SEC Preventive Classes Secondary Education Certificate Examination Papers – 2018

English Language

© University of Malta. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, without the prior permission of the University of Malta.

The University of Malta, including the Matriculation and Secondary Education Certificate Examination Board, shall not be held responsible for any mistakes in the questions as printed or the answers, workings or comments as contained in this publication.

Index Number:______SEC11/1.18m

MATRICULATION AND SECONDARY EDUCATION CERTIFICATE EXAM- INATIONS BOARD

SECONDARY EDUCATION CERTIFICATE LEVEL 2018 MAIN SESSION

SUBJECT: English Language TOTAL PAPER NUMBER: I – Part 2 DATE: 19th May 2018 TIME: 9:00 a.m. to 10:20 a.m.

LANGUAGE USE

1. Fill in each blank with ONE suitable preposition. The first one has been done for you.

(0) For more than 100 years, Dippy the Dinosaur stood (a) ______his four feet, greeting visitors (b) ______the entrance of London’s Natural History

Museum (c) ______he was replaced earlier this year. However, when he returns to Britain next year following restoration work (d) ______Canada, two of his feet will have vanished. Dinosaur experts are using the opportunity to correct an error that was made when Dippy was first assembled, (e) ______of a nationwide tour. The dinosaur, who had been in the Museum (f) ______1905, has never been (g) ______public display in London before. For the next two years, the dinosaur will travel (h) ______the country on a tour which has been organised to mirror the grand sweep of geographical time as he journeys

(i) ______the Jurassic Coast, finally arriving in Norwich where an exhibition will explore how to secure a sustainable future (j) ______the world’s wildlife.

(Total: 5 marks)

Please turn the page.

2. You are interviewing a cyclist. Write the questions to which the following are the answers, as in the example.

0. Q: Why did you get into cycling?

A: It’s easy to do, gets you from A to B and it’s exhilarating. a. Q: for?

A: Everyone! It’s easy because you can cycle for fun, to get to work or any other reason. b. Q: from?

A: If you can’t buy one, ask friends and family if they have a bike to spare. c. Q: burn?

A: An hour-long road race can burn up to 844 calories. d. Q: option?

A: Paracycling is very popular and it caters for most disabilities. e. Q: start?

A: Head over to Activity Finder for cycling events near you.

(Total: 5 marks)

Page 2 of 8 SEC11/1.18m DO NOT WRITE ABOVE THIS LINE

3. Complete the following passage by forming ONE word from the one in brackets. The first one has been done for you.

Scientists have discovered what could be the (0) oldest (old) eye ever discovered in an

(a) ______(except) 530-million-year-old fossil. The (b) ______

(remain) of the extinct sea (c) ______(create) include an early form of the eye seen in many of today’s animals. Scientists made the discovery while looking at the

(d) ______(preserve) fossil. They found it had a primitive form of an eye, an (e)______(optic) organ that consists of tiny cells similar to those of present-day bees. The team said their (f) ______(find) suggested that the eyes had changed little over 500 million years. The right eye of the fossil, which was

(g) ______(earth) in Estonia, was partly worn away, giving

(h) ______(research) a clear view inside the organ and

(i) ______(reveal) details about its structure. The species had poor vision but scientists believe that predators and obstacles in its path could be (j) ______

(identify), nonetheless.

(Total: 5 marks)

Please turn the page.

Page 3 of 8 SEC11/1.18m DO NOT WRITE ABOVE THIS LINE

4. Fill in the blanks to complete the phrasal verbs. The first one has been done for you.

Vancouver Island, off Canada’s Pacific coast has long been a haven for retired people who want to look (0) for good weather. These days, however, a younger, hippier crowd is moving

(a) ______and they’re more likely to be opting (b) ______yoga classes than having tea at the island’s oldest hotel. While the star attraction of the island still remains the great outdoors with whales splashing (c) ______within easy camera shot, yoga has taken (d) ______as a great way of de-stressing and focussing

(e) ______what’s important. The island is also well-known for its breweries such as the one set (f) ______by Michael Kuzyk who gave

(g) ______his job to try (h) ______new ways of brewing beer. So if you need to get (i) ______, why not shop

(j) ______for a break on Vancouver Island?

(Total: 5 marks)

5. Fill in each blank with ONE suitable word. The first one has been done for you.

A (0) million plastic bottles are bought worldwide (a) ______minute and drinking fountains have the potential to (b) ______cut the consumption of single-use plastic. There is another (c) ______because fountains provide a convenient, free alternative to the sugary drinks that (d) ______the shelves of supermarkets. A campaign to establish refill stations in city centres has been

(e) ______with cities showing (f) ______drinking fountains are found on digital maps. (g) ______fountains, refill schemes have also been set up to encourage retailers to display a sticker welcoming the general (h) ______to refill water bottles. All of this allows (i) ______to clean, drinking water which is considered by many as a (j) ______human right.

(Total: 5 marks)

Page 4 of 8 SEC11/1.18m DO NOT WRITE ABOVE THIS LINE

6. Fill in the blanks with a suitable word to complete the idiomatic expressions. The first one has been done for you.

I like to speak about musicals when I meet someone new and need to break the (0) ice. This love of performing came from a brilliant drama teacher I once had. She knew a few tricks of the

(a) ______and had a way of involving all students. It’s a perfect example of the way good extra-curricular activities speak (b) ______about the school.

Every school worth its (c) ______will have an extra-curricular programme which needn’t cost the (d) ______. In fact, even a school in the poorest area will ensure that students take part and try to push them out of their comfort

(e) ______. At first, some students have mixed (f) ______about taking part in activities after school but a varied programme and trained staff can help them take the (g) ______. Once they do, students find it an excellent way of letting off (h) ______after so many hours of lessons. Furthermore, these activities will broaden their (i) ______and could whet their

(j) ______for dance, drama or debating in the future.

(Total: 5 marks)

Please turn the page.

