Primary 6 English Ace the Exam with My 24/7 ... - Orlesson.com

Primary 6 English 

Ace the Exam with 

My 24/7 Personal Tutor 

Detailed Explanation of ALL Questions 

by Tutor in Virtual Classroom 

Consulting Editor: 

Dr Zhang Yong 

BE, ME (Peking University), PhD (NUS)

© Outreach Edusys Pte Ltd 

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. No part of this book and the 

accompanying CDROM may be reproduced or 

transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or 

mechanical, including photocopying, CD duplication, 

replication, or by any information storage and retrieval 

system, without permission in writing from the 

Publisher. 

First Published 2010 

ISBN: 978-981-4275-23-1 

Published by: 

Outreach Edusys Pte Ltd 

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ii

Preface 

This book is written to assist pupils in preparing for the Primary 6 

English Paper Two examinations. There are a total of 8 specially 

crafted examination style papers. The main features of the papers are 

as follows. 

1. Questions are modelled after examination papers set by top well 

known Singapore schools. 

2. Questions are crafted to enrich vocabulary and enhance 

understanding of English writing and language usage. 

This book comes with a multimedia CDROM. The CDROM contains 

detailed explanation of every question in each of the papers by our 

teacher. These lessons ensure pupils understand the reasons behind 

each answer. 

Outreach Book Alive series brings the “tuition teacher” to you at zero 

cost. 

You may also want to try our online programme. These are interactive 

“diagnostic” modules consisting of multiple choice questions. The 

incorrect options to each question are carefully crafted based on 

specific misconception in learners. If your child submit a wrong answer, 

our system will dynamically diagnose your child’s problem and provide an 

explanation on why the answer is wrong, and what is the correct way to 

solve such problems. 

Visit http://www.orlesson.org today. 

iii

Contents 

Midyear Examination: Mock Paper 1 1 




Preliminary Examination – Mock Paper 1 60 




Suggested Answers 121 

Free Past Year School Exam Papers (from 2004 onwards) for download and 

print. 

Visit http://www.orlesson.org for links and download instructions. 

Subscribe to Outreach Lesson Online Access for hundreds of hours of 

lessons, and thousands of questions. Less than 70 cents a day for unlimited 

access to ALL subjects. For details, visit http://www.orlesson.org. 

iv

Midyear Examination: Mock Paper 1 

Duration: 1 hr 50 min 

Section A: Study the following flyer and then answer Questions 1 to 5. (5 marks) 

--The scintillating BIG BANG 

show would be a free treat for 

the entire family!! 8 pm on 

28 th and 29 th September - not 

available on 30 th September. 

Experience the breathtaking 

and colorful patterns exploding 

in the sky 

--“Firing crackers” show - 

How did crackers come about 

and what is their significance 

in festivals today? Learn about 

this and much more! 6pm and 

9pm on 30 th September. 

The marvels of science can be 

re-discovered with our 

EXPLOSIVE line-up of fun at 

SINGAPORE SCIENCE 

CENTRE this month from 

28 th -30 th September! 

BE SURE to catch the 

electrifying Thunderbolt 

show, the hair-raising 

Van-de-Graff show as 

well as the afternoon 

screening of the latest 

science-fiction movies – 

‘Grand Canyon’ and 

‘Whales’ at subsidized 

price for your family ! 

--The Bubble mania fest and 

contest—have a good time 

playing the exciting games 

and standing to win lots of 

attractive prizes!-10am-4pm 

from 29 th -30 th September 

Calling all south west CDC 

residents!!! 

Produce your NRIC at any south-west 

community center and get your 

special SCIENCE CENTRE voucher 

Hurry! Limited to 4 vouchers per 

person! For more details call 

1800-1616-235 

1

1. The main purpose of holding the activities is to ____________. 

(1) teach the community on how to fire crackers 

(2) arouse the community’ s interest in science 

(3) publicize the science centre 

(4) give special preference to the southwest CDC residents 

2. One has to ____________ to qualify for the Science Centre voucher. 

(1) be a resident of the south-west CDC 

(2) produce his/her NRIC at the southwest CDC 

(3) be a member of the southwest council 

(4) participate in all activities of the southwest council 

3. Mr. Tan went to Science Centre on 28 th September evening. He witnessed 

(1) the fireworks display exploding on the sky 

(2) exciting demonstrations of firing crackers 

(3) the bubble-mania contest 

(4) the screening of the science-fiction movies 

4. Which of the following is not available on 30 th September? 

(1) The big bang show 

(2) The firing crackers –fire show 

(3) The science fiction movies 

(4) The bubble mania fest 

( ) 

( ) 

( ) 

( ) 

5. Which of the following is true? 

(1) The activities are going to be held from 26 th September - 2 nd October. 

(2) All the shows are held every day from 28 th -30 th September. 

(3) Everyone who hurries to the southwest CDC would get vouchers. 

(4) The number of vouchers for southwest residents is restricted to 4 per person. 

( ) 

Section B: For each question from 6 – 12, four options are given. One of them is the 

correct answer. Make your choice (1, 2, 3, or 4). (7 marks) 

6. She hurried to the shop _____ she could buy some milk _____ it closed. 

(1) in order to; before (2) for; by 

(3) so that; before (4) so that; at 

( ) 

2

7. Neither Ali nor his brothers ______ pizzas 

(1) likes (2) is liking 

(3) like (4) are liking 

( ) 

8. Since this room is so small, the smaller lounge suite would be ________ than the 

larger one. 

(1) as suitable (2) most suitable 

(3) so suitable (4) more suitable 

( ) 

9. The other contractor will give us _____ estimate of _____ cost of renovating our 

house. We think that the first one is trying to rip us off. 

(1) an, -- (2) an, a 

(3) an, the (4) a, an 

( ) 

10. The boys are required to save as ______ money as possible so that they will have 

enough to pay for the field trip. 

(1) much (2) some 

(3) many (4) a lot of 

( ) 

11. Mary is ________ girl in class. All her teachers and classmates like her. 

(1) most popular (2) popularest 

(3) the most popular (4) more popular than 

12. The poster shows the steps ___ putting on a surgical mask. 

(1) for (2) to 

(3) of (4) in 

( ) 

( ) 

Section C: For each question from 13 – 15, choose the correct punctuation to complete the 

passage. (3 marks) 

"I'm sure those are not the right words (13)” said poor Alice, and her eyes filled with 

tears again as she went on. “I must be Mabel, after all, and I shall have to go and live in 

that poky little house, and have next to no toys to play with, and so many lessons to learn! 

No, I've made up my mind about it; if I'm Mabel, I'll stay down here! It'll be no use putting 

their heads down and saying, Come up again, dear!” I shall only look up and say, “Who 

3

am I then (14) Tell me that first, and then, if I like being that person, I'll come up: if not, 

I'll stay down here till I'm somebody else—but, oh dear (15) cried Alice with a sudden 

burst of tears, “I do wish they would put their heads down! I am so very tired of being all 

alone here!” 

13. (1) [,] comma (2) [.] full stop 

(3) [;] semi-colon (4) [!] exclamation mark 


(3) [?] question mark (4) [!] exclamation mark 

( ) 

( ) 

15. (1) 

(3) 

[?”] question mark and inverted 

commas 

[.”] full stop and inverted 


(2) [,”] comma and inverted commas 

(4) 

[!”] exclamation mark and inverted 


( ) 

Section D: For each question from 16 – 20, four options are given. One of them is the 

correct answer. Make your choice (1, 2, 3 or 4). (5 marks) 

16. All Members of Parliament are required to make a ______ of their business interests. 

(1) treaty (2) report 

(3) declaration (4) communique 

( ) 

17. While they tried hard to keep expenses down, the actual cost of the celebration 

_________ the sum budgeted for it. 

(1) excelled (2) surmounted 

(3) exceeded (4) transcended 

( ) 

18. Despite an extensive search, no sign of the missing plane was found by the ______ 

party. 

(1) search (2) exploring 

(3) raiding (4) hunting 

( ) 

4

19. The ______ of the young recruit’s solution to the difficult problem earned him a 

quick promotion. 

(1) effectiveness (2) efficiency 

(3) zeal (4) efficacy 

( ) 

20. My parents enjoy Chinese street operas, but these operas are not my __________ . 

(1) cup of tea (2) flavour 

(3) liking (4) pleasure 

( ) 

Section E: For each question from 21 – 25, choose the word(s) closest in meaning to the 

underlined words. (5 marks) 

My father had a small estate in Nottinghamshire: I was the third of five sons. He sent me 

to Emanuel College in Cambridge at fourteen, where I (21) resided three years, working 

hard on my studies. However the charge of (22) maintaining me, although I had a very 

scanty allowance, is too great for his narrow fortune. I became an apprentice to Mr. James 

Bates, an (23 )eminent surgeon in London, with whom I continued for four years. My 

father now and then sent me small sums of money, which I used in learning 

(24)navigation, and other parts of the mathematics, useful to those who intend to travel, as 

I always believed it would be, some time or other, my (25)fortune to do. 

21. (1) travelled (2) studied 

(3) played (4) stayed 

22. (1) seeing (2) bringing 

(3) supporting (4) tempting 

23. (1) ordinary (2) well known 

(3) well off (4) bright 

24. (1) sailing a ship (2) directing a ship 

(3) driving (4) nagging 

25. (1) mood (2) money 

(3) chance (4) dollars 

( ) 

( ) 

( ) 

( ) 

( ) 

5

Section F: Read the passage below and answer questions 26 to 30. 

Although alcoholic fermentation, and the fermentation which goes on in raising 

dough, were known and utilized for many years, the cause of the phenomenon was a 

sealed book until the nineteenth century. About that time it was discovered, through the 

use of the microscope, that fermenting liquids contain an army of minute plant organisms 

which not only live there, but which actually grow and multiply within the liquid. For 

growth and multiplication, food is necessary, and this the tiny plants get in abundance 

from the fruit juices; they feed upon the sugary matter and as they feed, they ferment it, 

changing it into carbon dioxide and alcohol. The carbon dioxide, in the form of small 

bubbles, passes off from the fermenting mass, while the alcohol remains in the liquid, 

giving the stimulating effect desired by imbibers of alcoholic drinks. The unknown strange 

organisms were called yeast, and they were the starting point of the yeast cakes and yeast 

brews manufactured to-day on a large scale, not only for bread making but for the 

commercial production of beer, ale, porter, and other intoxicating drinks. 

The grains, rye, corn, rice, wheat, from which meal is made, contain only a small 

quantity of sugar, but, on the other hand, they contain a large quantity of starch which is 

easily convertible into sugar. Upon this the tiny yeast plants in the dough feed, and, as in 

the case of the wines, ferment the sugar, producing carbon dioxide and alcohol. The dough 

is thick and sticky and the gas bubbles expand it into a spongy mass. The tiny yeast plants 

multiply and continue to make alcohol and gas, and in consequence, the dough becomes 

lighter and lighter. When it has risen sufficiently, it is kneaded and placed in an oven; the 

heat of the oven soon kills the yeast plants and drives the alcohol out of the bread; at the 

same time it expands the imprisoned gas bubbles and causes them to lighten and swell the 

bread still more. Meanwhile, the dough has become stiff enough to support itself. The 

result of the fermentation is a light, spongy loaf. 

For each question from 26 – 30, four options are given. . One of them is the correct answer. 

Make your choice (1, 2, 3 or 4). (5 marks) 

26. When was the cause of alcoholic fermentation discovered? 

(1) between 1601 and 1700 (2) between 1701 and 1800 

(3) between 1801 and 1900 (4) between 1901 and 2000 

( ) 

6

27. Fermenting liquids contain an army of minute plant organisms which______ 

(1) only live there for a while (2) kill themselves after a while 

(3) never grow (4) 

grow and multiply within the 

liquid 

( ) 

28. The unknown strange organisms mentioned in the first passage were called_______ 

(1) yeast (2) sugar 

(3) carbon dioxide (4) alcohol 

( ) 

29. The grains, rye, corn, rice, wheat… contain ________that is easily convertible into 

sugar. 

(1) alcohol (2) yeast 

(3) starch (4) dough 

( ) 

30. “When it has risen sufficiently, it is kneaded and placed in an oven..” What does “it” 

refer to? 

(1) The alcohol (2) The tiny yeast plants 

(3) The sugar (4) The dough 

( ) 

Section G: There are 10 blanks, numbered 31 to 40, in the passage below. From the list of 

words given, choose the most suitable word for each blank. Write its letter (A to Q) in the 

blank. 

(A) with (B) the (C) by (D) for (E) out 

(F) a (G) at (H) from (J) to (K) but 

(L) into (M) while (N) of (P) by (Q) from 

As he spoke the gleam (31)____________ the sidelights of a carriage came round 

the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little four-wheel carriage which rattled up to the 

door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of the loafing men at the corner dashed 

forward to open the door in the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by 

another loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce quarrel 

broke(32)____________, which was made worse by the two guardsmen, who took 

sides(33)____________ one of the loungers, and(34)____________ the scissors-grinder, 

7

who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and in an instant the lady, 

who had stepped (35)____________ of her carriage, was the centre of a little knot of 

flushed and struggling men, who struck savagely(36)____________ each other with their 

fists and sticks. Holmes dashed (37)____________ the crowd to protect the lady; 

(38)____________, just as he reached her, he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with 

the blood running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to their heels in one 

direction and the loungers in the other, (39)____________ a number of better dressed 

people, who had watched the scuffle without taking part in it, crowded 

in(40)____________ help the lady and to attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will 

still call her, had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her superb figure 

outlined against the lights of the hall, looking back into the street. 

Section H: Correct each word in bold for spelling and each underlined word for grammar. 

Write the correct word in the relevant box. 

My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands in the pockets of 

his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It is (41)_______________ a bright, crisp 

February morning, and the snow of the day before still lay deep upon the ground, 

shimering (42)_______________ brightly in the wintry sun. The centre of Baker Street 

had been ploughed into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and on the 

heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as when it fell. The grey pavement 

had been clean (43)_______________ and scraped, but was still dangerously slippery, so 

that there were fewer pasengers (44)_______________ than usual. Indeed, from the 

direction of the Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman whose 

eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. 

8

He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a massive, strongly 

marked face and a commanding figure. He was dressed in a somber 

(45)_______________ yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining hat, neat brown gaiters, 

and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity off 

(46)_______________ his dress and features, for he was running hard, with ocasional 

(47)_______________ little springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed 

to set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jarked (48)_______________ his hands up and 

down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the more (49)_______________ 

extraordinary contortions. 

“What on earth can be the matter with him?” I asks (50)_______________. “He is 

looking up at the numbers of the houses.” 

Section I: Fill in each blank with a suitable word. (15 marks) 

Heavy rain lashed (51)_______________ mercilessly as blinding streaks of 

lightning flashed across the sky. Completely drenched and (52)_______________ with 

cold, Mabel who had gone for a leisurely stroll on a deserted stretch of road knew that she 

had to seek shelter immediately. Another flashed of (53)_______________ lit up the 

forbidding outline of a house. The wind (54)_______________ like a 

(55)_______________ of hungry wolves as the storm intensified. 

Mabel had no choice but to seek (56)_______________ in the dilapidated house. A 

strange gust of wind (57)_______________ open the door as if it knew about Mabel’s 

arrival. With her heart pounding (58)_______________, Mabel stepped into the house. 

Suddenly, the door slammed shut which made Mabel jump in (59)_______________ as 

9

the eerie darkness enveloped her. She was all alone now or so she thought. A musty smell 

pervaded the living room and the occasional (60)_______________ of lightning lit up the 

room momentarily through a tiny window. Terrified, Mabel was tempted to get out again 

but decided against it as the rain battered harder at the window. As curiosity got the better 

of her, Mabel decided to climb up the stairs to (61)_______________ the house. 

The rickety stars creaked as she stepped on them. Mabel’s heart was palpitating 

(62)_______________ and in the pitch darkness, she could hear someone groaning. All of 

a sudden a black shadow swooped past her and Mabel’s (63)_______________ tore 

through the spooky silence. She darted down the stairs and made for the door immediately. 

An icy hand (64)_______________ her shoulders, she did not risk looking back and all 

that was on her mind was to (65)_______________ from the house. And she did, she 

opened the door and bolted out into the cruel storm, running for her dear life, completely 

horror-struck. 

Section J: For each of the questions 66 to 70, rewrite the given sentence(s) using the 

word(s) provided. Your answer must be in one sentence. The meaning of the sentence 

must be the same as the meaning of the given sentence(s). 

66. The thief moves around the apartment very cautiously. He does not wish to be caught 

in the act. 

_____________________________________________________________ because 

____________________________________________________________________ 

67. Heavy rain will fall today. This is quite evident from the overcast sky. 

________________________________________________________________ that 

____________________________________________________________________ 

10

68. Jane read a book. She also read a newspaper. She went to bed. 

After _______________________________________________________________ 

____________________________________________________________________ 

69. Albert has been very unfortunate. He is always cheerful. 

Though ____________________________________________________________ 

___________________________________________________________________ 

70. We know all men will die and be forgotten. Why do they seek fame and riches? 

_______________________________________________________________ when 

____________________________________________________________________ 

Section K: Read the passage below and answer questions 71 to 80. (20 marks) 

The action of water in stream and sea, in springs and wells, is evident to all; but the 

activity of ground water—that is, rain water which sinks into the soil and remains there— 

is little known in general. The real activity of ground water is due to its great solvent 

power; every time we put sugar into tea or soap into water we are using water as a solvent. 

When rain falls, it dissolves substances floating in the atmosphere, and when it sinks into 

the ground and becomes ground water, it dissolves material out of the rock which it 

encounters. We know that water contains some mineral matter, because kettles in which 

water is boiled acquire in a short time a crust or coating on the inside. This crust is due to 

the accumulation in the kettle of mineral matter which was in solution in the water, but 

which was left behind when the water evaporated. 

The amount of dissolved mineral matter present in some wells and springs is 

surprisingly great; the famous springs of Bath, England, contain so much mineral matter in 

solution, that a column nine feet in diameter and 140 feet high could be built out of the 

mineral matter contained in the water consumed yearly by the town people. 

Rocks and minerals are not all equally soluble in water; some are so little soluble 

11

that it is many years before any change becomes apparent, and the substances are said to 

be insoluble, yet in reality they are slowly dissolving. Other rocks, like limestone, are so 

readily soluble in water that from the small pores and cavities eaten out by the water, there 

may develop in several centuries, caves and caverns. Most rock, like granite, contains 

several substances, some of which are readily soluble and others of which are not readily 

soluble; in such rocks a peculiar appearance is presented, due to the rapid disappearance of 

the soluble substance, and the persistence of the more resistant substance. 

We see that the solvent power of water is constantly causing changes, dissolving 

some mineral substances, and leaving others practically untouched; eating out crevices of 

various shapes and sizes, and by gradual solution through unnumbered years enlarging 

these crevices into wonderful caves, such as the Mammoth Cave of Kentucky. 

All answers must be in complete sentences. 

