Tips 443g2z

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cl Orense 4 - 13°, 28020 Madrid, Spain Cambridge University Press is part of the University of Ca mbridge. It furth ers th e University's mission by di sseminating knowl edge in the pu rsuit of education, learning and research at th e hi ghest intern at ional levels of excellence. www.cambridge.org © Cambridge Uni versity Press 201 4 This publication is in copyri ght. Subject to statutory exception and to the provisions of relevant coll ective licensing agreements, no reproduction of any part may take place without the written permission of Cambridge University Press. First published 2008 Second edition 201 4 2nd printing 20 14 Printed in Spai n 978-8-483-2369 1-8 Stude nt's Book with an swers, 100 Tips fo r Spanish Spea kers & C D-ROM 978-8-483-23688-8 Student's Book without answers, JOO Tips fo r Span ish Speakers & CD- ROM 978-8-483-23683- 3 Workbook with answe rs & Audio CD 978-8-483-23678-9 Workbook without answers & Audi o CD 978-8-483-23686-4 Teacher's Book & Teacher's Resources CD- ROM 978-8-483-23673-4 Class Audio CDs (3) 978-8-483-23699-4 Student's Pack with answers (Student's Book, 100 Tips fo r Spani sh Speakers & CDROM, Workbook & Audio CD) 978-8-483-23694-9 Student's Pack without answe rs (Student's Book, JOO Tips for Spanish Speakers & C DROM, Workbook & Audio CD) 978-8-483-23667-3 Self-study Pack (Student's Book with answers, Class CDs (3)) Cambridge University Press has no responsibili ty fo r the pe rsistence or acc uracy of URls fo r external or third-party internet webs ites referred to in this publication, and does not guarantee th at any conte nt on such websites is, or will remain, accu rate or appropriate. In fo rmatio n regarding prices, travel timetables and other fac tual in fo rm ati on give n in this wo rk correct at th e time of first printing but Cambridge University Press does not guarantee th e accuracy of such in fo rm ation thereafter. The paper that thi s book has been printed on is produced using an elemental chl orin e-free (ECF) process at mills ed to ISO l 4001 (2004), the envi ronmental manage ment standard . This product is fro m well -man aged fo rests and controll ed sources. No hardwood pulp is used in the production of thi s paper.

Objective Writing for Cambridge English: First

100 tips for Spanish speakers informed by the Cambridge Learner Corpus In this booklet you will find 100 suggestions for improving your performance on the Cambridge English: First Paper 2 Writing. The exercises and advice have been informed by a study of B2 level Spanish speakers' data in the Cambridge Learner Corpus, a vast electronic collection of Cambridge English Language Assessment examination scripts. This corpus has provided examples of Spanish-speaking candidates' errors and answers written by Spanish-speaking candidates. All the sample answers are examples of good performance at Cambridge English: First and can be referred to as models to aim at. Of course, most writing at this level will contain some mistakes; however, Paper 2 always rewards ambitious writing, even when it contains mistakes. For this reason, you should try to use a range of vocabulary and structures in your writing. This material shows you how to develop your writing to achieve this, along with the Objective First Student's Book and Workbook. There are two parts to the Cambridge English: First Paper 2 Writing, which carry equal marks. In Part 1, you have to answer a compulsory question, which is always an essay. You have to give your opinion on an essay title, using the ideas given in notes on the question paper and adding a third idea of your own. In Part 2, there is a choice of three questions, each a different task type (an article, email, letter, review or report) . The main emphasis in Part 1 is on the inclusion and development of content points, effective organisation, appropriate and accuracy. In Part 2, it is important to select the question that gives you the best chance to include impressive vocabulary and structures - choose a topic that you are familiar with and a task type that you know you can do well. For up-to-date information about the format and content of the Cambridge English: First, read pages 6 and 7 of the Objective First Student's Book, or visit the Cambridge English Language Assessment website: www.cambridgeenglish.org.

Because this booklet has been written specifically for Spanish speakers, you will find many examples of common mistakes that have been made by Spanish-speaking learners when taking Cambridge English: First. Look for this symbol -

&

It indicates a common mistake and focuses on the

correct form: the mistake is always crossed out. You can use this booklet in different ways: • go through the tips in order on your own, setting yourself a certain number to look at each week. For example, if you are going to take the exam in six months' time, cover four tips every week. • browse the material when you have time, focusing on the areas of writing that you know you have difficulty with. • work on the booklet with your teacher. , the more preparation for writing you can do in class, the better writer you will become. Don't just complete the exercises, think about what each tip is telling you and try to use that information in your writing. You will find full answers to these exercises online at: www.cambridge.org/elt/ess/ObjFirstTips. Good luck with your writing for Cambridge English: First!

@e

CAMBRIDGE ENGLISH CORPUS The Cambridge English Corpus is a multi-billion word collection of written and spoken English. It includes the Cambridge Learner Corpus, a unique bank of exam candidate papers.

Our authors study the Corpus to see how English is really used, and to identify typical learner mistakes. This means that Cambridge materials help students to avoid mistakes, and you can be confident the language taught is useful, natural and fully up to date.

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INTRODUCTION

1

Check your spelling of nouns.

Here are some common spelling mistakes that Spanish-speaking learners have made at First. Use a dictionary to write the correctly spelled nouns in the grid and reveal another commonly mis-spelled word.

..... I

Improve your writing by attempting longer and more complex sentences.

Read this good Part 2 review written by a Spanishspeaking First candidate, together with the examiner's comments. Then find examples of a relative clause, a ive form and a present perfect tense in the opening paragraph.

2

3 4

1s 6 7

18 9 10

1 2 3 4 5

cituation advertisment occass10n choise bussiness

6 7 8 9 10

oportunity voleyball responsability goverment bycicle

Write longer sentences by ing ideas together.

Choose the best ing word for these sentences written by past Spanish-speaking First candidates. Use each word once only (one word is not needed). if

because

but

or

when

whether

............. can I use credit cards? 1 Must I take cash 2 I would like to apologise ........................ I broke a beautiful vase that was on your TV. ...... I 3 I had the most spectacular birthday was 18. 4 Another thing I would like to know is the rooms have showers or not. .... I couldn't see 5 All the lights were on .. anyone.

-rHf SIL£tJC£ OF-rHf LAMBS "-rhe. Silence of -fhe. Larn6s" is o/Je of -fhe. ks-f -fhn!le.rs ever ma.de. -rhe. film is se-f in -fhe. uSA, where a serial killer c.alle.d B1A...ffalo Bill has already killed five women. However, -fhe. F8I does /JO-I k/JOW how -fo ca.-fdi B1A...ffalo Bill, so af1 aqen-1 c.alle.d Clarice S-farlif1q is sen-I -fo in-ferview -fhe. ca.fJnibal serial killer Haf1f1ibal Lec.-fe.r a/Jd -fo ask him for help. Lee.fer aqrees, bl<..-f he. re.q1A...es-fs some privileges as a reward, which allows him -fo escape.. B1A...ffalo Bill is even-f!A...ally ca.p-fwe.d, bl<..-f af1 even more -fe.rrible ma/J has 6roken free. -rhe. plo-f is ql<..i-fe simple a/Jd easy -fo follow, afJd -fhe. -fhrilliog sc.e.nes are wond.erfw. An-fhony Hopki/Js plays Ha/Jf11baJ Lec.-fe.r a/Jd Jodie Fos-fe.r s-fars as Clarice S-farlif1q. -rhe. special effec-fs are very impressive for SiA...di af1 old film (i-f is from -fhe. early f1if1e-fies). However, -fhe. &fwaeht is worse -fhaf1 expec-fe.d, mainly becalA...se /JO-I -fhe. ks-f plac.e.s of Ma..ssa.chiA..seHs a/Jd Ohio we.re chosen as filmiog pla.c.e.s. I folA...fJd i-f very exc.i-finq becalA...se /JO-I o/Jly -fhe. final seeN!.. bl<..-f -fhe. whole film is -fhrillifJq - even -fhe. in-ferview - a/Jd -fhis is -fhe. mos-I impor-fan-f -fhif1q for a -fhnJle.;-. I -fhif1k -fha-f o-fhe.r people will like i-f bo-fh for -fhe. plo-f a/Jd for -fhe. sfa.rriog a.c.-fors - i-f is a/mos-I S1A...re -fha-f YO!A... will be afraid of Mr Hopki/Js af-fe.r -fhis film! If1 C.O/Jcl!A...Sion, a mas-fe.rpie.c.e..

Examiner's conunents A well-wntten and info<ma:tlve t/ t/ t/ t/ t/

review:

acc.ora-te c.omplex .se.n-tenc.e.s. good o.se. of ive fo<ms. some range of -tenses. relevan-t voc.a.bola.r[..'r well-o
)( some over-o.se. of '-thriller ' and '-thrilling'.

