1119/2
MODUL PENGAJARAN & PEMBELAJARAN
BAGI PENINGKATAN PRESTASI BAHASA INGGERIS SPM 2016
Ketua Penasihat : En. Dzolkapli Bin Haji Haron
Penasihat : Cik Maznah Hanim bt Baharum Shah
(Penolong Pengarah Bahasa Inggeris JPPP)
Pn. Chuah Poh Sek
(Penolong PPDTL Bahasa Inggeris Menengah)
Panel Penulis Modul
Pn. Ang Sui Lyn (SMK Perempuan Methodist)
Pn. Nizaha bt Abu Hassan (SMK Mengkuang)
Pn. Sharon Ooi Lay Suan (SMJK Union)
Pn. Su Ju Shih (SMK Convent Pulau Tikus)
Pn. Tan Lay Poh (SMK Air Itam)
Pn. Wong Chiew Lee (SMK Lelaki Methodist)
Pn. Yogeswary a/p Suppramaniam (SMK Westlands)
Pn. Zarina bt Hashim (SMK Mak Mandin)
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION
TEACHING & LEARNING ASPECTS
1. SECTION A: RATIONAL CLOZE (Q8 ~ Q15)
1.1
1.2
1.3
1.4
1.5
1.6
1.7
Tips on Answering Rational Cloze
Grammar
Articles, Exercise 1, Exercise 2
Conjunctions / Connectors, Exercise 1, Exercise 2
Tenses, Exercise 1, Exercise 2, Exercise 3, Exercise 4
Rational Cloze Practice A, B, C, D
Suggested Answers
2. SECTION B: INFORMATION TRANSFER (Q16 ~ Q25)
2.1
Guidelines on Information Transfer
2.2
Practice 1 (Theme: Social Issues)
2.3
Practice 2 (Theme : People)
2.4
Practice 3 (Theme : Environment)
2.5
Practice 4 (Theme : Health)
2.6
Practice 5 (Theme : ICT)
2.7
Practice 6 (Theme : Social Issues)
2.8
Suggested Answers
3. SECTION C: READING COMPREHENSION (Q26 ~ Q30)
3.1
Guidelines on Reading Comprehension
3.2
Pre-Reading: Activity 1 & Activity 2
3.3
While-Reading: Exercise 1 & Exercise 2
3.4
Post-Reading Activities
3.5
Practices 1 - 6
4. SECTION C: SUMMARY WRITING (Q31)
4.1
Tips and Steps for Summary Writing
4.2
Exercises 1 - 9
4.3
Summary Writing Practices 1 – 7
4.4
Suggested Answers
PREFACE
This Teaching and Learning Module is aimed at assisting English language teachers in
carrying out remedial and enrichment activities in the classroom. There are four sections
altogether and each section is made up of a step by step guide in teaching each component
described followed by related exercises and finally a range of practices based on actual SPM
formatted questions.
The following are the components that are assessed in Sections A, B and C of the SPM 1119
English Language Paper 2 :
1.
2.
3.
4.
Rational Cloze
Information Transfer
Comprehension
Summary
Teachers can adopt and adapt the given exercises according to their students’ proficiency
levels as well as the lesson that they planned for the day.
It is hoped that teachers who are new in teaching these components will find the tips and steps
helpful in engaging and empowering their students. Experienced teachers may find this
module useful as they will revisit the basic steps in teaching these four components.
TEACHING & LEARNING ASPECTS : PAPER 2 (SECTION A: RATIONAL CLOZE)
LEARNING
OUTCOME
INSTRUCTIONAL GUIDE
(STEPS)
ACTIVITIES
STRATEGIES/
RESOURCES
THINKING
SKILLS
Students should be
able to incorporate all
the grammar items
learned in the rational
cloze exercises.
Cloze tests measure a
language learner's overall
communicative ability in the
target language as well as
assess second language
learning and reading
comprehension.
Exercises on articles,
conjunctions/
connectors and tenses.
Using Bloom’s
Taxonomy, grammar is
introduced and taught
based on grammatical
rules and applying these
rules in answering the
rational cloze.
Cloze procedure
involves the skills of
thinking,
understanding, reading
and writing based on
the learner’s underlying
knowledge of reading
comprehension and
writing sub-skills such
as grammar and
sentence construction.
The purpose of a rational
cloze is to enable the
students to identify and use
the correct grammar items
in a given text.
The rational cloze test is
regarded as a very efficient
test for measuring
students’ integrative
competence in using the
language.
Process the
information provided by
understanding and
applying the grammar
rules
ASSESSMENT
Assessment for
Rational Cloze is
in Section A of
1119 Paper 2 of
the English
Language SPM
examination.
TEACHING & LEARNING ASPECTS : PAPER 2 (SECTION B: INFORMATION TRANSFER)
LEARNING
OUTCOME
Obtain information for
different purposes by
reading an
advertisement, table,
chart, notice, poster,
etc.
Process information
by skimming and
scanning for specific
information and
ideas.
INSTRUCTIONAL GUIDE
(STEPS)
Information
Transfer
requires the transfer of
information or data from a
visual graphic to the spaces
provided and the main idea
is 'find the keywords'.
Read the questions first and
identify the keywords
needed to arrive at the
answer.
Read the text/ diagram
given and try to find
matching keywords.
The answer is normally in
the same sentence as the
keyword found in the text/
diagram.
Students should show their
understanding by adapting
or adopting the information
acquired onto the graphic
visual, diagram, table, etc.
ACTIVITIES
Brainstorming session
Reading the
advertisement, table,
chart, etc. (pair work)
Transferring information
(pair work)
Example of group
activity: Creating a
poster of a Spelling Bee
competition and
presenting it to the
class.
STRATEGIES/
RESOURCES
Skimming: reading
quickly through a text to
get an overall idea of its
content.
Scanning:
Looking for specific
words, phrases and
items of information
Newspaper
advertisements,
posters, notices, graphic
organisers, etc.
THINKING
SKILLS
Processing information
by transferring the text
to visual form.
Brainstorming.
Making a list.
Skimming and
scanning.
Transferring
information.
ICT skills.
ASSESSMENT
Assessment for
Information
Transfer is in
Section B of 1119
Paper 2 of the
English language
SPM examination.
Feedback from
students based on
their real life
situation.
Words produced
by students.
Students’
creativity.
TEACHING & LEARNING ASPECTS : PAPER 2 (SECTION C – READING COMREHENSION)
LEARNING
OUTCOME
INSTRUCTIONAL GUIDE
(STEPS)
Students should be
able to
- read a variety of
texts critically and
proficiently to
demonstrate in writing
or speech the
comprehension,
analysis, and
interpretation of those
texts;
Reading Comprehension is
an important element of all
study skills. Reading with
speed and understanding is a
time management tool,
involves note taking, and is
necessary for test taking.
- demonstrate
knowledge and
comprehension of
major texts and
traditions of language
and literature written in
English as well as
their social, cultural,
theoretical, and
historical contexts by
responding
appropriately to
questions related to
the text provided.
- read the introduction, the
first sentence of every
paragraph and the conclusion
ACTIVITIES
Question & Answer
Session
True & False Questions
- scan the chapter for major
context points
- actively highlight what is
required to answer questions
that are related to the text.
Comprehension
strategies are conscious
plans — sets of steps
that good readers use to
make sense of text.
Meanings of Words
Filling in the blanks
- prepare your study space
STRATEGIES/
RESOURCES
Post-Reading Activities
Comprehension strategy
instruction helps
students become
purposeful, active
readers who are in
control of their own
reading comprehension.
These seven strategies
have research-based
evidence for improving
text comprehension.
- Monitoring
comprehension
- Metacognition
- Graphic and semantic
organisers
- Answering questions
- Generating questions
- Recognising story
structure
- Summarising
THINKING
SKILLS
Comprehension
skills –
understanding
information,
interpreting facts,
predicting
consequences,
applying
information
ASSESSMENT
Assessment for
Reading
Comprehension is
in Section C of
1119 Paper 2 of the
English language
SPM examination.
TEACHING & LEARNING ASPECTS : PAPER 2 (SECTION C –SUMMARY WRITING)
LEARNING
OUTCOME
INSTRUCTIONAL GUIDE
(STEPS)
Students should be
able to
- analyze and interpret
texts written in
English, evaluating
and assessing the
results in written form
like a summary, using
appropriate support;
The purpose of a summary is
to give the reader, in about
1/3 of the original length of an
article/lecture, a clear,
objective picture of the
original lecture or text.
Most importantly, the
summary restates only the
main points of a text or a
lecture without giving
examples or details, such as
dates, numbers or statistics.
- demonstrate
knowledge and
comprehension of
major texts and
traditions of language
and literature written in
English as well as
their social, cultural,
theoretical, and
historical contexts by
responding
appropriately to
questions related to
the text provided.
ACTIVITIES
- word level (word
substitution)
- use of synonyms
- use of compound
words
- sentence level
(shortening sentences)
STRATEGIES/
RESOURCES
BRUME Strategy
- Bracket the relevant
lines
- Read the question
again
- Underline the points.
Use questions related to
the text to help you
- Make notes
- Expand the notes
- paragraph level
Write the summary.
THINKING
SKILLS
ASSESSMENT
Processing
information by
sorting, classifying,
locating,
sequencing,
analyzing, etc.
Assessment for
Summary Writing is
in Section C of
1119 Paper 2 of the
English language
SPM examination.
Reasoning by using
precise language,
making inferences.
Interpretation of
text by
summarizing and
paraphrasing text.
Note-taking,
paraphrasing
(using your own
words and
sentence
structure),
condensing
SPM 1119/2 ENGLISH
SECTION A (Q8 – Q15)
RATIONAL CLOZE
RATIONAL CLOZE
TIPS FOR TEACHING AND LEARNING OF GRAMMAR TO ANSWER RATIONAL CLOZE
Rational Cloze
Revisit Grammar
Read text to get the general idea
Narrative – simple past
Factual – simple present
Direct speech – simple present
Informal letter & speech – mixture of
tenses
Decide the types of text
Apply grammar rules or use
contextual clues where possible
Unsure of the answer? Use
elimination method
Friends
Colleagues
WHY GRAMMAR?
Grammar is the tool that all students have to learn and master. Knowledge of grammar will
determine how well students perform in the section on Rational Cloze in 1119/2.
NOUNS
PREPOSITIONS
ARTICLES
CONJUNCTIONS/
CONNECTORS
PRONOUNS
SUBJECT-VERB
AGREEMENT
GRAMMAR AND
RATIONAL CLOZE
ADJECTIVES
ADVERBS
GERUNDS &
INFINITIVES
VERBS & TENSES
* Parts of speech commonly used in rational cloze passages
ARTICLES
Articles
a




A bag
A hole
A watch
A zebra
an




the
An egg
An island
An oval
An hour




The sun
The star
The red house
The bravest cat
Exercise 1
Fill in the blanks with a, an or the.
1. My friend works as _________________ engineer.
2. Walter is _________ thinnest boy in the class.
3. Do not disturb me! I’m listening to _____________ radio.
4. _______ honest person is hard to find nowadays.
5. _________ moon shines brightly on the fifteenth of every month.
6. I want to make ___________ appointment to see __________ personnel manager.
7. ________ woman in the photograph looks familiar.
8. I have given ________ blue pen to my friend. _________ pen is expensive.
9. She has ________ idea to make the most beautiful gift box.
10. My aunt is _____________ mysterious lady.
Exercise 2
Fill in the blanks with the correct articles.
