FIRST

ANSWER KEY Exam Essentials

FIRST 33 B: Incorrect: Cooke doesn’t say that too much research
TEST 1 is being done. She says that while a lot of research
is being done into some endangered species, not
PAPER 1 R
 eading and enough is being done into others.
Use of English 33 C: Incorrect: She doesn’t say that any of the scientists’
44 PART 1 studies are unnecessary – just that they get more
money to study certain types of animals.
1C 2B 3A 4D 5C 6B 7A 8D
33 D: Incorrect: She says that there are lots of TV
44 PART 2 programmes about sweet (cute) animals, but this is
only supporting her main point.
9 so
34 A: Incorrect: She didn’t start the blog in order to make
10 only
money.
11 at
34 B: Incorrect: She started the blog, not a search for a
12 the
new species.
13 of
34 C: Correct: ‘it’s the worst extinction crisis since the
14 are
dinosaurs were wiped off the planet. Yet I couldn’t
15 who / that
convince anyone to commission a film about it.
16 to
That motivated me to start my Amphibian Avenger
44 PART 3 blog.’
34 D: Incorrect: The statement is true, but it isn’t the
17 darkness (adjective to noun)
reason why she started the blog.
18 activity / activities (adjective to noun, singular or plural
35 A: Incorrect: Everything else does worse: birds and
form)
snakes disappear.
19 Scientists (noun to plural noun)
35 B: Incorrect: Birds and snakes disappear, so they don’t
20 energetic (noun to adjective)
carry on as usual.
21 relaxation (verb to noun)
35 C: Incorrect: She doesn’t say they can deal with the
22 recordings (verb to noun, plural form)
situation. On the contrary, she gives examples of
23 uploaded (verb to verb, past participle)
other animals disappearing.
24 depressing (verb to adjective)
35 D: Correct: ‘Amphibians also occupy a crucial spot in
44 PART 4 the middle of the food chain. “If you remove them,
… birds and snakes that eat them also disappear …”’
25 reminded me ❙ to buy
36 A: Incorrect: Sloths are just another type of animal
26 had difficulty ❙ (in) choosing
Cooke is trying to help – she doesn’t say they are
27 wish I ❙ hadn’t / had not left
more important than others.
28 can’t / cannot have ❙ been
36 B: Incorrect: Cooke does not connect sloths with
29 won’t / will not call ❙ you unless
scientists, or suggest that scientists don’t tell people
30 is ❙ good at
about their work.
44 PART 5 36 C: Correct: ‘sloths, animals that she insists are unfairly
laughed at and misunderstood … “My video showed
31 A: Incorrect: She wants to do something different from
the world how interesting they are,” Cooke says’
traditional nature documentaries.
36 D: Incorrect: On the contrary, Cooke says sloths do not
31 B: Correct: ‘she’s taking advantage of the power of the
deserve their bad reputation.
internet to reach a new audience’
31 C: Incorrect: Although she is using the internet, she 44 PART 6
is also using films (not necessarily online) and TV
37 C: Link between ‘weeds’ and ‘This was to reflect the
programmes effectively.
character in the movie …’ also between ‘replace [her
31 D: Incorrect: She has a sense of humour, but she uses it
garden]’ and ‘would be temporary’.
to reinforce her serious message.
38 G: Link between ‘looking at houses’ and ‘Of the 50
32 A: Incorrect: Cooke doesn’t say people either feel
being considered’.
embarrassed or have a lack of knowledge.
39 A: Link between ‘they’d repaint them … they’d fix’ and
32 B: Correct: ‘conservation messages … make people feel
‘And very importantly, her garden would also be
guilty’
replanted’.
32 C: Incorrect: Cooke says people find it a hard subject
40 E: Link between ‘Fleischmann agreed to be out of her
to think about, and she makes them laugh to make
house’ and ‘But she visited every day’.
them more willing to do so.
41 B: Link between ‘she ended up painting it again herself’
32 D: Incorrect: Cooke says people may not want to hear
and ‘That was a bit annoying’. Also between ‘overall,
about it because it’s so serious, not because they
… it was a good experience’ and the positive things
have heard a lot about it before.
described after the gap.
33 A: Correct: ‘Weird, freaky creatures fascinate me because
42 F: Link between ‘When I saw the film for the first time,
they tell an amazing evolutionary story. I’m interested
I was mostly watching the house’ and ‘She felt like a
in all of nature, not just the shiny, fluffy bits’
proud parent’.

Cambridge English: First Tests Answer key 213

44 PART 7 What do you think he should do, and why should
43 D: ‘I’d imagined I might not actually do much, but I was he do it? How often should he do this? Have you
asked to look for some photographs of animals to go or someone you know had any experience of this
with an article my boss was writing. I found several that you can tell him about briefly?
suitable ones, and went home at the end of a long 4 Finish by saying you hope your advice is
day feeling pretty pleased with myself!’ useful and maybe asking him to let you know
how he gets on.
5 Close with Best wishes or Write soon.
44 B: ‘I didn’t want to look as if I had nothing to do,
though, so I typed it out three times.’ Question 3
45 A: ‘I decided I’d bring in some pictures and a plant for Style: Neutral or semi-formal.
my desk, just to make it feel more mine.’ Content: 1 Think of a title, or use the title in the question:
46 B: ‘They all introduced themselves and were very ‘A great place to live!’
friendly, but I immediately got everyone muddled up’ 2 In your introduction, give some information
47 D: ‘when I got there, nobody seemed to know who I about the place: What’s it called? Which
was or what I should be doing. That was a little odd, country is it in (remember that you are
I thought’ writing for an international audience)? Is it
48 C: ‘I was a little taken aback when she told me most on the coast or inland? Is it a village, town
people went home fairly late and I’d have to do the or city?
same if I wanted to be considered for promotion in 3 In the second paragraph, say why it is such a
the future.’ good place to live, in your opinion. Give three
49 A: ‘I wasn’t familiar with the computer system, but I or four reasons, if possible.
thought if I told anyone I needed help with it, they 4 Think of one or two things that would make the
might just laugh at me.’ place even better. You could end your article by
50 C: ‘It was a nice surprise to be greeted by someone I encouraging readers to visit the place.
was at school with … That was great as I’d been a
little worried about not knowing anyone there at all.’ Question 4
51 B: ‘… it was soon clear to me that there were huge Style: Neutral or semi-formal.
gaps in my knowledge.’ Content: 1 Give your report a title. Think about what areas
52 D: ‘I wished I’d listened to a friend who’d worked there the you are going to cover, e.g. saving electricity,
previous summer and had told me not to wear a suit.’ using less water, recycling, etc.
2 In your first paragraph, explain what you are
Questions 1–24 = 1 mark each going to do in your report.
Questions 25–42 = 2 marks each 3 Give each of the following paragraphs a
Questions 43–52 = 1 mark each separate heading, e.g. ‘Electricity’, etc. and
in each paragraph, address the three points:
suggested changes, how they would help, and
PAPER 2 Writing what you yourself can do to help.
4 In your final paragraph, you could give
44 PART 1 (suggested answers) your opinion on how much difference these
Question 1 changes would make.
Style: Neutral or semi-formal.
Question 5 (FIRST FOR SCHOOLS only)
Content: 1 In your introduction, say if you agree, partially
Style: Neutral or semi-formal.
agree or disagree with the statement.
Content: 1 Decide which character you are going to
2 Consider each of the three points in turn
write about, and in your introduction, briefly
(remember to include a third idea of your
describe the character and their role in the
own). Say whether you think the internet is the
plot.
best way of learning about these three things,
2 In the main part of your essay, which could
or whether you can learn them better from
be one or two paragraphs, explain what
teachers / family / friends, etc. Give reasons for
you admire about them and why. Is it their
your opinion, and brief examples.
personality or their actions, or both?
3 In your conclusion summarise your opinion.
3 In your conclusion, summarise your views
44 PART 2 (suggested answers) briefly.
Question 2 The two parts of the Writing Paper have equal marks.
Style: Neutral or informal.
Content: 1 Start with ‘Dear Dan’ or ‘Hi Dan’.
2 Express sympathy for Dan’s situation and say
you are happy to give him some advice. PAPER 3 Listening
3 Give Dan some ideas about how to get fitter. 44 PART 1
Should he take up a sport? If so, what exactly,
1A 2C 3B 4C 5B 6B 7A 8C
and why? Or should he try exercising on his own?

