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EPR511S - ENGLISH IN PRACTICE FM AND PM - 1ST OPP - NOV 2024 |
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nAmlBIA unlVERSITY
OF SCIEn CE Ano TECHn OLOGY
FACULTY OF COMMERCE, HUMAN SCIENCESAND EDUCATION
DEPARTMENT OF DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATION AND LANGUAGES
QUALIFICATION : SERVICECOURSE
QUALIFICATION CODE: ALL COURSES
LEVEL: 5
COURSE CODE: EPR SllS
COURSE NAME: ENGLISH IN PRACTICE
SESSION: NOVEMBER 2024
DURATION: 3 HOURS
PAPER: THEORY
MARKS: 100
EXAMINER(S}
FIRST OPPORTUNITY EXAMINATION PAPER
Ms C. Botes
Ms T. Kavihuha
Dr J. lndongo
Dr. E. lthindi
MODERATOR: Ms. T. Kanime
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Answer ALL the questions.
2. Read all the questions carefully before answering.
3. Number the answers clearly
THIS QUESTION PAPER CONSISTS OF _10_ PAGES (Including this front page)
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Section A: Reading Comprehension
[30 marks]
Read the passage below and then answer the questions that follow.
The growth of bike-sharing schemes around the world
How Dutch engineer Luud Schimme/pennink helped to devise urban bike-sharing schemes
1. The original idea for an urban bike-sharing scheme dates back to a summer's day in
Amsterdam in 1965. Provo, the organisation that came up with the idea, was a group
of Dutch activists who wanted to change society. They believed the scheme, which
was known as the Witte F,iersenplan (the white bicycle plan), was an answer to the
perceived threats to air pollution and consumerism. In the centre of Amsterdam, they
painted a small number of used bikes white. They also distributed leaflets describing
the dangers of cars and inviting people to use the white bikes. The bikes were then
left unlocked at various locations around the city, to be used by anyone in need of
transport.
2. Luud Schimmelpennink, a Dutch industrial engineer who still lives and cycles in
Amsterdam, was heavily involved in the original scheme. He recalls how the scheme
succeeded in attracting a great deal of attention - particularly when it came to
publicising Provo's aims - but struggled to get off the ground. The police were
opposed to Provo's initiatives and almost as soon as the white bikes were distributed
around the city, they removed them. However, for Schimmelpennink and for bike-
sharing schemes in general, this was just the beginning. "The first Witte Fietsenplan
was just a symbolic thing," he says. "We painted a few bikes white, that was all. Things
got more serious when I b'ecame a member of the Amsterdam city council two years
later."
3. Schimmelpennink seized the opportunity to present a more elaborate Witte
Fietsenplan to the city council. "My idea was that the municipality of Amsterdam
would distribute 10 000 white bikes over the city, for everyone to use," he explains.
"I made serious calculations. It turned out that a white bicycle - per person, per
kilometre - would cost the municipality only 10% of what it contributed to public
transport per person per kilometre." Nevertheless, the council unanimously rejected
the plan. "They said that the bicycle belonged to the past. They saw a glorious future
for the car," says Schimmelpennink. But he was not in the least discouraged.
4. Schimmelpennink never stopped believing in bike-sharing, and in the mid-90s, two
Danes asked for his help to set up a system in Copenhagen. The result was the world's
first large-scale bike-share_programme. It worked on a deposit: "You dropped a coin
in the bike and when you ~eturned it, you got your money back." After setting up the
Danish system, Schimmelpennink decided to try his luck again in the Netherlands -
and this time he succeeded in arousing the interest of the Dutch Ministry of Transport.
Times had changed. People had become more environmentally conscious, and the
Danish experiment had proved that bike-sharing was a real possibility. A new Witte
Fietsenplan was launched in 1999 in Amsterdam. However, riding a white bike was
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no longer free; it cost one guilder per trip and payment was made with a chip card
developed by the Dutch bank Postbank. Schimmelpennink designed conspicuous,
sturdy white bikes locked in special racks which could be opened with the chip card
and the plan started with 250 bikes, distributed over five stations.
