New Horizon Academy · ZIMSEC O-Level

English Revision and Mock Test

Build confidence in composition, comprehension, summary, grammar and communication, then take an automatically marked diagnostic mock.

10 topic guides20 questionsInstant marksCorrections

Learn by topic

Open each guide for the skill, key principle, example and common mistake.

1Narrative Composition

Learn: Plan setting, character, conflict, climax and resolution.

Key principle: Use a clear sequence and purposeful paragraphs.

Example: Opening with a problem creates immediate interest.

Avoid: Avoid unrelated events and sudden endings.

2Descriptive Writing

Learn: Create a vivid picture using precise sensory details.

Key principle: Show through selected detail instead of listing adjectives.

Example: The cracked bell shivered above the silent yard.

Avoid: Do not turn a description into a full story.

3Argumentative and Discursive Essays

Learn: Present a position, reasons, evidence and a balanced conclusion.

Key principle: One paragraph should develop one main point.

Example: Claim, evidence, explanation and link form a strong paragraph.

Avoid: Do not repeat the same reason in different words.

4Formal and Informal Letters

Learn: Choose the correct layout, tone, salutation and closing.

Key principle: Match language to purpose and recipient.

Example: A complaint states the problem, evidence and requested solution politely.

Avoid: Avoid slang in formal correspondence.

5Report Writing

Learn: Organise factual findings and recommendations under headings.

Key principle: Use concise, objective language and evidence.

Example: Finding: attendance fell on rainy days. Recommendation: adjust start time.

Avoid: Do not write a report like a personal letter.

6Reading Comprehension

Learn: Identify facts, inference, tone, purpose and meaning in context.

Key principle: Answer from the passage and support inference with evidence.

Example: If a character checks the clock repeatedly, we may infer impatience.

Avoid: Do not copy long sections when a precise answer is required.

7Summary Writing

Learn: Select only relevant main points and express them concisely.

Key principle: Remove examples, repetition and decoration.

Example: Long detail becomes one accurate general point.

Avoid: Do not add opinions or new information.

8Grammar and Language Use

Learn: Control tense, agreement, punctuation, vocabulary and sentence structure.

Key principle: A singular subject normally takes a singular verb.

Example: The list of items is on the desk.

Avoid: Do not let a nearby plural noun control the verb.

9Note-Making and Note Expansion

Learn: Reduce information to organised points, then develop notes coherently.

Key principle: Use headings, keywords and logical grouping.

Example: Benefits: saves time; reduces cost; improves access.

Avoid: Notes are not complete sentences unless expanded.

10Oral Communication

Learn: Speak clearly, listen actively and adapt register to audience.

Key principle: Purpose and audience determine tone, pace and vocabulary.

Example: A presentation begins with a clear purpose and signposting.

Avoid: Do not read every word without engaging listeners.

English diagnostic mock

Recommended time: 30 minutes.

This diagnostic checks language knowledge, reading skills and writing decisions. Full composition marking will be added to the premium course with teacher or AI-assisted feedback.

Original New Horizon practice questions – not an official ZIMSEC examination paper.

Question 1 · GrammarChoose the correct sentence.

The group of learners are ready. The group of learners is ready. The group of learner are ready. The groups of learners is ready.

The subject group is singular, so use is.

Question 2 · GrammarWhich sentence uses the apostrophe correctly?

The students books were new. The student’s books were new. The students’ books were new. The students’s books were new.

Books belonging to several students requires students’.

Question 3 · GrammarChoose the correctly punctuated sentence.

However we continued walking. However, we continued walking. However we, continued walking. However; we continued, walking.

An introductory linking word is followed by a comma.

Question 4 · GrammarChange to passive voice: The committee approved the plan.

The plan approved the committee. The plan was approved by the committee. The committee was approved by the plan. The plan is approving the committee.

The object becomes the subject: the plan was approved.

Question 5 · VocabularyWhat does reluctant mean?

eager unwilling careless noisy

Reluctant means unwilling or hesitant.

Question 6 · ComprehensionTariro checked the dark clouds, packed an umbrella and hurried away. What can be inferred?

She expected rain. She lost her bag. She enjoyed the heat. She was going swimming.

The dark clouds and umbrella suggest she expected rain.

Question 7 · ComprehensionThe phrase the market roared to life suggests the market became…

empty and silent busy and noisy dangerous and dark clean and modern

Roared to life conveys sudden busy activity and sound.

Question 8 · ComprehensionA writer lists facts and statistics about water waste mainly to…

entertain confuse inform and persuade describe a character

Evidence informs readers and supports persuasion.

Question 9 · ComprehensionWhich word best describes a writer who praises volunteers?

admiring hostile uncertain mocking

Praise creates an admiring tone.

Question 10 · SummaryWhich is the best summary point for several examples of buses, bicycles and walking?

The writer likes bicycles. People use different forms of transport. Buses are always crowded. Walking is the only cheap option.

It combines the examples into one accurate general point.

Question 11 · SummaryA summary should normally exclude…

main ideas relevant causes minor examples key effects

Minor examples are removed while main points remain.

Question 12 · Argumentative WritingWhich is the strongest thesis statement?

School uniforms. I will discuss uniforms. Schools should retain uniforms because they promote equality and identity. Uniforms are clothes.

It states a clear position and reasons.

Question 13 · Argumentative WritingWhat should follow evidence in a strong paragraph?

an unrelated topic an explanation of how it supports the claim a new title a greeting

Evidence needs explanation and connection to the argument.

Question 14 · Narrative WritingWhich opening creates the strongest immediate conflict?

It was Monday. I like school. The examination paper was missing when the bell rang. There are many schools.

It introduces a specific problem and urgency.

Question 15 · Descriptive WritingWhich sentence shows rather than simply tells?

The room was scary. I was afraid. The door creaked and cold air brushed my neck. It was a room.

Sensory action creates the feeling indirectly.

Question 16 · Formal LetterBest opening for a formal complaint?

Hey, your service is bad. I am writing to report a problem with the service received on 12 July. What’s going on? You people never listen.

It is polite, specific and states the purpose.

Question 17 · Formal LetterWhich closing matches Dear Sir or Madam?

Yours faithfully Your friend Cheers Yours sincerely always

Yours faithfully conventionally matches an unnamed recipient.

Question 18 · Report WritingWhich heading best introduces evidence discovered during an investigation?

Greetings Findings Once upon a time My feelings

Findings presents factual results.

Question 19 · Note-MakingWhich is the clearest note?

Because transport is expensive, learners sometimes stay home. Transport costs – cause of absence I think transport is bad. Learners and many other things

It uses concise keywords while preserving meaning.

Question 20 · Oral CommunicationWhat most improves a short presentation?

speaking as fast as possible reading every word from slides clear structure, audible pace and audience contact using difficult words

Clear organisation, delivery and audience awareness improve communication.

Need help with English?

Send your score and weak-area list for focused tutor support.

Ask for English help