ACSI 2024 Year 5 Timed Practice 1 Review_Answers

2024 Y5 SL LL Prepared by Mr Shawn Lim 2024 Year 5 Timed Practice 1 Review: Answers Sample 1: The article uses common pop cultural references to draw in the reader. The ‘Fun with Language’ section opens with Taylor Swift and her song ‘Blank Space’. Taylor Swift is the biggest pop star of the 21st century and is even more famous now thanks to her ongoing Eras Tour. Additionally, her song ‘Blank Space’ is her greatest hit and its mondegreen of ‘Starbucks lovers’ is also very famous. Hence, the article appeals to her fans, and to young people who would likely have heard of her even if they are not fans. Since the magazine targets students who are interested in science and technology, they are likely to find language boring, so the pop cultural reference will help attract their attention. Further, by mentioning Taylor Swift instead of defining what a mondegreen is like most science textbooks would do, the article prompts the reader to think about who Taylor Swift is and whether her lyrics have been misheard, successfully engaging the reader. Improved Sample 1 The article uses common pop cultural references to draw in the reader. The ‘Fun with Language’ section opens with an example of a mondegreen found in Taylor Swift’s hit song, ‘Blank Space’. The pop star’s international fame will appeal to the magazine’s youthful readership and serves as a strong hook for the article even if its subject matter does not appear directly related to science or technology. • All unnecessary parts were removed. This streamlines the writing by ensuring focus on the question. Room has also been made for points to be added in the same paragraph. If continued, the overall result will be a richer essay with weighty ideas packed into fewer paragraphs, achieving concision. • The improved sample also addresses the seeming contradiction between an article about language and the magazine’s dedication to science. This can be further substantiated by discussing how the pop music examples transition into a portion on neuroscience. Keywords: subjective, generalisation, assumption, speculation The response is reliant on excessive background knowledge which is not called for by the question. Considering that this is an unseen text, such specific knowledge is not necessary. The reference to her ‘Eras Tour’ is also context-blind: there is no information on when the article was published. The identification of ‘fans’ disregards the general purpose and target audience of the magazine. These statements are either subjective and are hence unsubstantiated generalisations, or speculative. Avoid making assumptions that lead to broad sweeping statements. There is also no need to speculate what the reader / author may or may not do. Discuss what is found in the text.

2024 Y5 SL LL Prepared by Mr Shawn Lim Sample 2: The article’s precise questions help to interest and inform the reader about mondegreens. In the ‘Fun with Language