2

100 TIPS FOR SPANISH SPEAKERS

Revise useful vocabulary for a film review. Replace the underlined words in the review in tip 3 with five of the words below. Then match the remaining words to their definitions (1-5). cast locations

lead (adj) terrifying (adj)

classic ending filming role script soundtrack

1 the music used in a film

2 3 4 5

all the actors who appear in a film an actor's part in a film the words written for a film and spoken by its actors a very good film that has been popular for a long time

to bring your piece of writing to a definite end, as the candidate did in tip 3. It is common to include a recommendation at the end of a positive review. Use some of the words from tip 4 to do this, recommending your favourite film. lhi.s (erna.r~a.ble film ha..s rn\JCh -to (ec.ornrner1d i-t, incllJding ...

Use a variety of adverbs in your writing to add interest. Find fourteen adverbs in the word square below. Choose eight of them to include in the sentences (more than one answer may be possible). Look at the position of the adverbs in each sentence. 0

c

A

L

M

L

v-=:

K

T

A

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w

s

T

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G

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F

E

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u

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p

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M

x

I

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F

G

R

v

D

D

H

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R

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T

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Q

u

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1 The Hotel Astrid closed last year but ............................... we found the Riverside Hotel and stayed there. 2 Then, as .. .................................... as they had gone out, the lights came on again. 3 It was raining ....................................... and my brother and I had to go to the airport to pick up our parents. 4 I was going out with the most gorgeous guy and I was ....................................... in love with him. 5 ....................................... enough, the man was from the same village as Maria. 6 We have developed such an instinct for shopping that we can ............................ say that we are kings of the urban jungle. 7 Ed Wood, dubbed the worst film director of all time, is played ....................................... by Johnny Depp. 8 He seemed to be physically ok but he was ....................................... shocked.

1 00 TIPS FOR SPANISH SPEAKERS

3

0

A

Be careful when talking about the ~ opening and closing times of shops, museums, etc. The opposite of closed (adjective) is open (adjective). Opened is the past tense of the verb to open.

Think about the endings of certain adjectives. Adjectives ending in -a/ are often confused with related words, some of which are actually nouns, for example educational (adjective) and education (noun).

Shops shou.Jd 6e open ~Lf hows a day. NOi: Shops shou.Jd 6e ope11&/. ~Lf hows a day.

@the correct word in these phrases.

Check you have used the right preposition.

1 the historic I historical city centre of Guadalajara 2 a historic I historical novel set in the 19th century 3 classic I classical ballet 4 a classic I classical 1970s car 5 music I musical instruments 6 education I educational benefits

Use a dictionary to check and correct any prepositional errors in these sentences (two sentences are correct). 1 After the beautiful ten days I spent in the island I returned to Santiago. 2 In fact, it was easier to me to search for the information on the internet. 3 To sum up, I prefer going by bicycle to going by car. 4 I am writing to you because I am interested on the ment I saw on a college noticeboard. 5 At the first couple of hours everything was very exciting. 6 I hope you are having fun in your holidays? 7 It might be interesting for you to hear about some things that happened in this time. 8 People around the world are more aware of environmental problems nowadays. 9 My job was to leave leaflets on shops and restaurants. 10 Referring about sports, I would like to choose swimming and basketball.

Be careful with 'false friends' - words that are confused with similar words in Spanish.

Here are some common mistakes that past Spanish-speaking candidates have made. Replace the 'false friends' and rewrite the sentences correctly, making any other changes that are necessary. 1 A good book can make you feel that you are there

with the characters, inside the history. 2 Let me know if you want me to assist an interview for the job. 3 If we worked there, we could get some important discounts on books and CDs. 4 It was a great notice for me to learn that you are coming here for a week. 5 The show started later than I expected and I was getting nervous because I dislike lateness. 6 My tennis professor has gone off to Brazil without saying anything. 7 Most museums do not have a booklet giving good explanations of the pieces exposed. 8 In many zoos the animals are kept in small jails, which is very harmful.

4

100

TIPS FOR SPANISH SPEAKERS

Make your writing as interesting and descriptive as you can.

Read this interesting Part 2 article written by a past Spanish-speaking candidate. Correct any mistakes in the article and then match the underlined words with either an adjective or a verb from the boxes.

MY

~AL

PET -

T~

GERBIL

I wru1d like to tell yru alX:vt -tte

~ii.

A ~ii is like

a ramster wt it ras a 1ong tail

Vvhich

ras not
~efers

to live with

otters.

I am gaing to te11 yru Mry I c.onsilff -tte ~ii an ideal pet. Firstly: -ttey a-e very c.leanedJ yru wOJldn 1t te wcrried alX:vt this. &c.Or1d1y: -ttey cbn 1t eat a 1ot. YOJ c.an giYe item tr-ad) milki and all kinds of fruit and veg:tab1es like 'fd\?eGi banana) tomato. lhird1y: it is 8rl1 an 8m.JGi@ pet.

If yru rave

a baby er a yo..Jr"9 child) -ttey c.an

and children Will enPy it very AftervJa-dsJ I wru1d like

~

to give yru

p1ay With -tte g:rbil ~t:e it is not dang:rrus Finally) -tte g:rbil is &eaper than any otter pet.

ipro-ta'lt advic.es alX:vt

€f)(Y'f

ro.v to lack after yo..x ~ii.

If I were yru I wruld D..Jy a t2ig ~ in crie- to 9ve -tte g:rbil iflCaj1 p1ac.e to run 1 Gerbils rate water. A faVYO.Js sc.ientist advit:ed me oot g:rbil tW..Jld rever te c.leaned with water.

1

I ~ yru tW..Jld D..Jy 'Natu-e" ~zireJ Vvhich Will g!Ye yru mere advic.es alX:vt tW..Jld take c.a-e of yo..x ~ii. 1

ro.v yru

Examiner's conunents A good a.Miele because. of: t/ evidence. of .some (a.nge of voca.bu\a.(<j

(bo-t

0

ovec-u.se. of -the ve
t/ a va.Cie:tlj of s-tcuC-tU(es, including good use of c.oncliiiona.l : ;f I were ~ou ....

ADJECTIVES entertaining huge

perfect sociable

valuable

0

100

TIPS FOR SPANISH SPEAKERS

5

Check your use of 'quantifiers' - words such as another, some, many and every.

Replace the underlined words in these sentences with the correct word or phrase. 1 l kn ow much about first aid, so there wo n't be a problem if someone gets hurt.

Practise letter writing and don't waste time in the exam including postal addresses in a letter, as these aren't needed.

Correct the mistakes in the letter openings below written by past Spanish-speaking First candidates. Which is the most formal in style? Circle A, B or C. A

2 Finally I would like to ask you if I need !! special clothes? 3 Although I have some savings, I can only afford a short holiday each two years. 4 How many money do you think I will need for those two weeks? 5 Children usually spend lot of time playing video games. 6 When I used the Student To urist Guidebook any info rmation was incorrect. 7 I can cook it in only some minutes using a microwave oven. 8 It was a UFO and I fin ally realised they were fro m other planet.

Dear kim Sorry for nof ha.vinq wri+feri yo/A.. in -fhe la.sf mon.fh. Yol<.. KflOW -Iha-I f ma li+fle 6i-f lazy, bl<..-1 -fhe ma.in reason for nof wri+fing 'f._OIA.. has beeri -fhe a.tJ.C.U...mmwa.-fion of exams du.ring -fhis mon.fh. B Deaf Mf l'homa.s, I am a. ljOJl'"\g and enih.J.sia..siic g.llj who i.s verlj in-tefe.s-ted in it"le ~ob !jOO offef in it"le wee.~kj ma.ga.z..ine of it"le ' Miffor". I am in it"le ihifd COJf.se of -tOJfi.sm and a.I.so in an English .sehooll. I believe it"le ~ob fea.lt:J sorts me. because I have got all -tre fec.oreme.n-t.s jOJ as~ for . Apa.rt of English I can .:spea~ Spanish and h-ench f\uen-Mtj and I unde.f.s-ta.nd guie-t good I-ta.lia.n.

have j.Jst sta-ted ox roli ) haven'+ OJ? Thanks very m.rl1 fer yox 1ast letter) it waB ver ftxl . To tell -tte -truth I cbr1 't have <]X\'.l anaver fer -tte ~ion yOJ Vvrote in yox 1etter. In fac.tj we cbt'1 1t talk very m.rl1 ato.Jt rules ~e. At sc.roo1J frere ere 6{)('ff rules Min !!!i Winion -tte ~en 1+ver sfrick. OJ

~ -

A

a.ccommoda.-fion NOT: aeofflodsc-fiofl

6

100

TIPS FOR SPANISH SPEAKERS

•

Be careful when spelling words with double consonants, especially where there is a similar word in Spanish.

~

to use a suitable closing expression when writing a letter.

Write F (formal) or I (informal) beside these expressions. 1 Yours faithfully

2 Lots of love 3 Hugs and kisses 4 Warm est wishes

Check phrases containing the word sports.

Tick (.f) all the nouns below that make a phrase when put after the word sports. 1 activities 2 centre

3 competitions 4 day 5 facilities

D D D D D

6 7 8 9 10

field instructor line star way

D D D D D

5 Yours sincerely

A

~ Check that you haven't missed out a preposition after a verb.

Decide which preposition is missing from each of these sentences and show where it should go. Which preposition is most commonly omitted? I would like to ask you my £20 back. 2 It was great to hear you. 3 I will be waiting your answer.

