2016+Bgcse+Language+Papers+1+2+3+4 Compressed
2016+Bgcse+Language+Papers+1+2+3+4 Compressed
2016+Bgcse+Language+Papers+1+2+3+4 Compressed
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question contained therein.
BGCSE EnglishLanguage
Year 2016
Papers 1,2,3, & 4
1310t1 BGCSE
I E,NGLISH LANGUAGE
PAPER 1 _ CONTINUOUS WRITING 1310/1
MrxrsTRy OT ENUCATION
NarroNAL ExarvuNATroNS
BAHAMAS GENERAL CERTIFICATE OF SECONDARY EDUCATION
INSTRUCTIONS TO CANDIDATES
Write your school numbeE candidate number, surname and initials in the spaces provided on
the answer booklet.
You will have 10 minutes to read and plan your topic. You should NOT begin to write your
composition during this time. Howeveq you should write your plan.
At the beginning of your composition write the number of the topic you have chosen.
This paper accounts for 40Yo of the total marks available for the examination in this subject.
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- This question paper consists of 4 printed pages.
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Choose ONE of the following topics. Your writing should be planned on your answer paper.
1. Write a story which includes the following lines: "When he saw the photograph, he grinned. He
knew his life would never be the same again."
3. People often talk about their reason(s) for living. Explain three reasons why people are determined
to live, even when things are difficult.
4. "He called out to her several times as she walked away,but she refused to listen to what he said."
Use this line in a story.
5. There has been an increase in crime in our society. Why do you think this is so? Explore three
factors which might account for more crime.
6. Write a composition based on the following lines of poetry. You may write about any ideas that the
poem suggests to you, or you may write a story or a description based on the subject of the poem.
You should NOT write a poem.
7. I'11 certainly never visit that dreadful place again! Convey the experience you had, including a
description of the site you visited.
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8. Write a story, description, or any form of composition suggested by ONE of the photographs.
Your composition may be directly about the subject of the photograph or take some suggestions
from it. There must be some clear connection between the photograph and your composition.
(a)
i#=
nMah*tr
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(b)
t3t0t2b BGCSB
School Number Candidate Number
ENGLISHLANGUAGE
PAPER 2 _AURAL COMPREHENSION
I ruesday 19
CANDIDATE'S COPY I3IOI2b
Additional materials:
Compact disc recording
CD player
MrxrsTRY OT EuUCATIoN
NarIoNAL ExavrrNATroNS
BAHAMAS GENERAL CERTIFICATE OF SECONDARY EDUCATION
INSTRUCTIONS TO CANDIDATES
Write your school number, candidate number, surname and initials in the spaces provided on
the booklet.
FIRST PLAYING
Listen carefully to the FIRST PLAYING to gain a general impression of what is being said.
DO NOT look at the NOTES SECTION or the QUESTIONS durins the first playing.
AFTER THE FIRST PLAYING, turn to the NOTES SECTION of the paper. Read through
the suggested points. Make any notes you wish on the points listed. Your notes will not be
marked. You will have 3 minutes.
SECOND PLAYING
Listen again to the recording. You may make additional notes as you listen. AFTER THE
SECOND PLAYING, complete your note making. You will have 3 minutes. You will
be allowed a total of 45 minutes to complete your answers to PART TWO of the test.
AnswerALL questions.
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INFORMATION FOR CANDIDATES
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The number of marks available for each question or part question is shown in brackets
[ ].
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Dictionaries are NOT permitted.
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PART ONE
You have just heard a recording of a television programme called Health Talk,in which Dr. Brian Winters,
a sports doctor, discusses with the hostess the advantages and disadvantages of the sport of swimming.
Make some detailed notes on the EIGHT points listed below. REMEMBER THAT YOU WILL NEED
THESE NOTES IN THE SECOND PART OF THE TEST; therefore, make them as full and as accurate
as you can.
LISTEN CAREFULLY
2. How the hostess responds to Dr. Winters's early remark about the Three Musketeers
4. Benefits of swimming
8. Methods the hostess uses to keep the interview interesting and entertaining
PART TWO
Write your answers to the following questions. Base your answers on the notes you took when you listened
to the recording in PART ONE.
