English Past Paper 2023(2024) O/L

Test 6

Train Announcement

Fill in the blanks by selecting the correct words from the dropdowns (English Past Paper).

Attention passengers: The Express Train to , scheduled to depart from No. at 9.30 a.m., will be by one hour. The new departure time is 10.30 a.m. The train is expected to arrive at Badulla Railway Station at 3.30 p.m. We apologize for the .

1. ๐Ÿ“– Vocabulary Development (English Past Paper)

Firstly, this passage introduces everyday travel-related words like platform, departure, arrival, and delay ๐Ÿš‰, helping students expand their vocabulary in a practical transport context.

2. ๐Ÿ‘€ Visual Literacy

In addition, learners can imagine the train station setting ๐Ÿ–ผ๏ธ and connect the announcement with real-world travel visuals, reinforcing how language is used in public spaces.

3. ๐Ÿ“˜ Comprehension Skills

Moreover, the passage strengthens reading comprehension ๐Ÿ“– by requiring students to understand time references, schedules, and the impact of a delay.

4. ๐Ÿ“ Exam Relevance

As a result, this type of announcement mirrors functional English tasks ๐Ÿง  often tested in the O/L exam, such as interpreting notices and instructions.

5. ๐Ÿงฉ Guided Learning

Furthermore, the clear structure of the announcement โœ… supports learners by modeling how information is presented formally and politely in public communication.

6. ๐ŸŽฏ Practical Application

Finally, the passage blends language with real-world travel situations ๐ŸŒ, reinforcing functional English and logical reasoning โ€” key goals of the GCE O/L syllabus.

English Past Paper

English Past Paper 2023(2024) O/L

Test 5

Blue Whale Matching Activity

Read the text below and select the correct number of the answer from the dropdowns.

Text:

The world’s largest mammal is the blue whale. Although they can breathe air, blue whales are most at ease in the ocean, where their ability to float supports their amazing size. These marine animals can be found in every ocean of Earth, and they frequently swim alone or in tiny groups. A blue whale calf is born weighing two tons (approximately 1814kg) and during its first year of life, it gains an additional 200 pounds (approximately 91 kg) every day. These enormous animals consume krill, which are tiny organisms that resemble shrimp. It is estimated that just a small number of blue whales inhabit the oceans worldwide. They were nearly driven to extinction because of years of hunting for their oil and blubber. Although they were shielded from extinction by the 1966 International Whaling Convention, they are currently listed as endangered.

TopicChoose Number
(1) A swimming style of whales
(2) A common prey of whales
(3) What hunters seek in whales other than oil
(4) The extra weight a calf gains every day in its first year
(5) The weight of a calf at birth
(6) The year that ensured the safety of whales
Answer Key:
  1. 200 pounds (approximately 91 kg)
  2. alone or in tiny groups
  3. blubber
  4. 1966
  5. krill
  6. two tons (approximately 1814kg)

1. ๐Ÿ“– Vocabulary Development (English Past Paper)

Firstly, this activity introduces everyday English words like thermometer, umbrella, and sunglasses ๐Ÿ•ถ๏ธ, helping students expand their vocabulary in a practical context.

2. ๐Ÿ‘€ Visual Literacy

In addition, by matching descriptions to pictures ๐Ÿ–ผ๏ธ, students learn to interpret visual cues and connect them with language โ€” a skill tested in the O/L English exam.

3. ๐Ÿ“˜ Comprehension Skills

Moreover, the task strengthens reading comprehension ๐Ÿ“– by requiring students to understand short descriptive phrases and identify their meanings accurately.

4. ๐Ÿ“ Exam Relevance (English Past Paper)

As a result, this format mirrors actual exam questions ๐Ÿง , making it ideal for revision and familiarizing students with picture-based vocabulary tasks.

5. ๐Ÿงฉ Guided Learning

Furthermore, including a completed example โœ… supports learners by reducing confusion and modeling how to approach the task correctly.

