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EPR511S - ENGLISH IN PRACTICE FM - 2ND OPP - DECEMBER 2025 |
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nAmlBIA unlVERSITY
OF SCIEnCE Ano TECHnOLOGY
FACULTY OF COMMERCE, HUMAN SCIENCES AND EDUCATION
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATION AND LANGUAGES
COURSE CODE: EPRS11S
SESSION: OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2025
COURSE NAME: ENGLISH IN PRACTICE
PAPER:2
DURATION: 3 Hours
MARKS: 100
SECOND OPPORTUNITY EXAMINATION QUESTION PAPER
EXAMINER(S) Mrs T. Kavihuha, Mr U. Tjijombo, Mr J.Masule, Ms J.Jahanika
Mrs C. Bates, Ms C. Tjameya and Ms J. Ndamahomata
MODERATOR: Dr. E. lithindi
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Answer ALL the questions.
2. Read all the questions carefully before answering.
3. Number the answers clearly
THIS EXAMINATION PAPER CONSISTS OF _10_ PAGES (Including this fro'nt page)
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Section A: Reading Comprehension
[30 Marks]
Read the article below and then answer the questions that follow.
Why reading is crucial for economic growth
1. Reading is a stepladder out of poverty, not only for individuals, but also for entire
countries . Developing an all-embracing culture of reading in their societies has been a
crucial development trigger that has lifted many countries from indigence. Reading is not
only essential to increase knowledge, broaden people's range of opportunities, and expand
their personal growth, but it is also pivotal for the overall development of countries.
Societies in which people do not read are bound to remain locked in underdevelopment.
This has sometimes led to thoughtless acts such as setting fire to public libraries during
community protests against lack of public service.
2. Many countries that in the post-Second World War were transformed into sophisticated
economies, such as South Korea, Singapore and Taiwan, had already successfully introduced
an expansion programme of reading among their citizens. Africa can take a leaf out of that
book while we also have the problem of illiteracy, which has crippled not only individual, but
also national development. Many of us who can read do not and most of our reading is often
done for essential tasks. Even some leaders from across the spectrum from politics to
religion do not appear to read widely either and often, when they do read, they read very
narrowly. This lack of reading contributes .to a poverty of ideas, imagination and policy,
which can often be seen in a country's empty public debates, contradictory decisions and
flawed strategies.
3. Sadly, the benefits of reading for society are not always recognised and therefore, it is
important that this issue is tackled by developing a culture of reading through encouraging
young children to read from an early age. However, if adults do not read, children are
unlikely to read either. Children are more likely to read if there are books around them: at
home, in schools, and in the spaces they frequent. In fact, both mothers and fathers could
read aloud while their children are still in the womb. Grandparents, parents and siblings
should regularly read to younger children and reading should be incorporated into play,
whether at home or at school. Children should be encouraged to read in everyday situations,
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such as when parents do the shopping and children should be encouraged to read grocery
labels, ingredients and road signs.
4. Furthermore,we need a reading culture in government schools instead of reading simply
to pass tests. Reading should be made part of every facet of the curriculum although public
schools often do not even have simple basics of a library. Sometimes, where libraries do
exist, they are often marginal to the life of the school whereas school libraries should
become the centre of school life. School libraries also need to adapt to the times through
the use of the internet and interactive learning, combining with traditional books, and visits
from writers to meet and engage with children.
5. Moreover, many community libraries across the country appear to be in disrepair, empty
and soulless. Community libraries must be revived. They should be turned into one-stop
resource centres, operating almost like Internet Cafes, where youth can study, access online
resources, and borrow traditional books. Libraries also have the potential to serve as safe
spaces, where people from broken families can seek refuge in reading. There should be
regular community-based public reading with local influencers, writers, and public figures.
6. Apart from that, every country needs a civil society movement for reading - bringing
together volunteers, local cultural organisations, businesses and government, to lead a
national campaign to motivate everyone to read. Those with skills and time could volunteer
to read in community libraries or donate books and technological resources. There has to be
much more reading of books on public media, especially radio, which is still the medium
with the largest reach in the country. Public reading should also take place on social media
platforms and reading 'streaming' events could be regularly organised.
7. Reading is the missing ingredient to lift a country out of poverty, unemployment, and
social breakdown.
1.1. From paragraph 1, identify the word or phrase that means the following:
{2)
(a) including every person
(b) a crucial turning point
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1.2. Explain what the writer means by the metaphor 'Reading is ...
(a) a stepladder out of poverty.'
(1)
(b) Consider the idiom 'can take a leaf out of that book' and identify the idea to which the
idiom refers.
(1)
1.3. How does Africa differ from the countries that are mentioned in the article?
(2)
1.4. Using your own words, state two ways in which a poor reading culture can hamper
national development.
(2)
1.5. Give any three ways in which parents can promote their children's ability to read from
paragraph .
