SAINT MARY UNIVERSITY

English Group Work Assignment

Science of Cryptography: Safeguarding
Information in the Digital Era
Department: Computer Science
Section D
Group 4 Members
Name
ID
1 Metsnanat Berhanu
RCD/0613/2017
2 Selamawit Nurga
RCD/0629/2017
3 Bemnet Reta
RCD/0762/2017
4 Matiyas Fasil
RCD/0608/2017
5 Nardos Michael
RCD/0618/2017
6 Simon Feyera
RCD/0631/2017
7 Salih Mubarek
RCD/0624/2017

Submitted
To: Mr. Tekalign Zewdie
Submitted
Date: 20/ May / 2025
Table Content
I. Introduction
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II. Objective
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III. Part I
a. Activity 4.1
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b. Activity 4.2
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c. Activity 4.3
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d. Activity 4.4
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e. Activity 4.5
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f. Activity 4.6
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IV. Part II: Grammar

a. Reported Speech
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b. Activity 4.7
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 c. Activity 4.8
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d. Activity 4.9
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e. Activity 4.10
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f. Activity 4.11
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g. Activity 4.12
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V. Part III: Speaking
a. Activity 4.13
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VI. Part IV: Writing
a. Activity 4.14
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VII. Part V: Reading
a. The Science of Cryptography
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b. Comprehension Questions
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VIII. Part IV: Picture
a. Journey of Growth
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IX. Reference
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Introduction
This comprehensive assignment is designed to enhance your English
language skills through diverse and interactive activities. From Activity 4.1
to 4.14, you will engage in critical reading, analytical writing, and creative
expression. The tasks include: Compare perspectives (e.g., indigenous vs.
scientific knowledge) and articulate reasoned arguments. Apply key
concepts such as reported speech, verb tenses, and sentence
transformation in context.

Based on the instructions answer True/False, Multiple Choice, and Short

Answer questions on passages to test your understanding. Apply key
concepts such as reported speech, verb tenses, and sentence
transformation in context. Develop well-organized paragraphs, including
picture-based prompts that require descriptive or interpretive responses.

Each activity builds progressively, reinforcing your ability to analyse texts,

express ideas clearly, and use language accurately. Follow instructions
carefully, support answers with evidence, and showcase your creativity in
writing tasks.

Objectives:

✓ Strengthen comprehension and inference skills.

✓ Improve coherence and grammar in writing.

✓ Develop the ability to connect visual prompts with written expression.

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Part I: Indigenous Knowledge

Activity 4.1

Instruction: Answer the following questions

1. What is indigenous knowledge?

 Indigenous Knowledge is a term used to refer to the large body of local knowledge
held by indigenous people and includes customs, traditions, traditional ecological
knowledge (TEK), group history, spiritual beliefs, cosmology and traditional language.
It is commonly passed down through the generations orally (via word of mouth),
usually from elder to youth. This knowledge is often viewed holistically by indigenous
groups with each component being greatly inter-connected; forming the foundation
of a group's identity and how they are identified by others.
2. Do you know community knowledge in your local area which is
useful for development, Medicine, or any other?
 Yes, many communities possess valuable indigenous knowledge that
contributes to sustainable development and healthcare. For
example: herbal medicine, agriculture practices such as crop
rotation and intercropping and water conservation.
3. What is your view about indigenous knowledge as compared to
scientific knowledge?
 Indigenous Knowledge is Holistic, sustainable, culturally relevant,
and time-tested but often lacks systematic documentation and may
not always align with modern scientific validation. However
Scientific Knowledge is Evidence-based, rigorously tested, and
universally applicable but can be detached from local contexts and
sometimes overlooks traditional wisdom.
4. Different countries claim the origin of human beings is their own
country. What do you say about their claims?
 from a scientific perspective, human beings originated in Africa
around 200,000 - 300,000 years ago, based on fossil and genetic
evidence. Examples of claims: Ethiopia, China, Indonesia and etc.

Our view: Scientific evidence strongly supports Africa as the cradle if

humankind specially Ethiopia, home to Lucy (Australopithecus
afarensis) and early Homo Sapiens fossils. However respecting
diverse cultural narrative is important.

