P6 English SA2 2016 — Catholic High | Singapore Past Year Paper

Q: "__________ around Bishan Park is what I do every evening," Mason said.

D. Jogging. The blank is the subject of the sentence ('... is what I do'), so a gerund acting as a noun is needed. 'Jogging around Bishan Park' functions as the subject, making 'Jogging' correct.

Q: All but Keith __________ attending Mr. Kang's supplementary lesson next Friday.

B. are. 'All but Keith' refers to more than one person (everyone except Keith), so a plural verb is needed, and the future time marker 'next Friday' requires the present-tense plural 'are' (present continuous 'are attending').

Q: There was a surge __________ excitement when the national table tennis player scored a point.

A. of. The collocation is 'a surge of excitement', where 'of' links the quantity noun 'surge' to what it consists of.

Q: Nobody ate the cheesecake which was baked by Mr Tan, __________ ?

A. did they. A question tag must match the tense and reverse the polarity of the main clause. The statement is negative ('Nobody ate') in the past simple, so the positive past-simple tag 'did they' is correct ('nobody' takes the plural pronoun 'they').

Q: Shumei saw a group of boys __________ a stray kitten at the playground beside her school.

A. abuse. After verbs of perception like 'saw', the bare infinitive is used to describe a completed action witnessed: 'saw a group of boys abuse a stray kitten'.

Q: "Never in my life __________ skydiving! I'm so nervous right now!" exclaimed Yu Hern as he stood at the edge of the plane.

C. have I done. When a negative adverbial like 'Never in my life' begins a sentence, subject-verb inversion is required. Because Yu Hern is about to skydive for the first time (present relevance), the present perfect with inversion 'have I done' is correct.

Q: The teachers organised a Cyber Wellness talk during the school assembly in response __________ the recent rise in cyber-bullying.

B. to. The fixed phrase is 'in response to', where 'to' is the correct preposition following 'response'.

Q: Ju Yong, __________ injured for some time, is glad to finally be able to attend the Track and Field training session again.

D. having been. The non-finite participial clause set off by commas requires the perfect participle 'having been injured for some time', which describes a completed prior state that explains why Ju Yong is now glad to return.

Q: No sooner had Ms. Teh given the instruction to pitch a tent __________ the scouts searched for suitable tools and materials.

B. than. The correlative construction is 'No sooner ... than', so 'than' correctly links the two clauses to show one event immediately followed the other.

Q: In order for a movie to interest children, it must have __________ unique plot and tell a story they have never heard of.

A. a. 'Unique' begins with a consonant /j/ sound ('yoo-nique'), so the article 'a' is used rather than 'an'.

Q1 Open-ended 15 marks 🖼 Visual

Visual context

A comic strip at a lift landing. A boy (Kai) and a girl (Mei) stand below a poster titled 'Be an active senior citizen! Sign up for the following activities conducted at Red View Community Club now!' listing a weekly schedule: Mondays Line Dancing, Tuesdays Tai Chi, Wednesdays Pilates, Thursdays Line Dancing, Fridays Night Cycling, Saturdays Tai Chi, Sundays Nature Walk (at various parks). Speech bubbles: Kai says they should encourage Grandma to be an active senior citizen for her health and to make friends, and that Line Dancing looks interesting; he adds he will write to her about the discussion when they get home. Mei says Grandma should get exercise but would prefer a walk in the park as she enjoys nature, and that she will pick up a brochure for Grandma in case she needs more information. A lift labelled 'A' showing floor 10 is on the left.

Part 1: Situational Writing (15 marks) Question 1 The picture below shows Kai and Mei discussing about what their grandmother can do in her spare time. Study the pictures carefully. Your Task: Imagine you are Kai. Write an email to your grandmother to tell her about the discussion that you and your sister had after looking at a poster at the lift landing. You are to refer to the picture and information on page 1 for your email. In your email, include the following information: - the purpose of writing to Grandma - two benefits Grandma can gain from joining the activities - which activity will Grandma be interested in and why - what Mei would do for Grandma You may reorder the points. Write in complete sentences.