214 Cambridge English: First Tests Answer key

44 PART 2 44 PART 5
9 (local) television / TV 31 A: Incorrect: The writer mentions throughout the
10 models paragraph all the things that need to be arranged,
11 warnings so we know that travelling in the desert is not
12 thunderstorms / thunder storms straightforward.
13 patterns 31 B: Incorrect: The writer refers to the high temperatures
14 business when she says ‘people who like to fry themselves’,
15 accurate but she doesn’t say this causes problems.
16 climate change 31 C: Correct: ‘No one travels alone to the hottest place on
17 membership earth’
18 tennis 31 D: Incorrect: The writer makes the point that it is
expensive to travel in the desert, but she doesn’t say
44 PART 3 this stops people from doing it.
19 D 32 A: Correct: ‘I’ve inherited both tendencies … for stalking
20 H the edges of maps’
21 B 32 B: Incorrect: The writer’s father likes to travel to places
22 A where no one goes on holiday but the text doesn’t
23 F say that he misses people’s company.
32 C: Incorrect: The writer says she doesn’t have to
44 PART 4 mention what she knows about the desert to her
24 B 25 B 26 C 27 A 28 B 29 C 30 A father, but this is because he already knows, not that
he doesn’t want her to discuss it with him.
Questions 1–30 = 1 mark each
32 D: Incorrect: The text mentions maps, but this is in the
context of finding places to visit – not for planning
the details of a trip.
FIRST 33 A: Incorrect: The writer says that the travelers have
TEST 2 ‘nothing in common’ but she doesn’t mention
getting to know them better.
PAPER 1 R
 eading and 33 B: Correct: ‘The heat is, of course, brutal’ and ‘The real
Use of English heat won’t strike until …’. These phrases tell us that
44 PART 1 the most difficult part of the journey is yet to come.
33 C: Incorrect: Although the writer mentions the distance
1B 2C 3A 4D 5A 6B 7C 8D below sea level they will reach, this is not connected
44 PART 2 with what she reminds herself about.
33 D: Incorrect: The writer talks about the vehicles
9 in traveling through the desert, but she doesn’t suggest
10 for that the drivers aren’t sure of where they are going.
11 which 34 A: Incorrect: The writer mentions sand, but she is
12 has
talking about traveling over salt, and doesn’t suggest
13 it
this is similar to a beach.
14 them
34 B: Incorrect: The writer mentions a ‘huge brown
15 be
mound’ and a ‘lumpy brown mountain’ but she
16 a
doesn’t say it is like mud.
44 PART 3 34 C: Correct: ‘white crystals’ and ‘like a … frozen lake’.
34 D: Incorrect: The writer talks about fine sand, but does
17 height (adjective to noun)
not compare this to dust.
18 active (verb to adjective)
35 A: Incorrect: The writer describes the different colours
19 swimmers (verb to plural noun)
of the landscape but doesn’t suggest the travellers
20 depths (adjective to plural noun)
can’t look at them.
21 circular (noun to adjective)
35 B: Incorrect: The travellers are very quiet but they are
22 disappear (verb to negative verb)
carefully looking around them. There is no suggestion
23 natural (noun to adjective)
that they are disappointed by what they see.
24 pollution (verb to noun)
35 C: Incorrect: The text doesn’t suggest that the travellers
44 PART 4 don’t understand what they see, but it does suggest
they can’t believe what they are seeing.
25 succeeded in ❙ solving / doing 35 D: Correct: ‘Astonished …’ and ‘heads down, staring at
26 as long ❙ as the ground and shaking their heads’. The fact that
27 though ❙ there were so they are staring at the ground suggests they can’t
28 didn’t / did not ❙ turn up believe what they are seeing.
29 in case ❙ it gets 36 A: Incorrect: The ground ‘breaks and splinters’ but this
30 aren’t / are not ❙ allowed to eat suggests that the earth is hard, not soft.

Cambridge English: First Tests Answer key 215

36 B: Incorrect: The writer expresses an element of fear or Content: 1 In your introduction, repeat the statement in
nervousness when she talks about ‘working up the your own words and say why you think people
nerve’ to step with force, but this is not connected to hold this opinion. Your essay should answer
feeling lost. the question ‘Do you agree?’, so make sure
36 C: Incorrect: The writer does say that the human body your opinion is clearly stated and give reasons
wasn’t built to handle the desert, but she doesn’t express for why you think this.
worry, or that her own body won’t be able to cope. 2 The main body of the essay can be divided
36 D: Correct: ‘You start to think: we really shouldn’t be here’ into three separate paragraphs, focusing on
each of the three points in turn. Remember that
44 PART 6 the third point is your own idea. In the second
37 C: Links between ‘getting used to …’ and ‘while eating’ paragraph, talk about the people you might
with ‘A tenth bite …’ meet doing a shared activity and why talking
38 A: Link between ‘A lot of people … try to avoid thinking to different people might be important to you
about the foods they really want,’ and ‘… may not be or to other people. In the third paragraph,
the best strategy’ discuss whether you think learning new skills
39 E: Link between ‘… the technique only works with the or improving existing skills is important or not,
specific food you’ve imagined’ and ‘For instance, and why. In the fourth paragraph, discuss your
visualising yourself eating chocolate wouldn’t own idea. Give reasons for your opinions in
prevent you from eating lots of cheese.’ each paragraph, and brief examples.
40 G: Link between ‘… inserting 30 coins into a laundry 3 In your conclusion summarise your opinion.
washing machine …’ and ‘This requires the same
motor skills …’ 44 PART 2 (suggested answers)
41 B: ‘bowls containing the same amount of chocolate Question 2
each’ and ‘… these were taken away and weighed’ Style: Neutral or informal.
42 F: Link between ‘… Physical digestive clues … are Content: 1 Give your article a title if you wish. Your title
only part of what tells us …’ and ‘… psychological can be the same as the one in the question, or
factors … also influence how much a person eats.’ you can use your own idea.
2 In your introduction, you could say what you
44 PART 7 think having a good imagination means.
43 A: ‘I stare blankly, then ask what it is I’m meant to be 3 In the main body of your article, you should
looking out for.’ answer the three questions. You could divide
44 D: ‘I watch in awe as they ride the waves, expertly the ideas into three separate paragraphs. In the
zigzagging their way towards the beach …’ first paragraph you should say why you think
45 B: ‘Warming to his role of teacher, Danny launches into it is important to have a good imagination (or
an enthusiastic account of things I’ve never heard of not) and give some examples. In the second
… There’s no stopping him …’ paragraph, you should say how having ideas
46 C: ‘Rather than looking in the direction the waves are can help us in life, for example, in order to find
travelling – as I would have expected – they appear solutions to problems, or invent something
to be looking out to sea.’ useful. In the third paragraphs say when it might
47 A: ‘That’s easy for him to say, having spent his youth be less important to have a good imagination,
with a surfboard glued to his feet, while I haven’t for example, when you have to write a factual
even pulled on a wetsuit before.’ essay. To finish, briefly summarise your ideas.
48 D: ‘It’s thrilling to watch … I’m full of inspiration.
Question 3
“Ready to give it a go?” asks Danny. I nod readily …’
Style: Neutral.
49 B: ‘… I desperately will my already-overwhelmed brain
Content: 1 Say which computer game you have played.
to hold on to this vital information.’
You could also briefly say why you liked it.
50 C: ‘“Dropping in”, or attempting to ride a wave before
2 In the second paragraph, write a description
it’s your turn, is, I become aware, to be avoided at all
of the game. What do you have to do in the
costs.’
game? Who are the characters in the game?
51 A: ‘In a bid to produce an article for the sports
Where does the game take place?
magazine I work on, I’m learning to surf …’
3 In the third paragraph, write about what you
52 B: ‘I watch surfers limbering up in preparation,
learned from playing the game. For example,
stretching and jumping from their stomachs to their
did you learn something about the world that
feet on their boards.’
you didn’t know before? Or did you improve
your physical or mental skills, such as hand-
eye coordination or decision making? You
PAPER 2 Writing could also say what other people might learn
from playing the game.
44 PART 1 (suggested answers)
4 In the final paragraph, say whether or not you
Question 1 would recommend the game to other people
Style: Neutral or semi-formal. your age, and say why.

