Day 1 Year 5 English Trial Test

Read the extracts below then answer the questions.

Extract A: From “About a Boy” by Nick Hornby

There were a couple of girls in the room, but they ignored him.

What was there to laugh at? Not much, really. Unfortunately, that was exactly the kind of person most kids were, in his experience. They patrolled up and down school corridors like sharks, except that what they were on the lookout for wasn’t flesh but the wrong trousers, or the wrong haircut, or the wrong shoes, any or all of which sent them wild with excitement.

Marcus knew he was weird, and he knew that part of the reason he was weird was because his mum was weird. She just didn’t get this, any of it. She was always telling him that only shallow people made judgements on the basis of clothes or hair. She could explain why it was more important to read books than to play on the Gameboy his dad had given him. But he couldn’t pass any of this on to the kids at school.

Extract B: From “The Quarry” by Iain Banks

Most people are insecure, and with good reason. Not me.

This is probably because I’ve had to think about who I am and who I’m not, which is something your average person generally doesn’t have to do.

Also, it helps that I am very clever, if challenged in other ways. Challenged in this context means that I am weird, strange, odd, socially disabled, forever looking at things from an unusual angle, or however you want to put it.

Most things, I’ve come to understand, fit into some sort of spectrum. The descriptions of myself fit into a spectrum that stretches from ‘highly gifted’ at one end to ‘nutter’ at the other, both of which I am comfortable with.

How do Marcus in Extract A and the character in Extract B view the importance of conforming to societal norms?

Read the extracts below then answer the questions.

Extract A: From “About a Boy” by Nick Hornby

There were a couple of girls in the room, but they ignored him.

What was there to laugh at? Not much, really. Unfortunately, that was exactly the kind of person most kids were, in his experience. They patrolled up and down school corridors like sharks, except that what they were on the lookout for wasn’t flesh but the wrong trousers, or the wrong haircut, or the wrong shoes, any or all of which sent them wild with excitement.

Marcus knew he was weird, and he knew that part of the reason he was weird was because his mum was weird. She just didn’t get this, any of it. She was always telling him that only shallow people made judgements on the basis of clothes or hair. She could explain why it was more important to read books than to play on the Gameboy his dad had given him. But he couldn’t pass any of this on to the kids at school.

Extract B: From “The Quarry” by Iain Banks

Most people are insecure, and with good reason. Not me.

This is probably because I’ve had to think about who I am and who I’m not, which is something your average person generally doesn’t have to do.

Also, it helps that I am very clever, if challenged in other ways. Challenged in this context means that I am weird, strange, odd, socially disabled, forever looking at things from an unusual angle, or however you want to put it.

Most things, I’ve come to understand, fit into some sort of spectrum. The descriptions of myself fit into a spectrum that stretches from ‘highly gifted’ at one end to ‘nutter’ at the other, both of which I am comfortable with.

How do Marcus and the narrator from Extract B differ in their self-perceptions and attitudes towards their uniqueness?

Read the extracts below then answer the questions.

Extract A: From “About a Boy” by Nick Hornby

There were a couple of girls in the room, but they ignored him.

What was there to laugh at? Not much, really. Unfortunately, that was exactly the kind of person most kids were, in his experience. They patrolled up and down school corridors like sharks, except that what they were on the lookout for wasn’t flesh but the wrong trousers, or the wrong haircut, or the wrong shoes, any or all of which sent them wild with excitement.

Marcus knew he was weird, and he knew that part of the reason he was weird was because his mum was weird. She just didn’t get this, any of it. She was always telling him that only shallow people made judgements on the basis of clothes or hair. She could explain why it was more important to read books than to play on the Gameboy his dad had given him. But he couldn’t pass any of this on to the kids at school.

Extract B: From “The Quarry” by Iain Banks

Most people are insecure, and with good reason. Not me.

This is probably because I’ve had to think about who I am and who I’m not, which is something your average person generally doesn’t have to do.

Also, it helps that I am very clever, if challenged in other ways. Challenged in this context means that I am weird, strange, odd, socially disabled, forever looking at things from an unusual angle, or however you want to put it.

Most things, I’ve come to understand, fit into some sort of spectrum. The descriptions of myself fit into a spectrum that stretches from ‘highly gifted’ at one end to ‘nutter’ at the other, both of which I am comfortable with.

Why does the narrator in Extract B attribute their lack of insecurity to having to think about who they are and who they’re not?

Read the extracts below then answer the questions.

Extract A: From “About a Boy” by Nick Hornby

There were a couple of girls in the room, but they ignored him.

What was there to laugh at? Not much, really. Unfortunately, that was exactly the kind of person most kids were, in his experience. They patrolled up and down school corridors like sharks, except that what they were on the lookout for wasn’t flesh but the wrong trousers, or the wrong haircut, or the wrong shoes, any or all of which sent them wild with excitement.

Marcus knew he was weird, and he knew that part of the reason he was weird was because his mum was weird. She just didn’t get this, any of it. She was always telling him that only shallow people made judgements on the basis of clothes or hair. She could explain why it was more important to read books than to play on the Gameboy his dad had given him. But he couldn’t pass any of this on to the kids at school.

Extract B: From “The Quarry” by Iain Banks

Most people are insecure, and with good reason. Not me.

This is probably because I’ve had to think about who I am and who I’m not, which is something your average person generally doesn’t have to do.

Also, it helps that I am very clever, if challenged in other ways. Challenged in this context means that I am weird, strange, odd, socially disabled, forever looking at things from an unusual angle, or however you want to put it.

Most things, I’ve come to understand, fit into some sort of spectrum. The descriptions of myself fit into a spectrum that stretches from ‘highly gifted’ at one end to ‘nutter’ at the other, both of which I am comfortable with.

The role of parental influence is evident in both stories. How does this influence differ between Marcus in Extract A and the character in Extract B?

Read the extracts below then answer the questions.

Extract A: From “About a Boy” by Nick Hornby

There were a couple of girls in the room, but they ignored him.

What was there to laugh at? Not much, really. Unfortunately, that was exactly the kind of person most kids were, in his experience. They patrolled up and down school corridors like sharks, except that what they were on the lookout for wasn’t flesh but the wrong trousers, or the wrong haircut, or the wrong shoes, any or all of which sent them wild with excitement.

