Read the two film reviews of ‘The Jungle Book’ and then answer the questions.

Review A

What on earth is the point of remaking Walt Disney’s great and possibly greatest
masterpiece, the glorious animated musical from 1967, based on Kipling’s tales, all about the
“man cub” Mowgli, brought up by wolves in the Indian jungle – famously the last film to get
Disney’s personal touch? A remake which furthermore leaves old-fashioned animation
behind, departing for the live-action uncanny valley of hyperreal CGI, which heretically loses
most of the songs?

Well, no point really … other than simply to create a terrifically enjoyable piece of old-
fashioned storytelling and a beautiful-looking film: spectacular, exciting, funny and fun. It
handsomely revives the spirit of Disney’s original film, while also having something of old-
school family movies about animals like The Incredible Journey (1963) – it almost feels like
something I could have watched as a kid on TV.

Perhaps most strikingly of all, it re-imports into the story elements of the Disney classic The
Lion King (1994) which The Jungle Book influenced in the first place: there’s a special rock
for the animals to gather round, a stampede scene and an evil feline with a facial
disfigurement.

Newcomer Neel Sethi plays Mowgli himself; Ben Kingsley voices Bagheera the panther;
Idris Elba is the evil tiger Shere Khan; Scarlett Johansson is the hissing snake mesmerist Kaa;
Christopher Walken is the voice of King Louie the fire-hungry ape and inevitably – but
pleasingly, and very amusingly – Bill Murray is an outstanding vocal turn as the notorious
ursine slacker and pleasure-seeker Baloo the bear who teaches Mowgli the importance of
kicking back and enjoying the bare necessities of life.

I’ve never seen digital rendering of talking animals look so persuasive and this film also
creates witty and ingenious twists on the story we all know, including a new plot
development concerning wolf-leader Akela (Giancarlo Esposito) and Shere Khan – and even
creates a backstory for Mowgli which explains how he got that modesty-preserving loincloth
of his.

It’s not a musical and yet the deployment of two famous songs – The Bare Necessities and I
Wanna Be Like You – feels cohesive and easy. In addition, the film emphatically revives
Kipling’s poem The Law of the Jungle with its collective all-for-one ethic: “The strength of
the pack is the wolf/And the strength of the wolf is the pack.”

Interestingly, where the first film finally sticks to a never-the-twain-shall-meet attitude to

humans’ long-term cohabitation with animals, this one posits the idea of living together
happily. As I said, this sacrifices the original’s bittersweet acknowledgment that Mowgli
must one day grow up live an adult life.

But what a tremendous success this is. The Jungle Book 2.0 is the unexpected treat of the
week.
Review B

The new rendition of Walt Disney's classic, "The Jungle Book," is a stark reminder of the
axiom, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." The film, riddled with grandeur and flashy CGI, seems
to have lost the essence of the original masterpiece from 1967.

Despite its vibrant visuals, the modern CGI dilutes the charm and genuine storytelling appeal
of the original. These modern effects are undoubtedly technically superb, but I am left with
the impression of a lacklustre retelling of the original narrative; why didn’t the directors offer
a fresh perspective? The infusion of elements from "The Lion King," like a special rock and a
disfigured evil feline, feels contrived and unnecessary, serving more as an unoriginal
amalgamation of Disney classics than a unique take on Kipling's tales.

The voice acting, while bolstered by star-studded names like Ben Kingsley and Idris Elba,
feels lacklustre at best. Bill Murray as Baloo the bear and Christopher Walken as King Louie
feel predictably cast and their performances, although satisfactory, lack the charm and
originality that would make them stand out.

While the film attempts to add depth to the story with the addition of a backstory for Mowgli
and a new subplot for wolf-leader Akela, these additions seem forced and incohesive. The
backstory, instead of adding depth to Mowgli's character, comes across as a hasty attempt to
justify his attire.

