Attempting multiple-choice reading test

THIS is the final part of the reading test. In this issue, we shall complete answering the reading test by attempting questions 38 to 45. Do note that the reading paper consists of 45 questions. Thus far, we have practiced till question 37.

Tips: • For some questions, you will be asked to

‘infer’ or make intelligent assumptions based on the given evidences in the passage.

• You should underline the evidence or

evidences in the texts.

• To decide if the word/ idea/ tone is a positive, negative or neutral one — reconfirm again by looking at the context of the texts for clues to support your assumption.

• You can review the options given by eliminating the answer that is most unlikely to be correct before making a choice. 38. In the opening paragraph, the writer A. suggests a transformation in teaching and

learning.

B. describes the Frog Virtual Learning Environment.

C. offers reasons for the strong and proactive

support from parents and teachers. D. introduces the school which adopted the

Frog Virtual Learning programme.

Comment: Refer to paragraph one as this is the opening paragraph. Read the paragraph and try to fit in the options. Option A could not be the answer as there is no indication of the writer suggesting a transformation, it is merely the title of the article. Option B could have been the answer if there was description of the Frog programme in this paragraph. The descriptions are given in other paragraphs. Option C cannot be the answer as there are no reasons provided — only that the parents and teachers are proactive.

39. What could be one of the factors influencing the success of the programme under the 1BestariNet initiative?

A. Parents and teachers are strong, supportive and tend to initiate change.

B. YTL Communications Sdn Bhd provided Yes 4G connectivity.

C. It is the first Tamil school in the country to fully involve teachers, students and parents.

D. The Education Ministry supports the 1BestariNet project.

Comment: A is definitely the answer as the phrase “tend to initiate change’ means proactive. The other options are facts about the whole programme — not the main factor for success. Option D is a good distraction. Obviously the ministry would support a project of its own initiative. (Refer to line 5 — ”The 1BestariNet project is an effort by the Education Ministry”)

40. Which of the following is not related to the Frog Virtual Learning Environment?

A. The school now replaces notices and circulars to parents with online announcements. B. The Malaysian Education Blueprint 20132025 aspires to utilise information and communications technology.

C. Yes 4G connectivity benefits the programme.

D. The teachers in the school are all very

young.

Comment: Options A, B and C all show inclination towards the use of online technology. Option D could be a factor if it is supported by the fact that the teachers are all tech savvy. In this case, it does not give enough evidence.

41. The sentence “The intention to join the transformation in learning was well-received by parents”, implies that parents are

A. willing to learn in school.

B. unaware of the real intention.

C. willing to contribute money for the programme. D. supportive and have generally accepted the

idea.

Comment: The phrase “well-received” is the clue as it means that parents have accepted the idea. 42. The phrase Theresa “leads by example”, means that she

A. shows an example of how to be a good science teacher.

B. proves to be good in using technology and

others follow her.

C. is an example of a good leader.

D. follows how other people work.

Comment: We need to look for contextual clues. Read the whole sentence — “As a science teacher, Theresa is also a tech wizard herself and leads by example to inspire all teachers to use the Frog VLE”. This will give you the idea that others follow her to be good in technology. A is merely relating to being a science teacher. B is thus the answer. Now, let’s check if the other options can be the answer. C relates only to being a good leader. D cannot be the answer as there is no mention of Theresa following others!

43. Muhammad Amirul Syafiq Md Yusof said the Frog VLE had shifted the role of teachers to that of a facilitator. He is being

A. negative

B. neutral

C. positive

D. pragmatic

Comment:

It may sound negative at the first reading, but you need to look for contextual text again here. Looking at the overall tone in the sentence: “...said the Frog VLE had shifted the role of teachers to that of a facilitator, thus encouraging independent learning”, the word “encouraging” does give a positive tone.

44. According to Amirul, the seating position in a Frog classroom

A. induces the students to be cooperative. B. makes the children more confident. C. promotes the spirit of continuous learning. D. encourages independent learning.

Comment: Note that the question focuses specifically to the seating position and not the Frog classroom. 45. In the concluding paragraph, the writer signs off with a tone of

A. desperation

B. urgency

C. hope

D. caution

Comment: You need to infer the tone of the overall writing. You can use your background knowledge to help you. Anything that seems to highlight the good and interesting facts, with lots of support from various sectors should be positive. Apart from that, the clue that the tone seems to be positive points towards the matching answer that would be ‘hope’.