 |
EPR511S - ENGLISH IN PRACTICE - 1ST OPP - NOVEMBER 2022 |
|
|
1 Pages 1-10 |
▲back to top |
|
|
1.1 Page 1 |
▲back to top |
n Am I BI A u n I VE RS ITV
OF SCIEnCE Ano TECHnOLOGY
FACULTY OF COMMERCE HUMAN SCIENCESAND EDUCATION
DEPARTMENT OFLANGUAGES
LEVEL:5
COURSECODE: EPR511S
COURSENAME: ENGLISH IN PRACTICE
SESSION:NOVEMBER 2022
PAPER:THEORY
DURATION: 3 HOURS
MARKS: 100
FIRST OPPORTUNITY EXAMINATION
EXAMINER
Mr. A. Tjijoro
Mrs. C. Bates
Mrs. T. Kavihuha
Dr. J.lndongo
MODERATOR: Mrs. T. Kanime
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Answer ALL the questions.
2. Write clearly and neatly.
3. Number the answers clearly.
4. Indicate whether you are a FM, PM or a DI student on the cover of
your answer booklet
THIS QUESTION PAPERCONSISTSOF 11 PAGES(Including this front page)
|
|
1.2 Page 2 |
▲back to top |
SECTION A: READING COMPREHENSION
[25]
Read the article below and then answer the questions that follow.
How did language evolve?
1. Animals may not be able to form words, but they can certainly communicate. Birds use songs and
calls, and other animals use a combination of sounds and movements to communicate. Primates
have an advanced system of communication that includes vocalization, hand gestures and body
language. But even primates stop short of what man has been able to achieve - spoken language.
Our ability to form a limitless number of thoughts into spoken word is one of the things that
separates us from our less evolved cousins. While we know that language first appeared among
Homo sapiens somewhere between 30,000 and 100,000 years ago, the secret to how !1evolved
is still unknown. Hypotheses for language origins must explain at least three traits: precise vocal
learning and control, overtly social communication and hierarchical syntax. Mainstream theories
regarding language evolution fall into two distinctly different camps.
2. One widely held theory is that language came about as an evolutionary adaptation, which is when
a population undergoes a change in process over time to better survive. That's where the idea
of natural selection comes into play, which is the notion that the specific physical traits of a
population make that population more likely to survive its environment - think the turtle and its
shell. The idea here is that language was created to help humans survive. Why? One, humans
needed to communicate with each other in order to hunt, farm and defend themselves
successfully from the surrounding harsh environment. Being able to communicate using language
gave the human species a distinct survival advantage. And two, language was needed for social
interaction, according to those who subscribe to the adaptation theory.
3. In their paper "Natural Language and Natural Selection," researchers Steven Pinker and Paul
Bloom theorize that a series of calls or gestures evolved over time into combinations, giving us
complex communication, or language. As things became more complicated around them, humans
needed a more complex system to convey information to one another. Think of it like this: Early
man sees a group of deer he wants to hunt. He grunts a sound to his hunting partner that means
"deer are nearby." One day, a storm comes in and the hunter notices that thunder scares the deer
away. As a result, the hunter goes hungry until the storm passes.Over time, the same hunter also
learns to recognize the warning signs for bad weather -- dark skies and increased wind. Early man
realizes that when the sky darkens and the wind picks up, he needs to tell his hunting partner to
speed up the pursuit of the deer. Therefore, he comes up with a series of grunts that reference
both the deer and the bad weather. That series of grunts was the beginning of an evolutionary
adaptation that eventually became language. As humans learned more about how to best survive,
they developed a need to communicate these survival methods to their population. And that's
the adaptation theory in a nutshell.
|
|
1.3 Page 3 |
▲back to top |
4. The other competing theory, posed by linguist Noam Chomsky and evolutionary biologist Stephen
Jay Gould, is that language evolved as a result of other evolutionary processes, essentially making
it a byproduct of evolution and not a specific adaptation. The idea that language was a spandrel,
a term coined by Gould, flew in the face of natural selection. In fact, Gould and Chomsky pose the
theory that many human behaviours are spandrels. These various spandrels came about because
of a process Darwin called "pre-adaptation," which is now known as exaptation. This is the idea
that a species uses an adaptation for a purpose other than what it was initially meant for. One
example is the theory that bird feathers were an adaptation for keeping the bird warm, and were
only later used for flying. Chomsky and Gould hypothesize that language may have evolved simply
because the physical structure of the brain evolved, or because cognitive structures that were
used for things like tool making or rule learning were also good for complex communication. This
falls in line with the theory that as our brains became larger, our cognitive functions increased.
