To understand garbage, both industrial and domestic, you have to touch it, feel it and smell it. You have to pick through hundreds of tons of it, counting and weighing all the daily newspapers, the directories, the soiled diapers, the lipstick cylinders coated with grease, the medicine vials still encasing brightly colored pills, the forsaken toys, and cigarette butts. You have to sort and weigh the volume of all organic matter, discards from thousands of plates: rice; ugali; fish heads to which justice has hardly been done; rotting water melons bleeding from gaping holes; the half eaten bananas, mostly within their peels, black and of discards.
To understand garbage, you need thick gloves, a mask and a vibrant immune system. However, the knowledge harvested from a dumpsite makes up for the grim working conditions. To an archaeologist, ancient garbage pits are among the happiest finds. Every archaeologist dreams of discovering spectacular objects - but the bread and butter work of archaeology involves the most common and routine kinds of discards.
Interestingly much conventional wisdom about garbage and its disposal consists of myths and assertions that turn out, upon investigation, to be misleading or dead wrong. For example, plastics are assumed to constitute the highest quantity of waste matter. For the record, the item most frequently encountered in a dumpsite is plain old paper. At one point, there was a lot of talk about how technology, computers in particular, would bring about,'paperless office' - a risky prediction, given the way things have turned out. Personal computers and printers grace many offices today. Consequently, where the creation of paper waste is concerned, technology is proving to be a fertility drug rather than a contraceptive.
Concerning plastics, it is true that the number of plastic objects has been increasing over the years. Nevertheless, the
proportion of space they take up in a dumpsite has hardly changed. The explanation appears to be the result of what is called 'light-weighting' - making objects in such a way that they retain all their functional characteristics but require the use of less resin.These days, even the plastic in disposable diapers ensures that they enter the house very light but leave it much heavier than ever before. The result is that many more plastic items can be squeezed into a given volume.
Plastics are the Great Satan: gaudy, cheap, a convenient scapegoat for people who waste and claim we consume too much. Although it is paper more than anything else that is filling up the dumpsites, in its defense one frequently hears the claim that paper biodegrades while plastic remains inert and will take up space until the end of time.
Not really. The reality is that the dynamics of a modern dumpsite are very nearly the opposite of what most people think. Biologically and chemically, a dumpsite is much more static than we commonly assume. For some some kinds of garbage, bio degradation goes on for a while and then slows down to a virtual standstill. For other kinds, bio degradation never gets underway at all.
[Adapted from ''Five Major Myths about Garbage, and Why They are Wrong by William Rathne and Cillen Murphy in The Presence of Others (1994). New York: St Martins Press
a) From paragraph one, name two examples of industrial waste and two examples of domestic waste. (2 marks)
b) According to the passage, how does a banana change as it rots?
c) Why do you think a vibrant immune system is said to be important in understanding garbage? (2 mark)
d) In the following sentence, replace the underlined expression with one word.
However, the knowledge harvested from a dumpsite makes up for the grim working conditions.
e) Why do you think the author puts the words ,'paperless in quotation marks? (2 mark)
f) Explain how technology has become a fertility drug rather than a contraceptive. (2 marks)
g) What can we infer about resin? (2 marks)
h) In not more than 25 words, summarize the reasons why the author feels paper waste poses a greater danger to the
environment than plastics. (4 marks)
i) Explain the meaning of each of the following expressions as used in the passage.
i) bread and butter work
ii)static
iii)get underway
a) Domestic waste: left over rice, ugali, fish heads, rotting water melons and half- eaten bananas. (Any 2 each ½ mk) Industrial waste: newspapers, directories, soiled diapers, lipstick cylinders, medicine vials, toys and cigarette butts.
(Any 2 each ½ mk)
b) As it rots, a banana turns black and then becomes abnormally sweet. (2 mks)
c) Garbage habours all manner of germs which could easily comprise an immune system that is already weak. (2 mks).
d) However, the knowledge harvested from a dumpsite compensates for the grim working conditions. (1 mark).
