P5 English SA2 2025 — Singapore Chinese Girls | Singapore Past Year Paper

Q: The construction workers ____ on this project for three years, yet the buildings remain incomplete.

(4) have been working. The phrase "for three years, yet the buildings remain incomplete" indicates an action that started in the past and is still ongoing. The present perfect continuous tense, "have been working," correctly conveys this duration and ongoing nature.

Q: Despite their initial reservations ____ participating in the debate competition, Lauren and her team went ahead with it and emerged victorious.

(4) about. The preposition "about" is used to specify the subject of the reservations. They had reservations concerning or regarding participating in the competition.

Q: The teacher recommended that the class ____ a new recycling initiative to reduce waste.

(1) start. After verbs like "recommend" that express a suggestion or a request, the subjunctive mood is used. In this case, the base form of the verb "start" is used, regardless of the subject's number, implying a recommendation for the class to start the initiative.

Q: The learning journey to the zoo will be cancelled ____ the weather improves by tomorrow morning.

(3) unless. "Unless" means "if not." The sentence implies that the journey will be cancelled if the weather does not improve. Therefore, "unless the weather improves" conveys the correct conditional meaning.

Q: The box of toys ____ to the donation drive yesterday morning.

(3) was delivered. The subject "The box" is singular, and the action took place "yesterday morning," indicating past tense. Thus, the singular past passive form "was delivered" is appropriate.

Q: There is ____ hope of finding the missing hikers as darkness falls and the snowstorm intensifies.

(2) little. "Hope" is an uncountable noun. "Little" is used with uncountable nouns to mean a small, often insufficient, amount. The intensifying darkness and snowstorm suggest that the amount of hope is small and diminishing, making "little" the most fitting choice.

Q: The young girl barely managed to finish her dinner, ____?

(1) did she. The main clause "barely managed to finish" has a negative meaning due to "barely." Therefore, the tag question should be positive. The main verb "managed" is in the past simple tense, so the auxiliary verb for the tag question is "did."

Q: Either of the twins ____ capable of winning the tennis tournament as they have both been training very hard.

(1) is. When "Either of" is the subject, the verb should be singular. The phrase "as they have both been training very hard" implies a current capability, making the present tense "is" the correct choice.

Q: The noise from the children playing in the playground ____ so loud that the teacher had to close the classroom windows.

(3) was. The subject of the sentence is "The noise," which is singular. The result clause "the teacher had to close" indicates that the action happened in the past. Therefore, the singular past tense verb "was" is correct.

Q: Adam's group has won the most innovative award at the science fair. The project work displayed in the school hall is ____, so they must take good care of it during the showcase.

(4) theirs. The sentence requires a possessive pronoun to indicate that the project work belongs to "Adam's group." "Theirs" is the correct possessive pronoun, functioning as the subject complement.

Q1 MCQ 1 mark

The construction workers ____ on this project for three years, yet the buildings remain incomplete.

Q2 MCQ 1 mark

Despite their initial reservations ____ participating in the debate competition, Lauren and her team went ahead with it and emerged victorious.

Q3 MCQ 1 mark

The teacher recommended that the class ____ a new recycling initiative to reduce waste.

Q4 MCQ 1 mark

The learning journey to the zoo will be cancelled ____ the weather improves by tomorrow morning.

Q5 MCQ 1 mark

The box of toys ____ to the donation drive yesterday morning.

Q6 MCQ 1 mark

There is ____ hope of finding the missing hikers as darkness falls and the snowstorm intensifies.

Q7 MCQ 1 mark

The young girl barely managed to finish her dinner, ____?

Q8 MCQ 1 mark

Either of the twins ____ capable of winning the tennis tournament as they have both been training very hard.

Q9 MCQ 1 mark

The noise from the children playing in the playground ____ so loud that the teacher had to close the classroom windows.

Q10 MCQ 1 mark

Adam's group has won the most innovative award at the science fair. The project work displayed in the school hall is ____, so they must take good care of it during the showcase.

Q11 MCQ 1 mark

The ____ silence in the examination hall was broken only by the occasional faint rustle of turning pages and the soft scratch of pencils on paper.

Q12 MCQ 1 mark

The firefighters' quick ____ during the emergency saved the family trapped in their flat.

Q13 MCQ 1 mark

The persistent drought ____ the farmer's hopes for a bountiful harvest, leaving his fields parched and barren.

Q14 MCQ 1 mark

Andrea, who is usually outspoken, responded ____ when asked about the missing homework, arousing the teacher's suspicion.

Q15 MCQ 1 mark

As sales fell sharply, the company decided to ____ its oldest model, gradually winding down its production.

Q16 MCQ 1 mark

The torrent caused traffic to come to a standstill as vehicles moved at a crawling speed through the flood waters.

