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Secondary 3 English Semestral Assessment 2 (End of Year) Paper 2
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Questions
TuitionGoWhere Practice Paper – English Secondary 3
TuitionGoWhere Secondary School (AI)
Subject: English
Level: Secondary 3
Paper: SA2 – Version 2
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Marks: 50
Name: _________________________
Class: _________________________
Date: _________________________
Instructions to Candidates
- This paper consists of two sections: Section A and Section B.
- Answer all questions.
- Write your answers in the spaces provided.
- Read the passages carefully before answering.
- Use your own words as far as possible, unless the question specifies otherwise.
- The total time for this paper is 1 hour 30 minutes.
Section A: Comprehension and Language Use [25 marks]
Read Text 1 below and answer Questions 1–10.
Text 1
The old man had lived on the hill for as long as anyone could remember. His cottage, a crooked structure of weathered timber and rusted iron, clung to the slope like a barnacle on a ship's hull. The villagers rarely saw him, but they spoke of him often – sometimes with reverence, more often with unease.
He was known simply as the Keeper. No one knew his real name, nor where he had come from. What they did know was that every morning, without fail, he would descend the winding path to the village well, draw a single bucket of water, and retreat back up the hill without a word to anyone. This ritual had continued for decades, through monsoons and droughts alike.
Some said he was a healer, that the water he drew was not for drinking but for concocting remedies from the wild herbs that grew on the hillside. Others whispered darker theories – that he was a fugitive, hiding from a past too terrible to name. The children, of course, had their own stories. They dared each other to approach the cottage at dusk, though none ever made it past the gnarled banyan tree that marked the boundary of his land.
One afternoon, a young girl named Meera decided she would be the first to speak to him. She was not particularly brave, but she was curious – a quality her grandmother often warned would get her into trouble. Armed with nothing but a basket of mangoes from her family's orchard, she set off up the hill just as the sun began its slow descent.
1. What does the phrase "clung to the slope like a barnacle on a ship's hull" (lines 2–3) tell us about the old man's cottage? [1 mark]
2. According to Paragraph 2, what did the old man do every morning? [1 mark]
3. Explain in your own words why the villagers spoke of the old man "more often with unease" (line 4). [2 marks]
4. What does the italicised word "This" in line 8 refer to? [1 mark]
5. What does the sentence "The children, of course, had their own stories" (line 12) tell us about the children's attitude towards the old man? [1 mark]
6. Explain how the language used in Paragraph 3 conveys a sense of mystery surrounding the old man. Support your ideas with three details. [3 marks]
7. Give one piece of evidence from Paragraph 4 that shows Meera was not entirely fearless. [1 mark]
8. What does the description of Meera being "armed with nothing but a basket of mangoes" (line 17) suggest about her approach to meeting the old man? [2 marks]
9. Explain fully why the writer mentions that Meera's grandmother "often warned would get her into trouble" (lines 16–17). [2 marks]
10. Using your own words as far as possible, summarise what the villagers believed about the old man, based on Paragraphs 2 and 3. Use only information from these paragraphs. Your summary must be in continuous writing (not note form) and should not exceed 60 words. [6 marks]
Section B: Comprehension and Summary [25 marks]
Read Text 2 below and answer Questions 11–20.
Text 2
The rise of urban farming in Singapore has been nothing short of remarkable. What began as a handful of community gardens in housing estates has blossomed into a nationwide movement, with rooftop farms, vertical hydroponic systems, and high-tech indoor growing facilities sprouting up across the island. For a nation that imports over 90% of its food, this shift represents more than just a trend – it is a strategic necessity.
The government's "30 by 30" goal – to produce 30% of Singapore's nutritional needs locally by 2030 – has catalysed investment and innovation in the agri-food sector. Start-ups are experimenting with artificial intelligence to monitor crop health, while established farms are retrofitting their operations with automated irrigation and climate control systems. The result is a new generation of farms that are cleaner, more efficient, and far more productive than their traditional counterparts.
