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NSSCO English Second Language 6109 study materials
NSSCO English Second Language 6109 study resources

NSSCO English Second Language 6109 practice questions

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Question 1Reading comprehension and information retrieval

Read the notice and answer the question. Westbridge Community Library Notice: Books may be borrowed for 14 days. On weekdays, returns are accepted at the front desk from 8:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. On Saturdays, the return box is open until 12:30 p.m. The library is closed on Sundays. According to the notice, what is the latest time books can be returned at the front desk on a weekday?

  1. 5:00 p.m.
  2. 12:30 p.m.
  3. 8:00 a.m.
  4. 6:00 p.m. Correct answer.

Explanation

The notice states that weekday returns at the front desk are accepted until 6:00 p.m. The other times either mark the opening time, a Saturday deadline, or a time not mentioned in the notice.

Question 2Reading comprehension and information retrieval

Read the passage and answer the question. The Green Team is a student group at Riverside School. Its members meet every Tuesday to plan projects that reduce waste. Last term, they started a paper-recycling scheme and a campaign to encourage reusable water bottles. The group welcomes new members who want to help keep the school clean. What is the main purpose of the passage?

  1. To advertise water bottles for sale
  2. To explain what the Green Team does Correct answer.
  3. To give instructions for making paper
  4. To compare two recycling companies

Explanation

The passage introduces the Green Team and describes its meetings and projects, so its main purpose is to explain what the group does. It does not compare companies, give paper-making steps, or sell bottles.

Question 3Reading comprehension and information retrieval

Read the sentence and answer the question. Although the new student was reluctant to speak in front of the class, she eventually agreed to read her poem aloud. In the sentence, the word "reluctant" is closest in meaning to

  1. prepared
  2. unwilling Correct answer.
  3. eager
  4. confused

Explanation

The word "reluctant" contrasts with "eventually agreed", which shows that the student hesitated before speaking. The closest meaning is therefore "unwilling".

Question 4Reading comprehension and information retrieval

Read the passage and answer the question. When Juma entered the classroom twenty minutes late, the teacher paused. She looked at the clock, then at Juma, and continued the lesson without asking for an explanation. Later, she placed a copy of the missed notes on his desk. What can be inferred about the teacher's attitude towards Juma?

  1. She was understanding but expected him to catch up. Correct answer.
  2. She did not notice that he was late.
  3. She was angry and wanted to punish him.
  4. She believed he had deliberately missed the lesson.

Explanation

The teacher does not demand an explanation and leaves notes for Juma, which suggests understanding. Continuing the lesson implies that she expects him to catch up with the missed work.

Question 5Reading comprehension and information retrieval

Read the passage and answer the question. The school play last Friday was the best event of the term. The actors remembered all their lines, and the stage crew changed the scenery quickly. However, the sound system failed during the second scene. The audience still clapped loudly at the end. Which statement from the passage is an opinion?

  1. The stage crew changed the scenery quickly.
  2. The actors remembered all their lines.
  3. The school play last Friday was the best event of the term. Correct answer.
  4. The sound system failed during the second scene.

Explanation

An opinion expresses a judgement that cannot be proved true or false. "Best event of the term" is a value judgement, while the other statements can be checked against evidence.

Question 6Reading comprehension and information retrieval

Read the passage and answer the question. Students must submit their projects by Friday. This allows teachers enough time to mark them before the holiday. In the passage, the word "This" refers to

  1. marking them
  2. submitting projects by Friday Correct answer.
  3. the teachers
  4. the holiday

Explanation

The pronoun "This" points back to the whole action in the previous sentence: submitting projects by Friday. That action gives teachers enough time to mark the work.

Question 7Reading comprehension and information retrieval

Read the rules and answer the question. Computer Lab Rules: Before using a computer, students must sign the attendance sheet at the door. Next, they should log in with their school username. If a computer does not start, they must report the problem to the lab assistant. Students must not save files to the desktop. According to the rules, what should students do first?

