English-literacy
2011 School Certificate Test
General Instructions
Total marks – 90
■
Reading time: 10 minutes
Section 1 — Reading/Viewing
■
Working time: 2 hours
Pages 2–14
■
Attempt ALL questions
■
Write using black or blue pen
Black pen is preferred
60 marks
Allow about 1 hour and 20 minutes for
this section
■
Do NOT write in pencil
■
Refer to the Stimulus Booklet
provided and use it where
required throughout the test
■
Write your Centre Number and
Student Number at the top of
pages 13, 15 and 17
Questions 1–45
Questions 46–50
45 marks
15 marks
Section 2 — Writing
Pages 15–19
30 marks
Allow about 40 minutes for this section
This section has TWO questions
Question 51
10 marks
Question 52
20 marks
5000
Section 1 — Reading/Viewing
60 marks
Allow about 1 hour and 20 minutes for this section
Questions 1–45
Questions 46–50
45 marks
15 marks
Use the Section 1 Answer Sheet for Questions 1–45
Instructions for answering multiple-choice questions
■
Complete your answers using black or blue pen. Black pen is preferred.
■
Do NOT write in pencil.
■
Select the alternative A, B, C or D that best answers the question. Fill in the
response oval completely.
Sample:
2+4=
(A) 2
A
■
B
(C) 8
C
(D) 9
D
If you think you have made a mistake, put a cross through the incorrect
answer and fill in the new answer.
A
■
(B) 6
B
C
D
If you change your mind and have crossed out what you consider to be the
correct answer, then indicate the correct answer by writing the word correct
and drawing an arrow as follows.
correct
A
B
C
–2–
D
Text 1 — Magazine article
Read Text 1 in the Stimulus Booklet to answer Questions 1–6.
1
What is the main idea suggested about teenagers in lines 1–8?
(A) They can multi-task.
(B)
They can use social networks.
(C) They prefer to remain indoors.
(D) They prefer formal work environments.
2
What language feature is used in ‘terabytes’ (line 20)?
(A) Cliché
(B)
Euphemism
(C) Jargon
(D) Tautology
3
Why does the author refer to research about office workers in lines 21–23?
(A) To indicate his sympathy for workers
(B)
To show that he is an expert in productivity
(C) To encourage an increased use of technology
(D) To demonstrate the widespread impact of technology
4
What is the meaning of ‘newfangled’ as used in line 32?
(A) Modern
(B)
Necessary
(C) Relevant
(D) Versatile
5
What has made Kitty’s father change his attitude towards his daughter’s study
habits?
(A) Her proven success at school
(B)
His ability to use new technologies
(C) Discoveries about the flexibility of the brain
(D) A recognition that the world is a global village
–3–
6
Why has the word ‘change’ been italicised in the title?
(A) To emphasise a quotation from the article
(B)
To emphasise the use of colloquial language
(C) To emphasise a sense of personal voice throughout the article
(D) To emphasise how the title can be interpreted in different ways
Text 2 (a) — Author profile
Read Text 2 (a) in the Stimulus Booklet to answer Questions 7–14.
7
Why did Anh Do’s family travel to Australia?
(A) They wanted a new identity.
(B)
They desired a better climate.
(C) They imagined owning a big house.
(D) They hoped to improve their quality of life.
8
What does ‘quench’ mean as used in line 4?
(A) Extinguish
(B)
Fulfil
(C) Inflame
(D) Satisfy
9
How is Anh Do’s early life in Australia presented in lines 6–15?
(A) Challenging yet effortless
(B)
Challenging yet enriching
(C) Comfortable and energetic
(D) Comfortable and established
–4–
10
According to the author profile, what made it possible for Anh Do to cope with
hardship? (lines 6–11)
(A) Family and humour
(B)
Hope and wellbeing
(C) Wealth and contentment
(D) Employment and fortune
11
What aspects of the book, The Happiest Refugee, are emphasised in lines 19–20?
(A) Patience and virtue
(B)
Conflict and revenge
(C) Regret and anticipation
(D) Adventure and resilience
12
What does the title of his book, The Happiest Refugee, suggest about Anh Do’s
character?
(A) He is talented.
(B)
He is generous.
(C) He is optimistic.
(D) He is entertaining.
13
Which quotation best demonstrates Anh Do’s commitment to his mother and
family?
(A) ‘ . . . there was a loving extended family . . . ’ (lines 8–9)
(B)
‘Things got harder when their father left home when Anh was thirteen . . . ’
(line 11)
(C) ‘ . . . he worked hard during his teenage years to help her make ends
meet . . . ’ (lines 13–14)
(D) ‘He was going to be a comedian!’ (lines 17–18)
–5–
14
What is the effect of the anecdote in lines 15–18?
(A) It adds humour.
(B)
It creates hyperbole.
(C) It criticises Anh’s laziness.
(D) It praises Anh’s work ethic.
