2023 NCHS PRELIM P2 (QP)

Name: Register Number: Class: NAN CHIAU HIGH SCHOOL PRELIMINARY EXAMINATION 2023 SECONDARY FOUR EXPRESS ENGLISH LANGUAGE 1184/02 Paper 2 Comprehension QUESTION PAPER 16 August 2023, Wednesday 1 hour 50 minutes READ THESE INSTRUCTIONS FIRST Write your class, index number and name on the work you hand in. Write in dark blue or black ink. Do not use staples, paper clips, highlighters, glue or correction fluid. Answer all questions. Write your answers in the spaces provided in the Question Paper. The Insert contains the texts for all the sections. The number of marks is given in brackets [ ] at the end of each question or part question. Setters: Mr Fu Kaidi and Mrs Tan Jie Ying This paper consists of 8 printed pages including the cover page. For Marker’s Use Parent’s Signature: _________________

2 Section A [5 marks] Refer to the online banner (Text 1) and the social media post (Text 2) on page 3 of the Insert for Questions 1–4. 1 Look at Text 1. Tick (√) the most effective title for the image in this advertisement. The dawn of good leadership Reflect on past achievements Illuminating possible success [1] 2 The online banner states that ‘good governments are the foundation of flourishing, prosperous communities and nations’. What do you think the word ‘foundation’ suggests about the way ‘flourishing, prosperous communities and nations’ can be achieved? ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………. ………………………………………………………………………………………………………… [1] 3 Identify the phrase in Text 2 which suggests that Singapore has risen above Finland by a small margin. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………. ………………………………………………………………………………………………………… [1] 4 Look at Texts 1 and 2 and statements (a) and (b) below. Decide whether the statements refer to Text 1, Text 2, both texts, or neither text. Circle the answer you have chosen for each statement. (a) Readers are addressed directly by the writer. Text 1 / Text 2 / Both / Neither (b) The tone suggests the writer and reader are of the same status. Text 1 / Text 2 / Both / Neither [2]

3 Section B [20 marks] Refer to Text 3 on pages 3-4 of the Insert for Questions 5-14. 5 In Paragraph 1, what was Maureen feeling that was ‘strange’? ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………. ………………………………………………………………………………………………………… [1] 6 Referring to Paragraph 2, give two reasons why Maureen ‘was happy to be away from the starting line’ (line 6-7). Answer in your own words. (i) …..…………………………………………………………………………………………………. ………………………………………………………………………………………………….. [1] (ii) …..…………………………………………………………………………………………………. ………………………………………………………………………………………………….. [1] 7 (a) Identify a phrase in Paragraph 3 which suggests that running pace can be easily affected. ………………………………………………………………………………………………………… [1] (b) From Paragraph 3, give one example of something that can affect running pace. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………. ………………………………………………………………………………………………………… [1] 8 In Paragraph 4, Maureen’s ‘nervousness from the start line had completely melted away’ (line 17). What does this description suggest about how she felt in this moment? ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………. ………………………………………………………………………………………………………… [1] 9 Referring to Paragraph 4, explain in your own words two things Maureen likes about running. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………. ………………………………………………………………………………………………………… [2]

4 10 (a) What does the writer do to emphasise that Maureen was very confident of maintaining the pace in Paragraph 5? ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………. ………………………………………………………………………………………………………… [1] (b) How do you think Maureen was feeling when the news hit her ‘like a slap’ (line 32)? ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………. ………………………………………………………………………………………………………… [1] 11 Why do you think the writer describes the twenty-fifth mile of a marathon to be ‘a disorienting place’ (line 35) for runners? ………………………………………………………………………………………………………… [1] 12 In Paragraph 8, Maureen thought that if ‘she wasn’t going to break a world’s best time, she could at least prove she was capable of finishing a marathon’ (lines 41-42). (a) What is your impression of Maureen from this detail? ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………. ………………………………………………………………………………………………………… [1] (b) Identify one word in Paragraph 8 that supports this impression of Maureen. ………………………………………………………………………………………………………… [1] 13 The writer suggested that Maureen was ‘fiercely competitive’ (line 39). Explain how this suggestion is supported with reference to three pieces of evidence from Paragraph 8. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………. ………………………………………………………………………………………………………… [3]

5 14 The structure of the text reflects Maureen’s role at different stages during the race. Complete the flow chart by choosing one phrase from the box to summarise her role at each stage during the race. There are some extra phrases in the box you do not need to use. Maureen’s role at different stages overcoming a new challenge sustaining prolonged effort maintaining challenging standard experiencing surprising ease joining in to provide support coming to an unexpected realisation powering over temptation Paragraphs 1-2: (i) ……………………………………………………………....................... Paragraphs 3-4: (ii) ……………………………………………………………....................... Paragraphs 5: (iii) ……………………………………………………………....................... Paragraphs 6-8: (iv) ……………………………………………………………....................... [4]

6 Section C [25 marks] Refer to Text 4 on pages 5-6 of the Insert for Questions 15-24. 15 With reference to Paragraph 1, why did the ancient Egyptians specially love cats? ………………………………………………………………………………………………………… [1] 16 What does the word ‘fixture’ (line 2) tell you about the cat’s position in ancient Egyptian society? ………………………………………………………………………………………………………… [1] 17 Here is part of a conversation between two friends, Neko and Mau, who have read the article. Neko Mau (a) Give one piece of evidence from Paragraph 1 to support Neko’s view. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………. ………………………………………………………………………………………………………… [1] (b) With reference to Paragraph 2, give one reason which supports Mau’s opinion. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………. ………………………………………………………………………………………………………… [1] 18 With reference to Paragraph 2, give one piece of evidence which shows that cats maintained their exalted position for centuries. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………. ………………………………………………………………………………………………………… [1] 19 With reference to Paragraph 3, give one benefit that the Nile River brought to ancient Egypt. ………………………………………………………………………………………………………… [1] 20 What does ‘lofty status’ (line 46) refer to? ………………………………………………………………………………………………………… [1] The Egyptians showed their special love for cats through creating different items. I don’t think that their love for cats was that special. It was not long-lasting.

7 21 Why does the writer refer to ‘countless memes, Instagram photos, and YouTube videos’ (line 52) in Paragraph 9? …………………………