English Exam Preparation: Grammar and Speaking Topics

Ticket 1

1. Appearance and Personality

My favourite actor is Tom Holland. He is a famous British actor who is tall and slim. He has short brown hair and brown eyes. He is friendly, energetic, and talented. He became famous for playing Spider-Man in Marvel films. I like him because he is hardworking, kind, and has a good sense of humour. He inspires many young people around the world.

2. Modal Verbs

Modal verbs are special verbs that express ability, possibility, permission, advice, or obligation. Examples include: can, could, may, might, must, should, will, and would.

3. Complete the sentences

1. You must wear a seatbelt in the car.
2. She can speak three languages fluently.
3. Students should study hard before exams.
4. It’s cloudy. It might rain later.
5. You should be polite to older people.

Ticket 2

1. Generational Differences

There are many differences between my generation and my parents’ generation. Young people use smartphones, computers, and the internet every day. We communicate through social media and get information online. My parents spent more time outdoors and communicated face-to-face. They usually found information in books, newspapers, and on television. However, both generations value family, education, and friendship.

2. Opposites of Adjectives

Opposites of adjectives are formed with prefixes such as un-, im-, in-, ir-, and dis-.

3. Use prefixes to make opposites

• Organised → disorganised
• Reliable → unreliable
• Sociable → unsociable
• Sensitive → insensitive
• Tolerant → intolerant
• Interested → uninterested
• Aware → unaware
• Kind → unkind
• Sympathetic → unsympathetic
• Helpful → unhelpful
• Patient → impatient
• Satisfied → dissatisfied

Ticket 3

1. Learning Platforms

Several platforms have helped me improve my English. I use Duolingo to learn vocabulary and grammar. YouTube helps me develop my listening and pronunciation skills. Quizlet is useful for learning new words. I also use ChatGPT to practise writing and speaking. These platforms make learning more interesting and effective. Thanks to them, my English has improved significantly.

2. Second Conditional

The Second Conditional is used to talk about imaginary or unreal situations in the present or future.

Structure: If + Past Simple, would + Verb.

3. Complete the sentences

1. If I had more free time, I would learn Spanish.
2. If she studied harder, she would pass the exam.
3. If I were you, I would not buy that laptop.
4. They would travel more if they had enough money.
5. If he knew the answer, he would tell us.

Ticket 4

1. The Role of Teachers

Teachers play a very important role in education. They help students gain knowledge and develop skills. Good teachers motivate students and make lessons interesting. They explain difficult topics and support students when they face problems. Teachers help students become responsible and confident. Without teachers, learning would be much more difficult.

2. Third Conditional

The Third Conditional is used to talk about unreal situations in the past.

Structure: If + had + V3, would have + V3.

3. Complete the sentences

1. If I had studied harder, I would have got better marks.
2. She would not have missed the bus if she had left earlier.
3. If they had invited me, I would have come to the party.
4. We would have won if we had played better.
5. If he had listened to the teacher, he would have understood the topic.

Ticket 5

1. AI and Future Jobs

Artificial intelligence is developing very quickly, so some jobs may disappear in the future. For example, cashiers, data entry clerks, and call centre operators could be replaced by AI systems. Self-driving vehicles may also reduce the need for drivers. However, professions that require creativity, emotions, and communication, such as teachers, doctors, and artists, will remain important.

2. Personality Adjectives

Personality adjectives describe a person's character. Examples are friendly, honest, patient, reliable, confident, polite, and hardworking.

3. Classify these collocations

Ticket 6

1. Dangerous Jobs

There are many dangerous jobs in the world. Firefighters risk their lives while saving people from fires. Police officers protect society and often face dangerous situations. Soldiers work in difficult conditions and defend their country. Miners and construction workers also have risky jobs. These professions require courage, responsibility, and special training.

2. Reported Statements

Reported speech is used to tell what someone said without using their exact words.

3. Change the sentences into reported speech

1. He said that he was working abroad.
2. They said that they had bought a new house.
3. Tom said that she was studying medicine.
4. Anna said that she would call me later.
5. They said that they had finished the project.

Ticket 7

1. Job Interview Advice

To succeed in a job interview, you should prepare carefully. Learn information about the company before the interview. Dress neatly and arrive on time. Be confident and answer questions clearly. Maintain eye contact and be polite. It is also important to be honest and positive. Good preparation increases your chances of getting the job.

2. Careers

A career is a long-term profession or occupation that a person develops throughout life through education and experience.

3. Match the professions

• Doctor — b) treats sick people
• Engineer — e) builds and repairs machines
• Teacher — d) teaches students
• Designer — a) designs buildings or products
• Lawyer — c) gives legal advice

Ticket 8

1. Culture and Lifestyle

Kazakhstan has a rich culture and many traditions. Our people are known for hospitality and respect for elders. Traditional foods such as beshbarmak and baursak are very popular. We celebrate Nauryz and other national holidays. Kazakhstan is a multinational country where many ethnic groups live peacefully together. Traditional music, national clothing, and customs are important parts of our culture.

