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ASSEB HSLC English (Second Language) study materials
ASSEB HSLC English (Second Language) study resources

ASSEB HSLC English (Second Language) practice questions

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Question 1Reading Comprehension (Unseen Passages)

In an unseen prose passage, a question asks: 'What was the immediate cause of the villagers' decision to repair the bridge?' Which reading strategy should you apply first?

  1. Locate the sentence that states the trigger event and its stated reason Correct answer.
  2. Guess the answer from the title and the first line only
  3. Choose the option that repeats the largest number of words from the passage
  4. Summarise the whole passage in your own words before answering

Explanation

A cause question asks for the specific reason stated in the text, so scanning for the trigger event and the words that explain it is the direct route. Summarising the whole passage is a later, broader task, and word-matching is a known trap because distractors often reuse passage vocabulary.

Question 2Reading Comprehension (Unseen Passages)

A passage says: 'The old librarian rarely spoke, yet every child in the town knew her name.' What does the word 'yet' signal in this sentence?

  1. An additional, similar fact about the librarian
  2. A cause-and-effect link between silence and fame
  3. A contrast between her silence and her fame Correct answer.
  4. A sequence of two events in time

Explanation

'Yet' is a coordinating conjunction of contrast, setting the quietness of the librarian against the wide recognition she enjoyed. Recognising contrast signals helps a reader predict that the second clause will oppose the first.

Question 3Reading Comprehension (Unseen Passages)

While reading an unseen passage, you meet the word 'frugal' in: 'Her frugal habits meant she saved a little every month.' Which clue type are you using if you infer the meaning from 'saved a little every month'?

  1. Phonetic similarity to a known word
  2. Morphology, by breaking the word into prefix and root
  3. Punctuation, by locating a colon after the word
  4. Contextual definition through an explanatory restatement Correct answer.

Explanation

The clause after the word restates its practical effect, allowing the reader to deduce that 'frugal' means careful with money. This is inference from surrounding context rather than from word parts or sound.

Question 4Reading Comprehension (Unseen Passages)

A passage opens: 'The train was two hours late. Anil had expected this.' What does the second sentence most strongly suggest about Anil?

  1. He had never travelled by train before
  2. He had caused the delay himself
  3. He was angry with the station staff
  4. He was not surprised by the delay Correct answer.

Explanation

Saying he 'had expected this' tells the reader the delay matched Anil's anticipation, so surprise is ruled out. Inference questions require the smallest conclusion the words actually support, not added speculation.

Question 5Reading Comprehension (Unseen Passages)

Which of these is the best topic sentence for a paragraph you are asked to write summarising an unseen passage about urban flooding?

  1. The passage is about many different things that happen in cities.
  2. In my opinion, cities should be cleaner and greener places.
  3. There are three paragraphs in the passage about flooding.
  4. The passage describes how poor drainage turns heavy rain into a recurring urban crisis. Correct answer.

Explanation

A topic sentence for a summary must capture the central idea of the source passage in a single general statement. It should name the subject and the main point rather than comment on the passage's length or give an unrelated opinion.

Question 6Reading Comprehension (Unseen Passages)

In an unseen passage, a pronoun question asks what 'they' refers to in: 'The volunteers cleaned the wells because they had been neglected for years.' What does 'they' refer to?

  1. The years
  2. The wells Correct answer.
  3. The readers
  4. The volunteers

Explanation

Pronoun reference is decided by meaning as well as proximity: wells can be neglected for years, whereas volunteers cannot logically be 'neglected for years' in this construction. Checking which noun fits the verb is the reliable test.

Question 7Reading Comprehension (Unseen Passages)

A notice in an unseen passage reads: 'Visitors are requested to refrain from touching the exhibits.' What does the notice ask visitors to do?

  1. Avoid handling the exhibits Correct answer.
  2. Photograph the exhibits freely
  3. Return the exhibits to their places
  4. Report damage to the exhibits

Explanation

'Refrain from' means to hold back from an action, so the notice asks visitors not to touch the exhibits. Notices and instructions in unseen passages are tested through paraphrase of this kind.