5. Of course, researchers can't even agree on what constitutes language among early man. Some
consider the proto-language of Homo habilis the first real language. Others say it can be chalked
up to Homo erectus, while most believe that what we understand as modern language came from
Homo sapiens. We do know that Homo habilis is responsible for bringing tools onto the scene,
about 2.3 million years ago. This has led some to believe that the cognitive function of Homo
habilis was much more advanced than his predecessor, Australopithecus. According to research,
the temporal, parietal and occipital lobes of the brain were physically connected for the first time
with Homo habilis. That area of the brain is known now as Wernicke's area, and it has a lot to do
with language production. This supports Chomsky and Gould's theory that our brains physically
adapted to be able to make tools, and language then arose because of this adaptation.
6. For those of you who think both camps present pretty good arguments, there's good news: they
aren't mutually exclusive. While science now shows us that it's likely there already were neural
structures in place that allowed language to evolve, meaning it was likely exapted, that doesn't
hecessarily explain language in full, with all of its complexities. Stringing words together into
sentences and the notion of grammar in language may have a lot to do with natural selection. So
perhaps language was originally exapted, but was refined through Darwinian selection. Surely a
Homo sapiens with more advanced communication skills would have some kind of evolutionary
advantage over his single-word grunting cousin. But that more refined Homo sapiens wouldn't
even have the opportunity to speak his first sentence if his brain hadn't evolved to allow him to
make a primitive hammer.
Answer the following questions in your answer book.
1. Name three ways in which primates communicate.
(3)
2. Name three characteristics of language that must be explained by hypotheses for language
origins.
(3)
3. Explain the meaning of natural selection.
(1)
|
|
1.4 Page 4 |
▲back to top |
4. For which two reasons, according to the adaptation theory, was it necessary for humans
to use language to communicate?
(2)
5. What is a spandrel?
(1)
6. Explain the term 'exaptation".
(1)
7. What does Chomsky and Gould hypothesize regarding language evolution?
(2)
8. Which early man do most scientists believe first used real language?
(1)
9. Explain in detail why some scientists believe that Homo habilis was the first early man to
use real language.
(4)
10. Explain the meaning of the following idiomatic expressions as used in the passage: (4)
(i)
To stop short of
(ii) Comes into play
(iii) In a nutshell
(iv) Flew in the face
11. What do the following bold-printed pronouns refer to?
(3)
(i)
It in paragraph 1
(ii) Its in paragraph 2
(iii) It in paragraph 5
SECTIONB: GRAMMAR
[25)
Read the passage below and then answer the questions that follow.
How humans evolved language
Thanks to the field of linguistics we (i) (to know) much about the development of the 5,000 plus languages
in existence today. We can describe their grammar and pronunciation and see how their spoken and
written forms (ii) (to change) over time. We have mapped out a great deal of the history of language, but
there are still areas we know little about. Experts (iii) (to begin) to look to the field of evolutionary biology
to find out how the human species developed to be able to use language. So far, there are far more
questions and half-theories than answers.
We know that human language (iv) (to be) far more complex than that of even our nearest and most
intelligent relatives like chimpanzees. We can express complex thoughts, convey subtle emotions and
communicate about abstract concepts such as past and future. And we do this following a set of structural
rules, known as grammar. Do only humans use an innate system of rules to govern the order of words?
