SECTION D READING COMPREHENSION LINEAR TEXTS

OBJECTIVES Students should be able to: 1. understand the usage of Wh-Questions 2. understand the passages given 3. use dictionaries to locate meanings of difficult words and phrases highlighted in the texts 4. read and understand the questions and options given 5. select the best answer from the options given STEP-BY-STEP Step 1 : Step 2 : Skim through the questions quickly Read through the passage to get a general idea of what it is about. Take note of the main ideas and important details. Go through the questions one by one. Look for answers in the text. Move to the next question if you do not know the answer. Choose the best answer.

Step 3 :

Step 4 :

EXERCISE 1

Read the text below and answer the questions that follow. There are about 44 species of dolphin spread through the worlds oceans and rivers. Dolphins are members of the whale family of mammals. A dolphin grows to a length of about two metres. It breathes through the nostrils on top of its head. As the animal leaps out of the water with a powerful flip of its tail fins, water splashes. A fresh breath is taken through the blow holes on top of its head before diving below the water Dolphins are intelligent animals and can learn to do tricks. They can be trained to catch beach balls and balance them on the end of their noses. The dolphins widely curving mouth gives it a laughing look. With its big smile and lively eyes it looks an amusing and friendly creature. A dolphin gives birth to a single baby and feeds it milk. Immediately after birth, the mother sees that her baby gets to the surface in order to breath . For about a year and a half, it is carefully protected by its mother and other females. They will surround it and drive away its most common enemy, the shark. A dolphin can tell not only how far away and in what direction an object is, but can build up a complete picture of its surroundings. The dolphin utters a series of sounds. These sound waves bounce back off any object in the dolphins path and these echoes guide the dolphin towards fish and away from objects like rocks or killer sharks. This method of locating things is called echo-location or sonar. A dolphin is perhaps mans best friend on the seas. Sailors have believed for centuries that dolphins save them from danger on high seas, from shipwrecks and sharks. Tales from many parts of the world tell of this animals friendliness towards man.

1. The word species is best replaced with...... A B C D races pictures appearances types

2. A dolphin takes in air through its............. A B C D fins nostrils gills mouth

3. How are dolphins born ? A B C D hatched from eggs on land born alive on land hatched from eggs underwater born alive underwater

4. According to the passage, dolphins are intelligent animals because they A B C D have big friendly smile can curve mouth can learn to do tricks have lively amusing eyes

5. The following statements are true except A B C D The dolphin likes to laugh at people Dolphins are very clever animals A dolphin feeds its baby with milk Dolphins are mammals

6. A dolphin can find out exactly where an object is by A B C D searching the seas listening for noises using echo-location measuring distances

7. Echo-location is ....... A B C D discovering the presence of objects by sound waves making sounds underwater the study of objects in water the killing of fish and sharks by sound waves

8. A dolphin is thought of as mans best friend on the seas because it A B C D guides ships away from danger is as intelligent as man looks amusing and friendly wrecks ships at sea

EXERCISE2 Read the text below and answer the questions that follow.

The rubbber tree is a tree of major economic importance because its latex can be collected and is the primary source of natural rubber. The tree initially grew only in the Amazon rainforest. Increasing demand and the discovery of the vulcanisation procedure in 1839 led to boom in that region. There had been an attempt, made in 1873, to grow rubber outside Brazil. After some effort, twelve seedlings were germinated at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. They were sent to India for cultivation. All the seedlings did not survive. A second attempt was made in 1875 when they sent 70 000 seeds to Kew for germination. In 1876, 2000 seedlings were sent to Sri Lanka and 22 to the Botanic Gardens in Singapore. By 1898 the British had a rubber plantation established in Malaya. Today most rubber tree plantations are in Southeast Asia, tropical Africa, but not in its native South America. The rubber tree can reach a height of over 30 metres. Once the trees are 5 -6 years old, the trees are tapped to collect the latex that is white or yellow. Older trees yield more latex. They continue to produce it for about 26 -30 years. Besides rubber, the wood from this tree known as rubberwood is used in the manufacture of furniture. It is popular because of its dense grain, minimal shrinkage, attractive colour and acceptance of different finishes. It is also environmentally friendly because only trees that have been cut down, as they no longer produce latex, are used.