Marcus knew he was weird, and he knew that part of the reason he was weird was because his mum was weird. She just didn’t get this, any of it. She was always telling him that only shallow people made judgements on the basis of clothes or hair. She could explain why it was more important to read books than to play on the Gameboy his dad had given him. But he couldn’t pass any of this on to the kids at school.

Extract B: From “The Quarry” by Iain Banks

Most people are insecure, and with good reason. Not me.

This is probably because I’ve had to think about who I am and who I’m not, which is something your average person generally doesn’t have to do.

Also, it helps that I am very clever, if challenged in other ways. Challenged in this context means that I am weird, strange, odd, socially disabled, forever looking at things from an unusual angle, or however you want to put it.

Most things, I’ve come to understand, fit into some sort of spectrum. The descriptions of myself fit into a spectrum that stretches from ‘highly gifted’ at one end to ‘nutter’ at the other, both of which I am comfortable with.

In both Extract A and Extract B, the main characters feel different from others. How do they perceive their own uniqueness?

Read the extracts below then answer the questions.

Extract A: From “About a Boy” by Nick Hornby

There were a couple of girls in the room, but they ignored him.

What was there to laugh at? Not much, really. Unfortunately, that was exactly the kind of person most kids were, in his experience. They patrolled up and down school corridors like sharks, except that what they were on the lookout for wasn’t flesh but the wrong trousers, or the wrong haircut, or the wrong shoes, any or all of which sent them wild with excitement.

Marcus knew he was weird, and he knew that part of the reason he was weird was because his mum was weird. She just didn’t get this, any of it. She was always telling him that only shallow people made judgements on the basis of clothes or hair. She could explain why it was more important to read books than to play on the Gameboy his dad had given him. But he couldn’t pass any of this on to the kids at school.

Extract B: From “The Quarry” by Iain Banks

Most people are insecure, and with good reason. Not me.

This is probably because I’ve had to think about who I am and who I’m not, which is something your average person generally doesn’t have to do.

Also, it helps that I am very clever, if challenged in other ways. Challenged in this context means that I am weird, strange, odd, socially disabled, forever looking at things from an unusual angle, or however you want to put it.

Most things, I’ve come to understand, fit into some sort of spectrum. The descriptions of myself fit into a spectrum that stretches from ‘highly gifted’ at one end to ‘nutter’ at the other, both of which I am comfortable with.

Both stories touch on the theme of societal judgement. How do the characters in each story relate to this theme?

Read the extracts below then answer the questions.

Extract A: From “About a Boy” by Nick Hornby

There were a couple of girls in the room, but they ignored him.

What was there to laugh at? Not much, really. Unfortunately, that was exactly the kind of person most kids were, in his experience. They patrolled up and down school corridors like sharks, except that what they were on the lookout for wasn’t flesh but the wrong trousers, or the wrong haircut, or the wrong shoes, any or all of which sent them wild with excitement.

Marcus knew he was weird, and he knew that part of the reason he was weird was because his mum was weird. She just didn’t get this, any of it. She was always telling him that only shallow people made judgements on the basis of clothes or hair. She could explain why it was more important to read books than to play on the Gameboy his dad had given him. But he couldn’t pass any of this on to the kids at school.

Extract B: From “The Quarry” by Iain Banks

Most people are insecure, and with good reason. Not me.

This is probably because I’ve had to think about who I am and who I’m not, which is something your average person generally doesn’t have to do.

Also, it helps that I am very clever, if challenged in other ways. Challenged in this context means that I am weird, strange, odd, socially disabled, forever looking at things from an unusual angle, or however you want to put it.

Most things, I’ve come to understand, fit into some sort of spectrum. The descriptions of myself fit into a spectrum that stretches from ‘highly gifted’ at one end to ‘nutter’ at the other, both of which I am comfortable with.

How do the narrators in both extracts cope with being perceived as “weird” by others?

Read the extracts below then answer the questions.

Extract A: From “About a Boy” by Nick Hornby

There were a couple of girls in the room, but they ignored him.

What was there to laugh at? Not much, really. Unfortunately, that was exactly the kind of person most kids were, in his experience. They patrolled up and down school corridors like sharks, except that what they were on the lookout for wasn’t flesh but the wrong trousers, or the wrong haircut, or the wrong shoes, any or all of which sent them wild with excitement.

Marcus knew he was weird, and he knew that part of the reason he was weird was because his mum was weird. She just didn’t get this, any of it. She was always telling him that only shallow people made judgements on the basis of clothes or hair. She could explain why it was more important to read books than to play on the Gameboy his dad had given him. But he couldn’t pass any of this on to the kids at school.

Extract B: From “The Quarry” by Iain Banks

Most people are insecure, and with good reason. Not me.

This is probably because I’ve had to think about who I am and who I’m not, which is something your average person generally doesn’t have to do.

Also, it helps that I am very clever, if challenged in other ways. Challenged in this context means that I am weird, strange, odd, socially disabled, forever looking at things from an unusual angle, or however you want to put it.

Most things, I’ve come to understand, fit into some sort of spectrum. The descriptions of myself fit into a spectrum that stretches from ‘highly gifted’ at one end to ‘nutter’ at the other, both of which I am comfortable with.

The protagonists in both extracts have unique ways of understanding the world. How does this impact their social interactions?

Read the poem ‘The Echo’ below by poet Sarah Anderson, then answer the questions.

The Echo

In the quiet of the forest, a whispered word takes flight,

an echo from the trees, a haunting in the night.

The rustle of leaves, a secret softly shared,

a symphony of shadows, a dance of souls ensnared.

The echo tells a tale, a story untold,                                                               5

of ancient oaks and mysteries, of silver and of gold.

It weaves through the branches, a spectral melody,

a timeless conversation, a whispered legacy.

In the heart of the silence, where the moonlight weaves its spell,

The echo finds its dwelling, where the ancient spirits dwell.                         10

It carries the wisdom of the ages, the secrets of the earth,

a chorus of forgotten voices, a testament of rebirth.

What does the symphony of shadows in the first verse suggest?

Read the poem ‘The Echo’ below by poet Sarah Anderson, then answer the questions.

The Echo

In the quiet of the forest, a whispered word takes flight,

an echo from the trees, a haunting in the night.