Question 8Reading Comprehension (Unseen Passages)

Which of the following best describes skimming as a reading skill for unseen passages?

  1. Reading aloud to check pronunciation of difficult words
  2. Reading quickly for the general idea and structure Correct answer.
  3. Reading every word slowly to memorise details
  4. Reading only the final paragraph of the passage

Explanation

Skimming is a fast, selective reading used to grasp the gist, the organisation and where information sits in the passage. It is distinguished from scanning, which hunts for one specific fact, and from detailed study reading.

Question 9Reading Comprehension (Unseen Passages)

A passage states: 'Although the experiment failed, the team published its results, arguing that negative findings save other researchers time.' Which statement is best supported by the sentence?

  1. The team published only because the university required it
  2. The team believed failed experiments still have scientific value Correct answer.
  3. The team was unwilling to admit that the experiment had failed
  4. The team repeated the experiment until it succeeded

Explanation

The team's own argument, that negative findings save others time, shows they saw value in reporting failure. The concessive 'although' acknowledges the failure while the main clause explains the publication.

Question 10Reading Comprehension (Unseen Passages)

In the sentence 'The committee's decision, which had been delayed for months, was finally announced,' what is the function of the clause 'which had been delayed for months'?

  1. It contrasts the committee with another group
  2. It states the main action of the sentence
  3. It gives the reason for the announcement
  4. It adds non-essential information about the decision Correct answer.

Explanation

A non-defining relative clause set off by commas adds extra, non-essential detail about the noun before it. The main clause, 'the decision was finally announced', carries the central information.

Question 11Reading Comprehension (Unseen Passages)

An unseen passage contains: 'The scheme was hailed as a success, but critics pointed to the rising costs.' Which word in the sentence carries a positive evaluation?

  1. Hailed Correct answer.
  2. Rising
  3. Critics
  4. Pointed

Explanation

'Hailed' means praised or acclaimed, so it carries the positive evaluation. 'Critics', 'rising' and 'pointed' are neutral or negative in this context, which helps a reader detect the writer's balanced stance.

Question 12Reading Comprehension (Unseen Passages)

A passage says: 'No sooner had the bell rung than the students rushed out.' What does this sentence emphasise?

  1. How loudly the bell rang that morning
  2. How immediately the students left after the bell Correct answer.
  3. How slowly the students walked out
  4. How often the bell rang during the day

Explanation

The 'no sooner... than' construction stresses that the second event followed the first almost instantly. Recognising this fixed structure prevents misreading it as a comparison.

Question 13Reading Comprehension (Unseen Passages)

You must answer: 'According to the passage, which two factors worsened the drought?' What is the most reliable approach?

  1. Select the two longest options in the question paper
  2. Choose factors that are true in real life even if absent from the passage
  3. Scan for the section on causes and check each factor against the exact wording Correct answer.
  4. Pick the two options that appear earliest in the passage

Explanation

'According to the passage' restricts the answer to what the text states, so locating the causal section and verifying wording is essential. Outside knowledge and option length are unreliable shortcuts that examiners deliberately exploit.

Question 14Reading Comprehension (Unseen Passages)

In an unseen passage, the writer says: 'Perhaps we should reconsider our reliance on private cars.' What does the word 'perhaps' reveal about the writer's tone?

  1. Completely neutral and factual
  2. Tentative and suggestive rather than forceful Correct answer.
  3. Angry and accusatory
  4. Amused and light-hearted

Explanation

Hedging words such as 'perhaps', 'may' and 'might' soften a claim and signal a tentative, persuasive stance. Detecting hedges helps readers judge how strongly a writer commits to a proposal.

Question 15Reading Comprehension (Unseen Passages)

A passage describes a character: 'Meera answered every question with a shrug and a sigh.' What do these details most suggest about her?

