Завдання 2-го етапу Всеукраїнської учнівської олімпіади з англійської мови за 2014 р.

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На даній сторінці опубліковано олімпіадні завдання Всеукраїнської учнівської олімпіади з англійської мови у 2014 році.

Stage Ii National Students Olympiad in the English Language

 

Speaking Comprehension Test

For 8^th Form Students

 

 

Directions:

In this test you will select three task slips from those before you.  After selecting three, choose the one you feel you are most capable to speak about and return the other two to the table face down.  Then take about a minute to collect your thoughts before you begin to speak on the topic.  You may refer to the topic as needed.  Take a deep breath and begin.

 

Speaking Comprehension Test for 8th Form Students

1. Say which way you would prefer to travel and explain why. Include the following

information:

• What is your favourite way of travelling?
• Have you ever travelled by plane/by train/by ship? When? Where? Why?
• What are the advantages and disadvantages of different means of transport?

2. Many people believe that there is a strong connection between the mind and the

body, and one cannot have a sound mind without a healthy body.

• Do you agree with this statement?
• What is the best way to lead a healthy lifestyle?
• Do you believe that being a vegetarian helps people stay healthy?

3. A student from another country is coming to study here. What pieces of advice

would you give him/her?

• What do you think he/she should bring from his/her native country to Ukraine?
• What skills would be useful for him/her?
• What subjects do you think he/she should choose to study?

4. What is the weather like today?
   • What is your favourite season and why?
   • What outdoor activities can you do in this season?
   • What is the best season for travelling in Ukraine? Why?
5. Your English friends are going to visit our capital city and ask you to tell them about it. Include the following information:
   • history,
   • interesting places,
   • places to eat and means of transport to travel by.
6. Many inventions have completely changed the world. Do you think so?
   • What invention in your opinion has been the most important for the human race?
   • Which 21^st century invention makes your life more interesting?
   • Do you imagine your life without a mobile phone? What life will be like in the future if we stop using mobile phones?
7. Are you a fashion-conscious person? Do you keep up with fashion?
   • What clothes are in fashion nowadays? Do you wear any fashionable clothes?
   • Do you think that a school uniform can make a person look beautiful?
   • Do those people who wear fashionable clothes have any advantages/disadvantages over others?

8. Many people believe that the way we live our lives today is having a very damaging

effect on the environment.

• What forms of pollution do you know? Which of them is the biggest threat to the area where you live?
• What are the effects of the pollution on the environment?
• What can you do to reduce the pollution in your area?

 

8. Talk about an adult family member you admire. Is he/she your role model?
   • how she/he looks like,
   • what kind of person he/she is,
   • what she/he does for living.
9. Do you have an ICT room at your school? Are you an Internet user?
   • What do people use the Internet for?
   • Can you use your smartphone/ iPad/ tablet/ e-book for learning?
   • What other modern equipment do you need at school to make the process of studying easier and more interesting?
10. Talk about a famous sporting event (the Olympic Games, Euro2012, a Grand

Slam tennis tournament etc). Include the following information:

• some information about it,
• why it is famous/important,
• some famous people from it.

1. Every generation is different. What is the teenage generation like today?
   • How do the teenagers like spending their free time?
   • What school subjects in your opinion do they prefer to study? Why?
   • Are there any computer geeks or members of any urban tribes among your friends?
2. There are many traditional holidays in our country.
   • What is the most important holiday for the Ukrainians? Why?
   • Do you celebrate any holidays at school?
   • Do you have any school traditions?
3. Talk about the most exciting adventure you have ever had. Include the following

information:

• where it took place, what season it was,
• what happened,
• what you felt.

4. The English proverb says, “A friend in need is a friend indeed”.

• Do you think it’s better to have one friend or many? Why?
• What do you have in common with your friends? Do you have many friends among your classmates?
• Are you a good friend? Are you a reliable person?