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Activity 4.2

Instruction: Answer the following questions.

1. What is the central idea of the paragraph?

 The central idea of the paragraph is that while modern scientific
knowledge has led to significant advancements in human
development (such as food production, medicine, and global
communication), it alone cannot solve all global challenges like
poverty, disease, and inequality. The author emphasizes that local
knowledge and needs have historically driven human innovation,
suggesting that a balanced approach combining indigenous wisdom
and scientific progress is essential for sustainable development.
2. What is the cause for the need of knowledge development?
 The need for knowledge development arose from local needs, daily
survival challenges, and the desire to improve living conditions.
Early humans sought knowledge to feed their families, stay healthy,
understand their environment, resolve conflicts and find ways to
make life less harsh.
Over time, this practical, experience-based learning evolved into
formal scientific methods, but the root motivation remained solving
real-life problems.
3. Based on the information in the above paragraph, what do you think
the author will be writing about in the succeeding paragraphs?
 The author will likely discuss local pathways to global development
emphasizing that sustainable solutions must respect and
incorporate grassroots wisdom rather than imposing top-down, one-
size-fits-all scientific models.

Activity 4.3:

Instruction; Answer the following questions.

1. What are the advantages of the indigenous knowledge?

 Indigenous knowledge (IK) offers numerous benefits like helping
communities address challenges like food security, healthcare, and
conflict resolution in culturally appropriate ways also promotes
environmentally friendly practices (e.g., natural resource
management in Mozambique) and provides affordable solutions,
such as traditional medicine for HIV/AIDS patients in Tanzania.
2. What are the important points scientists, politicians and others
missed about Indigenous knowledge?
 While critics dismiss IK as “unscientific,” its real-world successes
(e.g., saving lives in Tanzania) prove its practical value, even without
formal validation, ensuring long-term adoption—unlike top-down

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projects that often fail due to lack of local buy-in and integrating it
with modern methods could yield more holistic solutions (e.g.,
combining herbal medicine with pharmaceuticals).

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Activity 4.4:

Instruction: Write a concluding paragraph to this passage in groups.

In conclusion, the passage underscores that indigenous knowledge (IK)

and self-reliance are foundational to sustainable development. While
external capacity-building efforts often assume local communities lack
knowledge, history shows their resilience in adapting to challenges. True
empowerment comes from within—communities innovating, learning, and
sharing solutions. For global development to succeed, science and
policymakers must recognize IK as an equal partner, fostering mutual
learning rather than imposing external frameworks. As seen in Tanzania
and beyond, self-empowerment, not aid dependency, drives lasting
progress.

Activity 4.5:

Instruction: Answer the following questions based on the information in

the passage.

1. How did the author know the three people were family members
and were capable of Speech?
 The author did not know for certain but made a reasonable
assumption based on the footprints (two adults and a child) found in
Laetoli, Tanzania. The idea that they could communicate is
speculative but rooted in evidence that early hominids had
rudimentary speech capabilities.
2. What do you say about the three people found in Tanzania
compared to Lucy in Ethiopia?
 Laetoli footprints is a 3.6 million years old, attributed to
Australopithecus afarensis, showing bipedalism and provide direct
evidence of group behaviour. However, Lucy is a 3.2 million years
old of Australopithecus afarensis, confirming upright walking.
3. Why were people inspired to develop their knowledge?
 To solve daily survival challenges like feeding families, staying
healthy, understanding their environment, resolving conflicts, and
improving quality of life.
4. What is the author’s idea concerning indigenous knowledge
compared to scientific Knowledge?
 indigenous knowledge is undervalued but complements science so
science alone can't solve global crises and both should collaborate
5. What are the advantages of indigenous knowledge to development?

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  For sustainability, local relevance (culturally appropriate solutions),
cost effectiveness and empowerment (communities drive their own
progress).
6. What is your view concerning indigenous knowledge?
 IK is a vital, underutilized resource. While it lacks formal scientific
validation, its practical success in communities proves its value.
Integrating IK with modern science could bridge gaps in
development.
7. How do you think one can influence African farmers, communities,
etc to cope with the economic and political environment?
 Using traditional adaptive practices, combining IK with modern
technologies and strengthen local knowledge sharing systems.
8. Describe self- reliance and self- empowerment in the development
discourse.
 Self-Reliance is Local solutions driven by IK (e.g., Tanzania’s post-
independence *Ujamaa* policy). However Self-Empowerment is
communities owning their development (e.g., Eritrea reducing child
mortality via local health practices). Both reject dependency on
external aid.

