THE TEXT

Moroccan football has prospered in recent years at all levels. The national team's heroic performance in FIFA World Cup-2022 started a series of astonishing achievements.

Moroccan football fans

[1] The accomplishments of Moroccan football are the result of a long-term project which started with the National Sport Conference in 2008, where King Mohammed VI launched a huge project to modernize Moroccan sports. The country established Mohammed VI Football Academy at a cost of $13 million, aiming mainly at developing football at the national level by identifying and training talents. The academy provides education as well as sporting development, with study spaces, player lodgings and physical preparation zones.

[2] Investing in football was key to transforming the sports sector in Morocco. The national federation prioritized developing the sporting infrastructure in the country, building new stadiums and renovating the existing ones. More than 8.7 billion dollars is invested in railways up to now. The country has invested 41 billion dollars in projects to host the African Cup of Nation-2025 and the World Cup-2030. In 2025, the Morocco-2030 Foundation was established to manage the organization of the 2025 AFCON and the 2030 World Cup in terms of planning, infrastructure and financial governance.

[3] The organization of major competitions represents a diplomatic gain for Morocco. Faithful to its African identity, Morocco makes its stadiums and infrastructure available to CAF and several African nations, believing that Africa progresses when its nations advance together. The opening of the new Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in a match between Morocco and Niger symbolizes the country's promise to support the growth of Africa.

Gianni Infantino at FIFA event

[4] Hosting international events provides the country with large tourism revenues and economic investments. Many African federations regard the country as a source of inspiration. Moroccan fans earned global respect for their country through their high level of civilization. They are looked upon with great respect, as descendants of an honored civilization.

[5] Morocco's message to the world is clear: its ambition is not only to win matches, but to win hearts, minds, and friends. By opening its doors to African citizens in different competitions, the Kingdom shows identity through excellence and solidarity.

Adapted from: https://www.financialafrik.com/ & https://www.cafonline.com
I. COMPREHENSION 15 POINTS

BASE ALL YOUR ANSWERS ON THE TEXT.

A. CHOOSE THE BEST ANSWER. 1 pt

The best title for the text is:

  • The World Cup Semi-finalists.
  • The Royal Football Academy.
  • The Rise of Moroccan Football.
B. COMPLETE THE CHART WITH THE RIGHT INFORMATION FROM THE TEXT. 2 pts
Figures/Dates What they refer to
2008 .......................................................................................
......................... The amount of money Morocco has invested in Africa Cup of Nations and the World Cup projects
C. ARE THESE STATEMENTS TRUE OR FALSE? JUSTIFY. 3 pts
  • Mohammed VI Football Academy offers players both training and education.
  • Up to the year 2030, Morocco will invest more than $8.7 billion in railways.
  • The Morocco-2030 Foundation was created to manage national football teams.
D. ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS. 3 pts
  • Why was Mohammed VI Football Academy established?
  • Why does Morocco make its stadiums available to African teams?
  • List two economic benefits of organizing international events in Morocco.
    a. ............................................................
    b. ............................................................
E. PICK OUT FROM THE TEXT PHRASES OR EXPRESSIONS WHICH SHOW THAT: 2 pts
  • Morocco is an example to follow: ....................................................
  • Morocco welcomes Africans: ....................................................
F. FIND IN THE TEXT WORDS WHICH MEAN ALMOST THE SAME AS: 2 pts
  • accommodation (Paragraph 1): ....................
  • profits (Paragraph 4): ....................
G. WHAT DO THE UNDERLINED WORDS IN THE TEXT REFER TO? 2 pts
  • the country (paragraph 3): ....................
  • They (paragraph 4): ....................
Correction - Comprehension
II. LANGUAGE 15 POINTS
A. FILL IN THE GAPS WITH THE CORRECT WORDS FROM THE LISTS. 2 pts
  • Most students want to .................... part in the science project.
    (have - make - take)
  • The weather is too cold. I don't feel like .................... out for a walk.
    (to go - going - go)
  • Before taking the test, we have to .................... the lessons one more time.
    (go on - go over - go down)
  • The movie .................... won the award for the best scenario is based on a real story.
    (whose - who - which)
B. COMPLETE THE SENTENCES WITH THE RIGHT WORDS FROM THE LIST. 1 pt

discrimination - spread - gender - emissions - leadership

  • The world's collective efforts to reduce carbon .................... will save our planet from disasters.
  • Women have faced .................... in many areas of life, especially in employment, but their status has significantly improved in recent years.
C. PUT THE WORDS IN BRACKETS IN THE CORRECT FORM. 2 pts
  • Social media platforms should monitor content which is (harm) .................... to teens.
  • Our teacher is very supportive. He always provides us with advice and (guide) ....................
D. PUT THE VERBS IN BRACKETS IN THE CORRECT TENSE. 2 pts
  • Before we participated in the competition last week, we (exercise) .................... for several days.
  • Beth is revising her lessons now. By the end of this week, she (finish) .................... all her tests.
E. REWRITE THE SENTENCES AS SUGGESTED. 4 pts
  • The government offered grants to non-profit organizations.
    Grants ............................................................
  • "Why don't we use an online platform to connect?" Sara said.
    Sara suggested ............................................................
  • Unfortunately, I didn't take my parents' advice seriously.
    I wish ............................................................
  • Ahmed has installed a GPS app on his mobile. He wants to use it for his trip.
    ............................................................ in order to ............................................................
F. MATCH EACH EXPRESSION TO ITS APPROPRIATE FUNCTION. 2 pts
Expressions Functions
1. "I hate to say it, but the school bus is always late." a. Agreeing
2. "I'm happy to hear that you got the highest score in the test!" b. Complaining
3. "Absolutely! Deforestation is a major problem." c. Responding to good news
4. "You'd better save money for your future." d. Asking for clarification
e. Giving advice

Answers: 1. ....     2. ....     3. ....     4. ....

G. COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING EXCHANGE APPROPRIATELY. 2 pts

You: (Ask your friend to water your plants while you're on vacation.)
...................................................................................................

Your friend: (Responds.)
...................................................................................................

Correction - Language
III. WRITING 10 POINTS

DO TASKS 1 AND 2

TASK 1: Complete the following paragraph. 4 pts

My best friend has changed a lot in personality and behavior. First, ....................................................

.........................................................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................................................

TASK 2: 6 pts

Your friends and you collected things such as food, clothes, toys, etc., to help people in need.
Write an article to be published in your school e-magazine about how you and your friends helped people in need. Explain why helping other people is important.

.........................................................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................................................

Correction - Writing