STAFFORD SRI LANKAN SCHOOL DOHA

FIRST SEMESTER EXAMINATION – 2023 / 2024

PRACTICE PAPER

Name: …………….………………… Date: ………………

Subject: English Language Year: 8……… Time: 2 hours

You must have: Source Booklet

Instructions

• Fill in the information at the top of this page with your name, class and the date.
• Answer all the questions
• Write your answers in the space provided in this paper.
Information

• The total mark for this paper is 60.

• The marks for each question are shown in brackets.
Advice

• Read each question carefully before you start to answer it.

• Check your answers if you have time at the end.

Section Marks
A- Reading
B-Writing
Total
Overall Grade

Marked by:

Checked by:

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 SECTION A: READING

Answer ALL questions.

Some questions must be answered with a cross in a box. If you change your mind about
an answer, put a line through the box and then mark your new answer with a cross.

Read Text 1 in the Source Booklet. Questions 1 to 11 are about Text 1. (35 marks)

1. “Age isn't a roadblock to making a difference; it's an open door”.

Write another word for “roadblock” as used in this sentence.

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2. “Dream big, because in those dreams are seeds for a better tomorrow.”

Explain what the writer means by these words.

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3.Tick the boxes to match the following words with the correct language feature.

Writer’s words Imperative Triple Descriptive

structure language
Support each other, reach out….

like a colourful puzzle.

The world needs your perspective, ideas, and
energy.
(Total for Question 3= 6 marks)

4. “The world is waiting for your greatness. Have faith that each one of you will rise to the occasion.”

According to you, explain why the writer has included these sentences in the concluding
paragraph?

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5. The title of the text is “Small Hands, Big Changes”.

Do you think this is a suitable title for the text? Give reasons for your answer.

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6. Look again at this line.

“I'm just like many of you—a child with dreams”

Explain why the writer has used this line in the opening paragraph.

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7. What does the writer mean by the underlined words in the sentence “Your pure intentions,
clear vision, and passionate hearts can move mountains"

a) Shaping mountains
b) Transforming small problems to big problems.
c) Overcoming tough problems.
d) Moving mountains with mind power.

(Total for Question 7= 2 marks)

8. Which word is closest in meaning to the word "passionate" as used in the text?

a) Enthusiastic
b) Calm
c) Indifferent
d) Spiritless (Total for Question 8= 1 mark)

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9. Look again at this section.

Imagine looking in the mirror and seeing the hero within you. Every one of us is a hero
waiting to shine, waiting to leave our mark. No matter how small or young you are, your
dreams, ideas, and actions can shape the future. Think of Malala Yousafzai, a girl who stood
up for education when told to be silent. She faced challenges with grace and determination. It
shows that age isn't a limit; it's an advantage. Your pure intentions, clear vision, and
passionate heart can move mountains.

Explain how the writer uses language to motivate the reader to make a difference in the
world.

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10. The writer uses the simile “like a colourful puzzle” when describing life.

Explain how this simile creates effect?

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11. “May the spirit of courage and determination guide your paths, like a compass”

Explain what the writer means by these words.

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……………………………………………………………..(Total for Question 11= 2 marks)

12. Write a short letter to David.

In your letter,

• thank David for his motivational ideas.

• Express how he is a source of inspiration to you and the others.

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………………………………………………………………………… (Total for Question 12= 10 marks)

Read Text 2 in the Source Booklet. Questions 13 to 16 are about Text 2. (14 marks)

13. Look again at paragraph 2.

Give one piece of evidence from paragraph 2 which shows a name someone uses instead of
their real name.

…………………………………………………………… (Total for Question 13= 2 marks)

14. Briefly explain in your own words why Malala Yousafzai is considered a global symbol of
courage.

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15.Explain two ways the writer has organized this text.

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16. Tick the box to show which attitude each of these writer’s words show.

Writer’s words positive negative

…….. banned girls from attending school

….. surviving a gunshot to the head

……. ignite change and inspire millions.

(Total for Question 16= 6 marks)

Questions 17 and 18 are about both Text 1 and Text 2. (11 marks)

17. Read the statements and decide whether they apply to Text 1 or Text 2 or both texts by
ticking the appropriate column.

Feature in text Text 1 Text 2 Both texts

A. Uses direct address

B. Uses direct speech.

C. Uses organizational features

D. Uses an informal tone

(Total for Question 17= 8 marks)

18. Explain which text would be more motivating to young learners.

Remember to use evidence from the text to support your view.

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……………………………………………………………. (Total for Question 18= 3 marks)