Question 1

The display of fireworks ____ so spectacular that it left many spectators in awe.
(1) is
(2) are
(3) was
(4) were

Accepted Answer

was. The subject "The display" is singular. The word "left" indicates past tense, so the singular past tense verb "was" is appropriate.

Question 2

Despite having ____ excellent reviews on the Internet, the famous restaurant failed to live up to Jack's high expectations.
(1) few
(2) little
(3) many
(4) much

Accepted Answer

many. "Reviews" is a countable noun. "Many" is used with countable nouns to indicate a large quantity.

Question 3

The lady ____ Lisa bumped into yesterday was her childhood friend.
(1) when
(2) whom
(3) which
(4) whose

Accepted Answer

whom. "Whom" is the correct relative pronoun to refer to a person when that person is the object of the verb "bumped into".

Question 4

Ken, as well as his classmates, ____ once a week for the dance performance since last semester. He cannot wait to perform next week.
(1) rehearsed
(2) had rehearsed
(3) has been rehearsing
(4) have been rehearsing

Accepted Answer

has been rehearsing. The phrase "since last semester" indicates an action that started in the past and is continuing up to the present, requiring the present perfect continuous tense. Since "Ken" is a singular subject, "has been rehearsing" is the correct form.

Question 5

____ we leave the house now, we will not be able to reach the airport on time!" Ahmad hurried his family.
(1) Until
(2) Unless
(3) However
(4) Although

Accepted Answer

Unless. "Unless" means "if not". The sentence conveys that *if* they do *not* leave now, they will not reach on time.

Question 6

"The guest of honour ____ an important speech now. Please stop talking," the prefect reminded the students.
(1) gave
(2) gives
(3) is giving
(4) will be giving

Accepted Answer

is giving. The word "now" indicates an action happening at the moment of speaking, which requires the present continuous tense "is giving".

Question 7

Taking regular breaks away from your digital devices ____ important for maintaining healthy eyesight.
(1) is
(2) are
(3) was
(4) were

Accepted Answer

is. The subject of the sentence is the gerund phrase "Taking regular breaks away from your digital devices," which functions as a singular noun. Therefore, the singular verb "is" is required.

Question 8

"Every morning, Bala walks to school, ____ he?" Leo asked.
(1) isn't
(2) didn't
(3) wasn't
(4) doesn't

Accepted Answer

doesn't. The main verb "walks" is in the simple present tense. For a positive simple present statement with a third-person singular subject ("Bala"), the negative question tag uses "doesn't".

Question 9

"You ____ get a licence before you can drive," the driving instructor told Paul.
(1) can
(2) may
(3) must
(4) would

Accepted Answer

must. The sentence expresses a necessity or a strict requirement (getting a license before driving). "Must" is the appropriate modal verb to convey this obligation.

Question 10

The hotel staff apologised ____ the inconvenience caused by the unexpected blackout.
(1) on
(2) for
(3) with
(4) about

Accepted Answer

for. The verb "apologised" is typically followed by the preposition "for" when stating the reason for the apology.

Question 11

The customer service officer attended to the ____ child who was crying as she could not find her parents in the mall.
(1) distressed
(2) concerned
(3) captivated
(4) exhilarated

Accepted Answer

distressed. A child crying because she cannot find her parents would be experiencing great anxiety and sorrow, which is best described as "distressed".

Question 12

Jacob often ____ illnesses to avoid exercising. His teacher soon found out and told him to stop pretending to be unwell.
(1) caused
(2) feigned
(3) invented
(4) developed

Accepted Answer

feigned. The phrase "pretending to be unwell" directly indicates that Jacob was faking illnesses. "Feigned" means to pretend or fake, making it the most suitable word.

Question 13

Stop ____ and get straight to the point. We do not have much time for discussion.
(1) beating around the bush
(2) making a long story short
(3) getting your fingers burnt
(4) hitting the nail on the head

Accepted Answer

beating around the bush. The idiom "beating around the bush" means to avoid getting to the point. The context "get straight to the point" and "do not have much time for discussion" implies avoiding unnecessary delays.

Question 14

Sarah cannot attend the party as she needs to ____ her younger siblings while her parents are away on a business trip.
(1) look for
(2) look into
(3) look over
(4) look after

Accepted Answer

look after. "Look after" means to take care of or supervise someone, which is what Sarah needs to do for her younger siblings.

Question 15

A/an ____ broke out between the fans of two soccer teams. Some fans were badly injured during the fight and had to be sent to the hospital.
(1) brawl
(2) protest
(3) election
(4) competition

Accepted Answer

brawl. The context "fight and had to be sent to the hospital" indicates a disorderly and violent fight, which is best described as a "brawl".