Activity 4.6:

Instruction: The following words are the opposite meanings of words used
in the passage. Find the words which have opposite meanings to the given
ones below.

1. Unconvincing: Persuasive
2. Discord: solidarity
3. Restricted: Open
4. Increase: Reduce
5. Peculiar: common

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Part II Grammar: Reported speech

Reported speech (also called indirect speech) is used to tell someone what
another person said without using their exact words. It involves changes
in tenses, pronouns, time/place references, and often uses reporting verbs
like said, told, asked, explained.

1. Basic Rules for Reported Statements

A. Tense Changes

Direct Speech Indirect speech

Present simple Past simple
Ex: - “I like apples.” Ex: - She said she liked
apples.

Present continuous Past continuous

Ex: - “I am studying.” Ex: - He said he was
studying.

Past simple Past Perfect

Ex: - “she went home.” Ex: - They said she had
gone home.

Will Would
Ex: - “I will help.” Ex: - she said she would
help

B. Pronoun & Adverb Changes

Direct Speech Reported Speech

I → he/she “I am tired.” → She
said she was tired.
You → me/him/her “You should go.” → He
told me I should go.
This → that “This is my book.” →
She said that was her
book.
Here → there “Stay here.” → He told
us to stay there.
Today → that day “I’ll do it today.” → She
promised to do it that
day.

2. Reported Questions

A. Yes/No Questions

Use if/whether + subject + verb (no question mark).

-” Are you coming?” → She asked if I was coming.

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-” Do you like tea?” → He asked whether I liked tea.

B. Wh- Questions

Keep the question word (who, what, where) but change word order to
subject + verb.

-” Where do you live?” → She asked where I lived.

-” What are you doing?” → He asked what I was doing.

3. Reported Commands & Requests

Use to + infinitive (for commands) or not to + infinitive (for negative

commands).

-” Close the door.” → She told me to close the door.

-” Don’t shout.” → He asked us not to shout.

4. Common Reporting Verbs

- Say (no object): She said she was busy.

- Tell (requires object): He told me to wait.

- Ask/Request/Order: They asked if we had tickets.

5. Special Cases

 Modals:

- Can → Could:” I can swim.” → She said she could swim.

- Must → Had to:” You must go.” → He said I had to go.

 Time Expressions:

- Tomorrow → The next day

- Yesterday → The day before

Examples:

1. Direct: “I am going to the store now,” he said.

Reported: He said that he was going to the store then.

2. Direct: “We have been working hard all day,” they said.

Reported: They said that they had been working hard all day.

3. Direct: “Can you help me with this?” she asked.

Reported: She asked if I could help her with that.

4. Direct: “Don’t forget to call me,” he told me.

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 Reported: He told me not to forget to call him.

5. Direct: The doctor said, “You must stay in bed for a week.”

Reported: The doctor said that I had to stay in bed for a week.
(Obligation)

6. Direct: She said to me, “If you give me your number, I will visit”

Reported: She said that if I gave her my number, she would visit

# Common Mistakes to Avoid:

• Forgetting to backshift the tense.

• Failing to change pronouns correctly.

• Not adjusting time and place adverbs.

• Using the wrong reporting verb.

Activity 4. 7:

Instruction: Read the following paragraph and underline the reported

speech, and circle any quoted speech. Then, discuss about their
differences between the two in your group

Underlined (Reported Speech):

- She said that the architecture was fascinating...

- Maria said she didn’t [go up] ...

- Maria said that there were many shopping centres...

Circled (Quoted Speech):

- “I don’t even like being on a second-story balcony...”

- “unbelievably hot”

- “It was the perfect ending...”

Differences:

1. Reported Speech:

- Indirectly conveys someone’s words (e.g., She said that...).

- Changes pronouns/tense (e.g., “I saw” → She said she had seen).

