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ENGLISH LANGUAGE
Paper 1
TIME: 2 HOURS

                                       YAAKA EXAMINATIONS

ENGLISH LANGUAGE

Paper 1

TIME: 2 HOURS

INSTRUCTIONS TO CANDIDATES

This Paper consists of two Sections: A and B. It has four examination items. Section

A is Compulsory.

Answer One item in Section B. Answer three examination items in all.

Answers to Section A must be written in the spaces provided.

Answers to Section B must be written in the answer booklets/ answer sheets provided. Any additional items answered will not be scored.

SECTION A

Item 1: Read the text below.

The rapid urbanization of cities worldwide has brought both opportunities and challenges. As cities grow, they attract people from rural areas seeking better jobs, education, and healthcare. However, this influx has led to overcrowded slums, inadequate housing, and strained public services. The gap between the rich and the poor is becoming more visible, with luxury apartments towering over informal settlements.

Traffic congestion is another major issue affecting urban centers. With more people owning cars, roads are often clogged, leading to increased travel times, air pollution, and stress for commuters. Public transportation systems, where available, are frequently overcrowded, unreliable, and underfunded. Urban planners are struggling to keep up with the pace of growth, and finding sustainable solutions to these problems remains a significant challenge.

Pollution is a critical concern in urban areas. Factories, vehicle emissions, and improper waste disposal contribute to poor air and water quality, affecting the health of residents. Many cities lack adequate waste management systems, resulting in heaps of garbage on streets, blocked drainage systems, and flooding during rainy seasons. The environmental impact is severe, with many urban rivers and lakes becoming heavily polluted and unsuitable for human use.

Urbanization also affects social dynamics. While cities offer opportunities for social interaction and cultural exchange, they can also foster crime, social isolation, and mental health issues. The pace of city life is fast, often leaving little room for rest or personal connections. Many urban dwellers, especially young professionals, report feeling lonely despite being surrounded by millions of people.

Governments and city planners are exploring various strategies to make cities more livable. Some are investing in green spaces, improving public transport, and promoting sustainable architecture. Smart city initiatives that use technology to enhance infrastructure, reduce energy consumption, and manage resources efficiently are gaining traction. However, the success of these initiatives depends on the active involvement of communities, governments, and private sectors.

Task:
As a city council member, write a report on the challenges of urbanization and suggest solutions that can make cities more livable. Use about 120 words.

Rough Copy

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Fair Copy

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Item 2: Read the following text and respond to the item.

Maria’s journey from a small fishing village to becoming a renowned marine biologist was anything but easy. Growing up by the coast, she was fascinated by the sea and spent hours watching fishermen at work. She dreamed of studying marine life, but her family could barely afford to send her to school. Undeterred, Maria studied hard, often by candlelight, and won a scholarship to attend university in the city.

At university, Maria faced challenges fitting in. Many of her classmates came from wealthy backgrounds and had traveled widely. She often felt out of place but stayed focused on her studies. During her final year, Maria got an opportunity to work on a marine conservation project, which marked the beginning of her passion for protecting marine ecosystems.

After graduation, Maria returned to her village to start a community-based marine conservation project. She aimed to educate the locals on sustainable fishing practices and the importance of protecting coral reefs. Initially, the fishermen were skeptical. They believed that conservation efforts would restrict their fishing activities and reduce their income. Maria conducted workshops, explaining how overfishing and destructive methods were depleting fish stocks, making their future uncertain.

Maria’s persistence paid off when she secured funding to provide alternative livelihood options for the fishermen, such as seaweed farming and eco-tourism. Slowly, the community began to see the benefits of her conservation efforts. Marine life around the village flourished, attracting tourists, and increasing income for locals. Maria’s project became a model for other coastal communities, demonstrating that conservation and livelihood could coexist.

Despite her success, Maria continues to face challenges, including limited funding, climate change impacts, and ongoing resistance from some community members. Yet, she remains determined to advocate for marine conservation, believing that protecting the ocean is crucial for future generations. Her story is a testament to the power of resilience, education, and community involvement in achieving positive change.

Tasks:

(a). Describe the obstacles Maria faced in her journey and how she overcame them.

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(b). What lessons can be drawn from Maria’s approach to community-based conservation?

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(c). How does Maria’s story reflect the importance of perseverance and education?

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SECTION B

Either: Item 3

The rise of technology has transformed how students learn. While some believe that technology enhances learning by providing access to resources and interactive tools, others argue that it distracts students and reduces critical thinking. Write a presentation discussing the pros and cons of technology in education, emphasizing its positive impact.

Or: Item 4

You have read a news article about the importance of mental health awareness among teenagers. Write a letter to your school counselor suggesting initiatives that can support students’ mental well-being.

                                                                            END

MARKING GUIDE TO THE ABOVE TASKS

Item 1: Write a report on the challenges of urbanization and suggest solutions that can make cities more livable.

Fair Copy:

Urbanization presents significant challenges, including overcrowding, inadequate housing, and strained public services. Traffic congestion, pollution, and the lack of waste management systems affect urban areas, while social isolation and mental health issues plague young professionals. To make cities more livable, investments in green spaces, sustainable architecture, and improved public transportation are essential. Governments must also promote smart city initiatives, encourage community involvement, and ensure equitable access to resources.

Item 2

(a). Describe the obstacles Maria faced in her journey and how she overcame them.

Maria faced financial difficulties, fitting in at university, and skepticism from fishermen regarding her conservation project. She overcame these by studying hard, winning a scholarship, and educating the community on sustainable fishing practices. Her persistence and ability to secure funding for alternative livelihoods like seaweed farming helped her gain the trust of the fishermen.

(b). What lessons can be drawn from Maria’s approach to community-based conservation?

Maria’s approach highlights the importance of education, persistence, and involving the community in decision-making. She demonstrated that sustainable practices can coexist with traditional livelihoods and that conservation efforts succeed when the community is educated about the benefits of these initiatives.

(c). How does Maria’s story reflect the importance of perseverance and education?

Maria’s story shows that perseverance and education are key to achieving success. Despite the challenges, her determination to educate herself and the community led to the successful implementation of a conservation project. Her ability to turn obstacles into opportunities illustrates the transformative power of knowledge and persistence.

Section B

Item 3: Write a presentation discussing the pros and cons of technology in education, emphasizing its positive impact.

Technology has revolutionized education by providing access to a wealth of information and interactive tools. It allows students to learn at their own pace, access resources from anywhere, and engage with multimedia content. However, technology can also be a distraction, reducing face-to-face interactions and critical thinking. Despite these challenges, the benefits outweigh the drawbacks. Technology fosters personalized learning, enhances engagement, and prepares students for a digital future. With proper guidance, technology can transform education positively.