CONFIDENTIAL LG/APR 2009/BEL120/100

UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI MARA

FINAL EXAMINATION

COURSE CONSOLIDATING LANGUAGE SKILLS/

PREPARATORY ENGLISH
COURSE CODE BEL120/100
EXAMINATION APRIL 2009
TIME 2 HOURS

INSTRUCTIONS TO CANDIDATES
1. This question paper consists of two (2) parts: PART A (8 Questions)
PART B (1 Question)

2. Answer ALL questions from all parts in the Question Paper.

3. Fill in the details below:

UiTM STUDENT CARD NO.

PROGRAMME / CODE

PART

ENGLISH LANGUAGE GROUP :

NAME OF LECTURER

Do not bring any material into the examination room unless permission is given by the
invigilator.

5. Please check to make sure that this examination pack consists of:

i) the Question Paper

DO NOT TURN THIS PAGE UNTIL YOU ARE TOLD TO DO SO

This examination paper consists of 8 printed pages
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PART A: READING (15 MARKS)

Read the text below and answer all the questions.

I Teenage depression is not just bad moods and feelings of deep sadness.
Depression is a serious problem that affects every aspect of a teen's life. Left
untreated, teen depression can lead to problems at home and at school, drug
abuse and self-hating. It may even lead to tragedies such as violence or suicide.
Fortunately, teenage depression can be treated. As a concerned parent, teacher 5
or friend, one may not be qualified to treat it. However, there are many things one
needs to know about the condition so that you can offer the required advice and
help.

II Teenagers face many pressures - from the physical, hormonal and emotional
changes of their age group to questions about who they are and where they fit 10
in. The natural transition from child to adult can result in conflict with their parents
as teens start to assert their independence. During these times of confusion, it is
not always easy to differentiate between depression and normal teenage
moodiness. To make things even more complicated, troubled teens might not
show any signs that they have problems. On the other hand, other teens may 15
show symptoms of irritability, aggression and anger. Thus, while teenage
depression can be caused by the teen's uncertainties about himself, an adult
may have problems determining if the youth does indeed have depression.

III There are many mistaken beliefs about teen depression. Yes, the teen years are
tough, but most teens seem to handle them well. Although they suffer from teen 20
anxieties, good friendships, success in school or outside activities, and a sense
of self-confidence can help them maintain a fairly balanced life. While occasional
bad moods or negative behaviour is to be expected, depression is something
different. Depression can destroy a teenager's self-confidence, causing a
tremendous sense of sadness, despair, or anger. 25

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IV Although we are not certain if the number of teen depression cases is actually
increasing, the fact is that depression strikes teenagers far more often than most
people think. Even though depression is highly treatable, experts say only 20% of
depressed teens receive help. These teens are often reluctant to seek help on
their own. Instead, they usually expect their parents, teachers or other caregivers 30
to recognize their suffering and get them the treatment they need. So, it is
important to know the warning signs of teen depression. Once these signs are
diagnosed as depression, you should take immediate action as depression is
very damaging when left untreated. So do not wait and hope that the symptoms
will go away. Even if you are unsure that depression is the issue, the teen's 35
behaviour or emotions could indicate a problem. Whether or not that problem
turns out to be depression, it still needs to be addressed - the sooner the better.

V Consequently, it is not surprising to find that the main cause of the majority of
teen suicide attempts is depression. According to the Center for Disease Control
and Prevention (CDC), suicide is the third leading cause of death for 15 to 24- 40
year-olds. What is worrying is that the number of teenagers attempting suicide is
on the increase and many of these teenagers are succeeding in their attempts.
The risk of suicide by a depressed teen is even greater if he or she is involved in
alcohol or drug abuse.

Adapted: http://www.helpguide.org/mental/depression_teen.htm
http://www.clinical-depression.co.uk/Depression_lnformation/teen.htm

QUESTION 1

What do the following words and phrase refer to?

a. they (line 10) :

b. the fact (line 27) :
c. their (line 31) :
d. it (line 37) :

(2 marks)

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QUESTION 2

Tick the correct meaning of the following words.

a. concerned (line 5) means:

i) frightened ii) worried iii) angry

b. transition (line 11) means:

i) movement ii) phenomena iii) change

c. occasional (line 22) means:

i) happens sometimes ii) happens often iii) happens always

d. indicate (line 36) means :

i) show ii) solve iii) create
(2 marks)

QUESTION 3

Write T if the statement is TRUE and F if the statement is FALSE in the boxes provided.

a. Teenage depression can be treated by parents, teachers or friends. I

b. Disagreements between parents and teenagers can happen i

when the youngsters begin to assert their independence. I

c. 80% of the teens who suffer from depression failed to get the help which they I
need . I

d. Sometimes it is better to wait and see if the symptoms of depression go away i

before sending the person for treatment. |

(2 marks)

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QUESTION 4

What is the topic sentence of paragraph II?

(1 mark)

QUESTION 5

How do most teenagers balance reduce anxieties during the tough teen years?

(1 marks)

QUESTION 6
Why are most teenagers unwilling to get treatment for depression?

(2 marks)

QUESTION 7
State two reasons why the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is concerned
about suicide among youth?

a)

b)

(2 marks)

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QUESTION 8

Complete the table with the information from the passage.

TOPICS SUBPOINTS

Effects of depression a. problems at home and school

b.

c. self-hating

d. homicidal violence

Signs and symptoms of There is a tendency for the depressed

depression person to:

a. show irritability

b. display

c. show anger

d. lose

e. appear sad

f. experience despair

(3 marks)

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PART B: WRITING (15 MARKS)

QUESTION 1

Write an essay of about 180-200 words on how the Internet can be beneficial for language
learning. You may mention benefits such as the Internet being a great source of reading
material, language learning exercises and offering opportunities to improve communication
skills. Elaborate your points and give examples.

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END OF QUESTION PAPER

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