This is a test to see how well you understand what you read. Read each text carefully and then answer the questions which follow it. There are four answers for each question. Choose the one answer you think is best Mark your answers on a copy of the tial Test Answers Sheet (page 7). To answer each question draw a pencil line in the rectangle for the answer you want. Time limit: 40 minutes Text 1 The entire school was lined up, with Mr Keller out front making his speech. Wendy shook her head and tried to keep from swaying. Perspiration trickled down her cheeks. The sun was so hot. It beat down upon her unprotected head making her | feel slightly sick. She should have obeyed her mother and worn a hat. She shuffled her feet. ‘Stand still down there! Where's your respect?” Mr Keller roared. He droned on and on about our brave boys at Gallipoli. Wendy's mind wandered. Her mother had lost Bert, her fiance, there. She had never forgotten him. Strange, Wendy pondered, | wouldn't be here if that hadn't happened. Mum would have married Bert and lived by the sea ... the lovely cool sea ‘And if Dad hadn't broken his arm the very day war broke out, he might have been at Gallipoli, might also have been shot, as so many were, jumping from the boats into the sea. She couldn't think of | anything else but how nice it would be to be cool Afterwards, all she could remember was the earth ‘coming up and hitting her a sickening blow in the face. Then lots of people swarming around and woices coming from a long way off. Marjorie’s shrilling that she was dead? Someone yelling at her to shut up! Mr Keller calling for boys to carry her to the verandah bench, Hushed voices talking about ‘her face’. She opened her eyes as she was lifted and saw Geoffrey looking at her with horrified pity, Why was he looking at her like that? Her face felt numb, as though she was having a tooth out. Someone put a cold cloth on her forehead She felt better then and sat up, embarrassed at all the attention, Mr Keller, unusually concerned, suggested Maudie escort her to her front gate if she felt able to walk. Her home was only a short distance from the school. Source: Land of the Rippling Gold by Una Clarke, Pascal Press rb What day might have speech? A. 26th January B 10th June C 7th October D_ 1th November What happened to Wendy? A She became tired and fell, B_ She fainted C She felt hot. D_ She became bored and sick In which war did the “brave boys’ fight? A Boer War B Gallipoli C World War I D World War II What does ‘droned on’ mean? A to talk in a monotonous way B_ toroar loudly C to make a dull speech D_ touse boring words What might have helped Wendy? A not swaying so much B_ shaking her head gently C not letting her mind wander D_ wearing a hat Why might Wendy have been embarrast A. She was embarrassed because she fainted during assembly. B_ She was embarrassed at Geoflteys horrified pity. C She was embarrassed about hi D_ She was embarrassed at everyone* concern. yer face s face numb? she was having # Why was Wendy’ A It wasas though tooth out. B_ It was numb because cold cloth on her forehead She had fallen flat on her 80°. D_ She was numb from embarrass ut someone hadfs the main point of this cartoon? a cartoon about Ginger Meggs g another boy in class. is a cartoon to make us laugh about ‘a cartoon about Ginger Meggs another boy in class. a cartoon to make us laugh about 9. Why does Ginger Meggs think it is a trick question? A. Ginger Meggs is wrong and does not understand the question. B Ginger Meggs has guessed an answer and is trying to show off. Ginger Meggs has no idea about the question. D_ Ginger Meggs has guessed an answer. people, animals and plants have been ‘amounts of ultraviolet radiation yet what the long-term effect of an levels of ultraviolet radiation will be, ye made a number of predictions. They ‘as the ozone layer becomes thinner, an increase in ultraviolet radiation at An increase in ultraviolet radiation ase in the number of skin cancers wrinkle and ‘age’ more quickly. ‘more eye diseases in humans and will also be done to the human g more disease. an increase in ultraviolet ts as well, which will lead Hepa 3 " jamage the chemical to make their food, This ahyll and is found ie Scientists expect that an increase in ultraviolet radiation will damage plants as well, which will lead to less food and timber production. This is because an increase in ultraviolet rays will damage the chemical in plants which enables them to make their food. This chemical is called chlorophyll and is found in a plant's leaves. Ultraviolet radiation also destroys the micro-organisms in the soil which are essential for plant grawth. Scientists at the Worldwatch Institute in the United States have found that certain plants, such as those from the bean, cabbage and squash families, are very sensitive to changes in the amount of ultraviolet radiation. They have also found that soya beans, one of the World's most important crops, is extremely sensitive to ultraviolet rays. ‘As well as killing the micro-organisms in the soil, Ultraviolet ayskill the micro-organisms andj which are the basis could result in marine life, ranging from havea disastrous effect on12, In how many ways does the indicate that ultraviolet radi: more disease in humans? 