6. ๐ŸŽฏ Practical Application

Finally, the activity blends language with real-world objects ๐ŸŒ, reinforcing functional English and logical reasoning โ€” key goals of the GCE O/L syllabus.

English Past Paper

English Past Paper 2023(2024) O/L

Test 4

Police Arrest Scenario

Choose the correct answer

A young man was driving to work. Suddenly he was surrounded (1) flashing lights and four police cars. One officer told him to get out of the car. The young man followed his orders not knowing why that was happening. He ended (2) in handcuffs in the back of the police car. A witness claimed she had seen him (3) a murder scene. But what if this man isn’t guilty (4) murder? What if he is completely innocent? Perhaps he was in the wrong place at the wrong time, and he has a similar body build or hair colour (5) that of the actual murderer. Now imagine your brother, your best friend or even yourself in this man’s position. How difficult it would be (6) you and your family to experience this! However, the police have no option other than arresting a suspect.

1. ๐Ÿ“– Vocabulary Development (English Past Paper)

Firstly, this activity introduces everyday English words like thermometer, umbrella, and sunglasses ๐Ÿ•ถ๏ธ, helping students expand their vocabulary in a practical context.

2. ๐Ÿ‘€ Visual Literacy

In addition, by matching descriptions to pictures ๐Ÿ–ผ๏ธ, students learn to interpret visual cues and connect them with language โ€” a skill tested in the O/L English exam.

3. ๐Ÿ“˜ Comprehension Skills

Moreover, the task strengthens reading comprehension ๐Ÿ“– by requiring students to understand short descriptive phrases and identify their meanings accurately.

4. ๐Ÿ“ Exam Relevance (English Past Paper)

As a result, this format mirrors actual exam questions ๐Ÿง , making it ideal for revision and familiarizing students with picture-based vocabulary tasks.

5. ๐Ÿงฉ Guided Learning

Furthermore, including a completed example โœ… supports learners by reducing confusion and modeling how to approach the task correctly.

6. ๐ŸŽฏ Practical Application

Finally, the activity blends language with real-world objects ๐ŸŒ, reinforcing functional English and logical reasoning โ€” key goals of the GCE O/L syllabus.

English Past Paper

English Past Paper 2023(2024) O/L

Test 3

Children’s Park Description

Choose the correct answer

This is a beautiful scene of a children’s park. Children (1) doing different things here. There are (2) of them. Some are boys and some are girls. One child is sitting on a (3) of a large tree (4) fruit. Another child can be seen (5) under the tree reading a (6) . The child standing in front of a white board is (7) a picture. At a (8) a boy is playing a (9) . A girl with curly hair is (10) a kite. Another child is seen playing (11) a ball. The children are enjoying themselves.

1. ๐Ÿ“– Vocabulary Development (English Past Paper)

Firstly, this activity introduces everyday English words like thermometer, umbrella, and sunglasses ๐Ÿ•ถ๏ธ, helping students expand their vocabulary in a practical context.

2. ๐Ÿ‘€ Visual Literacy

In addition, by matching descriptions to pictures ๐Ÿ–ผ๏ธ, students learn to interpret visual cues and connect them with language โ€” a skill tested in the O/L English exam.

3. ๐Ÿ“˜ Comprehension Skills

Moreover, the task strengthens reading comprehension ๐Ÿ“– by requiring students to understand short descriptive phrases and identify their meanings accurately.

4. ๐Ÿ“ Exam Relevance (English Past Paper)

As a result, this format mirrors actual exam questions ๐Ÿง , making it ideal for revision and familiarizing students with picture-based vocabulary tasks.

5. ๐Ÿงฉ Guided Learning

Furthermore, including a completed example โœ… supports learners by reducing confusion and modeling how to approach the task correctly.

6. ๐ŸŽฏ Practical Application

Finally, the activity blends language with real-world objects ๐ŸŒ, reinforcing functional English and logical reasoning โ€” key goals of the GCE O/L syllabus.