Q17 MCQ 1 mark

PUB* officers were stationed at various locations to assist motorists and efficiently directed traffic away from flooded areas.

Q18 MCQ 1 mark

...and efficiently directed traffic away from flooded areas.

Q19 MCQ 1 mark

Several trees were uprooted due to the strong winds that accompanied the heavy rain, causing additional traffic disruptions.

Q20 MCQ 1 mark

Residents were advised to exercise caution and avoid flood-prone areas during heavy rain.

Q21 MCQ 1 mark 🖼 Visual

According to the poster in Text 1, which of the following is true of the skincare set?

Q22 MCQ 1 mark 🖼 Visual

"Look Good, Feel Good" Why did the writer include this statement in Text 1? It is to

Q23 MCQ 1 mark 🖼 Visual

Based on the poster in Text 1, which of the following would be the most likely reason for wanting to purchase the skincare set?

Q24 MCQ 1 mark 🖼 Visual

"This can be your solution, too." The pictures support this by giving the impression that the skincare set ____

Q25 MCQ 1 mark 🖼 Visual

We cannot trust the way Text 1 promotes the skincare set because Text 2 says ____

Q26 MCQ 1 mark

What is vanilla? Vanilla is a popular flavour that comes ____ an amazing plant. It is part of the orchid family.

Q27 MCQ 1 mark

The complex process of growing vanilla pods ____ always made it one of the most expensive spices in the world.

Q28 MCQ 1 mark

Vanilla plants ____ originally found in South and Central America. The Aztecs were one of the first people ____ used vanilla, adding it to their chocolate drinks.

Q29 MCQ 1 mark

Vanilla plants were originally found in South and Central America. The Aztecs were one of the first people ____ used vanilla, adding it to their chocolate drinks.

Q30 MCQ 1 mark

Europeans learnt about vanilla when the Spanish explorers brought it back from America. ____ vanilla became popular in Europe.

Q31 MCQ 1 mark

At first, vanilla was used only with chocolate. Then, in the 1600s, Hugh Morgan invented sweets that tasted only ____ vanilla. It was not until the 1800s that vanilla was used ____ ice cream, and even soft drinks like Coca-Cola!

Q32 MCQ 1 mark

At first, vanilla was used only with chocolate. Then, in the 1600s, Hugh Morgan invented sweets that tasted only of vanilla. It was not until the 1800s that vanilla was used ____ ice cream, and even soft drinks like Coca-Cola!

Q33 MCQ 1 mark

Growing vanilla is very difficult as the flowers only open for one day. ____ must be pollinated within twelve hours of blooming.

Q34 MCQ 1 mark

real vanilla is so expensive, most vanilla-flavoured foods today use artificial ____ synthetic vanilla, which is much cheaper to produce.

Q35 MCQ 1 mark

real vanilla is so expensive, most vanilla-flavoured foods today use artificial as synthetic vanilla, which is much cheaper to produce. However, many people still prefer the complex taste of real vanilla beans.

Q36 Open-ended 1 mark

Did you know that your brain is always working, even when you are asleep? It is a fascinating acurrance that happens every night.

Q37 Open-ended 1 mark

While you rest, your brain stays active, processing information and kept your body healthy.

Q38 Open-ended 1 mark

One of the most incredible things about the human brain is concioussness. It is like an inner voice that guides your thoughts and feelings.

Q39 Open-ended 1 mark

For instance, you might suddenly remember details of a trip you had took years ago.

Q40 Open-ended 1 mark

As you grow, your brain both develops yet changes.

Q41 Open-ended 1 mark

You have the power over keep it healthy by making smart choices.

Q42 Open-ended 1 mark

Eating a balanced diet gives your brain the nutreinces it needs.

Q43 Open-ended 1 mark

Getting enough sleep is crucial too, as it allows your brain to rest and maintain your body's natural rythem.

Q44 Open-ended 1 mark

Learning new things, whether it is a new language, a musical instrument, or a challenging puzzle, helping to build new connections in your brain.

Q45 Open-ended 1 mark

Remember, having a healthy brain is a great privellege.

Q46 Open-ended 1 mark

Do-It-Yourself (DIY) activities are hands-on projects that people work on themselves. In recent years, more Singaporeans have ____ in DIY activities in their free time.

Q47 Open-ended 1 mark

This ____ is driven by more people wanting to save money and live more sustainably.

Q48 Open-ended 1 mark

Today, DIY enthusiasts ____ on various projects, from home repairs to creating unique items. Ms Sabine Chen learnt how to sew, choosing to repair her clothes instead ____ throwing them away.