11, Which diagram (next page) shows an increase in ultraviolet light as the ozone layer is reduced? A2 UV radiation Be B 3 "6O-e. c 4 molecules Dee Ongen -@O~ molecules. oyygen atom 13. How does ultraviolet light affect timber production? A Ultraviolet radiation causes a destruction of the ozone layer. B_ UV radiation, \ \ Q B_ The ozone layer becomes i Oxygen chlorophyll is affected. ie a a C Ultraviolet radiation affects the in a leaf and the organisms in ~@: a oi P an D_ Worldwatch Institute has shown eee | some plants are sensitive. Chlorine monoxide 14. Why will marine life die? c Ozone layer fa ‘A. Marine life dies because radiation Cres affects the ocean’s food chain. le) B_ Marine life dies because radiation ya affects oysters and whales. UV releases chlorine” Chlorine ‘eats’ ozone C Marine life dies because ultraviolet radiation affects the fishing industry. Dy D_ Marine life dies because ultraviolet radiation causes a destruction of the @) —> k—_— ® ozone layer. More ultraviolet Ear light gets through £2""" Thinner ozone layer Text 4 [had written him a letter which | had, for want of better Knowledge, sent to where | met him down the Lachlan, years ago, He was shearing when | knew him, so I sent the letter to him, | Just on spec, addressed as follows: “Clancy, of The Overflow’ | ‘And an answer came directed in a writing unexpected, {And | think the same was written with a thumbnail dipped in tar) “Twas his shearing mate who wrote it, and verbatim | will quote it | “Clancy's gone to Queensland droving, and we don't know Where he are. In my wild erratic fancy visions come to me of Clancy Gone a-droving “down the Cooper” where the Western drovers go; As the stock are slowly stringing, Clancy rides behind them singing, For the drover's life has pleasures that the townsfolk never know. And the bush hath friends to meet him, and their kindly voices greet him In the murmur of the breezes and the river on its bars, {nd he sees the vision splendid of the sunlit plains extended, ‘And at night the wondrous glory of the everlasting stars, ea Excel Selective Schools and Scholarship Tests @ 78 |inmy dingy little office, where a stingy It struggles feebly down between the houses tall, dair and gritty of the dusty, dirty city pen window floating spreads its foulness over all ing cattle, | can hear the fiendish rattle and the buses making hurry down the street, ge uninviting of the gutter children fighting, nd faintly through the ceaseless tramp of feet people daunt me, and their pallid faces haunt me e another in their rush and nervous haste, s and greedy, and their stunted forms and weedy, no time to grow, they have no time to waste. jer fancy that I'd like to change with Clancy, at droving where the seasons come and go, ie round eternal of the cashbook and the journal — suit the office, Clancy, of The Overflow. the Overflow” in Brumby’s Run and Other Verses by AB Paterson poet describe in the first verse? 20. The most important part of the last verse is describes an answer written mbnail dipped in tar. describes a shearer’s answer is missing. t describes a letter to Clancy of flow. scribes the answer of a na letter to Clancy. ink the writing was ‘unexpected’? iting was unfamiliar. t an answer. was hard to read. xpect a quick reply. | erratic fancy’ mentioned where the poet: A. describes the dingy little office B_ contrasts the city to country life C criticises the townsfolk D__paints a picture of the dusty, dirty city 21. Which of these words in the last verse means ‘stinking’? A foetid B_ dingy C gritty D dusty 22, What does the poet imagine that he would like to do? A The poet imagines that he would like to go droving with Clancy. B__ The poet imagines changing places with Clancy. C_ The poet imagines that he would like to get away from the office. D_ The poet imagines that he wants to see the beauty of the countryside. 