English Paper 2 Questions and Answers - Londiani Joint Mock Exams 2022

INSTRUCTIONS

• Answer ALL the questions in the spaces provided.
• All answers must be written in English
• This paper consists of 11 printed pages

For examiners use only

QUESTIONS

Question 1. COMPREHENSION (20MARKS)
Read the passage below and answer the questions that follow.
America has a long tradition of creativity. The expression Yankee ingenuity is an acknowledgement of this trait present Americans with a novel problem, especially technological and they are likely to come up with the solution sooner rather than later.
That is the positive side. The downside is that in policy matters, Americans sometimes come up with the solutions and then look for personal problems on which to test them. Washington D.C, perhaps more than any other city in the world, has many solutions seeking problems to lock onto.
If the solutions are successful, domestically or internationally, you can expect any amount of excitement and chest thumping, which is another hallmark of the American character. Modesty is frowned upon as something for sissies or failures. Countries and peoples are ready paradigm of winners and losers. Woe unto you if you are a ‘loser’. You will endure all manner of taunts and putdowns.
To escape this fate, most Americans-including those who are demonstrably poor, call themselves middle class, which probably they are when compared to the poor in other places. But poverty is relative to immediate environment not to some distant places.
One of the more recent American inventions is spinning not as in making clothes (the American textile industry has long being outsourced, notably from China another low wage country),but rather as in using words and other symbols amplified by the media to paint a picture of anything and everything in alight favorable to the presenter’s side.
This past week, the world witnessed, yet again, this peculiar American habit of hype and more hype, in this instance, designed to drive the point home that America’s declared policy to force-feed democracy to recalcitrant societies has just scored a humongous victory. Following the Iraqi elections the turn out in particular, has been hailed as a stunning victory of American policy. Pitted against Iraqi Jihadists who are waging a relentless and ruthless insurgency, a scintilla of validation of America’s Iraqi policy was all that was necessary to set off celebratory fireworks.
To those who recount narratives (the spinners), whose job it is to put a bright glass on things a clear picture of winners and losers are the Neanderthals; “thugs and assassins” in the words of the newly sworn in secretary of state Condeleeza Rice-the insurgents who threatened to wreak havoc on election day in Iraq but were thwarted.
The high turnout was read as a violation of many things that were most likely absent from the minds of those Iraqi voters who cast their ballots. Before it was even known whom they had voted for and why, the whole enterprise was turned into cause for chest thumping by some American politicians, prompting John Kerry the loser in the November presidential race, to warn against hyping the Iraqi election.
Who will listen to a loser? This is America! By the time Kerry spoke, the spinning was in full gear. It was another turning point, declared elated talking heads. Never mind that there have been numerous “turning pints” in Iraq’s tortured post-invasion experience. The winners were emerging.
A few voices have urged caution but they are drowned out by the self-congratulation that has
engulfed just about every major media outlet here.
It is reminiscent of the chatter that followed Saddam Hussein’s capture. That was another turning point. The irony is that America has been through this before, in a different place, with almost the exact same headlines. In the late 1967, many American newspapers published flowery and upbeat stories on the elections held in South Vietnam at the height of the war. The turnout was nearly 83% despite Vietcong terror. The election was declared a success and a turning point that would lead to stabilization of the country and eventual defeat of the insurgents. Of course, nothing of the sort happened.
History does not invariably repeat itself. Sometimes it does. Whatever one might think of it, history does always serve up many lessons. One of them is that a dose of modesty is always in order when confronted with vast historical forces or when seeking to rearrange complex societies their go hundreds, if not thousands, of years back.
What may look like victory as first sight may turn out to be another opening to a complex and trying situation that control produce winners or losers. It looks like this what is emerging in Iraq. The millions who headed to the polls on the instructions of their electrical leaders (remember Grand Ayatollah Sistani declared it a religious duty to vote? May or may not have had a clear idea of what society was hoping to create. Their leaders probably do.
Iraqis voted and they are justifiably proud of it. However, this should not be made to look like a first in the Islamic world, as it is being painted in the media. Not too long ago, an Islamic party had won a clear and convincing victory in a free and fair election in Algeria. It was never allowed to assume power. The international authorities desisted from calling the denial an affront to democratic practice. The man who cancelled the Algerian election results is feted in the very same quarter that now preaches democracy.
Society’s broken tyranny, war, fragmentation and other ills are not served by putdowns of important segments within them.
The approach may produce winners in the short term but for more losers in the end. Moreover, here we are talking of those who could lose everything, including their lives, on a mass scale. A little modesty may just be what is needed to get people across the divide talking. After all, in the end, we are all losers.

