MINISTRY OF EDUCATION, HERITAGE & ARTS

FIJI YEAR 12 CERTIFICATE EXAMINATION 2021

ENGLISH
Time Allowed: 3 hours
(An extra 10 minutes is allowed for reading this paper.)

INSTRUCTIONS
1. Write your Index Number on the front page and inside the back flap of the Answer
Booklet.
2. Write all your answers in the Answer Booklet provided.
3. If you use extra sheets of paper, be sure to show clearly the question number(s) being
answered and to tie each sheet in your Answer Booklet at the appropriate places.
Ensure that your Index Number is written on the extra sheets.
4. Answer all the questions with a blue or black ballpoint pen or ink pen. Do not use red
ink. You may use a pencil only for drawing.
5. You may use a calculator, provided it is silent, battery-operated and non-programmable.

6. There are four sections in this paper. All sections are compulsory.
Note the choices in Section C and D.

SUMMARY OF QUESTIONS

SECTION GUIDELINES TOTAL SUGGESTED

MARK TIME
Writing
A Both questions are compulsory. 25 55 minutes

Comprehension and Summary Writing

B Both questions are compulsory. 20 45 minutes

Language
Part I – Grammar and Vocabulary 15 10 minutes
This question is compulsory.
C Part II – Register Study
Answer any two questions out of the four 10 15 minutes
questions given.

Literature
There are three genres in this section. Each
D genre has four questions. Answer any two 30 55 minutes
questions, one each from two different
genres.

TOTAL 100 180 minutes

COPYRIGHT: MINISTRY OF EDUCATION, HERITAGE AND ARTS, FIJI, 2021.

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SECTION A WRITING [25 marks]

There are two questions in this section. Both questions are compulsory.
QUESTION 1 FORMAL WRITING (15 marks)

Write on one of the topics (a) to (e) given under the headings Expository Essay and Report.
Write about 230 to 250 words. In marking, the examiner will be looking especially for the
use of appropriate register, originality of ideas, logical organisation, correct paragraphing,
relevant linkage, expression and style.

Plan is worth two marks.

Expository Essay

Either
(a) The reasons Agriculture is very important for a society

Or (b) Investment in education results in personal and societal rewards

.
Or (c) Many lessons have been learnt while living through the pandemic

Or (d) The news media shapes the society by influencing how people feel and act

Or
Report
(e) Using the statistics in the table given below, write a report titled:

Secondary Education Enrolment from 2012 to 2020

Source: http://www.education

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You may use the following headings in the report:

(i) Introduction
(ii) Comparative analysis of data
(iii) Possible reasons for the trend (discuss two)
(iv) Conclusion
(v) Recommendation (discuss one)

QUESTION 2 PERSONAL WRITING (10 marks)

The theme of this question is Self- Reflection.

Write about 180 to 200 words on one of the topics (a) to (e) given below.
Each requires writing in a particular register for a particular audience.

For this question, ensure that you pay close attention to the theme, and have at least three main ideas.

Plan is worth one mark.

Either
(a) Write a journal entry beginning with:

I recall a time when all I seemed to need was support.

Or

(b) Referring closely to the theme, write a narrative essay

including the sentence given below in any part of your writing:

Today, I feel I have come a long way.

Or

(c) Write a newspaper report about a famous personality’s self-reflection

during the pandemic.

Or
(d) Choosing one picture on page 4 to guide you, write about the
theme using a personal style of writing of your choice.

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(i)

Source: http://91.74.194.35.bc.googleusercontent.com
(ii)

Source: https://fijiwomensfund.org

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SECTION B COMPREHENSION AND SUMMARY WRITING [20 marks]

There are two questions in this section. Both questions are compulsory.

QUESTION 3 COMPREHENSION (15 marks)

Read the passage carefully and answer the questions that follow.

Online Learning is the Future of Education

The concept of traditional education has changed radically within the last few years. Being
physically present in a classroom isn’t the only learning option anymore; not with the rise of the
internet and new technologies, at least. Nowadays, access to a quality education is made possible
whenever and wherever, as long as there is access to a computer. This is now a new era; the
5 revolution of online education.
There’s no need to discount the doubts surrounding education through the internet. It’s hard to
understand the notion of leaving behind the conventional classroom, especially if it's to face this
vast space called The Internet. However, that’s not reason enough to shy away from this
alternative, which has proven to be valid and useful for many students. According to the most
10 recent survey from Babson Survey Research Group, over 30 percent of higher education students
in the United States are taking at least one distance course. Online education is a sensible choice
whether for a teenager or an adult. As a student, this can be a useful learning method for
sharpening the skills in a difficult subject, or learning a new skill.

