HKDSE Eng MT47 - Paper-1 - TE - 1920 - 6.2

MT 47-DSE
ENG LANG
PAPER 1
PART A
HONG KONG DIPLOMA OF SECONDARY EDUCATION EXAMINATION
A
COMPULSORY
MOCK TEST 47
ENGLISH LANGUAGE PAPER 1
PART A
Reading Passages
1 hour 30 minutes
(for both Parts A and B)
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS
(1) There are two parts (A and B) in this paper. All candidates should attempt Part A. In Part B, you
should attempt either Part B1 (easier section) OR Part B2 (more difficult section). Candidates
attempting Parts A and B2 will be able to attain the full range of levels, while Level 4 will be the
highest level attainable for candidates attempting Parts A and B1.
(2) After the announcement of the start of the examination, you should write your Candidate Number on
the appropriate pages of the Part A Question-Answer Book and the Part B Question-Answer Book
which you are going to attempt.
(3) Write your answers in the spaces provided in the Question-Answer Books. Answers written in the
margins will not be marked.
(4) For multiple-choice questions, you are advised to blacken the appropriate circle with a pencil so that
wrong marks can be completely erased with a clean rubber. Mark only ONE answer to each
question. Two or more answers will score NO MARKS.
(5) Supplementary answer sheets will be supplied on request. Write your Candidate Number and mark
the question number box on each sheet.
(6) No extra time will be given to candidates for filling in the question number boxes after the ‘Time is
up’ announcement.
(7) The two Question-Answer Books you have attempted (one for Part A and one for Part B) will be
collected together at the end of the examination.
(8) The unused Question-Answer Book for Part B will be collected separately at the end of the
examination. This will not be marked. Do not write any answers in it.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR PART A
(1) The Question-Answer Book for Part A is inserted after this Reading Passages booklet.
(2) Attempt ALL questions in Part A. Each question carries ONE mark unless otherwise stated.
Not to be taken away before the

end of the examination session
(S6) MT 47-DSE-ENG LANG 1-A-RP–1 1 © Oxford University Press

Written by Joanne Kent (6.2/2019-20)
This mock test may be adapted by teachers. OUP accepts no responsibility for changes made to original materials.
PART A
Read Text 1 and answer questions 1–20 in the Question-Answer Book for Part A.
Text 1
Astrology’s new popularity: a search for answers and excuses

1 [1] Astrology has been around forever—the original zodiac was created in Egypt in the 1st century BC.
Fast forward 2,000 years and we are blasé about horoscopes printed in magazines or newspapers. More Q3i, Q1
recently, the Internet and social media have breathed new life into astrology: take an online quiz to find Q4i
out how closely your characteristics match those of your star sign, sign up for daily horoscopes delivered
5 to your inbox, or download an app that allows you to check how compatible you are with friends and Q1
colleagues based on your star sign.
[2] To describe astrology as scientific would be far-fetched. A person’s star sign is based on the position Q4iii
of the sun at the time of his or her birth. If you want to delve further into this topic, you can also take into Q3ii
account the position of the planets and the moon. However, there is no hard proof that a person’s
10 characteristics mimic those of their star sign, and it seems we are not ignorant of astrology’s shaky Q3iii
credentials—as few as 17 per cent of people believe firmly in astrology. Yet many more enjoy astrology, Q4iv
whether it’s reading a horoscope in a newspaper or spending a fortune to have a personalized life chart
drawn up by an expert astrologist. When asked, most people would probably describe it as ‘fun’.
[3] But fun alone surely cannot explain the recent surge in popularity of all things astrological. A new Q7
15 generation of digital natives have taken astrology to their hearts, and apps, blogs and websites that deal Q5
with astrology are seeing huge increases in traffic. According to Stella Bugbee, editor-in-chief of the
online magazine The Cut, the number of visitors to the site’s horoscope page jumped by 150 per cent
from 2016 to 2017.
[4] The American Psychological Association may have unearthed the root of this new fascination.
20 According to a recent survey, millennials are the most stressed generation in society. Today’s young
people live in a world that is complicated and unpredictable. They face uncertain futures and see no Q6i, ii
obvious answers to the world’s big questions. Thus, they may feel that the old order has let them down,
and so they need to look elsewhere for answers. Uncertainty can lead to anxiety and stress, and astrology
can be a great coping mechanism. Even if they don’t wholly believe in it, it can act as a kind of balm. Q6iii, iv
25 And it’s easily accessible: astrology has no structures or hierarchies; you don’t need to believe in a
supreme being; all are welcome.
[5] Astrology is also attractive for those seeking explanations (and perhaps justifications) for their
behaviours: that friend who has never experienced self-doubt and whose self-promotion borders on
arrogance can blithely explain it away: ‘It’s because I’m a Leo. Most Leos are very confident.’ Such
30 statements offer instant gratification and self-expression: two themes popular with the millennial
generation. They allow you to gloss over your less-than-admirable character traits with a trite meme
about your star sign. It’s a kind of shorthand for talking about emotions, without having to get into any of
the heavy stuff. However, such shortcuts don’t really pay off in the long term, as psychologist Ruby
Leung explains: ‘If you use astrology to explain your behaviour, you don’t have to make a conscious
35 effort to change. It reinforces your behaviour. You don’t have to put in any hard work to make changes
for the better. Most people prefer to settle in this way, as the alternative runs the risk of losing your sense
of identity.’
[6] That’s not to say we are lazy and weak-willed for believing in astrology. Science has shown that we
are almost hardwired to lap up its promises. In a 1947 experiment, Ross Stagner gave some subjects
40 personality tests and then provided feedback for each participant. However, instead of using the results of Q11i
the tests as the basis for this feedback, he wrote vague analyses which would be applicable to many Q11ii
people. The test subjects reported that they found the feedback to be accurate. Similar statements are Q11iii
often used by astrologists and are known as Barnum statements. An example might be: ‘Sometimes you

