USS EXAMINATION
PART A
One question from English . It carries 10 marks . the question demands detailed answer. The answer may be related to any of the discourses like:
- Conversation
- letter
- diary
- description
- poem
- story
- poster
PART B
This part cotains one passage comprehension. A reading passage will be given followed by 6 questions. All are multiple Choice Items. Total marks :6
PART C
This part deals with the evaluation of prescribed port folio items
Please refer the sample passages given below:
READING PASSAGES
READ THE PASSAGES AND ANSWER
THE QUESTIONS
1.
Materials
A material is what something is made of. There
are 5 basic materials. Most things are made with these materials. Some things
are made of metal. Some things are made of glass. Some things are made of wood.
Some things are made of cloth. And some things are made of plastic. There are
some other materials. But they are not used as much as these 5 materials.
Let’s talk about metal first. Metal is very
heavy. And it is very hard and strong. It usually feels cool if you touch it.
We use metal to make lots of things. We use it for forks and knives. We use it
for keys. We use it for cars. We use it for these things because it is very
strong.
Next, let’s talk about glass. Glass is very
smooth. It feels cool to touch. It is not as heavy as metal. It is hard. But it is not strong. It
breaks very easily! Then why do we use it? We use it because it is clear! You
can see through glass! That’s why we use it for windows. That’s also why we use
it for glasses.
Now, let’s talk about wood. Wood is lighter
than metal and glass. It is not as strong as metal. But it is much stronger than glass. We use wood to
make lots of things. Things made from wood are usually light and hard and
strong. Chairs and tables are made from wood. Pencils are made from wood.
Now let’s talk about cloth. Cloth is very
light. It is much lighter than wood. And it is very soft. We use cloth to make
lots of things. For example, it is used to make clothing. And it is used to
make blankets.
Last, let’s talk about
plastic. Plastic is also very light. But it is different from cloth. Sometimes
it is soft. And sometimes it is hard. Plastic can be used to make thin plastic
bags. These are light, soft, and strong. But plastic can also be used to make
bicycle helmets. These are light, hard, and strong. A helmet and a bag seem
different. But they are both made from plastic.
1) Which
sentence from the passage best describes the main idea?
A. "We
use cloth to make lots of things."
B.
"Metal is very heavy."
C.
"There are 5 basic materials."
D. "A
helmet and a bag seem different."
2) According
to the passage, which of these things is a material?
A. chairs
B. clothing
C. windows
D. wood
3) According
to the passage, how does glass feel?
A. smooth
and cool
B. warm and
soft
C. light and
hard
D. sharp and
heavy
4) In
paragraph 4, the passage says, “Wood is lighter than metal and glass.” What is
the main purpose of this sentence?
A. to
explain something
B. to
recommend something
C. to
compare something
D. to
demonstrate something
5) Which
material would you use if you wanted to make something that was strong and very
light?
A. plastic
B. wood
C. metal
D. glass
6) In this
passage, the author talks about
A. hard
things first, then soft things
B. heavy
things first, then light things
C. strong
things first, then weak things
D. cool
things first, then warm things
2.
GALAXIES
A galaxy is a massive complex or system of stars, remnants of stars, an interstellar medium of gas and dust, and dark matter. Some include multiple star systems, clusters, and interstellar clouds. Galaxies are bound by gravity and contain from millions to trillions of stars. The size of some galaxies are measured in units called parsecs, others are measured in light years. One parsec is equivalent to about 19 trillion miles (31 trillion kilometers). An average galaxy may extend from 1,000 - 100,000 parsecs. A light year is the distance that light travels in an Earth year. Light travels at nearly 300,000 km per second (180,000 miles). If you were to calculate the actual size of a galaxy using numbers, rather than the aforementioned units, the resulting figure would be impossible to understand or conceptualize. Galaxies are usually separated by spaces that extend over millions of parsecs. These vast spaces are called intergalactic spaces. Despite the vast distances between them, galaxies are often organized into clusters and superclusters. Clusters and superclusters are then organized into sheets and filaments. A filament, defined as structures that form the boundaries between large voids in the universe, are the largest known structures in the universe.
Types of Galaxies
Galaxies are usually classified according to their shape. Elliptical galaxies are round, spiral galaxies are characterized by their long, spiraling arms, and peculiar galaxies are shaped irregularly, likely because of the gravitational pull of a nearby galaxy. Scientists estimate the presence of 100 billion galaxies in the universe.
Dark Matter
About 90% of the mass of an average galaxy is made of up mysterious, invisible masses called dark matter. Dark matter is hypothetical; its actual existence is simply scientific and mathematical conjecture (educated guess). Only its gravitational effects on visible objects can be observed (such as the rotational curves of spiral galaxies). Some scientists think dark matter is concentrated in huge masses such as black holes.
Our Galaxy
Our solar system lies within the Milky Way galaxy. The Milky Way galaxy contains over 200 billion stars and has a diameter of up to 120,000 light years. Our solar system orbits around the Milky Way once every 200-250 million years. You can see the Milky Way galaxy on a clear night. It looks like a milky white band across the night sky. The center of the galaxy is located in the direction of the constellation Sagittarius. The Milky Way is thought to be nearly as old as the universe itself. Some estimates age the galaxy at over 13 billion years. It is part of a cluster of galaxies known as the Local Group. Two smaller galaxies and a number of dwarf galaxies actually orbit the Milky Way, the largest of which is called the Large Magellanic Cloud. Considered an irregular galaxy, the Large Magellanic Cloud is thought to be about 160,000 light years away from the Milky Way. Although our Milky Way is ten times larger, scientists estimate than 10 billion suns could fit in the Large Magellanic Cloud. The galaxy was first observed by explorer Ferdinand Magellan, whom the galaxy is named for and looks like a small night cloud in the southern hemisphere.
1.
Our
galaxy is part of a group of galaxies called the ________________.
A.
? Solar
System
B.
? Milky
Way
C.
? Local
Group
D.
? Large
Magellanic Cloud
2.The existence of dark
matter is "hypothetical.'" What does hypothetical mean in this
instance?
- ? calculated
- ? possible
- ? definite
- ? impossible
3
The
largest known structures in the universe are called ___________________.
