2
Exercise 1
Read the following article about walking in the desert in Namibia, south-west Africa, and then answer
the questions on the opposite page.
AN AFRICAN WALK
There is nothing like walking to give almost every day. Walking is good for the
you an experience of a country. A fine body and also for the mind. The desert is
landscape is like a piece of music… my natural gym.”
it must be enjoyed at the right speed.
Walking at a slow pace on one of the At the camp
trails in Namibia allows you to learn Your ‘bedroom’
about the desert animals, trees and consists of a
plants that exist together in this unique camp bed with
environment. Apart from giving you a a blanket, a
real view of the landscape, walking is the bedside mat, a
best way to relax your mind. Who wants chair and a wash bowl… all outside in
to see such a beautiful landscape by the open air. The wind cools you down as
car? Walking is the best way to travel, you wait your turn for the bucket shower
with your feet firmly on the ground. to wash off the dust of the day. Kick off
your shoes and sink your feet into the
The Tok Tokkie Trail soft sand; it will give you a feeling of
On the Tok Tokkie Trail you will being part of nature. You will soon fall
experience various aspects of the desert asleep under the clear, star-covered sky.
– from mountainous paths and sand With this view, you could truly call it a
dunes to patches of grass. Walking with thousand-star hotel!
a guide is conducted at a slow pace. It
is ‘luxury’ hiking because everything is In the morning, you wake up to the
done for you. You are woken up with a sounds of wildlife, early enough to see
cup of coffee or tea just as the sun rises. the sun set the sky on fire.
At the end of the day, you can relax
with a cool, refreshing drink before Choose your route
enjoying the evening meal at the camp. The starting point for the Tok Tokkie
All you need to carry are your camera, Trail is about 450 kilometres from the
binoculars and water. Namibian capital, Windhoek. To reach
the starting point by car from the city,
Your guide one option is to take the C19 road,
Your guide, Domingo, which passes through the magnificent
carries a mobile refreshment scenery of the Zaris Pass and where
pack on his back, so you you can see slow-moving donkey carts
can sit back against a rock along the way. Alternatively, if you are
and take a break with tea driving from the direction of Sesriem,
and cake. He says, “I walk you turn right about 110 kilometres
along the C27.
© UCLES 2012 0510/21/O/N/12
3
(a) How is walking in a fine landscape compared to a piece of music? For
Examiner’s
.................................................................................................................................... [1] Use
(b) Apart from learning about your surroundings, what other advantage does walking have?
.................................................................................................................................... [1]
(c) What different features of the landscape will you see on the walk? Give two details.
....................................................................................................................................
.................................................................................................................................... [1]
(d) What indication is there that the day’s walking starts early?
.................................................................................................................................... [1]
(e) What items should you take with you on the walk? Give two details.
.................................................................................................................................... [1]
(f) How does the guide look after his walking group?
.................................................................................................................................... [1]
(g) Why might the camp be described as a thousand-star hotel?
.................................................................................................................................... [1]
(h) What are the advantages of taking the C19 road to the start of the trail? Give two details.
....................................................................................................................................
.................................................................................................................................... [1]
[Total: 8]
© UCLES 2012 0510/21/O/N/12 [Turn over
4
Exercise 2
Read the following article about mankind’s efforts to cool the Earth’s climate, and then answer the
questions on the opposite page.
MAN-MADE EFFORTS TO COOL THE EARTH
In an attempt to slow down climate change, scientists are studying various aspects of
‘geo-engineering’ – the name given to mankind’s efforts to change the Earth’s climate in order to reduce global warming.
One of the main areas of research is the idea of creating artificial volcanic eruptions, which would blow out millions of kilograms
of dust into the air. The scientists suggest that sending sulfur-based particles into the upper atmosphere could be one of the
most effective ways available to humanity to keep the world cool. An Earth scientist at the University of Copenhagen says, “Dust
which is forced into the sky when a volcano erupts is known to cool the Earth by reducing the amount of sunlight that reaches it,
and by reflecting light back into space.”
The interest in this area of research is linked to the eruption of Mount Pinatubo, in the Philippines, in 1991, the second largest
eruption of the 20th Century. The explosion blew millions of tiny sulfur-based particles into the air, cooling the planet by about
half a degree Celsius before they fell back to Earth.
It is estimated that millions of kilograms of sulfur-based particles would have to be released artificially into the upper
atmosphere year after year. This seems a great deal but in fact it is a small amount in global terms. However, this could reduce
the rise in global temperature by up to 2 degrees Celsius.
Are there any other ways in which these sulfur-based particles could be delivered into the atmosphere? There are two other main
areas of research. Firstly, aeroplanes could be equipped with systems that release these particles as they fly around the world
from destination to destination. A second idea is to use guns to fire shells containing sulfur-based particles into the atmosphere.
