Aptis Advanced a Self-study Guide

Creating Opportunity Worldwide

P a g e | 1 The British Council, 2014

The British Council is the United Kingdom's international organisation for cultural relations and education opportunities. Version 1.0 October 2014

Aptis Advanced:

A Self-Study Guide




Contents

Chapter: Page:

Aptis Advanced Test Strategies....3

What to Expect: A guide to the Aptis Advanced Speaking Test...10

What to Expect: A guide to the Aptis Advanced Writing Test...21

Aptis Advanced Format Quiz...27

Aptis Advanced: Final Preparation:...31

Grammar & Vocabulary..32 Reading...41 Listening.....47 Writing.55 Speaking.61




Aptis Advanced Test Strategies




APTIS Advanced Test Strategies

You are now nearly ready for the APTIS exit test. Congratulations on getting this far!

The aim of this material is to:

1) Refresh your memory about the procedures, style and presentation of the test. 2) Give you further practice at the speaking, grammar and writing component. 3) Provide you with strategies for the test to give you the best possible chance of moving up one or two

levels on the Aptis framework and so completing the course successfully.

Available Marks and Timings for Each Component

Component Number of Items Time

Core (Grammar & Vocabulary) 50 25 minutes

Reading 25 40 minutes

Listening 25 50 minutes

Speaking 4 Parts 11 minutes

Writing 4 Parts 40 minutes

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Core (Grammar & Vocabulary)

What to Expect: This component begins with 25 grammar questions. They start off easy and get more difficult. For each question there are multi-choice answers A, B or C. Next is the vocabulary part. Again, 25 marks are available here. This might be matching synonyms for example.

Tips for the Core paper

This is not too difficult; however there are some tips to help. A lot of the options are based on collocations (i.e. words that commonly go together) so dont try to analyse the language (subject, verb...etc.). Sometimes analysis will not help you because all options are grammatically possible.

Some good advice is: Trust your instincts. For example in this question: It's a _________ your wife can't come (a.harm, b.sorrow, c.shame, d.shock), I'd like you to just 'sound' the options (i.e. say them to yourself and listen for which is the most natural.) There will definitely be one which sounds more natural because you have heard/read 'It's a shame' before but you have never heard the other 3. So basically, when it comes to collocations, if it sounds correct it is.

Try the online demo for this test:

http://www.britishcouncil.org/aptis-demo-tests/AptisGrammarVocabDemo/

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Reading

What to Expect: There are four parts in the reading component:

1. Text Cohesion

In this task you will see a series of seven sentences. They belong to a single story that has been jumbled up. There is only one way that the sentences go together to form the story and your task is to click on the sentences and drag them to the correct position in the story. This task tests your knowledge of the cohesion of a text.

2. Short text comprehension

In this task you will need to read a short text and then complete it by selecting the appropriate words (from a list) to fill in the gaps. To complete all of the text you need to understand more than just a sentence.

3. Long text comprehension (1)

This task consists of a long text with a series of headings. The task is to match the headings to paragraphs in the text and it is designed to test your ability to read and understand a long text.

4. Long text comprehension (2)

For this task you use the same long text from Part 3. There are a series of short summaries of the main opinions in the text. The ideas that are expressed in the text must be put in the order they occur.

Grading System Descriptors Reading

C Can understand and interpret critically virtually all forms of the written language.

B2 Can read with a large degree of independence, adapting style and speed of reading to different texts and purposes, and using appropriate reference sources selectively.

B1 Can read straightforward factual texts on subjects related to his/her field and interest with a satisfactory level of comprehension.

A2 Can understand short, simple texts on familiar matters of a concrete type which consist of high frequency every day or job-related language.

A1 Can understand very short, simple texts a single phrase at a time, picking up familiar names, words and basic phrases and rereading as required.

A0 Not enough language knowledge demonstrated to allow for any meaningful inferences about the candidates ability.

Tips for Reading

As with the Core component, don't only focus on analysis (subject, verb...etc.). Reading is ultimately about understanding and so the first thing you need to look for is meaning. Once you understand what they are saying - you are 50% nearer to success.

Pace yourself; think about how much time you have for each question and work steadily. If you rush you might miss important details.


http://www.britishcouncil.org/aptis-demo-tests/AptisReadingDemo/

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Listening

What to expect: There are 25 questions based on recordings that you will listen to with headphones. These might be answer phone messages or short conversations. They get progressively more difficult as the test proceeds.

Grading System Descriptors Listening

C Has no difficulty in understanding any kind of spoken language, whether live or broadcast, delivered at the speed of a native speaker.

B2 Can understand the main ideas of propositionally and linguistically complex speech on both concrete and abstract topics delivered in a standard dialect, including technical discussions in his/her field of specialisation.

B1 Can understand straightforward factual information about common every day or job related topics, identifying both general messages and specific details, provided speech is clearly articulated in a generally familiar accent.

A2 Can understand enough to be able to meet needs of a concrete type provided speech is clearly and slowly articulated.

A1 Can follow speech which is very slow and carefully articulated, with long pauses for him/her to assimilate meaning.

A0 Not enough language knowledge demonstrated to allow for any meaningful inferences about the candidates ability.

Listening Tips

Try not to fall behind. For example, many students end up answering questions while listening to the next recording. You will lose a lot of marks this way. You don't have much time - but it's better to lose 1 question that you are not sure about than to lose all the questions because you fell behind. You need to be reading the question/answer options for the next question before that listening begins. Remember that you also have 5 minutes at the start to read the questions.

Listen for important question words (e.g. when, where...etc.). Most of the answer options include the same content words and the only difference relates to the question word (e.g. where vs. why...etc.). If you hear the question word you are already half way.