The rustle of leaves, a secret softly shared,

a symphony of shadows, a dance of souls ensnared.

The echo tells a tale, a story untold,                                                               5

of ancient oaks and mysteries, of silver and of gold.

It weaves through the branches, a spectral melody,

a timeless conversation, a whispered legacy.

In the heart of the silence, where the moonlight weaves its spell,

The echo finds its dwelling, where the ancient spirits dwell.                         10

It carries the wisdom of the ages, the secrets of the earth,

a chorus of forgotten voices, a testament of rebirth.

How does the echo contribute to the atmosphere of the poem?

Read the poem ‘The Echo’ below by poet Sarah Anderson, then answer the questions.

The Echo

In the quiet of the forest, a whispered word takes flight,

an echo from the trees, a haunting in the night.

The rustle of leaves, a secret softly shared,

a symphony of shadows, a dance of souls ensnared.

The echo tells a tale, a story untold,                                                               5

of ancient oaks and mysteries, of silver and of gold.

It weaves through the branches, a spectral melody,

a timeless conversation, a whispered legacy.

In the heart of the silence, where the moonlight weaves its spell,

The echo finds its dwelling, where the ancient spirits dwell.                         10

It carries the wisdom of the ages, the secrets of the earth,

a chorus of forgotten voices, a testament of rebirth.

What is the significance of the silver and gold mentioned in the second verse?

Read the poem ‘The Echo’ below by poet Sarah Anderson, then answer the questions.

The Echo

In the quiet of the forest, a whispered word takes flight,

an echo from the trees, a haunting in the night.

The rustle of leaves, a secret softly shared,

a symphony of shadows, a dance of souls ensnared.

The echo tells a tale, a story untold,                                                               5

of ancient oaks and mysteries, of silver and of gold.

It weaves through the branches, a spectral melody,

a timeless conversation, a whispered legacy.

In the heart of the silence, where the moonlight weaves its spell,

The echo finds its dwelling, where the ancient spirits dwell.                         10

It carries the wisdom of the ages, the secrets of the earth,

a chorus of forgotten voices, a testament of rebirth.

According to the third verse, where does the echo find its dwelling?

Read the poem ‘The Echo’ below by poet Sarah Anderson, then answer the questions.

The Echo

In the quiet of the forest, a whispered word takes flight,

an echo from the trees, a haunting in the night.

The rustle of leaves, a secret softly shared,

a symphony of shadows, a dance of souls ensnared.

The echo tells a tale, a story untold,                                                               5

of ancient oaks and mysteries, of silver and of gold.

It weaves through the branches, a spectral melody,

a timeless conversation, a whispered legacy.

In the heart of the silence, where the moonlight weaves its spell,

The echo finds its dwelling, where the ancient spirits dwell.                         10

It carries the wisdom of the ages, the secrets of the earth,

a chorus of forgotten voices, a testament of rebirth.

What role does the echo play in conveying the poem’s theme of timelessness?

Read the poem ‘The Echo’ below by poet Sarah Anderson, then answer the questions.

The Echo

In the quiet of the forest, a whispered word takes flight,

an echo from the trees, a haunting in the night.

The rustle of leaves, a secret softly shared,

a symphony of shadows, a dance of souls ensnared.

The echo tells a tale, a story untold,                                                               5

of ancient oaks and mysteries, of silver and of gold.

It weaves through the branches, a spectral melody,

a timeless conversation, a whispered legacy.

In the heart of the silence, where the moonlight weaves its spell,

The echo finds its dwelling, where the ancient spirits dwell.                         10

It carries the wisdom of the ages, the secrets of the earth,

a chorus of forgotten voices, a testament of rebirth.

How does the echo serve as a testament of rebirth in the final verse?

Read the text below then answer the questions.

Six sentences have been removed from the text. Choose from the sentences (A – G) the one which fits each gap (15 – 20). There is one extra sentence which you do not need to use.

The Benefits of Urban Green Spaces

Urban green spaces, often referred to as city parks or green belts, play a crucial role in enhancing the quality of urban life. They are not merely patches of grass and trees; instead, they serve as vital components of a city’s ecosystem. 15…………..…………. These green havens provide a refuge for various bird species and insects, contributing to the overall biodiversity of urban areas. Properly designed and maintained urban green spaces also act as effective carbon sinks, absorbing and mitigating the impact of pollution.

In addition to their ecological importance, urban green spaces offer numerous social and psychological benefits to city dwellers. 16…………..………….These areas serve as meeting points for communities, fostering social interaction and a sense of belonging. Research has shown that spending time in green spaces can reduce stress and anxiety levels, promoting mental well-being among residents.

17…………..…………. Access to green spaces is associated with improved physical health, encouraging outdoor activities such as walking, jogging, or playing sports. This, in turn, helps combat sedentary lifestyles, a growing concern in urban environments. Moreover, green spaces contribute to temperature regulation, providing natural cooling during hot seasons and mitigating the urban heat island effect.

18…………..………….Many urban planners emphasise the importance of integrating green spaces into city planning to create a healthier and more sustainable urban environment. However, the challenge lies in balancing urban development with the preservation of these green areas.

Despite their significant benefits, urban green spaces face various threats, including encroachment for construction purposes and inadequate maintenance. 19…………..………….This highlights the need for comprehensive urban policies that prioritise the preservation and expansion of green spaces for the well-being of current and future generations.

20…………..………….Unfortunately, not all cities prioritise the preservation of these essential green havens.

Answer the questions above by choosing the letter of the correct answer.

What is the answer for no. 15?

Read the text below then answer the questions.

Six sentences have been removed from the text. Choose from the sentences (A – G) the one which fits each gap (15 – 20). There is one extra sentence which you do not need to use.

The Benefits of Urban Green Spaces

Urban green spaces, often referred to as city parks or green belts, play a crucial role in enhancing the quality of urban life. They are not merely patches of grass and trees; instead, they serve as vital components of a city’s ecosystem. 15…………..…………. These green havens provide a refuge for various bird species and insects, contributing to the overall biodiversity of urban areas. Properly designed and maintained urban green spaces also act as effective carbon sinks, absorbing and mitigating the impact of pollution.