23. Which one is a meaning of the poem? ‘A. The poem describes the advantages of life for Clancy of The Overilow. B The poem compares townstolk with the friendliness and freedom of country folk. The poem contrasts the beauty of droving and the restricted life in a city office. D_ The poem outlines a daydream about a drover’s life and working in the city.Pocket money: $369m in small change By ANDREW HORNERY Marketing Writer Australia’s children—just over 1.5 million between seven and 12 years old—have an estimated $369 million to spend each year, according to a report released yesterday. Looking at how children spend their pocket money, market research company Wilson MLI found boys. spend most on computer games and sport while girls prefer books and clothes. As for food treats, the Kids Call Survey of 1,450 children across Australia conducted last year found an equal number—one in five—of boys and girls spend their pocket money on chocolate and ice-cream. Only 18 per cent of boys spend their cash on going out compared with 24 per cent of girls. While 25 per cent of girls spend their pocket money on buying presents for other people, only 15 per cent of boys do. Most children—35 per cent—receive between $2 and $5 a week, Almost a quarter—24 per cent— receive less than $2; 21 per cent receive between $5 and $10, 6 per cent receive between $10 and $20 and 3 per cent receive $20 or more. About 11 per cent of children didn’t receive pocket money or didn't respond to the question More girls save than boys but boys save more, with 30 per cent having saved $200 or more compared with 28 per cent of girls. While 19 per cent of boys had saved between $100 and $200, only 16 per cent of girls had. Fewer boys—16 per cent—had saved less than $20 compared with 18 per cent of girls. Unsurprisingly, the survey noted that as children got older they received more pocket money. While no seven-year-olds reported they received $20 or more a week pocket money, 7 per cent of 12-year-olds said they did, Most seven-year-olds—A1 per cent—received less than $2a week. Pocket money levelled off for children between the ages of eight and 11, who generally received between ‘$2and $5, Twelve-year-olds had the greatest pull on parents’ Purse strings, with the majority—32 per cent— receiving between $5 and $10 a week. Source: Sydney Morning Herald 24, Boys spend more of their pocket than girls on: A. chocolates B presents C going out D_ computer games 25. The same proportion of gris and boy spend their money on: A. ice cream B presents C going out D_ movies 26. Around how much pocket money do mos. children receive each week? y A $1-$2 B $2-$5 Cc $5-$10 D_ more than $10 27. The percentage of boys and girls that save less than $20 is: A 16% boys and 18% girls B_ 18% boys and 16% girls C 19% boys and 16% girls D 30% boys and 28% girls The summer holidays were over. No more late- night television, McDonald's parties or weekdays lying in the grass at the park watching the birds swoop and soar. It was back to school instead—12 wonder he felt sick. | His mother came in to check he hadn't gone back | tosleep. ‘Good, I'm glad you're bright-eyed and bushy-taiee Jironed your shirt and shorts last night, Here ‘are. Now you go and have your shower, while» out breakfast.” “OK, Mum, I'l try, but | feet really sick. | dont thi"* I'WUbe able to start school today. She smiled, and reached out her hand t0 , forehead; ‘Itdoesn’tfeel Lkeyou vegotatempest hs Seems quite normal to me’. She smoothed bee Bs hair and stroked his cheek, Now, don tbesily. 4°" You've just got first day nerves. Once You 2 school and meet all your friends again (te Now hurry up, get out of bed and have Your’up at his mother, trying to put the special varession on his face that had won her en in the past. But today she simply ly. back at him. that look on me now Andrew. It won't too busy. Get out of bed now.” She spoke etone of her voice was all too familiar jis mother turned and went out of his no use arguing with her any further. He wasn’t going to get out of going to ‘well, he had better start the day then. the sheet and doona and began to ht leg across to the edge of the bed hands with it, sliding gently but the leg slowly bend at the knee over en he quickly flexed his left leg over e floor so that it could take the weight y He reached over to where his crutches ainst the chest of drawers. Timing by Jeremy Fisher, Pascal Press d Andrew feel sick? the first day of school. awake and about. no longer asleep. clothes were ironed. 