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O Level English Practice Paper 3

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TuitionGoWhere Exam Practice (AI) - O-Level English Language (1184)

Subject: English Language
Level: O-Level
Paper: Paper 2 (Comprehension) - Practice Version 3
Duration: 1 hour 50 minutes
Total Marks: 50
Name: __________________________
Class: __________________________
Date: __________________________

INSTRUCTIONS TO CANDIDATES

Answer all questions.
Write your answers in the spaces provided.
All questions carry marks as indicated.
The total mark for this paper is 50.

SECTION A (5 marks)

Read Text 1 and Text 2 carefully and answer the questions that follow.

Text 1: The Rise of Vertical Farming

As urban populations swell, the demand for fresh produce increases, yet arable land diminishes. Vertical farming offers a solution: growing crops in stacked layers within controlled indoor environments. Proponents argue that this method uses 95% less water than traditional agriculture and eliminates the need for pesticides. However, critics point to the high energy costs associated with artificial lighting and climate control. Despite these challenges, several major cities have begun integrating vertical farms into their infrastructure, viewing them as essential for future food security.

Text 2: Infographic Snapshot – "Green City Initiative"

[Visual Description: A bar chart comparing "Water Usage" and "Carbon Footprint" of Traditional Farming vs. Vertical Farming.]

Traditional Farming: Water Usage: 100 units | Carbon Footprint: High (due to transport)

Vertical Farming: Water Usage: 5 units | Carbon Footprint: Medium (due to energy use)

Caption: "While vertical farming saves water, its energy dependency remains a hurdle."

1. Identify one example from Text 1 that proponents use to support the claim that vertical farming is environmentally friendly.
[1]

2. Refer to Text 2. Which specific data point suggests that vertical farming is not entirely carbon-neutral?
[1]

3. In Text 1, line 4, what does the word "integrating" suggest about how cities are adopting vertical farming?
[1]

4. Look at Text 1 and Text 2. What is the main contrast between the proponents' view in Text 1 and the caption in Text 2?
[1]

5. Based on both texts, identify one challenge that vertical farming faces which is not related to water usage.
[1]

SECTION B (20 marks)

Read Text 3 carefully and answer the questions that follow.

Text 3: The Last Watchmaker

The shop smelled of oil, dust, and time. Elias sat hunched over his workbench, a monocle screwed tightly into his right eye socket. Before him lay the dissected heart of a 19th-century pocket watch, its brass gears splayed out like the ribs of a tiny, mechanical bird. Outside, the city roared—a cacophony of horns, sirens, and the relentless thrum of digital life. Inside, there was only the rhythmic tick-tick-tick of the pendulum clock on the wall, a steady heartbeat in a world that had forgotten how to wait.

"It’s obsolete, Elias," his grandson, Julian, had said earlier that day, tapping his smartwatch. "Why fix what nobody uses? I can buy a new one for less than the cost of your tools." Julian’s words hung in the air, sharp and dismissive. Elias didn’t look up. He simply adjusted his tweezers, picking up a gear no larger than a fingernail. To Julian, time was a commodity to be spent, tracked, and optimized. To Elias, time was a craft, something to be respected, repaired, and understood.

He remembered his father teaching him this very trade. "Listen to the watch," his father had whispered. "It will tell you what is wrong if you are quiet enough to hear it." Now, in the silence of the shop, Elias listened. The mainspring was fractured, a hairline crack running through the steel. It was a small defect, invisible to the untrained eye, but fatal to the mechanism. With a steadiness born of sixty years of practice, he began the delicate process of replacement.

As he worked, a customer entered. A young woman, dressed in the sharp, angular suits of the corporate district. She looked out of place among the clutter of antique clocks. "I was told you can fix anything," she said, her voice hurried. She placed a sleek, modern smartwatch on the counter. "It stopped syncing. Can you make it work again?"

Elias looked at the device, then at the woman. He saw the anxiety in her eyes, the fear of being disconnected, of missing a notification, of losing track. He smiled sadly. "I fix watches, miss," he said gently. "I repair time. I do not troubleshoot technology."

The woman frowned, confused. "But it’s a watch."

