Master the New English File Pre-Intermediate Progress Test (Files 5–9) The New English File Pre-Intermediate Progress Test for Files 5–9 is a major milestone for English language learners. This comprehensive assessment evaluates your grasp of core grammatical structures, essential vocabulary, and practical communication skills introduced in the middle section of the course. Passing this test demonstrates your transition from a basic user to a more independent, confident English speaker. This guide provides a comprehensive breakdown of the test structure, key grammar points, essential vocabulary, and proven strategies to help you maximize your score. 1. Test Structure Overview The Progress Test for Files 5–9 mirrors the format of standard Cambridge English assessments. It is designed to test both your receptive skills (reading and listening) and productive skills (grammar, vocabulary, and writing). Typically, the exam is divided into the following sections: Grammar (20–40 points): Multiple-choice, sentence transformation, and gap-fill exercises. Vocabulary (20 points): Word matching, odd-one-out, and fill-in-the-blank questions. Pronunciation (10 points): Identifying word stress and matching sounds. Reading and Writing (25–30 points): Reading comprehension questions followed by a short essay or email prompt. Listening and Speaking (20 points): Audio comprehension tasks and a brief verbal interaction. 2. Core Grammar Focus (Files 5–9) The middle files of the Pre-Intermediate syllabus introduce grammar concepts that allow you to express future plans, hypothetical situations, and past obligations. Focus your revision on these five key areas: File 5: Future Forms and Expressing Plans Be going to (Plans and Predictions): Used for pre-decided future intentions (e.g., "I'm going to visit my family this weekend" ) and predictions based on present evidence ( "Look at those clouds; it's going to rain" ). Present Continuous for Arrangements: Used for fixed future arrangements with a specific time and place (e.g., "We're meeting the client at 3 PM tomorrow" ). Will / Won't: Used for instant decisions, promises, offers, and general predictions (e.g., "I'll help you with those bags" ). File 6: Present Perfect vs. Past Simple Present Perfect (Experience): Used to talk about life experiences at an unspecified time in the past. It often pairs with ever and never (e.g., "Have you ever been to Rome?" ). Present Perfect (Just, Already, Yet): Used for recent events with a connection to the present (e.g., "I've just finished my homework" ). Past Simple Comparison: Switch to the Past Simple the moment you specify a time or date (e.g., "Yes, I went to Rome in 2024" ). File 7: Modals of Ability, Obligation, and Permission Have to / Don't have to: Expresses strong external obligation or a lack of necessity (e.g., "You have to wear a seatbelt," but "You don't have to pay; it's free" ). Must / Mustn't: Expresses personal obligations or strict prohibitions (e.g., "You mustn't smoke here" ). Should / Shouldn't: Used to give advice or opinions (e.g., "You should study tonight" ). File 8: Conditionals and Future Time Clauses First Conditional: Explains real and possible future situations. Format: If + Present Simple, Will + Infinitive (e.g., "If it rains, we will stay home" ). Possibility (May/Might): Used when you are uncertain about the future (e.g., "We might go to the beach, depending on the weather" ). File 9: Expressing Fears and Hypotheticals Second Conditional: Imaginary, unrealistic, or hypothetical situations in the present or future. Format: If + Past Simple, Would + Infinitive (e.g., "If I won the lottery, I would buy a house" ). Present Perfect with For and Since : Used for actions that started in the past and continue now (e.g., "I have lived here for three years / since 2023" ). 3. Essential Vocabulary and Word Groups The vocabulary in Files 5–9 shifts from concrete everyday objects to more abstract concepts, emotions, and professional settings. Make sure you can use words from these categories: Topic Area Key Words & Expressions File 5 Airports & Travel Check-in, gate, passport control, customs, delayed, take off File 6 Shopping & Clothes Changing room, receipt, refund, fit, suit, take back, try on File 7 Housework & Verb Phrases Do the ironing, make the bed, clean the floor, dust the furniture File 8 Work & Education Apply for a job, earn, salary, resign, retire, primary school, degree File 9 Phobias, Biographies & Animals Fear, terrified, spider, height, be born, graduate, pass away 4. Step-by-Step Revision Strategy To maximize your score on the progress test, avoid cramming everything the night before. Instead, follow this structured revision path: Step 1: Review the "Grammar Bank" Navigate