71. Why is the real activity of ground water not easily evident? 

72. According to the passage, how can we tell that water is a solvent? 

73. What causes the activity of ground water? 

12

74. What causes the crust that is found inside the kettle? 

75. Which word in the passage has the same meaning as continue to exist or to do 

something in a determined manner? 

76. According to the passage, how much mineral is there in the water consumed on an 

annual basis by the town people living in Bath in England? 

77. Why are some substances considered to be insoluble? 

78. What evidence is there that limestone is readily soluble? 

13

79. What causes the peculiar appearance presented in some rocks? 

80. What can the solvent power of water create? 

14

Midyear Examination Mock Paper 2 



The YEAR OF THE RAT is here! 

In the SCIENCE CENTRE this year!!!! 

We have put together an exhibition choc-o-bloc full of exciting 

information regarding the rodent–world. 

Find out more about ‘lifesized’ 

rats!! 

26 th September 

An exclusive opportunity to 

find out more about these 

interesting creatures. 

Special package: 

Admission for kids only 

$15, adults: $20!! 

Rats in a whole new light 

26 th -31 st September. 

Find out more about rats 

and trivia regarding them!! 

For instance, do you know 

that rat urine glows under 

ultraviolet light? 

The Rat and Mice Story 

26 th -29 th September. 

What is the difference between 

a rat and mouse? 

More activities: 

-Learn more about the various types 

of rodent species. 

-Touch and feel these cute rodents 

-Take photos with the sculptures at 

science centre 

- Learn the special rodent dance 

Lucky draw gifts: 

The first 120 arrivals at 

the exhibition (26 th Sep) 

(as per registration) will 

stand to win IPODS and 

many attractive gifts!! 

Open : 10am to 8pm 

15

1. The main purpose of the exhibition is for people to _____________ 

(1) touch the rats 

(2) take photographs with sculptures at the centre 

(3) win lucky draws and I-pods 

(4) find out interesting facts about rodents 

2. The following activity will not take place at the exhibition : 

(1) An opportunity to find out more about the various types of rodents 

(2) Touch and feel rodents 

(3) A rodents dance 

(4) Feeding and playing with the rats 

3. Jacob and his father want to go the exhibition. Together they would spend 

(1) $35 

(2) $40 

(3) $37 

(4) $39 

( ) 

( ) 

( ) 

4. 

Carol went to the Science Centre at 10am on 26 th September. She has an advantage 

compared to her friend Roger who went the next day as 

(1) She can watch the dance and find out about the different types of species 

(2) She can learn about the difference between rat and mice 

(3) She can enter at a cheaper price 

(4) She stands a chance to win attractive prizes in a lucky draw. 

( ) 

5. Which of the following statements is true? 

(1) There is no difference between a rat and a mouse 

(2) The rat urine glows fluorescent under ultra-violet light 

(3) 

The first 120 arrivals will get a chance to take photographs with the 

sculptures 

(4) The exhibition lasts for 5 days in total. 

( ) 



6. Apple’s method of solving these mathematical problems is ________ Bob’s. 

(1) better than (2) more better 

(3) so simple as (4) most simpler 

( ) 

16

7. “Be careful, children! The floor is ________ as I have just mopped it,” Mrs Lin 

shouted out. 

(1) more slippery (2) as slippery 

(3) most slippery (4) slippery 

( ) 

8. I’d like to buy _____ book for mum because she likes _____ reading. 

(1) a, -- (2) a, the 

(3) a, an (4) --, the 

( ) 

9. The pupils have to gather as ______ information as possible during this period of 

time, and the only way is to make use of the Internet. 

(1) much (2) some 

(3) many (4) a lot of 

( ) 

10. There is ______ of rubbish in the back lanes. Something must be done to dispose of 

them effectively. 

(1) a large number (2) a little 

(3) a large amount (4) several 

( ) 

11. ______ of the food have gone bad, so we have to throw them away. 

(1) A large number (2) Most 

(3) Several (4) A few amount 

12. There is _____ tree in my garden. _____ tree is tall. 

(1) the; --- (2) a; The 

(3) ---; A (4) a; A 

( ) 

( ) 



Suddenly Uncle Henry stood up. 

“There's a cyclone coming, May,” he called to his wife. “I'll go look after the 

stock(13)” Then he ran toward the sheds where the cows and horses were kept. 

Aunt May dropped her work and came to the door. One glance told her of the danger close 

at hand. 

17

“Quick, Dorothy(14) she screamed. “Run for the cellar!” 

Toto jumped out of Dorothy's arms and hid under the bed, and the girl started to get 

him. Aunt May, badly frightened, threw open the trap door in the floor and climbed down 

the ladder into the small(15) dark hole. Dorothy caught Toto at last and started to follow 

her aunt. When she was halfway across the room there came a great shriek from the wind, 

and the house shook so hard that she lost her footing and fell. 



( ) 

14. (1) 

(3) 






(4) 



( ) 



( ) 



16. To increase ______, the firm will embark on an expansion program. 

(1) efficiency (2) production 

(3) productivity (4) competitiveness 

( ) 

17. ______ parents have only themselves to blame if they lose control over their 

children. 

(1) Indolent (2) Indignant 

(3) Indulgent (4) Indigent 

( ) 

18. She belongs to a rare ______ of women who perform dangerous acts for a living. 

Such jobs are normally done by men. 

(1) race (2) breed 

(3) variety (4) species ( ) 

18

19. You must read through your work carefully before ______ it. 

(1) conveying (2) surrendering 

(3) handing (4) submitting 

( ) 

20. The Singapore law is tough against anyone caught harbouring an ______ immigrant. 

(1) illiterate (2) illicit 

(3) illegal (4) illegitimate 

( ) 



Oliver, being left to himself in the undertaker's shop, set the lamp down on a 

workman's bench, and gazed timidly about him with a feeling of awe and (21) dread, 

which many people a good deal older than he will be at no loss to understand. An 

unfinished coffin on black tressels, which stood in the middle of the shop, looked so 

gloomy and death-like that a cold (22) tremble came over him, every time his eyes 

wandered in the direction of the dismal object: from which he almost expected to see some 

(23) frightful form slowly rear its head, to drive him mad with terror. Against the wall 

were ranged, in regular array, a long row of elm boards cut in the same shape: looking in 

the dim light, like high-shouldered ghosts with their hands in their breeches pockets. 

Coffin-plates, elm-chips, bright-headed nails, and shreds of black cloth, lay scattered on 

the floor; and the wall behind the counter was ornamented with a lively (24) representation 

of two mutes in very stiff neckcloths, on duty at a large private door, with a hearse drawn 

by four black steeds, approaching in the distance. The shop was close and hot. The 

atmosphere seemed tainted with the smell of coffins. The recess (25) beneath the counter 

in which his flock mattress was thrust, looked like a grave. 

21. (1) realization (2) appreciation 

(3) apprehension (4) caution 

22. (1) shiver (2) nod 

(3) thrive (4) track 

( ) 

( ) 

19

23. (1) anxious (2) hopeful 

(3) excited (4) fearful 

24. (1) presentation (2) comprehension 

(3) display (4) portrait 

25. (1) above (2) below 

(3) inside (4) outside 

( ) 

( ) 

( ) 


Man has learned not only the action of substances upon each other, such as 

bleaching solution upon colouring matter, washing soda upon grease, acids upon bases, 

but also the effect which certain chemicals have upon the human body. 

Drugs and their varying effects upon the human system have been known to 

mankind from remote ages; in the early days, familiar leaves, roots, and twigs were 

steeped in water to form medicines which served for the treatment of all ailments. In more 

recent times, however, these simple herb teas have been supplanted by complex drugs, and 

now medicines are compounded not only from innumerable plant products, but from 

animal and mineral matter as well. Quinine, rhubarb, and arnica are examples of purely 

vegetable products; iron, mercury, and arsenic are equally well known as distinctly 

mineral products, while cod-liver oil is the most familiar illustration of an animal remedy. 

Ordinarily a combination of products best serves the ends of the physician. 

Substances which, like cod-liver oil, serve as food to a worn-out body, or, like iron, 

tend to enrich the blood, or, like quinine, aid in bringing an abnormal system to a healthy 

condition, are valuable servants and cannot be entirely dispensed with so long as man is 

subject to disease. 

But substances which, like opium, laudanum, and alcohol, are not required by the 

body as food, or as a systematic, intelligent aid to recovery, but are taken solely for the 

stimulus aroused or for the insensibility induced, are harmful to man, and cannot be 

indulged in by him without ultimate mental, moral, and physical loss. Substances of the 

latter class are known as narcotics and stimulants. 

20



26. In the early days, what was used to form medicines? 

(1) complex drugs (2) familiar leaves, roots, and twigs 

(3) mineral water (4) animals 

( ) 

27. Quinine, rhubarb, and arnica are examples of____________. 

(1) mineral products (2) animal remedy 

(3) purely vegetable products (4) complex drug 

( ) 

28. Substance such as iron tend to __________. 

(1) serve as food to a worn-out body (2) enrich the blood 

(3) aid in bringing an abnormal 

system to a healthy condition 

(4) give a body energy 

( ) 

29. What is common about the substances such as cod-liver oil, iron and quinine? 

(1) They served a useful purpose (2) They are harmful substances. 

(3) They are stimulants. (4) They induced insensibility. 

( ) 

30. Which of the following statements about opium, laudanum, and alcohol is true? 

(1) 

They are required by the body as 

food. 

(2) 

They are required by the body as 

intelligent aid to recovery. 

(3) They are taken purely for the 

effect that they have on the 

human body. 

(4) They should be taken as much as 

possible. 

( ) 

21



blank. 

(A) source (B) frivolous (C) powerful (D) confront (E) hardship 

(F) wealth (G) strong (H) spiteful (J) suffered (K)brightness 

(L) darkness (M) symbol (N) patronage (P) jealous (Q) brains 

Apollo is one of the most talented, courageous and (31) _______ gods on 

Mount Olympus. He was the son of Zeus, the Supreme ruler of the Universe and 

Goddess Leto. Apollo had a rocky birth and childhood, as Hera, the wife of Zeus, 

was (32)________ of Leto, and tried to prevent her from giving birth to Apollo and 

his sister. Even after they were born, Hera tried to deny them a place where they 

could grow up healthily, happily and strong. Therefore, life was tough for Apollo 

despite being a young god. However, the (33) ________ that he had suffered when 

he was young had only made him stronger and more resilient. That was probably 

the reason why he was chosen to be the God of the Sun, the (34) ________ of life 

and power! 

As the god of the sun, Apollo shone brighter than all other gods. He was 

strong and powerful like the sun that he controlled. He was the (35)_______ of all 

life on Earth and in the Universe, and all living things depended on him for 

survival. All the beauty in the world owed its existence directly or indirectly to his 

presence. Without the light and warmth that Apollo brings, the Universe would be 

in complete (36)________, all life would be snuffed out! The Universe would be 

cold, dull and colourless. 

22

Apollo was also the one that dared (37) _______ and kill the fierce, firebreathing, 

serpent Python at the shrine at Delphi. No target, no matter how agile or 

cunning, can escape Apollo’s arrows, he being the God of Archery! In a single shot 

of his needle-sharp golden arrows, the monstrous beast lay dead! 

However, Apollo was not all brawn and no (38) ________. Being also the 

god of medicine, he knew the cure for every disease. Kind and compassionate, he 

also travelled the world to teach medicine to the mortals so that they can learn to 

cure themselves, unlike other gods who indulge in (39) ________ pastimes. 

Apollo livened up the universe with music and the arts. Nothing can match 

the beautiful and enchanting music of his lyre. Without it, could the nine Muses 

sing? Could anyone dance? No celebration is complete without music. The arts also 

make the world more cultured and interesting, and allow people to express 

themselves. Can you imagine a world without theatres, sculptures, and other pieces 

of art? Without Apollo and his (40)________ of music and the arts, Mount 

Olympus and the universe would be a very boring place indeed! 



“And then suddenly in the silence I hear (41)_______________ a sound which sent 

my heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish of the leaking 

cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp still stand (42)_______________ upon 

the floor where I had placed it when examining the trough. By his (43)_______________ 

light I saw that the black ceiling was coming down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none 

23

knew better than myself, with a force which must within a minute grin 

(44)_______________ me to a shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the 

door, and dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let me out, but the 

remoseless (45)_______________ clanking of the levers drowned my cries. The celling 

(46)_______________ was only a foot or two above my head, and with my hand upraised 

I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it flashed through my mind that the pain of my 

death would depended (47)_______________ very much upon the position in which I met 

it. If I lay on my face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shudded 

(48)_______________ to think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and 

yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black shadow waveing 

(49)_______________ down upon me? Already I was unable to stand erect, when my eye 

caught something whose (50)_______________ brought a gush of hope back to my heart. 


The balmy (51)_________ was perfect for an evening jog around Somerset Park. A 

gentle breeze caressed me as I ran cheerfully along the jogging path with the canopy of 

leaves sheltering me from above. 

“Help! Help!” a little boy (52)___________ in desperation. His shrieks of terror 

(53)___________ me to a thick clump of bushes and what I saw nearly made my heart 

stop (54)____________ for a few seconds. A puny-looking boy was (55)___________ to 

free himself as a gigantic python coiled itself tightly round the boy’s lower body. 

Paralysed with (56)____________, my mind was a complete blank but I knew that I had to 

act (57)_____________ or else the poor lad will be suffocated to death as the python 

24

continued to coil itself around the boy. I yelled at the top of my voice but there was no one 

else in (58)____________. Every second was precious and I knew that as soon as the 

python reached the boy’s neck, that would be the (59)__________ of him. I did not want 

to witness such a (60)___________ before my eyes. 

As the python slithered menacingly around the boy’s waist, I grabbed a sharp twig 

and forced it down the python’s throat as I squeezed its neck. I found some rocks among 

the bushes and with all my might, I rained blows after blows on the snake’s head. Soon, it 

loosened its grip around the boy and laid motionless on the (61)__________. Without 

wasting a second, I pulled the boy away to (62)____________. The ashen-faced boy 

explained that he had gone into the buses to retrieve his ball and had not 

(63)____________ to be attacked by the python. 

We contacted the park ranger (64)______________ and the huge python which was 

injured but still alive was taken to the zoo. The little boy’s parents were having a picnic 

about 200 metres away and did not have a clue about the terrible ordeal that he had 

experienced. 

His parent thanked me repeatedly and we were all relieved that he had escaped 

basically unharmed except for severe shock and a few bruises here and there. I was glad to 

be his lucky star that day. Had I not jogged down that path, the (65)_____________ would 

have been unthinkable! 

25




66. Mr and Mrs Lee finished dinner. They jogged in the park. 

After________________________________________________________________ 

67. The apartment was so beautiful. Ms Yen agreed to buy it immediately. 

_________________________________________________________________that 

____________________________________________________________________ 

68. Mr Tan was very old. He went to work every day. 

Although____________________________________________________________ 

____________________________________________________________________ 

69. I did not go to class yesterday. I had a terrible headache. 

______________________________________________________________because 

70. Jessie insisted on visiting her grandpa by herself though I could fetch her there. I did 

not understand. 

_________________________________________________________________why 

26


The far-reaching effect which light has upon some inanimate objects, such as 

photographic films and clothes, leads us to inquire into the relation which exists between 

light and living things. We know from daily observation that plants must have light in 

order to thrive and grow. A healthy plant brought into a dark room soon loses its vigour 

and freshness, and becomes yellow and drooping. Plants do not all agree as to the amount 

of light they require, for some, like the violet and the arbutus, grow best in moderate light, 

while others, like the willows, need the strong, full beams of the sun. But nearly all 

common plants, whatever they are, sicken and die if deprived of sunlight for a long time. 

This is likewise true in the animal world. During long transportation, animals are 

sometimes necessarily confined in dark cars, with the result that many deaths occur, even 

though the car is well aired and ventilated and the food supply good. Light and fresh air 

put colour into pale cheeks, just as light and air transform sickly, yellowish plants into 

hardy green ones. Plenty of fresh air, light, and pure water are the watchwords against 

disease. 

In addition to the plants and animals which we see, there are many strange unseen 

ones floating in the atmosphere around us, lying in the dust of corner and closet, growing 

in the water we drink, and thronging decayed vegetable and animal matter. Everyone 

knows that mildew and vermin do damage in the home and in the field, but very few 

understand that, in addition to these visible enemies of man, there are swarms of invisible 

plants and animals some of which do far more damage, both directly and indirectly, than 

the seen and familiar enemies. All such very small plants and animals are known as micro 

organisms. 

Not all micro organisms are harmful; some are our friends and are as helpful to us as 

are cultivated plants and domesticated animals. Among the most important of the micro 

organisms are bacteria, which include among their number both friend and foe. In the 

household, bacteria are a fruitful source of trouble, but some of them are distinctly friends. 

The delicate flavour of butter and the sharp but pleasing taste of cheese are produced by 

bacteria. On the other hand, bacteria are the cause of many of the most dangerous diseases, 

such as typhoid fever, tuberculosis and influenza. 

27

By careful observation and experimentation it has been shown conclusively that 

sunlight rapidly kills bacteria, and that it is only in dampness and darkness that bacteria 

thrive and multiply. Although sunlight is essential to the growth of most plants and 

animals, it retards and prevents the growth of bacteria. Dirt and dust exposed to the 

sunlight lose their living bacteria, while in damp cellars and dark corners the bacteria 

thrive, increasing steadily in number. For this reason our houses should be kept light and 

airy; blinds should be raised, even if carpets do fade; it is better that carpets and furniture 

should fade than that disease-producing bacteria should find a permanent abode within our 

dwellings. Kitchens and pantries in particular should be thoroughly lighted. Bedclothes, 

rugs, and clothing should be exposed to the sunlight as frequently as possible; there is no 

better safeguard against bacterial disease than light. In a sick room sunlight is especially 

valuable, because it not only kills bacteria, but keeps the air dry, and new bacteria cannot 

get a start in a dry atmosphere. 


71. What will happen to a healthy plant that is brought into a dark room? 

72. In what conditions do violet and arbutus grow best? 

28

73. Why do animals dead if they are confined in dark cars during long transportation? 

74. What are very small plants and animals that are almost invisible to the eye called? 

75. Which word in the passage has the same meaning as “productive or conducive to 

production”? 

76. Why are some bacteria considered to be man’s friend? 

29

77. What are some diseases caused by bacteria? 

78. In what conditions do bacteria thrive and multiply? 

79. What should we do to prevent bacteria from thriving in our houses? 

80. Why is sunlight especially valuable in a sick room? 

30




Topics covered : 

Caring for your child‘s teeth early - How? 

By Dr Hashim Tahir (An eminent doctor of NUH) 

Tooth accidents –What can we do? 

By Prof Charlotte (School of Dentistry, Purdue University) 

Prevention of Mouth Infections 

By Deepti Srinivisan (Practitioner, SGH) 

Common problems of growing 

children and teenagers: 

- Dealing with an accident involving 

the teeth 

- Cavities and shaky tooth 

- Mouth infections which affect the 

gums as well 

Date :12 April 2010 

Time :10:30 am 

Venue: Meeting Room, Park 

Hotel 

Admission : FREE 

The first 250 early bird parents will be given a goodies bag consisting of 

dental-care products worth $50 inside!!! 

