Instructions

  • English Section B – Comprehension
  • Duration: 45 minutes + 5 minutes reading time
  • Instructions:
    • Do not open this booklet until instructed.
    • Write your name, school, and candidate number at the top of the page.
    • Comprehension questions are included in this booklet.
    • The comprehension passage is on a separate green sheet.
    • Read through both the passage and all questions before writing anything.
    • Spend at least 5 minutes reading and thinking about the material.
    • Write your answers in the spaces provided after each question.
    • If you need more space for an answer, use the section at the end of the booklet, ensuring to number your answers carefully.
    • Base your answers solely on the provided passage.
  • Total Marks: 50 marks

Once upon a time, in a quaint little village, there was a mysterious forest known as the Enchanted Forest. It was said that anyone who entered the forest would find magical creatures and spectacular sights. However, the villagers were wary of this forest, as many had ventured in and never returned. The stories of the Enchanted Forest filled the hearts of children with wonder and fear.

One sunny afternoon, a curious girl named Lily decided she would explore the forest. She had heard many tales from the village elders about the wonders hidden within. Lily packed a small bag with some snacks, a map of the village, and a notebook to jot down her discoveries. She waved goodbye to her mother and set off, excitement bubbling in her chest.

As Lily entered the forest, she was greeted by towering trees that reached towards the sky. The sunlight filtered through the leaves, creating a beautiful pattern on the forest floor. Birds sang sweetly, and a gentle breeze rustled the branches above. She walked deeper into the woods, her heart racing with anticipation.

After a while, she stumbled across a sparkling stream. Its water was crystal clear, and she could see colourful fish swimming gracefully beneath the surface. Lily sat by the stream, taking a moment to enjoy the beauty around her. As she scribbled notes in her notebook, she heard a soft rustling in the bushes nearby.

Curious, she slowly approached the noise. To her amazement, a tiny fairy with shimmering wings emerged. “Hello, young adventurer!” the fairy chimed. “I am Faye, the guardian of this forest. What brings you here?” Lily was stunned but managed to introduce herself. She explained that she wanted to learn about the magic of the forest.

Faye smiled and beckoned Lily to follow her. They wandered through the forest together, visiting hidden groves filled with flowers that glowed in the dark. Faye showed Lily how to listen to the trees, which whispered secrets of the ancient world. Lily was fascinated. She had never experienced anything like this before.

As the sun began to set, Faye told Lily it was time to return home. “You must remember to keep the magic of the forest alive in your heart,” she said. Lily promised to share her stories with the villagers, hoping to inspire others to appreciate the wonders of nature.

As Lily walked back, she felt grateful for her adventure. The forest had taught her that magic exists in the world if only you dare to explore. When she reached home, she excitedly shared her experience with her mother, who listened with wide eyes. From that day on, Lily became a storyteller, sharing tales of the Enchanted Forest and encouraging others to respect and cherish the natural world.

Questions

  1. What made the villagers wary of the Enchanted Forest?
  2. Describe what Lily packed for her adventure.
  3. How did Lily feel as she entered the forest?
  4. What did Lily find when she came across the stream?
  5. Who did Lily meet at the stream, and how did she react?
  6. What was Faye’s role in the forest?
  7. What did Faye show Lily about the flowers?
  8. How did the trees communicate their secrets?
  9. What promise did Lily make before leaving the forest?
  10. How did Lily’s experience change her perspective?
  11. What emotions did Lily feel during her adventure?
  12. In what ways did the forest appear magical to Lily?
  13. How did Lily’s adventure begin?
  14. What lesson did Lily learn about nature?
  15. How did Lily’s mother react to her stories?
  16. What role does curiosity play in Lily’s journey?
  17. What message do you think the author wants to convey about exploration?
  18. How did the forest affect Lily’s relationship with her village?
  19. What significance does the sunset have in the story?
  20. How can Lily’s experience inspire other children in the village?

Answers

  1. The villagers were wary because many people had entered the forest and never returned.
  2. Lily packed snacks, a map of the village, and a notebook to record her discoveries.
  3. Lily felt excited as she entered the forest, with anticipation bubbling in her chest.
  4. At the stream, Lily found crystal clear water and colourful fish swimming beneath the surface.
  5. Lily met a tiny fairy named Faye, and she was stunned but managed to introduce herself.
  6. Faye was the guardian of the forest, welcoming Lily and sharing its magic.
  7. Faye showed Lily hidden groves with flowers that glowed in the dark.
  8. The trees whispered secrets, allowing Lily to listen and learn from them.
  9. Lily promised to keep the magic of the forest alive in her heart and share her stories.
  10. Lily’s experience changed her perspective by making her appreciate the wonders of nature.
  11. During her adventure, Lily felt emotions of wonder, excitement, and gratitude.
  12. The forest appeared magical to Lily with its glowing flowers and singing birds.
  13. Lily’s adventure began when she decided to explore the Enchanted Forest one sunny afternoon.
  14. Lily learned that magic exists in nature and should be respected and cherished.
  15. Lily’s mother listened with wide eyes and seemed fascinated by her stories.
  16. Curiosity drove Lily to explore and discover the magic of the forest.
  17. The author likely wants to convey that exploration can lead to wonderful discoveries.
  18. The forest inspired Lily to become a storyteller, deepening her connection with her village.
  19. The sunset signifies the end of Lily’s adventure and the importance of time in nature.
  20. Lily’s experience can inspire other children to explore and appreciate their natural surroundings.

