EL111 – English Communication Skills (1)

Mid-Term Examination

Student name: _____________________________________

Student ID: _____________________________________

Section: _____________________________________

Tutor’s name: _____________________________________

Section Suggested time Total Points Earned Points

1 Reading 30 15
2 Vocabulary 10 10
3 Structure 20 15
4 Writing 30 20
TOTAL 90 60
 Section 1 Reading 15 marks

Read the passage below and answer the questions that follow.

The Komodo Dragon

The Komodo dragon is a species of lizard that lives on the islands of Komodo in Indonesia. A member
of the lizard family, it is the largest living species of lizard, growing to an average length of 2 to 3
meters and weighing around 70 kilograms. As a result of their size, these lizards dominate the area in
which they live. They are not only large creatures but they are also very fast on land and can easily
climb trees thanks to their strong claws. Although Komodo dragons eat mostly carrion (the flesh of
dead animals), they will also hunt and kill prey including birds and mammals using their sharp teeth
and claws as their primary weapon.

The dragons prefer hot and dry places, and typically lives in dry open areas using its tongue to taste
and smell things, as with many other reptiles, such as snakes. With the help of the wind and its habit
of swinging its head from side to side as it walks, Komodo dragons are able to detect carrion from
over 9 kilometers away. The dragons are also able to dig holes for shelter and when they want to
sleep and preserve their body heat.

The Komodo dragon was formerly thought to be deaf when a study reported that the dragons did not
respond to whispers, raised voices, or shouts. This was disputed when London Zoological Garden
employee Joan Proctor trained one dragon to come out to eat at the sound of her voice, even when
the dragon could not be seen.

The dragons should be approached with caution as even seemingly quiet dragons may become
aggressive unpredictably, especially when the animal's territory is invaded by someone unfamiliar. In
June 2001, a Komodo dragon seriously injured a man when he entered its cage at the Los Angeles
Zoo. He was bitten on his foot and even though he escaped, he needed to have multiple surgeries on
his foot. The Komodo dragon is called ‘dragon’ for a reason and their large size and fearsome
reputation always make them very popular zoo exhibits.
Answer the questions below after reading the article: (1 mark for each)

1. Why do Komodo dragons dig holes?

a) They dig holes to sleep only
b) To catch prey and small animals
c) To preserve their body heat only
d) For shelter, sleeping & preserving body heat

2. Why was the Komodo dragon thought to be deaf?

a) Because she trained one dragon to come out
b) Because they have a fearsome reputation
c) Because they would not react to sound
d) Because they don’t have a good sense of hearing

3. Write true or false for the following statements: (9 marks total)

______ a) Komodo dragons are lizards.

______ b) Komodo dragons are not the largest living species of lizards.
______ c) Komodo dragons dominate their areas because of their size.
______ d) Komodo dragons can grow to a length of 2 to 3 meters and weigh 700 kilograms.
______ e) Komodo dragons are fast creatures.
______ f) Komodo dragons do not eat birds and mammals.
______ g) Komodo dragons are popular at zoos because of their small size.
______ h) Snakes smell using their tongues.
______ i) Komodo dragons might attack if humans get close.

4. What are the following pronouns referring to in the passage? (1 mark for each)

a) They (1st paragraph) ___________________________

b) Her (3rd paragraph) ___________________________

5. Find one word from the article that has a similar meaning to sense or notice: _______________

6. Find one word from the article that has an opposite meaning to peaceful: _______________
 Section 2 Vocabulary 10 marks

Choose the correct word from the box and write it in the right place. There are five extra words
which you will not need. (1 mark for each)

perform distracting interrupt sophisticated rare

take part boast polite strangers anchovies

sensitive encourage depart wealthy look forward

1. My mother always told me not to talk to ___________________ as a child.

2. The Robinsons have a big house and 4 cars. They are very ___________________.

3. I love seafood on my pizza even though I can’t stand the smell of ___________________.

4. It is important to ___________________ in sports and activities.

5. I ___________________ to hearing from you soon. Don’t forget to write back!

6. As a child, James was very rude, but today he is extremely ___________________.

7. Gold is very expensive because it is very ___________________.

8. I’m trying to study, please stop ___________________ me!

9. The crazy fan ran onto the pitch and tried to ___________________ the game.

10. Teachers have to learn how to ___________________ their students in class.

 Section 3 Structure 15 marks

Part 1: Go back to the reading section and find the following: (1 mark for each)

1. A sentence in the passive voice:

________________________________________________________________________________

2. A sentence in the future tense:

________________________________________________________________________________

3. A sentence giving advice or a suggestion:

________________________________________________________________________________

Part 2: Make questions for the following answers: (1 mark for each)

1. ________________________________________________________________________________
- Sandra likes to eat vegetables and fruits.

2. ________________________________________________________________________________

- I’ve been working in Italy for 4 years now.

Part 3: Answer the following questions using a complete sentence in the correct tense:

1. Where were you?

________________________________________________________________________________

2. Why is Jassim going to travel so soon?

________________________________________________________________________________
Part 4: Find the mistake in each sentence and write it again correctly. (half a mark for each)

1. Remember me to give you your books back.

___________________________________________________________________________________

2. The sun it was very bright.

___________________________________________________________________________________

3. Manal like to go shopping.

___________________________________________________________________________________

4. Mohammad is busy at the moment, he is studied.

___________________________________________________________________________________

Part 5: Complete the sentences with the correct verb form in brackets. (1 mark for each)

1. ________ he really ________ to go with you? (do – have, does – have, does – has, did – had)

2. The student ________ rewarded for his good behavior. (was, had, were, did)

3. She ________ written a letter to her parents. (was, had, have, did)

4. Basim ________ a walk in the park every day. (has been took, take, is taking, takes)

5. I told him ________ there! (not to go, go not to, to go not)

6. Yesterday, I ________ my finger by accident. (cutted, cut, have cut, did cut)
 Section 4 Writing 20 marks

Choose one of the following topics and write a 3-paragraph essay on the lines provided.

1. What are manners? Do people in different countries behave the same? Give examples & discuss.
2. What is your ideal holiday? Where would you go? What would you do?
3. Who is your favorite author or painter? Why? How did he/she influence you?

Don’t forget to include an introduction, a body and a conclusion.

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