prep class_reading comprehension

8/12/2019 Prep Class_reading Comprehension

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FORM FOUR ENGLISH LANGUAGE

PREPARATORY CLASS MODULE

JANUARY 1, 2014

MAHANI ABU TALIBENGLISH LANGUAGE EXCELLENT TEACHER


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FORM 4 READING COMPREHENSION PREP CLASS

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EXERCISE 1: Deforestation

Questions are based on the following passage.

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Deforestation is the cutting or burning down of all the trees in a forest and the

conversion of forested areas to non- forest land for use such as arable land or

pasture, or for urban use. Deforestation results from removal of trees without

sufficient reforestation, and results in decline in habitat and biodiversity, in wood for

fuel and industrial use, and in the quality of life. In many countries, massive

deforestation is ongoing and is shaping climate and geography.

Deforestation is a substantial contributor to global warming, and although 70 percent

of the oxygen we breathe comes from photosynthesis of marine green algae and

cyanobacteria, the mass destruction of the worlds rain forests is not beneficial to

our environment. In addition, the incineration and burning of forests plants in order

to clear land, releases tonnes of carbon dioxide which increase the impact of global

warming.

Deforestation reduces the content of water in the soil, reduces groundwater as well

as atmospheric moisture. Deforestation reduces soil cohesion, so that erosion,

flooding and landslides often result. More flash floods and localised floods occur

because of deforestation. This would not happen if there is forest cover.

Forests support considerable biodiversity, providing valuable habitat for wildlife.

Moreover, forests foster medicinal conservation and forest biotopes are a major,irreplaceable source of new drugs (like taxol).

Deforestation also contributes to decreased evapotranspiration, which lessens

atmospheric moisture which in some cases affects precipitation levels. Water is thus

lost in run-off and returns directly to the oceans. According to one preliminary study,

in deforested north and northwest China, the average annual precipitation

decreased by one third between the 1950s and 1980s.

Long-term gains can be obtained by managing forest lands sustainable to maintain

both forest cover and provide a biodegradable renewable resource. Forests are alsoimportant stores of organic carbon, and forests can extract carbon dioxide and

pollutants from the air, thus contributing to biosphere stability. Deforestation (mainly

in tropical areas) accounts for up to one third of total anthropogenic carbon dioxide

emissions. Forests are also valued for their aesthetic beauty and as a cultural

resource and tourist attraction.

The effects of human-related deforestation can be mitigated through

environmentally sustainable practices that reduce permanent destruction of forests

or even act to preserve and rehabilitate disrupted forestland. These methods help

the cause and provide a sustainable growth of forests and allow lumber to become arenewable resource.

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1. From paragraph 1,

(a) what is the meaning of deforestation?

_______________________________________________________ [1 mark]

(b) state one result of deforestation

_______________________________________________________ [1 mark]

2. (a) From paragraph 2, in what way does deforestation contribute to global

warming?

_______________________________________________________ [1 mark]

(b) From paragraph 3, how does deforestation contribute to floods and landslides?

_______________________________________________________ [1 mark]

3. (a) From paragraph 4, what is the connection between forests and medicine?

_______________________________________________________ [1 mark]

(b) From paragraph 5, why does the writer mention the statistics from China?

_______________________________________________________ [1 mark]

4. (a) From paragraph 6, state one role of forests

_______________________________________________________ [1 mark]

(b) From paragraph 7, how can we reduce the effects of deforestation?

_______________________________________________________ [1 mark]

5. In your own word, explain how deforestation can be controlled?

____________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________ [2 marks]


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EXERCISE 2: Petronas Malaysia Formula One Grand Prix

Questions are based on the following passage.

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In early March this year, thunderous roars resonate through the Sepang

International Circuit (SIC) as the Petronas Malaysia Formula One Grand Prixstages its round for the season. The event attracts tens of thousands of people,

from far and wide, local and foreign, to witness the hottest motor race in Malaysia.

The SIC has been described as one of the most technically advanced circuits in

the Formula One challenge, having chalked up an astounding cost US$100 000 to

build. It can accommodate up to 130 000 spectators with a clear view of the

spectacular track. The specially designed track, built in a valley, allows each

spectator to see at least half of the circuit at any given time. About 30 000

spectators can be seated on two levels opposite the start/finish line. At the end of

the main grandstand vantage point, 1100 visitors can view three quarters of thetrack.

The pit area is one of the largest in the world of motor sports. This two-storey

building houses race control facilities, 30 pits for the race teams, offices and

facilities for the media. There is a fully equipped medical centre in the complex as

well.

Accelerating down the 5.543-kilometre long road track at a hair-raising speed of up

to 250km/h, F1 drivers have to whiz through two long straights and negotiate 15

corners of which three are tight hairpin ones to complete the 56 laps before theyhead for chequered flag.

Exciting racing is part of the game as the width of the track provides overtaking

chances than many of the other circuits in other F1 host countries.

Over the years, rules have been changed to make the race more challenging to

both drivers and the designers of engines and tyres. Today, a visit to the pit stop is

only for topping up fuel but no changing of tyres is allowed as had been the

practice in previous seasons. This means each car has to keep the same set of

tyres for both the qualifying rounds (which are held prior to the actual race) and the

race itself. Changes can only be made if the tyre is damaged or if Race Control

decides that a change is necessary because of weather conditions which require a

complete change of tyres. With this change in race rules, drivers have to face the

constant fight to control tyre wear throughout the race.

Additionally, Formula One designers not only have to work on making tyres that

last longer but also redesign engines which allow them to perform efficiently for two

whole races. This means that instead of the power units having a life a little more

than the length of one Grand Prix race, they need to last for around 1500

kilometres at racing speeds including the practice and the qualifying sessions.

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Over and above all these new rules, another one that has been introduced is to

reduce the down force applied to each car. Drivers have to reduce their speed as

they head towards the hairpin bends. These major changes are bound to have an

effect on performance. The test comes when the row of red lights goes out over the

grid.

Meanwhile, spectators on the ground can expect to feel the heat and power of the

race as the cars rush to get the first of two hairpin bends right and then a hard

left at 70km / hour, after whizzing down a straight at 250km/hr. As the race

progresses to a pulsating speed, high drama accompanied by deafening roars

across the circuit is expected as each car laps round the tracks at breakneck

speeds to the chequered flag.

Will the SIC see a new winner at the podium? It is anybodys guess. But one thing

is certain; each series will definitely be a thrilling and sizzling battle of man and

engines.

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1. (a) From paragraph 1, why do lots of people go to the Sepang International

Circuit?

_______________________________________________________ [1 mark]

(b) From paragraph 2, how many people can the spectator stand accommodate?

_______________________________________________________ [1 mark]

2. From paragraph 4, describe the Sepang race track that F1 drivers compete in.

____________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________ [2 marks]

3. From paragraph 4, which word has the same meaning as frightening and dangerous?

_____________________________________________________________ [1 mark]

4. From paragraph 6,

(a) What is allowed at a pit stop visit?

_______________________________________________________ [1 mark]

(b) Name the two conditions when tyres are allowed to be changed during a race.

(i)______________________________________________________[1 mark]

(ii)_____________________________________________________ [1 mark]

5. (a) From paragraph 7, why do F1 engineers have to redesign engines and tyres?

_______________________________________________________ [1 mark]

(b) From paragraph 10, the author says that each series is a battle of man and

engines. Why does he say so?

_______________________________________________________ [1 mark]


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