A set of 5 sample exercises on [ Information Transfer - Section B ] which students must answer in Section of the English Written Test. I have uploaded the answers on slideshare
2. 5 sample exercises for revision purposes only Page 2
SECTION B
[30 marks]
[Time suggested : 40 minutes]
Read the text below. Then, answer questions (a) – (j)
The orang-utans are considered as exclusive great apes of Asia. They are native to Malaysia and Indonesia. Orang-utans can be separated into two species: the Borne an orang-utan and the Sumatran orang-utan. Orang-utans are arboreal creatures – they spend most of their time in trees. The term for orang-utan comes from the Malay and Indonesia words orang meaning “person” and “hutan” meaning “forest". They have reddish-brown or orangish long hair. Males and females differ in size and appearance. Dominant adult males have distinctive cheek pads and produce long calls that attract females and intimidate rivals. The "long call" can be heard 1.2 miles (2 kilometres) away. Younger males do not have these characteristics and resemble adult females. . Orang-utans are more recluse than other apes. Males are loners. They are highly intelligent; they use a variety of sophisticated tools and construct elaborate sleeping nests each night from branches and foliage. They use large leaves as umbrellas and shelters to protect themselves from the common rains. They forage for food during daylight hours. Most of their diet consists of fruit and leaves gathered from rain forest trees. They also eat bark, insects and, on rare occasions, meat. Conversion of vast areas of tropical forest to palm oil plantations, hunting and the illegal pet have rapidly decreased the Orang-utans habitat. A number of organisations are working for the rescue, rehabilitation and reintroduction of orang-utans. The largest of these is the Borneo Orang-utan Survival Foundation, founded by conservationist Willie Smits. Adapted from: wikipedia.com
3. 5 sample exercises for revision purposes only Page 3
Questions (a) – (j)
Using the information from the text, complete the following graphic organizer.
Type of Species:
a) ________________________
b) ________________________
Reasons for their habitat’s decline:
g) _________________________
h) _________________________
Their diet:
c) _____________________
d) _____________________
e) _____________________
f) _____________________
Characteristics:
i) ______________________
j) ______________________
4. 5 sample exercises for revision purposes only Page 4
SECTION B
[30 marks]
[Time suggested : 40 minutes]
Read the text below. Then, answer questions (a) – (j)
Wildlife poaching and trade is becoming a huge problem in Malaysia. Malaysia is one of the important game players in the global wildlife trade. Malaysia is a source of exotic wildlife to be sold off in the black market, but we are also a consumer of illegal wildlife items, and transit point for several poachers around the world. Poaching in Malaysia is not new; in fact it wiped out the Javan and Sumatran rhinos in the past 100 years, but for some time now, the trend has been to hunt any and all species with any perceived commercial value. Many poachers in Malaysia are not Malaysians, but foreigners from Indochina. However, locals living near forests are also involved, sometimes as middle men. Meanwhile, National Parks and protected areas become targets due to their higher numbers of wildlife and biodiversity. The wildlife trade is estimated to be worth billions of dollars. It is not only killing protected animals in the jungle but also driving the wildlife to extinction. The authorities must take an active role in combating these illegal poachers. Heavier fine or jail term should be imposed on them when caught; not just a slap on the wrist. Corruption and complacency among authorities also should be eradicated. The public needs to stand up by speaking up against poaching. Stop eating at restaurants which sell illegal wild meat. Don’t buy or better still don’t go to shops that sell illegal medicines such as bear bile. Report shops selling products from the trade.
Adapted from: thestaronline.com
5. 5 sample exercises for revision purposes only Page 5
Questions (a) – (j)
Using the information from the text, complete the following graphic organizer.
Malaysia’s role in wildlife poaching:
a) ________________________
b) ________________________ Steps to fight poaching: g) _________________________ h) _________________________ Nationality of poachers: c) _______________________ d) _______________________
Effects of poaching:
i) _______________________________
j) _______________________________
Poacher’s target areas:
e) _____________________
f) _____________________
6. 5 sample exercises for revision purposes only Page 6
SECTION B
[30 marks]
[Time suggested : 40 minutes]
Read the text below. Then, answer questions (a) – (j)
Hibiscus is a genus of flowering plants in the mallow family, Malvaceae. It is quite large, containing several hundred species that are native to warm- temperate, subtropical and tropical regions throughout the world. Member species are often noted for their showy flowers and are commonly known simply as hibiscus, or less widely known as rose mallow. Hibiscus is the national flower of South Korea, Malaysia and Haiti. The Bunga Raya (Hibiscus) can be found in abundance throughout Malaysia. The word bunga in Malay means "flower", whilst raya in Malay means "big". The hibiscus is literally known as the "big flower" in Malay. On 28 July 1960, it was declared by the government of Malaysia that the hibiscus would be the national flower. Symbolically, Bunga Raya’S red color represents courage, life and rapid growth of Malaysia.Whereas, each of the five petals of the Bunga Raya represents the five principles of nationhood of Malaysia. Hibiscus flowers are used in landscaping, paper-making, preparation of beverages, food and cosmetics. It is also believed to have some medical properties. The roots are used to make various concoctions believed to cure ailments such as cough, hair loss or hair greying. As a hair treatment, the flowers are boiled in oil along with other spices to make a medicated hair oil. The leaves and flowers are ground into a fine paste with a little water, and the resulting lathery paste is used as a shampoo plus conditioner. Hibiscus tea also contains bioflavenoids, which are believed to help prevent an increase in LDL cholesterol, which can increase the buildup of plaque in the arteries
Adapted from: wikipedia.com
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Questions (a) – (j)
Using the information from the text, complete the following graphic organizer.
