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 Tips on Answering Rational Cloze

1.2 Grammar
1.3 Articles, Exercise 1, Exercise 2
1.4 Conjunctions / Connectors, Exercise 1, Exercise 2
1.5 Tenses, Exercise 1, Exercise 2, Exercise 3, Exercise 4
1.6 Rational Cloze Practice A, B, C, D
1.7 Suggested Answers

2. SECTION B: INFORMATION TRANSFER (Q16 ~ Q25)

2.1Guidelines on Information Transfer
2.2Practice 1 (Theme: Social Issues)
2.3Practice 2 (Theme : People)
2.4Practice 3 (Theme : Environment)
2.5Practice 4 (Theme : Health)
2.6Practice 5 (Theme : ICT)
2.7Practice 6 (Theme : Social Issues)
2.8Suggested Answers

3. SECTION C: READING COMPREHENSION (Q26 ~ Q30)

3. 1Guidelines on Reading Comprehension
3.2Pre-Reading: Activity 1 & Activity 2
3.3While-Reading: Exercise 1 & Exercise 2
3.4Post-Reading Activities
3.5Practices 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. Rational Cloze
2. Information Transfer
3. Comprehension
4. 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 INSTRUCTIONAL GUIDE ACTIVITIES STRATEGIES/ THINKING ASSESSMENT
OUTCOME (STEPS) RESOURCES SKILLS
Students should be Cloze tests measure a Exercises on articles, Using Bloom’s Cloze procedure Assessment for

able to incorporate all language learner's overall
the grammar items communicative ability in the
learned in the rational target language as well as
cloze exercises. assess second language
learning and reading
comprehension.
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.
conjunctions/ Taxonomy, grammar is involves the skills of Rational Cloze is
connectors and tenses. introduced and taught thinking, in Section A of
based on grammatical understanding, reading 1119 Paper 2 of
rules and applying these and writing based on the English
rules in answering the the learner’s underlying Language SPM
rational cloze. knowledge of reading examination.
comprehension and
writing sub-skills such
as grammar and
sentence construction.
Process the
information provided by
understanding and
applying the grammar
rules
 TEACHING & LEARNING ASPECTS : PAPER 2 (SECTION B: INFORMATION TRANSFER)
LEARNING INSTRUCTIONAL GUIDE ACTIVITIES STRATEGIES/ THINKING ASSESSMENT
OUTCOME (STEPS) RESOURCES SKILLS
Obtain information for Information Transfer Brainstorming session Skimming: reading Processing information Assessment for
different purposes by requires the transfer of Reading the quickly through a text to by transferring the text Information
reading an information or data from a get an overall idea of its to visual form. Transfer is in
advertisement, table, visual graphic to the spaces advertisement, table, content. Section B of 1119
chart, notice, poster, provided and the main idea chart, etc. (pair work) Brainstorming. Paper 2 of the
etc. is 'find the keywords'. Transferring information Scanning: Making a list. English language
Process information (pair work) Looking for specific SPM examination.
Read the questions first and Skimming and
by skimming and words, phrases and Feedback from
identify the keywords Example of group items of information scanning.
scanning for specific needed to arrive at the activity: Creating a students based on
information and answer. poster of a Spelling Bee Newspaper Transferring their real life
ideas. competition and advertisements, information. situation.
Read the text/ diagram presenting it to the posters, notices, graphic ICT skills. Words produced
given and try to find class. organisers, etc. by students.
matching keywords.
The answer is normally in Students’
creativity.
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.
 TEACHING & LEARNING ASPECTS : PAPER 2 (SECTION C – READING COMREHENSION)
LEARNING INSTRUCTIONAL GUIDE ACTIVITIES STRATEGIES/ THINKING ASSESSMENT
OUTCOME (STEPS) RESOURCES SKILLS
Students should be Reading Comprehension is Question & Answer Comprehension Comprehension Assessment for