- No quotation marks.

2. Quoted Speech:

- Directly repeats the speaker’s exact words.

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 - Uses quotation marks and retains original pronouns/tense.

Activity 4.8:

Instruction: Find the reported speech in the following dialogue in group.

Reported Speech in this dialogue:

1. Mark: Dad says that he’s lost his voice.

2. Mark: He says he went to the football match last night.

3. Mark: He says he would like some toast with honey.

Activity 4. 9:

Instruction: Read the following dialogue and change the sentences into
reported speech developing a paragraph. Discuss the paragraph you have
developed in a group. Explain how you changed the direct speech into
indirect speech to your group members.

Reported Speech Paragraph:

My friend asked me where I was. They inquired what I would choose, and
he wanted to know if I was flying soon. The porter asked if he could help
me, and another person questioned whether I had set my alarm clock. We
needed to determine if Prague was the capital, while Peter asked if I would
rather dance. He also wondered how long I had been standing there. She
asked what I did, and Joe wanted to know if I wanted it. They asked where
I had lived, and he was curious why I was reading that magazine.

Rules Applied:

1. Tense Shift: Present → Past (e.g., are → was).

2. Pronoun Changes: you → I/me.

3. Question Word Order: Inverted questions → statement form (e.g., “Are

you?” → if I was).

Activity 4.10:

Instruction: Read the following story and change the direct speech
sentences into reported speech developing a paragraph. Discuss the
paragraph you have developed in a group. When you discuss each of the
group members’ paragraphs, explain how you changed the direct speech
into indirect (reported) speech to your group members.

Reported speech paragraph

Merhawit had told us that it was easy to ‘acquire’ the monkeys. I reached
very slowly and gently for one particular monkey. He looked at my hand,

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considering it. Then I scratched the little monkey’s back. As I did, I closed
my eyes and focused my thoughts on the monkey. He became quiet, as if
he were in a trance. That’s how animals usually are when they’re being
acquired. I absorbed the monkey DNA into me.

Rahel commented that it should be especially easy as she finished

acquiring a different monkey. She explained that these monkeys weren’t
direct relatives of Homo Sapiens but added that most of their DNA would
still be identical.

Rahel then interjected that, in Natanym’s case, it would be ninety-nine-

point nine percent identical. Natanym retorted that it was like the fact that
Rahel’s DNA was actually ninety-nine percent identical to Malibu Barbie.

I said impatiently that we should concentrate there. Rahel asked Merhawit

if she had any problems with the monkey’s mind when she morphed.
Merhawit replied that she hadn’t, except that they were very excitable.

I concentrated on a mental image of the monkey, and very quickly, I

began to feel the changes. I shrank, and brown fur sprouted from my arms
and legs. My lips puffed out to form a big muzzle. The largest change was
the tail, which came shooting out from the base of my spine.

Rahel remarked that the tail was neat and suggested that I try moving it,
explaining that it was just like an extra hand. Merhawit replied that it had
been an easy morph.

The changes that have been made are: -

1. Tense Shifts:

- Present → Past (e.g.,” This should be easy” → Rahel commented that it

should be especially easy).

- Past → Past Perfect (e.g.,” Did you have problems?” → Rahel asked if
she had had problems).

2. Pronoun Adjustments:

-” I” → she/he/they (e.g.,” I absorbed” remained first-person since it’s

narration, but” You try moving it” → She suggested that I try moving it).

3. Question Format:

- Direct questions (e.g.,” Did you have problems?”) became indirect

(e.g., Rahel asked if she had had problems).

4. Removal of Quotation Marks:

- All quoted speech was integrated into the narrative without quotes.

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5. Added Reporting Verbs: (commented, explained, interjected, retorted,
remarked, suggested to clarify speakers).

Activity 4. 11:

Instruction: Change the direct speech into indirect speech in the following
dialogue, and write it in a paragraph.