are the life and soul of the party. Other times you like to spend time alone, lost in quiet thought.’ Is that a
45 statement you feel accurately describes you?
[7] Just as astrology can allow you to explain away certain behaviours, it can be a comforting scapegoat Q14
when you’re going through a rough patch—perhaps failing in your studies or underperforming at work:
‘This is a difficult time for me because the planets aren’t in alignment for my star sign.’ Accepting that
the universe is in control is an easy way of abrogating responsibility. The real reason for your Q15
50 underperformance—you’ve been slacking or have been spending too much time on social media—is less
palatable. And if you acknowledged it, it would also require more personal sacrifice in order to reverse it. Q16
[8] So have fun with astrology for sure, but don’t lean on it too heavily. You are the master of your
destiny, not the moon and planets circling above your head.
Comments:
55 Robbie 28 August 15.32
I’m a Gemini and I think the typical character traits of a Gemini apply to me. That said, I don’t pay much Q20i
attention to horoscopes. They’re not something I think about a lot, really.
Lisa 28 August 13.04
I actually went to a professional astrologist once, and she produced a whole chart for me, based on my
60 date and time of birth. It was amazing: when she talked about things I liked and was scared of, and my
hopes for the future, it was like she could read my mind! Q20ii
Zara 27 August 21.45
What a load of rubbish! Horoscopes are just another way to waste more of your time online. Believe in Q20iii
yourself, not in what some astrologist who has never met you has to say!
65 Richard 27 August 18.07
I read a book about my star sign (Capricorn) once that told me how to make the most of my natural
talents and character traits. Because of that book, I pushed myself to try things I would never have done
before. It changed my life. Astrology is a powerful force we can all use to improve our lives. Q20iv
END OF READING PASSAGES

This is a blank page.

Candidate Number Please stick the barcode label here.
MOCK TEST 47
ENGLISH LANGUAGE
PAPER 1 PART A A
COMPULSORY
QUESTION-ANSWER BOOK
Write your Candidate Number in the space provided on this page.

Read Text 1 and answer questions 1–20. (42 marks)
Text 1
1 Which two media are NOT mentioned in paragraph 1 as a source of astrological information? Write the
letters for the two media in the boxes below. (1 mark)
A B C D E
Answers written in the margins will not be marked.

Medium A and medium D .
2 Select the option that best completes the sentence to show the meaning of ‘compatible’ (line 5).
Jemma and Mark are …

A opposites.
B understanding of each other.
C well-suited. A B C D
D jealous of each other.    
3 Find a word or phrase in paragraphs 1–2 which has a similar meaning to each word given below.
(3 marks)
(i) ‘unexcited’ blasé
(ii) ‘explore’ delve into
(iii) ‘uncertain’ shaky

Go on to the next page
(S6) MT 47-DSE-ENG LANG 1-A–1 1 © Oxford University Press

4 According to paragraphs 1–3, decide whether the following statements are True (T), False (F) or Not
Given (NG). (5 marks)
Statements T F NG
(i) There are more ways of reading horoscopes than ever before.   
(ii) Apps are the most accurate way of getting your customized horoscope.   
(iii) Your ‘star sign’ relates to the star that was closest to Earth when you were born.   
(iv) A large percentage of people believe in astrology.   
(v) Many parents try to discourage their children from reading horoscopes.   
5 Find the metaphor the writer uses to describe young people who are comfortable with technology in
paragraph 3.
digital natives

6 Complete the following notes based on paragraph 4 by writing ONE word taken from paragraph 4 in
each blank below. Your answers must be grammatically correct. (4 marks)
Reasons why astrology is attractive to millennials

Problems millennials face:
– They see the world as difficult to navigate and (i) unpredictable .
– They feel their futures are (ii) uncertain .
– They think traditional sources of advice do not provide answers to their questions.
Millennials find astrology helpful because:

– Astrology can help them (iii) cope with uncertainty.
– Anyone can use astrology because there is no formal organization and
(iv) belief in a god is not necessary.
7 What does ‘this new fascination’ (line 19) refer to?
young people’s growing interest in astrology
8 What is ‘the heavy stuff’ (line 33)?
talking about feelings and behaviour in a serious and deep way

9 Explain why rejecting astrology ‘runs the risk of losing your sense of identity’ (lines 36–37).
Because you have to accept that your behaviour and character are not determined by the stars. If you
want to change for the better, you may have to make changes to your current identity.
10 Complete the summary of paragraph 5 by choosing the best answer that will complete the missing
information. Blacken ONE circle only for each question. (4 marks)
Astrology provides a quick and easy justification for our (i) . Even if we know our behaviour
is (ii) , we can blame it all on our star sign. The advantage of this is that it is simple and little
__(iii) is required. However, such justifications are not a recommended long-term strategy. If
you want to follow a path of (iv) , you can expect to put in lots of time and effort.

