NSC English HL Comprehension: Read TEXTS A AND B below and ans

Question

Read TEXTS A AND B below and answer the questions set.

TEXT A

THE OLD HAVE MADE A MESS OF THE WORLD.
THE YOUNG WILL SAVE US.

1
World leaders are meeting in Spain to decide whether or not to bother with preventing the destruction of the earth, like people in a vehicle speeding toward a cliff deciding whether to brake or swerve … or maybe they are simply chatting about other things. Powerful senior citizens in the United States – Trump, Giuliani, Biden – are trading playground insults, and the middle-aged people who make serious decisions about how to handle this emergency seem incapable of thinking beyond the singularly imagination-killing criterion of short-term profit.

2
I began writing this column at a "Youth versus Apocalypse" demonstration in San Francisco. The protest, which was led by teens, of course, as well as some of the twenty-something members of the Sunrise Movement and Extinction Rebellion, took place in front of BlackRock, the world’s largest investor in fossil fuels. There was a little cluster of mothers at the demonstration, with babies and toddlers whose life expectancy, barring catastrophes, extends into the future. It was a "Fridays for Future" demonstration taking place all over the world, with half a million mostly young people in Madrid.

3
Sometimes I think that our species is more like a child than an adult; it had limited capacity to harm, and those responsible for its actions, or rather its inactions, will do so at its own peril. Perhaps we should be listening to the wisdom of the young before it is too late to limit damage.

4
Humankind has evolved with its reliance on fossil fuels, and with technology, ample proof of its weaknesses and dependencies, but these have grown exponentially. It is now painfully evident that we are in a perilous situation; nature presents us with choices, but it’s really up to us to avoid the greatest damage.

5
Greta Thunberg, a young environmentalist from Sweden, is portrayed in the media as a "warrior" symbolizing so many others who have stood up and confronted the establishment. This evokes a sense of urgency, and the young people are seeking to combat the climate crisis, accumulating physical resistance and a demand to reshape the narrative that threatens their future.

6
In recent years, Greta’s determination has resonated across generations, drawing attention to the peril associated with climate change and the need for immediate action. Climate activists now stand firm against the blame directed at them and demonstrate an unwavering commitment to the movement for change.

7
There is little doubt that they are not entirely altruistic in their convictions; their actions encapsulate the voice of a generation that refuses to inherit the recklessness of their predecessors. Social media has become their battleground, wherein hashtags like #HowDareYou encompass their defiance and invite all generations to participate in the fight against climate destruction.

8
The final sentence leaves no room for debate – it is a resounding vote of confidence in the direction of revolution and a clear challenge for everyone involved to take responsibility for their future. It is a matter of life and death for some of the most vulnerable in society, particularly in the face of starvation, flooding, and the pervasive risks that climate change brings.

9
The question remains if humanity can change trajectories and unite as one to confront the evils of climate change. It’s time to get serious before it’s too late.

10
Ultimately, history will evaluate these moments of indifference and inaction; the younger generation must hold accountable those who destroy the Earth for personal gain, with little regard for the future.

Read TEXTS A AND B below and answer the questions set - NSC English HL - Question 1 - 2021 - Paper 1

Worked Solution & Example Answer:Read TEXTS A AND B below and answer the questions set - NSC English HL - Question 1 - 2021 - Paper 1

1.1 The writer's message is that world leaders are meeting to discuss climate threats, but are not showing any sense of urgency in dealing with the matter.

1.2 The writer is dismissive/contemptuous/scornful of the immature behaviour of the politicians.

1.3 The common factor among all the participants is that they are either young or have young children; implying that the preservation of the Earth is crucial for future generations.

1.4 When humankind was primitive, 'a child', the destruction that was caused was minimal: 'it had limited capacity to harm'.

1.5 The urgency of recognising the peril is foregrounded by emotionally charged words.

1.6 The writer uses a prescriptive/commanding/persistent/urgent motivational tone.

1.7 In paragraph 8, the writer depicts the youth as wise citizens who are angry at the disadvantaged state of climate change.

1.8 The final sentence leaves no room for debate – it is a resounding vote of confidence.

1.9 The two hashtag slogans are Greta's weapons/online tools against the establishment.

1.10 The global establishment is depicted as an elite figure, while Greta represents the determined youth.

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