English for Business

Level 1

Information Pack

Contents:

Sample Paper

Examiner’s Report & Model Answers

Syllabus

Question

Number

Examiner’s

Use

Only

1

2

SAMPLE

PAPER

3

ENGLISH FOR BUSINESS

4

LEVEL

1

Total

(Code No: 1041)

_________

Instructions to Candidates

(a) The time allowed for this examination is 2 hours.

(b) Answer all 4 questions.

(c) Use the spaces provided in the combined question and answer booklet to complete the answers.

If more space is needed for answers or rough notes, use the supplementary sheets provided and

secure them inside your booklet with your name and candidate number clearly written on each

sheet. Rough notes should be clearly crossed through.

(d) Credit will be given for correct spelling, punctuation and grammar.

(e) Adequate and appropriate communication is required rather than a particular number of words.

(f) When you finish, check your work carefully.

(g) The use of standard English dictionaries and cordless non-programmable calculators is

permitted. Candidates whose first language is not English may use a bilingual dictionary.

________

ENTER DETAILS BELOW

CANDIDATE’S NAME IN FULL
as it is to appear on the certificate

IDENTITY CARD NUMBER .................................

Subject Code Number ................................................

Candidate’s Number .................................................. Centre Code ...............................................................

Full Private Address ........................................................................................................................................

........................................................................................................................ Postcode ...............................

Centre Name and Address …………………………….…................................................................…………..

.......................................……...........................................................................................................................

STATE HERE THE NUMBER OF ADDITIONAL SHEETS HANDED IN

2

QUESTION 1

Situation: You run the firm of Floral Displays and Hire with your business partner, Tanya Smiley.

The business hires out plants and floral displays to local councils, conferences and large

firms.

Just as you are leaving the office, at 1300 hours for an appointment with a supplier, you

receive a telephone call from the police. There has been an accident and one of your

delivery lorries, on its way to deliver plants to Sandwell Plastics Limited, has overturned

on the motorway. All the plants are badly damaged and the driver, Paul Bateson, has

been taken to hospital with a broken arm. The police have informed his wife, Joan, who

is at home with their small baby.

Your problem is that Sandwell Plastics need plants for 1700 hours and all your stock is

being used elsewhere. You telephone Littleton Town Hall to arrange early collection of

the plants they have hired, but you cannot find the person you need. Your spare driver,

Frank Lovejoy, offers to drive to the Town Hall, collect the plants and take them to

Sandwell Plastics. Frank says he will telephone the office from the Town Hall to update

the

situation.

Task:

Write a memo to your partner on her return. Give her the details of the problem. Ask her

to telephone Sandwell Plastics (02347-456568) to reassure them about their order.

Suggest to her that a phone call to Joan would also be a good idea. The Bateson’s

number is 02347-621621.

Write

your

memo in the space provided.

MEMORANDUM

TO

FROM

SUBJECT

DATE

3

QUESTION 1 CONTINUED

You may continue writing your memo here.

(30 marks)

4

QUESTION 2

Situation: Your Manager has asked you to check some facts in an article about small firms.

Task:

Read the article entitled “Small Firms” on the page opposite, then say whether the

following statements are TRUE or FALSE. Then write down only the word or phrase

from the passage which supports your answer. Do not write more than 6 words for each

answer. You will lose marks if you write more than 6 supporting words.

Write your answers on the lines marked A.

1 Many people enjoy working for themselves and staying small.

A _________________________________________________________________________________

2 Small firms usually enjoy a large share of the market.

A _________________________________________________________________________________

3 Small firms are advised to make things rather than offer services.

A _________________________________________________________________________________

4 Small firms put fewer people out of work than larger firms.

A _________________________________________________________________________________

5 The future of small firms in the area of research is uncertain.

A _________________________________________________________________________________

6 The traditional view (paragraph 3) of small firms is entirely correct.

A _________________________________________________________________________________

7 Small firms respond faster than larger firms to business changes.

A _________________________________________________________________________________

8 There has never been a clear definition of what a small firm actually is.

A _________________________________________________________________________________

9 A lot of small firms are created as a result of job losses.

A _________________________________________________________________________________

10 Small firms rely on larger firms to develop new processes and techniques.

A _________________________________________________________________________________

(30 marks)

CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

5

QUESTION 2 CONTINUED

SMALL FIRMS

No one can actually say precisely what we mean by the term “small firm”, but the main

features of small firms are:-

y

they have a small share of the market in which they operate

y

they are usually managed by the owner or part-owner rather than a paid manager

y

they are independent and the owner can take major decisions on his/her own.