Your answer

Betru asked Tedla what he was doing there, adding that he hadn’t seen
him since June. Tedla replied that he had just come back from his holiday
in Nekemte. Betru asked if he had enjoyed it. Tedla exclaimed that he
loved Nekemte and mentioned that the people there had been so friendly.
Betru then inquired whether Tedla had gone to Shambu. Tedla answered
that it had been his first trip and offered to show him some pictures. He
then asked Betru if he was doing anything the next day. Betru responded
that he had to arrange a couple of things but was free that night. Tedla
suggested that Betru might come to his place and asked what time they
should meet. Betru confirmed that he would be there at eight and asked if
that was all right.

Activity 4.12:

Instruction: Read about direct and indirect speech from books, make notes
and present your notes to your group members about:

a) How statements, questions, and other types of sentences are

changed from direct to indirect speech; and
1. Statements
- Direct:” I love Nekemte.”
- Indirect: Tedla said (that) he loved Nekemte.
 Rule:
- Add that (optional).
- Shift tense back (present → past).

2. Questions:

 Yes/No Questions:

- Direct:” Did you enjoy it?”

- Indirect: Betru asked if/whether he had enjoyed it.

 Rule: Use if/whether + subject-verb order (no

inversion).

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  Wh- Questions:

- Direct:” What are you doing?”

- Indirect: Betru asked what he was doing.

 Rule: Keep the question word (what, where), but

structure as a statement.

3. Commands/Suggestions:

- Direct:” Come to my place.”

- Indirect: Tedla suggested that Betru come to his place.

 Rule: Use to + infinitive (e.g., told him to come)

or suggested that.

4. Exclamations:

- Direct:” How friendly!”

- Indirect: Tedla exclaimed that the people were friendly.

b) The tense, pronoun and adverb changes to your group members.

1. Tense Shifts (Back shifting):
- Present → Past:” I love” → He said he loved
- Past → Past Perfect:” I went” → He said he had gone
- Will → Would:” I’ll be there” → He said he would be there
2. Pronoun Changes:
- I → he/she
- You → me/him/her (depending on context).
- Example:” Are you free?” → He asked if I was free.
3. Adverb Adjustments:
- Now→ Then
- Today → That day
- Tomorrow → The next day
- Here → There

Part III Speaking

Activity 4.13:

Instruction: Discuss the following points in groups.

1. How do you justify that human life began in Ethiopia, and Lucy’s
remnants are

acceptable?

 Justifying Human Origins in Ethiopia & Lucy’s Significance based on

scientific evidence: Ethiopia’s Afar region (where Lucy was found)
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 has yielded 3.2-million-year-old fossils of Australopithecus afarensis,
a key human ancestor. Based on Social Anthropology:
Palaeontologists recognize East Africa as the “cradle of humankind”
due to the oldest hominid fossils found there.

2. Debate on: Indigenous knowledge is more important than scientific

knowledge vs

scientific knowledge is more important than indigenous knowledge

 scientific knowledge remains indispensable for global progress

better than indigenous knowledge due to its systematic, evidence-
based, and universally applicable nature. Here’s why prioritizing
scientific knowledge is crucial like Rigorous Methodology &
Verifiability which relies on the scientific method—hypothesis,
experimentation, peer review, and reproducibility—ensuring
conclusions are objective and verifiable. And Innovation &
Technological Advancement which Science drives quantum leaps in
medicine (CRISPR gene editing), space exploration, and AI—areas
where IK has limited reach.

3. Tell your friends about an herbal medicine people in your community

use. Do you

appreciate the people using it? What is your opinion about herbal
medicines?

 Example: “Garlic” used to reduce the risk of heart disease and

lower cholesterol. Appreciation: Yes—herbal medicines are
affordable to get and respectively cultured. Opinion: Herbal
medicines are valuable but its crucial to discuss the herbal
medicines with doctor or qualified healthcare provider.

Part IV Writing

Activity 4.14:

Instruction: Write a paragraph on the following point.

1. Write a paragraph on the points you agree and disagree with the author
of the above text. Give reasons for your agreement and disagreement.

 Agree: The Author emphasis that indigenous knowledge (IK)

promote self-reliance (like adapting to new climate change) and
ownership (e.g., Senegalese women ending FGM). Reason:
Indigenous knowledge has much to say about the ecosystem and
the ways in which communities can ensure the sustainability of
natural resources.

