A-12 mMCQ · Passage 1
What is the main idea of the passage?
Answer: c. Only option c covers the whole passage (traditional diet → fast-food shift); a, b and d each describe one paragraph or detail only.
State of Kuwait
Ministry of Education
English Language — Grade 10
End-of-Term MOCK EXAMINATION
Paper 1 · Modules 1 & 2 (Units 1–4) · Model Answer Edition (interactive reveal)
Units 1–2 · Module 1
Units 3–4 · Module 2
62 auto-graded items
Full answer key
Instructions to Candidates
- Answer ALL questions. Mark values appear in gold chips, e.g. 2 m.
- Section A (Reading, 25 m): the MCQ and True/False/Not Given items are auto-graded; short-answer items are checked against the model answers.
- Sections B, C & D are auto-graded as you answer; Section C3 and the Writing task are self-assessed with the model answers and rubric.
- Read each passage carefully before answering its questions; you may reveal model answers at any time — but honest practice builds real exam skill.
- The countdown timer (2:00:00) is a training aid — practise finishing within the real time limit.
- A complete, justified Answer Key is provided at the end of the paper.
Section A · 25 marks
Reading Comprehension
Two passages adapted from your Origin to Outlook coursebook. Questions A-1 – A-5 refer to Passage 1; questions A-6 – A-10 refer to Passage 2. MCQ and True/False/Not Given items are auto-graded (14 m); short answers are checked against the models (11 m).
Section A — your auto-score: 0 / 14 (+ 11 m self-checked)Passage 1 — The Evolution of the Kuwaiti Diet
Module 1 · Unit 1For centuries, the Kuwaiti diet reflected the lifestyle of pearl divers and fishermen. Meals were simple, healthy, and based on what the sea and desert could bestow: fresh fish, dates, rice, and a few vegetables. These foods gave people the energy needed for long hours of diving and sailing. Life was physically hard, and the diet matched this active lifestyle. As a result, health problems related to food were rare, and obesity was almost unknown.
However, with the discovery of oil and Kuwait's rapid development, eating habits began to change. Supermarkets and fast-food chains introduced convenient options that were often high in fat, sugar, and salt. At the same time, cars replaced walking, and technology urged people to spend more time indoors. Research shows that many Kuwaiti teenagers do not routinely get enough exercise and lead inactive lifestyles. Consequently, this shift has contributed to rising rates of obesity, as well as health problems such as diabetes.
To overcome these challenges, schools have become important places to stimulate healthier lifestyles. The programme developed by the Kuwait Flour Mills and Bakeries Company teaches students about nutrition in engaging ways, and studies show that participants developed more positive attitudes and consumed less fast food.
Examiner's tip: scan for time markers ("For centuries", "However", "Consequently") — they signpost the past → present → solution structure of expository texts.
A-22 mMCQ · Passage 1
In paragraph 1, the word "bestow" is closest in meaning to:
Answer: b) give. "What the sea and desert could bestow" = what they could provide / give as a gift (fish, dates, rice).
A-32 mTrue / False / Not Given
"In the past, obesity was common among pearl divers."
Answer: False. The passage states that "health problems related to food were rare, and obesity was almost unknown".
A-42 mTrue / False / Not Given
"The school nutrition programme costs schools a lot of money."
Answer: Not Given. The passage describes the programme's goals and results but never mentions its cost.
A-53 mShort answer · Passage 1
According to the passage, which health problems has the modern shift in diet contributed to?
Model answer: The modern shift has contributed to rising rates of obesity, as well as health problems such as diabetes. (1 mark per correct point: rising obesity + diabetes + clear sentence.)
Passage 2 — Our Ancestors' Ocean, Our Children's Sky: Timeless Growth
Module 2 · Unit 4Kuwait, which is located on the northern edge of the Arabian Gulf, emerged as a centre for global trade. The country's name is derived from "Al-Kut", meaning a small fort built near the sea. In ancient times, different cultures gathered in this area to exchange not only goods but also ideas. Over the centuries, Kuwait underwent a remarkable transformation, evolving from a collection of small coastal villages into a culturally diverse trading hub.