  1. Save files to the desktop
  2. Log in with their school username
  3. Sign the attendance sheet at the door Correct answer.
  4. Report a problem to the lab assistant

Explanation

The rules use the sequence word "Before" for signing the attendance sheet and "Next" for logging in. Therefore, signing the sheet comes first.

Question 8Reading comprehension and information retrieval

Read the passage and answer the question. The sports day was cancelled after heavy rain made the field unsafe. The organisers said the event would take place the following month, and all race entries would remain valid. According to the passage, why was the sports day cancelled?

  1. The organisers were unavailable.
  2. All race entries had expired.
  3. The field was unsafe because of heavy rain. Correct answer.
  4. Too few students entered the races.

Explanation

The passage states that heavy rain made the field unsafe, and the cancellation followed. The other options are not supported by the text.

Question 9Reading comprehension and information retrieval

Read the passage and answer the question. Some people argue that homework should be banned because it takes up time that students could spend on sport or rest. However, short, focused homework helps students practise what they learned in class. It also teaches them to manage time. A complete ban would remove these benefits without solving the problem of excessive homework. Which sentence best summarizes the writer's argument?

  1. All homework is excessive and should be removed.
  2. Homework has benefits, so a complete ban is not the answer. Correct answer.
  3. Sport and rest are more important than homework.
  4. Homework should be banned completely.

Explanation

The writer accepts that homework has benefits such as practice and time management, and concludes that a complete ban would remove these benefits. The summary must capture that balanced position.

Question 10Reading comprehension and information retrieval

Read the notice and answer the question. Examination Hall Notice: Candidates must arrive 15 minutes before the exam starts. Candidates who arrive after the exam has begun may enter only during the first 30 minutes. No extra time is given to latecomers. Candidates who arrive more than 30 minutes late will not be admitted. A candidate arrives 20 minutes after the exam has begun. According to the notice, what will happen?

  1. The candidate must wait until the exam ends.
  2. The candidate will be admitted but will not receive extra time. Correct answer.
  3. The candidate will be refused entry.
  4. The candidate will be given 30 extra minutes.

Explanation

The notice admits candidates during the first 30 minutes after the exam begins but gives no extra time. Arriving 20 minutes late falls within that window, so the candidate is admitted without additional time.

Question 11Reading comprehension and information retrieval

The following text appears on a community centre website: "The Riverside Community Centre will open a free bicycle repair workshop every Saturday morning. Volunteers will teach residents how to fix punctures, adjust brakes and replace chains. Participants should bring their own bicycles and a small set of basic tools. No previous experience is required." What is the main purpose of this text?

  1. To explain how to repair a bicycle chain
  2. To advertise a free weekly repair workshop Correct answer.
  3. To recruit volunteers for a community centre
  4. To warn residents about unsafe bicycles

Explanation

The text gives practical details about a free workshop that will run every Saturday, including what participants should bring, so its main purpose is to advertise the event. It does not teach repair steps or warn about danger.

Question 12Reading comprehension and information retrieval

The following information appears on a sports centre website: "Swimming pool opening hours: Monday to Friday 06:00–21:00; Saturday 08:00–18:00; Sunday closed. The pool is closed for cleaning on the first Tuesday of each month from 12:00 to 15:00." When is the swimming pool closed for cleaning?

  1. Each weekday morning before 06:00
  2. Every Saturday afternoon after 18:00
  3. Every Sunday, from morning to evening
  4. First Tuesday monthly, noon–3pm Correct answer.

Explanation

The notice states that cleaning takes place on the first Tuesday of each month between 12:00 and 15:00, which is noon to 3pm. The other times are regular opening or closing times, not cleaning closures.

Question 13Reading comprehension and information retrieval

Read this sentence: "All students who wish to join the inter-school chess tournament must attend a compulsory practice session on Thursday." In the sentence, the word "compulsory" is closest in meaning to:

  1. lengthy
  2. difficult
  3. optional
  4. required Correct answer.

Explanation

The sentence says students "must attend" the session, so "compulsory" means required or mandatory. The context shows attendance is not a choice.