Text 2 (b) — Three extracts from The Happiest Refugee by Anh Do
Read Text 2 (b) in the Stimulus Booklet to answer Questions 15–17.
15
What value is encouraged in lines 1–3?
(A) Gratitude
(B)
Nationalism
(C) Patience
(D) Self-discipline
16
What does ‘incurable’ mean as used in line 4?
(A) Disengaged
(B)
Imposing
(C) Indecisive
(D) Unchangeable
17
What does the extract imply about Anh Do in lines 7–11?
(A) He is careful and selfless.
(B)
He is suspicious and selfish.
(C) He is courageous and successful.
(D) He is superficial and materialistic.
–6–
Read Text 2 (a) and Text 2 (b) in the Stimulus Booklet to answer Questions 18–20.
18
What idea is explored in both texts?
(A) The importance of family
(B)
The benefits of a large home
(C) The problems of a limited education
(D) The difficulties of coming to Australia
19
Which words best describe the style of writing common to both texts?
(A) Objective and analytical
(B)
Subjective and reflective
(C) Imaginative and historical
(D) Inferential and interpretive
20
How does the photograph relate to both texts?
(A) It breaks up the layout of the written text.
(B)
It represents Australia’s literary traditions.
(C) It reinforces Anh’s commitment to teamwork.
(D) It visually supports Anh’s positive philosophy.
Text 3 — Extract from a picture book
Read Text 3 in the Stimulus Booklet to answer Questions 21–27.
21
Which word best describes how the girl is represented?
(A) Excited
(B)
Powerful
(C) Independent
(D) Triumphant
–7–
22
Why is the girl shown twice in the illustration?
(A) To emphasise the setting
(B)
To represent that she is lost
(C) To suggest the passing of time
(D) To indicate she is following the dog
23
Which words best describe the style of the illustration?
(A) Playful and creative
(B)
Realistic and geometric
(C) Fanciful and photographic
(D) One-dimensional and architectural
24
What message is conveyed by the faces of the people on the train?
(A) They are worried that the girl might fall.
(B)
They have their sight but lack imagination.
(C) They are annoyed that the train is so crowded.
(D) They are surprised that an elephant is on the platform.
25
Diagonal lines are used in the illustration to
(A) emphasise the size of the apples.
(B)
create sympathy for the young girl.
(C) direct the reader’s attention to the train.
(D) provide contrast between the different shapes.
26
How does the illustration achieve a visual balance?
(A) Through the reflected pattern of lines
(B)
Through the repetition of the girl and the elephant
(C) Through the uneven distribution of texture and colour
(D) Through the accumulation of apples, fish and diamonds
–8–
27
What language features are used in the written text in the illustration?
(A) Simile and ellipsis
(B)
Alliteration and metaphor
(C) Personification and simile
(D) Hyperbole and assonance
Text 4 — Short story
Read Text 4 in the Stimulus Booklet to answer Questions 28–37.
28
Which of the following is a synonym for ‘portals’ (line 5)?
(A) Barriers
(B)
Entrances
(C) Journeys
(D) Obstacles
29
Who is the narrator of the story?
(A) A librarian
(B)
A bush poet
(C) A male student
(D) A female student
30
What is the effect of the short sentences in line 10?
(A) They build suspense.
(B)
They create confusion.
(C) They describe the library’s design.
(D) They explain the students’ attitude.
31
Why does Miss Develin repeat the personal pronoun ‘I’ in line 19?
(A) To clarify her age
(B)
To convey her anxiety
(C) To assert her individuality
(D) To reinforce her status in the library
–9–
32
What attitude towards bush poetry is expressed by the narrator in lines 32–37?
(A) Ambiguous
(B)
Dismissive
(C) Enthusiastic
(D) Sympathetic
33
What effect is created in lines 42–45?
(A) A sense of anticipation
(B)
A sense of efficiency
(C) A sense of objectivity
(D) A sense of resignation
34
Why is the ‘passing shape’ (line 48) repeatedly referred to as ‘it’ in the passage?
(A) To personalise the shape
(B)
To dehumanise the shape
(C) To create a connection with the shape
(D) To encourage empathy with the shape
35
What does ‘revulsion’ mean in line 50?
(A) Aggression
(B)
Excitement
(C) Frustration
(D) Loathing
36
What language feature is used in ‘sun-starved’? (line 55)
(A) Alliteration
(B)
Idiom
(C) Simile
(D) Syntax
– 10 –
37
Which of the following quotes best represents the story’s anticlimax?
(A) ‘ “Can I help you?” asked the poet . . . ’(line 59)
(B)
‘ . . . its breath made up of very faint, slightly wet wheezes.’ (lines 57–58)
(C) ‘Then the figure spoke, in a surprisingly quiet voice.’ (line 61)
(D) ‘It turned slowly, and stared deep into the soul of every girl in that room.’
(lines 62–63)
Text 5 — Poem
Read Text 5 in the Stimulus Booklet to answer Questions 38–45.