(i) A goals
B personalities
C successes A B C D
D doubts    
(ii) A exemplary
B better than the norm
C expected A B C D
D less than acceptable    
(iii) A money
B acceptance
C analysis A B C D
D understanding    
(iv) A truthfulness
B academic excellence
C self-improvement A B C D
D health and fitness    


11 This flow chart shows the sequence of events described in paragraph 6 when Ross Stagner conducted a
scientific study. Fill in each blank with a word from paragraph 6. (3 marks)
Ross Stagner devised an experiment to test (i) personality in 1947.

He analyzed the test results, but did not use them when he wrote his feedback.

Instead, he gave each participant feedback that sounded rather (ii) vague .

The people who took part in the experiment described his feedback as (iii) accurate .

12 When the writer says ‘we are almost hardwired to lap up its promises’ (lines 38–39), he/she means …
A it is easy and natural to accept what astrology tells us.

B astrology offers a path to a more positive future.
C astrology’s message is sometimes difficult to understand. A B C D
D we shouldn’t always believe what astrology tells us.    
13 Why do you think the writer asks the reader ‘Is that a statement you feel accurately describes you?’ in
lines 44–45?
to engage closely with the reader // to make the reader realize that our quick acceptance of Barnum
statements is true // to provide an example that highlights the main idea of the paragraph
14 Find ONE word in paragraph 7 that means ‘someone or something you can blame’.
scapegoat
15 What does ‘it’ (line 51) refer to?
your underperformance
16 Find ONE word in paragraph 7 that means ‘acceptable’.
palatable

17 What does ‘don’t lean on it too heavily’ (line 52) mean?
A don’t let it distract you from important things

B don’t depend on it too much
C don’t use it as an excuse for bad behaviour A B C D
D don’t underestimate its importance    
18 Below are summary headings for each paragraph of Text 1. Match the most appropriate summary
heading with each paragraph by writing the letters (A–H) in the table below. Two have been done for
you as examples. Each letter can be used ONCE only. (6 marks)
Summary Headings
A Stress Reliever E Find Your Own Path
B Faith in Generalized Statements F A Discipline as Old as Time

C Where’s the Scientific Proof? G Deflecting Responsibility

D Shortcut to Understanding Yourself H Popularity on the Rise
Paragraph Summary Heading Paragraph Summary Heading

1 F 5 D
2 (i) C 6 (iv) B
3 (ii) H 7 (v) G
4 (iii) A 8 (vi) E
19 Which of the following best summarizes the message of the text?
A Astrology is useful if you have a deep understanding of it.

B Young people are wasting their time reading horoscopes.
C Astrology is something we should not take too seriously. A B C D
D Astrology can be dangerous if you depend on it too much.    


Read the comments (lines 54–68) and answer question 20.
20 What is the most likely opinion of each of the four people towards the statement ‘Astrology is a positive
influence in my life’? (4 marks)
Agrees Disagrees Neither

agrees
nor
disagrees
(i) Robbie   
(ii) Lisa   
(iii) Zara   
(iv) Richard   

END OF PART A

MT 47-DSE
B1
ENG LANG
PAPER 1
PART B1 EASY SECTION
MOCK TEST 47
PART B1
Reading Passages
1 hour 30 minutes
(1) Refer to the General Instructions on Page 1 of the Reading Passages booklet for Part A.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR PART B1

(1) The Question-Answer Book for Part B1 is inserted after this Reading Passages booklet.
(2) Candidates who choose Part B1 should attempt all questions in this part. Each question carries ONE
mark unless otherwise stated.
(3) Hand in only ONE Question-Answer Book for Part B, either B1 or B2.
(S6) MT 47-DSE-ENG LANG 1-B1-RP–1 1 © Oxford University Press

Part B1
Read Texts 2–3 and answer questions 21–42 in the Question-Answer Book for Part B1.
Text 2
1 [1] It’s an exciting time for Chinese science fiction. Thanks to the work of talented translators such as Q21. Q25i
Ken Liu, the genre is finding an eager audience in the English-speaking world. The Three-Body Problem,
a trilogy by Liu Cixin, is a bestseller at home and abroad: it has sold eight million copies worldwide and
been translated into twenty languages. It also won the Hugo award for best novel, a first for a translated Q25ii
5 work. Folding Beijing by Hao Jingfang won the Hugo award for best novelette, pipping Stephen King to
the prize.
[2] In the West, science fiction had its golden era at the end of the 19th century, a time when industry was
booming. Similarly, the genre is growing in scope and popularity in China after a period of intense Q24
transformation. A single family may include grandparents who lived a poor, rural existence, but whose
10 offspring now work in city-centre skyscrapers with cutting-edge technology. There is a whole generation
of children being raised by their grandparents while their parents work thousands of miles away to pay
for food and to provide a roof over their heads. It’s a seismic shift that happened in just a couple of
decades.
[3] Literary expression is one way to make sense of it all. Some sci-fi authors, like Chen Qiufan and Ma Q25iv
15 Boyong, have a negative view of this progress and write dystopian stories where people are little more Q26iii
than cogs in a giant system, at the mercy of sudden changes. Others, like Xia Jia, have a much more Q26iv
optimistic view, and suggest that despite progress, traditional Chinese values, such as respect for elders
and working for the benefit of the group, will persist.
[4] Some view The Three-Body Problem as a comment on the fierce competition in the modern corporate Q27
20 world, others as the rise of China putting it on a collision course with the USA (fiction becoming reality, Q27
perhaps, given the recent tariffs and trade wars between the two countries). When asked, the author
shrugs and says, ‘I’m just trying to tell a good story.’ And it’s a story that audiences around the world Q26ii, Q27
have embraced. There’s a whole world out there, and Chinese science fiction looks set to conquer it.
Text 3
1 [1] Wordsmith magazine talks to award-winning literary translator Amy Zhao about bringing Chinese
science fiction to an English-speaking audience.
[2] Q: Science fiction hasn’t always been popular in China, but now we are seeing a new generation
of sci-fi authors like Gu Shi and Fei Dao breaking into the mass market. Why do you think this is?
5 [3] A: It’s an interesting and exciting time for Chinese science fiction. In China, I think people are
excited in general about technology. We’ve seen incredible progress over the last fifty years, and then
we’ve witnessed achievements like the Chinese rover landing on the moon. There’s a promise of where
technology could take us that seems irresistible. And it’s a rich source of material for writers. I think a lot Q29i
of these stories are trying to make sense of a world that is changing around us. The best science-fiction Q39iv
10 stories make us feel empathy for our fellow humans, challenge us and make us see the world in a Q29ii
different way.
[4] Q: As a Chinese woman living in the USA who is fluent in Mandarin and English, you have a
strong command of language. Is this enough? What other skills does a translator need?

