Read the passage below. It contains blank spaces numbered 1 to 15. For each blank space, choose the answer from the choices given.

It is amazing what a diversity __1__ is in the customs and eating __2__ of people around the world. In Europe, children are taught to be
__3__ in handling food with knives, forks and spoons. __4__. in countries such as China and Korea, chopsticks are used. In other countries such as India, it is __5__ good manners to use the fingers __6__ cutlery.

The differences __7__ not only in the cating implements people use, __8__ in the food itself. European children grow up eating such foods as beef, potatoes __9__ bread. In Asian countries, however, people eat rice as their __10__ food. Where most __11__ agree that duck is a tasty. __12__ the Japanese would recoil in horror __13__ the thought of eating ducks. To them, ducks are only for ornamentation. Another example of __14__differences would be the eating of dog meat. The Chinese consider dog meat as a __15__ but most Europeans would condemn the practice utterly. To the Europeans, dogs are pets and should not be eaten.

For questions 16-18, choose the word that best fills in the blank space

16. Kofi has _______________________ pepper left than I have.
    1. enough
    2. much
    3. more
    4. plenty 
17. They will award the scholarship to ________________________.
    1. him or I
    2. him or me
    3. he or I
    4. we two
18. The boys sing too _______________________ in the choir.
    1. loud
    2. much loud
    3. very loud
    4. loudly

For questions 19-21, choose the opposite of the underlined word from the choices given

19. I entered the examination room full of hope.
    1. confidence
    2. despair
    3. shame
    4. regret
20. Our school days are full of joys.
    1. tasks
    2. duties
    3. difficulties
    4. sorrows
21. My uncle is the most famous in the locality.
    1. notorious
    2. unknown
    3. rich
    4. favorite

For questions 22 and 23 choose the correct answer

22. When we swallow our food too quickly in lumps, we are said to _______________________.
    1. nibble
    2. crunch
    3. masticate
    4. gobble.
23. A one-storey house is called a _______________________.
    1. bungalow
    2. mansion
    3. villa
    4. apartment

For questions 24 and 25, choose the phrase that best completes the given sentence.

24. Nobody here today _______________________.
    1. cannot contradict my words
    2. has any doubts about his ability.
    3. will never break their promise 
    4. know everything about Science
25. He will do that _______________________.
    1. when he could
    2. if he might have the equipment
    3. although you forbid him
    4. before last summer

Read the passage below then answer questions 26 to 38.

Benjamin Franklin was a very wonderful man. He was born at Boston, Massachusetts, in America, on 17th January, 1706. There was not much schooling to be had in that new colony, and Benjamin had not learnt very much when he began to earn his living, but he was a clever and diligent boy, and determined to gain knowledge. He worked at first for one of his older brothers who was a printer. The early morning and the late night hours he spent in studying any books that came his way. Then he began to write articles for his brother's paper, and although Benjamin was still only a boy, his essays were more eagerly read and enjoyed than those of any other contributor.

After a time Benjamin went to England, where he learnt all he could about printing. When he returned to America, he started a printing business of his own in Philadelphia. Benjamin Franklin lived very simply and worked hard. He always had in his mind a proverb that his father had often repeated to him when he was a boy: 'Seest thou a man diligent in his business? He shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men.' This proverb came literally true, for in his later life, Franklin stood before five kings, and even had dinner with the King of Denmark.

Franklin found time for many other things besides his printing. From a study of astronomy he worked out the first system of forecasting the weather. He discovered that some colours hold heat longer than others; he invented a house stove and a street lamp.

One of the greatest of Franklin's discoveries was in connection with electricity. Here is the story telling of this great discovery. Benjamin Franklin had always been fond of playing with kites. When he went swimming' he would often let a kite pull him along in the sea. One day, however, he played a different game. He tried to bring lightning down from the sky.

For this great game he had made a kite of silk with a thin iron spike fixed to the top. To the bottom of the kite he had tied a string, but instead of holding the string in his hand, he attached to it a silk ribbon which he held. Where the ribbon was joined to the string he had fixed a metal key, which he placed in a jar. Then he and his son went out into a thunderstorm to fly the kite..

'That was a fine flash!' Franklin said.
'I wish it had come down,' said his son.
Patiently they watched and waited. The first black thundercloud passed over the kite, and nothing happened.
'Here comes a blacker cloud!' cried the boy.
Then it began to rain, and the string became wet. Benjamin Franklin touched the string. 'Oh! look at the sparks coming from it!' cried the boy, as his father drew his hand away.
'The lightning is coming down!' cried Franklin, who was just as excited as his son.
Then they touched the key. Each felt a shock, for the lightning had come down the string, through the key, into the jar.
'At last I have proved what I always believed to be true!' Franklin exclaimed. 'Lightning and electricity are the same.'

After he had brought lightning from the sky, he invented lightning conductors for the safety of high buildings. If I can bring lightning down by means of a kite, it would surely be possible to guide it down to earth in other ways,' Franklin thought. England was the first country to fit these new lightning conductors to buildings. In 1769, one was fitted to St. Paul's Cathedral, and it lasted until 1928.

Franklin's last public act was to make an appeal to the Government of America to abolish slavery in the United States. Alas! He did not live long enough to see this great wish fulfilled, for he died in 1790

26. Why wasn't Benjamin Franklin learned?
    1. One of his elder brothers forced him to work at printing instead of going to school. 
    2. There were very few opportunities for going to school at that time in America.
    3. He worked from dawn to dusk and so he had no time for learning
    4. He wasted his time on story-books and newspapers.
27. Where did Benjamin go to learn a lot about printing?
    1. America.
    2. Philadelphia.
    3. Boston.
    4. England.
28. What kind of a man did Franklin's father say would stand before kings?
    1. A hardworking man.
    2. A mean man.
    3. An intelligent man.
    4. A humble and simple man.
29. What did Franklin study besides printing?
    1. Painting and how to use colours to make patterns.
    2. Engineering and how to build monuments. 
    3. Architecture and the building of houses.
    4. Stars and planets and their connection with the weather.
30. The word 'diligent' as used in the passage means 
    1. hardworking and careful at someone's work
    2. humble and ready to serve
    3. careful and humble
    4. respectful and obedient at work.
31. How old was Benjamin when he died?
    1. 87
    2. 100
    3. 84
    4. We are not told.
32. Before he used it in experiments with electricity, what had Franklin used a kite for?
    1. To amuse his son when they played games. 
    2. For making silk as a kind of a loom.
    3. He let it pull him a long in the water when he went swimming.
    4. To lighten any load he was carrying.
33. Why did Franklin not hold the string, with the key at the end of it, in his hand, instead attaching a ribbon to it?
    1. He did not want to receive an electric shock through it.
    2. He did not want to receive an electric shock through his own body.
    3. He wanted to be free to make notes of all that he observed.
    4. He wanted the key to fall at an angle into the jar.
34. Why did Franklin and his son feel a shock when they touched the key during their experiment?
    1. The key had become very wet during the storm.
    2. The lightning had come down the string and through the key.
    3. It was a metal key and metal very soon becomes hot.
    4. There were sparks coming from the key.
35. What are lightning conductors?
    1. An invention for bringing lightning down from the sky during thunderstorms. 
    2. Something to protect high buildings from being struck by lightning.
    3. Machines for making electricity light in houses.
    4. Wires that convert lightning into electricity.
36. What was Franklin's last public act before he died?
    1. He gave a lightning conductor to St. Paul's Cathedral.
    2. He visited the Governor of America. 
    3. He called for the abolition of slavery.
    4. He attacked imperialism and all tyrants.
37. The phrase 'fond of' as used in the could be replaced by
    1. loved
    2. enjoyed
    3. wanted
    4. frequented.
38. Why do you think the writer says Franklin was a wonderful man?
    1. He was not afraid of dangerous things such as electricity.
    2. He became very famous.
    3. He worked very hard to abolish slavery.
    4. With little schooling, he acquired great knowledge and invented many wonderful things

Read the passage below and answer questions 39 – 50.

Philosophy of Education is a label applied to the study of the purpose, process, nature and ideals of education. It can be considered a branch of both philosophy and education. Education can be defined as the teaching and learning of specific skills, and the imparting of knowledge, judgment and wisdom, and is something broader than the societal institution of education we often speak of.

Many educationalists consider it a weak and woolly field, too far removed from the practical applications of the real world to be useful. But philosophers dating back to Plato and the Ancient Greeks have given the area much thought and emphasis, and there is little doubt that their work has helped shape the practice of education over the millennia.

