PSS - Sa1 2016 - P2

Class Register Number
Candidate Name
PEIRCE SECONDARY SCHOOL

Department of English Language, Literature and Drama
First Semestral Examination for Secondary Two Normal (Academic)
ENGLISH LANGUAGE
Paper 2 Comprehension
Thursday 28 April 2016 1100 h – 1250 h
1 hour 50 minutes
INSERT
Additional Materials:
Question Booklet
READ THESE INSTRUCTIONS FIRST
This Insert contains Text 1, Text 2 and Text 3.
This document consists of 5 printed pages.

Final Copy by Ms Hazel Lee
[Turn over
2
Section A
Text 1
Study the advertisement below and answer Questions 1-3 in the Question Booklet.
1190 – 02 Peirce Secondary School | SA1 | EL(P2) | 2N(A) | 2016 | Ms Hazel Lee
3
Section B
Text 2
The text below is about an old woman who clings to her ancestral furniture even as her daughter-in-law
complains of the bugs they attract. Read it carefully and answer Questions 4-13 in the Question Booklet.
The Monster
In the age-old conflict between the old and the young, this is the
story of an old woman who clings to her ancestral furniture even as
her daughter-in-law complains of the bugs they attract. Her
daughter-in- law shows the old woman some respect in her dying
days only when she realises that the monstrous bed the old woman
sleeps on could be worth a fortune as an antique.
1 Old grandmother lay on her bed, stiffening a little, her small bright eyes fixed suspiciously on
the door when she thought she heard footsteps outside, but falling back in relief when she
remembered that the whole family had gone out for the afternoon, and there was not a single
soul present. Her thoughts turned to her daughter-in-law who was plaguing the life out of her,
wanting to get rid of things in her room – her table, her cupboard and worst of all, her bed! In 5
fact, she was willing to bet all the coffee money she had in her cloth purse that Karen would
fling her ancestral tablets out of the window if she could.
2 This anger and bitterness soon gave way to an overwhelming sadness. The realisation that she
could not protect her own belongings stabbed her heart so that old grandmother had moaned
and rocked from side to side in misery. Alone and helpless, she recollected the grief in her life, 10
first in choking agony, and gradually, as the sobs subsided, in a kind of mournful sing-song.
Had she no right to keep the things that were given to her by her own mother? What was so
wrong with this cupboard that it had to be thrown away? What was so wrong with this bed that
she has slept in for 60 years now? Why does this wretched girl hate her things so much? Old
grandmother’s eyes welled up as she sucked in her breath, willing herself not to cry. 15
3 “Bugs. Filth, that’s why,” said Karen to her husband, trying to keep down her temper by
clenching her hands, so that her beautifully varnished nails dug into the flesh of her palm. The
thought of having to give one of the four rooms of their lovely, new house to a sickly, stubborn
old woman of 70 who kept all sorts of filth in it, was a most vexing one, and Karen bit her lips in
mortification. She had tried to convince her husband to persuade the old lady to give up all her 20
monstrous pieces of old furniture that were at least 100 years old. If the old lady was willing,
then Karen was personally prepared to do up the old lady’s room – put in a decent bed with a
comfortable mattress, instead of that hideous four-poster with its ugly carvings and that filthy
mat and rusty tin she used as a pillow. She would certainly be more comfortable with brand new
fittings. If they did not do anything, one of these days, Karen cautioned her husband as they 25
had passed her closed door, the old lady will be infected by disease. It was all for her own
good, Karen had conveyed in a voice buttered with concern. As her husband furrowed his brow
in worry, Karen warmed to this theme, glad to show her husband that it was really love for his
aged mother that she was making so much noise about the old, rickety, bug-infested bed.
4 To her friends at the office, Karen could be freer in the expression of her feelings. “I’m in 30
absolute despair,” she said one day as she brandished an image of the cluttered room, “She is
a thorn in my side. You know, she insists on keeping the ugliest bed I’ve ever seen. Goodness
