A Guide to Writing Formal, Semi-Formal, and Informal Letters | IELTS WRITING TASK 1 FORMAL, INFORMAL AND SEMIFORMAL FOR 8 AND 22 FEB EXAM

Preparing for the IELTS Writing Task 1 General Training? Mastering the art of formal letter writing is crucial for success. From complaints to requests, understanding the nuances of each letter type can significantly impact your score.

Common Formal Letter Types in IELTS GT Task 1:

• Letter of Complaint: Addressing issues with a product, service, or situation.
• Letter of Request: Asking for information, assistance, or action.
• Letter of Application: Applying for a job, course, or program.
• Letter of Apology: Expressing regret for a mistake or inconvenience caused.
• Letter of Invitation: Inviting someone to an event or occasion.
• Letter of Thanks: Expressing gratitude for help, a gift, or an act of kindness.

1. Letter of Complaint:

• Question 1: You recently purchased a new mobile phone online, but it arrived with several defects. The screen is cracked, the battery doesn't hold a charge, and the camera doesn't work properly. Write a letter to the online retailer to complain about the faulty phone.

  • Bullet Points:
    • Explain when and where you purchased the phone.
    • Describe the specific defects you found.
    • State what action you want the retailer to take (e.g., replacement, refund).
    • Include any relevant details, like the order number or date of delivery.
      
      
      
      

• Question 2: You booked a flight to visit your family, but the airline changed the flight schedule without informing you. This caused you to miss an important family event. Write a letter to the airline to complain about the schedule change.

  • Bullet Points:
    • Explain the original flight details and the new schedule.
    • Describe the negative consequences of the schedule change.
    • Request compensation for the inconvenience caused.
    • Mention any communication attempts you made with the airline.
      
      
      
      

2. Letter of Request:

• Question 1: You are planning to move to a new city for work and need to find accommodation. Write a letter to a local real estate agency to request information about available apartments.

  • Bullet Points:
    • Specify the type of accommodation you are looking for (e.g., studio, one-bedroom).
    • Mention your preferred location and budget.
    • Ask about lease terms and available amenities.
    • Inquire about the agency's fees and application process.
      
      
      
      

• Question 2: You want to join a local library but are unsure about the membership requirements. Write a letter to the library to request information about joining.

  • Bullet Points:
    • Ask about the different types of library memberships available.
    • Inquire about the required documents and fees.
    • Ask about borrowing limits and loan periods.
    • Mention any specific services you are interested in (e.g., computer access, online resources).
      
      
      
      

3. Letter of Application (for a Course):

• Question 1: You are interested in taking a professional development course in project management. Write a letter to the training institute to apply for the course.

  • Bullet Points:
    • State which course you are applying for and when it starts.
    • Explain why you are interested in the course and how it will benefit your career.
    • Highlight your relevant skills and experience.
    • Include information about your educational background.
      
      
      
      

• Question 2: You want to apply for a scholarship to study at a university abroad. Write a letter to the scholarship committee to apply for the scholarship.

  • Bullet Points:
    • State which program you are applying for and at which university.
    • Explain why you deserve the scholarship and how it will help you achieve your academic goals.
    • Describe your academic achievements and extracurricular activities.
    • Mention your financial need and how the scholarship will make your studies possible.
      
      
      
      

4. Letter of Apology:

• Question 1: You were supposed to meet a colleague for an important meeting, but you completely forgot about it. Write a letter to your colleague to apologize for missing the meeting.

  • Bullet Points:
    • Explain why you missed the meeting (without making excuses).
    • Express your sincere apologies for the inconvenience caused.
    • Suggest a time to reschedule the meeting.
    • Acknowledge any potential consequences of your absence.
      
      
      

• Question 2: You borrowed a book from a friend and accidentally damaged it. Write a letter to your friend to apologize for damaging the book.

  • Bullet Points:
    • Explain how the book was damaged.
    • Express your regret for the damage you caused.
    • Offer to replace the book or compensate your friend for the cost.
    • Reiterate your apologies for the inconvenience.
      