Playing ____ wind instrument may help reduce _______ possibility of developing
obstructive sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea is ________ sleep disorder where
breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. In hopes of finding ________ solution to
treat and prevent sleep apnea, researchers in India tested on sixty-four wind instrument
players and compared them to non-wind instrument players. What they found was that wind
instrument players have ______ relatively lower risk compared to their no-wind instrument
counterparts.
(Adapted from Health Today:June 2015)
CONJUNCTIONS/CONNECTORS
 Conjunctions join words, phrases or clauses. They show the relation between the parts
joined.
 Connectors also join phrases, clauses or sentences to show how one idea is related to
another idea.
 There are only 7 coordinating conjunctions:- and, or, but, nor, so, for, yet. They give
equal importance to the words or sentences they connect.
 A good way to remember the 7 conjunctions:
List of some conjunctions and subordinating conjunctions with examples of how to use
them:-
CONNECTORS
Exercise 1
Join the following pairs of sentences using the linking words given in brackets.
1. The washing machine was cheap.
It was in good condition.
(Although)
_____________________________________________________________________
2. It was such a lovely day.
They stayed indoors.
(yet)
_____________________________________________________________________
3. I like to go fishing.
I don’t like to eat fish.
(but)
_____________________________________________________________________
4. I could not wear the dress.
It was too small.
(because)
______________________________________________________________________
5. Suhaila wanted to go camping.
Her father told her not to.
(however)
______________________________________________________________________
Exercise 2
Read the text and underline the correct conjunction.
Nowadays, many parents are turning holidays into extended school. They want their
children to learn beyond textbooks 1. (so, or, and) classrooms. 2. (Whether, Although, When)
they opt for holiday home stays in rural areas for their children, they 3. (neither, whether, not
only) get to visit farms 4. (nor, or, but also) try their hands at planting rice, tapping rubber and
playing with traditional tops. However, the urban children find it difficult to adapt to the simple
accommodation. There is no air-conditioning. The toilets are clean 5. (but, or, so) there is no
hot water or shower facilities. Guests bathe using a pail.
Twelve-year-old Siti said, “I want to go back 6. (because, if, but) it is so interesting, 7.
(when, though, since) the loud insect sounds at night are scary.”
(Adapted from Focus Goal English)
TENSES
 For narratives
 For factual texts
 For informal letters
: past tense
: present tense
: mixture of tenses
Exercise 1
Put the verbs into the correct tense (Simple Present or Present Progressive)
1. Look! Sara (go)
to the movies.
2. On her right hand, Sara (carry)
her handbag.
3. The handbag (be)
very beautiful.
4. Sara usually (put)
trainers.
on black shoes but now she (wear)
5. And look, she (take)
white
an umbrella because it (rain)
Exercise 2
Put the verbs into the correct tense (Simple Past or Past Perfect)
1. When he (wake up)
, his mother (already /
prepare)
breakfast
2. We (go)
to London because our friends (invite)
3. He (hear)
(call)
the news, (go)
to the telephone and
a friend.
4. When she (start)
learning English she (already
/learn)
French.
5. Jane (already / type)
three pages when her computer
(crash)
.
6. By the time the doctor (arrive)
at the house the patient (die)
7. Before that day we (never / think)
8. I (know)
his family.
where to meet because nobody (tell)
cloudy for days before it (begin)
Exercise 3
Put the verbs into the correct tense (Simple Past or Present Perfect).
1. I (just / finish)
2. Mary (already / write)
3. Tom (move)
4. My friend (be)
5. I (not / be)
6. But I (already / travel)
.
of traveling to Japan.
him a long time before I (meet)
9. They (not / know)
10. It (be)
us
my homework.
five letters.
to his home town in 1994.
in Canada two years ago.
to Canada so far.
to London a couple of times.
to rain.
them.
7. Last week, Mary and Paul (go)
to the cinema.
8. I can't take any pictures because I (not /buy)
9. (they / spend)
10. (you / ever / see )
a new film yet.
their holidays in Paris last summer?
a whale?
Exercise 4
Put the verbs into the correct tense (Simple Past or Past Progressive).
1. The receptionist (welcome)
in the form.
2. The car (break)
the guests and (ask)
down and we (have)
3. The boys (swim)
while the girls (sunbath)
4. My father (come)
tidy up my room.
in, (look)
5. While one group (prepare)
for the campfire.
6. While the parents (have)
7. Martha (turn)
them to fill
to walk home.
.
and (tell)
me to
dinner the others (collect)
wood
breakfast the children (run)
about.
off the light and (go)
to bed.
Rational Cloze - Practice A
Choose the best answer from the options A, B, C and D.
Years ago, as a newly-qualified teacher, I was posted to a school in a small village. There was
only one coffee shop, ___1___ sundry shop and a bicycle repair shop. The village had piped
water ___2___ no electricity supply. There ___3___ no public transport at night. ___4___, the
lack of amenities in the village did not bother me much. The students ___5___ hardworking
and eager to learn. There were no discipline ___6___. I had to ___7___ a set of living quarters
with two others and we had to cook our own meals. In the evenings and during weekends we
went fishing or ___8___ round the many surrounding villages. At weddings and festivals, we
were showered with food. ___9___ village folk respected ___10___ and made us feel wanted.
I'll never forget their warmth and kindness.
1. (A) a
(B) an
(C) the
(D) --
3. (A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
is
are
was
were
2. (A) and
(B) but
(C) or
(D) both
5. (A) is
(B) are
(C) was
4. (A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
8. (A)
(B)
(C)
Moreover
Therefore
Since
However
cycle
cycles
cycled
(D) were
6. (A) problems
(B) difficulties
(C) challenges
(D) attitudes
7. (A) live
(B) make
(C) share
(D) divide
(D) cycling
9. (A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
A
An
The
--
10. (A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
us
we
me
you
Rational Cloze - Practice B
Choose the best answer from the options A, B, C and D.
Students today have to sit for exam after exam. Studying for exams is ___1___ inevitable part
of a ___2___ life. Some study regularly and systematically. ___3___ do it in fits and starts,
finally cramming at the last minute, ___4___ themselves unnecessary stress. When you study
or read, write brief notes on ___5___ points in the margin. Write a summary of each chapter.
Writing the notes in your own ___6___ means that you have ___7___ what you have read or
studied. Then there is no need to reread everything ___8___ the exam. Looking ___9___ your
notes or your summaries will help ___10___ remember or recall what you have read as you
can't memorize everything you read.
1. (A) a
(B) an
(C) the
(D) --
6. (A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
words
ideas
way
writing
2. (A) student
(B) students
(C) student's
(D) students'
7. (A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
understand
understands
understood
understanding
3. (A) Other
(B) Others
(C) Any
(D) Another
8. (A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
near
before
during
prior
4. (A) cause
(B) causes
(C) caused
(D) causing
9. (A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
at
by
for
after
10. (A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
one
us
you
them
5. (A) certain
(B) special
(C) important
(D) interesting
Rational Cloze - Practice C
Choose the best answer from the options A, B, C and D.
Dear Janet,
Thank you for the invitation to join your family for a holiday in Pulau Langkawi. I would
___1___ to accept. I am looking forward to ___2___ you and the others. You told me that you
would ___3___ your parents in Penang first. Give them my ___4___ when you see them. It's
been many years ___5___ I last saw them. I think it was at your sister's wedding. By the way,
___6___ is your grandmother? She must now be over eighty years of age! My family is doing
fine except for my other grandmother who ___7___ from arthritis and frequently ___8___ of
pain. I have been really busy and the ___9___ of a holiday by the sea is really attractive. I'll
meet you ___10___ the hotel on the fifteenth. I will be taking the afternoon flight and should be
there by dinner time. Goodbye for now.
Love,
Lina
1. (A) love
(B) happy
(C) eager
(D) delighted
6. (A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
who
where
when
how
2. (A) see
(B) saw
(C) seen
(D) seeing
7. (A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
suffer
suffers
suffered
has suffered
3. (A) visit
(B) visits
(C) visited
(D) visiting
8. (A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
talks
discusses
suggests
complains
4. (A) wishes
(B) regards
(C) affection
(D) greetings
9. (A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
dream
wonder
idea
ambition
10. (A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
by
at
on
outside
5. (A) before
(B) after
(C) since
(D) when
Rational Cloze - Practice D
Choose the best answer from the options A, B, C and D.
I grew up in a big family. When I ___1___ young, times were hard. With six children to feed,
clothe and educate, my parents ___2___ a tough time. They ___3___ to make ends meet. Food
was sometimes scarce. We rarely had new clothes or shoes. ___4___, we had a lot of fun
___5___ our own games. I read a lot as there were a few other ___6___ of entertainment. This
opened a whole new ___7___ to me. I often neglected to do my share of the chores when I
became ___8___ in a book. Now everyone has ___9___ up and most are working away from
home. They come back frequently and when they ___10___, the house is full of noise and
laughter.
1. (A) am
(B) are
(C) was
(D) were
6. (A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
sources
methods
ways
places
2. (A) has
(B) have
(C) had
(D) having
7. (A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
universe
world
earth
land
3. (A) struggle
(B) struggled
(C) have struggled
(D) had struggled
8. (A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
taken
caught
obsessed
absorbed
4. (A) And
(B) Since
(C) Besides
(D) However
9. (A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
grew
is growing
grown
growing
5. (A) invent
(B) invents
(C) invented
(D) inventing
10. (A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
do
did
done
have done
ANSWER KEY – Rational Cloze
Articles
Exercise 1
1. an
2. the
3. the
4. an
5. the
6. an, the
7. the
8. the, the
9. an
10. a
1. a
2. the
3. a
4. a
5. a
Conjunctions/Connectors
Exercise 1
1. Although the washing machine was
cheap, it was in a good condition.
2. It was such a lovely day, yet they stayed
indoors.
3. I like to go fishing but I don’t like to eat
fish.
4. I could not wear the dress because it was
too small.
5. Suhaila wanted to go camping, however,
her father told her not to.
Tenses
Exercise 1
1. is going
2. is carrying
3. is
4. puts, is wearing
5. is taking, is raining
Exercise 2
Exercise 2
1. woke up, had
already prepared
2. went, had invited
3. heard, called
4. started, had already
learned
5. had already typed,
crashed
6. arrived, had died
7. had never thought
8. had known, met
9. did not know, had
told
10. had been, began
Exercise 2
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
and
when
not only
but also
but
because
though
Exercise 3
1. have just finished
2. had already written
3. moved
4. was
5. have not been
6. have already
travelled
7. went
8. have not bought
9. did they spend
10. have you ever
seen
Exercise 4
1. welcomed, asked
2. broke, had
3. were swimming,
were sunbathing
4. looked, told
5. was preparing, were
collecting
6. were having, were
running
7. turned, went
SPM 1119/2
ENGLISH
SECTION B
INFORMATION
TRANSFER
INFORMATION TRANSFER
Useful guidelines in teaching and learning Information Transfer
You need to choose the
appropriate text / material (for
example, a diagram, depending
on the content).
Make sure that the students
do not just copy chunks
without understanding them.
Teacher Considerations
Information transfer charts can
highlight the structure of a text to make
it easier for students to follow.
What students need to do :
Skim through the stimulus and get the general
idea of the whole context. Scan for specific
words, phrases and items of information.