Page 5 of 8 SEC11/1.18m DO NOT WRITE ABOVE THIS LINE

7. Copy the following sentences inserting all the necessary punctuation.

(a) its what parents have suspected all along isnt it

(b) children who have too many toys are more easily distracted and do not enjoy quality playtime a new study suggests

(c) this study sought to determine if the number of toys in toddlers environment influences the quality of their play said the author dr carly dauch in the journal infant behaviour development

(Total: 5 marks)

Page 6 of 8 SEC11/1.18m DO NOT WRITE ABOVE THIS LINE

8. Fill in the blanks with the correct form of the verbs in brackets. The first one has been done for you.

At 16, Sarah Corbett, (0) decided (decide) it was time children at her school

(a) ______(provide) with lockers. For years they (b) ______

(have) to carry heavy bags around all day. Why (c) ______(can not) they have somewhere to store their books? She (d) ______(tell) that it was impossible on health and safety grounds but she still went ahead and asked the caretaker

(e) ______(help) her. ‘We spent some quiet time during break measuring rooms and corridors,’ she (f) ______(remember). Next, she and an influential parent put the idea to the school council and this (g) ______(lead) to lockers that (h) ______(use) by students today, 17 years later. Sarah looks back with satisfaction as she knows that if it (i) ______(not be) for her, hundreds of students (j) ______(not be able) to store their books.

(Total: 10 marks)

Please turn the page.

Page 7 of 8 SEC11/1.18m DO NOT WRITE ABOVE THIS LINE

9. Complete the second sentence so that it has a similar meaning to the first one. The first one has been done for you.

(0) Someone gave a talk about language learning apps recently.

A talk on language learning apps was given recently.

(a) You can use apps to learn many languages.

Many are

(b) Lessons are broken down into bite-sized chunks and it feels like playing a game.

Not only

No matter

(d) Practice is important if you want to learn a language.

Unless

(e) ‘Why don’t you try one of the many language learning apps available?’ said the speaker. The speaker suggested

(Total: 5 marks)

Page 8 of 8 Index Number:______SEC11/2Aw.18m

MATRICULATION AND SECONDARY EDUCATION CERTIFICATE EXAMINATIONS BOARD

SECONDARY EDUCATION CERTIFICATE LEVEL 2018 MAIN SESSION

SUBJECT: English Language PAPER NUMBER: IIA – Question 1 DATE: 19th May 2018 TIME: 4:00 p.m. to 6:05 p.m.

WRITING TASK

Write between 320 and 350 words on ONE of the tasks below.

You are advised to:  pay attention to layout, paragraphing, vocabulary, grammar, spelling and punctuation;  keep your writing to the number of words indicated. You will be penalised if you write less than 320 or more than 350 words.

1. Write a short story for your school magazine entitled, ‘Two wrongs don’t make a right.’

2. Write an article to be published on the school website entitled, ‘It is unjust that young people today are described as irresponsible.’

3. You have just returned from the weekend advertised below.

Want to go on an enjoyable weekend? Join us this weekend at the Sea Resort!  Meet young people  Enjoy the outdoors  Delicious food  Comfortable accommodation with sea views  Access to a world-class gym  Free wi-fi

Write an email to the hotel manager complaining that your experience was very different to what was advertised.

You are Max Vella ([email protected]) and the manager is Ms Borg ([email protected]).

From: To: Subject:

(Total: 40 marks)

Page 2 of 4 SEC11/2Aw.18m DO NOT WRITE ABOVE THIS LINE

Page 3 of 4 SEC11/2Aw.18m DO NOT WRITE ABOVE THIS LINE

Page 4 of 4 Index Number:______SEC11/2Arc.18m

MATRICULATION AND SECONDARY EDUCATION CERTIFICATE EXAMINATIONS BOARD

SECONDARY EDUCATION CERTIFICATE LEVEL 2018 MAIN SESSION

SUBJECT: English Language TOTAL PAPER NUMBER: IIA – Question 2 DATE: 19th May 2018 TIME: 4:00 p.m. to 6:05 p.m.

READING COMPREHENSION AND SUMMARY

Passage 1

Read the following passage carefully and answer ALL the questions that follow.

In the middle of the 18th century, an explorer called Francois Leguat stumbled upon the tiny island of Rodrigues in the Indian Ocean. Initially, the intention was for him and seven other men to establish a colony of French Protestant refugees on the island of Reunion. Instead, he and his fellow explorers were marooned on the island of Rodrigues from 1691 to 1693. They 5 decided that they would attempt to establish a settlement on that island.

During their stay on Rodrigues, Leguat discovered a large flightless bird known as the solitaire. On spotting the bird, the explorers could have sworn it was the dodo, now extinct. However, the solitaire was none other than the dodo‟s distant cousin. Eventually, this fascinating bird seems to have suffered the same fate as the iconic dodo.

10 Despite the solitaire‟s fate, researchers today can still piece together some of its physical features thanks to the detailed descriptions found in Leguat‟s diary, who studied it whilst settling on the island. He also studied the geography of Rodrigues, and a connection was made between the island and the solitaire‟s evolutionary process.

It was thought that 50% of Rodrigues‟ original dry land had been lost under the waves due to 15 rising sea level. If one looks up the island in satellite images today, a huge ring of submerged land around the central island can be noted, because the island had subsided into the bedrock. Leguat believes that this might have played a role in the evolution of the solitaire, because such a decreasing habitat might have led to fierce competition for food and territory between individuals of this bird species.

20 Additionally, Francois Leguat suggested that, as a result of the shrinking land space, the solitaire evolved a club-like bone growth on the end of each wing. It used this against other solitaires in territorial boxing disputes. These would have been quite a sight, as the male solitaires stood almost a metre tall and weighed 28 kilograms. Whereas the male solitaire‟s colour was grey-brown, the females were sand-coloured. Despite the differences in colour, male 25 and female solitaires both had strong legs and long, proud necks.

Leguat also described how the solitaire used its short wings to make loud rattling sounds that could be heard “two hundred paces off”. In particular, the bone at the end of its wing formed a mass under the feathers “as big as a musket ball”. This was used as a club-like weapon and, along with the beak, it was “the chief defence of this bird”. These tantalising clues presented by 30 Leguat show us what the species was like in life, including the similarities and differences it shared with the dodo, which inhabited the island of Mauritius.

It seems that the dodo and the solitaire were descendants from a small species of pigeon that had most likely flown to the islands around ten million years ago. The presence of the dodo and the solitaire on the islands seemed to have been possible due to an abundance of food and an 35 absence of predators at the time. However, with Rodrigues‟ land shrinking, as noted by Leguat, the pressure to survive led to the solitaire being territorial and highly aggressive in protecting its territory. This is also something it shared with the dodo, but the similarities stop there.