able to an important element of all Session strategies are conscious skills – Reading
- read a variety of study skills. Reading with plans — sets of steps understanding Comprehension is
speed and understanding is a True & False Questions that good readers use to information, in Section C of
texts critically and
time management tool, make sense of text. interpreting facts, 1119 Paper 2 of the
proficiently to involves note taking, and is Meanings of Words predicting English language
demonstrate in writing necessary for test taking. Comprehension strategy consequences, SPM examination.
or speech the Filling in the blanks instruction helps applying
comprehension, - prepare your study space students become information
analysis, and Post-Reading Activities purposeful, active
interpretation of those - scan the chapter for major readers who are in
control of their own
texts;
context points reading comprehension.
- demonstrate - read the introduction, the These seven strategies

knowledge and first sentence of every have research-based

comprehension of paragraph and the conclusion evidence for improving
major texts and text comprehension.
traditions of language - actively highlight what is - Monitoring
and literature written in required to answer questions
that are related to the text. comprehension
English as well as - Metacognition
their social, cultural, - Graphic and semantic
theoretical, and organisers
historical contexts by - Answering questions
responding - Generating questions
appropriately to - Recognising story
structure
questions related to - Summarising
the text provided.
 TEACHING & LEARNING ASPECTS : PAPER 2 (SECTION C –SUMMARY WRITING)
LEARNING INSTRUCTIONAL GUIDE ACTIVITIES STRATEGIES/ THINKING ASSESSMENT
OUTCOME (STEPS) RESOURCES SKILLS
Students should be The purpose of a summary is - word level (word BRUME Strategy Processing Assessment for

able to to give the reader, in about substitution) information by Summary Writing is

- analyze and interpret 1/3 of the original length of an - Bracket the relevant sorting, classifying, in Section C of
- use of synonyms lines locating, 1119 Paper 2 of the
texts written in article/lecture, a clear,
- Read the question sequencing, English language
English, evaluating objective picture of the - use of compound again analyzing, etc. SPM examination.
and assessing the original lecture or text. words - Underline the points.
results in written form Most importantly, the Use questions related to Reasoning by using
like a summary, using summary restates only the - sentence level the text to help you precise language,
appropriate support; main points of a text or a (shortening sentences) - Make notes making inferences.
lecture without giving - Expand the notes
- paragraph level Interpretation of
- demonstrate examples or details, such as
Write the summary. text by
knowledge and dates, numbers or statistics. summarizing and
comprehension of paraphrasing text.
major texts and Note-taking,
traditions of language
and literature written in paraphrasing
English as well as (using your own
words and
their social, cultural,
sentence
theoretical, and structure),
historical contexts by condensing
responding
appropriately to
questions related to
the text provided.
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
Decide the types of text
Direct speech – simple present
Informal letter & speech – mixture of
tenses

Apply grammar rules or use Unsure of the answer? Use

contextual clues where possible 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.

PREPOSITIONS NOUNS
ARTICLES

CONJUNCTIONS/

CONNECTORS
PRONOUNS
SUBJECT-VERB GRAMMAR AND

AGREEMENT RATIONAL CLOZE ADJECTIVES

ADVERBS
VERBS & TENSES
GERUNDS &
INFINITIVES

* Parts of speech commonly used in rational cloze passages

ARTICLES

Articles

a an the


A bag

A hole
 

An egg The sun
A watch  

A zebra An island The star
 
An oval The red house
 
An hour 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

 : past tense
For narratives
 For factual texts : present tense
 For informal letters : 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) on black shoes but now she (wear) white
trainers.
5. And look, she (take) 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) us

3. He (hear) the news, (go) to the telephone and
(call) 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) of traveling to Japan.

8. I (know) him a long time before I (meet) his family.

9. They (not / know) where to meet because nobody (tell) them.

10. It (be) cloudy for days before it (begin) to rain.

Exercise 3

Put the verbs into the correct tense (Simple Past or Present Perfect).

1. I (just / finish) my homework.

2. Mary (already / write) five letters.
3. Tom (move) to his home town in 1994.
4. My friend (be) in Canada two years ago.
5. I (not / be) to Canada so far.
6. But I (already / travel) to London a couple of times.
 7. Last week, Mary and Paul (go) to the cinema.
8. I can't take any pictures because I (not /buy) a new film yet.
9. (they / spend) their holidays in Paris last summer?
10. (you / ever / see ) a whale?

