Summative Assessment for Term 4
English, Grade 11
Duration: 40 minutes
Learning objectives: 11.1.8 Develop intercultural awareness through reading and discussion; 11.4.5 Deduce meaning from context in extended texts on a wide range of familiar and unfamiliar general and curricular topics; 11.4.9 Recognise inconsistencies in argument in extended texts on a range of more complex and abstract general and curricular topics.
Total marks: 26
Variant 1
Task 1. (26 marks)
Learning objectives: 11.1.8, 11.4.5, 11.4.9
Level of thinking skills: Knowledge and comprehension, application, analysis
Read the text and do the tasks below.
The True Cost of Modern Living
In many developed countries, the phrase “keeping up with the Joneses” has become a way of life. People spend beyond their means to display wealth, often ending up deeply in debt. However, financial experts argue that this behaviour is unsustainable and leads to long-term stress. For example, a young professional named Alex bought a luxury car on credit, paying through the nose for monthly instalments. Alex’s friend, Sam, on the other hand, lives on a shoestring budget, saving for a rainy day. Sam rarely eats out and drives an old car, but has built a solid emergency fund. Critics say that Alex’s spending habits are reckless, yet Alex insists that enjoying life now is more important than saving for an uncertain future. Interestingly, Alex also claims that his car helps him network and earn more money, but experts point out that this is a logical inconsistency – if Alex were truly earning more, he would not be in the red every month. Research shows that 70% of lottery winners lose all their money within five years, proving that money burns a hole in people’s pockets. The text suggests that financial literacy should be taught in schools to prevent such cycles. Yet some argue that personal responsibility, not education, is the key. Which argument do you find more convincing?
1.1 Choose the correct meaning of the idiom “pay through the nose” as used in the text. (1 mark)
A) to pay a small amount
B) to pay a very high price
C) to pay with a loan
D) to avoid paying
1.2 Find the idiom in the text that means “to spend money as soon as you get it”. Write the phrase. (1 mark)
1.3 Explain in your own words what “to be in the red” means. Use evidence from the text to support your explanation. (2 marks)
1.4 State two differences between Alex’s and Sam’s financial habits as described in the text. (2 marks)
1.5 Identify one inconsistency in Alex’s argument about his luxury car. Quote the relevant sentence from the text. (2 marks)
1.6 Read the following statement: “The text suggests that financial literacy should be taught in schools to prevent such cycles. Yet some argue that personal responsibility, not education, is the key.” Which side do you agree with? Write a short argument (60-80 words) explaining your opinion. Use at least two idioms from the list below in your answer. (6 marks)
- pay through the nose
- money burns a hole in someone’s pocket
- to be in the red
- to live on a shoestring budget
- to save for a rainy day
- a pretty penny
1.7 Compare and contrast the attitudes towards money in two different cultures that you know. Write a short paragraph (80-100 words). Include at least one idiom from the list. (6 marks)
1.8 Read the following excerpt from a different text: “Many young people today prefer to spend money on experiences rather than possessions. This has led to a rise in travel and dining out, but also to a decrease in savings. However, some economists warn that this trend may lead to financial trouble in the long run.” Do you see any inconsistency between the idea of “living for today” and “saving for a rainy day”? Explain your reasoning in 50-60 words. (6 marks)