YAAKA EXAMINATIONS

PRIMARY LEAVING EXAMINATIONS 2024

ENGLISH

Time allowed: 2 hours 15 minutes

Candidate’s name : ……………………………………………………………………………………

Candidate’s signature : ……………………………………………………………………………..

School Random number : ………………………………………………………………………….

Read the following instructions carefully :

1. Do not write your school or district name

anywhere on this paper.

• This paper has two sections: A and B.

Section A has 50 questions and section B has 5

questions. The paper has 16 printed papers

altogether.

• Answer all questions. All the working for both sections A and B must be shown in the spaces provided.
• All working must be done using a blue or black ball point pen or ink. Any work done in pencil will NOT be marked.
• Unnecessary changes in your work and handwriting

that cannot easily be read may lead to loss of marks.

• Do not fill anything in the table indicated: ”For examiners’ use only” and the boxes inside the question paper.

SECTION A: 50 MARKS

Sub-section I

Questions 1 to 50 carry one mark each.

In each of the questions 1 to 5, fill in the blank space with a suitable word.

1. My brother sat __________ a tree while waiting for me.
2. Many people enjoy __________ to radio programs.
3. __________ John and Jane are in the school choir.
4. The __________ at the bakery did not work yesterday.
5. How __________ do you visit your grandparents?

In each of the questions 6 to 15, use the correct form of the word given in brackets to complete the sentence.

6. She __________ (write) her essay very neatly.
7. I prefer __________ (square) tables to round ones.
8. The bank manager is a very __________ (organize) person.
9. The hungry child ate his meal very __________ (quick).
10. Bamboo can be used to __________ (build) houses in some areas.
11. The dentist __________ (treat) my toothache last week.
12. Our neighbor __________ (lend) us his bicycle yesterday.
13. My classmates behaved very __________ (good) during the trip.
14. Out of the three boys, who is the __________ (tall)?
15. Sarah has been kind since __________ (child).

In questions 16 and 17, write the full form of the given abbreviations.

16. PTO

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

17. VIP

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

In questions 18 to 20, rewrite the sentences giving a single word for the underlined group of words.

18. The coach asked the player to begin the match again.
19. She is both a __________ (artist and sculptor).
20. He drove cautiously on the __________ (dust-covered) road.

For questions 21 and 22, rewrite the sentences giving the plural form of the underlined word.

21. The farmer harvested a large __________ (potato).
22. The soldier will guard the __________ (brave thief).

In questions 23 and 24, use each of the given words in a sentence to show that you know the difference in their meaning.

23. Write: __________
24. Right: __________

In questions 25 and 26, rearrange the given words to form a correct sentence.

25. ride how bicycle I can to.

……………………………………………………………………………………………….

26. is nephew old how your?

…………………………………………………………………………………………………

In questions 27 and 28, rearrange the given words in alphabetical order.

27. angry, happy, excited, worried

……………………………………………………………………………………………

28. visit, invite, notify, recall

For questions 29 and 30, rewrite the sentences giving the opposite of the underlined word.

29. The shop is near the market.

………………………………………………………………………………………………..

30. He lives in a rural area.

………………………………………………………………………………………………….

Sub-section II

In each of the questions 31 to 50, rewrite the sentences as instructed in the brackets.

31. That is the library. My mother studied there. (Rewrite as one sentence using: ………… where …………)

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

32. The colorful pens belong to Sara. (Rewrite using: ……… owner ………)

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

33. Don’t forget to complete your assignment. (Rewrite the sentence beginning: Remember ………)

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34. The man has not seen the bride. He has attended the wedding. (Rewrite as one sentence beginning: Much as ………)

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35. The post office is next to our house. (Rewrite using: ……… near ………)

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36. We were traveling to Jinja. We saw a beautiful waterfall. (Rewrite as one sentence using: ……… while ………)

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37. The musician is very talented. (Rewrite beginning: How ………!)

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38. What is the use of this tool? (Rewrite using: ……… used ………?)

