Free CXC English A Paper 1 May/June 1999 past paper from 1999. Includes a worked answer key. Open the PDF, take a timed test, and study with AI on Caribbean AI.
Answer keys are free on Caribbean AI. View the answers to every past-paper question at no cost - no payment needed - with step-by-step worked solutions and instant AI marking available on Premium.
CSEC English A Paper 1 May/June 1999 - Free CXC Past Paper with Answers
Free CXC English A Paper 1 May/June 1999 past paper from 1999. Includes a worked answer key. Open the PDF, take a timed test, and study with AI on Caribbean AI.
Opening the interactive papers…
Every question from this paper as text. See the answers and worked solutions. Questions are the property of the Caribbean Examinations Council; Caribbean AI is not affiliated with CXC.
Artisans make use of original designs in their craftwork.
copied
distant
obvious
secondary
Workers need to be re-trained if they are to succeed in business.
fail
hustle
progress
satisfy
He made derogatory remarks about the young man who could not read the message on the board.
interesting
degrading
hurtful
uplifting
Directions: Each sentence in this section is followed by four sentences. Choose the one nearest in meaning the original sentence. Be sure to read all four choices before you select your answer and mark your choice on your answer sheet.
Since I went to the shop yesterday, I do not need to go there today.
Since I did not want to go there today, I went to the shop yesterday.
I went to the shop yesterday because I do not need to go there today.
Having gone to the shop yesterday, I do not need to go there today.
Yesterday I went to the shop and I do not need to go there again today.
The accident may have been due to the wetness of the road and not necessarily to careless driving.
The wetness of the road and the careless driving caused the accident.
The accident was caused more by the wet road than by the driver's unnecessary carelessness.
Careless driving had nothing to do with the accident which occurred on the wet road.
The driver was involved in the accident not necessarily because he was careless but probably because the road was wet.
If Mr. Jones plans to stay overnight in Brussels his secretary will reserve a hotel room for him.
Mr. Jones' secretary will reserve a hotel room for him when he stays overnight in Brussels.
Unless Mr. Jones plans to stay overnight in Brussels, his secretary will reserve a hotel room for him.
Since Mr. Jones plans to stay overnight in Brussels, his secretary will reserve a hotel room for him.
Mr. Jones' secretary will reserve a hotel room for him should he plan to stay overnight in Brussels.
Another weakness discovered was a fleet of aircraft that, while efficient and effective when used for the missions for which they were designed, were ill-suited for the missions they were required to perform.
The company was in bad shape because it owned a fleet of aircraft which were too small to take the number of passengers who need to travel regularly.
One of the weaknesses of the company was that it owned a fleet of aircraft which were very good at the time they were bought but were now too old and in need of repair.
The company's problem was that it was using perfectly good aircraft in ways that they were not intended to be used.
One of the problems of the company was that it did not take the manufacturers' advice on how to use their aircraft.
Despite displaying a face that belied recent personal injury, the witness confirmed that the attack on him was savage and brutal; and the judge commented that it was a most ghastly attack.
The witness who said that he was brutally attacked was so clearly lying that the judge remarked that he must have been attacked by a ghost.
Although one could not tell from his appearance, the witness maintained that he had suffered a vicious attack and the judge indicated his agreement with this statement.
The judge showed his bias by supporting the witness who said that he was brutally attacked even though his face showed that he was not telling the truth.
In spite of the fact that the witness testified that he was brutally and savagely beaten, his face was completely unmarked and the judge was sceptical about his evidence.
The bad state of the roads in Trinidad is a result of the poor application of asphalt technology and knowledge by the agencies involved in road building and maintenance.
The roads in Trinidad are bad because the engineers use poor quality asphalt to build them.
The agencies responsible for road building in Trinidad are improperly using the methods of making asphalt roads.
The use of poor asphalt instead of concrete is responsible for the bad road conditions in Trinidad.
The roads in Trinidad are bad because they are made of asphalt which is difficult to maintain.
The masqueraders who were jumping to the rhythm of the steel band music became very exhausted after a while and had to go home early.
Substitute so for very
and consequently they
and they
for they
that they
She told her parents a lie in order to escape punishment.
Substitute in order that for in order to
she might escape
she escaped
she escape
she will escape
The Australian cricketers fought valiantly against the West Indies team, but all their efforts were in vain.