      
      
      

5. Letter of Invitation:

• Question 1: You are organizing a farewell party for a colleague who is leaving the company. Write a letter to your colleagues to invite them to the party.

  • Bullet Points:
    • State the date, time, and location of the party.
    • Briefly explain the purpose of the party.
    • Mention any planned activities or entertainment.
    • Request an RSVP so you can make arrangements.
      
      
      

• Question 2: You are hosting a workshop on a topic related to your field of expertise. Write a letter to professionals in your network to invite them to the workshop.

  • Bullet Points:
    • Explain the topic and purpose of the workshop.
    • Mention the date, time, and location of the workshop.
    • Highlight the benefits of attending the workshop.
    • Provide information about registration and fees (if any).
      
      
      
      

6. Letter of Thanks:

• Question 1: A friend helped you move to a new apartment. Write a letter to your friend to thank them for their help.

  • Bullet Points:
    • Express your sincere gratitude for their help.
    • Mention specific tasks they helped you with.
    • Explain how their help made the move easier for you.
    • Offer to return the favor in the future.
      
      
      
      

• Question 2: You received a gift from a family member for your birthday. Write a letter to thank them for the gift.

• Bullet Points:
• Express your appreciation for the gift.
• Mention how much you like the gift and why.
• Thank them for thinking of you on your birthday.
• Express your love and best wishes.
  

INFORMAL LETTER 

1. Letters to Family
2. Letters to Friends
3. Letters of Congratulations
4. Letters of Apology
5. Letters of Thanks
6. Letters of Invitation
7. Letters of Sympathy

1. Letter to Family:

• Question 1: Write a letter to your grandparents updating them on your life. Tell them about your studies/work, your hobbies, and any interesting things that have happened recently.

  • Bullet Points:
    • Describe your studies/work and how it's going.
    • Share some of your hobbies and what you enjoy about them.
    • Mention any interesting events or experiences you've had.
    • Ask about their health and well-being.

• Question 2: Write a letter to your younger sibling who is away at summer camp. Tell them about what's happening at home and encourage them to have fun.

  • Bullet Points:
    • Share some news from home (family, pets, neighborhood).
    • Describe a funny or interesting incident that happened.
    • Offer words of encouragement and support.
    • Tell them you miss them and are looking forward to their return.
      
      
      
      
      

2. Letter to Friends:

• Question 1: You recently went to a concert/sports event with a friend. Write a letter to another friend who couldn't go, describing the experience.

  • Bullet Points:
    • Describe the atmosphere and the event itself.
    • Highlight the best moments and any memorable incidents.
    • Express your excitement and enjoyment.
    • Mention how much you missed your friend who couldn't attend.

• Question 2: You are planning a weekend getaway with a group of friends. Write a letter to one of them, suggesting some ideas for the trip.

  • Bullet Points:
    • Suggest a few possible destinations and activities.
    • Outline a rough itinerary and budget.
    • Ask for their input and preferences.
    • Express your enthusiasm for the upcoming trip.
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      

3. Letter of Congratulations:

• Question 1: Your friend has just achieved a significant accomplishment (e.g., got a promotion, published a book, won a competition). Write them a letter to congratulate them.

  • Bullet Points:
    • Express your sincere congratulations.
    • Acknowledge their hard work and dedication.
    • Share how proud you are of their achievement.
    • Offer your best wishes for their future success.

• Question 2: A family member has just announced their engagement. Write them a letter to congratulate them on their upcoming wedding.

  • Bullet Points:
    • Express your joy and excitement for them.
    • Offer your best wishes for their future together.
    • Share a positive memory or anecdote about them as a couple.
    • Offer your support and help with wedding preparations.
      
      
      
      
      
      

4. Letter of Apology:

• Question 1: You accidentally said something hurtful to a friend in the heat of the moment. Write them a letter to apologize.

