IGCSE Revision Paper

General Instructions:

• For Section A, read the passage carefully and answer all the questions in complete sentences.
• For Section B, choose one topic and write a descriptive essay, focusing on creating a vivid and immersive
experience for the reader.
• Pay attention to spelling, grammar, and punctuation throughout your answers and essay.
• Manage your time wisely to complete both sections within the allocated time.

Section A: Reading Comprehension

Instruction: Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow.

• Passage:

The sun was just beginning to set, casting a golden hue over the vast expanse of the Serengeti Plains. A gentle
breeze whispered through the tall grasses, creating a symphony of rustling sounds. In the distance, a herd of
elephants ambled slowly, their massive silhouettes stark against the vibrant sky. The air was filled with the
earthy scent of the savannah, mingling with the distant calls of birds returning to their nests.

Amara stood atop a small hill, her eyes scanning the horizon. She had always loved this time of day, when the
world seemed to pause and take a deep breath. It was a moment of tranquility before the onset of night, a brief
interlude in the relentless rhythm of life on the plains.

As she watched, a group of zebras trotted into view, their black-and-white stripes creating a mesmerizing
pattern as they moved in unison. Amara felt a sense of awe at the beauty and harmony of the natural world, a
reminder of how interconnected everything was.

But the serenity was fleeting. From the corner of her eye, Amara spotted a lone lioness, her golden coat
blending seamlessly with the tall grass. The lioness moved with a stealthy grace, her eyes fixed on the
unsuspecting zebras. Amara's heart quickened as she realized she was about to witness the raw, untamed side
of nature.

The lioness crouched low, muscles tensed, ready to spring. For a moment, everything seemed to hold its
breath. Then, in an explosion of movement, the lioness charged. The zebras scattered in a flurry of hooves and
dust, their panicked cries echoing across the plains. The chase was brief but intense, a blur of speed and
power.

When it was over, the lioness stood victorious, her prize secured. Amara watched in silence, her emotions a
complex mix of admiration and sorrow. It was a harsh reminder of the realities of life in the wild, where
survival often came at a cost.

As the last rays of sunlight faded, Amara turned to make her way back to the camp. The events of the evening
replayed in her mind, a vivid tableau of the beauty and brutality of nature. She knew that tomorrow would
bring another day, another sunset, and another chapter in the timeless story of the Serengeti.
➢ Questions:

1. What time of day is described in the passage, and how is it depicted?

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2. Describe the scene and atmosphere of the Serengeti Plains as Amara observes it.
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3. How does Amara feel about the moment of tranquility she experiences? Provide evidence from the text to
support your answer.
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4. What event interrupts the serenity of the scene? Describe the actions of both the lioness and the zebras.
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5. How does Amara react to witnessing the lioness's hunt? What does this reveal about her character?
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6. Discuss the contrast between the beauty and brutality of nature as presented in the passage.
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7. What does the passage suggest about the cycle of life on the Serengeti Plains?
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 Section B: Descriptive Writing

Instruction: Choose one of the following topics and write a descriptive essay. Your essay should be between
150 - 300 words.

Topic Options:

I. A Stormy Night at Sea

- Describe the experience of being on a ship during a fierce storm. Focus on the sights, sounds, and
emotions that come with the turbulent weather and the struggle to stay safe.

II. A Bustling Marketplace

- Describe a visit to a vibrant, crowded marketplace in a foreign country. Pay attention to the colors,
smells, sounds, and the various activities of the people around you.

III. A Quiet Winter Morning

- Describe the peacefulness of a snowy winter morning in a small village. Highlight the stillness, the
beauty of the snow-covered landscape, and the sense of calm that pervades the scene.

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