5. Theo Molenaar, who was a system designer for the project, worked alongside
Schimmelpennink. "I remember when we were testing the bike racks I designed, he
announced that he had already designed better ones. But of course, we had to go
through with the ones we had.' The system, however, was prone to vandalism and
theft. "After every weekend there would always be a couple of bikes missing,"
Molenaar says. "I really have no idea what people did with them, because they could
instantly be recognised as white bikes." But the biggest blow was dealt when
Postbank decided to abolish the chip card, because it was not profitable. "That chip
card was pivotal to the system," Molenaar says. "To continue the project, we would
have needed to set up another system, but the business partner had lost interest."
6. Schimmelpennink was disappointed, but -characteristically- not for long. In 2002 he
got a call from the French advertising corporation JC Decaux, who wanted to set up
his bike-sharing scheme in Vienna. That went really well. After Vienna, they set up a
system in Lyon. Then in 2007, Paris followed. That was a decisive moment in the
history of bike-sharing. The huge and unexpected success of the Parisian bike-sharing
programme, which now bbasts more than 20 000 bicycles, inspired cities all over the
world to follow suit. "It is wonderful that this happened," he says. "But financially I
did not really benefit from it, because I never filed for a patent."
7. In Amsterdam today, 38% of all trips are made by bike and, along with Copenhagen, it
is regarded as one of the two most cycle-friendly capitals in the world - but the city
never got another Witte Fietsenplan. Molenaar believes this may be because
everybody in Amsterdam already has a bike. Schimmelpennink, however, cannot see
that this changes Amsterdam's need for a bike-sharing scheme. "People who travel
on the underground don't carry their bikes around. But often they need additional
transport to reach their final destination." Although he thinks it is strange that a city
like Amsterdam does not have a successful bike-sharing scheme, he is optimistic about
the future. "In the 1960s we didn't stand a chance because people were prepared to
give their lives to keep cars in the city, but that mentality has totally changed. Today
everybody longs for cities that are not dominated by cars."
1. What were the Provo organisation's main reasons for wanting to introduce the bike-
sharing scheme?
(2}
2. Provide two reasons why was the first Witte Fietsenplan not successful?
(2}
3. Give two reasons that the council of Amsterdam gave to reject the second bike-sharing
plan two years later?
(2)
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4. What convinced Schimmelpentiink that his third bike-sharing plan might be well
received?
(2)
5. How was the Amsterdam bike-sharing plan of 1999 different from the previous ones? (1)
6. Which three factors contributed to the failure of the bike-sharing plan of 1999?
(3)
7. Apart from the Netherlands, name two other countries that have also introduced bike-
sharing plans.
(2)
8. Explain why Schimmelpennink never made any money from his idea.
(1)
9. Which two cities are regarded as the most bicycle friendly in the world?
(2)
lO(i) Quote one word from the last paragraph that shows that Schimmelpenink believes
that a bike-sharing scheme \\.'viiibe successfully implemented in Amsterdam in the
future.
(1)
(ii) Give two reasons for Schimmelpennink belief mentioned in 10 (i).
(2)
11. Read the following statements and then match each statement to the correct person (A
or B) Write only the correct letter next to the number in your answer book. E.g. (i)B You may
use a letter more than once.
(4)
A=Luud Schimmelpennink
B =Theo Molenaar
(i) Calculated the potential savings a bike-sharing scheme would bring.
(ii) Is of the opinion that Amsterdam does not need a bike-sharing scheme.
(iii) Was part of the very first bike-sharing plan.
(iv) Designed the bike racks used in the 1999 bike-sharing scheme.
12. Explain the following phrases in bold in the passage in your own words:
(3)
(i)
"to try his luck" (par. 4)
(ii) "the biggest blow was dealt" (par. 5)
(iii) "to follow suit" (par. 6)
13. What do the following pronouns in bold in the passage refer to?
(3)
(i) it (par. 3)
(ii) ones (par. 5)
(iii) they (par. 7)
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Section B: Grammar
[30 marks]
Read the passage below and then answer the grammar questions based on the
passage.
Africa's proposed Smart Cities fail to show their promise
1. Africa's urban migration i) (to be) accelerating to the point of a crisis, and the is a need for
solutions to overcrowding, transportation gridlock, unemployment, sanitation and water and
electricity shortcomings acute. Or\\e notorious trait followed by many African governments is
a preference for creating mega projects rather than financing the unglamorous, hard work of
fixing what already ii) (to exist). Politicians - even those who are not corrupt nor attracted to
kickbacks built into the price tag of highway and bridge construction - iii) (to lure) by the
attraction of claiming credit for megaprojects. Recently, a new temptation for them iv) (to
have) arisen that seeks not to fix African cities but to bypass them altogether. Planned 'smart
cities' v) (to offer) as a utopian answer to all urban problems.