The 18th century marked a major turning point as Kuwait became a well-known trading port connecting major sea paths between the East and the West. Throughout the 19th century, the pearl-diving and shipbuilding industries sustained the economy. Then, in 1911, Sheikh Mubarak Al-Sabah established Al-Mubarakiya School, marking the beginning of formal education in Kuwait.
The 1930s brought the discovery of oil, which completely changed the nation's path. This new-found wealth sped up modernisation, funding modern schools, advanced hospitals, and transportation networks. Kuwait gained full independence in 1961, and in 1962 Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salem signed the Constitution, the document that contains the written law of Kuwait. Today, the nation remains a key peacemaker in regional affairs while keeping its traditions alive.
Examiner's tip: timeline texts are ideal for scanning — run your finger down the dates (18th c. → 1911 → 1930s → 1961 → 1962) and match each to its event.
A-62 mMCQ · Passage 2
What is the main idea of the section about the 1930s?
Answer: a. "The discovery of oil … completely changed the nation's path" and the new-found wealth "sped up modernisation" (schools, hospitals, transport).
A-72 mMCQ · Passage 2
Who signed the Kuwaiti Constitution in 1962?
Answer: b. The final paragraph states: "in 1962 Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salem signed the Constitution".
A-82 mTrue / False / Not Given
"Al-Mubarakiya School marked the beginning of formal education in Kuwait."
Answer: True. "Sheikh Mubarak Al-Sabah established Al-Mubarakiya School, marking the beginning of formal education in Kuwait."
A-93 mShort answer · Passage 2
What was the original meaning of the name "Al-Kut"?
Model answer: "Al-Kut" originally meant a small fort built near the sea. (2 m for the meaning + 1 m for a full, accurate sentence.)
A-105 mShort answer · HOTS + evidence
Why was 1962 a defining moment in Kuwait's history? Support your answer with one piece of evidence from the passage. 3 m idea + 2 m evidence
Model answer: 1962 was a defining moment because Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salem signed the Constitution, giving Kuwait its written law and completing its journey to a modern, independent state. Evidence: "in 1962 Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salem signed the Constitution, the document that contains the written law of Kuwait." (3 m for a correct reason in your own words + 2 m for accurate supporting evidence.)
Section B · 20 marks
Vocabulary
Words are drawn from the glossaries of all four units. B-1 – B-5 (matching, 2 m each), B-6 – B-9 (odd-one-out, 1 m each), B-10 – B-15 (word-bank gap fill, 1 m each).
Section B — your auto-score: 0 / 20
B-1 – B-52 m eachMatch word ↔ definition
Choose the correct definition letter (A–E) for each word from the dropdown.
A) an object made by a person, especially something of historical or cultural interest
B) the production or sending out of light, heat, or gas
C) able to continue over a period of time
D) (of food) very good for you; containing many of the substances which help the body to grow
E) caring about the needs and happiness of other people and being willing to help them, even if it brings no advantage to yourself
1. nutritious Unit 1 · food & health
2. emission Unit 2 · energy & waste
3. artefact Unit 3 · heritage
4. altruism Unit 4 · citizenship
5. sustainable Unit 1 · the sustainable self
Answers: B-1 → D (nutritious) · B-2 → B (emission) · B-3 → A (artefact) · B-4 → E (altruism) · B-5 → C (sustainable).
B-6 – B-91 m eachOdd-one-out
In each row, choose the ONE word that does not belong. Click it — your choice locks immediately.
B-6traditional diet
B-7the 3 Rs + one intruder
B-8count it or not?
B-9the senses
Answers: B-6 → burger (fast food; the others are foods of the traditional Kuwaiti diet) · B-7 → discard (the opposite of recycling/reusing/upcycling) · B-8 → chair (countable; advice / furniture / news are uncountable) · B-9 → noise (a sound, not a smell).
B-10 – B-151 m eachWord-bank gap fill
Complete each sentence with a word from the bank. Three words are not needed
swapportionlandfillawarenessevidenceidentityemissionwholesomeupcycling
B-10
Most disposable items end up in a , where they can take hundreds of years to break down.