5. Talk about your study habits. Include the following information:

• Do you like studying individually, working in a group or in pairs?
• Do you like listening to music, watching TV or walking while studying?
• Is it better to be taught by a teacher or to study using a computer/the Internet.

6. Ukraine is your Motherland. Tell your friend from a foreign country about it. Include this information:

• geographical position and climate of your country;
• places in our country he/she should visit and why;
• what the Ukrainians are like.

 

7. Imagine you have won in a lottery and can visit any English-speaking country.

• Which country will you choose and why?
• What places of interest would you like to visit in this country?
• Whom will you take with you to this English-speaking country? Why?

8. You study literature at school. Are you into reading?

• What do you like about these subjects? What don’t?
• Who is your favourite hero/heroine from the books you have read? Why?
• What kind(s) of books do you like reading? What is your favourite book of this kind?

9. Describe your last school tour. Include the following information:

• What sightseeing place did you visit then? Where was this interesting place located?
• What were you doing on the tour? Did you have any excursion or visit any museum?
• What did you like and dislike about the tour?

1. Do you like to keep pets?

• What kinds of animals are best as pets? Why?
• Are there any animals that should not be kept as pets?
• Why do you think so many people like to keep pets?

 

 

Stage Ii National Students Olympiad in the English Language

 

 

 

Writing Comprehension Test

For 8^th Form Students

 

 

 

Directions:

In this test you will select from three writing tasks.  Choose the one that you feel you are most capable to write about.  You will then begin writing your essay on the pages provided.  When you are finished close your papers, lay down your pen and wait for us to collect your test materials.

 

 

 

Writing Comprehension Test for 8th Form Students

 

1. Describe a special festival in your town/village or oblast. Write why the festival is special.
   • When is it held? Who usually takes part in it?
   • How can people spend their time at the festival?
   • What can children do at the festival?

 

2. Imagine you have to write an article to your local newspaper about environmental problems in your area. Include the following information in your article:

• What are the causes of air and water pollution in your area?
• What are the possible ways to reduce air and water pollution?
• What can schoolchildren do to support environmental protection?

 

3. Imagine you have just moved to a new house. Write a letter to your friend to

inform about this change in your life and to describe the house. Include the following information:

• Why has your family moved to the new house?
• How does your new house look like?
• What do you like the most/least about your new neighbourhood.

Do not mention your real name or surname in the letter.

 

Stage Ii National Students Olympiad in the English Language

 

 

 

Speaking Comprehension Test

For 9^th Form Students

 

 

 

 

Directions:

In this test you will select three task slips from those before you.  After selecting three, choose the one you feel you are most capable to speak about and return the other two to the table face down.  Then take about a minute to collect your thoughts before you begin to speak on the topic.  You may refer to the topic as needed.  Take a deep breath and begin.

 

 

 

Speaking Comprehension Test for 9th Form Students

 

1. Imagine that you have travelled thirty years into the future. How do you think the

world will be different?

• What kind of new technologies will exist?
• What problems will have been solved? What new problems will have come about?
• What sphere(s) of human activity do you think will flourish? Why?

2. Talk about the happiest day in your life. Include the following information:
   • what made this day so special,
   • what happened,
   • how you felt and who you shared your happiness with.
3. Isn’t it strange how early in life we get the idea we are right and others are wrong?
   • What do you usually do when you feel that you are right in some situation but everybody disagrees with you?
   • Is confidence an inborn quality or a skill to be trained?
   • Is tolerance one of your virtues? Is this trait valued in our society?
4. Imagine that you are a TV reporter and you have the chance to interview any

Ukrainian living or dead. Who would you interview? Why?

• What would your first interview question be? Why?
• How has this person influenced the lives of others? Has he/she influenced your life?
• How do you think history would be different if this person had never been born?

5. Have you ever thought how important grandparents are in each family.
   • What are your grandparents like? Do you have any tastes or hobbies in common?
   • Why do we have to care about the older generation? Are the old respected in our society?
   • Do you think Grandparents’ Day should be introduced in our country? How could we celebrate this day?
6. Carolyn Coats wrote in her book, “Children have more need of models than of

critics”. Do you agree with this quote?