1. How have Andy Knowles and Arianna Vanderpool-Wallace increased Bahamians' interest in
swimming?
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2. (a) Quote the hostess's response to Dr. Winters's remark that she, he and his wife were once
known as the Three Musketeers.
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J. What services does Dr. Winters offer his patients and what do these individuals all have in common?
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4. Using information from the recording, identi$ FOUR specific ways in which people who exercise
by swimming can become physically healthier.
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5. Dr. Winters's language suggests that he feels differently about stingrays than he does about
saltwater crocodiles. Support this claim by explaining what Dr. Winters's words phrases/suggest
about his feelings.
Stingrays
WordsiPhrases Dr. Winters uses and an explanation of what they suggest about his feelings
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Saltwater Crocodiles
WordslPhrases Dr. Winters uses and an explanation of what they suggest about his feelings
6. Aside from the fact that he is a sports doctor, give THREE reasons why the people watching
Health Talkwouldmost likely consider Dr. Winters a reliable expert on the subject of swimming.
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7. Based on information from the recording, identify FOUR disadvantages of swimming in a pool
as
a form of exercise.
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8. Identifu THREE methods the hostess of Health Talk uses to keep the interview interesting and
entertaining, aside from the expected use of questions.
Place your ideas in the chart below supporting each one with details from the recording.
2.
a
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ENGLISHLANGUAGE
PAPER 3 _ WRITTEN COMPREHENSION
& DIRECTED WRITING 1310A
MmrsrRY OT EnUCATIoN
NlarroNAL ExavuNATroNS
BAHAMAS GENERAL CERTIFICATE OF SECONDARY EDUCATION
INSTRUCTIONS TO CANDIDATES
Write your school number, candidate number, surname and initials in the spaces provided on
the answer booklet.
The number of marks available for each question or part question is shown if brackets.
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Read the following passage carefully before you attempt any questions.
Not many people know that the marathon, a26.2-mile-long race, got its name from the Greek
legend of Pheidippides, who in 490 BC ran slightly less than 26 miles from the town of Marathon in
Greece to the city of Athens to announce the Athenian army's victory over the Persians. Once poor
Pheidippides arrived and announced, "Rejoice, we have conquered", he is said to have collapsed and
died. Over two thousand years later, more than five hundred marathons take place in Europe and the
United States yearly, with around one million mners taking part. Quite a number of Bahamians are
among those who undergo the often demanding training needed for long distance races. They pound
the streets of New Providence in the wee hours of the morning and late at night, facing the dragons
of small-city traffic and crime. Then, months later, these runners invest large sums of money in
flying offto foreign countries to participate in what has been called an excessive endurance exercise. l0
While recent research reveals that running marathons and other grueling races could lead to
fatal heart attacks or serious cardiac problems in later life, supporters claim that these risks are more
than outweighed by the benefits. An internet sports magazine asked readers to submit a description of
themselves, telling how or why they became long-distance runners and have benefited from it. Here
is what a number of readers wrote: l5
brutal years in that state. I was rock bottom, homeless and starving. Then I took up triathlons. I found
that this athletic effort helped me overcome my addictions.
push I used to feel at work. I don't know, though. I'll give it some more thought before I hit the road.
blocks. I kept doing that until I could run an entire mile without stopping. Then I spent ayear training
and entered a half-marathon. Now I'm running marathons. I am healthier and have more energy than
I have ever had in my life and my weight is remaining pretty consistent. I have made so many great
friends running and met some incredibly interesting people running marathons'
Answer ALL the questions in the answer booklet provided. Do not place any answers on this question
paper.
Unless otherwise indicated, ALL answers must be based on the information presented in the passage.
ln answering questions l-4, write down the letter A, B, C or D to indicate the most appropriate answer.
2. The expression, "facing the dragons of small-city traffic..." (page 2), suggests that such traffrc is:
A. legendary;
B. dangerous;
C. crawling;
D. gigantic.
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4. which oNE of the following words best describes Douglas King (page 2)?
A. relaxed
B. inactive
C. committed
D. inconsistent
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5. A sentence in Todd Crandell's entry (page 3) presents him as having had both positive and negative
experiences in life. Quote the SINGLE sentence that indicates this.
