English Form 4

Name : ______________
_____________

Date :

Class : ______________
Read the passage and answer the questions that follow.

How the Indian Rope Trick is Performed

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8

It is approaching dusk but in a narrow valley in India, a fakir

(a Hindu miracle-worker) prepares to perform the rope trick to an
audience and, perhaps, a curious traveller from abroad.
Gathered beneath a ring of lanterns, the audience watches as
the fakir takes a length of hemp and throws it in the air. He does this
several times to assure the audience that the rope is neither special
nor unusual.
Then, as he again throws the rope up, it miraculously rises
until the tip gets lost in the growing darkness. Next, the fakirs
partner
- a small boy of about eight - climbs up the rope and
10
disappears into thin air.
The fakir calls the boy to come down and receives a rude
answer. Cursing with anger, the fakir produces a sharp knife, puts it
between his teeth, and climbs up the rope after the boy.
He too disappears. Then, comes a series of horrible screams15
and the boys cut-off limbs are thrown down to the ground, quickly
followed by his blood-stained torso and severed head.
The fakir, with a serious expression on his face, hurriedly
climbs down the rope and joins his assistants in crying for the boy,
whose remains are then put into a basket. As the crying gets louder,20
the boy suddenly springs from the basket - alive, in one piece and
smiling. According to tradition, this is how the Indian rope trick
appears to its audiences.
But all mysteries surrounding the trick is revealed by an
American travel writer, John A. Keel, in Jadoo (1958), an account 25
of his occult experiences in India and the Far East.
In the mid-1950s - when he was 25 years old - Keel met an
old fakir near the city of Hyderabad who claimed to have performed
the rope trick. After much prodding and persuasion, the fakir showed

10

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12
13

14

Keel how it was done.

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A thin cable made of black hair plaited together is stretched
across a valley, some 50 ft (15 m) from the ground. The cable is
invisible against the background of darkening sky and hills. Thrown
over the cable is an even thinner cord with one end held by an
assistant, who is unseen by the audience. The other end - on which is
35
a small hook - dangles by the side of the fakir.
Distracting the audiences attention with his chatter, the fakir
makes a number of test throws of the rope. He then secretly slips the
hook into a hole in a small, heavy wooden ball attached to the end of
the rope.
40
He next throws the rope as high as he can towards the
horizontal cable. At the same time, the hidden assistant pulls on the
cord until the rope is erect - with the wooden ball jammed against the
cable.
Next, the boy climbs up the rope. Once at the top, he takes 45
a hook from his pocket and ties the ball to the horizontal cable. He is
followed up by the fakir, and both stay there, hanging onto the cable.
The lanterns are vital for the success of the trick. Straining to
see in the dark and dazzled by the lanterns, the audience is
completely fooled. The cut-off limbs and torso thrown down taken, from the
50
fakirs clothing, are those of a dead monkey in
similar clothes to the boys. The blood is red paint and the severed
head is a wooden model in a turban.
The boy then slips into a harness inside the fakirs
loose-fitting robe and is carried down the rope. Back on the ground,
55
while the fakir and his assistants are crying - the boy sneaks out and
- hidden by the tricksters creeps into the basket.

Answer all questions. You are advised to answer them in the order set.
1.

From paragraph 1,
(a)
At what time of the day was the rope trick performed?
[1 mark]
(b)

Who would the fakir normally perform the rope trick for?
[1 mark]

(c)

From paragraph 2, which word means a rope?

[1 mark]

Answer:
(a)
At dusk
(b)
An audience of natives and possibly a curious traveller from abroad
(c)
Hemp

2.

From paragraph 5, give two pieces of evidence that suggests the boy was killed by the
fakir.
(i)
[1 mark]
(ii)

[1 mark]

Answer:
(i)
Blood-stained torso
(ii)
Dismembered limbs
3.

From paragraph 8, where did John Keel meet the fakir?

[1 mark]
Answer: In Hyderabad
4.

From paragraph 13,

(a)
Whose dismembered limbs did the fakir throw down?
[1 mark]
(b)

What was used as the severed head?

[1 mark]

Answer:
(a)
A dead monkeys
(b)
A wooden model in a turban
5.

From paragraph 13, it is said that the lanterns are vital for the success of the trick. Why
is this so? Give an explanation in your own words.

[2 marks]
Answer: Because the performance is usually done at dusk, it is difficult for the audience
to see in the dark, especially when their eyes are dazzled by the lanterns.
Read the letter and answer the questions that follow.
Form Four S
Sekolah Tuanku Abdul Rahman,
Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah,

31400 IPOH
5 May 200_
1

Dear Rahman,
Thanks for your letter, which I received last Saturday. I hope
you and your family are in good healthy. I am rather busy preparing for my
mid-year examination which will begin in a fortnight. However, I hope
to see you during this coming break.
Have you been treating your Mum well, lately? I am aksing
5
this question because i have just return form English class and guess
what our topic for discussion was today? Yes, Mothers Day! As you
know, Mothers Day is just around the corner and as I was surfing the
Internet in search of a good poem for my mother recently, I read
some very interesting articles written by various individuals
10
about Mothers Day.
Did you know that the earliest Mothers Day celebrations
were way back in the 1600s in England? All servants would be given
a day off every Mothering Sunday and encouraged to return home
and spend the day with their mothers. A special cake, called the
15
mothering cake, was often taken along to provide a festive touch.
In the United States, Mothers Day was originally suggested
by Julia Ward Howe back in 1872 as a way of honouring all mothers.
Her dream of setting aside a special day to honour mothers finally
became a reality in 1907 through the efforts of Anna Jarvis, who is 20
considered the founder of Mothers Day.
It was Jarvis who initiated the custom of giving mothers
carnations. White carnations were for mothers who had passed away,
while pink carnations were given to mothers who were still living.
Finally, in May 1914, President Woodrow Wilson made Mothers 25
Day a nationally observed holiday. He also started the Mothers Day
tradition of displaying the United States flag to represent the publics
expression of love and reverence for all mothers of the United States
of America.
As you know, Rahman, Mothers Day is celebrated on the 30
second Sunday of May. It is a day when mothers are showered with
tokens of appreciation from their families. Some mothers are given
gifts of flowers, sweets, meals and/or cards.
In France, Mothers Day is celebrated on the last Sunday in
May. It is considered a family holiday in France. The entire family 35
gathers together to eat a large meal and at the end of the celebration
all the mothers in the family receive a special cake that looks like a
bouquet of flowers. In Spain, Mothers Day is celebrated on
December 8th and it is looked upon as a religious holiday.
Well, enough said about the history of Mothers Day. Now, 40
let me give you some tips on how to celebrate the day itself. One of
the best ways is simply to give your Mum the day off. Let her take it

