English

Cluster A

Foundation

Ahmed Bin Hanbal Independent Secondary School

Listening
Directions: Read the questions, then listen to Scarlet story. Answer the questions as you listen or immediately after. You will be given a second playing of the story and a final opportunity to answer the questions. You will be asked 9 multiple choice questions and 2 constructed response questions. Resource: http://www.examenglish.com/TOEFL/toefl_listening.htm

stories-scarlett.mp3
1. Whats the story mainly about? A. Scarlets new school B. Scarlets old classmates C. Scarlets problem with new subjects D. Scarlets life and her new environment 2. Why is Scarlet worried about her new school? A. Because shes going to study new subjects. B. Because shes going to miss her old friends. C. Because her new teachers dont know her well. D. Because shes too short for her age and the other children will make fun of her. 3. What kind of girl is Scarlet? A. greedy B. curious C. arrogant D. aggressive 4. Why did her parents choose this name? A. Its unusual in England. B. They liked the sound of it. C. Its a common name in her city. D. They named her after her grandmother. 5. Read the following statement. Because Ive got five languages in my body. What does she mean by saying this? A. She speaks five languages. B. She learns foreign languages. C. She knows different languages. D. She has relatives from different countries.

6. Scarlet finds learning French_________________ . A. easy B. exciting C. difficult D. enjoyable 7. From what point of view is the story told? A. First person B. Second person C. Third person limited D. Third person omniscient 8. Bill A. B. C. D. always wanted to become______________ . a sailor an artist a rock star an engineer

9. Read the statement. Bill inherited his fathers personality and his mothers looks. What does the underlined word inherited mean? A. Bill was born with the same appearance and character. B. Bill got something from someone who lived in his house. C. Bill received property or money from someone who died. D. Bill had responsibility for a situation that someone has started. 10. Was Scarlets grandfather a failure? Give two reasons from the text to prove your answer.

11. Whats your s attitude towards the character of Scarlet? Provide your answer with two examples from the text.

Jacob the Great

Directions :

In this section, you will read a passage and answer 9 multiple choice questions and 2 constructed response questions. 1. Jacob hated finishing things almost as much as he loved starting them. As a result, he had gotten into a million hobbies and activities, but he never stuck with any of them long enough to get any good. 2. He begged his mother for months for a guitar so that he could play Black Eyed Peas songs to Angie, a girl whom he liked, but after he finally got one for Christmas, he found out that guitars dont play themselves. He took a few lessons, but strumming the strings hurt his fingers and he didnt like holding the pick, so now the five-hundred dollar guitar lives under his bed. 3. After reading an advertisement in the back of one of his comic books, Jacob decided that he wanted a Wonder-Sweeper 5000 metal detector, so that he could find buried pirate treasure. So he mowed lawns all summer and didnt spend his money on ice-cream like his younger brother, Alex. He saved it all in a shoe box in his closet. Then he shoveled driveways all winter, and he didnt spend his money on candy and chips like his classmates. By the time spring came he had saved $200, and he purchased the Wonder-Sweeper 5000 metal detector. He beeped it around the park for a while, but he soon found out that no pirates had ever set sail in his neighborhood, and if they had, they didnt leave any treasure. Even though he found a key ring, forty-seven cents, and all the bottle caps he could throw, he buried the metal detector in his closest. 4. Given Jacobs history with hobbies, it was no surprise that Jacobs father was reluctant to buy him a magicians kit for his birthday. Geez, Jacob You sure you wouldnt rather I got you more guitar lessons? He suggested. Jacob was insistent. Dad, youve got to get me the magicians kit. This time Ill stick with it for real. I promise! Come on, Dad, Jacob begged. Jacobs father sighed and then replied, Oh, I dont know, Jacob. Things are awfully tight right now. But Jacobs father was reminded of his own youth long ago, when he quit from football and started karate practice before hardly getting his equipment dirty. So when Jacobs birthday came around, Jacob was both surprised and pleased to find the magicians kit that he had desired so badly with a big bright bow on it. 5. Jacob opened up the box and unwrapped the many parts in the kit. As he did so, he imagined sawing his pet cat in half and putting it back together to the amazement of his friends and family. He took the many fake coins, trick cards, and rope pieces of varying length on the kitchen table and imagined pulling rabbits out of his hat and turning them into pigeons with a mysterious
5