Question 14Reading comprehension and information retrieval

Read the passage: "When the results were announced, Amina did not join the cheering crowd. She walked quietly to the noticeboard, read the list twice, and then smiled for the first time that week." What can be inferred about Amina from the passage?

  1. She had not seen the noticeboard before.
  2. She had been anxious about her results. Correct answer.
  3. She was unhappy about the crowd's behaviour.
  4. She expected to fail the examination.

Explanation

Amina avoids the crowd, reads the list twice and only then smiles, which suggests she had been worried and is relieved by what she sees. The passage does not show that she expected failure or disliked the crowd.

Question 15Reading comprehension and information retrieval

Read these instructions: "If you lose your student bus pass, follow these steps. First, report the loss at the school office and collect a temporary pass. Next, complete an online replacement form. After five working days, collect your new pass from the office. Do not use the temporary pass on express buses." According to the instructions, what should a student do immediately after reporting the loss at the school office?

  1. Collect a new pass from the office
  2. Wait five working days
  3. Complete an online replacement form
  4. Collect a temporary pass Correct answer.

Explanation

The first step joins two actions: report the loss at the office and collect a temporary pass. The online form is the next step, and the new pass is collected after five working days.

Question 16Reading comprehension and information retrieval

Read the text: "The new cafeteria opened on Monday morning at 08:00. It serves hot meals between 12:00 and 14:00 each day. The menu includes rice, beans, fruit and vegetables. The cafeteria is the best place to eat." Which statement from the text is an opinion?

  1. It serves hot meals between 12:00 and 14:00 each day.
  2. The new cafeteria opened on Monday morning at 08:00.
  3. The menu includes rice, beans, fruit and vegetables.
  4. The cafeteria is the best place to eat. Correct answer.

Explanation

A statement is an opinion when it expresses a judgement or value rather than a checkable fact. The word "best" shows a personal evaluation, so that sentence is an opinion.

Question 17Reading comprehension and information retrieval

Read the passage: "The school council proposed a later start to the school day. This would allow students more time to sleep, according to the council. However, some teachers argued that it would cause transport problems." What does "This" refer to in the passage?

  1. A later school start Correct answer.
  2. The teachers' transport problems
  3. The students' need for more sleep
  4. The members of the school council

Explanation

The pronoun "This" points back to the main proposal in the previous sentence: a later start to the school day. The following clause explains one expected result of that proposal.

Question 18Reading comprehension and information retrieval

Read the passage: "To apply for the exchange programme, students must first attend an information meeting. They then submit a written application with a teacher's recommendation. Shortlisted students are interviewed, and final offers are sent by email." Which step comes immediately before the interview?

  1. Receiving a final offer by email
  2. Being shortlisted Correct answer.
  3. Submitting a written application
  4. Attending an information meeting

Explanation

The passage says that "shortlisted students are interviewed", so being shortlisted happens directly before the interview. Attending the meeting and submitting the application are earlier steps.

Question 19Reading comprehension and information retrieval

Read the passage: "The proposal to extend the school day by one hour has been presented as a simple solution to falling test scores. Yet adding time without improving teaching methods is unlikely to help. Students are already tired, and teachers need time to plan. The school should invest in better training, not longer hours." What is the author's attitude towards extending the school day?

  1. Angry at teachers' planning time
  2. Supportive of the proposal
  3. Uncertain about the causes of low scores
  4. Doubtful that it will improve results Correct answer.

Explanation

The author says that adding time without better teaching is "unlikely to help" and recommends training instead, which shows doubt about the proposal. The tone is critical but not uncertain about the proposal's value.

Question 20Reading comprehension and information retrieval

Read the two texts. Text A: "The city library will hold a book sale on Saturday from 09:00 to 13:00. All books cost two dollars. Buyers should bring their own bags." Text B: "The library's main entrance is closed for repairs. Visitors should use the side entrance on King Street." A student plans to buy books at the sale. According to both texts, what should the student do?

