Mock exam 3ème CLASS NUMBER: ……….

TEXT: HAVE YOU GOT SQUARE EYES?

Are you watching too much television? Some government officials and some doctors, especially in America, are
worried about a new mental disaster. They notice that young people become so dependent on television that they
are desperate without it. Many children are going to school with ‘square eyes’ because they stare at TV too much
and sleep too little. Their homework is badly done due the fact that they can’t concentrate in class.

In England we have about twelve hours viewing time a day. But in America it is possible to switch on your set
and watch at any time of the day or night! In certain American states it is also possible to switch on to about
twenty-five different channels.

Good or bad, television programmes in any country can still ruin home-life. Television can replace hobbies, games
and conversation. Instead of talking people watch well-known people having a conversation together. Instead of
playing games they watch ‘quiz’ shows of which other people answer questions for prizes or money.
A more dangerous aspect of television is that young criminals are getting some of their bad actions and ideas from
watching so many crime films.

Parents can always make sure that the children go to bed early. But everyone, of course, can make the immense
effort of getting up and switching on the set.

From Modern English (abridged) no 7-1973

I-READING COMPREHENSION

Activity 1: Choose the best answer according to the text. 2pts

1-Many children do their homework badly because …

a) They are not going to school. b) They can’t concentrate on TV c) They are unable to concentrate in class

2- People are desperate without TV because …

a) They are so addicted on it. b) They have square eyes c) Government and doctors are worried about it.

Activity 2: Tick off ( √ ) True or False, then justify from the text. 2pts

3- At the difference of England, in America televisions do not stop programmes. True False
Justification:………………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

4- Television has a positive influence on young criminals. True False

Justification:………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Activity 3: Referencing: What do the following words refer to in the text? 1pt

5- it (line 3):………………………… 6 - of which (line10):………………………...

Activity 4: Find in the text the synonyms for: 1pt

7- watch (in Parag1)……………………… 8- TV (in Parag2)……………

Activity 5: Refer to the text and choose the best words from this list to complete this paragraph. 2pts

Switch on – dependent – homework – programmes – instead of

One of the biggest problem of the students is that they are so (9)…………………………on TV. They generally
prefer to (10)………………………their TV set (11)…………….…….concentrating on their lessons. That’s the
reason why their (12)…………………………..aren’t correctly done.

II-LINGUISTIC AND COMMUNICATIVE COMPETENCE

Activity 6: Choose the most suitable words to have a correct and meaningful passage. 2pts

Television is usually responsible (13) of / with / for / to the students bad results. My brother for instance cannot
stop to (14) watch / watching / watched cartoon-films. In my opinion, if (15) he concentrates / was
concentrated / concentrated on his lessons, he would get good results. He is the (16) more / less / most
ridiculous boy in my family.

Activity 7: Complete this dialogue meaningfully. Ask questions, give logical answers. 3pts

Situation: Mor is paying a visit to his friend Babs who is watching TV in his room.

Mor: (17)……………………………………………….?
Babs: What’s up boy! I am fine?
Mor (18)……………………………………………?
Babs: I’m watching an interesting documentary.
Mor: When did it start?
Babs: It (19)………………………………………ten minutes ago.

(10 minutes later)

Mor: This documentary is not interesting, I would prefer to watch the football match.
Babs: You are crazy, this programme (20) is……………………………………………than your football match.
Mor: I’m going to Matar’s house to watch the match.
Babs: I see you are more interested in (21)……………………….………… . Ok! See you later!
Mor: (22) ………………………….!

Activity 8 Match the situations with their corresponding functions in the list below.(2pts)
Obligation – Permission – interdiction –necessity - Capacity
Situations functions
You mustn’t watch this film
May I switch on the TV?
She can buy this TV set.
You must have a TV at home.

III- WRITING: Choose one topic and write about 80 -120 words. 5pts
Topic 1: Your little brother who is a student refuses to learn his lessons and spends all the day long watching
TV. You go to see your father to talk about this situation. Write down the conversation.
Topic 2: There are many programmes for the students on Senegalese TV channels. Give the advantages and
drawbacks of television and propose solutions.