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LE,MBAGA PEPERIKSAAN
KEMENTERIAN PE,LAJARAN MALAYSIA
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SIJIL PE,LAJARAN MALAYSIA 2OI2

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ENGLISH FOR SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Kertas 2
Nov./f)is.
1 ja*

Satu jam

JANGAN BUKA KERTAS SOALAN INI SEHINGGA DIBERITAHU

1.

Kertas soalon ini mengandungi 30 soalan.

2.

Jawab semua soalan.

3.

Tiap-tiap soalan diikuti oleh empat pilihan jawapan iaitu A, B, C dan D.

Bagi setiap soalan, pilih satlu jawapan sahaja. Hitamkan semuo jawapan anda
pada kertas jawapan objektif yang disediakan.

Kertas soalan ini mengandungi 15 halaman bercetak dan

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Questions I - 25 are based on the given stimuli. Study the information carefully
and choose the best answer.

Often described as a 'smile in the sky', a carcumzenithal arc occurs when

the sun shines at a right angle through high clouds (approximately
6100 - 7600 metres high) made of ice crystals about the size of salt grains,
which refract the light into a brilliant spectrum of colour. The arc is only
visible when the sky is free of low-level clouds and when the sun sits less
than about 33 degrees above the horizon.
Source: Discovery Channel Magazine, 2009

Which of the following conditions is necessary for the formation of a circumzenithal arc?

A
B
C
D

The sun shines at aright angle through high clouds made of ice crystals.
The position of the sun is at about 33 degrees above the horizon.
The salt grains in the sky refract the light into brilliant colours.
The sky is completely free of low-level clouds.

Hearing aids are sophisticated electronic devices that are used in

non-medical treatment of hearing loss. While hearing aids cannot help
everyone with hearing loss, they can improve hearing over 90 percent
in all cases. Hearing aids will not restore normal hearing. They do provide
amplification in selected frequency ranges, making it easier for wearers
to hear some of the sounds they have been missing, in most cases the softer
high-pitched speech consonants.
Source: Sof"ty & Health,2004

Which of the following statements is true about hearing aids?

A
B
C
D

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They can cure hearing problems in all cases.

They produce softer high-pitched speech sounds.
They will be able to restore normal hearing by 90 percent.

They select frequency ranges to help with missing sounds.

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ln 1609, Galileo Galilei made an improved telescope. Unfortunately,

the final image through Galileo's telescope was upside-down. Modern
telescopes for use on Earth have a different lens system so that the final
image is the right way up. A similar system is used for binoculars.
However, using this lens system blurs the image very slightly. Astronomers

looking at very small, dim objects prefer to have a clearer image,

even if it is upside-down.
Source: The Young Oxford Library of Science

Which of the following is the advantage of Galileo's telescope?

A
B
C
D

It gives

a clearer final image.

The final image is upside-down.

It blurs the image in binoculars.

The lens system is the right way up.

Many metals can be beaten into shape. We say they are malleable.
Gold is the most malleable metal as it can be beaten into very thin gold
leaf. Gold is also the most ductile metal, as it can be pulled into very
fine wire without breaking. Gold was once used to make coins,
but its main use today is in jewellery. Since gold is so prized,
it is called a precious metal. Silver is another beautiful precious metal
that has been used for jewellery since ancient times. However, its main
use today is in photography. Like gold, silver is ductile and malleable.
It is also the best conductor of heat and electricity that we know.

Which of the followirrg is true about gold and silver?

Silver

Gold

thin leaf.

Can be beaten into

Used in jewellery.

No longer used it jewellery.

Can be pulled into thin wire.

Cannot be pulled into thin wire.

Not a precious metal.

A precious metal.

thin leaf.

Can be beaten into

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Children's hernias result from a weakness in the abdominal wall

that is present at birth. The most common types of children's hernias
are umbilical and indirect inguinal. Umbilical hernias may heal without
surgery, but indirect inguinal hernias probably will not. Both umbilical
and inguinal hernias will cause a bulge that can be seen and felt.
Sourc e:

How

A
B
C
D

are

Health Today, 2003

umbilical and indirect inguinal hernias similar?

