Eighth Grade Exam: Language Reactions
Language reaction is not just knowing vocabulary – it’s the ability to conduct a natural conversation. On the exam, you must demonstrate a sense of the situation (so-called sociolinguistic competence). Check how to approach this strategically.
1. Advanced Examination Strategies
Always look at the tense in the answer or question. If your interlocutor says: „Yes, I did„, your question must start with „Did you…?”. If you hear „No, she hasn’t„, look for constructions with „Has she…?”.
Never enter an answer looking only at what is before the gap. The key to a correct reaction is often in the sentence below the gap.
Y: It’s ten pounds. (This sentence tells you that X must have asked about the price!)
The British love politeness. Instead of just „No”, use „I’m afraid I can’t”. Instead of „What?”, use „Sorry, could you repeat that?”. On the exam, choose the options that are most polite and natural.
2. Essential Phrases – Your Scoreboard
| Language function | Useful phrases (must-know) |
|---|---|
| Suggesting | How about (going)…? / Why don’t we…? / Let’s… |
| Asking for help | Could you help me? / Can you give me a hand? |
| Asking for directions | How do I get to…? / Is there a (post office) near here? |
| Expressing opinions | What do you think of…? / In my opinion… / I believe… |
| Giving advice | You should… / If I were you, I would… / Why don’t you…? |
| Making wishes | Congratulations! / Happy birthday! / Good luck! / All the best! |
3. Typical Traps – Don’t get caught!
- False Friends: Don’t confuse „Can I borrow…?” (Can I borrow from you?) with „Can you lend me…?” (Can you lend me?).
- Responding to „Thank you”: Don’t answer „Please”. The correct reaction is „You’re welcome”, „No problem” or „Not at all”.
- Answering „How do you do?”: This is not a question about how you are feeling! This is a formal greeting. The answer is… again „How do you do?”.
4. Examples „From real life”
Closed task (Multiple choice)
Situation: A colleague asks you for permission to use your phone.
X: Can I use your phone?
A. Yes, I’m using it.
B. Of course, here you are.
C. You’re welcome.
(Correct answer: B – „Here you are” is a standard phrase when giving something).
Open task (Filling in the gaps)
Y: Sure, go straight on and turn left.
Hint: We are looking for directions. Possible correct answers are:
OK can you tell me
OK how can I get to
OK could you show me
💡 Pro-Tip: Life Hack
If you have absolutely no idea what to enter in an open task, try translating the Polish reaction into English „word for word” in your head, and then simplify it as much as possible. The simplest constructions (e.g. with „Can I…” or „I want…”) are often fully scored!
Developed for ambitious eighth-graders. Proficiency. Good luck!