Pre Public Exam Paper 2 – Extended
IGCSE style Paperfor CIE 2015 Specification
First Language English 0522
Paper 2Reading Passages Extended May 2015
(The Trouble with Everest / Eco-tourism)2 hours
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Pre Public Exam Paper 2–Extended
Read Passage A carefully and then answer Questions 1 and 2
Passage A: The Trouble with Everest
For thousands of years mankind has been on a quest to conquer nature. Undeterred by its power and indomitable force, we keep taking risks with our own lives in the name of adventure and exploration.
Mount Everest has an elevation of 29,035 feet (8850 meters). Situated in the Himalayas, on the borders of China and Nepal, Mount Everest is the highest point above sea level on earth.Every year many intrepid adventurers attempt to climb to its summit but not all make it. Many underestimate the challenge of climbing Everest and fall victim to the inhospitable terrain and the physical demands of climbing at altitude. Too often, expeditions are halted because of the lack of preparation and arrogance of climbers who think they know better.
On Everest the weather can change without any warning. In a matter of minutes a soft haze of sunshine can become an impenetrable freezing fog, making it almost impossible for climbers to navigate. Fog on Everest becomes a living, breathing, ghostly white matter, suffocating climbers, creatinga cold burn at the back of the throat.As well as entangling victims in its suffocating mist, climbers are disabled by a white blindfold that can take hours to clear.This fog is a creation of Everest; a web of entrapment, a reminder that she is in control.
But fog is not the only hazard faced by trekkers on Everest. Laced with ice, the persistent, vicious force of the temperatures can take climbers, quite literally, off their feet. Without adequate protection, trekkers can quickly succumb to the aggressive and punishing bite of the sub-zeroclimate, leadingto ice burns and in extreme cases, frostbite. Add in blinding and perilous blizzard conditions and a furious, hurricane level wind that howls its way around the rock faces and you have a cocktail for disaster.
At 8,000 metres trekkers enter the infamous “Death Zone”. At high altitude, the air is thinner and breathing becomes more difficult. Regular rest time is essential for recuperation and,ultimately, survival. Altitude sickness is not uncommon on Everest and climbers need to be alert to the signs. Although the human body is capable of adapting to having less oxygen, there is a limit and all too often climbers have not done sufficient mountain training at high altitude. Bear in mind that altitude sickness affects the mind, causing hallucinations, putting your own life and the lives of others in danger.
Everest has three sides that are flat, creating the effect of a pyramid shaped mountain. The terrain is made more difficult by the crevasses that appear in the glacial ice, swallowing unlucky climbers who momentarily lose concentration or lose their footing. Khuma Ice Falls are notoriously treacherous and have earned the sinister nickname of ‘Suicide Passage.’Climbers should always link themselves together with rope when tackling glacial ice in order to prevent someone slipping into the crevasses forever.
An Everest climb is unlike any other climb. Trekkers should take additional care on Everest; being vigilant, advancing with caution and regular checks of ropes and karabiners can make the difference between life and death. All equipment should be of the highest specification and rigorous training on snow and ice is non-negotiable for aspiring Everest Conquerors.
Over 200 people have died trying to conquer Everest. The advice from experts and the guides is clear: you should not attempt to climb Everest unless you have been properly trained. Preparation can take months, even years and the risks are high. And don’t neglect to plan for the financial burdens, which can run into thousands of pounds. There are a plethora of options available to you in terms of routes and costs, but always remember that taking shortcuts could risk you paying the ultimate price.
Reaching the summit safely will bring its own rewards but remember that you still have to descend in the same conditions. The temptation to bask in your own glory at your success must not be at the cost of succumbing to the dangerous conditions that await you as you return to base camp.
But the rewards for those who tame her are priceless. Standing at the summit is both humbling and joyous. There are few destinations in the world that yield such breath-taking yet harrowing beauty and Everest is an example of Nature’s untameable strength at its best.
Part 2
Read Passage B carefully, and then answer Question 3 on the Question Paper.
Passage B: Eco-Tourism
Green campaigns are no longer the premise of environmental activists. A new breed of campaigner is alive and thriving across our planet, thanks to eco-tourism.
Combining the opportunity to travel to distant and sometimes exotic locations, there are numerous activities an environmentally conscious tourist can partake in. Wildlife conservation is one of the most popular types of eco-tourism; working with orang utans in Borneo, helping orphaned elephants in Africa and digging a well in Indonesia are just a few of the activities zealous wildlife and ecologically minded fanatics can experience. And whilst some may say that the carbon footprint left by a long haul flight to these destinations does not stack up in environmental currency, the influx of hard cash to support these causes is undisputable.
Human beings have a natural instinct to help one another and there is nothing we love more than having a cause. Adding to our sense of doing something that has moral purpose, our guilt at the damage we do to the environment on a daily basis is somewhat appeased if we give something back. Assisting communities in creating their own sustainable resources such as a well or a flood barrier is something that can be done both locally and internationally, making the rewards far-reaching.
Recreational and educational activities based on natural attractions helps communities progress both socially and economically. Improving infrastructures such as repairing roads will benefit not only local people but could bring in more opportunities for trade and tourism.
But eco-tourism offers much more than the chance to help our planet. Cultural preservation brings education and enlightenment to those who are willing to venture further than the sterile surroundings of a hotel. Staying in eco-lodges or in the homes in the community allows tourists to experience local lifestyles and customs, fuelling an interest and desire topreserve these. Traditional ceremonies and crafts can also be sustained.
And think of how you can make a difference to the human rights of individuals and communities who are vulnerable. Raising awareness of their political or economic plight can create pressure for governments to do more to bring about change. After all, it is change that makes us continue fighting for what we believe is right and for a better world for future generations.
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