B-11
My pledge this week is to sugary drinks with water.
B-12
Put a small of chips in a bowl instead of eating from the bag.
B-13
The Shagaya Renewable Energy Park raises public of clean energy.
B-14
Old stamps give us of Kuwait's history as a trading hub.
B-15
Sadu weaving is an important part of Kuwaiti cultural .
Answers: B-10 landfill · B-11 swap · B-12 portion · B-13 awareness · B-14 evidence · B-15 identity. Not used: emission, wholesome, upcycling.
Section C · 25 marks
Grammar
C1 (C-1 – C-10): ten MCQs covering all eight unit grammar topics — present simple & adverbs of frequency · present continuous & OSASCOMP · present perfect time expressions · first conditional + modals · non-defining relatives · past simple vs past continuous · reported speech · future forms & countable/uncountable nouns. C2 (C-11 – C-18): correct the verb in brackets. C3 (C-19 – C-25): rewrite/combine.
Section C — your auto-score: 0 / 18 (C-19 – C-25: 7 m self-checked)
C-11 mPresent simple + adverbs
Choose the grammatically correct sentence.
Answer: b. An adverb of frequency goes after the subject and before the main verb, and the third-person singular takes -s (drinks).
C-21 mPresent continuous
Look! The students ______ the Sadu weaving demonstration at the heritage fair.
Answer: c. "Look!" signals an action happening now → present continuous; plural subject "the students" → are watching.
C-31 mOSASCOMP
Choose the correct order of adjectives: "He bought a ______ bag for the school trip." (wooden · beautiful · small)
Answer: a. OSASCOMP = Opinion → Size → Material: beautiful (opinion) + small (size) + wooden (material).
C-41 mPresent perfect · since / for
Kuwait has set up many new environmental projects ______ 2010.
Answer: b. Since + a point in time (2010); for is used with a period (for many years).
C-51 mPresent perfect · just / already / yet
My older brother has ______ installed solar panels on the roof.
Answer: d. Just = a very recently completed action, placed between has and the past participle.
C-61 mFirst conditional + modals
If the model is new, you ______ try to fix it instead of buying a new one.
Answer: d. In the first conditional, should in the result clause gives advice (If + present simple, … should + base verb).
C-71 mNon-defining relatives
My sister, ______ name is Mariam, is 13 years old.
Answer: c. Whose shows possession (her name); that is never used in non-defining relative clauses.
C-81 mPast simple vs past continuous
While the children ______ a folk dance, the music stopped.
Answer: b. While + long background action → past continuous; the short interrupting action ("stopped") takes the past simple.
C-91 mReported speech
"I play football every day." → He said he ______ football every day.
Answer: b. Present simple shifts back to past simple in reported speech.
C-101 mCountable / uncountable
Which of the following is an uncountable noun?
Answer: c. Information has no plural form and takes much / little; the others are countable (many / few).
C-11 – C-181 m eachCorrect the verb in brackets
Write the correct form of the verb in brackets, then press Check.
C-11
My mother usually (cook) machboos on Fridays.
C-12
Look! The students (perform) the Ardah dance right now.
C-13
Since 2010, Kuwait (set) up many new environmental projects.
C-14
If you (study) hard, you will pass the exam.
C-15
While we (sail) back to the island, we saw a school of dolphins.
C-16
Mr Jamal, who (teach) at our school since 2015, really enjoys his job.
C-17
Salem said he (visit) Failaka Island the day before.
C-18
We (drive) to Al-Khafji this weekend; everything is arranged.
Answers (full sentences): C-11 My mother usually cooks machboos on Fridays. · C-12 Look! The students are performing the Ardah dance right now. · C-13 Since 2010, Kuwait has set up many new environmental projects. · C-14 If you study hard, you will pass the exam. · C-15 While we were sailing back to the island, we saw a school of dolphins. · C-16 Mr Jamal, who has taught at our school since 2015, really enjoys his job. · C-17 Salem said he had visited Failaka Island the day before. · C-18 We are driving to Al-Khafji this weekend; everything is arranged.
