ECCE (Michigan B2) Practice Tests

Task 1 — Email

You have 30 minutes to complete this section. Choose ONE of the two tasks. Read the task carefully and write your answer. You should write about one page.

Task 2 — Essay

You have 30 minutes to complete this section. Choose ONE of the two tasks. Read the task carefully and write your answer. You should write about one page.

Part 1 — Question 1

Part 1. In this part of the test, you will hear short conversations between two people. After each conversation, you will hear a question about it. Look at the three pictures for that number in your test booklet and choose the picture that best answers the question. You will hear each conversation only once, so listen carefully. Mark your answer on your answer sheet.

1. What will the man have?

Part 1 — Question 2

Listen to the conversation and the question. Choose the picture (A, B or C) that best answers the question.

1. What will the man buy for his father?

Part 1 — Question 3

Listen to the conversation and the question. Choose the picture (A, B or C) that best answers the question.

1. Where will they meet?

Part 1 — Question 4

Listen to the conversation and the question. Choose the picture (A, B or C) that best answers the question.

1. How will the man get to the airport?

Part 1 — Question 5

Listen to the conversation and the question. Choose the picture (A, B or C) that best answers the question.

1. What has the woman already done?

Part 1 — Question 6

Listen to the conversation and the question. Choose the picture (A, B or C) that best answers the question.

1. What does the woman ask the man to bring?

Part 1 — Question 7

Listen to the conversation and the question. Choose the picture (A, B or C) that best answers the question.

1. What is not working in the man's room?

Part 1 — Question 8

Listen to the conversation and the question. Choose the picture (A, B or C) that best answers the question.

1. What pet will the family get?

Part 1 — Question 9

Listen to the conversation and the question. Choose the picture (A, B or C) that best answers the question.

1. What will the boy wear to school?

Part 1 — Question 10

Listen to the conversation and the question. Choose the picture (A, B or C) that best answers the question.

1. Which class will the woman join?

Part 1 — Question 11

Listen to the conversation and the question. Choose the picture (A, B or C) that best answers the question.

1. Which table will they buy?

Part 1 — Question 12

Listen to the conversation and the question. Choose the picture (A, B or C) that best answers the question.

1. Where will they put the desk?

Part 1 — Question 13

Listen to the conversation and the question. Choose the picture (A, B or C) that best answers the question.

1. Where did the woman park the car?

Part 1 — Question 14

Listen to the conversation and the question. Choose the picture (A, B or C) that best answers the question.

1. Which photo will they print?

Part 1 — Question 15

Listen to the conversation and the question. Choose the picture (A, B or C) that best answers the question.

1. Where did the woman find her keys?

Part 1 — Question 16

Listen to the conversation and the question. Choose the picture (A, B or C) that best answers the question.

1. What will the man order for the party?

Part 1 — Question 17

Listen to the conversation and the question. Choose the picture (A, B or C) that best answers the question.

1. What time will they leave?

Part 1 — Question 18

Listen to the conversation and the question. Choose the picture (A, B or C) that best answers the question.

1. What is wrong with the woman's bike?

Part 1 — Question 19

Listen to the conversation and the question. Choose the picture (A, B or C) that best answers the question.

1. What will they do on Saturday?

Part 1 — Question 20

Listen to the conversation and the question. Choose the picture (A, B or C) that best answers the question.

1. What does the boy need to buy?

Part 1 — Question 21

Listen to the conversation and the question. Choose the picture (A, B or C) that best answers the question.

1. What will the woman plant?

Part 1 — Question 22

Listen to the conversation and the question. Choose the picture (A, B or C) that best answers the question.

1. Which shirt will the man wear?

Part 1 — Question 23

Listen to the conversation and the question. Choose the picture (A, B or C) that best answers the question.

1. Where will the customers sit?

Part 1 — Question 24

Listen to the conversation and the question. Choose the picture (A, B or C) that best answers the question.

1. What did the man forget to bring home?

Part 1 — Question 25

Listen to the conversation and the question. Choose the picture (A, B or C) that best answers the question.