The questions follow a logical sequence and it is a listening comprehension task as opposed to 'scanning', so you are much better just listening to make sure you get the main ideas. Of course you should still read the questions but many students write and then rub out the first question and therefore losing the remaining 3.

The last part is the most difficult and you will only hear the recording once. Don't try to understand everything. Read the 3 questions and pick out key words. Then as you listen just 'scan' or listening out for the information related to those words.


http://www.britishcouncil.org/aptis-demo-tests/AptisListeningDemo/

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Writing

What to expect: The writing component will test your ability to write both formally and informally. There are four parts:

1. Word Level Writing

You will start off with a familiar subject entering personal information into a spread sheet or application form, for example.

2. Short Text Writing

Next, you will write a short paragraph (about 30 words) on a more unfamiliar subject. For example explain why people like taking photographs.

3. Three Written Responses to Written Input

The third part is more flexible. There can be a variety of tasks. It usually tests your writing creativity. For example, write a short paragraph in a blog about why you like photography, or respond to written input on a social network-type website.

4. Formal and Informal Text Writing

Part four will test your ability to write formal and informal emails on the same subject. For example, a tourist company has cancelled your holiday but refuses to refund you the full amount. Write an email to a close friend explaining why youre unhappy and next write an email to the tourist company explaining why youre are not satisfied with their decision.

Grading System Descriptors Writing

C Can write clear, smoothly flowing, complex texts in an appropriate and effective style and a logical structure which helps the reader to find significant points.

B2 Can write clear, detailed texts on a variety of subjects related to his/her field of interest and shows an ability to use different registers within written texts

B1 Can write straightforward connected texts on a range of familiar subjects within his field of interest, by linking a series of shorter discrete elements into a linear sequence.

A2 Can write a series of simple phrases and sentences linked with simple connectors like and, but and because

A1 Can write simple isolated phrases and sentences. A0 Not enough language knowledge demonstrated to allow for any meaningful inferences about

the candidates ability.

Tips for Writing

You have written a lot on this course in the online component, on Facebook and in the classroom. So, your writing is actually very good but the hard part is going to be the genre (e.g. letter of complaint). You only need to focus on two genres and these are: Letters and Essays. Pay close attention to what the questions asks for and give them exactly what they want in terms of length, tone, format...etc. No matter how well you write, if you don't stick to the conventions of the genre you will not do as well as you could.


http://www.britishcouncil.org/aptis-demo-tests/AptisWritingDemo/




Speaking

What to expect: In the speaking component, you will wear headphones and a microphone. You will listen to questions and then answer them for a set period of time. A time-counter will show you how long to talk for. Similarly to the writing component, topics will be more familiar to begin with (family, friends, work etc.) and become more unfamiliar by the end of the text.

1. Personal Information

Part one is based on three familiar subjects e.g. Tell me about your school. You will have 30 seconds for each response.

2. Description of a Picture and Comparison with Own Situation

In part two, you will describe a picture in as much details as you can. Next you will have two follow up questions about the picture to answer. You will have 45 seconds for each response.

3. Describe, compare and Speculate

In part three you will see two more pictures. This time you will have to compare the pictures. For example, you might see a picture of a supermarket and a local/family shop. After comparing the pictures you will then have two follow up questions. For example, why do people sometimes go to supermarkets and other times to local shops? You will have 45 seconds for each response.

4. Discuss Personal Experience or Opinion in Relation to an Abstract Topic

Part four is the extended speaking component. You will be asked three questions and given three minutes to answer them. For example,

a. Tell me about a time when you got lost. b. How did you feel? c. What do people do when they get lost?

You will have one minute preparation time and two minutes for your response.

Grading System Descriptors Speaking

C Can produce clear, smoothly flowing well-structured speech with an effective logical structure which helps the recipient to notice and remember significant points.

B2 Can give clear, systematically developed descriptions and presentations on a wide range of subjects related to his/her field of interest, with appropriate highlighting of significant points, and relevant supporting detail.

B1 Can reasonably fluently sustain a straightforward description of one of a variety of subjects within his/her field of interest, presenting it as a linear sequence of points.

A2 Can give a simple description or presentation of people, living or working conditions, daily routines likes/dislikes, etc. as a short series of simple phrases and sentences linked into a list.

A1 Can produce simple descriptions on mainly personal topics. A0 Not enough language knowledge demonstrated to allow for any meaningful inferences about

the candidates ability.




Tips for Speaking

You need to answer the questions fully and talk more, as quite a lot say I dont know about it or I have nothing to say or just answer Yes/No. Try to elaborate whenever you can.

Try not to repeat things youve said. Expand upon your answers and move the topic forward.

Practice describing pictures / comparing two pictures. Even if you feel you dont have the right vocabulary, try to speak impromptu, and explain whatever ideas you have.

In part 4, dont spend the preparation time on writing full sentences because this will only be enough for 20-30 seconds. Just write bullet points (single words) which will act as a prompt for you to talk about more freely. If you dont fill 2 minutes you will not get the full score.

Answer the question accurately. For example, if the question says Tell me about a musical festival in your country dont talk about festivals generally it should only be a music festival. Or, Tell me about a close relative of yours the question is actually about ONE relative and not all of your family.

Overall, try not to feel nervous while speaking; tests can actually be an enjoyable experience.

Finally, speak confidently and clearly. You will be fine!


http://www.britishcouncil.org/aptis-demo-tests/AptisSpeakingDemo/

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We wish you the best of luck for the test. Youll do great!!!




What to Expect: A guide to the Aptis Advanced Speaking

Test




What to expect in the APTIS Advanced Speaking

Test

Part One: Personal Information

Three questions about your life.

30 second for each answer.

Examples of possible questions:

Who do you spend your free time with? What kind of things do you do together?

How much time do you spend at home? What do you enjoy doing?

What sort of music do you listen to? Why do you enjoy it?

