Placement Test D: Listening, Reading, General Grammar & Writing Test
You will have 95 minutes to complete your placement test You have one attempt to complete the test. You are not permitted to use a dictionary or Google translate. Do not open a new tab on your browser. Sections: Listening, Reading, General Grammar, Writing There are instructions at the beginning of each section. If you have any questions, please email or call us (204-989-8448 and info@heartlandenglish. Com). After your test, please check your email so you can join our New Student Orientation Session. Thank you!
- 1.
Listening Section: Read items 1-4 (Part A). You have one minute. Then listen to the recording 2 times. After we complete that section, read items 5-7 (Part B). You have one minute. Then listen to the recording 2 times. After we complete that section, Read items 8-10 (Part C). You have one minute. Then listen to the recording 2 times.
- 2.
You're only allowed to listen to this recording twice.
- 3.
You are only allowed to listen to this recording twice.
- 4.
You are only allowed to listen to this recording twice.
- 5.
Read the article below ("Can Violent Movies be Dangerous" and choose the correct answer for questions 11-15. There is only 1 correct answer. Can Violent Movies Be Dangerous? Before the 1960s, most movies did not show much graphic violence. When fighting or shooting occurred on the screen, it was clean: Bang! You’re dead! The victim fell to the ground and died, perhaps after speaking a few final words. The viewer never saw blood or suffering. But in the late ’60s, filmmakers Arthur Penn and Sam Peckinpah began making movies with more graphic violence, such as Bonnie and Clyde and The Wild Bunch. They believed that if audiences could see how truly horrible real violence was, people would be less violent in their own lives. Today, special effects technology has made it possible to create very realistic images of bloodshed and violence. Steven Prince, author of Savage Cinema: Sam Peckinpah and the Rise of Ultraviolent Movies, describes the difference between early movies and the movies of today “. . . filmmakers can create any image that they can dream up.” So, Prince believes, because of the technology, movies today have become more and more violent and bloody. Some people are worried that viewing a lot of violence in movies and video games can be dangerous. They feel that it can make violence seem normal and can cause people to imitate the violent behavior, to do the same thing themselves. Other people disagree. They believe that showing violence is honest and can even be helpful. One popular filmmaker asks why violent images on the screen are a problem since we live in such a violent world. “Just open any newspaper,” he says. “Any newspaper is much more violent. And those are true stories about what happens in real life.” â–
- 6.
Read the article below ("Hong Kong Tailors") and choose the correct answer for questions 16-20. There is only 1 correct answer. Hong Kong Tailors The famous Hong Kong 24-hour suit is a thing of the past, but you can still have clothes custom-made in a few days. Today, prices are no longer as low as they once were, but they’re often about what you’d pay for a ready-made garment back home; the difference, of course, is that a tailor-made garment should fit you perfectly. The workmanship and quality of the better established shops rival even those of London’s Savile Row—at less than half the price. A top-quality men’s suit will run about HK$7,000 (US$910) or more, including fabric, while a silk shirt can cost HK$600 (US$78). Tailors in Hong Kong will make almost any garment you want—suits, evening gowns, wedding dresses, leather jackets, even monogrammed shirts. Many tailors offer a wide range of cloth from which to choose, from cotton and linen to very fine wools, cashmere, and silk. Hong Kong tailors are excellent at copying fashions. Bring a picture or drawing of what you want. You should allow three to five days to have a garment custom-made, with at least two or three fittings. If you aren’t satisfied during the fittings, speak up. Alterations should be included in the original price. If, in the end, you still don’t like the finished product, you don’t have to accept it. However, you will forfeit the deposit you are required to pay before the tailor begins working, usually about fifty percent of the total cost. With more than 2,500 tailoring establishments in Hong Kong, it shouldn’t be any problem finding one. Some of the most famous are located in hotel shopping arcades and shopping complexes, but the more upscale the location, the higher the prices. Once you’ve had something custom-made and your tailor has your measurements, you will more than likely be able to order additional clothing later, even after you’ve returned home! â–
- 7.
Answer all 36 questions. There is only 1 answer per question.
- 8.
Write your answers in full, complete sentences. Do not use a dictionary.
- 9.
What is your full name? What name do you want to use in class?
- 10.
Where are you from?
- 11.
Have you studied English before? If yes, where and for how long?
- 12.
What English topics are you interested in learning about?
- 13.
What is the most difficult English skill for you?
- 14.
Type response below
- 15.
What are you going to do after school today?
- 16.
Compare Canada to your country (for example, weather, food, transportation, etc.)
- 17.
