Friday, 15 September 2023

READING COMPREHENSION:

 

 

Life's but a walking shadow, a poor player

That struts and frets his hour upon the stage,

And then is heard no more. It is a tale

Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury,

Signifying nothing.

 

1.    This quote from Macbeth indicates that:

 

(a) Performing in a play is a thankless task.

(b) Human life is absurd and meaningless.

(c) One must live life fully.

(d) Life is full of treachery.

 

The correct answer is: (b) Human life is absurd and meaningless.

This quote from Macbeth, spoken by the character Macbeth himself, reflects his contemplation on the fleeting and ultimately insignificant nature of human life. He likens life to a brief moment of existence, full of noise and emotion but lacking in lasting significance. The metaphor of "a tale Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, Signifying nothing" conveys the idea that life's struggles and achievements ultimately lead to a meaningless end.

Top of Form

 

2. Select the best word to complete the sentence.

 

The _______ party made its way to the reception after the wedding.

 

(a) bridel

(b) grooms

(c) bedazzled

(d) bridal

 

The correct word to complete the sentence is:

(d) bridal

The sentence would read: "The bridal party made its way to the reception after the wedding."

3. A person who writes the life story of another is: gosts!

 

(a) a diarist

(b) an author

(c) a biographer

(d) a confessoru

 

The correct answer is:

(c) a biographer

A biographer is a person who writes the life story of another individual.

 

 

* The following text relates to the next two questions.

 

Once a jolly swagman camped by a billabong,

Under the shade of a coolibah tree,

And he sang as he watched and waited 'til his billy boiled,

Who'll come a-waltzing, Matilda, with me?

 

Waltzing Matilda, by Banjo Patterson

4. The Aboriginal-Australian word 'billabong' refers to:

 

(a) a shady tree.

(b) a lake, pond or stream.

(c) an aboriginal cave.

(d) a Boab tree.

 

  1. The Aboriginal-Australian word 'billabong' refers to:

(b) a lake, pond, or stream.

A billabong is a waterhole or an oxbow lake that is formed when a river changes its course, leaving a stagnant body of water behind.

5. What is likely to be in the 'billy"?

 

(a) water

(b) stew

(c) soup

(d) coffee

 

  1. What is likely to be in the 'billy"?

(a) water

A "billy" typically refers to a metal container used for boiling water over a fire in Australian slang. So, the most likely contents of a "billy" would be water, often for making tea or coffee.

6. In the following sentence the term 'foreboding' is closest in meaning to:

 

She was gripped by an acute, unreasonable fear, a sense of foreboding, as though the fox was some sort of warning that something dreadful was going to happen.'

 

(a) unexpected providence

(b) goosebump

(c) sudden vision

(d) fearful apprehension

 

The term 'foreboding' is closest in meaning to:

(d) fearful apprehension

In the context of the sentence provided, "foreboding" refers to a sense of impending danger or a strong feeling that something bad is about to happen. This matches the meaning of "fearful apprehension."

7. The proverb 'you can lead a horse to water, but you can't make it drink' suggests:

 

(a) that some people may not be grateful.

(b) that you can show someone something, but they might not see it.

(c) that you may offer to help someone, but they may not accept your help.

(d) that some horses can be stubborn.

 

The proverb 'you can lead a horse to water, but you can't make it drink' suggests:

(c) that you may offer to help someone, but they may not accept your help.

This proverb is often used to convey the idea that you can provide someone with an opportunity or assistance, but you can't force them to take advantage of it or benefit from it if they are unwilling.

* The following text relates to the next two questions.

 

'The historic moon landing briefly turned the nation's attention away from its troubles in Vietnam, but for the most part the conflict remained a thorn in America's side until its final, ignominious departure from Vietnam.'

 

 

8. The phrase 'a thorn in America's side' can best be replaced with:

 

(a) open wound

(b) ongoing problem

(c) dangerous cancer

(d) painful extraction

 

  1. The phrase 'a thorn in America's side' can best be replaced with:

(b) ongoing problem

In this context, "a thorn in America's side" refers to an ongoing issue or problem that is causing discomfort or trouble, which is synonymous with "ongoing problem."

 

 

9. The word 'ignominious' can best be explained as:

 

(a) embarrassing

(b) graceful

(c) skilful

(d) sudden

 

  1. The word 'ignominious' can best be explained as:

(a) embarrassing

"Ignominious" means deserving or causing public disgrace or shame. It refers to something that is embarrassing and dishonorable.