10
11

easy and relax while the rest of the family does the work. You will be
amazed at the amount of work your mother has to do! You could also
prepare your mothers favourite breakfast. Make sure the food is 45
arranged nicely on a tray and dont forget to include some fresh
flowers, preferably her favourite kind. Do remember to include a present, too!
Another suggestion is to take your Mum to dinner at her
favourite restaurant. Whatever you have in mind, let her know that her
50
wisdom, her love and sacrifices are greatly appreciated. We are
always taking things for granted and if it wasnt for our Mums, we
would not be here today.
So, Rahman, as Mothers Day is coming soon, I hope you
will plan something pleasant for your Mum. As for me, I think Ill 55
write my Mum a poem. Im sure shell like that.
Please convey my Happy Mothers Day greeting to your
mother. Till I see you, take care.
Yours sincerely,
Ahmad

Answer all questions. You are advised to answer them in the order set.
6.

(a)
From paragraph 1, how many weeks is it before Ahmad sits for his mid-year
examination?
[1 mark]
(b)

From paragraph 3, on what day was Mothers Day celebrated in the 1600s?
[1 mark]

Answer:
(a)
Two weeks
(b)
Sunday
7.

(a)
From paragraph 4, who is regarded as the founder of Mothers Day in the United
States?
[1 mark]
(b)
From paragraph 5, how did Anna Jarvis begin the tradition of honouring all
mothers who had passed away?
[1 mark]
Answer:
(a)
Anna Jarvis
(b)
By giving white carnations
8.

From paragraph 4, which word has the same meaning as proposed?

[1 mark]
Answer: Suggested
9.

(a)

From paragraph 7, describe how Mothers Day is celebrated in France.

[1 mark]

(b)
Day.

From paragraph 8, suggest two ways of giving your mother a treat on Mothers
(i)

[1 mark]

(ii)

[1 mark]

Answer:
(a)
The entire family gathers to eat a large meal and mothers receive a special cake
that looks like a bouquet of flowers.
(b)
(Any two) Give her a day off; take her to her favourite restaurant; prepare her
favourite breakfast; tell her how much I appreciate her; give her a card and present
10.

If you were a judge for the Best Mother award, what kind of criteria would you include
to select the best possible candidate?

[2 marks]
Answer: (Accept any suitable answers)
Read the passage and answer the questions that follow.
1
2

I have always loved the taste of the firm-fleshed golden

mango. It is a true experience for the taste buds. If you ask me,
there is no other fruit more delicious than the mango.
When I was young, my grandfather (another mangoenthusiast) told me that he did a research on the different varieties 5
of mangoes. He discovered that the mango is a native fruit of the
East Indies. Apart from determining its land of origin, my grandfather
also identified the many shapes of a mango. A Mango can be,
oblong or round, and its colour ranges from green and golden, to red.
Portuguese traders were the first to introduce the mango
10
worldwide. They did this when they took the fruit with them on their
travels. My grandfather is very grateful to the Portuguese for this. He
claims that the only beneficial thing the old Portuguese traders ever did
was to bring the mango to this part of the world. Today, the mango is

grown anywhere in the world; in countries which have a two- to three15

month dry period.
4
My grandfather has three mango trees in his compound. In
fact, he bought the house because of the mango trees. He refuses to
give it up although he lives alone now after grandmothers death.
My father has often invited him to live with us, but grandfather will not 20
leave his mango trees unattended.
5
As a mango specialist, grandfather can distinguish between
the different types of mangoes such as the mulgoa, harum manis,
maha, apple mango and chokanan. He also knows that the mango
is a versatile frui and can be prepared in different ways. I like to eat
25
unripe mango with grandfathers special dip, which he makes from
thick soy sauce, sugar and cili padi. Grandfather also makes delicious
mango chutney for my mother. His chutney, a hot, savoury specialty, is
great for lunch or even breakfast. Chutney is a fruit and vegetable
preparation served fresh or cooked in spicy sauce. It is usually thick
30
and sweet and a favourite among the older generation.
6
I have learnt the art of making homemade chutney from
grandfather to please mother, but I have yet to learn how to make his
famous mango pickles. I have seen him make the pickles many times.
I have even gone with him to pick the mangoes, which he soaks in 35
salted water in a jar for three to five days. He shakes the bottle each
day so that the contents do not settle. He never uses vinegar, only oil
to preserve these mangoes.
7
I tried the recipe one day, but my pickles did not have the
unique taste that grandfathers pickles had. I have not given up hope
40
yet; I am certain that, I shall make mango pickles that are
just as good one day, if not better than grandfathers.
8
My father loves mango juice, especially the variety that
grandfather prepares. Grandfather does not settle for anything less than
fresh mangoes to prepare the juice. If the fruits are sweet, he does not even add
sugar to
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the mixture. Once he prepared his juice for a potluck party; the juice
was so good that he was nicknamed Juice-King. He now has a
contract to prepare mango juice for all get-togethers with his friends.
9
An American guest once offered to promote grandfathers
culinary skills with the mango, but grandfather turned him down flat.
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Grandfather would never compromise on the taste of his dishes,
which could happen if he mass-produced them. He says that his
culinary skills are only meant for those who are close and dear to him.
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I am glad. I do not want to lose the special place we, his
loved ones, have in his heart. I want to be one of the privileged few55
who can continue to savour his delicious cooking.
Answer all questions. You are advised to answer them in the order set.
11.