Does anyone you know have an interesting hobby? What does he/she do?

Have you got any plans for this weekend? What are you going to do?

Do you prefer to spend your free time on your own or with other people? Why?

Do you like cooking? What sort of things do you cook?

Whats your favourite food? Why do you like it?

Do you like going to parties? Tell me about a good party youve been to.

Tell me about a day youve really enjoyed recently.

Is there something new youd really like to learn about? Why?

Are you happier doing mental or physical work? Why?

Do you prefer working on your own or with other people? Why?

What kind of work would you really like to do if you could choose?

Which area of your country would you like to get to know better? Why?

Whats the most interesting place youve visited near here? Tell me about it.

Have you ever used English on holiday? Where were you? What did you use it for?

Do you like to plan your holidays carefully or do you prefer to just go? Why?

Where would you really like to go on holiday in the future? Why?

How much TV do you watch in a week? Would you prefer to watch more or less? Why?

Tell me about a TV programme youve seen recently.

Do you have a favourite newspaper or magazine? Why do you like it?

Do you use the Internet? What sort of things do you look for in the Internet?




Example Responses (arranged according to topic):

1. Interests and Leisure Time

I enjoy reading non-fiction in my free time. Im interested in politics. I love listening to traditional Malay music. I thoroughly enjoy playing with my kids. When I can, I usually watch TV, in particular the news. When I have the chance I make my own skirts and dresses on my old sewing machine. One of my interests is traditional Indian dance. My preferred leisure activity is gardening. I love to watch my plants grow. My favourite pastime is shopping. I absolutely love it!

2. Family

I have a large/small family. My family has seven members. This is my immediate family. My extended family consists of at least 40 relatives. . We are a close-knit family and meet each other for family gatherings at least five times a year. My family are quite close. I have been married for 14 years. I was raised in the city/country. I have five siblings. I get on well with all of them.

3. My Job

I am a secondary school teacher.

I teach English and science.

My job is very demanding, but its rewarding too.

I often work long hours.

Apart from teaching, one of my responsibilities is to organize exams.

In my work I deal with difficult teenagers.

My work involves not only teaching, but running the English Club as well.

This job needs a lot of experience, paper qualifications are no good.

I commute one hour to work.




4. The Weather

Its incredibly hot today, but it may rain in the evening, as the weather has become quite

unpredictable recently.

Its boiling hot today, but I hope it will cool down a bit in the evening.

Its very sunny and, as always, very humid.

Its a lovely day today, bright and sunny with only a few clouds in the sky.

5. Likes and Dislikes

I enjoy visiting my in-laws. My mother-in-law always prepares my favourite food and my father-in-law loves playing with my kids. I adore playing with my nephew. Hes so funny. I am mad about fashion. I am crazy about handbags. Ive got quite a collection now and I now I have my eyes on a fabulous new one. I dont mind doing most household chores, but I absolutely hate ironing. I thoroughly dislike loud parties. I cant stand traffic jams. I get so frustrated when Im stuck in one, which is almost every day.

6. Learning

I love learning new things. At the moment Im learning computer skills and Im getting better and better at it. When I was at school I used to hate maths, but now I am helping my youngest with his homework and surprisingly, I enjoy it very much I graduated from the English Department a couple of years ago, but I feel I need to upskill my knowledge all the time, so whenever I can, I attend conferences and seminars for teachers. I have never had a chance to learn how to swim, so Ive asked my friend to teach me.

7. Holidays and Travel

I have never been to Australia, but I want to go there one day. I have been to the Perhentian Islands a few times and I thoroughly enjoyed the place. I am planning to go to Japan next summer. I want to do some sightseeing. When Im on holiday, I like to put my feet up and do nothing. I sometimes do some snorkelling and sunbathing, thats it. I would like to go on a walking holiday one day.




8. Media

I spend quite a lot of time watching TV. I mostly watch documentaries. I occasionally read newspapers, but I mostly read about the news on the internet. My favourite website is BBC News, as its so comprehensive and the information is quite accurate. I often use the internet to search for information, but I find that many websites are unreliable and the information there is either misleading or simply not true.

9. Future Plans

My dream is to visit Australia. I have never been there and sister tells me its a really exciting place. My ultimate goal is to complete my studies and get a degree. Im thinking about changing my job. I would like to work as a secondary school teacher, as I feel its more challenging than my present job. Im going to start a family soon, so I wont have much time for professional development.

10. Books

Im now reading a book called The Fault in Our Stars. Its about teenagers suffering from cancer, but the book is not gloomy at all. In fact, its very funny at times. I am an avid reader of romantic comedies. I cant help it! This book is a real page turner. The book has a strong plot with twists and turns, likeable characters and vivid descriptions of the jungle. Its the best book Ive read for a long time. The book is hilarious so I do recommend it to anyone who wants a good laugh.

11. Films

Ive recently seen a really good film. Its called Gravity and its about two astronauts in the

space. The special effects are amazing.

I am addicted to soap operas. I need light entertainment to relax at the end of the day.

The film is based on a true story.

Its a thriller starring Bruce Willis. Its not suitable for children, as there is quite a lot of

violence in it.

I do recommend it.

In fact, Ive never seen such a good film.




12. Food

At the moment I am on a diet, so I avoid deep fried food, but I make sure I have at least

one nourishing meal a day.

I never skip breakfast.

My family often eat out and our favourite place is Rebung Chef. This restaurant is very

popular, so you need to book a table in advance.

I have a sweet tooth, so my favourite part of dinner is, of course, dessert. I particularly like

chocolate cake with vanilla ice cream on top.

13. Health and Fitness

Im off colour today.

Im a bit under the weather today. I think Ive got a cold coming on.

Im out of shape, so Ive decided to do some yoga and aerobics in my local fitness club.

