English Paper 2 Questions and Answers - MECS Cluster Joint Mock Exams 2021/2022

ENGLISH
PAPER 2
(Comprehension, literary Appreciation and Grammar)

INSTRUCTIONS

• Ensure you write all your details in the space provided above
• All questions in this paper are compulsory.
•  Answer ALL questions in the spaces provided.

1. Read the passage below and then answer the questions that follow (20mks)
   
   You may think that expecting food to change your life is too much to ask. But have you considered that eating the right food at the right time will increase energy, help you manage weight and ward off major illness?
   
   Researchers have found that eating a meal with plenty of protein leaves you feeling more satisfied for longer when compared to a meal loaded with low - quality carbohydrates. Your body takes longer to digest protein, leading to a gradual increase in blood sugar. The high protein breakfast will therefore carry you through the morning and more importantly, through your tea break, many high carbohydrate meals are absorbed quickly and send blood sugar on a roller coaster ride, taking your appetite with it and depleting your energy.
   
   Many foods contain antioxidants, but fruits and vegetables may be the richest source. Behaving like chemical warriors, antioxidants neutralize molecules known as free radicals before they damage arteries and body cells. This protects you from heart diseases, high blood pressure, cancer and diabetes. You can now see why antioxidant foods should be consumed in generous portions
   
   Actually, forget pills – antioxidants work best when consumed in foods. In fact, nutritionists recommend that we eat five portions of fruit and vegetables a day. It’s less daunting than it sounds: a portion equals a piece of fruit, three tablespoons of cooked vegetables or a glass of fresh juice.
   
   And do you desire to relive yourself of some baggage? Calcium is the latest weight – loss star to appear on the scene. Scientists stumbled on its magic by accident. From study that measured the blood pressure of obese people. It was discovered that those who took one large tub of yoghurt a day in their diet lost an average of eleven pounds of body fat in one year, even though they did not eat less.
   
   A follow- up study found that people on a high calcium diet lost more weight and fat than did people on a low – calcium diet - and again, both consumed the same number of calories. Researchers believe calcium encourages fat cells to stop “getting fatter”. Instead, the cells burn extra fat without you having to go anywhere near a gymnasium.
   
   It probably sounds strange to say that you can eat more in order to lose weight. Obviously, the question you should ask immediately is, “Eat more of what?” We are talking about foods rich in fibre. They have what is referred to as low- energy density; that translates to few calories relative to weight. This means that you can down a mountain without fear of calories overload.
   
   Fibre also aids weight loss because it’s filling. Most high - fibre foods take a lot of chewing, triggering your body’s fullness sensors. Moreover, you absorb the food more slowly so you feel full longer.
   
   Will the wonders of food ever cease? Not if researchers in nutrition keep their pace. Let them keep the good news flowing- such as the fact that we don’t have to starve ourselves to lose weight and keep diseases at bay.
   (Adapted from Reader’s Digest, January 2004)
   
   
   1. From the information given in the first paragraph, how can you improve your life? (1 mark)
   2. In note form, give the effects of eating carbohydrates. (4 marks)
   3. Explain how free radicals contribute to the occurrence of high blood pressure and cancer. (2 marks)
   4. In what two forms can antioxidants be consumed. (2 marks)
   5. “In fact, nutritionists recommend that we eat five portions of fruit and vegetable a day.”
      (Begin: Don’t …) (1mark)
   6. What is the attitude of the author towards calcium as a weight– cutting measure? (3 marks)
   7. According to the passage, how can you use up excess fat? (2 marks)
   8. Identify an instance of irony in the passage. (2 marks)
   9. Explain the meaning of the following expressions as used in the passage. (3 marks)
      1. Daunting………………………………………………………………………………………
      2. Baggage………………………………………………………................................................
      3. Down a mountain……………………………………………………………………………..
         
         
2. An excerpt from a doll’s house by henrik ibsen. (25 marks)
   Read the excerpt below and answer the questions that follow.
   
