PREMIER EDUCATION SOCIETY’S

TRINITY INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL (IGCSE – A LEVEL)

FIRST UNIT TEST (SOLUTION)
DATE: 31-07-2024 STD. VIII MARKS: 45
DAY: WEDNESDAY ENGLISH TIME: 1 Hour10 mins

Candidate Name: __________________ Candidate Number:_______

Read this extract from ‘Chasing the Stars’ by Malorie Blackman and
answer the questions below:
Chasing the Stars
In following extract, Nathan is escaping from an alien species called the
Mazon, but the spaceship he is travelling on has come under attack.

A strange, strangled hush had descended on the cargo hold. Darren was
kneeling on the ground, with his head in his hands, grief making his whole-
body quake. The ship we were on was still rising, juddering and jolting as we
moved through the planet's atmosphere, leaving our friends and loved ones
behind. I looked around, shaking my head. There were so few of us left. At 5
first glance I'd say around twenty-odd. Would we get the chance to rescue
the others before the Mazon wiped them out? Without warning, the ship shook
violently, knocking those few still standing off their feet. That last blast had
been too close. If just one DE blast were to hit us, then we'd be toast.
10
Mum came and sat down next to me. She put her arm around my shoulder
and kissed my forehead. I let it pass as it might be the last kiss I got from
her. We were on an Earth vessel. That meant we weren't out of danger, far
from it. A cocktail of emotions stirred within me. Back on the planet surface,
I really thought my last moments had come. Now here I was in the cargo
hold of some anonymous Earth ship. Some of my friends were back down on 15
the planet surface, no doubt still having to endure the continuing Mazon
attack. I could only hope they'd make it to the cavern in the mountains. But
was I any safer on this ship which could be blasted out of the sky at any
moment?
20
Every second counted and was precious because it could be my last. I made
a vow in that moment never to squander a single second of my life again. If
by another miracle we got out of this alive. I would grab hold of life and
squeeze every drop out of it.

A strange mist descended from the vents above us. I knew a moment's
foreboding at the sight of it but if someone wished us harm, they'd hardly go 25
to the trouble of rescuing us first. However, this was an Authority Earth
Vessel. Had we really come this far only to be recaptured? The thought made
me feel physically sick. I would fight and die before I let them take me back.

'Mum, d'you recognize this ship?" I whispered. 30

Mum shook her head.

I looked around again. What kind of captain was in charge of this vessel?
Would he or she listen to the truth about us and at least give us a chance?
Or had we jumped out of the frying pan and straight into the fire?

35
…2
 -2-
Questions:
1. Read the first paragraph (lines 1 to 9).
a) Identify the figure of speech used in the first line of the text.

simile alliteration ✓ hyperbole

[1]

b) Identify and explain the figure of speech used in the phrase ‘juddering and
jolting as we moved’.

Onomatopoeia - the words mimic the sound of the ship's movements.

Alliteration – The repetition of the 'j' sound in "juddering" and "jolting"

emphasizes the rough and shaky movement of the ship. [2]
c) ‘If just one DE blast were to hit us, then we'd be toast.’
Explain the effect of the comma as used in the above sentence.

The comma separates the clause to express or create emphasis on the

consequences of the blast./

The pause created by the comma highlights the severity of the situation,
leading to a more dramatic impact when the final outcome ("we'd be toast")
is revealed. [1]
2. Read paragraph 2 (lines 11 to 20).
a) Why does Nathan allow his mother to kiss his forehead, and what does this
gesture signify about that moment?

Nathan allows his mother to kiss his forehead because it might be the last
kiss he receives from her. This gesture signifies his acceptance of the
moment and the potential finality of their situation./

This moment reflects Nathan's understanding of the danger they are in and
the possibility that they may not survive, making the kiss a poignant and
possibly final gesture of love. [2]
b) Explain what is suggested by the writer’s use of the metaphor ‘a cocktail of
emotions stirred within’.

It suggests that the narrator was feeling a mixture of different emotions./

The metaphor compares Nathan's emotions to a mixed drink, indicating that

he is experiencing a complex and turbulent mix of feelings. [1]
c) Give words which mean the following:

unknown or unspecified - anonymous

survive or tolerate - endure [2]

3. Read lines 21 to 24. In your own words explain what Nathan means when
he says, "I made a vow in that moment never to squander a single second
of my life again"?

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 Nathan means that after experiencing such a close brush with

death, he promises himself to make the most of every moment in

the future./He realizes the value of life and decides not to waste

any opportunities or time if he survives this ordeal. [1]

-3-

4. ‘A strange mist descended from the vents above us.’

Which imagery is the above sentence an example of? (Tick () one box)
visual ✓ tactile auditory
[1]

5. ‘I knew a moment's foreboding at the sight of it but if someone wished us

harm, they'd hardly go to the trouble of rescuing us first.’

a) Identify the sentence structure of the above sentence. (Tick () one box)

simple compound complex

✓ [1]

b) Explain your answer.