Questions

1. What is the negative side of America’s long tradition of creativity? (2marks)
2.  “Woe unto you if you are a loser.” What does the author mean by this statement? (2marks)
3. Identify and explain an instance of irony in this passage.(3mks)
4. What is the author’s attitude towards the Americans? Give reasons for your answer. (2marks)
5. ‘...and the losers are Neanderthals; …’ explain how the Neanderthals became losers according to this passage. (2marks)
6. What according to the passage is referred to as spinning? (2marks)
7. Identify one American policy discussed in this passage. (2marks)
8. Explain the meaning of the following words as used in the passage. (5marks)
   1. Ingenuity………………………………………………………………………………
   2. Hallmark………………………………………………………………………………
   3. Engulfed………………………………………………………………………………
   4. Humongous……………………………………………………………………………
   5. Invariably……………………………………………………………………………

Question 2. EXCERPT( 25 MARKS)
Yes, that was how Oloisudori defined success, Ole Kaelo thought bitterly. And he and many others desired to define it in the same way. The archaic adage that exhorted young and upcoming businessmen to take care of cents and let the shillings take care of themselves was regarded by the likes of Oloisudori to be untenable. Instant riches, just as an instant tea or instant coffee were the in thing. And the instantaneous bliss brought in an on the sport feeling of well-being, felicity and happiness. That was what he himself had always wanted. And that was the reason, like a stinking rotten carcass would draw a torrent of flies to itself, people like him and many others got drawn to the murky business of Oloisudori.
“But now the chicken had come home to roost,” Ole Kaelo lamented ruefully. Oloisudori was now demanding his pound of flesh. He recalled the events of that afternoon when Oloisudori came calling. Seeing him unexpectedly, had signaled trouble with his contracts. But Oloisudori had allayed his fears, saying all was well in that direction. That had restored his peace and calmed his frayed nerves. The success of the shop depended entirely on those contracts. It was, therefore, gratifying to hear him confirm that all was well. What did he want then? He had wondered. But he did not have to wonder for long for Oloisudori did not believe in niceties. He had lifted his head, and letting a small silence draw out between them, he told him, “There is a small matter that I would like to discuss.”

Questions

1. Place the above excerpt in its immediate context (4mks)
2. From your knowledge of the text what relationship does Oloisudori have with Ole Kaelo? (2mks)
3. What is the small matter that Oloisudori wishes to discuss? (2mks)
4. Basing your answer on other parts of the text, explain how the above relationship affects the following members of the family
   1. Ole Kaelo (1mk)
   2. Mama Milanoi (1mk)
   3. Taiyo (1mk)
   4. Resian (1mk)
5. Discuss the character traits of the following as seen in the excerpt (6mks)
   1. Ole Kaelo
   2. Oloisudori
6. Explain the main issue implied in the excerpt (3mks)
7. Give the meaning of the following words as used in the excerpt (3mks)
   1. Untenable……………………………………………………………………….
   2. Archaic………………………………………………………………………….
   3. Murky…………………………………………………………………………...
8. Rewrite the following sentence beginning with So… (1mark)
   It was therefore gratifying to hear him confirm all was well

QUESTION 3: POETRY (20 MARKS)
Read the poem below and answer the questions that follow.

TOUCH by Hugh Lewin
When I get out
I’m going to ask someone
Touch me
Very gently please
And slowly,
Touch me
I want
To learn again
How life feels

I’ve not been touched
For seven years
For seven years
I’ve been untouched
Out of touch
And I’ve learnt
To know now
The meaning of
Untouchable.
Untouched – not quite
I can count the things
that have touched me.

One: fists
At the beginning
Fierce mad fists
Beating beating
Till I remember
Screaming
Don’t touch me
Please don’t touch me

Two: paws
The first four years of paws
Every day
Patting paws, searching
Arms up, shoes off
Legs apart-
Prodding paws, systematic
Heavy indifferent
Probing away
all privacy.