cloud of smoke. As Jacob continued pulling plastic thumbs, foam balls, and giant playing cards out of the magic kit, a commercial on the TV caught his attention. Hey kids! Have you ever wanted to go to space? Experience what its like to be an astronaut? Do you want to explore the universe? Well, now you can. As the commercial continued play, Jacob walked away from the magic kit on the kitchen table and stared at the TV screen longingly. For only $195 you can go to space camp and live life like an astronaut for a whole weekend. Enroll now for a once in a life time experience. Jacobs cry rang throughout the house as he yelled, MOM! He now knew what his true purpose in life was.
12.What is the authors purpose of writing this text? A. To inform B. To confuse C. To persuade D. To entertain 13.According to the text, why does Jacob stop playing the guitar? A. He failed math B. It was too easy C. It hurt his fingers D. Hed rather play drums 14.How did Jacob get the items he wanted in the story? A. He asked his dad. B. He asked his mom. C. He shoveled driveways and mowed lawns. D. He did all the above. 15.Read the following statement. It was no surprise that Jacobs father was reluctant to buy him a magicians kit for his birthday. Which word is closest meaning to the underlined word? A. Happy B. Proud C. Willing D. Unwilling

16.Which best describes Jacobs character in regard to his hobbies? A. B. C. D. firm stable constant changeable

17.In what way was Jacob similar to his dad? A. They mowed the lawn. B. They changed hobbies. C. They helped their families. D. They shoveled driveways all winter. 18.Based on the end of the story, Jacob is most likely to go on and do which of the following? A. Become a great magician. B. Learn to play the guitar well. C. Raise money to go to space camp. D. Detect an incredible hidden treasure. 19.Read the statement.

He took the many fake coins, trick cards, and rope pieces of varying length
A. B. C. D. What is the antonym of the underlined word fake? false unreal copied genuine

20.Read the statement . He had gotten into a million hobbies and activities. Which technique is used in the above sentence? A. simile B. metaphor C. hyperbole D. personification

21. Whats the narrators attitude towards the character of Jacob? Provide your answer with two examples from the context.

22 . If you were Jacobs father, would you act differently? Provide your answer with two reasons for this action.

Writing
Directions Writing: In this section you will answer 10 multiple choice writing questions and respond to 2 writing prompt. Your writing will receive three scores: idea development, planning, and writing strategies. 23. Read the following paragraph and answer questions 23 to 25.
1

Teenage is a difficult phase of ones life.

3 5

Teenagers are intensely

4 6

liable to physical changes. They revolt__________ social norms. They tend to show themselves off. Swimming is a useful sport. They also want to be popular and famous.
Which sentence A. Sentence B. Sentence C. Sentence D. Sentence doesnt belong in the paragraph? 2 4 5 6

24. Which sentence would make the best conclusion to this paragraph? A. They are in need of advice. B. They are interested in fashion. C. They pay attention to clothes. D. They like to listen to loud music. 25. What is the best preposition to be put after revolt? A. to B. for C. into D. against 26. Choose the sentence that is punctuated correctly. A. Todays programme is about green environment, said the teacher. B. Todays programme is about green environment said the teacher. C. Todays programme is about green environment said the teacher. D. Todays programme is about green environment, said the teacher.

27. Read the statement. I live in the country, __________, I prefer city life. What is the best word to link the two sentences? A. unlike B. neither C. because D. however 28. Read the statement. He_______ set up a new world record. Im not sure about that. Which word best fills the gap? A. may B. must C. cant D. couldnt 29. Read the statement.

Life is a stage and we are merely players. Which figure of speech is used in the above sentence?
A. B. C. D. Simile Metaphor Alliteration personification

30. Read the statement.

He listened to the lecture carefully.