Online education enables the teacher and the student to set their own learning pace, and there’s
15
the added flexibility of setting a schedule that fits everyone’s agenda. As a result, using an online
educational platform allows for a better balance of work and studies, so there’s no need to give
anything up. Studying online teaches one vital time management skills, which makes finding a
good work-study balance easier. Having a common agenda between the student and teacher can
also prompt both parties to accept new responsibilities and have more autonomy.
20
Online education enables one to study or teach from anywhere in the world. This means there’s
no need to commute from one place to another, or follow a rigid schedule. On top of that, not only
does one save time, but also money, which can be spent on other priorities. The virtual classroom
is also available anywhere there’s an internet connection, and a good way to take advantage of
this is to travel. For example, if one is studying abroad and wants to obtain a job, online education
25
is a great choice. There’s no reason to give up on working or studying while exploring new and
exotic places. It has been mentioned earlier on how flexibility can help to set one’s own study
pace, but online education is also flexible for each student’s individual requirements and level of
ability.

Online classes tend to be smaller than standard class sizes. Most of the time, online learning
30
platforms only allow one student at a time, and in almost all cases, this allows for greater
interaction and more feedback between the student and the tutor.

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There’s often access to very diverse material such as videos, photos, and eBooks online as well,
and tutors can also integrate other formats like forums or discussions to improve their lessons.
This extra content is available at any moment from anywhere, which will offer a more dynamic
35 and tailor-made education. These are only a few reasons to choose an online education, and
most students today think that online learning is the same or better than the traditional classroom
experience.

Every student must assess their unique situation and decide according to their needs and goals,
and while this alternative to traditional education is not for everyone, it's still a convenient option
40 with virtually endless options for international students all over the world.

Adapted from: https://www.educations.com

A. Multiple-Choice (4 marks)
Choose the best answer and write the letter of your choice in the Answer Booklet.

1. As used in the passage, the word radically in line 1 means

A. badly. C. slowly.
B. easily. D. profoundly.

2. Access to quality education today is made possible through

A. classrooms. C. learning.
B. physical presence. D. internet-enabled computers.

3. According to line 6, education through the internet has

A. great success. C. advantages.

B. been a common choice. D. disadvantages.

4. It is recommended that difficult subjects are best learnt through

A. an adult. C. online education.

B. a teenager. D. conventional classroom.

B. Sentence Completion (6 marks)

Complete the following sentences in your Answer Booklet using the ideas given in
the passage. Try to use your own word(s) where possible.

5. According to paragraph 3, two ways online education is flexible are ____________

and _______________________________.
(2 marks)

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6. Studying or teaching from anywhere in the world is possible because

______________________and ___________________________. (2 marks)

7. Standard class sizes are ____________________________ and

________________________________________________. (2 marks)

C. Open-ended Questions (6 marks)

Use your own words as far as possible to answer the questions given below.
Write complete sentences.

8. Explain the phrase more dynamic and tailor-made education as it is used in the
passage. (2 marks)

9. State from the passage how most students today regard online education. (1 mark)

10. Explain the message in the conclusion of the passage. (2 marks)

QUESTION 4 SUMMARY WRITING (5 marks)

Summarise lines 29 to 40 of the comprehension passage. Use about 70 to 80 words.

Write your summary in the space provided in the Answer Booklet.

SECTION C LANGUAGE [25 marks]

There are two parts in this section. Part I is compulsory. Note the choices in Part II.

Part I GRAMMAR AND VOCABULARY (15 marks)

QUESTION 5

A. Language Usage (4 marks)

Choose the best answer and write the letter of your choice in the Answer Booklet.

1. “The story you have just shared is familiar to me. It _________ a bell ,” said Ana.
The word that correctly completes the idiom is

A. makes C. rings
B. brings D. knocks

2. Children enjoy riding bicycles with friends, _____________?

A. isn’t it C. don’t they

B. doesn’t they D. does they

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3. The prisoner had been placed under a close watch.

