📄 O/L English Language — 2021 / 2022

Match the following pictures with the names of the places given below. Write the letter of the most suitable picture in the box given against each place. The first one is done for you.

Pictures (a)–(f): (a) post office / mailbox; (b) harbour / ships; (c) school / students; (d) hospital / ambulance; (e) railway station / train; (f) restaurant / dining table.

Places:
(1) Post Office → E (example)
(2) School → ...
(3) Hospital → ...
(4) Restaurant → ...
(5) Railway Station → ...
(6) Harbour → ...

Fill in the blanks in the following invitation using the words given in the box. Write the letter of the correct word in the space given. The first one is done for you.

Word box: (a) Photographic · (b) cassetty · (c) held · (d) Chief · (e) Director · (f) speech

The Photographic Society of Wijayaba Maha Vidyalaya
(1) ...b... invites
Mr. Kithsiri Dahanayake,
the (2) ........... of Media Unit - Provincial Council
as the (3) ........... Guest
to deliver a (4) ...........
on 'The Art of Photography'
at the (5) ........... Exhibition
which will be (6) ........... on 30th July 2022
from 8.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m.
at the auditorium.

Study the picture and fill in the blanks using the words given in the box. Write the letter of the correct word in the blank. The first one is done for you.

Word box: (a) fertile · (b) pond · (c) work · (d) around · (e) feel · (f) family · (g) neat · (h) mending · (i) shade · (j) oil · (k) plants

My home garden is the best place to spend my leisure time. It is very (1) ...d... but we keep it (2) ........... and tidy. We all (3) ........... there every Sunday. Today while my mother is watering the (4) ........... my father is cleaning the (5) ........... . I have a (6) ........... of roses in the corner, and I am digging the (7) ........... for manuring. I can see my brother (8) ........... the broken fence. Although my grandfather is very (9) ........... he enjoys sitting in the (10) ........... of the mango tree and watching the (11) ........... at work. Working together in the garden is indeed a pleasure.

Fill in the blanks in the following dialogue using the words given in the box. Write the letter of the correct word in the space given. The first one is done for you.

Word box: at · in · by · for · of · with

Raini : Good Morning Teacher! Glad to see you this morning.
Teacher : Good Morning Raini. Nice to see you too.
Raini : Teacher, where are you going so early (1) ...in... the morning?
Teacher : I'm going (2) ........... Kandy to see my parents.
Raini : Really! Whereabout in Kandy?
Teacher : In Galaha. It's close to Kandy. I'm waiting (3) ........... my elder sister.
She'll come in her car (4) ........... her son.
Raini : OK, teacher. Our train leaves (5) ........... seven from the Fort. We are
going for a practice match with the under nineteen team (6) ...........
Rajasinghe Vidyalaya.
Teacher : Good Luck Raini.
Raini : Thank you teacher. Have a safe journey.

Read the text and complete the table given below. The first one is done for you.

Snakes in Sri Lanka
Sri Lankan reptiles count nearly 209 known species with great diversity. These reptiles consist of snakes, lizards, crocodiles, turtles and tortoises. Almost 125 species of these are endemic to Sri Lanka.

Around 83 species of snakes have already been found in Sri Lanka. Twelve species of earthly snakes and twelve species of sea snakes are venomous. The specimens of extremely venomous snakes in Sri Lanka are mostly found in the dry zone. In addition, sea snakes living in the sea around Sri Lanka are more venomous than earthly snakes.

It is reported that at present there are nearly 4000 species of amphibians in the world. The number of amphibian species found in Sri Lanka, however, is 50.

1. The approximate number of known reptile species in Sri Lanka → (i) 209 (example)
2. A type of reptiles mentioned in the text → (ii) ...
3. The approximate number of species of snakes found in Sri Lanka → (iii) ...
4. The two species of venomous snakes → (iv) ... (v) ...
5. The number of amphibian species found in Sri Lanka → (vi) ...

You lost your pencil case in the school library. You want to find it. Write a notice to be displayed on the school notice board. Use about 40–50 words.

Include:
• the date it was lost
• things in the pencil case
• if found, where to return it

Read the story and answer the questions.

Once there lived a girl named Narmada. She had a lovely house and a beautiful garden on a top of a hill. She was very happy living there because there were many insects such as butterflies, dragonflies, ants, bees and beetles there. She loved to watch her pet, the baby squirrel chasing butterflies. All these creatures made her garden their permanent home. Narmada took care of them well. But among all, the baby squirrel was her best friend.

One day, the baby squirrel had a fall and fell sick, so everyone became sad as it lay upwards keeping its eyes closed. She sprinkled a little water on its eyes, but it did not respond. Narmada was so worried and she fed her little pet with some milk. She stroked its head until it fell asleep.

Then she murmured in a soft voice, "You, my baby squirrel, get well soon. If you hear me, please open your eyes."