Register for the event by 3 April 2010! 

AN INVALUABLE OPPURTUNITY FOR PARENTS! 

31

1. Who are the organisers of the forum? 

(1) The Ministry of Education 

(2) The Ministry of Health 

(3) The Dental Department of NUH 

(4) The Park hotel 

2. Which is the tooth-related problem NOT mentioned in the poster? 

(1) Accidents involving the teeth 

(2) Non-aligned or protruding teeth 

(3) Mouth infections which affect the gums 

(4) Cavities and shaky tooth 

( ) 

( ) 

3. 

If you one of the first 250 person to register for the event, you would receive 

____________. 

(1) goodies bag with vouchers worth $50 

(2) goodies bag with dental care products worth $25 

(3) goodies bag with dental care products worth $50 

(4) a reception and chance to win a lucky draw 

( ) 

4. The target group of this forum is 

(1) Children and teenagers 

(2) Parents 

(3) Teachers 

(4) Doctors 

5. Where and when is the forum going to be held? 

(1) Park hotel, 12 th April 2010 

(2) Sheraton hotel, 13 th April 2010 

(3) Hilton hotel, 3 rd April 2010 

(4) Parkway Hotel,12 th April 2009 

( ) 

( ) 



6. I was out on _____ evening stroll when I spotted _____ squirrel. 

(1) the; a (2) ---; the 

(3) an; --- (4) an; a 

( ) 

32

7. The manager finds Mr. Yeoh's advertising strategy to be ________ Mr. Koh's; he 

will consider both before making the final decision. 

(1) as interesting as (2) more interesting 

(3) so interesting as (4) most interesting 

( ) 

8. I must go to the shops. We've ______ of bread. 

(1) run out (2) ran out 

(3) run behind (4) run over 

( ) 

9. If we ______ with the payments again, they will take the car back. 

(1) fall down (2) fall back 

(3) fall behind (4) fall up 

10. I intend to visit my grandparents _____ the weekend. 

(1) on (2) by 

(3) during (4) for 

11. My parents are going to China _____ a holiday _____ September. 

(1) for; in (2) in; at 

(3) so; that (4) for; during 

12. You can move around the town _____ foot as it is not very big. 

(1) by (2) on 

(3) in (4) from 

( ) 

( ) 

( ) 

( ) 



"You are not attending!" said the Mouse to Alice severely. "What are you thinking of?" 

"I beg your pardon (13) said Alice very humbly: "you had got to the fifth bend, I 

think?" 

"I had not(14) cried the Mouse, angrily. 

"A knot!" said Alice, always ready to make herself useful, and looking anxiously about 

33

her. "Oh, do let me help to undo it!" 

"I shall do nothing of the sort," said the Mouse, getting up and walking away(15) "You 

insult me by talking such nonsense!" 

"I didn't mean it!" pleaded poor Alice. "But you're so easily offended, you know!" 

The Mouse only growled in reply. 

13. (1) 

(3) 

14. (1) 

(3) 










(4) 



( ) 


(4) 



( ) 

15. (1) [,] comma (2) [!] exclamation mark 

(3) [.] full stop (4) [?] question mark 

( ) 



16. As he had betrayed one of his office colleagues, he was ______ by them. 

(1) sanctioned (2) ostracized 

(3) isolated (4) exiled 

( ) 

17. He told his teachers that he had decided to resign from his position as head prefect. 

However, they _________ him to reconsider his decision. 

(1) mentioned (2) dissuaded 

(3) discouraged (4) asked 

( ) 

18. He ___________ on breaking the rules of the club. The manager said he would be 

expelled if continued to do so one more time. 

(1) persisted (2) insisted 

(3) desisted (4) resisted ( ) 

34

19. Their intention to ____________ the government was stopped as soon as it started. 

(1) subvert (2) salvage 

(3) subdue (4) subside 

( ) 

20. The police have _____________to anyone with information to come forward and 

talk to them. 

(1) pleaded (2) appealed 

(3) indicated (4) begged 

( ) 



Of course, Mr. Darling, who (21)died only this winter, did not indulge in any such 

melodramatic or bookish nonsense as setting down commands or desires in his will, nor 

were any of his bequests dependent upon them. He did talk with his daughter, however, 

during his last illness, and he did leave Richard Morton a letter expressing his (22) regard 

and confidence, and saying that as his daughter was entirely without relatives he should 

have felt much happier had he seen her married before his death. If he had stopped there 

all would have been well, but he went on. He knew, he said, that Amy was one of the 

sweetest and most (23) attractive girls in the world, and if a mutual (24) affection should 

grow out of her acquaintance with Richard he would be glad to know that the fortune he 

had made by his own energy might be a basis for the future (25) prosperity and business 

success of his old friend’s son. 

21. (1) passed over (2) passed by 

(3) passed away (4) passed down 

22. (1) respect (2) love 

(3) ignorance (4) gratitude 

23. (1) appealing (2) caring 

(3) boring (4) thriving 

24. (1) care (2) hatred 

(3) likelihood (4) fondness 

( ) 

( ) 

( ) 

( ) 

35

25. (1) achievement (2) wealth 

(3) goal (4) consideration 

( ) 


The prevention of disease epidemics is one of the most striking achievements of 

modern science. Food, clothing, furniture, and other objects contaminated in any way by 

disease germs may be disinfected by chemicals or by heat, and widespread infection from 

persons suffering with a contagious disease may be prevented. 

When disease germs are within the body, the problem is far from simple, because 

chemicals which would effectively destroy the germs would be fatal to life itself. But 

when germs are outside the body, as in water or milk, or on clothing, dishes, or furniture, 

they can be easily killed. One of the best methods of destroying germs is to subject them 

to intense heat. Contaminated water is made safe by boiling for a few minutes, because the 

strong heat destroys the disease-producing germs. Scalded or Pasteurized milk saves the 

lives of scores of babies, because the germs of summer complaint which lurk in poor milk 

are killed and rendered harmless in the process of scalding. Dishes used by consumptives, 

and persons suffering from contagious diseases, can be made harmless by thorough 

washing in thick suds of almost boiling water. 

The bedding and clothing of persons suffering with diphtheria, tuberculosis, and 

other germ diseases should always be boiled and hung to dry in the bright sunlight. Heat 

and sunshine are two of the best disinfectants. 



26. According to the passage, what is one of the most striking achievements of modern 

science? 

(1) disinfected food (2) prevention of disease epidemics 

(3) destroying germs (4) disinfected furniture 

( ) 

27. When germs are outside the body, what is one of the best methods of destroying 

them? 

(1) to subject them to intense heat (2) to inject medicine 

(3) to use chemicals (4) washing 

( ) 

36

28. How does boiling contaminated water make it safe? 

(1) germs cannot live in water (2) heat can create special chemicals 

(3) germs is killed in water (4) 

the strong heat destroys the 

disease-producing germs 

( ) 

29. Dishes used by consumptives, and persons suffering from contagious diseases can 

be made harmless by______________ 

(1) washing in cold water (2) washing in water 

(3) 

thorough washing in thick suds 

of almost boiling water 

(4) special chemicals 

30. What are the best disinfectants that are mentioned in the passage? 

(1) heat (2) heat and sunshine 

(3) sunshine (4) scalding water 

( ) 

( ) 



blank. 

(A) destination (B) remained (C) torn (D) declined (E) praying 

(F) saying (G) little (H) evidently (J) solid (K) inclined 

(L) stirred (M) barrels (N) scare (P) scary (Q) die 

That winter had been a very severe one in Rumania. The Danube froze 

(31)_________a week before Christmas and (32)___________so for five months. It was 

as if the blue waters were suddenly turned into steel. From across the river, from the 

Dobrudja, on sleds pulled by long-horned oxen, the Tartars brought (33)___________ of 

frozen honey, quarters of killed lambs, poultry and game, and returned heavily laden with 

bags of flour and rolls of sole leather. The whole day long the crack of whips and the 

curses of the drivers rent the icy atmosphere. Whatever their (34)_____________, the 

travellers were in a hurry to reach human habitation before nightfall—before the dreaded 

time when packs of wolves came out to prey for food. 

37

In cold, clear nights, when even the wind was frozen still, the lugubrious howling of the 

wolf permitted no sleep. The indoor people spent the night (35)____________ for the lives 

and souls of the travellers. 

All through the winter there was not one morning but some man or animal was 

found (36)__________ or eaten in our neighbourhood. The people of the village at first 

built fires on the shores to (37)____________ the beasts away, but they had to give it up 

because the thatched roofs of the huts in the village were set on fire in windy nights by 

flying sparks. The cold cowed the fiercest dogs. The wolves, crazed by hunger, grew more 

daring from day to day. They showed their heads even in daylight. When Baba Hana, the 

old gypsy fortune-teller, ran into the school-house one morning and cried, "Wolf, wolf in 

the yard," the teacher was (38)____________ to attribute her scare to a long drink the 

night before. But that very night, Stan, the horseshoer, who had returned late from the inn 

and had (39)_____________ not closed the door as he entered the smithy, was eaten up by 

the beasts. And the smithy stood in the centre of the village! A stone's throw from the inn, 

and the thatch-roofed school, and the red painted church! He must have put up a hard 

fight, Stan. Three huge dark brown beasts, as big as cows' yearlings, were found brained. 

The body of big Stan had disappeared in the stomachs of the rest of the pack. The high 

leather boots and the hand that still gripped the handle of the sledgehammer were the only 

remains of the man. There was no blood, either. It had been lapped dry. That 

(40)_____________ the village. Not even enough to bury him—and he had been a good 

Christian! But the priest ordered that the slight remains of Stan be buried, Christian-like. 

The empty coffin was brought to the church and all the rites were carried out as if the body 

of Stan were there rather than in the stomachs of wild beasts. 

38



The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, has(41) ___________ 

long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles in which the unfotuneta (42) 

______________bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have eclipsed it, and their more 

piquant details have drawn the gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have 

reason to believe, however, that the full facts have never been reveal (43)___________ to 

the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a considerable share in clearing 

the matter up, I feel that no memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch 

of this remarkable episode. 

It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I was still 

sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came home from an afternoon stroil 

(44)___________ to find a letter on the table waiting for him. I have (45) 

____________remained indoors all day, for the weather had taken a sudden turn to rain, 

with high autumnal winds, and the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my 

limbs as a relic of my Afghan campaign throb (46) __________with dull persistence. With 

my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had surrounded myself with a 

cloud of newspapers until at last, seturated (47)____________ with the news of the day, I 

tossed them all aside and lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the 

envelope upon the table and wondering lazy (48) ____________who my friend’s noble 

corrispondint (49) ______________could be. 

“Here is a very fashionable epistle,” I remarked as he was 

entering(50)____________. “Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a fish- 

39

monger and a tide-waiter.” 

“Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety,” he answered, smiling, 

“and the humbler are usually the more interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome 

social summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie.” 


John was on his way to work as (51)____________ on a wet and gloomy Tuesday 

morning on 9 Feb 2007. The train was (52)___________ with commuters but John 

(53)__________ to find a seat and feeling lucky that morning, he flipped the newspapers 

with satisfaction and scanned the headlines. 

‘Boom!’ A deafening explosion ripped (54)___________ the train and a foreboding 

darkness enveloped the passengers as they (55)_________ and gasped in horror. John 

found himself lying on a heap of bodies; he tried to move his limbs as he drifted in and out 

of consciousness. All around him, people were writhing in agony and he (56)________ 

smell charred flesh. 

John’s worst (57)___________ was confirmed- a bomb had indeed detonated and he 

could see seriously (58) ___________ passengers surrounded by debris. The sights of 

dismembered bodies were horrifying and many survivors were choking in the 

(59)__________ and dust. The entire scene (60)____________ one of a war zone. 

In no time, the police, paramedics and subway (MRT) staff arrived to render first 

aide. John was whizzed off (61)____________ to the hospital with the other wounded 

commuters. It was a pure act of terrorism which had (62)________ this terrible tragedy 

which claimed almost 300 lives, leaving about 500 people (63)___________. John 

40

considered himself (64)__________ to have survived this ordeal. However, he was 

(65)______________ traumatized and had to seek psychological help and he knew that his 

life will be scarred by this tragedy forever. 




66. He took a bath to refresh himself. He went to bed. 

After________________________________________________________________ 

____________________________________________________________________ 

67. I believe she will be a successful businesswoman. She has worked very hard. 

______________________________________________________________because 

____________________________________________________________________ 

68. John was very angry at the party last night. I could see from his face. 

_________________________________________________________________that 

____________________________________________________________________ 

69. He spent a lot of time practicing the speech. It did not make a great impact. 

Although____________________________________________________________ 

____________________________________________________________________ 

70. He often speaks very fast. We cannot understand him. 

_________________________________________________________________that 

____________________________________________________________________ 

41


Before the time of stoves and furnaces, man heated his modest dwelling by open 

fires alone. The burning logs gave warmth to the cabin and served as a primitive cooking 

agent; and the smoke which usually accompanies burning bodies was carried away by 

means of the chimney. But in an open fireplace much heat escapes with the smoke and is 

lost, and only a small portion streams into the room and gives warmth. 

When fuel is placed in an open fireplace and lighted, the air immediately 

surrounding the fire becomes warmer and, because of expansion, becomes lighter than the 

cold air above. The cold air, being heavier, falls and forces the warmer air upward, and 

along with the warm air goes the disagreeable smoke. The fall of the colder and heavier 

air, and the rise of the warmer and hence lighter air, is similar to the exchange which takes 

place when water is poured on oil; the water, being heavier than oil, sinks to the bottom 

and forces the oil to the surface. The warmer air which escapes up the chimney carries 

with it the disagreeable smoke, and when all the smoke is got rid of in this way, the 

chimney is said to draw well. 

As the air is heated by the fire it expands, and is pushed up the chimney by the cold 

air which is constantly entering through loose windows and doors. Open fireplaces are 

very healthy because the air which is driven out is impure, while the air which rushes in is 

fresh and brings oxygen to the human being. 

But open fireplaces, while pleasant to look at, are not efficient for either heating or 

cooking. The possibilities for the latter are especially limited, and the invention of stoves 

was a great advancement in efficiency, economy, and comfort. A stove is a receptacle for 

fire, provided with a definite inlet for air and a definite outlet for smoke, and able to 

radiate into the room most of the heat produced from the fire which burns within. The 

inlet, or draft, admits enough air to cause the fire to burn brightly or slowly as the case 

may be. If we wish a hot fire, the draft is opened wide and enough air enters to produce a 

strong glow. If we wish a low fire, the inlet is only partially opened, and just enough air 

enters to keep the fuel smouldering. 

42


71. Before the time of stoves and furnaces, how did man heat his dwelling? 

72. What happens to air immediately surrounding an open fireplace? 

73. How is smoke that is produced by an open fireplace removed from the house? 

74. Which word in the passage has the same meaning as “not large in size or amount”? 

43

75. The fall of the colder and heavier air, and the rise of the warmer and, hence, lighter 

air, is similar to what phenomenon? 

76. Why are open fireplaces healthy? 

77. According to the passage, though open fireplaces are pleasant to look at, they are not 

efficient for which activities? 

78. Why are stoves an advancement over open fireplaces? 

44

79. How does a stove work? 

80. What using a stove for cooking, must we do if we want to have a hot fire? 

45




FAMILY FIESTA 

An EXCITING and FUN event 

organized by St Joseph 

Middle and Primary School! 

Admission fees 

Adults :$5 

Children:$1.50 

For family package -2 

adults and 2 children - 

a FREE 5 th ticket will 

be given!! 

Take part in Paint Your Own 

Picture Competition and you 

could win ATTRACTIVE prizes. 

--- 28 th September at 5pm --- 

Booths 1-5: 

Exciting games where you 

could win lots of attractive 

prizes 

Booths 12-15: 

Sale of eatables, drinks and 

confectionaries!! 

Booths 25-28: 

Sale of handicraft items 

and artifacts!! 

Join us: 

Date :28 th and 29 th September 

Time:10am-5pm 

Venue : St Josephs school, 

North Avenue Road, Midlane 

Street, Singapore 123456 

A ONE OF A KIND FIESTA!! 

OPPURTUNITY TO BOND 

WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS 

over 

50 challenging and exciting 

games for all at the Fiesta 

booths. 

LIVE performance by the 

School Choir: 

‘The devout ones’ 

Exclusive free CDS to be 

distributed!! (while stocks 

last. 

Spend $25 and 

above and get a $5 

voucher from KIDS 

Contact 

96224258 for 

further details 

Sponsored by 

KIDS world 

and Tellymag 

46

1. What is the name of the school choir? 

(1) The singing angels 

(2) The devoted ones 

(3) The devout ones 

(4) The angels from heaven 

2. What do booths 25-28 sell? 

(1) Food items 

(2) Handicrafts and artifacts 

(3) Toys and books for children 

(4) Home decoration items 

3. Which number should one call for further information? 

(1) 96224581 


(3) 96223456 


4. Who has sponsored the fiesta? 

(1) KIDS world 

(2) Tellymag 

(3) Both of the above 

(4) None of the above 

5. Which competition is going to be held on 28 th September at 5pm? 

(1) Paint your picture competition 

(2) Sing your song competition 

(3) A photography competition 

(4) A dance competition 

( ) 

( ) 

( ) 

( ) 

( ) 



6. We did not see ___________ friends at the funfair. 

(1) a few (2) many 

(3) a little (4) much 

( ) 

47

7. "You need to eat __________ fresh fruits and get _____________ exercise," the 

doctor advised his patient. 

(1) several, some (2) many, a large number of 

(3) plenty of, a lot of (4) much, a large amount of 

( ) 

8. He is yearning for _____ fame and _____ fortune. 

(1) ---; --- (2) the; the 

(3) a; a (4) a; the 

( ) 

9. The situation in that war-torn country is _________________ most people realize. 

Something must be done to bring the war to an end. 

(1) more alarming (2) the most alarming 

(3) more alarming than (4) as alarming as 

( ) 

10. If you cannot find the item _________ you can try _____________. 

(1) here, elsewhere (2) there, anywhere 

(3) here, nowhere (4) there, everywhere 

11. We were ______ in traffic for hours because of road works. 

(1) hold on (2) held up 

(3) held on (4) hold up 

12. Sue is inferior ____ Jane in fencing skills. 

(1) than (2) of 

(3) to (4) less 

( ) 

( ) 

( ) 



"That is true," said the Scarecrow. "You see," he continued confidentially(13) "I don't 

mind my legs and arms and body being stuffed, because I cannot get hurt. If anyone treads 

on my toes or sticks a pin into me, it doesn't matter, for I can't feel it. But I do not want 

people to call me a fool, and if my head stays stuffed with straw instead of with brains, as 

yours is, how am I ever to know anything (14) 

"I understand how you feel," said the little girl, who was truly sorry for him. "If you will 

48

come with me I'll ask Oz to do all he can for you." 