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39. The doctor visited the hospital. She helped many patients. (Rewrite as one sentence using: ……… so that ………)

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

40. Alex had little food. He managed to feed everyone. (Rewrite as one sentence using: ……… even though ………)

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

41. Jennifer bought a dress. It is beautiful. It is expensive. (Rewrite as one sentence without using: “and”, “which”)

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42. The mechanic did not buy a wrench. He did not buy a hammer. (Rewrite as one sentence using: ……… neither ………)

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43. We worked for a neighbor yesterday. The neighbor thanked us. (Rewrite as one sentence using: ……… whom ………)

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44. The photographer lost his camera. He made a report at the station. (Rewrite as one sentence using: ……… whose ………)

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45. “I enjoy learning new languages,” said the student. (Rewrite beginning: The student said ………)

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46. Peter has been living in Kenya for five years. He speaks Swahili fluently. (Rewrite as one sentence using: ……… because ………)

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47. If Sarah does not pay the tailor, she will not receive her dress. (Rewrite beginning: Unless ………)

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48. Our neighbor’s dog gave birth to puppies recently. (Rewrite using: ……… just ………)

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49. I dislike quarreling with my friends. (Rewrite using: ……… hate ………)

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50. We always revise our notes before exams. (Rewrite using: ……… sometimes ………)

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SECTION B: 50 MARKS

51. Read the passage below carefully and then answer in full sentences the questions that follow.

Passage:
The Importance of Teamwork in School Projects

Working as a team is essential in many school projects. When students collaborate, they learn to combine their strengths, share ideas, and solve problems together. Teamwork encourages effective communication, which helps students to express their thoughts and listen to others. For example, when working on a group science project, each team member can contribute by doing different tasks, such as researching, designing experiments, or presenting the findings. This division of work makes complex tasks manageable and helps students meet deadlines more efficiently.

Furthermore, teamwork teaches students valuable skills like leadership, conflict resolution, and time management. When students work together, they also learn how to respect different perspectives, which is important in creating a positive learning environment. For instance, in a project where some members are better at art and others excel in writing, combining these skills results in a more creative and polished final product.

Team projects also build a sense of responsibility. Each member knows that their contribution impacts the group’s success, motivating them to do their best. This collective effort not only improves academic performance but also prepares students for real-world situations where working with others is crucial. By valuing teamwork, students gain confidence, develop strong interpersonal skills, and understand the power of collaboration.

Questions:

(a). Why is teamwork important in school projects?

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

(b). How does teamwork help in managing complex tasks?

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(c). Name two skills that students learn from working in teams.

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(d). What role does effective communication play in teamwork?

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(e). Suggest one way students can ensure their teamwork is successful.

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52. Poem

Poem: “The Joy of Learning”

In the classroom bright and early,
We gather ’round, both shy and curly,
Books are opened, pencils glide,
With every lesson, our hearts are wide.

Math and science, history too,
Exploring worlds, both old and new,
We raise our hands to answer quick,
Learning each day is the magic trick.

Friends we meet and teachers guide,
We solve problems side by side,

Every subject, a new chance to see,
The wonders of learning for you and me.

Questions:

(a). What is the poem about?

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
(b). How does the poet describe the classroom environment?

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(c). What emotions are conveyed in the poem?

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(d). Suggest a suitable title for the poem.

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(e). Who is the author of the poem?

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53. Bar Chart

Chart: Students’ Reading Frequency in a Week

Below is a bar chart illustrating the reading frequency of students over a week.

Questions:

(a). How many students read on Friday?

…………………………………………………………………………………………………..
(b). Which day had the lowest number of students reading?

…………………………………………………………………………………………………..
(c). What is the total number of students who read from Monday to Wednesday?

…………………………………………………………………………………………………….

(d). Why might reading regularly benefit students?

………………………………………………………………………………………………………

(e). Suggest one way to encourage more students to read over the weekend.

………………………………………………………………………………………………………

MARKING GUIDE TO THE ABOVE QUESTIONS

SECTION A: 50 MARKS

Sub-section I

1-5. Fill in the blank space with a suitable word.