Question 16

Have you ever looked up to the night sky and wondered what lies beyond our planet? Since the (16) dawn of human civilisation, space exploration has been a subject of fascination for many people. The (17) main reason for the exploration of space is to extend knowledge about Earth, the solar system and the universe beyond.
Scientists are constantly seeking out new planets that may have the potential to (18) host life just like Earth. Space exploration also (19) encourages innovation and technological progress. Beyond such practical reasons, perhaps the most compelling reason for exploring space is humanity's curiosity that (20) cannot be satisfied. As we continue to explore the universe around us, we will certainly uncover new mysteries unknown to mankind.

(1) rise
(2) arrival
(3) morning
(4) beginning

Accepted Answer

beginning. "Dawn" in this context means the beginning or initial stage of human civilisation. "Beginning" is the most direct synonym.

Question 17

Have you ever looked up to the night sky and wondered what lies beyond our planet? Since the (16) dawn of human civilisation, space exploration has been a subject of fascination for many people. The (17) main reason for the exploration of space is to extend knowledge about Earth, the solar system and the universe beyond.
Scientists are constantly seeking out new planets that may have the potential to (18) host life just like Earth. Space exploration also (19) encourages innovation and technological progress. Beyond such practical reasons, perhaps the most compelling reason for exploring space is humanity's curiosity that (20) cannot be satisfied. As we continue to explore the universe around us, we will certainly uncover new mysteries unknown to mankind.

(1) sole
(2) original
(3) primary
(4) essential

Accepted Answer

primary. "Main" means principal or most important. "Primary" is the closest synonym in this context.

Question 18

Have you ever looked up to the night sky and wondered what lies beyond our planet? Since the (16) dawn of human civilisation, space exploration has been a subject of fascination for many people. The (17) main reason for the exploration of space is to extend knowledge about Earth, the solar system and the universe beyond.
Scientists are constantly seeking out new planets that may have the potential to (18) host life just like Earth. Space exploration also (19) encourages innovation and technological progress. Beyond such practical reasons, perhaps the most compelling reason for exploring space is humanity's curiosity that (20) cannot be satisfied. As we continue to explore the universe around us, we will certainly uncover new mysteries unknown to mankind.

(1) entertain
(2) energise
(3) sustain
(4) strengthen

Accepted Answer

sustain. "Host life" implies providing the conditions necessary for life to exist and continue. "Sustain" means to maintain or keep in existence.

Question 19

Space exploration also (19) encourages innovation and technological progress.
(1) spurs
(2) trains
(3) forces
(4) causes

Accepted Answer

spurs. "Encourages" implies stimulating or prompting. "Spurs" means to incite or stimulate an action, which aligns well with encouraging innovation and progress.

Question 20

Beyond such practical reasons, perhaps the most compelling reason for exploring space is humanity's curiosity that (20) cannot be satisfied.
(1) insatiable
(2) incomplete
(3) inadequate
(4) insignificant

Accepted Answer

insatiable. The phrase "cannot be satisfied" directly defines "insatiable," meaning impossible to satisfy.

Question 21

The main aim of this brochure is to ____
(1) encourage readers to be environmentally friendly
(2) provide information on the upcoming "Go Green Week"
(3) discuss the impact of human intervention on the environment
(4) educate readers about what is happening to the environment

Accepted Answer

provide information on the upcoming "Go Green Week". The brochure is titled "'Go Green' Week" and provides specific event details like dates, venue, admission, and activities. Its primary purpose is to inform readers about this particular event.

Question 22

The next 'Go Green' Week event will be held in ____
(1) 2021
(2) 2022
(3) 2024
(4) 2025

Accepted Answer

2025. The brochure states the event is in "2023" and is a "biennial event" (occurring every two years). Therefore, the next event will be in 2023 + 2 = 2025.

Question 23

Under the event details section, why is the phrase 'FREE ADMISSION FOR ALL' written in capital letters?
(1) to beautify the brochure
(2) to encourage more people to attend the event
(3) to capture the attention of the children to the brochure
(4) to shock readers about is happening to the environment

Accepted Answer

to encourage more people to attend the event. Capital letters are used to highlight important information and draw the reader's attention to a significant benefit, such as free admission, to attract a larger audience.

Question 24

Which one of the following statements is true about the event?
(1) Participants have a chance to win prizes at Hall 3.
(2) All participants are able to attend the talk by Dr Lewis Indiana.
(3) Student representatives will be mending the Cash-for-Trash stations.
(4) The SES newsletter is looking to feature participants dressed only in red.

Accepted Answer

Participants have a chance to win prizes at Hall 3.. The description for Hall 3 states, "Take part in quizzes and win attractive prizes." This confirms that participants have a chance to win prizes.

Question 25

Weiming wants to learn more about environmental problems and the effects of human intervention on the planet. He should ____
(1) visit the booths in Halls 2 and 3
(2) visit Booth 30 and attend a talk at Booth 5
(3) attend a talk at Booth 5 and visit the Booths in Hall 1
(4) attend a talk at Booth 5 and visit the Booths in Hall 3

Accepted Answer

attend a talk at Booth 5 and visit the Booths in Hall 1. Hall 1 focuses on "Our Earth Being Threatened" and discusses "different environmental problems." Booth 5, featuring Dr Lewis Indiana, covers "environmental geology and learn about the impacts of human intervention." Both are relevant to Weiming's interest.