Perhaps not, as some research may suggest dolphins share this capability because they are able to
recognise when these rules (v) (to break).
|
|
1.5 Page 5 |
▲back to top |
If we want to know where our capability for complex language (vi) (to come) from, we need to look at
how our brains are different from other animals. This relates to more than just brain size; it is important
what other things our brains can do and when and why they evolved that way. And for this there (vii) (to
be) very few physical clues; artefacts left by our ancestors don't tell us what speech they were capable of
making. One thing we can see in the remains of early humans, however, is the development of the mouth,
throat and tongue. By about 100,000 years ago, humans evolved the ability to create complex sounds but
before that early human (viii) (to communicate) using more basic sounds.
1. Changethe verbs numbered (i) - (viii) in the passageabove into the correct verb tense.
(8)
2. From the sentence below, identify and write down one example of the following:
(4)
Using language caused the brains of humans to develop, and they are now producing
complex language that was not spoken by their grunting predecessors.
(i) a past participle
(ii) a present participle
(iii) a gerund
(iv) an infinitive
3. Identify whether the sentences below are in the active or passive voice.
(3)
(i)
We have mapped out a great deal of the history of language.
(ii) Some researchers suggests that the capability to use rules when communicating is being
shared by dolphins.
(iii) Our ancestors left a number of artefacts behind.
4. Write the sentences in question 3 above in the opposite voice.
(3)
5. Write the following sentence in reported speech.
(3)
Biologist William Fitch said: "I attended a conference last year about the origin of modern
language."
6 (i) Identity the type of conditional used in the following sentence.
(1)
lfthe brain of Homo sapiens had not evolved, he would not have been able to speak.
(ii) Change the sentence at 6(i) into a second conditional.
(2)
(iii) Complete the following conditional sentence with a suitable result clause.
(1)
If we look at how our brains are different from other animals, ...
|
|
1.6 Page 6 |
▲back to top |
Section C: Critical Reading
[20]
Read the passage below and then answer the questions that follow.
It is Time to Re-define the Influencer
By Kalan Gutierrez
1. Social media influencers are a powerhouse community. According to Statistics, 78% are under the age
of 34, with 34% of those being under 24. Social media will continue to provide a massive platform for
today's youth to build their influencer foundations, and access is nearly universal, costing little more than
a smartphone, a Wi-Fi hookup and creativity.
~- Due to positive economic growth, these emerging entrepreneurs are now mainstream entertainers and
ingrained in both B2C and even 828 corporate advertising strategies. Despite the rapid growth in
influencer popularity among consumers and brands alike, what was once seen as organic marketing is
beginning to raise a collective consumer eyebrow on authenticity: A recent international study found that
just 4% of people believe that information shared by influencers on social media is true, and the rate of
successful "influencing" has dropped too.
3. Nevertheless, the number of people that we identify as influencers continues to skyrocket - no doubt
a byproduct of worldwide stay-at-home orders that accelerated and popularized the generation and
consumption of influencer content. Once used to refer to those with large social followings and consumer
goods advertising contracts, the term "influencer" has expanded to represent political
leaders, business executives, social justice advocates, dancers, poets, esports competitors and many
others with a platform. "Authenticity" is a key part of these entrepreneurs' brands, but the tendency to
group them all under the umbrella term "influencer" is causing the public to lose trust.
4. It is time, then, for us to re-examine our vernacular and rebrand the term "influencer" to a more
representative title: social media leader and entrepreneur. There are four methods society can make this
cultural shift happen:
5. The first method is to re-define the term "influencer". Begin phasing out the term in favour of stronger
language that recognizes the entrepreneurial leadership of these content creators and advocates. To
influence is to have an effect on the character, development or behaviour of someone or something.
While you can influence without actively intending to do so, the term is often understood as a synonym
for "manipulate," likely contributing to and even labelling the recent dip in trust.
6. These influencers can come to fame in ways that vary from hustle to happenstance. Regardlessof how
they get there, once they reach that mainstream level, they become social media leaders and
entrepreneurs, and it's time we acknowledge them as such.