– it’s such an eyesore! Just look at this Monster. I can’t wait to throw it out.”
4
5 “Throw out the bed?” One of her colleagues had been studying the picture, and now she
clutched Karen’s arm excitedly. “Dear, do you want to know something? That Monster, as you 35
call it, might be worth a little fortune! My husband’s brother is a businessman who is anxious to
collect these old beds, do them up and sell them as antiques to tourists. Those American
tourists love these old carved things, and I’m sure this may just be the piece to open their fat
wallets!”
6 There was a hush in the office as everyone exchanged meaningful looks. Karen smiled as she 40
considered the photo with renewed interest. She made a mental note to call her mother-in-law
to see if she wanted anything special for dinner that night.
Adapted from The Monster by Catherine Lim
5
Section C
Text 3
The text below is about Llamas, a distant relative of the camel. Read it carefully and answer Questions 14 -
22 in the Question Booklet.
1 Even though it does not have a hump on its back, the llama is a domesticated South American
relative of the camel or camelid. Mature llamas weigh an average of 280-350 pounds. The
llama grows to full adult size by the fourth year, and, while there are no obvious differences
between the sexes, males tend to be slightly larger. They are long lived, with a normal life span
of 15-20 years. 5
2 Llamas are social animals and usually live in a herd. They communicate their moods with a
series of tail, body, ear postures and vocalizations. Humming is a common manner of
communication between llamas, and indicates a variety of moods from contentedness to
aggression. Another interesting llama expression is the shrill, rhythmic alarm call emitted at the
sight of a strange animals or a frightening situation. Spitting, usually related to food disputes, is 10
seldom directed at people unless a llama has been mishandled.
3 Although llamas are arid land dwellers, they can thrive in a wide array of temperate
environments throughout the United States and Canada, including Alaska. They are highly
adaptable feeders and can survive by eating many different kinds of plants. Llamas can graze
on grass and hay or browse shrubs and trees. They chomp on their food for some time before 15
swallowing them for complete digestion. Llamas require little water. They tend to drink less in
winter and when on lush, green pastures.
4 Native people of the Andes Mountains have used these creatures as pack animals for
centuries. The llamas’ ability as a beast of burden has since been rediscovered by hikers,
hunters and forest work crews. Their hardiness makes them excellent pack animals and trail 20
companions. Their great agility allows them to negotiate terrain that would be difficult or
impossible for traditional pack animals. The llamas’ unique specially adapted foot makes them
remarkably sure-footed on a variety of terrains, including sandy soils and snow. Llamas are
quiet in temperament and therefore, easy to manage on a trail. When confronted by other pack
stock or unexpected situations, llamas remain calm and unruffled. 25
5 Llamas move large amounts of goods over the rough terrain of the Andes every day. Typically,
they are saddled with loads of 50 to 75 pounds. Under such weight, they can cover up to 20
miles in a single day. However, when a llama is overloaded, it will simply refuse to move. In this
case, they will often lie down on the ground and may spit, hiss, or even kick at their owners until
their burden is lessened. 30
6 Llamas contribute much more than transportation to the human communities in which they live.
Camelid wool production is a multi-million-dollar industry in South America. Llamas have soft,
fine wool, for protection against cold and insulation from heat, which can be made into beautiful
garments, blankets, ropes, rugs and fabrics. Leather is made from their hides. Llama excrement
can be dried and burned for fuel. Even in death, llamas can serve their human owners—some 35
people slaughter them and eat their meat.
Adapted from Sutter’s Mill Llama Ranch Information
ENGLISH LANGUAGE
1 hour 50 minutes
MARKING GUIDE
2N(A)
DO NOT PRINT
This document consists of 8 printed pages.