  1. Pay two dollars for a bag at the main entrance
  2. Arrive after 13:00 and enter through the main entrance
  3. Bring a bag and use the King Street side entrance Correct answer.
  4. Visit on Saturday morning and park on King Street

Explanation

Text A says buyers should bring their own bags, and Text B says visitors must use the side entrance on King Street. The correct action combines these two pieces of information.

Question 21Reading comprehension and information retrieval

A school notice states: 'The library will be closed on Thursday afternoon for staff training. It will reopen on Friday at 08:00. Students who need to return books may use the drop box outside the main entrance.' What should a student do to return a book on Thursday afternoon?

  1. Go to the main entrance and wait for 08:00.
  2. Use the drop box outside the main entrance. Correct answer.
  3. Ask a staff member inside the library for help.
  4. Wait until the library reopens on Friday.

Explanation

The notice says the library is closed on Thursday afternoon but directs students to the drop box outside the main entrance for returns. Waiting until Friday is not required, and no staff will be inside because the library is closed. The notice does not mention waiting at the entrance.

Question 22Reading comprehension and information retrieval

A community sports centre timetable lists Saturday activities as follows: 09:00–10:30 swimming; 10:45–12:15 basketball; 12:30–13:30 lunch break; 13:30–15:00 football. Which activity starts at 13:30?

  1. Basketball
  2. Swimming
  3. Lunch break
  4. Football Correct answer.

Explanation

The timetable shows football running from 13:30 to 15:00, so it is the activity that starts at 13:30. Swimming starts at 09:00, basketball at 10:45, and the lunch break at 12:30.

Question 23Reading comprehension and information retrieval

A class shelf has these instructions: 'First, write your name on the sign-out sheet. Then choose one book and take it to your desk. When you finish reading, return the book to the shelf and tick your name on the sheet.' What should a student do immediately after writing their name on the sign-out sheet?

  1. Choose one book. Correct answer.
  2. Take the book home.
  3. Return the book to the shelf.
  4. Tick their name on the sheet.

Explanation

The instructions say to write your name first and then choose one book, so choosing a book is the next step. Returning the book and ticking the sheet happen after reading, and taking a book home is not mentioned.

Question 24Reading comprehension and information retrieval

The coach announced the team list. Daniel smiled and shook hands with the captain. Later, however, he sat alone on the bench, staring at the ground and saying nothing. What does Daniel's later behaviour suggest about his feelings?

  1. He was eager to celebrate.
  2. He was proud of the captain.
  3. He was disappointed despite his first reaction. Correct answer.
  4. He was angry with the coach.

Explanation

Daniel's first smile contrasts with sitting alone and silent, which suggests he was unhappy about the outcome. There is no evidence that he was proud, eager to celebrate, or angry with the coach, so disappointment best fits the change in behaviour.

Question 25Reading comprehension and information retrieval

A school paragraph says: 'The school is introducing a new recycling programme. Each classroom will have two bins: one for paper and one for plastic. Students are asked to rinse plastic containers before placing them in the plastic bin. The programme aims to reduce waste sent to landfill.' In this paragraph, what is the writer's main purpose?

  1. To describe the dangers of landfill waste in detail.
  2. To explain how a new recycling programme will operate. Correct answer.
  3. To compare paper recycling with plastic recycling.
  4. To persuade students to stop using plastic completely.

Explanation

The paragraph describes the new bins and the instruction to rinse plastic containers, so its main purpose is to explain how the programme works. It does not argue for stopping plastic use, give detailed landfill dangers, or compare the two materials.

Question 26Reading comprehension and information retrieval

Read the sentence: 'The teacher's instructions were so ambiguous that half the class completed the wrong exercise.' In this sentence, what does 'ambiguous' mean?

  1. Very clear and easy to follow
  2. Strict and full of detail
  3. Unclear and open to different interpretations Correct answer.
  4. Long and boring to listen to

Explanation

The result that half the class did the wrong exercise shows the instructions were not clear and could be understood in different ways. 'Ambiguous' therefore means unclear or open to more than one interpretation, not clear, strict, or boring.