1. What does the woman want to borrow?

Part 2 — Talk 1 (Questions 26–30)

Part 2. In this part of the test, you will hear four short talks. Before each talk, you will have time to read the five questions about it in your test booklet. You will hear each talk two times, and you may take notes while you listen. After the second time, you will hear the questions. Choose the best answer to each question and mark it on your answer sheet.

1. Where can students find reference books during the renovation? (A) in the computer lab on the second floor (B) in the main office (C) in Room 114 near the gym (D) in a small study room
2. What will be new in the library? (A) a larger computer lab (B) taller bookshelves (C) a new cafeteria area (D) study rooms for groups
3. What does the speaker mean when she says: (A) The renovation might take longer than planned. (B) Students should look at the plans themselves. (C) She is not sure the changes are a good idea. (D) The finished library will be worth it.
4. What will volunteers probably do on Saturday? (A) build new study rooms (B) record a podcast (C) sign up at the main office (D) clear the old shelves
5. What is the principal mainly discussing? (A) the history of the school building (B) changes to the school library (C) new rules for using computers (D) a fundraising event for parents

Part 2 — Talk 2 (Questions 31–35)

You will hear the talk two times. Then answer the five questions.

1. What should employees do with their computers? (A) pack them in labeled boxes (B) leave them at their desks (C) take them home for the weekend (D) bring them to the IT office
2. How will employees get a desk in the new office? (A) by arriving early each morning (B) by asking the manager (C) by choosing one from the floor plan (D) by reserving one a day ahead
3. What does the speaker mean when he says: (A) The move will be delayed by three months. (B) Employees must decide how they feel in advance. (C) The shared desks are only a trial. (D) The system has already failed in the past.
4. What can be inferred about the bus passes? (A) Every employee will receive one automatically. (B) They will only be valid on weekends. (C) The company wants fewer cars in the garage. (D) They are cheaper than the garage fees.
5. Why is the manager talking to the staff? (A) to prepare them for an office move (B) to announce new working hours (C) to introduce a new moving company (D) to explain why the team is growing

Part 2 — Talk 3 (Questions 36–40)

You will hear the talk two times. Then answer the five questions.

1. What can visitors do in the copy of the general store? (A) buy flour to take home (B) handle the objects (C) ride a delivery bicycle (D) order drinks at a counter
2. Where did most of the objects in the exhibition come from? (A) other museums (B) a closed general store (C) Mrs. Park's bakery (D) local residents
3. What does the speaker mean when she says: (A) Few people were interested in the request. (B) Far more people helped than expected. (C) The objects were in excellent condition. (D) People did not believe the museum's request.
4. Why will the exhibition change every season? (A) The museum cannot show all the objects at once. (B) Some objects must be returned to their owners. (C) Visitors asked for a different topic. (D) The glass cases need repairs.
5. What should visitors do if they want to hear Mrs. Park? (A) get a ticket at the front desk (B) go to the gift shop at three (C) find ten hidden objects (D) sign up for the fall visit

Part 2 — Talk 4 (Questions 41–45)

You will hear the talk two times. Then answer the five questions.

1. According to the coach, what was the team's main problem last season? (A) They did not score enough goals. (B) They had too few experienced players. (C) They lost several games near the end. (D) They practiced on a poor field.
2. What does the speaker mean when she says: (A) The extra running will pay off later. (B) She will be leaving the team in a month. (C) The players are angry about the vote. (D) She regrets changing the practice time.
3. Why are Thursday practices moving? (A) The team needs a bigger parking lot. (B) The practice time is changing. (C) The usual field is being repaired. (D) The park is closer to the school.
4. What does the coach suggest about the new captain? (A) She has already chosen someone. (B) It may not be the team's best scorer. (C) It must be a player who has been on the team for years. (D) The parents will make the final choice.
5. What will happen on the day of the first game? (A) The team will travel to Riverside by bus. (B) Parents will drive players to Lincoln Park. (C) The team will play at the high school field. (D) The players will vote for a captain.