In the last few years the number of small firms has increased, partly because of the increase

in the need for services which are particularly suited to small businesses. Also more of the

larger companies are sub-contracting much of the work that they do not need to do for

themselves; many small firms have started up in this way to meet the demands of larger firms.

It is also true that, as larger firms lose staff as they adapt to modern business methods, many

small businesses are created by workers using their redundancy money to set up their own

business.

Many people think that small firms are important because they create wealth and develop new

technology. Small firms are certainly able to respond more quickly to changes in the business

world and they can adapt and adjust their output more quickly than larger firms. They often

produce new ideas, particularly in the areas of services and computer software. Indeed the

traditional view is that small firms play a very important part in the increase of jobs available.

There is, however, a different viewpoint. Statistics actually show that small firms are

responsible for just as many job losses as job gains, and recent reports have challenged the

belief that small firms are so important in the creation of jobs.

There will always be a need for small firms, whether they create jobs or not. Many people

actually prefer to be self-employed and their own boss, and do not want to expand further.

Small firms will always be needed to supply small specialist markets, and they will continue to

play an important part in finding new ways to develop and manufacture the goods we need.

6

QUESTION 3

Situation: You are reviewing the records of some of your sales staff at GKG International plc.

Task:

Use the information on the chart opposite to answer the questions printed below.

Write your answer as a name or as a single word or figure. You will lose marks if you

write more than this.

ANSWERS

1

Who has been at GKG International longer than Ken Tomali?

2

How many sales staff speak Spanish?

3

Do all sales staff speak a European language (excluding English)?

4

How many sales staff worked for Atlas Holdings?

5

Who did Salma Patel work for before GKG International?

6

Is Anne Parker the only speaker of Swahili on the sales staff?

7

How many sales staff earn a higher salary than Salma Patel?

8

“Most sales staff speak 3 languages (excluding English).” Is this true?

9

Who worked for Stanley Peters?

10

Have there been more orders from Asia than from America?

11

How many sales staff won orders totalling more than £170,000?

12

Which language is spoken by both Sandra and Salma?

13

How many sales staff have been at GKG for more than 7 years?

14

Who won most orders in both America and Europe?

15

Which female salesperson won most orders in Europe?

16

Which was Ken Tomali’s best area for orders?

17

How many sales staff speak a non-European language?

18

Did Nick Kyle win the most orders in Asia?

19

Which Spanish speaking salesperson has the lowest salary?

20

“Ian Gregory won orders in all 3 areas.” Is this true?

(20 marks)

7

QUESTION 3 CONTINUED

C

u

rr

en

t

S

al

ar

y

£

26,000

55,000

30,000

60,000

38,000

36,000

T

o

ta

l

O

rd

er

s

£

180,000

160,000

215,000

146,000

121,000

275,000

1,097,000

O

rd

er

s

A

m

er

ic

a

£

30,000

60,000

45,000

78,000

36,000

95,000

344,000

O

rd

er

s

A

si

a

£

100,000

25,000

160,000

40,000

80,000

NIL

405,000

Orders

E

u

ro

p

e

£

50,000

75,000

10,000

28,000

5,000

180,000

348,000

L

an

g

u

ag

es

S

p

o

ke

n

F

re

nc

h

Japanese

Polish

Italian

Dutch

C

hi

ne

se

R

us

si

an

Spanish

German

Swahili

Vietnamese

Japanese

Swedis

h

Spanish

P

re

vi

o

u

s

C

o

m

p

an

y

G D T plc

Atlantis

holdings

Clifford

Stelz

er

Atlas

Holdings

Fisher &

Henkel

Stanley

Peters

Y

ea

rs

a

t

G

K

G

2

8

5

12

6

6

Name

Sandra Gale

Ken Tomali

Nick Kyle

Anne Parker

Salm

a Patel

Ian Gregory

Total Area Sales

8

QUESTION 4


Situation: You work in the office at Sunshine and Snow Travel Limited. You find the following
recorded telephone message when you return from lunch:

“Hello, this is Mr James Peters. I wish to book a week’s skiing

holiday for my family. There will be four of us, myself and my

wife and our two nine year-old twin boys. We want to leave on

30 April. Our favourite area is France, but Italy will be

acceptable. We like to stay half board in an hotel close to the

resort centre. The rooms must be ensuite because my wife

hates sharing a bathroom with strangers. Rooms with twin or

double beds are acceptable.