"Thank you," he answered gratefully. 

They walked back to the road. Dorothy helped him over the fence, and they started along 

the path of yellow brick for the Emerald City. 

Toto did not like this addition to the party at first. He smelled around the stuffed man as if 

he suspected there might be a nest of rats in the straw (15) and he often growled in an 

unfriendly way at the Scarecrow. 



( ) 

14. 

(1) 

(3) 






(4) 



( ) 



( ) 



16. Some politicians feel that they have to pander to the greed of the people so that they 

can ______ more votes. 

(1) lure (2) entice 

(3) win (4) take advantage of 

( ) 

17. The sick man’s health has _______________. 

(1) deteriorated (2) degenerated 

(3) decayed (4) denied 

( ) 

49

18. I am sorry; your demand is so unreasonable that I cannot ______ to it. 

(1) succeed (2) accede 

(3) proceed (4) recede 

19. Our constitution states that all men are ____________. 

(1) equivalent (2) impartial 

(3) similar (4) equal 

20. This blouse, with many unnecessary pattern, is too ______ for me. 

(1) imaginative (2) tasteful 

(3) fanciful (4) fantastic 

( ) 

( ) 

( ) 



Eleanor could not help laughing. "Excuse me," said she; "and be (21) assured that I meant 

no offence to you, by speaking, in so quiet a way, of my own feelings. Believe them to be 

stronger than I have (22) declared; believe them, in short, to be such as his merit, and the 

suspicion—the hope of his affection for me may warrant, without imprudence or folly. But 

farther than this you must not believe. I am by no means assured of his regard for me. 

There are moments when the extent of it seems doubtful; and till his (23) sentiments are 

fully known, you cannot wonder at my wishing to avoid any encouragement of my own 

partiality, by believing or calling it more than it is. In my heart I feel little—scarcely any 

doubt of his (24) preference. But there are other points to be considered besides his 

inclination. He is very far from being independent. What his mother really is we cannot 

know; but, from Fanny's occasional mention of her conduct and opinions, we have never 

been disposed to think her (25) amiable; and I am very much mistaken if Edward is not 

himself aware that there would be many difficulties in his way, if he were to wish to marry 

a woman who had not either a great fortune or high rank." 

21. (1) promise (2) wonder 

(3) guaranteed (4) agreed 

( ) 

50

22. (1) thought (2) believed 

(3) claimed (4) announced 

23. (1) meaning (2) claims 

(3) thoughts (4) belief 

24. (1) vision (2) taste 

(3) independence (4) difficulties 

25. (1) hostile (2) pretty 

(3) sophisticated (4) affable 

( ) 

( ) 

( ) 

( ) 


Among the most beautiful examples of man's handiwork are the baskets and 

blankets of the North American Indians, woven with a skill which cannot be equalled by 

manufacturers, and dyed in mellow colours with a few simple dyes extracted from local 

plants. The magnificent rugs and tapestries of Persia and Turkey, and the silks of India and 

Japan, give evidence that knowledge of dyes is widespread and ancient. Until recently, the 

vegetable world was the source of practically all colouring matter, the pulverized root of 

the madder plant yielding the reds, the leaves and stems of the indigo plant the blues, the 

heartwood of the tropical logwood tree the blacks and greys, and the fruit of certain palm 

and locust trees yielding the soft browns. So great was the commercial demand for 

dyestuffs that large areas of land were given over to the exclusive cultivation of the more 

important dye plants. Vegetable dyes are now, however, rarely used because about the 

year 1856 it was discovered that dyes could be obtained from coal tar, the thick sticky 

liquid formed as a by-product in the manufacture of coal gas. These artificial coal-tar, or 

aniline, dyes have practically undisputed sway to-day, and the vast areas of land formerly 

used for the cultivation of vegetable dyes are now free for other purposes. 

51



26. According to the passage, what are among the most beautiful examples of man's 

handiwork? 

(1) 

the baskets and blankets of the 

South American Indians 

(2) blankets of Persia and Turkey 

(3) 

the baskets and blankets of the 

North American Indians 

(4) baskets of South Asia 

( ) 

27. What evidence is there that knowledge of dyes is widespread and ancient? 

(1) 

magnificent rugs and tapestries 

of Japan and silks of Persia 

(2) the silks of Persia 

(3) rugs of India and silks of Japan (4) 

the magnificent rugs and tapestries 

of Persia and Turkey, and the silks 

of India and Japan 

( ) 

28. What colour does the pulverized root of the madder plant yield? 

(1) the browns (2) the reds 

(3) the blacks (4) the blues 

( ) 

29. About the year 1856, it was discovered that dyes could be obtained from__________ 

(1) vegetables (2) coal tar 

the leaves and stems of the 

the heartwood of the tropical 

(3) 

(4) 

indigo plant 

logwood tree 

( ) 

30. What happens to the vast areas of land formerly used for the cultivation of vegetable 

dyes? 

(1) freed for other purposes (2) 

used as by-products in the 

manufacture of coal gas 

(3) used to exploit coal tar (4) not in used 

( ) 

52



blank. 

(A) had (B) on (C) under (D) in (E) while 

(F) over (G) for (H) and (J) into (K) whom 

(L) might (M) as (N) the (P) whose (Q) with 

Mac seized two hours' sleep (31)______________ a sofa, and then crept away into 

the night to catch a mail train which, rumbling northwards through the hills in the small 

hours, sometimes stopped near here to water. Late the next afternoon he acquainted his 

relatives of his intentions, spent a day or two (32)______________ them, wished them a 

cheery farewell, (33)______________ early the next Sunday, before the morning mists in 

the gullies(34)______________ fled with the first rays, he was again riding up the hill to 

the old homestead. He slung his civilian clothes (35)______________ his tin box, cast his 

eye rather sorrowfully (36)______________ his agricultural books (37)______________ 

he stowed them away in a kerosene case, and regarded his bare walls whimsically as he 

removed from them his few precious photos and one or two quaint sketches. He wondered 

vaguely (38)______________ he donned his khaki breeches and puttees what strange 

lands he might wander in, what queer beds might be his, and what great adventures he 

(39)______________ have. And would this fine old station life ever be his again? In the 

evening he rode to neighbouring homesteads to bid farewell to many 

(40)______________ homes had been his, and whose thoughts would go with him on his 

unknown travels. Finally he parted with his dogs. 



Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, stand (41)___________ 

back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a snow-clad lawn, stretched 

down in front to two large iron gates which closed the entrance. On the right side is 

(42)_________ a small wooden thicket, which led into a marrow (43)__________ path 

between two neat hedges stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the 

53

tradesmen’s entrance. On the left ran a lane which leading (44)__________ to the stables, 

and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a public, though little used, 

thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing at the door and walked slowly all round the house, 

across the front, down the tradesmen’s path, and so round by the garden behind into the 

stably (45)_________lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I went into the diningroom 

and waited by the fire until he should return. We were sitting there in silence when 

the door opened and a young lady came in. She was rather above the meddle (46) 

___________ height, slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against the 

absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever seen such deadly paleness in a 

woman’s face. Her lips, too, were blodless (47)__________, but her eyes were flushed 

with crying. As she swept silent (48)_____________into the room she impresses 

(49)_____________me with a greater sense of grief than the banker had done in the 

morning, and it was the more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong 

character, with imense (50)___________capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding my 

presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand over his head with a sweet 

womanly caress. 


Stepping into the theatre of the Cathay Cineleisure, we were greeted by 

(51)_______________ of refreshing cool air. Our eyes gradually (52)_______________ to 

the darkness as we groped our way down the (53)_______________ of carpeted stairs. 

With the (54)_______________ of the screen’s advertisements, we managed to locate our 

seats without much (55)_______________. 

54

Katie and I sank into our seats in (56)_______________. We had been thronging the 

streets the entire day, window-shopping. Katie and I made ourselves comfortable in our 

spacious (57)_______________ as I opened up a large packet of crunchy popcorns, an 

indispensable (58)_______________ for any movies. While watching the trailers, we 

could hear (59)_______________ whispers in accompaniment to the sound of crunching 

popcorn in the (60)_______________. 

Right on the (61)_______________, the movie commenced. Everyone in the theatre 

turned silent as if a (62)_______________ spell had descended upon them. The movie had 

received rave (63)_______________ and indeed, we were so captivated by the thriller 

that we had forgotten about our popcorn! The special effects on the big 

(64)_______________ were totally futuristic and so awesome that our eyes were glued to 

the screen constantly. The state of art sound system was not only (65)_______________ 

clear but also so potent and powerful that I could feel my heart vibrating! Loud screams 

filled the whole theatre when scenes of horror were shown and I could sense a sharp chill 

up my spine! 




66. Nancy is very beautiful. Jane is ugly 

Nancy unlike _________________________________________________________ 

55

67. As long as you drink enough water, you will not get dehydrated 

___________________________________________________________________ 

unless ______________________________________________________________ 

68. "What are we doing next?" the girl asked her mother. 

The girl asked her mother _______________________________________________ 

69. The humming bird can fly backwards. No other bird can do that. 

The only___ _________________________________________________________ 

70. We warned Ken. Ken left the tent without his torch. 

In spite of____________________________________________________________ 


Monday morning found Tom Sawyer miserable. Monday morning always found him 

so—because it began another week's slow suffering in school. He generally began that day 

with wishing he had had no intervening holiday, it made the going into captivity and 

fetters again so much more odious. 

Tom laid thinking. Presently it occurred to him that he wished he was sick; then he 

could stay home from school. Here was a vague possibility. He canvassed his system. No 

ailment was found, and he investigated again. This time he thought he could detect colicky 

symptoms, and he began to encourage them with considerable hope. But they soon grew 

feeble, and presently died wholly away. He reflected further. Suddenly he discovered 

something. One of his upper front teeth was loose. This was lucky; he was about to begin 

56

to groan, as a "starter," as he called it, when it occurred to him that if he came into court 

with that argument, his aunt would pull it out, and that would hurt. So he thought he 

would hold the tooth in reserve for the present, and seek further. Nothing offered for some 

little time, and then he remembered hearing the doctor tell about a certain thing that laid 

up a patient for two or three weeks and threatened to make him lose a finger. So the boy 

eagerly drew his sore toe from under the sheet and held it up for inspection. But now he 

did not know the necessary symptoms. However, it seemed well worthwhile to chance it, 

so he fell to groaning with considerable spirit. But Sid slept on unconscious. 

Tom groaned louder, and fancied that he began to feel pain in the toe. No result from 

Sid. 

Tom was panting with his exertions by this time. He took a rest and then swelled 

himself up and fetched a succession of admirable groans. Sid snored on. 

Tom was aggravated. He said, "Sid, Sid!" and shook him. This course worked well, and 

Tom began to groan again. Sid yawned, stretched, then brought himself up on his elbow 

with a snort, and began to stare at Tom. Tom went on groaning. Sid said: 

"Tom! Say, Tom!" [No response.] "Here, Tom! TOM! What is the matter, Tom?" 

And he shook him and looked in his face anxiously. 

Tom moaned out: 

"Oh, don't, Sid. Don't joggle me." 


71. Why did Tom Sawyer find Monday miserable? 

57

72. How did he generally begin his Monday? 

73. What did Tom associate school with and what evidence can you find from the 

passage to support your answer? 

74. Which word in the passage has the same meaning as “extremely unpleasant”? 

75. Why did Tom start canvassing his system? 

76. Why did Tom try to encourage his colicky symptoms? 

58

77. Why did he decide against using his loose tooth as an excuse for not going to school? 

78. What excuse did he finally come up with for not going to school and why? 

79. How and why did Tom try to attract Sid’s attention? 

80. What evidence was there from the passage which suggested that Sid believed that 

Tom was sick? 

59

Preliminary Examination – Mock Paper 1 



Prosperity in abundance 

at 

JOHN AND KEITH STORE 

From 28 th September to 

18 th October!! 

Prosperity for yours to 

keep—redeem an exclusive 

glass jar for a minimum 

spending of $100 

(restricted to 2 jars per 

shopper per day) 

Collect 3 such prosperity cards to form 

“Happy Anniversary” and stand a chance 

to win John and Keith vouchers worth 

$888! 

Redeem a 

Prosperity 

Mouse Balloon 

with a minimum 

spending of $20 

at the customer 

service at Level 

1 from any John 

and Keith store. 

Redemption is 

only available 

on Wednesdays 

and Thursdays 

from 4pm-8pm. 

Get a prosperity card 

and Prosperity Red 

Packet (maximum 2 

combined purchase 

receipts on the same 

day) spent at any 

John and Keith store 

during this period. 

Sponsors: 

Singapore Mint, Isetan, 

Goldheart 

Managed by: 

Lend Lease 

60

1. Which store is organizing the prosperity offer? 

(1) The Park Parade 

(2) The John and Keith store 

(3) The John and Angels store 

(4) The Marks and Spencers store 

2. Which of the following is NOT a sponsor of the offer? 

(1) The Singapore Mint 

(2) Goldheart 

(3) Lend lease 

(4) Isetan 

( ) 

( ) 

3. What is the requirement for standing a chance to win $888? 

(1) Collecting three prosperity cards that form the words ‘Happy Anniversary’. 

(2) Collecting three prosperity Anniversary Red Packets. 

(3) Spending a minimum of $100. 

(4) Redeeming the prosperity balloon. 

( ) 

4. Which of these statements is not true? 

(1) The prosperity offer is held from 28 th September to 18 th October 

(2) Prosperity cards can be obtained for every $50 spent 

(3) A minimum spending of $100 guarantees an exclusive glass jar. 

(4) The Singapore Mint is one of the sponsors of the offer. 

5. The prosperity offer is being held in conjunction with which event? 

(1) The monthly sale of the store 

(2) The anniversary sale of the store 

(3) The school holidays 

(4) None of the above. 

( ) 

( ) 



6. As his parents had passed away when he was very small, he was ___________by his 

grandparents. 

(1) taken after (2) grown up 

(3) brought up (4) lived up to 

( ) 

61

7. After cleaning the house for three hours, I was really ___________ 

(1) weared up (2) worn up 

(3) wore out (4) worn out 

8. John’s grandfather died _____ 4p.m. _____ 12 May 1987. 

(1) in; on (2) at; on 

(3) at; in (4) by; during 

( ) 

( ) 

9. Wow! The hiking equipment that you are planning to buy ______ expensive. 

(1) are (2) most 

(3) is (4) were 

( ) 

10. Kathy could not go out together with us, ______ was a pity. 

(1) which (2) what 

(3) it (4) that 

( ) 

11. John strived hard to achieve his goal of becoming a ______ and maintaining law and 

order. 

(1) police force (2) police 

(3) policeman (4) policemen 

( ) 

12. The wallet ____________ my husband bought for me last year has disappeared. 

(1) who (2) which 

(3) whose (4) where 

( ) 



“But oh!” thought Alice, suddenly jumping up (13) “If I don't make haste I shall 

have to go back through the Looking-glass, before I've seen what the rest of the house is 

like(14) Let's have a look at the garden first!” She was out of the room in a moment, and 

ran down stairs—or, at least, it wasn't exactly running, but a new invention of hers for 

getting down stairs quickly and easily, as Alice said to herself. She just kept the tips of her 

62

fingers on the hand-rail, and floated gently down without even touching the stairs with her 

feet; then she floated on through the hall, and would have gone straight out at the door in 

the same way, if she hadn't caught hold of the door-post(15) She was getting a little giddy 

with so much floating in the air, and was rather glad to find herself walking again in the 

natural way. 

13. (1) [.] full stop (2) [!] exclamation mark 

(3) [,] comma (4) [?] question mark 





( ) 

( ) 

( ) 



16. The scheme offers an __________ opportunity for youngsters to get training. 

(1) efficient (2) best 

(3) exemplary (4) excellent 

( ) 

17. He gave the ___________ that he was not sincere 

(1) conjecture (2) impression 

(3) elaboration (4) interpretation 

18. Rising prices should ___________consumer spending. 

(1) oppose (2) regulate 

(3) abolish (4) restrain 

19. They __________the profits on expensive cars. 

(1) squandered (2) flaunted 

(3) described (4) boasted 

( ) 

( ) 

( ) 

63

20. The USA's decision to ________ forty thousand troops from western Europe was 

widely expected. 

(1) retract (2) retreat 

(3) withdraw (4) surrender 

( ) 



Climbing into the sky, a mile off the starboard beam, was an airplane with a bulbous 

body and (21) queerly slanted wings. It had neither wheels nor pontoons, and it travelled 

at an (22) unbelievable speed. It came on bullet-fast, headed directly for the side of the 

Stellar. 

"Lower the boats!" yelled Kleig. "Lower the boats! For God's sake, lower the boats!" 

For Prester Kleig, in that casual turning, had seen what none aboard the Stellar, even the 

lookout above, had seen. The airplane, which had neither wheels nor pontoons, had (23) 

risen, as Aphrodite is said to have risen, out of the waves! He had seen the wings come out 

of the bulbous body, snap backward into place, and the plane was in full flight the instant 

it appeared. 

Prester Kleig had no hope that his warning would be in time, but he would always 

feel better for having given it. As the captain debated with himself as to whether this (24) 

lunatic should be confined as dangerous, the strange airplane nosed over and dived down 

to the sea, a hundred yards from the side of the Stellar. Just before it struck the water, its 

wings (25) snapped forward and became part of the bulbous body of the thing, the whole 

of which shot like a bullet into the sea. 

21. (1) slowly (2) strangely 

(3) aggressively (4) fiercely 

22. (1) horrible (2) understandable 

(3) amazing (4) imaginative 

23. (1) gone forward (2) gone down 

(3) gone backward (4) gone up 

( ) 

( ) 

( ) 

64

24. (1) foolish thing (2) interesting thing 

(3) awesome thing (4) fantastic thing 

( ) 

25. (1) ran into (2) moved quickly and suddenly 

(3) bumped (4) knocked 

( ) 


If a piece of red glass is held in the path of the coloured beam of light formed as in 

Section 127, all the colours on the wall will disappear except the red, and instead of a 

beautiful spectrum of all colours there will be seen the red colour alone. The red glass 

does not allow the passage through it of any light except red light; all other colours are 

absorbed by the red glass and do not reach the eye. Only the red ray passes through the red 

glass, reaches the eye, and produces a sensation of colour. 

If a piece of blue glass is substituted for the red glass, the blue band remains on the 

wall, while all the other colours disappear. If both blue and red pieces of glass are held in 

the path of the beam, so that the light must pass through first one and then the other, the 

entire spectrum disappears and no colour remains. The blue glass absorbs the various rays 

with the exception of the blue ones, and the red glass will not allow these blue rays to pass 

through it; hence no light is allowed passage to the eye. 

An emerald looks green because it freely transmits green, but absorbs the other 

colours of which ordinary daylight is composed. A diamond appears white because it 

allows the passage through it of all the various rays; this is likewise true of water and 

window panes. 