Research is also being carried out into other possibilities for reducing the amount of sunlight to make the Earth cooler. It has
been suggested that sunlight reaching the Earth could be reduced by a process known as ‘cloud whitening’. This is where salt
water is sprayed into the air from thousands of ships, producing brighter clouds. One of the main disadvantages of this approach
is that it would cut rainfall in areas such as the Amazon and Africa. As one climate change expert states, “If humans start
interfering with the world’s cloud systems there will certainly be major consequences, some of which will be dangerous.”
PRODUCTION OF CARBON DIOXIDE BY WORLD’S POPULATION
80
70
60
tonnes of 50
carbon
dioxide (in 40
billions)
30
20
10
0
2010 2030 2050
(actual figure) (projected (ideal
figure) figure)
Scientists tell us that a major source of global warming is over-production of carbon dioxide. Another possible method of
cooling the Earth, therefore, is to try to speed up the rate at which carbon dioxide is removed from the air. This might be done by
increasing the amount of plankton, a tiny form of animal and plant life which drifts in the oceans.
Plankton absorbs carbon dioxide as it grows and then carries the carbon dioxide down to the bottom of the ocean when it dies.
The disadvantage of such a technique is that it would take too long to make significant reductions in carbon
dioxide in the atmosphere. The same criticism applies to another idea which involves using giant
artificial filters driven by nuclear power to remove the carbon dioxide from the air.
One fact is certain. Any measures which are taken may have to
be kept going for decades or even centuries.
© UCLES 2012 0510/21/O/N/12
5
(a) Why are scientists researching ‘geo-engineering’? For
Examiner’s
..................................................................................................................................... [1] Use
(b) What does a volcanic eruption send into the air?
..................................................................................................................................... [1]
(c) How do volcanic eruptions help to cool the Earth? Give two details.
.....................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................... [2]
(d) When and where was the second largest eruption of the last century?
..................................................................................................................................... [1]
(e) How often would sulfur-based particles need to be sent into the atmosphere?
..................................................................................................................................... [1]
(f) What is one possible danger of spraying salt water into the air?
..................................................................................................................................... [1]
(g) According to the graph, how much carbon dioxide do scientists predict will be produced
in 2030?
..................................................................................................................................... [1]
(h) How can plankton help the atmosphere? Give two details.
.....................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................... [1]
(i) What is a disadvantage of removing carbon dioxide by filters?
..................................................................................................................................... [1]
(j) Give four examples of geo-engineering techniques described in the passage.
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................... [4]
[Total: 14]
© UCLES 2012 0510/21/O/N/12 [Turn over
2
Exercise 1
Read the following article about places to visit in France, and then answer the questions on the opposite
page.
VISITING FRANCE
France offers great opportunities for visitors and a wide variety of different types of holiday.
Countryside and villages
There is plenty to see in the French countryside, including beautiful wooded valleys, rivers and
gorges. In most areas of France you can find pretty villages, especially in central Alsace, in the
countryside of Normandy and along the river in the Dordogne.
Castles
France is famous for its wonderful architecture, and two areas in France are particularly visited for
their attractive castles. The Loire valley to the south-west of Paris is best known for its large houses
or castles called ‘chateaux’, which were built by rich noblemen and kings from Paris. Towards the
south of France the Dordogne is famous for its medieval castles.
Mountains
The impressive mountains of the French Alps are popular in both summer and winter for skiing.
The area attracts skiers of all abilities, from beginners to experts. Less visited by overseas visitors,
the Pyrenees offer an attractive alternative to the French Alps for people interested in skiing or a
holiday in the mountains.
Beaches
France has thousands of beaches to meet every requirement. Some of the most popular beaches
with sun-seekers are those along the French Riviera, where high temperatures are almost
guaranteed during the summer months. The long sandy beaches of the Atlantic Coast north of
Biarritz are also well worth visiting, as is the very picturesque coast of Brittany.
Family fun
Among the most popular regions for people visiting France with children are the beaches of
the western coast such as those found in the Vendee department, which also has several large
attractions and events for families. Another favourite destination here is Ile de Ré, well known
for having lots of cycle paths which make it a pleasure for families to travel around. In addition,
amusement parks such as Disneyland and Asterix in the north of France offer great fun for both
children and adults.
Paris
Everyone loves Paris, as much for its café life and general romantic atmosphere as for the more
famous sights such as the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral and the Louvre museum. The Metro
makes it easy to travel around the city and everywhere you go there is something new and exciting
to discover.
Eating out
Wherever you choose to visit, remember that good food is appreciated and widely known about
throughout France. Eating out is generally inexpensive, outside the large cities. A decent two
course lunch will cost about 12 euros. It is not necessary to leave a tip for the waiter or waitress
because the service charge is now included in the bill. However, most people still leave a small tip,
especially for good service.
© UCLES 2013 0510/22/O/N/13
3
(a) What three natural features can you see in the countryside in France? For
Examiner’s
...................................................................................................................................... [1] Use
(b) Why might tourists want to visit the Loire valley?