e) This is because the term is not the author's/It has simply been borrowed from elsewhere/He is sarcastic or ironical about
it/There is no office without paper. (Any 1 point = 2 mks)
f) This spurs the generation of paper waste. This is quite contrary to the predicted reduction of paper waste/Creation of more
paper waste than curbing it. (Any 1 point = 2 mks)
g) Resin makes them heavy/Resin makes plastic products heavy/The lesser the resin, the lighter the plastic/The more the resin,
the heavier the plastic. (Any 1 point = 2 mks)
h) a) Paper products occupy too much space/fill up dumpsites (2a)
b) Paper waste has been increasing in dumpsites/paper products are frequently found in dumpsites (2b)
c) Paper products are not necessarily more biodegradable than plastics. (2c)
- Answer should be in in summary form. If not, deduct 1/2mk from the total score and affix N
- Deduct a glimmer ¼ for professional errors per sentence
- Any 1 point = 2 mks)
i) - bread and butter work =basic/core/main/fundamental/chief/cardinal/principal/most important
- static = unchanging/constant
- gets underway = begins/takes place/commences
marto answered the question on April 9, 2019 at 05:40
- Study the following conversation between a matatu tout and a passenger who is disturbed by loud music playing in the vehicle(Solved)
Study the following conversation between a matatu tout and a passenger who is disturbed by loud music playing in the vehicle.
Passenger: Excuse me sir, would you mind reducing the volume of the music, please?
Tout: (ignoring her) Hey, anybody who has not paid their fare?
Passenger: Excuse me sir, did you hear me?
Tout: What is it woman? The volume is Okay.
Passenger: It's just a request as I am allergic to loud sounds…
Tout: (Interrupting) Then you should hire a taxi or buy your own car.
Passenger: I am sorry if I offended you but you have heard my problem.
Tout: You have also heard my point
(i) Identify four instances of lack of etiquette on the part of the tout
Date posted: April 9, 2019. Answers (1)
- How would you respond to the following situations affirmatively? (3 mks)(Solved)
How would you respond to the following situations affirmatively? (3 mks)
i) When you are asked: Do you mind more tea?
ii) When a judge asks: Did you come this morning?
iii) When a mayor of a town asks: Are you the one who was to come?
Date posted: April 9, 2019. Answers (1)
- Construct one sentence using each of the following words. (3 marks)(Solved)
Construct one sentence using each of the following words. (3 marks)
i) pro'ject
ii) sub'jects
iii) ,transport
Date posted: April 9, 2019. Answers (1)
- A Kiswahili teacher was conducting a Silent Reading session. He realized that the students had poor reading habits. Mention
any three of the habits he may...(Solved)
A Kiswahili teacher was conducting a Silent Reading session. He realized that the students had poor reading habits. Mention
any three of the habits he may have observed.
Date posted: April 9, 2019. Answers (1)
- Write the homophones of each of the following words.(Solved)
Write the homophones of each of the following words.
i) Won…………………………………………
ii) Heir…………………………………………
iii) Wood………………………………………
iv) Sales……………………………………….
v) Sine ……………………………………….
Date posted: April 9, 2019. Answers (1)
- Fill in each of the blank spaces below using one word.(Solved)
Fill in each of the blank spaces below using one word. (10 marks)
None of us can live totally without stress. We can, and must learn to live (1) _______ it and survive its potentially (2)
____________ effects. Learning how to cope is important, but formal opportunities for developing such skills are rare. As we grow (3) __________, we see how our parents and other adults we see around (4) __________ with problems of life. We (5) __________ this information in our minds. When difficulties arise (6) ____________ our lives, we try to (7) ____________ what we have in store, hoping that it would work for us. In (8) __________ occasions, it does because the „solutions‟ we had in store were not based on our own experiences. We should therefore learn and adopt our own appropriate responses in order
to (9) _________ consequences (10) _________ stress.
Date posted: April 9, 2019. Answers (1)
- Replace the words in brackets with suitable phrasal verbs in the correct tense.(Solved)
Replace the words in brackets with suitable phrasal verbs in the correct tense.
(a) During the inter-houses competition, Kamau fainted but later _____________________ (regained consciousness)
(b) There is all probability that the two sisters have _________________________ again. (quarreled)
Date posted: April 9, 2019. Answers (1)
- Answer the questions below according to the instructions given after each.
(Solved)
Answer the questions below according to the instructions given after each.
(i) They lived in a ______________ house for very many years. Family, strange, stone-walled, four-bed room (arrange the adjectives in the correct order)
(ii) _______________ her disability. She is a successful business woman (fill in the blank with a suitable complex
preposition)
Date posted: April 9, 2019. Answers (1)
- Place appropriate question tags at the end of the following statements.(Solved)
Place appropriate question tags at the end of the following statements.
(i) I need not see a doctor, ___________________________________________________
(ii) We must participate in communal work ,____________________________________
Date posted: April 8, 2019. Answers (1)
- Complete the following sentences with the correct form of the word given in brackets(Solved)
Complete the following sentences with the correct form of the word given in brackets
(i) It is difficult to bribe him because he is known to be ____________________ (corrupt)
(ii) John's decision to resign from his job was _______________________ convincing to his parents (doubt)
(iii) People like him because he is too gentle and ____________________________ (child)
(iv) Harvesting maize is a very __________________________ task (strain)
Date posted: April 8, 2019. Answers (1)
- Rewrite the following sentences according to the instructions given after each. Do not change the meaning(Solved)
Rewrite the following sentences according to the instructions given after each. Do not change the meaning.
