Kingdom of Morocco - Ministry of National Education, Preschool and Sports
English National Exam 2024 - Remedial Session
Subject: English Language | Stream: Arts & Humanities
T Reading Comprehension Text
[1] For centuries, Morocco has been known for the art of making zellij. It is a skill passed on from father to son in Morocco. Making zellij needs a lot of training and hard work. It also requires expertise in math and geometry. Today, more and more young people are interested in learning this craft. They consider it as a significant part of their cultural heritage. However, these young learners do not find it an easy skill to learn. Making zellij requires a lot of patience and precision. It also takes much time and practice to master this art. Still, "learning it allows you to appreciate and contribute to this traditional art form," said Thaifa, director of Mosaics and Potteries of Fes.
[2] Driss Zourgane, 36, has been making zellij since he was 7. He cuts pieces of colored zellij with his hands into very small shapes and sizes. Another worker takes those shapes and puts them together with cement to create beautiful zellij, or mosaic. Driss spent five years learning the craft. Now, he produces about 400 pieces during a workday of 10 hours. He makes 200 dirhams a day. For Driss, this is a steady income for a family of six that includes his parents and siblings. Zourgane and his friend, Abdelwahd Hafid, said their income is modest, but they are proud to make enough money to support their families.
[3] Almost 3 million people work in Morocco's artisan industries. A 2016 official report shows a slow decrease in the number of jobs in the artisan sector since 2007 because children now stay longer at school to finish their studies. That is one reason why the number of modern zellij factories has increased. However, though factories can produce thousands of zellij pieces much faster and cheaper, traditional handmade zellij is still popular as it is unique. Tourists love to visit zellij workshops in Fes to buy some pieces. They often buy them as souvenirs for their friends and families.
[4] To advertise the Moroccan culture worldwide, the government encourages the new generations to learn the traditional skills. Across Morocco, there are about 58 artisan schools that teach the art of zellij, woodwork, leather and many other crafts. They teach young people about its history, techniques and cultural importance.
I COMPREHENSION (15 POINTS)
| Figures (Numbers) | What they refer to |
|---|---|
| 400 | The number of pieces Driss produces during a workday |
| 3 million | The number of people working in Morocco's artisan industries |
| 58 | The number of artisan schools across Morocco |
1. Driss Zourgane has been making zellij since he was a child. → True. Justification: "...has been making zellij since he was 7."
2. Driss and Hafid are happy with the money they get from making zellij. → True. Justification: "...their income is modest, but they are proud to make enough money to support their families."
3. Zellij produced in modern factories costs more than the handmade one. → False. Justification: "...factories can produce thousands of zellij pieces much faster and cheaper."
1. Why do many young people now want to learn how to make zellij?
→ Because they consider it as a significant part of their cultural heritage.
2. List two reasons why the skill of making zellij is not easy to learn.
a. It requires a lot of patience and precision.
b. It takes much time and practice to master.
3. How much time did it take Driss Zourgane to learn the skill of making zellij?
→ Driss spent five years learning the craft.
1. According to a 2016 report, the number of people doing artisan jobs is decreasing because children now stay longer at school to finish their studies.
2. The government encourages young people to learn new crafts such as making zellij to advertise the Moroccan culture worldwide.
1. admire (Paragraph 1): appreciate
2. special (Paragraph 3): unique
1. "this craft" (paragraph 1): Making zellij / the art of making zellij
2. "They" (paragraph 3): Tourists
II LANGUAGE (15 POINTS)
1. Sarah enjoys reading books in her free time. (Gerund after "enjoy")
2. The theatre where we perform our plays is now closed. (Relative adverb for place)
1. The internet has provided people with new ways of entertainment.
2. But some of them are really careless as they pollute the touristic sites.
1. Advances in technology provide many job opportunities.
2. However, most companies prefer highly skilled people.
1. Last week, Mike was reading a book when he received a phone call from his friend.
2. They will have finished it by next January.
1. I may travel to London. Perhaps I will visit Big Ben.
→ If I travel to London, I will visit Big Ben.
2. "Put the rubbish in the dustbin!" Ali told his son.
→ Ali ordered his son to put the rubbish in the dustbin.
3. The government will build more stadiums for the 2030 World Cup.
→ More stadiums will be built for the 2030 World Cup (by the government).
1. "Can you help me with this homework, please?" → d. Making a request
2. "Sorry to say this, but the book I ordered two weeks ago has not arrived yet!" → e. Complaining
3. "I am interested in learning English. What can I do first?" → a. Asking for advice
4. "I think that technology is making us more isolated." → b. Giving opinion
Situation 1: Apologize to your friend for not attending his/her birthday party.
→ "I'm so sorry I couldn't make it to your party. I had an unexpected emergency."
Situation 2: Your friend responds.
→ "That's okay! Don't worry about it, we missed you though!"
III WRITING (10 POINTS)
Prompt: "When I go to university, I prefer to live with another student in the same room. For me, a good roommate should have many qualities..."
Model Answer:
"...First, he or she must be respectful and quiet, especially during study hours, to create a productive environment. Second, cleanliness is essential; a good roommate should help with daily chores to keep the room organized. Furthermore, honesty and trustworthiness are vital for a peaceful cohabitation. Finally, having a supportive roommate who shares similar interests can make university life much more enjoyable and less stressful."
Prompt: There are many differences between the young generation and the generation of their parents. Write an article to be published online about the differences between the two generations.
Model Article:
Mind the Gap: Two Generations, Two Worlds
It is often said that every generation is a new world. Nowadays, there are many noticeable differences between the young generation and that of their parents, especially regarding lifestyles and interests.
To begin with, technology has completely changed the way young people live. While parents value face-to-face communication and traditional appearances, the youth are more focused on digital trends and social media. Their opinions on career and education are also different; young people today prefer flexibility and creativity over the stable, lifelong jobs their parents sought.
Furthermore, the interests of the two generations often clash. Parents might enjoy calm activities and following established traditions, whereas the new generation is constantly seeking innovation and global connections. Even in appearances, the youth express their identity through modern fashion, which can sometimes be misunderstood by the older generation.
In conclusion, although the "generation gap" creates differences in lifestyles and habits, it is important for both sides to communicate. Understanding these differences is the first step toward mutual respect and a more harmonious society.
Tips for Success:
📅 Manage Your Time
Allocate time wisely across Comprehension, Language, and Writing. Leave at least 30 minutes for the writing section.
📝 Practice Past Papers
Familiarize yourself with the QCM style, gap-fills, and rewriting tasks to improve speed and accuracy.
🔍 Check Your Work
Review tenses, subject-verb agreement, and spelling. In writing, ensure clear paragraphs and logical connectors.