7. Secondly, develop more academic curricula on social media and digital business. It may be hard to
believe, but there was a time when the internet was seen as a dying fad. According to Statist, e-commerce
retail today is powering $469 billion in sales in the United States alone and is predicted to grow to $563
billion by 2025.
|
|
1.7 Page 7 |
▲back to top |
8. Yet there remains little in the way of structured education about social media in today's educational
system. Sure, there are plenty of marketing classes,entrepreneurship degrees and digital boot camps that
talk about the power of social media as a tool - but are they examining social media as a business itself,
driven on the individual and corporate level? Today's youth are using digital media as their main point
of communication. We need to better equip them to understand its economic access as well.
9. Also, democratize support services. As previously noted, the vast majority of those leveraging social
media are under the age of 34, and they span varying levels of income and education. According
to Influencer Marketing Hub, 69.4% of influencers chose to be influencers so that they could earn revenue,
but budding social media leaders and entrepreneurs don't have the same infrastructure in place to
translate successful digital businesses into broader ventures, should they wish to do so.
10. It is time we empower our emerging social media entrepreneurs by providing support services and
resources (legal and consulting) to help them form their social-led businessesand translate their platforms
into meaningful income that can be used as a springboard to upward economic mobility and careers. This
also includes social applications and tools to better support social media leaders and entrepreneurs by
providing structure for them to build, manage and sustain their businesses and brands (which is certainly
underway.)
11. Lastly, expand the scope from endorsement to partnership. In order for the above to work, brands
need to meet influencers halfway. It is time for companies across a range of industries to view influencers
as more than a means to an advertising end. Social media entrepreneurs have already proven they're
more than the sum of their followers by sharing truly valuable and engaging social, political and cultural
content.
12. Rather than viewing the relationship with an influencer as simply another marketing channel and
contract, there is an opportunity for brands to engage with social media leaders and entrepreneurs as
true partners, just as they would a corporate affiliate or even a traditional celebrity spokesperson.
13. While the scale of the influencer market continues to grow, the level of trust in the term doesn't. It's
time for us to bring attention to the mislabeling of a huge - and growing - portion of our economy. We
have the opportunity to validate social channels as a respected, resourced and studied route to success.
It's up to the social media companies that provide the platforms, the brands that provide the
endorsements and the educational institutions that provide the knowledge to push the boundaries of
their definitions and continue to innovate and acknowledge the long-term social and financial benefits of
doing so.
(Source: https://www.entrepreneur.com/science-technology/)
l. In paragraph 1, the author is creating an assumption that
(1)
a) The concept influencer needs to be redefined
b) Influencer work is only for the youth
c) Influencing job contributes tremendously to the world's economy
d) Being an influencer has become popular
|
|
1.8 Page 8 |
▲back to top |
2. In paragraph 1, the author gave statistics that, '... 78% are under the age of 34, with 34% of
those being under 24' to illustrate that
(1)
a) social media is a powerhouse community.
b) social media provide a massive platform for the youth.
c) today's youth build their influencer foundations.
d) youth under the age of 34 like social media than those under the age of 24.
3. The author mentioned that, ' ... what was once seen as organic marketing is beginning to raise a
collective consumer eyebrow on authenticity'(paragraph 2) to
(1)
a) illustrate the need for organic marketing
b) explain that influence is no more viewed as authentic marketing.
c) to characterize the culture of organic marketing.
d) to explain why influencer marketing is raising a collective consumer eyebrow on
authenticity.
4. The main reason why the author suggests the concept influencer to be re branded is (1)
a) the influencer market continues to grow, but the level of trust in the term doesn't.
b) the number of people that are identified as influencers continues to skyrocket.
c) authenticity" is a key part of these entrepreneurs' brands.
d) to expand its scope to include other experts in different fields who have a stand.
5. In paragraph 3 the word 'authenticity' nearly means
(1)
a) Entrepreneurs
b) Influencers
c) Expansion
d) originality
6. The main idea expressed in paragraph 6 is that
(1)
a) Influencers work hard for recognition.
b) Influencers know how to hustle for fame.
c) Influencers are social media leaders and entrepreneurs.
d) Influencers' titles need to reflect their leadership and entrepreneurship role.