In addition to their ecological importance, urban green spaces offer numerous social and psychological benefits to city dwellers. 16…………..………….These areas serve as meeting points for communities, fostering social interaction and a sense of belonging. Research has shown that spending time in green spaces can reduce stress and anxiety levels, promoting mental well-being among residents.

17…………..…………. Access to green spaces is associated with improved physical health, encouraging outdoor activities such as walking, jogging, or playing sports. This, in turn, helps combat sedentary lifestyles, a growing concern in urban environments. Moreover, green spaces contribute to temperature regulation, providing natural cooling during hot seasons and mitigating the urban heat island effect.

18…………..………….Many urban planners emphasise the importance of integrating green spaces into city planning to create a healthier and more sustainable urban environment. However, the challenge lies in balancing urban development with the preservation of these green areas.

Despite their significant benefits, urban green spaces face various threats, including encroachment for construction purposes and inadequate maintenance. 19…………..………….This highlights the need for comprehensive urban policies that prioritise the preservation and expansion of green spaces for the well-being of current and future generations.

20…………..………….Unfortunately, not all cities prioritise the preservation of these essential green havens.

Answer the questions above by choosing the letter of the correct answer.

What is the answer for no. 16?

Read the text below then answer the questions.

Six sentences have been removed from the text. Choose from the sentences (A – G) the one which fits each gap (15 – 20). There is one extra sentence which you do not need to use.

The Benefits of Urban Green Spaces

Urban green spaces, often referred to as city parks or green belts, play a crucial role in enhancing the quality of urban life. They are not merely patches of grass and trees; instead, they serve as vital components of a city’s ecosystem. 15…………..…………. These green havens provide a refuge for various bird species and insects, contributing to the overall biodiversity of urban areas. Properly designed and maintained urban green spaces also act as effective carbon sinks, absorbing and mitigating the impact of pollution.

In addition to their ecological importance, urban green spaces offer numerous social and psychological benefits to city dwellers. 16…………..………….These areas serve as meeting points for communities, fostering social interaction and a sense of belonging. Research has shown that spending time in green spaces can reduce stress and anxiety levels, promoting mental well-being among residents.

17…………..…………. Access to green spaces is associated with improved physical health, encouraging outdoor activities such as walking, jogging, or playing sports. This, in turn, helps combat sedentary lifestyles, a growing concern in urban environments. Moreover, green spaces contribute to temperature regulation, providing natural cooling during hot seasons and mitigating the urban heat island effect.

18…………..………….Many urban planners emphasise the importance of integrating green spaces into city planning to create a healthier and more sustainable urban environment. However, the challenge lies in balancing urban development with the preservation of these green areas.

Despite their significant benefits, urban green spaces face various threats, including encroachment for construction purposes and inadequate maintenance. 19…………..………….This highlights the need for comprehensive urban policies that prioritise the preservation and expansion of green spaces for the well-being of current and future generations.

20…………..………….Unfortunately, not all cities prioritise the preservation of these essential green havens.

Answer the questions above by choosing the letter of the correct answer.

What is the answer for no. 17 ?

Read the text below then answer the questions.

Six sentences have been removed from the text. Choose from the sentences (A – G) the one which fits each gap (15 – 20). There is one extra sentence which you do not need to use.

The Benefits of Urban Green Spaces

Urban green spaces, often referred to as city parks or green belts, play a crucial role in enhancing the quality of urban life. They are not merely patches of grass and trees; instead, they serve as vital components of a city’s ecosystem. 15…………..…………. These green havens provide a refuge for various bird species and insects, contributing to the overall biodiversity of urban areas. Properly designed and maintained urban green spaces also act as effective carbon sinks, absorbing and mitigating the impact of pollution.

In addition to their ecological importance, urban green spaces offer numerous social and psychological benefits to city dwellers. 16…………..………….These areas serve as meeting points for communities, fostering social interaction and a sense of belonging. Research has shown that spending time in green spaces can reduce stress and anxiety levels, promoting mental well-being among residents.

17…………..…………. Access to green spaces is associated with improved physical health, encouraging outdoor activities such as walking, jogging, or playing sports. This, in turn, helps combat sedentary lifestyles, a growing concern in urban environments. Moreover, green spaces contribute to temperature regulation, providing natural cooling during hot seasons and mitigating the urban heat island effect.

18…………..………….Many urban planners emphasise the importance of integrating green spaces into city planning to create a healthier and more sustainable urban environment. However, the challenge lies in balancing urban development with the preservation of these green areas.

Despite their significant benefits, urban green spaces face various threats, including encroachment for construction purposes and inadequate maintenance. 19…………..………….This highlights the need for comprehensive urban policies that prioritise the preservation and expansion of green spaces for the well-being of current and future generations.

20…………..………….Unfortunately, not all cities prioritise the preservation of these essential green havens.

Answer the questions above by choosing the letter of the correct answer.

What is the answer for no. 18?

Read the text below then answer the questions.

Six sentences have been removed from the text. Choose from the sentences (A – G) the one which fits each gap (15 – 20). There is one extra sentence which you do not need to use.

The Benefits of Urban Green Spaces

Urban green spaces, often referred to as city parks or green belts, play a crucial role in enhancing the quality of urban life. They are not merely patches of grass and trees; instead, they serve as vital components of a city’s ecosystem. 15…………..…………. These green havens provide a refuge for various bird species and insects, contributing to the overall biodiversity of urban areas. Properly designed and maintained urban green spaces also act as effective carbon sinks, absorbing and mitigating the impact of pollution.

In addition to their ecological importance, urban green spaces offer numerous social and psychological benefits to city dwellers. 16…………..………….These areas serve as meeting points for communities, fostering social interaction and a sense of belonging. Research has shown that spending time in green spaces can reduce stress and anxiety levels, promoting mental well-being among residents.

17…………..…………. Access to green spaces is associated with improved physical health, encouraging outdoor activities such as walking, jogging, or playing sports. This, in turn, helps combat sedentary lifestyles, a growing concern in urban environments. Moreover, green spaces contribute to temperature regulation, providing natural cooling during hot seasons and mitigating the urban heat island effect.

18…………..………….Many urban planners emphasise the importance of integrating green spaces into city planning to create a healthier and more sustainable urban environment. However, the challenge lies in balancing urban development with the preservation of these green areas.

