Catholic University of Mozambique

Distance Learning Center

Name: Aurélio António Alfandega

Code: 708233720

Course: History

Subject: English

Level: 1

Lecturer: José Rafael

Gurué, September 2023

Contents
Introduction................................................................................................................................3

Activity 01. Reading and comprehension of the text.................................................................4

Activity 02. Grammar rules .......................................................................................................4

Activity 03. Grammar rules .......................................................................................................4

Activity 04. Composition...........................................................................................................5

Usage instructions ..................................................................................................................5

More than just a tooth brush: Other functions of the root......................................................6

Treatment ...............................................................................................................................6

Conclusion .................................................................................................................................7

Bibliography ..............................................................................................................................8
Introduction
The present research work is based on resolution of many different sort of exercises
such as: the first part has to do with text comprehension where by it is composed of 5
exercises based on multiple choice, where by each correct question on this section is 1.0 mark,
the second activity is based on grammar rules, so this section is composed of 10 questions
also based on multiple choice and for this section each correct question is 0.5 mark, the third
section is based on filling in a text with some missing words, the section is composed of 10
question also based on multiple choice and for each correct number is 0.5 mark. Therefore
the last section is based on writing composition either about people in Mozambique prefer to
use other means for brushing their teeth than toothbrush or People failing with the
toothbrush in Mozambique is a result of the lower level of education, so between both topic
I chose first one.

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Activity 01. Reading and comprehension of the text
1. A
2. C
3. C
4. D
5. A

Activity 02. Grammar rules

1. D
2. C
3. D
4. D
5. D
6. C
7. D
8. D
9. D
10. C

Activity 03. Grammar rules

1. C
2. C
3. B
4. B
5. C
6. D
7. A
8. D
9. A
10. A

4
Activity 04. Composition
People in Mozambique prefer to use other means for brushing their teeth than the tooth
brush

Euclea Natalensis is a plant of the Ebenaceae family, which may be found along
subtropical Africa and is common in the east zone of Southern Africa. This species is
characterised by shrubs or small trees of 0.5 to 18 meters height with very dark green foliage.

There are several names attributed to Euclea Natalensis, depending on the geographic
region and the people and language in question. In Mozambique it is known as Mulala, Kitana,
Mcriparipa Euchangula, and in English hairy guarri, among other names. Dental hygiene using
E. Natalensis root is customay among several African peoples, being the main plant used for
this purpose. In Mozambique, it can be found in several places and is most abundant in the
district of Matutuíne, Maputo province.

Studies of its anti-infective activity have confirmed its efficacy against various
microorganisms in the oral flora. This action is correlated with the presence of naphthoquinones
(secondary metabolites produced by algae, fungi, plants and animals, characterised by having
multiple biological activities). This may help to justify their therapeutic activity, as these
compounds have fungicidal, anti-bacterial, insecticidal (insect-protecting product), phytotoxic
(toxic effect on plants), cytostatic (anti-tumor), and anti-carcinogenic (delayed progression of
cancer).

Usage instructions
The bark of the root is removed and the inside chewed until it is mashed, and then wiped
over the teeth and gums. Upon being chewed, the fibres at the end of the mulala shoot are
exposed, forming a rough brush. Continuous chewing causes detachment of food particles
between the teeth and stimulates blood circulation in the gums. It also increases the production
of saliva, which acts as a natural antiseptic, removing bacteria and creating an inhospitable
environment for their multiplication. This process leaves the mouth and teeth with a temporary
orange color, disappearing after a few hours. At the end of the tooth cleaning process, the scrap
piece is cut and the rest of the root is stored in a cool environment for later use. You can also
use the bark.

5
More than just a tooth brush: Other functions of the root
Mulala is more than just a brush. Branches and roots of this species contain chemical
compounds that retard the formation of plaque (the adherent and transparent film made up of
bacteria and sugars that constantly forms on the teeth). It also inhibits the development of
pathogens that cause caries, gum disease (gingivitis, periodontitis), inflammation of the throat
and some respiratory diseases. In addition to preventing decay, this natural dental instrument
is capable of strengthening the root of the teeth and gums.

Treatment
For the treatment of dental caries and gum bleeding, peel the roots, allow them to dry and then
grind them in a mortar to a powder used to brush the teeth. The root bark on its own can also
be used to treat gum bleeding. For tooth pains, the root barks or the burned roots can be used.

Source: Notícias /MISAU

6
Conclusion
Through the research work I could understand that two hundred years after the
toothbrush was introduced to Africa from China, a government survey has discovered that two
in three people still do not know the proper way to clean their teeth. Even though almost three-
quarters of the population brush twice a day, serious plaque affects all but a handful of
systematic cleaners. The statistics were published by the Office of Statistics. On a positive note,
however, they said that there is a marked decline in national tooth loss and growth in non-
toothbrush hygiene, including flossing and the use of mouthwash.

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Bibliography
1.Beck, I. L., McKeown, M. G., and Kucan, L. Bringing words to life: Robust vocabulary
instruction. New York: Guilford. (2002).
3. MISAU, Manual de Saúde Publica e Higiene, 2010.
4. Modulo de Língua Inglesa, UCM Tronco Comum.