Its important to keep your body in good shape. Besides, exercising also uplifts your

mood.




Part Two: Describing a Picture

Three questions.

45 seconds for each question.

Question One: The focus of question one is to describe a picture.

There are 3 ways to do this: Describe, Speculate and React.

Describe the Picture: Who is there? Where are they? What are they doing? What do they look like? How do they feel? Whats in the background (if important). Whats the weather like (if important). A general impression is better than separate details. You wont have time to go into them, anyway. This is a picture of a peaceful place in the country. There are three people in the picture. I think they are at a family gathering. The woman on the left is making a speech. We can see some skyscrapers in the background.

Speculate:

This is a lively, bustling city. It must be Tokyo.

She looks quite surprised. Perhaps shes forgotten about her own birthday.

I suppose its their anniversary.

They all look very smart. The woman on the right is wearing quite formal clothes. They might be getting ready for some special occasion.

The woman is wearing baggy trousers and an oversized T-shirt. She must be American The man behind her looks impatient.

They are all wearing casual clothes. They might be getting ready for a picnic.

The child in the middle seems to be exhausted. He must have had a really exciting day.

She must be the childs grandmother.

She could be his wife.

They seem to be enjoying themselves.

She looks very happy.

He looks worried. Perhaps hes missed his train.

I get the impression she is not happy about this situation.

It's not clear whether its a marketplace or a jumble sale.




React:

I like this photo. It reminds me of my childhood days.

This photo makes me think of my own grandmother and the time we celebrated her birthday.

I would love to try this. In fact, Im going on a trip like that next month.

I like this picture, though Im scared of heights and I am not keen on trying out things like that.

Question Two and Three: Comparing with own situation.

I would definitely choose picture 1, as I like being on my own.

I guess my first choice would be picture 2.

For me the most important thing is to work with friendly colleagues.

I dont think it really matters where you go as long as you have good company.

Personally, I would prefer this place.

Of course, the good thing about living in the city is an abundance of facilities and entertainment.

On the other hand, life in the country is much less stressful.

I wouldnt mind being on a beautiful island like that, but on the other hand I think I would be bored

to death after a couple of days there.

If I had to choose one of these places, I would definitely go for the one in the picture at the top.




Part Three: Comparing Two Pictures

Three questions.

45 seconds each.

Question One: describe (expressions from Part Two), compare and contrast.

Question Two: react to one of these situations (expression from Part Two).

Question Three: compare with your own situation (expressions from Part Two)

The pictures are based on a clear contrast. For instance:

Being with your family or friends vs. being alone

Working in a team vs., working by yourself

Active holiday vs. lying on the beach

Watching a match on TV vs. watching it live in the stadium with a bunch of friends

Peaceful, quiet countryside vs. bustling, noisy city

Unspoilt nature vs. a polluted city

Listening to the teacher vs. studying by yourself in the library

Learner-centred vs. Teacher-centred

Outdoors vs. indoors

Compare and Contrast

Both pictures show a classroom. However, in the top picture the children are listening to the teacher,

whereas in the bottom picture they are working on their own. Apart from that, the classrooms look quite

different form each other.

There are animals in both pictures. In the first one they are in a zoo, kept in cages, while in the other one

they live in the wild.,

Although both pictures show a city, they must have been taken at different times of day, as there are so many

differences between them.

Both of these people look exhausted, but I imagine its for very different reasons.

Both pictures show people doing sports, but there are a few important differences between them.

The main difference seems to be that in the first picture its their job, whereas in the other picture they are

doing it for fun.




Part Four: Long Turn

In part four do not describe the picture.

1 minute preparation. Dont write full sentences, just key words. Plan a logical development of your talk

(from personal to general).

A 2-minute talk, based on three questions. Here youre on your own, but you may want to use one of the

expressions listed before or one of the discourse markers and fillers below.

Discourse Markers:

First of all,

Then again,

All the same,

Still, Instead, Of course,

Well, Despite that,

Even so, Similarly Obviously,

Naturally,

Anyway,

On top of that,

Another thing is

Whats more,

For instance

The first thing Id like to say is

In fact, I mean, What I mean is

In other words,

On the whole,

At the same time,

Actually, What I'm trying to say is

Now, about the next question,

One of the reasons why

Because of this,

As a matter of fact,

I forgot to mention that

As a result,

Let me think,

Lets see,

such as

In contrast,

as well as

Besides,

In particular

My point is

Right, that is

That is to say

I feel I suppose Im afraid I guess

I reckon




Examples of possible topics:

Tell me about a good book you read recently.

What kind of books do you usually read?

Do you think paper books will be replaced one day by e-books?

Tell me about a time when you were late.

How did you feel?

Are people in your country usually punctual?

Tell me about something that you have done recently to keep you fit.

Will you continue doing that?

What are the reasons people do sports activities?

Tell me about the time you received some good news by letter or email.

Did you tell other people about the good news?

What is the best way to communicate good news: by letter, email, telephone or in person?

Tell me about the time you enjoyed shopping.

Did you buy the things you needed?

Some people enjoy shopping a lot. Why do you think this is?

Tell me about a recent party you went to.

Did you enjoy yourself?

What makes a good party: food, people or the place?

Tell me about the time you visited an older relative.

Did you enjoy the time with her/him? What did you do?

How do people in your country look after older members of the family?

Tell me about a good film you saw recently.

Do you usually watch films like that?

Which films are popular in your country?

Tell me about a holiday you had recently.

Did you enjoy it?

What makes a good holiday?

Tell me about the time you met your whole family.

Did you enjoy yourself? What did you do together?

How important is it to keep good relationships with your relatives?




What to Expect: A guide to the Aptis

Advance Writing Test




What to Expect: A guide to the APTIS Advanced

Writing Test

There are four parts to the test.