English Past Paper

English Past Paper 2023(2024) O/L

Test 2

Fill in the Blanks Dialogue Quiz

1. ๐Ÿ“– Vocabulary Development

Firstly, this activity introduces everyday English words like thermometer, umbrella, and sunglasses ๐Ÿ•ถ๏ธ, helping students expand their vocabulary in a practical context.

2. ๐Ÿ‘€ Visual Literacy

In addition, by matching descriptions to pictures ๐Ÿ–ผ๏ธ, students learn to interpret visual cues and connect them with language โ€” a skill tested in the O/L English exam.

3. ๐Ÿ“˜ Comprehension Skills

Moreover, the task strengthens reading comprehension ๐Ÿ“– by requiring students to understand short descriptive phrases and identify their meanings accurately.

4. ๐Ÿ“ Exam Relevance

As a result, this format mirrors actual exam questions ๐Ÿง , making it ideal for revision and familiarizing students with picture-based vocabulary tasks.

5. ๐Ÿงฉ Guided Learning

Furthermore, including a completed example โœ… supports learners by reducing confusion and modeling how to approach the task correctly.

6. ๐ŸŽฏ Practical Application

Finally, the activity blends language with real-world objects ๐ŸŒ, reinforcing functional English and logical reasoning โ€” key goals of the GCE O/L syllabus.

English Past Paper 2023(2024) O/L

Test 1

Picture Caption Matching Quiz

1. ๐Ÿ“– Vocabulary Development (English Past Paper)

Firstly, this activity introduces everyday English words like thermometer, umbrella, and sunglasses ๐Ÿ•ถ๏ธ, helping students expand their vocabulary in a practical context.

2. ๐Ÿ‘€ Visual Literacy

In addition, by matching descriptions to pictures ๐Ÿ–ผ๏ธ, students learn to interpret visual cues and connect them with language โ€” a skill tested in the O/L English exam.

3. ๐Ÿ“˜ Comprehension Skills

Moreover, the task strengthens reading comprehension ๐Ÿ“– by requiring students to understand short descriptive phrases and identify their meanings accurately.

4. ๐Ÿ“ Exam Relevance (English Past Paper)

As a result, this format mirrors actual exam questions ๐Ÿง , making it ideal for revision and familiarizing students with picture-based vocabulary tasks.

5. ๐Ÿงฉ Guided Learning

Furthermore, including a completed example โœ… supports learners by reducing confusion and modeling how to approach the task correctly.

6. ๐ŸŽฏ Practical Application

Finally, the activity blends language with real-world objects ๐ŸŒ, reinforcing functional English and logical reasoning โ€” key goals of the GCE O/L syllabus.

English Past Paper

2023(2024) O/L English Past Paper


1. ๐Ÿ“– Complete Guide for Students (English Past Paper)

At first, The Sri Lanka GCE O/L English Syllabus โ€“ Complete Guide for Students provides a clear overview of the skills and knowledge required for success in the examination. It helps learners understand what areas they need to focus on and how to prepare effectively.

2. ๐Ÿ“ Exam Syllabus in Sri Lanka

Furthermore, the GCE Ordinary Level English Exam Syllabus in Sri Lanka outlines the essential areas of study, including grammar, vocabulary, comprehension, and literature. As a result, this ensures students know exactly what topics will be tested.

3. ๐Ÿ“š Study Resources (English Past Paper)

After that, Students can benefit from the Sri Lanka O/L English Language Syllabus and Study Resources, which offer structured practice materials and guidance for exam preparation. On the other hand, these resources include notes, worksheets, and practice papers.

4. โœ๏ธ Grammar, Vocabulary, Literature & Tips

Then, to strengthen performance, the O/L English Exam Syllabus Sri Lanka โ€“ Grammar, Vocabulary, Literature & Tips highlights key focus areas and practical strategies. This section emphasizes exam techniques and common mistakes to avoid.

5. ๐Ÿ“‚ Past Papers & Preparation Guide

Finally, the Sri Lanka GCE O/L English Syllabus 2025 โ€“ Past Papers & Preparation Guide ensures learners have access to updated exam formats, marking schemes, and practice questions. Past papers are a vital tool for building confidence and achieving success.