Which part of speech is the underlined word? verb noun adverb adjective

A. B. C. D.

10

31. Which word is NOT spelled correctly? A. foreign B. decision C. dictionary D. expereince 32. Read the statement. While he_________, he heard loud noise. Which narrative tense best fills the gap? A. slept B. had slept C. was sleeping D. had been sleeping

11

Long Topics foundations Writing Directions: Choose ONE of the topics below to talk about. You will be scored on:
-

how well you develop your ideas your grammar, punctuation and spelling your planning for your writing

( 4 points ) ( 2 points ) ( 1 point )

Topic A:

Personal writing

Situation: You went through a terrible travel experience. Task: In not less than 120 words, tell us what happened.

OR Topic B: Narrative writing Situation: A friend of yours or somebody you know went through a vacation trip that went wrong. Task: In not less than 120 words, tell us what happened to him or her. Use the space below to plan your writing (notes, outline, story map, or other).

12

Setting Characters

Plot

13

__________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________

14

__________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________

15

Short Topics Writing Directions: Choose ONE of the topics to talk about: Your score will be based on:
- how well you develop your ideas - your grammar, spelling and punctuation

( 3 Points ) ( 2 Points )

Topic A : A friendly letter Situation: Qatar is celebrating its National Day on December18. Task: Write a letter to your pen friend Dave asking him to come to Doha to attend the National Day Celebrations. Your name is Salem and your address is: P.O Box 100, Doha, Qatar.

OR Topic B : A letter of request Situation: Youve finished your study at Ahmed Bin Hanbal School and you plan to join Society College. Task: write a formal letter to the Dane requesting some information about the college, the accommodation, the courses and the fees. Your name is Ali Badran and your address is: P.O box 116, Doha, Qatar.

16

__________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________

17

18

Test Map- Foundation Item # or Task Strand Oral Speakin Presentation g

Standard 5.1, 5.8, 5.9

DOK 3

Response Performan ce

Key --

Points 23

1 2
3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 Writing Prompt

Listenin g Listenin g
Listenin g Listenin g Listenin g Listenin g Listenin g Listenin g Listenin g Listenin g Listenin g Reading Reading Reading Reading Reading Reading Reading Reading Reading Reading Reading Writing Writing Writing Writing Writing Writing Writing Writing Writing Writing Writing

3.3 3.3
3.3 3.3 3.3 3.3 3.3 3.3 3.3 3.3 3.3 6.3 7.5 7.5 6.4 6.4 7.5 7.5 7.5 7.5 7.5 7.5 9.8 9.1 9.8 9.6 9.8 6.3 9.5 9.5 9.5 9.5 9.2

1 1
1 2 1 1 1 1 2 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1

MC MC
MC MC MC MC MC MC MC CR CR MC MC MC MC MC MC MC MC MC CR CR MC MC MC MC MC MC MC MC MC MC Planning

D D
A B D C D C A D C D D D C C D B C A D D D A B C D D _

1 1
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 3 3 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 3 3 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2

19

Idea _ 3 develop. 8.32 Conventio _ 2 3 Writing 1 n Aspect Prompt Writing 12 9.6Approaching Meets Grade Below _ Standard Writing Idea 3 Foundation Standard develop. Standards Writing 8.3 Conventio _ 2 ns Overall Total Engages audience Sometimes Shows limited 75
Impact (Content/Ide as) interest through a variety of means engages audience interest through 1 or 2 means. awareness of audience.

Writing

9.5

Total

/6

Overall Impact (Presentatio n/

style) Time Organization

Engages audience interest through a variety of means

Sometimes engages audience interest through 1 or 2 means. 5 to 7 minutes Structure is mainly appropriate to topic and audience but with some lapses Language is mainly appropriate to topic and audience but with some lapses Attempts to handle anticipated and unanticipated questions posed by audience

Shows limited awareness of audience.