"No," Elias replied, turning back to the brass gears before him. "It is a tether. And I am afraid I cannot help you with that."

She left, the bell above the door jangling aggressively in her wake. Elias exhaled, the tension in his shoulders easing. He picked up the tiny gear again. It fit perfectly. The watch began to tick, a strong, clear sound that seemed to push back the noise of the city outside. For a moment, Elias felt a profound sense of peace. He was not just fixing a machine; he was preserving a rhythm, a reminder that some things are worth slowing down for.

6. In paragraph 1, what evidence is there that the shop is a sanctuary from the outside world?
[1]

7. Explain the irony in Julian’s statement in paragraph 2: "Why fix what nobody uses?"
[2]

8. In paragraph 2, what does the phrase "sharp and dismissive" suggest about Julian’s attitude towards his grandfather’s work?
[1]

9. Refer to paragraph 3. Identify two separate words that show how Elias’s father viewed the act of watchmaking.
[2]

(i) __________________________
(ii) __________________________

10. In paragraph 5, why does Elias smile "sadly" at the young woman?
[2]

11. Explain how the writer creates a contrast between the "smartwatch" and the "pocket watch" in the text.
[2]

12. What does the word "tether" in paragraph 9 imply about the young woman’s relationship with her device?
[2]

13. Identify one example from paragraph 10 that shows Elias feels a sense of accomplishment.
[1]

14. In your own words, explain what Elias means when he says, "I repair time. I do not troubleshoot technology."
[2]

15. What is the tone of the final sentence of the text?
[2]

SECTION C (25 marks)

Read Text 4 carefully and answer the questions that follow.

Text 4: The Psychology of "Doomscrolling"

In the digital age, a new habit has emerged: doomscrolling. This term describes the act of continuously scrolling through bad news on social media, even when the content is distressing or depressing. Psychologists suggest that this behavior is driven by a cognitive bias known as "negativity bias," where humans are wired to pay more attention to negative information than positive information. In ancestral times, this helped our ancestors survive by keeping them alert to threats. Today, however, this instinct is hijacked by algorithms designed to keep users engaged for as long as possible.

The consequences of doomscrolling are significant. Studies have linked excessive consumption of negative news to increased levels of anxiety, stress, and sleep disturbances. Furthermore, it can lead to a phenomenon known as "mean world syndrome," where individuals perceive the world as more dangerous and hostile than it actually is. This distorted perception can erode trust in institutions and foster a sense of helplessness.

Despite the negative effects, breaking the cycle is difficult. Social media platforms use variable reward schedules—similar to slot machines—to keep users scrolling. The uncertainty of what the next post will be creates a dopamine loop that is hard to resist. Additionally, the fear of missing out (FOMO) compels users to stay informed, even when the information is harmful to their mental well-being.

Experts recommend several strategies to combat doomscrolling. First, users should curate their feeds by unfollowing accounts that consistently share distressing content. Second, setting time limits on social media apps can help break the habit. Finally, engaging in offline activities, such as exercise or face-to-face social interaction, can provide a necessary mental break from the digital noise. By taking control of their digital consumption, individuals can protect their mental health and regain a more balanced perspective on the world.

16. Identify one example from paragraph 1 that explains why humans are naturally drawn to negative news.
[1]

17. In paragraph 2, what does the term "mean world syndrome" refer to?
[2]

18. Explain how the writer uses the comparison to "slot machines" in paragraph 3 to illustrate the nature of social media algorithms.
[2]

19. In paragraph 4, what is the purpose of the phrase "digital noise"?
[1]

20. Summary Writing

Using your own words as far as possible, summarise the causes and effects of doomscrolling, as well as the solutions suggested by experts.

You should write about 80 words. Your summary must be in continuous writing (not note form).

Use only information from Text 4.

[15 marks for content and language]

[END OF PAPER]

Answers

TuitionGoWhere Exam Practice (AI) - O-Level English Language (1184)

Answer Key & Marking Scheme - Practice Version 3

Subject: English Language
Level: O-Level
Paper: Paper 2 (Comprehension)

SECTION A (5 marks)

1. Identify one example from Text 1 that proponents use to support the claim that vertical farming is environmentally friendly. [1]

Answer: It uses 95% less water than traditional agriculture.
OR: It eliminates the need for pesticides.
Marking: 1 mark for either point. Must be from Text 1.