2. Reported Questions

Reported questions are used to tell what someone asked. Word order changes to statement order.

3. Rewrite the questions in reported speech

1. He asked where I lived.
2. He asked why I had chosen that job.
3. He asked if I was studying English.
4. He asked how long I had lived there.
5. He asked if I enjoyed travelling.

Ticket 9

1. Culture Shock

Culture shock is a feeling of confusion or discomfort when a person experiences a new culture. People may find different traditions, customs, and languages difficult at first. Over time, they usually adapt and become comfortable in the new environment.

2. Linking Words

Linking words connect ideas in a sentence. Examples: because, although, despite, when, so that.

3. Complete the sentences

1. Although it was raining, we went outside.
2. He stayed at home because he was ill.
3. Despite her tiredness, she finished the work.
4. I called you when I arrived.
5. She studies hard so that she can enter university.

Ticket 10

1. Landmarks

Landmarks are famous places that represent a city or country. They attract tourists from around the world. Examples include the Eiffel Tower, Big Ben, and the Statue of Liberty. In Kazakhstan, Bayterek is one of the most famous landmarks. Landmarks reflect the culture and history of a country.

2. Multi-part Verbs

Multi-part verbs, or phrasal verbs, consist of a verb and one or more particles.

3. Match the verbs with their meanings

• Take off — d
• Give up — a
• Look after — e
• Find out — b
• Grow up — c

Ticket 11

1. Comparing Cultures

I would like to compare Kazakh culture with Japanese culture. Both cultures respect elders and value traditions. Family is very important in both countries. However, Japanese society is more formal and follows stricter rules. Kazakh people are famous for their hospitality and generosity. Despite the differences, both cultures are rich and unique.

2. Lost in Translation

Translation can be difficult because some words and expressions do not have exact equivalents in another language. Cultural differences may also affect translation.

3. Choose the correct form

1. I enjoy reading books in English.
2. She decided to study abroad.
3. We stopped talking when the teacher entered.
4. He hopes to become a doctor.
5. They finished writing the essay.

Ticket 12

1. Manners

Good manners are important in everyday life. They help people communicate respectfully and create positive relationships. Good manners include saying "please" and "thank you", respecting others, and helping people when necessary. People with good manners are usually respected by others.

2. Past Perfect

Past Perfect is used for an action that happened before another action in the past.

Structure: had + V3.

3. Complete the sentences

1. By the time we arrived, the film had already started.
2. She was tired because she had not slept well.
3. After he had finished homework, he went outside.
4. They had never visited London before.
5. I realized that I had forgotten my keys.

Ticket 13

1. CVs and Letters of Application

A CV is a document that describes a person's education, skills, and work experience. A letter of application is a formal letter written when applying for a job. A CV should include personal information, education, work experience, skills, languages, and contact details. A good CV helps employers understand your qualifications.

2. Present Perfect Continuous

Present Perfect Continuous describes an action that started in the past and continues to the present.

Structure: have/has been + V-ing.

3. Complete the sentences

1. I have been studying English for five years.
2. She has been working here since January.
3. They have been playing football all afternoon.
4. We have been waiting for the bus for thirty minutes.
5. He is tired because he has been running.

Ticket 14

1. Education Systems

The education systems of the UK and Kazakhstan have similarities and differences. In both countries, students attend primary and secondary schools before entering universities. In Kazakhstan, students usually study for 11 years at school. In the UK, education is divided into key stages and students often have more options when choosing subjects. Both systems aim to provide quality education and prepare students for future careers.

2. Zero and First Conditional

Zero Conditional: If + Present Simple, Present Simple.
First Conditional: If + Present Simple, will + Verb.

3. Complete the conditional sentences

1. If you heat water to 100°C, it boils.
2. If it rains tomorrow, we will stay at home.
3. If people eat too much sugar, they gain weight.
4. If I see her, I will tell her the news.
5. Plants die if they do not get water.

Ticket 15

1. Schools in the UK

There are different types of schools in the United Kingdom, including state schools, private schools, and boarding schools. Children usually start primary school at the age of five and continue to secondary school. Students study subjects such as English, Mathematics, Science, History, and Geography. After secondary school, they can continue their education at college or university. The British education system is known for its high standards.

2. Mixed Conditional

Mixed Conditional combines different time references, usually the past and the present. Example: If I had studied medicine, I would be a doctor now.

3. Complete the sentences

1. She cooked dinner by herself.
2. We enjoyed ourselves at the party.
3. I looked at myself in the mirror.
4. They introduced themselves to the new teacher.
5. You should believe in yourself.