(i) ' I will make sure I arrive at 2.00 pm', Etyang told the teacher (Rewrite in reported speech)
(ii) When one meditates, he discovers his weakness (Begin; Only when ………..
(iii) To eat too much is a bad habit (Rewrite using a gerund)
(iv) He ate more and more, but he grew thinner and thinner (Rewrite beginning: The more ……………..
(v) May gave Tom a pen (Rewrite the sentence to end with Mary)
Date posted: April 8, 2019. Answers (1)
- Read the passage below and answer the questions that follow: Kenya rebased its economy last year, which in layman's..(Solved)
Read the passage below and answer the questions that follow.
Kenya rebased its economy last year, which in layman's language means recalculating the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) - the total value of goods produced and services provided in a country in one year. The recalculation saw Kenya?s GDP expand by more than a quarter, ranking the country among the top ten largest economies in Africa.
To ordinary Kenyans, this should translate to increased school enrolment, better housing and healthcare and access to clean water and food security. But this will not be the case. The World Bank says that even as Kenya becomes a middle-income country, an estimated four out of ten Kenyans are living below the poverty line. To most Kenyans, not much difference will be noted other than the feel good effect.
While Kenyans might not see an improvement in their incomes, the release of the new numbers gives Kenya a unique international standing in the eyes of investors and development partners. It also gives, Kenya a positive outlook in terms of economic size, the debt - to GDP ratio and the country?s per capita income, in most cases, governments aim for a low debt toGDP ratio, usually below 50 per cent, as an indication that the country produces and sells goods and services in sufficient quantities to pay back debts.
Therefore, the new statistics raise Kenya?s profile as a creditworthy economy. Crucially, it gives the country a positive image among potential investors. The elevation means that some of indicators of economic sustainability that Kenya has been using, such as wage bill to GDP, will now have a different meaning. For instance, the ongoing debate on the Public Wage Bill is hinged on the GDP ratio, the much lower than the current 13 per cent.
On the flip side though, the much sought after middle-income tag would translate to an improved-capacity indicator for Kenya. As such, the country might not qualify for interest free loans and grants from the World Bank, yet these have been key financial services from the Breton Wood institution to boost education, health, infrastructure and agriculture.
Also, this could create an illusion that could see Kenya underestimate its liabilities. The rebasing will make the debt levels look small. This could entice the government to borrow more, thus exerting massive inflationary pressure on the economy if the tax base is not expanded.
The revision would not take away the country?s infrastructural, insecurity and high cost of production challenges. What are the figures for if they cannot transform people?s lives?
However, at a time when notable brands like Cadbury are leaving the country and moving their operations elsewhere, attracting investment is paramount.
There is nothing unique about rebasing. Nigeria and Ghana have recently done so. Tanzania early this week promised to do the same. The country may now be tagged middle-income economy, but this does not translate into a better life for the millions of Kenyans living below the poverty line.
This process should at best be exploited by the jubilee administration in its resolve to tackle poverty. Solid and long-term plans must be laid out to fight for the welfare of Kenyans.
The starting point should be making agriculture cheap. Today, this crucial economic activity suffers from high cost of inputs and the government has done little to commercialise the sector. A hungry nation will no doubt be a burden to growth.
Second, the cost of doing business in Kenya must be reduced. More infrastructural investments are needed in roads, railways and, most importantly, energy. The cost of power is way too high to sustain sound manufacturing - making Kenya uncompetitive in the region. Third, to arrest disappointments from expectant wananchi, the government needs to boost their purchasing power by ruthlessly taming prices of basic commodities.
It is, therefore, our desire that the rebasing will re-energise the government to improve the economy that is now at the mercy of a weakening currency and a relatively high inflation rate. Other-wise, Kenyans will continue to suffer as social iniquities trigger more crime, disease and poverty.
(a) What is the effect of recalculating Kenya's GDP? (2 Marks)
(b) Explain the irony behind Kenya becoming a middle income country. (2 Marks)
(c) According to the writer of this passage what challenges could Kenya encounter as a result of the middle-income economy
status?
(d) In not more than 45 words explain what the Kenyan government should do to reduce poverty levels. (6 Marks)
(e) What is the attitude of the writer towards Kenya?s elevated middle-income status? (2 Marks)
(f) How has Kenya benefited in its elevation to a middle-income status? (2 Marks)
(g) There is nothing unique about re basing. Nigeria and Ghana have recently done so. Tanzania early this week promised to do
the same. Combine the sentences to form a compound, complex sentence) (1 Mark)
(h) Explain the meaning of the following expressions as used is the passage.