2. Senegalese singer Akon's self-named Akon City is the most famous of these promised but
never-realised dream cities. In November 2023, officials in Kinshasa, the Democratic Republic
of Congo, vi) (to announce) a project to build Kasangulu Smart City. Investors from the East
African community, vii) (to lead) by a Kenyan financial consultancy, are said to be behind the
vision of 40 hectares of prime land that viii) (to develop) with multi-storey houses, a level-
four hospital, a school, a train station, a water theme park, malls, a hotel, a lake and even an
artificial beach. Recently, the Dubai-based architectural studio Urb announced its plans for
The Parks: a 17-km 2 sustainable city to be located somewhere in the eastern portion of South
Africa. This technology-dependent, self-sufficient city with a population of 150,000 living in
40,000 residential units aims to produce all its energy, water and food on-site.
3. These concept cities are just that - concepts - and while they present an almost dreamlike
response to existing congested, unsustainable and polluted cities, they exist as architectural
renderings of fancy futuristic buildings. They reflect less on the answers to African needs than
attempting to impress by imitating the work of the art director of the Black Panther and the
movie's futuristic city Wakanda. Whereas Wakanda was built and powered by an alien power
metal that does not exist in real life, Africa's urban problems are rooted in genuine African
realities. The professionals were dedicated to these realities - the under-resourced and often
neglected workers in the city plarrning departments - understand their communities' needs
and should be the true recipients of financial investment.
(source: https://www.inonafrica.com)
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The following grammar questions are based on the article given in above.
Read the article again and then answer all the questions that follow.
1. Change the verbs in bold, numbered (i) to (viii) in the text into the correct verb tense.
(8)
2. Identify and write down example(s) of the following from paragraph 3.
(4)
(i) two present participles
(ii) an infinitive
(iii) a past participle
3. Identify whether the sentences below are in the active or passive voice.
(4)
(i) The place is conceived as an entity separate from existing cities by the residents.
(ii) Senegal's President gave Akan, a singer who is known globally, a star reception.
(iii) Impressive-looking paintings of an ultra-modern city captivated the media.
(iv) It is good that these issues are being raised in the executive meeting by the residents.
4. Rewrite the sentences in question 3 above in the opposite voice.
(4)
5. Rewrite the following sentence in reported speech.
(5)
The president said, "Akan relaunched the project, but the land was originally for the
government, and now it seems to be intended for an international hotel consortium next
year."
6.1. Identify the type of conditional used in the following sentence.
(1)
Akan will train more people if he is not criticized for choosing people from the cities only.
6.2. Change the sentence at 6.1 in'to:
(i) a second conditional
(2)
(ii) a third conditional
(2)
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Section C: Critical Reading
(40 marks]
Question 1
[10x2=20 marks]
Read the passage below and summarize the author's main claim and the main reasons given
for the author's beliefs about the conversation styles of different genders. Your summary
should not be more than 120 words.
The Impact of Technology on Human Interaction
In the last few decades, technology has revolutionized the way we communicate and interact
with one another. From the invention of the telephone to the rise of the internet and
smartphones, the methods of hur(lan interaction have shifted dramatically. While many argue
that these advancements have facilitated global communication and have made it easier to
stay connected, others believe that they have contributed to a decline in face-to-face
interactions and the quality of human relationships.
One of the most notable impacts of technology on communication is the convenience it
provides. Social media platforms like Facebook, lnstagram, and Twitter allow people to
connect with friends, family, and even strangers from around the world with the click of a
button. Video calling services like Zoom and Skype have made it possible to conduct meetings
and maintain relationships across vast distances. In this context, technology has been a
tremendous boon for personal and professional relationships, particularly during the COVID-
19 pandemic, where physical distancing became the norm.
