This question consists of two sections.

You are to answer all the questions.

SECTION A
Part 1
Read the following text and complete the given task.
SPACE OBSERVATORIES
A large number of observatories have been launched into orbit, and most of them have greatly
enhanced our knowledge of the cosmos. Space-based astronomy is even more important for
frequency ranges of telescope observations using electromagnetic radiations such as GammaRays which are often blocked by the Earth atmosphere. X-ray, Infrared and ultraviolet astronomy
is nearly impossible when done from the Earth, and has reached its current important stand within
astronomy only due to orbiting satellites with X-ray telescopes. Space observatories can generally
be divided into two classes: missions which map the entire sky (surveys), and observatories
which make observations of chosen parts of the sky. SOHO is a solar observatory that is
currently operational and used for the study of the Sun>s corona and magnetic environments.
SOHO has revolutionised our knowledge of the Sun.
Many space observatories have already completed their missions, while others are still
operating. Satellites have been launched by US National Space Agency (NASA), Canadian
Space Agency, Europe Space Agency (ESA) and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency.
Satellites notably belonging to NASA>s Great Observatories program are The Space
Telescope (ST), now known as Hubble Space Telescope (HST) is the optical Great Observatory.
Launched April 24, 1990. The Gamma ray Observatory (GRO), since renamed to The Compton
Gamma-Ray Observatory, had to be disposed of after several years of productive life after
its gyroscopes began to fail and de-orbited into the Pacific Ocean in 2000. X-Ray telescopes
are also represented in the Great Observatories, with the Chandra X-ray Observatory (CXO).
This has been used to great effect to study distant galaxies and is still operational. The Space
Infrared Telescope Facility, (SIRTF), launched on August 24, 2003 is the fourth observatory,
and is called the Spitzer Space Telescope (SST).

English for Science and Technology Form 4 and 5

Based on the information in the text complete the graphic organiser below.

SPACE TELESCOPES

To gain knowledge of the cosmos,

radiation telescopes are used to
enhance astronomy.

Types of radiation used in the study of

astronomy.
1.
2.
3.

Study of the universe improved with the use

of Space Observatories for example.
4.
5.

Tasks carried out by observatories

Agencies operating satellite launches

6.

8.

7.

9.
10.

English for Science and Technology Form 4 and 5

Part 2
Read the following text and complete the given task.
A CHANGE IN CLIMATE
From one day to the next, weather can have a big effect on your life. When it rains, you have
to stay indoors or carry an umbrella. When it is cold, you have to bundle up.
Over the course of hundreds, thousands and millions of years, weather trends affect life
on earth in more dramatic ways. Ice ages or long droughts, for example, can wipe out certain
type of plants and animals. Although many species manage to survive such extreme, long-term
climate shifts, their living conditions also change.
There are lots of evidence of drastic changes in climate occurring in the distant past. Earth
today may again be in the midst of such a climate change. In the last 100 years, studies show,
global temperatures have risen an average of 0.6 degrees C.
That might not sound so bad. After all, what difference does half a degree make?
A growing number of studies suggest, however, that such an increase could have a big
impact on life.
Biologists and ecologists are discovering, often by accident, that climate change is forcing
some plants and animals into new habitats. Others are becoming extinct. Sometimes, scientists
show up at a site they have studied for years, only to discover that the organisms they have
been tracking are no longer there. What is more, it now looks like this redistribution of life on
Earth is sometimes happening at an alarmingly fast pace.
What is causing todays increased temperatures?
Many scientists say that human activities, such as burning coal, oil and other fossil fuels,
are largely to blame. These activities release heat-trapping gases, such as carbon dioxide, into
the atmosphere. The more these gases accumulate in the atmosphere, the hotter things get
on Earth.
Some experts remain sceptical. They point out that natural causes may be playing an
important role in todays global temperature increase. The same factors that caused ice ages,
extreme heat waves, and massive droughts in the past before human activities were important
could still be at work now.

English for Science and Technology Form 4 and 5

Based on the information in the text complete the graphic organiser below.

Weather trends
1.

Examples of these trends include:

2.

, and

3.

Increased temperatures for instance, are probably caused by

4.

, oil or other fossil fuels, realeasing

5.

making the Earths temperatures

6.

However, some experts say that these temperatures have changed due
to 7.

These trends wipe out: 8.

and change their

9.

, forcing them into

new 10.

or they simply become extinct.

English for Science and Technology Form 4 and 5

SECTION B
Write a report whereby you need to make a choice. In the report, you also need to compare 2
suggested methods. You need to give reasons for your choice. You can also add other relevant
information.

Methods
Insecticides

Advantages

Biological control

Disadvantages

Save great quantities of food

from pests and diseases
before harvest or during
storage.
Increase crop yield.

Kills useful insects.

Adverse effects on wildlife.

Using natural predators to

control pests.
Host resistance is not a
problem.

Expensive fo nd biological
control agents.
Can never eradicate a pest
completely.

English for Science and Technology Form 4 and 5