Grammar

Choose the word or phrase that best completes the sentence or conversation. Mark your answer on your answer sheet.

1. The new bridge is far _______ than the old one, so traffic moves much more quickly now. (A) more wider (B) the widest (C) widest (D) wider
2. “Did you lock the back door before we left?” “Oh no! I completely forgot _______ it.” (A) lock (B) for locking (C) to lock (D) locking
3. Had it not been for the volunteers, the festival _______ on time. (A) had never opened (B) would never have opened (C) will never have opened (D) would never open
4. The results of the customer survey _______ at next Monday's staff meeting. (A) will be announced (B) will announce (C) have announced (D) are announcing
5. Nobody helped Emma with the wedding invitations; she designed them all by _______. (A) her own (B) her (C) herself (D) hers
6. Excuse me, could you tell me where _______? (A) the nearest pharmacy it is (B) does the nearest pharmacy be (C) is the nearest pharmacy (D) the nearest pharmacy is
7. _______ of the students in my class have already chosen a topic for their final project. (A) Most (B) Mostly (C) Almost (D) The most
8. “I'm so nervous about my job interview tomorrow.” “There's no point _______ about it. You've prepared really well.” (A) to worry (B) worrying (C) worry (D) worried
9. The hotel _______ we stayed last summer has just been completely renovated. (A) who (B) where (C) what (D) which
10. _______ the heavy rain, the championship game went ahead as planned. (A) Even (B) However (C) Although (D) Despite
11. My sister lent me her camera, and I promised to give _______ by Friday. (A) it back (B) back to it (C) back it (D) it backward
12. On the _______, the new opening hours have been popular with both staff and customers. (A) total (B) general (C) whole (D) all
13. If I _______ you, I would ask the store for a written receipt. (A) am (B) had been (C) would be (D) were
14. “Are you coming to the concert tonight?” “I'd love to, but I have to finish this report, _______ my manager won't be happy.” (A) despite (B) whereas (C) otherwise (D) unless
15. Neither the manager nor her assistants _______ aware of the change to the delivery date. (A) has been (B) were (C) is (D) was being

Vocabulary

Choose the word or phrase that most appropriately completes the sentence. Mark your answer on your answer sheet.

1. The company decided to _______ the launch of its new phone until the software problems were fixed. (A) postpone (B) reject (C) conclude (D) abandon
2. After two years of hard work, Lucas finally _______ his goal of running a full marathon. (A) achieved (B) succeeded (C) managed (D) gained
3. Could you _______ the children for an hour while I go to the grocery store? (A) look up (B) look into (C) look after (D) look over
4. The speech at the retirement party was so _______ that several people in the audience had tears in their eyes. (A) delicate (B) touching (C) hostile (D) sensible
5. Our instructor asked us to _______ close attention to the differences between the two graphs. (A) put (B) make (C) pay (D) take
6. The factory was _______ of polluting the river, but the owners denied that they had done anything wrong. (A) criticized (B) warned (C) blamed (D) accused
7. The new manager has a very _______ style; she always asks her team for their ideas before making a decision. (A) collaborative (B) competitive (C) defensive (D) reluctant
8. It took the firefighters more than two hours to _______ the fire in the old warehouse. (A) put up (B) put out (C) put away (D) put off
9. I can't put _______ the noise from the construction site any longer, so I'm going to work at the library. (A) off with (B) out of (C) down to (D) up with
10. Because of the snowstorm, all flights were _______ and hundreds of passengers had to spend the night at the airport. (A) grounded (B) lowered (C) landed (D) settled
11. The documentary offers a fascinating _______ into the daily lives of families living in the Arctic. (A) insight (B) vision (C) sight (D) scene
12. Mrs. Garcia has a _______ memory; she can recall the name of every student she has taught in thirty years. (A) plentiful (B) remarkable (C) numerous (D) widespread
13. Many local residents _______ to the plan to build a parking garage in the middle of the park. (A) disagreed (B) resisted (C) opposed (D) objected
14. The recipe isn't difficult, but it takes time, so don't try to _______ corners by skipping any of the steps. (A) shave (B) trim (C) cut (D) break

Reading — Passage 1

Read the passage and answer the questions that follow. Choose the best answer according to the passage.

