NAME_______________________________________________________________________ F4___________
NORTHERN EDUCATION DIVISION
2025 MALAWI SCHOOL CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION MOCK
EXAMINATION
ENGLISH
PAPER II
(60 marks)
Subject Number: M052/II
Friday, 28 March Time allowed: 1 h 45 mins
11:00 am-12:45 pm
Instructions
Question Tick Do not write in
1. This paper contains 10 printed pages. Number questions 1 these columns
Please check & 2 if
answered
2. The paper has two sections, A and B.
3. Answer all questions in both sections.
1
4. Use space provided to answer
question in this paper 2
5. Follow the instructions for each section
carefully.
6. Fill in your names at the top of each
page of the question paper.
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Section A (20 marks)
NOTE MAKING
1. Read the following passage carefully and afterwards make a summary of it in
NOTE-FORM. In your summary:
a. provide a suitable title for the passage.
b. give the main points.
c. supply supporting points for each main point.
Marks will be awarded for content, note-style, and fair-copy layout. Candidates who
simply copy the passage will be penalized.
Organic fertilizers are becoming an increasingly popular choice for farmers because
they offer numerous benefits to both the environment and agricultural productivity.
These fertilizers help improve soil health and support sustainable farming practices,
which is why many farmers are adopting them. This, therefore, is a discussion of the
advantages of using organic fertilisers.
Firstly, organic fertilizers enhance the structure of the soil. This happens because the
organic matter in fertilizers improves soil aeration, allows better water infiltration and
root growth. With the good structure of the soil, crops can better absorb the nutrients
they need to grow strong and healthy. Additionally, these fertilizers cannot cause the
environmental damage that chemical fertilizers often do, such as water contamination or
soil degradation. Thus, they help preserve the ecosystem by promoting a balanced and
natural approach to soil management.
Providing a slower and more consistent release of nutrients over time is another
advantage seen. Organic fertilizers break down gradually and supply crops with a steady
stream of nutrients unlike chemical fertilisers. This slow-release process ensures that
plants have continuous nutrients they need to thrive. It also prevents nutrient imbalances
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or deficiencies. Thus, crops grown with organic fertilizers tend to have stronger and
more resilient growth.
Organic fertilizers also encourage the activity of beneficial microorganisms in the soil.
These microorganisms, such as earthworms, bacteria, and fungi, play a vital role in
breaking down organic matter and recycling nutrients. Their presence improves the
biological health of the soil and creates an environment that supports plant growth.
Through this process, the use of organic fertilizers helps maintain a balanced soil
ecosystem that is essential for sustainable farming practices. This is another reason why
organic fertilizers are highly recommended for long-term agricultural success.
Furthermore, organic fertilizers are environmental friendly choice. This is because they
reduce reliance on harmful chemicals. Chemical fertilizers often require the use of fossil
fuels for production and transportation, which increases the carbon footprint on farming.
In contrast, organic fertilizers are typically made from locally sourced materials, which
helps reduce transportation emissions and supports the use of renewable resources. As
such, organic fertilisers are also seen as one of the important factors in mitigating
climate change. This is because organic farming practices generally have a lower
environmental impact.
In conclusion, the advantages of using organic fertilizers are clear. They improve soil
fertility, and help maintain long-term soil productivity and contribute to a healthier
ecosystem, their use is crucial in ensuring food security and environmental
sustainability. Therefore, adopting organic fertilizers is a beneficial step for both farmers
and the planet.
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Section B (40 marks)
Comprehension
2. Read the following passage below and answer the questions that follow:
Tears could come out no more. They had dried up wholly from their sources. They had
cried more than enough. The mother of the late young woman had been unconscious
for two days after collapsing due to grief. Her siblings also wept bitterly as the coffin in
which Eliza lay descended into the grave.
“But why Eliza why? “Cried Thoswa. Thoswa pinned all his hopes on her and the
deceased had promised to stay with him at her first working place once she finished her
college studies.
It was hard to believe that she was gone. Her death came mysteriously like a common
deadly Chinese strange virus. They all saw a nurse in her. She had all the reasons to
become one: very hardworking, patient and merciful. She was light in complexion,
with a body well figured. She would look great in a nurse’s attire.