  1. She is confused by the questions
  2. She is eager to please her questioners
  3. She is proud of her knowledge
  4. She is uninterested or reluctant to engage Correct answer.

Explanation

Repeated shrugs and sighs are behavioural details that convey indifference or reluctance rather than enthusiasm. Character questions in unseen prose are answered from such concrete evidence, not from personal impression.

Question 16Reading Comprehension (Unseen Passages)

Which sentence from a passage best serves as evidence that the narrator is unreliable?

  1. 'My brother was born in the winter of that year.'
  2. 'I am certain of what happened, though my memory of that night is full of gaps.' Correct answer.
  3. 'The rain fell steadily on the tin roof all evening.'
  4. 'We walked to the market and bought vegetables.'

Explanation

The narrator claims certainty while admitting serious gaps in memory, a contradiction that undermines trust in the account. Evidence questions require a quotation that directly supports the claim being made.

Question 17Reading Comprehension (Unseen Passages)

In an unseen passage the phrase 'a sea of faces' appears. What figure of speech is used, and what does it mean?

  1. Metaphor, meaning a very large crowd of people Correct answer.
  2. Personification, meaning the sea is watching
  3. Hyperbole, meaning the sea was crowded with boats
  4. Simile, meaning faces that look like water

Explanation

'A sea of faces' describes a crowd directly as a sea, without 'like' or 'as', so it is a metaphor for a large gathering. Similes use explicit comparison words, which are absent here.

Question 18Reading Comprehension (Unseen Passages)

A passage reports: 'Sales of electric bicycles rose by 40 per cent last year.' A question asks what the figure 40 per cent measures. What is the correct answer?

  1. The increase in electric bicycle sales compared with the previous year Correct answer.
  2. The average price of an electric bicycle
  3. The number of electric bicycles sold in total
  4. The share of all bicycles that are electric

Explanation

A percentage rise measures change relative to the earlier figure, so 40 per cent is the growth in sales year on year. Data questions in unseen passages require distinguishing rates of change from totals and shares.

Question 19Reading Comprehension (Unseen Passages)

A passage says: 'The village, once famous for its pottery, now attracts tourists mainly for its quiet lanes.' Which inference is best supported?

  1. Pottery is now more popular than ever
  2. The lanes were always the main attraction
  3. The village's main attraction has changed over time Correct answer.
  4. Tourists have stopped visiting the village

Explanation

The contrast between 'once famous' and 'now attracts' shows a shift in what draws visitors. Inference must follow the time contrast the writer has set up rather than reverse it.

Question 20Reading Comprehension (Unseen Passages)

An unseen passage begins with a question: 'Why do so many of us fear silence?' What is the most likely purpose of opening with a question?

  1. To summarise the passage's conclusion
  2. To test the reader's general knowledge
  3. To engage the reader and introduce the passage's theme Correct answer.
  4. To provide a factual answer immediately

Explanation

Rhetorical questions at the start of a passage draw the reader in and announce the subject that will be explored. They are not genuine requests for information, so no answer is expected from the reader.

Question 21Reading Comprehension (Unseen Passages)

In a passage, the writer moves from describing a problem to listing three possible solutions. Which organisational pattern does this illustrate?

  1. Problem and solution Correct answer.
  2. Comparison and contrast
  3. Cause and effect only
  4. Chronological order

Explanation

A text that states a difficulty and then presents remedies follows a problem-and-solution pattern. Recognising the pattern helps a reader predict where answers to structure questions will be found.

Question 22Reading Comprehension (Unseen Passages)

A passage contains: 'It is not that the policy was unpopular; rather, it was poorly explained.' What is the writer doing with this sentence?

  1. Correcting a likely misunderstanding about the policy's failure Correct answer.
  2. Agreeing that the policy was unpopular
  3. Describing how the policy was drafted
  4. Explaining the policy's financial cost

Explanation

The 'not that... rather' construction rejects one explanation and substitutes another, which is a corrective move. Detecting this structure prevents the reader from attributing the wrong cause to the policy's difficulties.