From paragraph 1, how does the writer describe the mango?

[1 mark]
Answer: Firm-fleshed and golden
12.

From paragraph 3,
(a)
Why is the writers grandfather grateful to the Portuguese?
[1 mark]
(b)

What climate is suitable for the mango?

[1 mark]

Answer:
(a)
The Portuguese introduced the mango to this part of the world.
(b)
One that has a two- to three-month dry period.
13.

(a)

From paragraph 4, why doesnt the writers grandfather live with the writer?
[1 mark]

(b)

From paragraph 5, how does the writers grandfather serve raw, unripe mango?
[1 mark]

Answer:
(a)
He does not want to leave his mango trees unattended.
(b)
With a special dip made of thick soy sauce, sugar and cili padi
14.

(a)

From paragraph 5, who would most likely enjoy eating chutney?

[1 mark]

(b)
From paragraph 6, why did the writer learnt the art of making homemade
chutney?
[1 mark]
(c)

From paragraph 6, why does grandfather shake the bottle containing the mango
chunks and salted water?
[1 mark]

Answer:
(a)
The older generation
(b)
The writer learnt how to make chutney to make her mother happy.
(c)
So that the contents do not settle
15.

From paragraph 9, an American wanted to promote grandfathers culinary skills but

grandfather turned him down. Explain in your own words why grandfather did that.

[2 marks]
Answer: He cooks only for his loved ones. He does not want to compromise on the taste.
Read the passage and answer the questions that follow.
The Race to Keep Frozen Peas Fresh
1
2

Eating natural food such as fresh, unprocessed vegetables

and meat (prepared in your own kitchen) is definitely healthier than
eating convenience food of the supermarket-bought variety.
There are many reasons for this belief, including the fact that
in countries where natural foods are eaten, heart disease and cancer 5
are rare. However, in the fast-paced world we live in today, more
and more people are opting for convenience food packages.
Preserved food that is freeze-dried for example, is commonly known
as ready-to-eat meals. They are hugely popular as they not only
weigh less compared to fresh foods, but also remain tasty for years 10
in sealed packages and can be eaten hot by adding boiling water.
Conscious about the need to keep preserved food as fresh as
possible, certain manufacturers carry out laborious and meticulous
processes on food to kill bacteria that cause food poisoning. This also
prevents food from going bad while in storage.
15
As a result, food such as frozen peas are fresher than the peas
you can buy in season at the market; made possible because of the
ingenious method used where the peas are frozen within two to three
hours of harvesting. This retains the freshness of the produce.
On the other hand, traditional peas in the pod are delivered 20
overnight to markets, then distributed to shops. They are deteriorating
all the time, becoming bruised, less tender and losing flavour over the
hours or days of being picked. Garden peas belong to the legume
family, which also includes pulses - soya beans and lentils. While
pulses are usually left on the plant until they are fully mature, garden
25
peas are picked when they are young. As they mature, their natural sugars
change to starch, giving a harder texture and a less sweet taste.
This is why the time of harvesting is a critical part of the
process to freeze the peas. The peas should be in the factory and
blanched within two to three hours of harvesting. The entire operation,
30
from planting through harvesting, processing and packing, is carefully
integrated. A packer usually contracts with farmers near the factory
to plant an agreed area of land with peas. The planting time is
overseen by a field adviser who inspects all the farms.

10

Depending on planting time, soil, temperature and weather, 35

the peas are ready for harvesting at different times. Mobile field
harvesting machines work throughout the day and night. The pods
are stripped from the vines and burst open in a rotating drum. The
shelled peas are deposited in a truck or trailer which follows the
harvester.
40
To obtain high quality frozen peas, they must be delivered to
the processing factory as fast as possible - within two or three hours
of harvesting. On arrival, a sample is taken and tested for tenderness
in a machine called a tenderometer or maturometer. Only tender
peas are selected - tougher ones are for canning. If samples prove 45
tough, an entire truckload may be canned. The peas are cleaned by
fans and washed, usually in a mild oil-detergent - water mixture.
The better-quality ones sink, while any skins or foreign material that
float are removed. The peas are washed again with clean-water
sprays and blanched.
50
Blanching involves putting the peas on a wire mesh through
a tunnel of boiling water for a minute, or through steam for two,
three minutes. They are then quickly cooled to less than 68F (20C)
and passed through a salt solution in which over-mature peas sink
and are removed for canning. Good quality peas are washed again in
55
clean water and carried by conveyor to an inspection point. They are
then frozen.
The frozen peas are packed into bulk bags or bins and
transferred to cold storage at 0F (-18C). The packed peas can be
left stored in cold storage for weeks or months before they are
60
removed when there is a buyer for them. The peas are re-inspected,
graded according to size and then bagged for distribution to shops
and supermarkets.
(Adapted from How Is It Done? Readers Digest, 1990)

Answer all questions. You are advised to answer them in the order set.
16.

From paragraph 1, why is eating natural food better than processed food?
[1 mark]
Answer: Eating natural food prevents diseases like heart diseases and cancer
17.