7. The author asked a question that, '...are they examining social media as a business itself, driven
on the individual and corporate level?' (paragraph 8) to
(1)
a) make the audience think about the power of social media as a tool for the business itself,
driven on the individual and corporate levels.
b) ask whether youth are using digital media as their main point of communication.
c) better equip them to understand its economic access.
d) None of the above.
8. Why is the author referring to influencers as social media entrepreneurs in paragraph 11? (1)
a) They trade on social media.
b) The invented social media.
c) Statistics show that influences the use of social media a lot.
d) They share truly valuable and engaging social, political and cultural content.
|
|
1.9 Page 9 |
▲back to top |
9. The author implies that businessesview their relationship with the influencers as, (1)
a) Long-lasting
b) complicated
c) marketing channel and contract
d) a corporate affiliate
10. What is the author's main idea in paragraph 6?
(1)
a) People do not true the concept of influencer
b) The term influencer is mislabeling what influencers do for the economy
c) Social media companies, brands and educational institutions must advocate for the term
that is inclusive of everything that influencer is about.
d) Social media companies that provide the platforms, the brands that provide the
endorsements and the educational institutions that provide the knowledge are responsible
for a mismatched definition.
Section C:PART 2
Summary writing
[10]
Read the article about It is Time to Re-define the Influencer.Write a note - form summary about four
methods and their main supporting claims that society can take to make the cultural shift of rebranding
happen.
Method:
......................................................................................................................................................................(.1. )
Supporting claim:
.........................................................................................................................................................................(.1. )
Method:
............................................................................................................................................................................(.1. )
Supporting claim:
....................................................................................................................................................................(..2..).........
|
|
1.10 Page 10 |
▲back to top |
Method:
~I~...;.-...:.:....... ..... :::: ::::::::::::::::::::(~ ...................................................................................
i
..................:..:..:.::::::::::::::::::::::::::.:..:.:..:..:.:..:.:..:.:..:..:.:..:.:..:.:..:..:.:..:.:..:.:..:..:................................................................
·M·e··th·o··d··:····························································.·..·..·.·..·.·..·..·.·..·.·..·..·.·..·..·.·..·.·..·..·.·..·.·..·..·.·..:.:..:.·..·.(·.2.·)···················
........ ,:~:::i::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::;:~:·i"··
: :::::::::::::::::::: ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::;~;
(10 marks)
|
|
2 Pages 11-20 |
▲back to top |
|
|
2.1 Page 11 |
▲back to top |
Section D: Essay writing
(30}
Readthe following essay topics and write an essay of between 350 to 400 words on the selected topic.
1. Namibia is regarded as one of the countries with the highest inequalities between the poorest
and the wealthiest. Write an opinion essay in which you say what causes this widening gap and
what are the three things you would do if you were the president of the country.
2. Social media and Facebook in particular have a programme that targets hate speech and other
unwanted materials like trolls and bots. What are the benefits and disadvantages of social media
"policing" the internet instead of self-regulation by the users? Write an argumentative essay in
which you will argue for and against self-regulation versus social media removing harmful content.
3. Reels and other methods of self-advertisement can be a valuable source of much-needed cash.
How can people tap into this resource especially the youth with their technical know-how and the
glaring dismal unemployment rate? Write an opinion essay where you will give your opinion on
how reels can be used to market and sell products online.
4. Covid did not only cause mass starvation of people but destroyed livelihoods and caused untold
suffering in communities across Namibia. If you were the economic advisor to our president,
mention three interventions that government, the private sector, and the country at large can
engage in to arrest rampant poverty and unemployment. Write an opinion essay
5. Artificial Intelligence (Al) has shown tremendous development in the last few years with the
development of spell-checking tools like Grammarly, Linguix.Sapling etc. What are the
advantages and disadvantages of using these tools instead of a 'human eye' expert? Discussthe
pros and cons of these tools in an argumentative essay layout.
6. Social media watchers regard augmented reality which includes Virtual Reality (VR) and
Augmented reality as the next best offerings. What are the three benefits and disadvantages of
these technologies for a developing country like Namibia? Discussthese issues in the form of an
argumentative essay format.
Good luck!
[TOTAL: 100 MARKS]