English A Practice Paper Two: General Proficiency: 2 Hours 55 Minutes

English A
Practice Paper Two: General Proficiency

2 hours 55 minutes
SECTION A
Suggested time 40 minutes
You MUST answer this question.
Read the following article carefully and list FIVE MAIN POINTS discussed, then write a
summary of the article in NOT MORE THAN 120 words. If this limit is exceeded, only the
first 120 words of your answer will be read and assessed.
As far as possible use your own words. Your summary must be in continuous prose.
In your answer you will be assessed on how well you
(a) identified the main ideas and opinions in the extract
(b) organized and expressed these ideas and opinions in your own words
(c) used appropriate grammar, sentence structure, vocabulary, spelling and
punctuation.
The James Webb Space Telescope, to be launched in 2019, will help scientists learn more
about the universe than ever before. Its sensitive infra-red cameras will enable them to
detect and photograph galaxies, planets and stars in the farthest reaches of the universe.
This ground-breaking telescope, which took decades to design and cost US$9 billion to
produce, will be propelled into space from an unlikely launch site in the middle of the
rainforest in the sparsely populated territory of French Guiana. This overseas department of
France, sited geographically in the Caribbean, but linked culturally to France and the other
Caribbean territories under French administration, is however, one of the world's most
significant launch sites for space missions.
It turns out that French Guiana's location close to the Equator makes it an excellent site for
launching rockets into space. The earth's rotation at this point gives a boost to rockets not
found in other parts of the world, thus economising on the amount of fuel needed.
Furthermore, proximity to the ocean and the low population density means that the risk
from falling debris from rockets is greatly reduced.
It was in 1964 that the French government took the bold decision to establish a space centre
in this remote part of the world. At the time the region lacked infrastructure such as roads
and electricity and had no harbour to unload the costly equipment needed for a space
programme. Work got underway to establish the Guiana Space Centre and a mere four
years later, the first small device was launched into space.
From these modest beginnings, the Centre increased enormously in size, and now handles
an average of 11 launches each year propelling satellites into space primarily for commercial
and defence purposes. Indeed, more than half the world's commercial satellites have been
launched from the Centre.
Regrettably there the hi-tech space centre with its huge annual budget contrasts sharply
with the hinterland, where the infrastructure is inadequate and unemployment high. Space
technology developed in Europe and North America and shipped to French Guiana provides
few if any opportunities for the local population to develop their skills. Recently, labour
strikes blocking local roads have delayed space missions, costing private companies and
countries across the world millions of dollars. To remedy the situation, the French
government has pledged more than 3 billion euros to develop the area.
Total 25 marks
SECTION B
Suggested time: 35 minutes
2. Study the situation presented below and then answer the question that follows.
There is a garbage problem on a popular beach close to where you live. The Parish Council
has installed recycling bins for people using the beach to place their garbage. You visited the
beach recently and found that it was still covered in garbage, as people have not been using
the bins.
Write a letter to your local newspaper in which you complain about the situation and say
what you think should be done about it.
Your answer will be assessed on how well you

• Formatted your letter
• Selected relevant and complete information
• Organized and expressed the information in your letter
• Used appropriate grammar, sentence structure, vocabulary, spelling and
punctuation.
Your letter MUST be in continuous prose.
Make sure to include all the details that would help in highlighting the matter. Your letter
should include:
• The nature of the problem
• The effects of leaving garbage on the beach
• Your opinion of people who dump garbage
• Measures to prevent people from dumping garbage
Total 30 marks
SECTION C
You MUST answer ONE question from this section.
Your answer should be approximately 400 to 450 words in length.
You MUST write in Standard English. However, dialect may be used in conversation.
In your answer, you will be assessed on how well you

(a) used the stimulus provided
(b) developed and organized the content of your writing
© used language appropriate to your audience, purpose and content
(d) used appropriate grammar, sentence structure, paragraphs, vocabulary, spelling and
punctuation.
EITHER
SHORT STORY
3. Write a story in which the person in the picture below plays a part.
OR
4. ‘Look out,’ a voice shouted.

It was too late.
Write a story beginning with these words.
(25 marks)
SECTION D
Your answer should be approximately 250 to 300 words in length.
You MUST write in Standard English. You are expected to write within the word limit.
In your answer you will be assessed on the

(a) clarity, organisation and development of your argument
(b) correctness of grammar, sentences, paragraphs, vocabulary, spelling and punctuation.
5. You have been selected by your School Council to speak to the Parent Teacher Association
about the importance of improving the quality of food served in the school canteen. Write
the text of your speech, giving your views on this matter.
(25 marks)

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English A

Practice Paper Two: General Proficiency

Your answer will be assessed on how well you

Your letter MUST be in continuous prose.

Your answer should be approximately 400 to 450 words in length.

In your answer, you will be assessed on how well you

4. ‘Look out,’ a voice shouted.

Write a story beginning with these words.

Your answer should be approximately 250 to 300 words in length.

In your answer you will be assessed on the

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