Begin the sentence with: Despite their valiant efforts
would defeat
were defeated
defeated
would be defeated
She found, even after she had made several attempts to regulate the sprinkler, that the water was still reaching the furniture on the verandah.
Begin the sentence with: Having made
she found that
she had found that
she was finding that
and finding that
The cricket match ended abruptly when many of the spectators stormed the field.
Begin the sentence with: Many of the spectators stormed
make
preventing
causing
get
The heavy rains prevented us from attending the programme.
Begin the sentence with: We were prevented
because of
in addition
since
in spite of
According to this passage, many of the Arawaks and Caribs never practised Christianity because
they died before they got the chance to do so
they preferred their own religions
it did not fit in with their culture
it held no interest for them
The list, "Grotesque masks, jigging Jonkonnu dancers and acrobats, ghosts stories, Spanish music and pepperpot..." (lines 1-3), is most likely used by the writer
as a dramatic way to start the passage
to show some of the traditions associated with Christmas
because these things seem attractive and exotic
to illustrate that Caribbean Christmas customs originate from different cultures
Christmas morning services, Santa Claus and Christmas trees are examples of Christmas customs originating in
Africa
Jamaica
Europe
Spain
The events described in paragraph 4 (lines 25-32)
happened only in Jamaica
never really happened
are actual occurrences
are well known and therefore true
The word "probably" (line 33) suggests that the writer
felt the stories originated from frightened people.
did not know where the stories came from.
knew the stories started from ideas of imaginary creatures
thought the stories most likely came down on the plantations.
The writer's attitude to the masqueraders in lines 41-50 can best be described as
serious
humorous
critical
sarcastic
In lines 55-63 the writer shows that customs from the past
have been retained in contemporary Jamaica
have been lost to contemporary society
were discarded by Africans
were invented by slaves
The major emphasis of the passage is to show that the Caribbean Christmas customs
are derived solely from European traditions
are a combination of cultures
were dominated by the practices of African slaves
were introduced by plantation owners
The statement "a clear line was drawn" (line 1) is an example of
metaphor
pun
hyperbole
sarcasm
The MAIN argument of this passage is that
computers have made it necessary for persons to be educated
today's work force must be both educated and adaptable
the computer has replaced "native intelligence and friendly coaching"
a person must be educated in order to be retrained
The writer attempts to convince his audience through the use of all of the following EXCEPT:
contrast
repetition
specific reference
hyperbole
The passage may be described as
cynical
argumentative
informative
narrative
The MAIN purpose of this passage most likely is to
persuade students to remain in school
show that computers have made some jobs obsolete
highlight the difference between training and education
show that a good education is necessary for getting a wide range of jobs
The writer describes some of the things workers may have to do because he wants to
make readers aware of the level of formal education a worker today needs
make readers aware of the types of persons who are employed
make readers aware of the types of tasks workers may have to perform
make readers aware that the ability to learn is not enough to qualify them for employment
The phrase "cut out of the action" (lines 16-17) is an example of
dialect
slang
jargon
Standard English
According to the information in the advertisement which of the following statements is factual?
The catamaran is in impeccable condition.
The catamaran is serviced by a highly professional crew.
The catamaran offers two stops on its journey.
The catamaran assures you a fabulous day.
By using the words "comfort" (line 6), "quality" (line 8), and "excellent" (line 11) the writer hopes to
convince us his cruise is the best
make us knowledgeable about his sailing vessel
warn us about other cruises making similar claims
suggest that we take a cruise for fun
Items 34-39 The quotation, "it doesn't get any better than this". Lines 4-5
echo the feelings of the other people
highlight the company's success in getting customers
reinforce the motto of the cruise vessel
show the satisfaction the tourist feels after taking the cruise
The statements made in paragraph 1 (lines 1-3) appeal to the senses of
touch, smell and sight
sight, hearing, smell
taste, touch and sight
touch, smell and taste.
Lines 9-13 suggest that the services being offered:
are suitable for children over 10 years of age.
are suitable for adults who like swimming
are suitable for professional people
are suitable for any type of tourist
The last paragraph (line 14) suggests that the person taking the cruise could
leave all his money at home
come prepared to enjoy the day
bring only a smile
abandon all the cares of the world
The "silver horn" in line 2 refers to
a wine goblet
an ice bucket
a large vase
a musical instrument
The phrase "his hovel" in line 8 refers to
an animal's pen
a poor home
a cradle
a hotel
Where does the action in lines 1-3 take place?
