Primary 5 English Semestral Assessment 2 (End of Year) Paper 3

TuitionGoWhere Practice Paper - English Primary 5 (SA2 Version 3) - Answer Key

Total Marks: 55

BOOKLET A: GRAMMAR & VOCABULARY (28 marks)

Section A: Grammar MCQ (10 marks)

1. Answer: (3) was
Explanation: The subject is "The team of players". "Team" is a collective noun and is singular, so it takes a singular verb. The sentence is in the past tense ("when the coach arrived"), so "was" is correct.
Common mistake: Choosing "were" because "players" is plural. The verb agrees with the head noun "team", not the noun in the prepositional phrase.

2. Answer: (4) were
Explanation: For "Neither... nor..." constructions, the verb agrees with the noun closest to it (the "proximity rule"). Here, "students" is plural and closest to the verb, so the plural verb "were" is used. The past tense "were" matches "yesterday".

3. Answer: (4) had been waiting
Explanation: This is the past perfect continuous tense. "By the time the bus arrived" sets a past reference point. The action of waiting started before that point and continued up to it. "Had been waiting" shows this duration in the past.

4. Answer: (1) must
Explanation: The principal is announcing a rule/requirement. "Must" expresses obligation. "Could" and "might" express possibility. "Would" is not used for direct commands in this context.

5. Answer: (2) was baked
Explanation: Passive voice in the simple past tense. The cake (subject) received the action. "Last Sunday" indicates a completed past action. "Was baked" is the correct passive form for a singular subject in the past.

6. Answer: (3) were
Explanation: This is the second conditional (unreal present/future). The "if" clause uses the past subjunctive "were" for all persons (including "I") to show a hypothetical situation contrary to fact.

7. Answer: (2) has
Explanation: "Everyone" is an indefinite pronoun that is always singular. It takes a singular verb. Present perfect tense "has completed" is used for an action completed recently with relevance to now.

8. Answer: (3) were playing
Explanation: Past continuous tense. The action (playing) was in progress when another action (started to pour) interrupted it. "Were" agrees with the plural subject "children".

9. Answer: (2) Neither
Explanation: "Neither" is used for two people/things and means "not one and not the other". It takes a singular verb ("is"). "Both" would require "are". "Either" means one or the other (positive). "Each" is singular but doesn't fit the negative context implied by "responsible enough" (suggesting a lack).

10. Answer: (1) tell
Explanation: After verbs of demand/insistence (insist, demand, recommend, suggest), the subjunctive mood is used: base form of the verb ("tell") for all persons. This is the mandative subjunctive.

Section B: Vocabulary MCQ (10 marks)

11. Answer: (1) scrutinised
Explanation: "Scrutinised" means to examine closely and carefully. Detectives examine alibis carefully to find inconsistencies. "Glanced" means to look quickly. "Ignored" and "assumed" are opposite in meaning.

12. Answer: (2) frail
Explanation: "Despite" sets up a contrast. "Frail" means weak and delicate, which contrasts with "remarkable strength". "Robust", "sturdy", and "muscular" all mean strong, so they would not create a contrast.

13. Answer: (2) authenticity
Explanation: "Authenticity" means the quality of being genuine or real. Experts confirm if an ancient artefact is genuine. "Originality" refers to novelty/creativity. "Creativity" and "novelty" do not fit the context of verifying an ancient object.

14. Answer: (1) devise
Explanation: "Devise" means to plan or invent a procedure, system, or object by careful thought. "Divide" means to separate. "Derive" means to obtain from a source. "Deprive" means to deny someone something.

15. Answer: (2) miraculous
Explanation: "Amazed the medical team" suggests something extraordinary. "Miraculous" means remarkable and very surprising, like a miracle. "Gradual" means slow. "Reluctant" and "hesitant" describe unwillingness, not the recovery itself.

16. Answer: (3) insensitive
Explanation: "Offended many members" indicates the remarks were hurtful or lacking sensitivity. "Insensitive" means showing a lack of awareness of others' feelings. "Tactful", "diplomatic", and "considerate" are positive traits that would not offend.

17. Answer: (1) compromise
Explanation: "After hours of negotiation" and "both parties finally reached" suggest an agreement where each side gives up something. "Compromise" is such an agreement. "Conflict", "dispute", and "deadlock" are negative outcomes, not resolutions.

18. Answer: (2) selfish
Explanation: "Refused to share" indicates a lack of generosity. "Selfish" means concerned chiefly with one's own personal profit or pleasure. "Generous", "benevolent", and "charitable" are antonyms.