Question 23Reading Comprehension (Unseen Passages)

Two accounts of the same event are given in a passage. Account A blames the officials; Account B blames the weather. What does presenting both accounts most likely achieve?

  1. It shows the event is open to more than one interpretation Correct answer.
  2. It proves that the weather caused the event
  3. It shows the writer has no interest in the event
  4. It reveals that one account is a forgery

Explanation

Juxtaposing conflicting accounts signals complexity and invites the reader to weigh interpretations rather than accept one. The writer's purpose is to present competing perspectives, not to settle the question in this sentence.

Question 24Reading Comprehension (Unseen Passages)

A passage states: 'The report's recommendations were widely praised, though few were ever implemented.' Which pair of words carries the contrast on which the sentence turns?

  1. 'few' and 'were'
  2. 'widely' and 'ever'
  3. 'praised' and 'implemented' Correct answer.
  4. 'report's' and 'recommendations'

Explanation

The contrast lies between approval in words and the absence of action, so 'praised' and 'implemented' are the opposing terms. The concessive 'though' marks the pivot between them.

Question 25Reading Comprehension (Unseen Passages)

An unseen passage ends: 'The lights went out one by one, and the town settled into its long, dark sleep.' What is the main effect of this closing sentence?

  1. It provides statistical information about the town
  2. It states the writer's opinion directly
  3. It creates a calm, final mood of closure Correct answer.
  4. It introduces a new character to the story

Explanation

The gradual extinction of lights and the image of the town settling into sleep create a quiet, concluding atmosphere. Effect questions ask how language shapes mood, not merely what events are reported.

Question 26Reading Comprehension (Unseen Passages)

An unseen passage states: 'The new library was built with recycled timber and solar panels.' Which detail shows the library was designed to be environmentally friendly?

  1. It opened to the public last month.
  2. It has a large reading room.
  3. It was built with recycled timber and solar panels. Correct answer.
  4. It was built near the town centre.

Explanation

The question asks for the detail that shows environmental design. Recycled timber and solar panels are both directly linked to reducing waste and using clean energy, so this detail answers the question. The other details describe location, timing or size, none of which concerns the environment.

Question 27Reading Comprehension (Unseen Passages)

A passage says: 'The bus was delayed because a tree had fallen across the road.' According to the passage, what caused the delay?

  1. Heavy traffic in the town.
  2. A fault in the bus engine.
  3. A fallen tree blocking the road. Correct answer.
  4. Road repairs by the council.

Explanation

The passage gives a single, explicit cause: a tree had fallen across the road. A direct-detail question like this requires you to locate the stated cause rather than infer one. The other options mention plausible reasons for delays but none is given in the sentence.

Question 28Reading Comprehension (Unseen Passages)

An unseen passage contains the sentence: 'Rahim, who had never cooked before, prepared a three-course meal for his guests.' What does the clause 'who had never cooked before' tell the reader?

  1. That Rahim's guests did the cooking.
  2. That Rahim cooked for many years.
  3. That Rahim had attended a cookery class.
  4. That Rahim had no previous cooking experience. Correct answer.

Explanation

The relative clause 'who had never cooked before' describes Rahim and states that he had no earlier experience of cooking. This makes his preparing a three-course meal notable. The clause says nothing about the guests or about any training.

Question 29Reading Comprehension (Unseen Passages)

A notice in an unseen passage reads: 'Please keep the aisle clear at all times.' What is the notice asking readers to do?

  1. To clean the aisle every hour.
  2. To avoid using the aisle altogether.
  3. To keep the aisle free of obstructions. Correct answer.
  4. To walk only along the aisle.

Explanation

'Keep the aisle clear' means ensure the passageway is not blocked, usually for safety. The notice is an instruction about obstructions, not about cleaning duties or about avoiding the aisle. Understanding such functional notices is a common task in unseen-passage sections.

Question 30Reading Comprehension (Unseen Passages)

A passage reports: 'The town council approved the plan, but the residents remained sceptical.' What does the word 'sceptical' most nearly mean here?