1. My brother sat under a tree while waiting for me.
2. Many people enjoy listening to radio programs.
3. Both John and Jane are in the school choir.
4. The oven at the bakery did not work yesterday.
5. How often do you visit your grandparents?

6-15. Use the correct form of the word given in brackets to complete the sentence.

6. She wrote her essay very neatly.
7. I prefer square tables to round ones.
8. The bank manager is a very organized person.
9. The hungry child ate his meal very quickly.
10. Bamboo can be used to build houses in some areas.
11. The dentist treated my toothache last week.
12. Our neighbor lent us his bicycle yesterday.
13. My classmates behaved very well during the trip.
14. Out of the three boys, who is the tallest?
15. Sarah has been kind since childhood.

16-17. Write the full form of the given abbreviations.

16. PTO: Please Turn Over
17. VIP: Very Important Person

18-20. Rewrite the sentences giving a single word for the underlined group of words.

18. The coach asked the player to restart the match.
19. She is both a sculptor and an artist.
20. He drove cautiously on the dusty road.

21-22. Rewrite the sentences giving the plural form of the underlined word.

21. The farmer harvested large potatoes.
22. The soldier will guard the brave thieves.

23-24. Use each of the given words in a sentence to show that you know the difference in their meaning.

23. Write: I will write a letter tomorrow.
    Right: You were right about the weather.

25-26. Rearrange the given words to form a correct sentence.

25. How can I ride a bicycle?
26. How old is your nephew?

27-28. Rearrange the given words in alphabetical order.

27. angry, excited, happy, worried
28. invite, notify, recall, visit

29-30. Rewrite the sentences giving the opposite of the underlined word.

29. The shop is far from the market.
30. He lives in an urban area.

Sub-section II

31-50. Rewrite the sentences as instructed in the brackets.

31. That is the library where my mother studied.
32. The colorful pens are Sara’s property.
33. Remember to complete your assignment.
34. Much as the man attended the wedding, he has not seen the bride.
35. The post office is near our house.
36. We saw a beautiful waterfall while we were traveling to Jinja.
37. How talented the musician is!
38. What is this tool used for?
39. The doctor visited the hospital so that she could help many patients.
40. Even though Alex had little food, he managed to feed everyone.
41. Jennifer bought a beautiful, expensive dress.
42. The mechanic bought neither a wrench nor a hammer.
43. We worked for a neighbor whom thanked us yesterday.
44. The photographer, whose camera was lost, made a report at the station.
45. The student said he enjoys learning new languages.
46. Peter speaks Swahili fluently because he has lived in Kenya for five years.
47. Unless Sarah pays the tailor, she will not receive her dress.
48. Our neighbor’s dog has just given birth to puppies.
49. I hate quarreling with my friends.
50. We sometimes revise our notes before exams.

SECTION B: 50 MARKS

51. Passage: The Importance of Teamwork in School Projects

(a). Teamwork is important in school projects because it encourages effective communication, helps in combining strengths, and solving problems together.
(b). Teamwork helps manage complex tasks by dividing work among team members, allowing for efficient completion of the project.
(c). Two skills students learn from teamwork are leadership and conflict resolution.
(d). Effective communication in teamwork helps students express their thoughts and listen to others, which improves collaboration.
(e). Students can ensure teamwork success by dividing tasks equally and respecting each other’s contributions.

52. Poem: “The Joy of Learning”

(a). The poem is about the joy and excitement of learning in the classroom.
(b). The poet describes the classroom environment as bright, with students eager and engaged.
(c). The emotions conveyed in the poem are excitement, curiosity, and joy.
(d). A suitable title for the poem could be “The Magic of Learning”.
(e). The author of the poem is not mentioned in the text.

53. Bar Chart: Students’ Reading Frequency in a Week

(a). 30 students read on Friday.
(b). Sunday had the lowest number of students reading (5 students).
(c). The total number of students who read from Monday to Wednesday is 15 + 20 + 25 = 60 students.
(d). Regular reading benefits students by improving their vocabulary, comprehension, and critical thinking skills.
(e). One way to encourage more students to read over the weekend is by offering incentives like book rewards or reading competitions.