National Flower of:
a) ____________________
b) ____________________
c) ____________________
The Hibiscus symbolizes:
d) ____________________
e) ____________________
f) ____________________
Medical values:
i) ____________________ ____________________
j) ____________________ ____________________
Used in:
g) ____________________
h) ____________________
8. 5 sample exercises for revision purposes only Page 8
SECTION B
[30 marks]
[Time suggested : 40 minutes]
Read the text below. Then, answer questions (a) – (j)
Malaysia is well known for its islands and it has hundreds of them. Some of them are habitable and passable; others are yet not explored and not habited. Most of the well known islands can be found at Peninsular Malaysia. There are also many beautiful islands along the coasts of Borneo. Tourists can access them easily; as there are daily flights from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (or LCCT budget airport). Accommodation varies from basic lodges to high class 5 star resorts. Islands at the Western part of Peninsular Malaysia are very popular with foreign and local tourists as they can be visited throughout the year. There are 8 famous islands at this part alone; they are Langkawi, Penang, Pulau Pangkor, Pulau Payar, Pulau Ketam, Pulau Sembilan, Pulau Angsa and Pulau Pisang. Whereas, Pulau Tioman, Pulau Redang and Pulau Perhentian which are located at the Eastern part of Peninsular Malaysia are real scuba diving heavens. The coasts of Borneo holds a large number of beautiful idyllic islands as well. Most of these islands are in the protected (nature) environments. A good example is Pulau Sipadan where no tourists are allowed to stay on the island. There are many beautiful islands surrounding Borneo; here you can do some scuba diving, wall diving, snorkeling or just relax a bit on perfect beaches. These islands cater the needs of active and passive tourists from around the globe. It is also famous with backpackers who are adventurous yet cost conscious.
Adapted from: wonderfulMalaysia.com
9. 5 sample exercises for revision purposes only Page 9
Questions (a) – (j)
Using the information from the text, complete the following graphic organizer.
Activities tourists could do at Sipadan:
f) _______________________________
g) _______________________________
h) _______________________________
Nature of Malaysian islands:
a) _______________________________
b) _______________________________
Type of tourists:
i) ______________________________
j) ______________________________
Islands at West Malaysia:
c) ________________________________
d) ________________________________
e) ________________________________
10. 5 sample exercises for revision purposes only Page 10
SECTION B
[30 marks]
[Time suggested : 40 minutes]
Read the text below. Then, answer questions (a) – (j)
The flag of Malaysia, which was first raised on 16 September 1963, originated from the flag of the Federation of Malaya. The Malayan flag was designed by Mohamed Hamzah, a 29-year-old architect working for the Public Works Department (JKR) in Johor Baharu, Johore. The Malayan flag was approved by King George VI on 19 May 1950 and was first raised in front of Istana Selangor on 26 May 1950. On 31 August 1957, it was raised upon independence at Merdeka Square in place of the British Union Flag. In 1997, Malaysia’s former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir bin Mohammad picked the name Jalur Gemilang to project the country's onward drive towards continuous growth and success. The Jalur Gemilang comprises a field of 14 alternating red and white stripes along the fly and a blue canton bearing a crescent and a 14-point star known as the Bintang Persekutuan (Federal Star). The 14 stripes, of equal width, represent the equal status in the federation of the 13 member states and the federal government, while the 14 points of the star represent the unity between these entities. The crescent represents Islam, the country's official religion; the blue canton symbolises the unity of the Malaysian people; the yellow of the star and crescent is the royal colour of the Malay rulers. During the National Day celebrations, everyone is encouraged to fly the Jalur Gemilang at their homes, office buildings, shops and corporate premises.If the flag is fixed at home, it is to be raised pointing towards the road.If the flag is put in a group of flags with state and private company flags, the Malaysian flag must be raised in between two flags and its pole placed higher than the rest. Source: wikipedia.com
11. 5 sample exercises for revision purposes only Page 11
Questions (a) – (j)
Using the information from the text, complete the following graphic organizer.
Malayan Flag raised dates:
h) First :- _________________
i) Second :- _________________
Jalur Gemilang symbolizes:
d) ________________________
e) ________________________
Colors of Jalur Gemilang:
f) _________________________
g) ________________________
j) The ____________________ represents unity.
a) ________, the Malayan flag was designed.
b) _______, the Malayan flag was first raised.
c) ______,name ‘Jalur Gemilang’ was picked.