216 Cambridge English: First Tests Answer key

Question 4 14 festivals
Report (FIRST only) 15 practical
Style: Neutral or semi-formal. 16 conferences
Content: 1 Provide a title for your report. Decide how the 17 marketing
information will be organised. 18 accountants
2 In your first paragraph, explain what you are
going to talk about in your report. 44 PART 3
3 Give each paragraph its own heading, 19 E 20 C 21 A 22 G 23 D
for example, ‘Description of the event’,
‘How the event brought people together’, 44 PART 4
‘Recommendations for future events’. Under 24 B 25 A 26 C 27 B 28 A 29 B 30 C
each heading, discuss these different points.
4 In your final paragraph, you could say that
you hope your recommendations are helpful
FIRST
and that you hope they might help to improve
similar future events in the future. TEST 3
PAPER 1 R
 eading and
Story (FIRST FOR SCHOOLS only)
Style: Neutral or semi-formal. Use of English
Content: 1 Decide who the characters are in the story and 44 PART 1
what the basic plot will be.
1A 2C 3A 4B 5B 6B 7A 8B
2 You must include the two elements: a letter
which is or has been lost and a celebration of 44 PART 2
some kind.
9 being
3 Remember that your story must follow on from
10 all
the prompt sentence. It should have a logical
11 well
development and have a clear beginning,
12 could
middle and end.
13 it
Question 5 (FIRST FOR SCHOOLS only) 14 no
Style: Neutral or semi-formal. 15 in
Content: 1 In your introduction, give the title of the set 16 where
book and say what kind of book it is (e.g.
44 PART 3
fact / fiction / adventure / historical novel, etc.)
and introduce the main theme (e.g. hope, 17 unusual (adjective to negative adjective)
overcoming problems, discovering yourself, 18 threatened (noun to verb, to past participle)
good versus bad). 19 similarities (adjective to plural noun)
2 In the main body of the essay discuss the main 20 location (verb to noun)
theme in the book. Explain how the theme 21 madness (adjective to noun)
develops throughout the book and talk about 22 physically (adjective to adverb)
other events or ideas in the book that relate 23 softly (adjective to adverb)
to this theme. Then write a paragraph about 24 greeting (verb to noun)
what you already knew about the theme and
what you have learned about the theme from
44 PART 4
reading the book, for example, a better way to 25 feel like ❙ going
approach a problem, or some interesting facts 26 told him ❙ to do
about a period of history. You could say how 27 if I had / I’d ❙ known (that) OR had I ❙ known (that)
your opinion or attitude towards a theme or 28 looking forward to ❙ starting (at)
idea has changed because of reading the book. 29 asked me ❙ not to
30 looks ❙ as if

44 PART 5
PAPER 3 Listening 31 C: ‘But if 10,000 other people weren’t put off, I wouldn’t
44 PART 1 be either.’
1B 2C 3A 4C 5D 6A 7B 8D 32 C: The writer didn’t have much time to try out her new
wetsuit because it had only arrived two days before
44 PART 2 the swim – so she gave it ‘a quick try out’.
9 trade 33 A: ‘There seemed to be a mix of open-water enthusiasts
10 memorable alongside complete novices’
11 administrative 34 B: What he suggested is easy for an experienced
12 teaboy / tea boy swimmer to do, but not for her.
13 limit

Cambridge English: First Tests Answer key 217

35 D: ‘We’d been warned that the first 100 m would be the world, and that some people think that
really rough, but that it would feel much calmer after they say a great deal about our characters, but
that. Somewhere near the 750 m mark I was still others disagree.
waiting for the calm’ 2 In the body of your essay, you could consider
36 B: ‘I’m hooked, and want to give it another go. I’ve each of the three points in turn in a separate
already signed up for my next open-water swim.’ paragraph (remember to include a third idea
of your own). In the second paragraph, say
44 PART 6 whether or not you think people’s appearance
37 D: Link between ‘We have few clues as to who created matters. In the third, discuss how people wear
it’ and ‘Nor do we know …’ different clothes depending on the situation –
38 A: The cavern train takes visitors past marvellous sights. for example for work, at home, or when they
‘However, the trip’s highlight is the Great Ceiling.’ visit friends. In the fourth paragraph, discuss
There is then a link with ‘It is a stunning experience’. your own idea. Give reasons for your opinions
39 G: Link between ‘coloured paintings’ and ‘Many of in each paragraph, and brief examples.
these …’ 3 In your conclusion summarise your opinion.
40 E: Link between ‘an exact replica, Lascaux II’ and ‘its
vivid modern reproductions’. 44 PART 2 (suggested answers)
41 F: Link between ‘our ancestors camped at cave Question 2
entrances and enjoyed diets mainly made up Style: Neutral.
of reindeer meat’ and ‘Deep inside these caves, Content: 1 Think of a title, or use the title in the question:
however, their minds moved to different matters’ ‘An interesting person.’
42 C: Link between ‘The reason why they were created is 2 In your introduction, name the person you are
obscure, however. Some scientists believe they may going to write about, and say who they are (or
have had a spiritual significance’ and ‘Whatever the were, if you have chosen a historical figure).
case, it is clear that …’ You could write about someone in your family,
a friend, a sports personality or other celebrity,
44 PART 7 or someone from history.
43 C: ‘Then they use that angle as a lens that sets them on 3 In the second paragraph, give information
a path.’ about the person, and why you think this
44 E: ‘Looking back at my travel biography, I realize I’ve person is interesting. Give examples.
subconsciously used trips to do things I dreamt of 4 You could end your article by briefly
being able to do as a child.’ summarising what you think people can learn
45 A: ‘I’m likely to remember the local people I meet more from this person.
vividly than the history museums I breeze through’
46 F: ‘You might not want to ‘travel like a travel writer’ on Question 3
every trip you take’ Style: Neutral.
47 D: ‘those old keepsakes you keep in a box under your bed. Content: 1 Say which shopping centre you are going to
That chunk of volcano lava your dad got you when you write about and where it is.
were six? That old video tape or DVD of a band you still 2 In the second paragraph, write about the
enjoy? Anything can turn into a makeshift guidebook …’ different types of shops you can find there.
48 B: ‘a subtle, but fundamental, difference’ 3 In the third paragraph, write about the different
49 D: ‘The goal isn’t being ‘different’ in what you do, it’s places to eat and say what you think about the
being personal. Seriously, what do you like?’ range available.
50 C: ‘They do as much research as they can, devouring 4 In the fourth paragraph, write about the
novels, articles, TV shows, and films about where different things you can do there. Can you go
they’ll be going …’ bowling, or are there places to sit and chat to
51 E: ‘I’ll never hear those songs the same way again.’ friends – by a fountain, for example? Is there
52 B: ‘I would have never found unexcavated ruins … if I a cinema? Say what you think about them and
had passively relied on advice I got from locals on use plenty of adjectives.
the ground. … doing so often means being steered 5 In the final paragraph, say whether or not you
toward shopping malls, and cafés that are part of would recommend it to people your age, and
global chains.’ give reasons.

