Section A: Grammar MCQ (10 marks)

Circle the correct option (a) – (d).

1. “The burglars escaped in the end, _____________ they?” asked Jane

incredulously

a. do
b. did
c. don’t
d. didn’t

2. The group of boys watched the fire _____________ bigger and bigger in front of
their very eyes.

a. grow
b. grows
c. grew
d. grown

3. “Do you _____________ about the road accident that happened just in front of our
school late last night?” Samantha asked

a. know
b. knew
c. knows
d. known

4. Neither Jonah nor his friends ____________ that there is a test next week.

a. know
b. knew
c. had known
d. have known
5. “Benjamin rarely eats vegetables _____________ ?” his mother asked his brother.

a. did he
b. does he
c. didn’t he
d. doesn’t he

6. If she _____________ her homework, she would not have been reprimanded by
her tuition teacher.

a. did
b. does
c. has done
d. had done

7. A witness saw a strange man _____________ a basketball from the storeroom.

a. took
b. take
c. taken
d. had taken

8. If you _____________ your work more thoroughly, you would not have made
these mistakes.

a. check
b. checked
c. had checked
d. have checked

9. Not bringing handphones into the examination hall applies _____________ all
students

a. to
 b. at
c. for
d. with

10. Alex stood under a tree and felt something wet _______________ on his head.

a. land
b. landed
c. had landed
d. was landing

Section B: Vocabulary MCQ (5 marks)

Circle the correct option (a) – (d).

11. “Stop making so much noise in case they hear us!” Samantha_______________ at
Katy as they hid behind the door in the classroom.

a. hissed
b. shouted
c. muttered
d. bellowed

12. Although my aunt’s job applications were rejected numerous times, she remained
_____________ and continued trying to look for jobs.

a. unfazed
b. unwilling
c. unresolved
d. unsympathetic

13. The board of directors ________________the meeting to discuss the company’s

future plans.

a. sat on
b. sat out
 c. sat around
d. sat through

14. We need to put up signages at strategic locations in this area to remind pedestrians
to _____________ the construction site.

a. keep to
b. keep up
c. keep off
d. keep with

15. Mr Tan wants to ______________ the lesson on the use of tenses with his students
again.

a. go for
b. go off
c. go over
d. go with

Section C: Vocabulary Cloze (5 marks)

Circle the correct option (a) – (d).

In Chinese mythology, the white tiger was appointed the guardian of the west.
There was (16) a well-known story from long ago which stated that if a tiger ever
(17) continued to live to its 500th birthday, its tail would turn white. Consequently,
white tigers would only appear to emperors who ruled (18) virtuously. They were the
symbol of a peaceful (19) period of power. Although white tigers are (20) revered
creatures in Chinese lore, they now face a tipping point in their existence. The white
tigers are highly endangered. Hence, many wildlife advocates are trying to save the
world’s last remaining tigers.

Adapted from Reader’s Digest “Endangered Stripes”

16.
a. tale
b. fable
c. legend
d. parable

17.
a. lasted
b. existed
c. survived
d. persisted

18.
a. rightfully
b. guiltlessly
c. righteously
d. blamelessly

19.
a. reign
b. empire
c. monarchy
d. supremacy

20.
a. honoured
b. cherished
c. respected
d. favourable
Section D: Comprehension MCQ (8 marks)
Circle the correct option (a) – (d)

@ MARINA BARRAGE
Date: 22 March 2019, Saturday
Time: 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Venue: Marina Barrage

WALK FOR WATER FROM GARDENS BY THE BAY TO MARINA BARRAGE

(WALK-INS ARE WELCOME)
The Walk for Water aims to create the awareness of the distance people from
developing countries need to walk daily to access clean water. Join the Walk
for Water as you taken in the morning view of Gardens by the Bay from Bay
East to Marina Barrage.

Walk-ins are required to register by 7.45 a.m. at Gardens by the Bay East.
Shuttle bus service from Stadium MRT Station to Gardens by the Bay East is
available from 7 a.m..

