PART 2 Rational Close

Questions 1-10 are based on the following passage.

Read the passage carefully and choose the best answer A, B, C or D to fill in each blank.

NURSERIES

As more and more m others are working, the number of children being sent to nurseries has
also ____________ (0). In Britain, every child aged three is entitle ____________ (1) a free nursery
session of two and a half hours a day. The debate of whether full-time nursery care for a child is
good ____________ (2) bad is not simple in the least.

A study says that placing children younger than three in nurseries may __________ (3) their
development. Experts sat that the best nurseries __________ (4) to meet the needs of very young
children in a group setting, whereas the worst nurseries _____________ (5) negligent, frightening
and bleak – a nightmare of bewildered loneliness that is heart breaking to watch. The experts focus
their warning on parents who sends their children into nursery for a ____________ (6) part of their
day from the age of six months. They believe nothing can provide ____________ (7) equivalent
substitute for one-to-one car for a child under two, ideally by a parent. Infants’ brains need to be
stimulated ___________ (8) loving interaction if they are to develop properly.

Nannies can work well as a halfway solution but only if parents are extraordinarily lucky with
the person they _________ (9). However, childcare by family 0r friends is a much __________ (10)
option. A research also found that younger children looked after by their mothers did better in
development tests than those cared for in nurseries, by childminders or relatives.

0. A. rise B. rose C. risen D. rising

1. A. in B. to C. on D. for
2. A. or B. but C. and D. because
3. A. damage B. damages C. damaged D. damaging
4. A. struggle B. struggles C. struggled D. struggling
5. A. is B. are C. was D. were
6. A. bulk B. large C. most D. majority
7. A. - B. a C. an D. the
8. A. at B. by C. for D. between
9. A. find B. finds C. found D. finding
10. A. safe B. safer C. safety D. safest
PART 3 READING COMPREHENSION

Questions 1-9 are based on the following passage

Read the passage carefully and choose the nest answer A,B,C or D.

Being able to communicate effectively is perhaps one of the most important life skills that we can learn. It is
what enables us to pass information to other people, and to understand what is said to us. Communication is
basically transferring information from one place to another. This can be done vocally, visually (logos, maps, etc),
none-verbally (body language or tone and pitch of voice) and even via printed or digital media.

With the advancement of technology, communication has become so easy that it can be dangerous
because there is no telling whether the information you get is genuine or fabricated. People share information
on the internet quickly and without reservation. Most people do not stop and wonder whether what they are
sharing is actually true. Still, there is no denying that communication is the single most important link that bonds
people, not only withing the family but also societies and nations.

Mature societies, successful organisations, enlightened educational institutions and top-notch

universities will tell you that the reason for their success is the willingness of everyone within that particular
organisation to9 communicate information, knowledge, ideas, issues, problems and solutions with one another
without fear or favour. They truly believe in the original meaning of the word ‘communicate our thoughts, ideas
and feelings, we are promoting trust, improving productivity, fuelling innovation, resolving issues and creating
better bonds with others.

How we communicate can build or break relationships, enhance or destroy the morale of a society,
create harmony or tension an unhappiness among people. Look at the sorry state of the world today – how
dangerous it is to believing in this modern world. The distrust, lack of understanding, lack of communication – all
have created a dangerous world to live in. People are more willing to start a fight rather than talking it out by
sharing their thoughts, feelings and see how they can learn to live with another.

We are also afraid of saying what we mean and meaning what we say that rumour-mongering is rife.
The gossip and stories weave together, after some time, take on a life of their own and many people get hurt in
the process. Living in harmony takes effort because there is no pleasing everyone all the time. One can only hope
to find a way to manage people’s perception by exercising fairness when communicating their decision so9 that
even if they do not agree with every decision made, they will at least try and understand the reason for it. For
greater harmony in families, this should be the practice. Any parent will tell you how difficult it is to
manage their children and their demands; even the best parents will tell you how often they are
accused of favouritism between their first born and the last!

What can we do to make our lives in this dangerous world better? A good start would be to
look at examples of the success of others. A smart person has no issues looking at another person’s
success story to learn something from him or her. Communicate and continue to communicate what
you want done and how you want it done. Some people know what to say, and when and how to say
it. The words they use are respectful and encouraging. However, we often hear about people who use
crass words and speak without thinking, thus creating mistrust and fear.

