EARTHQUAKE

One moment, Margaret was having some quality time with her mom as they prepared their
family dinner, the next moment she and the rest of her family were running from their home in
terror as the walls around them began to shake due to the tremor from the earth. No sooner had
they run from the house than another tremor crushed the whole building to the ground. 14-year-
old Albert also recalls his experience. He recounts that he was having fun playing football with
some neighbourhood kids and then the next thing they could see was that the ground started
shaking a lot. The light poles on the streets had bent like bubble gum. He recalls that he ran
home and when he saw his parents and siblings, there was fear in their eyes.“

These two experiences are a few of the many stories of people who have seen firsthand the
damaging effects of one of the most dangerous natural disasters in our world today,
Earthquakes.
Worldwide, over one million earthquakes occur each year, with an average of two a minute.
In this article, we are going to consider what an earthquake is, its activity and how to protect
yourself during an earthquake. 

Generally, the term earthquake is used to refer to any seismic event that results in the
generation of seismic waves; be it natural or man-made. An earthquake also sometimes
referred to as a quake or tremor is the shaking of the earth’s surface resulting from a sudden
emission of energy in the lithosphere of the earth that results in the creation of seismic waves.
Earthquakes vary in size from those that are so weak that they cannot be felt to those extremely
violent enough to move people and heavy objects into the air and cause massive destruction
across an entire populace. 
Generally, most earthquakes are natural, but human activities can lead to earthquakes as well. 
Earthquakes generated by human activity have been recorded in many locations in China, the
United States, and many other countries around the world. Earthquakes can be generated by a
wide range of causes including surface and underground mining, withdrawal of fluids and gas
from the earth’s subsurface, and injection of fluids into underground formations. Other
secondary effects of earthquakes include floods, tsunamis, fires, and landslides. While most
induced earthquakes are small in size and present little menace, larger and potentially
damaging man-made earthquakes have occurred in the past. 

The magnitude of an earthquake is the measure of the size of the earthquake source and it is a
number used to quantify the amount of seismic energy released by the earthquake. The
Seismometer is an instrument that responds to noises in the ground and shaking such as those
caused by earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and explosions, and when used together with a
timing device and a recording device, a seismograph that projects the reading is drawn.
Some of the most earthquake-prone regions in the world include countries like Japan, India,
Nepal, Mexico and the Philippines to mention a few. Most of the deadliest earthquakes to ever
occur have happened in these regions with Haiti being the most recent region to experience a
disastrous earthquake. 

Although several natural warning signs have been proposed, from frog behaviours to cloud
patterns, there remains no known way to accurately determine where or when an earthquake
might occur prior to its happening. However, due to advanced technology and experience, the
following points can help one during an earthquake to remain safe and protected.
Placing yourself under a table or desk is the quickest and safest way to protect yourself. If
you’re in a high building, move against the wall if you’re far away from a desk or table. Don’t
panic when the sprinkler or alarm systems turn on due to malfunction and do not use the
elevators. Stay indoors until the shaking stops and you are certain that it is safe to exit. More
injuries occur when there is movement during the tremor. After the shaking has stopped, if you
go outside, move quickly away from the building you are exiting to prevent injury from falling
debris. It is also advised that 
If you find yourself outdoors, move to a clear area. Try as much as possible to stay clear off
signposts, trees, electrical wires, poles, and buildings.
Earthquakes may cause injury and much worse, loss of life, damage to bridges and road
connections, general property damage, and collapse or destabilise (potentially leading to future
collapse)buildings. The aftermath may bring disease, lack of necessities, mental health issues
such as panic attacks, depression to survivors, and brain damage due to deep injuries to the
head. It is important to equip yourself with basic first aid practices and know-how to lend a
helping hand. Do whatever you can to be of help to those affected by the earthquake. 