Question 26

Miss Devi wants to find out how much cash she will receive for the recyclables that she intends to turn in. What should she do?
(1) Call Mr George at 6777 4222
(2) Visit the Singapore Environment Society website
(3) Get the information from the National Environment Agency website
(4) Email the customer service officers at customerservice_enquiry@ses.org

Accepted Answer

Get the information from the National Environment Agency website. Under the "Cash-For-Trash" section for Booth 30, it explicitly states: "For more information on the rebates offered, please visit the National Environment Agency website."

Question 27

Which of the following is not true about the activities at Booths 19-23?
(1) Participants will get to attempt various hands-on activities.
(2) Participants must bring along their stationery for the activities.
(3) Participants must accompanied by an adult to take part in the activities.
(4) Participants can learn how to turn recyclable materials into new products.

Accepted Answer

Participants must accompanied by an adult to take part in the activities.. The brochure states that "Parents and caregivers are encouraged to take part" in the activities at Booths 19-23, not that participants *must* be accompanied by an adult. This makes option (3) not true.

Question 28

Some testimonials are included in the brochure to ____
(1) recruit volunteers to help out at the event
(2) allay any concerns that readers may have
(3) introduce some of the participants of the event
(4) convince readers that the event has been enriching

Accepted Answer

convince readers that the event has been enriching. The testimonials from various individuals express positive experiences and highlight the educational and enriching aspects of the event, aiming to persuade potential attendees of its value.

Question 29

A brand influencer is someone who partners with a brand to advertise their products or services through online content marketing. Brand influencers might review a product, take photographs or create videos of ____ using the product, make unboxing videos or host giveaways for the brand. They are part of a marketing strategy ____ the brand gets introduced to an audience using the power of someone's popularity. Looking at ____ to become a brand influencer? It is not as simple as it seems. You ____ not become an influencer overnight. Building a group of followers takes time, effort and strategy. ____ if you have the determination and creativity, it is possible to become one. Be sure that your reasons for becoming an influencer ____ driven by a desire to share valuable content. The job comes with a lot of responsibilities like influencing and inspiring others. Your earnings depend on the brands you work with, ____ number of followers you have, how engaged they are and the types of projects you take ____. An influencer is not an influencer ____ any followers. You must first select an area ____ focus on. Choosing the right area of focus like food or gaming can be a strategic decision.

Accepted Answer

(D) in. "Looking at how to become" is a common and grammatically correct way to introduce the process or method of achieving something.

Question 30

A brand influencer is someone who partners with a brand to advertise their products or services through online content marketing. Brand influencers might review a product, take photographs or create videos of ____ using the product, make unboxing videos or host giveaways for the brand. They are part of a marketing strategy ____ the brand gets introduced to an audience using the power of someone's popularity. Looking at ____ to become a brand influencer? It is not as simple as it seems. You ____ not become an influencer overnight. Building a group of followers takes time, effort and strategy. ____ if you have the determination and creativity, it is possible to become one. Be sure that your reasons for becoming an influencer ____ driven by a desire to share valuable content. The job comes with a lot of responsibilities like influencing and inspiring others. Your earnings depend on the brands you work with, ____ number of followers you have, how engaged they are and the types of projects you take ____. An influencer is not an influencer ____ any followers. You must first select an area ____ focus on. Choosing the right area of focus like food or gaming can be a strategic decision.

Accepted Answer

(G) should. "However" is used to introduce a contrasting statement. Despite the difficulty and effort required, it is still possible to become an influencer with determination and creativity.

Question 31

A brand influencer is someone who partners with a brand to advertise their products or services through online content marketing. Brand influencers might review a product, take photographs or create videos of ____ using the product, make unboxing videos or host giveaways for the brand. They are part of a marketing strategy ____ the brand gets introduced to an audience using the power of someone's popularity. Looking at ____ to become a brand influencer? It is not as simple as it seems. You ____ not become an influencer overnight. Building a group of followers takes time, effort and strategy. ____ if you have the determination and creativity, it is possible to become one. Be sure that your reasons for becoming an influencer ____ driven by a desire to share valuable content. The job comes with a lot of responsibilities like influencing and inspiring others. Your earnings depend on the brands you work with, ____ number of followers you have, how engaged they are and the types of projects you take ____. An influencer is not an influencer ____ any followers. You must first select an area ____ focus on. Choosing the right area of focus like food or gaming can be a strategic decision.

Accepted Answer

(A) are. The subject "your reasons" is plural, so the plural verb "are" is required to agree with it.

P5 English SA2 2023 — Henry Park

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