A.
? solar
systems
B.
? filaments
C.
? galaxies
D.
? sheets
4.
Galaxies
are normally classified by their _________________.
E.
? stars
F.
? shape
G.
? size
H.
? age
5.
The
Large Magellanic Cloud is a ________________ that orbits the
__________________.
4
? star;
sun
5
? galaxy;
sun
6
? galaxy;
Milky War
7
? star;
Milky Way
6.Galaxies are measured in units called
__________________.
A.
? meters
B.
? miles
C.
? dark
matter
D.
? parsecs
3.
MAKING THE TEAM
It has been my lifelong dream to play on the
middle school softball team. I began playing softball when I was in the second
grade. My older brother taught me to play. He is three years older than I am.
He practices with me every afternoon and always attends my games with my
parents.
This year, I started sixth grade. The
middle school softball team tryouts were announced last month. Every day since
the announcement, my brother has helped me prepare for the team
tryouts. The tryouts were held last
Saturday morning. Twenty-three students from my grade tried out for the team.
The team only has spaces for five sixth grade students. I know I worked as hard
as I could to prepare for the tryouts. I felt like I had done a good job at the
tryouts, but I was still nervous on Saturday night and Sunday morning, waiting
for the team list to be posted. On Sunday afternoon, my parents took me to the
school to see who had made the team. I was so happy when I saw my name on the
list. It is so exciting to be a part of the team. When we left the school, my
parents said we should go out for pizza. It would just be a little family
celebration in my honor. They called my brother, and he met us at the
restaurant. He
walked in with a big smile on his
face. He was really proud of me. My parents were very proud too, although they
warned me about keeping my grades up and making sure I did all my homework
every day. They do not need to worry about those things. I’ll work very hard
to stay on the team.
1. The first paragraph mainly discusses _____.
a. eating pizza
b. playing softball
c. doing homework
d. finding her name on the list
2. Which of the following best describes how the girl felt
when she saw her name on
the list?
a. nervous
b. happy
c. angry
d. sad
3. Which of the following IS true?
a. Her father taught her to play softball.
b. She has played softball since she was two.
c. Her older brother taught her to play softball.
d. Her brother took her to the school to check the team list.
4. The girl learned to play softball ____________.
a. in the sixth grade
b. in the second grade
c. in the fifth grade
d. at the age of two
5. The word warned means ______.
a. to notify in advance
b. shouted
c. celebrated
d. to join a team
6. The girl is in the sixth grade. What grade is her brother
probably in?
a. second grade
b. middle school
c. third grade
d. ninth grade
MAKING THE TEAM
ANSWERS
1. b
2. b
3. c
4. b
5. a
6. d
4.
Two sisters and the cat
Mrs. Wilson and Mrs.
Smith are sisters. Mrs. Wilson lives in a house in Duncan and Mrs. Smith lives
in a condominium in Victoria. One day Mrs. Wilson visited her sister. When her
sister answered the door, Mrs. Wilson saw tears in her eyes. "What's the
matter?" she asked. Mrs. Smith said "My cat Sammy died last night and
I have no place to buryhim".
She
began to cry again. Mrs. Wilson was very sad because she knew her sister loved
the cat very much. Suddenly Mrs.. Wilson said "I can bury your cat in my
garden in Duncan and you can come and visit him sometimes." Mrs.. Smith
stopped crying and the two sisters had tea together and a nice visit.
It was now
five o'clock and Mrs. Wilson said it was time for her to go home. She put on
her hat, coat and gloves and Mrs. Smith put the dead Sammy into a shopping bag.
Mrs. Wilson took the shopping bag and walked to the bus stop. She waited a long
time for the bus so she bought a newspaper. When the bus arrived, she got on
the bus, sat down and put the shopping bag on the floor beside her feet. She
then began to read the newspaper. When the bus arrived at her bus stop, she got
off the bus and walked for about two minutes. Suddenly she remembered she had
left the shopping bag on the bus.[Story by Laurie Buchanan]
- Where does Mrs. Smith live?
- ? in a condominium in Duncan
- ? in a condominium in Victoria
- ? in a house in Duncan
- Why is Mrs. Smith upset?
- ? because her sister came to see her cat
- ? because her cat died
- ? because Mrs. Wilson was sad
- What did Mrs. Wilson do?
- ? take the cat with her on the bus
- ? put her gloves in the shopping bag
- ? prepare dinner for her sister
- Who did Sammy the cat live with?
- ? Mrs. Wilson
- ? Mrs. Smith
- ? Mrs. Wilson and Mrs. Smith
- What time did Mrs. Wilson go home?
- ? when the bus arrived
- ? at 5 p.m.
- ? after she walked for two minutes
- How did Mrs. Wilson go home?
- ? walked for two minutes before she caught the bus
- ? read a newspaper on the bus
- ? took a bus
- What did Mrs. Wilson forget?
- ? the newspaper
- ? her handbag
- ? the shopping bag
- Where did Sammy die?
- ? in Mrs. Smith's house in Duncan
- ? in Mrs. Wilson's garden
- ? in Victoria
SHORT
ESSAYS
1
Advantages and disadvantages of television
Nowadays many people all over the world spent most of their free time watching television; but since its appearance, television has brought to man many advantages as well as disadvantages.
First, television plays an important role in our daily activities: it keeps us informed of all current affairs in the world. Events through television are more vivid than those through books and magazines.
Second, television helps us enrich our spiritual lives. Our knowledge is broadened in many ways. Through language teaching programs, we can learn the language we like such as: English, French, German, Chinese, Japanese and so on. We can become skilful and clever at doing jobs, making cakes or arranging flowers through practical courses taught on television.
Finally, television is a source of recreation. Humorous stories and funny films bring us minutes of relaxation after a hard day’s work. For me, sitting comfortably in an arm-chair to watch an international football match on television is more interesting than having to queue for tickets at a crowded stadium.
Apart from its advantages, however, television also brings lots of disadvantages to viewers too.
First, television viewers gradually become passive in their action. Television may be a splendid media of communication, but it prevents us from communicating with each other or with the outer world. The world seen through television is only the restricted one: It separates us from the real world.
