Grade 11: English HL Task 1
HOW TO ADMINISTER THE FORMAL LISTENING COMPREHENSION TASK:
INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE TEACHER
• Supply learners with one piece of blank paper and the attached answer
sheet or 2 pieces of blank paper.
• Alert learners of the type of information they will be required to listen to,
and to demystify the passage.
• During the first reading, read the text so learners can become familiar with
the content. During this time, learners should listen only and may not write
down notes.
• During the second reading, the text should be read at normal pace. During
this reading, learners may take notes.
• After the second reading, the questions are read to the learners and
learners are given ample time to answer the questions, in full sentences,
on a blank page.
• Remind the learners that spelling does not count.
• Take the work in for marking and record the marks. Both the learners’
rough work and answer sheet should be collected.
• Give feedback to the learners after analysing the results of this task.
• After marking, learners MUST see their marked responses to learn from
their mistakes made.
Grade 11: English HL Task 1
Listening Comprehension Text
Title: The Quiet Power of Consistency
In a world that celebrates instant success, consistency is often overlooked. Many
people admire the athlete who wins a gold medal or the entrepreneur who becomes
wealthy overnight, without seeing the years of quiet effort behind those
achievements. Consistency, however, is not about dramatic moments. It is about
showing up repeatedly, even when motivation is low and progress feels invisible.
For example, a student who studies for just thirty minutes every day may not notice
immediate improvement. At first, their marks may stay the same, and frustration can
easily set in. Over time, however, that daily effort begins to compound. Concepts
become familiar, confidence grows, and the student starts to perform better under
pressure. What once felt difficult slowly becomes manageable.
Consistency also shapes character. When a person commits to small, regular
actions, they develop discipline and resilience. These qualities are especially
important in challenging situations, such as preparing for final examinations or
balancing school responsibilities with personal life. While talent can give someone a
head start, it is consistency that determines how far they go.
Despite this, many people abandon their goals because they expect quick results.
Social media often worsens this problem by presenting success as effortless and
immediate. This distorted view can discourage young people who are still finding
their path. Understanding that progress is gradual can help learners remain patient
with themselves.
Ultimately, consistency teaches an important life lesson: meaningful change rarely
happens all at once. Instead, it is built through steady effort, commitment, and the
willingness to continue even when no one is watching.
Grade 11: English HL Task 1
QUESTIONS
1. Identify the central concept that the speaker believes is undervalued in
modern society. (1)
2. Which two examples of success are used to show how society celebrates
visible achievement? (2)
3. Quote ONE phrase from the passage that indicates progress is slow or not
immediately visible. (1)
4. State TWO character traits that are developed through consistency. (2)
5. Why would a student initially feel discouraged when studying consistently?
(2)
6. Explain how a student’s daily effort leads to improved performance over time.
(2)
7. What conclusion does the speaker draw about the influence of social media
on young people’s expectations of success? (2)
8. “Consistency teaches an important life lesson.”
Do you agree with this statement?
Support your answer with reference to the passage and your own experience
or observations. (3)
TOTAL: 15 MARKS
Grade 11: English HL Task 1
MEMORANDUM
1. Consistency / steady effort (ANY ONE) (1)
2. Athletic success
Entrepreneurial/financial success (2)
3. “progress feels invisible”
“may not notice immediate improvement”
(Any ONE acceptable quotation) (1)
4. Discipline
Resilience
Commitment
Patience
(Any TWO) (2)
5. There is no immediate improvement
Marks remain the same
Progress feels invisible
(ANY ONE) (2)
6. Concepts become familiar
Confidence improves
Performance under pressure improves
(ANY ONE) (2)
7. Social media presents success as instant or effortless.
It creates unrealistic or distorted expectations. (2)
8. Clear opinion (agree / disagree / partially agree)
Reference to the passage
Relevant personal insight or example (3)
E.G. I agree with this statement because the passage shows that consistency leads
to long-term improvement, even when results are not immediately visible. The
example of the student who studies for thirty minutes every day demonstrates how
steady effort builds confidence and better performance over time. In my own
experience, studying regularly for tests has helped me understand my work better
and feel less stressed, which proves that consistency teaches patience and
discipline.
NOTE:
• Learners do not need to quote directly from the passage.
• Personal responses may vary but must remain relevant.
Grade 11: English HL Task 1
• Credit should be given for well-reasoned disagreement, provided it is
justified.
• Language errors should not be penalised unless they obscure
meaning.
COGNITIVE LEVELS (BARRETT’S TAXONOMY)
Cognitive Level Question Numbers Marks Percentage
Low Order (Literal) 1-4 6 40%
Middle Order (Inferential / Reorganisation) 5 - 7 6 40%
Higher Order (Evaluative / Appreciative) 8 3 20%
TOTAL 15 100%