Question 27Reading comprehension and information retrieval

Text A says: 'The art club meets on Tuesdays after school in Room 12. New members are welcome; just bring your own sketchbook.' Text B says: 'The art club meets on Thursdays during lunch in the library. New members must sign up one week in advance.' Which statement correctly identifies a difference between the two clubs?

  1. Text A meets during lunch, while Text B meets after school.
  2. Both clubs meet in the same room at the same time.
  3. Text A requires sign-up, while Text B requires a sketchbook.
  4. Text A meets after school, while Text B meets during lunch. Correct answer.

Explanation

Text A states that the club meets after school, and Text B states that it meets during lunch, so option C correctly identifies that difference. The locations, days, and joining requirements are also different, but the other options reverse or invent details.

Question 28Reading comprehension and information retrieval

A password reset guide says: 'Go to the login page and click "Forgot password". Enter your student email address. Check your email for a message from the school. Click the link in the message and type a new password twice.' What must a student do immediately before typing a new password?

  1. Enter their student email address again.
  2. Click the link in the email message. Correct answer.
  3. Click 'Forgot password' on the login page.
  4. Check their email inbox for a message.

Explanation

The final instruction says to click the link in the message and then type the new password twice, so clicking the link comes immediately before typing. The earlier steps-clicking 'Forgot password', entering the email address, and checking the inbox-happen before that link is clicked.

Question 29Reading comprehension and information retrieval

A newspaper column says: 'The council's plan to plant trees along the main road has been welcomed by residents. However, the plan does not mention who will water the young trees during the dry season. Without careful maintenance, the trees may not survive.' What is the writer's attitude towards the tree-planting plan?

  1. Indifferent and uninterested in the outcome.
  2. Completely opposed to the plan in every way.
  3. Supportive but concerned about a practical detail. Correct answer.
  4. Confident that the trees will survive without care.

Explanation

The writer reports that residents welcome the plan, which shows support, but then points out a missing maintenance detail and a risk to the trees. This combination indicates support with concern rather than complete opposition, indifference, or confidence.

Question 30Reading comprehension and information retrieval

A library rule states: 'Students may borrow up to three books at a time. Books must be returned within two weeks. If a book is returned late, the student will receive a warning. After two warnings, borrowing privileges will be suspended for one month.' A student has already received one warning for a late book and then returns another book late. According to the rules, what is the consequence?

  1. The student must pay a fine before borrowing again.
  2. The student is given two warnings at the same time.
  3. The student's borrowing privileges are suspended for one month. Correct answer.
  4. The student receives a warning and continues borrowing normally.

Explanation

The student already has one warning, so the second late return leads to a second warning. The rule states that after two warnings borrowing privileges are suspended for one month, and no fine is mentioned in the text.

Question 31Reading comprehension and information retrieval

Read the notice: 'The school chess club will meet in Room 14 on Wednesday at 15:30. Students who have not paid the term fee should bring it to the meeting. Visitors may watch but cannot play.' According to the notice, what should students who have not paid the term fee do?

  1. Join the club in Room 14 on Thursday
  2. Ask a visitor to pay the fee for them
  3. Bring the fee to the Wednesday meeting Correct answer.
  4. Pay the fee at the school office before Wednesday

Explanation

The notice directly tells students who have not paid the term fee to bring it to the meeting. It does not mention paying at the office, using a visitor, or a Thursday meeting. The meeting day is Wednesday, so the fee should be brought then.

Question 32Reading comprehension and information retrieval

Read the information: 'The school library is open from 08:00 to 16:00 on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. On Wednesday it closes at 13:00 for staff training. It is closed at weekends.' On which day does the library close earlier than on the other days it is open?

  1. Monday
  2. Thursday
  3. Wednesday Correct answer.
  4. Saturday

Explanation

The library closes at 13:00 on Wednesday, while on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday it closes at 16:00. Saturday is a closed day, not an early-closing day. The information therefore points specifically to Wednesday.

Question 33Reading comprehension and information retrieval

Read the instructions: 'To join the drama club, collect a form from the office. Return the completed form to Ms Ndlovu by Friday. Do not email the form. Auditions will be held the following Monday.' What should students do with the completed form?