Despite their significant benefits, urban green spaces face various threats, including encroachment for construction purposes and inadequate maintenance. 19…………..………….This highlights the need for comprehensive urban policies that prioritise the preservation and expansion of green spaces for the well-being of current and future generations.

20…………..………….Unfortunately, not all cities prioritise the preservation of these essential green havens.

Answer the questions above by choosing the letter of the correct answer.

What is the answer for no. 19?

Read the text below then answer the questions.

Six sentences have been removed from the text. Choose from the sentences (A – G) the one which fits each gap (15 – 20). There is one extra sentence which you do not need to use.

The Benefits of Urban Green Spaces

Urban green spaces, often referred to as city parks or green belts, play a crucial role in enhancing the quality of urban life. They are not merely patches of grass and trees; instead, they serve as vital components of a city’s ecosystem. 15…………..…………. These green havens provide a refuge for various bird species and insects, contributing to the overall biodiversity of urban areas. Properly designed and maintained urban green spaces also act as effective carbon sinks, absorbing and mitigating the impact of pollution.

In addition to their ecological importance, urban green spaces offer numerous social and psychological benefits to city dwellers. 16…………..………….These areas serve as meeting points for communities, fostering social interaction and a sense of belonging. Research has shown that spending time in green spaces can reduce stress and anxiety levels, promoting mental well-being among residents.

17…………..…………. Access to green spaces is associated with improved physical health, encouraging outdoor activities such as walking, jogging, or playing sports. This, in turn, helps combat sedentary lifestyles, a growing concern in urban environments. Moreover, green spaces contribute to temperature regulation, providing natural cooling during hot seasons and mitigating the urban heat island effect.

18…………..………….Many urban planners emphasise the importance of integrating green spaces into city planning to create a healthier and more sustainable urban environment. However, the challenge lies in balancing urban development with the preservation of these green areas.

Despite their significant benefits, urban green spaces face various threats, including encroachment for construction purposes and inadequate maintenance. 19…………..………….This highlights the need for comprehensive urban policies that prioritise the preservation and expansion of green spaces for the well-being of current and future generations.

20…………..………….Unfortunately, not all cities prioritise the preservation of these essential green havens.

Answer the questions above by choosing the letter of the correct answer.

What is the answer for no. 20?

Read the four extracts below on the theme of friendship.

Extract A:

Friendship is a journey marked by shared adventures and mutual growth. Just as Aboriginal Message Sticks were once a means of communicating between different Aboriginal Nations, friendships serve as bridges connecting diverse individuals. These bonds, much like messengers travelling on foot, endure challenges and bring announcements of joy and support. Friendships, whether formed during ceremonies or everyday encounters, can be as varied as the sticks themselves. The vibrant colours and textures of friendship add meaning, much like red ochre or white pipeclay do on a message stick. Just as messengers set out on foot, friends embark on the journey of life together, sometimes facing dangers, but always with the reassurance of a trusted companion.

Extract B:

True friendships possess a homing instinct much like carrier pigeons. These friendships, trained to carry messages of care and understanding, provide a reliable means of emotional communication. Just as messages are securely attached to a pigeon’s leg, shared experiences and sentiments are securely held in the hearts of friends. The trust placed in true friends for delivering important emotional messages highlights their remarkable communication capabilities. Friendships, like carrier pigeons, can cover long distances swiftly, navigating through the highs and lows of life. The swift and secure delivery of compassion and support is the hallmark of enduring friendships.

Extract C:

In the rhythm of life, friendships play the role of the African talking drum, communicating joy, sorrow, and everything in between. These bonds, much like the tones and pitches of the drum, convey a unique language understood by those in communion. Friendships are a communal form of communication, relaying news of laughter, announcing shared accomplishments, and issuing the comfort of understanding in times of need. The beats of friendship serve as a backdrop to ceremonies, celebrations, and the ongoing narrative of shared experiences, creating a symphony of companionship.

Extract D:

Friendship, akin to the Inca quipu system, is a network of interconnected knots, each symbolising shared memories and enduring bonds. Originating from the Andean region of heartfelt connections, friendships consist of various coloured threads representing the diversity of experiences and emotions. The knots in the friendship quipu encode different information, from the joyous moments to the challenges faced together. Much like the quipu’s role in organising and storing information, friendships provide a framework for organising mutual support, creating a tapestry of solidarity that withstands the test of time. The intricate system of knots in the friendship quipu is a testament to the complexity and beauty of true companionship.

Which extract analyses the journey of friendship as marked by shared adventures and mutual growth? 

Read the four extracts below on the theme of friendship.

Extract A:

Friendship is a journey marked by shared adventures and mutual growth. Just as Aboriginal Message Sticks were once a means of communicating between different Aboriginal Nations, friendships serve as bridges connecting diverse individuals. These bonds, much like messengers travelling on foot, endure challenges and bring announcements of joy and support. Friendships, whether formed during ceremonies or everyday encounters, can be as varied as the sticks themselves. The vibrant colours and textures of friendship add meaning, much like red ochre or white pipeclay do on a message stick. Just as messengers set out on foot, friends embark on the journey of life together, sometimes facing dangers, but always with the reassurance of a trusted companion.

Extract B:

True friendships possess a homing instinct much like carrier pigeons. These friendships, trained to carry messages of care and understanding, provide a reliable means of emotional communication. Just as messages are securely attached to a pigeon’s leg, shared experiences and sentiments are securely held in the hearts of friends. The trust placed in true friends for delivering important emotional messages highlights their remarkable communication capabilities. Friendships, like carrier pigeons, can cover long distances swiftly, navigating through the highs and lows of life. The swift and secure delivery of compassion and support is the hallmark of enduring friendships.

Extract C:

In the rhythm of life, friendships play the role of the African talking drum, communicating joy, sorrow, and everything in between. These bonds, much like the tones and pitches of the drum, convey a unique language understood by those in communion. Friendships are a communal form of communication, relaying news of laughter, announcing shared accomplishments, and issuing the comfort of understanding in times of need. The beats of friendship serve as a backdrop to ceremonies, celebrations, and the ongoing narrative of shared experiences, creating a symphony of companionship.