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  Disagree: The Author ensure science’s role by dismissing scientific
risks of unverified practices (e.g., unsafe herbal remedies) and role
in scaling solution (e.g., vaccines eradicating smallpox). Indigenous
knowledge is only culturally tailored and community owned not
evidence based and globally validated.

2. Write a paragraph about the advantages or disadvantages of using

herbal medicines.

 Advantages of using herbal medicines: Its accessibility is affordable

even some of them are gained at low cost (e.g., ginger) and cultural
relevance has been trusted and accepted for many generations
(e.g., using turmeric for inflammation)

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Part V: Cryptography

The Science of Cryptography: Safeguarding Information in the

Digital Era

Cryptography, the cornerstone of modern information security, is the

scientific discipline that transforms readable data into an unintelligible
format through encryption, ensuring only authorized parties can access
the original information. Rooted in mathematical principles and computer
science, cryptography has evolved from ancient substitution ciphers like
the Caesar cipher to sophisticated algorithms such as AES (Advanced
Encryption Standard) and RSA (Rivest-Shamir-Adleman), which protect
everything from online banking transactions to classified government
communications.

At its core, cryptography operates through two primary methods:

symmetric encryption, where a single key is used for both encryption and
decryption (e.g., AES-256 for secure messaging), and asymmetric
encryption, which employs a pair of keys—a public key for encryption and
a private key for decryption (e.g., RSA for SSL/TLS protocols). Beyond
encryption, cryptographic techniques include hash functions (like SHA-256
in blockchain technology), which generate fixed-length digests to verify
data integrity, and digital signatures, which authenticate the sender and
ensure message non-repudiation.

With the advent of quantum computing, traditional cryptographic systems

face unprecedented threats, as quantum algorithms like Shor’s can
potentially break widely used protocols, prompting the development of
post-quantum cryptography to future-proof digital security.
Cryptography’s applications are vast, spanning secure communication
(WhatsApp’s end-to-end encryption), e-commerce (credit card
transactions via TLS), and even cryptocurrencies (Bitcoin’s elliptic curve
digital signatures). As cyber threats grow increasingly sophisticated,
cryptography remains indispensable in preserving confidentiality,
integrity, and authenticity in an interconnected world, continually
adapting through innovations like homomorphic encryption (processing
encrypted data without decryption) and zero-knowledge proofs.

Ultimately, cryptography is not just a tool for secrecy but a foundational

pillar of trust in the digital age, balancing the dual imperatives of security
and accessibility in an era of pervasive data exchange.

Comprehension Questions

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 I. Which of the following statement can be best option from
the passage?

1. What is the primary purpose of cryptography?

a) To increase internet speed

b) To transform readable data into an unreadable format for security

c) To create new programming languages

d) To design video game graphics

2. Which of the following is an example of symmetric encryption?

a) RSA

b) AES-256

c) ECC

d) SHA-256

3. What is the main difference between symmetric and asymmetric

encryption?

a) Symmetric uses two keys, while asymmetric uses one

b) Symmetric is slower than asymmetric

c) Symmetric uses a single key, while asymmetric uses a public-private

key pair

d) Symmetric is only used in blockchain

4. Which cryptographic technique ensures data integrity by generating a

fixed-length digest?

a) RSA encryption

b) Hash functions (e.g., SHA-256)

c) Caesar cipher

d) Quantum cryptography

Answer: b) Hash functions (e.g., SHA-256)

5. What emerging technology threatens traditional cryptographic

systems?

a) Fibres-optic cables

b) Quantum computing

c) Cloud storage
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 d) Artificial intelligence

II. Write ' True' if the statement is correct and ' False ' if the
statement is incorrect based on the information in the
passage

6. The Caesar cipher is an example of modern cryptography.

7. Asymmetric encryption uses the same key for both encryption and
decryption.

8. SHA-256 is commonly used in blockchain technology.

9. Quantum computing has no impact on current cryptographic methods.

10. Homomorphic encryption allows data to be processed while still

encrypted.

III. Answer the following questions in short, ensuring your

responses are grounded in the provided information from
the passage

11. Name one real-world application of asymmetric encryption.

12. What is the main advantage of hash functions in cryptography?

13. Why is post-quantum cryptography being developed?

14. How do digital signatures enhance security in communications?

15. What is one limitation of symmetric encryption compared to

asymmetric encryption?