Second, television, with its fascinating power, makes people of all ages sink into oblivion: whole generations are growing up addicted to the telly. Pupils and students are so absorbed in television that they neglect their school activities. Food is left uneaten, homework undone and lessons unprepared. Housewives are so keen on watching television that they neglect their duties toward their husbands and their children. Instead of watching television, we may use the time for a real family hour. Without the distraction of television, we may sit around together after dinner and actually talk to one another to know and like each other better.
Finally, the evil influence of television on the young generation is inevitable; it encourages them to commit crimes. Spectacles of sadism and violence on television lead them to robbery, theft, rape and murder.
In a nutshell, television is useful to us when we know how to use it: Be careful not to overindulge ourselves in it and use it in a discerning manner.
Nowadays many people all over the world spent most of their free time watching television; but since its appearance, television has brought to man many advantages as well as disadvantages.
First, television plays an important role in our daily activities: it keeps us informed of all current affairs in the world. Events through television are more vivid than those through books and magazines.
Second, television helps us enrich our spiritual lives. Our knowledge is broadened in many ways. Through language teaching programs, we can learn the language we like such as: English, French, German, Chinese, Japanese and so on. We can become skilful and clever at doing jobs, making cakes or arranging flowers through practical courses taught on television.
Finally, television is a source of recreation. Humorous stories and funny films bring us minutes of relaxation after a hard day’s work. For me, sitting comfortably in an arm-chair to watch an international football match on television is more interesting than having to queue for tickets at a crowded stadium.
Apart from its advantages, however, television also brings lots of disadvantages to viewers too.
First, television viewers gradually become passive in their action. Television may be a splendid media of communication, but it prevents us from communicating with each other or with the outer world. The world seen through television is only the restricted one: It separates us from the real world.
Second, television, with its fascinating power, makes people of all ages sink into oblivion: whole generations are growing up addicted to the telly. Pupils and students are so absorbed in television that they neglect their school activities. Food is left uneaten, homework undone and lessons unprepared. Housewives are so keen on watching television that they neglect their duties toward their husbands and their children. Instead of watching television, we may use the time for a real family hour. Without the distraction of television, we may sit around together after dinner and actually talk to one another to know and like each other better.
Finally, the evil influence of television on the young generation is inevitable; it encourages them to commit crimes. Spectacles of sadism and violence on television lead them to robbery, theft, rape and murder.
In a nutshell, television is useful to us when we know how to use it: Be careful not to overindulge ourselves in it and use it in a discerning manner.
2
TELEVISION
–A POPULAR MEDIUM
Television enables us to see things in distant places. It is indeed one of the most wonderful things that man has ever invented.
Television not only entertains people but also teaches people a variety of important things. Through this wonderful invention we learn about people and events thousands of miles away. Pictures taken in all parts of the world are also shown on television for entertainment as well as for instruction. Short films based on popular stories are often shown which entertain millions of people all over the world.
In some countries television is used to teach pupils and students many useful lessons. Students who cannot go to school because of transport or other problems are taught all their lessons at home through television.
As television appeals to the eye instead of the ear, people enjoy watching more than listening to the radio. Listening requires knowledge of many things, but what we see with our eyes explains that itself.
For all these reasons, there is no doubt that television will continue to be popular for a long time.
Word-meaning:
Appeals to = attracts
Entertain = to interest
Distant = far away
Invented = made for the first time
Enable = make able
Requires = needs
3.
A BURGLARY I WITNESSED
Talk about a burglary you witnessed
It was a peaceful afternoon. I was doing my homework in my room when I heard a strange grinding noise coming from next door.
Out of curiosity, I looked out of my window. I was shocked to see my neighbor’s metal gate lying on the ground and the door ajar. As no one else was at home, I called up my father at his office. He told me to stay at home and wait for him to come back. I went back to the window and peeped out. After a while, a burly man came out of my neighbor’s house with a big bag and quickly ran away.
Just then, my father came back with four policemen. I told them what I had seen. Immediately, two of the policemen went after the burglar. The rest of us went into the neighbor’s house. The whole place had been ransacked. Drawers were lying all over the place and the bedrooms were in a real mess. My neighbor happened to come back at that time and she was most distressed to find her house broken into.
The next morning, I saw the following headline in the newspaper: “Boy helps police catch burglar”. I felt really proud of myself.
It was a peaceful afternoon. I was doing my homework in my room when I heard a strange grinding noise coming from next door.
Out of curiosity, I looked out of my window. I was shocked to see my neighbor’s metal gate lying on the ground and the door ajar. As no one else was at home, I called up my father at his office. He told me to stay at home and wait for him to come back. I went back to the window and peeped out. After a while, a burly man came out of my neighbor’s house with a big bag and quickly ran away.
Just then, my father came back with four policemen. I told them what I had seen. Immediately, two of the policemen went after the burglar. The rest of us went into the neighbor’s house. The whole place had been ransacked. Drawers were lying all over the place and the bedrooms were in a real mess. My neighbor happened to come back at that time and she was most distressed to find her house broken into.
The next morning, I saw the following headline in the newspaper: “Boy helps police catch burglar”. I felt really proud of myself.
4.
Describe
your best friend and tell why you like him or her
In our daily activities we often get in touch with the others and from these relations we meet some people whose interests, characteristics and behaviors are similar to ours and we choose them as our friends.
To me, one of my best friends is Nam. Nam is only over eighteen but he is well developed; so he is thought to be twenty or more. He has black hair, a broad forehead, a straight nose and bright eyes. He is very good-looking. He has a kind heart and is easy to get on with everybody. We have been friends for a very long time. The deeper our mutual understanding becomes the more we feel closely attached to each other. “Birds of a feather flock together”, Nam and I are keen on learning. We are the best pupils in our class. Nam is always at the top. He is good at every subject, but he never shows pride in his abilities and always tries to learn harder.