Plato is the earliest important educational thinker, and education is an essential element in "The Republic" (his most important work on philosophy and political theory, written around 360 B.C.). In it, he advocates some rather extreme methods: removing children from their mothers' care and raising them as wards of the state, and differentiating children suitable to the various castes, the highest receiving the most education, so that they could act as guardians of the city and care for the less able. He believed that education should be holistic, including facts, skills, physical discipline, music and art. Plato believed that talent and intelligence is not distributed genetically and thus it is to be found in children born to all classes, although his proposed system of selective public education for an educated minority of the population does not really follow a democratic model.

Aristotle considered human nature, habit and reason to be equally important forces to be cultivated in education, the ultimate aim of which should be to produce good and virtuous citizens. He proposed that teachers lead their students systematically, and that repetition be used as a key tool to develop good habits, unlike Socrates' emphasis on questioning his listeners to bring out their own ideas. He emphasized the balancing of the theoretical and practical aspects of subjects taught, among which he explicitly mentions reading, writing, mathematics, music, physical education, literature, history, and a wide range of sciences, as well as play, which he also considered important.

During the Medieval period, the idea of Perennialism was first formulated by St. Thomas Aquinas in his work "De Magistro". Perennialism holds that one should teach those things deemed to be of everlasting importance to all people everywhere, namely principles and reasoning, not just facts (which are apt to change over time), and that one should teach first about people, not machines or techniques. It was originally religious in nature, and it was only much later that a theory of secular perennialism developed.

During the Renaissance, the French skeptic Michel de Montaigne (1533 - 1592) was one of the first to critically look at education. Unusually for his time, Montaigne was willing to question the conventional wisdom of the period, calling into question the whole edifice of the educational system, and the implicit assumption that university-educated philosophers were necessarily wiser than uneducated farm workers, for example.

39. What is the difference between the approaches of Socrates and Aristotle?
    1. Aristotle felt the need for repetition to develop good habits in students; Socrates felt that students need to be constantly questioned.
    2. Aristotle felt the need for rote-learning; Socrates emphasized on dialogic learning 
    3. There was no difference.
    4. Aristotle emphasized on the importance of paying attention to human nature; Socrates emphasized upon science.
40. Why do educationists consider philosophy a 'weak and woolly' field?
    1. It is not practically applicable. 
    2. Its theoretical concepts are easily understood.
    3. It is irrelevant for education.
    4. None of the above
41. What do you understand by the term 'Perennialism', in the context of the given comprehension passage?
    1. It refers to something which is of ceaseless importance.
    2. It refers to something which is quite unnecessary.
    3. It refers to something which is abstract and theoretical.
    4. It refers to something which existed in the past and no longer exists now.
42. Were Plato's beliefs about education democratic?
    1. He believed that only the rich have the right to acquire education.
    2. Plato's beliefs were democratic but his practices were not.
    3. He believed that only a select few are meant to attend schools.
    4. He believed that all pupils are not talented.
43. Why did Aquinas propose a model of education which did not lay much emphasis on facts?
    1. Facts are not important.
    2. Facts do not lead to holistic education.
    3. To change with the changing times.
    4. Facts are frozen in time.
44. What is a caste according to the use of the word in the passage?
    1. A political position.
    2. A hereditary social class.
    3. A profession.
    4. A financial circumstance.
45. What tool did Aristotle suggest be used to teach learners good habits?
    1. Punishment.
    2. Segregation.
    3. Balance.
    4. Repetition.
46. Why do you think Plato's methods are considered harsh?
    1. Nobody had tried them before.
    2. They involved uprooting children from family life.
    3. He was sometimes cruel to children.
    4. Not many children survived under his care.
47. A simpler word for edifice would be
    1. normalcy
    2. structure
    3. wisdom
    4. helpfulness
48. What led to perennialism being originally religious in nature?
    1. The people at the time were highly religious. 
    2. Secular beliefs were believed to be harmful.
    3. Thomas Aquinas, the founder, was a religious man.
    4. People believed religious instruction was enough.
49. Which educational thinker of importance do people consider to be the first?
    1. Aristotle.
    2. Thomas Aquinas.
    3. Plato.
    4. Socrates.
50. In what period did people begin to critically look at education questioningly?
    1. The Medieval Period.
    2. The Dark Ages.
    3. The Stone Period.
    4. The Renaissance.

COMPOSITION

You have 40 minutes to write your composition.

You visited your best friend, Aisha in Mombasa during the April holiday. Write a letter to her thanking her for the cordial reception.

MARKING SCHEME

1. C
2. B
3. A
4. C
5. D
6. B
7. D
8. A
9. A
10. C
11. D
12. C
13. B
14. D
15. A
16. C
17. B
18. D
19. B
20. D
21. B
22. D
23. A
24. B
25. C
26. B
27. D
28. A
29. D
30. A
31. C
32. C
33. B
34. B
35. A
36. C
37. B
38. D
39. A
40. A
41. A
42. B
43. C
44. B
45. D
46. B
47. B
48. C
49. C
50. D

Read the passage below. It contains blank spaces numbered 1 to15. For each blank space, choose the best answer from the choices given.

When I was young, I enjoyed __1__ mother cook, especially when she was preparing my favourite omelettes. When the eggs __2__ 
golden, mother flipped them __3__. I was __4__. In fact, I would jump and clap my hands with glee. Once, when mother was not in, I decided to fry an egg by __5__. Having watched mother do it so many times before, I thought I __6__ go wrong. First, I washed the pan. Then I poured some oil into the pan. __7__, as the oil heated up, it splattered all over the stove. Some of it got on my face and arms and I cried out in pain. I was __8__ terrified that I did not even try to go near the pan! After what __9__ like eternity, the sizzling oil __10__ hissing. I then __11__ the stove and spent the next hour cleaning up the mess. After that incident, __12__wanted to learn cooking. Up till now, I __13__ have not learnt the art of frying __14__. I would rather help mother wash the cooking utensils, __15__.

In questions 16 and 17. choose the best alternative to complete the sentences

16. The number of projects in our school _____________________ increased.
    1. have
    2. were
    3. has
    4. will
17. Would she have done the work 
    1. if she was asked to?
    2. if she would be asked to?
    3. unless she was asked to?
    4. if she had been asked to?

In questions 18 and 19. fill in the blank spaces with the most appropriate alternative.

18. It was not until the end of the term 
    1. that the results were announced.
    2. than the results were announced.
    3. when the results were announced. 
    4. and the results were announced.
19. Playing in the sand
    1. it had a coin.
    2. a coin was found by children.
    3. there was a coin.
    4. the children found a coin.

In questions 20 to 22. choose the alternative that means the same as the underlined words.

20. The drama club performed a play about drug abuse.
    1. put up
    2. set up
    3. put on
    4. put forward
21. The reasons he gave don't make sense.
    1. make out
    2. come around
    3. add to
    4. add up
22. The players looked forward to beginning the match.
    1. anticipated
    2. waited
    3. expected
    4. hope

In questions 23 and 24. choose the alternative that means the same as the underlined sentense.

23. They should not break the law.
    1. They need not break the law. 
    2. They might not break the law. 
    3. They must not break the law. 
    4. They ought not to break the law.
24. "The earth revolves round the sun." she said.
    1. She said the earth had revolved round the sun.
    2. She says the earth revolves round the sun.
    3. She said the earth revolves round the sun.
    4. She said the earth revolved round the sun.

In question 25, choose the best arrangement of the given sentences to make sensible paragraphs.

25.  
    1. The clever bird dropped stones into the water.
    2. It was not possible for the bird to reach the water.
    3. A thirsty bird found a tall jug with some water in it.
    4. To the bird's delight, the water rose high enough for it to drink.
       
       1. iii, iv, i, ii
       2. iii, i, ii, iv
       3. iii, ii, i, iv
       4. iii, iv, ii, i

Read the passage below and answer questions 26 to 38.

"Hurry up Njambi!" My mother plodded as I hurried to tie my brand new shoes. We were going to Uhuru Park for a picnic with our family that day. I was incredibly excited because the park was so fun and also because I loved to eat! My brother, who was 11 and exactly three years older than I, was grumpy because he thought he was "too old" for family picnics. I told myself that I would never be too old for them!

Everyone boarded our grey Sienta van and we made our way across town to Uhuru Park. The Park was beautiful during the rainy season and since it was May, all the flowers were in bloom and everything smelled fresh and sweet. We gathered all our things and made our way to a nice patch of green grass perfect for a picnic. After setting everything down, we began to bond and just enjoy the serene environment.