Question 4
Report (FIRST only)
PAPER 2 Writing Style: Neutral or semi-formal.
Content: 1 Give your report a title. It will probably be
44 PART 1 (suggested answers) the name of the place you visited. You could
Question 1 also use headings to introduce each of the
Style: Neutral or semi-formal. following paragraphs.
Content: 1 In your introduction, you could say that clothes 2 In the first paragraph, describe the place you
are part of the way we present ourselves to visited. You could also say why your class

218 Cambridge English: First Tests Answer key

 went there. Maybe it was somewhere where 44 PART 3
you could find out more about something you 19 F 20 D 21 H 22 A 23 B
were studying in class.
3 In the second paragraph, say what you and 44 PART 4
your class did there. 24 B 25 C 26 B 27 C 28 B 29 A 30 A
4 In the third paragraph, describe the transport
you used to get there and back. Was it
comfortable? Did you get to the place on time?
5 In the final paragraph, think about what FIRST
was not very good about the trip. Make TEST 4
recommendations for improving future trips.
PAPER 1 Reading and
Story (FIRST FOR SCHOOLS only) Use of English
Style: Neutral or semi-formal.
Content: 1 Decide what is in the box. Remember it is a
44 PART 1
large box. This could be the surprise that you 1D 2A 3C 4B 5D 6C 7A 8B
must include in your story, or the surprise
could come later. 44 PART 2
2 You must include the two elements: What is 9 from
the surprise? What are the instructions? Has 10 as
somebody written instructions telling Maria 11 have
what to do, or is there an instruction manual 12 will / should
for the contents of the box? 13 through
3 Ensure your story follows on from the prompt 14 are
sentence, and that it develops logically and has 15 which
a clear beginning, middle and end. 16 its / the

Question 5 (FIRST FOR SCHOOLS only) 44 PART 3

Style: Neutral or semi-formal. 17 original (noun to adjective)
Content: 1 Decide which event you are going to write 18 Archaeologists (noun to noun, plural)
about, and in your introduction, briefly say 19 rebuilt (verb to past participle with a prefix)
what leads up to this event in the story. Don’t 20 construction (verb to noun)
summarise the whole plot, just make sure 21 Surprisingly (verb to adjective to adverb)
the reader knows what is happening around 22 appearance (verb to noun)
the time of the event, or briefly introduce the 23 actually (adjective to adverb)
characters involved. 24 evidence (adjective to noun)
2 In the second paragraph, summarise the
event. 44 PART 4
3 In the third paragraph, explain the 25 was ❙ far more
consequences of the event. What happens in 26 spent the whole journey ❙ watching
the story or to the main characters as a result 27 going to be made ❙ into
of the event? 28 apologised for ❙ not having
4 In your conclusion, explain why you think the 29 of roses ❙ reminds me of
event is so important. 30 brought a / their camera ❙ apart from

44 PART 5
PAPER 3 Listening 31 D: ‘… like the similarly endangered qualities of solitude
and quiet, the true value of darkness is something
44 PART 1 we are barely aware of.’
1A 2A 3C 4A 5C 6B 7B 8C 32 B: ‘Our night sky continues to shape us, but now it is
the absence of the universe around us that influences
44 PART 2 our beliefs, our myths, our impulse to create.’
9 frost 33 B: ‘A sky wiped clear of stars encourages us to
10 worm exaggerate our importance, to imagine humanity as
11 hand the center of all things.’
12 bucket 34 A: ‘“Everyone needs beauty as well as bread,” … and
13 leaves varied degrees of darkness are rich with this.’
14 stains 35 C: The paragraph focuses on the beauty found in
15 line / queue darkness and it concludes by saying, ‘natural
16 lamps darkness has many offerings of its own’.
17 ripe 36 C: ‘Artificial light at night is a miracle … but the same
18 pepper has always been true of darkness and can be again.’

Cambridge English: First Tests Answer key 219

44 PART 6 you agree or disagree with the statement,
37 F: Link between ‘various scenes’ and ‘achieving a goal’, or you could say what you think in your
with ‘These included things like stretching to get an conclusion. You could say that you are going
object …’ to discuss the arguments for and against the
38 C: Link between the act of children helping and the idea given in the statement.
chimps demonstrating similar motivation. The 2 You could divide the main body of the essay
chimps’ motivation was ‘less strong’ which links with into two paragraphs. The second paragraph of
the fact that they didn’t help in some of the situations. the essay could give reasons why people might
39 G: Link between ‘related chimps rarely help one another’ think studying subjects they aren’t interested in
and ‘chimpanzee mothers did not assist their infants’ is a waste of time. The third paragraph could
40 B: Link between the chimps letting a partner into the give the opposite point of view and discuss
room when they couldn’t manage the task alone and why it is important to study a range of subjects,
the chimps having to go out and get help. even if you don’t find them interesting. In each
41 E: Link between ‘chose them equally’ and the fact that paragraph, you could talk about each of the
there are two chimps to approach for help. Also a three points, including your own idea. You
contrast between ‘at first’ and ‘but once’. could use your idea to support your overall
42 A: Link between the negative structures ‘no evidence’ viewpoint, so it could go into the ‘for’ or
and ‘neither can they’. Also a link between there ‘against’ paragraph. Give reasons for your
being no evidence for communication and the opinions, and brief examples.
studies ‘just’ suggesting understanding. 3 In your conclusion summarise your opinion.

44 PART 7 44 PART 2 (suggested answers)

43 D: ‘If often makes use of gymnastic elements … which Question 2
are not the easiest skills to acquire.’ Style: Neutral or informal.
44 C: ‘When I’m dancing, I use my body to express my Content: 1 Start your reply with an appropriate greeting,
deepest emotions, from sadness to joy.’ for example, Hello Sara or Dear Sara.
45 B: ‘It also concentrates the mind when you’re involved in 2 Say that you would be happy to tell Sara about
performing challenging routines, which is certainly a the differences between your grandparents’
welcome release from the pressures of daily life.’ lives and your own. You could briefly say
46 A: ‘… wearing beautiful costumes faded into whether you think your grandparents’ lives
insignificance, as love for the art form itself took were very different or not so different from
over from the desire to look pretty.’ your own.
47 C: ‘… nothing is more satisfying than exploring 3 Make comparisons between the way life was
movement and making up my own dance sequences.’ when your grandparents were growing up,
48 D: ‘… it therefore comes under close examination from and how that was similar or different to the
the critics in its field. But I would argue that there are way you grew up. For example, was their
elements of techniques and styles from all kinds of school day the same? Did they eat the same
older disciplines wrapped up in street dance.’ kinds of food? How did they spend their free
49 B: ‘As a tap dancer I consider myself a musician, as time?
essentially I’m making music with my feet.’ 4 Say whether you think life was better when
50 A: ‘And far from skipping about pretending to be your grandparents were growing up compared
a butterfly, I discovered to my disappointment to what life is like now for children growing up.
that ballet requires an enormous amount of self- You could say something about people having a
discipline in order to meet its physical demands and better quality of life now: more money, healthier
mental challenges.’ food, better communications; or you could say
51 D: ‘… what first appealed to me was its ‘street cred’. In how life was more relaxed in the past because
other words, it’s current, and it looks cool.’ there wasn’t so much fast technology. You
52 A: ‘But the effort paid off, and I wouldn’t have had it could say that some things were better before,
any other way, because now I truly appreciate where and some things are better now.
I am today as a principal dancer in the company.’ 5 Finish by saying you hope that you the
information you’ve provided is useful and use
an appropriate closing formula such as Best
PAPER 2 Writing wishes or Bye for now.

44 PART 1 (suggested answers) Question 3

Style: Neutral or informal.
Question 1 Content: 1 Give your article a title if you wish. It can be
Style: Neutral or semi-formal. the same or different from the one given.
Content: 1 In your introduction re-state the idea using 2 In your introduction, you could briefly say
your own words. Briefly say why people might whether you think the world would be more
say this, for example, they think some subjects boring if people were the same.
aren’t relevant to life. You could say whether

220 Cambridge English: First Tests Answer key

 3 In the main body of your article, go into more 16 landscapes
detail about what makes people different from 17 truck
each other (such as physical appearance, 18 cycling
opinions, likes and dislikes, personality) and
how you think this might make life more 44 PART 3
interesting, for example, being able to have 19 F 20 B 21 E 22 H 23 A
interesting discussions, or learning things
from other people. You could also argue that 44 PART 4
if people were more alike, it might be easier to 24 A 25 B 26 C 27 C 28 B 29 C 30 A
solve problems or get on with each other. You
could end your article by briefly summing up
your ideas.
FIRST
Question 4 TEST 5
Style: Neutral or semi-formal.
Content: 1 Give your report a title. Think about what
PAPER 1 Reading and
areas you are going to cover, for example, Use of English
playing games in the park, walking in the 44 PART 1
countryside, sightseeing in the city, meeting
1C 2D 3B 4B 5C 6A 7A 8C
with friends, or other free activities available
in your town. 44 PART 2
2 In your first paragraph, explain what you are
9 Although
going to do in your report.
10 it
3 Give each of the following paragraphs a
11 no / little
separate heading, for example ‘Places to visit’,
12 if / though
‘Things to do’, ‘People to see’ and so on.
13 To
4 In your final paragraph, you should give your
14 What
opinion on which activities you think are most
15 how
suitable for families.
16 on
Question 5 (FIRST FOR SCHOOLS only)
Style: Neutral or semi-formal.
44 PART 3
Content: 1 In your introduction, say which two characters 17 particularly (adjective to adverb)
you are going to talk about and why. 18 powerful (noun / verb to adjective)
2 In the main body of your essay, describe the 19 knowledge (verb to noun)
two characters. You could write a description 20 survival (verb to noun)
of each character before you compare them, 21 warning (verb to noun)
or you could compare them throughout the 22 experienced (verb / noun to adjective)
essay. You could talk about their personalities, 23 ensure (adjective to verb)
how they react to events which happen, what 24 considerable (verb to adjective)
their opinions are, how they behave and
so on. 44 PART 4
3 Decide which character you are most like 25 was ❙ put off (by officials)
and say why. You could say which things are 26 the best essay ❙ he had / he’d
similar and which are different. You could also 27 only did ❙ Naoko arrive
write about the elements of both characters 28 far as ❙ I’m / I am concerned
which are most like you. 29 last time ❙ (that / when) I did
30 impossible for me ❙ to meet