   Nora: No, no, not in the least. It is only something-it is my new dress-
   Rank: What? Your dress is lying there.
   Nora: Oh, yes, that one; but this is another. I ordered it. Torvald mustn’t know about it-
   Rank: Oho! Then that was great secret.
   Nora: Of course. Just go into him; he is sitting in the inner room. Keep him as long as-
   Rank: Make your mind easy; I won’t let him escape. (goes into HELMER’s room)
   Nora: (to the MAID) And he is standing waiting in the kitchen?
   Maid: yes; he came up the back of the stairs.
   Nora: But didn’t you tell him no one was in?
   Maid: yes, but it was no good.
   Nora: He won’t go away?
   Maid: No; he says he won’t until he has seen you, ma’am.
   Nora: Well, let him come in- but quietly. Helen, you mustn’t say anything about it to anyone. It’s a surprise for my husband
   Maid: Yes, ma’am, I quite understand. (Exit)
   Nora: This dreadful thing is going to happen! It will happen in spite of me! No, no, no, it can’t happen-it shan’t happen!
   
   Questions
   1. What happens immediately before the excerpt? (3marks)
   2. Explain any two stylistic devices evident in the extract. (4marks)
   3. Who is the person said to be waiting in the kitchen, and why has the person come? (3marks)
   4. Then that was the great secret’. From elsewhere in the text, identify any three secrets that Nora has kept. (3marks)
   5. He came up the back stairs. (Begin: Up…). (1mark)
   6. Explain a major social issue of concern addressed in this excerpt. (2marks)
   7. What dreadful thing does Nora fear might happen? Explain. (3marks)
   8. What do we learn about Nora’s character from the excerpt? (4marks)
   9. What is the meaning of the following expressions as used in the excerpt? (2marks)
      1. make your mind easy…………………………………………………………………………..
      2. It was no good …………………………………………………………………………………………………
         
         
3. Poetry
   Read the poem below and then answer the questions that follow. (20marks)
   
   Adieu
   
   It’s two months’ today
   And the absence looks eternity
   But the memories and experiences-still very fresh
   Thought we’d have many more years
   And so much more time together
   I was wrong
   But the last day laughters, dances, sharings…
   Then the silence
   The many tubes
   The complex machines
   The silent prayers and tears
   And then the ambulance
   At one in the night
   Miles away from home
   These…these shall be my keepsakes
   You were my son
   My friend
   My love
   Still you are and I wanted you to know that
   Until that day we meet again ,nind gi kue Thura
   For I can’t forget about you yet
   And I will not
   Just not now!
   
   Questions
   1. What type of oral poem is this? Explain your answer. (2marks)
   2. Besides sound devices, explain what makes the above genre an oral poem. (2marks)
   3. Explain the relevance of the title ‘Adieu’. (2marks)
   4. Identify the persona in the above genre? (2marks)
   5. Explain the mood in the oral poem above. (2marks)
   6. Explain two functions of this specific genre. (2marks)
   7. Describe the place setting that is clearly evident in this genre. (2marks)
   8. How is the persona portrayed in the oral poem? (2marks)
   9. Explain one religious aspect of the society from which the genre is drawn. (2marks)
   10. Contextualize the meaning of the following expressions: (2marks)
       1. These…these shall be my keepsakes
       2. The silent prayers and tears
          
          
4. Grammar. 15 marks
   1. Rewrite the following sentences according to the instructions given. (4marks)
      1. Kipchoge is the most popular athlete in Kenya. (Begin: No…)
      2. The young man was very hungry. He swallowed the food without chewing it. (Begin: So…)
      3. The teacher found out how intelligent Joel was when he started the discussion. (Begin: It was not until...)
      4. They were so exhausted that they could not stay awake. (Rewrite using “too”.)
   2. Complete the following sentences using the appropriate form of the word in brackets. (3marks)
      1. The winner of the race jogged……………………………. around the stadium waving the Kenyan flag. (pride)
      2. The guard was very……………………………………………today. (quarrel)
      3. That is not the correct………………………………………………….(define)
   3. Fill in the gaps with an appropriate preposition. (2marks)
      1. The prefect is answerable __________________________ the behaviour of the class.
      2. I have placed the coffee table ______________________ the shade of that tree over there.
   4. Complete each of the following sentences with one of the words in brackets. (2marks
      1. They saw ____________________________ animals in the park than they expected. (less, fewer)
      2. After walking for three kilometers, they were lucky to get _____________________ water from the stream. (little, a little)
   5. Correct the error(s) in each of the sentences below. (2marks)
      1. I went for shopping yesterday.
      2. How do you hope to get the lost child between so many people?
   6. Explain the meaning of the underlined idiomatic expressions in the following sentences. (2marks)
      1. They arrived at the eleventh hour.
      2. Most people prefer to sit on the fence. 