The test is 40 minutes long.

Part One: Fill in the Form

Basic personal information: 3 minutes

Remember:

Months are written with a CAPITAL LETTER: May, October

Languages are written with a CAPITAL Letter: Bahasa, Cantonese

Hobbies and interests should be somehow connected with the general topic of your

writing. If you are enrolling at a sports club, gardening would not be a suitable

interest, would it? So read what the form is about first and then write three nouns or

gerunds.




Part Two: Answer the Questions

Two short informal texts.

20-30 words each.

7 minutes total.

The questions are quite simple, but that doesnt mean you have to give a simple answer. On

the contrary, use complex sentences and interesting vocabulary, but stay within the

word limit.

I decided to join because a friend of mine recommended it to me and I badly need to

brush up on my computer skills.

Ive only just joined but I already like it very much. I hope I can learn one or two

useful things here.

I decided to join for a number of reasons. First of all, I need to slim down a bit. I

also want to find activities which would help me unwind at the end of the day.

Id like to take part in archery classes once or twice a week.

Im looking forward to meeting like-minded people.

Im looking forward to trying out this new thing everybody is talking about.




Part Three: Three Short Responses

Social network.

30-40 words per answer.

10 minutes total.

Again, the questions are quite simple, but here you should attempt even more interesting

grammar and a range of vocabulary. Please stay within the word limit.

Im afraid the language here is unpredictable, so go to a wonderful website created by Jason

Anderson, the British Council trainer for further practice:

http://proelt.byethost7.com/




Part Four: Informal and Formal Emails

Informal email

About 50 words.

10 minutes.

Short and simple,

Informal, personal, emotional.

Hi Mike,

Just to let you know that I read this letter from our book club.

Have you heard about the price rise?

Just a quickish note to tell you that I got a letter from the club, saying that the trips been cancelled.

What a rip-off!

Its ridiculous ! I was so infuriated when I read it.

Its a shame they didnt talk to us first. What a nuisance!

Why cant they change the date? Why dont they hire a new instructor? I really dont understand why they didnt tell us about it earlier. How do they expect us to pay so much?

They could have called off the trip and set a new date.

On top of that, they will charge us for using the place.

And another thing is, they will close for two weeks in December.

Really, I wouldnt have joined this club, if I had know it was going to be like that. Actually, Im thinking of finding a new place. Why dont we write them a letter? Anyway, do you think we can go and talk to them?

All the best,

Speak to you soon,

Cheers,

Alicja




Formal email

120-150 words.

Formal, impersonal, polite but assertive.

One paragraph = one idea.

Clear division of paragraphs.

Dear Sir/Madam, Paragraph one: The reason for writing and the background to the problem

I am writing to complain about a faulty printer i bought at your shop on .. I am writing to express my dissatisfaction with the service i received .. I am writing inform you about the error in the bill .. I am writing with reference to the invoice number .

Paragraph two: Describe the problem in detail

information: incorrect, misleading, inaccurate, outdated, insufficient

food: a limited choice on offer, undercooked, served cold, inedible, tasteless, insipid, unappetizing,

behavior: aggressive, inappropriate, unreasonable, negative attitude of the staff

clothing: shrank in washing, the colour faded,

equipment: damaged, faulty, defective, stopped functioning, the battery does not charge,

situation: it didnt meet the required standard, unacceptable, unreasonable, unsatisfactory, unpleasant,

Paragraph three (optional): Add more details if necessary

I must also point out that the information on your website is inaccurate.

I spent several wasted hours reading the manual.

furthermore, i was disappointed with the negative attitude of your staff. Paragraph four What action should be taken?

I would suggest updating the website.

I suggest you look into this problem very seriously.

I believe this attitude will deter potential customers from using your service

I expect to be fully compensated . I would recommend that you retrain your staff ..

Closing

I hope that my suggestions are taken into consideration.

Do not hesitate to contact me again if you require any further information.

I look forward to receiving your response to my suggestions.

I look forward to your prompt reply.

Yours faithfully,




Aptis Advanced

Format Quiz




Aptis Advanced Format Quiz

A Quiz to Familiarise People with the Format of the Aptis Advanced Test This is an open book quiz. Use your copy of the Aptis Advanced Candidate Guide to find the right answers. Part 1: Core Paper

1. What are the two parts of the core paper? ____________________________________

2. How many questions are there in each of the two sections? ____________________

3. How much time do you have for the core paper? _______________________________

4. The grammar section focusses on two different basic question types what are they?

_________________________________________________________________________

5. What kind of questions does the core paper have (e.g. open questions, yes/no questions etc.)? ______________________________________________________________________

6. The vocabulary section has 4 parts, each with a different focus, what are these different focusses? ___________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

Part 2: Reading

1. How much time do you have to complete the reading paper? ________________________

2. How many parts are there? _____________________________________________________

3. What are the different parts? ____________________________________________________

4. What do you have to do in task 1? _______________________________________________




Part 3: Listening 1. How many questions are there? _________________________________________________

2. How many times can you listen to the text for each question? ________________________

3. How many questions are there for each text? ______________________________________

4. There are three types of question, what are they (i.e. what is the focus of these

questions)? __________________________________________________________________

5. What kind of question format is it? (Open question, yes/no question etc.) ______________

_____________________________________________________________________________




Part 4: Writing 1. How long do you have for the writing test? ________________________________________