English Past Paper

English Past Paper 2024(2025) O/L

Test 15

Magellan โ€” Reading Passage

Five hundred years ago, sailing even in familiar waters was an adventure. There were no radios, weather reports, or good maps. Sailors were on their own. Many died in shipwrecks. So little was known about the Earth and its seas that no one was sure that the world was round.

Then Ferdinand Magellan led a crew of 265 on a voyage. They were the first men to sail around the world. They were also the first Europeans to cross the Pacific Ocean. They set sail in September 1519. Magellan commanded the ‘Trinidad’. The other ships in his fleet were the ‘San Antonio’, ‘Concepcion’, ‘Victoria’, and ‘Santiago’.

In November they reached Brazil’s shore. They rested there. On Christmas Day, they started going down the South American coast. The fleet set out again in August 1520. In October, they found a bay. Magellan sent two ships to explore it. A violent two-day storm began. The ships took shelter in a small inlet. They found that it was a long waterway. Although it had land on both sides, the water was salty. They had discovered the Strait of Magellan at the tip of South America! They came back and got the rest of the fleet. For the first time, people sailed from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean. It took one month.

The weather was awful, and the captain of the San Antonio turned his ship around and fled. It took the remaining ships from November 1520 until March 1521 to cross the Pacific Ocean and reach the Philippines. Magellan was killed when he tried to force the natives there to become Christians. But enough of his crew survived that the other two ships returned to Spain in September 1522. Only 18 men had survived the trip. One had kept a log about this adventure that proved once and for all that the world was round.

Answer the Questions

(1) True or False
(a) Sailing was dangerous as sailors had no modern equipment.
(b) There were four ships in Magellanโ€™s fleet.
(c) Magellanโ€™s voyage proved the world was round.
(d) Magellan returned to Spain in 1522.
(2) Why didnโ€™t people know the progress of sailors?
(3) Magellan commanded which ship?
(4) How did sailors prove the world was round?
(5) What does โ€œHisโ€ refer to? (Copy and paste only one word.)
(6a) โ€œexploreโ€ meaning:
(6b) โ€œawfulโ€ meaning:

English Past Paper 2024(2025) O/L

Test 14

Letter Activity โ€” Choose the Correct Answer

Select the correct words from the dropdowns to complete the letter.

The Secretary
Language Club
Vijaya College
25th November 2025

The Principal
Sandamal College

Dear ,

We are happy to you that our Language Club is an inter-school debate competition to celebrate its fifth anniversary. The debate will be held in . It will take place on 15th March at .

We kindly request you to send your schoolโ€™s team to take part in this event. It would be a great honour to have your students join us. Please send us a of your schoolโ€™s participation.

Thank you.

Yours ,
Secretary, Language Club

English Past Paper 2024(2025) O/L

Test 13

Match the Extracts with the Headings

Choose the correct heading for each extract.

Extract (i): We invite those who are competent and confident in handling two or more languages including English because we need to communicate with foreign communities. Priority will be given for the ones with experience in managerial level of which three years as an internal supervisor.
Extract (ii): Your presence in the event is highly valued and it is a great honour to our school since you are a reputed past pupil. This will be a great opportunity for our students to be inspired and motivated in their career development. We would be much grateful if you could send us your profile.
Extract (iii): Veganism is more than just a dietary choice. It’s often a lifestyle dedicated to avoiding harm to animals. Some people think that it negatively affects human health but many people justify it based on ethical and environmental reasons.
Extract (iv): Check the documents of the item very carefully. Complete them with legible handwriting and correct spelling. Don’t use black ink pens or correction fluid. Submit the documents with a copy of your identity card. Make sure that the item works properly before you purchase it.
Extract (v): Keep the electronic devices in the cupboard, provided for that purpose outside the hall. Keep them on silent mode. Don’t leave the hall without due permission. Inform your urgent physical requirements to the invigilator. Leave the hall when the third bell is rung.