[5] A: Language is only one part of the puzzle. Of course, you have to be fluent in both the source and Q39v
15 target language, but I think you also need to have some creativity of your own. It’s no surprise that a lot Q30i
of translators—myself included—also dabble in writing. Some words and concepts in Chinese are not Q31
directly translatable in English. So you need to find a suitable metaphor or symbolism to convey the same
idea. Sometimes this requires a lot of original thinking, akin to writing the text yourself from scratch, Q30ii
with only the kernel of the idea to work with.
20 [6] Q: Is your own writing similar in theme to the works you translate?
[7] A: Actually no, it’s not. I don’t write science fiction and my own writing is very different from the Q32
kind of translation I do. I think it’s good not to have this crossover: I don’t want my own literary voice to
leak into the work I translate. My job as a translator is to capture the voice of the original author.
[8] Q: How do you tackle the cultural differences between Chinese and English-speaking readers?
25 [9] A: I think the cultural differences are the most difficult thing to overcome, not the linguistic
challenges. For example, a lot of the titles I work on contain scientific jargon and terminology. That’s not Q40i
really a hurdle. These words are easy to translate because Chinese scientific terms and modern words for
technology are generally a Chinese rendering of the English original. But when you come across a Q39i
cultural word, you have to stop and think. For example, in Chinese, people rarely use first names when Q40ii
30 they talk to each other. Instead, they might use a title, an honorific, a nickname. These are so much more
than just names: they also convey a plethora of information about the relationship between the two people Q33
and their status in society. Different translators approach this in different ways but it’s fair to say that this
kind of nuance is mostly lost in English translations, because English speakers don’t have this same way
of addressing each other.
35 [10] Q: Do you feel your role is sometimes to educate the English-speaking audience, apart from
simply conveying the meaning of the original work?
[11] A: Yes, I do. That’s why you’ll see a lot of footnotes in the books I’ve translated, despite pushback
from the publishers. You can’t assume an Anglophone reader is familiar with Chinese politics, history Q37
and culture, even if the reverse may be true. And without this subtext the main message may be lost on
40 them. At least if I provide a nugget in a footnote, the reader can go off to Google and find out more if Q39ii,
they want to. Q40iv
[12] Q: What advice would you give to someone just starting out as a literary translator?
[13] A: Take the time to absorb the original work. Try to really understand it and what the writer is
saying. Get a feeling for the voice, because this is what you really need to capture: once you’ve nailed Q39iii,
45 that, everything else will fall into place. Q40iii


MOCK TEST 47
ENGLISH LANGUAGE
PAPER 1 PART B1 B1
EASY SECTION
Read Texts 2–3 and answer questions 21–42. (42 marks)
Text 2
21 Complete the following sentence using information from paragraph 1.
Readers around the world can enjoy Chinese science-fiction novels because they are converted into
other languages by (talented) translators .
22 What does the writer mean when he/she says that the 19th century was a ‘golden era’ for science
fiction in the West (line 7)?
He/She means that science fiction was very popular and great novels were written .

23 Select the option that best completes the sentence to show the meaning of ‘seismic’ (line 12).
The change in her personality was …

A difficult to understand.
B something to be expected.
C only temporary. A B C D
D large and dramatic.    
24 What does ‘it all’ (line 14) refer to?
China’s period of intense transformation // the seismic shift
25 According to paragraphs 1–3, decide whether the following statements are True (T), False (F) or Not
Given (NG). (5 marks)
Statements T F NG
(i) Chinese science fiction is booming because more people are learning Chinese.   
(ii) Translated works of fiction rarely win prestigious literary awards.   
(iii) People in rural areas now have more access to novels.   
(iv) Chen Qiufan believes all progress is positive.   
(v) Chinese people today are less interested in traditional values than previous   
generations.