44 PART 5
PAPER 3 Listening 31 B: ‘Procrastinating … is in our genetic make-up.’
44 PART 1 32 A: Dr Steel claims that people who don’t procrastinate
have more money, have better relationships and are
1C 2C 3B 4A 5C 6B 7A 8B
happier, and the writer gives examples of people
44 PART 2 who don’t procrastinate and who do well.
33 C: ‘We’ve evolved to respond to the moment’ … ‘now
9 mechanic
is the time to unlearn your time-wasting techniques
10 conference
and work-avoidance tactics’
11 sister
12 lamps 34 B: The dissertations seem like endless tasks.
13 equipment 35 D: The difficult tasks become ‘something concrete with
14 sportsman easily measured progress’ when the technique of
15 magazine making pre-commitments is used.

Cambridge English: First Tests Answer key 221

36 B: ‘Overcoming procrastination ultimately comes down say at this stage whether you tend to agree or
to planning, which, if you’re not careful, becomes disagree with the statement, or wait until the
procrastination in itself.’ conclusion to do this. You could say that you are
going to consider the arguments in favour and
44 PART 6 against the view expressed in the statement.
37 E: Link between ‘people who understood what that 2 You could organise the body of the essay in two
meant … and had offered encouragement and paragraphs: a second paragraph giving reasons
support’ and ‘Not because …’ for travelling to a country and a third paragraph
38 B: Link between ‘Some people …’ and ‘Others …’ giving reasons why it is unnecessary. Within
39 G: Link between ‘Non-runners struggle to comprehend each paragraph, you could address the points
…’ and ‘Similarly, it’s difficult for people …’ in the notes and your own idea. Your own
40 A: Link between ‘Of course, there’s money to be made idea does not have to go in both paragraphs,
from blogging’ and ‘But for all the bloggers I’ve met, however: you could have ‘going on holiday’
the motivation …’ as your own idea, in which case you would
41 C: Link between ‘We had a panel of expert speakers … probably use it as an argument against the
as well as a bag full of free stuff for them all’ and statement. Give reasons for your opinions, and
‘But what mattered most to everyone was …’. brief examples.
42 F: Link between ‘Running and blogging can be solitary 3 In your conclusion summarise your opinion.
pursuits’ and ‘So we invited bloggers across the UK
to … meet up in real life’ 44 PART 2 (suggested answers)
Question 2
44 PART 7
Style: Neutral or informal.
43 C: ‘I hadn’t really got a clue what was going on.’ Content: 1 You could give your article a title, which could
44 D: ‘Then the manager asked me if I’d like to work at a be exactly the same or different from the one
week-long film festival in a neighbouring town. I met in the question.
all sorts of amazing people with similar interests to 2 In your introduction, you could mention a few
mine, and a group of us ended up running our own things that you find funny.
independent film festival a few years later.’ 3 In the body of your article, go into more detail
45 A: ‘I saw something just recently I wanted to walk out about what makes you laugh, and say whether
of, but had to sit through it to the end as a good your friends and family laugh at the same
friend of mine had talked me into going’ things as you. State why you think this is
46 D: ‘Sadly, I’ll never make up for losing out on the magic the case. Say what sort of things are, in your
of seeing things on the big screen as a young child’ opinion, probably considered funny all over
47 B: ‘I’d decided to learn about the cinema industry in depth’ the world. Explain what it is about these things
48 C: ‘I’d like to make a living as a film critic one day.’ that might make people laugh about them in
49 A: ‘My family went to the cinema every Saturday when many different cultures.
I was a child. My parents both worked long hours …
and going to the local Picture Palace meant a great Question 3
deal to all of us.’ Style: Semi-formal to formal.
50 C: ‘It also turned out that one of the actors lived in the Content: 1 Think about what points you need to address in
next street to us … I’d never had a clue who he was your letter of application: your ability to work in
before then and was very impressed.’ a busy place, your level of English (particularly
51 B: ‘There used to be three cinemas in the town I grew spoken English), and your knowledge of
up in, and I suppose I just thought they’d always be sport. You might also want to say you have
there. They’re long gone, of course, … and now I experience of working in a shop, or that you
wish I’d been more often.’ have experience working with people / get on
52 A: ‘… although I’m a great reader, and a fan of the arts well with different types of people.
in general, nothing comes close to the feeling I get 2 Start with Dear Mrs Jones,.
when I’m fully absorbed in a film.’ 3 In your introduction, say that you are writing
in response to the advertisement and that you
would like to apply for the job.
4 In the body of your letter, address all the
PAPER 2 Writing points, writing a paragraph for each point. Try
44 PART 1 (suggested answers) to think of good reasons why you should be
given this job.
Question 1
5 In your final paragraph, say that you hope you
Style: Neutral or semi-formal.
will be considered for the job and say that you
Content: 1 In your introduction, repeat the idea in the
are available for interview at any time.
statement, using slightly different words, and
6 Finish your letter with ‘Yours sincerely,
giving one or two reasons why people might
......................................................... [your name]’.
say this – information on the internet, TV
documentaries about other countries. You could

222 Cambridge English: First Tests Answer key

Question 4 12 label
Report (FIRST only) 13 manual
Style: Neutral or semi-formal. 14 mask
Content: 1 Give your report a title. Think about what areas 15 toothbrush
you are going to cover, e.g. parts of the college 16 handle
the English students should visit, classes they 17 stubborn
could attend, what they could do in the evenings. 18 rubber
2 In your first paragraph, explain what you are
going to do in your report. 44 PART 3
3 Give each of the following paragraphs a 19 F 20 B 21 D 22 A 23 G
separate heading, e.g. ‘Places to visit in the
college’, etc. and in each paragraph, address 44 PART 4
the points you have decided to include. 24 B 25 B 26 C 27 B 28 C 29 A 30 A
4 In your final paragraph, you could say that you
hope your suggestions are helpful and that
you hope the English students enjoy their visit.
FIRST
Story (FIRST FOR SCHOOLS only) TEST 6
Style: Neutral or semi-formal.
PAPER 1 Reading and
Content: 1 Decide who the person on the bus next to
the narrator is. Is it somebody famous? Is it a Use of English
friend the narrator hasn’t seen for a long time? 44 PART 1
Or someone else?
1A 2D 3B 4C 5A 6C 7D 8B
2 You must include the two elements: Who
makes the phone call: the narrator, the person 44 PART 2
next to them, or somebody else (ringing the
9a
narrator, for example)? What happens as a
10 has
result of the call? What is the party for? Does
11 the
the narrator invite the person on the bus to the
12 to
party, or is it the other way round? 13 that / which
3 Make sure your story follows on from the 14 of
prompt sentence, and that it develops logically 15 What
and has a clear beginning, middle and end. 16 whether
Question 5 (FIRST FOR SCHOOLS only)
44 PART 3
Style: Neutral or semi-formal
Content: 1 In your introduction, give the title of the set 17 length (adjective to noun)
book and say what kind of book it is (e.g. fact / 18 atmospheric (noun to adjective)
fiction / adventure / historical novel, etc.) 19 initially (adjective to adverb)
2 In the main part of your essay, write a 20 impossible (adjective to adjective with negative prefix)
paragraph explaining briefly what the book 21 courageous (noun to adjective)
is about (don’t go into too much detail) and 22 unfortunately (adjective to adverb with negative prefix)
a paragraph about the main characters. Then 23 evidence (adjective to noun)
write a paragraph saying what you personally 24 excitement (adjective to noun)
thought of the book: Did you enjoy it? Say why /
44 PART 4
why not: Was it an interesting story? Did you
care what happened to the characters? Was the 25 to have ❙ my car fixed
time / place the book was set in well described? 26 would not / wouldn’t have come ❙ if
Depending on your answers to some of these 27 to ❙ take advantage of
questions, recommend the book to other people 28 run out ❙ of
or advise them against reading it! 29 giving me ❙ a lift
30 as soon as ❙ she had / she’d