• Is your mother/father your role model? Why/why not?
• What people in your opinion can serve as positive role models for the younger generation?
• Can you stand being criticised by your family? Do you remember any situation in your life when criticism helped you?

 

7. Every year we celebrate a number of different holidays. What holiday is your

favourite? Why?

• What is your least favourite holiday? Why?
• Why is it important to celebrate holidays? If you could change one holiday, how would you change it?
• How do you usually celebrate your favourite holiday?

8. Sinclair Lewis once said, “Winter is not a season; it’s an occupation”. Is winter your favourite season?
   • What is winter like in your area? What are the advantages and the disadvantages of the season?
   • Is it a jolly season in your country? What way can you spend your leisure time in winter?
   • If you could make one season last for the whole year, would it be winter?
9. “To his dog, every man is Napoleon; hence the popularity of dogs,” Aldous Huxley

said.

• Do you think a dog or a cat makes a better pet? Why?
• What pets have you ever kept? What are the advantages and disadvantages of having a pet?
• Do you think exotic animals can make good pets? Why/why not?

1. “A different language is a different vision of life,” the proverb says. Imagine that

you can become  fluent in a foreign language while forgetting your native

language.

• What advantages do you think you will gain from fluency in a foreign language?
• What would you lose in forgetting your native language?
• Some people think that language is the most important building block of culture. Do you agree with the idea?

1. You have received some hard-earned vacation time. You saved enough money

to take a one-week vacation anywhere in the world you would like to go.

• Where will you go? Explain why you will visit this location.
• What will you see when you are there?
• Whom will you go with on a tour? Why?

2. You meet your future self on a park bench.

• What will you ask him/her?
• What do you think he/she will tell you?
• What do you want to tell him/her?

3. Imagine you are in charge of giving five billion dollars to any country in the

world. What country would you give aid to, and why does this country deserve

it?

• How has this country demonstrated a need for the money?
• What criteria would you use to make your decision?
• How could you ensure that the money would not be wasted?

4. Tell about your favorite actor/actress.

• What plays, films or television shows have you seen this person in?
• Explain why she/he is your favorite actress/actor.
• Compare this person with another actor/actress and explain why your choice is best.

 

 

5. You know that today is the last day in history.

• How will you spend this day?
• Who will you spend this day with? Why?
• If you could preserve one thing for future civilizations to discover and learn about your civilization, what would it be?

6. What activities do you find enjoyable when you are alone?

• Why is this activity so enjoyable to you?
• How often do you spend time without your friends or parents? Do you feel it is important to have time to spend by yourself? Why?
• Have you ever been afraid to be alone?

7. Some people live for music and some do not seem to care.

• What is your attitude towards music?
• What role does music play in your life and in your culture?
• Why are some people moved by music and others not?

8. If you could have any talent that you don’t possess, what would it be?

• Why is this talent so important for you to have?
• How would you use it?
• Do you think some people are talentless or we just can’t reveal their hidden talents?

9. You are a famous artist and have just completed your best painting.

• What does your painting look like?
• What does this painting convey to others?
• What does this painting tell others about you?

1. Do you think that money can buy happiness?

• When has money made your life easier?
• When has money made your life more difficult?
• There are some who say that it is impossible to be both rich and virtuous. Do you agree or disagree? Explain.

 

 

 

 

 

Stage Ii National Students Olympiad in the English Language

 

 

 

 

 

Writing Comprehension Test

For 9^th Form Students

 

 

 

Directions:

In this test you will select from three writing tasks.  Choose the one that you feel you are most capable to write about.  You will then begin writing your essay on the pages provided.  When you are finished close your papers, lay down your pen and wait for us to collect your test materials.