(S6) MT 47-DSE-ENG LANG 1-B1–1 1 © Oxford University Press

26 With reference to paragraphs 3–4, indicate for which author each of the following statements is true.
Choose ONE option only. One statement does not apply for any author. Select None for that statement.
(4 marks)
Ma Xia Liu
None
Boyong Jia Cixin
(i) Literature encourages progress to speed up.    
(ii) Fiction does not always have to have a deep message.    
(iii) My novels discuss the powerlessness of the average person.    
(iv) Progress does not necessarily mean things become worse.    
27 Put a tick (√) next to each of the THREE statements that are correct. Tick THREE boxes only.
The Three-Body Problem …

 a. is nothing more than  b. highlights problems with c. was written for a

a clever story. China’s growing influence. specific audience.
d. tells the story of a war  e. is a metaphor for the modern
between China and the US. business world.
Text 3
28 What is the ‘mass market’ (line 4)?
the market beyond China // readers who speak English
29 Complete the following notes based on paragraph 3 by writing ONE word taken from paragraph 3 in
each blank below. Your answers must be grammatically correct. (2 marks)
Why Chinese science fiction is becoming popular:
1. People are interested in technology and find its promise (i) irresistible .
2. Science-fiction stories help us understand a society that is rapidly changing.
3. People are attracted to stories that make them think, encourage feelings of (ii) empathy
and change their perceptions.

30 What skills do you need to be a successful translator? Find ideas mentioned in paragraph 5 and match
them with examples given in the column on the right. (2 marks)
Idea mentioned in paragraph 5 Examples

(e.g.) You need to be fluent in both the source and target language. Amy Zhao can speak, read
and write both English and
Mandarin.
(i) You need to be creative. // You need to have some creativity of Many translators are also
your own. published authors.
(ii) You need to be able to do a lot of original thinking. Translators must be able to
____________________________________________________ invent new ideas.
31 Find a phrase in paragraph 5 which can be replaced by ‘experiment with’.


dabble in
32 Which word in paragraph 7 highlight’s Amy Zhao’s rejection of the writer’s question?
Actually
33 Find a phrase in paragraph 9 which can be replaced by ‘a large amount of’.
a plethora of
34 Complete this summary of paragraph 9 by choosing a word/phrase from the eight options given below.
Write the correct word/phrase in the space provided. Each word/phrase can be used ONCE only.
(4 marks)
address clarity coexist get along
historical technical subtlety understand
When translating from Chinese to English, (i) technical words are not usually
problematic, because they are similar to English words. Words that convey meaning based on the
culture or history of a country are more difficult. An example is the names people use in China to
(ii) address each other. These tell the reader lots of extra information such as a
person’s status and how two people (iii) get along . Such words do not exist in
English, so each translator handles this problem differently. Unfortunately, the translation rarely
manages to convey the (iv) subtlety of the original.


35 Why do you think Amy Zhao might have experienced ‘pushback from the publishers’ (lines 37–38)
about her idea of using footnotes?
because most novels do not have footnotes // because footnotes interrupt the flow of the text // because
footnotes can be distracting
36 What does ‘a nugget’ (line 40) refer to?
a small piece of information (in a footnote) about Chinese politics/history/culture, etc.
37 What can we assume about Chinese readers of English literature, based on paragraph 11?
that they are probably familiar with the politics, history and culture of English-speaking countries
38 What does Amy Zhao mean when she says ‘once you’ve nailed that, everything else will fall into place’
(lines 44–45)?

She means that once you understand the writer’s voice and what he/she is trying to say, the rest of the
translation will be easy/you will have solved the most difficult problem .

39 Two friends are discussing the interview with the translator (paragraphs 3–13). Use the information
from the text to match each statement in the speech bubbles with a paragraph that contains similar ideas.
Write the number of the paragraph next to the speech bubble. Each paragraph number can be used once
only. The first two have been done for you as examples. (5 marks)
Kylie Simon

I believe it is probably a good

idea to keep some areas of I do, but on the other hand
Paragraph your working life separate.
e.g. 7 people often have to draw from
This also holds true for personal experience when it
literary translators, don’t you Paragraph
comes to explaining an idea to (i) 9
agree? readers, especially if that idea
is not part of their culture.
That’s true, and I think it’s

useful to provide some
Paragraph background information so It’s fine as long as it does not
(ii) 11 that people can do further distract too much from the real Paragraph
research on their own. message of the original text. (iii) 13
The author’s intentions still
need to come across.
Right, great science fiction

should be able to make us
Paragraph think about our lives
(iv) 3 differently, and achieving the
same effect in another It’s probably true that to be
language is no easy feat. really good at any job, you need Paragraph
more than one skill. (v) 5


40 Complete the flow chart showing the sequence of events described in paragraphs 9–13 when tackling
cultural differences in translations. Write a word or phrase from paragraphs 9–13 in each blank below.
Your answers must be grammatically correct. (4 marks)
Do not worry too Take time to consider If necessary, add

much about (ii) cultural (iv) footnotes
(i) scientific jargon words. so that the reader can
or terminology. Remember that the do his/her own
most important thing to research.
convey is the author’s
(iii) voice .
41 Which of the following is the best alternative title for this article?

A When translation is impossible
B Rewriting is sometimes the only option
C Deliver the message, not just the words A B C D
D Chinese authors see riches ahead of them    
42 Look at Texts 2–3 and match them to the list of titles in the column below. Write the correct number (2,
3) in the box on the right. One title is NOT used and should be marked with an ‘X’. (2 marks)
Titles Text 2 / 3
i) The art of translation: finding an authentic voice 3
ii) Chinese fiction reflects changes in society 2
iii) Science fiction finds a niche audience X
END OF PART B1

MT 47-DSE
B2
ENG LANG
PAPER 1
PART B2 DIFFICULT SECTION
MOCK TEST 47
PART B2
Reading Passages
1 hour 30 minutes
(1) Refer to the General Instructions on Page 1 of the Reading Passages booklet for Part A.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR PART B2

(1) The Question-Answer Book for Part B2 is inserted after this Reading Passages booklet.
(2) Candidates who choose Part B2 should attempt all questions in this part. Each question carries ONE
mark unless otherwise stated.
(3) Hand in only ONE Question-Answer Book for Part B, either B1 or B2.