(3)
1.6. In paragraph 4, what do learners mainly use their reading for, according to the author?(l)
1.7. According to the author, how should school libraries make use of technology?
(2)
1.8. In paragraph 5, how can community libraries become a 'one-stop resource centre',
according to the writer? Give three details.
(3)
1.9. How can community reading facilities make difficult personal circumstances more
bearable?
(1)
1.10. In paragraph 6, why does the author believe that the radio is still relevant and how
does he want to use it?
(2)
1.11. Give two examples of countries that successfully used reading culture as a
development tool.
(2)
1.12. a) What does the word "indigence" in the passage most closely mean?
(2)
B) In the phrase "a poverty of ideas," what does the word "poverty" imply?
(2)
C) What is meant by "one stop resource center"?
(2)
D) What does "disrepair" mean when describing community libraries?
(2)
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SECTION B:
Grammar
Read the passage below and answer the grammar questions below.
[30 MARKS]
The Changing Nature of Work in the 21st Century
The 21st century has brought dramatic changes to the nature of work across the globe.
Rapid technological advancements, globalisation, and social change have reshaped the skills
and attitudes required in the workplace. Unlike in the past, where a university degree
almost guaranteed stable employment, today's graduates face a more competitive and
unpredictable job market. Employers are increasingly prioritising adaptability, creativity, and
lifelong learning.
Technology has been both a challenge and an opportunity. Automation and artificial
intelligence (Al) have replaced some traditional jobs, particularly those involving repetitive
tasks. At the same time, they have created new opportunities in fields such as data science,
digital communication, and renewable energy. This shift demands that workers constantly
upgrade their knowledge and skills to remain relevant.
Moreover, the workplace is no longer confined to physical offices. Remote and hybrid
working arrangements, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, have become common
across many industries. These changes have forced employees to develop stronger digital
skills and to manage their time independently. While some people enjoy the flexibility,
others struggle with isolation and blurred boundaries between work and personal life.
Universities and colleges play a critical role in preparing students for these realities. Beyond
academic knowledge, students must be trained in teamwork, communication, ethical
decision-making, and cross-cultural awareness. Employers are clear: they are not only hiring
graduates for what they know but also for how they think, adapt, and collaborate.
The future of work, therefore, lies in continuous learning. The most successful graduates will
be those who approach their careers as evolving journeys rather than fixed destinations. By
cultivating curiosity and resilience, students can thrive in an ever-changing world of work.
Verb Tenses
[8 marks]
1. Identify the tense of the following sentence and explain its usage: "The 21st century has
brought dramatic changes to the nature of work across the globe."
(2)
2. Transform this sentence into Past Perfect: "Technology has been both a challenge and an
opportunity."
(2)
3. Identify and correct the tense error in this sentence: "By next year, remote working will
become even more common than it is being now."
(2)
4. Complete with the correct tense: "While some employers _ _ _ (embrace) remote
work before the pandemic, others _ _ _ (resist) it until they had no choice."
(2)
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Direct and Indirect Speech
[4 marks]
5. Transform this direct speech into indirect speech: The employer said, "We are looking for
graduates who can adapt quickly."
(2)
6. Convert to direct speech: "Educators emphasised that students must be trained in
teamwork and communication."
(2)
Gerunds and Infinitives
[6 marks]
7. Identify whether the underlined words are gerunds or infinitives: "Students must be
trained to manage their time independently while enjoying the flexibility of remote work."
(2)
8. Complete with the correct form (gerund or infinitive): "Employers are increasingly
prioritizing _ _ _ (adapt) over _ _ _ (have) a specific degree."
(2)
9. Rewrite using a gerund: "It is difficult to balance work and personal life in remote
arrangements."
(2)
Participles
[4 marks]
10. Identify the participle in this sentence: "Remote working arrangements, accelerated by
the COVID-19 pandemic, have become common ."
(2)
11. Combine these sentences using a present participle: "Students cultivate curiosity and
resilience. They can thrive in the changing workplace."
(2)
Conditional Sentences
[3 marks]
12. Identify the type of conditional and complete the sentence: "If automation _ __
(continue) at this rate, many traditional jobs _ _ _ (disappear) within the next decade." (2)
13. Transform into a third conditional: "If workers don't upgrade their skills, they become
irrelevant."
(1)
Active and Passive Voice
[5 marks]
14. Transform to passive voice: "Technological advancements have reshaped the skills
required in the workplace."
(2)
15. Change to active voice: "New opportunities in data science have been created by Al and
automation."
(2)
16. Explain why passive voice is used in this sentence: "Students must be trained in
teamwork, communication, arid ethical decision-making."
(1)
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SECTION C: CRITICAL READING AND SUMMARISING
[40 Marks]
Read the Passage below and answer the questions that follow.
The Role of Critical Reading in Modern Education
by Ahmet Utku OZENSOY
With the introduction of computers into human and social life, the increase in human
knowledge has accelerated. Advances in internet technology have accelerated this increase.