 

10. The best antonym for the word 'genteel' would be:

 

(a) courtly

(b) joviality

(c) inelegant

(d) aristocratic

 

The best antonym for the word 'genteel' would be:

(c) inelegant

"Genteel" refers to being refined and having good manners, while "inelegant" means lacking grace, refinement, or sophistication.

11. In the following sentence the term 'elbow grease' refers to:

'The cleaner the surface, the less likely it is that weeds will make their home there, so apply some elbow grease.'

(a) a cleaning product.

(b) the application of work and effort.

(c) an especially strong cleaning fluid.

(d) an expert cleaning technique.

In the sentence provided, the term 'elbow grease' refers to:

(b) the application of work and effort.

"Elbow grease" is a figurative expression that means putting in physical effort and hard work to accomplish a task, especially a cleaning task in this context.

12. Select the best descriptive sound word to complete the sentence.

'He sat in the shade of a great oak next to thebrook."

(a) dripping

(b) bursting

(c) babbling

(d) singing


The best descriptive sound word to complete the sentence would be:

(c) babbling

The sentence would then read: "He sat in the shade of a great oak next to the brook." This choice conveys the gentle, murmuring sound of water flowing in a brook.

The following text relates to the next two questions. broils som binds elgoogvir d

It was then that Calpurnia requested my presence in the kitchen. She was furious, and when she was furious Calpurnia's grammar became erratic. When in tranquility, her grammar was as good as anybody's in Maycomb. Atticus said Calpurnia had more education than most colored folks. When she squinted down at me the tiny lines around her eyes deepened. "There's some folks who don't eat like us," she whispered fiercely, "but you ain't called on to contradict 'em at the table when they don't. That boy's yo' comp'ny and if he wants to eat up the tablecloth you let him, you hear?"

 

13. Calpurnia is clearly furious with the narrator. What is the cause of her anger?

(a) The narrator's poor grammar.

(b) It is because Calpurnia is a coloured woman.

(c) The guest was being rude and impolite.

(d) The narrator was being discourteous to the guest.

14. In this passage the phrase 'when in tranquility' suggests:

(a) when asleep.

(b) when calm.

(c) when sedated.

(d) when peaceful.

  1. Calpurnia is clearly furious with the narrator. What is the cause of her anger?

(d) The narrator was being discourteous to the guest.

In the passage, Calpurnia is angry because the narrator was acting discourteously toward the guest, and she's advising the narrator not to contradict or correct the guest's behavior at the table.

  1. In this passage, the phrase 'when in tranquility' suggests:

(b) when calm.

The phrase 'when in tranquility' refers to a state of calmness or peacefulness. It implies that Calpurnia's grammar is good and correct when she is calm.

 

15. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes stories make frequent mention of hansom cabs.

In this sentence, a hansom cab is:

(a) A horse drawn carriage.

(b) A tartan hat with peaks front and back. (c) A type of large magnifying class.

(d) A walking cane hiding a concealed blade.

In this sentence, a hansom cab is:

(a) A horse-drawn carriage.

A hansom cab is a type of horse-drawn carriage that was commonly used in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It was often associated with the Sherlock Holmes stories by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, as they were a common mode of transportation during that era.

 

16. Poetry:

Is the road very dreary?

Patience yet.

Rest will be sweeter if thou art a-weary,

And after night cometh the morning cheery;

Then bide a wee and dinna fret.

 

The tone of this stanza can best be described as being:

(a) weary

(b) worried

(c) reassuring

(d) remorseful

 

The tone of this stanza can best be described as being:

(c) reassuring

The stanza conveys a sense of encouragement and comfort, urging patience in the face of weariness and assuring the reader that rest will come after difficulty. The phrases "Patience yet," "Rest will be sweeter," and "Then bide a wee and dinna fret" all contribute to a reassuring and hopeful tone.

 

17. It is often said that in the 1950s 'Australia was riding on the sheep's back'.

This phrase 'Australia was riding on the sheep's back' means:

(a) In the 1950s there were more sheep than people in Australia.

(b) Because country people could not afford cars, they would often ride sheep.

(c) Wool produced a lucrative return for Australia.

(d) Australians could always eat sheep during economic depressions.