Part B2
Read Text 4 and answer questions 43–65 in the Question-Answer Book for Part B2.
Text 4
Inspiring a new generation to aim for the stars
1 [1] China is a country with huge scientific ambitions. The Chang’e lunar exploration programme has
already succeeded in landing its Jade Rabbit lunar rover on the dark side of the Moon. Looking ahead,
China has plans to construct its own space station and space-based solar-powered array.
[2] In order to achieve these goals, China needs the brightest and best scientific brains in the world. Yet,
5 according to government officials, only 16.1 per cent of young people in China want to be scientists. The Q43i
government hopes to increase scientific literacy amongst the younger generation from 8.47 per cent in Q43ii
2018 to 10 per cent by 2020, and is exploring various avenues in this regard. An engaging and high- Q43iii
quality scientific curriculum is crucial, but so is inspiration. Luckily, China’s scientists, writers and film- Q43iv
makers are producing the kind of work likely to ignite a passion in a whole new generation of scientists.
10 [3] China is currently leading the way in terms of space exploration. Effectively shut out of the Q46
International Space Station and other international projects, it has decided to forge its own path. At a time
when the American space programme has all but shut up shop, China has aspirations of sending a mission
to Mars. The plans are set out years in advance, then methodically executed. The home-grown space Q44
technology created is proof of the country’s growing scientific prowess and a source of great national Q45
15 pride for many Chinese.
[4] And it is not only our closest planets that China wants to explore. The country also wants to be at the
forefront of the search for extra-terrestrial life. In the remote mountains of Guiyang, in the southwest of
the country, China has built the world’s largest and most sensitive radio dish. Large enough to hold two
bowls of rice for every human on the planet, it will scan the skies, searching for signs of life. Getting this
20 far was not a walk in the park. The Five-hundred-metre Aperture Spherical radio Telescope (FAST) was
first conceived by Nan Rendong in the 1990s, cost $180 million and took 20 years to construct. More Q63i
than 9,000 villagers nearby had to relocate so that it could be built. The location is perfect: nestled in a
natural bowl, surrounded by mountains and extreme silence. If there is a place where one can capture
radio waves beamed from a far-off planet, this is it.
25 [5] The engineers who designed the dish say they were inspired by the writing of Liu Cixin, China’s pre- Q63ii, Q50i
eminent science-fiction author. His most famous novel, The Three-Body Problem, the first in a trilogy,
has been translated into more than 80 languages and won the prestigious Hugo award for science fiction.
The engineers sent the author updates as the dish was being built and invited him to visit the site upon its
completion. It’s a somewhat strange source of inspiration, since much of Liu’s work discusses the
30 dangers of first contact. In The Three-Body Problem (a favourite of Barack Obama), he uses as a theme
the ‘dark forest theory’: that is, all species are hunters, hiding and waiting for another species to arrive. Q49
When it does, there will be conflict until one species is triumphant and wipes out the other species. So, if Q49, Q50ii
we reach out to an extra-terrestrial society that is more advanced than our own, won’t they see us as a
threat and seek to dominate or even annihilate us? Is Liu’s work a warning about what could happen to Q50iii, Q51
35 humans if extra-terrestrials find us? As Liu writes, ‘Perhaps in ten thousand years, the starry sky that
humankind gazes upon will remain empty and silent. But perhaps tomorrow we’ll wake up and find an Q63iii
alien spaceship the size of the Moon parked in orbit.’
[6] Despite the jeopardy, China is not alone in its quest to find life beyond our planet. Government
funding for the SETI (Search for Extra-Terrestrial Intelligence) programme may have dwindled in the
40 USA, but radio-wave listening devices are being built around the world in Australia, New Zealand and
South Africa. Humans, it seems, have a desire for connection, to not be alone in the universe. Q52

[7] And Liu himself, who paid a visit to the gleaming telescope, is unconcerned. He said he is not Q54, Q55,
convinced the dish will ever detect a transmission, unless it is a final message from a civilization in its Q65ii
death throes, calling out for help.
45 [8] As the arts have inspired scientists, so the reverse is true. Just as the USA saw a boom in science- Q57i
based entertainment at the height of its space-exploration programme—think Star Trek and the moon
landings—so China’s achievements in space science are inspiring more books, films and TV programmes
on the subject. The USA’s space programme has been in decline in recent decades, and so has its science
fiction. Now it’s China’s turn.
50 [9] Science fiction in China is entering a golden age. In the first half of 2018, China’s market for science- Q57iii
fiction literature was worth $125 million (900 million yuan), while science-fiction films brought in box
office receipts worth $1.3 billion (9.5 billion yuan). The Wandering Earth, a sci-fi film based on a short Q57iv
story by Liu, was a box office smash earning $690 million, the second-highest grossing film ever in
China.
55 [10] Some say this recent interest in science fiction in China can be traced back to 1999, when an essay
question in China’s Gaokao exam, the national exam for college entrance, was ‘What if memories could
be transplanted?’ It was a question straight out of the pages of science fiction, and indeed, Science Fiction
World, the biggest science-fiction magazine in China, had covered the topic not long before. Suddenly, Q58
parents saw that science fiction could be useful for their children. Circulation of the magazine soared, and Q58
60 interest in science fiction became piqued. Q59
[11] Others believe that the massive changes that have taken place in China have given a new generation Q62
of writers rich pickings to explore. Chen Qiufan, a science-fiction writer and author of The Waste Tide,
notes that ‘When I was in high school, only a few people could use a PC. Even fewer could access the Q65i, Q61
internet. But now in China it’s a cash-free society, you can use your cell phone to book any service, Q61
65 everything is going virtual. This process has happened within 20 years. Everyone can feel the anxiety, Q63iv
and the risk, behind that fast move.’
[12] For some authors, like Liu, science and technology hold up a mirror to society’s flaws: should we
encounter an alien society, it may crush us, just as more advanced human tribes have crushed weaker
tribes throughout the Earth’s history. For others, technology and space exploration offers hope, a new
70 beginning, and endless opportunities. And this, China hopes, will plant the seeds of ambition in the next
generation of the country’s would-be scientists.