 

Writing Comprehension Test for 9th Form Students

1. Imagine that you are going to spend a winter month in Britain. Write a letter to your English friend about your future travel. Include the following information:
   • Why are you going to Britain? Where are you going to stay?
   • What places of interest would you like to visit? Explain your choice.
   • Ask your friend what means of transport he/she will advise to use to travel around the country.

Do not mention your real name and surname in the letter.

 

2. Write an article to your school newspaper about a sports competition in your school.

Include the following information.

• why and when the competition took place,
• who took part in the competition, what sports the participants competed in,
• what moments of the competition were the most memorable,
• what rewards the participants received.

 

3. Write an essay on the importance of school education. Include the following

information:

• what obligatory subjects in the 9^th form are important for your future,
• what life skills you acquire at school,
• whether you have got any extra-curricular activities at school and how they broaden your horizons and develop your abilities.

 

 

 

Stage Ii National Students Olympiad in the English Language

 

 

 

Speaking Comprehension Test

For 10^th Form Students

 

 

Directions:

In this test you will select three task slips from those before you.  After selecting three, choose the one you feel you are most capable to speak about and return the other two to the table face down.  Then take about a minute to collect your thoughts before you begin to speak on the topic.  You may refer to the topic as needed.  Take a deep breath and begin.

 

 

Speaking Comprehension Test for 10th Form Students

 

1. Identify what you believe to be the most important event in world history.

• Explain the importance of this event.
• Infer the positive and negative impacts of this event on society.
• Infer and explain the positive and negative effects had this event never occurred.

 

2. We live in a time of innovation but the sentiment about change still rings true: “We like what we know and we know what we like,” suggesting that we are still reticent to change in all its forms.

• What changes, radical or not, would you make to your life if you had the opportunity?
• What significant life changes have you already experienced or do you anticipate in the future?
• Evaluate the importance of tradition to a society; is it enough to have traditions simply because you have always had them?
• Is change always good?

 

3. Is being able to use the Internet a necessary skill nowadays?

• How can access to the Internet affect a person’s life?
• How does lack of Internet access affect a person’s life? Can a person be successful if they do not have Internet access? Give an example.
• Do you believe it is better to travel the world or to have access to the Internet?

 

4. What does the word “leadership” mean?

• Why is good leadership important?
• Have you ever been in a position of leadership?
• Who in the world do you think possesses the greatest leadership skills? Why?

 

5. Mark Twain said: “Never put off until tomorrow what you can do the day after tomorrow.”

• Explain the meaning of this quote.
• In your opinion, why do people procrastinate?
• Debate the acceptability of procrastination: When is it absolutely unacceptable to procrastinate? Is it ever okay to put something off until later?

 

6. Is the glass half-full or half-empty?

• Do you consider yourself a pessimist or an optimist?
• When you look towards the future how does your outlook colour possibilities (positively or negatively)?
• Do you think it is better to be a pessimist or an optimist? Why?

 

7. You have the opportunity to have dinner with any person, living or dead.

• With whom would you choose to have dinner and why?
• How has this person influenced your life and the lives of others?
• What would you want to ask this person? If you could only ask them one question, what would it be?

 

8. Computer use in the home, classroom, and other common places is becoming common place around the world.

• Do you think computers help society?
• Do you think computer use can have bad effects on a person?
• How do you think computers have changed the world?

 

9. Are arts classes in school, such as music or drawing classes, as important as major subjects, such as math, science and literature?

• Can students receive useful skills in arts classes?
• Do all students benefit from arts classes?
• How important (or unimportant) are the arts to the world?

 

1. Should people be judged on the clothes they wear?

• What are the disadvantages of judging people by their clothing?
• What sorts of clothes create a good impression? What sort of clothes do you think create a bad impression?
• What are other ways a person may be judged?

 

1. Dear Abby is a long-running advice column in American newspapers and many people have written to her over the years, seeking advice for the big and small things in their lives.

• What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
• Do you follow advice given by other people?
• If you were Dear Abby, what advice would you give to yourself?