They heal naturally.

They require surgery.

They are visible swelling.

They weaken the abdominal wall.

Questions 6 and 7 are based on the following text.

Termitaries, or termite mounds which are made from soil and clay, are big
in size. ln the middle of a mound, there is the royal chamber where the queen
lives. lt is where she eats and breeds and does little else. Above the royal
chamber is the fungus garden that contains fungus plants that help nourish
the millions of inhabitants. Another part of the termitary is the chimneys. These
are vertical tubes within the mound that allow hot, moist air to rise and cool
the entire colony. Galleries are horizontal linking passages that connect up
the fungus gardens, access tunnels and royal chamber. There are also tiny
porous entry holes that draw air in to be circulated through the sump for cooling
and humidification. The lowest, coolest and most damp parts of the nest
are the cellars or sumps.
Source: Dis covery Magaztne

Which of the following statements is true about termite mounds?

A
B
C
D

They live in well-ventilated habitat.

They have nest made of fungus.

They breed in tunnels.

They need dry habitat.

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7 The diagram below shows a termite mound. Identifz the gailery.

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Questions 8 and 9 are based on the following text.

Avian influenza appears to spread from birds to humans through direct, close contact
with sick birds or with fecal-contaminated surfaces. As yet, there is no confirmed
evidence that avian influenza spreads from person to person. Influenza viruses,
however, mutate easily. Scientists and public health experts fear that an avian flu
strain might strike a person who is already infected with a human variant of influenza.
The two variants could swap, or combine, their viral components in the infected
person before spreading to other people. This combination of virus components could
even take place in a susceptible mammal. The result could be a novel virus strain
completely unknown to the human immune system. It could be especially virulent
and cause death in a high percentage of infected individuals, passing easily from person
to person. Such a virus could touch off a pandemic of influenza that could kill
millions of people.

Avian flu cafi be potentially dangerous to man as it can

A
B
C
D
g

spread to other mammals from birds

mutate and become a new strain

exchange with other

flu viruses

destroy our immune system

Avian flu can spread to humans through contact with

A
B
C
D

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susceptible mammals
infected individuals

flu patients
sick birds

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When a virus lands on the cell wall of a bacterium, the tail of the virus injects
genetic material into the bacterium. The bacterium makes copies of the virus's
genetic material and protein coating. Parts of the new viruses then come together.
The bacterial cell breaks open, releasing new viruses.

10

Which diagram shows the stage when a bacterium makes copies of virus's genetic
material?

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A young boy's ear has been bitten off by a dog. Re-attachment of the ear
is viable, but an adequate blood supply is vital to its survival. The surgeons
re-attach the ear using microsurgical techniques. However, the blood supply is still
compromised, and the tissues could perish. A leech is applied to the ear

to feed on the blood and maintain circulation, keeping the tissues alive.

This allows time for the ear's vessels to re-establish. Several months after surgery
the ear is healthy. The unique properties of the leech ensure that the operation
is a success in the long term.

11 At which

A
B
C
D

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stage is the leech applied to

the ear?

After the tissues perish.

After the

ear has been bitten.

After the

ear vessels re-establish.

After the re-attachment of the ear.

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Most scientists believe that the Moon was formed from the ejected
materia I after the Ea rth collided with a Mars-sized object.
The catastrophic collision occurred about 60 m illion yea rs after Ea rth
was formed a bout 4.3 billion yea rs ago.

12

When was the Moon formed?

A
B
C
D

Later than Earth.

Earlier than Earth.

Before the collision occured.
When Earth collided with Mars.

LOSS OF BONE DENSITY

IN WOMEN

.=

a
tr
o

E'

o
tr
o

20

30

4* 5*

S0

7fi

80

Age in years
LEGEND
I Menopause

13

What can be concluded from the graph?

