[1184/02] SMS(S) 2026 4E5N Prelims QP

ST. MARGARET’S SCHOOL (SECONDARY) Preliminary Examinations 2026 CANDIDATE NAME CLASS REGISTER NUMBER ENGLISH LANGUAGE Paper 2 Comprehension Secondary 4 Express and 5 Normal Academic Candidates answer on the Question Paper. 1184/02 17 August 2026 1 hour 50 minutes Additional Materials: Insert READ THESE INSTRUCTIONS FIRST Write your class, register number and name in the spaces at the top of this page. Write in dark blue or black ballpoint pen. Do not use staples, paper clips, glue, correction fluid/tape or highlighters. Answer all questions. Write your answers in the spaces provided on the Question Paper. The Insert contains the texts for all the sections. The number of marks is given in brackets [ ] at the start of each question or part question. This document consists of 9 printed pages and 1 insert. [Turn over For Examiner’s Use Section A 5 Section B 20 Section C 25

2 Section A [5 marks] Refer to the online advertisement ( Text 1 ) and the news report ( Text 2 ) on page 2 and 3 of the Insert and answer Questions 1–4. 1 Look at Text 1. Tick ( ✔ ) the most suitable summary for this poster. Emergency crew need space to work Civic mindedness can save lives Private property does not belong in common spaces [1] 2 With reference to Text 1, how is the image above the caption “Obstruction to emergency crew access due to constricted corridor” effective? …………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………...……… …………………………………………………………………………………………...……[1] 3 Give one detail from Text 2 that emphasises the importance of following the guidelines in Text 1. …………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………..…....[1] SMS(S) Prelim Exams 2026 Total 50

3 4 Look at Texts 1 and 2 and statements (a) and (b) below. Tick ( ✔ ) the correct answer for each statement. (a) One purpose of both texts is… To warn residents about the dangers of cluttered common spaces. To highlight the efforts of the town council to keep common spaces clear. To describe the dos and don’ts when using common spaces. [1] (b) The tone of the language used in Text 2 is… critical. anxious. angry. [1] SMS(S) Prelim Exams 2026

4 Section B [20 marks] Refer to Text 3 on pages 4 and 5 of the Insert for Questions 5–15. 5 At the beginning of the text, the writer describes the effects of the change in season on the surroundings. Explain how the language used in Paragraph 1 makes the vegetation seem lifeless. Support your ideas with two details from the paragraph. ………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………….. [2] 6 The writer uses the phrase ‘bully my way through’ (line 8) to get to the house. Explain why you think she had to do so. ………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………….. [1] 7 Identify a phrase in Paragraph 1 that emphasises how lightly the frost is falling. …………………………………………………………………………………………….. [1] 8 (a) In Paragraph 2, why does the writer feel ‘warmer, instantly’ (lines 10-11)? ………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………….. [1] (b) Why does the writer say ‘The first hard frost, no matter how late, always comes before any of us is ready’ (lines 14-15)? ………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………….. [2] SMS(S) Prelim Exams 2026

5 9 In Paragraph 3, ‘This weekend for sure,’ you said, sounding guilty, regretful’ (lines 17-18). Why do you think the writer’s friend replied in that tone? ………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………….. [1] 10 From Paragraph 4, identify two phrases which suggest that the writer is walking up a hill. (i) ……………………………………………………………………………………….... [1] (ii) ……………………………………………………………………………………….... [1] 11 Which word in Paragraph 4 has the same meaning as ‘polished’? …………………………………………………………………………………………….. [1] 12 Quote a phrase in Paragraph 6 that tells us that the weeds are entwined. …………………………………………………………………………………………….. [1] 13 In Paragraph 6, the writer gives the impression that her friend’s house and garden have been neglected. Give three pieces of evidence from Paragraph 6 and explain how this is shown. ………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………….. [3] 14 The text has been written in the present tense. What is the effect of this? ………………………………………………………………………………………………… SMS(S) Prelim Exams 2026

6 …………………………………………………………………………………………….. [1] 15 The structure of the text reflects the thoughts and feelings of the writer as her journey unfolds. Complete the flowchart by choosing one word from the box to summarise the main thoughts or feelings of each stage of the writer’s encounter. There are some extra words in the box you do not need to use. The writer’s thoughts and feelings Flow chart Paragraphs 1 and 2: (i) …………………………..……. Paragraph 3: (ii) …………………………..……. Paragraphs 4 and 5: (iii) …………………………..……. Paragraph 6: (iv) …………………………..…… [4] SMS(S) Prelim Exams 2026

7 Section C [25 marks] Refer to Text 4 on pages 6 and 7 of the Insert for Questions 16–21. 16 From Paragraph 1, why is the Carnival of Ivrea regarded as significant? ………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………….. [2] 17 What does the word ‘raucous’ (line 10) suggest about the atmosphere of the Battle of the Oranges? …………………………………………………………………………………………….. [1] 18 From Paragraph 3, what does the phrase ‘rightly so’ (line 18) reveal about the writer’s overall opinion of the Battle of the Oranges? ………………………………………………..……………………………………………….. …………………………………………………………………………………………….. [2] 19 Here is a part of a conversation between two students, Ravi and Ella, who have read the article. (a) Give one piece of evidence from Paragraph 5 to support Ravi’s view. …………………………………………………………………………………………… SMS(S) Prelim Exams 2026

8 ………………………………………………………………………………………… [1] (b) Give two pieces of evidence from Paragraph 5 to support Ella’s view. (i)