(a)

From paragraph 5, name two problems of buying traditional peas from shops.
(i)
[1 mark]
(ii)

(b)

[1 mark]

From paragraph 6,
(i)
What is the difference in the harvesting of pulses and garden peas?

[1 mark]
(ii)

As garden peas mature, what happens to the natural sugars in them?

[1 mark]

Answer:
(a)
(Any two) They are bruised, less tender and have lost their flavour.
(b)(i) Pulses are usually left on the plant until they are fully mature while garden peas
are picked when they are young.
(ii) They change to starch, giving a harder texture and a less sweet taste.
18.

(a)
From paragraph 8, what are the factors contributing to the readiness of
harvesting?
[1 mark]
(b)
From paragraph 9, what is the name of the machine which tests for the tenderness
of peas?
[1 mark]
Answer:
(a)
Planting time, soil, temperature and weather
(b)
Tenderometer or maturometer
19.

From paragraph 11, which word has the same meaning as the phrase immersing briefly
in boiling water?
[1 mark]
Answer: Blanching
20.

From paragraph 12, describe the packing process for the frozen peas using your own
words.

[2 marks]
Answer: The peas are packed into bulk bags or bins and transferred to cold storage at 0
F. The peas are reinspected, graded according to size and then bagged for distribution.
Read the passage and answer the questions that follow.

Reshape Your Body

1
2
3

5
6
7

10

I often talk with women of all ages about their weight

problems in my course of work as a scientist at the Hanna Mahmood
Human Nutrition Research Centre at Turks University.
Some have been heavy all their lives, while others are trying to
lose their post-pregnancy excess. Most think that it is impossible to 5
get a lean figure.
But when I told them that they could, they were surprised to
learn that there really is a way to reshape their bodies. Strength training
- the use of hand weights, resistance equipment or your own body
weight to build and shape muscle - is the secret. And it works,
regardless of whether youre 16 or 60.
I first studied the effects of strength training at Turks more
than ten years ago. In 1986, I recruited 30 middle-aged women at
risk of muscle and bone loss. Before starting this study, I told the
volunteers they would have to just do strength training and not diet 15
or do aerobic exercises.
The women did not believe in the programme at first as
there was no dieting or aerobics involved. But they were pleasantly
surprised at the results.
Meena Mansor, like others, became shapelier. My inner 20
thighs trimmed up, my upper arms got firmer and I lost my tummy.
After a year, the women had gained muscle and bone
density; they were more energetic and physically active - and their
bodies felt 15 to 20 years younger. A volunteer group of younger
women tested the programme and had similar results.
In the past, when I went on a diet, I would try to motivate
myself by thinking about reaching the ideal size, says Ruth Waled,
49. But the task seemed impossible. Eventually I'd say, Forget it
- Ill never get there. But with strength training, Im getting
immediate results. People are telling me how much better I look. 30
Many participants in the Turks studies went down one to
three sizes because their muscles were more toned. It quickly
became clear that, in addition to its many less visible health benefits
- increased vitality and strength, improved sleep, better balance
and flexibility - strength training is the most effective method to
reshape your body.
Strength training also helps prevent muscle and bone loss in
an especially vulnerable group: women who are dieting. Many
women are shocked to learn that this is an at-risk category. They
assume that when they lose weight, the only thing their body burns 40
up is excess fat. But researchers have discovered something else:
when women diet and dont exercise, between 20 and 25 per cent
of the weight they lose is water, muscle, bone and other lean tissue.
This means that the less muscle you have, the harder it is to lose
weight and maintain the loss. The reason? Muscle is metabolically 45

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25

35

11
12
13

14

active, whereas body fat is inactive.

The beauty of strength training, unlike other weight-loss
programmes, is that it requires no buffing or puffing, no special
clothes, no getting on the floor and struggling to get up again!
The exercise plan outlined here requires just three 2050
minute per week sessions. Heres what you need to get started:
During the first week of strength training, most women
work with one-pound weights so they can concentrate on form.
But you'll move up very quickly, so I recommend buying pairs of
dumbbells in three-, five-, eight- and ten-pound weights when
55
youre ready for them. Youll also need a sturdy chair and athletic
shoes. Thats it.
No gyms to join or costly machines to buy, and you can
work out in your living room or office. Consult your doctor before
beginning any strength-training programme, particularly if you have
60
experienced back, knee, elbow or shoulder pain.
(Adapted from Readers Digest, November 1996)

Answer all questions. You are advised to answer them in the order set.
21.

From paragraph 2, identify two factors related to womens weight problems.

(i)
[1 mark]
(ii)

[1 mark]

Answer:
(i)
Post-pregnancy weight
(ii)
Naturally heavy
22.

(a)

From paragraph 3,
How can these weight problems be solved?
[1 mark]

(b)

Briefly explain what strength training is using your own words.

[2 marks]
Answer:
(a)
Through strength training
(b)
The use of hand weights, resistance equipment or your own body weight to build
and sculpt muscle

23.

From paragraph 4, in the authors study on the effects of strength training at Turks, who
was the target group?
[1 mark]
Answer: Thirty middle-aged women at risk of muscle and bone loss
24.

From paragraph 9,
(a)
Why did the participants drop a few sizes though they did not diet or do aerobic
exercises?
[1 mark]
(b)

Which word has the same meaning as the word firm?

[1 mark]

Answer:
(a)
Muscles were more toned due to strength training
(b)
Toned
25.