  1. Give it to the drama teacher at the audition
  2. Return it to Ms Ndlovu by Friday Correct answer.
  3. Collect another form from the office
  4. Email it to Ms Ndlovu before Friday

Explanation

The instructions name Ms Ndlovu as the person who should receive the completed form and give Friday as the deadline. Emailing the form is explicitly forbidden. The audition is a later event, not the place to submit the form.

Question 34Reading comprehension and information retrieval

Read the passage: 'When the team lost the final, the captain thanked every player for their effort. She said the result was disappointing but that the team had improved since the first match. In the changing room, she wrote the date of the next practice on the board.' What does the captain's behaviour suggest?

  1. She believes the team has not improved.
  2. She plans to leave the team soon.
  3. She stays positive and focused on training. Correct answer.
  4. She blames the players for losing.

Explanation

The captain thanks the players, notes their improvement, and writes down the next practice date. These actions show support for the team and continued commitment to training. Nothing in the passage suggests blame, resignation, or a belief that the team failed to improve.

Question 35Reading comprehension and information retrieval

Read the two texts. Text A: 'The school shop sells second-hand uniforms on Tuesdays. Items cost between $2 and $5. Students must bring their own bag.' Text B: 'The community centre gives free uniforms to families in need on the first Saturday of each month. Families must register by telephone before the collection day.' Which difference is stated in the two texts?

  1. Both texts require families to bring their own bags.
  2. Text B is open every Tuesday, while Text A is monthly.
  3. Text A charges for uniforms, while Text B gives them free. Correct answer.
  4. Text A requires telephone registration, while Text B does not.

Explanation

Text A says uniforms cost between $2 and $5, but Text B says uniforms are given free. The other details are mismatched: telephone registration belongs to Text B, the Tuesday opening belongs to Text A, and only Text A mentions bringing a bag.

Question 36Reading comprehension and information retrieval

Read the instructions: 'Before you can borrow a laptop, sign the user agreement at the front desk. Then show your student card to the technician, who will record the serial number. Finally, collect the laptop and return it by 15:30.' What is the second step in the instructions?

  1. Return the laptop by 15:30
  2. Sign the user agreement at the front desk
  3. Collect the laptop from the technician
  4. Show your student card to the technician Correct answer.

Explanation

The steps are ordered with 'Before', 'Then' and 'Finally'. Signing the agreement is first, showing the student card is second, and collecting the laptop is final. Returning it by 15:30 is part of the final requirement, not the second step.

Question 37Reading comprehension and information retrieval

Read the programme note: 'The inter-house sports day will begin at 08:30 with the march past. Track events run from 09:00 to 12:00. Lunch is at 12:00. The tug-of-war, originally planned for 13:00, will now take place at 14:00 after the relay finals.' What change to the programme is mentioned?

  1. The march past will now begin at 09:00.
  2. The tug-of-war will now take place at 14:00. Correct answer.
  3. Lunch will now take place at 13:00.
  4. The relay finals have been cancelled.

Explanation

The note says the tug-of-war was originally planned for 13:00 but will now take place at 14:00. The march past remains at 08:30 and lunch remains at 12:00. The relay finals are still part of the programme because the tug-of-war follows them.

Question 38Reading comprehension and information retrieval

Read the notice: 'Notice to all Grade 11 learners: The deadline for subject change forms is 15 March. Forms received after this date will be kept for next year. Speak to your class teacher if you need advice before deciding.' Why has this notice been written?

  1. To explain how teachers should teach a subject
  2. To congratulate learners who changed subjects
  3. To warn learners about a deadline Correct answer.
  4. To advertise a new subject for Grade 11

Explanation

The notice gives a specific deadline and explains what happens to forms received late. This is a warning to learners to act before 15 March. It is not an advertisement, a congratulatory message, or a teaching guide.

Question 39Reading comprehension and information retrieval

Read the message: 'Because the water tank is being repaired, we cannot water the beds on Friday. Please cover young plants with the shade cloth stored in the shed and delay planting until Monday.' Why does the coordinator ask gardeners to cover the young plants?