1. What is the main purpose of the passage? (A) to persuade businesses to stop keeping bees (B) to explain step by step how to set up a beehive on an office roof (C) to describe the growth of city beekeeping and a concern about it (D) to argue that honey from farms is better than city honey
2. In the third sentence of paragraph 1, what does flourishing mean? (A) slowly disappearing (B) strictly controlled (C) becoming more dangerous (D) growing successfully
3. In the third sentence of paragraph 2, what does these refer to? (A) studies about honey production (B) parks, gardens, balconies, and streets (C) crops such as corn and wheat (D) bees that live in the city
4. According to the passage, why do city hives often produce more honey than farm hives? (A) City bees can find many kinds of flowers for most of the year. (B) City bees are looked after by professional beekeepers who know more. (C) Farms are too cold for bees in early spring. (D) Farmers remove the hives after the harvest.
5. Why does the author mention a hotel in Chicago? (A) to compare the price of honey in different cities (B) to show that bees are dangerous for hotel guests (C) to explain where urban beekeeping first began (D) to give an example of how a business uses its bees
6. What does the author suggest in paragraph 4? (A) Wild bees produce more honey than honeybees do. (B) The number of hives should depend on the food available for bees. (C) Honeybees are more important than wild bees. (D) Cities should remove all rooftop hives as soon as possible.

Reading — Passage 2

Read the passage and answer the questions that follow. Choose the best answer according to the passage.

1. What is the author's main purpose? (A) to teach readers how to solve difficult clues (B) to explain why word games were popular before 1913 (C) to describe how the crossword became popular (D) to argue that crosswords are good for the brain
2. In the third sentence of paragraph 3, what does it refer to? (A) the pencil attached to each copy (B) the first book of crosswords (C) the young publishing company (D) a small newspaper feature
3. Why does the author mention dresses printed with black-and-white squares? (A) to show how widespread the crossword craze became (B) to explain how the first crossword grids were designed (C) to suggest that crosswords were mainly popular with women (D) to describe a gift that came with the 1924 book
4. What did many people in the book business expect about the 1924 crossword book? (A) It would be too difficult for most readers. (B) Few people would be willing to buy it. (C) Newspapers would try to copy it. (D) It would damage library dictionaries.
5. In the second sentence of paragraph 4, what does gave in mean? (A) stopped printing (B) lost money (C) apologized publicly (D) stopped resisting
6. What does the author suggest about crosswords in paragraph 4? (A) Crosswords have become easier to solve over time. (B) Most newspapers still refuse to print crosswords. (C) People's opinion of crosswords improved. (D) Doing puzzles has been proven to prevent illness.

Reading — Set 1: Coffee at home

The following four sections (A, B, C and D) are related. Read all four sections and answer the questions that follow. Choose the best answer according to the texts.