Stained-glass windows owe their charm and beauty to the presence in the glass of 

various dyes and pigments which absorb in different amounts some colours from white 

light and transmit others. These pigments or dyes are added to the glass while it is in the 

molten state, and the beauty of a stained-glass window depends largely upon the richness 

and the delicacy of the pigments used. 

65



26. If a piece of red glass is held in the path of the coloured beam of light, all the colours 

on the wall will disappear except ________________ 

(1) the blue (2) the red 

(3) the black (4) the green 

( ) 

27. The blue glass absorbs the various rays with the exception of_________ 

(1) the blue (2) the red 

(3) the black (4) the green 

( ) 

28. Why does an emerald look green? 

(1) 

Because it will not allow these 

blue rays to pass through it 

(3) 

Because it allows the passage 

through it of all the various rays 

(2) Because it freely transmits green 

(4) 

Because only the green ray passes 

through the green glass 

( ) 

29. If both blue and red pieces of glass are held in the path of the beam,___________ 

(1) 

the blue band remains on the 

wall 

(2) no colour remains 

(3) only red ray passes (4) every colour remains 

( ) 

30. The beauty of a stained-glass window depends largely upon _______________. 

(1) 

the light that is shone on the 

glass 

(2) the sun rays 

(3) the colours absorbed (4) 

the dyes and pigments present in 

the glass 

( ) 



blank. 

(A) ominous (B) puzzle (C) impression (D) mystery (E) recognised 

(F) thought (G) gun (H) despair (J) evident (K) identity 

(L) explanation (M) stupidity (N) conversation (P) confused (Q) armed 

I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was always oppressed by 

a sense of my own (31)___________in my dealings with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had 

66

heard what he had heard, I had seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was 

(32)___________ that he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to 

happen, while to me the whole business was still (33)_________ and grotesque. As I 

drove home to my house in Kensington I (34)__________ over it all, from the 

extraordinary story of the red-headed copier of the Encyclopaedia down to the visit to 

Saxe-Coburg Square, and the (35)____________ words with which he had parted from 

me. What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? Where were we 

going, and what were we to do? I had the (36)_____________ from Holmes that this 

smooth-faced pawnbroker’s assistant was a formidable man—a man who might play a 

deep game. I tried to (37)__________ it out, but gave it up in (38)__________ and set the 

matter aside until night should bring an (39) __________. 

It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my way across the 

Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker Street. Two hansoms were standing at the 

door, and as I entered the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering his 

room, I found Holmes in animated (40)__________ with two men, one of whom I 

recognized as Peter Jones, the official police agent, while the other was a long, thin, sadfaced 

man, with a very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. 



“Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but he sleep 

(41)__________badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. In the meddle 

(42) ___________of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, so he rose and, looking 

out, was surprised to see his cousin walking very stealthy (43)___________ along the 

67

passage until she disappeared into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the 

lad slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what would come of this 

strange affair. Presently she imerged(44) ___________ from the room again, and in the 

light of the passage-lamp your son saw that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. 

She passed down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and sliped_(45) 

__________ behind the curtain near your door, whence he could seen (46) 

___________what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her quietly open the window, hand 

out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then closing it once more hurry back to her 

room, passing quite close to where he stood hid behind the curtain. 

“As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action without a horrible 

expoture(47) ___________ of the woman whom he loved. But the instant that she was 

gone he realised how crushing a misfortune this would be for you, and how all-important 

it was to set it right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened the window, 

sprung (48) ____________ out into the snow, and ran down the lane, where he could see 

a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught 

him, and there was a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the coronet, 

and his apponnent(49) ___________ at the other. In the scuffle, your son struck Sir 

George and cut him over the eye. Then something suddenly snapped, and your son, 

finding that he had the coronet in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to 

your room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in the struggle and was 

endeavouring to straightening (50) ____________it when you appeared upon the scene.” 

68


We reached the entrance of the cave by clambering up a steep ledge (51)_________ 

the face of the cliff. Boulders and sharp rocks strewn in our path made the going difficult 

but (52)___________, we were standing at the mouth of the cave. We walked in 

courageously because the cave was not very dark. Tendrils of light poured in through the 

wide entrance. However, we could (53)__________ see the ceiling of the cave nor the 

corners furthest away from the entrance. Curiosity got the better of us and we decided to 

explore the cave (54)_______ . 

“Everybody,(55)___________ on your torchlight”, said Joe, as his voice 

(56)___________ through the cave. Cautiously, we went deeper into the gloomy cave, 

directing the beam of our torches into the dark corners. 

(57)___________, Mike gave a cry of excitement. “Hey, that looks like a tunnel,” 

he beckoned at Joe and I to quicken our steps. Upon further exploration, the tunnel 

became narrower and sloped downwards. We had to proceed in a single file, bent almost 

double because of the low ceiling. It was damp and chilly but the three of us were 

determined to see where the tunnel (58)__________. 

The three of us wandered through the cavern, fascinated by the rock formations, 

which we had (59)_________ so much about, but we were only seeing this for the first 

time. 

Out of the blue, thousands of bats, disturbed by the light from our torch, flew past 

slightly above our heads. We were (60)____________ astounded as their 

(61)____________ brushed against our faces. The ear-piercing cries of these bats were so 

shrill, it literally pierced our ear-drums. Next, an ominous (62)_________ descended upon 

69

the cave again. 

“I think we have better go (63)________,” suggested Mike, “This place is 

interesting but eerie and it gives me the creeps,” he added in a solemn voice. We all 

agreed unanimously and once again, we crawled our way painstakingly up the narrow and 

suffocating tunnel where we came from. Eventually, we squeezed through the narrow tip 

of the tunnel and scrambled out of the cave with our last ounce of (64)_________. When 

we saw sunlight again, our pupils contacted in pain but waves of (65)___________ swept 

through us as we made our way home before sunset. 




66. Mary had to work part-time during four years at university. She needed to earn 

money to make a living. 

_____________________________________________________________because 

____________________________________________________________________ 

67. They do not have much money. They are still happy. 

Though______________________________________________________________ 

____________________________________________________________________ 

68. I warned Shelia. She often went out with Jimmy. 

Despite_____________________________________________________________ 

___________________________________________________________________ 

70

69. John was robbed and knocked down on the street. It was very unfortunate. 

_________________________________________________________________that 

70. Tom and I know Linda. Mervin does not know her. 

_________________________________________________________________but 

____________________________________________________________________ 


One of the best-known effects of heat is the change which it causes in the size of a 

substance. Every housewife knows that if a kettle is filled with cold water to begin with, 

there will be an overflow as soon as the water becomes heated. Heat causes not only 

water, but all other liquids, to occupy more space, or to expand, and in some cases the 

expansion, or increase in size, is surprisingly large. For example, if 100 pints of ice water 

is heated in a kettle, the 100 pints will steadily expand until, at the boiling point, it will 

occupy as much space as 104 pints of ice water. 

The expansion of water can be easily shown by heating a flask filled with water and 

closed by a cork through which a narrow tube passes. As the water is heated, it expands 

and forces its way up the narrow tube. If the heat is removed, the liquid cools, contracts, 

and slowly falls in the tube, resuming in time its original size or volume. A similar 

observation can be made with alcohol, mercury, or any other convenient liquid. 

Not only liquids are affected by heat and cold, but solids also are subject to similar 

changes. A metal ball which when cool will just slip through a ring will, when heated, be 

too large to slip through the ring. Telegraph and telephone wires which in winter are 

stretched taut from pole to pole, sag in hot weather and are much too long. In summer they 

are exposed to the fierce rays of the sun, become strongly heated, and expand sufficiently 

to sag. If the wires were stretched taut in the summer, there would not be sufficient leeway 

for the contraction which accompanies cold weather, and in winter they would snap. 

Air expands greatly when heated, but since air is practically invisible, we are not 

71

ordinarily conscious of any change in it. The expansion of air can be readily shown by 

putting a drop of ink in a thin glass tube, inserting the tube in the cork of a flask, and 

applying heat to the flask. The ink is forced up the tube by the expanding air. Even the 

warmth of the hand is generally sufficient to cause the drop to rise steadily in the tube. The 

rise of the drop of ink shows that the air in the flask occupies more space than formerly, 

and since the quantity of air has not changed, each cubic inch of space must hold less 

warm air than it held of cold air; that is, one cubic inch of warm air weighs less than one 

cubic inch of cold air, or warm air is less dense than cold air. All gases, if not confined, 

expand when heated and contract as they cool. Heat, in general, causes substances to 

expand or become less dense. 


71. According to the passage, what is one of the best-known effects of heat? 

72. If a kettle is filled with cold water to begin with, what will happen as soon as the 

water becomes heated? 

73. Besides liquid, what is also affected by heat and loss of heat? 

72

74. What would happen if the wires were stretched taut in the summer and what causes 

this change? 

75. A metal ball which when cooled will just slip through a ring will, but when heated 

what would happen? 

76. Why are we not ordinarily conscious of any change in air? 

77. In the experiment described in the last paragraph, what causes the ink to force up the 

tube? 

73

78. What is generally sufficient to cause the drop to rise steadily in the tube? 

79. What does the rise of the drop of ink show? 

80. What happens to all gases, if not confined, when heated and when they cool? 

74




Kent Vale Community Club 

Open house ------accompanied with the card membership recruitment drive!! 

Date: 22 nd September 2009 

Time: 10am to 4 pm 

Venue: Kent Vale Community Club 

21. Kent Ridge Street, Singapore 

6623454 

Guest of Honour: Mr. Arthur Haley 

Eminent actor 

Former VP of the Kent Vale club 

The Soccer Contest 

You could win a pair of movie 

tickets when you score on our soccer 

pitch!! 

Father and son team will enjoy extra 

perks!! Registration is free of charge 

Traditional fun and exciting games 

The good old days of playing 

kampong games are back! Can be 

played at our booths! 

Lots of attractive prizes to be won. 

Other highlights: 

- A chance to interact with the 

famous Mr. Arthur Haler 

- Balloon sculpting 

- Funniest family video 

competition—winners will be given 

a holiday voucher worth $300!! 

Stage entertainment and contests 

Our cultural shows will leave you 

enthralled and asking for more! 

Watch great performances with your 

friends and family! Kindly 

Register with Madam Hezipah 

before hand to avoid 

disappointment. 

For more information please 

call Madam Hezipah at 

633224536 or sent email to 

Kent.vale@cc.org.sg 

Those who sign up as a Club member during 

the event will get a discount of 25% - 

monthly fees for the first year would be only 

$45 (usual monthly fees -$60). 

Organized by: Kent Vale CC, People’s 

Association and Party World INC. 

75

1. This advertisement aims to inform the public about the ________________. 

(1) address of the Kent Vale club. 

(2) sponsors from the various organizations 

(3) everyday activities organized by Kent Vale Community Club 

(4) open house and recruitment drive by Kent Vale Community Club 

( ) 

2. The organizer of the event is 

(1) People’s association 

(2) Happy Family Restaurant 

(3) Kent Vale Community Club 

(4) Pasir-Ris Punggol Town Council 

( ) 

3. If Mr. Wong wants to relive some childhood games with his family, he should 

take part in the 

(1) Kick and Score Contest 

(2) Traditional Kampong Games 

(3) Stage Entertainment & Contests 

(4) Funniest Family Video Competition 

( ) 

4. Families that wish to take part in the Stage Entertainment & Contests 

should 

(1) sign up at the booth 

(2) register at the entrance 

(3) contact Madam Hezipah at number provided 

(4) register online at www.rivervale.org.sg 

( ) 

5. Which of the following statements is false? 

(1) This event caters to only to adults. 

(2) Mr. Arthur Haley was former VP of the club 

(3) Enquiries about the event can be made through email. 

(4) People who sign up for the membership card receive a 25% discount 

( ) 



6. The teacher______ students won the national case contest this year is talking to my 

sister. 

(1) who (2) whom 

(3) whose (4) which ( ) 

76

7. The soup is ready. You can take _____ out. 

(1) that (2) it 

(3) which (4) its 

8. Someone______________ left their books behind, haven’t they? 

(1) have (2) are leaving 

(3) is leaving (4) has 

( ) 

( ) 

9. I asked two people where Linda was but ______ of them knew where she had gone. 

(1) none (2) both 

(3) either (4) neither 

( ) 

10. All the equipment that we need for the experiment today ___ ready. 

(1) is (2) can 

(3) were (4) are 

11. Jenny is deeply jealous ___ her sister’s long beautiful hair. 

(1) for (2) because 

(3) of (4) with 

( ) 

( ) 

12. Ali asked Timothy to ____ him on the best action to take after he quarrelled with his 

best friend. 

(1) advice (2) advise 

(3) advising (4) advises 

( ) 



“Now don't you be offended at what I'm a going to say,” observed Mrs. Mann, with 

captivating sweetness. “You've had a long walk, you know, or I wouldn't mention it. Now, 

will you take a little drop of something, Mr. Bumble (13) 

“Not a drop. Nor a drop (14) said Mr. Bumble, waving his right hand in a dignified, 

but placid manner. 

“I think you will,” said Mrs. Mann, who had noticed the tone of the refusal (15) and 

77

the gesture that had accompanied it. “Just a little drop, with a little cold water, and a lump 

of sugar.” 

Mr. Bumble coughed. 

13. (1) 

(3) 






(4) 



( ) 

14. 

(1) 

(3) 






(4) 



( ) 



( ) 



16. We wanted to get this project ____________ before we embark on the next one. 

(1) finish (2) over 

(3) done up (4) over and done with 

( ) 

17. After the unexpected success of his first film, he is making plan for a __________ 

(1) sequence (2) sequel 

(3) continuation (4) epitome 

( ) 

18. His confession was obtained under___________. He was not allowed to examine its 

contents. 

(1) duress (2) influence 

(3) suggestion (4) distress 

( ) 

78

19. If symptoms persist, you should ___________ a doctor without delay. 

(1) communicate (2) inform 

(3) consult (4) approach 

( ) 

20. John’s mother was overjoyed to see John __________ after he was rescued by the 

police. 

(1) sound and safe (2) roly-poly 

(3) safe and sound (4) ups and downs 

( ) 



Her only relation, a disagreeable bachelor uncle, had given her a home during her 

orphaned girlhood, and her first idea on growing up was to get out of it. This she did (21) 

promptly when she (22) secured a place in a Brooklyn choir. The salary was (23) modest, 

but it provided a room and at least one meal a day, not, of course, a Roman banquet, but 

something to satisfy a youthful appetite. It seemed to the intrepid possessor of a charming 

voice, an equally (24) charming face, and a positive gift for playing accompaniments, that 

the other two meals, and a few clothes and sundries, might be forthcoming. As a matter of 

fact, they were, although the uncle said that Jennifer would starve, and he almost hoped 

that she would, just to break the back of her (25) obstinate independence. 

21. (1) effectively (2) immediately 

(3) efficiently (4) strongly 

22. (1) got (2) assured 

(3) ascertained (4) confirmed 

23. (1) medium (2) very high 

(3) high (4) low 

24. (1) interesting (2) exciting 

(3) attractive (4) boring 

( ) 

( ) 

( ) 

( ) 

79

25. (1) bored (2) stubborn 

(3) appealing (4) excited 

( ) 


The heat of the sun causes constant evaporation of the waters of oceans, rivers, 

streams, and marshes, and the water vapour set free by evaporation passes into the air, 

which becomes charged with vapour or is said to be humid. Constant, unceasing 

evaporation of our lakes, streams, and pools would mean a steady decrease in the supply 

of water available for daily use, if the escaped water were all retained by the atmosphere 

and lost to the earth. But although the escaped vapour mingles with the atmosphere, 

hovering near the earth's surface, or rising far above the level of the mountains, it does not 

remain there permanently. When this vapour meets a cold wind or is chilled in any way, 

condensation takes place, and a mass of tiny drops of water or of small particles of snow is 

formed. When these drops or particles become large enough, they fall to the earth as rain 

or snow, and in this way the earth is compensated for the great loss of moisture due to 

evaporation. Fog is formed when vapour condenses near the surface of the earth, and when 

the drops are so small that they do not fall but hover in the air, the fog is said "not to lift" 

or "not to clear." 

If ice water is poured into a glass, a mist will form on the outside of the glass. This 

is because the water vapour in the air becomes chilled by contact with the glass and 

condenses. Often leaves and grass and sidewalks are so cold that the water vapour in the 

atmosphere condenses on them, and we say a heavy dew has formed. If the temperature of 

the air falls to the freezing point while the dew is forming, the vapour is frozen and frost is 

seen instead of dew. 

The daily evaporation of moisture into the atmosphere keeps the atmosphere more or 

less full of water vapour; but the atmosphere can hold only a definite amount of vapour at 

a given temperature, and as soon as it contains the maximum amount for that temperature, 

further evaporation ceases. If clothes are hung out on a damp, murky day they do not dry, 

because the air contains all the moisture it can hold, and the moisture in the clothes has no 

chance to evaporate. When the air contains all the moisture it can hold, it is said to be 

saturated, and if a slight fall in temperature occurs when the air is saturated, condensation 

80

immediately begins in the form of rain, snow, or fog. If, however, the air is not saturated, a 

fall in temperature may occur without producing precipitation. The temperature at which 

air is saturated and condensation begins is called the dew point. 



26. Constant evaporation of the waters of oceans, rivers, streams, and marshes is caused 

by ________________ 

(1) 

a steady decrease in the supply 

of water 

(2) the heat of the sun 

(3) cold wind (4) humidity 

( ) 

27. Which statement is FALSE? 

(1) 

The escaped vapour mingles 

with the atmosphere 

(3) 

The escaped vapour hovers near 

the earth's surface 

(2) 

(4) 

The escaped vapour rises far above 

the level of the mountains 

The escaped vapour remains in the 

atmosphere forever 

( ) 

28. A mass of tiny drops of water or of small particles of snow is formed 

when___________. 

The escaped water is all retained 

(1) by the atmosphere and lost to the 

earth 

(2) 

(3) 

The vapour meets a cold wind or 

is chilled in any way 

(4) 

The escaped vapour mingles with 

the atmosphere 

The escaped vapour hovers near 

the earth's surface 

( ) 

29. If the temperature of the air falls to the freezing point while the dew is forming, the 

vapour is frozen and_____________ 

(1) vapour is formed (2) frost is formed 

(3) mist is formed (4) dew is formed 

( ) 

30. When the air contains all the moisture it can hold, it is said to be___________ 

(1) rainy (2) cold 

(3) snowy (4) saturated 

( ) 

81



blank. 

(A) angry (B) stopped (C) cut (D) sentenced (E) driving 

(F) jumped (G) incident (H) drove (J) collision (K) offended 

(L) offence (M) beating (N) repeatedly (P) directly (Q) abrasions 

A man decided that a (31) ________ was called for when a fellow motorist (32)____ 

into his lane. As a result, the (33) _______ man, Mr Tan Ah Teck was hauled to court for 

road rage (34)_________. The incident happened when lorry driver Tan Ah Teck, 40, was 

(35) _________ a lorry along Toa Payoh in November 2007 when he had a near-accident 

with motorist Lim Soon Pin, 35. 