44 PART 5
PAPER 3 Listening 31 A: ‘limits our appetite for extreme risk’
44 PART 1 32 C: ‘tests what you are made of and how far you can
take yourself’
1A 2B 3B 4C 5A 6C 7A 8B
33 B: ‘it seems like the stupidest thing in the world’
44 PART 2 34 B: ‘says he is struck by’ and ‘But the climbers took
every precaution they could think of’
9 decoration(s)
35 C: The conditions are referred to as ‘the flow’ which
10 marks
includes becoming absorbed and focussing the
11 budget

Cambridge English: First Tests Answer key 223

 mind. Also ‘Something that makes you try doing
a tougher climb than usual, perhaps, is that your PAPER 2 Writing
adrenaline flows and you become very concentrated 44 PART 1 (suggested answers)
on what you’re doing’.
Question 1
36 D: The article says that enjoying taking risks is a
Style: Neutral or semi-formal.
personality trait and that some people feel compelled
Content: 1 In your introduction, rewrite the statement
to take risks. Therefore, we understand that wanting
in your own words. Say briefly why people
to take risks is a desire we are born with.
might think this. In your essay, you have to say
44 PART 6 whether you agree or not with this statement
and why.
37 C: Link between ‘fastest long-distance, nonstop fight … 2 You could divide the main body of your essay
in as little as two days’ and ‘6.760 kilometres at an into three paragraphs, each focussing on one
average speed of 97 kilometres an hour’. of the three points. The third point should be
38 E: Link between ‘don’t look especially speedy or well your own idea. In the second paragraph, talk
equipped’ and ‘That’s because ...’ and also between about why people care about the way they
‘the birds become rather well rounded’ and ‘it’s look, and why others might think some people
these plentiful fat reserves that …’. care too much about their appearance. In the
39 D: Link between ‘the Artic Tern clocks up … third paragraph, discuss the idea of spending
80,000 kilometres’ and ‘However, the bird spreads money on your appearance. Is this a positive
the flight out … and stops … along the way’. or a negative thing? Why? Does it depend how
40 F: Link between ‘Godwits … have no opportunity to much money you spend? Should people spend
stop’ and ‘For this reason, their amazing flights are their money on other things instead? In the
not their choice’ and also between ‘their amazing fourth paragraph discuss your own idea.
flights are not their choice’ and ‘By constrast, Snipes 3 In your conclusion summarise your opinion.
have several rest-stop options … but choose not to
take advantage of them’. 44 PART 2 (suggested answers)
41 A: Link between ‘it’s unclear how Great Snipes can
apparently fly for such long periods with little or no Question 2
sleep’ and ‘This is one of the unsolved mysteries …’ Style: Neutral or informal.
42 G: Link between ‘many surprises in the near future’ and Content: 1 Give your article a title. This can be the same
‘these will be due to the recent development of tiny as the one in the question, or you can invent
recording devices’. your own.
2 In your introduction, you could say what the
44 PART 7 best game or match you’ve ever seen was.
43 C: ‘All you have to do is enter keywords on the topic of This could be a match you’ve seen on TV, or
your choice and in a moment you’ll gain access to a game you’ve been to watch at a stadium.
hundreds of articles and papers’ Briefly say what the game or match was,
44 D: ‘Also lacking is any focus on why being able to do a who was playing and why it was a good
presentation may be useful beyond the classroom’ match.
45 A: ‘finding your way around the site isn’t 3 In the main body of your article, answer the
straightforward’ questions. You could divide your ideas into
46 B: ‘One thing many reading websites fail to do is two paragraphs. In the second paragraph
provide a comprehensive portfolio of an author’s you should describe the game or match you
work and biographical information, something watched and why you thought it was so
Readwell does with style.’ good, for example, did the team you support
47 A: ‘I haven’t come across any similar site with such a wide win? In the third paragraph, you should
range of charts, graphs and graphics to choose from.’ say what you think makes a game or match
48 D: ‘… expert advisors can give detailed feedback on exciting, for example, do lots of goals need
their performance.’ to be scored? Does there need to a big crowd
49 E: ‘This is one for the independent-minded out there’ watching? Does it need to be an important
50 C: ‘In my opinion, there’s no better site for first-time competition? You could finish your article at
researchers.’ this point, or you could briefly summarise
51 B: ‘Some of the comprehension quizzes aren’t as your ideas.
challenging as I’d have liked to see for the intended Question 3
audience, but at least they get users to carefully Style: Neutral or informal.
consider what they’ve read.’ Content: 1 Start with an appropriate greeting, for
52 E: ‘… without examples of how to apply the example, Hi Robert or Dear Robert.
information to a particular piece of writing, the site is 2 Say you’re happy to help Robert by giving him
less successful. … users don’t have the opportunity some ideas.
to communicate with others or seek answers to any 3 Explain your ideas. Think about ways in which
questions they might have.’ people can communicate with each other even

224 Cambridge English: First Tests Answer key

 when they don’t speak each others’ language, 11 violins
for example, using hand gestures, drawing 12 Union
things, using facial expressions to communicate 13 dinner
feelings and so on. You could give some 14 poetry
examples of what gesture might be appropriate 15 transport
in a particular situation, for example miming 16 ceilings
drinking to ask if someone would like a drink. 17 hospitals
Have you had any experiences yourself that you 18 newsletter
could tell Robert about?
4 Finish by saying you hope your ideas will be 44 PART 3
useful or that you hope his project goes well. 19 C 20 F 21 H 22 B 23 E
You could ask him to let you know what other
ideas he thought of. 44 PART 4
5 Use a closing formula such as Best wishes or 24 C 25 A 26 B 27 C 28 A 29 B 30 B
Write soon.

Question 4
Style: Neutral or semi-formal. FIRST
Content: 1 Include a title for your report and decide how to TEST 7
organise the information you want to include.
PAPER 1 Reading and
2 In your first paragraph, explain what you are
going to talk about in your report. Use of English
3 Provide a heading for each paragraph, 44 PART 1
for example, ‘Description of the building /
1A 2C 3B 4C 5A 6D 7B 8B
monument’, ‘Importance of the building /
monument’, ‘Visiting the monument’ and 44 PART 2
‘Recommendations for improving visits to the
9 long
building / monument’. Under each heading
10 that / which
write about these different points.
11 your
4 In your final paragraph, you could say that
12 an
you hope your recommendations are helpful
13 like
and that you hope they might help to improve
14 it
visitors’ experiences in the future. 15 How
Question 5 (FIRST FOR SCHOOLS only) 16 on
Style: Neutral or semi-formal.
44 PART 3
Content: 1 Introduce the character that you have decided
to talk about and give a brief description of the 17 appearance (verb to noun)
part the character plays in the book. 18 truly (adjective to adverb)
2 In the main body of the article describe the 19 functional (noun to adjective)
character in more detail. You could talk about 20 development (verb to noun)
their personality, reactions towards events, their 21 rearranging (verb to gerund form and addition of a
behaviour and opinions. Then explain how you prefix)
think people might identify with this character. 22 living (verb to gerund form)
Does the character react to an event in the same 23 necessarily (adjective to adverb)
way that most people would? Is the character 24 thought (verb to past form of verb)
an ordinary person with an ordinary job like
many people? You could also say whether the
44 PART 4
character is likeable and why / why not, and 25 insisted on ❙ driving / taking Tim
whether the character is realistic. You should 26 might have ❙ taken
also say whether or not you have anything in 27 would not / wouldn’t / did not / didn’t ❙ let me
common with the character yourself. 28 made up ❙ your mind
29 in favour of ❙ making
30 make sense ❙ to me