to the back of your New English File Pre-Intermediate Student's Book. Re-do the exercises for the Grammar Banks of Files 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9. Pay close attention to why an answer is wrong. Step 2: Use the "Vocabulary Bank" Test yourself using the visual aids in the Vocabulary Bank. Cover the words and try to name the items or verbs based on the pictures alone. Step 3: Practice Sound Pairs The pronunciation section often catches students off guard. Review the sound pictures (e.g., the fish sound /ɪ/ vs. the tree sound /iː/) and practice identifying word stress in three-syllable words (e.g., bi -o-gra-phy vs. com-pu- ta -tion). Step 4: Take Mock Tests Ask your teacher for the companion New English File Teacher's Book Progress Test files, or look for matching online interactive quizzes. Time yourself to build speed and stamina. 5. Top Test-Taking Tips Read the instructions carefully: In the grammar section, check if a question asks for a contraction (e.g., don't ) or the full form ( do not ). Look for time markers: Words like yesterday , last week , and in 2010 require the Past Simple. Words like already , yet , since , and for point to the Present Perfect. Don't leave blanks: There is no negative marking in the New English File testing system. If you aren't sure of a multiple-choice question, make an educated guess. Structure your writing: If the writing section asks you to write an email about a holiday plan, use paragraphs: one for the destination (using going to ), one for the accommodation, and one for the activities. Conclusion The New English File Pre-Intermediate Progress Test (Files 5–9) is entirely manageable if you systematically review your tenses, build your thematic vocabulary, and practice reading comprehension. By mastering the distinction between the Present Perfect and Past Simple, and learning how to correctly apply future forms, you will easily secure a passing grade and move closer to Intermediate proficiency. If you need help preparing for a specific section of this test, let me know! I can provide practice exercises for any grammar point (like Present Perfect vs. Past Simple), generate a mock vocabulary quiz , or give feedback on a practice writing prompt . Share public link This public link is valid for 7 days and shares a thread, including any personal information you added. This link or copies made by others cannot be deleted. If you share with third parties, their policies apply. Can’t copy the link right now. Try again later.
It looks like you are looking for a Progress Test covering Files 5–9 of the New English File Pre-Intermediate coursebook (commonly known as the "Red" book). Below is a prepared sample test that follows the typical structure of the actual Oxford University Press tests. Use this to review grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation for Files 5–9.
Progress Test (Files 5–9) New English File Pre-Intermediate GRAMMAR 1 Complete the sentences with the correct form of the verb in brackets (Present Perfect, Past Simple, or Comparative forms).
I ________ (never / eat) sushi before last night. This jacket is ________ (expensive) than the blue one. They ________ (move) to London in 2018. She is ________ (good) at tennis than her brother. We ________ (already / see) that film twice. new english file preintermediate progress test files 59
2 Complete the sentences with going to , will , or a modal verb ( can , must , should ).
Look at those clouds! It ________ rain. You ________ drive without a seatbelt – it’s dangerous. I think people ________ live on Mars in 100 years. ________ you help me with this heavy bag, please? You ________ eat more vegetables – it’s good for you.
VOCABULARY 3 Write the correct word for each definition (Files 5–9 topics: transport, shopping, health, relationships). Master the New English File Pre-Intermediate Progress Test
A place where you can buy medicine: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ The money you get back after paying more than the price: _ _ _ _ _ _ A verb meaning to stop working because of illness or age: _ _ _ _ _ _ A person you work with: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ A fast train that goes underground in a city: _ _ _ _ _ (UK English)
4 Complete the sentences with one word.
He turned ________ the music because it was too loud. (opposite of 'on') She broke ________ with her boyfriend last week. I get ________ well with my sister – we never argue. Please fill ________ this form before seeing the doctor. If you run out ________ milk, I can buy some. This guide provides a comprehensive breakdown of the
PRONUNCIATION 5 Underline the stressed syllable.
comfortable expensive relationship supermarket technology