  1. Enthusiastic
  2. Indifferent
  3. Doubtful Correct answer.
  4. Frightened

Explanation

'Sceptical' describes people who doubt or question something rather than accepting it. The contrast with the council's approval shows the residents were not convinced. This is a vocabulary-in-context item, so the surrounding contrast guides the meaning.

Question 31Reading Comprehension (Unseen Passages)

In an unseen passage, the writer says: 'The old bridge has become a symbol of the town's resilience.' What does the writer suggest about the bridge?

  1. It is now closed to all traffic.
  2. It was rebuilt after an accident.
  3. It is the oldest structure in the region.
  4. It represents how the town has recovered from hardship. Correct answer.

Explanation

A symbol of resilience stands for the town's ability to recover and endure difficulty. The writer is using the bridge figuratively to comment on the community. The passage gives no information about the bridge's age, rebuilding or closure.

Question 32Reading Comprehension (Unseen Passages)

A passage states: 'The museum's new wing was funded entirely by private donations.' Which conclusion is best supported by this statement?

  1. Ticket sales funded the new wing.
  2. The new wing was paid for by individuals and organisations, not the state. Correct answer.
  3. The new wing was built at no cost.
  4. The government paid for the new wing.

Explanation

'Funded entirely by private donations' means the money came from private sources rather than public funds. The word 'entirely' rules out other sources such as the government or ticket sales. A conclusion question asks you to stay within what the sentence actually supports.

Question 33Reading Comprehension (Unseen Passages)

A passage contains: 'The teacher's tone was gentle, yet her message was firm.' What does the sentence suggest about the teacher?

  1. She changed her mind during the lesson.
  2. She spoke softly but made her expectations clear. Correct answer.
  3. She avoided giving any instructions.
  4. She was angry with the students.

Explanation

The contrast between 'gentle' tone and 'firm' message shows that she was kind in manner but clear and decided in content. The word 'yet' signals this contrast. The sentence indicates neither anger nor indecision.

Question 34Reading Comprehension (Unseen Passages)

An unseen passage says: 'Unlike her brother, who chattered constantly, Ayesha rarely spoke at dinner.' What is the effect of the comparison in this sentence?

  1. It suggests that Ayesha and her brother argued often.
  2. It highlights Ayesha's quiet nature by contrasting her with her talkative brother. Correct answer.
  3. It proves that Ayesha was unhappy at home.
  4. It shows that Ayesha's brother disliked dinner.

Explanation

The comparison sets Ayesha's silence against her brother's constant chatter, making her quietness stand out. Writers use contrast to sharpen a character trait. Nothing in the sentence tells us about the brother's feelings, Ayesha's happiness or arguments between them.

Question 35Reading Comprehension (Unseen Passages)

A passage describes a village: 'The road ends where the village begins, and beyond it only footpaths wind upward.' What does this description most strongly suggest about the village?

  1. It is a busy commercial centre.
  2. It has recently been modernised.
  3. It is difficult to reach by car. Correct answer.
  4. It is located on the coast.

Explanation

If the road ends where the village begins, vehicles cannot continue further and access is by footpath, so the village is hard to reach by car. The detail is chosen to convey remoteness. Busy trade, modernisation and coastal location are not supported by the text.

Question 36Reading Comprehension (Unseen Passages)

An unseen passage begins: 'Every year, thousands of tonnes of food are thrown away while families go hungry.' What is the main purpose of this opening sentence?

  1. To define a technical term used later.
  2. To describe the writer's childhood.
  3. To introduce a problem that the passage will discuss. Correct answer.
  4. To give a statistical conclusion.

Explanation

The sentence presents a striking contrast between wasted food and hunger, which sets up an issue for the passage to explore. Openings of this kind are designed to engage the reader with a problem. It does not define a term, conclude a discussion or narrate a personal memory.

Question 37Reading Comprehension (Unseen Passages)

A passage says: 'The committee met twice, reviewed the evidence carefully, and finally reached a unanimous decision.' Which word shows that the decision was supported by everyone?

