SBLE3123 ENGLISH PROFICIENCY III MATRIC NO:.

______________

READING COMPREHENSION

Reading Passage 1

Read the following passage and answer ALL the questions that follow.

Food Additives

I Today we live far away from farms and purchase food off
supermarket shelves. Foods have to be processed so that they can
withstand long periods of transportation and storage. During this
process, additives are introduced to improve the quality, look and taste
of the food. Now, we can hardly live without the convenience and 5
aesthetic benefits that food additives provide.

II Malaysians, especially children, are consuming food additives at

almost every meal. These types of additives, including food colourings,
flavours, thickeners, emulsifiers and food conditioners can cause
adverse reactions in certain people who are sensitive to them. 10
Researchers have found that food additives used in hundreds of
children’s foods and drinks can cause temper tantrums and disruptive
behaviour. They are also known to be responsible for health complaints
such as asthma, itches and skin rashes.

III Manufacturers feel that additives, however, are absolutely necessary 15

because of modern manufacturing processes that require the use of
additives and the need for products that have a longer shelf-life. They
say that the disadvantages of using additives have to be weighed
against the benefits. For example, if not adding a flavour or colour would
put children off a particular food and deny them certain nutrients, then 20
the addition of such a flavour becomes vital. Food colourings are used to
add or restore the colour in food. It is, however, not acceptable to use
food additives to disguise food that has gone bad or that is of inferior
quality. Manufacturers also argue that consumers are so accustomed to
accepting artificial colours such as ‘orange’ in cordials and juices that 25
using natural colours may result in poor sales.
IV Malaysia is said to have stringent food regulations. For example,
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several additives allowed in Western countries are not allowed here.

However, consumerists feel that there is still a lack of awareness of the
dangers of additives and that not enough is being done to curb their 30
widespread use. Controls are necessary because of the effects of long-
term exposure to certain additives. Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is an
example of an additive that is commonly found in most restaurant food.
It is used as a flavour enhancer. However, this additive is strongly
believed to trigger off asthma attacks, yet there is still no control over its 35
use.

V Consumerists recommend that a law be introduced to make it

compulsory for manufacturers to specify the preservative or additive
used in their food. At present, manufacturers get away by using the
words ‘permitted flavours’ or ‘permitted preservatives’ on the labels of 40
their products. Specific labelling would make it easier to monitor the use
of additives and preservatives. Consumers would also be able to check
what additives are used so that they can avoid chemicals that they are
allergic to.

VI Consumers have a right to expect that the foods they purchase and 45
consume will be safe and of high quality. Consumerists feel that it is
important to educate consumers about food additives. When consumers
become aware of the dangers of using a certain additive, they have the
power to influence manufacturers to stop using it. For example ‘belacan’
manufacturers had to stop using the artificial colour Rhodomine B when 50
consumers became more aware of the dangers of using it. Soya bean
cake manufacturers were similarly pressured into discontinuing the use
of Yellow 2G, a bright yellow colouring.

VII Given the wide range of chemicals used in food and beverage
manufacture, it seems impossible to have an additive-free world. Where 55
preservatives are necessary, food manufacturers should be educated in
their proper use. However, in the end, consumers should make their
preferences known to manufacturers so that the misuse of potentially
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SBLE3123 ENGLISH PROFICIENCY III MATRIC NO:.______________

dangerous additives can be avoided.

VIII Thus, food safety is a collective responsibility of the government, 60

food industry and consumers. For the government, there is the need for
enforceable standards that are convincing to both consumers and
industry. For consumers, food control systems must provide meaningful
protection against real danger. Finally, the industry needs standards that
permit flexibility and efficiency in producing and marketing foods that will 65
serve their customers.

Adapted from:
Tee, S.E. (2015, February 20). What they put in our food. The Star.

Questions 1 - 5 (10 marks)

1. Which one IS NOT an affect of food additives to someone who is sensitive to

them?

A. Distructive behaviour
B. Asthma
C. Skin rashes
D. Temper

2. Which one IS a reason of using additives by the manufacturers?

A. Has a lot of advantages

B. Longer shelf life
C. Flavour and colour bring nutrients
D. Rotten food can be restored with food additives

3. What could happen if manufacturers do not use artificial colours in cordial and
juice?

A. Easy to sell
B. Attract people with natural colour
C. Hard to sell
D. Consumer can accept the product

4. Which of these additives are used for colouring?

I. Monosodium glutamate

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SBLE3123 ENGLISH PROFICIENCY III MATRIC NO:.______________

II. Rhodomine B
III. Yellow 2G

A. I, II, & III

B. I &II
C. I & III
D. II & III

5. According to the writer, “it seems impossible to have an additive-free world”

(paragraph VII). How the misuse of additives can be prevented?

