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AGA KHAN UNIVERSITY EXAMINATION BOARD

HIGHER SECONDARY SCHOOL CERTIFICATE
CLASS XII EXAMINATION
SEPTEMBER 2011
English Compulsory Paper II
Time allowed: 2 hours 10 minutes Marks 60

INSTRUCTIONS
Please read the following instructions carefully.
1. Check your name and school information. Sign that it is correct.
I agree that this is my name and school.
Candidate's signature

2. RUBRIC. There are FOUR questions. Answer ALL FOUR questions. Question 3 offers TWO
choices and question 4 offers THREE choices. Attempt any ONE of the options in each.
3. When answering the questions:
Read each question carefully.
Use ONLY black ink.
Do not use staples, paper clips, glue, correcting fluid, or ink erasers.
DO NOT write outside the answer box.
Complete your answer in the allocated space only.
4. The marks for the questions are shown in brackets ( ).

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Q.1.
Read the passage below and then answer the questions that follow:

10

15

20

25

(Total 10 Marks)

There was a time when salt was more than mere seasoning; as a form of currency in ancient times,
it was literally worth its weight in gold. Today it has the most important place on our table and is
an integral ingredient of almost every food we eat. But what quantity of salt can we safely
consume without harming our health?
Salt is the common name for sodium chloride. From the physiological point of view, salt is an
essential mineral for people of all ages, including infants.
It plays a major role in the formation of hydrochloric acid in the gastric juices and is an important
component of bile and blood; it also helps maintain normal levels of electrolytes. Complete
exclusion of salt from one's diet can lead to health problems.
Heat and humidity provoke excessive excretion of salt through perspiration; that is why fluid
intake, and thus salt use, is relatively high here in comparison to colder countries. Likewise, the
average salt requirement ratio will also increase for those who are engaged in intensive physical
activities.
On the other hand, excess salt consumption can result in fluid retention, causing swelling and
deposition of salts. The kidneys also have to work harder to get rid of the excess salt.
There are links between high intake of salt and high blood pressure, a condition which can lead to
circulatory problems including heart disease and stroke.
We need less than six grams of salt per day and we can get this from whole fresh foods, yet we are
used to adding salt to our food and take in ten to twelve times more than we need.
Nowadays sea salt, obtained by evaporation of sea water, is gaining popularity all over the world
as an alternative to ordinary table salt. In addition to sodium chloride, sea salt is rich in potassium
chloride, magnesium chloride, magnesium carbonate, calcium sulfate, iron, bromide and
phosphorus; due to these minerals, this form of salt is believed to be more beneficial than ordinary
table salt. However, due to a low concentration of iodine, an element essential for human health, it
cannot be used as a replacement for regular salt.
The best strategy is to cut down on processed food and, when cooking, use minimum salt in your
recipe. Reduce the amount gradually and your taste buds will learn to appreciate the flavour of the
food itself rather than just the salt.
Source: www.interstingfactsabouthealth.com

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a.

Describe the importance of salt in both ancient and modern times.

(3 Marks)

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b.

Explain any FOUR uses of salt from the physiological point of view.

(4 Marks)

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c.

According to the passage, which type of salt is the most beneficial for health? Give TWO
reasons for your answer.
(3 Marks)

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PLEASE TURN OVER THE PAGE

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Q.2.
Read the passage and fill in each of the blanks with ONE suitable word.

(Total 10 Marks)

The Great Escape

David was not yet sure whether he would make the _________. He tried to _________out why the man
had told him to do it. It was certainly a ______: just as he was climbing over, the search light would
suddenly swing ________ and catch him in its beam, and then they would shoot. Perhaps something
________ was going to happen tomorrow and the man wanted him to shoot _______. David had always
known that the _______ hated him, just as much as David hated him in return. Another thing that David
remembered was that he was now twelve years ________, it said so on his _________ card.
And quite suddenly David decided he would do it. He had turned it over in his mind until his head was
in a whirl and he still could not ___________ why the man had told him to escape.

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Q.3.
(Total 15 Marks)
Compose a formal piece of writing of 120-130 words on any ONE of the topics given below.
EITHER
a.

Apply for a position advertised on April 25th in the daily Dawn of a data analyst in an
organization. Prepare a rsum and a covering letter for the following vacancy advertised:
A leading multinational company is looking for young, talented, co-operative graduates for
its IT department. The applicant should be proficient in IT skills (esp. MS Excel), have
effective interpersonal skills, and should be able to work under pressure. Address your
covering letter to Manager, IT, IT Solutions, 33 street, I.I. Chundrigar Road, Saddar, Karachi,
74830.
OR

b.

Recently there has been a recurring short fall of electricity in Pakistan. The public blames the
government for ill planning, while the government blames the public for wasting electricity.
Write a report on this crucial matter. Your report should include:

problems faced by people due to the shortfall of electricity

current electricity generation and requirement
alternative energy resources
awareness among public for adapting a responsible attitude towards saving electricity

Make your notes below. Write your final draft on pages 6and 7.

PLEASE TURN OVER THE PAGE

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PLEASE TURN OVER THE PAGE
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Q.4.
Write a composition of about 250 words on any ONE of the options a, b or c.
Remember to compose the final draft in complete sentences.

(Total 25 Marks)

EITHER
a.

Tourism is becoming the most popular leisure activity in the global world. How can we promote
tourism in Pakistan? Describe at least FOUR places in Pakistan that can attract people from all
over the world.
OR

b.

Neighbours are usually believed to be a blessing. In your opinion, what is the relevance of
neighbours in our lives?
OR

c.

We often have memorable experiences when we are learning a new skill or task. Describe an
experience you had while learning something new.
Make your notes below. Write your final draft on pages 9 and 10.

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PLEASE TURN OVER THE PAGE
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END OF PAPER
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