C-19 – C-251 m eachRewrite / combine
Rewrite each item as instructed. Compare your sentence with the model — a different correct wording is acceptable.
C-19
Combine into one sentence with a non-defining relative clause: "Kuwait Towers is a famous landmark. It stands by the sea."
C-20
Combine into one sentence with a non-defining relative clause: "Hamza Al Khayat was a Kuwaiti language expert. His book is based on fifteen years of research."
C-21
Report this sentence: "I will help you tomorrow," she said.
C-22
Report this sentence: "We visited the museum yesterday," they said.
C-23
Complete the first conditional: "If people ______ (use) less plastic, Kuwait ______ (have) cleaner beaches."
C-24
Rewrite as a future intention with going to: "I intend to take photographs of the fort."
C-25
Put the adjectives in the correct order: "a (leather / beautiful / small) bag"
Model answers:
C-19 — Kuwait Towers, which stands by the sea, is a famous landmark.
C-20 — Hamza Al Khayat, whose book is based on fifteen years of research, was a Kuwaiti language expert.
C-21 — She said (that) she would help me the next day. will → would · tomorrow → the next day
C-22 — They said (that) they had visited the museum the day before. past simple → past perfect · yesterday → the day before
C-23 — If people use less plastic, Kuwait will have cleaner beaches.
C-24 — I am going to take photographs of the fort.
C-25 — a beautiful small leather bag. Opinion → Size → Material
Section D · 10 marks
Language Functions
D1 (D-1 – D-5): match each function to the correct expression. D2 (D-6 – D-10): choose the most suitable response in five mini-dialogues.
Section D — your auto-score: 0 / 10
D-1 – D-51 m eachMatch function ↔ expression
From the Language Functions Bank — choose the correct letter (A–E) for each function.
A) "Why don't we volunteer at the beach clean-up?"
B) "You should swap chips for an apple or nuts."
C) "In my view, healthy habits begin at home."
D) "Students must comply with the exam regulations."
E) "Failaka Island is calmer than Kuwait City."
1. Giving advice
2. Expressing opinion
3. Comparing
4. Expressing obligation
5. Making a suggestion
Answers: D-1 → B (should = advice) · D-2 → C (in my view = opinion) · D-3 → E (calmer than = comparison) · D-4 → D (must = obligation) · D-5 → A (Why don't we…? = suggestion).
D-61 mMini-dialogue
Noor: I feel tired all the time.
Answer: b. A health problem receives advice ("You should…"). The other replies are irrelevant.
D-71 mMini-dialogue
Yousef: Shall we upcycle this old blanket?
Answer: a. A suggestion with "Shall we…?" is accepted or rejected politely; option a accepts and develops the idea.
D-81 mMini-dialogue
Huda: In my opinion, school meals should be healthier.
Answer: c. An opinion is met with agreement or disagreement — "I completely agree with you."
D-91 mMini-dialogue
Fahad: I have to submit my project tomorrow morning.
Answer: a. The natural reply to a stated obligation is practical advice ("you'd better…").
D-101 mMini-dialogue
Mariam: What do you think of renewable energy?
Answer: b. A question asking for an opinion is answered with an opinion phrase ("Personally, I believe…").
Section E · 20 marks
Guided Writing
One guided task. Plan first, write ≈ 100 words (8–10 sentences) using at least three required linkers, then assess yourself with the rubric and the two model answers.
Section E — 20 m (teacher / self-assessed with rubric)
E-120 mGuided article · ≈ 100 words
Your school magazine is publishing articles under the title "Small Changes, Big Difference". Write an article of about 100 words (8–10 sentences) in which you:
- describe ONE small change students can make for a healthier life or a greener Kuwait,
- give TWO supporting ideas with examples or results,
- end with an encouraging conclusion.