# 11+ English Comprehension: The Enchanted Forest

Once upon a time, in a small village nestled between rolling hills, there lay an enchanted forest. The villagers spoke of magical creatures and hidden treasures that could be found within its boundaries. Many were curious about the forest, but only a few were brave enough to venture inside. The tales of shimmering fairies, wise old trees, and mischievous gnomes intrigued both children and adults alike.

One sunny morning, a group of adventurous friends decided to explore the enchanted forest. Their names were Mia, Ben, Lucy, and Sam. Each of them had heard stories about the forest’s wonders, and they were eager to discover its secrets. They packed their backpacks with sandwiches, a map, and a flashlight, promising to return before sunset.

As they entered the forest, the sunlight filtered through the leaves, creating a magical glow. The air was filled with the sweet scent of blooming flowers and the sound of chirping birds. The friends walked along a narrow path, surrounded by towering trees that seemed to whisper ancient stories. Mia, who loved reading, imagined the tales of bravery and friendship that must have unfolded in this very place.

Suddenly, they came across a sparkling stream. The water was crystal clear, and the friends could see colourful fish swimming gracefully. Ben, who was fascinated by nature, suggested they take a break and have their sandwiches by the stream. As they sat on the grassy bank, they chatted about what they might find deeper in the forest.

After their snack, they continued their journey. Soon, they stumbled upon a clearing filled with vibrant flowers of every colour imaginable. Lucy, who loved to draw, took out her sketchbook and began to capture the beauty around her. Sam noticed a peculiar tree with a door carved into its trunk. Curiosity sparked in their eyes as they approached it.

“Do you think anyone lives there?” Sam asked, his voice barely above a whisper. The friends exchanged glances, and Mia, feeling brave, decided to knock on the door. To their surprise, it creaked open slowly, revealing a cozy interior filled with books, candles, and a warm glow.

Inside, they met a wise old gnome named Eldrin. He welcomed them with a smile and offered them tea. Eldrin explained that he had lived in the forest for many years, guarding its secrets and treasures. He shared stories of the magical creatures that roamed the woods and the importance of protecting nature.

As the sun began to set, Eldrin gifted each friend a small token from the forest—a shimmering leaf for Mia, a tiny fish made of crystal for Ben, a beautiful flower for Lucy, and a carved wooden animal for Sam. He reminded them that the real treasure was the friendship they had and the memories they created together.

Reluctantly, the friends said goodbye to Eldrin and promised to return. They left the enchanted forest filled with joy and excitement, eager to share their adventure with the villagers. As they made their way home, they realised that the forest was not just a place of magic, but a reminder of the bonds they shared.

Questions

  1. What motivated the friends to explore the enchanted forest?
  2. Describe the atmosphere as the friends entered the forest.
  3. What did the friends pack for their adventure?
  4. How did Ben feel about nature, and what did he suggest?
  5. What did Lucy do when they reached the clearing filled with flowers?
  6. What was unusual about the tree they discovered?
  7. Who did the friends meet when they entered the tree?
  8. What did Eldrin offer the friends during their visit?
  9. Why did Eldrin consider himself the guardian of the forest?
  10. List the gifts Eldrin gave to each of the friends.
  11. What lesson did Eldrin teach the children about nature?
  12. How did the friends feel when they left the enchanted forest?
  13. What does the term “enchanting” suggest about the forest?
  14. How did the friends plan to share their adventure with the villagers?
  15. In what ways did the forest challenge the friends?
  16. What emotions did the friends experience during their adventure?
  17. What role did friendship play in the story?
  18. How did the setting contribute to the overall mood of the tale?
  19. What do you think the friends learned from Eldrin?
  20. If you could visit the enchanted forest, what would you hope to find there?

Answers

  1. The friends were motivated by their curiosity about the magical creatures and hidden treasures they had heard about from the villagers.
  2. The atmosphere was magical, with sunlight filtering through the leaves, a sweet scent of flowers, and the sound of birds chirping.
  3. They packed sandwiches, a map, and a flashlight for their adventure.
  4. Ben was fascinated by nature and suggested they take a break by the stream to enjoy their sandwiches.
  5. Lucy took out her sketchbook and began to draw the vibrant flowers surrounding them.
  6. The tree had a door carved into its trunk, which piqued the friends’ curiosity.
  7. They met a wise old gnome named Eldrin when they entered the tree.
  8. Eldrin offered them tea and shared stories about the forest and its magic.
  9. Eldrin considered himself the guardian of the forest because he had lived there for many years, protecting its secrets and treasures.
  10. Mia received a shimmering leaf, Ben a tiny fish made of crystal, Lucy a beautiful flower, and Sam a carved wooden animal.
  11. Eldrin taught the children that the real treasure was their friendship and the importance of protecting nature.
  12. The friends felt joy and excitement as they left the enchanted forest.
  13. “Enchanting” suggests that the forest was magical and captivating in its beauty.
  14. They planned to share their adventure by talking about it with the villagers.
  15. The forest challenged the friends by presenting them with new experiences and mysteries to solve.
  16. The friends experienced feelings of curiosity, excitement, and wonder during their adventure.
  17. Friendship played a crucial role, as it brought the friends together and helped them create lasting memories.
  18. The setting contributed to the mood by being filled with beauty, mystery, and magic.
  19. The friends likely learned about the importance of nature and the value of their friendship.
  20. If I could visit the enchanted forest, I would hope to find magical creatures and beautiful treasures.