Not long after we all busily enjoying our food when a stray dog walked by. At first no one paid any attention because we were busy enjoying ourselves and the dog probably had a home. After a while though, I noticed that the dog had been wandering back and forth, whining the entire time. It was probably lost and my heart immediately went out to him.

"Mom! Mom! Look, a lost dog!" I told my mother in a frenzy. We both began to look around to see who might have lost a dog. My other family members looked at us like we were crazy but I was so honestly worried for the poor animal. He would be so lonely and hungry out there. We decided we would hold on the dog for a while to see if anyone such as the owner came looking for him. After about thirty minutes of waiting around, we were pretty unsuccessful so we just decided on taking him home with us. At home, the dog was full of energy; probably just happy. He had shelter and a place to rest from nature.

I got to work right away, typing "LOST DOG" flyers to post around town! I even put a picture of him. I got very much into making all the posters and stuff that I completely neglected the poor dog. He kept asking me to give him attention but I was too focused on making lost dog posters for him. He was neglected because I was too excited for the wrong things! When I finished I wanted to play with the dog but he already went to sleep, and so I was very disappointed. Later on, I realized that since I neglected him, I lost a chance to have fun and play with him!

We waited for two days, hoping for the owner to call but sadly no one called. But luckily, on the third day someone finally called. My mother and I were extremely happy but slightly bittersweet that the sweet dog that we had come to love had to leave. When the next day came, we gave the dog back to the very grateful owners, who were frantic with worry when they realized their beloved dog had gone missing.

"Mom, can we please get a dog?" I begged for the next couple of weeks. She actually finally agreed and we went to pick our own furry pet! I was the happiest girl the day I got my puppy

26. According to the first paragraph, the writer was
    1. worried.
    2. excited.
    3. eager.
    4. confused.
27. The writer's brother was in a bad mood because
    1. the family was getting late for the picnic.
    2. picnics were for younger children.
    3. the writer was three years younger.
    4. he thought his age was too advanced for picnics.
28. What made Uhuru Park very suitable for this picnic? The
    1. rainy season.
    2. look and smell of flowers.
    3. patch of green grass.
    4. delicious food.
29. When did a stray dog walk by? 
    1. After boarding the grey Sienta van.
    2. While they were all enjoying their food.
    3. Before they started having their meal.
    4. When they had finished their meal.
30. The family did not initially pay attention to the dog because
    1. the dog was harmless.
    2. the dog had a home.
    3. they were occupied with eating.
    4. they did not own the dog.
31. The phrase "My heart immediately went out to him" as used in the passage means the writer felt
    1. interested in the dog.
    2. disturbed by the dog.
    3. bitter with the dog.
    4. pity on the dog.
32. The word "pretty" as used in the passage means
    1. beautiful.
    2. very
    3. extremely.
    4. fine.
33. It is true to say that
    1. only the writer and the mother were concerned about the stray dog.
    2. the dog did not behave well when it went to the picnic site.
    3. the writer intended to steal the stray dog but changed her mind.
    4. it was the writer's mother who suggested they take the dog home.
34. Why was the writer unable to play with the dog once they got home? 
    1. The dog was not friendly.
    2. The dog was lonely and lost. 
    3. She was worried about the dog's owner.
    4. She was busy putting up posters.
35. The lesson the writer learnt after finding the dog already asleep was that
    1. neglected dogs can fall asleep.
    2. dogs need constant attention.
    3. we at times attend to the wrong things.
    4. we should take care of our pets.
36. When finally someone called about the dog, the writer and her mother were
    1. disappointed. 
    2. relieved.
    3. in dilemma.
    4. in denial.
37. In the end, the writer was
    1. unhappy to have lost the stray dog.
    2. sad that the owners were ungrateful.
    3. happy to finally own a puppy.
    4. happy that she no longer lived with a dog.
38. The best title for this passage is
    1. The Stray Dog.
    2. Adventure at the Park.
    3. Searching for a Puppy.
    4. A Picnic Gone Bad.

Read the passage below and answer questions 39 to 50.

It is undeniable that games and sports are an important part of school life. In fact, some people feel that sports should be made a compulsory curriculum in schools. The role of schools is to produce young people who are all-inclusive and rounded. They need to develop in more ways than just academically. I therefore disagree with the view that students should not waste time on sports.

Firstly, sports plays a more meaningful role in developing positive values in students. It builds up leadership skills in students who are active in games and sports. Every game requires a leader or captain. The leader or captain gets good training on leadership skills by leading the team. Playing games or sports also requires teamwork, initiative and a sense of responsibility.

Moreover, games and sports provide a healthy avenue for students to exercise and relax after studies. As they play, they get to release tension and stress. After a game or match, their minds are recharged and they go back to their books in a better frame of mind.

Students who are not so academically good might end up to be good in certain games. If that is the case, participation in sports in schools can help them develop their interest and ability in sports. They may even develop a career in sports. This would be a good option to those students who cannot obtain degrees in academic courses.

Students who play sports quickly learn that sometimes you win and sometimes you lose. They learn to be a good port in both situations. It also helps them learn to deal with disappointment and go on.

The best part of sports is that playing it is fun. It gives the child something to do and a group to belong to. Students have a group of friends that has the same goals and interests. Young people who play sports are more likely to have a positive body image and higher self-esteem. They are also less likely to take drugs or smoke because they realise the impact that these destructive activities can have on their performance.

In my view, schools should make sports an important activity in the school curriculum. By doing so, they are not neglecting their mission in producing young people who are academically good. Every school should encourage sports. Through participation in games and sports, schools teach students good traits and values. Of course, good values can also be instilled during class lessons. However, if these values can also be instilled through playing sports, then sports is definitely not a waste of time and energy.

39. Why do some people feel sports should be made compulsory? They 
    1. are an essential component of learning.
    2. make learning fun and exciting.
    3. are often not taken very seriously.
    4. make learners better academically.
40. According to the passage, an all inclusive and rounded student is
    1. very bright academically.
    2. one who has developed in other areas besides academically. 
    3. the one who has excelled many ways but academically.
    4. the one whose focus is academic excellence.
41. The expression "compulsory" has been used in the passage. It can be replaced with 
    1. optional. 
    2. obligatory
    3. voluntary.
    4. forbidden.
42. Sports play an important role in developing positive values through making
    1. them look down upon other people.
    2. them have leadership skills.
    3. them get along well with others.
    4. one develop personal skills.
43. When tension and stress levels rise, students
    1. can play to re-energise the mind. 
    2. need to relax by watching a game.
    3. need to go back to their books.
    4. can exercise their minds before studying.
44. "...a better frame of mind..." as used in the passage means a
    1. happy and excited mind.
    2. mind that is full of ideas.
    3. relaxed mind that can concentrate. 
    4. disinterested and bored mind.
45. It is true to say that students who are not academically good
    1. are likely to do well in games.
    2. should do well in games.
    3. will do well in games.
    4. must do well in games.
46. The word impact as used in the passage refers to 
    1. drug abusers.
    2. drugs abused.
    3. negative effects.
    4. minor effects.
47. An important life skill got from sports is that
    1. we should avoid being disappointed.
    2. winning and losing is part of life. 
    3. losing means we are not good enough.
    4. we should always win.
48. Engaging in sports in school benefits 
    1. only students who are good at academics.
    2. only students who are not good at academics.
    3. all students whether good at academics or not.
    4. students who cannot obtain degrees in academics.
49. All the following are positive effects of sports in schools. Which one is not? Students
    
    1. develop limiting self esteem.
    2. are able to socialise with peers.
    3. are able to concentrate more in studies.
    4. identify and develop their talents early.
50. Which of the following is the best title for the passage?
    1. The Importance of Sports.
    2. Excelling in Academic Work.
    3. How to Excel in Games at School.
    4. Benefits of Sports in Schools.

COMPOSITION

You have 40 minutes to write your composition.

Below is the beginning of a story. Write it in your own words, making it as interesting as possible.

The distance from school to home was not a child's play. I had to trek along the dusty road alone. It was already approaching seven in the dusk and I was still a kilometre away ....................................................................................

MARKING SCHEME

1. C
2. A
3. D
4. A
5. C
6. B
7. D
8. C
9. D
10. A
11. C
12. B
13. D
14. A
15. C
16. A
17. C
18. A
19. D
20. B
21. D
22. A
23. C
24. C
25. C
26. C
27. D
28. C
29. B
30. C
31. D
32. B
33. A
34. D
35. C
36. C
37. C
38. B
39. C
40. D
41. B
42. D
43. A
44. C
45. B
46. D
47. A
48. B
49. A
50. B

Read the following dialogue and answer questions 1 - 5.