Topic sentence
Supporting idea 1
Supporting idea 2
Conclusion
Required linkers — use at least THREE:
First of allIn additionMoreoverFor exampleAs a resultThereforeIn conclusion
Word count: 0 (target ≈ 100 words)
| Criterion | Marks | Band descriptors |
|---|---|---|
| Content & Organisation | 6 | 5–6: clear plan followed (topic sentence, two developed ideas, conclusion); ideas relevant. 3–4: mostly relevant, some organisation. 1–2: limited ideas, weak structure. |
| Voice & Fluency | 4 | 3–4: natural, engaging, consistent tone. 2: generally fluent. 1: hesitant, repetitive. |
| Language Use (Grammar) | 6 | 5–6: accurate range of unit grammar (present perfect, conditionals, linkers). 3–4: some errors but meaning clear. 1–2: frequent errors obscure meaning. |
| Mechanics & Vocabulary | 4 | 3–4: correct spelling & punctuation; unit vocabulary used. 2: some slips. 1: many errors. |
Total: 20 marks · Award the top band only if the word target and at least three linkers are met.
Model AStrong ≈ 100 words · 18–20 / 20
Small changes can make a big difference, and one simple change is to swap sugary drinks for water. First of all, soft drinks contain a lot of hidden sugar, which leads to obesity and diabetes — two serious health problems in Kuwait. In addition, drinking water keeps the body hydrated and gives us more energy for studying and sport. For example, since I made this pledge last month, I have felt less tired in class, and my concentration has improved. As a result, my grades are getting better. In conclusion, I encourage everyone to try this small swap, because healthy habits begin with one simple choice.
Why it earns full marks: follows the plan box exactly · five linkers used · unit vocabulary (swap, pledge, hydration, obesity) · present perfect + first-conditional style reasoning · ≈ 105 words, 9 sentences.
Model BWeaker · ≈ 8 / 20 + comments
Healthy is important for all people. I will drink water and no soda. Soda have a lot of sugar and it is bad. Water is good for the body and for sport. My friend he also drink water now. Also it is cheap. In conclusion water good and everyone must to drink it.
- Too short (≈ 55 words) — below the 100-word target; only 6 sentences.
- No clear topic sentence and the two supporting ideas are not developed.
- Grammar slips: "Soda have" → has; "My friend he also drink" → my friend also drinks; "must to drink" → must drink; "In conclusion water good" → water is good.
- Only one weak linker ("Also"); repetition of "soda / water" instead of unit vocabulary.
- Fix strategy: use the plan box, add one example per idea, and proofread verbs and linkers before submitting.
Your results
Score Summary
Auto-graded sections only (A MCQ/TF-NG, B, C1–C2, D). The remaining 38 marks (A-5, A-9, A-10, C-19 – C-25, Writing) are checked against the model answers and rubric.
0 / 62 auto
0A · Reading / 14
0B · Vocabulary / 20
0C · Grammar / 18
0D · Functions / 10
0Items answered / 62
Answer the auto-graded items to light up your score. Aim for 56+/62 before attempting Paper 2!
For self-marking
Complete Answer Key — Model Answer Edition
Every item numbered with its answer and a one-line justification (or the full corrected sentence). Use honestly: attempt first, then mark.
Key · A
Reading Comprehension (25 m)
- A-1 c) The Kuwaiti diet has changed from simple, healthy meals to modern fast food. Whole-passage idea; a/b/d cover only one paragraph each.
- A-2 b) give. "What the sea and desert could bestow" = provide/give.
- A-3 False. "Health problems related to food were rare, and obesity was almost unknown."
- A-4 Not Given. The passage never mentions the programme's cost.
- A-5 Rising rates of obesity and health problems such as diabetes. 3 m: obesity + diabetes + full sentence.
- A-6 a) The discovery of oil led to the transformation into a modern state. "Completely changed the nation's path… sped up modernisation."
- A-7 b) Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salem. He signed the Constitution in 1962.
- A-8 True. "Al-Mubarakiya School, marking the beginning of formal education in Kuwait."
- A-9 A small fort built near the sea. 3 m: meaning + accurate sentence.
- A-10 1962 was defining because Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salem signed the Constitution — the written law of Kuwait. Evidence: "in 1962 Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salem signed the Constitution, the document that contains the written law of Kuwait." (3 m idea + 2 m evidence.)