 

2. Our senses are absolutely essential for interacting with our world. If you had to give up all of our senses except for one, which one would you keep?

• Evaluate this sense and describe why it is the most important sense to you.
• What would be frustrating about life without your other four senses? Would you enjoy it?
• What could you learn from this? Predict the impact of these lessons.

 

3. You suddenly have $10 million in your bank account.

• What would you do with the money?
• Predict what your family and friends would suggest you do with the money.
• If you had to give away half of the $10 million, to whom would you give it? Explain your criteria and reasoning for choosing this person.

 

4. Stereotypes are present in all societies and are sometimes, in part, based on fact.

• Reflect on current stereotypes of which you are aware; predict positive and negative impacts of these stereotypes.
• In your opinion, are stereotypes always damaging, or can they be a positive thing as well?
• Have you seen someone using a stereotype first hand? Use examples to illustrate your point.

 

5. It is said that clothes make the man.

• Infer to what extent you think attire affects first impressions.
• Do you think the actual appearance or the brand name of attire is more important and why? What values do you, or members of your culture, place on dressing smartly?

 

6. Body art, in the form of tattoos and piercings, has become very popular among many different types of people in the last several decades.

• Evaluate your own culture. Is it acceptable in your culture to get a tattoo?
• Discuss the types of body decoration that are common in your culture and whether they vary by generation.
• Relate this to your personal experience. Would you get one if you had the chance? If so, what would you get and why?

 

7. The French playwright, Molière, wrote, “The greater the obstacle the more glory in overcoming it.”

• Explain this quote and what it is saying about success and struggle.
• In your opinion, can you only achieve success through struggle? Can you achieve success without struggling? Is there a difference?
• Construct an example of success achieved through struggle.

 

8. With the advent of the Internet and super technological phones has arisen a change in the way people communicate. Texting has replaced calling; emails have replaced letter-writing.

• Analyze and explain the benefits and disadvantages of texting and email.
• Predict the effects of the popularity of texting and email on speaking and writing skills.
• Is it still important for people to be able to write and speak properly? Why or why not?

 

9. Some people take advantage of the anonymous nature of the Internet to re-invent or express different sides of themselves.

• Why, in your opinion, do people like this anonymity?
• Evaluate and weigh the benefits of cyber-anonymity versus its dangers.
• Use examples to illustrate the ways that cyber-anonymity can be both empowering and dangerous.

 

1. Many people are distrustful of modern medicine. They believe that natural medicines from herbs and plants work much better.

• If you were sick, would you go to a regular doctor or a doctor who uses herbs and plants as medicine?
• Some argue that laughter makes a person feel better than any medicine can. Do you agree? Why or why not?
• Have your parents ever treated you with medicinal remedies? Were they effective?

 

 

 

Stage Ii National Students Olympiad in the English Language

 

 

Writing Comprehension Test

For 10^th Form Students

 

 

 

Directions:

In this test you will select from three writing tasks.  Choose the one that you feel you are most capable to write about.  You will then begin writing your essay on the pages provided.  When you are finished close your papers, lay down your pen and wait for us to collect your test materials.

 

 

 

 

Writing Comprehension Test for 10th Form Students

1. According to Bill Gates, “Leaders will be those who empower others” and, in life, we come

across many different types of leaders in different parts of our lives.

• Choose a person whom you believe to be a great leader and describe the qualities he or she has that characterize him/her as a leader?
• In your opinion, are these qualities unique or do all great leaders possess them?
• How have leaders influenced your own life? Or how have you influenced others as a leader?

 

2. In today’s technological age, communication experts are worried that people are too wired and too

distracted by their electronic devices.  Experts have noticed that people are slowly replacing

face- to-face communication with emails and texts, which isolate people instead of connecting

them.

• In your opinion, do electronic devices and communication isolate or connect people? Use examples to illustrate your choice.
• How much time per day do you spend communicating on electronic devices (computer, phone, etc.)?
• Compare the advantages and disadvantages of face-to-face communication versus electronic communication.