This is because, despite coming from very similar environments, the two birds developed different adaptations for the same problems. The dodo in Mauritius had a much larger beak with 40 a hooked tip. Julian Hume, who researches extinct birds, now believes that the dodos probably used that bill to hit each other in territorial clashes. This is why they were considered as competitive and violent as the solitaire. However, the dodo lacked the specific adaptation that the solitaire had, namely the rattling clubbed wings that were used in defence. Instead, the dodo‟s wings were tiny and it is thought they were used just for balance.

45 Today, there are numerous bone remains of the solitaire species, which come from the island‟s caves and deposits, some of which are preserved in museums. Other than that, there are no records of a live specimen actually leaving the island. Unfortunately, no preserved skins of the animal are left either. Yet, thanks to Leguat‟s observations, the solitaire‟s existence has been put on the map, despite being less well-known than the dodo.

Adapted from: www.bbc.com/

Questions on passage 1

1. What was the main change that the explorer Francois Leguat and the rest of the men had to make to their original plans? (1)

2. What does the writer mean when he says that „this fascinating bird seems to have suffered the same fate as the iconic dodo‟ (lines 8-9)? (1)

3. In your own words, explain how Francois Leguat‟s writings have been helpful to researchers today. (2)

4. Mention TWO ways in which the reduced land habitat affected the solitaires. (1)

Page 2 of 8 SEC11/2Arc.18m DO NOT WRITE ABOVE THIS LINE

5. What does the writer suggest when he says „These would have been quite a sight‟ (line 22)? (2)

6. Between lines 26-31, find FOUR facts about the solitaire. (2) a. b. c. d.

7. Between lines 20 and 32, find single words that match the following meanings as used in the passage: (2) a. getting smaller b. contests c. clattering d. intriguing

8. Are the following sentences True or False? Circle the correct answer and give a reason for each of your answers. (4) a. The solitaire was mistaken for a dodo by the men who settled on Rodrigues.

(True/False) because b. Half of Rodrigues has disappeared beneath the sea.

(True/False) because c. Male and female solitaires did not share any characteristics.

(True/False) because d. The solitaires fought the dodos.

(True/False) because

Page 3 of 8 SEC11/2Arc.18m DO NOT WRITE ABOVE THIS LINE

9. In a paragraph of not less than 60 and not more than 70 words, summarise the similarities and differences between the solitaire and the dodo. Use your own words. (9)

10. (a) What remains of the solitaire nowadays and (b) what has been lost? (2) a. b.

11. Between lines 46 and 49 find a part-sentence of SIX words that indicates the solitaire has been given recognition as much as its relative the dodo. (1)

(Total: 27 marks)

Passage 1

Page 4 of 8 SEC11/2Arc.18m DO NOT WRITE ABOVE THIS LINE

Passage 2

Read the following passage carefully and answer ALL the questions that follow.

I get asked a lot about what I actually do for a living. When I reply stating that I am an explorer it is normally met by a blank look on people‟s faces. The job doesn‟t actually exist for the most part. On online forms the dropdown option for occupation doesn‟t exactly list „explorer‟ or „adventurer‟, so officially my job title is just „other‟. I suppose the most appropriate 5 description is that I specialise in making a living out of hauling everything I need to survive with me around remote corners of our planet, and telling the story of those experiences.

My first taste of true wilderness and wildlife and, I suppose, what made me fall in love with real life expeditions, was a journey I embarked on nearly a decade ago deep in the jungles of Bolivia rehabilitating ocelots and pumas. This is where I met my life‟s biggest teacher in leadership, 10 Milly the puma. I was attacked by her every single day until I stopped practising the extensive research I had done, and started listening to what she was trying to tell me herself. She taught me that good leaders aren‟t the ones who know everything under the sun, but those who are able to find resources and listen to the environment and those around them.

It was last year when I cycled solo down the north Namibian desert that I encountered the 15 most terrifying day of my expedition life so far. The bad mindset caused by losing my treasured daily food reward resulted in me making a reckless decision while trekking through drought- ridden lion territory, physically exhausted and dehydrated: to continue through the peak hours of the day in 50°C heat. I ended up passing out 200 metres from a fresh lion kill, thankfully to be found soon after by my lion warden who was scouting 5 kilometres ahead. This taught me an 20 important lesson: you can be physically an extraordinarily strong person, but if you don‟t take care of your mental strength you are undoubtedly going to falter.

My next adventure will be rowing non-stop and unassisted across the 7,000 nautical miles of the Pacific Ocean from San Francisco to Sydney. As I‟ll be at the complete mercy of the ocean current and weather systems, it could end up being more like 9,000 nautical miles, over six 25 months out at sea, alone. I am setting out with the aim of breaking three world records – first female in history to row solo and non-stop, fastest crossing, and youngest person to achieve this solo row. Mentally, I have to be prepared for all possible challenges I may face. So, I will be repeatedly visualising and practising my responses to those scenarios pre-row so they become automatic. This visualisation will be one of the key elements in the success of this expedition.

30 Simply training by doing normal rowing on flat river water doesn‟t cut it in the world of ocean rowing; the open sea is unpredictable and often rough. In these conditions, you tend to only have one oar in the water and you are using many more muscle systems. My plan is to do a good deal of indoor rowing to get used to hours upon hours of doing the same thing, in the same position, and with the same general motion. I will be working on three core areas of 35 fitness: increasing my muscle mass, improving core strength, and developing a good level of flexibility to prevent injury. From a psychological perspective, I will be working with some of the best sports psychologists in the UK in order to cope well when I will face unexpected physical and mental challenges under huge amounts of pressure. Through my journeys I have learnt that if we do not take risks and fail multiple times, we are 40 likely sitting in our comfort zone. We learn as much from what goes wrong as we do from the things that turn out right.

Adapted from: www.theweek.co.uk

Page 5 of 8 SEC11/2Arc.18m DO NOT WRITE ABOVE THIS LINE

Questions on passage 2

1. What does the writer suggest when she says that people give her „a blank look‟ (line 2) when she tells them that she is an explorer? (1)

2. In your own words, explain how the writer makes a living. (2)

3. Mention THREE things that the writer has learnt from Milly. (3)

4. Between lines 7 and 13, find a phrasal verb and a verb which have a similar meaning to „began‟. (1)

a. b.