Sadly, all hopes were now in a coffin. She had been in her final year at Chihame
Nursing College when it all started. Melina, her roommate was the cause of it all. She
looked good and innocent but was a snake in the grass.
Eliza had never known a man since the first day she stepped into this world. But one
day, her roommate coerced her to have a man of her own who could be her 'shelter'
during stormy days. Ironically, this is the man who turned out to be the storm to an
innocent young lady.
“I am not responsible for your pregnancy. It is your fault. You had to be careful in the
first place before giving yourself to me. I am married and I don't want you to interfere
with my life. Go away!" The man had harshly told her.
This is the statement that stirred the mud in the still water. Eliza cried to her cunning
friend Melina, the cause of her wretchedness.
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Surprisingly, she herself could never get pregnant although at any given time, she had a
minimum of boyfriends to take care of her needs.
“Melina, you are the cause of all this. I will never forgive you for this pain you have
inflicted on me.”
The helpless girl cried to her friend, her tears hot like magma. They were now enemies.
Her heart was crushed. She saw no hope. The future of her poor family came to her
mind. The face of her aged widowed mother who sold vegetables to keep her in school
came to her mind. Her eight siblings led by Thoswa all banked their hopes on her.
She then remembered their leaking thatched hut, with no sleeping or living room. If the
college's authorities discovered her that she was pregnant, she would lose her place at
the college. How could news of her pregnancy be received at home?
How will her fellow church choir members welcome her? She could not imagine what
life could be like. She was due to graduate in six months’ time by then. The pregnancy
would be an open secret. Something indeed had to be done before it was too late to
save Jerusalem.
“You just have to pull yourself together. Just abort it dear, but I'm sorry for everything
I have made you go through,” at last spoke evil girl, Melina.
“Take these pills. It will all be fine." It seemed to be the only hope for the desperate
Eliza. When she was alone in the room, the time had come; time to take unborn child to
its early grave, before it even came out of its fruit cap. What wrong did it do to deserve
such a harsh treatment?
Perhaps it would be the saviour for her and her poor family, but the timing was wrong
and raising it would just take long: “What if I die while killing?” She worriedly asked
herself as she looked at the pills. She was alone in her room with no one to provide a
shoulder to cry on. “No you will not,” her other mind encouraged her. She took the
pills, ten at once. There she was now, alone in a grave. She had lost blood incessantly
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due to failure of the evil act. After the last wreath was laid, Thoswa her brother,
heartbroken and unbelieving, fell down and collapsed, too.
As they started off for the village with their faces down, Melina, who attended the
burial of the one she killed, saw Masuzgo, the man responsible for the late Eliza'
pregnancy walking among the men. “Hey you people, “she shouted, "Here is the man.
(Adapted from: Weekend Nation, 27 July 2024)
QUESTIONS
a. For how long was the mother of the young girl unconscious?
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b. Why was Thoswa greatly affected by Eliza’s death?
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c. How did Melina influence Eliza’s behaviour at the college?
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d. Describe how Masuzgo reacts when Eliza informs him about the pregnancy.
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e. What shows that Eliza is from a poor family? Give two points.
(i) _______________________________________________________________
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(ii) _______________________________________________________________
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f. Why was Eliza worried as she took the abortion pills?
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g. Give the meaning of each of the following words as used in the passage:
(i) ‘coerced’ (paragraph 5) __________________________________ (1 mark)
(ii) ‘wretchedness’ (paragraph 7) ______________________________ (1 mark)
(iii) ‘incessantly’ (paragraph 15) _____________________________ (1 mark)
h. Explain the meaning of each of the following expressions as used in the passage.
i. ‘pinned all his hopes’ (paragraph 2)
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ii. ‘an open secret’ (paragraph 12)
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iii. ‘provide a shoulder to cry on’ (paragraph 15)
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i. Describe the character of each of the following:
i. Eliza
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ii. Masuzgo
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j. What shows that Melina is cunning in her deeds?
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k. Why does Melina draw people’s attention towards Masuzgo after the burial?
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l. Give a suitable title for the passage.
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m. Summarise the passage in your own words. Your summary should be between 70
and 100 words.
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END OF QUESTION PAPER
NB: This paper contains 10 printed pages. Please check
Page 10 of 10