However, despite the undeniable convenience of these tools, some experts argue that they
are eroding the depth of human connections. Online communication, while fast and
accessible, often lacks the nuance and emotional depth of in-person interactions. Non-verbal
cues such as facial expressions, body language, and tone of voice are either absent or difficult
to interpret in digital communications. As a result, misunderstandings and
miscommunications can occur more frequently online than in face-to-face interactions.
Moreover, the rise of social media has been linked to increased feelings of loneliness and
isolation for some individuals. Paradoxically, while people are more connected than ever
through their devices, the quality of those connections is sometimes questioned. Many users
of social media report feelings of inadequacy when comparing their lives to the carefully
curated images and experiences posted by others. Studies have shown that excessive use of
social media can contribute to mental health issues, including anxiety and depression,
particularly among younger generations.
In addition to concerns about the quality of communication, there are also worries about the
ethical implications of technological advancements in communication. The widespread use of
algorithms to curate social media feeds has raised concerns about privacy and the
manipulation of information.
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These algorithms often prioritize content that is likely to generate engagement, which can lead
to the amplification of misinformation and divisive content. This raises ethical questions about
the role of technology companies in shaping public discourse and influencing social dynamics.
Ultimately, while technology has undeniably transformed human interaction, its overall
impact remains a topic of debate. On the one hand, it has enabled unprecedented levels of
global communication and connectivity. On the other hand, it has introduced challenges
related to the quality of relationsQips, mental health, and ethical concerns about privacy and
information manipulation. As society continues to navigate the digital age, it will be crucial to
find a balance between embracing technological advancements and preserving the human
elements of connection.
1. What is the main argument presented in the passage?
a) Technology has ruined human relationships completely.
b) Technology has only had positive effects on communication.
c) Technology has both positive and negative impacts on human interaction.
d) Technology has had no effect on communication.
(2 marks)
2. According to the passage, what is one of the biggest advantages of technology in
communication?
{2 marks)
a) It eliminates the need for face-to-face interactions.
b) It allows global communication 1and connection.
c) It has made people more self-aware.
d) It prevents misunderstandings in conversations.
3. What is one potential downside of online communication mentioned in the passage?
a) It improves emotional understanding between people.
b) It reduces the chances of making new friends.
c) It lacks non-verbal cues, leading to miscommunication.
d) It completely replaces in-person meetings.
(2 marks)
4. How has social media contributed to feelings of loneliness according to the passage?
a) It prevents people from staying connected with others.
b) It leads people to compare their lives to others' curated posts.
c) It limits the number of people someone can communicate with.
d) It encourages deeper, meaningful relationships.
(2 marks)
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5. What concern is raised about the role of algorithms on social media platforms?
a) They help maintain privacy and security.
b) They ensure that only accurate information is shared.
c) They may prioritize content that leads to misinformation.
d) They prevent divisive content from being seen by users.
(2 marks)
6. What does the author suggest is crucial for society moving forward in the digital age?
(2 marks)
a) Completely rejecting technological advancements.
b) Finding a balance between technology and human connection.
c) Embracing technology without reservation.
d) Encouraging more online interactions over face-to-face ones.
7. How did the COVID-19 pandemic affect the use of communication technology?
a) It made video calling and online meetings less common.
b) It led to a decrease in technology use overall.
c) It increased reliance on communication technology due to physical distancing.
d) It caused people to avoid using technology altogether.
(2 marks)
8. What mental health issues are associated with excessive use of social media?
a) Increased feelings of happiness and connection.
b) Anxiety and depression.
c) A greater sense of fulfillment.
d) A decrease in social isolation.
(2 marks)
9. Why is online communication sometimes less effective than face-to-face
communication?
a) People are not familiar with online tools.
b) Online communication happens too slowly.
c) It lacks important non-verbal cues like facial expressions and body language.
d) People prefer typing over speaking.
(2 marks)
10. What is one ethical concern about the impact of technology on communication?
{2 marks)
a) Technology has made communication more expensive.
b) Social media algorithms can manipulate the information people see.
c) Technology ensures that everyone gets the same information.
d) People have become more aware of misinformation.
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Question 2: Summary Writing
[20 marks]
Readthe passage above in question 1 and summarize in prose the author's main ideas of how
technology has changed human communication, both positively and negatively, and touch
on the ethical concerns related to social media and privacy. Your summary should not be
more than 120 words and use your own words as much as possible.
[The End]