38
Why is Dad considering dismantling the cubbyhouse?
(A) The cost to repair it is too high.
(B)
The contents are no longer valuable.
(C) The children have a key to the house.
(D) The materials and area could serve another purpose.
39
Which of the following suggests the cubbyhouse has not been used in a long
time?
(A) ‘rusted toys/rain-soaked curtains’ (lines 3–4)
(B)
‘that faraway look in his eyes’ (line 19)
(C) ‘Mum had to bring dinner down here’ (line 30)
(D) ‘told stories to the wind’ (line 34)
40
What is suggested about the cubbyhouse by the phrase ‘weed lonely’? (line 2)
(A) It is elegant.
(B)
It is cultivated.
(C) It is polluted.
(D) It is neglected.
– 11 –
41
What does ‘circle the cubbyhouse/neither wanting to swing the first blow’
(lines 13–14) demonstrate about the attitude of the father and son?
(A) Their enthusiasm but anxiety
(B)
Their intention but reluctance
(C) Their planning and preparation
(D) Their determination and resolve
42
‘Parramatta hammered Canterbury’ is an example of which language feature?
(line 24)
(A) Antonym
(B)
Colloquialism
(C) Dialect
(D) Onomatopoeia
43
What do lines 26–30 suggest about ‘Des and I’?
(A) Their love for their Mum and Dad
(B)
Their independence from their parents
(C) Their immediate attraction to the cubbyhouse
(D) Their enthusiasm for food and adventure
44
Why does the poet shift between present and past tense throughout the poem?
(A) To generate a sense of regret
(B)
To create a sense of timelessness
(C) To evoke a feeling of resignation
(D) To establish a feeling of contentment
45
What is the main idea of the poem?
(A) Relationships increase in importance over time.
(B)
Time passes quickly without anybody noticing.
(C) Physical objects can awaken powerful memories.
(D) Personal belongings need to be carefully maintained.
– 12 –
© Board of Studies NSW 2011
5001
5000
8329310040
2011 School Certificate Test
English-literacy
Centre Number
Section 1 (continued)
Student Number
Text 6 — Extract from a novel
Read the extract from the novel, Made in Australia, on pages 7–8 of the Stimulus
Booklet and answer Questions 46–50 in the spaces provided. These spaces provide
guidance for the expected length of response.
46
Give TWO examples from the extract that indicate the story is taking
place at a major event.
2
...............................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................
47
Identify and explain the effect of the simile in line 28.
2
...............................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................
48
Describe how the reaction of the crowd changes during the competition.
Support your answer with close reference to the text.
...............................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................
– 13 –
3
3146310042
49
How is a sense of tension developed in the paragraph beginning ‘Danny
hit the first turn . . . ’? (line 31)
4
...............................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................
50
How does the author create a positive view of Danny O’Bannion?
Support your answer with close reference to the text.
...............................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................
– 14 –
© Board of Studies NSW 2011
4
5002
5000
8432310089
2011 School Certificate Test
English-literacy
Centre Number
Section 2 — Writing
Student Number
30 marks
Allow about 40 minutes for this section
This section has TWO questions
Answer the questions in the spaces provided. These spaces provide guidance for the
expected length of response.
Question 51 (10 marks)
In your answer you will be assessed on how well you:
■ express yourself using persuasive language and form appropriate to audience
and purpose
■ use spelling, punctuation, grammar and paragraphing appropriate to the task
In Text 2 we learn about Anh Do and the importance of a positive attitude towards
life’s challenges. This is a message valued in your school.
Write to your school principal persuading him/her that Anh Do would be a suitable
choice as an inspirational guest speaker for your end of year assembly.
Write on the lines provided on page 16.
DO NOT IDENTIFY YOURSELF, YOUR SCHOOL OR YOUR PRINCIPAL.
– 15 –
5391310080
Question 51 (continued)
................................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................
End of Question 51
– 16 –
© Board of Studies NSW 2011
5003
5000
5499310056
2011 School Certificate Test
English-literacy
Centre Number
Section 2 (continued)
Student Number
Question 52 (20 marks)
In your answer you will be assessed on how well you:
■ organise, develop and sustain your ideas
■ present your ideas in the form appropriate to the task
■ use language appropriate to audience, purpose and context
■ use spelling, punctuation, grammar and paragraphing appropriate to the task
Select ONE of the following as the first sentence in a piece of imaginative writing that
explores memories.
(a)
Looking at the photograph again reminded me of how much things have changed.
OR
(b)
The memory carries me along.
Write your piece of imaginative writing on the lines provided on pages 18 and 19.
DO NOT WRITE A POEM.
– 17 –
Question 52 (continued)
.......................................................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................................
Question 52 continues on page 19
– 18 –
8287310054
Question 52 (continued)
.......................................................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................................
End of test
– 19 –
BLANK PAGE
– 20 –
© Board of Studies NSW 2011