(a)

From paragraph 13, name two items needed for the strength training programme.
[1 mark]

(b)
From paragraph 14, when should one consult a doctor before beginning the
programme?
[1 mark]
Answer:
(a)
(Any two) Dumbbells, sturdy chair, athletic shoes
(b)
When there is back, knee, elbow or shoulder pain
Read the passage and answer the questions that follow.
The Problem of Indiscipline in Malaysian Secondary Schools
1

Statistics reveal that cases of truancy, vandalism and violence

in schools in Malaysia are increasing. Truancy continues to be the
major disciplinary problem among secondary school students. In
1998, there were 2 837 378 secondary students. From the 117 567
disciplinary cases reported in 1998, a total of 53 498 students were 5
pulled up for this offence. In comparison, only 37 983 students were
disciplined for playing truant the previous year.
A full report released recently said this was followed by
impoliteness (24 987 students) and wasting time or malingering
(19 863) while in the previous year, 18 987 were disciplined for 10
impoliteness and 27 986 for malingering. The report also revealed

7
8

10
11
12
13

that the involvement of students in criminal activities had increased

from 13 987 in 1997 to 14 587 in 1998.
Some of the other crimes committed by students were
gambling, stealing, blackmailing, threatening other students and
going against teachers. A total of 756 of the students were sacked
and another 3 876 suspended in 1998 for offences like assaulting
teachers, gambling, blackmailing, vandalism and smoking.
In 1997, 546 were expelled and 3645 were suspended.
The report stated that expulsion was only resorted to in cases
where all other avenues had failed. According to the report,
indiscipline was especially rampant among lower secondary students
with 35 383 Form Three students heading the list, followed by 27 380
Form Two students, 25 967 Form Four students, 18 694 Form One
students, 15 541 Form Five students and 1272 Form Six students.
The report blamed the problem of indiscipline on the
students themselves, outside influences, family problems and
shortcomings in the schooling system. Efforts were made to improve
the situation; including informing parents so that measures could be
taken at home. A senior official at the Education Ministry said the 30
rising number of students involved in indiscipline should not be taken
lightly.
He said the task of reforming undisciplined students should
not rest on teachers alone but must be a joint effort between parents
and teachers. Indiscipline was also more common in urban and
semi-urban area.
Students in their adolescence, he said, could be easily
influenced by unhealthy elements if parents did not control their
movements.
Lack of supervision and parental care are reasons for
waywardness among children. Most parents do not spend enough
time with their children. With a lot of spare time on their hands,
these children end up mixing with the wrong company.
He said the ministrys approach in tackling the problem
was by providing counselling and guidance to students. However,
due to the shortage of qualified teachers, not all schools were able
to counsel them.
Realising this, the ministry is training more teachers to be
counsellors. He said teachers of Islamic studies and moral education,
too, have an important role to play.
50
Students should be made to realise the importance of practising
what they learn, instead of just learning to pass examinations.
President of the newly-formed National Union of Teachers,
Johardi Ibrahim, said the problem among students ca be overcome
if parents do their bit.
55
Teachers are often defenceless when parents confront them
for disciplining their children. If parents adopt a more positive

15

20

25

35

40

45

14
15

attitude, then maybe teachers would not have reservations about

disciplining a child. In most cases, their hands are tied due to
interference from parents.
60
He said if this continued, disciplinary problems in schools
would not only prevail but increase at an alarming rate in the years
ahead.
The situation will become worse once teachers stop
disciplining pupils. The population of undisciplined students will
increase. Being a large group, they can influence others as well.

65

Answer all questions. You are advised to answer them in the order set.
26.

(a)

From paragraph 1, what was the most common disciplinary problem among
secondary school students in 1998?
[1 mark]

(b)

From paragraph 3, which word has the same meaning as the phrase act of
destroying property?
[1 mark]

Answer:
(a)
Truancy
(b)
Vandalism
27.

(a)

From paragraph 4, which group of secondary students was reported to have

the highest number of indiscipline problems?
[1 mark]

(b)

From paragraph 5, what were the two causes of indiscipline among secondary
school students?
[1 mark]

(i)
(ii)

[1 mark]

Answer:
(a)
Form Three students
(b)
(Any two) The students themselves, outside influences, family problems and the
schooling system
28.

(a)

From paragraph 8, why are children easily influenced by unhealthy elements?

[1 mark]

(b)

From paragraph 9, name the measure taken by the Education Ministry to

overcome indiscipline problems.

[1 mark]
Answer:
(a)
Lack of supervision and parental care. Most parents do not spend enough time
with their children
(b)
By taking action against errant students; by providing counselling and guidance to
students
29.

From paragraph 13, what can parents do to help teachers overcome discipline problems?
[1 mark]
Answer: Adopt a more positive attitude by not confronting the teachers for disciplining
their children
30.

Using your words, explain what would be the result if teachers stopped disciplining
students?

[2 marks]
Answer: There would be a growing population of undisciplined students in school.
Read the passage and answer the questions that follow.
1
2

Robert Yong Han Aun, 44, is a local full-time inventor who

has made waves overseas and in many aspects, can be considered
a successful man.
Once a technician, Robert Yong was a recipient of the
Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment's Best Inventor 5
Award 1994 and was an entrant in the Malaysian Book of Records
in 1998 for creating the fastest rubber stamp-making machine in the
world.
When interviewed, he said he has been blessed with an
inquisitive mind for as long as he can remember. When I was a kid,
I used to take my bicycle apart and put it back together again just to
see how the various parts of a bicycle fit together.
At school, he displayed a talent for assembling things and
was nicknamed MacGyver by his friends. This trait led him on a
blaze of glory - he won medals for two consecutive years at the
15
Geneva International Invention Exhibition, first in 1994 and again in
1995. His other awards include the Guinness Stout Effort Award
and the Gold Medal Award at the 1998 London Inventions Fair.
He believes that local Malaysian inventors are as capable, if not

10

better, than their foreign counterparts.