The movie's departure from the original's poignant message of maturity and growth in favour
of a naive depiction of harmonious human-animal coexistence dilutes the maturity of the
story’s themes. Ultimately, this Hollywood reboot of "The Jungle Book" is an unfortunate
example of a remake that fails to capture the essence of the original, proving that not all
classics need to be remade.

1. Review A considers the inclusion of songs in the movie as

A. emphatic.
B. natural.
C. inconsequential.
D. unwarranted.

2. According to Review B, the film’s departure from the original’s message towards
harmonious human-animal coexistence is seen as
A. an unexpectedly mature re-interpretation.
B. an offence to the original author.
C. a weakening factor of the narrative depth.
D. an immature interpretation of the story’s setting.

3. How does the author of Review B perceive the use of CGI in the movie?
A. An impressive innovation that suits modern audiences.
B. An effective technique that enhances the visual appeal of the movie.
C. A grand spectacle but ultimately unsettling.
D. Bright and colourful but lacking originality and depth.
4. In Review B, the word ‘contrived’ implies that the inclusion of “The Lion King”
elements was
A. a deliberate but unoriginal choice that lacks authenticity.
B. forcefully added and rather uninspiring.
C. skilfully designed but ultimately unnecessary.
D. a futile attempt at engaging a younger, modern audience.

5. Both reviewers agree on which point regarding the film's narrative?

A. The film successfully incorporates elements from The Lion King.
B. The backstory for Mowgli adds depth to the narrative.
C. The narrative offers fresh perspectives on the original story.
D. The film departs from the original's message of maturity and growth.

6. Comparing both reviews, what differing opinions do the reviewers have about the
film's animation?
A. Review A lauds the CGI, while Review B misses the old-fashioned animation.
B. Review A appreciates the modern CGI, while Review B finds it hasty and distracting.
C. Both reviews are in favour of the vibrant CGI used in the film.
D. Both reviews lament the departure from the old-fashioned animation.

Read the poem by Judith Wright and then answer the questions.

Drought Year
That time of drought the embered air
burned to the roots of timber and grass.
The crackling lime-scrub would not bear
and Mooni Creek was sand that year.
The dingo's cry was strange to hear.

I heard the dingoes cry

in the scrub on the Thirty-mile Dry.
I saw the wedgetail take his fill
perching on the seething skull.
I saw the eel wither where he curled
in the last blood-drop of a spent world.

I heard the bone whisper in the hide

of the big red horse that lay where he died.
Prop that horse up, make him stand,
hoofs turned down in the bitter sand
and strange and loud was the dingoes' cry.

7. The poet’s choice of the phrase ‘embered air’ serves to

A. describe the lingering smoke after a bushfire.
B. emphasise the extreme heat of the environment.
C. indicate that the poem takes place at sunset.
D. highlight the beautiful colours of the outback sky.
8. Which quotation from the poem best conveys the severe consequences of drought?
A. ‘The crackling lime-scrub would not bear’
B. ‘Mooni Creek was sand that year’
C. ‘The dingo's cry was strange to hear’
D. ‘I saw the wedgetail take his fill’

9. Which option best sums up the overall tone of the poem?

A. Desperate, emphasising the dire circumstances.
B. Optimistic, anticipating a coming change.
C. Mysterious, reflecting on the unpredictable weather conditions.
D. Fearful, focussing on the loss of wildlife.

10. Which verb best contributes to the symbolism created by the words ‘skull’, ‘blood-
drop’ and ‘bone’?
A. ‘perching’
B. ‘curled’
C. ‘wither’
D. ‘whisper’

11. What does the repeated phrase ‘I heard the dingoes cry’ imply?
A. The speaker’s sense of desperation and fear.
B. The pervading silence of the landscape during the drought.
C. The persistence of life despite the harsh conditions.
D. The haunting and ominous nature of the drought.

The following text contains 6 paragraphs (questions 12-17). For each paragraph, choose the
correct main idea summary from the options below (labelled A-G). There will be one
summary left over that you do not need to use.