Extract D:

Friendship, akin to the Inca quipu system, is a network of interconnected knots, each symbolising shared memories and enduring bonds. Originating from the Andean region of heartfelt connections, friendships consist of various coloured threads representing the diversity of experiences and emotions. The knots in the friendship quipu encode different information, from the joyous moments to the challenges faced together. Much like the quipu’s role in organising and storing information, friendships provide a framework for organising mutual support, creating a tapestry of solidarity that withstands the test of time. The intricate system of knots in the friendship quipu is a testament to the complexity and beauty of true companionship.

Which extract discusses the homing instinct of true friendships and their remarkable communication capabilities? 

Read the four extracts below on the theme of friendship.

Extract A:

Friendship is a journey marked by shared adventures and mutual growth. Just as Aboriginal Message Sticks were once a means of communicating between different Aboriginal Nations, friendships serve as bridges connecting diverse individuals. These bonds, much like messengers travelling on foot, endure challenges and bring announcements of joy and support. Friendships, whether formed during ceremonies or everyday encounters, can be as varied as the sticks themselves. The vibrant colours and textures of friendship add meaning, much like red ochre or white pipeclay do on a message stick. Just as messengers set out on foot, friends embark on the journey of life together, sometimes facing dangers, but always with the reassurance of a trusted companion.

Extract B:

True friendships possess a homing instinct much like carrier pigeons. These friendships, trained to carry messages of care and understanding, provide a reliable means of emotional communication. Just as messages are securely attached to a pigeon’s leg, shared experiences and sentiments are securely held in the hearts of friends. The trust placed in true friends for delivering important emotional messages highlights their remarkable communication capabilities. Friendships, like carrier pigeons, can cover long distances swiftly, navigating through the highs and lows of life. The swift and secure delivery of compassion and support is the hallmark of enduring friendships.

Extract C:

In the rhythm of life, friendships play the role of the African talking drum, communicating joy, sorrow, and everything in between. These bonds, much like the tones and pitches of the drum, convey a unique language understood by those in communion. Friendships are a communal form of communication, relaying news of laughter, announcing shared accomplishments, and issuing the comfort of understanding in times of need. The beats of friendship serve as a backdrop to ceremonies, celebrations, and the ongoing narrative of shared experiences, creating a symphony of companionship.

Extract D:

Friendship, akin to the Inca quipu system, is a network of interconnected knots, each symbolising shared memories and enduring bonds. Originating from the Andean region of heartfelt connections, friendships consist of various coloured threads representing the diversity of experiences and emotions. The knots in the friendship quipu encode different information, from the joyous moments to the challenges faced together. Much like the quipu’s role in organising and storing information, friendships provide a framework for organising mutual support, creating a tapestry of solidarity that withstands the test of time. The intricate system of knots in the friendship quipu is a testament to the complexity and beauty of true companionship.

Which extract compares friendships to the African talking drum, emphasising its role in conveying a unique language?

Read the four extracts below on the theme of friendship.

Extract A:

Friendship is a journey marked by shared adventures and mutual growth. Just as Aboriginal Message Sticks were once a means of communicating between different Aboriginal Nations, friendships serve as bridges connecting diverse individuals. These bonds, much like messengers travelling on foot, endure challenges and bring announcements of joy and support. Friendships, whether formed during ceremonies or everyday encounters, can be as varied as the sticks themselves. The vibrant colours and textures of friendship add meaning, much like red ochre or white pipeclay do on a message stick. Just as messengers set out on foot, friends embark on the journey of life together, sometimes facing dangers, but always with the reassurance of a trusted companion.

Extract B:

True friendships possess a homing instinct much like carrier pigeons. These friendships, trained to carry messages of care and understanding, provide a reliable means of emotional communication. Just as messages are securely attached to a pigeon’s leg, shared experiences and sentiments are securely held in the hearts of friends. The trust placed in true friends for delivering important emotional messages highlights their remarkable communication capabilities. Friendships, like carrier pigeons, can cover long distances swiftly, navigating through the highs and lows of life. The swift and secure delivery of compassion and support is the hallmark of enduring friendships.

Extract C:

In the rhythm of life, friendships play the role of the African talking drum, communicating joy, sorrow, and everything in between. These bonds, much like the tones and pitches of the drum, convey a unique language understood by those in communion. Friendships are a communal form of communication, relaying news of laughter, announcing shared accomplishments, and issuing the comfort of understanding in times of need. The beats of friendship serve as a backdrop to ceremonies, celebrations, and the ongoing narrative of shared experiences, creating a symphony of companionship.

Extract D:

Friendship, akin to the Inca quipu system, is a network of interconnected knots, each symbolising shared memories and enduring bonds. Originating from the Andean region of heartfelt connections, friendships consist of various coloured threads representing the diversity of experiences and emotions. The knots in the friendship quipu encode different information, from the joyous moments to the challenges faced together. Much like the quipu’s role in organising and storing information, friendships provide a framework for organising mutual support, creating a tapestry of solidarity that withstands the test of time. The intricate system of knots in the friendship quipu is a testament to the complexity and beauty of true companionship.

Which extract mentions the vibrant colours and textures of friendship, drawing parallels with red ochre or white pipeclay on a message stick? 

Read the four extracts below on the theme of friendship.

Extract A:

Friendship is a journey marked by shared adventures and mutual growth. Just as Aboriginal Message Sticks were once a means of communicating between different Aboriginal Nations, friendships serve as bridges connecting diverse individuals. These bonds, much like messengers travelling on foot, endure challenges and bring announcements of joy and support. Friendships, whether formed during ceremonies or everyday encounters, can be as varied as the sticks themselves. The vibrant colours and textures of friendship add meaning, much like red ochre or white pipeclay do on a message stick. Just as messengers set out on foot, friends embark on the journey of life together, sometimes facing dangers, but always with the reassurance of a trusted companion.

Extract B:

True friendships possess a homing instinct much like carrier pigeons. These friendships, trained to carry messages of care and understanding, provide a reliable means of emotional communication. Just as messages are securely attached to a pigeon’s leg, shared experiences and sentiments are securely held in the hearts of friends. The trust placed in true friends for delivering important emotional messages highlights their remarkable communication capabilities. Friendships, like carrier pigeons, can cover long distances swiftly, navigating through the highs and lows of life. The swift and secure delivery of compassion and support is the hallmark of enduring friendships.