A
B
C
D

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Bone density reaches its peak just before menopause.

Bone density continues to increase after the age of 30.
Bone density continues to increase after menopause.
Bone density reaches its peak at the age of 30.

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lf you stay in space for a long time, the effects of weightlessness are more

serious. As you r

m uscles no longer have to battle against gravity,

they get flabby and start to waste away. To keep them in good shape, you will
need to exercise regularly.

14 Why do muscles waste away after a long stay in space?

The muscles

A
B
C
D

experience the effects of weightlessness

endure the impact of extended time
have to battle against gravity

get flabby with exercise

Quick-drying solvent-based lacquers are made from resin o bta in ed

from the nitration of cotton and other cellulostic materials. These Iacquers
produce a very hard yet flexible, durable finish that can be polished
to a high sheen.

15 What does the word sheen mean?

A
B
C
D

Glow
Gloss
Glare

Glitter

ln a study, it was found that women who binged on French fries once
a week had a 21o/o more chance of developing diabetes than those who
ate none. lt was also found that eating five servings of potatoes per
week - fried, mashed or baked - increased the risk by 14o/o ovar those

who ate less than half a serving per week.

Potatoes breakdown quickly in our stomachs and create a fast, steep blood
sugar rise. When this happens too frequently, our insulin-regulating system may
be damaged, leading to diabetes. Overweight women are even more likely
to get diabetes from potato intake.

16

Who are more at risk of getting diabetes based on their potatoes intake?

A
B
C
D
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Those who eat half a serving of potatoes per week.

Women who eat French fries once a week.

Those who eat five servings of potatoes per week.

Overweight women who consume high potato intake.

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Wrist blood pressure monitor is a wearable device and this enables

the patient to measure his blood pressure at convenient time at home
or even during office hours. lt is easy to use, accurate and displays clear
digital measurements. Wrist blood pressure monitor technology is based
on the 'oscillometric method'. The term 'osciJ'lation' is the measuring
of vibration caused by the arterial pulse and is a non-invasive method
to determine blood preisure. lt is mercury-free, lightweight and compact.

17

Which of the following statements is true?

A
B
C
D

Oscillation is an invasive method to determine blood pressure at any time.

Oscillation is a device to measure blood pressure caused by the arterial pulse.
Wrist blood pressure monitor allows patients to measure blood pressure at any time.

Wrist blood pressure monitor is mercury-free, heavy and measures vibrations.

Questions 18 - 19 are based on the following text.

It takes more than an ordinary sponge to take on a slimy biofilm.

US researchers have found one up to the challenge. Biofilms can kill almost

anything, so when they discovered a sponge thriving in an otherwise

lifeless section of ocean, they were amazed.

They noticed the sponge growing unaffected in a bed of dead coral that
was completely biofouled. This led them to believe that the sponge

produced compounds to fight off biofouling, biofilms and bacterial

infections.
When analyzing the sponge in the lab, the team detected a chemical that

was able to reprogramme bacteria normally unaffected by antibiotics

and make them vulnerable to medicine. Good news for the thousands
of people killed by drug-resistant bacteria each year, bad news for those
slimy biofilms.

18

What can you conclude about the sponge?

A
B
C
D
19

It is a threat to all living organisms.

It survives in clear clean water.

It causes bacterial infections.

It has medicinal values.

What does the word thriving mean?

A
B
C
D

Extending
Spreading

Flourishing
Increasing

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Lasers produced using gases such as helium and neon are used in some

engineering procedures that require very precise alignment, such as

constructing tunnels because these lasers produce a fine line of continuous light.
Some lasers that produce intermittent pulsations of light are used in

a type of radar called lidar to calculate distances with the greatest

possible precision, as well as collecting detailed geographical data when

used from high in the atmosphere or in space. Using lenses to focus,
a very fine but powerful laser beam is produced. lt is used to drill very hard
materials and to perform microsurgical operations.
Source: Essential Atlas Technology, 2006

20

Based on the text above, which is the correct sequence?