Q2 Open-ended 40 marks 🖼 Visual

Part 2: Continuous Writing (40 marks) Question 2 Write a composition of at least 150 words about forgiving someone. The pictures are provided to help you think about this topic. Your composition should be based on one or more of these pictures. Consider the following points when you plan your composition: - Who was/were asking for forgiveness? - What happened that made the person(s) ask for forgiveness? You may use the points in any order and include other relevant points as well.

Q3 MCQ 1 mark

"__________ around Bishan Park is what I do every evening," Mason said.

Q4 MCQ 1 mark

All but Keith __________ attending Mr. Kang's supplementary lesson next Friday.

Q5 MCQ 1 mark

There was a surge __________ excitement when the national table tennis player scored a point.

Q6 MCQ 1 mark

Nobody ate the cheesecake which was baked by Mr Tan, __________ ?

Q7 MCQ 1 mark

Shumei saw a group of boys __________ a stray kitten at the playground beside her school.

Q8 MCQ 1 mark

"Never in my life __________ skydiving! I'm so nervous right now!" exclaimed Yu Hern as he stood at the edge of the plane.

Q9 MCQ 1 mark

The teachers organised a Cyber Wellness talk during the school assembly in response __________ the recent rise in cyber-bullying.

Q10 MCQ 1 mark

Ju Yong, __________ injured for some time, is glad to finally be able to attend the Track and Field training session again.

Q11 MCQ 1 mark

No sooner had Ms. Teh given the instruction to pitch a tent __________ the scouts searched for suitable tools and materials.

Q12 MCQ 1 mark

In order for a movie to interest children, it must have __________ unique plot and tell a story they have never heard of.

Q13 MCQ 1 mark

Shirley always __________ an air of confidence wherever she goes. She will definitely ace the job interview.

Q14 MCQ 1 mark

Yusof's eyes were __________ on the monitor as he punched and kicked at the opponents in the latest computer game, Kingdoms.

Q15 MCQ 1 mark

The dishonest salesman managed to sell most of his items as he talked __________ to his unassuming customers.

Q16 MCQ 1 mark

Old Mrs Wan was __________ by the conman's speech and agreed to hand him her life savings in exchange for the 'magic stone'.

Q17 MCQ 1 mark

Tim, who is usually timid, suddenly flew into a rage and attacked the inconsiderate boys who __________ him with taunts and rude gestures.

Q18 MCQ 1 mark

For each question from 16 to 20, choose the word(s) closest in meaning to the underlined word(s). Passage: There was a commotion in Michelle's classroom. She was intrigued when her classmates introduced the latest chat programme, Coolchat. After learning more about what Coolchat was, Michelle was (16) sold. ... Question 16: closest in meaning to 'sold'.

Q19 MCQ 1 mark

Question 17: closest in meaning to 'marvelled' — '... She (17) marvelled at the technology.'

Q20 MCQ 1 mark

Question 18: closest in meaning to 'hooked' — 'She was completely (18) hooked.'

Q21 MCQ 1 mark

Question 19: closest in meaning to 'take a toll on' — 'Her online obsession started to (19) take a toll on her studies.'

Q22 MCQ 1 mark

Question 20: closest in meaning to 'appease' — 'To (20) appease her mother, Michelle promised to focus on her studies ...'

Q23 MCQ 1 mark 🖼 Visual

Study this flyer carefully. Based on the flyer, which of the following is true of the writing competition?

Q24 MCQ 1 mark 🖼 Visual

In the second paragraph of the excerpt, the word 'beliefs' refers to __________.

Q25 MCQ 1 mark

Why are dialogues included in the excerpt of the story? They are included to __________.

Q26 MCQ 1 mark

According to the excerpt, Mei Mei got her palm ready because __________.

Q27 MCQ 1 mark

Look at the last paragraph of the flyer. Why is an asterisk used?

Q28 MCQ 1 mark

Old wives' tales are usually used to __________.

Q29 MCQ 1 mark

Based on the flyer, which of the following is not true?

Q30 MCQ 1 mark

What is the main aim of the flyer? Its main aim is to __________.