In a living room
On a dance floor
In a music hall
In a night club
In line 3, "his old unhappy longing for home" suggests that the character
did not like music
was longing for success and recognition on a wide scale
believed he had little talent
was unhappy because he had no house
The poet refers to the birth of Christ in lines
1 - 2
5 - 6
7 - 8
10 - 11
Lines 2 - 3 is an example of
personification
simile
hyperbole
metaphor
"but no stars blazed across the sky when he was born" in line 7 suggests
he was born on a dark night
he was not born to famous parents
his birth was not expected to be significant
no one was aware of his birth
Which of the following words BEST describes the mood of the character in the poem?
Melancholy
Nostalgia
Anger
Optimism
Which of the following words are used figuratively? I. "propped" (line 1) II. "pours" (line 12) III. "burn" (line 5) IV. "twist and turn" (line 9)
I and III
II and IV
II and III
III and IV
Which of the following statements about the central character is factual?
He was well known only in the bar.
He was old.
He played exceptionally well.
He lived in a slum.
The advertisement promises all the following EXCEPT
scenic beauty
outdoor adventure
sedate enjoyment
expert advice
Expression "... stately royal palms swaying majestically ..." (line 4) suggests all of the following EXCEPT
imposing height
graceful movement
unusual beauty
unlimited power
The word "sweep" (line 5) in the context of the advertisement suggests
completely cover
neatly adorn
lend a tidy effect
tumble ungainly
"Crashing" (line 6) is an example of
metaphor
personification
hyperbole
onomatopoeia
Which word BEST describes the intention of the last sentence?
Appeal
Assurance
Encouragement
Command
The advertisement seeks to persuade the reader mainly through the use of
exaggeration
imagery
detail
suspense
The advertisement is directed at
explorers
tour guides
foreign visitors
mountaineers
Items 57-60 Directions Read the following passage carefully. Then select the correct option in each item on the basis of what is stated or implied.
"Well, ladies and gentlemen of the jury, we have all heard a great deal this afternoon about "purity" and "compassion". We have been told that certain of the—er—words in this book have appeared before in technical works or that they can be found in early English Literature. We have patiently listened to a number of learned quotations which are said to be "of historical interest". Some of us may feel that they contain not the slightest jot or tittle of interest whatsoever. We have been lectured at length about our "Anglo-Saxon heritage". In this case, ladies and gentlemen, it is nothing more or less than a heritage of filth.
For what we have to consider—and consider very carefully before we give our verdict—is not this passage or that, not some abstract idea, not some passing reference to contemporary furniture or clothes, but the effect and the tendency of the book taken as a whole. Not a book for specialists, or sophisticated people, or scholars in some museum: but a paper-back edition, multiplied by the million, within the reach of any man—or any boy—or any young girl—with idle curiosity and half-a-crown to spend.
And we have to consider this book not as remote academic professors, not as pedants, but as people, as men and women of the world. And let me remind you, ladies and gentlemen, that the world is not an ivory tower in which there are no problems, no dangers, no human weaknesses.
The world is full of temptations—temptations of the flesh. And what could be more calculated—more coldly, more callously, more unscrupulously calculated—to arouse temptation and inflame the appetites than passages such as this?"
(At this point, the speaker reads a sensuous extract from the book in question)
Adapted from "A Four-Letter Word", Encounter, February, 1965)
In the extract, each time the phrase "ladies and gentlemen" (line 6 and line 15) is repeated by the speaker, he is attempting to
gather his thoughts
change the subject
co-operate with the jury
hold the jury's attention
The speaker's MAIN argument used in his attempt to convince the jury is that
the heritage of English Literature is a corrupt one
the book will have a harmful effect on the average reader
the professors and pedants who judge the book are dishonest
the world is full of temptations of the flesh
Which of the following devices is NOT used by the speaker in an attempt to convince his listeners?
Quoting of relevant authorities
Use of irony
Repetition of certain words and phrases
Use of the rhetorical question
The speaker is
arguing that a book is morally dangerous
warning his congregation against immoral literature
debating in favour of censorship
summing up the argument