Be careful not to leave off the letter's' in certain phrases.

spor-fs f aci/i-lies NOT: speri f aci/i-lies

C) A

~

Be careful to spell words with the prefix dis- correctly.

I disagree wi-lh -fhe ar-lic/e. NOT: I de-S6l.jrl3£ wi-lh -fhe ar-fic/e. There are a /of of disadvan-fages.

NOi: There are a /of of de-sad!o'alfl6l.1es. 4 When we arrived in Spain, we had to explain our parents about our adventure. 5 I have to thank you the letter you sent me.

Try to avoid using the word beautiful all the time - there are many other adjectives you can use in English.

6 I'd like to find a job in London to pay my stay there. 7 People can keep fit and healthy if they really want. 8 What do we mean when we talk being 'rich and famous '?

Use a dictionary to check the meanings of the adjectives below and tick (.f) the ones that mean the same or almost the same as beautiful. 1 attractive 2 delightful 3 funny 4 gorgeous 5 lovely

100

D D D D D

magnificent plain splendid stunning 10 ugly 6 7 8 9

TIPS FOR SPANISH SPEAKERS

D D D D D

7

Practise answering exam questions requiring a report.

Read this report written by a Spanish-speaking First candidate. Correct the few underlined mistakes. Then divide the answer into three paragraphs and add a final sentence as a conclusion. ~e.po<'t a" the. P'W"~ of ~ ~ I ha11e been infocmed iha:t ihi.s .school has -the inteniiorl -to alloca-te :5Dme fe.:50J(c.e.s ~ -the enhancement of rt.s lfideo-libraflj ca-talog.>e wHh -the a.cqoi.siiion of :5Dme 11ideo.s foe -the u.se of EK .si"Uden-t.s. Aftef being a.s~ecl -to wrrte a feport on ihi.s is.sue, I woold li~e -to .sugge.s-t -to bllj films, a.s I -think. ihi.s i.s -the rno.s-t en')Oljable waLj -to learn English. Since rno.s-t films are Arr.enc.an and we afe in-tefe.s-tecl in -the -teaching of ~rti.sh English, we .should be cafeful when choosing -them. So, I woold li~e <jOU -to con.sidef -the \yJ<jing of :5Dme English comedies, Ii~ iho.se Ealing Si\JdiO.s Q!Q in -the la-te foeiie.s and -the fifties. ~ malj find lfeflj

In the exam make a paragraph plan before you start writing your answer. Then write your answer clearly and always leave a line between paragraphs.

Look at the start of a paragraph plan below for the answer in tip 20. Complete the plan for the remaining two paragraphs in the answer. • Int"(oclUC.iio!"I - (e3..SO!"I

fO( w(iii!"lg (epo(-t

Pa.cagca.ph I

Pa.cagca.ph 2

good ac-toc.s pla<jing

-them, and 'r'uric<"ou.s plats iha-t Will

ma~e

.si"Udent.s follow ihe.se films WitYloJt ge..-tt1ng bocecl. M'j pef.sonal expefienc.e .s'noold be added -to -the afg.men-t.s in iheif fa11our, a.s

I en\CY..jecl wa-tching -them ~ lis-tening abilrtie.s.

imPfOl/ing ffiLj

Pa.cag(aph :,

8

100 TIPS FOR SPANISH SPEAKERS

• SuggesiiO!"I -to bulj films

that some verbs have irregular forms.

Make any corrections necessary to the verbs in these sentences (one sentence is correct). 1 The dates you have choosen are perfect.

Check your use of capital letters. that days of the week, months, languages and nationalities always start with a capital.

Write out these nationalities, starting with the capital letter shown.

2 I buyed the computer in a small shop in my town.

1 usgPtoeure 2 zaBialrin

3 Maybe the money should be spended on building a new library.

3 hrcFne 4 dwhiSes 5 sanpeJae

4 When I was a child, my uncle teached me all about this area. 5 She accepted and I payed her a lot of money. 6 I finded a new place, where there are special rates for students. 7 There lied Mrs Connors, in a pool of blood. 8 Finally I waked up and to my surprise it was all a dream.

Check the tenses you use in conditional sentences.

Correct any inaccurate tenses in these sentences (two sentences are correct). 1 I would also be pleased if you can tell me about the other activities. 2 If you get lost somebody could find you.

9 We didn't finish the race because Mireia felled off her bike.

3 Unless you take a holiday you'll have a lot of problems with your health.

10 I was so nervous that I put on two different shoes. 4 It would be great if you add this hotel in your next edition. 5 This would not end unless the city traffic department starts to control the number of vehicles. 6 If I'd known how good it was I would have invited you. 7 If I were you, I'll choose the more expensive one. 8 I will not remain silent about the matter unless you gave me my money back.

100 TIPS FOR SPANISH SPEAKERS

9

e

A

~

Be careful to spell words with 'silent' letters correctly.

emironmen-f N01: eR. irefflent 1

that some nouns are uncountable and never have an 's' on the end.

which N01: wieA

Correct any noun errors in these sentences and also make any other corrections necessary (one sentence is correct). 1 The place is very dirty and full of rubbish and pieces

of glasses. Try to be ambitious! Use a range of vocabulary especially different adjectives.

2 I helped them to set up the so und equipments. 3 It would help me to widen my knowledges of different kinds of food.

Choose from the adjectives in the box below to complete the essay (more than one answer may be possible).

4 You usually have to pay for the parkings. important above-mentioned beautiful challenging convenient different modern negative previous practical spacious suitable

5 Children can do their homeworks o n the computer at home. 6 I have not received any news from you since last summer.

1

Is i-f he.Her -fo live in a -fla-f, a •• • • • •• • •• • ••• • • ••• • hou..se or an old hou..se?' -rhis is a really -<_. ...... .. ... .. ..... qu.es-fion. In my opinion, each one o-f -fhe 3 _. ........ . .. . .. . ... possihi/1-f1es has some-fhing posi-five a.bou.J i-f, bu..-f also 4 some-fhing _........ . . ..... . .. _. -rhere are many s ...... ....... ...... aspec-fs -fo consider. Firs-f o-f all, I have -fo say -fha-f I have always lived in a hig old hou..se wi-fh a &>_. ..• • ••.• . •. . •.•.•• garden· So, considering my 1_ ... . .... . ...... . .. . experience, I would pre-fer -fhis kind o-f hou..se. Ohviou.sly, living in a -fla-f

is very i·· · ····· ··· ····· ·· ·· and more q·· · ······ · ···· · ··· · · i-f yo!A... live alone. However, i-f yo!A... have a . . 10 -family, i-f is he-f-fer -fo /Ne in a ·· ···· ·· ······· ··· ·· hou..se, whe-fher i-f is old or new. To SIA...rn ¥· -fhe rnos-f n· ······· ······ ···· · -fhing -fo consider when choosing where yo!A... will /Ne is -fha-f -fhe place has -fo he -fhe rnos-f 1.< one -for yow way o-f li-fe. ······ ········ ···· ··

I

10

100 TIPS FOR SPANISH SPEAKERS

;:

~

7 Here are so me advices, which I think will be helpful. 8 However, there are som e informations about Lampton that are incorrect.

A

~

tD Don't forget to write the 's' in Yours when writing closing expressions in a letter.

Yows sincerely NOi: ':few sincerely

Yows fai-fhf!A...lly NOi: ':few fai-fhf!A...lly

to write in the same style throughout an article or essay. If you are writing a formal letter, don't use informal language.

Underline any informal language in this letter of complaint and on a separate piece of paper rewrite the letter using the correct formal style (a sample answer is given at the back of the book).

Dear sw

recently ~ed at}'()Uy Md, for two nijhtr and W a vety wu~ tiM1.e th.eYe. My r{T(Mf, WM kind ofU11AlJ, and ik W 1W wUuibwr at all. Weil, tlt.U u ~~!Surely }'fJU WflUld ~Yee that ik u mentUd tb have 1WuraL Uj~ even, ma Md, r{T(Mf,. I

Furtkeruwre) the Md, breahfad WM redly dU3udUtj. The coffee WaM1, r warm, en.ough tb drUt/c and ik faded awful. On, tbf of~ th.eYe WM 1W ~fruit and the bread rdU were ~ dd tky were like brick>. On, paf'Utj the

fat.al- /JU4 I fowtd I /w.d /,em dtar3ed uwre titan the quoted

rate for the r{T(Mf,. H~ w1wt I~~ }'()Uy U:ajjrejMed tb alkY the 6UL. Y()Uy Md, 111.eUed up bij tiM1.e and I aJ«, th.eYeftre wntUtj tb }'fJU tb rUJud a partW, rejwuL

••

100

TIPS FOR SPANISH SPEAKERS

11

Before answering a Part 1 essay question, plan your answer and make notes.

Read this Part 1 task and look at the paragraph plan. Do you agree with the ideas in the notes? What is your own point of view?

4 A play is successful since I if it shows the audience something about life. 5 I wouldn't change anything in my home life neither I or in my school life. 6 Daniel's brother went travelling despite I because having little money.