Norah            : Good evening, mother. How was your day?

Mother           : Good evening my daughter. You sound overjoyed.

Noran            : Where are you?

Mother           : I am in the kitchen preparing dinner.

Norah            : I have good news for you. Today my painting won a prize. In fact I got the first prize.

Mother           : That's great. I am glad to hear that. You have been practising your skill everyday. Your hard work has paid.

Norah            : Thank you mother. But I would not have made it without your support. 

Mother           : You are welcome dear. I will bake a cake so that we can celebrate.

Norah            : Oh, thank you mum. You are the best.

1. How did Norah's mother notice her daughter was different that day?
   1. She was home earlier than usual.
   2. She sounded delighted.
   3. She was talking too much.
   4. She greeted her mother loudly.
2. The good news was
   1. Norah was overjoyed that evening.
   2. Norah's performance had improved.
   3. Norah's piece of work had won a prize. 
   4. Norah had been paid for hard work.
3. Which one of the following did not contribute to Norah's success?
   1. Her Creative Arts teacher.
   2. Her supportive mother.
   3. Her hard work
   4. Her determination
4. The English saying that describes Norah best is _____
   1. a bad work man blames his tools
   2. the early bird catches the worm
   3. all's well that ends well
   4. practice makes perfect
5. To appreciate her daughter's achievement, Norah's mother
   1. prepared a special dinner
   2. praised her hard work
   3. promised to bake her a cake
   4. promised to support her talent

Read the following passage and answer questions 6-10.

It was a few minutes past noon. The two herds- boys met at the watering point. Ebul and Otul were long time enemies. They always argued who was to water first his animals. I stood aside and watched the two burn with anger. Ebul clenched his fists as Otul walked angrily towards him.

Ebul, the stronger of the two, wrestled Otul while landing painful slaps across his face. He fell to the ground and was struggling in vain to gain his balance. Otul was overpowered but did not give up. He was throwing his legs aimlessly. By mere luck, he landed a huge kick in Ebul's stomach. The two boys now lay on the ground and none of them made any attempt to attack the other. All their energy was drained.

The fight was finally over but the enmity still continued. Otul sustained a swollen nose while Ebul held on his stomach.

6. From the story, we can say the enmity between Ebul and Otul was because of
   1. stupidity
   2. satisfaction
   3. ignorance
   4. selfishness
7. When Ebul clenched his fists, he wanted to throw
   1. an insult
   2. a kick
   3. a punch
   4. a slap
8. Which one of the following is not true according to the passage?
   1. Otul was not as strong as Ebul.
   2. Otul gave up when he was overpowered.
   3. Throwing of legs carelessly saved Otul.
   4. The fight between the two did not have a winner.
9. Choose the best title for the story you have read.
   1. Ebul and Otul settle their differences.
   2. Ebul and Otul fight over resources.
   3. Ebul and Otul compete in wrestling.
   4. Ebul and Otul stop being enemies.

Read the following passage and answer questions 10 - 12.

Road accidents have become common and frequent on our roads. They have caused injuries as well as deaths. Failure to observe and follow road traffic rules is the main cause of some of these tragic accidents.

Speeding, drunk driving and ignorance from motorists are problems that need to be solved. To reduce the number of accidents, we should follow all the traffic rules and regulations.

Another habit that has worsened the situation is the use of mobile phones while driving. This distracts the driver and it is quite risky. On the other hand, pedestrians should be well informed. They should make proper use of side walks, footbridges and zebra crossings.

10. Why are road accidents common on our roads?
    1. Motorists do not follow traffic rules.
    2. Most vehicles are in poor conditions.
    3. Our roads are narrow and vehicles are too many.
    4. Many drivers drive while drunk.
11. How has modern technology contributed to frequent road accidents?
    1. Drivers do not read the road signs.
    2. Drivers use mobile phones while driving.
    3. Drivers take alcohol while driving.
    4. Drivers exceed the speed limit.
12. It is not safe, according to the passage, for a pedestrian to use
    1. a zebra crossing
    2. a side walk
    3. a footbridge
    4.  a round about

Read the following passage and answer questions 13 - 15.

There was a man who owned a donkey and a goat. He used the donkey to carry loads of items from the village to the city where he would hawk around selling. Sometimes, he would lend the donkey to others on hire when he was not using it. The donkey worked tirelessly every day, so the man used to feed it more food than the goat.

Full of jealousy, goat advised the donkey one day, "You work every day, seven days a week without any rest. You need to pretend
you are sick. By doing so, you will be allowed to rest for a few days."

The donkey agreed and the plan worked. However, the man went to consult a doctor about the donkey's strange illness. The doctor gave a solution. To cure the donkey, the man needed to feed it with the goat's liver. The man killed the goat and fed its liver to the donkey. The goat lost its life by planning evil against the donkey.

13. Why did the man treat the donkey better than the goat?
    1. The goat would be killed for meat.
    2. The donkey did most of the man's work.
    3. The goat was cheaper than the donkey.
    4. The donkey was borrowed daily by the villagers.
14. From the passage, the words "the plan worked" have been used to mean
    1. the donkey became sick.
    2. the donkey pretended to be sick.
    3. the donkey was allowed to rest.
    4. the donkey was taken to a doctor.
15. What important lesson can be learnt from the story?
    1. Jealousy can turn against you.
    2. A friend's advice is always right.
    3. Pretending to be sick is dangerous.
    4. A friend's liver can cure a strange illness.

Fill in the blank spaces 16 - 20 using the most appropriate word from the choices given.

Mountain __16___ has been done by many people from ancient times. This activity helps one to __17__ fear. It also makes one mentally and physically ___18___ However, you need a lot of _19___ because there is always the risk of slipping and ___20__ off.

For questions 21 to 25, fill in the blank spaces with the most suitable alternative from the choices given.

21. All the table clothes were neatly by the house girl.
    1. lain
    2. lied
    3. lay
    4. laid
22. ______ Mulei is very tall, he cannot play basketball.
    1. Because
    2. Incase
    3. Although
    4. Unless
23. The route we used was than the other one.
    1. short
    2. shorter
    3. shortest
    4. shortly
24. Not everyone understood all the speaker said.
    1. That
    2. which
    3. when
    4. what
25. With a bow and an arrow the hunter aimed the antelope.
    1. to
    2. for
    3. on
    4. at

For questions 26-30, complete each sentence with the least alternative from the choices given.

26. Bernad bought a new bicycle,
    1.  doesn't he
    2. didn't he
    3. does he
    4. did he
27. Grandmother us an interesting story about monsters.
    1. told
    2. gave
    3. said
    4. delivered
28. The thief escaped quietly the open window.
    1. into
    2. inside
    3. through
    4. across
29. They lived
    1. peaceful
    2. peacefully
    3. harmonious
    4. harmony
30. The most awaited match ____ off at three forty-five.
    1. put
    2. set
    3. took
    4. kicked

COMPOSITION

Use the correct format to write a seven-day diary touching on personal events about school activities.

MARKING SCHEME

1. B
2. C
3. A
4. D
5. C
6. D
7. C
8. B
9. C
10. A
11. B
12. D
13. B
14. C
15. A
16. B
17. A
18. D
19. B
20. C
21. D
22. C
23. B
24. A
25. D
26. B
27. A
28. C
29. B
30. D

The passage below contains blank spaces 1 - 15. Read and select the best alternative for each blank space from the choices given.

Love is a great passion. It is natural that man loves his___1___ country. The same is the___2___with me, I love Kenya for the fact that I was born here. Kenya___3___ given me an identity, it's who I am. It's my homeland, I will always be known as a Kenyan. It's not just emotional___4___logical to love something that is your everything.

We got it ___5___ our leaders had to lay down their lives for its achievement. Their struggle is ___6___ admirable. Kenya was not given to us on a silver___7___! A lot of people traded their lives for the peace and security we enjoy. Many a great people: Dedan Kimathi, Jomo Kenyatta, Fred Kubai, Pio Gama Pinto, Harry Thuku, Paul Ngei to mention but___8___ They worked day in___9___which resulted in the beautiful homeland we call Kenya.

We are independent.

I love Kenya because of its geography. There are a lot of ___10___ sceneries where both local and ___11___ tourists from all over the world can visit. Kenya has plenty of lakes and mountains which gives it a unique identity.___12___ Great Rift Valley is filled with many physical features. There are also a number of national parks where people visit to___13___their minds. In other places, people grow crops, vegetables as well ___14___ fruits. On the other ___15___,some places are meants for industries.