(i) Flip side. (1 Mark)
(ii) Attracting investment is paramount
Date posted: April 8, 2019. Answers (1)
- A guest speaker came to your school to give a motivational talk. All the students really enjoyed the presentation. Mention
three possible strengths of that speaker(Solved)
A guest speaker came to your school to give a motivational talk. All the students really enjoyed the presentation. Mention
three possible strengths of that speaker
Date posted: April 8, 2019. Answers (1)
- Identify three pairs of words with the same pronunciation from the list below.
(Solved)
D. Identify three pairs of words with the same pronunciation from the list below.
Course ewe sit
Seat ate flower
Warm sum eight
Sit cause wring
Some ring floor
Worm coarse hue
Sam it who
Shom flour you
Date posted: April 8, 2019. Answers (1)
- You have visited Amboseli National Park for the first time. Below is part of the conversation that takes place between you
and the Game Ranger.(Solved)
You have visited Amboseli National Park for the first time. Below is part of the conversation that takes place between you
and the Game Ranger.
Ranger: Welcome to Amboseli National Park. My name is Biwott and I am in charge of showing people around.
You:
Ranger: The total area of this National Park is 100 acres. We have thirty species of big game and five species of
small animals.
You:
Ranger: Other than viewing the animals, people come here to relax, not to mention photography.
You:
Ranger: Indeed yes. It generates revenue for the Government in form of entry fee.
We charge sh 100 to Kenyan adults, sh 20 to Kenyan children and sh 500 to foreigners.
You:
Ranger: Thank you. Our mandate is to conserve Kenyan's unique Heritage, care and protect animals.
You:
Date posted: April 8, 2019. Answers (1)
- For each of the words below, write two sentences to bring out the meaning of the word as a Noun and as a Verb.
(6 Marks)
(i)...(Solved)
For each of the words below, write two sentences to bring out the meaning of the word as a Noun and as a Verb.
(6 Marks)
(i) Record.
(ii) Conduct.
(iii) Subject
Date posted: April 8, 2019. Answers (1)
- Read the following poem and answer the questions that follow.
HAPPY BABY.
Her lips suckle the nipples.
Milk bubbles, foams and ripples.
Little hands up in the air....(Solved)
Read the following poem and answer the questions that follow.
HAPPY BABY.
Her lips suckle the nipples.
Milk bubbles, foams and ripples.
Little hands up in the air. Catch on the mother's hair.
Sweet sensations rise in pressure. Tiny legs kick with pleasure.
Sleep comes gently and strong.
Sleep whispers softly and long.
(i) Describe the rhyme scheme of the poem.
(ii) Explain any other two oral features of style and show their effectiveness.
(iii) Which two words would you stress in line 2, and why?
(iv) Identify any two pairs of rhyming words in the poem.
(v) Identify one major sound pattern in the poem.
(vi) Give two examples of the above sound pattern.
(vii) How would you perform the last two lines of the poem?
Date posted: April 8, 2019. Answers (1)
- Fill in the blank spaces.(Solved)
Fill in the blank spaces.
We do not want 1 ________ subject ODM. Kenya supporters to elections at the grassroots 2 _______ when we are busy 3
________ the presidential nomination ticket.
The fear of a fall out by disgruntled leaders was the overriding 4 ________for parties to 5 ________ grassroots elections. It
is eminent 6 ________ the latest events that Narc - Kenya and ODM - Kenya 7 __________ be headed for a 8
____________ if the grassroots polls are 9 ___________now.
In KANU, elections saw the party break up into the Uhuru Kenyatta 10 __________ and another led by Keiyo South MP, Mr Nicholas Biwott
Date posted: April 8, 2019. Answers (1)
- FUNCTIONAL WRITING. (20 MARKS)
Imagine you are the Human Resource Manager of Sarova Group of Hotels. The manager of Serena had asked you to write a
confidential...(Solved)
FUNCTIONAL WRITING. (20 MARKS)
Imagine you are the Human Resource Manager of Sarova Group of Hotels. The manager of Serena had asked you to write a
confidential report of your former employee, Mr Sammy Kamau, who is seeking a transfer to the Serena Hotel as a chef.
Write a confidential report to the manager about Sammy Kamau
Date posted: April 8, 2019. Answers (1)
- I don't think I need any man's favour to succeed. (supply a question tag)(Solved)
I don't think I need any man's favour to succeed. (supply a question tag)
Date posted: April 8, 2019. Answers (1)