Lim Soon Pin had filtered into Tan Ah Teck’s lane, not realising that the lorry was 

on his left. Tan Ah Teck had to jam on his brakes to avoid a (36) ________. After that, 

Tan Ah Teck tailed Lim Soo Pin’s vehicle on to the Pan Island Expressway and then cut 

into Lim Soo Pin’s lane. 

Both men (37) _______ their vehicles and got out. 

Without saying a word, Tan punched Lim (38) _________ all over his body before 

driving away. Lim was left with (39) ________ and bruises on his face, arms and legs. He 

reported the incident to the Police. District Judge Mr Wee Lim Seng (40) ___________ 

Tan to eight weeks’ jail for his rash act. He could have been jailed for up to one year and 

fined up to $1000 for causing grievous hurt. 



“Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourliss(41)___________ in mind as well as in 

feature. She impress (42)_____________me neither favourably nor the reverse. She was a 

82

nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionate (43) __________ devoted both to her 

husband and to her little son. Her light grey eyes wendered (44)_____________ 

continually from one to the other, noting every little want and forestelling (45)_________ 

it if possible. He was kind to her also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole 

they seem (46) __________to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, this 

woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the saddest look upon her face. 

More than once I have surprised her in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the 

disposition of her child which weight(47) ___________upon her mind, for I have never 

met so utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a litle(48) ___________ creature. He is small for 

his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. His whole life appears to be 

spent in an alternation between savage fits of passion and gloomy entirvals 

(49)______________ of sulking. Giving pain to any creature weaker than himself seems 

to be his one idea of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning the 

capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would rather not talk about the creature, Mr. 

Holmes, and, indeed, he has little to do with my story.” 

“I am glad of all details,” remarked my friend, “whether they seem to you to be 

relevant or not.” 

“I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one unpleasant thing about the 

house, which struck me at once, was the apperance (50) ____________and conduct of the 

servants. There are only two, a man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, 

uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual smell of drink. Twice since 

I have been with them he has been quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no 

notice of it. His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as silent as Mrs. 

83

Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most unpleasant couple, but fortunately I 

spend most of my time in the nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in 

one corner of the building. 


I woke up with a start. The room was very hot and I (51)__________ smell smoke. I 

pushed the light switch but it could not (52)_________. I quickly scrambled out of bed 

and (53)_____________ the door. Choking smoke floated in and I cough as the acrid 

fumes (54)_____________ my room. My room was on the ninth floor of a hotel. I was 

touring the country and had chosen to spend the night at this ill-fated hotel. Till this day, I 

still have not come to grips to the (55)____________ that the hotel was actually on fire. 

Desperate cries of “Fire! “Fire!” pierced through the thick clouds of smoke which 

were more than what I needed to convince myself of this tragic event. People were rushing 

up and down the corridors as their pounding footsteps rang through the air. Still wearing 

my pyjamas, I groped way down the smoky corridor as thick smoke (56)___________ to 

billow in unrelentingly. Several hotel guests were shrieking hysterically as they stood 

frozen at the corridors, their faces ashen-white. 

A middle-aged man came (57)_____________ from the other end of the corridor, 

“There’s no way for us to escape!” he gasped in horror. “The fire has already 

(58)__________ to the staircase. The flame will soon reach us”. We dashed to the 

windows which overlooked the street. Thick, black smoke was billowing out of the 

windows on the floors below. The orange-red flames were licked upwards and there was 

no (59) _______ that our floor will soon be ablaze. 

84

There was a grave silence as we felt a (60)____________ of doom in our hearts. 

Every second was precious as it is now a matter of life and (61)____________. Either the 

flames would soon engulfed and swallow us or the building would collapse, bringing us 

crashing down with the smouldering rubble. We watch (62)____________ as the firemen 

aimed their hoses at the flames below. Amidst the furore and commotion, we waved our 

hands frantically and shouted at the top of our voices to attract their (63)______________. 

To our relief they heard our cries for help. 

A huge fire-engine was driven up directly below us. A long ladder was mechanically 

raised to our window. A fireman (64)________________ up the ladder nimbly and he 

helped us to climb down the ladder one by one until we were all standing safely on the 

ground. A group of on-lookers cheered as the paramedics rushed to our aid. A woman was 

treated for shock and another man for minor scratches. I escaped the ordeal unscathed and 

was thankful to the fireman who braved danger to (65)____________ us. We had lost our 

possessions in the flames which took two hours to extinguish. I am fortunate to be alive, 

nevertheless. 




66. He was sick yesterday. He is still ill. 

________________________________________________________________since 

85

67. He did not let her in. He refused to tell her the reason. 

He did not let her in, __________________________________________________ 

68. We liked the performance. No one else liked it. 

Except______________________________________________________________ 

____________________________________________________________________ 

69. I woke up. I had breakfast. I went to work. 

After________________________________________________________________ 

____________________________________________________________________ 

70. I know Jessie. He knows Jessie. Sally does not know Jessie. 

Both________________________________________________________________ 

____________________________________________________________________ 


Fact indeed is often stranger than fiction, more unusual than what the most 

imaginative novelist would dare to suggest. A lost alligator was once found on the 

Southern Railway, while a porpoise was discovered propped up in one of the cubicles of a 

men’s lavatory in one of England’s railway stations. The staff initially thought it was a 

dolphin but it was later identified by a zoo officer to be a porpoise. Nobody knew to this 

day, how the porpoise had come into the lavatory. 

The RSPCA of the UK has been a rich supply of many unusual tales of animals 

turning up at strange places. The RSPCA, for instance, once received a call from a rather 

distressed gentleman who had found a rare scorpion hiding in his trousers. On another 

occasion, the RSPCA also managed once to recover a 3ft crocodile from an apartment in 

Dagenham, Essex, which had been fed on shellfish and kept in a vivarium. Yet another 

86

RSPCA inspector confiscated an American snake kept in a nightclub and sent it for 

treatment after it was found to be suffering from an infection. 

Even more mysterious, was how a 10cm piranha, the world’s most ferocious 

freshwater fish which attacks anything in water whatever its size so long as it is edible, 

including humans, apparently fell out of the sky onto the deck of a boat on the Thames! 

Now, the Thames, England’s longest river, is more than 5,000 miles away from the 

piranha’s original home in the tropics of the Amazon River in South America. The piranha 

had just died as it was still fresh and had marks on its back from the seagull beak. The boat 

crew shocked at this unusual discovery sent it to the London Aquarium to confirm its 

species. It is speculated that the piranha was released into the river by its owner but died 

quickly from the cold and was later scooped up by the seagull! 

Another time, a man looking to enjoying a drink, opened a bottle of stout and out 

popped the head of a 12-inch long snake. Fortunately, the snake was dead, but how it got 

to where it was remained a mystery. In any case, he swore off stout after the incident. 

Equally distressing was the experience of my cousin, who bought a chicken steamed bun 

from a Chinese restaurant. As she sunk her teeth into the bun, she bit into something hard, 

thinking that it was a chicken bone she spat it out only to find a cockroach complete with 

head, eyes, feelers, wings and legs. Deeply traumatised, my cousin immediately brought 

the bun back to the restaurant and demanded a refund and apology. The restaurant 

destroyed all the entire unsold stock of bun made on that day. My cousin also reported the 

incident to the authorities and as a result, the restaurant was fined $5000. 

However, sometimes, the animals found in unusual places are there by design. For 

instance, just last week, a man caused a stir after Norway custom officials stopped him for 

illegally trying to import 14 snakes and 10 lizards by taping the reptiles to his body. The 

snakes were rolled up in socks and taped to the man’s torso, while the geckos were found 

in small boxes taped to his legs. The man, whose identity was not disclosed, was arrested 

in the southern town of Kristiansand after disembarking from a ferry from Denmark. The 

man claimed that he was crazy about reptiles. The custom officials found the unusual loot 

after a body search which was triggered by the discovery of a tarantula in the man’s 

luggage. 

87


71. In paragraph 1, what made the writer say that fact is sometimes stranger than fiction? 

72. Based on paragraph 2, name one function that is carry out by the RSPCA? 

73. In paragraph 3, why was it considered unusual to find a piranha on the deck of a boat 

on the Thames? 

74. What was the theory put forward to explain the presence of the piranha on the boat 

and what evidence was there in the passage to support the theory? 

88

75. How was the encounter of the man with the dead animal in his stout different from 

that of the writer’s cousin who also had an encounter with a dead animal? 

76. Which phrase in the passage suggests that the man who found the dead snake never 

drank stout again? 

77. Which word in the passage has the same meaning as “to be very shocked and upset 

for a long time”? 

78. Why do you think the restaurant was fined? 

89

79. What gave the game away for the man who was caught by the custom officials in 

Norway for trying to smuggle reptiles into the country? 

80. How did the man mentioned in paragraph 5 try to hide his illegal loot of snakes and 

lizards from the Norway custom officials? 

90




EARTH WEEK AT CLEMENTI! 

Event highlights: 

The Great Clementi clean-up! 

Date: 6th January 2010 

Time: 10am-4pm 

Guest of Honour: Minister of Environment 

-45 teams made up of 2 children and one adult will scout the area 

around Clementi to collect items that can be recycled 

-All participants will get a certificate and receive FREE tickets for the 

river cruise down Singapore River! 

-Register by 29 th September 2009 through the website 

Prizes! 

-Winning team gets vouchers worth $500 

-The runners-up team get vouchers worth $250 

Make a difference! 

Date: 7th October 2009 

Time: 10am-4pm 

-Do something substantial this earth week. 

-Switch off the lights at home for at least one hour a day during the 

earth week 

-Deposit all your used books at the green corner of Clementi Central 

-All proceeds from the donation will go to SAVE THE WORLD 

foundation. 

Log on to www.earthweek.com for more details. 

Organizer: Clementi Community Center 

Meeting place: Clementi Community Centre, 3 Clementi road, 

Singapore 215604 

Sponsor: Green Bookstore 

91

1. The purpose of carrying the Earth week activities is to 

(1) raise funds for the Green Corner 

(2) inform people what the community centre does 

(3) remind people that the environment is important 

(4) promote the River Cruise down Singapore River 

2. The participants of The Great Clementi Clean Up get 

(1) cash in exchange of recyclable items 

(2) free tickets for the River Cruise 

(3) discounts at the Green Book store 

(4) shopping discounts and vouchers 

3. The runners-up team of The Great Clementi Clean Up receive 

(1) vouchers worth $500 




4. To participate in The Great Clementi Clean Up, volunteers are required to 

(1) register online through the website 

(2) send a mail to the community center 

(3) send a mail to the Minister of Environment 

(4) go down to the Green Corner 

5. The Green Book Store is involved in 

(1) funding the event 

(2) preparing the certificates 

(3) collecting of recyclable materials 

(4) organizing the activities 

( ) 

( ) 

( ) 

( ) 

( ) 



6. The children were told to be considerate and to _____ the volume of their radio. 

(1) lowered (2) lower 

(3) lower up (4) lower down 

( ) 

92

7. Tom______ an appointment to see the doctor at 11 am. tomorrow. 

(1) make (2) made 

(3) makes (4) has made 

( ) 

8. When I went back my hometown three years ago, I found that a lot of changes 

______. 

(1) are taken place (2) have taken place 

(3) had taken place (4) were taken place 

( ) 

9. The teacher disagreed ___ and disapproved ___ the way you argued your case 

(1) with….of (2) at….of 

(3) of….of (4) __....of 

( ) 

10. At the awards ceremony last night, each of the students who participated in the event 

______ given a certificate. 

(1) are (2) were 

(3) is (4) was 

( ) 

11. Let us know when _______ going to start. 

(1) you are (2) were you 

(3) are you (4) you 

( ) 

12. Jane has got so ________ trousers that she cannot decide which she should wear to 

the party. 

(1) few (2) many 

(3) many pairs (4) many pairs of 

( ) 



I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his process of 

deduction. “When I hear you give your reasons (13) I remarked, “the thing always appears 

to me to be so ridiculously simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each 

successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you explain your process. And yet 

I believe that my eyes are as good as yours.” 

93

“Quite so,” he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing himself down into an 

armchair. “You see (14) but you do not observe. The distinction is clear. For example, you 

have frequently seen the steps which lead up from the hall to this room.” 

“Frequently.” 

“How often (15) 

“Well, some hundreds of times.” 

“Then how many are there?” 

“How many? I don’t know.” 

13. (1) 

(3) 






(4) 



( ) 



( ) 

15. (1) 

(3) 






(4) 



( ) 



16. The patient shows very good ______ so the doctors said he should be discharged 

from hospital soon. 

(1) advance (2) impetus 

(3) progress (4) development 

( ) 

94

17. They refuse to invite Jane to the party as she is such a ________ that she will surely 

spoil the party. 

(1) live wire (2) bore 

(3) cold (4) wet blanket 

( ) 

18. Parents have _______________their concerns about their children's safety 

(1) extended (2) revealed 

(3) expressed (4) displayed 

( ) 

19. The relationship between mother and daughter is the __________ theme in all her 

novels. 

(1) obvious (2) recurring 

(3) important (4) repeated 

( ) 

20. Last week, she _____________from her job as an accountant in the civil service. 

(1) resigned (2) surrendered 

(3) abdicated (4) substituted 

( ) 



Whatever else they were or were not, however, the Kimballs had always been (21) 

industrious and frugal. It had remained for the last scion of the old stock to furnish a 

byword for slackness. In a village where stories of (22) outlandish, (23)ungodly, or 

supernatural laziness were sacredly preserved from year to year, Caleb Kimball’s (24) 

indolence easily took the palm. His hay (25) commonly went to seed in the field. His cow 

yielded her morning’s milk about noon, and her evening “mess” was taken from her (when 

she was lucky) by the light of a lantern. He was a bachelor of forty-five, dwelt alone, had 

no visitors and made his living, such as it was, off the farm, with the help of a rack-o’- 

bones horse. He had fifty acres of timber-land, and when his easy-going methods of 

farming found him without money he simply sold a few trees. 

21. (1) easy-going (2) hardworking 

(3) lazy (4) arrogant 

( ) 

95

22. (1) normal (2) understandable 

(3) strange (4) difficult 

23. (1) unacceptable (2) pleasant 

(3) understandable (4) exciting 

24. (1) carefulness (2) laziness 

(3) carelessness (4) bore 

25. (1) sometimes (2) rarely 

(3) once (4) often 

( ) 

( ) 

( ) 

( ) 


By fuel value is meant the capacity foods have for yielding heat to the body. The 

fuel value of the foods we eat daily is so important a factor in life that physicians, 

dietitians, nurses, and those having the care of institutional cooking acquaint themselves 

with the relative fuel values of practically all of the important food substances. The life or 

death of a patient may be determined by the patient's diet, and the working and earning 

capacity of a father depends largely upon his prosaic three meals. An ounce of fat, whether 

it is the fat of meat or the fat of olive oil or the fat of any other food, produces in the body 

two and a quarter times as much heat as an ounce of starch. Of the vegetables, beans 

provide the greatest nourishment at the least cost, and to a large extent may be substituted 

for meat. It is not uncommon to find an outdoor laborer consuming one pound of beans 

per day, and taking meat only on "high days and holidays." 

The fuel value of a food is determined by means of the bomb calorimeter. The food 

substance is put into a chamber A and ignited, and the heat of the burning substance raises 

the temperature of the water in the surrounding vessel. If 1000 grams of water are in the 

vessel, and the temperature of the water is raised 2° C., the number of calories produced 

by the substance would be 2000, and the fuel value would be 2000 calories. From this the 

fuel value of one quart or one pound of the substance can be determined, and the food 

substance will be said to furnish the body with that number of heat units, providing all of 

the pound of food were properly digested. 

96



26. What does it mean by “fuel value”? 

(1) the amount of food consumed (2) 

(3) time to consume food (4) 

the capacity foods have for 

yielding heat to the body 

amount of energy needed for the 

body 

( ) 

27. According to the passage, the life or death of a patient may be determined 

by_____________ 

(1) the patient's diet (2) whether he is happy or not 

(3) his health (4) the heat of his body 

( ) 

28. Of the vegetables, what provide the greatest nourishment at the least cost? 

(1) chilly (2) carrot 

(3) cabbage (4) beans 

29. The fuel value of a food is determined by __________ 

(1) the food substance (2) type of food 

(3) means of the bomb calorimeter (4) thermometer 

( ) 

( ) 

30. An ounce of fat produces in the body ____________as much heat as an ounce of 

starch 

(1) two times (2) two and a quarter times 

(3) three times (4) four times 

( ) 



blank. 

(A) shadows (B) childish (C) indolent (D) intense (E) carved 

(F) muttered (G) haze (H) thrown (J) amazing (K) taken 

(L) let (M) drowsy (N) hung (P) clenched (Q) impressive 

It was high noon, blue and hot. The little town upon the southern slope of the hills 

that shut in the great plain glared white in the (31)_________ sunlight. The beds of the 

brooks in the valleys that cut their way through the hill-clefts were dry and dusty; and the 

97

sole shade visible lay upon the orchard floors, where the thick branches above cast blueblack 

(32)____________ upon the golden tangle of grasses at their feet. A soft murmur of 

hidden creature-things rose like an invisible (33)__________ from earth, and nothing 

moved in all the horizon save the black kites high in the blue air and the white butterflies 

over the (34)______________ meadows. The poppies that flecked the yellow wheat fields 

drooped heavily, spilling the wine of summer from their cups. Nature stood at drowsyfooted 

pause, reluctant to take up again the vital whirr of living. 

At the edge of the orchard, near the dusty highway, under a huge misshapen olive 

tree sat a boy, still as a carven Buddha save that his eyes stood wide, full of dreams. His 

was a sensitive face, thoughtful beyond his (35)_____________ years, full of weariness 

when from time to time he closed his eyes, full of dark brooding when the lids lifted again. 

Presently he rose to his feet, and his two hands (36)__________ tightly into fists. 

"I hate it!" he (37)________ vehemently. 

At his side the grasses stirred and a portion of the blue shadow of the tree detached 

itself and became the shadow of a man. 

"Hate?" questioned a golden, care-free voice at his side. "Thou are too young to 

hate. What is it thou dost hate?" 

A young man had (38)_________ himself down in the grass at the boy's side. 

Shaggy locks hung about his brown cheeks; his broad, supple chest and shoulders were 

bare; his eyes were full of sleepy laughter; and his (39)___________ face was now 

beautiful, now grotesque, at the colour of his thoughts. From a leathern thong about his 

neck hung a reed pipe, deftly fashioned, and a bowl of wood (40)____________ about 

with grape-bunches dangled from the twisted vine which girdled his waist. In one hand he 

98

held a honey-comb, into which he bit with sharp white teeth, and on one arm he carried 

branches torn from fig and almond trees, clustered with green figs and with nuts. The two 

looked long at each other, the boy gravely, the man smiling. 