Kenya is rich in natural resources and minerals. I love Kenya because it is a land of peace.

For questions 16 and 17, choose the option which means the same as the underlined word 

16. The thieves retreated when they saw police officers.
    1. backed out
    2. backed off
    3. backed down
    4. backed up
17. The chairman kept postponing the meeting because most of the members were not available.
    1. delaying
    2. cancelling
    3. backing
    4. revealing.

For questions 18 to 20 choose the alternative that best suits the blank space.

18. Each of the girls _________________________________  sent to fetch water from the well.
    1. is
    2. are
    3. was
    4. were
19. My family has kept twenty ______________________________ of cattle in the field.
    1. herd
    2. group
    3. heard
    4. head 
20. Joan is the _______________________________________ of the twins.
    1. oldest
    2. elder
    3. eldest
    4. older

For questions 21 to 23, choose the alternative that means the same as the underlined one.

21. If he did not eat so much, he would not be overweight.
    1. He eats too much; that's why he is overweight.
    2. He is overweight because he does not eat too much.
    3. He is overweight but eats too much.
    4. He is not overweight because he does not eat too much.
22. "Muriuki left for Nakuru yesterday", the secretary told her.
    1. The secretary told her that Muriuki left for Nakuru yesterday.
    2. Yesterday, Muriuki left for Nakuru she told the secretary.
    3. The secretary told her that Muriuki had left for Nakuru the previous day.
    4. A day later, Muriuki had left for Nakuru, the secretary told her.
23. Jenifer always seems to be smiling. I see her often.
    1. Jenifer always seems to be smiling. I see her seldom.
    2. Jenifer always seems to be smiling. I see her frequently.
    3. Jenifer always seems to be smiling. I see her rarely.
    4. Jenifer always seems to be smiling. I see her never.

For question 24, choose the alternative that best completes the statement below.

24. You don't have to shout, _______________________________?
    1. should you
    2. don't you
    3. shouldn't you
    4. do you

For question 25, choose the alternative that is pronounced in the same way as the underlined word

25. The wind blew swiftly this morning.
    1. blu
    2. blee
    3. blue
    4. breeze

Read the passage below and answer questions 26 - 38.

Jack lived with his guardian on the East side of the Kangema mountain. Now, little Jack was always fond of boats. His favourite pass time and become folding papers into boats. Jack could fold any kind of papers into boats. Any kind of paper, Jack could fold it into pretty boats. Be it newpapers, magazine paper, wrapping papers and even paper towels!

One day, Jack made the most beautiful boat he has ever made. The paper he used had a shiny texture. There were words written all over it and had many pictures all over it. He folded the paper into the most magnificent boat. The sail of the boat was truly breathtaking because it was the tallest he had sen on a paper boat. Upon being done with it, little Jack put the paper boat on the table next to his bed and went to sleep.

As Jack slept, he woke up in the middle of the night. Strange noises filled Jack's ears. All of them were coming from the little paper boat. Soon the paper boat had a paper crew and a captain in a blue hat. Jack could hear the captain scream orders.

"Let loose the stern lights." Then the captain yelled again, "sailors, prepare to sail."
Little Jack shot out of his bed and shouted, "Hey! Where are you going with my boat?"

"Then climb aboard" the captain told the boy. Jack realized that his room has turned into an ocean and his boat was about to set sail. After Jack stepped into the boat, the paper boat swiftly slid on the water and slid across the bedroom.

Soon, the paper boat had found its way onto the main road, just across the supermarket. As the paper boat sailed, Jack saw the world whizz by. Just as Jack was watching the world go by, he asked the captain, "Do you think that we could sink after the boat becomes soggy?" To which the captained smilled.

Then he said, "Oh no, my boy! This boat is made out of the toughest material for the paper boats!"

"Okay,” replied Jack. Again he had a question. "But where are we going?" asked Jack. "We are going to catch the pirates little boy," replied the captain. "There are pirates, in the parking lot of the shopping mall!" As the paper boat reached the parking lot, Jack could hear a roaring sound. He became scared.

Immediately, the boat got sucked in and sailed down a pipe and went straight to the parking lot. The parking lot had turned into a vast sea.

"Pirates! They are here! The pirates!" yelled the sailors. When Jack turned he was taken aback. A huge boat with big yellow sails. Jack could see the paper pirates swinging their swords. A fierce battle took place. Alongside the sailors, Jack fought bravely! Like a true hero Jack fought. When the pirates boat sunk with many holes, the sailors and Jack yelled, "Hurray, we won!"

Soon after, Jack and the paper boat went back to Jack's bedroom. There Jack wished the sailors a good luck and went to sleep. Unfortunately, Jack never met the paper boats' captain and sailors again. Although, he kept the boat by his bed each night thereafter. All in the hopes that some day, he might wake in the night and have more adventure.

26. According to the first paragraph, what was Jack's hobby?
    1. Staying on the mountains.
    2. Folding papers into boats.
    3. Reading newspapers and magazines.
    4. Tending to family animals.
27. Why did the captain feel that the boat would not become soggy?
    1. It was made from the toughest material.
    2. It had been made by an expert.
    3. There was no real water.
    4. It was sailing on dry land. 
28. Where were the strange noises at night coming from?
    1. From outside the house.
    2. From the paper boat.
    3. From the noisy pirates.
    4. From dreaming. 
29. The word vast can be replaced by __________________________
    1. tiny
    2. heavy
    3. bound
    4. expansive 
30. What do you think made the pirate's boat to sink?
    1. The pirates were heavy.
    2. The captain gave an order.
    3. The pirates had been defeated.
    4. Jack had fought bravely,
31. Which of the below statements describes the paper which Jack used to make the boat?
    1. It was shiny.
    2. It had few pictures.
    3. It was folded
    4. It was magnificent.
32. Why was the boat made by Jack truly breathtaking?
    1. It could not get soggy.
    2. It ferried many people.
    3. It was the tallest.
    4. It was made of metal.
33. Where were the sailors and the captain headed to ?
    1. To do trade at far lands
    2. To capture pirates
    3. To shop at the supermarket
    4. To seek Jack's help in fighting.
34. Which word means the opposite to hero as used in the passage?
    1. Heroine.
    2. Knight.
    3. Villain.
    4. Coward.
35. At what time did Jack wake up to see the crew?
    1. At midday.
    2. At dawn.
    3. At sunset.
    4. At midnight.
36. All the following were found near Jack's home  except
    1.  a supermarket
    2. a road
    3. a parking lot
    4. an ocean.
37. It s not true to state that
    1. Jack's bedroom was filled with water. 
    2. Jack lived on the East side of Kangema mountain.
    3. Jack let loose the stern light to set sail. 
    4. Jack's paper boat slid swiftly on water.
38. According to the story, why was Jack not lucky again?
    1. He never met the captain and sailors again.
    2. His boat did not sail again.
    3. They were defeated by the pirates at war.
    4. His hopes were answered with more adventure.

Read the passage below and answer questions 39 - 50.

Kenya is quickly joining the bandwagon in the world of using electricity driven cars. Across the citizenry; notworthy government agencies, the new imports concerning automobiles. Government of Kenya seems to have a soft spot for electric cars. All the reasons are well known to anyone who has made the slightest of effort to understand why.

Rather than a petroleum tank, an electric vehicle has an on-board battery that gets charged.

Incidentally, fossil fuel is non-renewable, has fluctuating prices and pollutes the environment. One of the basic reasons for the emergence of an alternative source of power for vehicles, which are fairly eco-friendly and relatively cheap. For the most part, electric cars offer a near-perfect answer. Nevertheless, like all manmade machines, electric cars have some disadvantages.

Mostly, the cars are fitted with batteries that have built in generators to provide power for thrust. Furthermore, electric cars are not necessarily powered by electricity generated by fossil fuel. Renewable sources of energy like solar and wind can be used to generate electricity for propulsion.

In electric trains, the power is transmitted via overhead cables and then stored in batteries. On the other hand, electric cars are plugged into power sources for a few hours to charge the batteries. However, people are yet to fully embrace electric cars and among the reasons given; they are still on a trial phase, and power recharge stations along highways and scanty.

The most noteworthy case about electric cars is that they are eco-friendly. They boast of having zero emissions of carbon dioxide thus minimal environmental pollution. This is contrary to cars with internal combustion engines. It is also important to note that, it is cheaper to operate on electric car compared to a conventional one because it is cheaper to charge a car battery than it is to refuel a tank.