  • Bullet Points:
    • Acknowledge your mistake and the hurt you caused.
    • Express your sincere apologies.
    • Explain that you didn't mean what you said.
    • Ask for their forgiveness.

• Question 2: You were supposed to meet a friend for an important event, but you completely forgot. Write them a letter to apologize.

  • Bullet Points:
    • Explain why you forgot (without making excuses).
    • Express your deep regret for missing the event.
    • Offer to make it up to them.
    • Reiterate your apologies.
      
      
      
      
      
      

5. Letter of Thanks:

• Question 1: A friend helped you through a difficult time. Write them a letter to thank them for their support.

  • Bullet Points:
    • Express your sincere gratitude for their help.
    • Mention specific things they did that were helpful.
    • Explain how their support made a difference to you.
    • Reiterate your appreciation.

• Question 2: You received a thoughtful gift from a family member. Write them a letter to thank them for the gift.

  • Bullet Points:
    • Express your delight with the gift.
    • Mention why you like it and how you will use it.
    • Thank them for their thoughtfulness.
    • Express your love and appreciation.
      
      
      
      
      
      
      

6. Letter of Invitation:

• Question 1: You are hosting a small party at your place. Write a letter to a friend to invite them.

  • Bullet Points:
    • State the date, time, and location of the party.
    • Briefly describe the kind of party it will be.
    • Mention any special activities or entertainment.
    • Ask them to RSVP.

• Question 2: You are organizing a day trip to a nearby attraction. Write a letter to a friend to invite them to join you.

  • Bullet Points:
    • Describe the destination and what you plan to do there.
    • Suggest a date and time for the trip.
    • Mention any costs involved (e.g., transportation, entrance fees).
    • Express your hope that they can join you.
      
      
      
      
      
      
      

7. Letter of Sympathy:

• Question 1: A friend has recently experienced a bereavement. Write them a letter to express your condolences.

  • Bullet Points:
    • Express your sincere sympathy for their loss.
    • Offer words of comfort and support.
    • Share a positive memory or anecdote about the deceased (if appropriate).
    • Let them know you are there for them if they need anything.

• Question 2: A family member is going through a difficult time (e.g., illness, job loss). Write them a letter to express your support.

• Bullet Points:
• Acknowledge their situation and express your concern.
• Offer words of encouragement and hope.
• Let them know you are thinking of them and are there to help.
• Offer practical assistance if possible.
  
  
  
  
  
  

1. Letters to Family (Semi-Formal - Think older relative or family friend):

• Question 1: Write a letter to your aunt/uncle thanking them for a gift they sent you for your birthday. You're now writing a thank you note.

  • Bullet Points:
    • Acknowledge the specific gift and express your gratitude.
    • Mention how you plan to use or enjoy the gift.
    • Briefly mention something about your life or studies/work.
    • Express your hope to see them soon.

• Question 2: Write a letter to a family friend who has offered you some career advice.

  • Bullet Points:
    • Thank them for their time and thoughtful advice.
    • Mention specific points from their advice that you found helpful.
    • Briefly explain how you plan to implement their suggestions.
    • Express your appreciation for their continued support.

2. Letters to Friends (Semi-Formal - A bit more distant or professional connection):

• Question 1: You are writing to a former classmate who is now working in a field you are interested in. You are asking for advice.

  • Bullet Points:
    • Briefly explain your current situation and career goals.
    • Mention your classmate's relevant experience in the field.
    • Ask specific questions about their career path, challenges, and advice.
    • Express your gratitude for their time and consideration.

• Question 2: Write a letter to a friend who has invited you to a professional conference. You need to decline.

  • Bullet Points:
    • Thank them for the invitation and express your appreciation.
    • Briefly explain why you are unable to attend.
    • Express your regret at missing the opportunity.
    • Wish them a successful conference.

3. Letters of Congratulations (Semi-Formal):

• Question 1: You are writing to a colleague who has received a prestigious award.