Look at the following incident and see how a little communication could have made the
situation better. A leading bank had a long queue because the system was down. However, none of
the tellers had the courtesy to tell the people who were waiting that the system was down so that
they could decide whether to wait or come back later. Only when the crowd became impatient did
someone inform them what the problem was. Customer service was supposed to be part of the staff
training!

*Helful tips:
- the words in the questions and answers cannot be found in the passage.
- Look for similar meaning
1. In paragraph 2, in what way has technology made communication dangerous?
A. Communication has become too easy.
B. People share information quickly and without reservation.
C. You don’t know whether the information that you get is real or fake.
D. Communication has become most important link that bonds people

2. In paragraph 3, which word in this paragraph means ‘excellent’?

A. Mature
B. Top-notch
C. Successful
D. Enlightened

3. In paragraph 3, what happens when people communicate?

A. They are establishing trust and resolving issues.
B. They become more willing to share information and ideas.
C. They believe in the meaning of the Latin word ‘communico’
D. They know the original meaning of the word ‘communicate’

4. In paragraph 4, what happens when people communicate?

A. Everyone is talking out their problems.
B. People are willing to share their feelings.
C. There is a lack of communication between people.
D. Fights happen when people try to live with each other.

5. In paragraph 5, why does harmonious living require effort?

A. Because we are afraid of saying what we mean.
B. Because gossip and stories take a life of their own.
C. Because there is no pleasing everyone all the time.
D. Because we have to agree with every decision made.

6. ‘For greater harmony in families, this should be the practice’. What does this refer to
A. Saying what we mean and meaning what we say.
B. Trying to please and understand everyone all the time.
C. Finding a way to exercise fairness when communicating decisions.
D. Agreeing with every decision made and understand the reason for it.

7. What steps can we take to make our lives better?

A. Tell people what you want.
B. Ask another person to help you.
C. Red more books and become smarter.
D. Learn from the success stories of others.

8. How can we avoid creating mistrust and fear?

A. Speak without thinking.
B. Learn to communicate better.
 C. Use crass words when speaking.
D. Have the courtesy to share information.
PART 4 GAPPED TEXT

The Mah Meri Tribe

The Mah Meri Tribe settle in Carey Island about 400 years ago. Researcher and activist, Rashid Esa
has worked tirelessly to help the tribe cultivate a community of carvers and weavers, lobbing for
their rights and working to create an environment in which they can flourish.

1( ) call themselves ‘Ma Bertisik’ or ‘Ma Bersisik’. Rashid feels compelled to help the
community because he does not want it to disappear. The Mah Meeri is a community rich in culture
and tradition, and these must be managed to withstand the tide of time. There are only 2,800 Mah
Meri from 20 families left today. Unlike other indigenous groups in the country, they are largely
untouched by social problems such as drugs, alcohol and AIDS.

In fact, Rashid says they have been more successful than most in keeping their tradition alive
and preventing the penetration of negative influence. 2 ( ) They are good sculptors and believe
that sculptures are living things. Rashid also managed to encourage the Mah Meri people to resume
carving. It was no easy task. 3 ) What he forgot was the ‘small matter’ of having to gain consent
from the spirits. He talked to a dead tree and it paid off handsomely for the community.

4( ) Many of them have now reached the level where they can be regarded as real
artists. They earn no less than RM1000 a month and they have the highest living standard in any
indigenous groups in the country including Sabah and Sarawak.

‘A group of us have just come back from London on a showcase visit. 5. ( ) We are going
to match known artists in the world and show them what we can do,’ Rashid enthuses. In fact, the
group has also been invited to UNESCO, which has certified that the Mah Meri is one of the richest
cultures with one of the finest sculpting techniques in the world.