2. How many tasks are there? ____________________________________________________

3. What are these tasks? _________________________________________________________

4. There are six common mistakes, what are they? ________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

5. What are the recommended times for each task? __________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________

6. How many pieces of information are awarded points in task 1? ______________________

7. What is the maximum number of points you can get for task 1? ______________________

8. For the interests part can you use capital letters or small letters? ___________________

9. In task 2, how many questions will there be? ______________________________________

10. What is the maximum mark for task 2? ___________________________________________

11. What is the word count for task 2? ______________________________________________

12. What are the 4 things you are told to do to get a high mark on task 2? _________________

13. For task 3, do you see all the questions at once? ___________________________________

14. What type of text is it for task 3? (e.g. a letter, a story etc.) __________________________

15. What is the word count for task 3 on each question? ______________________________

16. For task 4, how many questions are there? ______________________________________

17. What is the difference in the writing between task 4, part 1 and task 4, part 2? __________

__________________________________________________________________________

18. What are the word counts for each of the questions in task 4? _______________________

19. What are the four things you are told to do to get a high mark in task 4? _______________

____________________________________________________________________________




Part 5: Speaking 1. How many parts are there in the speaking test? ___________________________________

2. What are they? ______________________________________________________________

3. What are the common issues people have with the speaking test? __________________ ___________________________________________________________________________

4. How long do you have to speak in task 1? _______________________________________




8. After you hear the question, do you need to click on anything before you speak or does it record you automatically? ______________________________________________________

9. In task 4 do you need to describe the picture? _____________________________________

10. On the speaking scale, what are the four areas that you are marked on? ______________

_____________________________________________________________________________




Aptis Advanced:

Final Preparation




Aptis Grammar and Vocabulary Test Final Preparation

1 Refresh your memory

What do you already know about the grammar and vocabulary test? Choose one word from the box to complete each gap in this summary text. Use each word only once.

as change consists each tests even for pause whole

The grammar and writing test

1)__________ of 2 separate sections. The first is 25 multiple choice answers to

test your grammar knowledge. It tests things like verb tenses, articles, prepositions, linkers, modal verbs and 2)

__________ spoken grammar. The second is 5 vocabulary exercises, 3)

__________ with 5 items for which you have to select one choice from a drop-down list. It

4)__________ mainly synonyms and collocations. There

is one mark 5)

__________ each answer, making a total of 50 marks for the 6)

__________ test. You have 25 minutes to complete the test. During the test, you cannot

7)__________ the clock, but you can go back or

forward 8)

__________ you like, and you can review and 9)

__________ your answers at any point until you submit your test or your time runs out.

2 Navigating within the Aptis website

1) Circle the following: a) time remaining b) percentage of test completed c) button to move to next question

2) How would you a) go to question 7? b) leave a question for later? c) go straight to the vocab. section?

3 Do the Aptis Website Practice Test

Go to the following web address and do the online Grammar and Vocabulary Practice Test: http://www.britishcouncil.org/aptis-practice-tests/AptisGrammarVocabPractice/ Once youve finished, youll get a % mark. Make a note of it here: _________%




4 Find your Strengths and Weaknesses

In order to evaluate your strengths and weaknesses in grammar and vocabulary knowledge, its useful to know the name of the grammar or vocabulary that is being tested. That way, you can search for the same grammar / vocabulary area online and improve on your weak areas. Here are all the questions from the test. Read through them and decide whether you know the grammar or not. Put a tick or cross in the last column. Also answer any of the questions in the What is it testing? column.

Grammar

Question with correct answer in bold What is it testing? Do I know this? or

1. He is single. He never ________. married

marries marrying

Tenses

Past simple, present simple. Its also testing use of the negative adverb never.

2. I ________ use to swim much, but now I have my own pool, I swim every day.

dont didnt did

Used to

An area of grammar used to talk about past habits & states. This question is testing the form.

3. In those days, my father ________ never eat dinner after 8 oclock.

used to will would

Would

A modal verb that can also be used to talk about past habits. Why is used to impossible?

4. I had a shower, ________ I went to bed. during then

until

Linkers

during is a preposition, then is an adverb and until is either a preposition or a conjunction.

5. How much ________ the train to Santiago cost? is does

do

Question Forms

This question is testing whether you understand which auxiliary to use in questions.

6. He ________ in Cairo. living lives

live

Tenses

Present simple vs. present continuous. Only lives is formally correct. How would it be in present continuous?

7. ________ you like to go out this evening? Will Would

Can

Question Forms

This question is testing whether you know how to form a question with would like

8. He ________ finished cooking when we arrived. has have had

Tenses

Past perfect simple vs. present perfect simple. Why is present perfect impossible?

9. The film starts ________ half past four. at

on in

Prepositions of Time

We always use at with clock times. Do you know when we use on and in?

10. I wish it ________ the time of year when I could go on holiday.

will be is were

Wish

Notice how we need to use past tense after wish (were is the subjunctive form). The same is true about if only.

11. I dont think its right ________ children to play with toy guns.

Syntax

A difficult area to revise. It tests your




for

that to

understanding of how to link clauses in sentences. Note the structure: be + right / wrong for (+ noun) to (+ verb).

12. I ________ to work when I saw Steve. was going

went going

Tenses

Past continuous vs. past simple. These are part of an area of grammar sometimes called narrative tenses.

13. That mans so unreliable you cant trust him. ________

I wouldnt frankly work with him. I wouldnt work frankly with him. Frankly, I wouldnt work with him.

Adverb position in sentences

There are specific rules as to where we can and cant put adverbs in sentences. Do you know the rules?

14. Excuse me, Im lost. ________ you help me? Could

Shall Should

Polite Requests

The example uses could. Do you know other ways of making polite requests?

15. William ________ in South America now. is living

will live was living

Tenses

Present continuous vs. will future and past continuous.

16. We could cook dinner. ________, we could buy some take away food.

Therefore On the other hand

Although

Linkers

Therefore and On the other hand are discourse markers, a type of adverb. Although is always a conjunction. Do you know the difference?

17. You ________ to do your homework by tomorrow. should must have

Expressing Obligation

This is testing an area that includes both true modal verbs and the semi-modal have to. Why are the others wrong?