Q31 Open-ended 1 mark

There are 10 blanks, numbered 29 to 38, in the passage below. From the list of words given (A about, B and, C are, D but, E from, F is, G of, H than, J then, K this, L to, M under, N what, P when, Q with), choose the most suitable word for each blank. Each word can be used only once. Blank 29: 'Unfortunately, fairness as a basic sporting and moral principle is (29) ____ threat in today's world.'

Q32 Open-ended 1 mark

Blank 30: 'Spectator violence, verbal abuse, consumption (30) ____ performance enhancing drugs, corruption and bribery are serious issues ...'

Q33 Open-ended 1 mark

Blank 31: 'serious issues that children and young people hear (31) ____ regularly.'

Q34 Open-ended 1 mark

Blank 32: 'it is important for everyone involved in sports — from parents and spectators (32) ____ athletes, officials and coaches ...'

Q35 Open-ended 1 mark

Blank 33: '... to do more (33) ____ just play by the rules; they should follow the principles of fair play.'

Q36 Open-ended 1 mark

Blank 34: 'They should honour their opponents, be respectful spectators, refrain (34) ____ cheating ...'

Q37 Open-ended 1 mark

Blank 35: 'Playing by the written rules is mandatory and respecting the unwritten ones (35) ____ a must.'

Q38 Open-ended 1 mark

Blank 36: 'Fair play is important and it does not develop automatically (36) ____ people participate in sports.'

Q39 Open-ended 1 mark

Blank 37: 'learning fair play and ethical behaviours are important educational goals, not just in sports, (37) ____ also in school.'

Q40 Open-ended 1 mark

Blank 38: 'Many people who work (38) ____ children are convinced that they would become better adults if they learn to play fair.'

Q41 Open-ended 1 mark

Each of the underlined words contains either a spelling or grammatical error. Write the correct word in the box. Blank 39: 'Dusk was quickly descend on the dense forests around our camp.'

Q42 Open-ended 1 mark

Blank 40: 'Suddenly, the silooette of a tiny squirrel appeared ...'

Q43 Open-ended 1 mark

Blank 41: '... a tiny squirrel appeared and made their way up a tree stump ...'

Q44 Open-ended 1 mark

Blank 42: 'Further up, it leap to another tree and repeated the stunt.'

Q45 Open-ended 1 mark

Blank 43: 'Further up, it leapt to another tree and repeated the stant.'

Q46 Open-ended 1 mark

Blank 44: 'As the squirrel disappeared from our sight, we let out a disapointid groan.'

Q47 Open-ended 1 mark

Blank 45: "'It's a daily affair,' the leader of the squad anounsed."

Q48 Open-ended 1 mark

Blank 46: '... we broke out in unanimous laugh.'

Q49 Open-ended 1 mark

Blank 47: 'Our voices started to rise in excitement as we spin wild, implausible stories.'

Q50 Open-ended 1 mark

Blank 48: '... as we spun wild, implawsible stories.'

Q51 Open-ended 1 mark

Blank 49: 'Our imaginations were rife with all kinds of possibility.'

Q52 Open-ended 1 mark

Blank 50: '... Ali brought out his guitar and we had a singing sasion which lasted late into the night.'

Q53 Open-ended 1 mark

Fill in each blank with a suitable word. Blank 51: 'Spawned from powerful thunderstorms, tornadoes can (51) ____ fatalities and devastate a neighbourhood in seconds.'

Q54 Open-ended 1 mark

Blank 52: 'Some tornadoes are clearly (52) ____ while rain or nearby low-hanging clouds conceal others.'

Q55 Open-ended 1 mark

Blank 53: 'About a thousand of them (53) ____ reported worldwide in a year.'

Q56 Open-ended 1 mark

Blank 54: 'Tornadoes come in different (54) ____ and sizes.'

Q57 Open-ended 1 mark

Blank 55: '... others as thin rope-like swirls stretching (55) ____ the ground to the sky.'

Q58 Open-ended 1 mark

Blank 56: 'The duration of tornadoes and the distance they (56) ____ often vary.'