The closest word that can mean the same as the phrase in bold is
A. drill C. timer
B. sleep D. guard

4. Donu was in a _________ with the choices he had make and could see no way out.

A. lift C. dilemma
B. tunnel D. difficulty

B. Prepositions (4 marks)
Write the correct preposition for each of the following sentences in the space provided
in the Answer Booklet.

1. You are responsible ________ the noise.

2. You will have to wait _______ the afternoon.

3. The three students whispered __________ themselves.

4. Kindly refrain _________ using mobile phones during classes at school.

C. Punctuation (4 marks)
Write the missing punctuation for each of the sentences given below in the Answer Booklet.
1. Saras dog bit the grey shoes.

2. “How fast was the fo” asked Miku.

3. While bracing the door he reached for the keys.

4. “There is a beautiful garden near my home,” explained Kiara

D. Rewriting (3 marks)
Rewrite the following sentences using the instructions given in brackets in the
Answer Booklet. Do not change the meaning of the sentences.
1. You play volleyball. (Change into the Simple past tense).
_________________________________________________________ (1 mark)

2. Thomas has a dental appointment. He will be early to work.

(Join using: …but…….)
_________________________________________________________ (1 mark)

3. You can call me at home. You can also call me at the office.
(Rewrite using: …either…or…..)
_________________________________________________________ (1 mark)

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Part II REGISTER STUDY (10 marks)

Answer any two questions from Questions 6, 7, 8, and 9 in the space provided in your
Answer Booklet. Write complete sentences. Do not repeat answers or features.

QUESTION 6 LANGUAGE OF SCIENCE (5 marks)

Antibodies

Antibodies (also called immunoglobulins) are specialised proteins that travel through the bloodstream
and are found in bodily fluids. They are used by the immune system to identify and defend against
foreign intruders to the body.

These foreign intruders, or antigens, include any substance or organism that evokes an immune
response.

Examples of antigens that cause immune responses include:

 bacteria
 viruses
 pollen
 incompatible blood cell types

Antibodies recognise specific antigens by identifying certain areas on the surface of the antigen known
as antigenic determinants. Once the specific antigenic determinant is recognised, the antibody will
bind to the determinant. The antigen is tagged as an intruder and labelled for destruction by other
immune cells. Antibodies protect against substances prior to cell infection.

Retrieved from: https://www.thoughtco.com

QUESTIONS

(i) State the purpose of this sample. (1 mark)

(ii) Identify an example of a jargon in the sample above. (1 mark)

(iii) State the importance of the feature in (ii) above for this sample. (1 mark)

(iv) Identify the feature in bold in the last paragraph in this sample. (1 mark)

(v) Identify the sentence structure that is underlined in this sample. (1 mark)

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QUESTION 7 LANGUAGE OF BUSINESS (5 marks)

17th October 2021

To: All Employees

From: Jason Soko, Vice president of Marketing

Subject: Product Launch Update for the GHY Computer

Dear Colleagues

Considering the responses we have received over the past three months from product testers and
customer surveys, I am writing to inform you that the product launch for the GHY Computer will
be delayed from its initial date to April 2, 2022.

We believe that the extra time to test the computer's capability with updated software programs
will serve to help the customer in expanding their usage of software to perform daily tasks.

The marketing department will keep the organisation posted on new updates. We understand that
this change may affect the revenue and profits generated by the sales team.

While this delay is unfortunate news for all of us, we believe in the promise of our employees to
rebound from this and thrive during the 2021 fiscal year.

We believe our current clients will stay committed to us despite this news.

Thank you.

Yours faithfully

J Soko

Jason Soko
jsoko@ghycomputers.com
458-983-6470
Adapted from: https://www.indeed.com
QUESTIONS

(i) Identify the tone of the sample above. (1 mark)

(ii) Identify an example of a linguistic feature (not already mentioned) in the sample. (1 mark)

(iii) State what can be said about the paragraphs in this sample. (1 mark)

(iv) Identify an example of a non-linguistic feature in the sample. (1 mark)

(v) State the function of the non-linguistic feature in (iv) above in this sample. (1 mark)

© MEHA, FY12CE 2021: ENGLISH.