[Turn over
2
Peirce Secondary School | SA1 | EL(P2) | 2N(A) | 2016 | Ms Hazel Lee

3
Section A [5 marks]
Refer to the advertisement (Text 1) on page 2 of the lnsert for Questions 1-3.
1 Text 1 is an advisory poster from the Ministry of Health. What is the purpose of this poster?
[1 / INFERENTIAL]
The purpose of the poster is to encourage/advise people to take safety precautions/follow
health tips on hazy days.
[1]
2 Read the following statements carefully. Tick the features that are implied in the poster. (Tick
three boxes only)
This poster is only for young people.
The haze may irritate our nose, eyes and throat. 
Masks can only be bought at the supermarket in Ang Mo Kio and Bishan.
On hazy days, we should try not to do outdoor activities. 
Drinking water helps us to stay hydrated. 

[3]
[-1 ED / if more than three boxes are ticked]
3 Pick out one phrase from the poster that suggests the haze will not have serious, harmful
effects on most of us.
[1 / LIFT]
pose no danger [1]

4
Section B [20 marks]
Refer to Text 2 on pages 3-4 of the Insert for Questions 4-13.
4 Pick out a phrase from paragraph 1 which suggests that old grandmother did not like to hear
footsteps outside her door.
[1 / LIFT]
stiffening a little/ eyes fixed suspiciously (on the door) [1]
[0 - ED]
5 ‘falling back in relief when she remembered that the whole family had gone out for the
afternoon.’ (lines 2 – 3)
What do the words in italics suggest about old grandmother’s attitude towards the rest of the
family?
[1 / INFERENTIAL]
She did not like to be around the rest of the family. [1]
6 ‘she was willing to bet all the coffee money she had in her cloth purse…’ (line 6)
What do the word in italics suggest about how old grandmother felt about Karen’s intentions?
[1 / INFERENTIAL]
She was very sure/certain/confident
[1 / LIFT]
that Karen wanted to get rid of her and all of her things if she had her way. [2]
7 What does the word stabbed (line 9) in paragraph 2 suggest about old grandmother’s
realisation?
[1 / LANGUAGE USE]
It was (very) painful. [1]
8 ‘Alone and helpless, she recollected the grief in her life, first in choking agony, and gradually, as
the sobs subsided, in a kind of mournful sing-song.’ (lines 10-11)
Identify the phrases from the sentence above that correspond with the description of old
grandmother’s emotional moment.
Description of old grandmother’s Matching phrases from the sentence

emotional moment
remembered the sadness [1 / LIFT]
Recollected the grief
crying stopped [1 / LIFT]
Sobs subsided
suffocating pain [1 / LIFT]
Choking agony [3]

5
9 Referring to paragraph 3, give two pieces of evidence that indicate Karen was not pleased that
her mother-in-law was living with her.
[1 / LIFT]
She clenched her fists/ her nails dug into her palm/ She bit her lips in mortification
[1 / LIFT]
‘The thought of having to give one of the four rooms was a most vexing one…’ [2]
10 From paragraph 3, pick out two pieces of evidence that convinced Karen that her mother-in-law
would be ‘infected by disease’ (line 26).
[1 / LIFT]
The old lady was sleeping in a bug-infested bed
[1 / LIFT]
And had a filthy/dirty mat in her room
[2]
[0] Bugs and filth
11 Pick out a phrase from paragraph 3 to show that Karen was insincere in her intention to care for
her mother-in-law.
“(her voice) buttered with concern”
[1]
12 ‘As her husband furrowed his brow in worry, Karen warmed to this theme, glad to show her
husband that it was really love for his aged mother that she was making so much noise about
the old, rickety, bug-infested bed.’ (lines 27 – 29)
Identify the phrases from the sentence above that correspond with the description of Karen’s
relief.
Description from the text Matching phrases from the sentence
Narrowed his eyes [1 / LIFT]

Furrowed his brow
A lot of fuss [1 / LIFT]
So much noise
Ancient, creaking [1 / LIFT]
Old, rickety [3]

6
13 Student A Student B
I think Karen did I disagree. Karen

not care for her did try to show
Mother-in-Law. her concern.
Which student do you agree with? Give four pieces of evidence from the text to support your
answer.
I agree with Student A because …
[1 / INFERENTIAL]
-She was ‘vexed that she had to give one of the four rooms of their lovely, new house’ to her
-She called her mother in law ‘sickly and stubborn’
-She tried to convince her husband to ‘persuade his mother to give up all her old furniture’
-She called her mother in law’s things ‘monstrous’ and ‘hideous’
-She tells her colleagues that her mother in law is a ‘thorn in her side’/ She badmouths her
mother in law to her friends at the office
OR I agree with Student B because …
[1 / INFERENTIAL]
-She was willing to personally prepare her mother in law’s new room
-She wanted to make her mother in law ‘more comfortable with the new fittings’
-She was worried that the ‘bugs and filth’ would make her mother in law ill/ she raised a
concern to her husband about her mother in law’s health
-She wanted to call and buy dinner for her mother in law.
[4]