Our telephone number is 0171-585-3361. That’s South London,

so Gatwick would be the best departure airport for us. I already

hold an annual insurance policy, so we don’t need insurance.

About boot and ski hire. My wife and I have our own skis and

boots, but we’ll need to hire these for the boys at the resort.

Can you let me know what you can offer us as soon as possible,

please?

One last thing - we’ll need a taxi to the airport, if you can arrange

it. Thank you.”

Task: Use the information above to complete the Holiday Booking Form opposite.

9

QUESTION 4 CONTINUED

SUNSHINE AND SNOW TRAVEL LTD

HOLIDAY BOOKING FORM

PLEASE COMPLETE THIS FORM IN CAPITAL LETTERS

CUSTOMER NAME

………………………………….........................................……………….

TELEPHONE

…………………………………….........................................……………..

DEPARTURE DATE

……………………………………...........................................

NUMBER IN PARTY

ADULTS

CHILDREN

DEPARTURE AIRPORT ..............................................................................................

RESORT AREA

FIRST CHOICE

..............................…………...........

SECOND

CHOICE .............……………...........................

ACCOMMODATION (TICK)

CHALET

HOTEL

FULL BOARD

HALF BOARD

SKI/BOOT HIRE

ADULTS ............... CHILDREN .............

SKIS ON PLANE

ADULTS .....…….... CHILDREN ...............

COMPANY INSURANCE REQUIRED? ...............

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

1 ..............................................................

2 ..............................................................

3 ..............................................................

(20 marks)

10

Model Answers

Model Answer to Question 1

MEMORANDUM

TO TANYA

SMILEY

DATE

11 APRIL

FROM

CANDIDATE’S NAME

SUBJECT

LORRY ACCIDENT PROBLEM

The local police called us earlier today to report that there had been an accident, and that one of
our delivery lorries is involved. It was the lorry delivering to Sandwell Plastics. It appears that the
driver, Paul Bateson, has been taken to hospital. He has a broken arm, but is otherwise OK. All
the plants that he had on the lorry are severely damaged, and, as you know, Sandwell Plastics
want their delivery before 1700. We have no reserve stock - all our plants are out on hire.

Frank Lovejoy has gone to Littleton Town Hall to make an early collection of the plants that they
hired for today. If this can be done, Frank will then deliver the plants to Sandwell Plastics. He
has said that he will telephone the office from the Town Hall to let us know the situation. Keep
your fingers crossed!

I am sorry to leave you with this problem. Please ring Sandwell Plastics to tell them what has
happened, and to reassure them that we have things under control.

Perhaps you would also give Joan Bateson a call. She knows about Paul, but I am sure she
would be pleased if you rang.

Examiner’s Report on Question 1

The task for candidates was to write a memo to a business partner, telling her about an accident and
detailing the consequences and the action to be taken. A memo of 150-200 words was sufficient to deal with
all the relevant information. Many candidates performed well on this task and scored a very respectable
mark. The skill here was to select carefully the appropriate information from the Situation/Task and to
produce a memo that was clear and well structured. The memo needed to outline:

the circumstances of the accident

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

the steps already taken to solve the problem of delivery
the steps which still needed to be taken.

Weaker candidates spent too much time “lifting” unnecessary details from the Situation. These included
references to:

the small baby at home
stock used elsewhere
cannot find the person you need
a phone call to Joan being a good idea

In a number of instances these details did not fit in with the candidate’s answer. Some candidates failed to
see that Joan was the driver’s wife, and that this was the reason for the phone call to her. This resulted in
Joan being someone who would “have a good idea”! All this is the result of poor reading and non-existent
planning before the memo is written.

Helpful Hints

Make sure you have the correct memo headings completed
Add your own extra details if it is necessary
Make sure you include all necessary information
Avoid “lifting” too much from the Situation and Task
Keep your sentences simple
Make sure you place information in a logical order
Check your work carefully for spelling and punctuation

11

Model Answer to Question 2

1

True

prefer self-employed OR own boss/not expand further

2

False

small share (of the market)

3

False

need for services/particularly suited

4

False

just as many job losses

5

False

continue to play an important part

6

False

statistics actually show OR recent reports have challenged

7

True

adapt and adjust more quickly

8

True

no one can actually say

9

True

using their redundancy money

10

False

often produce new ideas

Examiner’s Report on Question 2

Candidates were asked to read a short passage entitled “Small Firms”. They were then asked to decide
whether a number of statements were True or False. There were 10 statements in all. The candidates were
asked to support their True/False answer by quoting words from the text. The rubric continues to help more
candidates to gain higher marks. Answers are now more accurate. Candidates are obeying the 6 word rule
for the support statement.