  • Bullet Points:
    • Express your sincere congratulations on their achievement.
    • Briefly mention their contributions or qualities that led to the award.
    • Offer your best wishes for their continued success.

• Question 2: Write a letter to a business contact congratulating them on a successful product launch.

  • Bullet Points:
    • Acknowledge their hard work and the success of the launch.
    • Briefly mention the positive impact of their product/service.
    • Express your interest in future collaborations.

4. Letters of Apology (Semi-Formal):

• Question 1: You had to cancel a meeting with a business associate at the last minute.

  • Bullet Points:
    • Express your sincere apologies for the inconvenience caused.
    • Briefly explain the reason for the cancellation (without making excuses).
    • Suggest an alternative time for the meeting.
    • Reiterate your apologies.

• Question 2: You are writing to a client to apologize for a delay in service.

  • Bullet Points:
    • Acknowledge the delay and express your apologies.
    • Briefly explain the reason for the delay and the steps taken to rectify it.
    • Reassure the client of your commitment to providing quality service.
    • Offer compensation or a gesture of goodwill, if appropriate.

5. Letters of Thanks (Semi-Formal):

• Question 1: You are writing to a mentor who has provided you with valuable guidance.

  • Bullet Points:
    • Express your sincere gratitude for their mentorship.
    • Mention specific ways their guidance has helped you.
    • Reiterate your appreciation for their time and support.

• Question 2: Write a thank you letter to a potential employer after a job interview.

  • Bullet Points:
    • Thank them for the opportunity to interview for the position.
    • Reiterate your interest in the role and highlight your relevant skills.
    • Express your enthusiasm for the company and its mission.

6. Letters of Invitation (Semi-Formal):

• Question 1: You are inviting a business partner to a company event.

  • Bullet Points:
    • Briefly describe the event and its purpose.
    • Mention the date, time, and location.
    • Highlight the benefits of attending the event (e.g., networking opportunities).
    • Request an RSVP.

• Question 2: You are inviting a former professor to give a guest lecture at your university.

• Bullet Points:
• Briefly explain the topic of the lecture and its relevance to the students.
• Mention the proposed date, time, and location.
• Express your appreciation for their expertise and willingness to share their knowledge.

7. Letters of Sympathy (Semi-Formal):

• Question 1: You are writing to a colleague whose family member has passed away.

  • Bullet Points:
    • Express your sincere condolences.
    • Offer words of comfort and support.
    • Share a positive memory or anecdote about the deceased (if appropriate).
    • Offer practical assistance if possible.

• Question 2: Write a letter to a business associate who is facing a personal hardship.

  • Bullet Points:
    • Acknowledge their situation and express your concern.
    • Offer words of encouragement and support.
    • Let them know you are thinking of them and are there to help if needed.

There are many people still living with their parents even when they turn 20s or 30s. Why is this happening? Is it better for young people to live with their parents? | Real exam ielts writing task 2 gt canada | computer based ielts

Question 

There are many people still living with their parents even when they turn 20s or 30s. Why is this happening? Is it better for young people to live with their parents?

 

 Key Points to Discuss 

1. Reasons why people live with parents into their 20s/30s: 

   - Economic challenges (e.g., high rent, unemployment). 

   - Cultural norms (e.g., collectivist societies valuing family bonds). 

   - Delayed life milestones (e.g., marriage, career stability). 

   - Emotional/financial support from parents. 

 

2. Is it better for young people? 

   - Advantages: Financial savings, emotional security, shared responsibilities. 

   - Disadvantages: Reduced independence, slower personal growth, societal stigma. 

 

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 Sample Answer (Band 8+ Structure) 

 

In recent decades, an increasing number of young adults continue to reside with their parents well into their 20s and 30s. This trend can be attributed to economic instability and shifting cultural values, and while it offers certain benefits, it may also hinder personal development. 

