BEM 2020 English Exam — Middle School Certificate — Algerian Curriculum
Duration: 1h 30min — Coefficient: 2 — Level: 4th Year Middle School
Text:
The Importance of Reading
Reading is one of the most important habits that a person can develop. It opens doors to new worlds, ideas, and knowledge. Many successful people around the world say that reading helped them achieve their goals.
In Algeria, the Ministry of Culture organizes reading campaigns to encourage young people to read more. Statistics show that only 30% of Algerian teenagers read books regularly. The rest spend most of their free time watching television or using social media.
Reading has many benefits. First, it improves vocabulary and language skills. Second, it reduces stress and helps people relax. Third, it increases knowledge about different subjects. Finally, reading develops critical thinking and imagination.
Schools also play an important role in promoting reading. Many schools have libraries where students can borrow books. Teachers encourage their students to read stories and novels. Some schools even organize reading competitions to motivate students.
— Adapted from an educational article, 2020
Part One: Reading Comprehension (13 points)
- What is the text about? (1 pt)
- Is reading a habit that many successful people consider important? True or False? (1 pt)
- Complete the sentence with information from the text: Only … of Algerian teenagers read books regularly. (1 pt)
- Name three benefits of reading mentioned in the text. (1.5 pts)
- What do schools do to promote reading? Give two examples from the text. (1.5 pts)
- Find in the text a word that means the same as “advantages”. (1 pt)
- Find in the text the opposites of: (1.5 pts)
a) last (paragraph 3)
b) worst (paragraph 4)
c) decrease (paragraph 3) - What do the underlined words refer to? (1.5 pts)
a) “their” (paragraph 2) refers to …
b) “it” (paragraph 3) refers to …
c) “they” (paragraph 2) refers to … - Divide the text into introduction, development, and conclusion. (1 pt)
- Give a title to the text. (1 pt)
Part Two: Written Expression (7 points)
Topic:
Your school is organizing a campaign to encourage students to read more. As a member of the school’s reading club, you have been asked to write a short text (10 to 12 lines) to convince your classmates to develop the habit of reading. In your text:
- Explain why reading is important.
- Give at least two advantages of reading.
- Encourage your classmates to visit the school library.
Model Answer / Correction
Part One: Reading Comprehension (13 points):
1. Theme (1 pt):
The text is about the importance of reading.
2. True or False (1 pt):
True. The text says: “Many successful people around the world say that reading helped them achieve their goals.”
3. Complete (1 pt):
Only 30% of Algerian teenagers read books regularly.
4. Three benefits (1.5 pts):
– Improves vocabulary and language skills
– Reduces stress and helps people relax
– Increases knowledge about different subjects
– Develops critical thinking and imagination
5. Schools’ role (1.5 pts):
– Schools have libraries where students can borrow books.
– Teachers encourage students to read stories and novels.
– Some schools organize reading competitions.
6. Synonym (1 pt):
“benefits” (paragraph 3)
7. Opposites (1.5 pts):
a) last → first
b) worst → important / good
c) decrease → increases
8. Reference words (1.5 pts):
a) “their” (paragraph 2) refers to Algerian teenagers
b) “it” (paragraph 3) refers to reading
c) “they” (paragraph 2) refers to Algerian teenagers
9. Text structure (1 pt):
– Introduction: paragraph 1
– Development: paragraphs 2 and 3
– Conclusion: paragraph 4
10. Title (1 pt):
“The Power of Reading” / “Why Reading Matters”
Part Two: Written Expression (7 points):
Example answer:
Dear classmates,
I would like to talk to you about the importance of reading. Reading is a wonderful habit that can change our lives for the better.
First, reading helps us learn new things and improve our language skills. When we read, we discover new words and ideas. Second, reading makes us more intelligent and helps us think better. It also helps us relax after a long day at school.
I encourage all of you to visit our school library. There are many interesting books, stories, and novels that you can borrow for free. Start with a book that interests you and read for just 15 minutes every day.
Remember, readers are leaders. Let’s make reading a daily habit!
This is a proposed model for the BEM 2020 English exam. The actual exam may differ.
مدونة التربية و التعليم في الجزائر – دروس، فروض، نتائج امتحانات مدونة التربية والتعليم في الجزائر | تحضير الدروس، فروض واختبارات، نتائج البكالوريا وBEM، مسابقات التوظيف، والتوجيه المدرسي للطلاب وأولياء الأمور.