“Had there been women in the house, I should had (41)__________suspected a mere 

vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The man’s business was a small 

one, and there was nothing in his house which could account for such elebarate 

(42)____________preparations, and such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be 

something out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant’s fondness for 

photography, and his trick of vanish _(43)__________into the cellar. The cellar! There 

was the end of this tangled clue. Then I made inquieries (44)_______________as to this 

mysterious assistant and found that I had to deal with one of the coolest and most dared 

(45) __________ criminals in London. He was doing something in the cellar—something 

which took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once more? I could 

think of nothing save that he was running a tunlel (46)_______________ to some other 

building. 

“So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I surprised you by 

beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was ascertain(47) _____________whether the 

cellar stretched out in front or behind. It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I 

hoped, the assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had never set eyes 

upon each other before. I hardly looked at his face. His knees were what I wished to see. 

You must yourself have rimakred (48)_______________how worn, wrinkled, and 

99

stained they were. They spoke of those hours of burrowing. The only remained 

(49)______________point was what they were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, 

saw the City and Suburban Bank abutted on our friend’s primeses(50)_____________, 

and felt that I had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I called 

upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank directors, with the result that you 

have seen.” 


The day dawned bright and cheery. Sam was going on a canoeing (51)__________ 

with his father. When they reached Shark’s Point Beach, they (52)__________ no time 

and put on their rubber shoes and slipped into their life jackets. Brimming with 

(53)______________, father and son hauled the canoe into the cold water and hopped 

inside the canoe and (54)______________ paddling. 

“Watch how I row and follow me!” (55)___________ Sam’s father as he steered the 

canoe with confidence. Soon they were gliding smoothly towards the open sea. Sam 

savoured the fleeting moments of serenity as the wind caressed his face (56)___________. 

Then he reached out to touch the ripples that the oars had stirred. 

As they (57)__________ further out into the vast, open sea, Sam looked 

(58)__________ and the shore was no (59)__________ in sight. All he could see was an 

(60)___________ expanse of blue surrounding their tiny canoe. Contrary to their 

expectations the tranquil waters started to turn choppy and in the next few minutes, they 

(61)______________ strong currents which came too (62)______________. Then, a two 

metres high wave rocked their canoe wildly and it turned turtle! Sam and his father were 

100

flung (63)______________ the unforgiving sea. 

They resurfaced and clung desperately onto the canoe and tried to flip it over. A 

quick succession of waves marred their efforts and Sam thrashed about to (64)_________ 

his head above the water. Just when they thought that the worst was yet to come, the 

strong currents subsided. Fighting back their exhaustion, they (65)____________ to 

overturn their canoe and they rowed back to shore with all their might, their hearts still 

pulsating fast. 




66. We may or may not be successful in future. Only time will provide the answer. 

Only________________________________________________________________ 

____________________________________________________________________ 

67. He graduated from Harvard. This raised him above many men of his own age and 

rank. 

_______________________________________________________________ which 

____________________________________________________________________ 

68. You did not cook. I did not cook. She cooked. 

Neither______________________________________________________________ 

____________________________________________________________________ 

101

69. We attended a lecture. We had a rest. The lecture was interesting 

________________________________________________________________after 

____________________________________________________________________ 

70. He was very hard working. He was humble. 

_________________________________________________________________and 

___________________________________________________________________ 


Mary gave him a tin basin of water and a piece of soap, and he went outside the door 

and set the basin on a little bench there; then he dipped the soap in the water and laid it 

down; turned up his sleeves; poured out the water on the ground, gently, and then entered 

the kitchen and began to wipe his face diligently on the towel behind the door. But Mary 

removed the towel and said: 

"Now ain't you ashamed, Tom. You mustn't be so bad. Water won't hurt you." 

Tom was a trifle disconcerted. The basin was refilled, and this time he stood over it 

a little while, gathering resolution; took in a big breath and began. When he entered the 

kitchen presently, with both eyes shut and groping for the towel with his hands, an 

honourable testimony of suds and water was dripping from his face. But when he emerged 

from the towel, he was not yet satisfactory, for the clean territory stopped short at his chin 

and his jaws, like a mask; below and beyond this line there was a dark expanse of 

unirrigated soil that spread downward in front and backward around his neck. Mary took 

him in hand, and when she was done with him he was a man and a brother, without 

distinction of colour, and his saturated hair was neatly brushed, and its short curls wrought 

into a dainty and symmetrical general effect. [He privately smoothed out the curls, with 

labour and difficulty, and plastered his hair close down to his head; for he held curls to be 

effeminate, and his own filled his life with bitterness.] Then Mary got out a suit of his 

clothing that had been used only on Sundays during two years—they were simply called 

102

his "other clothes"—and so by that we know the size of his wardrobe. The girl "put him to 

rights" after he had dressed himself; she buttoned his neat roundabout up to his chin, 

turned his vast shirt collar down over his shoulders, brushed him off and crowned him 

with his speckled straw hat. He now looked exceedingly improved and uncomfortable. He 

was fully as uncomfortable as he looked; for there was a restraint about whole clothes and 

cleanliness that galled him. He hoped that Mary would forget his shoes, but the hope was 

blighted; she coated them thoroughly with tallow, as was the custom, and brought them 

out. He lost his temper and said he was always being made to do everything he didn't want 

to do. But Mary said, persuasively: 

"Please, Tom—that's a good boy." 

So he got into the shoes snarling. Mary was soon ready, and the three children set 

out for Sunday-school—a place that Tom hated with his whole heart; but Sid and Mary 

were fond of it. 


71. Which word in the passage has the same meaning as “slightly confused, 

embarrassed, or worried”? 

72. What evidence is there in paragraph 1 which showed that Tom hated having to wash 

his face? 

103

73. Was Tom’s second attempt to wash his face satisfactory and why was this so? 

74. What does the phrase, “Mary took him in hand, and when she was done with him” 

refer to? 

75. Why did Tom smooth out the curls in his hair and try to plaster his hair close down 

to his head? 

76. Which word in the passage tells us that Tom hated the outfit that he was made to 

wear? 

104

77. What did Mary do to “put him to rights”? 

78. Why did Tom lose his temper? 

79. Why was Tom made to clean up and dressed up? 

80. Based on the passage what can we infer about Tom’s character? 

105




From 22 nd January 

to 28 th January! 

Visit Snowy World during this period 

and get 30% off on your entry ticket! 

Offer not valid on Weekends ~ 

Discounted prices: 

Terms and conditions: 

1. Snowy World tickets valid 

till 31 st January 

2. Wonder World Theme 

Park tickets are valid for a 

month from date of purchase. 

3. Resort room stay vouchers 

valid till 3 rd March. 

Adult: 9 Dollars (usual: 13 Dollars) 

Child: 6 Dollars (usual: 9 Dollars) 

The MORE the MERRIER offer! 

What’s more! Visit in a group of 5 and get 

a great COMBO deal! 

5 PAX COMBO $80 only ! 

This COMBO package includes 

5 Snowy World tickets 

5 Wonder World Theme Park tickets 

Free 2 days 1 night stay in a resort! 

106

1. The purpose of this advertisement is to ___________ 

(1) advertise Snowy World’s weekday offers. 

(2) advertise Snowy World’s tenth anniversary offers. 

(3) provide publicity to the resort for which people could get vouchers. 

(4) advertise Wonder World theme park’s special offers. 

2. The 5PAX COMBO offer does not include 

(1) tickets for Snowy World 

(2) extra discounts on food items available in Snowy World. 

(3) tickets for Wonder World theme park 

(4) Resort room stay for free. 

3. The discounted prices would not be applicable on ___________ 

(1) Wednesday 

(2) Tuesday 

(3) Friday 

(4) Saturday 

( ) 

( ) 

( ) 

4. 

5. 

Angela has purchased a 5PAX COMBO. By when should she visit the theme-park 

along with her family in order to enjoy all the benefits? 

(1) Within a week after purchase 

(2) 3 rd March 

(3) 31 st January 

(4) Within a month after purchase. 

( ) 

Mr. Tan is planning to visit Snowy World with his son this Friday. He will have to 

pay ______________ totally for him and his son. 

(1) $15 

(2) $21 

(3) $80 

(4) $9 

( ) 



6. None of the food on the table ____ good for you. 

(1) will be (2) are 

(3) was (4) is 

( ) 

107

7. I lost the game. We ______ have tried harder. 

(1) might (2) would 

(3) should (4) will 

8. Teck Meng goes to his grandmother’s house ____ his bicycle. 

(1) in (2) by 

(3) with (4) on 

( ) 

( ) 

9. I'm so sorry, the dress that you wanted is no longer available. It ______ to another 

customer. 

(1) is sold (2) has been sold 

(3) was being sold (4) will be sold 

( ) 

10. The rules say that you ______ smoke in the campus. 

(1) will not (2) would not 

(3) should not (4) must not 

11. I did not attend the workshop ______ it was so expensive 

(1) until (2) so 

(3) because (4) but 

12. Congratulation ____ wining the race! We are so proud of you. 

(1) on (2) of 

(3) for (4) in 

( ) 

( ) 

( ) 



Next came an angry voice—the Rabbit's—"Pat! Pat! Where are you?" And then a voice 

she had never heard before, "Sure then I'm here (13) Digging for apples, yer honour!" 

"Digging for apples, indeed!" said the Rabbit angrily. "Here! Come and help me out of 

this!" (Sounds of more broken glass.) 

"Now tell me, Pat, what's that in the window (14) 

108

"Sure, it's an arm, yer honour." (He pronounced it "arrum.") 

"An arm, you goose! Who ever saw one that size? Why, it fills the whole window!" 

"Sure, it does, yer honour? but it's an arm for all that." 

"Well, it's got no business there, at any rate: go and take it away (15) 



( ) 

14. (1) 

(3) 

15. (1) 

(3) 










(4) 



( ) 


(4) 



( ) 



16. The statue was in a __________ position outside the railway station so that everyone 

can see. 

(1) eminent (2) significant 

(3) prominent (4) positive 

( ) 

17. Last night there was a murder. Police are __________ through the evidence 

(1) shifting (2) sorting 

(3) sieving (4) sifting 

( ) 

18. Climate changes can have ____________ impact on human health. 

(1) untoward (2) positive 

(3) adverse (4) tragic ( ) 

109

19. His parents _________ him the opportunity to go to university. 

(1) contradicted (2) denied 

(3) avoided (4) detested 

20. The bomb was planted by right-wing___________ 

(1) doctors (2) extremists 

(3) supporters (4) practitioners 

( ) 

( ) 



Then she flew into the kitchen and pinned up her blown hair in front of the cracked 

looking-glass, thinking with sympathetic tenderness how pretty she looked, with her 

crown of chestnut tendrils tightened by the dampness, her round young cheeks crimsoned 

by the wind, and her still tearful eyes (21)brightened by unchristian joy. She remembered 

with naughty satisfaction how rain (22) invariably straightened Jennie Perkins’s frizzes, 

and was glad, glad that it did. Her angry passions were so beautifying that the radiant 

vision in the glass almost dazzled her. It made her very sorry for Pitt too. She hated to 

think that his ill-temper and stubborn pride and (23) obstinacy had lost him such a lovely 

creature as herself, and had forced him to waste his charms on so (24) unappreciative and 

plain a person as Jennie Perkins. She remembered that Pitt had asked her to marry him 

coming home from the fair in a rainstorm. If he meant anything he said on that occasion, 

he must be suffering pangs of regret to-day. Oh, how good, how sweet, how kind of it to 

rain and support her in what she had (25) prophesied of Saturday weather! 

21. (1) encouraged (2) sadden 

(3) become happy (4) lighter in colour 

22. (1) inevitably (2) always 

(3) impressively (4) beautifully 

23. (1) stubbornness (2) sorrow 

(3) sadness (4) liveliness 

( ) 

( ) 

( ) 

110

24. (1) sad (2) boring 

(3) unhealthy (4) ungrateful 

25. (1) refused (2) denied 

(3) predicted (4) overviewed 

( ) 

( ) 


Heat keeps us warm, cooks our food, drives our engines, and in a thousand ways 

makes life comfortable and pleasant, but what should we do without light? How many of 

us could be happy even though warm and well fed if we were forced to live in the dark 

where the sunbeams never flickered, where the shadows never stole across the floor, and 

where the soft twilight could not tell us that the day was done? Heat and light are the two 

most important physical factors in life; we cannot say which is the more necessary, 

because in the extreme cold or arctic regions man cannot live, and in the dark places 

where the light never penetrates man sickens and dies. Both heat and light are essential to 

life, and each has its own part to play in the varied existence of man and plant and animal. 

Light enables us to see the world around us, makes the beautiful colours of the trees 

and flowers, enables us to read, is essential to the taking of photographs, gives us our 

moving pictures and our magic lanterns, produces the exquisite tints of stained-glass 

windows, and brings us the joy of the rainbow. We do not always realize that light is 

beneficial, because sometimes it fades our clothing and our carpets, and burns our skin and 

makes it sore. But we shall see that even these apparently harmful effects of light are in 

reality of great value in man's constant battle against disease. 



26. According to the passage, the two most important physical factors in life 

are_____________ 

(1) Heat and light (2) Man and plant 

(3) Food and money (4) Animal and plant 

( ) 

111

27. We do not always realize that light is beneficial because_________ 

(1) it burns our skin (2) it makes our skin sore 

(3) 

it fades our clothing and our 

carpets 

(4) All of the above 

( ) 

28. According to the passage, in the extreme cold or arctic regions , man__________ 

(1) can live happily (2) cannot live 

(3) can live healthily (4) can live well 

( ) 

29. Even the apparently harmful effects of light are of great value in________________ 

(1) taking of photographs (2) 

making the beautiful colours of the 

trees 

(3) enabling us to read (4) man’s battle against disease 

( ) 

30. Which one is not a benefit brought by light ? 

(1) enabling us to see the world (2) enabling us to cook food faster 

(3) bringing joy of rainbow (4) 

being essential to the taking of 

photographs 

( ) 



blank. 

(A) proud (B)mentioned (C) published (D) appointment (E) triumph 

(F) telegrams (G) questioned (H)lovely (J) achievement (K) stretched 

(L) nervous (M)exciting (N) eventful (P)forward (Q)poet 

"I am in love with my wife," he said—a superfluous remark, as I had not 

(31)_________ his attachment to the woman he had married. We walked for ten minutes 

and then he said it again. I turned to look at him. He began to talk and told me the tale I 

am now about to set down. 

The thing he had on his mind happened during what must have been the most 

(32)____________ week of his life. He was to be married on Friday afternoon. On Friday 

of the week before he got a telegram announcing his (33)___________ to a government 

112

position. Something else happened that made him very (34)_______ and glad. In secret he 

was in the habit of writing verses and during the year before several of them had been 

printed in poetry magazines. One of the societies that give prizes for what they think the 

best poems (35)_________ during the year put his name at the head of their list. The story 

of his (36)_________ was printed in the newspapers of his home city, and one of them 

also printed his picture. 

As might have been expected, he was excited and in a rather highly strung (37)________ 

state all during that week. Almost every evening he went to call on his fiancée, the 

daughter of a judge. When he got there the house was filled with people and many letters, 

(38)__________ and packages were being received. He stood a little to one side and men 

and women kept coming to speak with him. They congratulated him upon his success in 

getting the government position and on his (39)_______________ as a poet. Everyone 

seemed to be praising him, and when he went home to bed he could not sleep. On 

Wednesday evening he went to the theatre and it seemed to him that people all over the 

house recognized him. Everyone nodded and smiled. After the first act five or six men and 

two women left their seats to gather about him. A little group was formed. Strangers 

sitting along the same row of seats (40)___________ their necks and looked. He had never 

received so much attention before, and now a fever of expectancy took possession of him. 



“From the first, two facts were very obveous(41)_________ to me, the one that the 

lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding cerimeny(42)________ , the other 

that she had repented of it within a few minutes of returning home. Obviously something 

113

have (43) ___________ occurred during the morning, then, to cause her to change her 

mind. What could that something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was 

out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroop (44)________. Had she seen 

someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America because she had spent so 

short a time in this country that she can (45)___________hardly have allowed anyone to 

acquire so deep an influence over her that the meer (46)________ sight of him would 

induce her to change her plans so complete(47)_________.You see we have already 

arrived, by a process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an American. Then 

who could this American be, and why should he possess so much influence over her? It 

might be a lover; it might be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in 

rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got before I ever hear 

(48)__________Lord St. Simon’s narrative. When he told us of a man in a pew, of the 

change in the bride’s manner, of so transparent a device for obtaining a note as the 

dropping of a bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very signicicant 

(49)___________allusion to claim-jumping—which in miners’ parlance means taking 

possession of that which other (50) ________________person has a prior claim to—the 

whole situation became absolutely clear. She had gone off with a man, and the man was 

either a lover or was a previous husband—the chances being in favour of the latter.” 


The balmy weather was perfect for an evening jog around the tranquil Rita Park. A 

(51)__________ breeze caressed the hair of Gina as she raced joyously down the gentle 

grass slope. It was the first day of December holidays and the feeling of liberation 

114

(freedom) was simply wonderful. 

“Ouch…!” A sharp, agonised scream pierced through the peaceful silence. Gina 

(52)___________ running and pricked her ears to sense where the shriek was coming 

from. The loud cries of desperation. 

Gina watched the entire episode (53)__________ stark horror. The snake slithered 

swiftly into the bushes. The little girl was too stunned to say (54)__________ and her face 

contorted in agony. Gina rushed to her (55)_________ as the little girl shrieked in 

excruciating pain. 

Gina know that she had to get the girl to the (56)___________ immediately before 

the venom killed her. She carried the girl in her arms and (57)____________ to the Park 

Ranger’s office. A cloth was wrapped tightly around her ankle to prevent the venom 

(poison) from spreading too (58)___________. In a few minutes, the ambulance arrived 

and she was rushed to the hospital. The girl’s parents were informed and they were 

actually still having a picnic by Rita Lake, thinking that their nine-year old daughter was 

having a splendid time collecting ladybirds among the bushes. Upon (59)____________ 

the shocking news, her parents’ jaws dropped in disbelief. They drove to the hospital at 

the speed of (60)__________. Fortunately, their daughter’s life was not (61)_________ as 

the snake’s bite was non-venomous. 

However, she had to be (62)_____________ for a few days for observation. The 

parents (63)___________ Gina repeatedly for her help and a week (64)__________, the 

girl was discharged from the hospital and her wound had healed considerably. Gina had 

found a new friend and a (65)____________ sign had been erected near the bushes to 

warn the public of snakes lurking around. 

115




66. She wore a scarf. The scarf covered the scar on her forehead. 

__________________________________________________________ such that 

_________________________________________________________________ 

67. Jane walked along the flower bed. She made holes with a pole and scattered four 

seeds into each hole. 

As ________________________________________________________________ 

___________________________________________________________________ 

68. The mangos are not suitable for this recipe. The blueberries are not suitable for this 

recipe. 

Neither _____________________________________________________________ 

69. “I will find a good teacher for your child and he will learn something useful,” the 

man told the old woman. 