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QUESTION 8 LANGUAGE OF NEWSPAPER REPORTING (5 marks)

COVID-19: Suva Opens Up

Suva was at its usual as commuters came in “I commute daily by bus to work and have to
numbers to do their shopping and travel to take precaution because I have children at
work after the four-day Suva-Nausori home,” Mr Dan said.
lockdown ended.
Suva Retailers Association president
Members of the public could be seen flocking welcomed the opening of businesses in Suva
around the Suva municipal market and at major and emphasised the importance of retailers
shopping centers as the shopping frenzy observing COVID-19 safe protocols.
continued through the afternoon.
“The shopping frenzy was expected as the big
A Nadera resident was thankful for the lifting crowd came to cash their $90 shopping and
of the lockdown but cautioned on travelling stock up on essentials,” he said.
because people were still at risk.
“The message is clear that all shops have to
adhere to protocols set up.”

Adapted from: https://fijisun.com.fj

QUESTIONS

(i) Identify the purpose of the sample. (1 mark)

(ii) State one meaning of the headline. (1 mark)

(iii) Identify the feature that is underlined in the sample. (1 mark)

(iv) State the importance of the feature in (iii) in the sample. (1 mark)

(v) State how the details of the news are presented in the sample. (1 mark)

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QUESTION 9 LANGUAGE OF PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION (5 marks)

COVID-19 Vaccination Update

The Ministry of Health and Medical Services wishes to advise that due to the high uptake
of the COVID-19 vaccine, the vaccination campaign in Suva has concluded as of 4th May
2021.

The target group for this phase of vaccination roll-out includes:

 Persons living with disabilities.

 Individuals above 60 years of age.

 Individuals with Co-morbid issues such as diabetes, hypertension, heart conditions,

asthma, HIV, cancer, patients undergoing renal dialysis and any other medical
condition.

The Ministry of Health will announce when more vaccines are available in the country.
Until then, all vaccine eligible individuals above 18 years of age are urged to register for
the vaccine at https://vra.digitalfiji.gov.fj//

For further queries on registration, please email: vrsupport@digitalfiji.gov.fj

Adapted from: https://www.health.gov.fj

QUESTIONS

(i) Identify the purpose of this sample. (1 mark)

(ii) Identify a feature that contributes to the tone of this sample. (1 mark)

(iii) Identify an example of passive construction in the sample above. (1 mark)

(iv) State the importance of a non- linguistic feature in the sample above. (1 mark)

(v) Identify an example of a standardised expression that is used in the sample. (1 mark)

© MEHA, FY12CE 2021: ENGLISH.

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SECTION D LITERATURE [30 marks]

Answer any two questions from two different genres. You are reminded that a good
answer makes useful close reference to the work(s) studied. Write the question number,
the letter option, the title(s), and the author(s)/ poet(s)/ playwright of the text you use
in the space provided in the Answer Booklet. Each essay question is worth 15 marks
and you should use about 180 to 200 words for the content.

Use the following mark breakdown to guide you in each essay question you answer:
 title and poet/author/playwright of the work studied (1 mark)
 plan (2 marks)
 introduction (1 mark)
 content (10 marks)
 conclusion (1 mark)

Note the change in the mark allocation for Reading a Poem (11D) and the Drama extract (12 D).

QUESTION 10 PROSE
With close reference to the Prose chosen, answer one option from (A) to (D) in your
Answer Booklet.

Either
(A) Important events in a story usually teach lessons to the readers.
With reference to the novel you have studied this year,

(i) explain two events which you consider important, and (4 marks)

(ii) discuss one lesson that you have learnt from each of the events in (i) above.

(6 marks)
Or
(B) Some components of culture include symbols, language, values, beliefs
and norms.

With reference to the novel studied this year,

(i) explain one example each from any of the two components above, and (4 marks)

(ii) discuss how each example in (i) above is similar to or different from your
culture. (6 marks)
Or
(C) A good story is one which connects a reader with familiar knowledge or
experience(s) from the very beginning.

With reference to the two short stories studied this year on the same theme of
Relationships,

(i) explain the beginning of each of the stories, and (4 marks)

(ii) discuss one way in which each of the stories displays familiar knowledge
or experience for you. (6 marks)
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Or

(D) Challenges make people stronger.

With reference to the two short stories studied this year on the theme Values,

(i) explain one hardship a character in each story faced, and (4 marks)

(ii) discuss how each hardship described in (i) above has made each
character stronger. (6 marks)

QUESTION 11 POETRY

With close reference to the poems chosen, answer one option from (A) to (D) in your
Answer Booklet. The use of apt quotations will improve the quality of your answer.

Either

(A) Important issues by poets deepen readers’ understanding and appreciation

of the poems.