I. Manufacturers should educate consumers about additives

II. Manufacturers should avoid consumers
III. Manufacturers should know the proper use of additives
IV. Manufacturers should know consumers’ preferences

A. I & II
B. I & III
C. I & IV
D. III & IV
(_____/5 Marks)

Questions 6 – 10 (5 marks)

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SBLE3123 ENGLISH PROFICIENCY III MATRIC NO:.______________

Match the paragraphs with the statements provided.

A Consumers need to be aware and educated about food

additives.
B It is strongly believed that glutamic acid could trigger
asthma and it is widely used as food seasoning.
C Children’s misbehaviours are usually related with the
effects of food additives.
D Government needs to enforce a standard control system
that could protect consumers against food dangers.
E Adding flavour and colour to food would enhance children
interest to a particular food.
F Food additives are required to extend the foods shelf life.
G Artificial colours such as ‘orange’ in cordials and juices
are common to consumers.
H Allergies to food chemicals could be avoided when food
makers do detailed labelling of the ingredients.

6) Paragraph I _____________
7) Paragraph II _____________
8) Paragraph IV _____________
9) Paragraph V _____________
10) Paragraph VI _____________

(_____/5 marks)

Question 11 – 15 (5 MARKS)

Find the SYNONYM of the following words in the paragraph stated. Write your
answer in the space provided.

11. Harmful (paragraph II)

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SBLE3123 ENGLISH PROFICIENCY III MATRIC NO:.______________

12. Low (paragraph III)

13. Strict (paragraph IV)

14. Control (paragraph V)

15. Allow (paragraph VII)

(_____/5 marks)

Reading Passage 2 (15 marks)

Read the following passage and answer ALL the questions that follow.

Reaching Out, Lifting Up

I “REACHING OUT, LIFTING UP”- The mantra that brought

them to the finals of Enactus Malaysia National Competition

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SBLE3123 ENGLISH PROFICIENCY III MATRIC NO:.______________

(EMNC) 2018 this year where members of Enactus UUM were

beaming with pride and spirit of volunteerism. Being the second
runner-up in the EMNC 2018 finals was the highlight of the year’s
5
achievement as the Universiti Utara Malaysia students from
various academic fields and backgrounds have expanded their
time and energy to reach out to the underprivileged communities
in the northern region, enriching their lives through entrepreneurial
actions.

II 10
Enactus is an international organization that connects student,
academic and business leaders through entrepreneurial-based
projects that empower people to transform opportunities into real,
sustainable progress for themselves and their communities.
Guided by academic advisors and business experts, the student
15
leaders of Enactus create and implement entrepreneurial projects
around the globe. The experience not only transforms lives, it helps
students develop the kind of talent and perspective that are
essential to leadership in an ever-more complicated and
challenging world. Enactus was originally founded in the United
20
States in 1975 and Malaysia is now one of 37 countries from
around the world that operates an Enactus program.

In Malaysia, the non-profit organisation was established in

III
2000 and currently has close to 2,000 members from 34 public and
private institutions of higher learning. The Enactus Malaysia
National Competition (EMNC) 2018 Final Round was held on 21st
July 2018, at WORQ, Glo Damansara, TTDI. This year, Enactus 25
UUM presented their two leading projects, “Co&Coal” and
“Volunteering for Education (VE)”. The first project, “Co&Coal”
aims to transfer the skills and knowledge of transforming coconut
shell waste into coconut charcoal to their target audience. Coconut
30
shell waste is a huge problem in Kedah as they are often
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SBLE3123 ENGLISH PROFICIENCY III MATRIC NO:.______________

improperly disposed of. Coming from a management university, it

is remarkable for the students to come up with this unique project
that requires much technical and hands-on knowledge as well as
long hours of R&D.
35

It aspires to improve the standard of living and quality of life of

IV
people in need in the northern region of Malaysia through
entrepreneurial action. This project aims to reduce pollution caused
by improper disposal of coconut shell waste. Despite its high
utilization value, most coconut shells are thrown away due to lack
40
of awareness and proper knowledge on its disposal methods.