We cannot prevent natural earthquakes from occurring but we can significantly mitigate their
effects by determining potential hazards, constructing safer structures, and providing much-
needed information on earthquake safety. By preparing for natural earthquakes we can also
reduce the risk from the one generated by human activities. 
Preparedness towards natural disasters like earthquakes can help you stay safe in times of
distress and emergency.

Question 1-9

Do the following statements agree with the claims of the writer in Reading Passage 1?

In boxes 1-9 in your answer sheet, write:

YES If the statement agrees with the claims of the writer

NO If the statement contradicts the claims of the writer

NOT GIVEN If it is impossible to say what the writer thinks about this.

1. An earthquake is the result of a sudden release of stored energy in the Earth's crust that
creates seismic waves.
2. Earthquakes may occur naturally or as a result of human activities.
3. The Earth’s outermost layer is fragmented into about 25 major slabs called tectonic
plates.
4. Liquefaction occurs where saturated soil (usually not too fine-grained sand) layers are
turned from solid to liquid, causing rapid failure.
5.  A seismometer is an instrument that records the shaking of the Earth's surface caused
by seismic waves.

6. During an earthquakes if you are outside, Move away from buildings, streetlights, and
utility wires.
 7. Apart from social and environmental impacts, earthquakes have no effects on a nation’s
economy.
8. There is no way to mitigate the effects of earthquakes because it’s almost impossible to
predict where or when an earthquake might occur.
9. Several natural warning signs have been proposed which may help us to early detect the
possibility of earthquake.

Question 10-16

Complete the summary using the list of words A-K, below

Earthquake-A natural calamity

(10)___________ are hard to predict and can happen any time. (11)___________plate
movement, human activities and volcanic (12)______________are 3 of the causes of
earthquakes, whose effects can be felt socially, (13)________________, and economically. As
we can see, (14)_____________of earthquakes is absolutely (15)_____________, so, suitable
action to reduce injury and death is of uttermost importance. Some safety action should take
place, such as (16)__________and safety build structures to resist earthquakes. 

A. Earthquakes
B. naturals
C. conditions
D. evacuation
E. world
F. Tectonics
G. calamity
H. impossible
I. eruptions
J. environmentally
K. prevention
THE ROLE OF NUTRITION IN EXERCISING AND GENERAL WELL BEING.

Carving out the perfect physique, whether as a form of sport or general well being has become
commonplace in modern society. Whether recreational or competitive, exercising has become a
lifestyle for many, from gym memberships to outdoor jogging to regular push-ups. Therefore it is
important to know the crucial role that our diet plays in helping us reach our set target, whether
to build muscle, lose weight or be in shape.

Food generally provides the body with the fuel necessary to carry out those physical activities.
Carbohydrates provide the body with energy whereas proteins are responsible for the repair of
damaged tissues and muscle fibres. A diet that is varied, balanced and moderate can provide
the body with the essential nutrients needed to maximise the results of the physical activity
being engaged in. Specific physical activity goals require specific kind of nutrition to achieve the
goal thus the differences in diet requirements for bodybuilding compared to what is required for
weight loss. Dedication and self-discipline are greatly required to be able to strictly follow a diet
plan. 
  
To build muscle mass, a diet rich in carbohydrates and proteins are greatly needed to optimise
muscle growth. Essential servings of carbohydrates are needed during a heavy workout and
enough proteins are required at the end of each training session to repair worn-out muscles and
heal them. Common sources of carbs are rice, pasta, oatmeal and bread while sources of
proteins include eggs, beans, Greek yoghurt, meat and cheese. However, moderation is key to
ensure that undue pressure is not placed on the liver and kidneys as this could be detrimental to
your health and dampen the progress in muscle mass. Hydration is also an important factor to
consider during dieting. Much water is lost during physical activity and training that needs to be
replenished and although food provides the body with water, that is not enough to replace all
that is lost. Hence it is advised that we drink +more water to ensure the body stays hydrated.