Read through the text carefully and
pay attention to details.
Tip: Take note of the titles or the
headlines.
Read the question
carefully.
Underline keywords
and lift your answer.
Tip: Be brief. Leave the
unnecessary phrases.
Practice 1 (Theme: Social Issues)
Read the advertisement below and answer the questions that follow:
Millenia Bank and The Sky Times present
Bee Challenge 2016
Spelling can be tricky. Two words when joined can form a new word that has its own
meaning. Join the Spelling Bee Challenge. Stand a chance to win over RM300,000
worth of prizes. Only the top 100 best spellers will advance to compete in the State
Challenge. Spell it right and be the rightful national champion.
For enquiries, please log on to spellingbee.theskytimes.com.my or call the Spelling Bee
Registration Secretariat at 04-3456751 (Monday – Friday, 9.00 am – 5 pm).
” To learn to read is to light a fire; every syllable spelled out sparkles”
State Challenge Schedule
Date
July 31 & August 1
August 1 & 2
August 8 & 9
August 15 & 16
August 21 & 22
August 22 & 23
September 4 & 5
September 6 & 7
State
Terengganu
Indah Hotel, Kuala Terengganu
Kuala Lumpur
Sabah
Perlis
Pahang
Sarawak
Kelantan
Impiana City Mall, Petaling Jaya
Mentari Sabah, Kota Kinabalu
Dewan Murni, Kangar
Kuantan City Mall, Kuantan
Mines Shopping Mall, Kuching
Happy Mall, Kota Baru
Melaka
Johor
Kedah
Penang
Jiwa Parade, Melaka
Harbour Plaza City Mall
Town Mall, Sungai Petani
Coral Bay Mall, Penang
Endorsed by:
Jointly organised by:
The Sky Times
Venue
Millennia Bank
Ministry of Education
Malaysia
(Adapted from New Straits Times, 11 June 2015)
Spelling Bee Challenge
Organisers
1. ____________________________________________
2. ____________________________________________
Theme
3. ____________________________________________
____________________________________________
Number of best spellers to
compete in the state
challenge
4. ____________________________________________
[4 marks]
5. In order to be the champion, the participant should be able to ___________________
[1 mark ]
6. The Penang State Challenge will be held at ______________________ on September
6th and 7th .
[1 mark ]
7. When can you take part in the Spelling Bee Competition if you are in Kelantan?
________________________________________
[1 mark ]
8. What must you do if you need more information?
a. _________________________________________
[1 mark ]
b. _________________________________________
[1 mark ]
9. How many states will be having the competition in one day?
_____________________
(1 mark ]
Total [10 marks]
Practice 2 (Theme: People)
Read the article below and use the information given to complete the following task.
Justin Bieber is a Canadian pop star and actor. He was born on the
1st of March in 1994. He wanted to be a musician for as long as he could
remember. When he was a child, he taught himself to play the piano, guitar,
trumpet and drums. In 2007, his mother posted many videos of him singing
covers of blues and soul songs. A record company executive saw one and
in 2008 Bieber signed for Island Records.
Bieber's first single, "One Time", reached number 17 on America’s
Billboard Hot 100. His first album, “My World”, was released in November
2009. It went platinum in the U.S. He went on tour to promote the album.
The 3D movie of the tour nearly broke the sales record for the biggest
opening weekend for a concert movie. Bieber also appeared on many
prime time TV shows in the U.S.
Bieber has become an international star in a very short period of
time. In 2010 he won the Artist of the Year award at the American Music
Awards. He was also nominated for Best New Artist at the Grammy’s.
Bieber appeared in several TV roles, including in the hit TV series CSI.. He
has also sung on records for charity to help victims of the Haiti and Japan
earthquakes.
Justin Bieber is a modern-day star. He is highly popular on Internet
sites. He has over six million followers on Twitter, which he uses to chat
with his fans. Bieber had been linked to reality TV star Kim Kardashian
and Selena Gomez, although Bieber says this was just gossip. He is also
often the target of criticism and pranks on the Internet.
(Adapted from http://www.famouspeoplelessons.com/j/justin_bieber.html)
Using the information from the article, write short answers in the spaces provided.
Birth name:
1. __________________
_____________
One musical instrument
played during childhood:
3. ______________________
Origin country:
2. _______________________
_________________________
Songs’ genre in 2007:
blues
4. __________________
__
Bieber’s first single:
Bieber’s first album:
5. ______________________
6. ______________________
Award received in 2010:
Objective of charity records:
7. _____________________
8 __________________________
____________________________
Number of Twitter followers:
9. _______________________
One of reality TV stars he has
been linked with:
10. __________________________
Total [10 marks]
Practice 3 (Theme: Environment)
Read the poster below and complete the graphic organizer that follows:
artplanet
Person to contact:
Anna:
0135648732
Save the Earth
ART CONTEST
“Earth
was created for all of us, not some of us”
Date: April 4 2016
Venue: Perda City Mall
Target
Students aged 17 years and
above only
Website
www.artplanet/art_contest.com
Awards
Champion : RM1000
1st runner up : RM800
2nd runner up : RM500
20 consolation prizes
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Tentative Programme
9:00 a.m.
9:30 a.m.
9:45 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.
11:45 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
12:00 p.m. – 12:30 p.m.
12:30 p.m.
Registration begins.
Rules and regulations announced by the MC.
Participants are required to draw, paint and
colour within this 2 hour period.
Selection of winners
Prize giving ceremony
Contest ends.
Save the Earth Art Contest
Theme:
Date:
1.________________________________
2. ________________________________
Venue:
Time:
3. ________________________________
4. ________________________________
Organized by:
Target:
5. ________________________________
6. ________________________________
1st prize winner will receive:
Number of consolation prizes:
7. ________________________________
8. ________________________________
Website:
Person to contact:
9. ________________________________
10. ________________________________
Total [10 marks]
Practice 4 (Theme: Health)
Read the following poster and complete the graphic organiser that follows.
SEMINAR
Current Issues on Teen Health
Organised by
A special seminar to prepare young teens of all races to
face the current health issues among teenagers will be held from
2 p.m until 5:00 p.m on Sunday, 8th May 2016. There will be
talks and workshops to discuss latest health issues and
challenges among teens.
Malaysian Medical
Association,
Malaysian Brain Health
Society,
Morgana Institution
Grab your chance to find out more about your health
issues and learn how to overcome them.
Venue:
Westin Hotel, Penang
Conference Room, Level 3
Register now to avoid disappointment!!
Programme
Speakers
Dr. Edward Cullen
Consultant
Emotional Health
Penang Medical Centre
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Selena Gomez
Senior Lecturer & Consultant
Faculty of Medicine
Universiti Sains Malaysia
Dr. Taylor Swift
Counsellor
Centre for Emotional Health
Morgana Institution
2:00 pm
Registration
2:30 pm
“Helping Teens Overcome Stress
and Feelings of Pressure”
by Dr.Taylor Swift
3:15 pm
“Anxiety in Children 7 to 17 years
old” by Dr. Selena Gomez
3:55 pm
“The Top 7 Health Risks Teenagers
Face” by Dr. Edward Cullen
4:35 pm
Q & A session
4:45 pm
Workshop
5:00 pm
Hi Tea
Fee: RM 25
(food and drinks)
Using the information from the poster given, complete the graphic organiser below.
Time:
1______________________
Fee:
10_____________________
Venue:
2______________________
Activities:
Current Issues
on
Teen Health
Organisers:
8_______________________
3_______________________
9_______________________
4_______________________
5_______________________
Name of speakers:
6_______________________
7_______________________
Total [10 marks]
Practice 5 (Theme: ICT)
Read the following information and answer the questions that follow.
Sonny
Do more than you thought possible at only RM 1,921.78. The
Sonny Xperian Z3 is designed to keep up with your life – wherever
you go. Equipped with 4.4 (KitKat) processor, 16 GB internal
memory and waterproof design, now you can take your Xperian
Z3 anywhere to live life to the fullest! Shoot stunning photos and
videos with Sonny’s high-quality camera technologies. You can
even take stunning visuals underwater! Every image you capture
will be crisp, bright and sharp – exactly as you remember it with its 20.7 MP rear camera.
Combined with a super-slim body and aluminium frame at only 152g, Xperian Z3 is the
smartphone that teams durability with beauty. Best of all, you won’t miss a thing on its
impressive 5.2” display, which provides a wide palate of rich, natural colours that combine to
form amazingly sharp, clear images
Samson
A new type of smart phone, borne of insight and innovation. It is the
ultimate on-the-go device using Android OS, v5.1.1 (Lollipop) with
32GB internal memory. The 5.7" display is the largest screen size
with smartphone portability which allows you to see more and do
more, while on the go. The S Pen creates a best-in-class mobile
input experience. It is equipped with advanced 16MP camera and
with the powerful camera feature, you can capture the world’s every
moment in deep detail. At a reasonable price of RM 1063.60 This 171g powerful device will be
yours.
jPhone
Easy to use, capable of so much and light (192g), jOS 9 was
engineered to work hand in hand with the advanced technologies
built into jPhone together with its 16GB internal memory. Many
built-in apps have been optimised to make the most of the
5.5”display.
Place your finger on the Home button, and just like that your jPhone
unlocks. Touch ID is just as secure as before and now works even faster. The jSight camera
captures beautiful 12-megapixel still photos. All you have to do is find something beautiful and
tap the shutter button for the best, most awe-inspiring photos you’ve ever taken. Get
yours
for RM 3675.00 inclusive of GST.
Based on the information given above, complete the diagram below.
Models
jPhone
Samson
Specifications
Operating System
jOs 9
Sonny
1._______________
4.4 (KitKat)
processor
Memory
2. _______________
32GB
16 GB
Camera
12 MP
3._______________
20.7 MP
Display
5.5”
5.7"
4. ______________
Weight
5. _______________
171g
152g
[5 marks]
Complete the sentences below based on the given information.
6. Ali loves outdoor sports. He spends most of his free time scuba-diving. Which model is
most suitable for him?
_______________________________________________________________________
[1 mark]
7. Mother plans to buy an affordable phone for Linda who is homesick. Suggest a phone
model that mother should get for Linda.
_______________________________________________________________________
[1 mark]
8. The phone which has the highest storage capacity is ____________________________
[1 mark]
9. A photo enthusiast would choose a Sonny phone because ________________________
[1 mark]
10. “By just placing your finger on the Home button, you can unlock your phone.”
Which model offers this feature?
______________________________________________________________________
[1 mark]
Total [10 marks]
Practice 6 (Theme: Social Issues)
Read the following article and complete the graphic organiser that follows.
KL Art Programme 2015
It was Sunday morning at the Lake Garden and he's
dressed in a comfortable getup of track pants and a shortsleeved T-shirt.
But KL Mayor Datuk Ahmad Phesal Talib was not there
for a jog. Instead, he was there to join a group of
volunteers who were busy painting murals at Jalan
Cenderasari near Masjid Negara.
The murals are part of City Hall's ongoing KL Art
Programme 2015. It is aimed at beautifying the city by
adding artistic elements to permanent public structures such as feeder pillars, benches, walls
and fences, gantries and other service structures. The programme is expected to be
completed by 15 December 2015.
In this programme, volunteers —groups or individuals — are invited to share and showcase
their artistic skills and creativity. City Hall, meanwhile, provides the venues and materials.
"We encourage city folk to take part in such activities, to make them appreciate city living," he
said, before grabbing a brush and joining the volunteers.