Rashid is also helping the younger generation to revive interest in their culture and traditions. By
focusing on the songs, dance and sculpture, he is reinforcing the fact that the Mah Meri legends
have deep relevance and meaning, even in contemporary times. 6 ( )

A. Thus, making the people feel proud of their culture.

B. B. I am glad for the recognition because at least now I am not alone in my efforts to get
these people noticed.
C. The Mah Meri are very talented people.
D. The word ‘Mah Meri’ in their language means jungle people but they are actually coastal
people.
E. We have another invitation to go to the US and we will be sending more sculptors.
F. He thought he only needed to seek out and convince the elders.
G. Since 2002, Mah meri tribesmen, with Rashid’s help, have also received 14 awards from
UNESCO.
H. The younger generation are actively pursuing sculpting and some are working for the art
galleries.

* Helpful guides:

- take note that every paragraph talks about ONE IDEA. The answer will be related to that idea.
- pay attention to the CONJUNCTIONS and COHESIVE DEVICES before or after the blanks. They can
lead to the correct answer.

PART 5 – MATCHING AND INFORMATION TRANSFER

Questions 1 – 8 are based on the following texts.

Read the text carefully and answer the questions that follow.

FASHION BOUTIQUES IN KUALA LUMPUR

A – Zao, Zao Oriental Fashion
At our boutique, you get the latest cheongsam and Mao outfits at a very reasonable price without
compromising on quality. We have clothes that cater for men, women, young adults and children.
We use only natural material such as cotton, linen and silk. Our fabric is imported from Europe but
tailored locally. We are able to sell our products without burning a hole in you pocket. For every
purchase of RM1000 and above, you can purchase a dress or shirt for RM20.

B – Anita, Aneka Fashion

We sell baju Melayu, baju kurung, baju Kedah, and other Malay Traditional costumes. We use silk
from Korea, China and Thailand. For each design, we have restricted the number of outfits to ten,
so you aren’t likely to see someone else wearing the same outfit at a party! Our prices are as low
as RM50 and for every purchase of RM1500, you get a free selendang (shawl)

C. Meena, Saraswathi Fashion

We sell south Indian traditional costumes made for cotton or silk. Prices range from RM90 to
RM1000 for each design. Our clothes are tailored in South India. We specialise in women’s
clothing such as sari, salwar karmeez and other traditional Indian attire. We assure you that every
piece purchased is of the highest quality. With every purchase, we will donate 10% of our profits
to orphanages in South India.

E. Gurdip, Gurdip Fashion House

We sell North Indian traditional costumes for men, women and children. Our designs are
Bollywood-inspired. The clothes are tailored in North India and thus the prices are very
affordable. We also offer 10% discount for purchases above RM100. The materials used are
mostly cotton and linen.

F. Claudia, Claudia Chic Design

You can get all types of Western fashion including trousers, blouses, cropped tops and the latest
swimwear here. Our designer, a former supermodel, is based in New York. She gets her creative
ideas from looking at clothes worn by Hollywood celebrities. Our materials are mainly chiffon,
linen, silk and Chinese cotton. We offer products of the highest quality at affordable prices. For
every purchase of RM2000 and above, you will get a mystery gift!

Questions 1- 4
Using the information given, which texts (A to E) describes the following boutiques in Kuala Lumpur?
Statement Paragraph

1. We sell traditional Chinese outfits. ____________________

2. We have clothes designed from cotton and linen. ____________________
3. We will donate our sales proceeds to children’s homes. ____________________
4. We design clothes inspired by famous Hollywood personalities. ____________________
Qurstions 5 – 8
Using words from the texts, complete the email below, choose no more than one word for each
blank.
Write your answers on the space given.

To: [email protected]
From: [email protected]
Subject: Boutiques to shop at
Hi Sue,
Recently I came across a flyer promoting different fashion _________________(5) offering a wide

selection of clothes. Zao Oriental Fashion sells items for men, _____________ (6), young adult and

children. Prices are reasonable without burning a hole in your pocket. Claudia Chic Design sells

Western designs inspired by ____________________ (7) celebrities. I am sending you the flyer so

you can check it out yourself. Don’t forget to visit Saraswathi Fashion or Gurdip Fashion House for

their _____________ (8) Indian Costumes. You will love it!

Your sister,
Jojo

* Useful tips:
- find the word in the text.
- you might need to change the tense of the answers (depends on the sentences)
E.g went -> go = rootword
Go -> going = continuous tense
- never change the meaning of the word.
- never use synonym to replace the answers