Q59 Open-ended 1 mark

Blank 57: 'Most last less than ten minutes and travel up to five or ten kilometres (57) ____ disappearing.'

Q60 Open-ended 1 mark

Blank 58: 'In extreme cases, however, they can (58) ____ several hours and cross distances over 150 kilometres!'

Q61 Open-ended 1 mark

Blank 59: 'The costliest and deadliest (59) ____ ever recorded was in Bangladesh in 1989.'

Q62 Open-ended 1 mark

Blank 60: 'In just a matter of minutes, the horrific twister (60) ____ the lives of 1,300 people and left 12,000 others injured.'

Q63 Open-ended 1 mark

Blank 61: 'The buildings were completely (61) ____ and 80,000 were left homeless.'

Q64 Open-ended 1 mark

Blank 62: 'Some survivors accused the government of (62) ____ to provide emergency assistance ...'

Q65 Open-ended 1 mark

Blank 63: 'Another (63) ____ was the poor housing construction in Bangladesh.'

Q66 Open-ended 1 mark

Blank 64: 'Furthermore, the unpredictability of tornadoes (64) ____ them difficult and dangerous to study.'

Q67 Open-ended 1 mark

Blank 65: 'It can strike when one (65) ____ expects it.'

Q68 Open-ended 2 marks

For each of the questions from 66 to 70, rewrite the given sentence(s) using the word(s) provided. Your answer must be in one sentence with the same meaning. Question 66: The boys could not solve the problem. They tried very hard. No matter __________

Q69 Open-ended 2 marks

Question 67: I do not want to hear white lies. I want to know the truth. __________ prefer __________

Q70 Open-ended 2 marks

Question 68: "Did you see my wallet on this table yesterday?" Nicholas asked his sister. Nicholas asked his sister __________

Q71 Open-ended 2 marks

Question 69: Si Ming could not participate in the competition. I took his place and participated in the competition. __________ in place of __________

Q72 Open-ended 2 marks

Question 70: Mr Lim was angry with his son because he was rude. Mr Lim stormed off. Enraged by __________

Q73 Structured 2 marks 🖼 Visual

Read the passage (a survival account of a plane crash in the mountains) and answer questions 71 to 80. Question 71: Based on the first paragraph, fill in the blanks in the table below. [2m] i) Cause: The pilots could not control the plane. Effect: ____ ii) Cause: ____ Effect: The plane lost altitude.

Q74 Open-ended 2 marks

Question 72: How would waiting in the open be a better option in the rescue of the survivors? [2m]

Q75 Open-ended 2 marks

Question 73: Why was the rescue effort unsuccessful? [2m]

Q76 Structured 2 marks

Question 74: Choose one word from paragraph 5 which has a similar meaning to each word below. [2m] i) called off ii) diminished

Q77 Open-ended 2 marks

Question 75: What does the author mean by 'our ignorance provided our only chance' in lines 41 and 42? [2m]

Q78 Open-ended 2 marks

Question 76: Explain why the team was in 'grave danger' in line 44. [2m]

Q79 Structured 1 mark

Question 77: Write 1, 2 and 3 in the blanks below to indicate the order in which the events occurred in the story. [1m] ____ The inexperienced climbers descended from the mountain. ____ Vizintin went back to the crash site. ____ The inexperienced climbers reached the top of the mountain.

Q80 Structured 3 marks 🖼 Visual

Question 78: Based on the story, state whether each statement in the table below is true or false, then give one reason why you think so. [3m] i) The author's sister was the sole reason for him venturing into the icy wilderness. ii) The survivors gave up using lipsticks to write on the roof of the aircraft as that was not going to work. iii) Vizintin was sent back to the crash site to look for more food for Canessa and the author.

Q81 Open-ended 1 mark

Question 79: What does the word 'it' in line 59 refer to? [1m]

Q82 Structured 3 marks

Question 80: In lines 61 and 62 the author mentioned "there were sixteen survivors who had cheated death despite the odds". (i) What did the author mean by 'cheated death'? [1m] (ii) What were the 'odds' they had to face? [2m]

P6 English SA2 2016 — Catholic High

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