1. What is the main purpose of section A? (A) to give advice on making better coffee at home (B) to explain why cafés charge high prices (C) to compare different brands of coffee beans (D) to describe how coffee beans are roasted
2. According to section A, why should coffee beans NOT be kept in the refrigerator? (A) They are damaged by the light inside. (B) They become too cold to grind evenly. (C) They lose their flavor within half an hour. (D) They may take on smells from other foods.
3. What does section A say about blade grinders? (A) They produce pieces of different sizes. (B) They are quieter than burr grinders. (C) They should be used just before brewing. (D) They are the best investment for beginners.
4. What is the reviewer's main complaint about the grinder? (A) It is too expensive. (B) It has too few settings. (C) It is too loud. (D) It grinds beans unevenly.
5. What does the reviewer mean when she says her new habit “defeats the purpose”? (A) It cancels out the main benefit of having a grinder. (B) It takes her too much time every evening. (C) It wakes up her husband in the morning. (D) It makes the grinder break more quickly than it should.
6. According to section C, what may happen if the kettle is filled above the MAX line? (A) The kettle will switch off automatically. (B) Boiling water may come out of the spout. (C) Minerals will build up inside the kettle. (D) The base will be damaged by water.
7. According to section C, what should users do to remove mineral buildup? (A) leave the lid open while the water is heating (B) fill the kettle above the MAX line (C) wash the base in a dishwasher once a month (D) heat a mix of water and vinegar in the kettle
8. According to section D, what is one reason people are making coffee at home? (A) Their employers have asked them to. (B) Cafés have reduced their opening hours. (C) They enjoy it as a hobby. (D) Coffee beans have become cheaper.
9. How has Daniel Reyes's business changed? (A) He has started selling grinders too. (B) His café sales have tripled since 2019. (C) He has closed his café in Denver. (D) He is selling many more beans online.
10. What would the writer of section A probably say about the reviewer's habit of grinding beans the night before? (A) It is the best way to avoid bitter coffee. (B) Her coffee will lose much of its flavor. (C) She should buy a blade grinder instead. (D) Her beans will absorb odors from the kitchen.
11. Which feature of the kettle in section C would help a reader follow the advice in section A? (A) the gooseneck spout (B) the automatic switch-off (C) the temperature dial (D) the MIN and MAX lines
12. Which section does NOT give the reader any advice or instructions? (A) Section A (B) Section B (C) Section C (D) Section D

Reading — Set 2: A public speaking course

The following four sections (A, B, C and D) are related. Read all four sections and answer the questions that follow. Choose the best answer according to the texts.

1. Why did Professor Bennett write the letter? (A) to invite students to a speaking contest (B) to prepare new students for the course (C) to announce a change to the class schedule (D) to explain why the course is required
2. According to section A, who can watch the recordings of students' speeches? (A) anyone who asks the college (B) the student's classmates and family (C) only the student and the professor (D) all the students in the class
3. According to section B, what is true about COMM 110? (A) It meets a requirement for every associate degree. (B) It is graded mainly on a final exam. (C) It is offered only in the fall semester. (D) It is open only to students in business degree programs.
4. A student who can take classes only in the evening wants to enroll in COMM 110. When should the student take it? (A) in the spring semester (B) in the fall semester (C) in either semester (D) in the summer session
5. What did the writer of section C find most useful? (A) learning definitions from the textbook (B) watching recordings of the student's own speeches (C) speaking to people outside the class (D) the early start time of the class
6. What change does the writer of section C suggest? (A) making the course optional for all students (B) giving more speeches each semester (C) replacing the final exam with a speech (D) recording fewer speeches
7. Why did Tyler consider transferring to another college? (A) He wanted to change his degree program. (B) He disliked the professor's teaching style. (C) He had failed a course in middle school. (D) He was afraid of having to give speeches.
8. What helped Tyler stay for his persuasive speech? (A) not wanting to disappoint his classmates (B) practicing the speech fifteen times (C) advice from his manager at work (D) focusing on a classmate's story
9. What does Tyler mean when he says the course “taught me that I could speak anyway”? (A) He no longer feels any fear at all when he speaks to a group. (B) He now prefers speaking to writing. (C) He learned to speak without preparing. (D) He can speak in public even though he still feels nervous.
10. How would Professor Bennett probably explain why Tyler's first speech was easier than he expected? (A) The first speech did not count toward the final grade. (B) The task did not require him to talk about himself. (C) Students could choose their own topics. (D) The first speech was not recorded or seen by anyone.
11. Which part of the grading in section B would the writer of section C most likely want to remove? (A) the speeches (B) the self-evaluations (C) the final exam (D) participation and attendance
12. Which section does NOT mention nervousness or anxiety about speaking? (A) Section A (B) Section B (C) Section C (D) Section D

Stage 1 — Warm-up

The examiner will ask you a few short questions about yourself. Answer naturally. This stage is not scored; it helps you relax.