Nam’s family is not rich enough. His parents are retired workers. Realizing the hardships of his parents, although he is absorbed in his study, he often spends most of his spare time doing useful things to help his parents in their old age. He gets up early in the morning to have enough time to deliver newspapers to subscribers before going to school. After school in the afternoon, he repairs bicycles and motorbikes. Therefore the money he gets from his manual job is sufficient for his school fees and for his parents’ presents. I like Nam very much because of his honesty and straight forwardness. He is always ready to help his weak friends in their study; as a result, lots of friends, thanks to his whole-hearted help, have become good ones.
In my relation with Nam, I have got precious experience: thirst for learning, patience to overcome difficulties, helpfulness and filial piety.
In our daily activities we often get in touch with the others and from these relations we meet some people whose interests, characteristics and behaviors are similar to ours and we choose them as our friends.
To me, one of my best friends is Nam. Nam is only over eighteen but he is well developed; so he is thought to be twenty or more. He has black hair, a broad forehead, a straight nose and bright eyes. He is very good-looking. He has a kind heart and is easy to get on with everybody. We have been friends for a very long time. The deeper our mutual understanding becomes the more we feel closely attached to each other. “Birds of a feather flock together”, Nam and I are keen on learning. We are the best pupils in our class. Nam is always at the top. He is good at every subject, but he never shows pride in his abilities and always tries to learn harder.
Nam’s family is not rich enough. His parents are retired workers. Realizing the hardships of his parents, although he is absorbed in his study, he often spends most of his spare time doing useful things to help his parents in their old age. He gets up early in the morning to have enough time to deliver newspapers to subscribers before going to school. After school in the afternoon, he repairs bicycles and motorbikes. Therefore the money he gets from his manual job is sufficient for his school fees and for his parents’ presents. I like Nam very much because of his honesty and straight forwardness. He is always ready to help his weak friends in their study; as a result, lots of friends, thanks to his whole-hearted help, have become good ones.
In my relation with Nam, I have got precious experience: thirst for learning, patience to overcome difficulties, helpfulness and filial piety.
5
Describe the first day of your school
Today is the first day of school. The three months of vacation in the country have passed like a dream. This morning, I was returning to school.
I was thinking of the country, and went unwillingly. The streets were swarming with pupils. The two bookshops were thronged with persons who were purchasing books, copy-books and school-outfit. In front of the school, so many people had collected, that the beadle and the policeman found it hard to keep the entrance clear. Near the door, I feft myself touched on the shoulder; it was my master of the eleventh grade, cheerful as usual, and he said to me:
- "So we are to part forever, Henry!"
I knew it well, yet the words pained me. We made our way in with difficulty. Pupils of all ages filled the anteroom and the stairs,
making such a buzzing, that it seemed like entering a theatre. I was glad to see once more that large room on the ground floor, where I had passed nearly every day for three years. There was a throng of teachers going and coming. My school-mistress of the
last year greeted me from the door of the class room, and said:
- "Henry, you are going to the floor above, this year. I shall not even see you pass by any more !". And she gazed regretfully at me.
At ten o'clock, we were all in our classes. The school seemed so small and gloomy to me when I thought of the woods and the mountains where I had passed the summer. I thought again, too, of my previous master who was so good, and who always smiled
at us. Our present teacher is tall; he has no beard; his hair is gray and long. He has a big voice, and he looks at us fixedly, one after the other, as though he were reading our very thoughts, and he never smiles.
I said to myself: "This is my first day. There are nine months more. What work, what monthly examinations, what weariness and whatever will be !"
Today is the first day of school. The three months of vacation in the country have passed like a dream. This morning, I was returning to school.
I was thinking of the country, and went unwillingly. The streets were swarming with pupils. The two bookshops were thronged with persons who were purchasing books, copy-books and school-outfit. In front of the school, so many people had collected, that the beadle and the policeman found it hard to keep the entrance clear. Near the door, I feft myself touched on the shoulder; it was my master of the eleventh grade, cheerful as usual, and he said to me:
- "So we are to part forever, Henry!"
I knew it well, yet the words pained me. We made our way in with difficulty. Pupils of all ages filled the anteroom and the stairs,
making such a buzzing, that it seemed like entering a theatre. I was glad to see once more that large room on the ground floor, where I had passed nearly every day for three years. There was a throng of teachers going and coming. My school-mistress of the
last year greeted me from the door of the class room, and said:
- "Henry, you are going to the floor above, this year. I shall not even see you pass by any more !". And she gazed regretfully at me.
At ten o'clock, we were all in our classes. The school seemed so small and gloomy to me when I thought of the woods and the mountains where I had passed the summer. I thought again, too, of my previous master who was so good, and who always smiled
at us. Our present teacher is tall; he has no beard; his hair is gray and long. He has a big voice, and he looks at us fixedly, one after the other, as though he were reading our very thoughts, and he never smiles.
I said to myself: "This is my first day. There are nine months more. What work, what monthly examinations, what weariness and whatever will be !"
6
The
importance of reading newspaper.
Loan information for students:
|
As
the name suggests newspapers are a source of news and information. In several
respects they are also a medium of communication among the peoples of the
world.
Today there are hundreds of newspapers all over the world. Everywhere there is a keen desire to learn more and more about the affairs of the world. This is partly the result of the spread of education which sharpens one’s curiosity to learn about distant lands.
As a source of news, the newspaper is almost indispensable to those whose thirst for knowledge is insatiable. They contain news on events in distant corners of the earth. Information about such events arrives almost immediately. As a result, people everywhere are informed about the most important event in the world very quickly and almost at the same time. For example, if a war breaks out in one part of the world today, the people in the other parts will certainly come to know about it tomorrow. As a result, all the countries of the world are able to do something quickly to help those who have suffered because of the war or to persuade the countries at war to cease fighting.
Newspaper also play an important part in keeping the people of the world informed about the troubles that might arise in the future, if nothing is done to prevent them from happening. For example, if a dispute arises between the two countries for any reason, the newspapers can keep the people of the world informed about what might happen if nothing is done to persuade the two countries to resolve their differences peacefully.
In this way many wars have been avoided because of the intervention of some countries in the disputes of many countries which were given prominence in newspapers.
When all this is considered, we feel that there is some silent communication among countries through the medium of newspapers for the common benefit of the countries of the world.