Q49 Open-ended 1 mark

Today, DIY enthusiasts work on various projects, from home repairs to creating unique items. Ms Sabine Chen learnt how to sew, choosing to repair her clothes instead ____ throwing them away.

Q50 Open-ended 1 mark

Mr Dylan Chan decided to clean his own air-conditioner, thus, saving his family money on cleaning ____. Some people involve their children in DIY projects to teach them about sustainability.

Q51 Open-ended 1 mark

Some people involve their children in DIY projects to teach them about sustainability. This helps children understand that resources are ____ and should not be wasted.

Q52 Open-ended 1 mark

Hardware stores have ____ an increase in customers seeking advice on home repairs. With more content creators sharing their renovation journeys online, social media has ____ the DIY movement.

Q53 Open-ended 1 mark

Hardware stores have seen an increase in customers seeking advice on home repairs. With more content creators sharing their renovation journeys online, social media has ____ the DIY movement.

Q54 Open-ended 1 mark

One Singaporean content creator got over 5 million views on TikTok for fixing up old furniture with stickers. This sparked interest ____ fixing up homes, and many people began their own DIY projects.

Q55 Open-ended 1 mark

____, the DIY culture in Singapore is not as strong as in some other countries. This is partly because of busy lifestyles and how easy it is to find professional help.

Q56 Open-ended 1 mark

Sometimes, it can even be cheaper to ____ new things than to repair old items. Additionally, ____ of space and difficulty in finding spare parts can make DIY projects challenging.

Q57 Open-ended 1 mark

Sometimes, it can even be cheaper to buy new things than to repair old items. Additionally, ____ of space and difficulty in finding spare parts can make DIY projects challenging.

Q58 Open-ended 1 mark

To encourage more people to try DIY, community spaces are being created. ____ provide tools that people might not have at home. By learning DIY skills, Singaporeans can save money and reduce ____.

Q59 Open-ended 1 mark

By learning DIY skills, Singaporeans can save money and reduce ____. When they complete a project, ____ newfound abilities often inspire them to tackle even bigger DIY projects.

Q60 Open-ended 1 mark

When they complete a project, they can also gain a sense of ____. These newfound abilities often inspire them to tackle even bigger DIY projects.

Q61 Structured 2 marks

Mrs Khoo spoke very fast. Her children could not follow her instructions. Mrs Khoo spoke too____her children to follow her instructions.

Q62 Structured 2 marks

The student wrote a brilliant composition. The teacher was amazed. Much to____

Q63 Structured 2 marks

Mary asked her brother, "Where have you kept your homework?" Mary asked her brother____

Q64 Structured 2 marks

Maya drank a large glass of milk. She could not eat anything else. Having____

Q65 Structured 2 marks

The government plants new trees in Singapore every year. New trees____

Q66 Open-ended 1 mark

Based on paragraph 1, how do we know that Ethan was hesitant about playing the piano again? [1m]

Q67 Structured 3 marks 🖼 Visual

Look at the table below. What do the word(s) in the left column refer to in the passage? Write your answers in the column on the right. [3m] Word(s) from the passage (a) them (line 5) (b) They (line 15) (c) that (line 30)

Q68 Structured 2 marks

Based on Gab's response to Ethan's frustration in line 11, what can we infer about their friendship? Support your answer with evidence from the text. [2m]

Q69 Open-ended 1 mark

Which 4-word phrase from lines 11-15 shows that Ethan spoke with fear when talking about his past? [1m]

Q70 Structured 3 marks 🖼 Visual

Based on lines 5-10, state whether each statement in the table below is true or false, then give one reason why you think so. [3m] (a) Ethan had completely forgotten how to play the piano. (b) Ethan's grandmother taught him how to play the piano.

Q71 Structured 2 marks

Ethan pulled his hands away as if burned. "I can't do this," he groaned, frustration etched on his face. (lines 9-10) a) Why did Ethan pull his hands away? [1m] b) Explain clearly why Ethan felt frustrated. [1m]

Q72 Structured 4 marks 🖼 Visual

From lines 5-26, complete the table below by comparing Ethan's two attempts at playing the piano. [4m] The music Ethan played How it sounded

Q73 Structured 2 marks 🖼 Visual

How Ethan's grandmother helped him improve his piano playing [2m]

Q74 MCQ 1 mark 🖼 Visual

Tick one word that best describes how Gab felt "when the last note faded away" (line 29). DO NOT TICK MORE THAN ONE WORD. [1m] [ ] motivated [ ] nostalgic [ ] touched [ ] delighted

Q75 Structured 2 marks

At the end of the story, "Ethan felt lighter than he had in years" (line 36). Explain clearly how Ethan's feelings about playing the piano changed and the reason for the change. [2m]

P5 English SA2 2025 — Singapore Chinese Girls

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