This incredible increase in knowledge has brought to the fore such elements as the research
of the information, analysis, questioning, interpretation, reproduction, using in new
situations, and evaluation of the information, problemsolving. Therefore, critical thinking,
critical listening, critical writing, and critical reading have become more important in all life
areas. Critical reading is an essential skill in modern education. It enables students not just
to understand a text but to engage with it thoughtfully and analytically. Instead of passively
absorbing information, critical readers actively question and evaluate the material, which
encourages deeper comprehension and better retention .
One key aspect of critical reading is recognising bias and assumptions in a text. Authors
often present their ideas from particular perspectives, sometimes unconsciously. A critical
reader identifies these biases and considers how they influence the argument or narrative.
The text can be evaluated by finding that the author's facts to support his views are
incomplete, wrong, sufficient or inadequate. Thus, the reader can look critically at the text
he is reading. According to Ada Ii {2010), distinguishing facts and opinions is one of the basic
elements of critical reading. Distinguishing expressions that vary from person to person and
expressions based on a data or finding sound sources can be verified by sound sources and
are the cornerstones of healthy thinking. After the reader realises which of the statements in
the text he read is based on evidence and the author's views, he can determine whether
facts support the views expressed in the text.
Another important element is distinguishing between facts and opinions. Knowing the
difference helps readers assess whether the information is credible and supported by
evidence. This ability is vital in today's world where misinformation can spread quickly.
Critical reading can be defined as analysing written and visual materials according to
objective criteria, distinguishing facts and opinions, making questioning, decision making
according to logic, making comparisons and evaluations. For this, it is necessary to start by
assuming that the written material reflects the author's own opinions, thoughts and
arguments, not the facts.
Therefore, one of the most important elements of critical reading is to reveal the factors
such as the author's reason for writing the written material, their opinions, expectations,
and perspectives. Then the text's main idea is determined and to what extent the main idea
is supported is examined. The information in the written material is compared from reliable
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sources. The opinions and facts suggested by the author are compared. Consistency,
relevant and unrelated information is found in cause and effect relationships
Critical reading also involves making connections within and beyond the text. Readers
compare ideas, evaluate sources, and synthesize information to form well-rounded views.
These skills do not only benefit academic success but also promote informed decision-
making in real life.
Critical reading skill can be defined as questioning, analysing, interpreting, evaluating,
comparing written and visual materials, determining stereotypes and biased attitudes. Carr
(1988) states that critical reading is the source of high level skills. Therefore, critical reading
skills effectively acquire many high-level skills such as critical thinking, critical listening,
decision-making, and problem solving. Because "the reader should look critically at the text
(i~eri, 1998: 2)". In addition, critical reading skills have a positive effect on gaining active
citizenship skills as it-will enable people to question what is happening in the environment,
country and the world. Overall, critical reading transforms reading into an active, reflective
process that improves thinking skills. As education continues to evolve, cultivating this ability
remains crucial for students' intellectual growth and adaptability.
Choose the best answer for each question. Each question is worth 2 marks.
1. What is the main idea of the passage?
(2)
a) Critical reading is only useful in academic studies.
b) Critical reading helps students engage with and analyze texts.
c) Reading quickly improves comprehension .
d) Modern education focuses on memorization.
2. According to the passage, why is it important to recognize bias in a text?
(2)
a) To accept all viewpoints equally
b) To identify the author's perspective and its influence
c) To ignore opinions and focus on facts
d) To summarize the text more easily
3. The passage distinguishes between facts and opinions in order to:
(2)
a) Help readers determine credibility
b) Make reading faster
c) Find more interesting ideas
d) Avoid reading complicated texts
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4. How does critical reading benefit readers outside academic contexts?
(2)
a) It helps make informed decisions.
b) It encourages memorising information.
c) It improves handwriting.
d) It limits reading to certa in genres.
5. What does the author imply about misinformation?
(2)
a) It is easy to spot without critical reading.
b) It spreads quickly and needs to be evaluated critically.
c) It is usually true.
d) It is only found on line.
6.Which skill involves comparing and synthesising information?
(2)
a) Memorising
b) Critical reading
c) Scanning
d) Skimming
7. The phrase "transform reading into an active, reflective process" means:
(2)
a) Reading with little thought
b) Passive reading
c) Engaged and thoughtful reading
d) Reading for entertainment
8.The passage explains that critical reading encourages:
(2)
a) Faster reading speeds
b) Passive acceptance of ideas
c) Analytical thinking and questioning
d) Ignoring author biases
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9.What does "intellectual growth" refer to in this context?
(2)
a) Physical health benefits
b) Developing thinking and reasoning skills
c) Memorising more facts
d) Reading more texts
10. Based on the passage, critical reading is described as:
(2)
a) An outdated skill
b) Only relevant for young students
c) Essential for adaptability and success
d) A method of summarising text
SECTION C: SUMMARY WRITING
[20 Marks]
Write a summary of approximately 180 words that captures the main ideas of the passage.
Focus on the importance and benefits of critical reading.
[THE END]
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