A sample answer to this task is given on page 32. Check the prefixes you use in word formation.

In your English class you have been talking about museums. Now your English teacher has asked you to write an essay. Write an essay using all the notes and give reasons for your point of view. Museums no longer have an important role in this digital age. Do you agree? Notes: Write about: 1 what role museums had in the past 2 how to find out about history online 3 ... why mu..se..u..ms are s-fil/ impor-fan-f ... (your own idea)

Add a negative prefix to each of these words, choosing from the ones in the box. dis-

im-

1 .... ... .. . advantage

2 .... .. .... expensive 3 .... .. ... . frequently 4 honest 5 .. ....... . patient

in6 7 8 9 10

ir-

un-

successful ...... .. .. regularly ... .. ... .. responsible ... ..... .. fortunately .... .... .. agree

Paragraph plan: 1 Introduce the subject of the essay 2 Discuss the role of museums in the past Provided an educational role Opportunity to see rare objects 3 Describe ways of finding out about history on the Internet Use a search engine to get information Look at video clips about ancient buildings 4 Explain why museums remain important Better to see real objects More reliable as staff are experts Form of leisure entertainment

to check whether double consonants are needed or not. Many English words include double consonants, for example difference.

Use a dictionary to correct any spelling mistakes below (one word is correctly spelled). 1 exagerate .... .. .. .......... .. ....

2 reppresentation . .. . .... . ..... . . .. . . . ...

3 embarased ....................... .

4 biggest .. . . . . . . . ....... . . . .. ...

Use the right linking word in sentences.

Use a dictionary to help you choose the best alternative from the words in these sentences below. 1 I was also wondering if I whether the meals are included in the offer. 2 Even if I Even though it is a small town, there are many cinemas, bars, and clubs. 3 The date of the trip could be between 15 and I or 22 February.

12

100 TIPS FOR SPANISH SPEAKERS

A

5 begining ··· ··· · ···· · ·· ··· · ·· · ·· ·

6 writter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... . 7 oportunity . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

8 proffessional ..... ..... .... ..........

~

the correct uses of the verbs ~ say and tell. Many candidates use the verb say, when they should use tell. -rhe muse -fold me -fha-f I was in hospi-fa/. NOi: -rhe n1.Use &tCid me -fha-f I was in hospi-fa/.

Revise common verb-noun collocations.

@the correct verb in these sentences to make the correct collocation. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

While you are with them you could have I spend some good fun. If you ride I drive your bicycle, you can work out too. Why are you doing I making such a big effort to get money? Many technological advances are being done I made about which we still remain sceptical. If you make I have a mistake it is easy to correct it. We took I made a boat trip down the river. I couldn't talk I speak English so I just answered yes or no. First, I must tell you that I made I did some new arrangements. I watched I looked out of the window and saw a group oflights in the sky. I saw your club announced I d in the newspaper.

Make sure you start each answer well, as a positive first impression is very important.

Match the task types (1-5) with their openings (A-E), written by Spanish-speaking First candidates. Then read the examiner's comments and decide which comment (a-e) goes with which opening. 1 2 3 4 5

0

0 -rhis is a v G

In order to prepare this

YDJ afe never going -to believe

teachers and staff of this

L.
school. Most of them agree that

wa~ing

a reception area has to be a nice, open space, where students and visitors can meet without staff working there.

Can

~

t.dne.n

.saljir.g iha.-t

a ffO(d -to

go

-to ire.

wetl.? Wodcl

-to be able. -to

l:xxj

1£1

lu

iha.-t pa.if of

1£1 .saw

rt starts in a live~ t.Valj

'o<j

a..sl(.ing lj'JE!-.siion.s -to ge.-t

-the (ea.de( '.s a-t-ten-t\orl and

a man .s-toppe.d u.s k:Jok_ir.g fO(

re. was

irrte(e.s-t.

b) t/

rt ~.s ea~ (efere.rce -to

Miguel was c:IOir.g ire. corce.r-t and

-the a.dveH1se.me.rl-t and uses

a medal ve
i.s mLj

favo
c) t/

rt in-t(odu::.e.s -the -topiC in

a ge.ne(al wa.Lj, pre.sen-ting Dear Mrs

Ashby,

I am wrifing in re.sponse fo yow adve.r-fise.me.M a.bole! Wee.Ketid work in you.r ca.fi

d) t/

rt uses a f
.shows good con-trol of a

.

fecen-tl<j? t-\e.fe afe .scme ideas of ire. be.s-t i.UatjS

hearing f ha.f I a.tn ~'1 ye.a.rs

fO( <jOO"S people -to earn a bi-t of

old and ha.veju_sf finished a.

mOl''e.tj-

chef's c.ou.rse.

.shoes

t/

re.

G 1£1

a)

wi-th mLj .si.s-tef in Lax:lon,

people -to help in a corce.r-t. LUi.s

disturbing other people and the

cinema evef<j

Examiner's comments

Hi K.im

document, I spoke with students,

e

.

·ssu,e.. whic.h does no+ have. an e.a.s . c.ortfro;e..rs1aJ-f~-f ~ofe.ssionaJ foofba//e..rs earn ~ solu..-f ion. I-I is of-fen sa.Jd p -fhan -fhe.y shou..fd. J-lowe.ve..r, i-1 u..M of rnone.y, more. . ha-I u..c.h

article essay informal letter letter of application report

YDl<.. mighf be. infe.re.sfe.d in

long and complex .sen-tence. . e) t/ rt gve.s (elevan-t ba.ck..g'and infO(ma.-t\orl and sta-te..s in ~

Ul<:.e -to rave.

100 TIPS FOR SPANISH SPEAKERS

13

A

e>

@

Be careful with the spelling of words

Check the word order in direct and indirect questions.

impor-fan-f

Correct the word order in the sentences below in the way shown (one sentence is correct).

Llli ending in -t. N01: im-portaA

agains-f

NOi: aj'aifls

Example: Please let me know wha is 1 I want to know how busy is it in July.

Use adverbs in a Part 1 essay to strengthen your ideas.

Choose the correct adverb in these sentences written by Spanish-speaking candidates. 1 If celebrities are always in the news, it is highly I

obviously because we love following their lives. 2 It's quite difficult to find the answer to this question but honestly I ideally, I think people enjoy visiting museums. 3 Absolutely I Actually, we can now cure illnesses that were very dangerous before. 4 If we genuinely I surely want to protect the environment, we should think before we act. 5 Publishers don't pay enough attention to new writers and consequently I entirely the quality of their books is poor. 6 To begin with, I apparently I strongly believe that animals should exist in their own habitats rather than behind bars.

Check your spelling of plural nouns. that some words ending in -y change to -ies.

Correct the spelling of the nouns in these phrases. 1 from other countrys

2 3 4 5 6 7 8

young childrens under her feets part of our lifes my favourite hobbys churchs and castles outdoor activitis the same oportunityes

14

100 TIPS FOR SPANISH SPEAKERS

2 Where I am going to live, with a family or in a flat? 3 I would like to know how many hours have I to work at the weekend? 4 Could you tell me when is the starting date for the job? 5 Do you think you could tell me how long the course is and what is it about? 6 Please tell me how much was it or at least where can I get a new one. 7 Could you tell me how much is the payment for this job? 8 Why don't you come on Wednesday morning?

~ A that we say by train, by bus, by LUi car, but we don't say by foot. I -fraveJ/ed. -fo work on foo-f. NOi: I -fraveJ/ed. -fo work 6y foo-f.

Make your writing clear and informative when writing a report.

Look at this Part 2 report written by a past Spanish-speaking candidate, which is a very good answer. Read the examiner's comments and then correct the underlined mistakes in grammar.

1. In-tfoduc.iion lhe. aim of -this fepor-t is -to SU'T\mO.fiz...e -the diffefen-t wajs ~ jOO can -tfavel from one place -to anot'nef b<j poblic -tfanspor-t.

Yoo have -the cha.nee -to -tfavel ~ bos. This means of -tfanspor-t is rat expensive and -thefe are a lat of diffefen-t lines of boses covenng -the whole Ci-tj. On -the othef hand, if ihefe 1:5 -traffk:. )M\1 rt can -tak..e jOO a lat of iime -to ge-t -to -the place -tha.-t jOO $? -to. ~ . Tfains This poblic -tfanspor-t is mo<e. Che.ape{ and fas-tef -than -the bos. lhe. main disadvan-tage is -tha.-t rt is rat vefj safe.

4. Sobwa lhe. .sobwaj is -the Wc3.j -to ge-t -to ~ place mofe t10ick..lj. I-t is safe and i-t is rat so expensive -too. A lat of WOfk..efs use rt, so oo do rat :t woc~ abcxrt -the people ~ -tfavel in rt. conclusion, jOO have mc3.!11:j ~s -to -tfavel. Yoo onltj have -to choose -the bes-t waj depending on -the srtuaiion.

In

Examiner's conunents

A good

cepoc-t because of:

t/ clea.c Ofganisaiion and t/ infOfrnaiion abost bath

la!jOO"t. ire

advan-tage.s and disadvantage..s.

t/

a cange of celevan-t vocabulaf!j .s0Ch a.s ' mea.ns of

-transpor-t' and '-traffic jam '.

t/ t/

a cea.sonable c.onc.lu.sion. fairltj good con-tfol (but- a

few

basic grarnma.c effOf.s) .