18. We ________ have caught the early train, as the football match was delayed.

mustnt didnt neednt

Neednt have (+ past participle) Notice how some modals can be used in the past to express criticism or make deductions. Google past modals of deduction for more information.

19. She reads every day ________ she isnt serious. and because but

Conjunctions

This is testing the meaning of the 3 conjunctions. How would you change the sentence to use and or because?

20. A: I enjoy working on challenging projects at work. B: So ________ I!

am do

can

So do I / Neither do I

This is a specific area of spoken grammar that is often tested in the test. How would you negate the answer?

21. Go to the end of the street and turn ________ right. (-)

on to

Giving Directions

This is testing collocation / dependent prepositions within the functional area of giving directions.

22. The children ________ playing football for two hours before it started raining.

have been has been had been

Tenses

Past perfect continuous, the right answer, is being contrasted with present perfect continuous. What is the other verb tense used in the sentence?

23. There were ________ than fifty people in the audience last night.

fewer

few lesser

Comparatives / Quantifiers

Note that in Malaysia, lesser is sometimes used in this context, but this is considered wrong in standard UK English.

24. I just heard they are ________ get married in June. going to

Be going to (+ verb)

Often just called going to, its a very




going go to

common future form in English.

25. If you were a better cook, you ________ need to eat out all the time.

wont wouldnt hadnt

Conditionals (2nd

vs. 1st

)

The correct answer is a second conditional. Why cant it be first conditional?

Vocabulary

For the vocabulary, write strong, OK or weak in the self evaluation column, depending on how you did in the test:

Answers Choices What is it testing? Self-evaluation

Vocabulary 1

study = read receive = get start = begin talk = speak pick = choose

go begin plan listen read run choose speak end get

Verb Synonyms

Testing knowledge of verb meaning. Notice that the first answer is a very weak synonym, but its (probably) the best choice.

Vocabulary 2

cover wrap improve / change adjust state / make public announce get somewhere arrive put something together assemble

attend assemble approach arrive admit announce arrange adjust accept wrap

Verb Synonyms

Testing knowledge of verb meaning. Notice how sometimes 2 verbs are given on the left to ensure only one match is possible from the choices.

Vocabulary 3

More and more people go abroad for their holidays these days. Drivers need to remain alert when in charge of a car. The city has many ancient and interesting buildings. Shes a highly articulate person who explains things clearly. Hes a very aggressive person always getting into fights

awkward ancient ahead adequate articulate alert accurate abroad adult aggressive

Collocations

Testing knowledge of adjectives and adverbs. Most of the correct answers are right because they collocate with a verb before the adjective or a noun after it.

Vocabulary 4

timetable = schedule reward = prize queue = line phase = stage error = mistake

line joint command prize mess fright schedule dock stage mistake

Noun Synonyms

Testing knowledge of noun meaning.

Vocabulary 5

aerobics + classes agriculture + minister aisle + seat apron + strings atom + bomb

bomb audition scissors rod classes strings salesman seep minister seat

Collocation

Testing knowledge of adjective noun collocations, and also of general noun knowledge. If you know what an apron is, only one word goes with it logically!

Note The exact choice of vocabulary exercises varies between tests. Some can also test adjective synonyms.




5 My Learning Plan

Between now and the test, you can improve your mark in the grammar and vocabulary paper significantly by improving on your current weaknesses. Complete the table below, choosing 10 areas of grammar or vocabulary you want to study most. Put the most important ones at the top of the table. Add the study completion date in the last column to help you to plan your time effectively (e.g. by 20

th Jan.):

Number What I want to study Study Completion Date

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

6 How to find what you need online

Now that you know what you want to study and when, here are some tips for finding the right materials online. For each area of grammar, use Google to find what you need. Example searches are given below:

1) Grammar Learning Search for the name of the grammar (notice the use of inverted commas), and the words grammar rules.

This will bring up websites that explain the basic rules:

2) Grammar Practice Search for the name of the grammar (notice the use of vs) and the word exercises or activities.

This will bring up websites that have practice exercises, such as gap fills, matching exercises, etc. Check the answers are available before you begin:

3) Vocabulary Building Search for the name of the vocabulary area you want to strengthen and the word list.

This will bring up useful lists that you can download or copy and print off. You can use these lists for learning, testing yourself or testing colleagues. You can stick them on the walls in your house (e.g. in the kitchen / bathroom / above your bed!) to help you learn, too!

4) Vocabulary Practice Search for the name of the vocabulary area you want to strengthen and the word exercises.

This will bring up websites that have practice exercises, such as gap fills, matching exercises, etc. Check the answers are available before you begin:

Dont forget about your Aptis practice materials booklet. This also contains lots of practice material for the grammar and vocabulary test!




Answer Key Grammar

1. married 2. didnt 3. would 4. then 5. does 6. lives 7. Would

8. had 9. at 10. were 11. for 12. was going 13. Frankly, I wouldnt work with him.