5. What did „the most terrifying day‟ (lines 14-15) of the writer‟s expedition in the Namibian desert make her realise? (2)

6. Between lines 14 and 21, find single words that are opposite in meaning to: (2)

a. accompanied b. cautious

7. Mention TWO goals that the writer hopes to achieve by rowing across the Pacific Ocean. (1) a. b.

8. Why is „visualisation…one of the key elements in the success of this expedition‟ (line 29)? (2)

Page 6 of 8 SEC11/2Arc.18m DO NOT WRITE ABOVE THIS LINE

9. Between lines 22 and 29, find a part sentence of SEVEN words which means that the writer will have no control over natural conditions on her journey across the Pacific Ocean. (1)

10. What does the writer mean when she says that „normal rowing on flat river water doesn‟t cut it‟ (line 30)? (2)

11. How will the sports psychologists help the writer prepare for the rowing expedition? (1)

12. Explain the writer‟s attitude towards failure. (2)

13. What do the words below refer to in the passage? (3) a. it (line 2) b. This (line 9) c. she (line 11) d. those (line 12) e. It (line 14) f. it (line 24)

(Total: 23 marks)

Passage 2

Page 7 of 8 SEC11/2Arc.18m DO NOT WRITE ABOVE THIS LINE

WRITING TASK

You are Pat and you are planning to take part in the school fun run next month. In between 60 and 80 words write a dialogue encouraging your friend Billie to join you. In the dialogue, mention what you will need to do to prepare for the school fun run.

You will be penalised if you write less than 60 and more than 80 words.

(Total: 10 marks)

Writing

Page 8 of 8 Index Number:______SEC11/2Bw.18m

MATRICULATION AND SECONDARY EDUCATION CERTIFICATE EXAMINATIONS BOARD

SECONDARY EDUCATION CERTIFICATE LEVEL 2018 MAIN SESSION

SUBJECT: English Language PAPER NUMBER: IIB – Question 1 DATE: 19th May 2018 TIME: 4:00 p.m. to 6:05 p.m.

WRITING TASK

Write between 180 and 200 words on ONE of the tasks below.

1. You are entering a short story competition. Continue the story which starts as follows: ‘I opened the wardrobe. All my clothes had disappeared…’

2. Write an article for the school magazine with the title ‘Young people prefer online rather than face-to-face communication’.

3. You are Dan ([email protected]) and together with your friends, you have organised an end-of- year party. Write an email to your friend Sam ([email protected]) describing the preparations for the party and the party itself.

From: To: Subject:

(Total: 40 marks)

Page 2 of 4 SEC11/2Bw.18m DO NOT WRITE ABOVE THIS LINE

Page 3 of 4 SEC11/2Bw.18m DO NOT WRITE ABOVE THIS LINE

Page 4 of 4 Index Number:______SEC11/2Brc.18m

MATRICULATION AND SECONDARY EDUCATION CERTIFICATE EXAMINATIONS BOARD

SECONDARY EDUCATION CERTIFICATE LEVEL 2018 MAIN SESSION

SUBJECT: English Language PAPER NUMBER: IIB – Question 2 TOTAL DATE: 19th May 2018 TIME: 4:00 p.m. to 6:05 p.m.

READING COMPREHENSION AND SUMMARY

Passage 1

Read the following passage carefully and answer ALL the questions that follow.

You may have dreamed about taking a trip to the Bahamas‘ island of swimming pigs. Well, get ready to add a new destination to your adorable-animal-travel bucket list.

The island of Okunoshima, situated off the coast of Japan, is home to hundreds of bunnies, earning it the nickname ―Usaga Jima‖ or Rabbit Island. Its fluffy, hopping residents are ultra- 5 friendly and love people. Although traveller sites recommend bringing some gloves with you so that your fingers don‘t get nibbled, the four-legged furballs are otherwise completely harmless.

The island has a less-than-cute history, however. In 1925, the Imperial Japanese Army Institute of Science and Technology started a secret programme to develop chemical weapons after the Japanese government discovered that Europe and the United States were producing chemical 10 weapons. Japan took extra care in keeping this a secret because the country was a part of the Geneva Protocol that banned the use of chemical warfare. Even if the storage and development of chemical weapons was not technically banned, Japan still went to great lengths to assure the secrecy of constructing a chemical ammunitions plant in 1929. The island was even removed from some of the maps of Japan. The Japanese military turned the local fish preservation 15 processor into a toxic gas reactor without telling any of the local residents. The people who lived on the island, who were also employed by the plant, had no clue what the plant was manufacturing. Working conditions were harsh and many of the people suffered from toxic- exposure related illnesses.

It took about two years to complete the plant, and it produced over six kilotons of mustard gas 20 (a chemical with the ability to form large blisters on the exposed skin and in the lungs) and tear gas. When World War II ended, the test factory was shut down, but many suspect that the bunnies are actually a remnant of the wartime experiments. Rumour has it that today‘s inhabitants are descended from bunnies brought over to the island as test subjects.

A happier theory suggests that a group of students brought a number of rabbits to the island, 25 where their population grew to the hundreds that fill Okunoshima today.

However they got there, though, today the island‘s bunnies thrive in a peaceful environment. To ensure that the rabbit population faces no threats from predators, dogs, cats and any other animals that might threaten them are banned from the island. Humans, however, are encouraged to pay a visit. Okunoshima is accessible via a short ferry ride from the main island 30 of Japan, Honshu. When tourists disembark, they can buy a bag of rabbit food for 100 Japanese yen—only about 90 cents!

As if the fluffy locals weren‘t enough of a reason to visit, the island also has a hotel, campgrounds, a golf course, and beautiful beaches. If you‘re looking up flights to Japan right now, we don‘t blame you in the slightest. Adapted from: https://www.kcpinternational.com/ and https://www.rd.com

DO NOT WRITE ABOVE THIS LINE

Questions on passage 1

1. Write down TWO part-sentences found between lines 1 and 6, of TWO or THREE words each, that have the same meaning as rabbits. (1) a. b.

2. Write down FOUR facts about the rabbits on Okunoshima found between lines 1 and 7 of the passage. (2) a. b. c. d.

3. What does the writer mean by ‗less-than-cute history‘ (line 7)? (2)

4. In your own words, explain why Japan wanted to keep its production of chemical weapons a secret. (2)

5. What TWO things did the Japanese government do to ensure its programme to develop chemical weapons remained a secret? Use your own words. (2) a. b.