Robert was born on 29 January 1960 in Georgetown,
Penang. He received his early education at the Methodist Primary
and Secondary Schools in Nibong Tebal. Upon completing his
secondary education at the age of 16, he pursued training in the
printing industry for a year in Japan. In 1988, he set up his own
company, which revolves around trade and inventions. Though a
technician, Robert was much more interested in participating in
activities involving creative inventions, locally and globally. To date,
he has invented five commercially viable creations, which include the
Polyclone Instant Rubber Stamp Machine, an automatic brake lock,
a Kamikaze mosquito trap, a luggage detector and a magnetic brush.
His best invention, the Polyclone Instant Rubber Stamp
Machine, allows rubber stamps to be made in merely ten minutes
unlike the traditional methods which take days. A little tap water
and a negative are all that one needs to produce a rubber stamp
with his machine. It is compact in size and most importantly, cheaper,
faster and more environmentally-friendly compared to conventional
models. The U.K.-made engraver costs around RM250 000 while
Robert's Polyclone machine costs only RM3800 as it does not
require high-tech wizardry. It won a gold medal during the 22nd
International Inventions Exhibition in Geneva, Switzerland. Robert's
reasonably-priced machine is widely used locally and has been much
sought after by companies in Europe, Japan and the United States.
Standing at 5 feet 6 inches tall, he is fair, with dark brown
eyes, and can be considered a serious but affable man. Throughout 45
the earlier part of his life, Robert was shy. This is evident in photos
showing him with his head tilted down and eyes peeking up. Today,
he is a very confident and witty man. He has visited dozens of
countries and even appeared in a few television shows. Robert lives
in Taman Seputih, Selangor with his wife, Yu Mein, a very talented 50
artist and designer.
Although Robert is renowned for his inventions and is
closely associated with the world of inventions - he patronises and
raises the profile of younger Malaysian inventors - he is also known
for his charitable work and donations. Talks on inventions and
creativity are also freely given to many secondary and tertiary
students upon request.
Robert now runs his own business company, ProDiGious
Sdn. Bhd., which sells his Polyclone machine, the photo-polymer
material, besides other printing equipment and supplies. His vision 60
of an inventor is someone who is creative, observant and
preferably rich.

Answer all questions. You are advised to answer them in the order set.
31.

20

25

30

35

40

55

From paragraph 2,
(a)

What was Robert before he became an inventor?

[1 mark]

(b)
Which word has the same meaning as the phrase someone who was given
something?
[1 mark]
Answer:
(a)
A technician
(b)
Recipient
32.

(a)

From paragraph 4, when and where did Robert win his first international medal?
[1 mark]

(b)
(i)

From paragraph 6, name two other awards won by Robert.

[1 mark]

(ii)

[1 mark]

Answer:
(a)
In 1994 at the Geneva International Invention Exhibition
(b)
(Any two) The Guinness Stout Effort Award, Gold Medal Award at the London
Inventions Fair, Gold Medal at the Geneva International Inventions Exhibition in
Switzerland, and the National Inventors Award 1994
33.

From paragraph 7,
(a)
What personal trait was Robert known for in his childhood?
[1 mark]
(b)

What did he do that showed this trait clearly?

[1 mark]

Answer:
(a)
His shyness
(b)
Posed for photos with his head tilted down and eyes peeking up
34.

Using your own words, describe the Polyclone Instant Rubber Stamp Machine.

[2 marks]

Answer: The machine makes rubber stamps in only ten minutes using a little tap water
and a negative. It is compact in size, cheaper, faster and more environmentally-friendly
compared to the conventional models.
35.

From paragraph 8, describe the kind of charitable work Robert has done for students.
[1 mark]
Answer: He has given talks on inventions and creativity freely to many students
Read the passage and answer the questions that follow.
1

2
3

5
6

7
8

A reporter has to be on the move constantly, looking for that

most recent piece of news to report to the world. She has to race
against deadlines too, or else another reporter will get her scoop by
being the first to break the news.
Its not an easy job, certainly, but if you have the right
personality for it and a good nose for a story it can be a truly
rewarding occupation. I was a reporter for 25 years.
I used to go to work in the mornings still half asleep
because of a late assignment the day before, only to be jolted
awake by the mad rush of reporters dashing out on early morning 10
assignments.
Standing at the doorway, I would let them pass by before I
entered, afraid of the stampede. Sometimes they teased me when
my story of the previous day had not come in before press time and
therefore had been shelved or couldnt be used at all. Sometimes 15
they congratulated me for a well-written story that appeared as the
lead on the front page.
I always felt a thrill at seeing my name in print. Better still
was the knowledge that I was providing information for people who,
otherwise, would not know all that was happening around them. 20
To start my day, I would present myself before the News
Editor, who by that time would be frowning impatiently, anxious to
hand out work for the day. The News Editor heads the news desk,
which is responsible for collecting and reporting all general news.
It is one of the busiest departments of a news company as just about
anything may be classified as general! The other desks such as
crime, business, sports, supplements and so on, have more specific
areas to cover.
The editors in charge of the desks in my newsroom never
seemed as harried as the poor News Editor, who was always
stressed out.
After the News Editor assigned me my tasks for the day,
I would stop for a quick breakfast and then begin my work. Unlike
some of the news desk reporters, who had a particular beat such

25

30

10

11

as the court beat, I had none. Some days I might cover an Education
Ministry press meeting or a Transport Workers Union event, or a
seminar on Childcare in Developing Countries. It might be the
opening of a major sports event where the Prime Minister was
officiating, or a heads of government meeting or an ASEAN
conference. Or I might interview a visiting heart specialist or a
globally famous writer.
After covering all my assignments I would rush back to the
newsroom to key in my stories. This was the time, about midafternoon, when everybody was busiest. No one spoke. If we
didn't submit our stories by five when the chief editor convened
the daily editorial meeting with all the editors, we would be in
serious trouble!
After six or six-thirty, the pressure would begin to fizzle
out. Hungry reporters would go for a bite, chatting and laughing
loudly about the days happenings. Often they came back to finish 50
some pending work, write a filler for a future date or catch up on
reading. The graveyard shift reporters (6 p.m. to 2 a.m.) would
have already started work by then.
I usually left the office after 8 p.m.; often there was
overtime to do. I would be roped in for a late evening assignment. 55
It was a normal thing for me to go home after midnight. I would
be bone-weary and thinking only of my bed. I always fell asleep
in the taxi that took me home. But before I knew it, it was time
to begin another hectic day.