Yet the benefits of urban farming extend beyond food security. Advocates point to the environmental advantages: locally grown produce requires less transportation, reducing carbon emissions. The integration of greenery into urban spaces also helps mitigate the urban heat island effect, lowering ambient temperatures in densely built areas. Furthermore, community gardens have been shown to strengthen social bonds, bringing together residents of different ages and backgrounds in a shared pursuit.
However, challenges remain. Land is scarce and expensive in Singapore, and not all crops can be grown viably in high-density vertical systems. Energy costs for indoor farms with artificial lighting can be substantial, raising questions about long-term sustainability. Critics also note that urban farming currently produces only a fraction of what conventional agriculture can yield per square metre, though technological advances are steadily closing this gap.
Despite these hurdles, the trajectory is clear. As climate change threatens global food supply chains and geopolitical tensions disrupt trade, Singapore's investment in urban farming is not merely prudent – it is essential. The question is no longer whether the city-state can grow its own food, but how quickly it can scale up to meet the ambitious targets it has set for itself.
11. According to Paragraph 1, what has urban farming in Singapore "blossomed into"? [1 mark]
12. What does the phrase "strategic necessity" (line 5) tell us about the importance of urban farming to Singapore? [2 marks]
13. Explain in your own words what the "30 by 30" goal aims to achieve. [2 marks]
14. What do you think the word "catalysed" in line 7 refers to? [1 mark]
15. Explain how the language used in Paragraph 3 conveys the positive impact of urban farming. Support your ideas with three details. [3 marks]
16. Give one piece of evidence from Paragraph 4 that shows urban farming faces practical difficulties in Singapore. [1 mark]
17. What does the sentence "The question is no longer whether the city-state can grow its own food, but how quickly it can scale up" (lines 24–25) tell us about the writer's attitude towards urban farming? [2 marks]
18. Explain fully why the writer mentions "climate change" and "geopolitical tensions" in Paragraph 5. [2 marks]
19. Using your own words as far as possible, summarise the challenges that urban farming faces in Singapore, based on Paragraph 4. Use only information from this paragraph. Your summary must be in continuous writing (not note form) and should not exceed 60 words. [5 marks]
20. To what extent do you agree that urban farming is the solution to Singapore's food security concerns? Support your views with reference to the passage and your own knowledge. Write your response in no more than 80 words. [5 marks]
— End of Paper —
Answers
TuitionGoWhere Practice Paper – English Secondary 3
SA2 – Version 2: Answer Key and Marking Scheme
Total Marks: 50
Section A: Comprehension and Language Use [25 marks]
Text 1 – Answer Key
1. What does the phrase "clung to the slope like a barnacle on a ship's hull" (lines 2–3) tell us about the old man's cottage? [1 mark]
Answer: The phrase tells us that the cottage was firmly attached to the hillside / was built precariously on the steep slope / looked as though it was stuck tightly to the hill and difficult to remove.
Marking notes:
- 1 mark for any answer that conveys the idea of the cottage being tightly or stubbornly fixed to the hillside.
- Accept: "It was stuck to the hill like it was part of it" / "It was firmly attached to the slope."
- Do not accept: "It was old" (this describes the cottage but does not answer what the phrase tells us).
2. According to Paragraph 2, what did the old man do every morning? [1 mark]
Answer: He descended the winding path to the village well, drew a single bucket of water, and retreated back up the hill without speaking to anyone.
Marking notes:
- 1 mark for a complete answer that includes the key actions: going to the well, drawing water, returning silently.
- Accept paraphrased versions, e.g., "He went down to the well, took one bucket of water, and went back up without talking to anyone."
- Do not accept partial answers (e.g., only "He drew water").
3. Explain in your own words why the villagers spoke of the old man "more often with unease" (line 4). [2 marks]
Answer: The villagers felt uncomfortable or suspicious about him because they did not know his real name or where he came from / because he kept to himself and never spoke to anyone / because his behaviour was strange and secretive.
Marking notes:
- 2 marks for a clear explanation that links the villagers' unease to the old man's mysterious or reclusive behaviour.