Why is
Word Help Vulcanisation treatment of rubber with sulphur at a great heat to make it stronger Establish - set up Yield - produce

1. Why is the rubber tree known to be of economic importance? A B C D It is discovered in the Amazon rainforest It is the primary source of natural rubber It is grown outside its native South America The wood from the tree is used to make furniture

2. The word seedlings can best be replaced with A B C D young plants dried seeds flower beds bean pods

3. How many seedlings were grown in India at the first attempt to grow rubber outside Brazil? A B C D 700 000 20 000 22 12

4. The rubber plantation in Malaya was establised by the British by

A B C D

1839 1873 1875 1898

5. Attempts to grow rubber outside Brazil were made in the following places except A B C D India Sri Lanka Singapore Kew

6. The rubber trees will stop producing latex between A B C D 31- 36 years old 26-30 years old 5-30 years old 5-6 years old

7. Rubberwood is valued for the following reasons except its A B C D height of over 30 metres dense grain minimal shrinkage attractive colour

8. The following statements are true except A B C D mature tree produce more latex. rubber tress are cut to collect the latex. germinated seedlings are sent for cultivation. the trees start to produce latex at the age of five to six years.

EXERCISE 3 Read the text below and answer the questions that follow.

The coconut palm is found mainly along the coasts of Malaysia. There are two varieties of coconut. The trees belonging to the kings variety are tall and grow quite easily. The dwafts are shorter and fewer in number. However, they bear more fruit than the kings. The fruits are also easier to pick because of the height of the trees. Coconut trees are always green because new leaves are formed as the old leaves are falling off. Unlike other trees, the trunk of the adult coconut tree remains the same no matter how old it grows. So, it is quite impossible to tell the age of the trees by looking at the size of its trunk. The coconut fruit is round and is about the size of a football. It has an outer skin which is made up of fibres. Inside, there is a nut with a hard shell. When the shell is broken, you will find the white flesh or meat of the coconut as well as a clear liquid. The coconut palm is a very useful plant. The liquid is a refreshing drink. The drink is very popular among Malaysians. The meat or flesh can be eaten. Even the shells are not thrown away they are used to make handicraft items. The leaves and the fibres from the outer skin are used to make brooms. In the villages, roofs are made out of dried coconut leaves.

1. The word varieties in Paragraph 1 can best be replaced with A B C D groups types differences sorts

2. The following statements of the kings coconut palm are true except A B C D the trees are tall. they bear more fruits than the dwafts. picking the fruits is quite a problem. they are found in greater numbers than the dwafts.

3. According to the passage, the coconut palm is different from other trees in that A B C D its leaves are always green its old leaves drop off the trunk is larger when the tree is older the size does not change as the tree ages

4. How many layers of coconut fruit do you have to cut through to get to the white flesh? A B C D one two three four

5. In paragraph 4, the word refreshing means A B C D delicious tasting thirst quenching strange looking unusual tasting

6. We can conclude that the passage has most likely been taken from a A B C D letter novel reference book magazine

7. This _________ of the coconut is edible. A B C D leaves flesh fibres shell

8. The coconut shells can be used to make .. A B C D bridges brooms roofs souvenirs

EXERCISE 4 Read the text below and answer the questions that follow.

Good afternoon, everyone. In a months time you will be given the chance to select some new school prefects. In order to help you choose wisely, I have decided to talk to you on the qualities which a good prefect should have. First, he should be good at his studies. This is because the duties of a prefect sometimes take up a lot of the students time. For instance, he has to be on duty at the school gate in the mornings before school begins and a little later, supervise detention classes after school has been dismissed and attend meetings. At the same time, he must not neglect his studies and his grades must not suffer. A student who is not good at his studies will find it difficult to keep up with his school work and perform his duties as a prefect well. A good prefect is someone who is also active in co-curricular activities. He must show that he is a leader as well as a good follower. As a leader, he should be able to influence his fellow students to work for the society as well as participate actively in all the activities organized. He should always be willing to help or contribute ideas to make the society he belongs to something worthwhile. We must remember that a prefect need not be someone who holds important positions in a society. What is important is that as an ordinary member, he is willing to co-operate and work with everyone so that the activities are carried out smoothly and successfully. Next, a good prefect must be a disciplined and responsible person. He must be someone the other students will look up to. He cannot hope to gain their respect if he himself does not follow the school rules or if he is irresponsible. Apart from that, he must also be trustworthy and honest. He must be fair to all students and must discipline those who break the school rules even if they are his friends. He must be able to act in a calm manner and not lose his temper. Finally, a prefect is someone who represents the school, especially at inter-school functions. Therefore, the good name of the school, to some extent, depends on how he conducts himself, especially when he meets with outsiders. So the way he dresses, speaks and behaves is very important. He must be neat and tidy at all times. He must also be polite and be able to speak well. Surely, we do not want someone who is dirty and untidy to represent us. So, my dear students, when you elect your prefects next month, I hope you will bear these points in mind and vote wisely. Thank you.