 

The primary reason for prolonged cohabitation with parents is financial constraints. Soaring housing prices and precarious job markets make independent living unaffordable for many young people, particularly in urban areas. For instance, in cities like London or Tokyo, most of adults aged 25–34 live with their parents due to exorbitant rent. Additionally, cultural factors play a significant role. In countries like India or Italy, multigenerational households are deeply rooted in tradition, fostering strong familial bonds. Lastly, delayed marriage and career uncertainty encourage young adults to rely on parental support for stability. 

 

While living with parents provides financial relief and emotional comfort, it often comes at the cost of independence. Young adults may struggle to develop life skills such as budgeting or household management, which are crucial for self-reliance. Conversely, those who live independently tend to build resilience and adaptability. However, in cultures where family unity is prioritized, cohabitation can strengthen relationships and reduce stress. Ultimately, the decision depends on individual circumstances: temporary stays for economic reasons may be practical, but prolonged dependence could hinder maturity. 

 

In conclusion, economic hardship and cultural traditions are key drivers of this trend. Although living with parents offers short-term advantages, fostering independence is essential for long-term personal growth. Striking a balance between familial support and self-sufficiency is ideal. 

 

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 Lexical Resources (Advanced Vocabulary & Phrases) 

 

1. Economic Terms: 

   - Financial constraints: Limitations due to money. 

   - Soaring housing prices: Rapidly increasing property costs. 

   - Precarious job markets: Unstable employment conditions. 

 

2. Cultural Terms: 

   - Multigenerational households: Families with multiple generations living together. 

   - Collectivist societies: Cultures prioritizing group harmony over individualism. 

 

3. Personal Development: 

   - Self-reliance: Ability to depend on oneself. 

   - Resilience: Capacity to recover from difficulties. 

 

4. Cohesive Devices: 

   - Conversely: Used to show contrast. 

   - Ultimately: Indicates a final conclusion. 

   - Fostering: Encouraging development. 

 

5. Formal Phrases: 

   - Exorbitant rent: Extremely high rental costs. 

   - Prolonged dependence: Long-term reliance. 

   - Striking a balance: Finding a middle ground. 

 

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 Why This Works 

- Task Response: Addresses both parts of the question with examples. 

- Coherence: Uses linking words (e.g., *additionally*, *conversely*) for logical flow. 

- Lexical Resource: Incorporates topic-specific vocabulary (e.g., *resilience*, *multigenerational*). 

 

 

You have been advised by the manager to conduct a short session in school and share your work experience with the students. | Real exam ielts writing task 1 gt for Canada | computer based ielts

 WRITING TASK 1 GT CANADA CBT 

You have been advised by the manager to conduct a short session in school and share your work experience with the students. 

Write a letter to the headmaster of the school and say 

- Who are you and what kind of job do you do? 

- What are you planning to talk about? 

- What equipment will you need to use?



Sample answer 

 

 Sample Letter

 

Dear Headmaster, 

 

I am writing to introduce myself and provide details regarding the session I will be conducting at your school, as advised by my manager. 

 

My name is [Your Name], and I work as a [Your Job Title, e.g., software engineer, marketing specialist, etc.] at [Your Company Name]. In my role, I primarily focus on [briefly describe your job responsibilities, e.g., developing software applications, managing digital marketing campaigns, etc.]. I have been in this field for [X years], and I am excited to share my professional experiences with your students. 

 

During the session, I plan to discuss [mention the topics, e.g., the skills required for my profession, the challenges and rewards of the job, and how students can prepare for a similar career path]. I believe this will provide valuable insights and inspire students to explore career opportunities in this field. 

 

To ensure the session is engaging and informative, I would require some basic equipment, such as a projector and a laptop, to present a slideshow. Additionally, a microphone would be helpful if the session is held in a large hall. 

 

I look forward to your confirmation and any further instructions you may have. Please feel free to contact me at [your email address] or [your phone number] if you need additional information. 

 

Thank you for this opportunity, and I am eager to contribute to your students’ learning experience. 