6. What TWO parts of the human body are affected by mustard gas? (1)

a. b.

7. Between lines 1 and 17, find single words that match the following meanings as used in the passage. (3) a. lovable b. located

c. prohibited d. poisonous

e. idea f. tough

Page 2 of 8 SEC11/2Brc.18m

DO NOT WRITE ABOVE THIS LINE

8. Who are ‗today‘s inhabitants‘ (line 23)? (1)

9. Explain the TWO different theories regarding how rabbits came to live on Okunoshima. (2) a. b.

10c. . What fact shows that rabbits on Okunoshima are taken care of today? (1)

11. What do you think is the purpose of this passage? (1)

12. Mention EIGHT facts about Okunoshima that we learn from lines 3-30 of the passage. (4) a. b. c. d. e. f. g.

13. Explain what is meant by ‗If you‘re looking up flights to Japan right now, we don‘t blame you in the slightest‘ (lines 33-34). (2)

(Total: 24 marks)

Passage 1

Page 3 of 8 SEC11/2Brc.18m

DO NOT WRITE ABOVE THIS LINE

Passage 2

Read the following passage carefully and answer ALL the questions that follow.

The first thing I do on arriving in Addis Ababa is throw up. Right there on the airport asphalt. At the hotel, there is no record of my booking, but I look so sickly that the receptionist quickly passes me a room key. She wants me gone before I scare her guests, I suspect.

Not the best preparation for my introduction to Ethiopian running, for sure. Woken by my alarm 5 at dawn, I don‘t even contemplate reaching for my trainers. Head fuzzy, throat parched, it is as much as I can do to crawl out of bed and dress myself. I would not be beaten, however.

When I, still pale and shaky, arrive at Meskel Square the gathering point for the city‘s joggers, I‘m struck that Meskel Square is not really a square at all. More of a crescent, really. Narrow, with the gentlest of curves, it is Addis Ababa‘s best-known spot for running and comprises a 10 series of banked terraces.

It is not long before Solomon finds me. Sporting a scraggly beard and worn trainers, he introduces himself as an assistant coach, street artist and student. He seems to have a low opinion of Meskel Square. The serious runners, he tells me, train in the nearby hills or at one of the capital‘s few athletics centres. ―Only amateurs here.‖ That‘s more my tribe, I assure him, 15 and ask if he can introduce me. Scratching his head, he obliges. The first gentleman he stops is 29-year-old, Aschallew who has already done an hour‘s endurance work this morning, and is getting ready to cycle home. The bike saves him money on public transport, he explains. His favourite distance? ―10,000 metres.‖ His personal best? ―Thirty-one minutes, 14 seconds.‖ My sense of amateurish kinship disappears in an instant.

20 I return at dusk the same day, my stomach still tender but somewhat becalmed. I still cannot face running. Instead, I take a seat beside a flight of stone-flagged steps towards the far end of Meskel Square. In front of me, the standard bedlam of most major African cities: a traffic- choked highway, a jumble of shops and offices, a smog-laden skyline, and an overland metro. Amid the chaos, Meskel Square offers a rare oasis of calm. The citizens of Addis Ababa flock 25 here as much to escape life‘s daily grind as to get their daily dose of exercise.

My flight leaves early the next morning, although not so early that I don‘t have time to visit Meskel Square one more time. It is the weekend and numbers have swelled. People of all ages are out, from energetic kids to sprightly looking grandparents. My expensive running shoes make me stand out. But not as much as my slow pace and wheezing lungs. I put it down to a 30 combination of post-sickness lethargy and altitude.

Turning back to my hotel, I regret that my all-too-brief experience of running with the Ethiopians is already over. Before I leave, however, I have a final encounter with Solomon. ―Leaving so soon?‖ he wants to know. ―Unfortunately, yes, but I‘ll be back.‖ Adapted from: www.theguardian.com

Questions on passage 2

1. In your own words explain what the writer means by ‗She wants me gone before I scare her guests‘ (line 3). (2)

Page 4 of 8 SEC11/2Brc.18m

DO NOT WRITE ABOVE THIS LINE

2. Write down FOUR pieces of evidence found between lines 4 and 11 of the passage that show that the writer was not very well. (2) a. b. c. d.

3. Write down: a. a part-sentence of not more than FOUR words, found between lines 1 and 8 that shows that the writer had never done any running in Ethiopia. (1/2)

b. a part-sentence of not more than FOUR words, found between lines 1 and 8 that shows that the writer was determined to go out in spite of her illness. (1/2)

4. Explain what the writer felt after having spoken to Aschallew. (1)

5. Write down FOUR characteristics of a typical African city found in the text. (2) a. b. c. d.

6. Are the following statements True or False? Circle the correct answer and give a reason for each of your answers. (5) a. The writer wakes up rather late in the morning on her first day in Addis Ababa.

(True/False) because b. Calling Meskel Square a ‗square‘ is not very correct.

(True/False) because c. The writer considers herself a professional jogger.

(True/False) because

This question continues on next page.

Page 5 of 8 SEC11/2Brc.18m

DO NOT WRITE ABOVE THIS LINE d. The writer returns to Meskel Square late at night on the same day.

(True/False) because e. There are more people at Meskel Square at the weekend.

(True/False) because

7. Write down TWO separate words that indicate that the people at Meskel Square at the weekend are lively. (1) a. b.

8. What do the words below refer to in the passage? (3) a. he (line 11) b. him (line 14) c. him (line 17) d. me (line 22) e. here (line 25) f. it (line 29)

9. In a paragraph of not less than 60 words and not more than 70 words, describe what we learn about Meskel Square from the passage. Use your own words. (8)

Page 6 of 8 SEC11/2Brc.18m

DO NOT WRITE ABOVE THIS LINE

10. What TWO separate words found in the last paragraph of the passage indicate that the writer is sad to leave Addis Ababa? (1) a. b. (Total: 26 marks)

Passage 2

Please turn the page.

Page 7 of 8 SEC11/2Brc.18m

DO NOT WRITE ABOVE THIS LINE

WRITING TASK

You are Andrea and you want your best friend Jo to come jogging with you on Saturday mornings. You phone your friend Jo to invite her to join you. Write the dialogue of between 50 and 60 words that takes place over the telephone.