Moreover, electric cars loose just about around 10% of their energy through heat which make them energy efficient. On the same note, electric cars have silent engines thus they produce minimum noise. Conventional cars produce irritating noise. In addition, since electric cars are powered by energy from renewable sources, they prevent the depletion of fossil fuels.

Unfortunately, electric cars are not suited for long journeys. This is because they have less torque and can only attain just some significant speed.

Besides, electric cars are yet to receive the much needed infrastructural support, like charging and serving stations along highways. In fact, most mechanics find electric vehicles complex because they are a rarity and interaction with them is limited to big cities.

Another thing, electric cars are dependent on batteries that store charge which can only supply enough power for a limited number of hours. As a result, a full tank of a conventional car can give a driver more distance than a fully charged battery of an electric car. In this regard, electric car owners have to operate within a given radius where they are confident of getting a power source and a service station. In addition, since electric cars are noiseless they are prone to accidents because people with visual disability cannot hear them when approaching crossing zones.

In this age, of global warming and inflation affecting nearly everything, the use of eco-friendly and cheaper source of energy to power machines is taking the centre stage. Electric cars therefore play a key role in preservation of the environment because of their minimum emissions.

39. Which common practice is Kenya quickly  adopting?
    1. Using electric cars.
    2. Buying cars for all government workers.
    3. Using diesel driven cars.
    4. Trading with other countries in the globe.
40. Why are electric cars not ideal for long journeys?
    1. The drivers get tired quickly.
    2. They have high power.
    3. They can achieve less speed.
    4. They break down easily.
41. The phrase soft spot can be replaced by
    1. having special liking
    2. having a bad taste
    3. having a quick discovery
    4. having a strong affection.
42. How do electric cars get their power?
    1. They get refueled at petrol stations.
    2. They are charged for few hours.
    3. They are pushed around by motors. 
    4. They are charged by moving wind
43. Why is it said that electric cars are eco-friendly?
    1. Because of internal combustion.
    2. Because of charged batteries.
    3. Because of low environmental pollution.
    4. Because of generated electricity. 
44. For efficiency in the use of electric cars, what should be done?
    
    1. Build more charging and service stations.
    2. Retrain drivers in driving schools.
    3. Issue ultra modern licences.
    4. Reduce the distance to be covered.
45. Which of the below words can be used in place of propulsion?
    A. Proposal.
    B. Actuation.
    C. Generation.
    D. Evaluation.  
46. Why are electric cars a danger to people with eyesight problems?
    1. They are flawless.
    2. They have faulty brakes.
    3. They are error free.
    4. They are noiseless.
47. What makes most mechanics find electric cats complex to repair?
    1. The cars are rare.
    2. The cars are unlimited in cities.
    3. The cars do not have user manual.
    4. The cars are eco-friendly.
48. Why are electric cars good to the environment?
    1. They are small.
    2. They are mouldable.
    3. They have low emissions.
    4. They move without drivers.
49. It is true to state that fossil fuels ________________________________________
    1. have constant prices
    2. are safe to the environment
    3. are renewable
    4. get exhausted.
50. From below choose the most suitable title for the passage?
    1. Advantages of Electric Cars.
    2. The Emergence of Electric Cars.
    3. Dangers of Electric Cars.
    4. Mechanical challenges of Electric Cars.

MARKING SCHEME

1. A
2. C
3. C
4. D
5. B
6. B
7. A
8. D
9. B
10. C
11. D
12. D
13. B
14. A
15. A
16. B
17. A
18. C
19. A
20. B
21. A
22. C
23. B
24. D
25. C
26. B
27. A
28. B
29. D
30. C
31. A
32. C
33. B
34. C
35. D
36. D
37. C
38. A
39. A
40. C
41. B
42. C
43. A
44. A
45. B
46. D
47. A
48. C
49. D
50. B

Read the following passage below. It contains blank spaces numbered 1 - 15. For each blank space, choose the best answer from the choices given.

There are many kinds of snakes __1__ this planet. However, not all of them are poisonous. The most common snakes __2__ sometimes be found in our gardens. __3__ harmless grass snakes vary in length from one foot to three feet. They rarely bite people and are ___4__, shy creatures. Grass snakes eat insects and small animals like frogs and chicks. They are good, __5__ the garden as they keep away pests like rats. The most poisonous __6__ of snakes are the python and viper. __7__ these snakes are seldom found in gardens. Instead, they __8__ in forests or in dense vegetation such as swampy area. They do not actively __9__ out victims, but will defend themselves __10__ potential enemies and intruders. __11__ the snake senses someone coming, it would rather glide noiselessly away __12__ confront the person. Contrary to popular belief, snakes do not __13__ with their tongue. They bite with two fangs which point backwards. The snake's tongue, which __14__
flicks in and out, is actually its 'fingers'. Its tongue __15__ nerve endings helps the snake feel the food before eating it.

For questions 16 to 18, complete the sentence with best alternative from the choices given. 

16. Dorothy is the most _________________________ girl in her class.
    1. diligent
    2. clever
    3. fastest
    4. keen
17. It was not until the match began _____________________________  we realised the opponents had an extra player.
    1. when
    2. than
    3. that
    4. then
18. Neither of the children _____________________________ been allowed to sit at that desk.
    1. was
    2. has
    3. have
    4. were

For questions 19 and 20, choose the alternative that means the same as the underlined words. 

19. I hope to call on my deskmate this weekend.
    1. check
    2. view
    3. see
    4. visit
20. It is hard to explain why they turned down the offer.
    1. refused
    2. denied
    3. rejected
    4. returned

In questions 21 to 23, choose the best alternative to complete the sentence.

21. The tycoon has _____________________________ the foundation of a new mansion.
    1. lied
    2. lay
    3. lain
    4. laid
22. Molly appeared familiar ____________________________ the places we visited.
    1. for
    2.  with
    3. to
    4. on
23. The pirates failed terribly when they tried to attack a _________________________________ of sailors.
    1. crew
    2. troupe
    3. troop
    4. pannel

For questions 24 and 25, choose the word that least fits in the group.

24.  
    1. diligent
    2. hardworking
    3. industrious
    4. cautious
25.  
    1. insolent
    2. rude
    3. impolite
    4. courteous

Read the passage below and answer questions 26 to 38.

Hen made a discovery that broke her heart. She wondered who was behind the malice. One of her eggs was missing. She made up her mind to inform Rooster who was hunting for food elsewhere. Hen fled her nest to find Rooster not knowing that she was about to lose more eggs. Just out of view of the nest, the thief patiently waited for Hen to leave her eggs again. Black Snake crept slowly and quietly up to the nest. He eyed the eggs and quickly swallowed one. Black Snake smiled to himself. His plan had been so simple and had worked so well. He swallowed another egg. It slid far down his long throat before his muscles crushed the fragile shell. "I'll be back later for another delicious egg, Hen," hissed Black Snake as he slithered away. "Thank you for another fine meal.”

Meanwhile, the frantic Hen led Rooster back to her nest. "Why would someone take one of my eggs?" she clucked. Rooster was equally at sixes and sevens at what had happened. He asked whether Hen had counted the eggs well. From the expression on Hen's face, Rooster knew he shouldn't have asked that question. She glared at him and said, "You know I can count. See for yourself. How many eggs are in my nest?"

"One, two, three," Hen began counting as Rooster watched curiously. She frowned and stopped counting out aloud. She was red with fury. Just the few minutes she had been away, another egg had been stolen. Rooster was equally infuriated. He was convinced there was a thief in their neighbourhood. Sadly, he had no idea how to discover who it was.

The next few days were just terrible for Hen. She worried constantly about her remaining eggs. She tried to stay with her eggs at all times but it was not possible to always be with them. Sometimes she had to leave to get food or take care of her other chicks. No matter why and when she left, the same thing always happened. One or two eggs disappeared each time. "Someone is watching me very closely," cried the Hen. "He knows exactly where I am at each moment of the day. I am only left with three eggs."

"Although I cannot prove anything," comforted Rooster, "I think it must be Black Snake who is stealing your eggs. He's patient enough to watch you a long time, and we all know how he loves to eat eggs." Just the thought of Black Snake eating her eggs made Hen shudder. She had heard stories of how he swallowed eggs and then crushed them further down his long slender neck. She knew Rooster was probably correct.