 

Yours sincerely, 

[Your Full Name] 

 

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 Important Lexical Resources

 

 1. Formal Greetings and Introductions

- "I am writing to introduce myself": A formal way to start a letter.

- "provide details regarding": A professional phrase to explain the purpose of the letter.

- "as advised by my manager": A formal way to mention a recommendation or instruction.

 

 2. Job-Related Vocabulary

- "work as a [Your Job Title]": A formal way to describe your profession.

- "primarily focus on": A sophisticated way to describe your main responsibilities.

- "professional experiences": A formal term for work-related knowledge and skills.

- "career opportunities": A formal phrase to describe job prospects.

 

 3. Session Content Vocabulary

- "discuss the skills required": A formal way to talk about sharing knowledge.

- "challenges and rewards": A balanced way to describe the pros and cons of a job.

- "provide valuable insights": A formal phrase to explain the benefits of the session.

- "inspire students": A positive and formal way to describe motivating others.

 

 4. Equipment Vocabulary

- "ensure the session is engaging and informative": A formal way to explain the purpose of using equipment.

- "projector and laptop": Specific terms for equipment.

- "held in a large hall": A formal way to describe the venue.

 

 5. Closing Phrases

- "I look forward to your confirmation": A polite and formal way to request a response.

- "further instructions": A formal way to ask for additional details.

- "eager to contribute": A positive and formal way to express enthusiasm.

 

 6. Advanced Connectors and Phrases

- "Additionally": A formal connector to add information.

- "Please feel free to contact me": A polite and formal way to offer contact details.

- "Thank you for this opportunity": A formal expression of gratitude.

 

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 Why These Words Matter

Using these advanced lexical resources demonstrates your ability to:

- Use a wide range of vocabulary accurately.

- Adapt your tone to formal contexts.

- Avoid repetition by using synonyms and varied phrases.

 

 

Traditional Farming System in Africa | Actual exam reading pdf | Past exam ielts reading pdf | 08 february ielts reading pdf for free | 08 February 2025 ielts reading pdf for free

 Passage 1 Traditional Farming System in Africa

SECTION 1

READING PASSAGE 1

You should spend about 20 minutes on Questions 1-13 which are based on Reading Passage 1 below.

Traditional Farming System in Africa

A

By tradition land in Luapula is not owned by individuals, but as in many other parts of Africa is allocated by the headman or headwoman of a village to people of either sex, according to need. Since land is generally prepared by hand, one ulupwa cannot take on a very large area; in this sense land has not been a limiting resource over large parts of the province. The situation has already changed near the main townships, and there has long been a scarcity of land for cultivation in the Valley. In these areas registered ownership patterns are becoming prevalent.

B

Most of the traditional cropping in Luapula, as in the Bemba area to the east, is based on citemene, a system whereby crops are grown on the ashes of tree branches. As a rule, entire trees are not felled, but are pollarded so that they can regenerate. Branches are cut over an area of varying size early in the dry season, and stacked to dry over a rough circle about a fifth to a tenth of the pollarded area. The wood is fired before the rains and in the first year planted with the African cereal finger millet (Eleusine coracane).

C

During the second season, and possibly for a few seasons more the area is planted to variously mixed combinations of annuals such as maize, pumpkins (Telfiria occidentalis) and other cucurbits, sweet potatoes, groundnuts, Phaseolus beans and various leafy vegetables, grown with a certain amount of rotation. The diverse sequence ends with vegetable cassava, which is often planted into the developing last-but-one crop as a relay.

D

Richards (1969) observed that the practice of citemene entails a definite division of labour between men and women. A man stakes out a plot in an unobtrusive manner, since it is considered provocative towards one’s neighbours to mark boundaries in an explicit way. The dangerous work of felling branches is the men’s province, and involves much pride. Branches are stacked by the women, and fired by the men. Formerly women and men cooperated in the planting work, but the harvesting was always done by the women. At the beginning of the cycle little weeding is necessary, since the firing of the branches effectively destroys weeds. As the cycle progresses weeds increase and nutrients eventually become depleted to a point where further effort with annual crops is judged to be not worthwhile: at this point the cassava is planted, since it can produce a crop on nearly exhausted soil. Thereafter the plot is abandoned, and a new area pollarded for the next citemene cycle.