I don’t want fists and paws
I want
To want to be touched
Again
And to touch.
I want to feel alive
Again
I want to say
When I get out

Here I am
Please touch me.
(From poets to the people, edit by Barry Feinberg)

Questions

1. Where do you think the person is? Briefly explain your answer. (3marks)
2. What do you think the persona means by “touch”? (3marks)
3. Using two illustrations, describe the persona’s experience during the seven years. (4marks)
4. What is the significance of the word ‘paws’? (2marks)
5. Which device does the poet use to reinforce the theme? (2marks)
6. Explain the meaning of the following words as used in the poem. (2marks)
   1. Prodding
   2. Indifferent.
7. How does the poet use contrast to reveal about human need? (4marks)

GRAMMAR

1. Rewrite the following sentences according to the instructions given without changing the meaning. (3 marks)
   1.  Maria said the young men had stolen her sweet potatoes. (Rewrite beginning with: Maria accused…)
   2.  It required a lot of planning and great courage to introduce free primary education in Kenya. (Begin: The…)
   3. The judges declared that Cheptoo had won. (Finish: winner)
2. Use the correct form of the word in brackets in each of the sentences below (4 marks)
   1. Your performance was…………………………………………………. (theatre)
   2. Cathy is an……………………………………………….. girl. (adventure)
   3. The play was considered………………………………….. and was discontinued. (Decent)
   4. The contribution………………………………..…..the couple to pay hospital bills. (able)
3. Complete the following sentences with a phrasal verb that begins with the word in brackets. (4 marks)
   1. The athlete ……………………………………his competitors in the 800 metres race. (drop)
   2. Despite the court order, the governor………………………………….organizing the county meeting. (go)
   3. I am sorry you were not satisfied by our services. I will……….……………………..your complaint at once. (Look)
   4. The last thing I would like to do is……………………………………………… with my parents. (Fall)
4. Complete the following sentenced by supplying the correct tense of the verb given in brackets. (3mks)
   1. If she……………………………..experienced, she will get a good position(be)
   2. Cherera would do well if he………………………..to the teacher’s advice. (listen)
   3. If you raised the issue, we ……………………………you (support)
5. Explain two different meanings of following sentence (2mks)
   1. The chicken is ready to eat
   2. The chicken is ready to eat

MARKING SCHEME

A. COMPREHENSION PASSAGE (20marks)

1. What is the negative side of America’s long tradition of creativity? (2marks)
   In policy matters, Americans sometimes come up with solutions and then look for problems on which to test them.
2. “Woe unto you if you are a loser.” What does the author mean by this statement? (2marks)
   You are doomed to suffer because you have no say and will get no respect from the winners.
3. Identify and explain an instance of irony in this passage.(3mks)
   Not so long ago, Islamic party won a clear and convincing victory in a free and fair election in Algeria but it was never allowed to assume power. The man called elections is fated in same quarters that now preach democracy
4. What is the author’s attitude towards the Americans? Give reasons for your answer. (2marks)
   The author is contemptuous towards the Americans. He says chest thumping is a hallmark of American character they like hyping about perceived victories from on modesty.
5. ‘...and the losers are Neanderthals…’ explain how the Neanderthals became losers according to this passage. (2marks)
   Neanderthals are the insurgents who threatened to wreak havoc on Election Day in Iraq but they were thwarted and elections went on with a high turnout
6. What according to the passage is referred to as spinning? (2marks)
   Spinning refers to using words and other symbols amplified by the media to paint a picture of anything and everything in a light favorable to the presenter’s side.
7. Identify one American policy discussed in this passage. (2marks)
   To force-feed democracy to recalcitrant societies
8. Explain the meaning of the following words as used in the passage. (5marks)
   1. Ingenuity cleverness and skill, originality of design
   2. Hallmark distinguished characteristic
   3. Engulfed surrounded/ covered something completely
   4. Humongous very big
   5. Invariably always

QUESTION 2.
EXCERPT (25 MKS)