Key · B
Vocabulary (20 m)
- B-1 nutritious → D. Food that helps the body grow.
- B-2 emission → B. Sending out light, heat or gas.
- B-3 artefact → A. A man-made object of historical interest.
- B-4 altruism → E. Helping others with no advantage to yourself.
- B-5 sustainable → C. Able to continue over time.
- B-6 burger — the only fast-food item; fish/rice/dates belong to the traditional diet.
- B-7 discard — the opposite of recycle/reuse/upcycle.
- B-8 chair — countable; advice, furniture and news are uncountable.
- B-9 noise — a sound, not a smell (aroma, scent, fragrance).
- B-10 landfill · B-11 swap · B-12 portion · B-13 awareness · B-14 evidence · B-15 identity. Not used: emission, wholesome, upcycling.
Key · C
Grammar (25 m)
- C-1 b) She usually drinks water before the meal. Adverb before the main verb; 3rd person -s.
- C-2 c) are watching. Action happening now ("Look!") + plural subject.
- C-3 a) beautiful small wooden. OSASCOMP: Opinion → Size → Material.
- C-4 b) since. Since + point in time.
- C-5 d) just. Recently completed action.
- C-6 d) should. Modal of advice in the result clause.
- C-7 c) whose. Possession; "that" is impossible in non-defining clauses.
- C-8 b) were watching. Long action (while) + short interrupting action (stopped).
- C-9 b) played. Present simple → past simple in reported speech.
- C-10 c) information. Uncountable: no plural, takes much/little.
- C-11 cooks — My mother usually cooks machboos on Fridays.
- C-12 are performing — Look! The students are performing the Ardah dance right now.
- C-13 has set — Since 2010, Kuwait has set up many new environmental projects.
- C-14 study — If you study hard, you will pass the exam.
- C-15 were sailing — While we were sailing back to the island, we saw a school of dolphins.
- C-16 has taught — Mr Jamal, who has taught at our school since 2015, really enjoys his job.
- C-17 had visited — Salem said he had visited Failaka Island the day before.
- C-18 are driving — We are driving to Al-Khafji this weekend; everything is arranged. Present continuous for a fixed arrangement.
- C-19 Kuwait Towers, which stands by the sea, is a famous landmark.
- C-20 Hamza Al Khayat, whose book is based on fifteen years of research, was a Kuwaiti language expert.
- C-21 She said (that) she would help me the next day. will→would; tomorrow→the next day; you→me.
- C-22 They said (that) they had visited the museum the day before. past simple→past perfect; yesterday→the day before.
- C-23 If people use less plastic, Kuwait will have cleaner beaches.
- C-24 I am going to take photographs of the fort.
- C-25 a beautiful small leather bag. Opinion → Size → Material.
Key · D
Language Functions (10 m)
- D-1 Giving advice → B. "You should…" gives advice.
- D-2 Expressing opinion → C. "In my view…" introduces an opinion.
- D-3 Comparing → E. "calmer than…" compares two places.
- D-4 Expressing obligation → D. "must comply" = obligation.
- D-5 Making a suggestion → A. "Why don't we…?" suggests an action.
- D-6 b — advice answers a health complaint. D-7 a — accepts and develops the suggestion. D-8 c — agreement answers an opinion. D-9 a — practical advice answers a stated obligation. D-10 b — an opinion phrase answers a request for opinion.
Key · E
Writing (20 m — rubric-based)
- E-1 There is no single "correct" article. Mark with the rubric: Content & Organisation /6 · Voice & Fluency /4 · Language Use /6 · Mechanics & Vocabulary /4.
- Compare your article with Model A (strong, 18–20) and Model B (weaker, ≈ 8) in Section E — both are toggleable there with examiner comments.
- Checklist before self-marking: ≈ 100 words? · topic sentence + 2 ideas + conclusion? · at least 3 linkers from the box? · unit vocabulary (pledge, swap, awareness, upcycling…)? · verb tenses proofread?