PAPER 3 Listening 44 PART 5

44 PART 1 31 A: ‘I also want the subject to like that shot of
themselves. I won’t go: “That’s great, it doesn’t
1B 2A 3C 4A 5C 6B 7C 8A
matter what you think, it’s going in.”’
44 PART 2 32 B: ‘I wanted to know all about what she’d done.’
33 A: ‘I imagine she’s quite done – she’d probably arrive
9 tutors
camera-ready’
10 choir

Cambridge English: First Tests Answer key 225

34 C: ‘he likes to make it interesting for himself, he doesn’t
just want to do a straight portrait’ and ‘you may get PAPER 2 Writing
that one unexpected shot’ 44 PART 1 (suggested answers)
35 D: The contrast is made between Mary’s professional
Question 1
life mainly involving photographing women and her
Style: Neutral or semi-formal.
family: a husband and four sons.
Content: 1 Decide how you are going to approach the
36 C: ‘… there’s not very much difference between the
essay. You could decide to organise it so you first
pictures’ and ‘It’s the same gruelling schedule and time
present arguments saying the only good reason
commitments. You couldn’t necessarily tell them apart.’
for working is to earn money. The following
44 PART 6 paragraph would then consist of other good
reasons for working. Also think about what your
37 E: Link between ‘what style of bike I wanted to build’ own idea will be – it could be liking the work itself,
and ‘Personally I felt …’. Also between ‘a relaxed for example, or free time, or something else.
one’ and ‘contrasted with the stiff geometry …’ 2 In your introduction, say what you are going
38 B: Link between ‘the precise list of body measurements to talk about (why people work) and say that
requested from me had already been transferred there are different points of view.
onto a personalised diagram of my frame’ and ‘This 3 The body of your essay could be divided into two
was the plan that I would follow’. paragraphs. The first could argue that money is
39 F: Link between ‘finding pieces that were the colour the only good reason for working (people have
I wanted’ and ‘Some people like the frame to be studied or trained a long time / paid for their
consistent, others like a mix of light, dark or speckled’. studies and they should be financially rewarded
40 A: Link between ‘a problem … threatened to make my for this when they get a job, people sometimes
frame useless’ and ‘Luckily … Ian confirmed that it have to put up with difficult colleagues. Your own
was alright’. idea could come in here too.
41 C: Link between ‘most things can be fixed’ and ‘If all 4 The next paragraph could argue the other
else fails’. point of view: people have worked hard at their
42 G: Link between ‘soaked in a special glue’ and ‘to dry’ studies / training and find it rewarding to put
as well as between ‘All that was left now’ and ‘In a what they have learned to good use, people
few hours I would be …’. enjoy the sociable aspect of work – spending
44 PART 7 time with colleagues for example.
5 In your conclusion say what your own opinion is.
43 C: ‘My course has been very interesting so far, and
I’m sure it will become even more so when we are 44 PART 2 (suggested answers)
sent out to get work experience in a company in our
second year. We’ll report back to our college tutors Question 2
on how our project is progressing’ Style: Neutral or informal.
44 A: ‘We’re all part of a community, and it’s a great Content: 1 Start with Dear Alex or Hi Alex and thank Alex
feeling to walk into the building every morning and for the email.
see lots of people I know and like’ 2 Don’t say that you don’t read at all, even if
45 D: ‘I’ve also found that the fashion side of things this is true: you won’t have enough to say to
appeals to me, though I’d never thought about that answer the question adequately, and should
very much before.’ choose a different Part 2 question instead.
46 A: ‘… they give us a topic, and then let us go wherever Do say what type of things you read: if you read
we like with it … which is ideal.’ books, what sort of books do you read (fact /
47 B: ‘There’s no limit to the amount of fabric we can use’ fiction, books / articles / websites for college /
48 D: ‘I’ve been doing a project with a famous sportswear work / in your free time, etc.)? Give details, and
company this term, and the designers there have say why (do you enjoy them or not, do you have
been very friendly and helpful. They add a different to read them or not, etc.). Explain how important
perspective to that of the college tutors, and I really reading is in your life – is it something you spend
appreciate that.’ a lot of time doing and look forward to, or is it
49 A: ‘the focus is on actually making things’ something you just do from time to time?
50 C: ‘the skills we’re acquiring can be adapted to any area 3 Answer Alex’s question about people your age.
of fashion’ Do you think they read more or less than older
51 D: ‘I spent a year working in a sportswear shop, which people? Why do you think this is the case?
is where I became interested in the way sports 4 Use a closing formula such as Best wishes or
clothes are designed, and all the different materials Write soon.
available. I realised it was an area I wanted to
Question 3
explore further’
Style: Neutral.
52 B: ‘No two weeks are the same, which is what I love
Content: 1 Think of a title, or use the title in the question.
about this course. There are so many different things
2 In your introduction, say you are going to tell
to do that it never feels dull.’
the reader about something unexpected that

226 Cambridge English: First Tests Answer key

 happened to you. Use adjectives like amazing, paragraphs: one describing the characters and
extraordinary, exciting, and incredible to the relationship between them, and another
capture the reader’s interest. explaining their roles in the story. If, on the
3 In your second paragraph, describe the event, other hand, the two characters not very closely
making your account as interesting and lively connected, then you could write about one
as possible. Don’t forget to say why you found character in one paragraph (their character and
it so surprising. their role) and the other character in another
4 In your third paragraph, explain what paragraph. Remember to include how the two
happened as a result of the event. For characters are connected in the story, even if
example, did it change your life, even in just a it is not a very direct connection. You could do
small way, or did it make you feel differently this in a separate paragraph.
about something or someone? 3 In your conclusion, you could give your
opinion on the characters you have described.
Question 4
Report (FIRST only)
Style: Neutral or semi-formal. PAPER 3 Listening
Content: 1 Give your report a title. In this question, the
three areas you should cover are given to you 44 PART 1
as bullet points. 1B 2B 3A 4C 5B 6B 7A 8C
2 In your first paragraph, explain what you are
going to do in your report. 44 PART 2
3 Give each of the following three paragraphs a 9 spice(s)
heading, e.g. ‘Places to eat’ (e.g. restaurants, 10 perfume
cafés, fast food outlets, street stalls, markets, 11 nail
etc.), ‘Different types of food’ (e.g. Italian, 12 (terrible) smell
Chinese, etc., vegetarian, fast food and so on), 13 (amount of) smoke
‘Suggested improvements’ (e.g. What do you 14 machine
think is missing in your area as far as places 15 petrol
to eat are concerned? Is there enough variety? 16 cotton
Are there places for young people to go? Could 17 relaxation
some of the places already there be made 18 colour(s)
better in some way?).
4 In your final paragraph, you could give your 44 PART 3
overall opinion on the options available to 19 H 20 E 21 D 22 F 23 C
people in your area when they want to eat out.
44 PART 4
Story (FIRST FOR SCHOOLS only)
24 A 25 A 26 B 27 A 28 B 29 A 30 C
Style: Neutral or semi-formal.
Content: 1 Decide where James is. One of the elements
you must include is a river. Is James by a river
at the beginning of the story, or does he go FIRST
to one later? Or does the river come into your
story in another way?
TEST 8
2 Where is the light? Does James know what the PAPER 1 R
 eading and
light is, or does he find out during the story? Use of English
3 Remember you must include both elements: 44 PART 1
a river and a happy ending. As you plan your
1B 2C 3D 4A 5B 6D 7C 8A
story, make sure it leads to a happy ending.
4 Make sure your story follows on from the prompt 44 PART 2
sentence, and that it develops logically and has a
clear beginning, middle and (happy) end. 9 if
10 Why
Question 5 (FIRST FOR SCHOOLS only) 11 at
Style: Neutral or semi-formal. 12 a
Content: 1 Decide which characters you are going to write 13 or
about, and in your introduction, briefly say 14 the
who the characters are, and whether each one 15 to
is a main character or someone who plays a 16 There
less important role in the story.
2 In the main part of your essay, describe the 44 PART 3
two characters. If the two characters are 17 intention (verb to noun)
closely connected throughout the book, you 18 life (verb / adjective to noun)
could organise this part of your essay into two 19 historical (noun to adjective)