  1. unanimous Correct answer.
  2. finally
  3. reviewed
  4. carefully

Explanation

'Unanimous' means all members agree, so it is the word that shows everyone supported the decision. The other words describe the process (reviewing, taking care) or the timing (finally). Identifying the precise word that carries a meaning is a key unseen-passage skill.

Question 38Reading Comprehension (Unseen Passages)

Two paragraphs in a passage describe the same festival. The first calls it 'a joyful celebration of local culture'; the second calls it 'a noisy event that disrupts the neighbourhood'. What does the difference between the two paragraphs mainly show?

  1. That the festival was cancelled.
  2. That the second paragraph is factually false.
  3. That the festival lasted only one day.
  4. That the two writers hold opposing views of the festival. Correct answer.

Explanation

The two descriptions use evaluative language with opposite tones, one positive and one critical, so they present conflicting perspectives on the same event. Recognising contrasting viewpoints is central to comparing accounts in a passage. Neither duration nor cancellation is mentioned, and the text does not label either view false.

Question 39Reading Comprehension (Unseen Passages)

A passage states: 'The scientist's claim was bold, but it rested on a single experiment that no one had repeated.' What is the writer's attitude towards the claim?

  1. Cautious doubt Correct answer.
  2. Complete acceptance
  3. Open admiration
  4. Total indifference

Explanation

Calling the claim 'bold' but noting that it rested on one unrepeated experiment signals reservation rather than rejection or acceptance. The writer implies the evidence is thin, which amounts to cautious doubt. This is an attitude question, so the evaluative words are the key evidence.

Question 40Reading Comprehension (Unseen Passages)

An unseen passage ends: 'The results were promising, but the researchers warned that further trials would be needed before any conclusions could be drawn.' Which statement best captures the writer's final point?

  1. The trials have been delayed indefinitely.
  2. The research should be abandoned.
  3. The research has already produced firm conclusions.
  4. The early findings are encouraging but not yet conclusive. Correct answer.

Explanation

'Promising' conveys encouragement, while the warning about further trials shows the findings are not yet conclusive. The final sentence balances hope with caution. The passage does not say the research should stop or that trials have been postponed.

Question 41Writing (Letters, Notices, Reports, Paragraphs/Essays)

In the formal letter-writing section of the ASSEB HSLC English paper, which salutation is appropriate when the writer does not know the name of the person being addressed?

  1. Dear Sir or Madam, Correct answer.
  2. Dear Friend,
  3. Hi there,
  4. Respected Uncle,

Explanation

A formal letter written to an unknown recipient requires a neutral, respectful salutation. 'Dear Sir or Madam' works because it does not presume the gender or the personal relationship of the reader. Informal greetings belong only to personal letters, where the recipient is known.

Question 42Writing (Letters, Notices, Reports, Paragraphs/Essays)

A notice is to be displayed on the school noticeboard announcing an inter-house debate. Which opening line best suits the purpose of a notice?

  1. Once upon a time there was a debate in our school.
  2. All students are hereby informed that an inter-house debate will be held on 12 August. Correct answer.
  3. I am writing this letter to inform you about a debate.
  4. Would you like to hear about our wonderful debate?

Explanation

A notice is a short, impersonal, factual announcement addressed to a group, so it normally opens with a passive formula such as 'All students are hereby informed that'. It states the event, date and audience directly. Narrative openings and direct questions belong to other writing types.

Question 43Writing (Letters, Notices, Reports, Paragraphs/Essays)

Which sentence uses the correct closing for a formal letter to the Principal?

  1. Yours sincerely, Correct answer.
  2. Yours lovingly,
  3. With love and kisses,
  4. See you soon,

Explanation

Formal letters to a person addressed by name or title conventionally close with 'Yours sincerely' or 'Yours faithfully'. Affectionate closings belong to personal letters to relatives and friends. A school application or request is formal in register.