The question was generally very well answered. There are still, however, some candidates who do not offer
support statements if they say a statement is true. It does not matter if the statement is true or false; the
support statement is always needed for full marks. Occasionally a few candidates omit the word true or false,
and merely write down the support statement. No marks can be given in these cases, because there is no
way of knowing how or why the support statement has been chosen. Teachers must train candidates to
answer all parts of the question. Many candidates need further training in selecting the precise support
words, which often appear as 2 separate phrases in different parts of the passage. It is often the case that
there will be words and phrases in the passage similar to the correct support words. Although these phrases
are similar, they do not always fully support the True/False choice.


Question 2 Helpful Hints

Always read the passage and the statements very carefully

•

•

•

•

•

If you do not read carefully, you will not be able to decide whether a statement is true or false
Make sure your 6 supporting words are chosen with care. Are they the words which fully support
your choice of True or False?
Ask yourself – have I included any unnecessary words in my answer?
Check all your answers for completeness.

12

Model Answer to Question 3

ANSWERS

1

Who has been at GKG International longer than Ken Tomali?

Anne Parker

2

How many sales staff speak Spanish?

2

3

Do all sales staff speak a European language (excluding English)?

No

4

How many sales staff worked for Atlas Holdings?

2

5

Who did Salma Patel work for before GKG International?

Fisher & Henkel

6

Is Anne Parker the only speaker of Swahili on the sales staff?

Yes

7

How many sales staff earn a higher salary than Salma Patel?

2

8

“Most sales staff speak 3 languages (excluding English).” Is this true?

No

9

Who worked for Stanley Peters?

Ian Gregory

10

Have there been more orders from Asia than from America?

Yes

11

How many sales staff won orders totalling more than £170,000?

3

12

Which language is spoken by both Sandra and Salma?

Japanese

13

How many sales staff have been at GKG for more than 7 years?

2

14

Who won most orders in both America and Europe?

Ian Gregory

15

Which female salesperson won most orders in Europe?

Sandra Gale

16

Which was Ken Tomali’s best area for orders?

Europe

17

How many sales staff speak a non-European language?

4

18

Did Nick Kyle win the most orders in Asia?

Yes

19

Which Spanish speaking salesperson has the lowest salary?

Nick Kyle

20

“Ian Gregory won orders in all 3 areas.” Is this true?

No

Examiner’s Report on Question 3

Candidates were asked to study a chart containing details about the sales records of a number of staff. They
were then asked to answer 20 simple questions about the information in the chart. The answers could be
written as a single word, a name, or in figures. Most candidates always score very highly on this particular
question, and this was the case here. As long as the chart is carefully read, there are very few mistakes
which can be made.

Question 3 Helpful Hints

Study the chart carefully before you try to answer the questions

•

•

•

•

•

Make sure you have read and understood the importance of any footnotes
Write your answers in the boxes as instructed
Use only a single word or a name or figures in your answers
Check your answers carefully.

13

Model Answer to Question 4

SUNSHINE AND SNOW TRAVEL LTD

HOLIDAY BOOKING FORM

PLEASE COMPLETE THIS FORM IN CAPITAL LETTERS

CUSTOMER NAME ........................... JAMES PETERS.....................................

TELEPHONE

........……................ 0171-585-3361................……..............

DEPARTURE DATE

................................. 30 APRIL...........................................

NUMBER IN PARTY

ADULTS

2

CHILDREN

2

DEPARTURE AIRPORT

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

RESORT AREA

FIRST CHOICE ................FRANCE...........................

SECOND

CHOICE

.............…..ITALY..........................

ACCOMMODATION (TICK)

CHALET

HOTEL

9

FULL BOARD

HALF BOARD

9

SKI/BOOT HIRE

ADULTS ...............

CHILDREN .......2......

SKIS ON PLANE

ADULTS .......2..... CHILDREN ...............

COMPANY INSURANCE REQUIRED? ...............

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

1 ...ENSUITE ROOMS...........................................................

2 ...NEAR RESORT CENTRE..............................................