Extract C:

In the rhythm of life, friendships play the role of the African talking drum, communicating joy, sorrow, and everything in between. These bonds, much like the tones and pitches of the drum, convey a unique language understood by those in communion. Friendships are a communal form of communication, relaying news of laughter, announcing shared accomplishments, and issuing the comfort of understanding in times of need. The beats of friendship serve as a backdrop to ceremonies, celebrations, and the ongoing narrative of shared experiences, creating a symphony of companionship.

Extract D:

Friendship, akin to the Inca quipu system, is a network of interconnected knots, each symbolising shared memories and enduring bonds. Originating from the Andean region of heartfelt connections, friendships consist of various coloured threads representing the diversity of experiences and emotions. The knots in the friendship quipu encode different information, from the joyous moments to the challenges faced together. Much like the quipu’s role in organising and storing information, friendships provide a framework for organising mutual support, creating a tapestry of solidarity that withstands the test of time. The intricate system of knots in the friendship quipu is a testament to the complexity and beauty of true companionship.

Which extract highlights the swift and secure delivery of compassion and support as the hallmark of enduring friendships?

Read the four extracts below on the theme of friendship.

Extract A:

Friendship is a journey marked by shared adventures and mutual growth. Just as Aboriginal Message Sticks were once a means of communicating between different Aboriginal Nations, friendships serve as bridges connecting diverse individuals. These bonds, much like messengers travelling on foot, endure challenges and bring announcements of joy and support. Friendships, whether formed during ceremonies or everyday encounters, can be as varied as the sticks themselves. The vibrant colours and textures of friendship add meaning, much like red ochre or white pipeclay do on a message stick. Just as messengers set out on foot, friends embark on the journey of life together, sometimes facing dangers, but always with the reassurance of a trusted companion.

Extract B:

True friendships possess a homing instinct much like carrier pigeons. These friendships, trained to carry messages of care and understanding, provide a reliable means of emotional communication. Just as messages are securely attached to a pigeon’s leg, shared experiences and sentiments are securely held in the hearts of friends. The trust placed in true friends for delivering important emotional messages highlights their remarkable communication capabilities. Friendships, like carrier pigeons, can cover long distances swiftly, navigating through the highs and lows of life. The swift and secure delivery of compassion and support is the hallmark of enduring friendships.

Extract C:

In the rhythm of life, friendships play the role of the African talking drum, communicating joy, sorrow, and everything in between. These bonds, much like the tones and pitches of the drum, convey a unique language understood by those in communion. Friendships are a communal form of communication, relaying news of laughter, announcing shared accomplishments, and issuing the comfort of understanding in times of need. The beats of friendship serve as a backdrop to ceremonies, celebrations, and the ongoing narrative of shared experiences, creating a symphony of companionship.

Extract D:

Friendship, akin to the Inca quipu system, is a network of interconnected knots, each symbolising shared memories and enduring bonds. Originating from the Andean region of heartfelt connections, friendships consist of various coloured threads representing the diversity of experiences and emotions. The knots in the friendship quipu encode different information, from the joyous moments to the challenges faced together. Much like the quipu’s role in organising and storing information, friendships provide a framework for organising mutual support, creating a tapestry of solidarity that withstands the test of time. The intricate system of knots in the friendship quipu is a testament to the complexity and beauty of true companionship.

Which extract describes friendships as a communal form of communication, relaying news of laughter, shared accomplishments, and understanding? 

Read the four extracts below on the theme of friendship.

Extract A:

Friendship is a journey marked by shared adventures and mutual growth. Just as Aboriginal Message Sticks were once a means of communicating between different Aboriginal Nations, friendships serve as bridges connecting diverse individuals. These bonds, much like messengers travelling on foot, endure challenges and bring announcements of joy and support. Friendships, whether formed during ceremonies or everyday encounters, can be as varied as the sticks themselves. The vibrant colours and textures of friendship add meaning, much like red ochre or white pipeclay do on a message stick. Just as messengers set out on foot, friends embark on the journey of life together, sometimes facing dangers, but always with the reassurance of a trusted companion.

Extract B:

True friendships possess a homing instinct much like carrier pigeons. These friendships, trained to carry messages of care and understanding, provide a reliable means of emotional communication. Just as messages are securely attached to a pigeon’s leg, shared experiences and sentiments are securely held in the hearts of friends. The trust placed in true friends for delivering important emotional messages highlights their remarkable communication capabilities. Friendships, like carrier pigeons, can cover long distances swiftly, navigating through the highs and lows of life. The swift and secure delivery of compassion and support is the hallmark of enduring friendships.

Extract C:

In the rhythm of life, friendships play the role of the African talking drum, communicating joy, sorrow, and everything in between. These bonds, much like the tones and pitches of the drum, convey a unique language understood by those in communion. Friendships are a communal form of communication, relaying news of laughter, announcing shared accomplishments, and issuing the comfort of understanding in times of need. The beats of friendship serve as a backdrop to ceremonies, celebrations, and the ongoing narrative of shared experiences, creating a symphony of companionship.

Extract D:

Friendship, akin to the Inca quipu system, is a network of interconnected knots, each symbolising shared memories and enduring bonds. Originating from the Andean region of heartfelt connections, friendships consist of various coloured threads representing the diversity of experiences and emotions. The knots in the friendship quipu encode different information, from the joyous moments to the challenges faced together. Much like the quipu’s role in organising and storing information, friendships provide a framework for organising mutual support, creating a tapestry of solidarity that withstands the test of time. The intricate system of knots in the friendship quipu is a testament to the complexity and beauty of true companionship.

Which extract discusses friendships as a journey where challenges are faced with the reassurance of a trusted companion?

Read the four extracts below on the theme of friendship.

Extract A:

Friendship is a journey marked by shared adventures and mutual growth. Just as Aboriginal Message Sticks were once a means of communicating between different Aboriginal Nations, friendships serve as bridges connecting diverse individuals. These bonds, much like messengers travelling on foot, endure challenges and bring announcements of joy and support. Friendships, whether formed during ceremonies or everyday encounters, can be as varied as the sticks themselves. The vibrant colours and textures of friendship add meaning, much like red ochre or white pipeclay do on a message stick. Just as messengers set out on foot, friends embark on the journey of life together, sometimes facing dangers, but always with the reassurance of a trusted companion.