7
Section C [25 marks]
Refer to Text 3 on page 5 of Insert for Questions 14-22.
14 Read the text and match the paragraph or paragraphs with the headings.
Write the correct letter (A-G). The first one has been done for you. There is one other letter you
will not need to use.
DO NOT USE ANY LETTER MORE THAN ONCE.
Paragraph 1 G
Paragraph 2 B
Paragraph 3 D
Paragraph 4 F
Paragraph 5 A
Paragraph 6 E
A Working for men
B Forms of expression
C Additional information about rearing
D Dietary requirement
E Other uses
F Adaptability of llamas
G Part of the Camelid family

[5]

8
15 According to the passage, how is a llama considered to be mishandled by humans?
[1 / LIFT]
A llama is mishandled by humans when it is given too heavy a packing load. [1]
[-1 ED/ if any irrelevant point is added]
16 Pick out one word from paragraph 2 that has the same meaning as ‘rarely’.
[1 / LIFT]
‘seldom’ [1]
17 Pick two pieces of evidence that prove llamas are excellent pack animals.
[2 / LIFT]
They are very agile/ sure-footed/ easy to manage/ quiet in temperament.
Answer must indicate hardiness [1] and agility [1] [2]
18 Pick out a 3-word phrase that describes the llama as a pack animal.
[1 / LIFT]
Beast of burden [1]
19 What are the two ways that a llama communicates by vocalization?
[1 / LIFT]
Humming
[1 / LIFT]
and Making a shrill rhythmic alarm call [2]
20 According to the passage, list the 3 ways a llama can communicate displeasure.
[1 / LIFT]
Spitting, hissing, kicking at owners [3]
21 In your own words, explain why the author describes the llama as quiet in temperament in
paragraph 4.
[1/ IYOW]
Faced with unforeseen situations/dealing with the unknown/ coming face to face/ meeting with
another group of animals,
[1/ IYOW]
llamas are undisturbed/untroubled/relaxed/cool/composed/unshaken/unexcitable/unagitated [2]
[0 – LIFT] ‘When confronted by other pack stock or unexpected situations, llamas remain calm
and unruffled.’ (lines 30 – 31)

9
22 Using your own words as far as possible, summarise the usefulness of the llama to humans,
as outlined in the passage.
Use only the material from paragraphs 4 to 6 of Text 3.
Your summary must be in continuous writing (not note form). It must be no longer than 80
words, not counting the words given to help you begin.
The llama’s usefulness to humans extends through history. It
No. of words:
Content /8
From text Rephrased (optional)
1. Excellent pack animal

(It) can be a great help as a mule/ pack animal
Or a trusty aide/ assistant/ steed/ good
2. Good trail companion
company
The llama can heave/lift/ferry/haul heavy
3. Can carry loads for long distances
burdens on long journeys
4. Llama wool trade is a multi-million-dollar
Llama wool is highly sought after/ People pay a
industry/can be very lucrative
lot of money for llama wool
5. Llama wool protects against cold Llama wool keeps people warm
6. Insulates against heat Protects people from getting too hot

7. And can be made into beautiful fabrics, The wool can also be made into beautiful
garments, rugs, ropes clothes and ropes
8. Leather can be made from the llama hide Llama hide can be made into leather
9. Llama excrement can be dried and burnt The processed faeces/dung can be used for
for fuel fuel/energy
10. Llama meat can be eaten Its meat can also be consumed
*Students are expected to be able to pick out the 8 points. They will not be expected to rephrase
them.
Copyright Acknowledgements:
Text 1 © Ministry of Health. (2015). Stay Healthy, Breathe Easy

Text 2 © Lim, C. (2008). The Monster. 663 words. Flesch-Kincaid Level 8.8.
Text 3 © Sutters (2016). Llama Ranch Information. 541 words. Flesch-Kincaid Level 8.

Class Register Number
Candidate Name

ENGLISH LANGUAGE
1 hour 50 minutes
QUESTION BOOKLET
Candidates answer in the booklet.
Additional Materials:
Insert
READ THESE INSTRUCTIONS FIRST
Write your class, register number and name on all the work you hand in.
Write in dark blue or black pen.
Do not use staples, paper clips, glue or correction fluid.
Answer all questions.