Good nutrition also ensures that weight loss goals are kept in reach. It does not specifically
require that you necessarily stop eating fat but moderation is key. Along with regular intense
workouts, a diet that is high in fibre is a good way to go with fruits and vegetables being
excellent sources of fibre. The fibre content helps with regular bowel movement and helps to
remove cholesterol from the body. The fibres also help you feel full and satisfied after a meal
since they take longer for the body to break down and that leaves you feeling full long after you
eat. Good hydration is also key. One important fluid the body needs is water and is readily
available. Unlike sodas and sugary drinks, water is calorie-free and helps the body to function
normally. Weight loss goals are realistic and can be achieved. 

A good diet plan ensures that we keep the body healthy and nourished and this increases our
life span. Coupled with regular exercise, we can attain the best version of ourselves.
It is however not always easy to stick to such a plan and many people start well but later end up
going back to level zero.
These are some key points to keep in mind when starting a diet plan. You should start with
realistic expectations and this means that you should not expect to be able to change everything
you do all at once. Take it one step at a time. It’s also important to keep in mind what it is that
really motivates you to want to continue the path of weight loss or building muscle mass. You
should also try as much as possible to keep unhealthy foods out of your house since it will help
you to not fall back on your plan. 
As the old saying goes, patience moves mountains, so it’s important to keep in mind that
changes do not occur overnight. Consistency is key in realising those set goals.

It is also important to understand that no matter how intense your workouts and routines are,
they wouldn’t be effective if your eating habits are bad. Hence cutting out on processed foods
and opting for whole foods is the good way to go. Eating very late in the night is also unhealthy
and accounts for the fat gain in most people so it is generally advised that you eat heavy foods
during the day and light during the evenings. 

Eating late at night can lead to major health complications like an increase in blood sugar levels,
heart diseases, obesity and acidity. Basically, the later you eat, the less your body is prepared
to sleep, which can also adversely affect your memory and efficiency for the next day.
Meals like oatmeal, Greek yoghurt and bananas are few examples of foods to consume during
the evenings.

Question 17-21

Using NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS from the text, answer the following questions:

17. According to the author, what is required to be able to strictly follow a diet plan?

18. How we can ensure that, our body is properly hydrated.

19. What are responsible for the repair of damaged tissues and muscle fibers?

20. What is the most important thing to achieve the set goals?

21. How would be your expectation when starting a diet plan?

Questions 22-25

Choose the most appropriate letters A-D and write them in Boxes 20-23 on your answer sheet.

22. What are required during a heavy workout and at the end of each training session?

A. Iron and vitamin-D

B. Calcium and carbohydrate
C. Vitamin A and proteins
D. carbohydrates and proteins
23. What are the best sources of fibers?

A. Milk
B. fruits and vegetables
C. Butter
D. Fish

24. What habit can lead to major health problems like an increase in blood sugar levels, heart
diseases, obesity and acidity?

A. Get up early in the morning

B. Physical Exercise
C. Eating late at night
D. Sleep early at night.

25. What are the common sources of proteins?

A. orange, oat, milk and rice
B. eggs, beans, Greek yoghurt, meat and cheese
C. Fish, onion, apple and beans
D. flour, eggs, orange and rice

Questions 26-29

The diagram below summaries some of the main points on how we can keep the body healthy
and nourished provided in the passage. Complete the diagram with information from the
passage. You may use NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS to fill each blank space. Write your
answers in Boxes 25-28 on your answer sheets.

26

To keep our
body healthy
27 28
and nourised
requires

29
ANCIENT EGYPT 

A. Ancient Egypt was a great civilization that existed about 3 millennia before our common
era. It was a bustling kingdom that thrived on its agricultural success. Its civilization was
so complex yet systemized that a whole branch of study dedicated to this civilization,
egyptology, has been birthed. Its many historic sites and monuments contain records
that give a lot of insight into the way of life, growth and activities within the kingdom.