You will be penalised if you write less than 50 or more than 60 words.

(Total: 10 marks)

Writing

Page 8 of 8 SEC11/2Brc.18m

DO NOT WRITE ABOVE THIS LINE

Page 9 of 8 Index Number:______SEC11/1.18s

MATRICULATION AND SECONDARY EDUCATION CERTIFICATE EXAM- INATIONS BOARD

SECONDARY EDUCATION CERTIFICATE LEVEL 2018 SUPPLEMENTARY SESSION

SUBJECT: English Language PAPER NUMBER: I – Part 2 TOTAL DATE: 5th September 2018 TIME: 9:00 a.m. to 10:20 a.m.

LANGUAGE USE

1. Fill in each blank with ONE suitable preposition. The first one has been done for you.

Eel Pie Island is one of (0) around 180 islets on the River Thames, born of the river’s 296- kilometre path spanning (a) ______the Cotswold hills (b) ______the

North Sea. (c) ______the 17th century, when according to a 1635 map there was a bowling alley (d) ______the island, it has been a favourite place for music lovers. The island is named (e) ______the eel pies sold

(f) ______its 19th century hotel. Rarely spotted nowadays, the slippery, snake-like fish were once abundant (g) ______this part of the Thames. The hotel burned down in a mysterious fire in 1971 but the decades (h) ______entertainment, from ballroom dancing and jazz to early performances (i) ______well-known musicians, with the Rolling Stones and Rod Stewart (j) ______the most popular, are still mentioned today.

(Total: 5 marks)

Please turn the page.

2. Complete the following passage by forming ONE word from the one in brackets. The first one has been done for you.

(0) Counting (count) sheep to fall asleep is a method that seems to be as old as time but have you ever stopped to think why they’re sheep, not dogs or cats? Well, we

(a) ______(final) have an answer. While the origin of why people count sheep has no

(b) ______(define) root, there are a number of (c) ______

(speculate). The most popular belief has to do with shepherds in medieval Britain because apparently, if shepherds used (d) ______(community) grazing land, they were made to keep a headcount of their sheep each night. However, at least one book claims that the link between sheep and sleep goes back even (e) ______(far) with a

12th century book of fables suggesting that counting sheep had already been a

(f) ______(culture) symbol in Islamic countries for centuries. So does counting sheep actually work? Engaging the brain in relaxing and

(g) ______(repeat) tasks slows the mind and stops our

(h) ______(race) thoughts from taking over. In addition to this,

(i) ______(breathe) techniques are also useful, although someone who always finds it very hard to fall asleep will find these aids (j) ______(effect).

(Total: 5 marks)

Page 2 of 8 SEC11/1.18s DO NOT WRITE ABOVE THIS LINE

3. Fill in the blanks with the adverb form of the following words. Use the word you choose ONLY ONCE. The first one has been done for you.

ago hard easy argue fair practical soft significant hungry bright long increasing consequent

Travelling in China 20 years (0) ago, I filled my stomach (a) ______with instant noodles during train journeys which were sometimes three days (b) ______.

The recipe for noodles is (c) ______straightforward and they can be prepared (d) ______when you’re on the go. However, now that train journeys are quicker and the range of food options is more varied, noodle sales have been hit

(e) ______and they have dropped (f) ______. In addition, the number of Chinese people who travel by air has risen and

(g) ______, making a pot of noodles while travelling, has become impossible. Now that 730 million people in China have access to the internet, they are

(h) ______making use of apps to order food from companies that will deliver

(i) ______anywhere. Their menus are more expensive than an instant pot of noodles but this simple snack is (j) ______more tasty.

(Total: 5 marks)

4. Fill in each blank with ONE suitable word. The first one has been done for you. Oxford Dictionaries has (0) announced that the word ‘youthquake’ is its word of the year for

2017 to acknowledge the (a) ______in young people making their presence

(b) ______in elections. Picked via a multi-stage selection

(c) ______and announced since 2004, Oxford Dictionaries’ word of the year is the one which is judged (d) ______to reflect the mood of that particular

(e) ______. Oxford Dictionaries selects the word based on a host of different

(f) ______of information by (g) ______millions of English words from newspapers, books, blogs and transcripts of spoken English. Not (h) ______do the editors record notable words (i) ______the year, but suggestions from the public are encouraged. Based on this (j) ______of data and opinion, a word of the year is chosen.

(Total: 5 marks)

Page 3 of 8 SEC11/1.18s DO NOT WRITE ABOVE THIS LINE

5. Fill in the blanks by choosing ONE of the modals in the table below and the correct form of the verb in brackets. Use the word you choose ONLY ONCE. The first one has been done for you.

have to might can would need must

No matter how careful you are, you (0) have to admit (admit) to having dropped your phone at least once. You (a) ______(not worry) since Japanese researchers say they have developed a new type of glass that (b) ______(heal) itself.

The properties of the glass were originally discovered by accident by a student who found that the edges (c) ______(stick) together after being pressed by hand for 30 seconds. All users have to do is press the cracks together by hand since the new material

(d) ______(not heat) to high temperatures. This

(e) ______(make) life easier for the 21 per cent of the population who live with a broken screen.

(Total: 5 marks)

Page 4 of 8 SEC11/1.18s DO NOT WRITE ABOVE THIS LINE

6. Copy the following sentences inserting all the necessary punctuation.

(a) discarded laptops tablets mobile phones and electronic goods are now the worlds fastest growing waste problem

(b) a new report which was published last week found that the amount of electronic junk has risen by eight per cent in two years with just 20 per cent recycled

(c) most e-waste is not properly documented and not treated through appropriate recycling chains said dr jakob rhyner from the united nations university

(Total: 5 marks)

Please turn the page.

