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 the quaint village of Willow Creek, there lived a curious girl named Mia. Mia had a knack for solving puzzles and mysteries, often spending her time exploring the woods behind her house. One bright Saturday morning, she decided to venture deeper into the forest than she ever had before. As she walked, the chirping of birds and the rustling of leaves surrounded her, creating a symphony of nature.
While wandering through the trees, Mia stumbled upon an old, forgotten path. The path was overgrown with weeds and had not been used for many years. Intrigued, she wiped away the leaves and branches, revealing a sign that read, “Beware: This path leads to the secret glade.” Mia’s heart raced with excitement. She had heard stories about the secret glade, a place said to be enchanted, where fairies danced under the moonlight and magical creatures roamed.
With a deep breath, Mia decided to follow the path. After a short walk, she entered a clearing that took her breath away. The glade was filled with vibrant flowers, tall trees, and a sparkling stream that glimmered in the sunlight. As she stepped further into the glade, she noticed something unusual. In the centre of the clearing stood a large, ancient oak tree, and at its base was a small, wooden box.
Curiosity piqued, Mia approached the box. It was intricately carved with images of animals and plants. She opened it carefully to reveal a collection of strange, glowing stones. Each stone shone with a different colour, creating a beautiful display. Mia couldn’t believe her eyes. She had never seen anything like them before. Just then, she heard a soft voice. “Welcome, Mia,” it said. Startled, she turned to see a tiny fairy fluttering beside her.
“I am Elara, the guardian of this glade,” the fairy said with a smile. “These stones hold powerful magic. Each one represents a different element: fire, water, earth, and air. If used wisely, they can bring harmony to our world.” Mia was fascinated and asked Elara how she could help protect the glade.
Elara explained that the glade was in danger. A dark force was threatening to take the stones and disrupt the balance of nature. “You must gather the stones and return them to their rightful places in the forest before the next full moon,” Elara instructed. “But be cautious, for the dark force is cunning and will try to stop you.”
Mia nodded, determination filling her heart. She promised Elara that she would do everything in her power to save the glade. With a wave of her hand, Elara gifted Mia a small pendant. “This will help you find your way and protect you on your journey,” she said.
Armed with courage and the pendant, Mia set off on her quest. As she travelled through the forest, she faced numerous challenges. She had to solve riddles, navigate tricky paths, and outsmart creatures that wanted to keep the stones hidden. Each time she retrieved a stone, it glowed brighter, filling her with hope and strength.
Finally, after many adventures, Mia gathered all four stones. With the full moon rising in the sky, she hurried back to the glade. Elara awaited her, looking relieved and proud. “You’ve done it, Mia! Now place the stones in their rightful spots.” With careful hands, Mia placed each stone at the base of the oak tree, and immediately, the glade shimmered with light.
The dark force was banished, and peace returned to Willow Creek. Elara thanked Mia for her bravery and promised that the glade would always be a safe haven for magic and nature. Mia returned home, her heart full of joy, knowing she had made a difference.
Questions
- What did Mia discover while exploring the woods?
- Describe the old path Mia found. What made it special?
- What stories had Mia heard about the secret glade?
- How did Mia react upon entering the glade?
- What was unusual about the wooden box Mia found?
- What did the glowing stones represent?
- Who was Elara, and what was her role in the story?
- What danger was the glade facing?
- How did Elara describe the dark force?
- What promise did Mia make to Elara?
- What did Elara give to Mia before her journey?
- What challenges did Mia face while retrieving the stones?
- How did Mia feel as she gathered the stones?
- What did Mia do with the stones upon returning to the glade?
- What happened when Mia placed the stones at the oak tree?
- How did the glade change after Mia completed her task?
- What was the significance of the full moon in the story?
- How did Mia’s adventure impact her character?
- What message do you think the story conveys about bravery?
- How might Mia’s actions affect the villagers of Willow Creek?
Answers
- Mia discovered an old, forgotten path in the woods.
- The old path was overgrown with weeds and had a sign warning about the secret glade, making it seem mysterious and intriguing.
- Mia had heard stories about the secret glade where fairies danced and magical creatures roamed.
- Mia was in awe of the glade’s beauty and felt a sense of excitement upon entering.
- The box was intricately carved and contained glowing stones, which Mia found unusual and magical.
- The glowing stones represented the elements of fire, water, earth, and air.
- Elara was the guardian fairy of the glade, responsible for protecting its magic.
- The glade was facing a threat from a dark force that wanted to take the stones.
- Elara described the dark force as cunning and dangerous.
- Mia promised Elara that she would gather the stones and protect the glade.
- Elara gave Mia a small pendant to help her on her journey.
- Mia faced riddles, tricky paths, and creatures that tried to keep the stones hidden.
- Mia felt hopeful and strong as she gathered each stone.
- Mia placed each stone at the base of the oak tree in the glade.
- When Mia placed the stones, the glade shimmered with light, indicating that magic was restored.
- The glade became peaceful and free from the dark force after Mia completed her task.
- The full moon marked the deadline for Mia to return the stones and was significant for the glade’s magic.
- Mia’s adventure made her braver and more determined to protect nature.
- The story conveys that bravery and determination can make a positive difference.
- Mia’s actions might inspire the villagers to appreciate and protect the magic of nature in Willow Creek.