Exercise 4

Put the verbs into the correct tense (Simple Past or Past Progressive).

1. The receptionist (welcome) the guests and (ask) them to fill

in the form.
2. The car (break) down and we (have) to walk home.
3. The boys (swim) while the girls (sunbath) .
4. My father (come) in, (look) and (tell) me to
tidy up my room.
5. While one group (prepare) dinner the others (collect) wood
for the campfire.
6. While the parents (have) breakfast the children (run) about.
7. Martha (turn) 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 3. (A) is
(B) an (B) are
(C) the (C) was
(D) -- (D) were
2. (A) and 4. (A) Moreover

(B) but (B) Therefore

(C) or (C) Since
(D) both (D) However
5. (A) is 8. (A) cycle
(B) are (B) cycles
(C) was (C) cycled
 (D) were (D) cycling
6. (A) problems 9. (A) A

(B) difficulties (B) An

(C) challenges (C) The
(D) attitudes (D) --
7. (A) live 10. (A) us

(B) make (B) we

(C) share (C) me
(D) divide (D) 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 6. (A) words

(B) an (B) ideas
(C) the (C) way
(D) -- (D) writing
2. (A) student 7. (A) understand

(B) students (B) understands

(C) student's (C) understood
(D) students' (D) understanding
3. (A) Other 8. (A) near

(B) Others (B) before

(C) Any (C) during
(D) Another (D) prior
4. (A) cause 9. (A) at

(B) causes (B) by

(C) caused (C) for
(D) causing (D) after
5. (A) certain 10. (A) one

(B) special (B) us

(C) important (C) you
(D) interesting (D) them
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 6. (A) who

(B) happy (B) where
(C) eager (C) when
(D) delighted (D) how
2. (A) see 7. (A) suffer

(B) saw (B) suffers

(C) seen (C) suffered
(D) seeing (D) has suffered
3. (A) visit 8. (A) talks

(B) visits (B) discusses

(C) visited (C) suggests
(D) visiting (D) complains
4. (A) wishes 9. (A) dream

(B) regards (B) wonder

(C) affection (C) idea
(D) greetings (D) ambition
5. (A) before 10. (A) by

(B) after (B) at

(C) since (C) on
(D) when (D) outside

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 6. (A) sources

(B) are (B) methods
(C) was (C) ways
(D) were (D) places
2. (A) has 7. (A) universe

(B) have (B) world

(C) had (C) earth
(D) having (D) land
3. (A) struggle 8. (A) taken

(B) struggled (B) caught

(C) have struggled (C) obsessed
(D) had struggled (D) absorbed
4. (A) And 9. (A) grew

(B) Since (B) is growing

(C) Besides (C) grown
(D) However (D) growing
5. (A) invent 10. (A) do

(B) invents (B) did

(C) invented (C) done
(D) inventing (D) have done
ANSWER KEY – Rational Cloze

Articles
Exercise 1 Exercise 2
1. an 1. a
2. the 2. the
3. the 3. a
4. an 4. a
5. the 5. a
6. an, the
7. the
8. the, the
9. an
10. a

Conjunctions/Connectors
Exercise 1 Exercise 2
1. Although the washing machine was 1. and
cheap, it was in a good condition. 2. when
2. It was such a lovely day, yet they stayed 3. not only
indoors. 4. but also
3. I like to go fishing but I don’t like to eat 5. but
fish. 6. because
4. I could not wear the dress because it was 7. though
too small.
5. Suhaila wanted to go camping, however,
her father told her not to.