Answer

Part one Multiple Choice

1 b) To transform readable data into an unreadable format for security

2 b) AES-256

3 c) Symmetric uses a single key, while asymmetric uses a public – private

key pair

4 b) Hash functions (e.g., SHA-256)

5 b) Quantum computing

Part two True/False

6 False 9 False

7 False 10 True

8 True
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Part three Short Answer

11 SSL/TLS for secure websites (e.g., online banking).

12 They verify data integrity by generating unique fixed-length digests.

13 To protect against Quantum computing threats that can break

traditional encryption.

14 They authenticate the sender and ensure the message has not been
altered.

15 symmetric encryption requires securely sharing a single key.

Part VI: Journey of Growth

The Journey of Growth: A Metaphor for

the Self

Growth is not a straight path but a spiral staircase—each turn revealing

familiar challenges in new light, each step upward demanding courage to
release what no longer serves us. Like a seed breaking through its shell to
reach for the sun, we too must shatter our self-imposed limitations, not
with violence but with the quiet persistence of a river carving canyons
through stone. The mind, much like a garden, requires both storms and

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sunshine—moments of discomfort that stretch our roots deeper, and
seasons of stillness that allow integration.

We are all alchemists in the laboratory of our souls, transforming the

leaden weight of past failures into the gold of wisdom, learning that every
stumble holds the blueprint for stronger footing. True growth happens in
the unseen spaces: in the midnight questions that haunt us, in the
mornings we choose hope over habit, in the way we outgrow relationships
and ideologies like a snake shedding skin—not because they were wrong,
but because we have become more.

It is the art of holding paradox—being both the sculptor and the clay, the
warrior and the wound, the voice that trembles yet still speak. With time
and intention, we come to understand that growth is not about arriving,
but becoming; not about perfection, but wholeness; not about erasing our
shadows, but learning to dance with them in the light of self-awareness.
The most profound transformations often leave no outward mark, yet they
rearrange our inner universe, teaching us that we are not meant to stay as
we are, but to unfold, petal by petal, into the vastness of our potential.

Mental and personal growth is a lifelong journey that requires dedication,

effort, and a willingness to learn and adapt. It involves developing new
skills, expanding one’s knowledge, and challenging oneself to step outside
of one’s comfort zone. This process can be both exciting and daunting, as
it requires a great deal of self-reflection and introspection.

However, the rewards of mental and personal growth are immeasurable,

as it leads to greater self-awareness, improved relationships, and a more
fulfilling life. By continuously striving for personal growth, individuals can
unlock their full potential and achieve their goals and dreams. This
journey is not always easy, but with the right mind-set and support, it is
possible to achieve the growth and success that one desires.

Like a seed buried deep within the earth, mental and personal growth
begins in the quiet darkness of introspection. Initially, it’s a process
shrouded in uncertainty, a slow and unseen unfolding fuelled by curiosity,
challenges, and the relentless pressure to adapt and evolve. Cracks begin
to form in the shell of old beliefs and limiting perspectives, allowing
glimmers of light and newfound understanding to penetrate. This initial
germination is often uncomfortable, involving facing difficult truths and
confronting ingrained habits. As the seedling pushes upward, it
encounters resistance from the compacted soil of past experiences and
ingrained fears.

Each obstacle overcome, each lesson learned, strengthens the stalk,

making it more resilient to the storms of life. The leaves unfurl,

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representing a growing awareness of the self and the world, capable of
absorbing wisdom and transforming challenges into opportunities. The
plant may bend and sway in the wind, representing the flexibility and
adaptability gained through life’s trials, but its roots remain firmly
grounded in a foundation of self-acceptance, resilience, and a
commitment to continued growth. Just as a plant reaches for the sun, so
too does mental and personal growth propel us toward our fullest
potential, a radiant expression of our authentic selves, contributing beauty
and strength to the world around us.

Reference
 Communicative English Language Skills II Book of Freshman
 [Link]
 “The Code Book” by Simon Singh
 “Cryptonomicon” by Neal Stephenson
 “The Untethered Soul” by Michael A. Singer

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