A. The concept and benefits of ecotourism as a method of rainforest conservation and

community economic development.
B. The potential of rainforests in the field of pharmaceutical discoveries.
C. The economic and social benefits provided by rainforests through the provision of
diverse resources.
D. Rainforests as biodiversity hotspots and the critical ecological services they provide.
E. The importance of rainforests in maintaining the water cycle.
F. The interconnectedness of rainforest ecosystems and human communities.
G. The vital role rainforests play in climate regulation.

The Lungs of the Earth: The value of our rainforests

12. ……… The world's rainforests, often referred to as the ‘lungs of the Earth,’ are the most
diverse and ancient ecosystems on our planet and they have a significant impact on climate
regulation. Through the process of photosynthesis, these lush habitats absorb large amounts
of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and convert it into oxygen. This helps mitigate the
greenhouse effect and keep global temperatures in check. The Amazon rainforest, the largest
of its kind, is estimated to store around 90 to 140 billion metric tons of carbon, playing a
crucial role in curbing climate change. Additionally, rainforests release water vapor into the
atmosphere, contributing to cloud formation. This helps regulate the Earth's temperature
through a process called evapotranspiration.
13. ……… This release of water vapor is also essential in maintaining balance in our fresh
water supplies; rainforests are an integral part of the continuous process by which water
moves through the Earth's atmosphere, oceans and land. Trees and plants in rainforests
absorb water from the soil and release it into the atmosphere as water vapor, helping to form
clouds. This results in rainfall, which replenishes rivers, lakes, and groundwater sources,
providing fresh water for both human consumption and agriculture. For instance, the Congo
Basin rainforest in Africa influences the rainfall patterns of the entire continent, ensuring the
availability of water resources for millions of people.
14. ……… The incredible variety of flora and fauna found within rainforests contributes to
their immense value. The preservation of rainforests is vital for conserving up to 50% of the
world's species of plants, animals and insects, which in turn provides a range of services they
provide such as pollination, seed dispersal and natural pest control. A prime example is the
Yasuní National Park in Ecuador, where a single hectare of land can host more than 100,000
species of insects and over 650 species of trees.
15. ……… This incredible biodiversity found in rainforests has led to the discovery of many
life-saving medications. It is estimated that around 25% of modern medicines are derived
from rainforest plants. The Madagascar periwinkle, a plant native to the island's rainforests,
has yielded two cancer-fighting compounds, vincristine and vinblastine, which are used to
treat various forms of cancer, including leukemia and Hodgkin's lymphoma. The potential for
further medical breakthroughs makes the conservation of these ecosystems even more
critical.
16. ……… Rainforests are also vital for the survival and livelihoods of millions of people
around the globe. These ecosystems provide an abundance of resources and services that are
essential for human societies, including food, fibre, timber and non-timber forest products
like nuts, fruits, honey and medicinal plants. These products form the basis of the subsistence
economy for numerous indigenous and local communities living in and around rainforests. In
addition, rainforests play a significant role in the broader economy. For instance, Brazil nut
production in the Amazon rainforest not only generates income for thousands of families
living in the region but also contributes to the local and national economy, with the nuts
being exported worldwide. Furthermore, sustainable use of these resources can serve as a
model for balancing economic development with environmental conservation, providing a
path to a more sustainable future.
17. ……… One of the ways in which rainforests can be both conserved and economically
beneficial is through attracting international visitors. By promoting sustainable tourism
practices, rainforests can generate significant economic benefits for local communities while
raising awareness about the importance of conservation. Costa Rica, for instance, has become
a global leader in attracting international visitors, with its thriving tourism industry centred
around the country's stunning rainforests and diverse wildlife.
Read the below texts on the theme of family. For questions 18 – 25, choose the option (A, B,
C or D) which you think best answers the question. Which text …

refers to a collective emotional response among a family group? 18.

argues for a more contemporary understanding of family? 19.

supports the proverb: ‘It takes a village to raise a child’? 20.

describes someone mocking a family member? 21.

includes family members who both show an interest in trying something 22.
new?
suggests that we can choose our own family? 23.

describes someone’s frustration at not getting their own way? 24.

uses hyperbole to humorously describe a mess? 25.