...................................................................................................................................... [1]
(c) Where should you go for a quiet skiing holiday away from other tourists?
...................................................................................................................................... [1]
(d) What is particularly attractive about the beaches on the French Riviera?
...................................................................................................................................... [1]
(e) What makes Ile de Ré a good place for families to visit?
...................................................................................................................................... [1]
(f) Apart from the famous sights, what makes Paris so popular for visitors? Give two details.
......................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................... [2]
(g) Where is it especially good value for money to eat out?
...................................................................................................................................... [1]
(h) Why is it not essential to leave a tip after having a meal?
...................................................................................................................................... [1]
[Total: 9]
© UCLES 2013 0510/22/O/N/13 [Turn over
4
Exercise 2
Read the following article about spices, and then answer the questions on the opposite page.
SPICES
By the year 1000, Arabian traders had found many wonderful treasures in India, but perhaps the most
precious trading goods were spices. These traders brought rare and exotic spices such as cumin and
coriander from India. They then supplied these spices to their countrymen and to Europe. Through this
trade they were able to make fortunes.
Today, when spices are cheaper and more widely available, it seems unbelievable that they were once a
royal luxury and that men were willing to risk their lives to acquire them. In 1497, four tiny ships sailed
southward from Portugal, under the guidance of Captain Vasco da Gama. He was searching for a new
route to the spice lands of Asia. In a two-year journey that covered 38,624 kilometres, he took his
ships around the continent of Africa to India and back to Portugal. Although only two of the four ships
returned safely to their home port, they brought back a cargo of spices worth 60 times the cost of the
voyage, making da Gama a wealthy man. Rich people were eager to exchange their gold for his pepper
and cinnamon. Cinnamon was particularly valued for use in funeral ceremonies when a wealthy person
died. Vanilla was another favourite of the rich because, when mixed with cacao, it made a previously
unknown, delicious drink. Pepper was the most precious spice of all, often used as a form of money,
particularly when rent had to be paid.
Da Gama’s successful voyage started a European power struggle for control over the spice trade. For
three centuries afterwards, the nations of western Europe fought violent battles at sea. Some people
believe that the wealth made from the spice trade in the past is similar to the wealth of oil companies
today.
The people of those times used spices, as we do today, to improve or vary the flavours of their
food. Spices were also used to disguise the taste of food that was not fresh. Without the addition
of spices it would have been too unpleasant to eat. In times when there was no refrigeration,
spices were also used for preserving food, such as meat, for a year or more.
In the 16th century, cloves were commonly used both to preserve food and
for medicinal purposes. It is fascinating to note that cloves are still used in
the same way in some modern food. Later, mustard and ground mustard
were also found to have preservative qualities. When spices were not
available, people often went hungry because they could not prevent their
food from going bad.
Today, we use spices to flavour our food but do not have to spend a large amount of money to
purchase them. Nevertheless, the total amount that countries spend on importing spices continues to
be significant.
Many people around the world work in very difficult conditions to produce spices for us. Much of the
work is done by hand and very specific skills are needed. These skills have been handed down from
generation to generation, but there is now some concern that younger people no longer want to do
this sort of work because they prefer to go to the cities and work in office jobs.
Most of us are completely Countries Importing Spices
unaware of the origin of the 250
spices, and varied traditions
200
surrounding the spices, that we Money spent
keep in small packets or bottles on importing 150
on our kitchen shelves. For spices
example, when we shake some (in millions of 100
cumin into a pan we are not US dollars)
expecting it to keep married 50
couples together, which is what 0
people believed in the past. India United Saudi Singapore UAE Malaysia
Kingdom Arabia
© UCLES 2013 0510/22/O/N/13
5
(a) How were Arabian traders able to make fortunes by the year 1000? For
Examiner’s
...................................................................................................................................... [1] Use
(b) How does the price of spices nowadays compare with the cost in the 15th century?
...................................................................................................................................... [1]
(c) How far in total did Vasco da Gama travel on his journey, and how long did the voyage
last?
...................................................................................................................................... [1]
(d) How do we know that Vasco da Gama’s journey was a financial success?
...................................................................................................................................... [1]
(e) How did the relationships between European countries change after da Gama returned?
Give two details.
......................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................... [2]
(f) What modern industry has been as successful as the spice trade of the past?
...................................................................................................................................... [1]
(g) Why were spices used to hide the flavour of foods?
...................................................................................................................................... [1]
(h) What quality do cloves and mustard share that made them particularly important in the
past?
...................................................................................................................................... [1]
(i) According to the chart, which country spends the most on importing spices and how
much does it spend?
...................................................................................................................................... [1]
(j) How have people learnt the skills needed to produce spices?
...................................................................................................................................... [1]
(k) Apart from preserving and flavouring food, what other uses have spices had? Give four
details.
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................... [4]
[Total: 15]
© UCLES 2013 0510/22/O/N/13 [Turn over