E

When forest is not available – this is increasingly the case nowadays – various ridging systems (ibala) are built on small areas, to be planted with combinations of maize, beans, groundnuts and sweet potatoes, usually relayed with cassava. These plots are usually tended by women, and provide subsistence. Where their roots have year-round access to water tables mango, guava and oil-palm trees often grow around houses, forming a traditional agroforestry system. In season some of the fruit is sold by the roadside or in local markets.

F

The margins of dambos are sometimes planted to local varieties of rice during the rainy season, and areas adjacent to vegetables irrigated with water from the dambo during the dry season. The extend of cultivation is very limited, no doubt because the growing of crops under dambo conditions calls for a great deal of skill. Near towns some of the vegetable produce is sold in local markets.

G

Fishing has long provided a much needed protein supplement to the diet of Luapulans, as well as being the one substantial source of cash. Much fish is dried for sale to areas away from the main waterways. The Mweru and Bangweulu Lake Basins are the main areas of year-round fishing, but the Luapula River is also exploited during the latter part of the dry season. Several previously abundant and desirable species, such as the Luapula salmon or mpumbu (Labeo altivelis) and pale (Sarotherodon machochir) have all but disappeared from Lake Mweru, apparently due to mismanagement.

H

Fishing has always been a far more remunerative activity in Luapula that crop husbandry. A fisherman may earn more in a week than a bean or maize grower in a whole season. I sometimes heard claims that the relatively high earnings to be obtained from fishing induced an ‘easy come, easy go’ outlook among Luapulan men. On the other hand, someone who secures good but erratic earnings may feel that their investment in an economically productive activity is not worthwhile because Luapulans fail to cooperate well in such activities. Besides, a fisherman with spare cash will find little in the way of working equipment to spend his money on. Better spend one’s money in the bars and have a good time!

I

Only small numbers of cattle or oxen are kept in the province owing to the prevalence of the tse-tse fly. For the few herds, the dambos provide subsistence grazing during the dry season. The absence of animal draft power greatly limits peoples’ ability to plough and cultivate land: a married couple can rarely manage to prepare by hand-hoeing. Most people keep freely roaming chickens and goats. These act as a reserve for bartering, but may also be occasionally slaughtered for ceremonies or for entertaining important visitors. These animals are not a regular part of most peoples’ diet.

J

Citemene has been an ingenious system for providing people with seasonal production of high quality cereals and vegetables in regions of acid, heavily leached soils. Nutritionally, the most serious deficiency was that of protein. This could at times be alleviated when fish was available, provided that cultivators lived near the Valley and could find the means of bartering for dried fish. The citemene/fishing system was well adapted to the ecology of the miombo regions and sustainable for long periods, but only as long as human population densities stayed at low levels. Although population densities are still much lower than in several countries of South-East Asia, neither the fisheries nor the forests and woodlands of Luapula are capable, with unmodified traditional practices, of supporting the people in a sustainable manner.

Overall, people must learn to intensify and diversify their productive systems while yet ensuring that these systems will remain productive in the future, when even more people will need food. Increasing overall production of food, though a vast challenge in itself, will not be enough, however. At the same time storage and distribution systems must allow everyone access to at least a moderate share of the total.

Questions 1-4

Complete the sentences below with words taken from Reading Passage 1.

Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the passage for each answer.

Write your answers in boxes 1-4 on your answer sheet.

1 In Luapula land allocation is in accordance with……………

2 The citemene system provides the land with ……………….. where crops are planted.

3 During the second season, the last planted crop is………………

4 Under suitable conditions, fruit trees are planted near………………

Questions 5-8

Classify the following items with the correct description.

