B1 Preliminary writing and speaking

Hi Alex,

That's fantastic news! Of course I'd love to meet up on Saturday. I can't wait to see you again.

Why don't we start with a walk around the old town? After that we could take the cable car up the hill, because the view of the whole city from the top is amazing.

You really must try our seafood rice. There's a small restaurant near the harbour that makes the best one I've ever eaten, so we could have lunch there.

May is usually warm and sunny, but it can get cool in the evenings. Bring light clothes and a jacket, and don't forget comfortable shoes!

See you soon,

Lucía

My old red bike

The object I couldn't live without isn't expensive or new. It's my old red bike, which my uncle gave me when I was fifteen.

I ride it everywhere: to university, to the market on Saturdays and to the beach in summer. It's faster than the bus, it's free and it keeps me fit. But it's more than that. When I'm stressed about exams, a long ride along the river always clears my head.

Without my bike, I'd spend hours waiting at bus stops, and I'd probably be much less healthy. So if anyone tries to steal it, they'll have a big problem!

When Marta opened the front door, she couldn't believe what she saw. The whole street was white with snow! It never snowed in her town, not even in January.

Children were running around outside in their pyjamas, and her neighbour, Mr Ruiz, was taking photos with his phone. Marta quickly put on her warmest coat and boots and went out to join them.

Soon everyone was building snowmen and throwing snowballs. Nobody went to work or school that day, because all the buses had stopped.

By the evening the snow had already started to melt, but Marta knew she would never forget that magical morning.

Examiner: What's your name?

Candidate: My name's Lucía García.

Examiner: Where do you live?

Candidate: I live in a small town on the coast, about twenty minutes from the city by train.

Examiner: Do you work or are you a student?

Candidate: I'm a student. I'm in my second year of nursing at university.

Examiner: What do you enjoy doing at the weekend?

Candidate: I usually go running on Saturday mornings with my sister. In the afternoon I like meeting friends for a coffee, and on Sundays I often have lunch with my grandparents.

Examiner: Tell us about a place you visited recently.

Candidate: Last month I went to a village in the mountains for a weekend. It was very quiet and green, and we walked to a lake. I'd like to go back in autumn, when the trees change colour.

Examiner: Why are you learning English?

Candidate: Mainly for my job. I'd love to work in a hospital abroad for a year or two, so I need to speak English well. And I also enjoy watching series in English.

In this photo I can see an outdoor market in a town square. It looks like a sunny morning, because the light is very bright and there are no clouds.

In the front of the picture there's an older man with a grey beard. He's wearing a green apron, so I think he's the stallholder. He's standing behind a stall full of fruit and vegetables: there are boxes of oranges, lemons and red and yellow peppers. A young woman is buying something from him. She's choosing some tomatoes and putting them in a paper bag. She's carrying a baby on her chest, and the baby looks quite sleepy.

In the background there are lots of people walking past with shopping bags, and behind the market there's an old church tower. It seems like a friendly, relaxed place. I think the woman probably comes here every week.

Candidate A: Shall we start with the sports team? I think that's a great way to meet people, because you train together every week and go for a drink after the match.

Candidate B: Yes, but only if your friend likes sport. If they don't, they won't enjoy it at all. What about volunteering at the animal shelter?

Candidate A: That's a nice idea. You help animals and meet people who care about the same things. But maybe the other volunteers are much older.

Candidate B: Possibly. The evening language class could be good too. Everyone in the class is new to the language, so it's easy to start a conversation.

Candidate A: I agree. And a part-time job in a café? You'd meet lots of people.

Candidate B: Yes, but they're customers. You don't really make friends with them. And when you're studying, you might not have time for a job.

Candidate A: That's true. What do you think about the choir?

Candidate B: I like it. You don't need to be a great singer, and choirs often have concerts and parties, so there's a real group feeling.

Candidate A: So, which one should we choose? For me, it's between the sports team and the choir.

Candidate B: Let's choose the choir. More people can do it than a sport, and it's very social.

Candidate A: OK, I'm happy with that. The choir it is.

Examiner: Is it easy to make new friends where you live?

Candidate A: Not really. It's a small town, so most people have known each other since they were children. It's quite hard for someone new.

Examiner: Do you agree?

Candidate B: Partly. In my city there are lots of clubs and activities, so I think it's easier. But you have to make the first move.

Examiner: Do you prefer spending your free time alone or with other people?

Candidate B: With other people, definitely. I get bored if I'm on my own for too long.

Candidate A: I'm the opposite. I like being with friends, but I also need some time alone to read or go for a walk.

Examiner: Do you think people make more friends online now than in the past?

Candidate A: Yes, I think so. My cousin met her best friend in an online game. But I think you need to meet in person to become really close.

Candidate B: I agree with that. Online you can chat, but it's not the same as having a coffee together.

Examiner: What can schools or universities do to help new students feel welcome?

Candidate B: They could organise a welcome week with activities, or give every new student a partner who's been there for a year.

Candidate A: That's a great idea. When I started university, an older student showed me around, and it really helped.