35

40

45

Answer all questions. You are advised to answer them in the order set.
36.

(a)

From paragraph 1, what is a scoop?

[1 mark]

(b)

From paragraph 2, for how long was the writer a reporter?

[1 mark]

Answer:
(a)
A scoop is an interesting piece of news that is the first to be published a
newspaper.
(b)
For 25 years
37.

(a)

From paragraph 3, why would the reporter be still half asleep in the mornings?
[1 mark]

(b)

From paragraph 5, what provided a daily thrill for the writer?

[1 mark]

Answer:
(a)
She had stayed up for a late assignment the night before.
(b)
Seeing her name in print
38.

From paragraph 6, describe how the News Editor was different from the other editors
using your own words.

[2 marks]
Answer: The News Editor assigned reporters to report on general news whereas the other
editors had more specific areas under them.
39.

(a)
(i)

From paragraph 8, give two examples of events that the writer might cover?
[1 mark]

(ii)

[1 mark]

(b)
From paragraph 9, when was the afternoon deadline for reporters to submit their
stories?
[1 mark]
Answer:
(a)
A seminar on Childcare in Developing Countries or an ASEAN conference
(Accept other answers as found in paragraph 8)
(b)
At 5 p.m.
40.

From paragraph 10, what phrase has the same meaning as the phrase to gradually stop?
[1 mark]
Answer: Fizzle out
Read the passage and answer the questions that follow.
1

The Malaysian Chinese Association (MCA), a component

political party in the National Front alliance of parties, has taken a
very strong stand against the proliferation and unchecked abuse of
the Happy Pill. The drug is also known by its many other names
such as Pink Lady, White Elephant and Playboy as well as its more 5
commonly known name, Ecstasy.
The Happy Pill is a synthetic compound of 3,

4-methylenedioxy-methamphetamine (MDMA). It was patented in

1914. The compound had no medicinal value then, but resurfaced
later in 1953 in the United States. This time, there were plans to try
and develop the drug to be used as a lethal chemical weapon. That
never materialised. Somehow, the same dangerous compound has
now evolved into an easily available substance of abuse. The abuse
spread all over the world and Malaysia has not been spared. As
early as 1988, Ecstasy pills were manufactured locally in illegal
backyards under extremely unhygienic conditions. This has
increased the supply of the pills locally. Previously, the drugs were
mainly imported from the Netherlands via Thailand and Hong Kong.
Being available locally also meant that the drugs were cheaper and
within the reach of medium wage-earners.
20
According to the Pharmacy Division of the Health Ministry
of Malaysia, the compound in Ecstasy is a stimulant with mild
hallucinogenic properties. Ecstasy also raises the body temperature,
sometimes as high as 43C (normal body temperature being 36.9C),
causing a person to lose consciousness and in a short time, lead to 25
dehydration.
Being a hallucinogenic drug, Ecstasy plays tricks with a
persons mind and projects feelings that are not real. A person
might feel high and get a sudden surge of artificial happiness.
He may feel that everything in his life is progressing well and that he
has no worries. Other side effects of taking Ecstasy include getting
an extra rush of energy - this is one physical effect seen in Ecstasy
users. This energy allows a person to go on dancing for hours
without stopping. This dancing movement is further aggravated by
loud music. Because of this, the drug is widely sold in discos and 35
nightclubs. The ability to dance for hours on end coupled with loud
blaring and pulsating music in these entertainment outlets give an
Ecstasy user the total effect of complete abandonment. A normally
shy person will lose his inhibitions and do things he would not
normally do. Sometimes, the person is unaware of his actions
after the effects of the drug wear off.
What is not apparent to Ecstasy abusers is the long-term
effect on the brain. The immediate dangers of dehydration and loss
of consciousness can cause death. However, the long-term damage
to the brain cells which produce serontonin is irreversible. This
causes a person to lose control of his mood, appetite, sleep and
other body functions which are regulated by serontonin.
MCA has taken a step in the right direction - to declare
war on Ecstasy before it destroys a whole generation of youth.
Teenagers and young adults will be aware of its dangers and
parents will know how to warn their children. Being able to
recognise the drug in its pill form and staying away from places
where it is easily available will help vulnerable young adults reject

10

15

30

40

45

50

this false form of entertainment.

Immediately after MCA started its campaign against
55
Ecstasy pushers, stories abound in the newspapers of families
devastated and torn apart when one of their members became
an Ecstasy user. There were stories of young people being
admitted to mental hospitals because of the degeneration of the
brain cells.
60
The message of the campaign is clear. Stay away from
Ecstasy. It destroys you and your life completely. Say No loudly
and clearly.

Answer all questions. You are advised to answer them in the order set.
41.

(a)
From paragraph 1, what are two of the street names of the drug mentioned in the
passage?
(i)
[1 mark]
(ii)
(b)

[1 mark]

From paragraph 2, what was the initial plan for the drug MDMA?
[1 mark]

Answer:
(a)
The Happy Pill, Pink Lady, White Elephant, Playboy and Ecstasy
(Any two)
(b)
To develop the drug to be used as a lethal chemical weapon
42.

From paragraph 2,
(a)
When was the drug produced locally?
[1 mark]
(b)

What were the implications of the drug being manufactured locally?