This phrase 'Australia was riding on the sheep's back' means:

(c) Wool produced a lucrative return for Australia.

In the context of the 1950s, this phrase refers to the significant economic reliance that Australia had on the wool industry, which was a major export and a source of considerable income for the country. The phrase highlights the idea that the prosperity of Australia during that time was largely driven by the success of the wool industry.

 

18. A person who understands food value in relation to health is a:

(a) mortician

(b) nutrition

(c) statistician

(d) dietician

 


A person who understands food value in relation to health is a:

(d) dietician

A dietician is a professional who specializes in the field of nutrition and provides advice on food and dietary choices to promote health and manage various health conditions.

 

19. When someone has 'a chip on their shoulder' they:

(a) have an old injury to deal with.

(b) feel inferior or have a grievance about something.

(c) carry a heavy load or a secret.

(d) make wrong assumptions about others.

 

When someone has 'a chip on their shoulder' they:

(b) feel inferior or have a grievance about something.

This idiom implies that the person is carrying around a perceived grievance, often resulting in a defensive or confrontational attitude.

 

20. The collective noun for a group of lions is called:

(a) a pride of lions.

(b) a herd of lions.

(c) an army of lions.

(d) an assault of lions.

 

The collective noun for a group of lions is:

(a) a pride of lions.

 

The following text relates to the next two questions.

With pannikins all rusty,

And billy burnt and black,

That scarcely hide his back;

And clothes all torn and dusty,

With sun-cracked saddle-leather,

And knotted greenhide rein,

And face burnt brown with weather,

Our Andy's home again!

Henry Lawson

 

21. The stanza indicates that Andy:

(a) does not care about his appearance.

(b) has returned from an arduous journey.

(c) has been fighting in the war.

(d) was lost, but has returned.

 

 

22. The line 'And billy burnt and black' indicates:

(a) heavy usage,

(b) lazy carelessness.

(c) inexperience.

(d) slovenly habits.

 

  1. The stanza indicates that Andy:

(b) has returned from an arduous journey.

The stanza describes Andy's appearance, suggesting that he has returned after a long and difficult journey, as indicated by the worn-out clothing, sunburnt face, and weathered appearance.

  1. The line 'And billy burnt and black' indicates:

(a) heavy usage.

In this context, the phrase "And billy burnt and black" suggests that the billy (a metal container used for boiling water) has been used frequently and has become burnt and black due to extended use over an open flame. This phrase emphasizes the usage and wear and tear on Andy's belongings.

 

 

23. 'Summer residents were regarded as interlopers who had no deep commitment to the town's welfare.'

The word interloper is closest in meaning to the word:

(a) compatriots

(b) insiders

(c) infiltrators

(d) vacationers

 

The word 'interloper' is closest in meaning to:

(c) infiltrators

An interloper is someone who intrudes or interferes in a situation where they are not welcomed or have no right to be. This is similar to the idea of infiltrators, who enter a group or place with often hidden or unauthorized intentions.

24. After months of fears about the economy, consumers are ready to batten down the hatches.'

In this sentence the phrase 'to batten down the hatches' is closest in meaning to:

(a) spend with abandon.

(b) rug up for uncertain weather.

(c) invest wisely.

(d) prepare for difficulty or crisis.

 

In this sentence, the phrase 'to batten down the hatches' is closest in meaning to:

(d) prepare for difficulty or crisis.

The expression 'to batten down the hatches' originates from maritime usage, where it refers to the practice of securing a ship's hatches with protective covers during storms or rough weather to prevent water from entering the vessel. Metaphorically, it means to prepare for challenging times or crisis by taking protective measures.

 

* The following text relates to the next two questions.

'This area is a distinct physiographic section of the larger Western Victorian Highlands province, which, in turn, is part of the larger East Australian Cordillera physiographic division- commonly known as the Great Dividing Range - a series of mountain ranges, plateaus and rolling hills forming out of the Wimmera plains just to the west of the Grampians, staying close to the east Australian coastline and extending 4,000 km (2,500 miles) to the north to Dauan Island in the Torres Strait off the northern tip of Cape York Peninsula.'

25. In this text the word 'plateaus' means:

(a) an area of marshland.

(b) an area of high flat terrain.

(c) an area of fenland.

(d) an area of dense forest.

 

26. The best way to describe the tone and purpose of this text is:

(a) interesting and invested.

(b) reticent and unemotional.