MARKING SCHEME

1. Read the passage below and then answer the questions that follow (20mks)
   You may think that expecting food to change your life is too much to ask. But have you considered that eating the right food at the right time will increase energy, help you manage weight and ward off major illness?
   
   Researchers have found that eating a meal with plenty of protein leaves you feeling more satisfied for longer when compared to a meal loaded with low - quality carbohydrates. Your body takes longer to digest protein, leading to a gradual increase in blood sugar. The high protein breakfast will therefore carry you through the morning and more importantly, through your tea
   break, many high carbohydrate meals are absorbed quickly and send blood sugar on a roller coaster ride, taking your appetite with it and depleting your energy.
   
   Many foods contain antioxidants, but fruits and vegetables may be the richest source. Behaving like chemical warriors, antioxidants neutralize molecules known as free radicals before they damage arteries and body cells. This protects you from heart diseases, high blood pressure, cancer and diabetes. You can now see why antioxidant foods should be consumed in generous portions
   
   Actually, forget pills – antioxidants work best when consumed in foods. In fact, nutritionists recommend that we eat five portions of fruit and vegetables a day. It’s less daunting than it sounds: a portion equals a piece of fruit, three tablespoons of cooked vegetables or a glass of fresh juice.
   
   And do you desire to relieve yourself of some baggage? Calcium is the latest weight – loss star to appear on the scene. Scientists stumbled on its magic by accident. From study that measured the blood pressure of obese people. It was discovered that those who took one large tub of yoghurt a day in their diet lost an average of eleven pounds of body fat in one year, even though they did not eat less.
   
   A follow- up study found that people on a high calcium diet lost weight and fat than did people on a low – calcium diet - and again, both consumed the same number of calories. Researchers believe calcium encourages fat cells to stop “getting fatter” instead, the cells burn extra fat without you having to go anywhere near a gymnasium.
   
   It probably sounds strange to say that you can eat more in order to lose weight. Obviously, the question you should ask immediately is, “Eat more of what?” We are talking about foods rich in fibre. They have what is referred to as low- energy density; that translates to few calories relative to weight. This means that you can down a mountain without fear of calories overload.
   
   Fibre also aids weight loss because it’s filling. Most high - fibre foods take a lot of chewing, triggering your body’s fullness sensors. Moreover, you absorb the food more slowly so you feel full longer.
   
   Will the wonders of food ever cease? Not if researchers in nutrition keep their pace. Let them keep the good news flowing- such as the fact that we don’t have to starve ourselves to lose weight and keep diseases at bay.
   (Adapted from Reader’s Digest, January 2004)
   
   
   1. From the information given in the first paragraph, how can you improve your life?
      • You can improve your life by eating the right food at the right time
        
        
   2. In note form, give the effects of eating Carbohydrates. (4 marks)
      • They are quickly digested and absorbed.
      • carbohydrates make one hungrier sooner.
      • They greatly raise blood sugar and subsequently one’s appetite.
      • Lead to loss of energy.
        
        
   3. Explain how free radicals contribute to the occurrence of high blood pressure and cancer.(2 marks)
      • Free radicals, if not neutralized, damage arteries and body cells. It is these damaged arteries and body cells that cause high blood pressure and cancer.
        
        
   4. In what two forms can antioxidants be consumed. (2 marks)
      • Antioxidants can be consumed in form of pills and food.
        
        
   5. In fact, nutritionists recommend that we eat five portions of fruit and vegetable a day.”
      • Don’t nutritionists, in fact, recommend that we eat five portions of fruit and vegetable a day?
        
        
   6. What is the attitude of the author towards calcium as a weight – cutting measure? (3 marks)
      • The attitude of the author is that of admiration, marvel/fascination/wonderment. He is highly impressed by the effectiveness of calcium as a weight-cutting measure as he refers to it as a ‘star’ and says it has some magic.
        