't Andrew’s mother give in to his pression? hot a sympathetic person. that he was not ill. been fooled by him before. that Andrew's right leg weight of his body on the leg across the edge of Jeg over and onto the Vjeel really sick. | think I'm going to Text 7 Although most people say they get their news from television, when some event is occurring, people usually first turn on the radio for information. Thisis so for several reasons: radiois moreaccessible than the other media; its news bulletins are more frequent; radio news journalists are usually able to get to the scene of an event more quickly and get the news onto the airwaves sooner; and radio can involve its listeners in the news more easily. Radio is more accessible for a number of reasons. One is that every home, almost every car and a large number of workplaces have one. Another is that some radios are so small itis possible to carry one in a pocket and listen to it whenever you want. Finally, you can listen to the radio while you do other things. It does not matter if you are in bed or at the beach, driving a car or camping in the country, walking around the street or working in the backyard, radio news is accessible. While newspapers and television channels usually have only one main edition each day, radio news programs are broadcast frequently. Radio stations have a news bulletin at least every hour. This means that radio can report on events as they happen and update the reports as more information is gathered. Radio can often be first with the news because radio journalists need to carry little equipment. A tablet and smartphone is much easier to load, carry and set up than the equipment television journalists need. This means radio journalists can quickly arrive at an event. Unlike the other two media, radio journalists can go to air quickly, simply by telephoning their station or by using a smatl radio handset, much like a walkie tatkie. Source: Shaping the News by John D Fitzgerald, Pascal Press 32, Which aspect of radio is emphasised in this passage? ‘A. Radio is better than television for news. B_ Radio is the medium which people use first for information. Radio is quicker than magazines for news. D_ Radio news is more frequent than newspaper editions, 33, What would be a good title for this passage? A The media B_ Shaping the news CC Radio news D_ Image of the newsneed little equipment. B_ Radio journalists can interview at the scene. € Radio journalists can broadcast directly from the site. D_ Radio journalists produce shorter news stories. Text 8 | Imagine a small, stocky man addressing a crowd ina shady corner of Sydney's Hyde Park on a humid day in March 1930. He is talking about riches beyond anyone's wildest dreams—his stow, musical voice carries across the park, drawing more and more listeners towards him. As he speaks, he hands out pamphlets to as many members of his swelling audience as he can reach. Soon the audience is eagerly handing the pamphlets around for him. tell you, this continent has a heart of solid gold! I've seen it, touched it! Gold is the basis of all wealth, and the gold | have seen will turn Australia into a wealthy country again. No more Depression —a job for every man, and debt banished forever. Think about it, read the pamphlet, then join with me. My friends, for a small investment you can save the country from ruin and become rich!” Within minutes of finishing his speech, the man is surrounded by people, all of them offering him money This scene is made up, but something like this happened in Sydney in 1930, when Harold Lasseter zing story. He told of a kilometre reef of gold he had found in unexplored desert country in central Austral Reef’, the richest goldmine in Austr began telling his am Itwas a story many people wanted to hear in 1930. Australia, as well as England, Europe and the United | States of America, was in the grip of the Depression, | a time when the living standards of most people | dropped greatly. The Depression meant that Australia could not earn enough from selling minerals, woot 39. What did the 6. Why did a crowd gather in| listen to the man? ‘A. He spoke well and convincingly, B_ He spoke clearly and handed out information. C He was telling them how to get rich, D_ He gave the audience some hope for the future, 37. How do we know he was popular? A. because the audience numbers grew B__ because everyone was interested C because they handed out leaflets for him D__ because he was talking about wealth 38. What did the man tell the audience? A. He said that gold will make everyone wealthy. B_ He said that he had seen a large gold reef. C He told them to read the leaflets D_ He told them how to save Australia from the Depression an want finally from this audience? A He wanted to help Australia B He wanted people’s money C He wanted them to come exploring with him D__ He wanted them to believe this sto" 40. What is Lasseter’s Reef? A Lasseter’s Reef was a 23-kilomett® mine in central Australia B __Lasseter's Reef was an amazing st! told in Hyde Park C _ Lasseter’s Reef was a gold reet unexplored desert country D__Lasseter’s Reef was the richest gol mine in Australia Excel Selective Schools and Scholarship Tests # 80