Further, constant reading of newspapers improves one’s outlook on life and makes one a more reasonable person. The importance of the newspaper is therefore obvious.
Today there are hundreds of newspapers all over the world. Everywhere there is a keen desire to learn more and more about the affairs of the world. This is partly the result of the spread of education which sharpens one’s curiosity to learn about distant lands.
As a source of news, the newspaper is almost indispensable to those whose thirst for knowledge is insatiable. They contain news on events in distant corners of the earth. Information about such events arrives almost immediately. As a result, people everywhere are informed about the most important event in the world very quickly and almost at the same time. For example, if a war breaks out in one part of the world today, the people in the other parts will certainly come to know about it tomorrow. As a result, all the countries of the world are able to do something quickly to help those who have suffered because of the war or to persuade the countries at war to cease fighting.
Newspaper also play an important part in keeping the people of the world informed about the troubles that might arise in the future, if nothing is done to prevent them from happening. For example, if a dispute arises between the two countries for any reason, the newspapers can keep the people of the world informed about what might happen if nothing is done to persuade the two countries to resolve their differences peacefully.
In this way many wars have been avoided because of the intervention of some countries in the disputes of many countries which were given prominence in newspapers.
When all this is considered, we feel that there is some silent communication among countries through the medium of newspapers for the common benefit of the countries of the world.
Further, constant reading of newspapers improves one’s outlook on life and makes one a more reasonable person. The importance of the newspaper is therefore obvious.
7.
Talk about the importance of water
Since the beginning of time, water has continued to be an important thing to all living things. Without water nothing could live. We may change our food according to the climate of a place but we may find no substitute for water. Man has always looked for pure fresh water to slake his thirst.
Water not only quenches our thirst but it is also a source of food to us. From the sea we catch large quantities of fish and other creatures. We use water to irrigate our lands to produce crops. Many parts of the world are dry and barren because there is no water there. People in such places lead a very hard life. Even the plants and animals find it a real struggle to survive. They can obtain water only by some means of ingenuity. Water also helps to increase the fertility of the land in several parts of the world. The alluvium that is brought down by rivers is very fertile. Even electricity, which has changed our lives completely, is produced by water-power in many countries.
Further, water is an important means of communication. We use waterways to carry our goods or trade. Water transport is cheaper than land transport and in many remote regions, rivers are the only means of communication. In many countries rivers are used to bring down timber from the hilly regions to the lower regions where the timber mills are. In this way much money is saved.
It is true, however, that water has also caused much destruction to life and property throughout human history. Heavy rainfall, swollen rivers and the angry waves of the sea have killed thousands of people and destroyed homes and crops. Yet, water is indispensable to life, and people everywhere are trying their best to bring water to places where it is scarce, to control its flow in times of floods and to make greater use of it.
Since the beginning of time, water has continued to be an important thing to all living things. Without water nothing could live. We may change our food according to the climate of a place but we may find no substitute for water. Man has always looked for pure fresh water to slake his thirst.
Water not only quenches our thirst but it is also a source of food to us. From the sea we catch large quantities of fish and other creatures. We use water to irrigate our lands to produce crops. Many parts of the world are dry and barren because there is no water there. People in such places lead a very hard life. Even the plants and animals find it a real struggle to survive. They can obtain water only by some means of ingenuity. Water also helps to increase the fertility of the land in several parts of the world. The alluvium that is brought down by rivers is very fertile. Even electricity, which has changed our lives completely, is produced by water-power in many countries.
Further, water is an important means of communication. We use waterways to carry our goods or trade. Water transport is cheaper than land transport and in many remote regions, rivers are the only means of communication. In many countries rivers are used to bring down timber from the hilly regions to the lower regions where the timber mills are. In this way much money is saved.
It is true, however, that water has also caused much destruction to life and property throughout human history. Heavy rainfall, swollen rivers and the angry waves of the sea have killed thousands of people and destroyed homes and crops. Yet, water is indispensable to life, and people everywhere are trying their best to bring water to places where it is scarce, to control its flow in times of floods and to make greater use of it.
8
Computers have become increasingly important
and popular. Could you describe some useful ways in which computers have so far
contributed to our modern life?
The most wonderful invention of the machine age, the computer, has been used since 1946. Since its appearance, the computer has contributed to mankind many useful ways in every aspect.
First of all, in the accounting domain: with lightning speed and perfect accuracy, the computer can do simple calculations such as: addition, subtraction, multiplication and division marvelously. A computer can work 500,000 times faster than a man can do with pencil and paper. Calculations which would have taken days become a matter of minutes with computers.
Then in the study and research of scientists, historians and sociologists not only can the computer gather facts but it can also store them as fast as they are gathered and then can pour them out whenever they are needed. In this way, the computer is really a high-powered memory machine capable of answering all problems and questions.
Next in the navigation and aviation scopes: with the computer, pilots and sailors can avoid all dangers on their itinerary. It helps them direct their flights and voyages from this city to another one, control airspeeds and altitudes when their planes land or take off. How could NASA solve all the problems of the space shuttles without its computers.
Finally in the constructing and designing fields: besides gathering and storing information the computer can solve complicated problems that took man months to do. They have been used by building companies. From the architect’s original plan, the computers can derive new plans according to a new type of environment, the cost of building and so on…
To sum up, we dare say that there is practically no limit to what computers can do and their contributions to our modern life are boundless.
The most wonderful invention of the machine age, the computer, has been used since 1946. Since its appearance, the computer has contributed to mankind many useful ways in every aspect.
First of all, in the accounting domain: with lightning speed and perfect accuracy, the computer can do simple calculations such as: addition, subtraction, multiplication and division marvelously. A computer can work 500,000 times faster than a man can do with pencil and paper. Calculations which would have taken days become a matter of minutes with computers.
Then in the study and research of scientists, historians and sociologists not only can the computer gather facts but it can also store them as fast as they are gathered and then can pour them out whenever they are needed. In this way, the computer is really a high-powered memory machine capable of answering all problems and questions.
Next in the navigation and aviation scopes: with the computer, pilots and sailors can avoid all dangers on their itinerary. It helps them direct their flights and voyages from this city to another one, control airspeeds and altitudes when their planes land or take off. How could NASA solve all the problems of the space shuttles without its computers.