A few minutes passed by. The baby squirrel opened its eyes. It looked at Narmada in a very graceful manner as if it was thanking her for all what she had done.

The baby squirrel limped slowly near Narmada and looked at her eyes as to say, "Thank you for taking good care of me."

Narmada held the baby squirrel, kissed its forehead and said, "A friend in need is a friend indeed!"

Underline the correct answer:
(1) How many insects are mentioned in the first paragraph?
(a) three (b) four (c) five
(2) Narmada loved to be in her garden
(a) to play with her pet
(b) to see her pet running behind butterflies
(c) to feed her pet
(3) Narmada fed her sick pet with
(a) some water (b) some milk (c) both water and milk
(4) According to the story, the phrase similar in meaning to 'stroked' is
(a) patted tenderly (b) shook hard (c) lifted quickly
(5) The most suitable title for the story is
(a) A lost friend.
(b) Saved at last.
(c) A troublesome pet.

Write a paragraph on any one of the following topics. Use about 50–60 words.
(a) Good health habits in the classroom
(b) An unforgettable incident in my life

Read the text and underline the most suitable word given within brackets.

You can get rid of Covid-19 soon if you behave sensibly in society. Keeping a (1) ........... ((a) to (b) two (c) too) meter distance is a must whenever you are in a crowded place. Don't forget to (2) ........... ((a) wear (b) where (c) ware) your mask too. Have it (3) ........... ((a) right (b) write (c) rite) on your face covering both your mouth and (4) ........... ((a) knows (b) nose (c) now). If you have signs and symptoms such as headache and fever lasting for more than (5) ........... ((a) fore (b) foe (c) four) days, go to a doctor for advice. Remember that it is not advisable to take medicine without consulting a doctor. If found to be Covid positive, inform the Public Health Inspector in your area immediately.

Read the dialogue given below and fill in the blanks with the correct form of the verb given within brackets.

Zaneer : Hi! Samith, did you hear the announcement?
Samith : No. What was it about? Something special?
Zaneer : Of course, it was about some short courses.
Samith : Sounds interesting. What are the courses mentioned?
Zaneer : Well, I have some information. A leaflet (1) ........... (distribute) yesterday at the student leaders' meeting.
Samith : Wow! Have you got it? I want to see it.
Zaneer : Yes. Let's read it together.
Samith : Oh! Only two courses (2) ........... (can / follow) by a student. Each course (3) ........... (design) for three months.
Zaneer : Did you see this? Only 20 students (4) ........... (recruit) for the next intake scheduled for August.
Samith : What about the course fee?
Zaneer : Look here. It says that all these courses (5) ........... (fund) by the Old Boys' Association.
Samith : A great chance. Let's select one and apply soon.

Fill in the blanks with the words given in the box. There is one extra word.

Word box: because · in · provides · make · out · four · shorter · not · above · handle · wide · suitable · the · Furthermore · However

Choosing a cage for parrots

African grey parrots need large cages. However, cages that are at least three or (1) ........... feet wide are more (2) ........... than tall ones. This (3) ........... more space for them (4) ........... hangout and play on (5) ........... bottom of their cages. (6) ........... many parrot owners prefer (7) ........... cages as they can (8) ........... play-up areas on them. (9) ........... cage-top play area should (10) ........... be above eye level (11) ........... it is difficult to (12) ........... a parrot that is (13) ........... of reach and playing (14) ........... one's head. When choosing a cage, there are many options to investigate. However, it is advisable to let animals enjoy their freedom.

Yoga received the following e-mail from his friend Shenal who is on a holiday in Japan. Fill in the blanks using the most appropriate form of the verb given within brackets.

Dear Yoga,
Thank you for your e-mail. I'm pleased to hear that you are having a good time in the university. How (1) ........... (be) the English course going on?

I (2) ........... (have) a wonderful time in Japan last week. I was invited to stay with a Japanese family for a week. You (3) ........... (not / believe) it but I (4) ........... (get) to learn Japanese customs very quickly. I have lot more to tell you. I'll get back to you once I (5) ........... (give) my regards to all in your family.

Shenal.

Read the following paragraphs. Select the most suitable caption for each paragraph and write the letter of the caption in the box given against the paragraph. There is one extra caption.

Captions:
A - Finally, a vacant table
B - Disappointing news
C - An ideal place for guests
D - Sudden invasion
E - Long wait for the service
F - A pleasant experience

(1) It was my birthday last week and I decided to celebrate it with a few friends of mine. I chose a homely place in a quiet part of the town. It is one of my favourite restaurants because the food there is cheap, and it provides an excellent service. It is hardly crowded, and many people did not know about the place. So, I did not book a table for the occasion.

(2) When we came to the restaurant, I was surprised because it was completely full. There wasn't a single table free. One of the waiters recognised me and explained the situation. "A party of tourists have come unexpectedly, and the place is full."