121
6. Identify and give an example of a technique Angela Dahl uses in her entry (page 4) to give readers
a strong sense of her passion for running
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7. In a word or short phrase, describe Elsa's tone in the last two sentences of her enty (page 4). Then
provide a convincing reason for her attitude. 121
8. Aside from their enthusiasm for running, Annette Dawkins (page 3) and Molly Wright (page 2) are
very different. Write a paragraph in which you:
9. Generally, long distance runners face some difficulties. In approximately 150 words, write a
paragraph explaining what these difficulties might be. [10]
10. Imagine that you are the president of a running club. Write a letter to the editor of a local newspaper
in which you seek to convince readers of the many benefits of long distance running.
E,NGLISH LANGUAGE
PAPER 4 _ EXTENDED COMPREHENSION
& DIRECTED WRITING I3IOI4
I Additional materials:
Answer booklet
(including 10 minutes
reading time)
MrmsrRY OT EoUCATIoN
NlrroNAL ExarvrrNATroNS
BAHAMAS GENERAL CERTIFICATE OF SECONDARY EDUCATION
INSTRUCTIONS TO CANDIDATES
Write your school number, candidate number, surname and initials in the spaces provided on
the answer booklet.
The number of marks available for each question or part question is shown in brackets [ ].
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SECTION A
In following passage an individual speaks about holiday stress and how to cape wrth il. Read the
the
occount carefully, and then qnswer the questions that follow. You should spend no more than one hour on
this section.
As the Christmas holiday season gallops into sight, like many others I am scuttling around
transforming my home into a festive cocoon in which I can entertain invited and uninvited friends and
relatives who will be coming to visit. I must also continue working at the office like a robot, toiling
to meet "deadlines". Later in the evening, it's off to the Junkanoo shack to complete my elaborate
costume. As though that's not enough stress, the pressure of committing to participating in a plethora
of tedious holiday related activities revolving around luncheons, festivals and church services is
overwhelming. Does the choir director even care that I have a family? Consider also that I have to
find time for the holiday greeting cards which impatiently await my signature, and brave the stampede
at the overcrowded malls for gift shopping. How do I cope with all of this and maintain my sanity?
Despite everyone being bombarded by idealised media images of a peaceful holiday season, l0
the reality is that many of us must daily face stress-inducing situations over which we have very little
control. We sit in bumper-to-bumper traffic in the morning (and evenitgs, because store owners have
had the brilliant 'holiday' idea of opening their doors at seven a.m. and closing them at mid-night).
After we reach the office, late again, the boss informs us that we must participate in an'oexciting"
door-decorating competition, draw a name to purchase a gift for a colleague we probably despise, and l5
contribute expensive, calorie-laden goodies forthe teatable, all inthe name of Christmas cheer. We also
are expected to attend the annual Christmas party; there, we resign ourselves to hours of questionable
entertainment - a part of which is watching our undisciplined co-workers stuff themselves on bland
hotel food to the point of being unable to stand.
It is not much better away from work. Trips to the food store reveal that the manager has
gleefully hauled last year's leftover hams and turkeys from the cold storages. Well-frozen they may
be, but not their prices! Simultaneously, the prices of many items have skyrocketed in stores island-
wide - something to celebrate indeed! Yet we have to buy those Christmas outfits. At home, we find
Christmas carollers waiting at our gates, determined to be applauded and rewarded for their poor,
unrehearsed performances. While a few of them have voices that may transport us to the heavens, 25
they often lack knowledge of both words and tunes of the songs they "sing", and bring tears to our
eyes. When we finally escape into our homes, most of us have to cope with the demands of our darling
attention seekers, who have been temporarily released from school for what seems like an eternity.
Then those Joneses next door decorate their front-yard with blazinglights, reindeer, winter scenes and
elves, silently prodding us to do likewise. 30
A recent potl in 2014 revealed that 81% of adults found the Christmas season stressful.