The man assured the old woman __________________________________________ 

70. Alan is a humble boy. He is well-liked by his teachers and peers. 

___________________________________________________________________ 

because of ___________________________________________________________ 


I had not thought it possible that my thoughts and feelings could undergo a 

116

complete change in the short time that it took for me to travel from London to 

Green Valley in South County. However, then I did not know what awaited me 

when I set out on my journey! 

I still remembered vividly the tight knot in my tummy caused no doubt by 

apprehension and grief at having to leave behind a life of luxury and comfort in a 

grand London manor for some unknown and god forsaken place in the countryside 

in South County. However, I had no choice as my life took an abrupt turn when my 

father passed away a month ago, making me an orphan. 

However, grief for my parents was not my highest concern right now. After 

all, I could remember nothing of my mother, who died when I was very young and 

my father was an absent parent as he was a soldier and had always been overseas 

with his regiment. Rather, I was preoccupied with how I was going to fit in at 

Green Valley, where I would be under the care of my paternal cousin, Sir Benjamin 

Isaac, as the London house had to be sold because father could not pay off his 

debts. 

I could not brush off the waves of depression that threatened to engulf me as 

all that I had seen so far did not bode well for life at Green Valley. There certainly 

would be none of the usual luxuries there, judging by the poorly kept and 

uncomfortable carriage that was bringing us there as well as the bumpy, rocky and 

dark roads. Even the coachman, who was sent to fetch us, looked weird, more like 

a gnome than human and his coat was so old and patched! Life at Green Valley 

would be hard and tough! 

I was glad for the presence of my travelling companions - my governess, Miss 

Jennifer Thurman, and my dog, Wriggle. Although she was sixty years of age, was 

not beautiful in the conventional sense and was very strict with me, I loved Miss 

Thurman deeply for buried in that wrinkled body was a woman of fine character, 

who was deeply devoted to me. 

Despite my deep reservations about Green Valley, I did not whine or 

117

complain as I had been brought up to believe that a true lady ought to bear her 

suffering with grace and fortitude. However, all my worries were unfounded. 

I never knew that someone could go from dread to delight in a split second 

but that was what happened to me when I saw Green Valley for the first time that 

magical night … 

Green Valley and the manor where I was going to live in was the most 

beautiful place on earth! Nothing in London could make me feel the same 

enchantment as this lovely valley, bleached silver and black by the moonlight, and 

dotted with its inhabitants; the animals and the trees. For a city girl like me, who 

rarely came into contact with nature, everything looked magical and out-of-theworld, 

but for a fleeting moment, I saw what delighted and amazed me most: a little 

white horse, its neck raised proudly. Then it was gone. 

This warm, happy feeling was strengthened when I first set my eyes on Sir 

Benjamin, my cousin. We took to each other at once, his warm and friendly 

appearance and manner making me feel totally at home. 


71. How did the writer feel when she set out on her journey and why? 

72. Why was the writer moving to Green Valley? 

118

73. Which word in the passage is similar in meaning to “surround or cover something for 

someone completely”? 

74. What led the writer to conclude that life at Green Valley would be “hard and tough”? 

75. Who were the travelling companions of the writer? 

76. Why did the writer not openly complain or whine about having to move to live in 

Green Valley? 

77. Why did the writer love her governess? 

119

78. What does the phrase “go from dread to delight” tells us about how the writer feels 

on seeing Green Valley for the first time? 

79. How do we know that the writer no longer miss London? 

80. How did the writer feel about her cousin? 

120

Answers to Midyear Examination – Mock Paper 1 

Q 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 

2 2 1 1 4 3 3 4 3 1 3 1 1 3 4 

Q 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 

3 3 1 1 1 4 3 2 2 3 3 4 1 3 4 

Q 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 

N Q A C E G L K M J 

41. was 42. shimmering 43. cleaned 44. passengers 

45. sombre 46. of 47. occasional 48. jerked 

49. most 50. asked 51. down 52. shivering 

53. lightning 54. howled 55. pack 56. refuge/shelter 

57. flung 58. wildly/rapidly 59. fright 60. flashes 

61. explore 62. rapidly 63. scream 64. gripped 

65. escape/flee 

66. The thief moves around the apartment very cautiously because he does not wish to be 

caught in the act. 

67. It is quite evident from the overcast sky that heavy rain will fall today. 

68. After reading a book and a newspaper, Jane went to bed. 

69. Though Albert has been very unfortunate, yet he is always cheerful. 

70. Why do men seek fame and riches when we know all men will die and be forgotten? 

71. It is because ground water sinks into the soil and remains there; hence, it is not easy 

to observe the impact it has on the environment. 

72. We know that water is solvent as salt and/or sugar can dissolve in it. 

73. The great solvent power of ground water is the cause of its activity. 

74. This crust found inside used kettles is caused by the accumulation of mineral matter 

which is dissolved in the water but is left behind when the water evaporates after it is 

boiled. 

75. The word is “persistence”. 

76. The mineral substance in the water consumed on an annual basis by the town people 

in Bath, England, is enough to form a column that is nine feet in diameter and 140 

feet high. 

77. Some substances are considered insoluble because they dissolve so slowly that the 

changes caused by ground water are not obvious until many years later. 

78. Limestone is so readily soluble in water that from the small pores and cavities eaten 

out by the water, there may develop in many centuries, caves and caverns. 

79. The peculiar appearance in some rocks is due to the difference in solubility of 

different parts of it so that the parts that are soluble have disappeared while the less 

soluble parts remain largely intact. 

80. The solvent power of water is constantly causing changes, dissolving some mineral 

substances, and leaving others practically untouched; eating out crevices of various 

shapes and sizes, and by gradual solution through unnumbered years enlarging these 

crevices into wonderful caves. 

121


Q 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 

4 4 1 4 2 1 4 1 1 3 2 2 2 4 1 


4 3 2 4 3 3 1 4 3 2 2 3 2 1 3 

Q 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 

C P E M A L D Q B N 

41. heard 42. stood 43. its 44. grind 

45. remorseless 46. ceiling 47. depend 48. shuddered 

49. wavering 50. which 51. weather 52. screamed 

53. led 54. beating 55. struggling 56. fear 

57. quickly 58. sight 59. end 60. tragedy 

61. ground 62. safety 63. expected 64. immediately 

65. consequences 

66. After finishing dinner, Mr and Mrs Lee jogged in the park. 

67. The apartment was so beautiful that Ms Yen agreed to buy it immediately. 

68. Although Mr Tan was very old, he went to work every day 

69. I did not go to class yesterday because I had a terrible headache. 

70. I did not understand why Jessie insisted on visiting her grandpa by herself though I 

could fetch her there. 

71. A healthy plant brought into a dark room soon loses its vigour and freshness, and 

becomes yellow and drooping. 

72. They grow best in moderate light. 

73. It is because they are deprived of sunlight for a long time. 

74. They are called microorganisms. 

75. The word is “fruitful”. 

76. Some bacteria are considered to be useful as they helped give certain food, such as 

cheese and butter, their distinctive flavour. 

77. Some diseases caused by bacteria are typhoid fever, tuberculosis and influenza. 

78. It is only in dampness and darkness that bacteria thrive and multiply. 

79. Our houses should be kept light and airy; blinds should be raised, kitchens and 

pantries in particular should be thoroughly lighted. Bedclothes, rugs, and clothing 

should be exposed to the sunlight as frequently as possible. 

80. In a sick room sunlight is especially valuable, because it not only kills bacteria, but 

keeps the air dry, which prevents new bacteria from growing. 

122


Q 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 

2 2 3 2 1 4 1 1 3 3 1 2 3 4 3 


2 4 2 1 2 3 1 1 4 2 2 1 4 3 2 

Q 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 

J B M A E C N K H L 

41. had 42. unfortunate 43. revealed 44. stroll 

45. had 46. throbbed 47. saturated 48. lazily 

49. correspondent 50. entered 51. usual 52. crammed 

53. managed 54. through 55. yelled 56. could 

57. fear 58. wounded 59. smoke 60. reminded 

61. immediately 62. caused 63. injured 64. lucky 

65. deeply 

66. After taking a bath to refresh himself, he went to bed. 

67. I believe she will be a successful businesswoman because she has worked very hard. 

68. I could see from John’s face that he was very angry at the party last night. 

69. Although he spent a lot of time practicing the speech, it did not make a big impact. 

70. He often speaks so fast that we cannot understand him. 

71. Man heated his modest dwelling by open fires. 

72. The air immediately surrounding the fire becomes warmer and, because of expansion, 

becomes lighter than the cold air above. 

73. When the warm air immediately surrounding the open fireplace is forced by the 

heavier cold air above it to rise upward, the warm air carries away with it the smoke 

produced by the fireplace. 

74. The word is “modest”. 

75. The fall of the colder and heavier air, and the rise of the warmer and hence lighter air, 

is similar to the exchange which takes place when water is poured on oil; the water, 

being heavier than oil, sinks to the bottom and forces the oil to the surface 

76. Open fireplaces are very healthy because the air which is driven out is impure, while 

the air which rushes in is fresh and fill with oxygen. 

77. They are inefficient for either heating or cooking. 

78. Stoves are considered an improvement over open fireplace because it is more 

efficient, economical and comfortable for both heating and cooking purposes. 

79. A stove is a receptacle for fire, provided with a definite inlet for air and a definite 

outlet for smoke, and able to radiate into the room most of the heat produced from the 

fire which burns within. 

80. If we wish to have a hot fire, we must open the draft wide so that enough air enters to 

produce a strong glow. 

123


Q 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 

3 2 2 3 1 2 3 1 3 1 2 3 1 1 1 


3 1 2 4 3 3 4 3 2 4 3 4 2 2 1 

Q 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 

B Q H A J F M E L P 

41. standing 42. was 43. narrow 44. led 

45. stable 46. middle 47. bloodless 48. silently 

49. impressed 50. immense 51. waves 52. adjusted 

53. flight 54. illumination 55. difficulty 56. relief 

57. chairs 58. snack 59. muffled 60. dark 

61. dot 62. magical 63. reviews 64. screen 

65. crystal 

66. Nancy unlike Jane is beautiful. 

67. You will get dehydrated unless you drink enough water. 

68. The girl asked her mother what they were doing next. 

69. The only bird that can fly backwards is the humming bird. 

70. In spite of our warning, Ken left the tent without his torch 

71. It was because Monday for Tom was the beginning of another week of slow suffering 

in school. 

72. Tom generally began Monday wishing that he had had no intervening holiday as it 

made having to go to school so much more odious. 

73. He viewed school as a prison which restricted his freedom and movement. The phrase 

“going into captivity and fetters again,” provides evidence of his feelings towards 

school. 

74. The word is “odious”. 

75. He was trying to look for signs that he was unwell so that he could skip school. 

76. He tried to encourage his colicky symptoms in the hope of making himself really sick 

so that he would have an excuse for not attending school. 

77. He was afraid that if he did so, his aunt would proceed to pull out his tooth and that 

would be painful. 

78. Tom decided to pretend that he had a sore toe because he remembered the doctor once 

saying that a patient was laid up in bed for two to three weeks due to a sore finger. 

79. Tom tried to attract Sid’s attention by groaning loudly in the hope that that Sid would 

go and tell his aunt that Tom’s was sick. 

80. That Sid thought Tom was sick could be seen from the fact that he looked at Tom’s 

face anxiously and shook him when he did not get a response from Tom. 

124

Answers to Preliminary Examination – Mock Paper 1 

Q 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 

2 3 1 2 2 3 4 2 3 1 3 2 3 2 1 


4 2 4 1 3 2 3 4 1 2 2 1 2 2 4 

Q 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 

M J P F A C B H L N 

41. slept 42. middle 43. stealthily 44. emerged 

45. slipped 46. see 47. exposure 48. sprang 

49. opponent 50. straighten 51. along 52. finally 

53. neither 54. further 55. switch 56. echoed 

57. Suddenly 58. ended 59. heard 60. completely 

61. wings 62. silence 63. back 64. energy 

65. relief 

66. Mary had to work part time during four years at university because she needed to earn 

money to make a living. 

67. Though they do not have much money, they are still happy. 

68. Despite my warning, Shelia often went out with Jimmy 

69. It was very unfortunate that John was robbed and knocked down on the street. 

70. Tom and I know Linda but Mervin does not know her. 

71. One of the best-known effects of heat is how it affects the size of a substance; causing 

the substance to either contract or expand depending on the amount of heat the 

substance is exposed to. 

72. The water will expand and take up more space thus causing the water to overflow. 

73. Solids and air are affected by heat and the loss of heat. 

74. In the winter, when the temperature falls, the wires will snap because there is not 

enough leeway for the wire to contract. 

75. When heated, the metal ball will expand and become too large to slip through the 

ring. 

76. This is because air is invisible so we cannot see the effects heat has on it, unlike 

solids and liquids which can be seen and therefore making it easier to observe the 

effects of heat on them. 

77. The air in the flask expands and takes up more space, thus forcing the ink up the tube 

to provide more space for the expanding air. 

78. The warmth from one’s hand is usually enough to make the air expand and cause the 

ink to rise. 

79. It shows that he air in the flask has expanded and occupies more space than before, 

and since the volume of air does not change, each cubic inch of space would contain 

less warm air than cold air. 

80. They will expand when heated and contract when cooled. 

125


Q 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 

4 3 2 3 1 3 2 1 4 1 3 2 3 2 3 


4 2 1 3 3 2 1 4 3 2 2 4 3 2 4 

Q 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 

M C A L E J B N Q D 

41. colourless 42. impressed 43. passionately 44. wandered 

45. forestalling 46. seemed 47. weighed 48. little 

49. intervals 50. appearance 51. could 52. work 

53. opened 54. filled 55. fact 56. continued 

57. running 58. spread 59. doubt 60. sense 

61. death 62. helplessly 63. attention 64. climbed 

65. save 

66. He has been sick since yesterday. 

67. He did not let her in, yet refusing to tell her the reason. 

68. Except for us, no one else liked the performance. 

69. After waking up, I had breakfast and then I went to work. 

70. Both he and I know Jessie, but Sally does not know Jessie. 

71. This is because some things that have happened in real life such as the discovery of a 

lost alligator on the Southern railway and a porpoise carcass in the men’s lavatory in a 

railway station in London are more unusual and surprising than the imaginary. 

72. The RSPCA rescues animals and treats them if they have any injuries or diseases. 

73. It was because piranhas are freshwater fish found only n tropical waters and are not 

natives of the Thames so it was puzzling how it ended up on the deck of a boat there. 

74. It was speculated that the piranha was released by the owner into the Thames where it 

died from the cold and was later scooped up by a seagull who dropped it onto the 

deck of the boat. This was seen from the fact that there were marks of a seagull’s 

beak on the piranha’s back. 

75. The difference is that the man discovered the snake before drinking the stout while 

the writer’s cousin only discovered the cockroach after biting into it in the bun. 

76. The phrase is “he swore off stout after the incident”. 

77. The word is “traumatised”. 

78. The restaurant was fined because it sold contaminated food that would put the 

consumer’s health at risk as a dead cockroach was found in one of the buns sold by 

the restaurant. 

79. The tarantula found in the man’s luggage was what gave the game away for him. 

80. He rolled up the snakes in socks and put the geckos in small boxes that were taped to 

his body and legs respectively. 

126


Q 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 

3 2 2 1 1 2 4 3 1 4 1 4 2 1 1 


3 4 3 2 1 2 3 1 2 4 2 1 4 3 2 

Q 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 

D A G M B P F H C E 

41. have 42. elaborate 43. vanishing 44. enquiries 

45. daring 46. tunnel 47. ascertaining 48. remarked 

49. remaining 50. premises 51. trip 52. wasted 

53. excitement 54. started 55. instructed 56. gently/smoothly 

57. headed 58. back 59. longer 60. endless 

61. encountered 62. suddenly 63. into 64. keep 

65. managed 

66. Only time will tell, whether or not we will be successful in future. 

67. He graduated from Harvard which raised him above many men of his own age and 

rank. 

68. Neither you nor I cooked, but she did. 

69. We had a rest after attending an interesting lecture. 

70. He was hard working and humble. 

71. The word is “disconcerted”. 

72. Tom took the basin of water that Mary gave him and poured it away without washing 

his face. 

73. His second attempt to wash his face was unsatisfactory as he only washed his face but 

not his neck which was filled with dirt. 

74. It refers to the fact that Mary took it upon herself to wash him and clean him up. 

75. It was because he hated having curly hair which he thought made him look 

effeminate. 

76. The word is “galled”. 

77. She buttoned his neat roundabout up to his chin, turned his vast shirt collar down over 

his shoulders, brushed him off and crowned him with his speckled straw hat. 

78. Tom lost this temper because he was made to wash himself, change into clean clothes 

and wear proper shoes, all of which he hated. 

79. Tom was made to clean up and dress up because he was going to Sunday school. 

80. Tom was a boy who hated to follow rules or have his freedom restricted in any way as 

seen from the fact that he resented having to clean up and wear clothes that restricted 

his movement. 

127


Q 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 

2 2 4 3 1 4 3 4 2 4 3 1 4 1 4 


3 4 3 2 2 3 2 1 4 3 1 4 2 4 2 

Q 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 

G N D A C E L F J K 

41. obvious 42. ceremony 43. had 44. bridegroom 

45. could 46. mere 47. completely 48. heard 

49. significant 50. another 51. gentle 52. stopped 

53. in 54. anything 55.assistance 56. hospital 

57. rushed 58. quickly 59. hearing 60. lighting 

61. endangered 62. hospitalised/warded 63. thanked 

64. later 65. warning 

66. She wore a scarf such that it would cover the scar on her forehead. 

67. As Jane walked along the flower bed, she made hole in it with a pole and scattered 

four seeds into each hole. 

68. Neither mangos nor blueberries are suitable for this recipe. 

69. The man assured the old woman that he would find a good teacher for her son and 

that he would learn something useful. 

70. Alan is well-liked by his teachers and peers for his humbleness. 

71. The writer was apprehensive and sad because she was forced to move out of her 

luxurious grand manor in London to live in the countryside with her cousin whom she 

had never met before. 

72. She was forced to move to Green Valley as her London house had to be sold after her 

father’s death to settle the debts that he owed. 

73. The word is “engulf”. 

74. The poorly kept and uncomfortable carriage that was sent to fetch her to Green 

Valley, the rocky country roads and the weird coachman who wore an old patched 

cloak, led her to conclude that life in Green Valley would not be very comfortable. 

75. Her travelling companions were her governess, Miss Jennifer Thurman, and her dog 

Wriggle. 

76. It was because she was brought up to believe that a true lady ought not to complain or 

whine but should bear all suffering with grace and fortitude. 

77. This was because even though her governess was strict with her, her governess was a 

woman of fine character who was deeply devoted to the writer. 

78. The phrase suggests that all the writer’s apprehension and fears about Green Valley 

were gone the moment she set eyes on it. 

79. This is seen from her comments that nothing in London could make her feel the same 

enchantment as Green Valley which looked so beautiful in the moonlight. 

80. She loved her cousin Sir Benjamin Isaac the moment she saw him. 

128

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