        
   7. According to the passage, how can you use up excess fat? (2 marks)
      • One can use up excess energy by taking the high-calcium diet or going to a gymnasium
        
        
   8. Identify an instance of irony in the passage (2 marks)
      • The irony is that you can actually eat more in order to lose weight yet eating more usually leads to weight gain
        
        
   9. Explain the meaning of the following expressions as used in the passage (3 marks
      • Daunting- difficult/challenging
      • Baggage- excess weight
      • Down a mountain- eat a huge amount of food
        
        
2. Read the excerpt below and answer the questions that follow (25 marks)
   
   Nora: No, no, not in the least. It is only something-it is my new dress-
   Rank: What? Your dress is lying there.
   Nora: Oh, yes, that one; but this another. I ordered it. Torvald mustn’t know about it-
   Rank: Oho! Then that was great secret.
   Nora: Of course. Just go into him; he is sitting in the inner room. Keep him as long as-
   Rank: Make your mind easy; I won’t let him escape. (goes into Helmer’s room)
   Nora: (to the MAID) And he is standing waiting in the kitchen?
   Maid: yes, he came up the back of the stairs.
   Nora: But didn’t you tell him no one was in?
   Maid: yes, but it was no good.
   Nora: He won’t go away?
   Maid: No; he says he won’t until he has seen you, ma’am.
   Nora: Well, let him come in- but quietly. Helen, you mustn’t say anything about it to anyone. It’s a surprise for my husband
   Maid: Yes, ma’am, I quite understand. (Exit)
   Nora: This dreadful thing is going to happen! It will happen in spite of me! No, no, no, it can’t happen-it shan’t happen!
   
   Questions
   1. What happens immediately before the excerpt? (3marks)
      • The maid comes in whispers and hands a card to Nora. Nora glances at it and puts it in her pocket. Rank enquires if there’s something wrong.
   2. Explain any two stylistic devices evident in the extract (4marks)
      • Soliloquy- Nora talks alone, ‘The dreadful thing is going to happen….she is afraid of being exposed by Krogstad
      • Dramatic irony-the readers know that ‘it’does not refer to a dress but Krogstad, yet Rank does not know.
      • Foreshadow- this dreadful thing is going to happen…
        
        
   3. who is the person said to be waiting in the kitchen, and why has the person come? ( 3 marks)
      • Nils Krogstad- to get an explanation from Nora as to why he has been dismissed yet he had asked Nora to assist him retain his post in the bank.
        
        
   4. Then that was the great secret’. From elsewhere in the text, identify any three secrets that Nora has kept. (3marks)
      • Lies to Helmer that she wants him to help her dance yet she wants to buy time so that he does not access the mailbox soon.
      • Lies to Dr.Rank that it is Mrs.Linde who gave her macaroons
      • She takes a loan without Helmer’s knowledge.
      • She eats macaroons behind Helmer’s back
      • Lies to Mrs.Linde that she got a loan from papa
      • Lies to Helmer that Christine learnt about his promotion through a telegraph
        
        
   5. He came up the back stairs. (Begin Up…) (1 mark)
      • up the back stairs, he came
        
        
   6. Explain a major social issue of concern addressed in this excerpt. (2marks)
      • Deception/pretence/falsehood- Nora lies to Dr.Rank so that she does not have to explain her secret.
      • Identification 1mark,illustration (1mark)
        
        
   7. What dreadful thing does Nora fear might happen? Explain. (3marks).
      • Her secret over borrowing a loan from Krogstad will be let out to Torvald. This would lead to her husband feeling betrayed in their marriage which may cause disagreement, tension, conflict, between them.
        
        
   8. What do we learn about Nora’s character from the excerpt? (4marks)
      • secretive-she doesn’t want anyone to know Krogstad came
      • deceitful/pretentious-lies to Dr.Rank that the secret is about her dress
      • manipulative- convinces the maid not to tell anyone about Krogstad’s visit.
      • Identification (1mark),illustration (1mark)
        
        
   9. What is the meaning of the following expressions as used in the excerpt? (2marks)
      • make your mind easy-Don’t think about it/do not trouble yourself over it/keep calm
      • It was no good-it was useless/not useful/it did not help at all.
        
