CLASS 8
International
Benchmark
English
Tests in English,
Mathematics Practice Test
& Science
ABOUT THIS PRACTICE TEST
This Practice Test has 17 questions. It has been designed to give you an idea of the
main IBT assessment. The questions have been divided into the following five
categories:
1. Reading Comprehension
2. Grammar
3. Spelling
4. Punctuation
5. Vocabulary
ANSWERING THE QUESTIONS
Each question has four options. Choose the BEST answer from the four options
A, B, C or D.
You will find the key to the answers on the last page of this booklet.
EQUIPMENT ALLOWED IN THIS PRACTICE TEST
You may use a pencil for this Practice Test. You may NOT use a dictionary.
ESTIMATED TIME FOR THIS PRACTICE TEST
You should be able to complete this Practice Test in approximately 30 minutes.
Copyright © 2012 Australian Council for Educational Research
Reading
The Spread of Domestic Cats Around the World
Domestic cats are found in every continent except Antarctica. Archaeological
evidence shows that domestic cats originated in Egypt and the Middle East.
From there, they spread to other parts of the world with the spread of trading
routes and empires. Domestic cats spread around the world in four phases.
Phase 1: 6000 BC – 200 BC
All domestic cats originated from the African wildcat, felis lybica. These
wildcats were originally scavengers around human settlements. They were
domesticated because of their usefulness in controlling rodents and for their
companionship. Early trading expeditions spread cats around the
Mediterranean region.
Phase 2: 200 BC – 1400 AD
As the Roman Empire spread, cats spread throughout Europe and North
Africa. The silk trade and the spread of Christianity, Islam and Buddhism
helped cats spread through Asia and Africa. By 1400 AD, domestic cats
were found throughout Europe and much of Africa and Asia.
Phase 3: 1400 AD – 1850 AD
European colonization brought domestic cats to North and South America.
Most ships had cats to control rodents. Cats were accidentally spread to
some areas by shipwrecks. The first domestic cats in Australia were
shipwrecked Dutch cats. By the middle of the nineteenth century cats had
spread around most of the world.
Phase 4: 1850 AD – Present
People started breeding domestic cats into different breeds, such as Russian
Blue, Siamese, Devon Rex and Manx. Today, there are more than 40
different breeds, including cats with long hair, short hair and even no hair.
Copyright © 2012 Australian Council for Educational Research 2 Class 8 English Practice Test
1 Within the brood patch, each egg is held in a special
A pest controllers and pets.
B trading companions and pets.
C breeding season.
D scavengers and pest controllers.
2 During which phase did cats spread into Asia?
A Phase 1
B Phase 2
C Phase 3
D Phase 4
3 How did domestic cats first reach Australia?
A through European colonisation
B along the Silk Route
C with Dutch shipwrecks
D from North America
4 What first happened to domestic cats in phase 4?
A They started spreading throughout Europe and much of Africa and Asia.
B People started developing different breeds of cats.
C They started spreading throughout Australia, North and South America.
D People started using cats to control rodents on ships.
5 Which of the following statements about the spread of domestic cats is correct?
A Cats are found on every continent.
B Religion helped cats spread into Europe.
C Cats originated in South America.
D People have helped cats to spread.
Class 8 English Practice Test 3 Copyright © 2012 Australian Council for Educational Research
Grammar
Choose the best word for each blank space.
Paul was enjoying the game very much. __(6)__, he needed to leave if he wanted
to catch the last bus home. His team __(7)__ the best season in its history and
Paul hated to miss __(8)__ single minute of it.
6 A. When
B. Since
C. However
D. Because
7 A. had
B. will have
C. is having
D. was having
8 A. only a
B. even a
C. even the
D. only the
Spelling
Choose the correctly spelt word for each blank space.
The computer company had greatly __(9)__ their product’s performance. When
I called them to complain we got into a huge __(10)__. I did not __(11)__ such a
company to behave so terribly.
9 A. exagerated
B. exagerrated
C. exaggrated
D. exaggerated
10 A. argument
B. argumant
C. arguement
D. aurgument
11 A. accept
B. axpect
C. expect
D. except
Copyright © 2012 Australian Council for Educational Research 4 Class 8 English Practice Test
Punctuation
12 After which word should a semi-colon (;) be inserted in the following sentence?
‘Lions are misunderstood creatures they are lazy not dangerous,’ said John.
A misunderstood
B creatures
C they
D said
13 Choose the best option for the blank space.
‘The library has a huge collection of science fiction. Of all the books in the
library more than __(13)__ are in that category,’ said Saina.
A one-third
B one; third
C one, third
D one: third
14 Choose the sentence that is punctuated correctly if ONE person owned the books.
A The boys’ books were in the bag.
B The boy’s books were in the bag.
C The boy’s book’s were in the bag.
D The boys’ books’ were in the bag.
Class 8 English Practice Test 5 Copyright © 2012 Australian Council for Educational Research
Vocabulary
Choose the best word to replace each bold word. The meaning of the sentence
should stay the same.
Our clients always wanted every order expedited. My boss always took their side.
If I failed to meet any of their demands, I would be reprimanded. It didn’t matter
how frivolous their demands were, I had to ensure they were taken care of.
15 The best word to replace expedited is
A. rushed
B. checked
C. finished
D. perfected
16 The best words to replace reprimanded are
A. taken aback
B. laughed at
C. told off
D. set up
17 The best word to replace frivolous is
A. silly
B. tough
C. illegal
D. expensive
Copyright © 2012 Australian Council for Educational Research 6 Class 8 English Practice Test
Answer Key
1. A
2. B
3. C
4. B
5. D
6. C
7. D
8. B
9. D
10. A
11. C
12. B
13. A
14. B
15. A
16. C
17. A
Class 8 English Practice Test 7 Copyright © 2012 Australian Council for Educational Research