2. Refer to Text 2. Which specific data point suggests that vertical farming is not entirely carbon-neutral? [1]

Answer: Its carbon footprint is listed as "Medium" (due to energy use).
OR: The caption states its "energy dependency remains a hurdle."
Marking: 1 mark for identifying the medium carbon footprint or energy dependency.

3. In Text 1, line 4, what does the word "integrating" suggest about how cities are adopting vertical farming? [1]

Answer: It suggests that vertical farms are being incorporated or built into the existing city structure/system, rather than being separate or isolated.
Marking: 1 mark for understanding that it is becoming part of the infrastructure.

4. Look at Text 1 and Text 2. What is the main contrast between the proponents' view in Text 1 and the caption in Text 2? [1]

Answer: Proponents in Text 1 focus on the benefits (water saving/no pesticides), while the caption in Text 2 highlights the drawback (energy costs/carbon footprint).
Marking: 1 mark for identifying the contrast between benefit (Text 1) and drawback/cost (Text 2).

5. Based on both texts, identify one challenge that vertical farming faces which is not related to water usage. [1]

Answer: High energy costs.
OR: Artificial lighting requirements.
OR: Climate control costs.
Marking: 1 mark for any of the above.

SECTION B (20 marks)

6. In paragraph 1, what evidence is there that the shop is a sanctuary from the outside world? [1]

Answer: The contrast between the "roar" and "cacophony" outside and the "only the rhythmic tick-tick-tick" inside.
OR: The description of the shop having a "steady heartbeat in a world that had forgotten how to wait."
Marking: 1 mark for citing the auditory contrast or the "steady heartbeat" metaphor.

7. Explain the irony in Julian’s statement in paragraph 2: "Why fix what nobody uses?" [2]

Answer: It is ironic because Julian is using a watch (smartwatch) himself, implying he uses watches, yet he claims nobody uses them.
OR: It is ironic because he is dismissing the value of the craft while benefiting from the concept of timekeeping.
Marking: 1 mark for identifying that Julian uses a watch/timekeeping device. 1 mark for explaining the contradiction between his action and his statement.

8. In paragraph 2, what does the phrase "sharp and dismissive" suggest about Julian’s attitude towards his grandfather’s work? [1]

Answer: It suggests that Julian is disrespectful, impatient, and lacks appreciation for the skill involved.
Marking: 1 mark for "disrespectful" or "lacking appreciation." (Do not accept "angry").

9. Refer to paragraph 3. Identify two separate words that show how Elias’s father viewed the act of watchmaking. [2]

Answer: (i) Respect / Respected
Answer: (ii) Understood / Craft
Marking: 1 mark for each word. Must be from the text or directly derived from the father's quote "respected, repaired, and understood." Accept "craft" as a noun representing the view.

10. In paragraph 5, why does Elias smile "sadly" at the young woman? [2]

Answer: He feels pity for her because she is anxious and disconnected from the true meaning of time.
OR: He realizes she misunderstands the nature of his work and is trapped by technology.
Marking: 1 mark for pity/sympathy. 1 mark for referencing her anxiety/misunderstanding of time vs. technology.

11. Explain how the writer creates a contrast between the "smartwatch" and the "pocket watch" in the text. [2]

Answer: The pocket watch is described with organic, delicate imagery ("heart," "ribs," "mechanical bird"), suggesting life and craft. The smartwatch is described as a "tether" and "technology," suggesting confinement and cold utility.
Marking: 1 mark for identifying the organic/craft nature of the pocket watch. 1 mark for identifying the utilitarian/confining nature of the smartwatch.

12. What does the word "tether" in paragraph 9 imply about the young woman’s relationship with her device? [2]

Answer: It implies that she is bound or chained to the device, lacking freedom.
OR: It suggests a dependency that restricts her rather than liberates her.
Marking: 1 mark for "bound/chained/restricted." 1 mark for explaining the lack of freedom/dependency.