(3) The waiter pointed to a table far behind. "The people occupying that table are just about to leave" he said. "Just hold on and you will find a place there." He was right. Twenty minutes later, the people occupying a table in the middle paid their bill and left the hotel. I got my friends there and we all sat down.

(4) Unfortunately, our table was almost out of sight. We tried to get the attention of the waiter who saw us there, but he, like all the other waiters, was busy with the party of tourists. Forty five minutes later, once the tourists finished their meal, the waiter, appeared at our table and he looked exhausted.

(5) A few moments later the waiter came back to our table. We could tell from his face that he had bad news for us. Apologizing to us he informed that there was no fish or meat left. "All we can offer you is" he said, "one omelette each".

Write on one of the following. Use about 100 words.

(a) One of your friends has lost his/her interest in studies. Write a letter to him/her encouraging him/her to pay attention to studies. Use about 100 words.
Include the following:
• How you came to know about it
• Disadvantages of not paying attention to studies
• Advise your friend to start studies again

OR

(b) The following pie chart shows the leisure time activities of a group of grade 11 students of Central College, Veyangoda. Write a description about it. Use about 100 words.
The following words/phrases will help you:
most popular, more/less popular, more than, less than, equal

Leisure Time Activities:
• Reading story books — 40%
• Watching films — 20%
• Listening to songs — 17%
• Gardening — 15%
• Writing poems — 8%

Read the following text and answer the questions given below.

The World's Oldest First Grader

① On January 12, 2004, Kimani Maruge knocked on the door of the primary school in his village in Kenya. It was the first day of his school, and he was ready to start learning. The teacher let him in and gave him a desk. The new student sat down with the rest of the first graders six and seven year old boys and girls. However, Kimani Maruge was not an ordinary first grader. He was 84 years old, the world's oldest first grader.

② In 2003, when the Kenyan government began offering free primary education to everyone and Maruge wanted an education, too. However, it wasn't always easy for Maruge to attend school like other children. But with the help of his school principal, Jane Obinchu, he was able to stay in school.

③ Maruge was a motivated and successful student. In fact, he was one of the top five students in his first grade class. In the second grade, Maruge became a prefect in his school. Over the years Maruge studied Swahili, English and Mathematics. He wanted to use his education to read religious books and to study veterinary medicine.

④ In 2005, Maruge flew in a plane for the first time in his life. He travelled to New York City, where he gave a speech at the United Nations. He spoke about the importance of education and asked for help to educate the people of Kenya. Maruge also wanted to improve primary education for children in Africa.

⑤ Maruge died in 2009, at the age of 89. However, his story lives on. The 2010 movie 'The First Grader' showed Maruge's amazing fight to get an education. Many older Kenyans decided to start school after seeing 'The First Grader'. One of these was 19 year old Thoma Litei. Litei said, 'I knew that it was not too late. I wanted to read, and to know more language, so I came to learn'. That is why it is important for his story to be known.

(1) Say whether the following statements are True or False. Put a tick (✓) in the relevant column.
(a) Maruge started his education in a city in Kenya.
(b) He was very much older than other students in the class.
(c) In Kenya, the primary education was made free from the year 2003.
(d) The school principal objected Maruge to continue his education.
(4 × 4 = 02 marks)

(2) Complete the following statements.
(a) Maruge was a prefect in school when he was in ...........
(b) Subjects he studied in school were ........... and ...........
(02 marks)

(3) Read paragraph ④ and find a word which has the same meaning as the following.
(a) achieving the results wanted or hoped for: ...........
(b) connected with taking care of the health of animals: ...........
(02 marks)

(4) Underline the best title for the passage.
(a) The oldest first grader in the school
(b) Education should be free for all
(c) You are never too old to learn
(01 mark)

(5) Write the statement that says the movie 'The First Grader' influenced older aged Kenyans' schooling.
(01 mark)

Write on one of the following topics. Use about 200 words.

(a) Write an article to a local newspaper on the 'Importance of learning another language'. Use the guidelines given.
• Your first language and the other languages you can learn
• The language that you would like to learn and its advantages
• State how you would use it for your higher studies

(b) A speech you would make at the English Literary Association on the topic 'Home Gardening'.
Include:
• what home gardening is
• its importance and advantages
• your personal experiences

(c) Write an essay on 'How I managed to study during the Covid-19 Pandemic'.
Include the following:
• Changes in the learning and teaching process of the school system (zoom meetings, online lessons)
• Advantages (national level study programmes, chances to learn from experts, flexible study hours)
• Problems faced (lack of facilities-internet, devices)

(d) Nimali meets Kumari at the Annual Book Fair after a long time. They had been in the primary classes together in the school. Imagine how they would have shared their past experiences and complete the dialogue they had between them.

Nimali : Hello! Kumari, how are you? Hope you remember me.
Kumari : Of course. I'm fine, thanks. How are you?
Nimali : ...