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Section A: Reading For

Teacher’s
Use
Read the extract from an information text on humpback whales and then answer the questions.

Humpback whales

Humpback whales are large sea creatures. Females reach a length of up to 16

metres; males are slightly smaller at up to 15 metres. Humpback whales weigh
approximately three tonnes per metre, so a 16-metre female could weigh close to
50 tonnes. That’s big!

They are relatively slow swimmers, averaging 6–12 kilometres per hour. Even so, 5
they undertake fairly long journeys, travelling from their winter breeding grounds
in warm tropical waters to summer feeding grounds in icy polar seas. The diet of
humpback whales generally consists of krill (tiny crustaceans) and small fish such
as herring.

Humpback whales exhibit some creative feeding methods, including the ‘bubble 10
net’ technique where the whale encircles its prey from below, blowing air from its
blowhole to make a ‘net’ of bubbles. The whale then surfaces through the middle of
the net with its mouth wide open. As the whale takes in huge mouthfuls of water and
food, its throat expands somewhat like a pelican’s pouch. The whale then contracts
its throat, using its large tongue to help expel the water. The food is left behind, 15
caught in the 270–400 pairs of coarse baleen* which hang from its mouth.

Glossary

*baleen: similar to bristles and used to filter food

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1 Which two facts about humpback whales are correct? For

Teacher’s
Tick ( ) two boxes. Use

They travel far.

They can swim quickly.

Their teeth are sharp.

The female is often bigger than the male.

[2]

2 Where do humpback whales like to feed during the summer?

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3 Put the following in the correct order, 1–4, to describe the ‘bubble net’ technique.

The humpback whale

comes up through the middle

catches food

opens its mouth wide

blows a bubble net

[2]

4 Combine these sentences into one sentence, using ‘although’ and ‘which’. Use correct
punctuation.

The humpback whale is a large creature. It feeds on krill. These are very small.

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© UCLES 2014 E/S7/01 [Turn over

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5 Read the sentence beginning ‘Humpback whales exhibit some creative…’ (Lines 10-12) For
Teacher’s
What does the use of the word ‘creative’ tell us? Tick one box. Use

Humpback whales are artistic.

Humpback whales are clever.

Humpback whales are playful. [1]

6 Which of these words from the third paragraph is a verb? Tick ( ) one box.

methods

surfaces

mouthfuls [1]

7 Underline the main clause in the following sentence.

As the whale takes in huge mouthfuls of water and food, its throat expands somewhat like a
pelican’s pouch. [1]

8 (a) Find an adverb in the second paragraph which compares the speed of humpback
whales to other animals.

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(b) Find a verb in the third paragraph which shows how humpback whales move to trap
their prey.

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© UCLES 2014 E/S7/01

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Read this extract from a website about scuba diving. For

Teacher’s
Use
From the very first time you breathe under water, scuba diving will inspire, challenge and
surprise you. Many divers say that it’s life-changing and, with the sense of achievement that
comes with learning to dive, it’s easy to see why.

Scuba diving will appeal to anyone who is reasonably fit and has a spirit of adventure. With the
right training and support, it’s also easy and fun to learn. You can learn to dive from the age
of eight. Through a combination of theory lessons, pool sessions and open-water experience,
you’ll learn your new diving skills at your own pace. You’ll develop your skills in the safe
confines of a swimming pool before progressing to sheltered water, leading to your first
open-water dives and an Ocean Diver certificate. And, what’s more, our diving certificates
are recognised around the world.

With 70% of the planet covered in water, there’s so much for a diver to see, experience and
explore. Add to that the wide variety of things you can see and do when diving – wrecks,
marine life, photography, conservation, underwater archaeology, exploration, deep and
technical diving – and the opportunities are endless!

9 Tick ( ) to show which of these statements, according to the text, are true about scuba
diving.

There are many places to dive.

Diving qualifications are widely accepted.

Scuba diving requires a high level of fitness.

There is no age limit for learning to scuba dive. [2]

10 Write one word from the second paragraph that shows you are trained in a small area.

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© UCLES 2014 E/S7/01 [Turn over

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11 Using your own words as far as possible, write a summary of 70–90 words to describe why For
Teacher’s
scuba diving can be a great experience. Use

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© UCLES 2014 E/S7/01