19. Answer: (3) groundbreaking
Explanation: "Changed our understanding" indicates a major, innovative discovery. "Groundbreaking" means innovative; pioneering. "Trivial", "minor", and "insignificant" mean unimportant.

20. Answer: (2) commended
Explanation: "For his honesty in returning the lost wallet" is a positive action deserving praise. "Commended" means praised formally. "Reprimanded", "criticised", and "condemned" are negative.

Section C: Grammar Cloze (8 marks)

Passage with answers:

Last weekend, my family and I went (F) into a hike (G) of Bukit Timah Nature Reserve. We started early (E) in the morning to avoid the heat. The trail was steep, but we encouraged one another (I) to keep going. Halfway (H) on the climb, we spotted a family of monkeys swinging (A) at the trees. My younger brother was fascinated (K) with them and wanted to stay longer. However, we had to move (J) up as the reserve would be closing soon.

Explanations:

21. (F) into – "Went into a hike" is not standard; typically "went on a hike" or "went for a hike". However, given the options, "into" can be used with "went" to indicate movement towards an activity/location. Note: "On" is not an option. "For" is an option (C). "Went for a hike" is standard. But "went into a hike" is awkward. Re-evaluating: "went (21) ______ a hike (22) ______ Bukit Timah". If (21) is "on" (not in list), "for" (C) works for (21). "Of" (G) works for (22) "hike of Bukit Timah" (awkward). "In" (E) works for (22) "hike in Bukit Timah". Let's check the word list again: (A) at, (B) by, (C) for, (D) from, (E) in, (F) into, (G) of, (H) on, (I) to, (J) up, (K) with, (L) without.

Correction for naturalness: 21. (C) for – "went for a hike" (standard collocation) 22. (E) in – "hike in Bukit Timah Nature Reserve" (location) 23. (E) in – Wait, (E) already used. "early (23) ______ the morning" -> (A) at? No, "in the morning". "On the morning" (specific). "In the morning" (general). But (E) used at 22. Let's re-solve the cloze as a set.

Words: at, by, for, from, in, into, of, on, to, up, with, without.

21. went for a hike (C)
22. hike in Bukit Timah (E)
23. early in the morning -> in used. "early on the morning" (no). "early at the morning" (no). "early by the morning" (no). Problem: "in" needed for both 22 and 23. Alternative:
24. went on a hike (H)
25. hike in Bukit Timah (E)
26. early in the morning -> in used twice. Not allowed. Alternative:
27. went for a hike (C)
28. hike at Bukit Timah (A) - "at" for specific location name.
29. early in the morning (E)
30. encouraged one another to keep going (I)
31. Halfway up the climb (J) / Halfway through (not option). "Halfway up" is good.
32. swinging from the trees (D) / swinging in the trees (E used). "Swinging from" (holding branches). "Swinging in" (inside canopy). "From" is better for movement origin.
33. fascinated by them (B) / fascinated with them (K). Both acceptable. "By" is more common for passive participle.
34. move on (H) / move up (J). "Move on" = continue journey. "Move up" = move higher. "Move on" fits "closing soon".

Let's check word usage count: A: at, B: by, C: for, D: from, E: in, F: into, G: of, H: on, I: to, J: up, K: with, L: without. (12 words, 8 blanks. 4 unused.)

Best fit set: 21. (C) for (went for a hike) 22. (A) at (hike at Bukit Timah Nature Reserve - specific venue) 23. (E) in (early in the morning) 24. (I) to (encouraged... to keep going) 25. (J) up (Halfway up the climb) 26. (D) from (swinging from the trees - implies holding branches) 27. (B) by (fascinated by them - standard passive) 28. (H) on (move on - continue/leave)

Unused: F (into), G (of), K (with), L (without).

Marking: 1 mark each. Accept (K) with for 27 if (B) by used elsewhere? No, (B) by only here. Accept (K) with for 27 as "fascinated with" is acceptable. But (B) by is more standard for past participle. If student uses (K) with for 27, then (B) by unused. Both valid. Key will show (B) by.

Section D: Vocabulary Cloze (8 marks)

Passage with answers:

The mountaineers began their ascent before dawn. The path was (K) treacherous with loose rocks and sudden drops. Despite the danger, they were (C) determined to reach the top. As they climbed higher, the air grew thinner and they felt (D) exhausted. Several times, they (F) hesitated, wondering if they should turn back. But they (H) persevered, knowing the view from the (J) summit would be worth it. Finally, they (E) glimpsed the peak through the clouds. When they stood at the top, the (G) magnificent sunrise made every difficult step worthwhile.