 

3.Are out-of-school activities as important as schoolwork?

• What different skills can students learn from out-of-school activities than from school subjects in school? Give examples.
• How can out-of-school activities help a student’s future?
• What might be some disadvantages of participating in out-of-school activities?

 

 

Stage Ii National Students Olympiad in the English Language

 

Speaking Comprehension Test

For 11^th Form Students

 

Directions:

In this test you will select three task slips from those before you.  After selecting three, choose the one you feel you are most capable to speak about and return the other two to the table face down.  Then take about a minute to collect your thoughts before you begin to speak on the topic.  You may refer to the topic as needed.  Take a deep breath and begin.

 

Speaking Comprehension Test for 11th Form Students

 

1. The British poet John Donne once said that, “No man is an island.”

– Explain the meaning of this quote.

– Analyze the importance of human relationships. Is it possible to live without them?  Why, in your opinion,

do some people require more relationships than others?

– Relate this to your personal experience; describe a time when you impacted, or were impacted, by

another person and it changed your life.

2. On New Year’s Eve, many people reflect on what happened in the past year and look forward to the

new one.

– What will you remember about 2014?

– Is there anything you wish you could have changed in 2014?

– What do you want to accomplish in 2015?

3. Leo Tolstoy wrote, “Art is a human activity which has as its purpose the transmission to others of the

highest and best feelings to which men have risen.”

– How can art reflect our personal ideals?

– Do you think we can learn from different forms of art?

– How does art communicate the values of a culture?  Give an example.

 

4. Alexander the Great said “I am indebted to my father for living, but to my teacher for living well.”

Think about your relationship with your teachers.

– Identify the most important teacher in your life and explain the characteristics which made this

person an excellent teacher.

– Use examples to illustrate a time when a teacher challenged you and positively impacted your

growth.

– Predict how your life may be different had this teacher not been a part of your life.

 

5. A Yiddish proverb says: “A half-truth is a whole lie.”

– Explain the meaning of this proverb and whether or not you agree.

– Many people distinguish between a true lie and a white lie; they say it is okay to tell a white lie. Do

you agree?

– Construct a scenario to illustrate if and when it is appropriate to tell a lie.

 

6. In life you are sometimes required to collaborate with people whom you do not like or agree with.

– When collaborating with others, how does success depend on teamwork?

– How would one’s strategy for cooperation change from dealing with a difficult teacher or director

to a difficult classmate?

 

7. Many people around the world think that “volunteer work” is a valuable thing, but some people think

it is a waste of time.

– Critique the concept of “volunteer work” and give your opinion.

– What are the advantages and disadvantages of “volunteer work” for a community?

– Why do you think most people volunteer? What motivates them?

 

8. Certain subjects are generally avoided by teachers and students in the school setting.

– Should students and teachers be able to speak freely on all topics of conversation?

– Should there be certain boundaries between teachers and their students?

– What are some positive and negative aspects of the formal student/teacher relationship? Do you

believe that if a teacher is less formal, students will lose respect for that teacher?

 

9. Many people believe that, as people rely more and more on technology to solve problems they

become less and less able to think for themselves.  Such people believe technology and the easy

knowledge that it offers has replaced critical and original thought.

– Do you agree with this belief?  Use examples to support your answer.

– How are people relying on technology to solve their problems?

– Is it always bad for people to rely on technology to solve their problems?  Why or why not?

1. Is a good education a right or a privilege?

– Why do you think so?

– What is a right? What is a privilege?

– Are only certain people entitled to these things, or are they for everyone?

 

1. Every generation of people develop different characteristics due to the influence of different events,

technologies, and people in their lifetimes.

– Summarize events that you believe define your generation and why.

– Compare your generation to older generations.

– What are some potential misunderstandings?

 

2. Even if you don’t realize it, you use body language in addition to words when communicating with

people.

– How does body language aid communication and why is it important?

– What actions or gestures may be perceived as threatening? As friendly? Which are to be generally avoided?