Page 5 of 8 SEC11/1.18s DO NOT WRITE ABOVE THIS LINE

7. Fill in the blanks with ONE word to complete the idiomatic expressions. The first one has been done for you.

For someone who heads an international coffee empire, Mark Dundon is surprisingly laid

(0) back. Sixteen years after opening his first café, Mark has numerous businesses and a great deal of experience under his (a) ______. When he started out, it was his parents who called the (b) ______and so he did a science degree but he later switched to art. This led him to open a bar with fellow artists before he decided to go it

(c) ______with his own café. He was really (d) ______coffee and since he was never one to do things by (e) ______, he wanted to know more about where his coffee came from and how it was roasted. So he took a calculated

(f) ______, sold his café and began to travel to learn more about speciality coffee. In 2005, he opened a roastery and café in his native city, Melbourne, and while his decision raised a few (g) ______at first, it was a great success. Mark believes that enjoying roasted coffee is an acquired (h) ______and that once you get used to it, you can’t live without it. He is regarded as the coffee pioneer in Melbourne but he doesn’t take any of the (i) ______for it, being the down to

(j) ______person that he is.

(Total: 5 marks)

Page 6 of 8 SEC11/1.18s DO NOT WRITE ABOVE THIS LINE

8. Fill in the blanks with the correct form of the verbs in brackets. The first one has been done for you.

Researchers from the University of New South Wales (0) made (make) an important discovery during a project devised (a) ______(monitor) local wildlife. A tiny marsupial called mulgara (b) ______(discover) by researchers in a region of Australia in which it was thought to (c) ______(go) extinct a century ago. It is the first time a live mulgara (d) ______(find) in this part of the country. It was once widely distributed across the desert in this region but it

(e) ______(decline) due to the effect of rabbits, cats and foxes. The researchers (f) ______(plan) to create two fenced enclosures in the natural park to restore species that have not been seen there for 90 years. This fence

(g) ______(help) keep out predators such as wild cats and foxes.

Authorities in Australia (h) ______(control) pests for a number of years and if it (i) ______(not be) for this, more than 30 native mammals (j) ______(lose).

(Total: 10 marks)

Please turn the page.

Page 7 of 8 SEC11/1.18s DO NOT WRITE ABOVE THIS LINE

9. Complete the second sentence so that it has a similar meaning to the first one. The first one has been done for you.

(0) Someone gave a talk on animal rights last week.

A talk on animal rights was given last week.

(a) People often disagree that animals have rights.

There is much

(b) ‘How many of you are in favour of animal rights?’ said the speaker.

The speaker

It is the

(d) You don’t want any animal to suffer, do you?

You wouldn’t

(e) We have to take action in order to protect our animals from becoming extinct.

If we don’t

(Total: 5 marks)

Page 8 of 8 Index Number: ______SEC11/2Bw.18s

MATRICULATION AND SECONDARY EDUCATION CERTIFICATE EXAMINATIONS BOARD

SECONDARY EDUCATION CERTIFICATE LEVEL 2018 SUPPLEMENTARY SESSION

SUBJECT: English Language PAPER NUMBER: IIB – Question 1 DATE: 5th September 2018 TIME: 4:00 p.m. to 6:05 p.m.

WRITING TASK

Write between 180 and 200 words on ONE of the tasks below.

1. Write a story for the school magazine which starts as follows: ‘I woke with the thought that something wonderful was about to happen…’

2. Write an article with the title ‘All sixteen-year-olds should be home by 9 pm on a Saturday night’ to be published on the school website.

3. You’ve been stuck in a traffic jam for two hours. Write a description of the scene to be published on the school website. Describe the people, the surroundings and the way you felt.

(Total: 40 marks)

Page 2 of 4 SEC11/2Bw.18s DO NOT WRITE ABOVE THIS LINE

Page 3 of 4 SEC11/2Bw.18s DO NOT WRITE ABOVE THIS LINE

Page 4 of 4 Index Number: ______SEC11/2Brc.18s

MATRICULATION AND SECONDARY EDUCATION CERTIFICATE EXAMINATIONS BOARD

SECONDARY EDUCATION CERTIFICATE LEVEL 2018 SUPPLEMENTARY SESSION

SUBJECT: English Language TOTAL PAPER NUMBER: IIB – Question 2 DATE: 5th September 2018 TIME: 4:00 p.m. to 6:05 p.m. READING COMPREHENSION AND SUMMARY

Passage 1

Read the following passage carefully and answer ALL the questions that follow.

If loving your dog too much is wrong, then we don‟t want to be right. Not only is your dog your best friend, your dog has superpowers, including sensing bad weather even before it happens. As the rain starts to pound on the windows, you may find your dog hiding in a corner or under a low piece of furniture, like a bed or a sofa, or perhaps even in the basement. Pet lover Sally 5 Morgan says that it‟s not unusual for a dog during a thunderstorm also to attempt to seek some place adjacent to the house‟s plumbing.

But why? As you might suspect, noise is a reason, but it‟s only part of the equation. “Thunderstorms can be a trigger for dogs with noise phobia,” says veterinarian Kelly Ryan. “It is an irrational, intense fear of a noise or sound that poses no real threat. If your dog has a noise 10 phobia, you will probably see it with other loud noises, such as fireworks, since loud sounds confuse the dog into believing that something of intense proportions is happening. Noise phobias can start at any age and worsen over time if left untreated.”

In order to keep your dog‟s anxiety in check, it could be helpful to gently lead your dog to the bathroom and into the bathtub, suggests Patra de Silva, renowned maker of herbal and plant- 15 based supplements. This is one place that your dog might like to be during a storm. As de Silva explains, the porcelain may actually help block static electricity. At the same time, try not to give him too much positive reinforcement for his freak out. Although it‟s a natural human response to pat your best friend and tell him it‟s going to be okay, he may perceive that you‟re telling him his freaking out is something you‟d like to see him do again.

20 Another place your dog may prefer to be during a storm is in a dark, quiet room, with quiet calming music, says Dr. Ryan. If your dog is trained to sleep in a crate, you can try encouraging him to go there.

Dr. Ryan also recommends trying body compression options such as the Thundershirt, a jacket with adjustable fasteners that fits dogs of most sizes. It is made from durable and washable 25 fabric and it seems to provide comfort to some dogs.

Sarah Nold, who works for a pet insurance company, suggests closing the window blinds or curtains and leaving a light on to minimize flashes of light from the storm. Some dogs will do best with anti-anxiety medication, she says, and Dr. Ryan agrees. But these are prescription pills that you must obtain from your veterinarian after discussing the treatment options that 30 will be best for your dog. Or try a natural supplement.