As the discarded coconut shells are either left to rot or burnt,

V
causing much environmental pollution, Enactus UUM saw an
opportunity through this problem. In this project, they recycle the
discarded coconut shells by turning them into a marketable
45
product, which is the coconut charcoal. As the project utilises the
discarded coconut shells, the team members are able to tackle
various environmental issues while fostering entrepreneurs with
this sustainable “Go-Green” concept.
50

VI Till date, they have have empowered two target audiences with the
necessary skills and knowledge on how to transform the coconut
shells into high quality coconut charcoal. The Enactus UUM is now
reaching out to more target audiences in the northern region to
help make a difference in their lives as well as the environment. 55
Through this project, the students have been able to empower and
improve the lives of their target audience, as well as to improve the
environment through the reduction of coconut shell waste.

Enactus UUM’s second project, “Volunteering for Education (VE)”

VII
aims to provide hands-on business experience to instill secondary 60
school students in Malaysia with entrepreneurial skills and values,
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SBLE3123 ENGLISH PROFICIENCY III MATRIC NO:.______________

and encourage them to become job-creators rather than becoming

job seekers. With a “Business Guideline” which has been
accredited by various institutions and personal one-on-one
training, the students are now able to learn and pick up the
necessary skills needed for their future. In collaboration with the 65
Kedah Education Department, the VE project envisions to expand
itself to more schools in the Kubang Pasu district. The VE project is
always working on reaching out to orphanages in Kedah and Perlis
to ensure that students of all backgrounds receive equal
70
opportunity.

VIII
All in all, eight presenters and technical team from Enactus UUM
have managed to pull out all the stops for a great presentation of
their projects, which has brought them to the finals in the EMNC
2018 competition. The judges were highly impressed by the energy
75
of the presentation,hence applauded them on their enthusiastic
display of vigor. In another occasion of display for success, a
group of Enactus UUM representatives has departed to Korea
recently to compete in the ASEAN - Korea Startup Idea
Competititon 2018. The team wishes to spread their prominent
80
project- Co&Coal and inspire the rest of the world in uplifting the
community.

Adapted from:
Reaching Out, Lifting Out Enactus UUM. Retrieved 5th December 2018,
from www.enactusuum.org

Questions 16-20

In the space provided, write TRUE (T) if the statement agrees with the information or
FALSE (F) if the statement contradicts the information.

16. Enactus is an international organization that

disunites student, academic and business leaders _______________
through entrepreneurial-based projects.

17. Coconut shell waste is a huge problem in Kedah as

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SBLE3123 ENGLISH PROFICIENCY III MATRIC NO:.______________

they are often inappropriately disposed of. _______________

18. Enactus UUM recycled the discarded coconut shells

and turned them into a marketable product range _______________
despite earning small income.

19. (VE) aims to provide hands-on business experience

to instill secondary school students in Malaysia with
entrepreneurial skills and values.

20. In collaboration with the Kedah Education

Department, the VE project envisions to stagnant
itself to some schools in the Kubang Pasu district
only.

Questions 21-25

Answer following questions and CIRCLE the correct letter.

21. What is the initial aim that leads Enactus UUM into participating in the EMNC
2018?

a) Wanting it to be the highlight of the year’s achievement.

b) Reaching out to the underprivileged communities through entrepreneurial actions.
c) Showcasing the institution’s spirit of volunteerism.
d) Highlighting the ability to gather students from various academic programs.

22. The phrasal verb “to reach out” (Paragraph 1, line 7) could best be replaced
with…

a) to agree with
b) to tolerate
c) to accommodate
d) to justify

23. What does the phrase “empower people to transform opportunities into real,
sustainable progress” in the passage mean? (Paragraph 2, line 13)

a) Assisting people into showing their best potentials.

b) Manipulating strategies into profit-making.
c) Motivating people to make certain targets and chances achievable.
d) Turning ordinary people into power-craze and opportunist-minded individuals.

24. The first project, “Co&Coal” aims to fulfill the following EXCEPT:

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a) Improve the standard of living and quality of life.

b) Utilising discarded coconut shells.
c) Shaping entrepreneurs with “Go-Green” concept.
d) Enhancing market values of coconut shells.

25. In other words, “to become job-creators rather than becoming job seekers” could
best means… (Paragraph VII, line 62)

a) Being self-employed rather than seeking to be employed.

b) Being able to create unique jobs rather than securing the ordinary ones.
c) Being able to promote jobs to the industries.
d) Being the people who seek to lower the employability rate.

Questions 26-30

Match the synonym for each word from Reading Passage 2.

Word from text Answer Synonym

26. discarded a) demonstrable
27. sustainable b) authorized
28. accredited c) well-known
29. vigor d) thrown
30. prominent e) enthusiasm

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