Tenses
Exercise 1 Exercise 2 Exercise 3 Exercise 4
1. is going 1. woke up, had 1. have just finished 1. welcomed, asked
2. is carrying already prepared 2. had already written 2. broke, had
3. is 2. went, had invited 3. moved 3. were swimming,
4. puts, is wearing 3. heard, called 4. was were sunbathing
5. is taking, is raining 4. started, had already 5. have not been 4. looked, told
learned 6. have already 5. was preparing, were
5. had already typed, travelled collecting
crashed 7. went 6. were having, were
6. arrived, had died 8. have not bought running
7. had never thought 9. did they spend 7. turned, went
8. had known, met 10. have you ever
9. did not know, had seen
told
10. had been, began
 SPM 1119/2
ENGLISH

SECTION B

INFORMATION
TRANSFER
INFORMATION TRANSFER
Useful guidelines in teaching and learning Information Transfer

You need to choose the

Make sure that the students appropriate text / material (for
do not just copy chunks example, a diagram, depending
without understanding them. on the content).

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 State Venue
July 31 & August 1 Terengganu Indah Hotel, Kuala Terengganu
August 1 & 2 Kuala Lumpur Impiana City Mall, Petaling Jaya
August 8 & 9 Sabah Mentari Sabah, Kota Kinabalu
Perlis Dewan Murni, Kangar
August 15 & 16 Pahang Kuantan City Mall, Kuantan
Sarawak Mines Shopping Mall, Kuching
August 21 & 22 Kelantan Happy Mall, Kota Baru
August 22 & 23 Melaka Jiwa Parade, Melaka
September 4 & 5 Johor Harbour Plaza City Mall
Kedah Town Mall, Sungai Petani
September 6 & 7 Penang Coral Bay Mall, Penang
Jointly organised by: Endorsed by:
The Sky Times 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 4. ____________________________________________
challenge
[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: Origin country:

1. __________________ 2. _______________________

Songs’ genre in 2007:

One musical instrument
played during childhood: blues
3. ______________________ 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:

One of reality TV stars he has
9. _______________________ 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 Time: 9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

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
Tentative Programme
9:00 a.m. Registration begins.

9:30 a.m. Rules and regulations announced by the MC.

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.
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

Malaysian Medical face the current health issues among teenagers will be held from
Association, 2 p.m until 5:00 p.m on Sunday, 8th May 2016. There will be
Malaysian Brain Health talks and workshops to discuss latest health issues and
Society, challenges among teens.
Morgana Institution
Grab your chance to find out more about your
health issues and learn how to overcome them.
Venue: Register now to avoid disappointment!!

Westin Hotel, Penang

Conference Room, Level 3

Programme
Speakers 2:00 pm Registration

Dr. Edward Cullen 2:30 pm “Helping Teens Overcome Stress

Consultant and Feelings of Pressure”

Emotional Health by Dr.Taylor Swift
Penang Medical Centre 3:15 pm “Anxiety in Children 7 to 17 years

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Selena Gomez old” by Dr. Selena Gomez

Senior Lecturer & Consultant 3:55 pm “The Top 7 Health Risks Teenagers
Faculty of Medicine
Face” by Dr. Edward Cullen
Universiti Sains Malaysia
4:35 pm Q & A session
Dr. Taylor Swift
Counsellor 4:45 pm Workshop
Centre for Emotional Health
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______________________

Current Issues
on
Activities:
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 Sonny
Specifications
Operating System 1._______________ 4.4 (KitKat)

jOs 9 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 short-
sleeved 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)

1. 2.00 p.m. – 5.00 p.m.

2. Westin Hotel, Penang (Conference Room, Level 3)
3. Malaysian Medical Association
4. Malaysian Brain Health Society interchangeable
5. Morgana Institution
6. Dr Edward Cullen
7. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Selena Gomez any two
Dr Taylor Swift
8. Talks
9. Q & A session any two
Workshop
10. RM25
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 POST-READING

ACTIVITIES ACTIVITIES

1. Q+A session to 1. Students infer 1. Identifying the WH question

elicit previous meaning from text words in questions to make

knowledge / topic 2. Match words with connection to the question

of discussion meanings from a and facilitate answer search

2. True/False questions given list 2. Knowledge of difference

as reinforcement to 3. Fill in the blanks with between word and phrase

elicit previous the correct words as 3. Teach students to rephrase/

knowledge reinforcement to give personal responses to

show understanding questions that require

of the meaning personal responses

 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.