Don't worry if you are unsure of the spelling of a more difficult word. It is better to use a wider range of language in the exam, even if it is not always accurate.

Read these five phrases from the report in tip 42. Then use a dictionary to change them into phrases with a similar meaning or use. 1 The aim of this report -+

2 On th e other hand -+ 3 The main disadvantage -+ 4 In co nclusion -+ 5 Depending on -+

100

TIPS FOR SPANISH SPEAKERS

15

Make sure the word order is correct in all your sentences.

Think about whether you need to use an -ing form or a to + infinitive following a verb.

Correct the word order in the sentences below.

Underline any errors in these sentences and then rewrite the sentences correctly (three sentences are correct).

I She went every single day there, waiting for him. 2 Thanks, I never have won any prizes at all.

I You will never regret to work like that in the summer.

3 Only we need to worry about this important point. 2 I hope to receive your reply soon. 4 I accept that computers make easier our daily tasks. 3 Would you mind to give me your email address? 5 As a result of that, everyone called me the blue little duck. 6 Although no sailing experience is needed, I know very well the activity. 7 I enjoy so much fashion that I have started to study fashion design. 8 Sometimes you can earn money enough from those kinds of jobs.

4 I suggest to shorten your working hours. 5 We have always loved sleeping in tents. 6 The restaurant where I had decided having supper was closed. 7 I also recommend to provide this area with maps showing the whole school. 8 I really enjoy having the whole family together for a good picnic.

Check word order in noun phrases.

Rewrite these phrases so that they sound natural. Example: a course of computer management .~..f!P.(fJP.4-flY /!Jq.(Jq.g~ ..~~.

I a Chinese precious vase 2 the lights of the stage 3 the bus number SO 4 the room of her daughter 5 the time of starting

16

100 TIPS FOR SPANISH SPEAKERS

@

(5J

A

Check your use of reflexive pronouns and ~ that you must write one word not two.

I s-la.rfed -lo ask myseJf some qu.£S-lions. NOT: I s-la.r-led -lo ask mt!= some qu.£S-lions.

Ca.fl yoll. imagine yowseJf -lhere, caJJOeing? NOT: Ca.fl yoll. imagine yow se./f -lhere, caJJOeing?

A

~

that whose should be used for things as well as people in relative clauses.

-rhe coHa.ge is in a.re -lhe -la.lies-I I NOT: -rhe coHa.ge is in a.re -lhe -la.lies-I I

a fores-I, whose -lrees have ever seen. a fores-I, wAieJi -frees have ever seen.

Think carefully about the spelling of words with to use the correct prepositions of time.

Complete the exercise below with at, in or on. l

2 3 4

Saturday 1953 night the summer

5 6 7 8

10.15 July Christmas m y birthday

'th' in them. Sort the jumbled words in the list below, using the clues to help you. l 1 y l ft a i h u f (used atthe end of a formal letter)

2 et go ht re (an adverb meaning 'with someone') 3 h s gt et n r (the noun related to strong) 4 whit (a preposition)

Check agreement in noun phrases.

5 hr got uh (another preposition)

Make corrections where necessary to the nouns in these phrases below (one is correct).

6 1 ea h st i ct (sports which include running)

l all kind of information

2 one of my friend 3 for two reason 4 every days 5 after a few second 6 different sorts of animals 7 one or two year 8 a lot of aspect 9 millions of other thing 10 ten woman

100

TIPS FOR SPANISH SPEAKERS

17

@ A that the third person singular LUi of the present simple is different in form.

Try to use phrasal verbs in informal writing.

This repor-f illc.lu..des -fhe opilliolls of variou_s s-fu.dell-fs. NOT: This repor-f illeftcde -fhe opilliolls of variou..s s-fu.dell-fs.

~ '--

Find thirteen phrasal verbs in this word square. Match them to the meanings below.

p

0

wA

G

E

0

u w

N

L

y

F

E

p

R

E

A

K

u

p

T

u

R

u

s

H

c u

D

B

A

N

T p

T

0

R

u x

I

0

F

s

R

0

T

c u

0

T

I

B

L

E

T

N

u

H

T

u T c H

L

E

T

u w

p

Be careful to check for any missing punctuation in your writing.

u

0

D

I

H

A

N

G

0

N

I

w

p

F

I

N

I

s

H

0

F

F

T

I

Add any missing punctuation that is necessary in these sentences.

0

0

T

R

A

N

0

T

F

T

H

T

N

E

E

G

0

T

H

R

0

u

G

H

x

G

E

T

T

0

G

E

T

H

E

R

T

B

A

c

K

D

0

w

N

E

p

N

The IV mall hasll'-f 6eell here. NOT: The IV mall havell'-f 6eell here.

1 Its a good idea because there are many things to do here. 2 I would like to ask you for toiletries like for example, shampoo, soap, etc.

R

Example: revise .... .... .6.t:~ . ""'f>. C?ll. ......... 1 have a friendly relationship

3 I am a 16 year old boy from Argentina. 2 tolerate or accept so mething unpleasant 4 The school could buy some up to date furniture. 3 complete 5 My father asked me 'What would you prefer a holiday in the mountains or on the coast' 6 Next week I will send you the money don't worry I wont forget .

4 start a journey 5 do something that you didn 't have time to do earlier 6 examine or read carefully

7 I think that noone is able to do this. 7 interrupt 8 It was hard to get used to the new university the people and the place.

8 have no more left 9 meet 10 it that yo u are wrong 11 reduce 12 end a relationship 13 wait for a short while

18

100 TIPS FOR SPANISH SPEAKERS

to use consistently formal language in a Part 2 letter of application.

Read this letter of application written by a past Spanish-speaking candidate, together with the examiner's comments. Rewrite the underlined parts of the letter in a more formal style. Then add another 50 words of your own. You can use the useful language from the box below.

-

-

Ill: •

-

particularly interested in

-- -

a moderate amount of

J-.1111n•11Rur~·u~nau

--

-=- -=-

l·-···

• • " r:.11

d"'

would like to be involved in consider myselfgood at

have an interest in



friendly

•• ~r.i

some basic phrases in

have extensive knowledge of

cheerful

have stamina

am ionate about fairly good am an experienced ...

good communicator

~

1=-ics-t of all, le-t me. in-tcodoce. old, am I am Mexican. I have lived 'nece in E vef:J well, as well as Spanish, am a lrtt1e.. btt of ~ench

Sanc'nez_, I am six-teen eacs r\OW, so I speak..

Fa

I am fe.alkj lrrte.<e.s-te.d In ~ wtth in 1he Sports CompeiiiiOl'I -this coming March. I ~ I'U be. a-t tt? ~ics-t o ~ll, I ~ ldt:.e. spec-ts, am since fa-tr.ec

abart ot'nec cul-tufes.

Please COl'l.sidef ffilj applicaiiOl'I, I pcomi.se I Will

l'IO-t le-t !jOll doWl'I.

Examiner's conunents corrt(ol, bttt which :

Check for any missing pronouns in your writing.

)( is -too infocrnal a-t -times.

)( has no-t used it1e di(ec-toc 's name fmm

it1e adveC"tisemen-t. )(

would benefi-t fcom a g(ea-te( vane-t<j of link..e(s.

)( could c.on-tain m()(e ideas, especiall<j in

it1e ihi(d pa(agcaph. )( needs -to show a Wide( (ange of

vocabulac<j and s-t(\JC-t\JCes.

X

rnak..es some mis-tak..es in it1e use of

eomrnas.

Write in the missing word in each of the sentences below. 1 I think .. ... ..... is the best place to go if you want to meet local people. 2 As I see .......... , we can't live without our cars. 3 I want you to give ... .. ... .. our money back. 4 I cannot bear .......... when somebody says something and then does just the opposite! 5 It's a long time since we last saw .......... other. 6 .......... all started when Pat wanted to have the party at Matt's house. 7 I would like to travel in July because ... .. .... . is the only month I have holidays in. 8 I'm writing to thank .......... for those wonderful days we spent in your house.

100 TIPS FOR SPANISH SPEAKERS

19

A.

61 Revise the correct uses of the verb let.

rd like you... -fo le-f me 6u...y some-fhing similar. NOT: f d like you... 1-M me 6u...y some-fhing similar. I canno-f le-f -fhem play in -fhe living room. f!•~' in -fhe living room.

NOi: I canno-f le-f -fhem ·le

Check your writing for missing articles.

Read the sentences below and decide which missing article fits in all of them. 1 2 3 4 5 6

Before the exam, learn some phrases with all that you can use to impress the examiner!

Read some good examples using all below, written by Spanish-speaking candidates. 1 Above all, something must be done to change this situation. 2 The festival was great, in all senses. 3 First of all, wanted to say that I am glad to help you. 4 But most of all, she misses her sister and friends. 5 All in all, depending on somebody isn't so awful. 6 It might not be so bad after all.