WATER CONSERVATION EXHIBITION

Learn about domestic water conservation tips through the water conservation
exhibition and the interactive activities. Enjoy the display of students’
innovating projects to reduce water consumption at home. Collect six stamps
from the activity booths and you stand a chance to redeem a free gift! While
stocks last!

WATER AUDIT CHALLENGE

Practice the water conservation tips and monitor your water bills between
January and February 2019. Submit your February 2019 household utility bill
online and households with reduced water consumption in the month of
February will stand a chance to win an attractive prize!

Singapore World Water Day 2019

Easy Action Matters and when it comes to Saving
Water, everyone has a part to play. Drop your water
usage and watch your utility bill drop. Join us in our
activities and learn how you can make every drop count.
Take action now @
PUBSG
www.sgworldwaterday.com #MAKEEVERYDROPCOUNTSG
WWW.SGWORLDWATERDAY.COM
Water Is Precious What better way to spend your December Holidays?
Nanyang Academy & Garden Asia Kids Present….

Pitter Patter Camp for children from 8 to 12 years old

PITTER PATTER – the sound of waterfall and this sound of excited little footsteps.
This year, we wander into the world of water, a natural resource so precious to Singapore. We have planned a
series of excursions and activities for the children to learn and experience various aspects of water, and how it is

vital in our daily lives. A camp not to be missed!

Waterworks Fun with Water

@Scape @ Singapore Science Centre
Recycled Plastic Art With more than ten galleries that cover
An initiative by The Living Project, topics from Mathematics and Science to
Luminance! is Singapore’s first youth art Technology, participants will widen
light festival that showcases original their imagination to explore the endless
creations by local artists. The key possibilities of water conservation.
element of sustainability reiterates our
unique presence at SCAPE. Participants
will work on a recycled plastic art
masterpiece that will be put on display
at Luminance!

Usefulness of Water @ Marina Barrage

Here, participants will go on a guided tour of the Sustainable Singapore Gallery, learning about
our country’s efforts towards environmental sustainability through innovative and fun
multimedia.

Proudly brought to you by:

NANYANG ACADEMY
21. The events at Marina Barrage on 22 March 2019 are organized by
_______________________________.

a. Nanyang Academy
b. Gardens by the Bay
c. Garden Asia Kids Pte Ltd
d. Singapore’s National Water Agency

22. Participants for Walk for Water at the Gardens by the Bay
_________________________.

a. can register for the walk at 8 a.m.

b. walk to enjoy the morning view of Gardens by the Bay
c. will learn that clean water is hard to get in some countries
d. can enjoy the free shuttle bus service to Stadium MRT Station

23. Which of the following does not take place at Marina Barrage?

a. activities on water conservation

b. sharing of water conservation tips
c. workshops on monitoring utility bills
d. display of students’ water conservation projects

24. Families can win a prize when they _________________________________.

a. submit their February household utility bill online

b. pay their household utility bills before February 2019
c. reduce their household water usage in February 2019
d. monitor their household water usage over two months

25. For more information on Water Audit Challenge, John may _______________.

a. call 6886 5335

b. visit Marina Barrage exhibition
c. sign up with Nanyang Academy
d. log on to www.sgworldwaterday.com
26. Pitter Patter camp aims to _______________________________.

a. give children the opportunity to carry out hands-on activities

b. occupy children meaningfully during their December holidays
c. teach children the importance of water as it is a scarce natural resource
d. create awareness in children of the challenges faced by people living in
developing countries

27. _________________________ teachers participants to think of creative ways

to conserve water.

a. Waterworks @ Scape
b. Water Wonders @ Garden Asia Kids
c. World Without Water @ Nanyang Academy
d. Fun with Water @ Singapore Science Centre

28. Which of the following is true?

a. Pitter Patter Camp is suitable for all primary school students

b. Garden Asia Kids is the sole organizer of Pitter Patter Camp
c. Soyato, which is made from soy milk, is imported from Japan.
d. Participants of Pitter Patter Camp will have a chance to have their art
work displayed
Section E: Grammar Cloze (10 marks)
Fill in the blanks with a correct word from the box.