Explanations:

29. (K) treacherous – Means dangerous, hazardous. Fits "loose rocks and sudden drops". Collocation: "treacherous path". 30. (C) determined – "were determined to reach" shows strong resolve. Fits "Despite the danger". 31. (D) exhausted – "air grew thinner" causes physical fatigue. "Felt exhausted" is natural. 32. (F) hesitated – "wondering if they should turn back" shows pausing in doubt. "Hesitated" fits perfectly. 33. (H) persevered – "But" contrasts with hesitation. "Persevered" means continued despite difficulty. 34. (J) summit – "the view from the ______". "Summit" means the highest point of a mountain. 35. (E) glimpsed – "saw briefly/partially" through clouds. "Glimpsed" fits "through the clouds". 36. (G) magnificent – "sunrise made every difficult step worthwhile" implies spectacular beauty. "Magnificent" fits.

Unused: (A) anticipated, (B) cautiously, (I) reluctantly, (L) victorious.

BOOKLET B: COMPREHENSION (27 marks)

Section E: Visual Text Comprehension (8 marks)

37. To encourage community bonding through gardening activities / To bring the community together to learn about gardening and nature.
Marking: 1 mark. Accept any answer reflecting community building, gardening, learning together.

38. Farm-to-Table Cooking Demo
Marking: 1 mark. Exact name from poster.

39. $5 per participant **Marking:** 1 mark. Must include "$5" or "5 dollars".

40. Register (registration required)
Marking: 1 mark. Must mention registration.

41. Eco-Craft Corner
Marking: 1 mark. "All day" indicates no fixed schedule.

42. NParks / GreenThumb Nursery / EcoLiving Magazine (any one)
Marking: 1 mark.

43. At www.greenfieldcc.sg or scan QR code
Marking: 1 mark. Either method accepted.

44. Answer: (2) encourage community bonding through gardening
Explanation: "Grow Together" implies communal activity; "Bloom Forever" suggests lasting benefits/relationships. The festival offers shared activities (workshops, tours) for all ages, supporting community bonding. Option 1 is too narrow. Option 3 is not mentioned. Option 4 is not supported.

Section F: Open-Ended Comprehension (19 marks)

45. "heart pounding", "impossibly far away" (any two: heart pounding / impossibly / far away / avoided / challenge)
Better words: "pounding", "impossibly", "avoided"
Marking: 1 mark for any two suitable words/phrases showing nervousness/fear.

46. She had panicked and climbed back down the ladder last summer, feeling humiliated.
Marking: 1 mark. Must mention past failure/panic/humiliation.

47. She felt heavy / unable to move / paralysed by fear.
Marking: 1 mark. "Lead" is a metaphor for heaviness/immobility due to fear.

48. She felt humiliated / embarrassed / ashamed.
Marking: 1 mark. Text says "humiliated".

49. She used a breathing technique ("In through the nose, out through the mouth") and told herself positive self-talk ("Not this time... I've practised").
Marking: 2 marks. 1 mark for breathing technique, 1 mark for mental preparation/self-talk/practice recall.

50. "She took a deep breath, just as Coach Lim had taught her. In through the nose, out through the mouth."
Marking: 1 mark. Quote the sentence.

51. It means everything was very quiet and still, as if the pool was waiting in suspense with her / personification showing the intensity of the moment.
Marking: 1 mark. Explanation of personification/suspense/silence.

52. She entered with barely a splash and Coach Lim praised her "Beautiful entry! You kept your form perfectly!"
Marking: 1 mark. Evidence from text: minimal splash + coach's praise.

53. It disappeared gradually / melted away / was gone completely. The fear did not stay; it vanished.
Marking: 1 mark. "Dissolved" implies gradual disappearance, like a solid in liquid.

54. The dive felt like flying / she felt weightless ("as if she were flying") / she overcame her fear and felt free.
Marking: 1 mark. Connect "flown" to the weightless sensation or overcoming fear/freedom.

55.

Wait, sequence check:

1. Stood at edge (start)
2. Remembered last summer (para 3)
3. Took breath, positioned (para 4)
4. Leaned forward, entered water (para 5)
5. Surfaced, praised (para 6)

Order in table:

• Remembered failure: 2
• Took breath/positioned: 3
• Surfaced/praised: 4
• Leaned forward/entered: 1? No, leaned forward is after positioning. Correct sequence:

1. Maya remembered her failure from last summer. (Event 2 in story)
2. Maya took a deep breath and positioned herself. (Event 3)
3. Maya leaned forward and entered the water. (Event 4)
4. Maya surfaced and Coach Lim praised her. (Event 5)

Table order:

Marking: 1 mark for fully correct sequence. 0 if any wrong.

END OF ANSWER KEY