What are some major political or environmental problems in your country?
- 18.
Type response below
- 19.
If you could, which problem in your country would you solve first?
- 20.
What do you think you will have achieved ten years from now?
- 21.
Write about an interesting vacation that you took. When did you go? Where did you go? Who did you go with? Was it fun? If yes, why?
- 22.
LISTENING PART A (Questions 1-4) Part A) The speakers are ________.
- A.
At the airport
- B.
In a hotel
- C.
In a garage
- D.
In a car
Correct Answer
A. At the airportExplanation
The speakers are at the airport.Rate this question:
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- 23.
Part A) They are talking about ________.
- A.
A vacation
- B.
A business trip
- C.
A rental car
- D.
A hotel reservation
Correct Answer
C. A rental carExplanation
The correct answer is a rental car. This is indicated by the phrase "They are talking about" which suggests that the conversation is centered around a specific topic. The options provided are different possibilities for what they could be talking about, and the correct answer is a rental car.Rate this question:
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- 24.
Part A) The agent needs to see ________.
- A.
An air-conditioned car
- B.
A driver’s license and credit card
- C.
the airport
- D.
A reservation
Correct Answer
B. A driver’s license and credit cardExplanation
The agent needs to see a driver's license and credit card in order to verify the identity of the person renting the car and to ensure that they have a valid form of payment.Rate this question:
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- 25.
Part A) The man is returning to the airport ________.
- A.
Today at 4 P.M.
- B.
On August 14
- C.
Tomorrow
- D.
In the morning
Correct Answer
B. On August 14Explanation
The correct answer is "on August 14". This answer indicates a specific date when the man is returning to the airport.Rate this question:
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- 26.
LISTENING PART B (QUESTIONS 5-7) Part B) Janet is looking for ________.
- A.
A night table
- B.
Some poems
- C.
A book by John Grisham
- D.
Something for her mom
Correct Answer
D. Something for her momExplanation
Janet is looking for something to buy for her mom. This suggests that she is shopping or searching for a gift or item specifically for her mother. The other options, such as a night table, some poems, or a book by John Grisham, do not indicate that Janet is looking for something specifically for her mom.Rate this question:
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- 27.
Part B) Lucy has been trying to read ________.
- A.
A real page-turnerÂ
- B.
John Grisham’s new bookÂ
- C.
Poetry bookÂ
- D.
A gardening magazine
Correct Answer
C. Poetry bookÂExplanation
Lucy has been trying to read a poetry book. This suggests that Lucy is interested in reading poetry and has been making an effort to engage with it. The phrase "trying to read" implies that Lucy may be finding it challenging or difficult to read the poetry book, but she is still making an effort to do so.Rate this question:
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- 28.
Part B) Janet is going to ________.
- A.
Let Lucy borrow her book
- B.
Lend Lucy a book of poetry
- C.
Give Lucy a tip
- D.
Start reading John Grisham’s new book
Correct Answer
A. Let Lucy borrow her bookExplanation
The correct answer is "let Lucy borrow her book." This means that Janet is allowing Lucy to borrow her book.Rate this question:
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- 29.
LISTENING PART C (QUESTIONS 8-10) Part C) Schweitzer knew what he was going to do with his life by the time he ________.
- A.
Was a young man
- B.
Went to Africa
- C.
Became a respected writer
- D.
Was a teenager
Correct Answer
A. Was a young manExplanation
Schweitzer knew what he was going to do with his life by the time he was a young man. This suggests that he had a clear sense of direction and purpose early on in his life. It implies that he had already made significant decisions or commitments regarding his future path before reaching adulthood.Rate this question:
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- 30.
Part C) According to the listening, some of the fields Schweitzer studied were ________.
- A.
Architecture and science
- B.
Medicine and religion
- C.
Philosophy and music
- D.
Writing and philosophy
Correct Answer
B. Medicine and religionExplanation
Based on the listening, Schweitzer studied medicine and religion.Rate this question:
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- 31.
Part C) After Schweitzer received the Nobel Prize, he ________.
- A.
Started teaching at the University of Strasbourg
- B.
Worked to find a cure for leprosy
- C.
Traveled to Africa
- D.
Continued his medical work in Africa
Correct Answer
D. Continued his medical work in AfricaExplanation
After receiving the Nobel Prize, Schweitzer chose to continue his medical work in Africa. This indicates that he was committed to his work and believed in the importance of providing medical assistance to the people in Africa.Rate this question:
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- 32.
Reading Test #1 (Questions 11-15) Sam Peckinpah was ________.
- A.