3 ...TAXI TO AIRPORT.........................................................

Examiner’s Report on Question 4
Candidates were asked to complete a holiday booking form. The task was a straightforward one, provided
that the information given was carefully read. Many candidates gained full marks on this question. In order to
achieve full marks candidates had to select carefully the following information:

the number of persons in the family

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

the correct airport for departure
the preferred holiday destinations
the preferred accommodation
the number requiring ski hire and or carriage of skis on the plane
the accommodation preferences of the family.

Candidates who did not read with care made mistakes in these areas.

Question 4 Helpful Hints

Read the information very carefully
Decide precisely what you have to do
Place answer on rough paper
Enter the details on the form when you are confident about answers
Check that the details are all correct
Check that you have all the information accurately transferred.

14

Extended Syllabus

Aim
The aim of this qualification is to examine the candidate’s ability to understand and write basic English and
use it in simple, brief business communications. A successful candidate will demonstrate an ability to read
simple business-related English texts and write clear simple English which completes a basic business task
in a suitable style and layout for its intended purpose.

Objectives
A successful candidate will be able to;

• demonstrate understanding of simple business-related communications

• read, interpret, and respond to simple business texts and data

• adapt simple forms of office correspondence and other data to produce completed formats such as

charts, tables, booking forms, and report forms

• write in continuous English simple business style letters and memos based on given information.

Target audience
This qualification is intended for candidates who have achieved a sound basic understanding of English in a
business context and an ability to use the language at a basic functional level. Candidates would be
expected to be at the Council of Europe’s Waystage Level or the UK National Standards (NVQ) Level 1.

Candidate progression
This qualification is intended for those who have progressed beyond the standard of English for Business
Preliminary Level. It can serve as a ‘bridging’ course for those who wish to progress to LCCIEB Second
Level in English for Business and further progress can be made up to the Third Level of this qualification.

Guide to assessment
Syllabus topics
1

Composing a simple business letter or memo

2

Basic business reading comprehension

3

Business information processing

4

Business text and data reformulation

Coverage of syllabus topics in the examination
There will be 4 compulsory questions corresponding to the 4 syllabus topics listed above. Questions 1 and 2
carry 30 marks each. Questions 3 and 4 carry 20 marks each.

Examination format
Candidates will be assessed via a 2 hour examination consisting of 4 questions as follows:

Question 1 involves the composition of a letter or memo, based on given information. The content of which
should be between 150 and 200 words. The stimulus will be rubric information giving data on which to base
a reply. The content of the letter or memo will be simple business style communication dealing with:

• retail orders

• customer enquiries

• requests for information

• replies to complaints

• reminders about tasks in hand

• communications between work colleagues

Question 2 involves understanding and responding to short passages of business-related prose of about
300 words. The stimulus for the exercise will be:

• a passage on a business-related topic in anguage appropriate to the level

• a series of statements about the content and information in the passage

Question 3 involves a "read and think" comprehension test, based on some graphic or numerical display,
requiring very short answers. The stimulus for the question will be data in the form of a table or a chart
relating to, for example:

• company car fleet hire charges

• office accommodation agencies

• conference facilities at an hotel

• company branches and staffing details

15

Question 4 involves a "read and write" reformulation task using data to complete forms or diagrams. The
stimulus for the question will be selected from:

• data or information in written notes

• a conversation about a business related situation

• a record of a telephone message or fax.

Candidate answer guidance
Each question requires an answer that is:
Correct in formal terms regarding

- grammar, punctuation, spelling and layout

- good non-literary business communication at a basic level

Appropriate in terms of

- adopting a simple, low grade business role if required

- fitness for the occasion and any simple social role required

- displaying simple politeness in giving straightforward information or a simple opinion

Adequate in practical business terms in the sense that

- the purpose of the communication is achieved

- the task is successfully completed

- the correct format is chosen

- essential matters are included and dealt with

- irrelevant information is excluded

- order, clarity, balance and relevance are evident.

While candidates will receive credit for good grammar, accuracy, style, layout, and maturity of expression,
the scope of these criteria will be limited, since comparatively little continuous prose will be demanded.
Candidates will be able to display good comprehension without risking a loss of marks through poor
production.

Candidates are allowed to take one dictionary into this examination which may be either English or foreign
language/English; the LCCIEB cannot undertake to advise on which dictionaries to choose and candidates
make the choice entirely at their own risk. Poor quality dictionaries may be misleading and candidates will
lose time looking up words if they frequently have recourse to them.

