ancient civilization

Chemouma Secondary School 2012 / 2013 3rd Year Literary Stream
Duration: 2H and half
The Trial Baccalaureate Exam of English Part One: Reading (15 pts) A/ Comprehension (7pts) Read the text carefully then do the activities.

One of the most effective approaches to helping young children develop literacy skills is to have a home environment that supports literacy. Research clearly shows that instructional environments have a powerful impact on children’s growth in reading. While much of the research on instructional environments focuses on classroom environments, researchers believe that the same effects may be found in supportive home environments. On this subject, Rasinki and Fredricks (two famous researchers) write: “It seems clear to us that home environments for reading and writing should be given at least equal consideration.” A literate home means more than just having books and writing materials on hand. To be effective, parents need to plan for how these materials will be used. According to experts, the best approach is to set up a specific family reading area. This sends children a dual message: reading is an important value in this family and everyone in this family-no matter what his age – reads. Having a literate home also doesn’t mean that parents have to be literate in English. Reading and writing in one’s home language is every bit as strong a literacy message as reading and writing in English. The important point is that parents value literacy, no matter what the language they read and write. What type of text is it? Choose a, b or c.

The text is ……………………….
Argumentative b) Expository c) Narrative Are these statements true or false?
Children can’t improve their reading and writing skills at home. Both school and home environments can help develop the child’s literacy skills. A large supply of reading materials at home inspires a child to read. In order to improve their reading skill, children are advised to read in their mother tongue only. Read the text and put the following sentences in the order they appear in the text: Reading should be an integral part of everybody’s life in a family Reading materials at home are not enough to make a child love reading. The language of the reading material does not matter at all. According to researchers, both school and home can make of a child a successful reader. What or who do the underlined words refer to:

These materials (§2)
This (§2)
His (§2)
They (§3)
Answer the questions according to the text:
Is the school the only place where a child can become a good reader? Is providing a child with reading materials enough to make him read? Justify your answer. How can a literate home help improve a child’s literacy skills? B/ Text Exploration: (8pts) Find in the text words closest in meaning to the following:

The ability to do something (§1)
Obvious (§1)
Complete the following table:
Verb Noun Adjective …………………….. Strength …………………………. …………………….. ………………………. Instructional …………………….. Literacy ………………………….. a) Complete sentence ‘b’ so that it means as sentence ‘a’: (a) If you don’t read a lot, you cannot improve your writing skills. (b) Unless ……………………………………………………………………………….. (a) Someone expressing the regret of not being able to read. (b) I wish …………………………………………………………………………………………. Combine the following sentences using the connectors in brackets: Many people buy books. They don’t read them ( Though)

Reading is important. Parents should encourage their children to read. (so …….that) Circle the stressed syllable in the following words:
Literacy – instruction – book – psychological Fill in each gap with one word from the list:
Reading – of – independently - children – increases – show Studies …………………….that regularly reading out loud to children produces significant gains in ………………………comprehension, vocabulary and the decoding ……… words. Whether your ……………………..are preschoolers or preteens, it ……………their desire to read ……………………………….. Part two: Writing (5pts) Choose one of the following topics.

Either topic one: Using the following notes, write a composition of about 100 words on the importance of reading in people’s lives.
An open door to the world
Provide knowledge
Helps develop the child’s personality
You get involved in social life
Or topic two: Write a composition of about 100 words on the following topic: What is the importance of education in people’s lives? With my best wishes of success