Question 44Writing (Letters, Notices, Reports, Paragraphs/Essays)

In a report written for the school magazine about a science exhibition, which element is essential in the opening paragraph?

  1. A list of the names of all visitors
  2. What, where and when the event took place Correct answer.
  3. A personal opinion about the writer's favourite exhibit
  4. A long description of the writer's journey to school

Explanation

A report opens by orienting the reader with the basic facts of the event: what happened, where it happened and when. This answers the reader's first questions before details follow. Personal opinion and unrelated narrative are not part of the factual opening.

Question 45Writing (Letters, Notices, Reports, Paragraphs/Essays)

Which of the following is the best topic sentence for a paragraph on the benefits of morning exercise?

  1. Regular morning exercise improves both physical health and mental alertness. Correct answer.
  2. My cousin bought new running shoes last week.
  3. Many people wake up at six o'clock.
  4. Exercise can be done in a park or in a gym.

Explanation

A topic sentence states the controlling idea of the paragraph, which the remaining sentences then support. It should name the subject and make a claim about it. A single incidental fact does not control a paragraph.

Question 46Writing (Letters, Notices, Reports, Paragraphs/Essays)

Which address format is correct at the top of a formal letter written by a student to the Editor of a newspaper?

  1. the editor the assam tribune guwahati
  2. The Editor, The Assam Tribune, Guwahati Correct answer.
  3. To Editor, Assam Tribune newspaper, in Guwahati
  4. Editor Assam Tribune Guwahati Assam India Asia

Explanation

The receiver's address in a formal letter is written with the designation first, followed by the name of the organisation and the place, each on its own line. Capital letters are used for all proper nouns and titles. Punctuation is minimal but capitalisation is not optional.

Question 47Writing (Letters, Notices, Reports, Paragraphs/Essays)

A paragraph is described as lacking 'unity'. What does this mean in the context of the writing section?

  1. The paragraph has no punctuation marks at all.
  2. The sentences are too short to read.
  3. The paragraph contains sentences unrelated to its main idea. Correct answer.
  4. Every sentence supports a single central idea.

Explanation

Unity in a paragraph means that all sentences contribute to one central idea. A paragraph that lacks unity therefore drifts into unrelated material. Length and punctuation are separate matters of style and mechanics.

Question 48Writing (Letters, Notices, Reports, Paragraphs/Essays)

Which sentence is written in the impersonal tone expected in a formal report for the school magazine?

  1. I felt the exhibition was totally awesome.
  2. We were all super excited, honestly.
  3. You simply must visit such exhibitions, believe me.
  4. The exhibition attracted over three hundred visitors on the first day. Correct answer.

Explanation

Formal reports favour an objective, impersonal tone that presents verifiable information. Slang, direct address and emotional emphasis reduce the formality. The sentence giving a visitor figure reports a fact in neutral language.

Question 49Writing (Letters, Notices, Reports, Paragraphs/Essays)

A student is writing a letter to the Principal requesting leave for three days because of illness. Which detail must appear in the body of the letter?

  1. The dates of absence and the reason for the request Correct answer.
  2. The names of all the teachers in the school
  3. A description of the student's hobbies
  4. A review of the school's annual sports day

Explanation

A request letter must supply the information the reader needs in order to act on the request. For leave, this means the exact dates and the reason. Other material would distract from the purpose of the letter.

Question 50Writing (Letters, Notices, Reports, Paragraphs/Essays)

Read this notice draft: 'A meeting will be held. All are requested to attend. By order of the Headmaster.' Which improvement makes it a complete and useful notice?

  1. Add the date, time, venue and purpose of the meeting. Correct answer.
  2. Add a long paragraph describing the Headmaster's career.
  3. Remove the line 'By order of the Headmaster'.
  4. Rewrite it as a friendly letter to each student.

Explanation

A notice must tell the reader the essential particulars of the event: date, time, place and purpose. Without these, the announcement cannot guide anyone's action. The authority line is a standard and necessary part of a notice.