Model answers to your mock exam

I. Listening Comprehension

Task 1:

1c / 2b / 3a / 4c / 5b/ 6b /

Task 2:

1. taught her to cook/taught Bree to bake/taught her great-granddaugter her

recipes
2. 2. be prepared to make sacrifices/to really think about it
3. - Bree's business partner

- runs store duing the day

4. - admires what she accomplished

- admires her discipline/diligence

5. (zwei aus)
- to better manage her time - to take responsibility - hard work -
friendliness towards other people
6. fresh fruits / flavoured with fresh fruits / the extract of fresh fruits

Task 3

1D
2E
3F
4H
5C
6B
 II. Composition

1. The Commonwealth – an outdated institution?

Yes, the members are ex-colonies - and yes, it is headed by a monarch. But a look at
the aims of this loosely-knit group of countries highlights its modernity. The problems
it addresses and the schemes it tries to put into place are current.

The Commonwealth is particularly committed to upholding and introducing

democracy, standing up for human rights, and reducing poverty. Other areas of
commitment are freedom from racism, economic and social development, peace and
international cooperation.

Across the globe, features of Britain’s parliamentary and judicial system can be seen
in member states. If they no longer served their people, surely they would have been
amended. The Commonwealth acts as a watchdog, too. In Zimbabwe, for example,
observers were sent to the 2002 elections to monitor them. They turned out to be
rigged by the party of the ruling leader, Robert Mugabe. Consequently, Zimbabwe
was suspended – as a sign of disapproval and as a message to bring their affairs in
line with the rules of democracy. Mugabe voted with his feet by opting to leave the
Commonwealth.

The Commonwealth stands as a forum for negotiation, not bellicose action, a position
which is far removed from being an anachronism. This is the 21st century and we are
supposedly civilized. Sanctions, that is to say pressure of a soft sort, work well, as
the situation in South Africa proved: the apartheid system was finally broken down
by, amongst other aspects, the barring of sporting contact with this nation.

The Commonwealth charter is opposed to military government and dictatorships. For

this reason, Pakistan’s membership was suspended. On a practical basis, it is there
to support and provide assistance to disadvantaged nations. It is a useful forum for
aid. Programmes providing technical and financial assistance have been set up in
many sectors, e.g. farming or mining.

The Commonwealth’s funds come mainly from the more successful white member
states – Australia, Britain, Canada and New Zealand for example. But within the
Commonwealth, all states are equal, regardless of their economic stability and
position. By placing everyone on the same level, equal opportunities are being
offered. religion and politics have become heavily tied up together in recent years,
particularly since 9/11. “Muslims” and “Islam” are words which pop up on our screens
or in our papers daily; the news is never good. And yet, as the Commonwealth map
shows, bridges can be built and common ground found despite the diverse array of
beliefs.

In summary, I would say the Commonwealth is not an anachronism. If it were, it

would not continue to receive applications for membership and signed-up members
would leave. (435 words)
2. Cartoon Analysis
3. Immigration – problem or opportunity for the UK?

You’d be expected to provide a balanced account. The more arguments you can find
for both sides, the better. However, it is not necessary to mention all of the aspects
below to get all the points. You should, however, refer to cultural, social and
economic aspects!

Make sure you structure your argumentation (pro – con, or pro-con-pro-con) and
provide a paragraph for each of your arguments (with examples!).

problem to solve opportunity to seize

lack of integration / parallel societies,
e.g. Bradford
cross-generational tensions > possibly
addressed by schools
acknowledgment of British colonial past,
its repercussions and its special bonds,
especially with Commonwealth
countries
> strengthens British identity

cultural differences may lead to
conflicts, in the worst case to terror
attacks
lack of opportunities for immigrants, e.g.
educational, professional, political etc. >
possible burden on social security,
unemployment benefits etc.
perceived threat to “British identity’ > a
more inclusive (re)definition of
Britishness needed
British society has become used to and
more accepting of ethnic minorities, e.g.
increasing numbers of mixed-race
couples and children > easier for
immigrants to settle in
contributions to British economy, e.g.
Eastern European migrants working in
social services and many other trades
after 2004, need for foreign-born doctors
in the NHS, researchers at universities >
increased tax revenues

more openly racist sentiments towards encourages political involvement, e.g.

foreigners and ethnic minorities since London Mayor Khan with a Pakistani
the Brexit referendum family background

withdrawal from the EU and fewer need to portray British society as

immigrants > might make British people welcoming, given a globally active
more xenophobic due to less contact economy, cf. London as one of the most
with foreigners multi-ethnic cities in the world, over 300
languages are spoken

> immigration as possible

counterbalance to danger of growing
isolation of the UK after exit from EU