PAS XII BING Past Paper 2024-2025 PDF

**PAS XII\_BING** **2024-2025** **Text 1** **One of Four Remaining Yangtze Turtles Dies in China** One of the world's rarest turtles, a Yangtze giant softshell, has died in China, leaving just three remaining. Also known as *Rafetus Swinhoei*, the female turtle died in the Suzhou zoo in souther...

**PAS XII\_BING** **2024-2025** **Text 1** **One of Four Remaining Yangtze Turtles Dies in China** One of the world's rarest turtles, a Yangtze giant softshell, has died in China, leaving just three remaining. Also known as *Rafetus Swinhoei*, the female turtle died in the Suzhou zoo in southern China. Experts had tried to artificially inseminate the creature, which was over 90 years old, for a fifth time shortly before she died. The species is critically endangered due to hunting, overfishing, and the destruction of its habitat. One male is left in the Chinese zoo while two other turtles live in the wild in Vietnam. The elusive nature of the turtle means it has been difficult to identify the latter's gender. Local staff and international experts had attempted to artificially inseminate the female 24 hours before she died. They said, "There were no complications from the operation and she had been in fine health after the procedure, but deteriorated the next day." The cause of her death is being investigated and the turtle's ovarian tissue was collected for future research. Adopted from: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-47932731 (April 15, 2019) Text 2 **Biodiesel Fuel: Alternative for a Green Tomorrow** Biodiesel in simple words is an advanced form of Biofuel. It refers to an animal or vegetable fat based renewable fuel, made up of a long chain of chemical compounds like propyl, ethyl, methyl, etc. Created by chemically treating vegetable oil or animal fat with alcohol generating compounds, biodiesel is believed to be the revolution that is helping several countries overcome their dependency on diesel. It can be operated in any diesel engine with little or no modification to the engine or the fuel system. Biodiesel is a solution for our green concerns. The emissions are lower as compared to those from diesel (petroleum). A detailed explanation would state that biodiesel, reduces unburned hydrocarbons, particulate matter, and other gases as compared to petroleum diesel. In the United States of America, it is produced on a large scale in a bid to reduce dependency on other countries for oil needs. This had led to several green jobs being created and has also contributed to the economy. It produces less carbon output and few pollutants than traditional petroleum products. When compared to petroleum diesel, biodiesel produces less soot (particulate matter), carbon monoxide, unburned hydrocarbons, and sulfur dioxide. Pollution from oil causes more air pollution and many people fall sick every day. With the use of biodiesel, people have got huge health benefits as they need to spend less money on healthcare products. So, what can you conclude about biodiesel? I think it is really alternative fuel for our green concerns in the future. Adopted from: https://www.conserve-energy-future.com/what-is-biodiesel.php (April 18, 2019) **Text 4** **Agriculture Ministry Launches Trial for B100 Biodiesel Fuel** The Agriculture Ministry started on Monday the trial period for the use of 100-percent biodiesel (B100) of fuel that uses fatty acid methyl ester from crude palm oil (CPO) in a move that expands its reach within the domestic palm oil market and reduces the dependency on imported fossil fuels. Agriculture Minister Amran Sulaiman said during the event that the trial would involve 50 of the ministry's official cars and tractors. He said B100 fuel allowed vehicles to travel 13.1 kilometers per liter, which was more efficient than using Solar-branded fossil fuels that limited travel to 9.6 kilometers per liter. In early testing, cars that used B100 fuel could travel 6,000 kilometers in total, he added. The ministry also began discussing the possible mass production of B100 fuel with state-owned enterprises and private companies. Amran estimated the commercial price of B100 to be around Rp 8,000 (57 US cents) per liter. "Users should not only think about cutting costs, but they have also to think about protecting the environment. B100 produces less pollution than diesel \[fossil\] fuels," he said on the sidelines of the launch. Amran expressed hope that the widespread use of B100 could be implemented to cut imports of fossil fuels and boost the domestic use of CPO amid the European Union's campaign against the commodity. Adopted from: https://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2019/04/15/agriculture-ministry-launches-trial-for-b100-biodiesel-fuel.html (April 15, 2019) **Text 5** **My First Time Using a Printer** Yesterday, I had to print my homework for the first time. I was a bit nervous because I had never used a printer before. Luckily, my older brother was there to help me. First, he showed me how to turn on the printer by pressing the power button. I saw the lights turn on, and the printer made a small noise. Then, he told me to open the paper tray and put some paper inside. I carefully placed the paper, making sure it was straight. Next, my brother helped me open the file on the computer. He clicked on "Print" and selected the printer. He showed me how to check the settings, like the number of copies I needed. Finally, he pressed "Print," and the printer started working. I watched as my homework slowly came out, printed perfectly! I felt happy and proud. Now, I know how to use a printer by myself. It was a useful experience!