Write your answers in the spaces provided in the Question Booklet.
The Insert contains the texts for all the sections.
The number of marks is given in brackets [ ] at the end of each question or part question.
For Examiner’s Use

Section A /5
Section B / 20
Section C / 25
Total / 50
Parent’s
Signature
This document consists of 8 printed pages and 1 Insert.

[Turn over
2
Section A [5 marks]
Refer to the advertisement (Text 1) on page 2 of the lnsert for Questions 1-3.
1 Text 1 is an advisory poster from the Ministry of Health. What is the purpose of this poster?
[1]
2 Read the following statements carefully. Tick the features that are implied in the poster. (Tick
three boxes only)
This poster is only for young people.
The haze may irritate our nose, eyes and throat.
Masks can only be bought at the supermarket in Ang Mo Kio and Bishan.
On hazy days, we should try not to do outdoor activities.
Drinking water helps us to stay hydrated.

[3]
3 Pick out one phrase from the poster that suggests the haze will not have serious, harmful
effects on most of us.
[1]
3
Section B [20 marks]
Refer to Text 2 on pages 3-4 of the Insert for Questions 4-13.
4 Pick out a phrase from paragraph 1 which suggests that old grandmother did not like to hear
footsteps outside her door.
[1]
5 ‘…falling back in relief when she remembered that the whole family had gone out for the
afternoon.’ (lines 2 – 3)
What do the words in italics suggest about old grandmother’s attitude toward the rest of the
family?
[1]
6 ‘…she was willing to bet all the coffee money she had in her cloth purse…’ (line 6)
What do the word in italics suggest about the way old grandmother felt about Karen?
[2]
7 What does the word stabbed (line 9) in paragraph 2 suggest about old grandmother’s realisation?
[1]
8 ‘Alone and helpless, she recollected the grief in her life, first in choking agony, and gradually, as
the sobs subsided, in a kind of mournful sing-song.’ (lines 10-11)
Identify the phrases from the sentence above that correspond with the description of old
grandmother’s emotional moment.
Description of old grandmother’s Matching phrases from the sentence

emotional moment
remembered the sadness
tears eased away
suffocating pain
[3]
9 Referring to paragraph 3, give two pieces of evidence that indicate Karen was not pleased that
her mother-in-law was living with her.
[2]
4
10 From paragraph 3, pick out two pieces of evidence that convinced Karen that her mother-in-law
would be ‘infected by disease’ (line 26).
[2]
11 Pick out a phrase from paragraph 3 to show that Karen was insincere in her intention to care for
her mother-in-law.
[1]
12 ‘As her husband furrowed his brow in worry, Karen warmed to this theme, glad to show her
husband that it was really love for his aged mother that she was making so much noise about the
old, rickety, bug-infested bed.’ (lines 27 – 29)
Identify the phrases from the sentence above that correspond with the description of Karen’s
relief.
Description from the text Matching phrases from the sentence
Narrowed his eyes
A lot of fuss
Ancient, creaking
[3]
5
13 Student A Student B
I think Karen did I disagree. Karen

not care for her did try to show
Mother-in-Law. her concern.
Which student do you agree with? Give four pieces of evidence from the text to support your
answer.
I agree with Student because
[4]
6
Section C [25 marks]
Refer to Text 3 on page 5 of the Insert for Questions 14-22.
14 Read the text and match the paragraph or paragraphs with the headings.
Write the correct letter (A-G). The first one has been done for you. There is one other letter you
will not need to use.
DO NOT USE ANY LETTER MORE THAN ONCE.
Paragraph 1 G
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 6
A Working for men
B Forms of expression
C Additional information about rearing
D Dietary requirement
E Other uses
F Adaptability of llamas
G Part of the Camelid family