The volunteers at this spot were 10 former schoolmates from Tunku Kurshiah College (batch
of 1983), who have been working on the murals for the past four weeks.
"It all started from our Whatsapp chat group when one of us suggested that we volunteer our
services. We got together and began work on the murals on weekends and public holidays
since we all have jobs," said Dr. Rohaya Ramli.
Together with their family, the group turned the event into a picnic outing.
"Tourists started to join us not only to paint murals but also to taste our packed food," she
added.
Based on the information given, complete the table below.
KL Art Programme 2015
Location
1_________________________________________________
Aim of programme
2_________________________________________________
Expected date of
3_________________________________________________
completion
Murals painted during
4_________________________________________________
5_________________________________________________
The volunteers
6_________________________________________________
[6 marks]
Complete the sentences below based on the given information.
7. The volunteers in this programme have the opportunity ___________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
[1 mark]
8. The city folks who take part in this activity will be able to __________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
[1 mark]
9. The idea to work on the murals started when one of them suggested __ ______________
________________________________________________________________________
[1 mark]
10. Besides painting the murals, the tourists joined the programme ____________________
________________________________________________________________________
[1 mark]
Total
[10 marks]
Answer Key – Information Transfer
Practice 1 (Theme: Social Issues)
1. Millennia Bank
2. The Sky Times
3. to learn to read is to light a fire; every syllable spelled out sparkles”
4. 100
5. spell words correctly
6. Coral Bay Mall
7. August 21 & 22
8. Log on to spellingbee.theskytimes.com.my or
9. call the Spelling Bee Registration Secretariat at 04-3456751
10. 3
Practice 2 (Theme: People)
1. Justin Bieber
2. Canada
3. guitar/drum/piano/trumpet (choose any one)
4. soul
5. One time
6. My world
7. Artist of the year
8. To help victims of the Haiti and Japan earthquakes
9. Six million
10. Selena Gomez/Kim Kardashian (choose any one)
Practice 3 (Theme: Environment)
1. Earth was created for all of us, not some of us.
2. April 4 2016
3. Perda City Mall
4. 9.00 a.m. – 12.30 p.m.
5. Art planet
6. Students age 17 and only
7. RM1000 and certificate
8. 20
9. www.artplanet/art_contest.com
10. Anna
Practice 4 (Theme: Health)
2.00 p.m. – 5.00 p.m.
Westin Hotel, Penang (Conference Room, Level 3)
Malaysian Medical Association
Malaysian Brain Health Society
interchangeable
Morgana Institution
Dr Edward Cullen
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Selena Gomez
any two
Dr Taylor Swift
8. Talks
9. Q & A session
any two
Workshop
10. RM25
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Practice 5 (Theme: ICT)
1. Android OS, v5.1.1(Lollipop)
2. 16GB
3. 16 MP
4. 5.2”
5. 192 g
6. Sonny
7. Samson
8. Samson
9. It has 20.7 MP rear camera
10. jPhone
Practice 6 (Theme: Social Issues)
1. Jalan Cenderasari (near Masjid Negara)
2. Beautifying the city (by adding artistic elements to permanent public structures)
3. 15 December 2015
4. Weekends
5. Public holidays
6. 10 former school mates from Tunku Kurshiah College (batch of 1983)
7. Share and showcase the artistic skills and creativity
8. Appreciate city living
9. In their Whatsapp chat group
10. To taste their packed food
SPM 1119/2
ENGLISH
SECTION C
READING
COMPREHENSION
READING COMPREHENSION
TEACHING READING
COMPREHENSION
PRE-READING ACTIVITIES
WHILE-READING
ACTIVITIES
1. Q+A session to
1. Students infer
elicit previous
knowledge / topic of
discussion
2. True/False questions
as reinforcement to
meaning from text
2. Match words with
meanings from a
given list
3. Fill in the blanks with
POST-READING
ACTIVITIES
1. Identifying the WH question
words in questions to make
connection to the question
and facilitate answer search
2. Knowledge of difference
between word and phrase
elicit previous
the correct words as
knowledge
reinforcement to
give personal responses to
show understanding
questions that require
of the meaning
personal responses
3. Teach students to rephrase/
Reading Comprehension
A. Pre-Reading
Activity 1
Q+A session to elicit previous knowledge / topic of discussion
Name some of the modern inventions that have helped human beings in the world of
communications.
Which is the most important in your life? Why?
What can’t you live without? Food? Clothes? Computers? Mobile phones?
If you were given RM1000.00, what is the first thing you would do with it?
Why do we change our mobile phones so often although they can still be used?
What do you do with your old phones?
Activity 2
True / False questions
Mobile phones are important in our lives.
_____
Mobile phones which are not disposed of properly can be hazardous to the
environment.
_____
Old mobile phones can be donated to charitable homes.
_____
There are many companies which are offering recycling services for old mobile phones.
_____
Everyone will recycle his old phones. _____
As everyone continues to get new phones, all the old ones will be sent for recycling.
_______
B. While Reading
Exercise 1 (Meanings of words)
Match the words with their meanings.
1.
Indispensable
cancer causing substance
2.
Polyphonic
an area where garbage is dumped
3.
Toxic
real
4.
Pollutants
a substance that makes something (air/water/atmosphere)
dirty or unsafe
5.
Genuine
producing or making many different sounds or voices or
melodies together
6.
Landfills
thrown away
7.
Abandoned
given up completely/not taking care of anymore
8.
Discarded
cannot do without/absolutely necessary/all - important
9.
Engrossed
having one’s attention taken totally by someone or
something
10.
Carcinogen
poisonous
Exercise 2
Fill in the blanks with the correct words to show their meanings.
1. Cars have become an ____________________________ part of our lives.
2. You can choose your favourite ringtone from this list of ______________________
ringtones.
3. Many chemicals are highly ___________________ to the environment.
4. Sulphur dioxide is one of the several ______________ that is released into the air and
harmful to the environment.
5. Many fake designer watches are being sold at the price of
__________________________ ones.
6. 90 percent of our household rubbish is dumped in ________________________.
7. The child was found __________________________ in the old hut.
8. He has ___________________________ all the unwanted documents.
9. She was so ___________________ in watching the movie that she did not hear her
mother calling her.
10. Tobacco smoke is classified as a __________________________________.
C. Post-Reading
1. Identify the question word.
What →object or action
Where → place
Why → reason
Who/whom → person
When → time
How → way / method
2. Do not overlift– answer what is required
3. Teach students how to differentiate between word and phrase.
4. Questions with: In your own words / Why do you think / What does the writer mean...
require students’ own responses.
Section C: Reading Comprehension
Passage 1
Questions 26-30 are based on the following passage.
1
Just like any other modern devices, the mobile phone has become an
indispensable part of our lives. These days, we trade our phones for newer units,
with sharper colour screens, digicams, as well as more polyphonic ringtones. We
seem to be getting new phones faster than we get new clothes. However, not all
old mobile phones go back to the market to be resold when the owner decides to 5
get a new unit. Some are left at home to rot in the drawer while others are sent to
the garbage bin, a practice which, at the end of the day, adds to the growing
volume of toxic waste in our country’s landfills. The fear by environmentalists is
that as millions of mobile phones are disposed of with other trash, the possibility
exists for their toxins to be released into the air and even ground water.
10
2
Mobile phones are full of pollutants such as lead (primarily from soldering),
arsenic, antimony, beryllium, copper, nickel, mercury and brominated
flameretardants. Older phone models use nickel-cadmium batteries which contain
cadmium, a toxin and suspected carcinogen. Therefore, the fear of the
environmentalists is genuine.
15
3
Even if Malaysians want to do the ‘right thing’, most are just too engrossed
to figure out the right way to get rid of their phones. A private college student, who
likes to follow the latest trends when it comes to mobile phones, disclosed that
when she buys a new one, the old one goes to her favourite charity.
4
The managing director of the Petaling Jaya Community Centre’s 20
Environment Centre, said that unfortunately it is not often that his office gets
unused or old mobile phones from the public. The few times that it does receive
mobile phones, the units are totally unusable and irreparable and there’s nothing
that can be done apart from tossing them into the centre’s ‘scrap metal’ bin to be
sold for their weight. If there are any that can be used, they are sent to the shop to 25
be repaired.
5
Nokia Malaysia offers a wide range of electronic waste management
services including recycling, processing and refining. According to Nokia, a typical
mobile phone recycling process involves the material being shredded into scrap.
Metal and plastic parts are then separated. The metals are sold to metal refineries, 30
where they are melted and purified for reuse. However, the recycling rate of
plastics is low, partly because recovered plastics often contain impurities.
Fortunately, most recycled plastics are suitable as a fuel replacement for oil. In
addition, the plastic scraps can also be turned into plastic benches and fences.
6
Nokia encourages its mobile phone users to send mobile phones which are 35
beyond repair to them for proper disposal. If not stored in the correct conditions,
old and unused phone batteries may leak and toxic chemicals will be released into
homes. Even if stored in the best conditions, what happens to these phones
eventually? One day, they will probably be discarded with the trash and end up in
landfills.
40
7
Although mobile phone sales continue to climb, it is unlikely that the
number of used phones will decline. All too often the one you used to love and take
everywhere with you, is now left at home, in a drawer, unwanted and abandoned.
However, attitudes are beginning to change as awareness and education grow.
Ongoing campaigns by various governments as well as by companies and 45
organizations within the telecommunications industry can and will help prevent old
mobile phones from making their way to landfills. Hence, it is our social
responsibility as users to help protect the environment for future generations.
Remember: reclaim, reuse and recycle for a greener earth.
(Adapted from The Star, 8 July 2004)
Questions 26 – 30
Answer all questions. You are advised to answer them in the order set.
26(a) In paragraph 1, what has become an important part of our lives?
............…..…………………….......................….………………………………………………
……….................................................................................................................. [1 mark]
(b) Not all mobile phones are traded for newer units. What happens to most of them when
owners get a new one?
............…..…………………….......................….………………………………………………
…………................................................................................................................. [1 mark]
27(a) From paragraph 2, give two reasons why mobile phones are considered dangerous.
(i) ..............………….......................…………………………………..………………………………...
..................................................................................................................................... [1 mark]
(ii) ..............…………......................…………………………………..………………………………
….…............................................................................................................................ [1 mark]
(b) From paragraph 3, find a word which has the same meaning as preoccupied.
(i)............…..………......................……………….………………………………………….. [1 mark]
(ii)
What do you think is the ‘right thing’ to do?
............…..…………………….......................….……………………………………………………
…….............................................................................................................................. [1 mark]
28 From paragraph 4, why does the managing director of the Petaling Jaya Community
Centre’s Environment Centre, say “unfortunately it is not often that his office gets unused
or old mobile phones from the public”?
.................................................................................................................................................
............…..…………………….......................….……………………………………………….....
....................................................................................................................................[1 mark]
29 From paragraph 5, state one use of recycled plastics.
............…..…………………….......................….…………………………………………………..
[1 mark]
30 In your own words, state two ways how we can educate the public to recycle their mobile
phones.
(i) ………………………………………………………………………..……...……...........................
………………………………………………………………………..……...………………………
(ii) ………….………………………………..…………..……………………………...........................
..................……………...........................................................................................................
[2 marks]
Passage 2
Questions 26-30 are based on the following passage.
Read the passage about a 10-day course at the Outward Bound School in Lumut.
