UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY, JAMAICA

SCHOOL OF HUMANITIES AND SOCIAL SCIENCES

THE LANGUAGE TEACHING AND RESEARCH CENTRE
ENGLISH PROFICIENCY TEST JULY 5 2024

PAPER TWO Time Allowed: 1 hour

SECTION A: READING COMPREHENSION Recommended Time: 45 mins

Instruction: Read the three prompts carefully and answer all the questions. For each question,
shade in the bubble of the computerized sheet representing the letter selected.

PASSAGE 1
Screen Time and Insomnia: What It Means for Teens

Adapted from Danielle Pacheco and Dr Nilong Vyas (Updated March 14, 2023)
From: https://www.sleepfoundation.org/teens-and-sleep/screen-time-and-insomnia-for-teens

1. The majority of teenagers bring some kind of technology into the bedroom, adding to the
amount of screen time they get each day and affecting multiple areas of their lives. Experts
are becoming increasingly concerned about the effects of blue light from these electronic
devices on the sleep-wake cycle. An estimated 2 in 3 teenagers regularly sleep less than the
recommended amount, and screen time may be responsible for sleep deprivation and other
problems.

2. The human sleep-wake cycle is a circadian rhythm that mostly takes cues from sunlight. When
it is bright outside, people become more alert. When it becomes dark, the body produces a
hormone called melatonin that induces sleepiness. Smartphones, tablets, computers,
television screens, and some e-readers give off short-wavelength blue light that is very similar
to sunlight. Not only does this light make people more alert, it also deceives the body into
thinking it is still daytime.

3. In response, the body produces less melatonin, interfering with the body’s natural sleep-wake
cycle. The longer you spend on your screen, the greater the consequences (National Library of
Medicine, Biotech Information) for your sleep.

4. Screen time is linked to a host of insomnia symptoms in teenagers. By delaying the release of
melatonin, screen time lengthens the time it takes to fall asleep and leads to less restful sleep
overall. As the majority of teens have strict school start times, a later bedtime typically
results in fragmented sleep and increased next-day sleepiness. Over time, consistently late
weekday bedtimes and catch-up sleep on the weekend disrupt the circadian rhythm.

5. Scientists believe that children and adolescents may be extra sensitive to the effects of blue
light because their eyes let in more light. For this reason, limiting evening screen time for
children and adolescents is especially important to prevent sleep problems.

QUESTIONS
1. Based on the passage, what are experts mainly worried about in relation to teenagers?
a. The fact that some devices give off blue light
b. Teenagers sleeping with devices in the bedroom
c. The fact that blue light from some devices can disturb their sleep
d. Teenagers’ overuse of technological device, such as smartphones

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2. Which of the following is an accurate conclusion, based on the passage?
a. Blue light from the devices is the same as sunlight.
b. Exposure to screens will help everyone become more alert.
c. Adults’ eyes may not be as sensitive to the effects of blue light.
d. Melatonin will determine the length of time an individual sleeps.

3. According to the passage, an ‘estimated 2 in 3 teenagers regularly sleep less than the
recommended time. Approximately how many in a group of 9 teenagers would likely to be
impacted by this problem?
a. 3
b. 4
c. 5
d. 6

4. According to the passage, ‘fragmented sleep’ in paragraph 4 MOST LIKELY refers to sleep
that is:
a. severely scattered and spread out.
b. shattered and severely broken apart.
c. interrupted and broken into segments.
d. badly disjointed and lacking in coherence.

5. What is the writer most likely suggesting by using the phrase “strict school start times” in
paragraph 4?
a. The times are there to enforce discipline in teenagers.
b. The times school begins are fixed and not changeable.
c. School start times are the cause of fragmented sleep patterns.
d. School begins too early for teenagers since they go to bed late.

PASSAGE 2

Creating an Eye-catching Instagram Reel

Adapted from an article written by ChatGPT, an AI language model developed by OpenAI, June
6, 2024

1. Creating an Instagram Reel is a fun and creative way to connect with others. Start with a clear
idea of what you want to share. Whether it’s a dance routine, or a quick recipe, having a plan
will make the process smoother. Jot down key points or scenes you want to include. Ensure
you have all the elements ready. This includes videos, photos, and music. Make sure your
phone is charged and you have ample storage space. Record your clips. Keep your shots
steady and well-lit.