– How can you misinterpret someone’s body language? Analyze the potential effects of misunderstanding someone’s body language using examples.

 

3. Across the world, public places such as libraries and museums are now smoke-free environments,

and restaurants are now required to have separate smoking and non-smoking sections. Some smoke-

free advocates are now campaigning to ban smoking in all public places.

– Do you think this is a good idea? Why or why not?

– To what degree is it acceptable if one person’s freedom infringes on another person’s rights?

– Are certain rights inalienable? What about privileges?

 

4. In today’s world, taking care of your body has become very important as more and more people

choose to exercise regularly, refrain from smoking and are very careful about the types of food they

put in their body. Becoming a vegetarian is an increasingly popular lifestyle decision all over the

world.

– What is the effect of consuming meat on our bodies?

– What is the effect of consuming meat on the environment?

– What are the challenges of being a vegetarian in Ukraine? How do Ukrainians typically view

vegetarians?

 

5. Bullying has always been a problem in schools, but now acts of cyber-bullying, or harassment take

place on the Internet. It deeply affects teens and can lead to serious consequences.

– In your opinion, who is responsible for addressing the issue of cyber-bullying, parents or schools?

If so, in what ways can they do this?

– Explain some ways that students can more safely communicate through the Internet.

– How can a community combat this phenomenon?

 

 

6. In many cultures age is regarded differently, either as a positive or a negative attribute.

– How are cultural values reflected in the way elders are treated?

– How are the elderly regarded in Ukrainian culture?

– What are the advantages and disadvantages of a society that places more value on youth?

 

7. Some people believe it is important to share the wisdom of age with younger generations so that they

can avoid making the same mistakes. What are some life lessons that have been passed down to you

from your grandparents or older family members?

– Do you believe these lessons are important?  Why?

– What traditions have been passed on to you?

– What constitutes wisdom and what makes one qualified to pass it on?

 

8. Imagine that you are a villain from your favorite book or movie. Give an apology to the hero of the

book or movie.

– Why would society look down on your past actions?

– How would you make amends?

– Do you believe it is possible to find redemption or do we always live with the consequences of our

actions in the past?

 

9. How would you explain diversity to a person who has lived in a homogenous society where

everyone looks the same?

– What examples can you give to explain this?

– Is it important to live in a place where there is diversity?

– How does living in a society influence a person’s worldview?

 

1. If you could write one law that would be enacted immediately, what would it be?

– Explain the primary aim of your law and why it is important.

– How is your law better, or an improvement upon, existing laws?

– Predict the outcome or effect on society if this law were to be enacted.

 

 

Stage Ii National Students Olympiad in the English Language

 

 

Writing Comprehension Test

For 11^th Form Students

 

Directions:

In this test you will select from three writing tasks.  Choose the one that you feel you are most capable to write about.  You will then begin writing your essay on the pages provided.  When you are finished close your papers, lay down your pen and wait for us to collect your test materials.

 

 

Writing Comprehension Test for 11th Form Students

 

1. Things like opera, ballet and theatre are considered high culture while television, video games and comic books are considered low culture.

• Evaluate the accuracy of such a judgment.
• Which types of such activities do you prefer and why?
• Do you think certain cultural activities are inherently better than others or is it a matter of taste? Who or what determines what is “high culture”?

 

2. Some people believe that different vocations are more important than others within a society; for example, an engineer or a doctor is more important than a journalist or a lawyer.

• Evaluate the importance of different vocations within a society, such as those requiring an education in humanities or liberal arts and those requiring education in the fields of science and technology. Do you believe some are more important than others; use examples to defend your position.
• Identify and describe criteria for what determines the importance of a profession.
• Is it necessary to have so many different professions in the world?

 

3. Parents often have certain expectations for their children regarding education, career, and life

choices.

• Do you think it is more important to listen to your parents or follow your heart?
• How do parental expectations affect the lives of their children?
• What societal factors shape parental expectation?