(S6) MT 47-DSE-ENG LANG 1-B2-RP-4 4 © Oxford University Press

MOCK TEST 47
ENGLISH LANGUAGE
PAPER 1 PART B2
B2
DIFFICULT SECTION

Read Text 4 and answer questions 43–65. (42 marks)
Text 4
43 Complete the summary of paragraph 2 below by choosing the best answer that will complete the
missing information. Blacken ONE circle only for each question. (4 marks)
The number of young people in China who want to be scientists (i) 20 per cent. China wants
to change this and (ii) the scientific knowledge and understanding of its young people. It is
willing to_ (iii) in order to achieve this goal. Making sure science lessons in school are
excellent is one way to do this; another is the (iv) created by leading scientists and artists.

(i) A stands at
B is less than
C is more than A B C D
D used to be    
(ii) A change
B recycle
C increase A B C D
D reduce    
(iii) A change the science syllabus

B employ more science teachers
C teach science fiction writing A B C D
D explore all possibilities    
(iv) A money
B inspiration
C fame A B C D
D success    

44 Find a word in paragraph 3 which can be replaced by ‘carefully’.
methodically
45 Which word in paragraph 3 means ‘power’?
prowess
46 Which of the following does the writer imply in paragraph 3?
A Few Chinese really understand how advanced China’s space programme is.
B China would have liked to cooperate with other nations on space exploration.
C America began work on a Mars mission, but later stopped it. A B C D
D China’s plans are sometimes out of date by the time they are completed.    

47 Why do you think the writer uses the analogy of the radio dish being ‘large enough to hold two bowls
of rice for every human on the planet’ (lines 19–20)?
to emphasize the huge size of the dish // to make the size of the dish more understandable to the reader
48 What does the writer mean when he/she says something is ‘not a walk in the park’ (line 21)?
It is not …
A seen as a benefit for society.
B supported by most people.
C good for the environment. A B C D
D easy and straightforward.    
49 According to paragraph 5, what are the TWO central ideas of dark forest theory? (2 marks)
(i) All species are hunters, hiding and waiting for another species to arrive.
(ii) When another species arrives, there will be conflict until one species is triumphant.

50 Based on the information in paragraph 5, complete the summary by writing ONE word taken from
paragraph 5 in each blank below. Your answers must be grammatically correct. (3 marks)
Engineers working on the dish say the work of Liu Cixin was a source of (i) inspiration
for them, and invited the author to visit the finished project. This is despite Liu’s work warning that
contact between two species almost always ends in (ii) conflict . By scanning the
skies for alien life, we could be inviting another species which wants to (iii) dominate/annihilate us.
51 What is ‘the jeopardy’ (line 39)?
the danger of what could happen to humans if extra-terrestrials find us
52 Complete the following sentence using the information in paragraph 6.
A number of countries are building radio-wave listening devices because humans have a desire for

connection // they want to believe they are not alone in the universe .
53 Match the main points (A–G) with one of the corresponding paragraphs on the left. Write the correct
letter (A–G) on the line next to the paragraph number. ONE main point is not used. (6 marks)
Paragraph No. Main Point

i) Paragraph 1 F A Setting and achieving goals
ii) Paragraph 2 B B Steering young people towards science
iii) Paragraph 3 A C When science imitates art
iv) Paragraph 4 G D Longing to find life beyond Earth
v) Paragraph 5 C E More funding leads to scientific breakthroughs
vi) Paragraph 6 D F Grand plans
G Listening for life in the skies
54 Find a word in paragraph 7 that suggests the radio dish is new and impressive.
gleaming


55 According to paragraph 7, is it likely that Liu approves of the money and resources spent on FAST?
Give a reason for your answer from the text.
No, it is not likely that Liu approves of the money and resources spent on FAST because he does not
think it will ever receive an extra-terrestrial transmission.
56 What does the writer mean by ‘Now it’s China’s turn’ (line 50)?
He/She means that it is China’s turn to lead the world in progress in science and also in science-based
entertainment, just as the USA did in the 1960s.
57 According to paragraphs 8 and 9, decide whether the following statements are True (T), False (F) or
Not Given (NG). (5 marks)
Statements T F NG