(i) ...............................…..……………………….……………………………………………...
[1 mark]
(ii) ...............................…..……………………….…………………………………………………
[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 two-
storeyed 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 visually-
impaired," 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-by-
three 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
10. Carcinogen - cancer causing substance

Exercise 2 - Fill in the blanks with the correct words to show their meanings.

1. Cars have become an indispensable part of our lives.

2. You can choose your favourite ringtone from this list of polyphonic ringtones.
3. Many chemicals are highly toxic to the environment.
4. Sulphur dioxide is one of the several pollutants that is released into the air and harmful
to the environment.
5. Many fake designer watches are being sold at the price of genuine ones.
6. 90 percent of our household rubbish is dumped in landfills.
7. The child was found abandoned in the old hut.
8. He has discarded all the unwanted documents.
9. 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. 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.

27. 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 meet

2. trickling drop by drop participate
3. not very deep barefooted
4. send out of the country repeatedly
5. face to face everywhere
6. again and again bald
7. take part in deport
8. far and wide shallow
9. without any hair wealth/riches
10. much money or property 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 money-minded old-fashioned
fair-minded kind-hearted half-hearted ill-treat part-time
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 ________________

Exercise 5 (Replace the word in italics with a synonym from the list)

meticulous discussed check level strange

commitment merciless conveyed left brink

1. Her queer behaviour puzzled all of us.

2. He quit after twenty years of service in the bank.
3. The degree of difficulty in the reading passages varies.
4. We expressed our congratulations to the bride and groom.
5. 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 reduce unarmed demolished near

blame watch rejected/declined somehow 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 circumstances safe haven anxiety sponsored

their companies preconceived idea lethargic treacherous by chaotic
thrilling

Meanings Words/Phrases

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
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,
powdery sand. 10

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 15
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
clear, green water on each other. 20

6 "Would you like to go out sailing or canoeing?" I suggested subconsciously, gazing at the
beautiful blue sea.
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
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
3 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
4 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.

5 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
 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.
6 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
to the diaphragm. 35

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 Exercise 2
Exercise 3 Exercise 4
1. enter 1. barefooted 1. renew 1. money-

2. select 2. dripping 2. semicircle minded

3. accompany 3. shallow 3. politely 2. hitch-hike
4. discuss 4. deport 4. countable 3. part-time
5. whisper 5. meet 5. irregular 4. panic-
6. record 6. repeatedly 6. monthly stricken
7. request 7. participate 7. worldwide 5. ill-treat
8. discover 8. everywhere 8. discontinue 6. old-
9. consider 9. bald 9. hopeful fashioned
10. exceed 10. wealth/riches 10. mismanage 7. fair-
minded
8. half-
hearted
9. self-
control
10. kind-
hearted

Exercise 5 Exercise 6 Exercise 7

1. strange 1. near 1. non-stop, dinner time
2. man-made
2. left 2. dismissed
3. burgled, personal belongings
3. level 3. helped
4. sadly
4. conveyed 4. watch
5. over which channel to watch
5. meticulous 5. Somehow
6. commitment 6. blame
7. merciless 7. unarmed
8. discussed 8. reduce
9. check 9. demolished
10. brink 10. rejected/declined

Exercise 8 Exercise 9
1. Azmah, who is likeable, helpful and kind is 1. treacherous

elected to the post. 2. preconceived idea

2. It was a gloomy, dark and quiet day. 3. safe haven
3. The class was so noisy until the principal 4. circumstances
appeared. 5. anxiety
4. It was unbelievable I was the first prize 6. lethargic
winner. 7. close bonding
5. Fire destroyed twenty shophouses and 8. thrilling
made sixty five people homeless. 9. chaotic

10 sponsored by their companies

Summary Writing: Passage 1

Content (maximum 10 marks even if all the points are C: 10 marks

given) 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. can cause serious medical problems.

2. occur when you take a big breath of air rapidly.
3. The diaphragm contracts and affects chest muscles
4. followed by shutting of the opening between the vocal cords.
5. Hiccups are a reflex.
6. 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, 2 nd 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