1. Resian and the mother has been left in the home and were busy cooking and discussing matters FGM when Oloisudori interrupts them with a knock. Resian is sent by the mother to check on who is at the door and finds Oloisudori who enquires if it is Ole Kaelo’s home which she answers in the affirmative. He demands to see Ole Kaelo. He forces himself into the house. Resian informs the mother of the visitor and complains that he is ill-mannered. Her mother rebukes her and tells her to serve him tea and keep him company till the father comes.
   When Ole Kaelo gets home, Oloisudori shelves his monetary demands and expresses his interest in Resian which results in a lot of regret and pain in both Ole Kaelo and Mama Milanoi.
   Please consider this additional information
   Mama Milanoi is introduced to Oloisudori and Ole Kaelo states that Oloisudori is like his brother and that he should never be denied anything. Resian goes out through the back door and towards the gate, she meets Taiyo and Joseph Parmuat sitting on a log chatting. She tells them of her encounter with Oloisudori and what she thinks about him.Joseph Parmuat tells them about Oloisudori's nature and leaves after talking to the two girls for sometime. Resian tells Taiyo about her earlier discussion with her mother. As Taiyo and Resian climb the steps to the house, they meet Ole Kaelo and Oloisudori on their way out. Ole Kaelo returns after seeing Oloisudori off but the two girls notice that he is troubled. He commands Resian that she should go back to the Kitchen and assist her mother. Taiyo remains in the living to close the windows and draw the curtains. She tries to talk to her father about what is troubling him but he doesn't bulge. He tells her to go back to the kitchen and that he would retire early to bed. What follows is the troubled night in the excerpt. In a flashback, Ole Kaelo tells us about Oloisudori's ridiculous demands: that he is interested in Resian and his friend would also be interested in Taiyo.
2. One of loaner and loanee/lender/lendee. Oloisudori had assisted Ole Kaelo in establishing his business and building his new home through the contracts he had assisted to win giving him financial stability at the moment.(2mks)
3. He is interested in Resian and he wishes to relieve Ole Kaelo of his two daughters. (2mks)
4. Ole Kaelo – He ends up buying in Oloisudori’s idea ond concequently loses his two daughters.
   Mama Milanoi – Betrays loses her two daughters.
   Taiyo – Is abducted and undergoes FGM
   Resian – Escapes from home and undergoes a lot of suffereing in the hands of Olarinkoi and his mother before she is assisted by Nabaru to get to Ntare Naaju Ranch where she meets her mentor Minik Emakererei.
   1 mk for each (total 4mks)
5.              
   1. Ole Kaelo – Materialistic/
      • Bitter
      • Fearful/apprehensive
      • Regretful/
   2. Oloisudori
      • sly/cunning
      • intimidating
      • demanding
      • extortionate
        For each 3mks. (Identification, illustration and explanation) 6mks)
        1. Materialism/greed
           Blackmail
           Extortion (3mks) (Identification, illustration and explanation)
        2. Untenable – unjustifiable/
           Archaic – primitive,
           Murky - questionable /dubious/shady/suspicious/ dirty
           (1 mark each)
        3. So gratifying it was to hear him confirm that all was well. (1mk

POETRY(20 marks)
Read the poem below and then answer the questions that follow.

1. The persona is probably in prison/detention or some form of confinement. The person is longing to get out “when I get out…” He /she has been held in inhuman conditions. (3marks
2. By ‘touch’ he/she means being treated like a human being, loving and being loved. ‘Touch’ means freedom to express his or her emotions freely, spontaneously. ‘touch’ the literal physical touch (3marks)
3. During the seven years of confinement, the persona has been treated like a pariah. He/she says ‘I have learned the meaning of untouchable’. The persona has also been brutalized. He /she was subjected to violence. ‘Fierce mad fists, beating…’ Finally the persona experienced utmost indignity he /she was humiliated and denied any form of privacy ‘…searching, arms up, shoes off, legs apart… probing away all privacy.’ (4marks)
4. The word ‘paws’ vividly describes the beastly behavior of the tormentors. Animals like hyenas and lions have paws which they use to tear their prey to pieces. The word reveals the cruelty visited on the persona and the attempts to disfigure and mutilate him/her physically and emotionally. (2marks)
5. The poet uses repetition to emphasize his message. The word ‘touch’ for example is repeated more than ten times – both to explain the kind of touch that is desirable and that which is resented. Also emphasis through the enumeration and pauses (‘one…two…) (3marks)
6. Explain the meaning of the following words as used in the poem. (2marks)
   Prodding - poking/ jabbing
   Indifferent – callous/ inhuman/ beastly
7. The poem reveals that human beings abhor confinement, brutality and all forms of degrading treatment. On the other hand, people crave for human warmth, affection, privacy and freedom. When one is denied the latter, one in away ‘dies’. The persona says; “I want to feel alive again” (4marks)

GRAMMAR

1.                            
   1. Maria accused the young men of stealing her sweet potatoes
   2. The introduction of free primary education in Kenya required a lot of planning and great courage.
   3. The judges declared Cheptoo the winner.
2.                  
   1. Theatrical
   2. adventurous
   3. Indecent
   4. Enabled
3.                    
   1. dropped behind
   2. Went about
   3. Look into
   4. Fall out
4.                  
   1. is
   2. Had listened
   3. Would support
5.              
   1. the chicken is cooked and can be eaten
   2. the chicken can be fed