(i) When the USA sent men to the Moon, interest in science fiction declined.   
(ii) Star Trek gave an accurate depiction of life on the Moon.   
(iii) In 2018, China’s science-fiction films made more money than science-fiction   
books.
(iv) The Wandering Earth was based on a short story written by Liu.   
(v) Liu prefers to write short stories rather than novels.   
58 According to paragraph 10, is it likely that questions on a science-fiction topic regularly came up in the
Gaokao exam before 1999?
No, it is not likely because it was only then that ‘parents saw that science fiction could be useful for their
children’ // circulation of Science Fiction World soared // people became interested in science fiction.
59 Find a word in paragraph 10 which can be replaced by ‘aroused’.
piqued
60 What does ‘rich pickings’ (line 63) mean?
A lots of knowledge
B lots of inspiration
C lots of skills A B C D
D lots of technology    

61 Which of the following is NOT given as an example of recent progress in China, according to
paragraph 11?
A computer skills
B online payments
C social media A B C D
D looking at websites    
62 What is ‘that fast move’ (line 67)?
China’s rapid adoption of technology over the last 20 years, such as computers, the Internet, mobile
phones, cashless payments, online booking and virtual reality.
63 Match the person on the left with the statement which best represents their thoughts listed on the right.

Write the letter (A–F) once on the line next to the person’s name. TWO of the statements are not used.
Each letter can be used ONCE only. (4 marks)
Persons Answers Statements

(i) Nan Rendong E A ‘Such fast progress can be very unsettling.’
B ‘We used established methods in our plans.’
(ii) FAST engineer C C ‘His ideas motivated me in my work.’
D ‘Most people feel positive about progress.’
(iii) Liu Cixin F
E ‘It will take a lot of time and money, but we can build it.’
(iv) Chen Qiufan A F ‘No one knows if or when extra-terrestrials could arrive.’
64 Do you agree that science and technology ‘hold up a mirror to society’s flaws’ (line 68), or do you
think they offer ‘hope, a new beginning, and endless opportunities’ (lines 70–71)? Explain your answer.
I agree that science and technology ‘hold up a mirror to society’s flaws’ because no matter what progress
scientists make, humans still have the same arguments between themselves. // I agree that science and
technology offer hope and endless opportunities because new discoveries are constantly being made that
can save people’s lives or protect the planet.


65 Read the following comments by readers of the article. Which author are they referring to? Write the
name in the line next to each comment. (2 marks)
(i) ‘I was only ten years old when the Internet first came to my
village. I agree that the pace of change has been very rapid
since then.’ Chen Qiufan
(ii) ‘I think the radio-wave telescope represents a great investment

of money. I disagree that it’s unlikely to ever receive a message
from space: there must be other living beings out there.’ Liu Cixin
END OF PART B2


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MT 47-DSE

Not to be taken away before the

(S6) MT 47-DSE-ENG LANG 1-A-RP–1 1 © Oxford University Press

Astrology’s new popularity: a search for answers and excuses

(S6) MT 47-DSE-ENG LANG 1-A-RP–2 2 © Oxford University Press

55 Robbie 28 August 15.32

Lisa 28 August 13.04

Zara 27 August 21.45

65 Richard 27 August 18.07

END OF READING PASSAGES

(S6) MT 47-DSE-ENG LANG 1-A-RP–3 3 © Oxford University Press

(S6) MT 47-DSE-ENG LANG 1-A-RP–4 4 © Oxford University Press

Write your Candidate Number in the space provided on this page.

Answers written in the margins will not be marked.

Jemma and Mark are …

(i) ‘unexcited’ blasé

(ii) ‘explore’ delve into

(iii) ‘uncertain’ shaky

Answers written in the margins will not be marked.

(S6) MT 47-DSE-ENG LANG 1-A–1 1 © Oxford University Press

Answers written in the margins will not be marked.

Reasons why astrology is attractive to millennials

Millennials find astrology helpful because:

7 What does ‘this new fascination’ (line 19) refer to?

young people’s growing interest in astrology

8 What is ‘the heavy stuff’ (line 33)?

talking about feelings and behaviour in a serious and deep way

Answers written in the margins will not be marked.

Answers written in the margins will not be marked.

Answers written in the margins will not be marked.

(S6) MT 47-DSE-ENG LANG 1-A–3 3 © Oxford University Press

Ross Stagner devised an experiment to test (i) personality in 1947.

Answers written in the margins will not be marked.

A it is easy and natural to accept what astrology tells us.

15 What does ‘it’ (line 51) refer to?

16 Find ONE word in paragraph 7 that means ‘acceptable’.

Answers written in the margins will not be marked.

A don’t let it distract you from important things

Answers written in the margins will not be marked.

C Where’s the Scientific Proof? G Deflecting Responsibility

Paragraph Summary Heading Paragraph Summary Heading

19 Which of the following best summarizes the message of the text?

A Astrology is useful if you have a deep understanding of it.

Answers written in the margins will not be marked.

(S6) MT 47-DSE-ENG LANG 1-A–5 5 © Oxford University Press

Agrees Disagrees Neither

Answers written in the margins will not be marked.

Answers written in the margins will not be marked.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR PART B1

(S6) MT 47-DSE-ENG LANG 1-B1-RP–1 1 © Oxford University Press

(S6) MT 47-DSE-ENG LANG 1-B1-RP–2 2 © Oxford University Press

END OF READING PASSAGES

(S6) MT 47-DSE-ENG LANG 1-B1-RP–3 3 © Oxford University Press

(S6) MT 47-DSE-ENG LANG 1-B1-RP–4 4 © Oxford University Press

21 Complete the following sentence using information from paragraph 1.

Answers written in the margins will not be marked.

The change in her personality was …

24 What does ‘it all’ (line 14) refer to?

China’s period of intense transformation // the seismic shift