[5]
7
15 According to the passage, how is a llama considered to be mishandled by humans?
[1]
16 Pick out one word from paragraph 2 that has the same meaning as ‘rarely’.
[1]
17 What are the two ways that a llama communicates by vocalization in paragraph 2?
[2]
18 Pick out a 3-word phrase in paragraph 4 that describes the llama as a pack animal.
[1]
19 Pick two pieces of evidence from paragraph 4 that prove llamas are excellent pack animals.
[2]
20 According to the passage, list the 3 ways a llama can communicate displeasure.
[3]
21 In your own words, explain why the author describes the llama as quiet in temperament in
paragraph 4.
[2]
8
22 Modified Summary
Using your own words as far as possible, summarise the usefulness of llamas to humans,
as outlined in the passage.
Use only the material from paragraphs 4 to 6 of Text 3.
Your summary must be in continuous writing (not note form). It must be no longer than 80
words, not counting the words given to help you begin.
The llamas’ usefulness to humans extends through history. It
No. of words:
Content /8
Copyright Acknowledgements:
Text 1 © Ministry of Health. (2015). Stay Healthy, Breathe Easy

Text 2 © Lim, C. (2008). The Monster. 663 words. Flesch-Kincaid Level 8.8.
Text 3 © Sutters (2016). Llama Ranch Information. 541 words. Flesch-Kincaid Level 8.

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Class Register Number

PEIRCE SECONDARY SCHOOL

Thursday 28 April 2016 1100 h – 1250 h

READ THESE INSTRUCTIONS FIRST

This Insert contains Text 1, Text 2 and Text 3.

This document consists of 5 printed pages.

Adapted from The Monster by Catherine Lim

Adapted from Sutter’s Mill Llama Ranch Information

Thursday 28 April 2016 1100 h – 1250 h

This document consists of 8 printed pages.

Peirce Secondary School | SA1 | EL(P2) | 2N(A) | 2016 | Ms Hazel Lee

This poster is only for young people.

The haze may irritate our nose, eyes and throat. 

On hazy days, we should try not to do outdoor activities. 

Drinking water helps us to stay hydrated. 

[-1 ED / if more than three boxes are ticked]

Peirce Secondary School | SA1 | EL(P2) | 2N(A) | 2016 | Ms Hazel Lee

Section B [20 marks]

Refer to Text 2 on pages 3-4 of the Insert for Questions 4-13.

Description of old grandmother’s Matching phrases from the sentence

Peirce Secondary School | SA1 | EL(P2) | 2N(A) | 2016 | Ms Hazel Lee

“(her voice) buttered with concern”

Description from the text Matching phrases from the sentence

Narrowed his eyes [1 / LIFT]

Peirce Secondary School | SA1 | EL(P2) | 2N(A) | 2016 | Ms Hazel Lee

I think Karen did I disagree. Karen

I agree with Student A because …

OR I agree with Student B because …

Peirce Secondary School | SA1 | EL(P2) | 2N(A) | 2016 | Ms Hazel Lee

Section C [25 marks]

Refer to Text 3 on page 5 of Insert for Questions 14-22.

DO NOT USE ANY LETTER MORE THAN ONCE.

A Working for men

C Additional information about rearing

G Part of the Camelid family

Peirce Secondary School | SA1 | EL(P2) | 2N(A) | 2016 | Ms Hazel Lee

15 According to the passage, how is a llama considered to be mishandled by humans?

Answer must indicate hardiness [1] and agility [1] [2]

19 What are the two ways that a llama communicates by vocalization?

Peirce Secondary School | SA1 | EL(P2) | 2N(A) | 2016 | Ms Hazel Lee

Use only the material from paragraphs 4 to 6 of Text 3.

The llama’s usefulness to humans extends through history. It

From text Rephrased (optional)

1. Excellent pack animal

6. Insulates against heat Protects people from getting too hot

Text 1 © Ministry of Health. (2015). Stay Healthy, Breathe Easy

Peirce Secondary School | SA1 | EL(P2) | 2N(A) | 2016 | Ms Hazel Lee

PEIRCE SECONDARY SCHOOL

Thursday 28 April 2016 1100 h – 1250 h

READ THESE INSTRUCTIONS FIRST

Answer all questions.

For Examiner’s Use

This document consists of 8 printed pages and 1 Insert.

This poster is only for young people.

The haze may irritate our nose, eyes and throat.

On hazy days, we should try not to do outdoor activities.

Drinking water helps us to stay hydrated.

Section B [20 marks]