1. The talk is most probably given by a A B parent student C D teacher prefect

2.

The speakers aim of the talk is to A B scold instruct C D describe advise

3.

The word supervise in the passage means to A B control manage C D organize explain

4.

The following statements are true except, a prefect must A B C D be neat and tidy in his appearance at all times. be firm and fair in dealing with the students. be a good follower as well as a good leader. be the president in all the school societies.

5.

A prefect must have these qualities such as A B C D friendly, cheerful and rough. courageous, arrogant and loud. intelligent, firm and tolerable. responsible, disciplined and careless.

6.

Which of the following can best replace the word trustworthy in the passage? A B truthful reliable C D polite diligent

7.

The way a prefect behaves is very important because he A B C D may attend inter-school functions. can give the school a bad name if he behaves badly will not be able to be a prefect if he behaves badly. must show the other students that he is better than they are.

8.

The best title for the passage is A B C D The Role of a Good Prefect The Qualities of a Good Prefect How to Become a Good Prefect The Procedure for Choosing a Good Prefect

EXERCISE 5 Read the text below and answer the questions that follow.

Dear Weng Chong, I was very pleased to receive your letter yesterday. I am glad you liked the books. I remembered that you enjoyed reading Roald Dahls books, so when I saw them on the shelf of my favourite bookshop, I decided to get a couple for you. Unfortunately, they did not have the title you have been looking for The Witches, am I right? I have asked them to keep a copy for me and I will send you the copy when I get it. In your letter you sounded rather anxious about your PMR examinations. I am sure you will do fine. You have always been a diligent student. Pay attention in class when the teacher is teaching and asks questions when you dont understand the lesson. Remember that time management is important. Dont just work the whole day long - go cycling or play a game of badminton or basketball with your friends in the evenings. Of course, you should not neglect your studies because of these activities. Dont worry WengChong, Im sure youll do well. Uncle Foo says that if you like, you could come and stay with us during your August holidays. He will help you with your Mathematics and I can help you with your Science. As for recreation, there are many interesting places we could go to. In fact, theres a new theme park that Uncle Foo is dying to visit except that he has no one to go with him. So your coming here will give him a good reason to do so. Theres plenty of room in the house now that Wei Chek and WengZhai are in Australia. You can have your pick of the room you want. Tell your mum and dad that Uncle Foo and Aunt Rose would love to have you over for the holidays. I am sure theyll let you come if you tell them what we are going to do. Bye for now. Love, Aunt Rose

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1.

Weng Chong writes to Aunt Rose to Atell her about his examination. Cthank her for the books she sent him. holidays. Bask her to send him some books. Dask her if he could visit her during the

2.

In the first paragraph, the word it refers to the Abookshop Bcopy of The Witches Cnew stock Dletter from Weng Chong

3.

The worddiligentin the second paragraph means A hardworking Bconfused C worried Dcareful

4.

When Aunt Rose wrote, Dont worry Weng Chong, Im sure youll do well, she was Ascolding him Bconsoling him Cinstructing him Dreassuring him

5.

The following are Aunt Roses advice to Weng Chong, except Amanage his time wisely. Clisten in the class attentively. Bwork hard and study all day. Dhave some time for relaxation.

6.

In Paragraph 3, the writers purpose is to . AtellWeng Chong about his cousins in Australia. Bdescribe the new theme park to Weng Chong. C complain about Uncle Foo to Weng Chong DinviteWeng Chong to stay with her.

7.

Fromthe letter we can conclude that Aunt Rose is a very ________ person. Amean Bstern C generous Dthoughtless

8.

According to the letter Weng Chong is probably Aone of Roald Dahls fans. C at a new theme park. Bstaying with Uncle Foo. DWei Checks brother.

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