1. Hello. Let’s start with a few questions about you. What do you usually do during your summer vacation? Example: Well, it depends on the year, but I usually spend a couple of weeks with my grandparents, who live near the coast. The rest of the time I try to catch up on reading and see my friends as much as possible.
2. Have you ever had a part-time or summer job? Example: Yes, I have. Last summer I worked at an ice cream shop downtown. It was pretty busy, but I enjoyed talking to customers, and it was nice to earn my own money for the first time.

Stage 2 — Ask Questions (Help Solve a Problem)

Look at the two pictures. I am your friend and I have a problem. Find out what my problem is and offer me some good advice. Ask me questions to find out what the problem is, what my options are, and what the disadvantages of each option are.

1. Well, it’s about my friend Jake. He’s trying to decide what to do this summer. He wants to do something useful before his last year of college, but he can’t make up his mind between two things. Example: So, what seems to be the problem? Is it something I can help with?
2. The first option is an internship at a graphic design company in the city. He wants to be a designer, so that’s really interesting for him. The second option is to work as a lifeguard at the local swimming pool again, like he did last year. Example: I see. What are the two options he’s considering? Could you tell me a bit about each one?
3. Well, the internship is unpaid, and the office is an hour and a half away by train, so he’d spend a lot of money and time traveling. The lifeguard job pays well, but it has nothing to do with design, and he’d have to start work at six in the morning. Example: They both sound good. Is there a downside to either of them? What’s the disadvantage of the internship, and what about the lifeguard job?

Stage 3 — Make a Recommendation

Now tell me which option you think is best for me and why. Also explain why you did not choose the other option. Use the information you learned. You have about 90 seconds.

1. So, what do you think Jake should do? Why? Example: I think Jake should take the internship at the design company, even though it’s unpaid. The main reason is that he’s about to start his last year of college, and he wants to become a designer. Real experience in a design office would give him something impressive to put on his résumé and in his portfolio, and he might even make contacts who could help him find a job after he graduates. That’s something he just can’t get at a swimming pool. I know the long trip is a real problem — three hours a day on the train is exhausting, and the tickets are expensive. But he could use the travel time to work on his own design projects on his laptop, and maybe he could ask the company to let him work from home one or two days a week. If money is really tight, he could also do some lifeguard shifts on the weekends. As for the lifeguard job, I wouldn’t choose it because it doesn’t move him any closer to his career. He already did it last year, so he wouldn’t learn anything new, and starting at six every morning would leave him too tired to do much else. So, in my opinion, the internship is a better investment in his future.

Stage 4 — Elaboration Questions

The examiner will ask you three questions related to the topic. The questions move from your own experience to more general and abstract ideas. Give full answers with reasons and examples (about 45–60 seconds each).

1. Tell me about a job or responsibility you’ve had that taught you something important. Example: When I was sixteen, I volunteered as an assistant coach for my little brother’s soccer team. I thought it would be easy, but it taught me a lot about patience. Some of the kids didn’t listen, and I had to find ways to keep them interested, like turning drills into games. It also taught me to be reliable — if I didn’t show up, fifteen kids and their parents were waiting. I think that experience made me more confident about leading a group.
2. Why do you think it’s difficult for many young people to get work experience these days? Example: I think there are a few reasons. First, a lot of employers want people who already have experience, so it’s a kind of vicious circle — you can’t get a job without experience, and you can’t get experience without a job. Also, many internships are unpaid, like Jake’s, so only students whose families can support them can really afford to do them. And in some towns there just aren’t many opportunities, so young people would have to travel or move to a big city.
3. Some people say that the experience you gain from a job is more important than the money you earn. To what extent do you agree? Example: I agree to a large extent, especially for young people. At the beginning of your career, the skills and contacts you get can pay off for many years, while a summer salary is spent pretty quickly. That said, I don’t think we can say money isn’t important. People have rent and bills to pay, and it’s unfair if only people from wealthy families can take experience-rich but unpaid positions. So I’d say experience matters more in the long run, but only if people can still afford to live.