Grade 9: ENGLISH HOME LANGUAGE: ASSIGNMENT 4

Test your skill: Comprehension / Using language correctly / Summarising

Question 1: Read the text below, which contains deliberate errors, and answer the
questions which follow. [25]

Cell phones have been around for a while and have made their way into schools and
classrooms. Some people use their cell phones for texting their friends, some use them only
for emergencies and others use them to play games and music.

There are advantages of using cell phones in the classroom. Cell phones can be used as
calculators. Cell phones can also be used as digital cameras. Students can use them to take 5
pictures on field trips or for other projects and presentations. Using the Internet on cell
phones can be convenient. Sometimes there may not always be enough computers, so
students can use Internet access on their phones.

There are numerous disadvantages for cell phones in the classrooms. One main concern is
that they distract students. They text messages or play games on their cell phones during 10
class, and it can take away from learning important material. Secondly, if a cell phone goes
off in class, it disrupts the entire class. "As cell phones become more sophisticated and
powerful, opportunities for cheating increase" (Shaw, 2005). An example of this could be
that students … could take pictures of their notes on their phone and then use it during their
test to cheat. Another major concern is students could use their cell phone to take 15
inaproppriate pictures in locker rooms or restrooms (Shaw, 2005).

Many people, including teachers, have opposing opinions on the matter of cell phones at
school. There are polls and statistics relating directly to whether or not students should be
allowed to have their cell phones in schools. In a poll taken on the website
familyeducation.com, the question was asked, “Should schools allow cell phones?” Of the 20
3,040 people that participated in this poll, only 16 percent responded that cell phones
should absolutely not be permitted in schools. The other 84 percent responded that cell
phones should be allowed, but schools should control their use and impose limitations
during class time.

The topic of cell phones have been a long drawn-out debate for the school systems. 20
Although there are both positives and negatives to cell phone usage, it is up to the teachers
and schools to figure out ways to deal with this issue and regulate it to their abilities.

https://ed346.wikispaces.com/Cell+Phones+in+the+Classroom

Adapted from: Cell phones in the classroom by: Nicole Umstot, Tiffany Dicks, Missy Ray, Emily Fazenbaker, Eliza
Kleban [Date accessed: 15/05/2018]

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Comprehension [5]

1. Do you agree with the authors’ contention that it is up to teachers and schools to deal
with cell phone usage or school, or do you feel that parents need to control the matter?
Justify your answer. (2)

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2. Do you feel that the disadvantages of cell phones at school outweigh the advantages?
Justify your answer. (2)

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3. Apart from the reason mentioned in the text, how else could a learner use a cell phone
to cheat in a test? (1)

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Using language correctly [10]

4. ‘Secondly, if a cell phone goes off in class, it disrupts the entire class.’ (lines 11-12)
Identify the main clause in the sentence. (1)
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5. ‘The topic of cell phones have been a long drawn-out debate for the school systems.’
(line20)
Correct the error of concord in the sentence and explain it. (2)
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6. "As cell phones become more sophisticated and powerful, opportunities for cheating
increase" (Shaw, 2005). (lines 12-13)
What is the function of the inverted commas in the sentence? (1)
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7. ‘Students use them to take pictures on field trips or for other projects and
presentations.’ (lines 5-6)
Rewrite the sentence in the passive voice. (2)
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8. Identify the spelling error in the text and correct it. (2)
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9. Supply a synonym for the word ‘sophisticated’ (line 12). (1)

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10. What is the adjectival form of the noun ‘opportunities’ (line 13)? (1)
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Summary [10]

11. Summarise the passage in five points using about 70-80 words.
 Use your own words as far as possible.
 Each point must be a full sentence.
 Indicate the number of words used at the end of your summary. (10)

1. ________________________________________________________________________
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2. ________________________________________________________________________
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3. ________________________________________________________________________
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4. ________________________________________________________________________
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5. ________________________________________________________________________
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