A

~

Do I need ........ .. port to travel?

Be careful not to use all when you should use the whole.

-rhe whole meal was deliciofA...S.

It could be ..... .... . great opportunity.

NOi: Al./ -1/:ie. meal was de/iciofA...S.

Sleeping in ... .. .... . tent is much more exciting. I go for ....... ... long walk every morning. That will be waste of time. I spent .. .... .... few days there last time. Avoid repeating the same language several times in a piece of writing.

to work out approximately how many words you have written for each answer. It is better to write more words than not enough!

Write three alternatives that you could use instead for each of the following words and phrases. 1 great 2 think 3 as well 4 animal

Be careful with words that sound the same but are spelled differently.

5 explain

@the correct word in each of these sentences.

7 at once

1 Laura's father dedicates his hole I whole life to boxing. 2 We decided to buy I by her a very beautiful ring. 3 Follow this peace I piece of advice and you will see some results. 4 Thank you for a great weak I week in your house. 5 Don't waste I waist your time asking for a discount. 6 This prize is too I to good to be true! 7 I've just red I read your endnote in the Student Tourist Guidebook. 8 The whether I weather is hardly ever bad during this month.

8 make

20

10 0

TIPS F 0 R

5 PANIS H

SPEAKERS

6 bad

~ During the exam leave enough time to read through both of your answers and correct any mistakes you may have made. If you have to correct your writing, make any corrections neatly. If necessary, cross out a word and rewrite it in full, above or to the side.

Check your writing for any incorrect uses of will or would.

Correct any errors in the sentences below (one is correct). I I will prefer to sleep in a log cabin.

When writing a sentence, check that the verb agrees with the subject.

Correct the verbs in the sentences below (one sentence is correct). I All these opinions and feelings changes as you grow up. 2 If some people wants to go shopping, take them to 'Serrano'. 3 The police was very far from the house. 4 Many people has started to work at home. 5 Sometimes there aren't enough information.

2 He thought that the man will be punished. 3 All of this will happen in the next 50 years. 4 I hope this information would be useful for you.

6 I strongly believe that everybody love both things. 7 Buying ready meals from the supermarket simplify the day for me. 8 If you cycle so far in summer you will get very hot.

5 It didn't work out as I thought it will. 6 The TV repair man is coming next Tuesday - I hope that would be ok?

Take care when forming adverbs in your writing.

Tick (.f) all the correct forms of adverbs below and correct any errors in the remaining words. I sincerelly

D

.... ..... ........ .. .

2 realy

D D D

.................. ..

9 necessarily

D

10 definitly

D

..... ....... ........

D

.. ... .. .... ... ......

6 actualy

D

.... ............ ....

. . ... . ... . ... .. .. . ..

5 sincerily

8 faithfuly . . ... . . .............

... ...... ... .... ....

4 normally

D

.. ... ... ... ... ... .. .

....................

3 unfortunatly

7 particulary

11 extremly

D

...... .. .. ... ..... ..

D

12 immediatly

D

....................

100

TIPS FOR SPANISH SPEAKERS

21

Learn some appropriate phrases and expressions that you could use in an informal letter or email.

Read this excellent Part 2 informal letter written by a Spanish-speaking candidate. Read the examiner's comments and then correct the few underlined mistakes in spelling and missing words.

Hi Maria, 1ha.11ks -for yow /e.-He.r, I was s-far-fing -fo wond£r i-f you...'d -forge-I a.hou...-f ow holidays -foge.-fher. I c.an'-f waif -fill -fhe. 1.ndl I'm SUJe. we're. goinq -fo have. a grea-f -lime.. rm SUf?pose.d -fo ge.-f -fo Lu.-fon airpor-f a-f half pas-I e./e.ven in -fhe. morning, bu.-f you... kflOW how air -fra-f-fic works so be.+fe.r be -!here. a-f midday so you__ d.on'-f have. -fo waif -for -loo long. Don'-f worry a.hou...-f no-I recognising me.. I haven'-! changed -loo mu...ch. rm ju..s-f a.hou...-f J.Ocm -fa//e.r a.11d r ve. qrown whiskers Of) my chin, which is qu...i-fe. a/) MCOmmofl look. 8e.sid.e.s, f // recognise. you__ aryway. Spe.ndinq a We.e.k in Sco-f/a.11d SOMds re.ally weird, 6u...-f rd ra-fhe.r be pre.pa.red -for if. r ve. heard -fhe. wea-fhe.r is very chilly -!here. a.11d i-f rains al/ -fhe. -lime., is -fha-f -fru...e.? So, wha-f kind o-f c/o-fhe.s shou.../d I wear -!here.? Pro6a6/y warmju...mpe.rs a.11d a wa-fe.rproo-f coa-f wou.../d do, d.on'-f you... -fhink so? 8y -fhe. way, I reckon a nice pre.se.n-f we. cou.../d -fake. -fo yow c.u.sins wou.../d be a bo-f-f/e. o-f Spanish red wine., which is -famou..s -for i-fs lip-smackifl_q -fas-le.. Anyway, i've. be.en -fold -fhe. coas-f o-f Su..sse.x is one. o-f -fhe. be.sf in -fhe. 8ri-fish Is/es a.11d, as you... live. qu...i-fe. near -fo if, I -fhou..gh-f we. m~qh-f enjoy s-fayin,q -!he.re. -for a -few days. Nri-fe. back a.11d -le.I/ me. wha-f you... -fhink. lofs o-f love.,

Examiner's conunents A veclj good lettec bee.a.use of: t/ t/ t/

a surtabllj foenclllj -tone. na-tucal infocmal expce.s.sions, S\X:.h a.s ' I ca.n

i- wa.rt ... '

anc\ '(edl/'J

wei(d.

irnpce.s.sive .s-tcuc-tucal cange, including acc.uca-te use of pa.s.sive.s anc\ rnodals.

t/

e xcellent- c.on-tcol (al'llj effoc.s ace rninoc).

A

e

Take care not to confuse the words quiet and quite.

The s-fa.dilUYl's qu.i-fe near here so we c.a.n wa./K. I-f's ha.rd -fo Keep ex-freme/y q0e-f for five hows. NOi: I-f's ha.rd -fo Keep ex-freme/y ~ for five hows.

22

10 0

TIPS F 0 R

5 PANIS H

SPEAKERS

Practise word formation with the suffix -ist, which is used to form a lot of occupations, for example nove/ ----t novelist.

Make words for occupations from the nouns below. I art 2 piano

.... ..... ...... ..... 4 physics . .... .... .. ... .. ... . 5 biology .... .... ........ .... . ......... .... .... .. 3 science ..... ........... .. .. 6 chemistry . ...................

Check you have used -ed and -ing adjectives correctly.

Complete the sentences with an adjective from the box. Use each adjective once only. bored I boring

interested I interesting tired I tiring

I I'm very ...... .. ....... .. .. . in applying for the holiday

job. 2 When I go shopping on my own, it can be awfully that it isn't always necessary to use the.

Cross out any unnecessary uses of the in the sentences below (one sentence is correct). I I would prefer the route around the Lake Frene.

2 For the last few yea rs, my hobby has been the art.

3 I think this is not true because in the museums we can find part of our culture. 4 Nowadays, we think of the modern technology as something usual in our lives. 5 I was working in Edinburgh, before beginning the university. 6 I will be able to prepare you the dinner. 7 You know that the last month I enjoyed helping at the concert. 8 In a tent I can feel closer to the nature. 9 Problems such as the stress and overworking have a direct influence on the health. 10 It would be a great boost for the economy of the town.

3 She was very ......... .. ......... because the day before, she had had her hen party. 4 Another ..... ..... .......... thing to do is to take a boat trip. 5 Museums are supposed to attract yo ung people but yo u can get ... ..... ..... ....... very quickly there! 6 It had been a very long and ................. .. . day but I was still able to smile!

Be careful not to miss out any prepositions in your sentences.

Write in the missing words needed in each sentence below. 1 I will be waiting .... .. ... . a copy of the book. 2 I'm quite good .... ... .. . playing basketball because I used to play for my school. 3 I've arranged .. .. .... .. him to come next Tuesday. 4 I decided to buy a bicycle instead ... .. ..... a computer. 5 Try to save water ..... ..... taking a shower rather than a bath. 6 It is a great hotel not only because .......... the friendly atmosphere but also because you have your own bathroom.

fl) A

~

To save valuable time in the exam write all numbers above six in figures not

words.

one, folU, six, 7, .:<5, 106> NOi: one, folU, six,~, f1;t;elfl=y five, OAi!- htdldred 6CAd six

100

TIPS FOR SPANISH SPEAKERS

23

Try to use words such as despite, in spite of, although and even though correctly to impress the examiner! Read these good examples below, written by past Spanish-speaking candidates. 1 All the people looked at me rather oddly, but, despite trying, I wasn't able to find out the reason for that. 2 In spite of that, I found it difficult to forgive her, as she had hurt my feelings. 3 Although it is a lovely city, it has a drawback: pollution is not well controlled. 4 Even though she left this world many years ago, her memory remains in the laughter of every child in the playground of her first school.