/9

8- 10 minutes Uses a consistent structure appropriate to topic and audience

Less than 5 minutes Some attempt to structure the presentation but with lapses which affect audience understanding Attempts to use language which is appropriate to topic and audience but with intrusive lapses With support, begins to answer questions from the audience

/3 /3

Language use

Language is mainly appropriate for topic and audience

/3

Feedback

Handles anticipated and unanticipated questions posed by audience, engaging in further dialogue as appropriate.

/6

TOTAL

/30

Speaking Scoring Guide The student score is one-half the total based on the 30-point scoring guide. Fractions round up.

20

21

Listening: Scoring guide 10. Was Scarlets grandfathers a failure? Use details and information from the story to support your answer. Score 3 Description Response provides a thorough explanation of the information about Scarlets grandfathers failure. Explanation includes specific, relevant details from the story. Response provides a partial explanation of the information about Scarlets grandfathers failure. Explanation includes specific, relevant details from the story with some omissions. Response provides a minimal explanation of the information about Scarlets grandfathers failure. Explanation includes few, if any, specific, relevant details from the story. Response is totally incorrect or off-topic, unintelligible, or written in a language other than English. No response.

0 Blank

Scoring Notes: He left the navy and became a boxer. He lost fights and drank a lot. He was not a very good sailor. Sample 3-point response:
Scarlets grandfather was a failure. He left the navy and became a boxer. He lost fights and drank a lot. He was not a very good sailor.

Listening scoring guide: 11. Whats your attitude towards the character of Scarlet? Provide your answer with two examples from the text. Score 3 2 Description Response provides a thorough explanation of your attitude towards Scarlet. Support your answers with details from the text. Explanation includes specific, relevant details from the story. Response provides a partial explanation of your attitude towards Scarlet. Support your answers with details from the text. Explanation includes specific, relevant details from the lecture with some omissions. Response provides a minimal explanation of your attitude towards Scarlet. Support your answers with details from the text. Explanation includes few, if any, specific, relevant details from the lecture. Response is totally incorrect or off-topic, unintelligible, or written in a language other than English.

22

Blank

No response.

Scoring Notes: I feel proud of her for many reasons. She is concerned with her education She is devoted to her old classmates She is also smart as she considers all school subjects Sample 3-point response: I adopt a positive attitude towards the character of Scarlet . I feel proud of her. She is concerned with her education. She is devoted to her old classmates. She is also smart as she considers all school subjects.

Reading Scoring guide: 21. Whats the narrators attitude towards the character of Jacob? Provide your answer with two examples from the text. Score 3 Description Response provides a thorough explanation of the information about the narrators attitude towards the character of Jacob. Explanation includes specific, relevant details from the story. Response provides a partial explanation of the information about the narrators attitude towards the character of Jacob. Explanation includes specific, relevant details from the story with some omissions. Response provides a minimal explanation of the information about the narrators attitude towards the character of Jacob . Explanation includes few, if any, specific, relevant details from the story. Response is totally incorrect or off-topic, unintelligible, or written in a language other than English. No response.

0 Blank

Scoring Notes: He thinks he is a changeable person. He changes hobbies and activities. He never keeps his promises. Sample 3-point response: The narrator adopts a negative attitude towards the character of Jacob. He thinks that Jacob is a changeable person. He changes hobbies and activities. He never keeps his promises. Reading scoring guide:

23

22. If you were Jacobs father, would you act differently? Give two reasons for your decision. Score 3 2 Description Response provides a thorough explanation of decision towards Jacob if you were his father . Support your answers with details from the text. Explanation includes specific, relevant details from the story. Response provides a partial explanation of your decision towards Jacob if you were his father. Support your answers with details from the text. Explanation includes specific, relevant details from the lecture with some omissions. Response provides a minimal explanation of decision towards Jacob if you were his father. Support your answers with details from the text. Explanation includes few, if any, specific, relevant details from the lecture. Response is totally incorrect or off-topic, unintelligible, or written in a language other than English. No response.

0 Blank

Scoring Notes: I would act in a different way I wouldnt give him all what he wants. I wouldnt satisfy all his desires as he never sticks to hobbies or activities. Sample 3-point response: If I were his father, I would act differently. I wouldnt give him all what he wants as easy comes, easy goes. I wouldnt satisfy all his desires as he never sticks to hobbies or activities.