"I must hurry back to my nest," declared Hen, realising how long she had talked to Rooster. She rushed to her eggs, but it was too late. Two more eggs had vanished. "Rooster!" she cried. "Come help me. I only have one egg left." Rooster and Hen were fed up with the Black Snake's mischief. They decided to teach him a lesson he would never live to remember. They came up with a plan that they thought would serve the purpose. The next morning, Hen continued guarding her last egg as if everything were normal. From a distance, Black Snake watched patiently not knowing that all would go haywire for him in a short while. In line with the plan, Hen left her nest as she always did. Just then, Black Snake slithered out of hiding. In no time at all, he swallowed what he believed was final egg. It slid down his throat easily. But, when his muscles squeezed the egg, it did not break. It only became firmly lodged in his throat, cutting off his air supply. Black Snake twisted and turned trying to crush the ‘egg' or loosen it so he could breathe. It was at that point that he realised that he had been tricked into swallowing a stone. By the time Hen returned with Rooster, the struggle was over. Black Snake would steal no more eggs. He was dead.

26. The first time Hen discovered that her egg was missing, she
    1. did not take it seriously.
    2. despaired.
    3. was greatly saddened.
    4. wished to lay a trap.
27. Why did Hen decide to look for Rooster?
    1. To find out where he was.
    2. She knew Rooster had an idea who the thief was.
    3. She had nothing else.
    4. To break the news to him.
28. As the Black Snake said 'Thank you for another fine meal',
    1. was genuinely grateful.
    2. was mocking Hen.
    3. was certain to remain undiscovered.
    4. knew how worried Hen was.
29. How did Rooster react when Hen mentioned the lost egg to him? He
    1. dismissed her.
    2. became furious.
    3. got suspicious.
    4. was confused.
30. Why was Hen enraged according to the passage?
    1. She had lost another egg.
    2.  She did know the thief.
    3. She realised that the thief was in her neighbourhood.
    4. She did not know what to do.
31. It was not possible for Hen to keep her eggs secure mainly because
    1. she had no idea who the thief was.
    2. there were enemies in her neighbourhood.
    3. she had to leave her nest from time to time.
    4. the thief was very dangerous.
32. Black Snake found it easy to steal Hen's eggs because
    1. no one knew he was a thief.
    2. he watched Hen's movements closely.
    3. he found the eggs delicious.
    4. Hen was hardly ever in her nest.
33. According to the information in the passage, it is true to say that Hen
    1. knew nothing about Black Snake.
    2. doubted that Black Snake was the thief.
    3.  felt secure in her nest.
    4. knew that Black Snake liked eggs.
34. The word vanished as used in the passage means the same as
    1. disappeared
    2. lessened
    3. materialised
    4. diminished
35. The trick that Rooster came up with
    1. was meant to teach the Black Snake a lesson.
    2. left Black Snake in a lot of pain.
    3. was fatal to Black Snake.
    4. had been suggested by Hen.
36. Why did Hen leave her nest according to the last paragraph?
    1. To get food.
    2. To check on her chicks.
    3. To find Rooster.
    4. To lure Black Snake into her nest.
37. Why did Black Snake die?
    1. He had been tricked.
    2. He suffocated.
    3. He had swallowed a hard object.
    4. He was greedy.
38. What is the best title for the above passage?
    1. The frustrated Hen.
    2. Black Snake learns a lesson.
    3. Hen and her eggs.
    4. The Cruel Black Snake.

Read the passage below and then answer questions 39 to 50.

Manduli was in his mid twenties. Out of sheer adventure, he found himself smoking. In those days, starting to smoke was considered a fashionable thing to do by adults. Consequently, many a young person got attracted to it. Smoking was like a rite of passage, when one moved on from being a boy to being a man, an adult. Friendship in those days insisted on being able to do similar things together. So, if one had the bad luck of being among smokers, picking up the habit was the most natural thing to do. During those days, tobacco companies were deliberately quiet on the details of the hazards that came with smoking.

However, something unusual happened that caused serious concerns among smokers and the non-smokers alike. The 'star' of a cigarette advertisement, one that had a lovely slogan about smoking being a truly glamorous and manly thing to do, died of lung cancer. This sent shivers among a significant section of the smokers. Of course the deceased was a model smoker. The courage with which he would take puffs in the advertisement proved his passion for the habit. To rub salt in the wound, stories of other people who died of respiratory ailments after years of smoking became common news. Even non-smoking tobacco company employees developed lung cancer and other complications. Scientists were prompted to carry out research and the revelations were shocking. Tobacco companies had genetically modified tobacco plants to create faster addiction to nicotine among new smokers.

By the time this came into the public domain, Manduli had been smoking for more than ten years. The addiction was so entrenched that he never mentally accepted that he even had it.

However, he began to get seriously worried when his best friend's wife died of lung cancer despite never having smoked a cigarette all her life. It was later discovered that the fatal disease had resulted from the effects of secondary smoking. Her husband was a chain smoker. He smoked everywhere in the house. He had no idea that he was not only damaging his life but he was also killing his wife gradually. In addition, another friend of Manduli's who was a heavy smoker succumbed to cancer. The same year, another friend of his, who was a regular smoker had a heart attack. Since the man did not have close relatives in the same town, Manduli became his constant companion. He drove him to hospital regularly though the patient did not survive. His demise marked the turning point in Manduli's life. He decided to totally remove cigarettes from life. He got rid of all the ash-trays in his house and the office.

The first week was terrible for Manduli, His moods fluctuated from one extreme to the other. That not withstanding, he still remained focused on his goal. Every time that he very badly needed a cigarette, he would hold a cigarette in his hand and stare at in closely. He would build up the hatred that he had for it, for having taken over his life so viciously. He would then crush it in between his fingers, grind in up in his palm and throw it into the rubbish bin. In the long run, Manduli overcame this addictive vice.

39. Why did Manduli start smoking?
    1. He was influenced by his peers.
    2. He probably found it exciting.
    3. He needed something to keep him busy.
    4. He had always wanted to do it.
40. Which statement is true according to the first paragraph?
    1. Tobacco companies do not release useful information to the public.
    2.  Friendship used to be founded on smoking.
    3. Perhaps many people did not know the problems associated with smoking.
    4. Many people still consider smoking a rite of passage.
41. It is true to say that the 'star' of a cigarette advertisement
    1. became ill for several years.
    2. was a non-smoker
    3. knew the dangers of smoking.
    4. demonstrated to viewers how to smoke.
42. When the 'star' of a cigarette advertisement died,
    1. the number of smokers declined by half.
    2. people realised smoking was harmful.
    3. not many people associated his death with smoking.
    4. some smokers stopped the habit instantly.
43. What is the meaning of the phrase "To rub salt in the wound"? To
    1. worsen a situation.
    2. cause a lot of deaths.
    3. cause worry among people.
    4. make things appear strange.
44. Why did tobacco companies modify tobacco plants? To
    1. make cigarettes more attractive.
    2. make cigarettes less dangerous.
    3. beat their competitors in the market.
    4. enrich themselves.
45. The word fatal as used in the passage can best be replaced by
    1. dangerous
    2. deadly
    3. disastrous
    4. serious
46. Manduli's friend's wife died because
    1. she was a smoker.
    2. her husband was down with cancer.
    3. she had inhaled cigarette smoke for long.
    4. her husband had neglected her.
47. It is untrue to say that Manduli's friend who had a heart attack
    1. passed on eventually.
    2. had no relatives.
    3. needed regular medication.
    4. was a smoker.
48.  The fact that Manduli removed ash trays from his house and office shows that he
    1. sympathised with his friends.
    2. had never liked smoking.
    3. wanted to become a better person.
    4. was keen on giving up smoking.
49. When Manduli first stopped smoking, he
    1.  lived comfortably.
    2. experienced some challenges.
    3. got professional help.
    4. failed terribly.
50. The word vice as used in the passage can be classified as
    1. a noun
    2. an adjective
    3. a conjunction
    4.  a verb

COMPOSITION

You have 40 minutes to write your composition

Below is a beginning of a story, complete it making it as interesting as possible.

I could not sleep that night. I kept thinking about the event I would attend the following day.........................................

MARKING SCHEME

1. C
2. D
3. B
4. A
5. C
6. C
7. A
8. D
9. C
10. C
11. A
12. B
13. D
14. C
15. B
16. A
17. C
18. B
19. D
20. C
21. D
22. B
23. A
24. D
25. D
26. C
27. D
28. B
29. D
30. A
31. C
32. B
33. D
34. A
35. C
36. D
37. B
38. D
39. B
40. C
41. D
42. B
43. A
44. D
45. B
46. C
47. B
48. D
49. B
50. A

Read the passage below. It contains blank spaces numbered 1 to 15. For each blank space, choose the best alternative from the choices given.