(A) about (D) as (G) in (K) them (N) to

(B) among (E) but (H) is (L) this (P) while
(C) are (F) by (J) their (M) of (Q) your

The Health Promotion Board (HPB) revealed that 43 per cent of teenagers

consume sugary drinks daily. (29) ___________ habit seems to be cultivated when

they were younger. Another HPB survey conducted (30) ___________ teachers,

parents and caregivers showed that 28 per cent of (31) ___________ provided

sugary drinks more than once a week to (32) ___________ children aged between

four and nine years old.

One can of sugary drink contains seven teaspoons of sugar. Sugar is bad for

health because it provides zero nutritional value (33) ___________ increasing calorie

intake.

Research shows that the consumption of sugary drinks (34) ___________

associated with poor dietary choices and obesity in children – and these health issues

follow them to adulthood. (35) ___________ lifelong dietary habits are formed at an

early age, it is important to pay more attention to what our children and teenagers
(36) ___________ consuming. HPB recommends that children between three and six

years old drink three (37) ___________ five glasses of water daily.

(38) ___________ addition, HPB has launched the “Let’s Drink Water

Campaign”. This campaign aims to raise awareness of the importance of drinking

water. It also encourages children and teenagers to replace sugary drinks with water.

Adapted from http://www.hpb.gov.sg/article/singapore’s-first-let’s-drink-water-

campaign-encourages-children-and-teens-to-consume-more-water-and-less-sugary-

drinks

Section F: Editing (10 marks)

Each of the underlined words contains either a spelling or grammatical
error. Write the correct word in each of the boxes.

The One and Only Inuka was launched by Education Minister Ong Ye Kung at
(39)

the Singapore Zoo on 26 December 2018. That day will have been the bear’s 28th
(40)

birthday. The book commemorated the first polar bear in the tropics, loved by many

Singaporeans, which died last year.

 The 36-page book features intresting nuggets on Inuka’s life and personalities.
(41)

It has sold more than 800 copies till date. Published by Straits Times Press, the book
(42)

is ilustraited by Quek Hong Shin and write by Alan John.

(43) (44)

Part of the proseeds from the sales will go to The Straits Times School Pocket
(45)

Money Fund. About 50 fund beneficiaries and their family members, as well as

Inuka’s keepers and staff of the Singapore Zoo and Singapore Press Holdings (SPH),
(46)

were at the launching.

Mr Mohan, one of Inuka’s carers during this last three years, said of Inuka, “He
(47) (48)

has given us so many happy memorees, for which we are truelee thankful. More

than that, he has been the wonderful voice for his wild cousins, and offered many

(49) (50)

Singaporeans a glimse into the Arctic. Inuka will always live on deep in our hearts.”

The One and Only Inuka will be on sale at all major bookstores at $16.

Adapted from http://www.straitstimes.com

Section G: Comprehension Cloze (15 marks)
Fill in the blanks with a suitable word using the contextual clues
available.

Florence Nightingale was a nurse who saved many lives in the 19 th century.

She was named (51) _______________ the city of Florence in Italy, where her

parents lived after they got married in 1818. Her family was rich and they had two

homes in Britain where they later moved to.

Unlike the women of her time who enjoyed going for parties and looked

forward to getting married, Florence was an (52) ________________ young woman

because she did neither of these. She wanted to be a nurse to help people but her

family was against it as hospitals back then were dirty and dangerous places. They

(53) ________________ worried for her health and safety. (54) _______________

her family’s strong opposition, Florence left for Germany to (55) ______________ all

about nursing. It was hard work, but she loved it.

In 1854, many British soldiers went to fight in the Crimean War and hospitals

were (56) _______________ with injured men. However, as there were not enough

nurses, many of the men died from their (57) _______________ . The poor living

conditions of the hospitals worsened the situation.