With reference to the two poems on the theme Social Issues,

(i) explain one important issue in each poem, and (4 marks)

(ii) discuss how each issue in (i) deepens your understanding and appreciation
for each poem. (6 marks)

Or
(B) Education and progress are inseparable elements.

With reference to the two poems on the theme Progress,

(i) explain one impact of education that is expressed in each poem, and (4 marks)

(ii) discuss how each impact in (i) above is relevant to a type of progress you are familiar
with. (6 marks)
Or

(C) With progress comes issues for people or other living things or the environment.

Refer to the two poems from either one of the two themes, Progress
or Social Issues to answer the following:

(i) describe a literary device used by each poet for the two poems
on the same theme, and (4 marks)

(ii) discuss how each of the literary devices in (i) bring out the issues related
to progress in each of the two poems. (6 marks)

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Or
(D) Reading a Poem

Read the poem given below and answer the questions that follow in the Answer
Booklet. Number your answers correctly.

Building
I. E. Dickenga

We are building every day

In a good or evil way,
And the structure, as it grows,
5 Will our inmost self disclose,

Till in every arch and line

All our faults and failings shine;
It may grow a castle grand,
Or a wreck upon the sand.

10 Do you ask what building this

That can show both pain and bliss,
That can be both dark and fair?
Lo, its name is character!

Build it well, whate'er you do;

Build it straight and strong and true;
Build it clear and high and broad;
Build
Source: it for the eye of God.
https://www.poemhunter.com

Source : http://www.stresslesscountry.com

QUESTIONS

(i) Identify a rhyme in the poem. (1 mark)

(ii) Describe the mood of this poem. (2 marks)

(iii) Explain who we in line 1 refers to in this poem. (2 marks)

(iv) Explain the use of a figure of speech in the poem. (2 marks)

(v) Explain the phrase: Build it for the eye of God. (2 marks)

(vi) Discuss the message that the poet conveys to the readers. (3 marks)

(vii) Discuss in your own words what the poem is about. (3 marks)

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QUESTION 12 DRAMA

With close reference to the play studied, answer one option from (A) to (D) in your
Answer Booklet.

In your essay, the use of apt quotations will improve the quality of your answer. You are
not to refer to the Act/scene given in the extract on Page 17 of this Question Paper.

Either

(A) Elements of drama can bring life to ordinary people or events.

With close reference to the play you have studied this year,

(i) explain one event or one character who appears ordinary, and (4 marks)

(ii) discuss for each one in (i) how the elements of drama bring life to them.
(6 marks)

Or

(B) There is no drama without conflict.

With close reference to the play you have studied this year,

(i) explain a scene that depicts a conflict, and (4 marks)

(ii) discuss how the conflict develops further to high intensity drama. (6 marks)

Or

(C) It is common in drama to witness a fall on the part of a character who

who lets pride rule him.

With close reference to the play you have studied this year,

(i) describe a character who displays pride, and (4 marks)

(ii) discuss two ways how that pride leads to the downfall of this character. (6 marks)

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Or
(D) Extract
Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow in the Answer Booklet.
Number your answers correctly.

Y: If you shall send them word you will not come,

Their minds may change. Besides it were a
mock
Apt to be rendered for someone to say,
5 “Break up the senate till another time
When Caesar’s wife shall meet with better
dreams.”
If Caesar hide himself, shall they not whisper,
“Lo, Caesar is afraid”?
10 Pardon me,Caesar. For my dear, dear love
To your proceeding bids me tell you this,
And reason to my love is viable.

Z: How foolish do your fears seem now,

Calphurnia!
I am ashamed I did yield to them.
Give me my robe for I will go.

Source: https://cambridgeschoolshakespeare.com

QUESTIONS

(i) State the title and the playwright of the above extract. (2 marks)

(ii) Identify character Y in the extract. (1 mark)

(iii) Explain why character Y is important in the extract. (2 marks)

(iv) Who is character Z? (1 mark)

(v) Discuss the type of relationship Y and Z share. (3 marks)

(v) Discuss what fear is being referred to in line 13 of the extract. (3 marks)

(vi) Discuss the importance of this scene to the rest of the play. (3 marks)

THE END
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COPYRIGHT: MINISTRY OF EDUCATION, HERITAGE AND ARTS, FIJI, 2021.

© MEHA, FY12CE 2021: ENGLISH.