1
When put together under circumstances that are physically, emotionally and
spiritually taxing, a close bonding among people can occur. What I am going to
relate to you is the experience of a group who started out with fear, anxiety and
distrust but felt a special bond of love and understanding at the end of the period.
Yes, a group of strangers can become closer than a family.
5
2
I will never forget the 10-day course at the Outward Bound School in Lumut.
The term outward bound is used to refer to a ship leaving port to venture out into
the open sea. And that was exactly what we, the participants, were doing. We were
leaving the safe haven of our homes to have a changed self-concept, an increased
understanding of others and to accept physical, mental and social challenges. 10
What we did not realize was how tough it was going to be and more so, the
changes that were going to take place within us.
3
All participants were put in groups called watches, which were named after
famous Malaysian mountains such as Kinabalu, Tahan and Jerai. Each watch
consisted of fifteen participants, headed by one instructor and one assistant. This 15
was to help organize the large group into smaller, more manageable groups.
Moreover, people feel great to be associated with mountains—big, tall, majestic
and inspiring! The instructors guided and encouraged us, especially through the
rough times. We did not quite expect them to encourage us as we came with the
preconceived idea that the instructors were going to be mean and push us to 20
physical and emotional despair. This was far from true. Our instructors and the
other administrative staff proved to be a source of comfort, solace,
encouragement, inspiration and friendship. This was least expected and it goes to
show that life is a store of surprises!
4
I was in the Kinabalu watch with fourteen other participants, all of whom were 25
young professionals sponsored by their companies. Most of the first day was spent
doing tedious administrative work and getting to know one another. Introductions
were particularly awkward at first between the girls and the boys but with a bit of
teasing, giggles and jokes, we soon got to know one another. On the second day,
we were awakened at 6 a.m. for a 2-kilometre run. Many of us were lethargic 30
because we did not have a good night’s sleep. Out large, comfortable dormitories
had one flaw—rats. The detested pests did a fine job of ruining our sleep!
5
After the run came the 12-kilometre hike. The hike up the hill was treacherous
and long. The watches started leaving at 7.30 in the morning and trickled back to
the school only by 6 a.m. the next day. All except one. My watch, Kinabalu, had 35
been the first to leave but had not returned. We got lost! It was a terrifying
experience as the day wore on and it grew dark. At night, we lighted a fire and
huddled together to keep warm. As our compass had gone bust, we had to depend
on our instinct to find our way back the next morning.
6
Several instructors went out to look for our group but with no success. It was 40
only 24 hours later that the Kinabalu watch made it back to the school. The next
ten minutes was chaotic for everyone was yelling, screaming and hugging one
another. This misadventure was an unexpected inclusion in the programme but it
certainly bonded the group strongly.
7
All too soon the course came to an end. I felt sad to leave because the friends I 45
had made there were special. I did achieve my personal goal, that is, to meet as
many people as I could. The OBS is not only about learning jungle survival skills or
climbing across ropes 200 metres above the ground. It teaches us to be tolerant, to
care and to be concerned for one another. All of us had been thrown together into
an unfamiliar environment and—through trust and cooperation—became a team. 50
More importantly, we became friends.
Questions 26 – 30
Answer all questions. You are advised to answer them in the order set.
26 (a) In paragraph 3, why were the participants divided into groups?
....................................…..……………………….………………………………………………
…………................................................................................................................ [1 mark]
(b) The groups were named after mountains. What effect did this have on the participants?
....................................…..……………………….………………………………………………
…………............................................................................................................... [1 mark]
27 (a) From paragraph 4, mention two unpleasant events on the first day.
...............................…..……………………….……………………………………………...
[1 mark]
(ii) ...............................…..……………………….…………………………………………………
(i)
[1 mark]
28 (a) From paragraph 5, which word shows that the hike up the hill was not easy.
....................................…..……………………….…………………………………… [1 mark]
(b) How do you know that the hike was long? State one evidence.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
....................................…..……………………….…………………………………… . [1 mark]
29 (a) From paragraph 6, when the Kinabalu watch finally returned, the rest of the
participants were relieved and happy. How did the participants show this?
....................................…..……………………….…………………………………………………
………...................................................................................................................... [1 mark]
(b) What resulted from the misadventure of the Kinabalu watch?
....................................…..……………………….…………………………………………………
………....................................................................................................................... [1 mark]
30
You have been selected to attend the OBS (Outward Bound School) course. Would you
accept? Give two reasons to support your answer.
(i) ...............................…..……………………….………………………………………………………
…............................................................................................................................... [1 mark]
(ii) ...............................…..……………………….………………………………………………………
…................................................................................................................................ [1 mark]
Passage 3
Questions 26-30 are based on the following passage.
Read the passage about the danger of extinction that species of primates face and the need to
preserve them.
1
Nearly half of all the species of monkeys and apes in the world are in danger
of extinction with primates as a whole representing one of the most threatened
groups of mammals today. The latest assessment of man’s closest living relatives
has found that 48 per cent of the 634 different kinds of primates could soon die out
completely due to factors such as habitat loss and hunting.
5
2
Scientists who carried out the study for the International Union for the
Conservation of Nature (IUCN) believe that the situation has worsened significantly
since the last time a similar investigation of primates was done five years ago in
2005. In some parts of the world the threat to primates has reached crisis
proportions. In Vietnam and Cambodia, for instance, about nine out of every ten 10
species are now listed as either vulnerable, endangered or critically endangered,
the three categories approved by IUCN.
3
“What is happening in south-east Asia is terrifying. To have a group of animals
under such a high level of threat is, quite frankly, unlike anything we have recorded
among any other group of species to date,” said Jean-Christophe Vie, deputy head 15
of the IUCN’s species programme. The review was carried out by hundreds of
primatologists who assessed factors such as the loss of habitat, total population
size or pressures from hunting which could affect a species’ chances of survival in
the coming century. “We’ve raised concerns for years about primates being in peril,
but now we have solid data to show the situation is far more severe than we 20
imagined,” said Russ Mittermeier, president of Conservation International.
4
Tropical forest destruction has always been the main cause, but now it appears
that hunting is just as serious a threat in some areas, even where the habitat is still
intact. In many places, primates are quite literally being eaten to extinction.
5
Primates include species as small as the tiny mouse lemurs of Madagascar, 25
which can fit inside a teacup, to the large lowland gorilla of western Africa. They
also include man’s closest living relative, the chimpanzee, which shares about 98
per cent of its DNA with humans. Records show that one in every three primate
species is now either endangered or critically endangered compared to about one
in five primates classified in these two risk categories before the results of this 30
latest assessment emerged.
6
The pressures on them have increased with the big push towards growing
monoculture crops, in part for their use as biofuels. The growing of palm oil crops
in south-east Asia and soya beans in the Amazon have taken their toll. But hunting
of primates for bush meat has also increased. This was a subsistence issue but 35
now it has almost become a luxury food with a higher price than for chicken or fish,
both in Africa and in south-east Asia.
7
Among the most threatened primate species were two of the red colobus
monkeys—Bouvier’s red colobus and Miss Waldron’s red colobus, neither of which
has been seen by primatologists for the past quarter of a century. Despite the 40
threats to primates, scientists have since 2000, described 53 new primate species
that are new to science, including 40 species from Madagascar. In 2007,
researchers discovered a population of greater bamboo lemurs living in a wetland
site on the island, about 240 miles from the only other known population of the
species—bringing the total number of individuals living in the wild to about 140. 45
Other successful stories include the black lion tamarin and the gold lion tamarin of
Brazil’s decimated Atlantic Forest, which have been brought back from the edge of
extinction, being classified as endangered rather than critically endangered.
8
If there are forests, you can save primates. Conserving forest fragments and
reforesting to create corridors that connect these forest corridors is not only vital for 50
primates, but offers the multiple benefits of maintaining healthy ecosystems and
water supplies while reducing greenhouse gases emissions that cause climate
change.
Questions 26 – 30
Answer all questions. You are advised to answer them in the order set.
26 (a) From paragraph 1, how many percent of primates is in danger of extinction?
....................................…..……………………….…………………………………… [1 mark]
(b) State one factor that is responsible for the extinction of the primates?
....................................…..……………………….………………………………………………
………….................................................................................................................. [1 mark]
27 (a) From paragraph 3, what is one of the factors taken into account in a primatologist’s
work?
....................................…..……………………….………………………………………………
…………................................................................................................................... [1 mark]
(b) From paragraph 4, which word has the same meaning as ‘in its original state’?
....................................…..……………………….…………………………………........ [1 mark]
28 (a) From paragraph 5, why do you think the chimpanzee is man’s closest relative in the
animal world?
....................................…..……………………….……………………………………………….
…………...................................................................................................................[1 mark]
(b) From paragraph 6, what is the cause for the loss of animal habitat?
...................................…..……………………….………………………………………………
………….................................................................................................................. [1 mark]
29 (a) From paragraph 7, what have scientists discovered since 2000?
....................................…..……………………….………………………………………………
………….................................................................................................................... [1 mark]
(b) What is the present Brazil’s Atlantic Forest status?
....................................…..……………………….…………………………………………………
………....................................................................................................................... [1 mark]
30
In your opinion, do you think that forests should be conserved? Give two reasons to
support your answer.
(i)
....................................…..……………………….…………………………………………
.……............………..................................…..……………………….…………………....
(ii)
....................................…..……………………….…………………………………………
...................................................................................................................................
[2 marks]
Passage 4
Question 26-30 are based on the following passage.
1
Space enthusiasts are conducting a lively debate about whether to make the
planet Mars habitable for human beings or to leave it in its pristine state as a place
hostile to life.
2
In the vision, settlers would initially set up house in the Martian deserts in
capsule homes looking like small grain silos. The yard outside would look semi- 5
suburban, with a rover parked in the driveway and radishes and carrots growing
under frames. The capsules would accommodate five people who would need
space suits for forays outside until scientists can fix the atmosphere outside. This is
because Mars is not only lacking in oxygen but is also cold and dusty. However,
enthusiasts at international conferences or over the Internet say that the Red Planet 10
can be colonised with the same pluck shown by the earlier settlers who settled on
the shores of America.
3
“Technically, I would say that colonization is possible,” commented Ulrich
Walter, a professor of space flight technology at the Technical University of Munich.
4
Technology offers various ways to provide Mars with an Earth-style atmosphere 15
and gradually warm it up over several centuries. With an atmosphere mainly of
carbon dioxide and the presence of water recently confirmed by orbiters, Mars has a
lot going for it. After all, Stephen Hawking, renowned cosmologist and physicist has
warned that continued climate change on Earth may one day leave man no other
choice but to emigrate to another planet.
20
5
What are the challenges that have to be solved? They include construction of
bigger and more powerful vehicles than today’s rockets since a huge amount of
equipment will have to be taken along. A flight from Earth to Mars would take more
than 200 days; meaning return flights might have to wait up to a year to be
launched. Sunspots are a particular risk and settlers need to wear special protective 25
sheaths for protection from solar radiation. Houses or ‘habitats’ would be twostoreyed capsules with a diameter of about eight metres and an area of 100 square
metres, enough for a communal apartment. Electricity would be generated by solar
cells.
6
“You have to establish the infrastructure for human life first,” explained Walter, a 30
scientist who flew on the US shuttle ‘Columbia’ in 1993.
7
Waste management would be a prime concern, with the inhabitants required to
sort all garbage for possible recycling. Methane and oxygen fuel for the return trip
would have to be manufactured, using either a nuclear reactor or a solar-energy
‘form’.
