Multiple-choice practice
WELCOME TO another lesson in the series. This week, you will be given additional multiple-choice practice using extracts that are typical features of Paper 01. Read the given extracts carefully so you can select the correct answer to each item. All the best.
Directions: Read the following extract carefully, then answer the questions that follow on the basis of what is implied or stated.
We had come upon this manta ray by chance. Underwater photographers Stan Waterman and Howard Hall and I were filming the rich varied life around one of the seamounts (submerged volcanic peaks) in the Gulf of California, locally called the Sea of Cortes. Mantas may frequent such areas in search of macropantkon, a major part of their diet. But generally, they permit no contact by humans.
One day we spotted a particularly large manta – between 18 and 20 feet wide – moving peculiarly slow: A closer looked revealed that it had been fouled in a fisherman’s net, and the ropes had slashed deep wounds. Pieces of rope were still festering in the wounds and trailing off behind the ray.
Later that day a young woman in our crew, Michele Binder, dropped into the water and let herself drift down on top of the manta. Michele carefully pulled the ropes from the manta’s wounds and packed the shredded flesh together. Still the manta did not try to flee once free of the ropes. In fact, it seemed to perk up, and it carried the amazed woman on its back until she ran out of air.
For three days the manta gave rides to all comers. Only twice did it demur. Once, Stan accidentally touched the manta’s eye. The fish shrugged its wing and slapped Stan hard enough to bloody his lips. The other time it seemed simply moody. It rolled over on its back, like a dog longing to have its belly scratched, but wouldn’t let anyone approach.
The other mantas of the seamount remained shy and exclusive - until our last day. Then one appeared with a remora fastened to each lobe. On a whim, Stan’s son, Gordy, grabbed the fish,
expecting them to pull free. They didn’t, so gripping the remoras like the handlebars of a motorcycle, Gordy rode off into the darkness.
We speculated for days about why the mantas had permitted us this rare and splendid contact. Perhaps, we thought, they regarded us as they do remoras and other parasites - as harmless nuisances to be tolerated stoically until, inevitably, we departed.
1. The manta was moving slowly (paragraph 2) because it was: a. Hampered by its injuries. b. Tied up with rope. c. Suspicious. d. Particularly tired.
2. Michele Binder let herself drift down on top of the manta to: a. Take some close-up pictures of it. b. Untie the rope that held it. c. Ride around on its back for a while. d. Try to tend to its wounds.
3. According to the passage, Michele Binder was “amazed” (paragraph 3) because the manta ray: a. Had survived the ordeal. b. Was huge. c. Was swift despite the wounds. d. Gave her a ride.
4. Over the three days referred to in paragraph four, the behaviour of the manta on the whole could BEST be described as: a. Predictable b. Elusive c. Friendly d. Moody
5. ‘Demur’ in paragraph 4 is closest in meaning to: a. Decline b. Become angry c. React d. Become timid
6. From the last TWO paragraphs we can conclude that a remora is a: a. Part of the ear of the manta ray. b. Fish which lives off other fish. c. Small insect which clings to mantas. d. Part of a fisherman’s net.
7. According to the passage, the MAIN intention of the underwater team was to: a. Film life around the volcanic peaks. b. Study the habits of manta rays. c. Seek treasure in the Sea of Cortes. d. Photograph the manta rays.
8. According to the passage, how many days did the crew spend in the Gulf of California? a. One day b. Three days c. Four days d. The passage does not provide this information.
Direction: Read the poem below and answer the questions based on what is implied or stated.
I SHALL RETURN
I shall go back yes, I shall
To stroll and laugh again along the avenues Watch the golden sunset unfold
Its flaming light through the mango trees. I shall go back to wander by the garden lawns,
And admire once more the Victoria Lily pond Watch the manatee come to feed when called. Dreams of yesterday that seem so very long. I shall go back to hear distant Indian drums Calling the guest to the marriage feast. Indian songs of native life love and peace Intoxicating hidden thoughts so deep.
I shall go back again yes, I shall
To quiet this longing which in my heart abides.
– Wilmot Sanowar
9. Why does the speaker repeat the line “I shall go back” throughout the poem? a. To emphasise his love for his country. b. To show his intense longing for his homeland. c. To express his wish to return home. d. To express his dislike of his present situation.
10. The BEST meaning of the word ‘Intoxicating’ in line 12 is: a. drowning. b. creating. c. stimulating. d. awakening.
11. The expression ‘To quiet this longing’ in line 14 suggests that the speaker: a. was constantly plagued by his yearning. b. rebelled against his wishes. c. tried to overcome his desire. d. wanted to rid his mind of longing.
12. The mood of the person in the poem may BEST be described as: a. sorrowful b. nostalgic c. pleasant d. confused
13. The word ‘yes’ in lines 1 and 13 reflects the speaker’s: a. feelings b. determination c. attitude d. intention
14. What figure of speech is used in lines 910 in the poem? a. onomatopoeia b. personification c. metaphor d. comparison
15. What is the speaker’s MAIN desire when he returns to his homeland?
a. To visit historic sites b. To refresh his memory of the past c. To visit his friends and family d. To enjoy its varied experiences once more
Next week I will provide answers to the items. Take care!
Answers from last week’s lesson:
1. B 2. A 3. C 4. C 5. A 6. B. 7. D 8. B 9. B 10. D