Extract B:

True friendships possess a homing instinct much like carrier pigeons. These friendships, trained to carry messages of care and understanding, provide a reliable means of emotional communication. Just as messages are securely attached to a pigeon’s leg, shared experiences and sentiments are securely held in the hearts of friends. The trust placed in true friends for delivering important emotional messages highlights their remarkable communication capabilities. Friendships, like carrier pigeons, can cover long distances swiftly, navigating through the highs and lows of life. The swift and secure delivery of compassion and support is the hallmark of enduring friendships.

Extract C:

In the rhythm of life, friendships play the role of the African talking drum, communicating joy, sorrow, and everything in between. These bonds, much like the tones and pitches of the drum, convey a unique language understood by those in communion. Friendships are a communal form of communication, relaying news of laughter, announcing shared accomplishments, and issuing the comfort of understanding in times of need. The beats of friendship serve as a backdrop to ceremonies, celebrations, and the ongoing narrative of shared experiences, creating a symphony of companionship.

Extract D:

Friendship, akin to the Inca quipu system, is a network of interconnected knots, each symbolising shared memories and enduring bonds. Originating from the Andean region of heartfelt connections, friendships consist of various coloured threads representing the diversity of experiences and emotions. The knots in the friendship quipu encode different information, from the joyous moments to the challenges faced together. Much like the quipu’s role in organising and storing information, friendships provide a framework for organising mutual support, creating a tapestry of solidarity that withstands the test of time. The intricate system of knots in the friendship quipu is a testament to the complexity and beauty of true companionship.

Which extract likens friendships to a network of interconnected knots, symbolising shared memories and enduring bonds? 

Read the four extracts below on the theme of friendship.

Extract A:

Friendship is a journey marked by shared adventures and mutual growth. Just as Aboriginal Message Sticks were once a means of communicating between different Aboriginal Nations, friendships serve as bridges connecting diverse individuals. These bonds, much like messengers travelling on foot, endure challenges and bring announcements of joy and support. Friendships, whether formed during ceremonies or everyday encounters, can be as varied as the sticks themselves. The vibrant colours and textures of friendship add meaning, much like red ochre or white pipeclay do on a message stick. Just as messengers set out on foot, friends embark on the journey of life together, sometimes facing dangers, but always with the reassurance of a trusted companion.

Extract B:

True friendships possess a homing instinct much like carrier pigeons. These friendships, trained to carry messages of care and understanding, provide a reliable means of emotional communication. Just as messages are securely attached to a pigeon’s leg, shared experiences and sentiments are securely held in the hearts of friends. The trust placed in true friends for delivering important emotional messages highlights their remarkable communication capabilities. Friendships, like carrier pigeons, can cover long distances swiftly, navigating through the highs and lows of life. The swift and secure delivery of compassion and support is the hallmark of enduring friendships.

Extract C:

In the rhythm of life, friendships play the role of the African talking drum, communicating joy, sorrow, and everything in between. These bonds, much like the tones and pitches of the drum, convey a unique language understood by those in communion. Friendships are a communal form of communication, relaying news of laughter, announcing shared accomplishments, and issuing the comfort of understanding in times of need. The beats of friendship serve as a backdrop to ceremonies, celebrations, and the ongoing narrative of shared experiences, creating a symphony of companionship.

Extract D:

Friendship, akin to the Inca quipu system, is a network of interconnected knots, each symbolising shared memories and enduring bonds. Originating from the Andean region of heartfelt connections, friendships consist of various coloured threads representing the diversity of experiences and emotions. The knots in the friendship quipu encode different information, from the joyous moments to the challenges faced together. Much like the quipu’s role in organising and storing information, friendships provide a framework for organising mutual support, creating a tapestry of solidarity that withstands the test of time. The intricate system of knots in the friendship quipu is a testament to the complexity and beauty of true companionship.

Which extract draws parallels between the beats of the African talking drum and the ongoing narrative of shared experiences in friendships?

Read the four extracts below on the theme of friendship.

Extract A:

Friendship is a journey marked by shared adventures and mutual growth. Just as Aboriginal Message Sticks were once a means of communicating between different Aboriginal Nations, friendships serve as bridges connecting diverse individuals. These bonds, much like messengers travelling on foot, endure challenges and bring announcements of joy and support. Friendships, whether formed during ceremonies or everyday encounters, can be as varied as the sticks themselves. The vibrant colours and textures of friendship add meaning, much like red ochre or white pipeclay do on a message stick. Just as messengers set out on foot, friends embark on the journey of life together, sometimes facing dangers, but always with the reassurance of a trusted companion.

Extract B:

True friendships possess a homing instinct much like carrier pigeons. These friendships, trained to carry messages of care and understanding, provide a reliable means of emotional communication. Just as messages are securely attached to a pigeon’s leg, shared experiences and sentiments are securely held in the hearts of friends. The trust placed in true friends for delivering important emotional messages highlights their remarkable communication capabilities. Friendships, like carrier pigeons, can cover long distances swiftly, navigating through the highs and lows of life. The swift and secure delivery of compassion and support is the hallmark of enduring friendships.

Extract C:

In the rhythm of life, friendships play the role of the African talking drum, communicating joy, sorrow, and everything in between. These bonds, much like the tones and pitches of the drum, convey a unique language understood by those in communion. Friendships are a communal form of communication, relaying news of laughter, announcing shared accomplishments, and issuing the comfort of understanding in times of need. The beats of friendship serve as a backdrop to ceremonies, celebrations, and the ongoing narrative of shared experiences, creating a symphony of companionship.

Extract D:

Friendship, akin to the Inca quipu system, is a network of interconnected knots, each symbolising shared memories and enduring bonds. Originating from the Andean region of heartfelt connections, friendships consist of various coloured threads representing the diversity of experiences and emotions. The knots in the friendship quipu encode different information, from the joyous moments to the challenges faced together. Much like the quipu’s role in organising and storing information, friendships provide a framework for organising mutual support, creating a tapestry of solidarity that withstands the test of time. The intricate system of knots in the friendship quipu is a testament to the complexity and beauty of true companionship.

Which extract discusses the role of friendships as providing a framework for organising mutual support, creating a tapestry of solidarity?