35
8
“We already possess the technologies to manufacture everything on site,” said
Walter. Heated vegetable frames, for example, could grow food, with the plants
using photosynthesis to convert the plant’s carbon dioxide into oxygen. However,
we need to do a lot more research to understand the complexities of the Mars
atmosphere.
40
9
One objective would be to heat up Mars and melt its ice caps. Suggested
methods include flying, giant sunlight-catching mirrors over the planet and releasing
special organisms that would spread across the Martian surface, making it darker so
that it would absorb more sunlight.
10
Other experts have suggested releasing the greenhouse gases currently 45
blamed for causing global warming on Earth. Melting the ice would, it is hoped, lead
to the formation of rivers and lakes. Evaporation would lead to rain, and plants
would begin to grow. Over a period of centuries, they would convert much of the
carbon dioxide into oxygen.
11
The dusty red planet would turn into a green one, and the sky over Mars might 50
even turn blue like that on Earth if the cycle of cloud formation and rain was
sufficient to wash down all the airborne dust.
12
Among the more exciting things to adapt to would be Martian gravity; because
of the planet’s smaller mass, the settlers would feel only two thirds as heavy as on
Earth, and would be able to go out walking in giant bounds.
55
(Adapted from The Star 2004)
Questions 26 – 30
Answer all questions. You are advised to answer them in the order set.
26
From paragraph 1, what is the debate about?
............…..…………………….......................….…………………………………………….....
[1 mark]
27(a) From paragraph 2, what kind of houses would people who want to migrate to Mars live
in?
............…..…………………….......................….……………………………………………….
[1 mark]
(b) Why would people who want to go outdoors need to wear space suits? Give 2 reasons.
(i) ............................................................................................................................................
[1 mark]
(ii) ............................................................................................................................................
[1 mark]
28 (a) From Paragraph 4, what does the word ‘it’ refer to?
............…..…………………….......................….……………………………………………....
[1 mark]
(b) Why, according to Stephen Hawking, might human beings be forced to emigrate to
another planet?
............…..…………………….......................….……………………………………………....
[1 mark]
29 From paragraphs 9 and 10, state two suggestions that have been put forward to change
the temperature on Mars.
(i) ............................................................................................................................................
[1 mark]
(ii) ............................................................................................................................................
[1 mark]
30 In your own words, state 2 ways how it might be possible to turn Mars into a green planet.
………………………………………………………………………..……...……………………….
..........................……………………………………………………..…………..…………………
…....................……….............................................................................................. [2 marks]
Passage 5
Question 26-30 are based on the following passage.
1
Being blind has not stopped Hesham Kamel from participating in the cyberworld.
He has also made it possible for other blind people to draw images. Blinded
seventeen years ago by the errant hand of a surgeon, Hesham Kamel has
nonetheless excelled in a field that relies heavily on the ability to produce complex
charts and graphs. A PhD student at UC Berkeley's Department of Electrical 5
Engineering and Computer Sciences, Hesham found his research efforts were often
hindered by his reliance on a sighted person who could assist with the production of
graphical elements.
2
About four years ago, after being forced to miss a deadline when his sighted
assistant was on vacation, he decided to take matters into his own hands. 10
Hesham designed a unique computer-drawing program called Integrated
Communication 2 Draw, or IC2D, that allows visually-impaired users to create and
`see' images on the computer screen.
3
Although the computing industry has made some big strides in developing
software to assist the sight-impaired, there is still a lack of products on the market, 15
particularly when it comes to computer-assisted drawing. There is also a common
misconception that blind people simply cannot handle visual tasks. Such erroneous
beliefs provided another major motivation for Hesham's efforts. He found that people
would ask him why blind people would even need to draw something that they could
not see. "There are many people out there who can't understand that blind people 20
have imagination, just as sighted people do," he asserts.
4
In addition, Hesham was frustrated by the short-sightedness of the computer
industry. Although the trend in technology is generally towards smaller, faster and
cheaper products, Hesham found quite the reverse to be true when it came to
products for the sightless. "The devices we need to use with computers - such as a 25
50-pound Braille printer - are large, expensive or both," he notes. Thus, one of his
primary goals in devising the IC2D software was that it be both portable and
compatible with any computer screen reader for the blind. "More than anything, I
want to change the way people think when they develop technology for the visuallyimpaired," he explains.
30
5
IC2D uses a familiar schematic - the common telephone keypad - in order to
create a system that is user-friendly. The computer screen is divided into a three-bythree grid numbered like a telephone keypad. As the user moves the cursor between
each square, audio feedback alerts them to the location point. Each of the nine cells
on the grid can be repeatedly divided to form a total of 729 cells, meaning that the 35
user can create images that are as complex, or as basic, as they like.
6
Since pull-down menus are obviously impractical for blind users, the commands,
shapes, colors and lines are all controlled by way of the keypad arrangement.
According to Hesham, the use of the keypad as a basis for the interface speeds
navigation and thus creates a superior experience for the user. "To help users see 40
what I draw, I developed a technique to give the components of the picture a
meaningful label." For example, an audio marker for a rear car wheel may also
include subsequent sound signifiers for the wheels hubcap and black rubber
threads.
7
Obviously, vision-impaired people have no way to `find' their way back to a 45
previously selected point on a computer screen. By establishing locators that can be
referenced by sound feedback, users can bypass this fundamental obstacle.
Moreover, hearing the labels referenced by the grid helps them to conceptualize the
entire image.
8
Recently, Hesham has been busy taking his invention round the conference 50
circuit in both America and Europe. With IC2D, users would be able to create
elaborate drawings for work and pleasure.
Questions 26 – 30
Answer all questions. You are advised to answer them in the order set.
26 (a) From paragraph1, when did Hesham become blind?
...................………….......................…………………………………..………………………
[1 mark]
(b) How did he become blind?
...................………….......................…………………………………..………………………
………….…........................................................................................................... [1 mark]
(c) What hindrance did he face in his research?
...................………….......................…………………………………..………………………
………….…............................................................................................................ [1 mark]
27 From paragraph 2, it was stated that ‘ … he decided to take matters into his own
hands’.
Explain the phrase above in your own words.
……………………………………………..…………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
…………………………………………….…………………………………………………………..
[2 marks]
28 From paragraph 3, what is a common misconception about the blind?
……………………………………………..…………………………………………………………
…………………………………………….……………………………………………………………
[1 mark]
29 From paragraph 4,
(a) what did Hesham find frustrating about the computer industry?
…………………………………………….………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………………….
[1 mark]
(b) What did Hesham want for the blind?
…………………………………………………………………………………………………….
……………………………………………………………………………………………………..
[1 mark]
30 From the passage, what kind of a person do you think Hesham is? Give evidence to
support your answer.
……………………………………………..…………………………………………………………
…..…………………………………………….………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………..[2 marks]
Answer Key - Comprehension
Pre-Reading
Activity 2 - True/False Questions
Mobile phones are important in our lives. True
Mobile phones which are not disposed of properly can be hazardous to the
environment.
True
Old mobile phones can be donated to charitable homes.
True
There are many companies which are offering recycling services for old mobile phones.
True
Everyone will recycle his old phones. False
As everyone continues to get new phones, all the old ones will be sent for recycling.
False
While Reading
Exercise 1 - Match the words with their meanings below.
1.
Indispensable
-
cannot do without/absolutely necessary/all-important
2.
Polyphonic
-
producing or making many different sounds or voices or melodies
together
3.
Toxic
-
poisonous
4.
Pollutants
-
a substance that makes something (air/water/atmosphere) dirty or unsafe
5.
Genuine
-
real
6.
Landfills
-
an area where garbage is dumped
7.
Abandoned
-
given up completely/not taking care of anymore
8.
Discarded
-
thrown away
9.
Engrossed
-
having one’s attention taken totally by someone or something
-
cancer causing substance
10. Carcinogen
Exercise 2 - Fill in the blanks with the correct words to show their meanings.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Cars have become an indispensable part of our lives.
You can choose your favourite ringtone from this list of polyphonic ringtones.
Many chemicals are highly toxic to the environment.
Sulphur dioxide is one of the several pollutants that is released into the air and harmful
to the environment.
Many fake designer watches are being sold at the price of genuine ones.
90 percent of our household rubbish is dumped in landfills.
The child was found abandoned in the old hut.
He has discarded all the unwanted documents.
She was so engrossed in watching the movie that she did not hear her mother calling
her.
10. Tobacco smoke is classified as a carcinogen.
Passage 1
26. (a) The mobile phone
(b) They are left in drawers or sent to garbage bins.
27. (a) i. full of pollutants.
ii. old phones use nickel cadmium batteries which contain a toxin and a suspected
carcinogen.
(b i. engrossed
ii. disposing of the unwanted / old mobile phones the correct way
28.
This shows that not many people are aware that their old phones can be put to good
use / not many people bother to send their phones for recycling
29.
fuel replacement for oil / plastic benches / plastic fences
30.
By running campaigns / advertisements / locate collection centres at Malls or public
places / Rewards for sending in old mobile phones, etc.
Passage 2
26 (a) This was to help organize the large group into smaller, more manageable groups.
(b) People feel great to be associated with mountains—big, tall, majestic and inspiring!
27 (a) i. doing tedious administrative work.
ii. getting to know one another.
28 (a)
treacherous
(b) The watches started leaving at 7.30 in the morning and trickled back to the school
only by 6 a.m. the next day.
29 (a) Everyone was yelling, screaming and hugging one another.
(b) It certainly bonded the group strongly / The participants became closer to each other
30
No. The course was very tough. / I do not like activities in the jungle.
Yes. I will be more independent. / I will be able to make more friends.
(Accept any other reasonable answers)
Passage 3
26 (a) 48 per cent
(b) Habitat loss / hunting
27 (a) The loss of habitat / total population size / pressures from hunting
(b) intact
28 (a) It shares about 98 per cent of its DNA with humans.
(b) Land is used for growing monoculture crops,
29 (a) 53 new primate species that are new to science
(b) Endangered rather than critically endangered.
30 Yes, they should be conserved because they are important to the survival of animals / help
maintain healthy ecosystems and water supplies / help reduce greenhouse emissions.
Passage 4
26 Whether to make the planet Mars habitable for human beings or to leave it as it is.
27 (a) They will live in capsule homes that look like grain silos.
(b) (i) Mars is lacking in oxygen
(ii) Mars is cold
(iii) Mars is dusty
(accept any 2)
28 (a) Mars
(b) Continued climate change on Earth might make living conditions unsuitable for us.
29 (i) melting its ice caps
(ii) releasing the greenhouse gases
30 hang flying, giant sunlight-catching mirrors over the planet to get sunlight / release
greenhouse gasses currently blamed for global warming on Earth / melting ice caps to
form lakes and rivers / clear the airborne dust through cloud formation and rain (accept
any other reasonable answers.
(No lifting …must use some own words)
Passage 5
26.
27.
a.
Hesham became blind seventeen years ago.
b.
He became blind through a surgeon’s mistake / by the errant hand of a surgeon.
c.
He needed help to produce graphical elements / by his reliance on a sighted person.
He decided to deal with the problem himself.
28. The misconception is that blind people simply cannot handle simple tasks.
29
(a) By the short-sightedness of the computer industry / The devices needed are large
and expensive
(b) The IC2D software that is both portable and compatible with any computer screen
reader for the blind.