13. Identify one example from paragraph 10 that shows Elias feels a sense of accomplishment. [1]

Answer: "The watch began to tick, a strong, clear sound."
OR: "Elias felt a profound sense of peace."
Marking: 1 mark for either quote.

14. In your own words, explain what Elias means when he says, "I repair time. I do not troubleshoot technology." [2]

Answer: Elias believes his work is about preserving the meaningful, rhythmic experience of time (craft/patience), whereas the smartwatch represents a functional, stressful connection to digital demands that he does not support.
Marking: 1 mark for explaining "repair time" (preserving craft/meaning/patience). 1 mark for explaining "troubleshoot technology" (fixing digital devices/stressful connectivity). Must be in own words.

15. What is the tone of the final sentence of the text? [2]

Answer: Reflective and peaceful.
OR: Contemplative and serene.
Marking: 1 mark for "reflective/contemplative." 1 mark for "peaceful/serene." (Do not accept "happy" or "sad").

SECTION C (25 marks)

16. Identify one example from paragraph 1 that explains why humans are naturally drawn to negative news. [1]

Answer: Negativity bias (or humans are wired to pay more attention to negative information).
OR: It helped ancestors survive by keeping them alert to threats.
Marking: 1 mark for either point.

17. In paragraph 2, what does the term "mean world syndrome" refer to? [2]

Answer: It refers to the perception that the world is more dangerous and hostile than it really is, caused by consuming too much negative news.
Marking: 1 mark for "perception of world as dangerous/hostile." 1 mark for linking it to excessive negative news consumption.

18. Explain how the writer uses the comparison to "slot machines" in paragraph 3 to illustrate the nature of social media algorithms. [2]

Answer: It illustrates that social media uses unpredictable rewards (variable reward schedules) to create addiction.
OR: It shows that the uncertainty of the next post keeps users engaged in a dopamine loop, just like gambling.
Marking: 1 mark for identifying "unpredictable rewards/uncertainty." 1 mark for linking to "addiction/engagement/dopamine loop."

19. In paragraph 4, what is the purpose of the phrase "digital noise"? [1]

Answer: To describe the overwhelming, distracting, and unnecessary amount of information online.
Marking: 1 mark for "overwhelming/distracting information."

20. Summary Writing [15 marks]

Content Points (Up to 10 marks): Award 1 mark for each relevant point, up to a maximum of 10. Points must be paraphrased.

Cause: Humans have a natural "negativity bias" (wired to notice threats/negative info).
Cause: Social media algorithms are designed to keep users engaged (using variable rewards/uncertainty).
Cause: Fear of Missing Out (FOMO) drives users to stay informed.
Effect: Increases anxiety, stress, and sleep problems.
Effect: Leads to "mean world syndrome" (viewing the world as more dangerous than it is).
Effect: Erodes trust in institutions and creates helplessness.
Solution: Curate feeds by unfollowing distressing accounts.
Solution: Set time limits on app usage.
Solution: Engage in offline activities (exercise/socializing) to take a break.
Solution: Taking control of consumption helps protect mental health/balance perspective.

Language Marks (Up to 5 marks):

5 marks: Excellent use of own words; sophisticated sentence structures; coherent and cohesive summary; within word limit (approx. 80 words).
4 marks: Good use of own words; clear sentences; good cohesion; minor language errors.
3 marks: Adequate paraphrasing; some copying of text; reasonable cohesion; some language errors.
2 marks: Limited paraphrasing (heavy copying); disjointed sentences; frequent language errors.
1 mark: Very little own words; poor structure; many errors.
0 marks: No relevant content or unintelligible.

Penalty:

Deduct 1 mark if the word count exceeds 90 words significantly.
Deduct 1 mark if the summary is in note form (must be continuous writing).

Model Answer (for reference): Doomscrolling is driven by humans’ natural negativity bias, which once aided survival, and by social media algorithms that exploit this through unpredictable rewards. Additionally, the fear of missing out compels continuous scrolling. This habit causes anxiety, sleep issues, and "mean world syndrome," where the world seems dangerously hostile. To combat this, experts suggest curating feeds to remove distressing content, setting strict time limits, and engaging in offline activities. These steps help users regain mental balance and control.