Finally in the constructing and designing fields: besides gathering and storing information the computer can solve complicated problems that took man months to do. They have been used by building companies. From the architect’s original plan, the computers can derive new plans according to a new type of environment, the cost of building and so on…
To sum up, we dare say that there is practically no limit to what computers can do and their contributions to our modern life are boundless.
9
Talk about rainy
season
When the grass dry, the trees have lost their leaves, the rivers have very little water in them and the fields are parched, everyone prays for the coming of rain. But when it continues to rain for several days, there are prayers everywhere for the rain to stop, for heavy and continuous rain often causes great hardship to many people, especially in the equatorial region. The rainy season is therefore welcomed at times, and at other times, it is hated.
In equatorial countries like Malaysia, the rainy season often causes much damage to crops, life and property. People who work in the paddy-fields, rubber and other plantations have to stop their work for sometime. As a result, they lose income and suffer hardship. Farmers too suffer as they have to stop selling vegetables and poultry for a few days. Even school children experience a lot of inconvenience. They find it difficult to go to school in comfort and ease. Some places are completely under water and many children are unable to go to school. Sometimes the schools have to be closed. Even to go to the market becomes a problem, and people cannot go out to enjoy or do any work.
Continuous rain during the rainy season also causes much illness among children and adults. Sometimes many children are drowned in the floods caused by heavy rains. Bridges and houses are swept away by the floods and there is much suffering.
But if the rains are not heavy, the rainy season can bring a lot of joy to farmers and others. Rains bring water for our crops and for use in our homes. Light rains make the day cool and pleasant and people find it easy to work in the fields and other places. The soil remains moist. Plants and flowers grow easily to make our gardens beautiful. Vegetables too grow well and markets are full of green vegetables. Even animals, like cows and goats find enough grass to eat. There is also enough water for them to drink.
Yet, those who live in places where there is a lot of rainfall do not realize how fortunate they are. Only those who live in the hot deserts realize the value of rainfall. They would surely welcome the rainy season.
When the grass dry, the trees have lost their leaves, the rivers have very little water in them and the fields are parched, everyone prays for the coming of rain. But when it continues to rain for several days, there are prayers everywhere for the rain to stop, for heavy and continuous rain often causes great hardship to many people, especially in the equatorial region. The rainy season is therefore welcomed at times, and at other times, it is hated.
In equatorial countries like Malaysia, the rainy season often causes much damage to crops, life and property. People who work in the paddy-fields, rubber and other plantations have to stop their work for sometime. As a result, they lose income and suffer hardship. Farmers too suffer as they have to stop selling vegetables and poultry for a few days. Even school children experience a lot of inconvenience. They find it difficult to go to school in comfort and ease. Some places are completely under water and many children are unable to go to school. Sometimes the schools have to be closed. Even to go to the market becomes a problem, and people cannot go out to enjoy or do any work.
Continuous rain during the rainy season also causes much illness among children and adults. Sometimes many children are drowned in the floods caused by heavy rains. Bridges and houses are swept away by the floods and there is much suffering.
But if the rains are not heavy, the rainy season can bring a lot of joy to farmers and others. Rains bring water for our crops and for use in our homes. Light rains make the day cool and pleasant and people find it easy to work in the fields and other places. The soil remains moist. Plants and flowers grow easily to make our gardens beautiful. Vegetables too grow well and markets are full of green vegetables. Even animals, like cows and goats find enough grass to eat. There is also enough water for them to drink.
Yet, those who live in places where there is a lot of rainfall do not realize how fortunate they are. Only those who live in the hot deserts realize the value of rainfall. They would surely welcome the rainy season.
10
What makes an ideal teacher. Give your opinion
(Qualities of a good teacher)
An ideal teacher is a friend as well as a teacher to his students. A good teacher should also be a good friend.
In the classroom, he looks grave and solemn but he is a man of sweet and soft temper. He sometimes appears rather old and sometimes young and bright but he is always, active and alert. He is like and respected by all who know him. When he finds any of his students lazy, he admonishes him, for he wants them all to do their work satisfactorily. He explains the lessons in much detail, and does his best to answer any questions possibly raised by his students. He is indeed a patient man; he continues to explain to his students the points that they do not understand until they are perfectly familiar with their lessons. He takes great trouble in correcting papers, and is very strict in giving marks. In the classroom, he always keeps the dignity of a teacher.
But outside the classroom, he becomes the student’s best friend. He is an adviser to the clubs organized by the students, and also helps them manage their sport teams. When a student is in trouble, he comforts him and tries to help the latter solve any problems he may have.
A good teacher should not only mind the academical work of his students but should also encourage them to take part in sports and games so as to keep themselves fit. He always sets a good example himself so as to influence his students.
He keeps in touch not only with his students but with their families as well. The purpose in doing so is to obtain the assistance of parents in educating the students. He tries to learn about the family condition of the students. Those whose family conditions are good, he urges them to study hard in order to further their study in the universities but those who have no means to carry on their study at a higher level, he advises to switch over to other branches such as: commercial course, business school, military career, and so forth. He thus increases the efficiency of their work, and guides them at the appropriate moment in their choice of a profession.
The teaching profession has many responsibilities, yet it is full of hardship. Personally, when I am grown up, I will engage in educational activities that is, I shall be a teacher myself, for education is full of life. The students you teach are like fruit-trees you plant. It is very interesting to plant seed and to see it sprout, grow leaves, put forth flowers and bear fruits. In like manner, it is a great spiritual comfort to think that you are contributing an important and useful part to the future of your country. For this reason, I find the work of teachers both interesting and hopeful and I will become ideal teacher so as to lend the younger generation on the path of knowledge.
(Qualities of a good teacher)
An ideal teacher is a friend as well as a teacher to his students. A good teacher should also be a good friend.