Write your answers in boxes 5-8 on your answer sheet.

A fish

B oxen

C goats

5 be used in some unusual occasions, such as celebrations.

6 cannot thrive for being affected by the pests.

7 be the largest part of creating profit.

8 be sold beyond the local area.

Questions 9-12

Do the following statements agree with the information given in Reading Passage 1?

In boxes 9-12 on your answer sheet, write

TRUE if the statement agrees with the information

FALSE if the statement contradicts the information

NOT GIVEN if there is no information on this

9 People rarely use animals to cultivate land.

10 When it is a busy time, children usually took part in the labor force.

11 The local residents eat goats on a regular time.

12 Though citemene has been a sophisticated system, it could not provide enough protein.

Question 13

Choose the correct letter, A, B, C or D.

Write the correct letter in the box 13 on your answer sheet.

What is the writer’s opinion about the traditional ways of practices?

A They can supply the nutrition that people need.

B They are not capable of providing adequate support to the population.

C They are productive systems that need no more improving.

D They will be easily modified in the future.

Questions 1-4 (Sentence Completion)

1. need
   Location: Paragraph A – "land in Luapula is ... allocated by the headman or headwoman of a village to people of either sex, according to need."
   Explanation: The sentence explicitly states that land is given based on need.

2. (the) ashes
   Location: Paragraph B – "Most of the traditional cropping in Luapula ... is based on citemene, a system whereby crops are grown on the ashes of tree branches."
   Explanation: The passage explains that crops are planted on ashes in the citemene system.

3. (vegetable) cassava
   Location: Paragraph C – "The diverse sequence ends with vegetable cassava."
   Explanation: The passage states that cassava is the last crop planted in the cycle.

4. houses
   Location: Paragraph E – "Mango, guava and oil-palm trees often grow around houses."
   Explanation: The passage mentions that fruit trees grow near houses under suitable conditions.

Questions 5-8 (Classification)

5. C (goats)
   Location: Paragraph I – "These act as a reserve for bartering, but may also be occasionally slaughtered for ceremonies or for entertaining important visitors."
   Explanation: Goats are used on special occasions like ceremonies.

6. B (oxen)
   Location: Paragraph I – "Only small numbers of cattle or oxen are kept in the province owing to the prevalence of the tse-tse fly."
   Explanation: Oxen cannot thrive due to pests (tse-tse fly).

7. A (fish)
   Location: Paragraph H – "Fishing has always been a far more remunerative activity in Luapula than crop husbandry."
   Explanation: The passage states that fishing generates more profit than farming.

8. A (fish)
   Location: Paragraph G – "Much fish is dried for sale to areas away from the main waterways."
   Explanation: Fish is sold beyond the local area.

Questions 9-12 (True/False/Not Given)

9. TRUE
   Location: Paragraph I – "The absence of animal draft power greatly limits peoples’ ability to plough and cultivate land."
   Explanation: The passage confirms that animals are rarely used for cultivation.

10. NOT GIVEN
    Explanation: There is no information in the passage about children participating in labor.

11. FALSE
    Location: Paragraph I – "These animals are not a regular part of most peoples’ diet."
    Explanation: The passage explicitly states that goats are not regularly eaten.

12. TRUE
    Location: Paragraph J – "Nutritionally, the most serious deficiency was that of protein."
    Explanation: The passage confirms that the system could not provide enough protein.

Question 13 (Multiple Choice)

Answer: B
Location: Paragraph J – "Neither the fisheries nor the forests and woodlands of Luapula are capable, with unmodified traditional practices, of supporting the people in a sustainable manner."
Explanation: The passage states that traditional practices are not sufficient to support the growing population.

ANSWER

1. need

2. (the) ashes

3. (vegetable) cassava

4. houses

5. C

6. B

7. A

8. A

9. TRUE

10. NOT GIVEN

11. FALSE

12. TRUE

13. B