Form 3 English Test
Test memoranda
Test 4: Inferring meaning from written texts
Total: 30 marks
The s
1.
a)
False
(1)
b)
True
(1)
c)
False
(1)
d)
True
(1)
e)
False
(1)
[5]
2.
a)
b)
c)
d)
3.
a)
b)
c)
The “girth” of the tree refers to the width of the tree (that is, how wide it
is at its base). 
(1)
The word “squat” means short and stocky  while the word “tapering”
means that the branches, although thick, become thinner towards their
ends. 
(2)
A “cleft” is a hollow area formed by an indentation (in this case, by the
hollow formed where the branches of the tree join the thick trunk). 
(1)
The word “resprout” means to grow again. In other words, when the
baobab tree is cut, it simply grows again from its roots. 
(1)
[5]
There are many legends and superstitions surrounding the baobab
tree. 
(2)
One example of this is the fact that, in some parts, the baobab is
worshipped as a symbol of fertility. 
(2)
Another superstition among certain people is that spirits inhabit the
flowers of the baobab and that any person who picks a flower will be
eaten by a lion. 
(2)
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English Memo 4
© Pearson Botswana. Permission is given to photocopy these pages for school use.
d)
e)
4.
It is also believed that water in which the seeds have been soaked will
offer protection against attacks by crocodiles. 
(2)
Because of these legends and superstitions, when inhabitants move from
one area to another, they often take seeds of the baobab with them,
which they plant at their new homestead. 
(2)
[10]
a)
vitality – abstract noun
(1)
b)
Botswana – proper noun
(1)
c)
swarm – collective noun
(1)
d)
tree – common noun
(1)
e)
Africa – proper noun
(1)
f)
bat – common noun
(1)
g)
flower – common noun
(1)
h)
wealth – abstract noun
(1)
i)
flock – collective noun
(1)
j)
pulp – common noun
(1)
[10]
[Total: 30]
2/2
English Memo 4
© Pearson Botswana. Permission is given to photocopy these pages for school use.