- 1 mark for a partial explanation (e.g., only stating "they did not know him" without explaining why this caused unease).
- Must be in own words; copying from the text without paraphrasing limits marks to 1.
4. What does the italicised word "This" in line 8 refer to? [1 mark]
Answer: The old man's daily ritual of descending to the well, drawing a single bucket of water, and returning up the hill without speaking to anyone.
Marking notes:
- 1 mark for correctly identifying the referent as the old man's daily routine/ritual.
- Accept: "His morning routine" / "The act of going to the well and drawing water every day."
- Do not accept: "The well" or "The water."
5. What does the sentence "The children, of course, had their own stories" (line 12) tell us about the children's attitude towards the old man? [1 mark]
Answer: The children were fascinated by the old man / they viewed him as a source of mystery and adventure / they created imaginative or frightening tales about him.
Marking notes:
- 1 mark for any answer that conveys the children's imaginative, curious, or fearful fascination with the old man.
- Accept: "They were curious and made up stories about him" / "They saw him as mysterious and exciting."
- Do not accept: "They were scared" without linking to the idea of storytelling.
6. Explain how the language used in Paragraph 3 conveys a sense of mystery surrounding the old man. Support your ideas with three details. [3 marks]
Answer: (Award 1 mark per valid detail with explanation. Any three of the following or equivalent.)
- "Some said he was a healer" – This suggests uncertainty about his true identity; the use of "some said" indicates rumour rather than fact, adding to the mystery.
- "Others whispered darker theories" – The word "whispered" implies secrecy and fear; "darker theories" suggests sinister or unknown possibilities.
- "a past too terrible to name" – This phrase creates suspense by hinting at something dreadful without revealing it, leaving the reader to imagine what it might be.
- "The children, of course, had their own stories" – This shows that even children are drawn into the mystery, creating their own legends about him.
- "none ever made it past the gnarled banyan tree" – The word "gnarled" evokes an eerie, twisted image, and the fact that no child dared go further reinforces the sense of fear and the unknown.
Marking notes:
- 3 marks: Three valid language features identified, quoted, and explained with clear links to the sense of mystery.
- 2 marks: Two valid features with explanations.
- 1 mark: One valid feature with explanation, or multiple features identified without adequate explanation.
- 0 marks: No valid features or explanations.
- Do not award marks for simply identifying techniques (e.g., "metaphor") without explaining how they create mystery.
7. Give one piece of evidence from Paragraph 4 that shows Meera was not entirely fearless. [1 mark]
Answer: "She was not particularly brave" / "a quality her grandmother often warned would get her into trouble."
Marking notes:
- 1 mark for quoting or accurately paraphrasing either phrase.
- Accept: "The text says she was not particularly brave" / "Her grandmother warned her curiosity would get her into trouble."
8. What does the description of Meera being "armed with nothing but a basket of mangoes" (line 17) suggest about her approach to meeting the old man? [2 marks]
Answer: The description suggests that Meera's approach was gentle, innocent, and non-threatening. She did not bring weapons or defences but instead brought a gift, showing she wanted to approach him with kindness and goodwill rather than fear or aggression.
Marking notes:
- 2 marks for a developed answer that explains both the literal meaning (she brought a gift) and the implied meaning (her approach was peaceful/friendly/innocent).
- 1 mark for a partial answer (e.g., only stating "she brought mangoes as a gift" without explaining the implication).
9. Explain fully why the writer mentions that Meera's grandmother "often warned would get her into trouble" (lines 16–17). [2 marks]
Answer: The writer includes this detail to foreshadow potential danger or difficulty ahead / to create tension and suspense / to suggest that Meera's curiosity might lead to an unexpected or risky situation. It also characterises Meera as someone who acts on her curiosity despite warnings.
Marking notes:
- 2 marks for a full explanation that addresses both the narrative function (foreshadowing/tension) and characterisation.
- 1 mark for a partial explanation (e.g., only stating "it shows she is curious" without explaining the narrative effect).