In the classroom, he looks grave and solemn but he is a man of sweet and soft temper. He sometimes appears rather old and sometimes young and bright but he is always, active and alert. He is like and respected by all who know him. When he finds any of his students lazy, he admonishes him, for he wants them all to do their work satisfactorily. He explains the lessons in much detail, and does his best to answer any questions possibly raised by his students. He is indeed a patient man; he continues to explain to his students the points that they do not understand until they are perfectly familiar with their lessons. He takes great trouble in correcting papers, and is very strict in giving marks. In the classroom, he always keeps the dignity of a teacher.
But outside the classroom, he becomes the student’s best friend. He is an adviser to the clubs organized by the students, and also helps them manage their sport teams. When a student is in trouble, he comforts him and tries to help the latter solve any problems he may have.
A good teacher should not only mind the academical work of his students but should also encourage them to take part in sports and games so as to keep themselves fit. He always sets a good example himself so as to influence his students.
He keeps in touch not only with his students but with their families as well. The purpose in doing so is to obtain the assistance of parents in educating the students. He tries to learn about the family condition of the students. Those whose family conditions are good, he urges them to study hard in order to further their study in the universities but those who have no means to carry on their study at a higher level, he advises to switch over to other branches such as: commercial course, business school, military career, and so forth. He thus increases the efficiency of their work, and guides them at the appropriate moment in their choice of a profession.
The teaching profession has many responsibilities, yet it is full of hardship. Personally, when I am grown up, I will engage in educational activities that is, I shall be a teacher myself, for education is full of life. The students you teach are like fruit-trees you plant. It is very interesting to plant seed and to see it sprout, grow leaves, put forth flowers and bear fruits. In like manner, it is a great spiritual comfort to think that you are contributing an important and useful part to the future of your country. For this reason, I find the work of teachers both interesting and hopeful and I will become ideal teacher so as to lend the younger generation on the path of knowledge.
11
Why are good books good teachers
and friends?
It is often said: “Tell me what you are reading and I will tell you who you are”.
For me, a good book is always a good teacher guiding me through life as well as a true companion encouraging me and consulting me in my desperate straits.
In fact, interesting books are a source of invaluable knowledge to those who want to master everything they haven’t known before. Through masterpieces all over the world we can realize the whole outstanding culture and civilization of mankind in every aspect: literature, science, sociology, anthropology, technology and economics.
Nobody denies the important role of good books in developing man’s knowledge. The more we read valuable books the more we become wise and experienced. By reading books, we can get rid of all prejudices and narrow-mindedness. We can no longer live in The Ivory Tower like a recluse and therefore we can get along with other people around us easily.
Next, good books are true companions who always share our joys and sorrows in our daily activities. Are you in low spirits and disappointed in your affairs? Read wise advice through books by profound scholars and authors. Are you sad? Read subtle humorous stories of well-known humorists in the world. All your sorrows and disappointments will vanish at once.
In summary, good books help us train our personality. They help us distinguish the Good from the Bad and they lead us to the True, the Good and the Beautiful.
It is often said: “Tell me what you are reading and I will tell you who you are”.
For me, a good book is always a good teacher guiding me through life as well as a true companion encouraging me and consulting me in my desperate straits.
In fact, interesting books are a source of invaluable knowledge to those who want to master everything they haven’t known before. Through masterpieces all over the world we can realize the whole outstanding culture and civilization of mankind in every aspect: literature, science, sociology, anthropology, technology and economics.
Nobody denies the important role of good books in developing man’s knowledge. The more we read valuable books the more we become wise and experienced. By reading books, we can get rid of all prejudices and narrow-mindedness. We can no longer live in The Ivory Tower like a recluse and therefore we can get along with other people around us easily.
Next, good books are true companions who always share our joys and sorrows in our daily activities. Are you in low spirits and disappointed in your affairs? Read wise advice through books by profound scholars and authors. Are you sad? Read subtle humorous stories of well-known humorists in the world. All your sorrows and disappointments will vanish at once.
In summary, good books help us train our personality. They help us distinguish the Good from the Bad and they lead us to the True, the Good and the Beautiful.
12
Why is agriculture important in the world of
today?
Since
the dawn of history, agriculture has been one of the important means of
producing food for human consumption. Today more and more lands are being
developed for the production of a large variety crops. In Asia, vast areas of
land are being used to produce rice, wheat, rubber and a variety of other
crops. In Asia, vast areas of land are being used to produce rice, wheat,
rubber and a variety of other crops. More than half of the lands occupied and
developed by human beings in the world are devoted to agriculture.
That agriculture is one of the most essential means of producing food is realized easily when we think of the types of things that we eat. The rice or wheat that we eat comes from the land. Even potatoes and other roots or vegetables and even leaves such as tea, as well as the fruits that men eat are the products of the soil that covers the earth. In fact, everything that we eat except meat, fish and other kinds of flesh comes from the land and what grows on the land is part of agriculture. Even the sugar, oil, coffee and other beverages that we use are products of plants that grow on the land. In the same way, many of the medicines that we use are made of plants that grow in various parts of the world. The tobacco that we use for relaxation also comes from a plant.
Thus, it can be easily observed that without agriculture we would be almost without food. It is true, however, that in the remote past men did live mainly on flesh that he obtained by hunting. But such a kind of life was unhappy and inconvenient, for animals were not found everywhere easily. Therefore, men turned to agriculture for his livelihood. Today, agriculture continues to provide almost all the foods that men require to survive on the earth.
That agriculture is one of the most essential means of producing food is realized easily when we think of the types of things that we eat. The rice or wheat that we eat comes from the land. Even potatoes and other roots or vegetables and even leaves such as tea, as well as the fruits that men eat are the products of the soil that covers the earth. In fact, everything that we eat except meat, fish and other kinds of flesh comes from the land and what grows on the land is part of agriculture. Even the sugar, oil, coffee and other beverages that we use are products of plants that grow on the land. In the same way, many of the medicines that we use are made of plants that grow in various parts of the world. The tobacco that we use for relaxation also comes from a plant.
Thus, it can be easily observed that without agriculture we would be almost without food. It is true, however, that in the remote past men did live mainly on flesh that he obtained by hunting. But such a kind of life was unhappy and inconvenient, for animals were not found everywhere easily. Therefore, men turned to agriculture for his livelihood. Today, agriculture continues to provide almost all the foods that men require to survive on the earth.
13.