  1. To protect them while they cannot be watered Correct answer.
  2. To keep the shed tidy after the repairs
  3. To mark which plants were planted on Friday
  4. To stop gardeners from using the water tank

Explanation

The message links the repair of the water tank to the inability to water the beds on Friday. Covering the young plants is a protective action during that period without watering. The shade cloth is not described as a way to tidy the shed, mark plants, or prevent use of the tank.

Question 40Reading comprehension and information retrieval

Read the passage: 'In a survey, most students said the new study room was quiet and useful. However, the room has only twelve seats, and during lunch break every seat was taken while several students stood outside. The school plans to add six seats next term.' What conclusion is best supported by the passage?

  1. Adding six seats will leave the study room empty.
  2. Demand for the study room is greater than its current capacity. Correct answer.
  3. Students prefer to study outside during lunch break.
  4. Most students dislike the quiet study room.

Explanation

The passage shows that all twelve seats were taken and several students stood outside, which indicates more demand than the room can currently handle. The survey also says most students found the room useful, not dislikeable. The plan to add seats responds to this shortage rather than proving that seats will be empty.

Question 41Reading comprehension and information retrieval

Read the notice: 'The Grade 10 science fair will be held in the hall on 12 May. Projects must be set up between 07:30 and 08:15. Judging starts at 09:00, and parents may visit from 13:00. Learners may not remove projects before 15:30.' According to the notice, when may parents first visit the projects?

  1. At 08:15
  2. At 09:00
  3. At 13:00 Correct answer.
  4. At 07:30

Explanation

The notice gives separate times for setting up, judging and parent visits. It says parents may visit from 13:00, while judging starts at 09:00 and setup ends at 08:15. Therefore 13:00 is the first time parents are allowed in.

Question 42Reading comprehension and information retrieval

Read the instructions: 'To reserve a study room: 1) Choose an available room on the booking screen. 2) Enter your student number and the time you need. 3) Press Confirm. 4) Collect the key from the desk within ten minutes.' According to the instructions, what should a student do immediately after entering the student number and time?

  1. Choose an available room
  2. Leave the booking screen
  3. Collect the key from the desk
  4. Press Confirm Correct answer.

Explanation

The steps list choosing a room first and then entering the student number and time. The next step after that is to press Confirm. Collecting the key comes only after confirmation.

Question 43Reading comprehension and information retrieval

Read the passage: 'The new timetable was designed to reduce congestion in the corridors. By staggering the break times, the school hoped that learners would move between classes more easily.' In the passage, what does staggering the break times most nearly mean?

  1. Make every break longer for all learners
  2. Build wider corridors
  3. Cancel some breaks completely
  4. Arrange breaks at different times Correct answer.

Explanation

In this context, staggering the break times means arranging them at different times so that groups do not all move at once. The purpose given is to reduce congestion in the corridors. It does not mean cancelling or lengthening breaks.

Question 44Reading comprehension and information retrieval

Read the timetable information: 'The homework club runs in Room 8 from 14:30 to 16:00 on Mondays and Wednesdays. The computer room is available for project work from 15:00 to 17:00 on Tuesdays and Thursdays. On Fridays, both rooms close at 14:00.' A learner arrives at school at 15:10 on Wednesday and wants help with homework. According to the timetable, what should the learner do?

  1. Go to the computer room, because it opens at 15:00.
  2. Return on Tuesday, because the homework club is closed on Wednesday.
  3. Go to Room 8, which is open until 16:00. Correct answer.
  4. Wait until Friday, because both rooms close at 14:00 on that day.

Explanation

The homework club runs on Wednesday until 16:00, so a learner arriving at 15:10 can still attend. The computer room is open on Tuesday and Thursday, not Wednesday. The Friday closing time does not affect a Wednesday visit.

Question 45Reading comprehension and information retrieval

Read the passage: 'The school's walk to school week aims to reduce traffic outside the gate. Learners who live close enough are encouraged to walk with a parent or in small groups. The school has also arranged two meeting points where staff will accompany learners on the final part of the journey. Parents have been asked to avoid dropping children directly at the gate during the week.' What is the main purpose of the passage?