        
3. Read the poem below and then answer the questions that follow. (20marks)
   
   Adieu
   
   It’s two months today
   And the absence looks eternity
   But the memories and experiences-still very fresh
   Thought we’d have many more years
   And so much more time together
   I was wrong
   But the last day laughters, dances ,sharings…
   Then the silence
   The many tubes
   The complex machines
   The silent prayers and tears
   And then the ambulance
   At one in the night
   Miles away from home
   These…these shall be my keepsakes
   You were my son
   My friend
   My love
   Still you are and I wanted you to know that
   Until that day we meet again ,nind gi kue Thura
   For I can’t forget about you yet
   And I will not
   Just not now!
   
   Questions
   1. What type of oral poem is this? Explain your answer. (2mks)
      • An elegy/dirge/funeral song-the persona mourns the late son/until the day we meet again,nind kue Thura/adieu
        
        
   2. Besides sound devices, explain what makes the above genre an oral poem. (2marks)
      • Direct address-and I wanted you to know that you were my son
      • Apostrophe-and I wanted you to know that you were my son (addressing the dead)
      • Repetition-you
      • Short lines-you were my son/my friend/my love
      • Local dialect-nind gi kue Thura
        
        
   3. Explain the relevance of the title ‘Adieu’. (2marks)
      • The persona bids farewell /goodbye to the late son-(until that day we meet again)
        
        
   4. Identify the persona in the above genre. (2marks)
      • Parent mourning his son-until that day we meet again
        
        
   5. Explain the mood of the oral poem above. (2marks)
      • Sombre/melancholic-it is a dirge, a parent mourning the son’s death.
        
        
   6. Explain two functions of this specific genre. (2marks)
      • To mourn/express sorrow/grief for the dead
      • To console the bereaved
        
        
   7. Describe the place setting that is clearly evident in this genre. (2marks)
      • Hospital-and then the ambulance/the many tubes
        
        
   8. Explain any character trait of the persona (2marks)
      • Loving/caring/concerned-you were my friend and love still you are
      • Religious-believes in life after death.
        
        
   9. Explain one religious aspect of the society from which the genre is drawn. (2marks)
      • They believe in life after death-until that day we meet again…
        
        
   10. Contextualize the meaning of the following expressions: (2marks)
       1. These…these shall be my keepsakes
          • They will form part of my memories of you/it will remind me of you
       2. The silent prayers and tears
          • Weeping quietly seeking for God’s intervention/the cries to God for guidance done quietly
            
            
4. Grammar. (15marks)
   1. Rewrite the following sentences according to the instructions given. (4marks)
      1. Kipchoge is the most popular athlete in Kenya. (Begin: No…………………)
         • No athlete in Kenya is more popular than Kipchoge.
           
           
      2. The young man was very hungry. He swallowed the food without chewing it. (Begin:So…………)
         • So hungry was the young man, that he swallowed the food without chewing.
           
           
      3. The teacher found out how intelligent Joel was when he started the discussion. (Begin: It was not until…)
         • It was not until Joel started the discussion that the teacher found out (that) he was intelligent.
           
           
      4. They were so exhausted that they could not stay awake. (rewrite using “too”)
         • They were too exhausted to stay awake.
           
           
   2. Complete the following sentences using the appropriate form of the word in brackets. (3marks)
      1. The winner of the race jogged proudly around the stadium waving the Kenyan flag. (pride)
      2. The guard was very quarrelsome today. (quarrel)
      3. That is not the correct definition. (define)
         
         
   3. Fill in the gaps with an appropriate preposition. (2marks)
      1. The prefect is answerable for the behaviour of the class.
      2. I have placed the coffee table in the shade of that tree over there.
         
         
   4. Complete each of the following sentences with one of the words in brackets. (2marks)
      1. They saw fewer animals in the park than they expected. (Less, fewer)
      2. After walking for three kilometers, they were lucky to get a little water from the stream. (Little, a little)
         
         
   5. Correct the error in each of the sentences below. (2marks)
      1. I went for shopping yesterday.
         • I went shopping yesterday.
           
           
   6. How do you hope to get the lost child between so many people?
      • How do you hope to get the lost child among so many people?
        
        
   7. Explain the meaning of the underlined idiomatic expressions in the following sentences. (2marks)
      1. They arrived at the eleventh hour.
         • At the last possible moment./ Just in time.
           
           
      2. Most people prefer to sit on the fence.
         • To avoid becoming involved in deciding/influencing