Just remember that your dog does not choose to be scared of thunderstorms, and you need to understand that this fear is not a failure in your dog, but something that doesn‟t make sense to them. Adapted from: https://www.rd.com

Questions on passage 1

1. What does the writer mean by „If loving your dog too much is wrong, then we don‟t want to be right‟ (line 1)? (2)

2. Explain why dogs are said to have superpowers (line 2). (1)

3. Write down FOUR places where dogs hide during a thunderstorm. (2) a. b. c. d.

4. In a paragraph of not less than 50 words and not more than 60 words, explain what you learn about noise phobia in dogs. Use your own words. (7)

5. Between lines 1 and 27, find single words that match the following meanings as used in the

passage. (3)

a. hit hard b. try

c. strong d. danger

e. think f. long-lasting

Page 2 of 8 SEC11/2Brc.18s DO NOT WRITE ABOVE THIS LINE

6. What do the words below refer to in the passage? (3)

a. it (line 2) b. it (line 10)

c. This (line 15) d. him (line 19)

e. there (line 22) f. that (line 29)

7. Write down SIX things that can be done to calm down dogs during a storm. (3) a. b. c. d. e. f.

8. What is the purpose of this passage? (2)

9. Why does the writer say „Just remember that your dog does not choose to be scared of thunderstorms, and you need to understand that this fear is not a failure in your dog‟ (lines 31-32)? (2)

(Total: 25 marks)

Passage 1

Please turn the page.

Page 3 of 8 SEC11/2Brc.18s DO NOT WRITE ABOVE THIS LINE

Passage 2

Read the following passage carefully and answer ALL the questions that follow.

Karate master Morio Higaonna is supervising the training session of 12 karate practitioners. His attention turns to me. “It‟s no good just watching,” he says. “You have to take part.” Higaonna takes one of my hands, interlaces his fingers with mine and with shocking rapidity, he pulls my fingers up and back. I scream and, in tears, flap my hand to relieve the pain.

5 Normally, in Japan, loss of decorum is frowned upon but on this occasion there is laughter. With a mischievous smile, Higaonna apologises. I look over at his hands. Decades of karate have distorted them into knuckly clubs. Higaonna is 78 but he doesn‟t want to stop practising karate. Okinawa is an archipelago in southern Japan with tasty cuisine, coral reefs to dive for and perfect beaches. It is also the historic home of karate. The main karate attraction here is the 10 Karate Kaikan (or complex) that opened last year at the right moment: karate is to be included in the Olympics for the first time, at the Tokyo 2020 games. We are in the dojo, or training hall, where visitors watch practice sessions and tournaments.

The kaikan is on a hill overlooking Naha City, the Okinawan capital, set amid cherry, palm and pine trees. The building is spare and low slung, made of local cream limestone. Natural light 15 floods the interior, with gleaming pine flooring stretching in all directions.

Nursing my hand, I check out the kaikan‟s museum, which tells the story of karate. Interactive exhibits are prominent.

The kaikan is not the only karate attraction in Okinawa. For long periods, the martial art was banned and enthusiasts practised in secret, using secluded beaches, graveyards and caves. The 20 most spectacular of the latter is the Bugei-do cave in Gangala valley. Wandering down what is actually a series of caves is relaxing enough although, rather than karate, the guided tour emphasises archaeological finds and natural history, notably stalactites, stalagmites, and an enormous banyan tree.

After a hike, refreshments are welcome. A popular hang-out for karate enthusiasts is the Dojo 25 Bar in Naha City, owned and run by James Pankiewicz, which acts as an information centre for visiting enthusiasts, drawn by the island‟s reputation.

Pankiewicz is impressed with the new kaikan. “It‟s a great step forward. It will become a focal point for karate.” He is pleased the Olympics is to admit karate because the exposure should boost its popularity, though he acknowledges that local practitioners have mixed feelings. In 30 fact, Karate master Tetsuhiro Hokama has a few reservations about the Olympics. “My heart is divided 50-50,” he says. “If you just concentrate on the physical side of karate, that‟s no good. The mental side is very important. Karate is not really a „sport‟ sport.” Adapted from: https://www.theguardian.com

Questions on passage 2

1. Write down TWO consecutive words which: (3)

a. show that the writer was taken by surprise when Higaonna made a sudden movement with the writer‟s fingers;

Page 4 of 8 SEC11/2Brc.18s DO NOT WRITE ABOVE THIS LINE

b. show that the writer‟s reaction to Higaonna‟s hurting him would not usually be accepted

c. show that Higaonna has a sense of humour.

2. Why does the writer state that the kaikan was opened „at the right moment‟ (line 10)? (1)

3. Write down FOUR part-sentences found between lines 1 and 16, of not more than 3 words each, that show that Higaonna hurt the writer. (2) a. b.

c. d.

4. Write down FOUR facts about Okinawa that we learn from the passage. (2) a. b.

c. d.

5. Write down EIGHT facts about the Karate Kaikan that we learn from the passage. (4) a. b. c. d. e. f. g. h.

6. What hike is the writer referring to in line 24? (1)

Page 5 of 8 SEC11/2Brc.18s DO NOT WRITE ABOVE THIS LINE

7. What is meant by „local practitioners‟ (line 29)? (1)

8. Are the following statements True or False? Circle the correct answer and give a reason for each of your answers. (7) a. Karate can have a negative effect on the human body.

(True/False) because b. At the kaikan museum, visitors do not just look passively at what‟s on exhibition.

(True/False) because c. Okinawans were not always allowed to practise karate.

(True/False) because d. The writer had to walk up to get to Bugei-do Cave.

(True/False) because e. People go to Dojo bar simply to have a drink.

(True/False) because f. Pankiewicz likes the new kaikan very much.

(True/False) because g. Local people are completely in favour of Karate at the Olympics.

(True/False) because

9. In your own words, explain why Pankiewicz is in favour of karate being admitted in the Olympic games. (2)

10. Explain why Hokama „has a few reservations about the Olympics‟ (line 30). (2)

(Total: 25 marks)

Passage 2

Page 6 of 8 SEC11/2Brc.18s DO NOT WRITE ABOVE THIS LINE

WRITING TASK

You are Jacob Miller. You are going abroad with your family for a few days. Write an email of between 50 and 60 words to your best friend Jessica to ask her if she could look after your dog whilst you are away.

You will be penalised if you write less than 50 or more than 60 words.

From: [email protected] To: [email protected] Subject: Helping me

(Total: 10 marks)

Writing

Page 7 of 8