Which do you think is more valuable – health
or wealth? Give your reason
Health, in my opinion, is more valuable than wealth which is only the aftermath of the former.
Men by nature are acquisitive. They all hope to have a pleasant and comfortable life. They spend the whole of their lives keeping up with their neighbors. Tom buys a new color television; his neighbor Peter is bound to buy a bigger and better one. Most of people want to possess all things either with their own money or with money borrowed from credit banks or insurance companies at a suitable rate of interest.
However, once they are drained of strength, exhausted and breathless through their hunt for wealth they all regret having wasted their health and efforts in worshipping mammon. Wealth, therefore, is not always necessarily bound to bring people’s happiness but it sometimes causes them misfortunes too. Those who are avid of wealth are often dishonest and cunning. They resort to every trick to make money and when they get dishonest earnings, they become addicted to opium, gambling and prostitutes and all their ill – gotten gains will be dissipated – “ill – gotten gains never prosper”. Then they find themselves in a state of distress, their bodies get thinner and thinner, their minds become weaker. They are in the long run parasites on families and society.
On the contrary, good health always brings about happiness. When we are quite fit, strong and healthy, we feel genial, our mind becomes lucid and clear and we think of noble things. If people do not have good health, strong body and an unflinching spirit of enduring and overcoming, they will not be able to turn wilderness into fertile soil which produces tons of food for their dear compatriots. Good health is therefore necessary to happiness and success whereas bad health means misery and continual failures. How can we feel happy when our body is in a morbid state though we are living on a heap of gold!
In conclusion, we should feel no excessive greediness and enthusiasm for wealth but should always maintain good health which is the most valuable thing in life.
Health, in my opinion, is more valuable than wealth which is only the aftermath of the former.
Men by nature are acquisitive. They all hope to have a pleasant and comfortable life. They spend the whole of their lives keeping up with their neighbors. Tom buys a new color television; his neighbor Peter is bound to buy a bigger and better one. Most of people want to possess all things either with their own money or with money borrowed from credit banks or insurance companies at a suitable rate of interest.
However, once they are drained of strength, exhausted and breathless through their hunt for wealth they all regret having wasted their health and efforts in worshipping mammon. Wealth, therefore, is not always necessarily bound to bring people’s happiness but it sometimes causes them misfortunes too. Those who are avid of wealth are often dishonest and cunning. They resort to every trick to make money and when they get dishonest earnings, they become addicted to opium, gambling and prostitutes and all their ill – gotten gains will be dissipated – “ill – gotten gains never prosper”. Then they find themselves in a state of distress, their bodies get thinner and thinner, their minds become weaker. They are in the long run parasites on families and society.
On the contrary, good health always brings about happiness. When we are quite fit, strong and healthy, we feel genial, our mind becomes lucid and clear and we think of noble things. If people do not have good health, strong body and an unflinching spirit of enduring and overcoming, they will not be able to turn wilderness into fertile soil which produces tons of food for their dear compatriots. Good health is therefore necessary to happiness and success whereas bad health means misery and continual failures. How can we feel happy when our body is in a morbid state though we are living on a heap of gold!
In conclusion, we should feel no excessive greediness and enthusiasm for wealth but should always maintain good health which is the most valuable thing in life.
14.
What would be to your mind an ideal education system?
A country is weak or powerful, which depends on its education system. Realizing the important role of education in life, Ho Chi Minh, in one of his speeches on education, said: “For the sake of ten years’ benefits, plant trees; for the sake of one hundred years’ benefits, educate people.”
An ideal education system must try to carry out the following aims.
First, training human personality both mentally and physically is important. It is said that a sound mind is in a healthy body. The morality and the quality of a man must be the main concern of the Department of Education.
Second, schools must be connected closely with families and society. Schools must always encourage pupils’ families to cooperate in educating their children.
Third, the practical side of education must be emphasized. An ideal education system must not be entirely theoretical; on the contrary, theory must be linked up with practice. Besides the cultivation of knowledge for young generations, ideal education must train them to have great capacity and skills so that they are ready to make steady progress in life.
Fourth, society is more and more developed; therefore, textbooks and curriculums must be often supplemented in accordance with present and future needs.
Fifth, training and tempering a passionate love for one’s country in every citizen’s heart, ready to serve their country in peacetime and to fight courageously to protect their fatherland in wartime. The examples of sacrifice of our heroes in the past as well as in the present must be introduced through textbooks in elementary schools.
Sixth, training and forming educators, teachers and professors of good conduct and high quality, teaching and educating students and pupils to hold their teachers in the greatest veneration and respect. Furthering the traditions to respect teachers and esteem morality highly in every class of people.
To sum up, an ideal education is the nucleus of an ideal society.
A country is weak or powerful, which depends on its education system. Realizing the important role of education in life, Ho Chi Minh, in one of his speeches on education, said: “For the sake of ten years’ benefits, plant trees; for the sake of one hundred years’ benefits, educate people.”
An ideal education system must try to carry out the following aims.
First, training human personality both mentally and physically is important. It is said that a sound mind is in a healthy body. The morality and the quality of a man must be the main concern of the Department of Education.
Second, schools must be connected closely with families and society. Schools must always encourage pupils’ families to cooperate in educating their children.
Third, the practical side of education must be emphasized. An ideal education system must not be entirely theoretical; on the contrary, theory must be linked up with practice. Besides the cultivation of knowledge for young generations, ideal education must train them to have great capacity and skills so that they are ready to make steady progress in life.
Fourth, society is more and more developed; therefore, textbooks and curriculums must be often supplemented in accordance with present and future needs.
Fifth, training and tempering a passionate love for one’s country in every citizen’s heart, ready to serve their country in peacetime and to fight courageously to protect their fatherland in wartime. The examples of sacrifice of our heroes in the past as well as in the present must be introduced through textbooks in elementary schools.
Sixth, training and forming educators, teachers and professors of good conduct and high quality, teaching and educating students and pupils to hold their teachers in the greatest veneration and respect. Furthering the traditions to respect teachers and esteem morality highly in every class of people.
To sum up, an ideal education is the nucleus of an ideal society.
No comments:
Post a Comment