30. Innovative because he came up with an invention to help the blind /
Has initiative because he took it upon himself to help the visually-impaired /
Intelligent because he invented the software.
(Accept other reasonable answers)
SUMMARY WRITING
Tips and Steps for Summary Writing
REMEMBER THE MNEMONIC BRUME
Step 1
B
Bracket the relevant lines or paragraphs after a first reading of the
question
Step 2
R
Read the question again carefully. Know clearly what information
you have to summarize.
Step 3
U
Underline the relevant facts or points.
Step 4
M
Make notes. Use the underlined points to help you.
Step 5
E
Expand the notes. Write the summary in sentences.
Pre-Reading
Exercise 1 (Word Level: Word substitution)
Match the words
1. go into
accompany
2. pick out
select
3. go with
consider
4. talk about
request
5. talk softly
discover
6. write down
whisper
7. ask for
record
8. find out
discuss
9. think about
exceed
10. go beyond
enter
Exercise 2 (Match the words)
1. walk without shoes
2. trickling drop by drop
3. not very deep
4. send out of the country
5. face to face
6. again and again
7. take part in
8. far and wide
9. without any hair
10. much money or property
meet
participate
barefooted
repeatedly
everywhere
bald
deport
shallow
wealth/riches
dripping
Exercise 3 (Add a suffix or prefix to the word)
1. make new again
_______new
2. half a circle
_______circle
3. in a polite manner
polite______
4. can be counted
count______
5. not regular
____regular
6. once in a month
month_____
7. all over the world
world_____
8. do not continue
____continue
9. with hope
hope____
10. badly managed
______managed
Exercise 4 (Choose the compound word from the list)
panic-stricken
self-control
hitch-hike
fair-minded
kind-hearted
half-hearted
1. thinks of money all the time
2. get a free ride by asking for one
3. for only a part of the working day/week
4. overcome by panic, terrified
5. treat badly or cruelly
6. out of date
7. looking at and judging things in an open way
8. showing little interest or enthusiasm
9. control of one’s feelings, behaviour
10. having a heart or being sympathetic
money-minded
ill-treat
old-fashioned
part-time
________________
________________
________________
________________
________________
________________
________________
________________
________________
________________
Exercise 5 (Replace the word in italics with a synonym from the list)
meticulous
commitment
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
discussed
merciless
check
conveyed
level
left
strange
brink
Her queer behaviour puzzled all of us.
He quit after twenty years of service in the bank.
The degree of difficulty in the reading passages varies.
We expressed our congratulations to the bride and groom.
It may be difficult to work with a fastidious person but you can be sure of a job well
done.
6. Due to his dedication to his work, he was promoted to the post of manager.
7. We were shocked with the ruthless acts of the enemy.
8. The topics debated covered a wide area.
9. It is important to verify the accounts before jumping to conclusions.
10. She was on the verge of giving up her studies due to financial problems.
Exercise 6 (Replace the phrase in italics with a word from the list)
dismissed
blame
reduce
watch
unarmed
rejected/declined
demolished
somehow
near
helped
1. The examination is around the corner so we should start revising now.
2. The inefficient employee was given the sack.
3. Since we had nothing to do, we lent a hand in the kitchen.
4. Please keep an eye on my laptop.
5. By hook or by crook, she had to find time to complete her essay.
6. It is easy to find fault with others when we just sit back and do nothing.
7. The security guard was not carrying any weapon when the robbery happened.
8. Ina needs to cut down her sugar intake in order to lose weight.
9. The old stadium is to be pulled down to make way for a shopping mall.
10. Farah turned down her friend’s invitation to go bowling.
Exercise 7
(Complete the second sentence (b) with the appropriate word to achieve the required
word count)
1. a. He studied without stopping until it was time for dinner.
b. He studied __________________ until _________________________ (6 words)
2. a. The Kenyir Lake which was created by man is now a popular fishing spot.
b. The __________________ Kenyir Lake is now a popular fishing spot. (10 words)
3. a. Last night, a thief came into my house and took away my radio, camera, antique
lock and some money.
b. Last night, a thief _______ my house and took away my _____________(12 words)
4. a. Tears started to roll down her cheeks and she was sobbing as if her heart would
break.
b. She cried _____________ (3 words)
5. a. I quarrelled with my brother because he wanted to watch ESPN channel and I
wanted to watch Korean drama.
b. We quarrelled ______________________ (7 words)
Exercise 8
(Summarize each paragraph in one sentence. Use the words in brackets to help you)
1. Azmah is elected to the post. Everyone likes her. She is very helpful and kind.
(likeable, helpful, kind)
Azmah, who is ___________ and ________________________________________
2. The day was rather gloomy. The clouds were dark and the neighbourhood was quiet.
There seemed to be no one around. (gloomy, dark, quiet)
It was a _____________________________________________________________
3. The class was noisy. The teacher was not in and everyone was talking and laughing
loudly. The class monitor herself was also chatting away. Suddenly, the principal
appeared at the doorway. There was a sudden silence. (noisy, principal, appeared)
The class was
____________________________________________________________________
4. I could not believe my ears. My name was announced as the first prize winner! My
heart skipped a few beats. Finally, something wonderful and unexpected had taken
place in my life. I kept wondering. “Is it really me?” (unbelievable, first prize winner)
It was ________________________________________________________________
5. The fire razed twenty shophouses to the ground. An estimated number of sixty-five
people were made homeless. It was indeed a bigger tragedy for the occupants, as the
shophouses were just completed and residents had moved in and started business for
less than a week
(destroyed, homeless)
Fire _________________________________________________________________
Exercise 9
(Match the words/phrases and their meanings)
close bonding
their companies
thrilling
circumstances
preconceived idea
Meanings
1
dangerous
2
idea formed beforehand
3
safe shelter
4
time, place of a situation or an event
5
Worry
6
slow; lacking in energy
7
close tie
8
exciting experience
9
disorderly; uncontrolled
10 companies paid for the costs of the
course
safe haven
lethargic
anxiety
sponsored by
treacherous
chaotic
Words/Phrases
Summary Writing Practice 1
(Refer to the Reading Comprehension - Passage 1)
Read the passage on how one can dispose of used mobile phones responsibly.
This article describes the threats posed by mobile phones to the environment and the
solutions to the problems.
Based on the text, write a summary of:
Dangers posed by improper disposal of mobile phones
How they must be recycled
Credit will be given for use of own words but care must be taken not to change the original
meaning.
Your summary must
be in continuous writing (not in note form)
use material from line 11 to line 35
not be longer than 130 words including the 10 words given below
Begin your summary as follows:
Unused mobile phones pose a threat to the environment by…
Summary Writing Practice 2
(Refer to the Reading Comprehension - Passage 2)
Read the passage about a 10-day course at the Outward Bound School in Lumut.
Write a summary of
The training
The experience of the author and the other participants at the Outward Bound School
(OBS) in Lumut.
Credit will be given for use of own words but care must be taken not to change the original
meaning.
Your summary must
be in continuous writing (not in note form)
use material from line 11 to line 39
not be longer than 130 words including the 10 words given below
Begin your summary with:
It was indeed an unforgettable experience for all the participants …
Summary Writing Practice 3
(Refer to the Reading Comprehension - Passage 3)
Read the passage about the danger of extinction that species of primates face and the need to
preserve them.
Write a summary of:
The present status of primates,
The factors for their extinction and
The discovery of new primate species.
Credit will be given for use of own words but care must be taken not to change the original
meaning.
Your summary must
be in continuous writing (not in note form)
use material from line 5 to line 43
not be longer than 130 words including the 10 words given below
Begin your summary as follows:
The survival of the primates is under crisis proportions. Many species …
Summary Writing Practice 4
(Refer to the Reading Comprehension - Passage 4)
Based on the passage given, write a summary in which you describe the things that would
have to be done:
before we can live on Mars
when we are on Mars
Credit will be given for use of own words but care must be taken not to change the original
meaning.
Your summary must
be in continuous writing (not in note form)
use material from line 21 to line 55
not be longer than 130 words including the 10 words given below
Begin your summary as follows:
The first thing to think about is to construct bigger …
Summary Writing Practice 5
(Refer to the Reading Comprehension - Passage 5)
Write a summary on:
how Hesham Kamel has excelled in a field that relies heavily on the ability to produce
complex charts and graphs despite being blind and
why and how he took matters into his own hands.
Credit will be given for use of own words but care must be taken not to change the original
meaning.
Your summary must
be in continuous writing (not in note form)
use material from line 9 to line 46
not be longer than 130 words including the 10 words given below
Begin your summary as follows:
Being blind has not stopped Hesham from participating in the …
Summary Writing Practice 6
Read the passage on a holiday by the sea.
1
"Wow! Look at the place, it's so beautiful," exclaimed Ling. We were on the ferry,
together with the other tourists, heading towards Pangkor Laut Resort. "So, do you regret
joining me for this trip?" asked a joyful Ling. I shook my head as we got off the ferry.
2
Upon reaching the island, we were welcomed by a vast area of 'greens'- the island's
historic, natural rainforest. Amidst the tall trees and thick shrubs, stood the island's holiday 5
resort. There are three kinds of accommodation: villas above the waters, beside the sea
or in the forest. Ambitious or rather greedy people like us would of course want the best of
all. After much hesitation, we settled for a 3-in-1 kind of villa. Backed by the green
rainforest, the villa stood on stilts above the waters, margined by a clean stretch of white,
10
powdery sand.
3
Lying on the armchair, bewitched by the scenery outside, I heaved a sigh of relief.
Work back in Singapore was horrendous. I had been so caught up with my tight schedule
that I was totally cut off from the outside world. If Ling had not suggested a break, I could
have suffered a mental breakdown.
4
"What are you doing here? Let's go out and have fun. You can always relax here
tonight," uttered the ever-energetic Ling.
5
It took us twenty minutes, strolling, wandering in curiosity to reach the "jewel" of
Pangkor Laut - the Emerald Bay Beach. As though brought back to childhood by the time
machine, we screamed and chased each other along the bleached sand, splashing the
20
clear, green water on each other.
6
"Would you like to go out sailing or canoeing?" I suggested subconsciously, gazing at
the beautiful blue sea.
15
7
"Wow! Someone's getting adventurous! Alright, let's go!" teased Ling.
8
We rented a boat and wandered aimlessly round the island, returning only in the
evening, just in time for an amazingly sumptuous seafood dinner.
25
9
The next two days were totally awesome. We tried our hands at various kinds of
water games before heading for the tennis and squash courts. Exhausted by the games, I
found myself relaxing at the spa, enjoying the cool breeze or seeking a hide-out in the
library and immersing myself in the world of books.
10
Back in the office in Singapore, I really missed the place. The trip has made me 30
realized the wonders of recreation. Never am I going to bury myself in heaps of work
again. The next time I want an escape from this busy work life, I would probably choose
Pangkor Laut Resort again.
Based on the text, write a summary of:
Where the writer spent her holiday
What she did there
Credit will be given for use of own words but care must be taken not to change the original
meaning.
Your summary must
be in continuous writing (not in note form)
use material from line 2 to line 28
not be longer than 130 words including the 10 words given below
Begin your summary as follows:
For their holiday, the writer and her friend went to …
Summary Writing: Practice 7
1
Hiccups are usually minor and short-lived, if a little embarrassing and
inconvenient. But they are often associated with good times -- a bit of overacting
perhaps or getting drunk.
