Anglais

Baccalauréat de l'enseignement général

Madagascar

Session 2009

 

 

TEXT :                                                                        TELEVISION

           

            Television now plays such an important part in so many people’s life that it is essential for us to decide whether it is a blessing or a curse. Obviously, TV has both advantages and disadvantages, but does the former outweigh the latter?

            In the first place, TV is not only a convenient source of entertainment, but also a comparatively cheap one. The TV viewers do not have to pay for expensive seats at the theatre, all they have to do is to press a knob, and they can see plays, films and shows of every kind, not to mention political discussions and the latest exciting football match. There is no transport to arrange, too. Some people maintain that this is precisely where the danger lies.

            The TV viewer needs to do nothing; he/she doesn’t even use his/her legs. He/she takes no initiative. He/she makes no choice and exercises, no judgement. He/she is completely passive and has everything presented to him/her without any effort on his /her part. TV, it is often said, keeps one informed about the current events, allows one to follow the latest developments in science and politics, and offers an endless series of programmes which are both instructive and stimulating. It could be argued that the radio performs this service just as well, but on TV, everything is much more real, much more living.

            One of my friends told me the other day his TV-set had broken down and that he and his family had suddenly found they had far more time to do things.

     

A - Reading comprehension                     (7 pts)

 

I -     Find in the text                                                                                                                                      (0, 5 pt x 2)

1- an equivalent of “as well”.

2- an antonym of “blessing”

 

II - Choose the one correct answer                                                                                                        (0,5 ptx2)

1) The TV viewer : a- has to think;

  b- does not have to think;

  c- needs to choose;

  d- needs to make judgement.

2)  On television, everything is : a- more true;

 b- less true;

 c- less real;

 d- less living.

 

III -  Are the following statements TRUE or FALSE or ING (Information Not Given) ?

Justify if true or false                                                                                                                          (0,5 pt x 2)

1) Watching TV is dangerous for the body.

2) TV only entertains people.

IV- Complete each blank with one word from the text:                                                                    (0,5 pt x2)

1)       It is important to take regular …………..to stay fit and healthy.

2)       ………………..television and the radio entertain people.

 

V- Re-order the following sentences as they appear in the text                                                   (0,25pt x 4)

 TV viewers’ inactivity.

1)       Watching TV can make people forget their tasks.

2)       Time has come for us to think about the impact of TV on our life.

3)       Entertainment can easily be got through television and it doesn’t cost much.

 

VI – Answer the following questions:                                                                                                       (1pt x 2)

1)       Why is the TV viewer completely passive ?

2)       Would you prefer listening to the radio or watching TV ? Why ?

 

B - GRAMMAR IN USE:                                 (2pts)

       Fill in each blank with a grammatical item:                                                                                                (0,25 pts x 8)

 

                Yesterday, we had a Maths test. We ……( 1 )………concentrating on the first question when the vice-principal came into the classroom. As ……( 2 )……….as he entered the classroom, we stood up to greet him. Next, he told ……( 3 )……to sit down. Then, he said that a doctor ………( 4 )………come to him the previous day for ……( 5 )….AIDS campaign,….( 6)….we wouldn’t have school the following day despite the planned French test. Finally, ……( 7 )……going out, he asked us not to stand up……( 8 )………

 

C -  INDIRECT TEST OF SPEAKING              (4 pts)

I. -    Choose the correct response            (1 pt )    

 

1 – Please, have you got any change for Ar 5,000 ?   2 – Thank you for the change

a- With pleasure b - Let me check. c - That’s very kind of you. d -  It was a pleasure.

 

 II.    Complete the following dialogue                                                                                                                 (3 pts)

                Carol : You know, Kate, Rick and I have decided to get married at last.

                Kate : Rick ? I don’t know him.  ………( 1 )………?

                Carol : Of  medium height, with blue eyes and a rather long nose.

                Kate :.   ……..( 2 ) ……….?

Carol : He’s a doctor.

Kate : You’re lucky, Carol. Bill has left me. I think I can’t love anybody any more.

Carol : Don’t say that.   ……….( 3 )……..(inviting) and I’ll  introduce you to my cousin Gerry. He’s very nice. It will be in a month, on 25^th October.

Kate : .    ……( 4 )…...(refusing politely)

Carol : ……( 5 )……  . I know you’re a good cook.

         ………( 6 ) ……( asking for advice)

Kate : Fruit – salad.

 

D – Writing                                                                        ( 7 pts)

Madagascar is really developing. Do you agree with this statement ? (in about 120 words )