Text A
‘I’m never coming back!' Harry yelled. 'I'm running away and that's that!'
Stars were sprinkled across a darkening sky and Harry could hear the distant whisper of surf. His
parents were seated on the deck of his Uncle Dave's house, drinking coffee from tiny cups. All he
wanted to do was trying something new! But they just laughed, even Uncle Dave.
‘Do you want to borrow the car?' called his mother, jangling her keys. 'You won't get far walking.'
'Hope you've packed your toothbrush and pyjamas!' added his dad.
They were making fun of him! They really didn't believe that he was going this time. But he was, for
sure! They'd been at Uncle Dave's all day and he hadn't had a swim yet! Now he wasn't allowed
because it was too late or too dark or too cold, or he wasn't a strong enough swimmer or they'd be
going home soon and besides 'it'd be no fun on your own'…

Text B
On the way home, the twins fenced with rolled-up newspapers. Attack, deflect, counterattack. Their
movements were formal yet fluid like the fencers they'd watched, much to the amusement of passers-
by. At home they continued with whatever came to hand: rulers, umbrellas, chopsticks. Alice and
Zack were hooked.
After two weeks, Mum had had enough. She'd come home to find the twins fencing, one with a long
French baguette and the other with a spicy cabanossi sausage from the fridge. It hadn't ended well,
though everyone agreed that Racer, the dog, had easily won. He sensibly ran into the garden with the
remains of the cabanossi as the twins surveyed the carnage in the kitchen.
'Right!' said Mum, in that low, calm voice that could really catch you off guard. She held up a hand to
silence Alice and Zack and reached for her phone. The twins stood shame-faced.
‘Oakdale Fencing Club? Yes, I was wondering if you run classes for children?'
'Yes!' mouthed Alice and Zack, punching the air.

Text C
Because a wolf pack is really a family unit, raising a litter isn't just a job for the mother and father of
the pups. All the wolves in a pack help to take care of the newest offspring. This includes feeding
them, watching over them, and of course playing with them as they grow up.
Wolves have a strong emotional connection to their pack mates, and it has been shown that when a
member of a pack dies, the other wolves mourn. Here is a quote from a research paper: "The pack lost
their spirit and their playfulness. They no longer howled as a group, but rather they 'sang alone in a
slow mournful cry.' They were depressed — tails and heads held low and walking softly and slowly
— when they came upon the place where Motaki was killed. They inspected the area and pinned their
ears back and dropped their tails, a gesture that usually means submission. It took about six weeks for
the pack to return to normal."

Text D
The traditional family consists of a father, mother and children. This is the nuclear family often shown
on television as the familial standard. However, the 21st Century showcases various family units,
some very different from the standard unit of prior decades. Today, children are often raised in single-
parent homes or by grandparents. Then there are adopted families, foster families and blended
families. Some families opt to have no children. The idea that parents and children make a family is
an old-fashioned definition; however, to accurately acknowledge other family structures, a broader
definition is necessary. In addition to a universal family definition, plenty of people consider a group
of friends to be family, and many consider pets as defining members of the family unit. Who
comprises a family is up to the people in the family themselves. People may opt to keep blood
relatives in their lives, or let them go if they are harmful to their well-being. Many folks add caring
and supportive people to their extended clan when they choose, deciding who belongs in their specific
concept of family.
Answer key:

1 B
2 C
3 D
4 A
5 D
6 A
7 B
8 B
9 A
10 C
11 D
12 G
13 E
14 D
15 B
16 C
17 A
18 C
19 D
20 C
21 A
22 B
23 D
24 A
25 B