A

~

the phrase the fact that, which is sometimes needed after despite in order for the sentence to make sense.

I had -lo pay -fhe fuJ/ price despi-fe -fhe fac-1 -Iha-I I am a s-fu.den-f. NOi: I had -lo pay -fhe fuJ/ price despik I am a s-fu.den-f.

When writing a review, use a variety of adjectives to add interest.

Read this review and the examiner's comments. Correct the underlined mistakes and then replace five uses of the adjective 'good' with one of the adjectives below. excellent

fine

high-quality

positive

successful

0

Revie.w of -fhe rnotie Tie.mpo de VaJie.Mes' There is

flO

douJ,-1 -fha.-f -fhe gold me.da/ for -fhrille.r-ma.King goes -lo Hollywood. They really K/IOW how -lo pu}/

yow-

aHl!./lfion ou:I -fhrough a whole rnotie. //c-fu..a.Jly, mos-I of -fhe(j§)fhrille.rs are made in Hollywood. So, when you. find a good -fhrille.r -fha.-f is made in a differe.M cou.n-lry, ils a ve.r;(f:XX!)experierice, be..cau..se you. 0

ge-1 a.tnl<.5ed bu..-f aJso gladly su..rprise.d 6y -fhe etJ-fwaJ diHe.rerices. Tie.mpo de VaJie.Mes' is a(fOO?)e.xamp!e of -fhis. Tiempo de VaJie.Mes' is an lirge.Minian produ..c-fion which con-fains aJI -fhe ba.sic ele.meri-fs of a(f§?Yhrille.r,

0

and aJI of -fhe.m are u.sed per-fee-fly -lo main-fain yow aHe.Mion in -fhe s-fory. Bu:I also is a flUlrry rnotie. The charac-fe.rs are bu.iH Wider an Ar9l!.llfinian cWlwe. poin-f of vie.w, and -fhe rnotie has a ve.r;(J§i?Jserise of htunor. 0

Ce.r-fainly Tie.mpo de VaJie.Mes' is a ve.r;(fXX!)-1-hrille.r which I s-frongly re..t!.Drnt!./ld -lo wa-lch if you. are in-le.res-fed in in-fe.rna-fionaJ cine.ma. !ind -fhere is

flO

douJ,-1 -fha.-f wi-fh -fhis Kind of produ..c-fion lirge.Mina will be. f igh-fing for -fhe

silver me.da/ in -fhrille.r-ma.King.

Examiner's conunents A Cle.a( and irYtece.siing (eview, t/ t/ t/ t/

Wiih:

an o(iginal be.ginning and end ((efe(enc.e. -to gold

.silvec

mec1aD.

a good attempt a-t long and c.cmplex .sen-tence.s.

scme excellem pr.cases o.se.d, .such as 'ma.in-tain 0

(elevan-t vocabolanj> soch as -tr.rille.(

1' scme

24

basic

ef(O(.s,

0

0

,

soch as 'b..rt al.so

f

atteniion ' and 'fighting for -the .silver medal '.

'c\Jl-tu(al', in-temaiional cine.ma'. i.s

0 •

1 0 0 TIPS F 0 R SP ANIS H SPEAK ER S

tD

A

In your answers to Part 1 and Part 2, you should use your own words rather than copy words and phrases from the question paper. Think of different ways of saying something and use a variety of vocabulary!

~

Before the exam revise the differences in use of job and work.

~he correct use of the words in these sentences. I You can choose between part-time and full-time job I work. 2 It wasn't very exciting job I work but you could meet a lot of artists. 3 In addition, we should get some job I work expenence. 4 My job I work is to help her during each concert. 5 Not only do you have a hard job I work but you have your home as well.

to cover all three points needed in a letter of application. Start a new paragraph for each point and try to explain each point thoroughly.

Practise with the exam task below, using the notes to help you develop and write a paragraph for each point.

You have seen this ment for a job near your home: WEEKEND WORK IN OUR CAFE

We want an enthusiastic, Englishspeaking person to work at weekends in our cafe. You need to be: • interested in different kinds of food • good at dealing with people

f

• prepared to work long hours.

Write explaining why you would be suitable for the job to: Mrs Kate Ashby, Manager of Green Pepper Cafe

NOTES

- e.ri/oy cooking: vege-laria.ll dishe.s, cake-S, re..cipe.s from differe.ri-1 cou..Mrie-S ... - have worked in a. ba.K.e.ry: good a.-1 working in a. -le.am, serving C1A..S-lomers, de.a.Jing wi-lh qu_eu_e_s

A

~

tD Be careful not to put an unnecessary -ton words ending in -ough.

of people ... - e.rierge-lic., hard-working, l<.sed -lo ge-l-ling u.p earl ...

enou_gh NOi: eAobejh-f a.lfhou_gh NOi: alfhobeJM

10 0

TIPS F 0 R

5 PANIS H

SPEAKERS

25

Be careful to choose the right word for what you want to say.

Use a dictionary to check the meanings of these words which are commonly confused by Spanish-speaking candidates. • • • • • • • •

client I customer exposition I exhibition library I bookshop nature I environment occasion I chance parents I relations price I prize professor I teacher

Avoid using very informal language like cos (meaning because) unless you are writing a letter to a friend.

Underline and correct any errors in in these sentences below. 1 I enjoy working with kids, in fact I used to teach in

a primary school. 2 When you finish reading it yo u' ll wanna read it

agam. 3 About when I would like to travel, I have two months off in July and August. 4 The first thing we must think about is whether our way of life ain't too fast.

that you need an infinitive after used to when you are talking about the past, but a gerund (-ing form) after be I get used to.

5 It is important to have a reasonable consumption of vitamins thru natural organic food.

Correct any errors relating to used to in these sentences (two sentences are correct). 1 If you are used to ride a bicycle every day, you'll be more active when you're older. 2 I'm used to go camping at the weekend when I was younger.

Check your writing for the uses of can, could and other modal verbs.

~the correct modal verb in these sentences. 1 There would I could be many things to say about

3 I could really get used to this new life experience. 2 4 what you use to wear in yo ur childhood. 5 I'm not used to waste my time waiting around.

3

6 Heathcliff used to play with Catherine.

4 5

7 I'm also used to do hard work. 6 8 I use to play tennis for Chile in the Davis Cup.

26

10 0

TIPS F 0 R SP ANIS H SPEAKERS

this. I need to know whether meals are included or not so that I could I can decide how much money I must have with me. If yo u aren't used to going by bicycle, you could I should get tired very soon. I hope yo u could I can understand this. It can I might be that this information gives you some idea too. I would I could be grateful if yo u sent us more details.

When writing an article, engage the reader's interest by bringing your writing to life.

Read this ambitious Part 2 article written by a past Spanish-speaking candidate. Read the examiner's comments and then correct the underlined mistakes, which are mostly minor.

Do you.. pre-fer lis-feninq -lo live mu.sic or recorded mu.sic?' tJowda.ys we have dif-feren-1 choices when we wa.n-1 -lo /is-fen -lo mu.sic. rJe can e1yoy a. whole a.-f-fernoon siHinq i!J. a. so-fa. /is-feninq -lo ow -fa.vowi-fe qrou.p or we can qo -lo a. live cancer-I where -fhou.sa.nds of people wotJd seream alld fa.inf, bu...-1 yol<.. wJll have -fhe pleaswe -lo hear som6od.y you.. liKe pla.yinq -fhe ql<..i-la.r or sinqinq in -fronf of yol<... I f yol<.. a.re wi-fh a. qrou.p of -friends you.. will q'oy a. mee-finq lis-feninq -lo mu.sic a.-1 home, and -fhis has -fhe a.dva.n-fa.qe -Iha-I you.. can hear as mafl( differetifs CDs as you.. wa.n-1, however, on -fhe o-fhe..r hand, i-1 is a..ma.zJnq -lo qo -lo a. live cancer-I and feel how -fhe a.dre..na.Jine 6wsf info yow body when -fhe ba.nd is pla.yinq. In conclusion we can say -fha:f depefds on -fhe si-fl<..a.-fion when you.. pre-fer recorded mu.sic -lo live mu.sic. I f you.. wa.n-1 -lo be. relaxed, no-fhinq is be.Her -fha.n a. recorded -fape., bu...-1 if you.. wa.n-1 -lo feel some e.xcime..nf, no-lhinq is be.Her -fha.n a. live cancer-I.

Examiner's comments An ambiiious aMic.le, which has: t/ t/

na-tu<"al use of lang.iage, soc.h as -the e x pression ' no-thi'1B is

t/

(elevan-t and valied voc.ab\Jia(lj, inc.kx:ling -the phrasal verb 'bx.sf" in-t-o '.

corrfic:lerrt handling of long and complex .se.n-tenc.e.s.

)( fail"ltj good c.on-t(ol (scme effocs ace caused

blj

ambiiion, but spelling

Ls problematic.).

1 00 TIPS FOR SPANISH SPEAKERS

27

G) A

Check your spelling of words with groups

~ofvowels. 6ea..1A...-fifuJ N01: 6ea-liW

~ ~ Don't get confused by related forms of the word you need.