10. Using your own words as far as possible, summarise what the villagers believed about the old man, based on Paragraphs 2 and 3. Use only information from these paragraphs. Your summary must be in continuous writing (not note form) and should not exceed 60 words. [6 marks]
Answer: (Model summary – approximately 55 words)
The villagers did not know the old man's real name or background. They observed his silent daily routine of collecting water from the well. Some believed he was a healer who used the water to make remedies from wild herbs. Others suspected he was a fugitive hiding from a dreadful past. The children created their own frightening tales about him and were too scared to approach his cottage.
Marking criteria:
- Content (4 marks): Award 1 mark for each key point accurately summarised:
- Villagers did not know his name/origins.
- He performed a silent daily ritual at the well.
- Some thought he was a healer making remedies.
- Others thought he was a fugitive with a terrible past.
- Children made up stories and were afraid to approach. (Maximum 4 marks; if all 5 points are present, award 4 marks.)
- Language (2 marks):
- 2 marks: Consistent use of own words; clear, continuous prose; within word limit.
- 1 mark: Some use of own words but occasional lifting from the text; mostly continuous; slightly over word limit.
- 0 marks: Heavily copied from the text; note form; significantly over word limit.
- Word limit: Deduct 1 mark from Language if the summary exceeds 65 words.
Section B: Comprehension and Summary [25 marks]
Text 2 – Answer Key
11. According to Paragraph 1, what has urban farming in Singapore "blossomed into"? [1 mark]
Answer: A nationwide movement.
Marking notes:
- 1 mark for the exact phrase or an accurate paraphrase, e.g., "a movement across the whole country."
12. What does the phrase "strategic necessity" (line 5) tell us about the importance of urban farming to Singapore? [2 marks]
Answer: The phrase tells us that urban farming is not just a choice or a trend but something essential for Singapore's long-term planning and survival. It is a deliberate and important part of the nation's strategy, likely for food security.
Marking notes:
- 2 marks for an answer that conveys both urgency/importance and the idea of deliberate planning.
- 1 mark for a partial answer (e.g., only stating "it is important" without explaining the strategic aspect).
13. Explain in your own words what the "30 by 30" goal aims to achieve. [2 marks]
Answer: The goal aims to ensure that by the year 2030, Singapore can produce 30% of the food its population needs within the country itself, rather than relying on imports.
Marking notes:
- 2 marks for a clear paraphrase that includes both the target (30%) and the timeframe (2030) and the concept of local production.
- 1 mark for a partial paraphrase (e.g., missing the timeframe or the percentage).
14. What do you think the word "catalysed" in line 7 refers to? [1 mark]
Answer: It means "sparked off," "triggered," "stimulated," or "accelerated."
Marking notes:
- 1 mark for any synonym that conveys the idea of causing or speeding up investment and innovation.
- Accept: "caused," "brought about," "set in motion."
15. Explain how the language used in Paragraph 3 conveys the positive impact of urban farming. Support your ideas with three details. [3 marks]
Answer: (Award 1 mark per valid detail with explanation. Any three of the following or equivalent.)
- "Advocates point to the environmental advantages" – The word "advantages" directly states the positive aspect, framing urban farming as beneficial.
- "reducing carbon emissions" – This specific, measurable benefit highlights the environmental contribution of local farming.
- "helps mitigate the urban heat island effect" – The verb "mitigate" suggests solving a serious urban problem, showing urban farming's practical value.
- "lowering ambient temperatures" – This concrete outcome demonstrates a tangible improvement to city living.
- "strengthen social bonds, bringing together residents of different ages and backgrounds" – The phrase emphasises community and inclusivity, showing social benefits beyond food production.
Marking notes:
- 3 marks: Three valid language features identified, quoted, and explained with clear links to positive impact.
- 2 marks: Two valid features with explanations.
- 1 mark: One valid feature with explanation, or multiple features identified without adequate explanation.
16. Give one piece of evidence from Paragraph 4 that shows urban farming faces practical difficulties in Singapore. [1 mark]
Answer: "Land is scarce and expensive in Singapore" / "not all crops can be grown viably in high-density vertical systems" / "Energy costs for indoor farms with artificial lighting can be substantial."