 In (58) _______________ to the dire situation, Florence and her team of

nurses decided to help out in the hospitals in the war-torn areas. Florence worked 20

hours a (59) _______________ to make the army hospital a cleaner and safer place.

She cleaned the hospital beds and she used clean bandages to dress the (60)

________________ of the soldiers. Soon, fewer men were (61) ________________

as a result of the improved hospital conditions. At night, Florence walked around the

hospital, talking to injured soldiers and helping them to write letters to (62)

_______________ families. As it was too dark in the night, Florence carried a lamp

(63) _______________ making her rounds and for that, the soldiers called her ‘The

lady with the lamp’.

When Florence returned to England, people called her a (64)

_______________ because of her courageous, noble and amazing contributions

made in the Crimean War. Florence transformed nursing after she got back and was

an inspiration to (65) ________________ people.

Florence Nightingale will always be remembered for her role in the founding

of the modern nursing profession.

Adapted from British Council Learn English Kids

Section H: Synthesis and Transformation (10 marks)
Rewrite the given sentences(s) using the word(s) provided. The
meaning of your sentence must be the same as the meaning of the
given sentence(s).

66. My cousin was surprised. She passed her driving test in her first attempt.

Much to _________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

67. “The boys went for the movie yesterday,” Julie told her mother.

Julie told __________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

68. When my brother received the award, he wept with joy.

____________________________________ on ___________________________

__________________________________________________________________

69. He could hardly stand up by himself because he was extremely ill.

____________________________________ so ____________________ that

__________________________________________________________________

70. He needs to apply for the scholarship. He wants to further his studies

In order to ______________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________
Section I: Comprehension Open-ended (20 marks)
Read the passage and answer all questions carefully.

(1) Mark Zuckerberg, founder of FaceBook, was born on May 14, 1984 in
White Plains, New York and was raised in nearby Dobbs Ferry. He was born into a
well-educated family and developed an interest in computer programming at an early
age.

(2) Al the age of 12, Zuckerberg created a messaging program named Zucknet
that he implemented as an inter-office communication system for his father’s dental
practice. Due to his early signs of success, his parents got him a computer
programming tutor while he was still in secondary school, and they enrolled him in a
private school in New Hampshire. After graduating, Zuckerberg enrolled in Harvard
University.

(3) While many intelligent people attend Harvard University, Mark Zuckerberg
became known quickly as the go-to computer programmer on campus. By his second
year, he had already build two programs: CourseMatch and EaceMash. Both programs
became wildly popular, but the university shut down the latter program after it was
deemed to be inappropriate.

(4) Based on his acclaim on campus, Zuckerberg partnered with friends to

create a social networking site that allowed Harvard students to connect with each
other. The site officially went live in June 2004, under the name “The Facebook”, and
Zuckerberg ran it out of his apartment.

(5) After his second year in school, Zuckerberg dropped out of college to
pursue what was then called Facebook full-time as the website had garnered 1 million
users by the end of 2004, and he had wanted it to grow even more.

(6) This explosion of user growth attracted the attention of many investors.
Zuckerberg eventually moved out to Silicon Valley in 2005. Facebook received its
first round of investments from Accel Partners, which invested $12.7 million in the
site that was still only open to a very select group of students. This was an indication
of Zuckerberg’s astute decision-making.

(7) By the end of 2005, however, Facebook had opened up to students

attending other schools, causing the website to reach 5.5 million users. Since 2005,
Facebook has received numerous offers of purchase from the likes of Yahoo and
Microsoft, has been through legal battles, and has greatly increased its users.

(8) When it comes to influence, Zuckerberg has signed the ‘Giving Pledge’,
which means he will donate at least 50% of his wealth to philanthropic causes before
he dies. In 2010, for example, he donated more than $100 million to save the Newark
school system in New Jersey. When his daughter Max was born, Zuckerberg and his
wife, Priscilla Chan, wrote an open letter in which they pledged to give away 99% of
their net worth during their lifetime.

