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Home > German > Continuers Course > The Individual > Leisure and Lifestyles > Leisure and lifestyles: sample reading and responding tasks
Leisure and lifestyles:
sample reading and responding answers
Type A
Task 1 Jacques Villeneuve - Formula 1 racing car driver
Type B
Task 2 Response to a postcard
Task 1
Question (a)
| Marking Criteria | |
|---|---|
| Demonstrates a good understanding of how he compares the European and American ski slopes | 2 marks |
| Demonstrates some understanding of how he compares the European and American ski slopes | 1 mark |
Sample answer:
He prefers Europe, as you are allowed to ski as fast as you
like. In America your ski pass is taken away if you go too
quickly.
Question (b)
| Marking Criteria | |
|---|---|
| Demonstrates an excellent understanding of why he likes La Grave | 3 marks |
| Demonstrates a good understanding of why he likes La Grave | 2 marks |
| Demonstrates some understanding of why he likes La Grave | 1 mark |
Sample answer:
La Grave has a slope of over thirty degrees and is windy and
steep. You can reach a really good speed and it's
difficult to keep control. If you make a mistake, you crash
into the rocks. It's the risk factor that is exciting and
the fact that he is forced to keep control.
Question (c)
| Marking Criteria | |
|---|---|
| Demonstrates an excellent understanding of his personality, with detailed reference to the text | 4 marks |
| Demonstrates a good understanding of his personality | 2 or 3 marks |
| Demonstrates some understanding of his personality | 1 mark |
Sample answer:
He is a risk taker. He loves difficult ski slopes where he
can go as fast as he likes and where, if he makes a mistake,
he risks his life. This is, of course, also the case in motor
racing. He doesn't like it when he can't take
risks.
He enjoys pitting himself against the mountain and other cars, and the freedom it gives him. Both skiing and motor racing teach him mental strength and physical endurance.
He is as passionate about skiing as he is about Formula One racing. He grew up skiing and it is natural for him. In fact, he says that if his employers refused to allow him to ski, he would quit motor racing. This also demonstrates that he doesn't like to follow other people's rules. This aversion to being told what to do can also be seen when he says that he prefers skiing in Europe to America, as in America they take away your ski pass if you go too fast.
He basically enjoys situations where there is risk but where he fights for control and he is resistant to restrictions put on him.
Total: 9 marks
Task 2
In this question you are required to read a postcard from a friend. You have to show you understand this written text by identifying and analysing the relevant information contained in it. You then have to write an appropriate response of 150—200 words in German.
The question provided you with:
- a purpose: a letter in response to the postcard just received
- a context: giving advice, responding to and commenting on the situations described in the letter
- an audience: a friend
To answer this question you should use a conversational style and include the appropriate letter format. You should address your friend as "du" and his/her family as "ihr".
You could begin your letter with a reference to the North Sea holiday your friend has just spent. It is normal in any letter to refer to something your correspondent has mentioned. Or you could refer to the windsurfing he/she has been doing. It is usual to begin any informal letter with a short introduction - you can even use this to lead into one of the particular responses you want to make. As you are being assessed on the relevance of your response, it would be inadvisable to waste your time writing a long, irrelevant introduction. This could easily seem rote learned and is most unlikely to impress the examiner.
In response to the questions, comments and statements made in the letter, your answer should include:
- a comment to correct his/her mistaken idea that the weather is always good in Australia
- whether you spend a lot of time outdoors
- if your brother is now engaged to Paula
- whether or not you still unwind by going to the pictures.
Your friend has also mentioned his/her brother and his/her new hobby. While it would not be essential to refer to these facts, you might decide to make reference to them to give your letter a conversational element.
Although the points given follow the order in which the issues were raised in the text, you do not necessarily have to use the same order in your response. However, you must ensure that your answer flows logically.
Task 3
In this question you are required to read a “Dear Abbey” magazine letter from a young girl. You have to show you understand this text by identifying and analysing the relevant information contained in it. You then have to write an appropriate response of 150-200 words in German.
The question provides you with:
- a purpose: a letter in response to a “Dear Abbey” magazine letter
- a context: giving advice, responding to a problem raised in a letter
-
an audience:
- the writer of the letter
- the readers of the teen magazine
To answer this question you should use a personal, informal style and include the appropriate letter format. You would address Jennifer as “du” in this context.
You should begin your letter showing empathy for Jennifer and her problem. It is normal in any “Dear Abbey” letter to refer to the aspects of the problem raised. You should keep in mind that you are being assessed on the relevance of your response.
In response to Jennifer’s request for advice your answer should include:
-
an introductory paragraph:
- establishing sharing you understand her situation
-
advice on the following:
- her boyfriend’s lack of time
- his assertion that she doesn’t love him anymore
- her jealousy
- the fact that she doesn’t want to lose him
-
a concluding paragraph:
- make an overall comment and wish Jennifer well
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