Marking notes:
- 1 mark for quoting or accurately paraphrasing any one of the three challenges.
17. What does the sentence "The question is no longer whether the city-state can grow its own food, but how quickly it can scale up" (lines 24–25) tell us about the writer's attitude towards urban farming? [2 marks]
Answer: The sentence tells us that the writer is confident and optimistic about urban farming. The writer believes that Singapore has already proven it can grow its own food, and the only remaining issue is the speed of expansion. This shows a positive, forward-looking attitude.
Marking notes:
- 2 marks for identifying the writer's confidence/optimism and explaining how the sentence conveys this (shift from "whether" to "how quickly").
- 1 mark for a partial answer (e.g., only stating "the writer is positive" without explanation).
18. Explain fully why the writer mentions "climate change" and "geopolitical tensions" in Paragraph 5. [2 marks]
Answer: The writer mentions these to emphasise the urgency and importance of urban farming. Climate change and geopolitical tensions threaten global food supply chains, making it risky for Singapore to depend on imports. By mentioning these, the writer justifies why Singapore's investment in urban farming is "essential" and not just "prudent."
Marking notes:
- 2 marks for a full explanation that links these threats to the justification for urban farming.
- 1 mark for a partial explanation (e.g., only stating "they are threats" without linking to the argument).
19. Using your own words as far as possible, summarise the challenges that urban farming faces in Singapore, based on Paragraph 4. Use only information from this paragraph. Your summary must be in continuous writing (not note form) and should not exceed 60 words. [5 marks]
Answer: (Model summary – approximately 55 words)
Urban farming in Singapore struggles with limited and costly land, making large-scale farming difficult. Not all crops can be grown successfully in vertical systems. Indoor farms require significant energy for artificial lighting, raising concerns about long-term sustainability. Additionally, urban farming currently produces much less per square metre compared to traditional agriculture, though technology is helping to reduce this gap.
Marking criteria:
- Content (3 marks): Award 1 mark for each key challenge accurately summarised:
- Land is scarce and expensive.
- Not all crops can be grown viably in vertical systems.
- Energy costs for indoor farms are high, raising sustainability concerns.
- Urban farming yields less per square metre than conventional farming. (Maximum 3 marks; if all 4 points are present, award 3 marks.)
- Language (2 marks):
- 2 marks: Consistent use of own words; clear, continuous prose; within word limit.
- 1 mark: Some use of own words but occasional lifting from the text; mostly continuous; slightly over word limit.
- 0 marks: Heavily copied from the text; note form; significantly over word limit.
- Word limit: Deduct 1 mark from Language if the summary exceeds 65 words.
20. To what extent do you agree that urban farming is the solution to Singapore's food security concerns? Support your views with reference to the passage and your own knowledge. Write your response in no more than 80 words. [5 marks]
Answer: (Model response – approximately 75 words)
I largely agree that urban farming is a key part of the solution, though not the complete answer. The passage rightly highlights its benefits: reducing reliance on imports and lowering carbon emissions. The "30 by 30" goal shows serious government commitment. However, as the passage notes, land scarcity and high energy costs limit scalability. Urban farming must be complemented by diversified import sources and public education on reducing food waste. Together, these measures can strengthen Singapore's food security more effectively than urban farming alone.
Marking criteria:
- Content (3 marks):
- 3 marks: Clear position stated; balanced argument with reference to the passage and own knowledge; well-supported reasoning.
- 2 marks: Clear position with some support; reference to passage OR own knowledge but not both; mostly logical.
- 1 mark: Position stated but weakly supported; limited or no reference to passage; superficial reasoning.
- 0 marks: No clear position; irrelevant response.
- Language (2 marks):
- 2 marks: Clear, coherent expression; appropriate register; within word limit.
- 1 mark: Mostly clear but with some errors in expression; slightly over word limit.
- 0 marks: Difficult to follow; significant language errors; far exceeds word limit.
- Word limit: Deduct 1 mark from Language if the response exceeds 90 words.
— End of Answer Key —