(c) heart-warming and factual.

(d) neutral and informative.

  1. In this text, the word 'plateaus' means:

(b) an area of high flat terrain.

Plateaus are elevated flat areas of land that are relatively higher than their surroundings.

  1. The best way to describe the tone and purpose of this text is:

(d) neutral and informative.

The text provides factual information about a geographical area, its features, and its relationship to larger geographic divisions. The tone is objective and aimed at providing information rather than evoking emotions.

 

27. Many surnames have their origin in the type of jobs people did. The name Cooper has its origins in the profession of

(a) barrel maker

(b) copper smith

(c) carpenter

(d) cupboard/furniture maker

 

The name Cooper has its origins in the profession of:

(a) barrel maker

Cooper is a surname that often originated from the occupational name for someone who made wooden barrels or casks.

 

28. 'Victoria is a world-renowned gold province and our history is closely connected to gold mining. Gold discovery at Ballarat in 1851 sparked Victoria's famous gold rush. An estimated 6000 diggers (miners) arrived each week seeking their fortune. Ballarat was considered the world's richest alluvial goldfield during its peak between 1852 and 1853.

The word 'alluvial' in the context of the information most likely means:

(a) hidden in the earth.

(b) left behind or exposed by water.

(c) within rocks.

(d) in remote regions.

 

In the context of the information provided, the word 'alluvial' most likely means:

(b) left behind or exposed by water.

Alluvial in this context refers to gold deposits that have been washed and deposited by water, typically in rivers or streams. It indicates that the gold was carried by water and then left behind as sediment in a more accessible location for mining.

29. This car advertisement appeals to:

(a) the technical knowledge

(b) a care for the environment

(c) emotions

(d) all of the above

 

(d) all of the above

 

30. 'Oaks, beeches, birches, chestnuts, aspens, elms, maples, and basswoods (or lindens) are the dominant trees in mid-latitude deciduous forests.'

In this context the meaning of deciduous is:

(a) northern hemisphere.

(b) cold climate.

(c) high altitude.

(d) shedding its leaves annually.

 

In this context, the meaning of deciduous is:

(d) shedding its leaves annually.

Deciduous trees are those that lose their leaves in the fall and regrow them in the spring, typically adapting to seasonal changes. The quote is referring to trees found in mid-latitude deciduous forests, which are known for this characteristic leaf-shedding behavior.

 

*The following text relates to the next two questions.

Let me explain the process. Many thousands of contact-mines would have to be anchored to the bottom of the sea, reaching up to within thirty-five feet of its surface. Over this pathway all the ships which fed Britain, or carried on our warfare abroad, U-boat, however, venturing into this minefield, would soon be come. Here was the defensive in excelsis. Anyhow, it was better directions for detailed proposals to be presented were given on this night. Such a policy meant that the diver would in future be thinking about nothing but his air-pipe. But he had other work to do.

'The Second World War' Vol 2, 'Their finest hour', by Winston Churchill, (1949) page 537

31. 'In excelsis' is a Latin word meaning, in this passage:

(a) out of cells

(b) accelerating

(c) high temperatures

(d) surpassing other alternatives

32. These 'contact mines' could be described as a proposal for:

(a) welcoming measure

(b) defensive measure

(c) offensive measure

(d) reaching-up measure

  1. 'In excelsis' is a Latin word meaning, in this passage:

(d) surpassing other alternatives

"In excelsis" is a Latin phrase that means "in the highest degree" or "to the highest." In this context, it suggests that the described defensive strategy was taken to a level that exceeded other options.

  1. These 'contact mines' could be described as a proposal for:

(b) defensive measure

Contact mines, as mentioned in the passage, would be anchored to the sea bottom to create a minefield as a defensive strategy to counter U-boats (German submarines) in wartime.

*The following text relates to the next two questions.

The armies of France and England are about to meet, for a battle the next day (St Crispians Day, which happens to be a public holiday.) King Henry leading his army, learns that his English army is outnumbered five-to-one. ..... King Henry says, in the play.... "He that outlives this (coming) day, and comes home safe will stand tip-toe when he is named, and rouse him in the name of Crispian. He that shall live this (next) day, and see old age, will yearly say "Tomorrow is St Crispian's Day.' Then he will strip his sleeve, and show his scars. And say "These wounds I had on St Crispian's Day.""