14. Could 15. is living 16. On the other hand 17. have 18. neednt 19. but 20. do

21. (-) 22. The children had been 23. fewer 24. going to 25. wouldnt

Vocabulary 1

study = read (poor question) receive = get start = begin talk = speak pick = choose

Vocabulary 2

cover wrap improve or change adjust state / make public announce get somewhere arrive put something together assemble

Vocabulary 3

More and more people go abroad for their holidays these days. Drivers need to remain alert when in charge of a car. The city has many ancient and interesting buildings. Shes a highly articulate person who explains things clearly. Hes a very aggressive person always getting into fights Vocabulary 4

timetable = schedule reward = prize queue = line phase = stage error = mistake

Vocabulary 5

aerobics + classes agriculture + minister aisle + seat apron + strings atom + bomb




Aptis Practice Test Online Test

This is the online practice test (a past paper), copied from the Aptis website in Oct 2013.:

http://www.britishcouncil.org/aptis-practice-tests/AptisGrammarVocabPractice/ Grammar

1. He is single. He never ________. married marries marrying

2. I ________ use to swim much, but now I have my own pool, I swim every day.

dont didnt did

3. In those days, my father ________ never eat dinner after 8 oclock.

used to will would

4. I had a shower, ________ I went to bed. during then until

5. How much ________ the train to Santiago cost?

is does do

6. He ________ in Cairo. living lives live

7. ________ you like to go out this evening? Will Would Can

8. He ________ finished cooking when we arrived.

has have had

9. The film starts ________ half past four. at on in

10. I wish it ________ the time of year when I could go on holiday.

will be is were

11. I dont think its right ________ children to play with toy guns.

for that to

12. I ________ to work when I saw Steve. was going went going

13. That mans so unreliable you cant trust him. _________

I wouldnt frankly work with him. I wouldnt work frankly with him. Frankly, I wouldnt work with him.

14. Excuse me, Im lost. ________ you help me? Could Shall Should

15. William ________ in South America now. is living will live was living

16. We could cook dinner. ________, we could buy some take away food.

Therefore On the other hand Although

17. You ________ to do your homework by tomorrow. should must have

18. We ________ have caught the early train, as the football match was delayed.

mustnt didnt neednt

19. She reads every day ________ she isnt serious. and because but

20. A: I enjoy working on challenging projects at work. B: So ________ I!

am do can




21. Go to the end of the street and turn ________ right.

(-) on to

22. The children ________ playing football for two hours before it started raining.

have been has been had been

23. There were ________ than fifty people in the audience last night.

fewer few lesser

24. I just heard they are ________ get married in June.

going to going go to

25. If you were a better cook, you ________ need to eat out all the time.

wont wouldnt hadnt

Vocabulary 1 Select a word from the list that has the most similar meaning to the word on the left. Example: big = large study = ________ receive = ________ start = ________ talk = ________ pick = ________ Vocabulary 2 Complete each definition using a word from the drop down list. To cover with paper or material is to ________ To improve or change is to ________ To state or make public is to ________ To get somewhere is to ________ To put something together is to ________ Vocabulary 3 Complete each sentence using a word from the drop down list. More and more people go ________ for their holidays these days. Drivers need to remain ________ when in charge of a car. The city has many ________ and interesting buildings. Shes a highly ________ person who explains things clearly. Hes a very ________ person always getting into fights. Vocabulary 4 Select a word from the list that has the most similar meaning to the word on the left. Example: big = large timetable = ________ reward = ________ queue = ________ phase = ________ error = ________

go begin plan listen read run choose speak end get

attend assemble approach arrive admit announce arrange adjust accept wrap

awkward ancient ahead adequate articulate alert accurate abroad adult aggressive

line joint command prize mess fright schedule dock stage mistake


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The British Council, 2014 The British Council is the United Kingdom's international organisation for cultural relations and education opportunities.

Version 1.0 October 2014

Vocabulary 5 Select a word from the list that is most often used with the word on the left. Example: big + house aerobics + ________ agriculture + ________ aisle + ________ apron + ________ atom + ________

bomb audition scissors rod classes strings salesman seep minister seat


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Final Preparation Aptis Reading Test

1 - Refresh your memory

Read the passage quickly. Choose a heading for each numbered paragraph from the box and write it in the space above the paragraph. There is one more heading than you need:

A) Getting things in order B) Choosing carefully from the box C) Skim and then read for detail D) Read at speed E) Organise your time F) A gentle start

The Aptis Reading Test

1) _________________________ The Aptis reading test consists of 4 parts. It must be completed within 40 minutes. No time guidance is given for each part of the test. For this reason time management is key to success. If you dont allow enough time for the final parts, you could lose marks needlessly. The tasks get more difficult as the test progresses. 2) _________________________ Part 1 is usually fairly easy. Candidates have to order 6 lines of a text (there are 7 but the first is completed as an example). It tests understanding of text cohesion through the use of pronouns and adverbs. You have to link words like it, them and there to words in previous paragraphs. You are required to drag the sentences with your mouse to reorder them. 3) _________________________ Part 2 is a little more challenging. You must choose words to fit gaps in a text. However, the text is longer, the vocabulary is more difficult and all the words you need are in a box below the text, along with several distracters that often cause candidates to make errors. It tests your knowledge of collocations, rare vocabulary meaning, grammar words and text cohesion. 4) _________________________ Part 3 is more challenging still. You have a long text (750 words) and several headings that you must match to the paragraphs. Being able to read quickly is a good skill to have, but youll also need to read in more detail when two paragraphs contain similar information. This part of the test assess text comprehension and also vocabulary knowledge. 5) __________________________ Part 4 is often the most challenging part. You have a long text with a series of short summaries of the main opinions in the text. The ideas that are expressed in the text must be put in the order they occur. This part of the test assesses text comprehension and also vocabulary knowledge. The answers are at the end of this booklet.

2 - Do the Aptis Website Practice Reading Test

Now go to the Aptis Reading test and do it individually. Once you press Start Component, youll have only 40 minutes left. Remember to manage your time well! Heres the website address: http://www.britishcouncil.org/aptis-practice-tests/AptisReadingPractice/ When youve completed it, the website will give you a mark. Write it here: _____________%


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3 Analysis of Answers

This is a copy of the test online at: http://www.britishcouncil.org/aptis-practice-tests/AptisReadingPractice/

Part 1

Part 2

Write the order below. Use numbers to indicate your choice: __1_

____

____

____

____

____

____

A B C D E F G


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Part 3

Choose from these headings:


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Part 4

4 - Time Management

Now tha

Documents

Aptis Advanced a Self-study Guide