It consists of two independent clauses: "He reached out for the line" and
"held it softly between the thumb and forefinger of his right hand." These
clauses are joined by the coordinating conjunction "and." The compound
structure highlights the sequence of deliberate actions taken by the
character, showing how he carefully and methodically handles the situation. [1]
6. Read line 31. Why has the writer begun a new paragraph here?

To introduce dialogue and highlight Nathan’s direct communication with his

mother./ The new paragraph marks a shift in the narrative focus, from
Nathan's internal thoughts to his interaction with his mother, which is
important for the flow of the story. [1]
7. Read lines 33 to 35. Which technique has the writer used here repeatedly
to show the narrator’s concerns and feeling of uncertainty?

Rhetorical questions [The narrator's use of rhetorical questions reflects his

doubts and fears about the situation, emphasizing his uncertainty.] [1]
8. What mood or atmosphere does the above extract convey. Give one
example of a detail the author uses to create it?

The passage conveys a mood of tension and uncertainty. The author uses
details such as the violent shaking of the ship, Nathan's reflections on the
precariousness of their situation, and the strange mist descending from the
vents to create this atmosphere. [2]
9. a) Which fictional genre does the above text belong to? [Tick () one box.]
horror fiction science fiction
[1]

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 adventure fiction realistic fiction

b) Support your answer by giving two features of the genre present in the
text.

• Encounters with/the presence of alien species - Mazons

• space travel

• advanced technology such as DE blast and the Authority Earth Vessel

• futuristic setting – space / takes place on a spaceship

[2]
-4-
SECTION B
Write a story about a group of explorers who are stranded on an unknown
planet.
In your story you must:
• explore the challenges faced by them
• describe the planet and the explorers’ reactions to it
• narrate in detail encounters with alien life forms or unfamiliar technology

Creation of Texts [5]

1. Begin with a gripping introduction that introduces the planet and the explorers,
setting the stage for the adventure and hinting at the challenges to come.

2. Clearly describe the unknown planet, including its environment, atmosphere,

and any unusual features or hazards that the explorers encounter.

3. Detail the challenges the explorers face, such as survival issues, unfamiliar
technology, or hostile alien life forms.

4. Develop the explorers' encounters with alien technology or life forms in a way
that enhances the science fiction elements and adds excitement to the story.

5. Conclude with a resolution that addresses the main conflicts and challenges
faced by the explorers, whether through their escape, survival, or adaptation
to the new environment.

Structure of Texts [7]

1. Organize the story into a clear beginning, middle, and end, ensuring a coherent
narrative flow that builds up the plot and reaches a satisfying conclusion.

2. Use paragraphs effectively, with each focusing on different aspects of the story,
such as setting, character actions, or encounters with alien technology.

3. Include transitions between paragraphs and events to guide the reader

smoothly through the adventure and maintain narrative continuity.
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 4. Build tension and suspense by escalating the challenges and obstacles the
explorers face, keeping readers engaged and eager to find out what happens
next.

5. Describe alien technology or life forms in detail, explaining their functions and
impact on the story to enhance the science fiction setting.

6. Vary sentence structures to create a dynamic and engaging narrative, reflecting

the action and emotions of the characters.

7. Incorporate dialogue and internal monologue to reveal character traits,

advance the plot, and provide insights into the explorers' reactions to their
situation.

Vocabulary and Language [3]

1. Use specific and imaginative vocabulary to describe the alien planet, its
environment, and any unique technology or life forms encountered.

2. Choose strong verbs and descriptive adjectives to create vivid and engaging
images for the reader, enhancing the science fiction experience.

3. Introduce and explain any new or technical terms related to the science fiction
elements to ensure clarity and immersion.

Word Structure (Spelling) [3]

1. Avoid spelling errors by proofreading the story carefully and using spell-check
tools.

2. Ensure consistent spelling of any invented or technical terms related to the

science fiction elements.

3. Check for correct spelling of homophones and commonly confused words to

maintain accuracy.

Grammar and Punctuation [7]

1. Apply correct grammar rules throughout the story to ensure clarity and
readability.

2. Use punctuation accurately, including commas, periods, and quotation marks,

to enhance the flow and meaning of the text.

3. Correctly punctuate dialogue with quotation marks and dialogue tags to clearly
convey character interactions and conversations.

4. Use apostrophes correctly for contractions and possessives, as needed.

5. Maintain subject-verb agreement in all sentences to ensure grammatical

accuracy.

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 6. Avoid run-on sentences by properly using punctuation and conjunctions to
separate independent clauses.

7. Review sentence structures to ensure they are clear and effective, avoiding
fragments and overly complex sentences.

Creation of texts [5] Structure of texts [7]

Vocabulary and language [3] Word structure (Spelling) [3]

Grammar and punctuation [7] [TOTAL: 25]

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