Baccalaureate exam proposal 2016-2017

Humanities stream

By: BEHRA MUSTAPHA

Morocco has launched what will be the

world's largest concentrated solar power plant.
The new site near the city of Ouarzazate could
produce enough energy to power over one million
homes by 2018 and reduce carbon emissions by
an estimated 760,000 tons per year, according to
the Climate Investment Funds (CIF) finance
group.

As His Majesty Mohammed VI of Morocco pressed a button on 4 February 2016, the first
phase of the three-part project was set in motion. The solar plant, called the Noor complex, uses
concentrating solar power (CSP) which is more expensive to install than the widely used photovoltaic
panels, but unlike them, enables the storage of energy for nights and cloudy days. A cylinder full of
salt is melted by the warmth from the mirrors during the day, and stays hot enough at night to provide
up to three hours of power, according to World Bank.

"With this bold step toward a clean energy future, Morocco is pioneering a greener
development and developing the most recent stage in solar technology," said Marie Francoise, World
Bank Country Director for the Maghreb. "The returns on this investment will be significant for the
country and its people, by enhancing energy security, creating a cleaner environment, and encouraging
new industries and job creation." Imported fossil fuels currently provide for 97% of Morocco's energy
need."Africa, in general, and North Africa in particular, have tremendous potential for solar generation
that remains largely untapped," Sameh Mobarek, Senior Counsel and World Bank's project manager
told CNN. "Morocco's leadership in this area may provide the model for other countries to follow in
pursuing development of their energy sectors in a sustainable manner."

As well as lowering carbon emissions and dependence on fossil fuels, this plant is expected to
increase the share of renewable energy in total electricity generation from 13% to 42%. It is also
hoped that the project will positively impact the surrounding area. Approximately 583,000 people live
in Ouarzazate town 10km from the site. The poverty rate there is 23% but the hope is that the cleaner
energy and better supply will reduce the occurrence of flickering light bulbs and malfunctioning
hospital equipment.

Adapted from: http://edition.cnn.com

Fossil fuels: fuels, such as gas, coal, and oil, that were formed underground from plant and
animal remains millions of years ago

Photovoltaic panels: panels converting solar energy into direct current electricity
I. COMPREHENSION (15 POINTS)

BASE ALL YOUR ANSWERS ON THE TEXT.

A- MATCH EACH IDEA WITH THE CORRESPONDING PARAGRAPH. (2 pts)

Paragraph 1: a- controlling the power of salt.
Paragraph 2: b- setting an example to follow.
Paragraph 3: c- lasting impact of the project.
Paragraph 4: d- switching on the world’s largest solar plant.

B- ARE THESE STATEMENTS TRUE OR FALSE? JUSTIFY. (3pts)

1. Photovoltaic panels are cheaper to install than the concentrating solar powers.
…………………………………………………………………………………………
2. Morocco does not import much of its energy needs.
……………………………………………………………………………………….....
3. The project will have a positive impact on Ouarzazate.
…………………………………………………………………………………………

C- ANSWER THESE QUESTIONS. (3 pts)

1. How many homes could the solar energy power by 2018?
…………………………………………………………………………………...
2. How will the solar energy investment be significant for Morocco and its people?
…………………………………………………………………………………...
3. What is the percentage of poverty in Ouarzazate?
…………………………………………………………………………………..

D- PICK OUT FROM THE TEXT A SENTENCE OR A PHRASE WHICH SHOWS THAT: (2 pts)
1. The energy can be stored even on non-sunny days.
………………………………………………………………………………………
2. North Africa’s potentials for renewable energies are still not widely used.
………………………………………………………………………………………

E- FIND IN THE TEXT WORDS, PHRASES OR EXPRESSIONS THAT MEAN THE SAME AS (3 pts)
1. decrease (paragraph 1) ………………………………
2. largely (paragraph 2) ………………………………
3. augmenting (paragraph 3) …………………………........

F- WHAT DO THE UNDERLINED WORDS IN THE TEXT REFER TO? (2 pts)

1. them (paragraph 2) ………………………………
2. there (paragraph 4) ………………………………

II. LANGUAGE (15 POINTS)

A- MATCH THE WORDS THAT GO TOGETHER TO MAKE APPROPRIAT COLLOCATIONS. (2 pts)

1. Raw a- literacy
2. Economic b- growth
c- materials
1. ………………………. 2. …………………………
B- FILL IN THE GAPS WITH APPROPRIATE WORDS OR EXPRESSIONS FROM THE LIST (3 pts)
1. The use of …………………………. will certainly reduce air pollution.
endangered species - forest preservation - solar energies
2. As he is much older than her, she decided to …………………….. his marriage proposal.
come across - turn down - hand in
3. Our country …………………. improve if we put it as a priority.
must - will - should have

C- PUT THE VERBS IN BRACKETS IN THE RIGHT TENSE. (3 pts)

During my last summer holidays, my parents (send) …………........ me on a language course to
London. Before I went to London, I (not / enjoy) …………………. learning English at all. But
now English is my source of pleasure and by the end of this year, I (complete) ………………….
my advanced level.

D- REWRITE THE SENTENCES BEGINNING WITH THE WORDS GIVEN. (3 pts)

1. Some people saw a UFO in the sky above London last night.
A UFO ………………………………………………………………………………………
2. William said to me, “I will not see Mr. Jones until Tuesday.”
William told me …………………………………………………………………………….
3. Your brother has such a nice job because he has got a university diploma.
If …………………………………………………………, ………………………………..

E- MATCH EACH EXPRESSION WITH ITS APPRORIATE FUNCTION. (2 pts)

Expressions Functions

1. What does UFOs stand for, please? a- Apologizing

2. I am sorry to say it, but I am not happy b- Complaining
with your last comments. c- Asking for clarification
d- Expressing lack of understanding

1. ……………………………………… 2. ………………………………………………

F- WRITE AN APPROPRIATE RESPONSE TO THE FOLLOWING SITUATION. (2 pt)

1- Your friend has posted on Facebook that she has got engaged.
You: (respond to this good news) …………………………………………………………
2- Facebook is the best way to communicate with family and friends.
You: (agree or disagree with this statement and provide a reason) ……………………….
……………………………………………………………………………………………..
III. WRITING (10 POINTS)

Summer Camp
Would you like to enjoy your first camp experience?
The Ed Perpetua Camp Academy @ Staten Island Academy open SPRING/SUMMER JUNIOR
and ADULT PROGRAMS.
Write an e-mail in order to participate in the camp and send it to Jack Marvels at
EPTAcamp@aol.com

These tips would help you:

Write an appropriate subject line/ express the purpose of writing and make reference to
the announcement/ express your interest in the program and talk about your qualifications
and language, computer, and social skills/ request a favorable reply.

From ;

To :

Subject:
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