From William Shakespeare 'Henry V, Act IV, Scene III

33. Who would inflict the wounds?

(a) the French army

(b) St Crispian

(c) the sleeve

(d) the toe

In this context, the wounds mentioned in the text would be inflicted by:

(a) the French army

The passage is describing a battle scenario, and the wounds would be the result of combat with the opposing French army.

 

34. The tone of the quote could be described as:

(a) pessimistic

(b) humorous

(c) inspiring

(d) optimistic

 

The tone of the quote could be described as:

(c) inspiring

The quote from Shakespeare's "Henry V" is meant to inspire and motivate the soldiers before a battle. King Henry's words aim to uplift their spirits and encourage them to face the challenges of the upcoming battle with courage and determination.

 

*The following text relates to the next two questions.

"From my pillow looking forth by light

Of moon or favouring stars, I could behold

The ante-chapel where the statue stood

Of Newton with his prism and silent face.

The marble index of a mind for ever

Voyaging through strange seas of thought, above."

Poem 'Isaac Newton' by William Wordsworth

 

35. What time of the day could Wordsworth view the statue?

(a) during the light of full-moon, at night

(b) during the day

(c) during the evening

(d) at dawn

36. 'Marble index...' refers to:

(a) list of chapters for a book

(b) list of favoured stars

(c) statue

(d) pointed finger

  1. What time of the day could Wordsworth view the statue?

(a) during the light of full-moon, at night

The line "From my pillow looking forth by light Of moon or favouring stars" suggests that Wordsworth could view the statue of Newton from his pillow at night when the moon or stars provided light.

  1. 'Marble index...' refers to:

(c) statue

In this context, "Marble index" refers to the statue of Newton made from marble. The term "index" here is used metaphorically to indicate that the statue represents and points to Newton's intellectual achievements and thoughts.

 

*The following text relates to the next two questions.

The Portraits, Fancy Pictures and copies of Old Masters" was written by Hugh Belsey. This is a review by Huon Mallalieu, in 'Countrylife Magazine' 27/2/2019....... "Hugh Basley's 'magnum opus' has been almost 40 years in the making, and is worth the labour. Prefaced by 'Notes to the User' (rather than 'Reader'), this is not a biography, but a magisterial two- volume catalogue of all Gainsborough's works."

Book Thomas Gainsborough

 

37. Why did the reviewer emphasise 'notes' to "user" rather than to "reader"?

(a) Book writer wanted to usurp Gainsborough.

(b) The book was not ready, yet.

(c) 'Notes' were hand-written.

(d) The book was designed as a reference source.

38. The reviewer's view on the book could be described as:

(a) lukewarm

(b) enthusiastic

(c) negative

(d) positive

  1. Why did the reviewer emphasize 'notes' to "user" rather than to "reader"?

(d) The book was designed as a reference source.

The use of "Notes to the User" instead of "Notes to the Reader" suggests that the book is not meant to be read linearly like a typical book, but rather as a reference work. It indicates that the content is organized for users who might want to access specific information rather than reading the book cover to cover.

  1. The reviewer's view on the book could be described as:

(b) enthusiastic

The reviewer's use of phrases like "magnum opus," "worth the labour," and "magisterial two-volume catalogue" suggests that the review is positive and enthusiastic about the book.

 

The following text relates to the next two questions.

Coming to Get You

One, two

I'm looking for you. Three, four

I'll get you for sure.

Five, six

By magic tricks.

Seven, eight

And I won't wait.

Nine, ten

I'll find you then. Ten nine eight seven six

Five four three two

One

You'd better, you'd better,

Run RunRUN!

By Libby Hathorn

39. This poem is about:

(a) counting

(b) rhyming

(c) running

(d) a game

 

 

40. Why is the word "run" repeated?

(a) because it's part of the rhyme (b) to extend the sentence

(c) to make the poem end nicely

(d) for emphasis

  1. This poem is about:

(c) running

The poem seems to convey a sense of suspense and urgency, suggesting that someone is chasing or coming to get the reader. The repeated counting and rhyming pattern build a rhythm that adds to the sense of movement and anticipation, which aligns with the theme of running.

  1. Why is the word "run" repeated?

(d) for emphasis

The repetition of the word "run" at the end of the poem is likely for emphasis. It intensifies the sense of urgency and reinforces the theme of running, creating a stronger impact and leaving a lasting impression on the reader.

 

 

 

 

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