This stress can result in feelings of guilt, irritation, fatigue and depression. The whirlwind of ideas,
activities and energies that we expend into planning holiday events very likely may cause aches in
the back, head and stomach: ailments that make it impossible for us to enjoy the season. However,
it does not have to be this way. We can ttrn our back on tradition and end up the better for it. What, 35
First, we should consider selecting holiday activities in which we can comfortably involve
ourselves and have fun. Too frequently we punish ourselves with unrealistic expectations and
inadequate planning, which results in fatigued bodies and minds and the inability to function. Instead,
we need to put on our anti-stress holiday combat gear and flght offanything that will prevent us from 40
spending time in healthy ways with our loved ones. Therefore, we must prepare carefullp setting
aside specific dates for activities such as non-frenzied shopping, baking fruitcakes, cookies and other
holiday treats, and paying visits to beloved relatives or friends. Additionally, we ought to include
time for relaxation of body and mind. There is absolutely nothing wrong with devoting a day of the
holidays to going to the beach or a safe park where we can just recline and snooze, listening to the 45
sounds ofnature.
Apart ofthe anti-stress holiday combat gear that we should use at Christmas is the conservative
shield. This allows us to protect ourselves from the temptation to deplete our savings. It allows us to
show our love in nontraditional ways, with a small inexpensive gift from the heart. There's nothing
wrong with creatively constructing home-made gifts or treats as presents. Such a protective shield
prevents extravagant holiday spending, eliminates frustration when the receiver obviously detests our
carefully selected gift and does away with the struggle to pay bills for the rest of the year.
No anti-stress combat gear would be complete without the peace shield as well. If we
remember to use it, we will become more serene. Using the peace shield means practicing patience,
forgiveness and humility at all times. Therefore, in the event that our loved ones do not totally agree 55
with our holiday plans, we should be prepared to compromise. As long as we are able to incorporate
some of everyone's ideas without being overwhelmed, we are well on the path to reducing our stress.
Moreover, never lose sight of the fact that the holiday season often brings us into contact
with adult family members whom we love dearly but may not like very much. We might not like to
acknowledge it, but for numerous families, it's a tradition of sorts for gatherings to erupt into heated 60
battles. The Christmas season's much advertised warmth does not automatically resolve a history of
family disputes or erase painful emotions. Initial embraces are frequently followed by the arrows of
veiled insults and alcohol-induced accusations. Holidays are not the most appropriate times to address
family problems, so we must be careful when we are at a gathering of relatives. The wisest thing to
do is guard our tongue and respect our relatives' boundaries, even if they do not always respect ours. o5
The result? There are fewer arows to dodge, which equals less stress for everyone.
It is possible to beat holiday stress on our own - many of us do so each year. On the other
hand, if we realise that we are unable to cope, because we are experiencing prolonged feelings of
sadness and lethargy, then there is absolutely nothing wrong with trying to seek help from a counsellor,
a church support group or even a psychologist. Ignoring such symptoms can result in increased stress 70
and might ultimately lead to depression.
Whether we are celebrating Christmas, Easter or National Heroes Day,.we ought not to
succumb to social pressures to the point where we are unhappy and dream of escaping the celebration.
Instead, we should choose a method of celebrating that best suits our personality and lifestyle, and
be content that we are doing what is best for us. After all, at the end of the holiday we want to walk /J
away with our sanity intact.
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Your responses to the following questions should be based on the information presented in the passage, and
should be expressed as far as possible in your own words.
1. Holiday celebrations in The Bahamas can involve numerous traditional activities. Give an account
of these activities, using no more than 120 words in your response. [10]
2. The behaviour of a number of individuals appears to evoke negative feelings in the narrator.
Identifu these individuals and their behaviouq explaining specifically how their actions and/or
attitudes affect the narrator emotionally.
SECTION B
-). A number of skilful techniques are used in the advertisement in encouraging readers to consider
going on a cruise at Christmas. Identiff the techniques used and, giving examples, comment on
the effectiveness of each. [14]
4. The everyday life of a working parent is often burdened b,r' issues that are intensified during
holiday periods. Imagine you are the main speaker addressing a group of college graduates. Write
the speech you make in which you inform them of the concerns thel'will most likely have as they
take on a working parent's responsibilities, and present thern u'ith a few approaches to dealing
with the challenges.
(a) present ideas based on information from BOTH the passage and the advertisement;
(b) discuss both the causes ofstress and a few stress-coping strategies
(c) include one or two ideas of your own about dealing with stress.
[16]