3rd year Literature and philosophy

People's Democratic Republic of Algeria
Ministry of National Education

School Year: 2009/2010
Grade Level: 3rd year Literature and philosophy

Part one : Reading and Interpreting
A - Comprehension (07 points)
E
Read the text carefully then do the activities .
Each of the past civilizations contributed in a way or another to improve the cultural and technical side of human communities. They all had achievements that gradually transformed the destiny of nations, and turn them into highly organised groups having in their hands more effective means which enabled them to progress a better capacity in the fight for survival ; and therefore to lead a more comfortable life.

The Egyptians for example, managed to bring great improvements in the branches of farming, architecture, medicine, writing and religion. Despite the aggressive environment where they evolved, they succeeded to impose their will-power and perseverance so as to gain their neighbours’ respect and immortalize their name in history.

As for the Babylonians, they devoted their skills to further the spheres of astronomy, law-making, building, and land-working .The Phoenicians, too, helped in accomplishing advances in ship-building, international trade and sailing. When the Greeks arrived, they promoted mathematics, philosophy and democracy. They also gave a strong motivation to scientific research, thinking, mythology and artistic creations. In their wisdom, they went as far as using sport to consolidate peace and harmony among tribes and races.

The Romans, as well, devoted themselves to raise the fate of the human race. They dedicated their talent for the pursuit of arts, the construction of towns and public works, the laying of rules and political bodies, the expansion of commerce and the introduction of more effective strategies in the military field
1. The text is about:
a. The collapse of civilizations b. Achievements of civilizations c. Ancient Egypt.
2. Choose the answer that best completes each of the following sentences.
a. The civilizations of the past raised human …..….…..… greatly.
a. feelings b. culture c. race.
b. The Phoenicians were experts at …….………….. .
a. sciences b. farming c. ship building.
3. Say whether the following sentences are true or false according to the text :
a. The human communities developed through the achievements of past civilizations.
b. The aggressive environment helped the Egyptians to develop farming.
c. The Phoenicians were famous at astronomy and law making.
d. Sport was used by the Greeks to consolidate peace and harmony.
4. Answer the following questions according to the text:
a. How could the Greeks develop the culture of peace?
b. What did the Romans do to elevate the fate of the human race?

5. What do the underlined words refer to in the text?
they (1§), which (2§), their (2§), themselves (4§)
6. The text is : a. descriptive b. argumentative c. narrative

B) Text Exploration : (08 points)
1- Find in the text words that are synonyms in meaning to :
a. Get better or develop = …... (1§), agriculture = …... (2§), commerce =.……. (3§)
2- Complete the following table:

Verbs Nouns Adjectives
to flourish ………… …………
………… development …………
………… ………… improved
to civilize ………… …………
………… ………… scientific


3- Join the following pairs of sentences using the appropriate connecter:
a. The Egyptians lived in a hostile environment. The Egyptians succeeded in establishing a strong empire. (although)
b. The Romans had conquered Greece. Many Romans came to the schools of Athens. (after)
c. We will eradicate corruption. Government work together with citizens. (as long as)

4. Classify the following words according to the pronunciation of their final /ed/:
Talked – irrigated - civilized - established -
/t/ /d/ /id/


5- Complete the following sentences with the correct word from the list:
won - build - empire - area

The period of the Roman ___1___ began about 500 B.C. The Roman army became increasingly powerful. It conquered and attacked many of the surrounding areas. Each time the Romans ___2___, the land ___3____ they controlled grew larger. They enslaved many of the conquered people and forced the slaves to ___4___ houses and roads for the empire.
Part two : Written expression (05 points)
- Choose one of the following topics
Topic 1 : Write a composition explaining in which way today‘s civilizations are different from those of the past , and their contributions on the growth of men .

Topic 2 : Imagine you have an English friend who asks you to name the main influences of the Islamic Civilization on the Western Civilizations.
- Complete the essay using the following notes:
- It is Based on the religion of Islam.
- It contains higher virtues from God.
- Many sciences have been studied and developed by various Arabic scientists .
- It flourished in famous areas such Spain and Andalusia .