No one can __1__ that they have never felt hungry. Hunger __2__ gradually and when it __3__ climax, it is not possible to hide it at all. If you were asleep, it automatically wakes you up. This happens __4__ you have taken a long time before __5__ a meal. There could be __6__ reasons for this, for example, when you are travelling __7__ a bus to a far place and __8__, if it stopped for the passengers to cat, the __9__ could make them reach their destinations very late. __10__,  the worst one is when the __11__ mealtime reaches and there is no sign of either food or indication that someone could be cooking any time soon.

Hunger affects people differently. For me, my leg muscles __12__, I develop some mild headache and yawn for abnormally a long time.
__13__ such times, I don't seem to see well and my hearing too somehow gets __14__. The most interesting thing is that I __15__ my temper without any provocation. The moment I eat, I feel normal.

For questions 16 and 17, choose the alternative that best completes the statements given.

16. You didn't have to run across the road, _________________________? 
    1. did you
    2. had you
    3. didn't you
    4. haven't you
17. She rarely fails to complete her work, _________________________?A
    1. did she
    2. . isn't it
    3. does she
    4. is it

For questions 18 and 19, choose the alternative that means the same as the underlined words.

18. The salt Jane bought had very fine particles.
    1. bright
    2. tiny
    3. light
    4. white
19. The boy made noise exactly like that of the crow.
    1. twitter
    2. sing
    3. crow
    4. caw

For questions 20 to 21, choose the best alternative that is pronounced in the same way as the underlined one.

20. The wind blew down the big tree. 
    1. blow
    2. drown
    3. blue
    4. few
21. The lost purse was finally recovered.
    1. pass
    2. curse
    3. bus
    4. past 

For questions 22 and 23, re-arrange the given sentences in order to form a sensible paragraph.

23.  
    1. She told of how people first came onto the earth.
    2. We really enjoyed listening to her.
    3. She also told stories about giants and strange creatures.
    4. Mela's grandmother liked to tell stories.
       1. (iv), (iii), (ii); (i)
       2. (iv), (ii), (i), (iii)
       3. (iv), (ii), (iii), (i) 
       4. (iv), (i), (iii), (ii)
24.  
    1. Some of the material can be borrowed for a short period of timc.
    2. Large volumes of written and unwritten materials are stored there.
    3. There is usually some space for one to sit and read what cannot be borrowed.
    4. A library is one of the richest sources of information.
       1. (iii), (iv), (i), (ii)
       2. (iii), (ii), (i), (iv) 
       3. (iii), (i), (ii), (iv)
       4. (iii), (ii), (iv), (i)

For questions 24 and 25, choose the sentence which means the same as the underlined sentence.

24. Had the ball not got punctured, would have played.
    1. We have played though the ball got punctured.
    2. Though the ball got punctured, we can still play.
    3. We are not playing since the.ball got punctured.
    4. We wished the ball had not got punctured so that we play.
25. Neither Rehema nor Rita was punished for lateness.
    1. None of them was punished for lateness.
    2. Only Rita was punished for lateness.
    3. Both Rehema and Rita were punished for lateness.
    4. Rita perhaps was punished for lateness.

Read the passage below and then answer questions 26 to 38.

The men were happy. Their plan to help one of them had worked out very well. They had agreed to rebuilt a house for Ruka whose house had got burnt down without the proper cause being established. He was at a neighbour's house, late in the evening when they heard people screaming about a fire. Little did he know that he was the victim. He heard them screaming that he was being burnt to death in the house that was already being consumed by flames. They rushed out to his compound but by the time they reached, no one could go near the burning house as it was too dangerous. They waited until it died down then the men sat down and Ruka told them that indeed, he had left a pot of beans boiling and it was not the first time. To him that could not have caused the fire but even if they knew, it wouldn't help much. The resolution was that all the villagers would assemble at Ruka's home the following morning and help construct him a new house.

Many sympathisers turned up with personal equipment and materials for the task ahead. Women came along with buckets, crockery, utensils and food items. They were also at hand to assist here and there as they waited for their main task of the day; mudding. Everybody was busy and jolly. By around three o'clock, the mudding was done and the door fixed. The men sat in groups to take a well-deserved rest and meal which was served by the women.

When the eating was over, the people started leaving in groups of twos and threes. Only a few neighbours were still around, keeping Ruka company next to his new house. It was then that they saw Kasai staggering towards them. At first, they felt uncomfortable because he had failed to heed to the call to assist a neighbour as expected. However, retaliation was not acceptable in the society. He approached them and mumbled a greeting to which they responded. No one asked him to apologise for the omission but he humbly did it and blamed his greed for alcohol. They laughed out loudly and since the pots of food were still lying next to them, they advised him to wash his hands and eat. Refusal to eat communal food offered would be taken in bad faith so he served himself and ate.

They were talking about life generally when Kasai told them he was seriously considering stopping consumption of alcohol. He explained that he had planned to join the rest that morning but when Tawa called on him and offered to buy him some drink, he changed his mind. Tawa seemed to have a lot of money which was not usual. It was while they were drinking that Tawa confided in him that he had caused the fire at Ruka's home accidentally.

He explained that he knew Ruka kept some money in the house and the exact location so he waited till he saw Ruka move to his neighbour's compound. He prowled into the room and as he was taking the money from the box, he realised the man had many nice clothes that he never wore. He decided to pick them too but when he reached near the fire place, he heard a movement that scared him stiff. The clothes dropped and he was already in flight through the door when he realised it was the cat that had scared him. He kept going and never looked back. The clothes must have caught fire and spread it to the firewood that was lying near the fireplace.

Kasai said he would report this to the elder so that his conscience could be clear. Dumb-founded by the revelation, the others watched as he stood up to go but Ruka asked him to sit down briefly. "Please tell your friend that the money he stole belongs to the village elder. He sold off some of his livestock and asked me to keep the money for him. Since he didn't burn the house intentionally, we shall forgive him for that but he must bring back all the money, including what the two of you have spent. You can now go."

Without saying a word, Kasai rose and started staggering away in the same fashion he had come.

26. Why do you think did the men's plan work out well?
    1. Building a new house had never been an issue to them.
    2. It w as the first time they wereperforming such a task.
    3. Ruka's house had got burnt down suddenly.
    4. There was positive response from the villagers.
27. Why was it difficult to tell what had caused the fire?
    1.  Ruka's house was close to that of his neighbour.
    2. Ruka had left everything in order before he left.
    3. The house got burnt late in the evening.
    4. The food had not cooked for a long time.
28. Those who were screaming that Ruka was dying in the house
    1. did so through imagination.
    2. had heard so many others screaming.
    3. simply wanted swift action taken.
    4. remembered a burning house usually trapped people inside.
29. Which of the four words below means the same as dangerous' as used in the first paragraph?
    
    1. Fatal
    2. Fierce
    3. Scaring
    4. Risky
30. Knowing the cause of the fire wouldn't help much because
    1. the screaming had already stopped. 
    2. the house wasn't an expensive one.
    3. the damage was irreversible.
    4. all the villagers were willing to give help.
31. The women had come with food items to
    1. demonstrate that they knew how to cook very well.
    2. make work flow for the volunteers.
    3. ensure that all those who ate did the work expected.
    4. show how food could keep people working for such time.
32. Why did some men remain behind after eating?
    1. Their homes were the nearest to Ruka's.
    2. They wanted Ruka to confirm if he was happy with the house.
    3. They felt too exhausted to start walking way immediately.
    4. They didn't seem to be in any hurry.
33. The main reason why Kasai mumbled a greeting was because he
    1. was not in the right state of mind.
    2. believed they suspected him.
    3. knew they would not welcome him.
    4. had been hungry for long time.
34. Kasai was considering stopping drinking alcohol because
    1. it was making him keep wrong company.
    2. it made him fail to join the others.
    3. he was getting uncomfortable.with its results.
    4. being consistently drunk was affecting his health.
35. The relationship between Ruka and Tawa before the theft is likely to have been
    1. cordial
    2. unfortunate
    3. suspicious
    4. hostile
36. How did Tawa cause the fire that burnt down the house?
    1. He noticed that some food was cooking as he was leaving hurriedly.
    2. He was attracted to steal clothes. 
    3. The cat stopped him from moving fast enough.
    4. He realised he had carried too many things at ago.
37. Ruka can best be described as
    1. short-tempered
    2. unpredictable
    3. social but suspicious.
    4. calm and reasonable.
38. What would be the best summary.for this passage?
    1. You should not put too much trust in others.
    2. People should always help the less fortunate in the society.
    3. A tragedy can make people change behaviour completely.
    4. Drinking alcohol can change. people's character.