[1 mark]

Answer:
(a)
In 1988
(b)
The drugs were now cheaper and could be purchased by more people
43.

From paragraph 5, describe two immediate side effects as a result of increased body
temperature.
(i)
[1 mark]
(ii)

[1 mark]

Answer:
(i)
A person will lose consciousness
(ii)
Experience dehydration
44.

From paragraph 5, describe what serontonin does in our body and what effect Ecstasy has
on it.

[2 marks]
Answer: Serontonin regulates body functions such as mood, appetite and sleep. Ecstasy
destroys the brain cells that produce serontonin.
45.

From paragraph 7, explain why Ecstasy users could be admitted to mental hospitals.
[1 mark]
Answer: Because of the damage to the brain cells which makes a person unable to control
himself.
Read the passage and answer the questions that follow.
1

Malaysias foray into the automobile industry began with

the construction of the main PROTON (Perusahaan Otomobil
Nasional Berhad) manufacturing plant in Shah Alam, thereafter
followed by the building of a second plant, PERODUA
(Perusahaan Otomobil Kedua Sdn. Bhd.), in 1994.
5
From the Proton plant, rapid and intensive research and
development resulted in the production of various models of cars starting with the Proton Saga in 1985. Thereafter, more models
followed in quick succession, evolving into better, more efficient,
sophisticated and aerodynamic models. The Tiara was built after 10
the Saga. In 1992, the Iswara was produced, followed by the bestselling Wira in 1993, then both the Perdana and the Satria in 1995.
Next, the Putra was built and towards end 2000, the latest and
only fully designed Malaysian car with 90% local content was
launched. This was the sleek Waja launched with triumph in
September 2000.
From the Perodua plant, equally popular and successful
models were manufactured. The ever-popular Kancil was built in
1997, followed by Rusa which is a mini-van. Then the Kembara, a
4-wheel drive in 1998 and in June 2000, a Multi-Purpose Vehicle 20

15

(MPV) called the Kenari was launched.

Although so many models are available in the market,
there is no worry of one model competing and pushing another
model into obscurity. Each model is built to cater to a specific
clientele with its own budget requirement.
25
The Kenari, for example, is a mini-wagon designed with a
high height which makes it practical for carrying goods and people.
To make this model attractive to as many people as possible,
many little features, albeit functional, have been added. For instance,
the front of the car sports a stylish look with its quad-lamp headlights
whilst its bumper carried bold grills and fog lights. The registration
plate, which is mounted slightly to the left, is reminiscent of a sports
car. A versatile drink holder has been incorporated into each of the
front doors. The front seats are also raised slightly to allow a better
all round view. The power windows are made to be controlled
individually as well as centrally with the controls located at the
drivers door side.
The frame surpasses collision safety standards in Europe
and Japan. The whole cabin area is built to protect the driver and
passengers from frontal, side and rear impact collisions. What is 40
impressive is that the front frame of the car has been designed to
absorb tremendous impact by bending forward into a V-shape,
thereby taking away the main force of the collision.
On the other hand, the Proton Waja was touted as the first
car to be fully designed by Malaysians. The birth of the Waja was 45
significant as the previous models were designed and built with
foreign expertise. In 1996, when the then Prime Minister, Dato
Seri Dr Mahathir challenged Proton to design our very own car
and make it affordable, Proton took up the challenge boldly and
enthusiastically. As a result, the Proton Waja was born.
The Wajas main features include its enhanced ride and
handling capabilities, which are modelled on the Lotus expertise
in car-making. The Waja also carries a new power window system
which exceeds required quality standards by 50%. This is expected
to address the many complaints from drivers about the unreliable 55
power windows in the other Proton cars. The instrument panel is
designed to be driver-friendly. Coupled with a much stronger body
shell and airbags for both driver and front passenger, the safety
standards meet the 2003 European Crash Test Safety Standards.
The launching of the Waja meant that Malaysians are
capable of producing local cars of a standard compatible with
international standards. This paves the way for the next step,
which would be to fully and totally develop all internal components
of the car as well, making the 100% Malaysian car a reality.

Answer all questions. You are advised to answer them in the order set.

30

35

50

60

46.

(a)

From paragraph 2, estimate the time when the first manufacturing plant was built.
[1 mark]

(b)

When was the Waja launched?

[1 mark]

(c)

From paragraph 2, what is special about the Waja?

[1 mark]

Answer:
(a)
Before 1985 when Proton Saga was built from the Proton plant
(b)
In September 2000
(c)
It is the first car to be fully designed by Malaysians with 90% local content.
47.

(a)
The Kenari is a Multi-Purpose Vehicle. From paragraph 3, what does the term
mean?
[1 mark]
(b)
From paragraph 5, what is the practical purpose of placing the front seats higher
than the back seats?
[1 mark]
Answer:
(a)
It means the vehicle can be used for many purposes - for carrying goods as well as
people.
(b)
To allow the driver and front passengers to have a better view around the inside
and outside of the car
48.

From paragraph 4, with so many models produced by Proton and Perodua, will some
models be pushed out of the market? Explain using your own words.

[2 marks]
Answer: No, because each model was built to cater to a specific clientele with its own
budget requirement.
49.

From paragraph 6, what happens in the event of a forceful frontal collision in a Kenari?
[1 mark]

Answer: The front frame of the car will absorb the force by bending forward into a Vshape.
50.

From paragraph 8,
(a)
What problem was addressed in Waja that was previously a major problem with
other Proton cars?
[1 mark]
(b)
Which features on the Waja satisfy the 2003 European Crash Test Safety
Standards?
[1 mark]
Answer:
(a)
The power window which exceeded required quality standards by 50%.
(b)
The stronger body shell and the airbags for the driver and front passenger.