2. Open the Instagram app and go to the Reels section. Upload your clips and start editing. Trim
clips to highlight the best moments and arrange them in a sequence that flows well. Use
Instagram’s editing tools to add effects, text, and stickers to enhance your video. Choose a
trending song or one that fits your video’s mood.

3. Instagram’s music library is extensive, so take your time to find the perfect track. Review
your Reel to ensure it looks great. Add a compelling caption and relevant hashtags to increase
your reach. Once satisfied, hit the share button. Engage with your audience by responding to
comments and encouraging them to share your Reel.
Happy filming!

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QUESTIONS
6. Which of the following best describes the primary purpose of the article?
a. To provide entertainment for the reader
b. To outline the process of creating the Reel
c. To persuade the reader to post on IG
d. To explain how Instagram Reels are produced

7. Which of the following BEST describes the tone of the article?

a. Casual
b. Critical
c. Academic
d. Humorous

8. Which of the following BEST identifies the main strategy the writer uses to make the ideas
clear and easy to follow?
a. Short sentences
b. Technical jargon
c. Simple language
d. Logical sequencing

9. In descending order, what is the correct sequence of tasks when producing an Instagram Reel
according to the article?
a. Sharing, Reviewing, Editing, Recording
b. Sharing, Editing, Reviewing, Recording
c. Recording, Reviewing, Editing, Sharing
d. Recording, Editing, Reviewing, Sharing

10. Which of the following BEST explains what is meant by the video’s mood.
a. The type of content within the video
b. The emotions or feelings the video contains
c. The emotion it aims to arouse within the viewer
d. The attitude of the composer to the content in the video

PASSAGE 3

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11. Which of the vacation packages would be best for a couple on a budget?
a. Barbados
b. Curacao
c. St Lucia
d. Jamaica

12. Choose the option which best explains ‘…miles of uninterrupted beaches’ as stated in
the Jamaica package.
a. A long stretch of beach that tourists can use without being interrupted by music or
vendors.
b. A long stretch of pure coastline where tourists can enjoy beaches devoid of
barriers or obstacles.
c. A stretch of beach where tourists can enjoy running for miles in the sand.
d. A long stretch of coastline that ends with several beaches.

13. Based on the information given, which two vacation packages seem ideal for a couple
who like water sports
a. Barbados and Curacao
b. Jamaica and St Lucia
c. St Lucia and Barbados
d. Curacao and Jamaica

14. Which island offers more than a Caribbean experience?

a. Curacao
b. Barbados
c. Jamaica
d. St Lucia

15. Which Island vacation package suggests that they cater for everyone?
a. Jamaica
b. Curacao
c. St Lucia
d. Barbados

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SECTION B GRAMMAR Time Allowed: 15 mins

Instructions:
Read the following cloze passages, then select the correct responses from the options provided
by shading the bubble representing the letter selected.

Cloze Reading Test A

Some Jamaicans know very little about the postal service in their country. The postal service is the
government agency 16 has responsibility for handling the mail. Its job is 17 letters and
packages to people and businesses all over the world. The main goal of this agency is to see that one’s
mail gets to its destination 18 possible. People 19 the postal service to deliver important
letters and even valuables, 20 time and to the right person.

16. a. where b. that c. having d. that’s

17. a. delivery of b. to delivers c. to delivering d. to deliver
18. a. as soon as b. sooner than c. soon d. very soon
19. a. relying on b. relies on c. rely on d. relied on
20. a. to b. for c. over d. on

Cloze Reading Test B

We can probably use our dreams once we 21 not to be afraid of them. If we are able to
think about our dreams comfortably, we will be able to 22 those that seem totally
irrelevant to our lives. On the other hand, we will be able to explore those that 23 us and
those that seem to be connected with the ways we think and act when we are awake with our
conscious lives, or we might use our dreams to expose problems that we have refused to accept
24 , and this 25 us to take positive action and solve them.

21. a. learn b. are aware c. try d. understand

22. a. dissect b. dispose c. discard d. dispel
23. a. fascinates b. fascinate c. fascinated d. fascinating
24. conscientiously b. conscience c. conscious d. consciously
25. might have led b. might lead c. may be led d. might led

END OF PAPER