Correct any errors in the sentences below. 1 It is also truth that overworking can become a danger. 2 Look for the things in life that are really worth.

Keep an eye on the clock during the exam. You should aim to spend slightly more time on Part 2, and leave yourself enough time to check your answers.

3 The only inconvenient is that people are required to work there for up to six months. 4 The secret of this diet is that you have to be very

optimist. 5 One solution would be to build new motorways so it would be less noise in the city. 6 My last piece of advise is to visit Lampton Castle. 7 I couldn't stand being watched and my furious led me straight to Pat. 8 They cause many accidents because of their careless.

'

(m>

A

When writing your answer, be consistent and use either American English or British English. Don't mix the two as you will be penalised.

~ Revise comparative and superlative adjectives.

Complete the table below with the correct adjectives.

good

best worse

Check your punctuation with numbers. to use a comma in large numbers, for example 3,540,000. For decimal amounts, to use a point, for example £ 1.00 = 1.33 Euros.

happy big interesting

28

I wen-I -lo -fhe cen-fer -fo ask a f a.vor. I wen-I -lo -fhe cen-fre -lo ask a fa.vow. NOi: I wen-I -lo -fhe ee.Me:.r -lo ask a -fu-·,<ew.

OR.

10 0

TI PS F 0 R

5 PA N I SH

S P EA K ER S

Spend time reading the Part 2 choice of questions and think carefully about which one you would be able to do best. Before you start writing your answer, note down some ideas. If you have problems thinking of enough ideas to write about, choose a different question.

When writing quickly during the exam be careful not to leave out a word by accident.

Write in the missing words in these sentences. 1 I was wondering the kind of clothes I will have to

wear. 2 When we arrived at the hospital, there were no doctors patients, there was nobody!

Try to think of other ways of saying something when writing a description, for example something that is small could also be little, mini or tiny.

Read the sentences below and~the adjective that is the odd one out in each group. 1 big

2 3 4 5

happy chilly boring frightening

compact jolly cloudy dull safe

large merry cold interesting scary

massive sad freezing unexciting terrifying

@ A

3 I am looking to hearing from you. 4 I just had to move my eyes from one side to the other and look as nothing had happened. 5 He has named as the best Latin singer. 6 So I can only pick the keys at 4 o'clock on the 5th. 7 I think it is necessary have a coffee shop with takeaway food. 8 I'd like sleep in a tent because a log cabin isn't as authentic as a tent.

Don't start a sentence with About in formal writing, when you are referring to something. Use a more suitable word or phrase such as Regarding or With reference to.

~

Regardi!1!J -fhe 6oa-f -frips, -fhey s-far-f from ki!1g's 8ridge .. . NOT: ~ -fhe 6oa-f -frips, -fhey s-far-f from ki!1g's 8ridge ... Ni-fh refere/Jc.e -fo ac.c.ommoda.-fiofJ, -fhe ho-fe.J was very i!1C.o!1Ve!1ie!1-I ... NOT : ~ ac.c.ommoda.-fiofJ, -fhe ho-fe.J was very i!1C.o!1Ve!1ie!1-I ...

Read your exam answer through to check that you haven't repeated the same words too often. Replace them with other words if this does happen.

1 00 TIPS FOR SPANISH SPEAKERS

29

~ A Revise the meaning of the word funny cLLl and make sure you use it correctly, for

Check the position of adverbs in sentences, in particular also and still.

example a funny comedian. Correct the word order in the sentences below. Shopping is a flUI -fhing -fo do. NOT: Shopping is a~ -fhing -fo do.

1 Will the offer be still available in September? 2 If so meo ne lives near the school he even could go on foot.

Use linking phrases to add interest and to link ideas or opinions.

3 He probably will have problems with his heart.

Find eleven linking phrases in the word square and group them under the headings for uses (1-5) below.

'W' H A T I 'I u s D 0 F N w T 0

s

M

0

R

E) N

F

N

E

L

E

F

E

I

s u

M

u

p

E

R

N

D

E

s

p

I

T

E

T

H

I

s

0

u

L

T

R

I

B

L

E

T

N

T

T

T

L

T

c

H

L

E

T

u

s

0

I

N

A

D

D

I

T

I

0

N

H

F

p

A

s

R

E

G

A

R

D

s

0

A

0

N

T

H

E

w

H

0

L

E

R

L

N

E

H

A

N

N

0

N

T

0

T

L

x

G

A

B

0

v

E

A

L

L

T

R

0

N

T

H

E

0

N

E

H

A

N

D

1 ADDING INFORMATION Example: 'rJha-f is more.

2 COMPARING OR CONTRASTING

3 CONCLUDING OR SUMMARISING

4 REFERRING TO SOMETHING

5 ORDERING INFORMATION

30

1 0 0 TIPS F 0 R 5 PANIS H SPEAKERS

4 I hope to see you soon again. 5 I'm writing to know if you still are interested in applying for the London job. 6 They also may listen to the local orchestra or visit a pub.

Use the adverb just to make your writing sound more natural.

Rewrite the sentences below including the word just where appropriate. 1 The play turned out to be as bad as I thought. 2 I've seen an interesting ad in an international newspaper. 3 Could it be real or a crazy dream? 4 I couldn't believe it and it was a big shock for my boyfriend too. 5 They are eight minutes from college. 6 The idea of doing an international arts festival was wonderful. 7 I was so embarrassed I ran to my room. 8 I will take my sleeping bag with me, in case.

Relax when you get into the examination room! Take several deep breaths and remind yourself to use an impressive variety of vocabulary and structures.

100 TIPS FOR SPANISH SPEAKERS

31

Sample answers Dear Sir Ir~ ~ed ai:JI/Ur Mei for two nfjhtr P.J1.d, lw.d a vety UIU~ tiMu there.

My rtnim, WM vety

muUl. P.J1.d, it lw.d no wi.ttdowr ai: alt Tl-rM u ~~!suretyJOU wtndd P.jYee tkai: it u mmtiai to h.aue ndurai Uj~ wm in, a Mei rtnim,. Furtkeruwre, the Mei bre.akfad WM~- Tiu ~ WaMt cwarm ~to drUtk P.J1.d, it outed awful. 011, tof 1~ there WM no fnUt P.J1.d, the /JretJ.d rofi..f were mUe.

rm

011, payi.+tj the jinal- bi/./, I ftwcd I lw.d bmt clt.ar3ed uwre tluuc, the quoted rai:e for the rtnim,. HCJWWe1) ~I~~ JI/Ur ~rejtued to afteY the bi.IL YI/Ur Mei prrwUi.ed a vetyfDCY ~ P.i1.d, I am therefore w~ to JOU to r~uest a parti.aL rejwid. I

UmK forward to~from JOU witfwtd diday.

Yt/Urs-~efy

ArciUbaid c;~

This es.sa'j will consider -the role o-f museums in -the pa.s-t and whe-ther -the'j a.re still o-f bene-fi-t -to soc.ie-t'j -toda.'j, when we have so much in-forma.iion available online .

tv\'1

own view is -tha.-t

museums de-fini-tel'j remain impor-ta.n-t. In -the 19-th c.en-tur'j, ma.n'j museums were buil-t and -the!j provided a.n educ.a.iiona.l role -to -the public.. !?e-fore -the inven-tion o-f -television and -the in-terne-t, museums gave ordina.r'j people -the cha.nee -to see rare and unusual ob)eC.-ts -from a.round -the world, ma.n'j o-f -them -thou.sands o-f 'jea.rs old and -there-fore priceless. Nowa.da.'js, we rel'j on -the In-terne-t -for much o-f our in-forma.-tion and i-t is -true -tha.-t we c.a.n learn a. lo-t a.bou-t his-tor'j online. !?'j ',(.e'jing a. word in-to a. search engine we c.a.n visi-t di-f-feren-t websi-tes ins-ta.nti'j· There a.re also ma.n'j video clips -tha.-t a.re releva.n-t -to his-tor'j, such a.s -films a.bou-t a.ncien-t buildings . However, i-t is siill impor-ta.n-t -to be able -to go -to a. museum and see -the a.c.-tua.l ob)eC.-ts in -their glass cases. In-forma.iion online is no-t a.lwa.'js reliable, whereas museums a.re run b'j exper-ts . In a.ddiiion, -the bes-t museums o-f-fer a. grea.-t da.'j ou-t -for -families or a. group o-f -friends . lhe<j de-fini-tel'j have a. pa.r-t -to pla.'j in modern socie-t'j.

32

100 TIPS FOR SPANISH SPEAKERS

Acknowledgements The author would like to thank Helen Kenyon for her perceptive comments and editorial on the first edition; Jennifer Murray for her useful suggestions and careful preparation of the second edition ; Ben Graham for his encouragement ; and Monica Perez, Rita Zeinstejer and Litty Mora for their invaluable input on typical learner errors. The publishers are grateful to Graham-Cameron Illustration (Pip Sampson) , Phillip Burrows and Raulowsky for all illustrative material throughout the book. The publishers would also like to thank the team at Ken Vail Graphic Design, Cambridge for all their help and hard work on the first edition and 6scar Latorre for his typesetting work on the second edition.

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