Candidates are also recommended to refer to the Examiner’s Reports/Model Answers and past question
papers for English for Business First Level which are available from the LCCIEB and which give advice on
layout and presentation.

Varieties of English
The Board will accept any of the main varieties of English (British, North American, Australasian) in
candidates’ answers as long as candidates are consistent in the variety they use.

Candidate performance measurement
Pass mark information
Pass

50%

Credit

60%

Distinction 75%

Mark allocation
Marks are awarded for: accuracy in spelling, punctuation, grammar; appropriacy of content, tone, style,
length, format; clarity and suitability of communication.

A typical weighting of marks for a complete written paper would be:
„

clarity and appropriacy of layout

20%

„

style, tone, suitability to the task

20%

„

content and communication of message

40%

„

accuracy of grammar, spelling etc

20%

______________
TOTAL

100%

Recommended Reading
The official preparation book for this exam is “How to Pass English for Business Level 1” available from
LCCIEB

www.lccieb.com

or Logophon Verlag in Mainz

www.logophon.de

.

Additionally, the Examiner’s Reports, Model Answers and past question papers for English for Business
Level 1 are recommended.

16

Syllabus topic and Items covered

1

Composing a simple business letter or memo

Candidates must be able to:

1.1

Compose a letter or memo on the basis of given data with a particular aim

1.2

Adopt an appropriate style or tone for the particular purpose

1.3

Employ consistent business letter / memo conventions regarding

1.3.1

layout,

addresses,

salutation, complimentary close, and signature

1.3.2

conventions of simple business letter / memo language

1.3.3

paragraphing

1.4

Display coherence and cohesion to ensure fluent reading of the letter / memo

1.5

Avoid over-use and unnecessary copying from the rubric

1.6

Ensure that the length of the letter / memo is adequate for the stated purpose

1.7

Ensure that the finished letter / memo is mailable / sendable

2

Basic business reading comprehension

Candidates must be able to:

2.1

Demonstrate an ability to read and understand a passage

2.2

Use the information to determine the validity of the series of statements

2.3

Select appropriate and brief information from a passage to support their opinions

2.4

Transfer accurately to their answer paper all words selected from a passage

2.5

Avoid the inclusion of all unnecessary words in their answers

3

Business information processing

Candidates must be able to:

3.1

Read and understand a table or chart

3.2

Compare the information in order to answer simple questions based on the data provided

3.3

Answer using a single word or figure

3.4

Avoid the use of all unnecessary information

4

Business text and data reformulation

Candidates must be able to:

4.1

Understand given material or data

4.2

Select from material to complete a chart or list

4.3

Use material to complete a business related form (eg a form for staffing rotas, accident
report form, order or delivery form, or a chart showing a simple company staffing structure)

4.4

Use appropriate precise and accurate wording

5

Linguistic competence (structures)

Candidates must be able to:

5.1

Recognise and use the following verb forms

5.1.1

the simple present (eg I enclose...)

5.1.2

the present continuous (eg I am enclosing...)

5.1.3

the simple past (eg You ordered...)

5.1.4

the

perfect

(eg I have invoiced...)

5.1.5

the future expressed with the present tense plus a time marker (eg I am writing the
report today)

5.1.6

the future expressed with will and going to (eg We will / are going to visit you …)

5.1.7

imperatives

(eg

Please refer to our letter of...)

5.1.8

the

modals

can, may, would, must, will (eg We can offer you a discount)

5.2

Recognise the following verb forms

5.2.1

the passive voice (eg Letters are sent / Letters are being sent)

5.2.2

the past continuous (eg I was ordering...)

5.2.3

the past perfect (eg He had invoiced...)

5.2.4

the

modals

could, shall and should (eg What software should we buy?)

5.3

Recognise and use the following types of adjectives

5.3.1

possessive

adjectives

(eg We refer to your letter of...)

