated from university. I felt so proud and happy. ordinary. significant. terrible. disappointing.

Choose the correct word to complete the following statement: _______________ it was expensive, John bought the watch. Secondly. Although. Despite. As a conclusion.

Choose the best word or phrase to complete each sentence or describe the situation. One significant __________ of renewable energy is its positive impact on the environment, even though the initial setup costs can be a __________ . drawback / benefit. negative / positive. advantage / downside. problem / solution.