(9) Zuckerberg gave away $1.9 billion in 2017, a feat that was second only to
Bill and Melinda Gates’ donation for that year. However, Zuckerberg does not just
rely on his wealth to help the poor. His belief is that he can also help in other ways. In
his free time, he would often be seen in action helping to distribute food and other
necessities to the poor around the world. Truly, he is one who believes in giving the
best of himself for those who are in need.

Adapted from ‘Mark Zuckerberg: Success Story’

71. Which 2-word phrase in paragraph 2 tells you that Zucknet only works within a
single office? (1m)

_______________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________

72. In paragraph 2, what two things did Mark’s parents do to show support for his
talents? (2m)

_______________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________

73. Write 1, 2 and 3 in the blanks below to indicate the order of events in the story.
(1m)

_______________ Mark Zuckerberg enrolled in Harvard University.

_______________ Mark Zuckerberg created Facebook.

_______________ Mark Zuckerberg created CourseMatch.

74. Why did Mark Zuckerberg drop out of college? (2m)

_______________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________

75. Choose words from paragraphs 4-5 that are similar in meaning to the words
below. (3m)

fame

enabled

reached
76. In paragraphs 5-6, which sentence is used to show that Facebook is in watchful
eyes of many other companies? (2m)

_______________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________

77. From paragraph 6, what was the evidence to show that Mark Zuckerberg made
a wise choice to drop out of college to pursue Facebook fulltime? (2m)

_______________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________

78. What programs to do following words refer to? (2m)

It (paragraph 3)

Website (paragraph 5)

79. From paragraphs 7-9 state whether each statement in the table below is true or
false, then give one reason why you think so. (3m)

Statement True/False Reason

(a) Facebook found it hard

to gain popularity with
students.

(b) Zuckerberg has signed

the Giving Pledge, which
means he will donate at
least 99% of his wealth to
philanthropic causes
before he dies.
 (c) Zuckerberg donated
more money than Bill
Gates in 2017.

80. According to the passage, do you think that one can only help the poor if he/she
has money? Support your answer with examples from the passage. (2m)

_______________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________

Answer Key

1. d
2. a
3. a
4. a
5. b
6. d
7. b
8. c
9. a
10. a
11. a
12. a
13. d
14. c
15. c
16. c
17. c
18. c
19. a
20. c
21. d
22. c
23. c
24. c
25. d
26. c
27. d
28. d
29. L
30. B
31. K
32. J
33. P
34. H
35. D
36. C
37. N
38. G
39. would
40. commemorates
41. interesting
42. to
43. illustrated
44. written
45. proceeds
46. launch
47. memories
48. truly
49. glimpse
50. deeply
51. after
52. amazing
53. were
54. Despite
55. learn
56. filled
57. infections
58. response
59. day
60. wounds
61. dying
62. their
63. while
64. hero
65. many
66. Much to my cousin’s surprise, she passed her driving test at her first attempt.
67. Julie told her mother that the boys had gone for the movie the previous day.
68. My brother wept with joy on receiving the award.
69. He was so ill that he could hardly stand up by himself.
70. In order to further his studies, he needs to apply for the scholarship.
71. Inter-office
72. Mark’s parents gave him a programing tutor and enrolled him in a private
school in Hampshire.
73. 1, 3, 2
74. He dropped out of college to pursue Facebook full-time as it had reached 1
million users, and he wanted to grow even more users.
75. Fame  acclaim
Enabled  allowed
Reached  garnered
76. This explosion of user growth attracted the attention of many investors.
77. Facebook received its first round of investments from Accel Partners, which
invested $12.7 million in the site that was still only to a selected group of
students.
78. It  Face mash
Website  Facebook
79. False  it grew from 1 million users to 5.5 million users
False  Zuckerberg has signed the Giving Pledge which means he will donate
at least 50% of his wealth before he dies
False  Zuckerberg was second only to the Gates in terms of donation
80. No. They can do other things like distribute food or other necessities to the
needy.