  1. To complain about parents who drive their children to school
  2. To prove that walking is healthier than travelling by car every day
  3. To list the names of staff who will walk with learners
  4. To explain how a walk-to-school week will reduce gate traffic Correct answer.

Explanation

The passage describes what the walk-to-school week is and how it is organised: walking in groups, meeting points and avoiding drop-offs at the gate. Its overall aim is to reduce traffic outside the gate. Health claims and staff names are not the main focus.

Question 46Reading comprehension and information retrieval

Read the passage: 'The library has introduced a new return box outside the main entrance. This allows learners to return books when the library is closed. However, books placed in it are only checked in on the next working day, so learners should not use it for a book that is already overdue.' In the passage, what does it refer to in learners should not use it?

  1. the main entrance
  2. a book that is overdue
  3. the next working day
  4. the new return box Correct answer.

Explanation

The pronoun it refers back to the new return box outside the entrance. The warning is about not putting an overdue book in that box because check-in is delayed. The other nouns do not fit the action of using something for returns.

Question 47Reading comprehension and information retrieval

Read the passage: 'The new cafeteria menu includes more vegetables and less fried food. The student council says the change is the best decision made this year. Some learners have complained that their portions are smaller than before.' Which statement from the passage is an opinion rather than a fact?

  1. The new cafeteria menu now includes more vegetables than before.
  2. The revised menu includes less fried food than the old menu did.
  3. The change is the best decision made this year. Correct answer.
  4. Some learners have complained that their portions are smaller than before.

Explanation

An opinion expresses a judgement or belief that cannot be proven true or false. The phrase the best decision is a value judgement made by the student council. The other statements report observable facts about the menu or complaints.

Question 48Reading comprehension and information retrieval

Read the notice: 'Applications for the leadership camp close on 20 June. Learners must be in Grade 11 and have no more than two recorded absences this term. Applications received after the closing date will be kept for next year. Successful applicants will be informed by 30 June.' A Grade 11 learner has three recorded absences this term. According to the notice, what will happen to the learner's application?

  1. It will be considered because Grade 11 learners are eligible.
  2. It cannot be accepted because the learner has three absences. Correct answer.
  3. It will automatically be kept for next year without any further checks.
  4. It will be successful if submitted before 20 June.

Explanation

The notice states that applicants must have no more than two recorded absences. A learner with three absences does not meet that condition, so the application cannot be accepted under the stated rules. The other options add outcomes the notice does not promise.

Question 49Reading comprehension and information retrieval

Read the rules: 'The inter-house quiz will take place in the assembly hall on Friday at 14:00. Each house must enter one team of four learners. Teams may not include more than one learner from the same grade. The winning team will represent the school at the district quiz on Saturday.' Which team is allowed to enter according to the rules?

  1. Three Grade 9 learners and one Grade 12 learner from one house
  2. One learner from each grade, 8 to 11 Correct answer.
  3. Two Grade 10 learners and two Grade 11 learners from one house
  4. Four Grade 10 learners, all from the same house

Explanation

The rule allows at most one learner from each grade in a team. Only the team with one learner from each of Grades 8, 9, 10 and 11 meets that condition. The other teams include two or more learners from the same grade.

Question 50Reading comprehension and information retrieval

Read the passage: 'The school has replaced its paper newsletter with a weekly email. The email is sent to every parent who has registered an address. Parents without email can collect a printed copy from the office. The school says the change saves paper and money, but some parents have said they miss the reminders that used to be pinned on the classroom door.' Which conclusion is best supported by the passage?

  1. All parents now receive the weekly newsletter by email.
  2. The change has both benefits and drawbacks for parents. Correct answer.
  3. Printed copies are no longer available.
  4. Parents without email cannot receive any school news at all.

Explanation

The passage presents a benefit, saving paper and money, and a drawback, some parents missing the old reminders. This supports the conclusion that the change has both advantages and disadvantages. The other options contradict details in the passage.