24

Writing RubricNarrative writing Foundations Idea Development

Standar d 9.6 9.8 point s 4 Descriptors The purpose of the functional writing is clear, concise, and to the point. It uses the accepted layout for the type of functional writing it is [letter, email, fact sheet, meeting minutes]. The information is clear, complete, accurate, and sufficient to achieve the purpose. It is organised and uses structure [short paragraphs and space between ideas] to full advantage. The language is non-personal, direct, focuses on active, imperative verbs, and uses connectives appropriately and effectively. The writers relationship with the audience is clear and appropriate. The details are specific and clear, and the sentences flow smoothly throughout the text. The purpose of the functional writing is clear. It uses the accepted layout for its type of functional writing. The information is mostly clear, complete, accurate, and sufficient to achieve the purpose. It is organised and generally uses structure to advantage. The language is non-personal, direct, and uses connectives appropriately and effectively with some minor errors. The writers relationship with the audience is clear and appropriate. The sentences flow smoothly throughout the text, with some minor lapses. The purpose of the functional writing is clear but may lack emphasis or conviction. It is missing some elements of the layout required for its type of functional writing. At times the information lacks the clarity, completeness, accuracy, or the emphasis to achieve the purpose. Lack of organisation and structure diminish the effectiveness. The language often departs from the expected norm. The writers relationship with the audience may be unclear or inappropriate. At time sentences do not flow smoothly. The purpose of the functional writing is not clear and lacks emphasis or conviction. It is missing many elements of the layout required for its type of functional writing. Generally, the information lacks the clarity, completeness, accuracy, or the emphasis to achieve its purpose. Organisation and structure are random, if present at all. The language frequently departs from the expected norm for the genre. The writers relationship with the audience is unclear or inappropriate. Sentence structures are flawed to the point of seriously impeding readability. Response is missing, irrelevant, or provides too little text for evaluation.

Writing Conventions--GUM
Points 2 1 0 Descriptors Solid ability with conventions Some success with conventions, though meaning suffers at times. Errors are disproportionate to the length or complexity of the writing.

Planning

25

Points 1 0

Descriptors Nearly all content of planning space is represented in the student writing. Nothing in the planning space is represented in the student writing.

Writing RubricFunctonal writing Foundations Idea Development

Standar d 9.6 9.8 point s 3 Descriptors The purpose of the functional writing is clear, concise, and to the point. It uses the accepted layout for the type of functional writing it is [letter, email, fact sheet, meeting minutes]. The information is clear, complete, accurate, and sufficient to achieve the purpose. It is organised and uses structure [short paragraphs and space between ideas] to full advantage. The language is non-personal, direct, focuses on active, imperative verbs, and uses connectives appropriately and effectively. The writers relationship with the audience is clear and appropriate. The details are specific and clear, and the sentences flow smoothly throughout the text. The purpose of the functional writing is clear. It uses the accepted layout for its type of functional writing. The information is mostly clear, complete, accurate, and sufficient to achieve the purpose. It is organised and generally uses structure to advantage. The language is non-personal, direct, and uses connectives appropriately and effectively with some minor errors. The writers relationship with the audience is clear and appropriate. The sentences flow smoothly throughout the text, with some minor lapses. The purpose of the functional writing is not clear and lacks emphasis or conviction. It is missing many elements of the layout required for its type of functional writing. Generally, the information lacks the clarity, completeness, accuracy, or the emphasis to achieve its purpose. Organisation and structure are random, if present at all. The language frequently departs from the expected norm for the genre. The writers relationship with the audience is unclear or inappropriate. Sentence structures are flawed to the point of seriously impeding readability. Response is missing, irrelevant, or provides too little text for evaluation.

Writing Conventions--GUM
Points 2 1 0 Descriptors Solid ability with conventions Some success with conventions, though meaning suffers at times. Errors are disproportionate to the length or complexity of the writing.

26