Drill hard materials

B
I

To calcul ate distances with

precision

Construction of funnels

Perform nnicrosurgical operation

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Types of Headaches

Tension headache
Dull and oppressive pain occurring in the temples. Begins at the
back of the head and neck or in the forehead and spreads through
out the head.
Causes: muscular tension or bad posture

Cluster headache
Piercing and burning pain which occurs on one side of the head
and always in the same place.
Cause : unknown

Migraine
Pain is usually on one side of the head only. Often accompanied
by nausea, vomiting and vision problems.
Causes: hereditary factors or circulatory disturbances in the brain

Combination headache
Dull and oppressive pain that usually begins in the morning
and reoccurs between migraine attacks.
Cause : unknown
Source: The Complete Guide to Natural Healing, Readers Digest

21

Which of the following is true about the different types of headaches?

A Both cluster headache and migraine are caused by unknown factors.

B Both tension and combination headaches produce mild pain.
C All the headaches cause severe, unbearable pain.
D All the headaches occur throughout the head.

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Unlike the passengers in an aircraft, people on the ground can hear

a 'sonic boom' when a supersonic aircraft flies over. This is caused by
the aircraft squashing up air in front of it, creating a .shock wave, that
makes a loud sound.

Source: The Young Oxford Library of Science

22 In which area will people hear the 'sonic boom,?

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Questions 23 24 are based on the following text.

The increased exposure to air increases the amount of oxygen

available for combustion. For example, people often use small twigs

and pieces of wood called kindling to start a campfire. Kindling has a large
amount of surface area compared to its volume which means that kindling
heats and ignites more easily than thicker pieces of wood. Once ignited,
kindling burns quicklY.
Source: Encarta, 2006

23 Why does kindling burn quicklY?

A The large surface area to volume ratio.
B The amount of oxygen aYailable.
C The increased exposure to ant.
D The small stze of the twigs.
24 What does the word ignites mean?
A Burns brightly
B Catches fire
C Blows up
D Lets off

Amphibians tend to have smaller ranges and less tolerant of environment

change than birds and mammals, making them more vulnerable to habitat loss
and over-hunting. Yet neither factor is responsible for their drastic population
decline. Scientists blame these enigmatic declines on the fungal disease
chytridiomycosis, yet the fungus was present well over a decade before
the sudden declines began. Scientists suspect that environmental stresses
are making amphibians more susceptible to the fungus.
Source: I{ew Scientist, 2004

ZS

What is the main factor responsible for the population decline of amphibians?

A
B
C
D

They are less tolerant to environmental change.

They are unaffected by environmental stresses.
They are more vulnerable to habitat loss.
They are caused bY fungal disease.

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- 30 qre based on the following passage. Choose the most oppropriate

the
options given.
from

Questions 26
answer

Typhonium flagelliforme, or Keladi Tikus, which is a form of yam, can be

easily found in the Malaysian forest. lt has been used
internal
injuries and edema. The rhizomes of the plant have traditionally been used

for 26

as expectorant for coughs and as treatment for pulmonary 27 . ln the

Philippines, the floral inflorescence is used to 28 bleeding and help
in

wound healing.

The plant was found to possess anti-cancer 29 in early 1990s but

until today it has not been used officially as anti-cancer remedy because
the active compounds have not been discovered. However, this plant has been

used extensively as one of the components of traditional herb for 30

breast, lung, colon and liver cancer. ltokawa and Takeya (1993) discovered
that extracts of the fresh roots, rhizomes, stems and leaves of flagelliforme
had cytotoxic activity against P388 cells.

26 A
B
C
D
27 A

B
C
D
28 A
B
C
D

29 A
B
C
D

identifying
managing

relieving
cleaning

30 A
B
C
D

syndromes
ailments
failures
matters

traits
feafures

qualities

properties

resisting
repellirrg
combating
conflicting

arrest
offset
confine

withstand

KERTAS SOALAN TAMAT

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