An actor
- B.
An author
- C.
A filmmaker
- D.
A newspaper journalist
Correct Answer
C. A filmmakerExplanation
Sam Peckinpah was a filmmaker. This is evident from the fact that the options provided include "an actor", "an author", "a filmmaker", and "a newspaper journalist". Out of these options, "a filmmaker" best describes Sam Peckinpah's profession.Rate this question:
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- 33.
Reading Test #1 (Questions 11-15) Before the 1960s, movies did not show ________.
- A.
Fighting
- B.
Shooting
- C.
Blood
- D.
Death
Correct Answer
C. BloodExplanation
Before the 1960s, movies did not show blood. This suggests that the depiction of blood in movies was not common or acceptable during that time period. It is likely that filmmakers and audiences had different standards and preferences regarding the portrayal of violence and gore in movies.Rate this question:
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- 34.
Reading Test #1 (Questions 11-15) In Steven Prince’s opinion, movies today have become more violent and bloody because of ________.
- A.
Video games
- B.
Sam Peckinpah
- C.
Special effects technology
- D.
Newspapers
Correct Answer
C. Special effects technologyExplanation
Steven Prince believes that movies today have become more violent and bloody because of special effects technology. This suggests that advancements in technology have allowed filmmakers to create more realistic and graphic violence on screen, which has contributed to the increase in violence in movies.Rate this question:
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- 35.
Reading Test #1 (Questions 11-15) According to the article, ________.
- A.
Movies have always been very violent
- B.
Graphic violence has become more common since Bonnie and Clyde and The Wild BunchÂ
- C.
Everyone agrees that graphic violence in movies is good entertainment
- D.
Everyone agrees that violent movies are dangerous
Correct Answer
B. Graphic violence has become more common since Bonnie and Clyde and The Wild BunchÂExplanation
The correct answer is "graphic violence has become more common since Bonnie and Clyde and The Wild Bunch." This explanation suggests that the article discusses a trend in movies where graphic violence has increased since the release of Bonnie and Clyde and The Wild Bunch.Rate this question:
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- 36.
Reading Test #1 (Questions 11-15) Peckinpah and Penn thought that showing real violence in movies would make ________.
- A.
People behave more violently
- B.
Violence seem normal
- C.
People more honest and helpful
- D.
People less violent
Correct Answer
D. People less violentExplanation
Peckinpah and Penn believed that by depicting real violence in movies, it would have the effect of reducing people's tendency towards violence. They likely reasoned that by exposing audiences to the harsh reality of violence, it would serve as a deterrent and make people less inclined to engage in violent behavior themselves.Rate this question:
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- 37.
Reading Test #2 (Questions 16-20) You used to be able to get ________ in Hong Kong.
- A.
A suit tailor-made
- B.
Alterations made
- C.
Top-quality clothes custom-made
- D.
A suit made in 24 hours
Correct Answer
D. A suit made in 24 hoursExplanation
The correct answer is "a suit made in 24 hours." This answer is supported by the phrase "used to be able to," which suggests that in the past, it was possible to have a suit made within a 24-hour timeframe in Hong Kong. The other options, such as "a suit tailor-made," "alterations made," and "top-quality clothes custom-made," do not specifically mention the 24-hour timeframe.Rate this question:
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- 38.
Reading Test #2 (Questions 16-20) Hong Kong tailors ________.
- A.
Only make men’s clothing
- B.
Are more expensive than they used to be
- C.
Are not permitted to copy fashions
- D.
Are hard to find
Correct Answer
B. Are more expensive than they used to beExplanation
The correct answer suggests that Hong Kong tailors have become more expensive compared to how they used to be. This implies that their prices have increased over time. The other options do not provide any information about the cost of Hong Kong tailors or their services.Rate this question:
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- 39.
Reading Test #2 (Questions 16-20) A tailor-made garment should ________.
- A.
Cost about US$910
- B.
Be ordered after you’ve returned home
- C.
Be copied from a picture or drawing
- D.
Fit you perfectly
Correct Answer
D. Fit you perfectlyExplanation
A tailor-made garment should fit you perfectly. This means that the garment should be made specifically for your body measurements and should not require any alterations or adjustments. This ensures that the garment will be comfortable and flattering on your body.Rate this question:
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- 40.
Reading Test #2 (Questions 16-20) If you have a garment custom-made in Hong Kong, you should not expect ________.
- A.
The garment to be ready in 3–5 days
- B.
To pay a deposit before the tailor begins working
- C.
To have 2–3 fittings
- D.