B. The kingdom of Egypt had an absolute monarchy as their governance system, with the
pharaoh being the ruler. However,  the pharaoh had delegates who oversaw affairs
within given jurisdictions and reported back to him. He also had advisors who helped him
make decisions even though he always had the final say. Power was inherited and the
heir, along with the royal family, was groomed from birth to assume such power. They
also had clear class distinctions within the society where some were more noble than
others and this was also generally inherited. Regardless, some people were able to find
their way up from the lower class to nobility.

C. Trade and commerce were open and not restricted to just a few with a defined tax and
exchange system that was in place for the use of all. Wages for instance did not vary
across the kingdom, each job had a defined price. Trade was not only conducted
internally but with foreign nations also. This was however controlled by the state itself.

D. The legal system was based on sound judgement rather than a strict set of rules.
However,  there were laws that governed certain actions and failure to comply meant
punishment. Men had no special treatment before the law and to some degree, the
different social classes were legally viewed as equal. All had the right to be heard by
courts ,even slaves. Historians assert that the Egyptian system was much more liberal
than others with regard to human rights and freedoms.
E. Ancient Egypt is famous for its various architectural feats, predominantly the pyramids.
The precision with which the Egyptians built stunning structures attests to how high they
valued literacy. Engineers, architects and other professionals were trained well to be
able to further the kingdom's interests even with the use of fairly simple tools. Such
projects were entirely financed and overseen by the state itself since they were usually
for significant purposes.
F. Religion was one of the pillars of this civilization and was not taken for granted. They
worshipped a pantheon of gods who were believed to have powers unique to each of
them. Surprisingly, the ranking system of their gods was never ultraconservative and
there were hardly any attempts to make it so. The belief in the afterlife was a primary
aspect of their worship and this belief affected their way of life. They were very particular
about appeasing the gods who they saw as the providers of their wealth. The Egyptians
believed that after death,  they would be judged based on their deeds and be either
granted passage into the spirit world or not. This warranted a set of burial customs that
were seen as necessary to guarantee the immortality of the dead one including the
famous practice of mummification that involved the discarding of internal organs,
application of preservatives to the body then placing the body in a coffin. For royals,
especially the pharaoh,  the process was much more elaborate with the coffin being
designed and luxury items being enclosed with the body.
G. The Egyptians were prolific farmers who were constantly expanding their fields and food
production. This was one of their main sources of success and they owed it to the River
Nile.  The river had calculable flooding patterns which enabled the Egyptians to plan
their farming accordingly. The soil was also very rich thus producing plush crops when
cultivated. Their development of irrigation techniques also aided in sustaining their
farming practices all year round. With most of the population being farmers, there was
hardly any shortage of labour. Several types of foods were cultivated including grains,
fruits and vegetables. Their interest in farming was not based solely on food production.
It included medicinal uses that were used to combat prevalent diseases caused by
parasites in the Nile. 
H. Craft and art were also among several other things that characterized the Egyptian
lifestyle. Findings suggest that they led overindulgent lives with eating and drinking being
a prominent feature of life. Undoubtedly, their feats, in construction particularly, will
always strike awe in us. Industriousness coupled with intelligence turned Egypt into a
dominant empire that made its mark on history. 

Question 30-35

Reading Passage 3 has eight paragraphs A-H, Which paragraphs contains the following
information of Ancient Egypt?

NB You may use any letter more than once.

30. A brief discussion about burial customs.

31. The concept of Egyptology.
32. Discussion of various architectural feats.
33. Description about monarchy system.
34. Information about irrigation techniques.
35. Egyptian lifestyle.

Question 36-40

Complete the text below. Choose your answers from the word list A-I and write them in
Boxes 36-40 on your answer sheet.

The civilization of ancient Egypt.

The (36)___________of Ancient Egypt was one of the earliest in world (37)________. It
is usually held to have begun around 3000 BCE, when the lower (38)_______became
(39)_______  under a single ruler. At this date the only other people in the world to have
a literate, urban civilization were in (40)_________.

A. civilization
B. history
C. war
D. unified
E. power
F. Mesopotamia
G. Nile Valley
H. wonder
I. cheerful