Cambridge English: First Tests Answer key 227

20 disappeared (verb to past participle with a prefix) 44 D: ‘The way I make paintings reflects the way I experience
21 surroundings (verb to plural noun) the world, and what I’m like as a person. I think this is
22 social (noun to adjective) unavoidable.’
23 majority (adjective to noun) 45 E: ‘Just because I’m able to do lots of different things
24 principally (adjective to adverb) in paint, it doesn’t mean I don’t mean it’ and
‘they’re a sincere attempt to make sense of the
44 PART 4 world’.
25 has never / has not / hasn’t been cleaned ❙ since 46 A: ‘What I love about painting is that it embodies a
26 he would / he’d ❙ rather eat series of thought and feeling processes. It’s all there
27 even though ❙ we’ve / we have invested on the canvas as a record.’
28 has no ❙ intention of 47 C: ‘I used to think I could only use something once, but
29 to go outside ❙ when it I’m now realising that some of the ways I use paint
30 should have ❙ taken … develops the theme further.’
48 B: ‘oil paint is so flexible that I can adjust what I’m
44 PART 5 doing almost endlessly … oil paint remains wet long
31 C: ‘There are some with no musical ability (me) …’ and enough for countless changes of mind’
‘My niece … Emma, however, is at the top of the 49 D: ‘I have never wanted to limit myself to one or
musical league’. two kinds of mark-making – I find it exciting and
32 D: ‘Even the most inexperienced can sit alongside those challenging to find different ways of using paint’
with a drumming track record.’ 50 C: ‘I’m still hooked on 15th-century German artist
33 C: ‘Steve is fine with this, and the whole group smile Dürer’s woodcuts for the way he uses line so
supportively at us, so with renewed energy I join in inventively to describe everything from patches of
as we start again.’ grass to cloudbursts.’
34 A: ‘I listen to what I’m playing and realise it is out of 51 E: ‘I don’t want to make paintings that sit quietly in the
time’ corner of the room’
35 B: ‘I feel as if I’ve done a tough work-out session.’ 52 A: ‘I tend to make up what I do on the canvas as I go
36 B: At the end of the article, the writer is feeling more along. I have a vague idea in mind, but usually
confident and says ‘we have enjoyed ourselves’. abandon it pretty quickly.’
They agree that ‘drumming rocks’ and indicate that
they can’t stop drumming. The writer also says
‘I can’t wait to go back’.
PAPER 2 Writing
44 PART 6 44 PART 1 (suggested answers)
37 B: Link between ‘who wanted to see …’ and ‘In Question 1
particular, they wanted …’ and also ‘they wanted to Style: Neutral or semi-formal.
know … or whether’ and ‘But how to find out?’. Content: 1 In your introduction, repeat the statement
38 G: Link between ‘very hard for a researcher …’ and in your own words and briefly say why you
‘What Tracy and Matsumoto needed was …’ and people might believe this. Your essay should
also between ‘a large group of people’ and ‘some answer the question ‘Do you agree?’, so make
of these subjects … Where could such a group of sure your opinion is clearly stated and give
people be found?’. reasons for why you think this. You could also
39 A: Link between ‘athletes who were born blind’ and consider the other point of view.
‘Therefore, they could not possibly have witnessed …’ 2 You could divide the main body of your essay
40 C: Link between ‘the researchers painstakingly recorded into three separate paragraphs, focussing
the positions of their head, arms and bodies’ and on the three points. Don’t forget to include
‘After analysing this data’ and also between ‘sighed your own idea for the third point. In the
and sightless athletes behaved in exactly the same second paragraph you should talk about how
ways’ and ‘The winners tilted their heads up … while relationships can be affected by having or
slumped shoulders … were the hallmarks of losers’. not having money, for example, if you have
41 F: Link between ‘Men and women who have never seen a lot of money, would people expect you
other people behave in these ways still make exactly to share it? Do people argue about money?
the same movements’ and ‘parents may have taught What do they argue about? In the third
their blind children some of these behaviours’. paragraph, talk about how having or not
42 D: Link between ‘remarkably consistent between … having money can affect health, for example,
contestants from every part of the world’ and ‘athletes’ if you have plenty of money, does this gain
culture was found to have only a very small effect …’. you access to better healthcare? In the fourth
paragraph, discuss your own idea. Give
44 PART 7 reasons for your opinions in each paragraph
43 B: ‘Each type of paint has a different quality and and brief examples.
texture, and I think it adds to the visual richness to 3 In your conclusion summarise your opinion.
apply colours using different paint media.’

228 Cambridge English: First Tests Answer key

44 PART 2 (suggested answers) you think should be available but isn’t at the
moment, for example, a free advice service.
Question 2 4 In your final paragraph, you could say that you
Style: Neutral hope your suggestions are useful and that you
Content: 1 Give the name of the programme you watched hope to see the new service in your town soon.
and briefly say what it was about.
2 In the second paragraph, write a description Story (FIRST FOR SCHOOLS only)
of the programme. Include more information Style: Neutral or semi-formal.
about the subject of the programme, or the Content: 1 How could you tell that your brother was
people who appeared in it. excited? What was he excited about?
3 In the third paragraph, write about what you 2 You must include the two elements: What is
found so interesting about the programme. For the unusual gift? Why was there a trip to the
example, was an interesting discovery made? city and what happened there? How were the
Did you hear about some interesting evidence? two things connected? For example, was the
Did you learn some interesting facts about a trip to the city the unusual gift, or was the gift
new subject, or find out more about something something else? Did you or your brother buy
you were already interested in? the gift for someone else? Did you have to go
4 In the final paragraph, say who else might to the city to buy it? Why was this exciting?
have found the programme interesting, or if 3 Remember that your story must follow on from
you’d like to find out more about the subject. the prompt sentence. It should have a logical
development and have a clear beginning,
Question 3 middle and end.
Style: Neutral or informal.
Content: 1 Start your reply with an appropriate greeting, Question 5 (FIRST FOR SCHOOLS only)
for example, Hi Paula or Dear Paula. Style: Neutral or semi-formal.
2 Tell Paula that you are happy to help her to Content: 1 In your introduction, give the title of the set
think of some useful phrases to learn. book and introduce the theme of your essay.
3 Explain to Paula what kind of phrases might 2 In the main body of the essay describe the
be useful for her to learn before her trip. Think ending of the story. Then write about the events
about which situations she might find herself that led to the ending, for example, was there an
in, for example: ordering food, buying tickets, adventure or the development of a friendship?
using public transport, personal details, or asking Was there a problem which was solved? Discuss
for directions. Give a few examples of the kinds whether you predicted the end of the story. Was
of phrases she might need, for example: ‘How it a surprise? Do you think it was a good ending
much is it?’, ‘Could I have a salad?’ or ‘Where is for the story or was it disappointing? Do you
the museum?’. (Remember your answer must think a different ending might have been better?
be in English, so don’t use phrases from other You could finish your essay by saying why it is
languages!) You could tell Paula about any important to end a story in the right way.
similar experiences you have had and what you
found useful to know how to say.
4 Finish by saying you hope that the information
PAPER 3 Listening
you’ve provided is helpful. You could say that
you hope Paula and her family have a good trip 44 PART 1
and ask her to tell you about it. 1B 2A 3C 4B 5C 6A 7B 8B
5 Use an appropriate closing formula such as
Bye for now or Write soon. 44 PART 2
Question 4 9 conservation
Report (FIRST only) 10 deer
Style: Neutral or semi-formal. 11 gate
Content: 1 Provide a title for your report. Decide how you 12 projects
will organise the information in your report. 13 map
2 In your first paragraph, explain what you are 14 river
going to talk about in your report. 15 chemistry
3 Give each paragraph its own heading, for 16 height
example, ‘How to become healthier’, ‘Services 17 dairy
available’, ‘Places to go’, ‘Suggestions for a 18 (local) honey
further service’. Under each heading, discuss 44 PART 3
these different points, for example, you could
talk about places where people can eat healthily, 19 E 20 H 21 A 22 G 23 C
or places where they can go to do exercise. You 44 PART 4
should also include a service or place which
24 B 25 A 26 A 27 B 28 C 29 C 30 B

Cambridge English: First Tests Answer key 229