To pay extra for alterations
Correct Answer
D. To pay extra for alterationsExplanation
When you have a garment custom-made in Hong Kong, you should not expect to pay extra for alterations. This suggests that the tailor will make the necessary alterations to ensure the garment fits properly without charging any additional fees.Rate this question:
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- 41.
Reading Test #2 (Questions 16-20) According to the article, ________.
- A.
If you buy a ready-made garment at a store at home, it will cost about the same as a custom-made garment in Hong Kong
- B.
If you get a garment made on Savile Row, you will pay about 50 percent less than you would pay for the same garment made in Hong Kong
- C.
If you don’t like the garment you ordered, you can get all your money back
- D.
If you want to pay a low-price for a custom-made garment, go to an upscale hotel shopping arcade
Correct Answer
A. If you buy a ready-made garment at a store at home, it will cost about the same as a custom-made garment in Hong KongExplanation
The article states that buying a ready-made garment at a store at home will cost about the same as a custom-made garment in Hong Kong. This suggests that the prices for ready-made and custom-made garments are comparable in these two locations.Rate this question:
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- 42.
GENERAL TEST: A: What’s your typical week like? B: ________
- A.
I go to school on Tuesdays and Thursdays
- B.
If the weather is good, I’m going to the beach.
- C.
I’m not doing anything special.
- D.
I have other plans.
Correct Answer
A. I go to school on Tuesdays and Thursdays -
- 43.
A: Let’s go bike riding. B: ________
- A.
Would you like to join me?
- B.
Actually, I think it’s very nice.
- C.
I’m really sorry. I don’t feel well.
- D.
OptionThat’s too bad. Maybe some other time. 4
Correct Answer
C. I’m really sorry. I don’t feel well.Explanation
The correct answer is "I'm really sorry. I don't feel well." because it provides a valid reason for declining the invitation to go bike riding. The person is expressing that they are unable to participate due to not feeling well.Rate this question:
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- 44.
Riley’s hair isn’t straight. It’s ________.
- A.
Blonde
- B.
Dark
- C.
Long
- D.
Wavy
Correct Answer
D. WavyExplanation
Riley's hair is described as wavy, which means it is not straight but has gentle curves or waves.Rate this question:
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- 45.
When my husband gets up early, he ________ our breakfast.
- A.
Is making
- B.
Is going to make
- C.
Makes
- D.
Make
Correct Answer
C. MakesExplanation
The correct answer is "makes". This is because the sentence is in the present simple tense and "makes" is the correct form of the verb "make" for the third person singular subject "he".Rate this question:
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- 46.
A: Excuse me. I’m looking for Taft Symphony Hall. B: ________
- A.
Well, have a great time.
- B.
Oh. That’s right around the corner, on the left side.
- C.
Really? I’d love to go, but I’m busy tonight.
- D.
Well, thanks, but that’s not for me.
Correct Answer
B. Oh. That’s right around the corner, on the left side.Explanation
This response provides the correct information by stating that Taft Symphony Hall is right around the corner and on the left side. It is a direct and clear response to the question, indicating the location of the desired destination.Rate this question:
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- 47.
A: Tell me something about your parents. B: Sure. ________
- A.
What is there?
- B.
What do you want to know?
- C.
What about this?
- D.
What do you feel like?
Correct Answer
B. What do you want to know?Explanation
B's response of "What do you want to know?" is an appropriate answer to A's question about B's parents. It shows that B is open to providing information about their parents but wants to clarify what specific details A is interested in. This response allows A to specify their question and ensures that B provides relevant information about their parents.Rate this question:
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- 48.
________ cookies on the shelf
- A.
There are
- B.
It’s
- C.
They’re
- D.
There’s
Correct Answer
A. There areExplanation
The correct answer is "There are." This is because the phrase "cookies on the shelf" indicates that there are multiple cookies present, which requires the plural form "There are."Rate this question:
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- 49.
Amy is sleeping late. She ________ work today.
- A.
Can’t study
- B.
Has to
- C.
Can work
- D.
Doesn’t have to
Correct Answer
D. Doesn’t have toExplanation
The correct answer is "doesn't have to". This means that Amy is not required or obligated to work today, so she can sleep late without any consequences.Rate this question:
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- 50.
Fred has ________ met the new neighbors.
- A.
Already
- B.
Ever
- C.
Yet
- D.
Before
Correct Answer
A. AlreadyExplanation
The word "already" is used to indicate that an action has happened before the present moment. In this case, it suggests that Fred has already met the new neighbors at some point in the past.Rate this question:
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Mar 21, 2023Quiz Edited by
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