5.3.2

demonstrative

adjectives

(eg

He chose these samples)

5.3.3

descriptive

adjectives,

comparatives and superlatives (eg The report was very

good / The sales figures are better)

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5.4

Recognise the more complex descriptive adjectives quite and rather (eg Sales will be quite

good next month)

5.5

Recognise and use the locative adverbs here, there, anywhere and inside (eg Please come

inside

on

arrival)

5.6

Recognise the locative adverb nowhere (eg There are branches nowhere outside this area)

5.7

Recognise and use the following types of pronouns

5.7.1

possessive

pronouns

(eg

The calculator is mine / Yours is the desk by the window)

5.7.2

indefinite

pronouns

(eg

Can anyone assist you? / Everything is under control)

5.7.3

the

relative

pronoun

who and simple clauses with that (eg The Manager, who was

present at... / The items that must be sent)

5.8

Recognise the indefinite pronouns somebody, nobody (eg Is somebody coming to mend the
photocopier?)

5.9

Recognise the relative pronoun whom (eg To Whom it may concern)

5.10

Recognise and use the determiners a and the (eg The memo you wrote / A training
schedule)

5.11

Recognise and use the demonstratives this, that, these and those (eg Take these files with
you)

5.12

Recognise and use the quantifiers a lot of and some of (eg A lot of new trainees are joining
the company)

5.13

Recognise the quantifiers enough and much (eg We have enough stock)

5.14

Recognise and use the interrogatives when, where, why, what, how far, how much and how
many (eg When did you write? / How many did you buy?)

5.15

Recognise and use the following subordinate clauses if, that, because, where and when (eg
We shall repeat the order, if delivery is prompt /Please cancel the meeting, because our
speaker is ill)

6

Linguistic competence (concepts)

Candidates must be able to understand and express the following concepts:

6.1

Spatial

relationships

6.1.1

geographical

location

north, south

6.1.2

distance

near, far

6.1.3

directions

left ,right, straight on

6.2

Time

6.2.1

days of the week

6.2.2

telling

time

6.2.3

sequence

first, then

6.2.4

starting, finishing

6.2.5

frequency

once, twice

6.3

Quality

6.3.1

shape

round, square

6.3.2

dimension

size, length, weight

6.4

Evaluation and opinion

6.4.1

a limited range of adjectives

6.4.2

cheap / expensive

6.4.3

better / worse

6.4.4

easy / difficult

7

Linguistic competence (vocabulary)

Candidates must be able to use vocabulary in the following areas:
7.1

Social exchanges (eg greetings / forms of address and introduction / leave-taking /
expressing interest in job-related activities / leisure pursuits)

7.2

Social arrangements (eg making suggestions, issuing invitations / responding by acceptance
or declining / making simple arrangements for meetings and functions / food and drink)

7.3

Travel arrangements (eg types of travel - rail, road, air / simple booking arrangements /
arrival and departure / destinations, durations of journeys / arrangements for meeting clients
/ hotel bookings and facilities / services available)

7.4 The

workplace

7.4.1

organisations

(eg

simple job titles / occupations / relationships within the

organisation)

7.4.2

office

items

(eg

furniture and simple equipment in everyday use / correspondence

methods / daily office routines)

7.4.3

orders

(eg

cardinal numbers to 4 digits//ordinal numbers to 2 digits/approximations)

7.4.4

quantities (metric) / dates or delivery and despatch / availability of goods

18

7.5

Products and services

7.5.1

basic description of products in the candidate's own organisation

7.5.2

simple faults, symptoms and remedies

7.5.3

simple

operational

instructions for basic equipment

7.5.4

shapes, dimensions, texture, colour, materials

7.5.5

simple evaluation and opinion about familiar items and procedures

7.6

Accommodation

7.6.1

features,

furniture

7.6.2

services

(eg

gas / electricity)

7.6.3

regional varieties, differing types

8

Linguistic competence (functions)

Candidates must be able to recognise and use expressions of:

8.1

Desires

8.1.1

positive

desires

(eg

I want to ask your advice)

8.1.2

negative

desires

(eg

I do not want to work here)

8.1.3

enquiring about desires (eg What do you want to do about the missing computer?)

8.2

Preferences

(eg

I would prefer a job in Accounts / I would rather travel to..)

8.3

Apology

(eg

I am so sorry you missed your flight)

8.4

Gratitude and pleasure

8.4.1

Thank you very much for...

8.4.2

The lunch was very pleasant indeed

8.5

Social

conventions

8.5.1

greetings

(eg

Good morning / How are you? / How are things?)

8.5.2

responding to greeting (eg I'm fine, thank you / I am very well)

8.5.3 addressing a customer (eg Please excuse me, Sir/Madam)

8.6

Communication

repair

8.6.1

Can you repeat the last item please?

8.6.2

Sorry, when do you want delivery?

8.6.3

Excuse me, but I missed your instruction

19