2
3
4
5
Some of the remedies are amusing: drinking from the wrong side of the glass,
Having someone jump at you and shout "boo", biting a lemon, and drinking pickle 5
juice, to name a few. According to a 16th century advice from England, "it is good to
cast cold water in the face of the person who has hiccups." There are also standbys
like holding your breath or breathing into a paper bag. Some of these cures make
more sense than others but they are all pretty much untested.
Sometimes, nothing works. Hiccups can go on for a long time. According to the 10
Guinness Book of World Records, an Iowa resident named Charles Osborne had the
hiccup for 68 years. But even a few days' worth can be distressing. And if hiccups go
on longer, they can cause serious problems including difficulty in eating, dehydration,
depression and loss of sleep. It is possible to hiccup while you sleep.
Hiccups are emphatically no laughing matter when they are associated with an 15
underlying medical condition. Tumors can impinge on nerves in the chest or
6
abdomen. Hiccups are also a fairly common side effect of chemotherapy used to treat
cancer and can be a symptom of diseases that affect the central nervous system
such as strokes.
A hiccup begins if you are taking a big breath of air much faster than normal. 20
Your diaphragm contracts and pulls down and your chest muscles go to work. A
fraction of a second later the narrow opening between the vocal cords snaps shut -and you hear the distinct hiccup sound. It is unclear whether the voice box is pulled
shut or if it closes because of negative pressures from expansion of the chest.
7
Neurologically, hiccups are an unthinkable reflex, like the kicking action of your 25
leg when a doctor taps your knee. Typically, a reflex begins with a signal from the
body to the spinal cord or brain that triggers a second signal from the spinal cord or
brain back to the body.
8
Nobody is completely sure how the hiccup reflex is triggered and the cause may
differ in different people. But doctors say when nerves are stimulated, the message is 30
sent to the medulla oblongata, an area of the lower brain involved in regulating
breathing and other basic functions. Some researchers have suggested that this
region contains a "hiccup" center entirely separate from any control of breathing.
After passing through the medulla oblongata, the "hiccup message" gets sent down
35
to the diaphragm.
9
Many of the remedies for mild hiccups may work by creating a stimulus that
interrupts the signals causing the reflex. For example, when you drink from the wrong
side of the glass, you may be exciting nerves in the back of the mouth, nose and
throat that aren't stimulated by normal drinking. Breathing into a paper bag works in a
different way. It increases the carbon dioxide level in your blood and it has been 40
shown that as carbon dioxide levels go up, hiccups tend to recede.
10
Delivering a strong jolt to the nervous system may also work. Another method is
to exhale and then take a very deep breath and hold it for 10 seconds. Then without
exhaling you breath in again, pause and then breathe in a third time. The doctors say
that three consecutive inhalations increase carbon dioxide levels in the blood and by 45
immobilizing the diaphragm.
11
Serious cases of hiccups can be treated with a number of medications. Nerve
blocks and surgery are options but only for the most intractable cases.
Based on the passage given, write a summary about
why hiccups happen
the remedies to treat hiccups
Credit will be given for use of own words but care must be taken not to change the original
meaning.
Your summary must
be in continuous writing (not in note form)
use material from line 4 to line 48
not be longer than 130 words including the 10 words given below
Begin your summary as follows :
Hiccups are common and short-lived though inconvenient and distressing. They …
Answer Key - Summary
Exercise 1
1. enter
2. select
3. accompany
4. discuss
5. whisper
6. record
7. request
8. discover
9. consider
10. exceed
Exercise 5
1. strange
2. left
3. level
4. conveyed
5. meticulous
6. commitment
7. merciless
8. discussed
9. check
10. brink
Exercise 2
1. barefooted
2. dripping
3. shallow
4. deport
5. meet
6. repeatedly
7. participate
8. everywhere
9. bald
10. wealth/riches
Exercise 3
1. renew
2. semicircle
3. politely
4. countable
5. irregular
6. monthly
7. worldwide
8. discontinue
9. hopeful
10. mismanage
Exercise 6
1. Azmah, who is likeable, helpful and kind is
elected to the post.
2. It was a gloomy, dark and quiet day.
3. The class was so noisy until the principal
appeared.
4. It was unbelievable I was the first prize
winner.
5. Fire destroyed twenty shophouses and
made sixty five people homeless.
1. moneyminded
2. hitch-hike
3. part-time
4. panicstricken
5. ill-treat
6. oldfashioned
7. fairminded
8. halfhearted
9. selfcontrol
10. kindhearted
Exercise 7
1. non-stop, dinner time
2. man-made
3. burgled, personal belongings
4. sadly
5. over which channel to watch
1. near
2. dismissed
3. helped
4. watch
5. Somehow
6. blame
7. unarmed
8. reduce
9. demolished
10. rejected/declined
Exercise 8
Exercise 4
Exercise 9
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
treacherous
preconceived idea
safe haven
circumstances
anxiety
lethargic
close bonding
thrilling
chaotic
10 sponsored by their companies
Summary Writing: Passage 1
Content (maximum 10 marks even if all the points are given) C: 10 marks
Style and Presentation
L: 5 marks
------------Total: 15 marks
------------Unused mobile phones pose a threat to the environment by…
Dangers posed by improper disposal of mobile phones :
1. growing volume of toxic waste (in our country’s landfills)
2. possibility exists for toxins to be released into the air
3. and ground water
4. full of pollutants
5. nickel-cadmium batteries contain cadmium, a toxin (and a suspected carcinogen)
6. if not stored in correct conditions, (old and unused phone) batteries may leak
7. and toxic chemicals will be released into homes
How they are recycled :
8. the old one goes to charity
9. the material is shredded into scrap
10. metal and plastic parts are then separated
11. the metals are sold to metal refineries
12. where they are melted
13. and purified for reuse
14. recycled plastics are suitable as fuel replacement for oil
15. plastic scraps can be turned into plastic benches and fences
Summary Writing: Passage 2
It was indeed an unforgettable experience for all the participants …
1. They are put in groups of 15, called watches, named after Malaysian mountains
2. Each watch is led by an instructor or assistant
3. The writer belonged to Kinabalu watch
4. On the first day—administration work, introductions—participants shy at first
5. On the second day—woke up at 6 a.m. for 2 km run
6. Tired—sleep disturbed by rats in dormitories
7. At 7.30 a.m., they hiked 12 km up a hill. It was long and dangerous
8. All the groups returned by 6.30 a.m. the following day
9. Only the writer’s group did not return
10. It was a frightening experience
11. The instructors searched everywhere but were unsuccessful
12. The writer and the watch returned after 24 hours, everyone was happy
Summary Writing: Passage 3
The survival of primates is under crisis proportions. Many species
1. are listed as endangered especially in South-East Asia.
2. The review is concerned with factors concerning habitat, their total number and hunting.
3. Tropical forest destruction affects the animal habitats.
4. Hunting means primates are being eaten to extinction.
5. It is believed that primates of every size from the smallest to the largest are
endangered or critically endangered.
6. The practice of monoculture crops for the production of biofuels has taken its toll.
7. This is further enhanced by increased hunting for bushmeat.
8. Despite the present scenario, researchers are optimistic because new primate species
have been discovered.
9. Consequently, critically endangered areas have been reclassified to endangered only.
10. Forest conservation is vital to primate survival, health of ecosystems, water supplies
and helps reduce greenhouse emissions.
Summary Writing: Passage 4
The first thing to think about is to construct bigger …
1. and more powerful rockets to transport equipment to Mars
2. a flight from Earth to Mars would take more than 200 days
3. settlers need to wear special protective sheaths for protective from solar radiation
4. settlers would live in capsules
5. electricity would be generated by solar cells
6. establish infrastructure for human life
7. waste management would be a prime concern and perhaps recycling
8. fuel is also needed for the return to earth trip
9. settlers possess the technologies to manufacture everything on site
10. heated vegetable frames…could grow food…convert plant’s carbon dioxide into
oxygen
11. to heat up Mars and melt its ice caps (melt its ice caps / releasing the greenhouse
gases)
12. a water cycle needs to be created to produce rain to wash down the dust and also
make plants grow
13. to adapt to would be Martian gravity
Summary Writing: Passage 5
Being blind has not stopped Hesham from participating in the …
1. designed a programme called IC2D that allows visually-impaired users to create and
‘see’ computer images
2. found that there are people who can't understand that blind people have imagination,
just as sighted people do
3. He was frustrated by the short-sightedness of the computer industry.
4. found that products for the blind are large and expensive
5. One of his primary aims in devising the software was that it be both portable and
compatible with any computer screen reader for the blind.
6. He wants to change people’s perception when they develop technology for the blind
7. He developed a technique to help users see what he draws
8. By establishing locators which can be referenced by sound feedback
9. Users can bypass the main obstacle
10. Hearing the labels referenced by the grid helps them to conceptualize the whole image
11. He takes his invention to America and Europe
12. With IC2D, users can create elaborate drawings for work and pleasure.
Summary Writing: Passage 6
For their holiday, the writer and her friend went to …
1. Pangkor Laut Resort
2. chose to stay in a villa on stilts above the waters, accompanied by the thick rainforest
and white beach.
3. liked staying in the villa, enjoying the beautiful scene outside.
4. Taking a twenty-minute walk, they reached the Emerald Bay Beach
5. they enjoyed themselves by chasing and splashing the sea water onto each other.
6. they rented a boat and went wandering round the island before
7. returning to the villa for dinner.
8. For the next two days, they played water games,
9. followed by land ones like tennis and squash.
10. when tired, the writer would spend time either at the spa,
11. enjoying the cool breeze or
12. read in the library.
Summary Writing: Passage 7
Hiccups are common and short-lived though inconvenient and distressing. They …
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
can cause serious medical problems.
occur when you take a big breath of air rapidly.
The diaphragm contracts and affects chest muscles
followed by shutting of the opening between the vocal cords.
Hiccups are a reflex.
When nerves are stimulated, the hiccup message is sent to the brain which delivers it
to the diaphragm.
7. Remedies work by interrupting the signals causing the reflex.
8. Breathing into a paper bag increases the carbon dioxide level in your blood that stops
hiccups.
9. Other measures include a jolt to the nervous system and taking a deep breath and
holding it for 10 seconds.
10. Three consecutive inhalations increase carbon dioxide levels immobilizing the
diaphragm.
11. Serious cases of hiccups are medically and surgically treatable.
References:
1. Azar, Betty Schramfer, Fundamentals of English Grammar, 1992, Longman, 2nd Edition
2. Ho, Jenny et al, Focus Goal English SPM,2010, Penerbit Pelangi
3. Unit Kedah Education Department, SPM English Language 1119, Smart Module 1,
2011
4. Yap, Jade, Koleksi Kertas Model SPM, Aspirasi Bahasa Inggeris, 2006, Penerbit Mega
Setia Emas Sdn Bhd
5. Choy, LH & Vijayarajoo, Angeline, Success English SPM, 2007, Oxford Fajar
6. Lian, Christine, Twitter 2012 Bahasa Inggeris Form 5, 2012, Info Didik
7. Siri Koleksi Kertas Percubaan SPM SBP Bahasa Inggeris, 2013, Cerdik Publication
8. McGovern, Don, Reading, 1994, Prentice Hall International
9. New Straits Times, 11 June 2016
10. www.hereoora.tki.org.nz
11. www.famouspeoplelessons.com/j/justin_bieber.html
12. http://www.englishdaily626.com/summary.php?122