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 small village, there lived a girl named Mary Lennox. Mary was not a very happy child. She was often lonely and had no friends. Her parents were busy and did not pay much attention to her. One day, after a terrible storm, Mary was sent to live with her uncle, Archibald Craven, in a large, mysterious mansion. This mansion was surrounded by beautiful gardens, but there was one garden that was kept locked and hidden away.

Curious about this secret garden, Mary decided she would find a way to explore it. She spent her days wandering around the estate, feeling lonely until one day she met a boy named Dickon. Dickon was kind and loved animals. He taught Mary how to care for the creatures around them and helped her feel more connected to nature.

As Mary and Dickon explored the grounds, they discovered a hidden key that unlocked the secret garden. Excited, they entered the garden and were amazed by its beauty. The garden was overgrown, but with time, Mary, Dickon, and a sickly boy named Colin began to restore it to its former glory. They worked hard, planting flowers and vegetables, and watched as the garden blossomed.

The change in the garden reflected the changes within Mary and Colin. As the garden grew, so did their friendship and spirits. Colin, who had always been weak and sickly, found strength as he spent time outdoors. He learned to walk and eventually joined Mary and Dickon in caring for the garden.

Through their hard work, the children not only revived the garden but also discovered the power of friendship and healing. The once-closed garden became a place of joy and laughter, where they could be themselves. The story of Mary, Dickon, and Colin teaches us that nature can heal our hearts and that friendship can change our lives for the better.

As they played and worked together, the three children learned valuable lessons about life, love, and the importance of caring for one another. They realised that, just like plants need sunlight and water to grow, people need kindness and friendship to thrive.

The secret garden became more than just a place of beauty; it transformed into a sanctuary where they could escape their troubles. The once lonely Mary found happiness, Colin found health, and Dickon, with his gentle spirit, brought everyone together.

In the end, Mary and Colin’s lives changed forever, thanks to a garden that had once been forgotten. They learned that sometimes, the most magical things can be found in the most unexpected places, and that with a little love and attention, anything can flourish.

Questions

  1. What does Mary discover about herself throughout the story?
  2. How does the secret garden symbolize Mary’s growth?
  3. Why is Dickon significant to Mary’s transformation?
  4. What role does nature play in the children’s healing process?
  5. Describe how Colin changes from the beginning to the end of the story.
  6. What does the locked door of the secret garden represent?
  7. How do Mary and Colin’s relationships with their parents affect their characters?
  8. What lessons do the children learn through their time in the garden?
  9. How does the weather reflect the mood of the story?
  10. Can you identify a moment of conflict in the story, and how is it resolved?
  11. What emotions does Mary feel when she first arrives at her uncle’s mansion?
  12. How does the discovery of the key change the direction of the story?
  13. What do you think is the author’s message regarding friendship?
  14. How does the garden serve as a character in the story?
  15. In what ways do the children’s actions promote teamwork?
  16. How does the story illustrate the theme of transformation?
  17. What might the garden represent in Mary and Colin’s lives?
  18. What aspects of the story suggest that healing is a gradual process?
  19. Why is it important for Colin to learn to walk?
  20. How do the children’s interactions with animals enhance the story?

Answers

  1. Mary discovers that she is capable of love and friendship, which helps her grow into a happier person.
  2. The secret garden symbolizes Mary’s growth as it transforms from a neglected space to a beautiful sanctuary, mirroring her emotional healing.
  3. Dickon is significant because he introduces Mary to the joys of nature and friendship, positively impacting her outlook on life.
  4. Nature plays a crucial role in the children’s healing by providing them with a nurturing environment that fosters growth and happiness.
  5. Colin changes from a sickly, isolated boy to a confident, healthy child who embraces life and friendship.
  6. The locked door represents barriers to personal growth and the hidden potential within individuals.
  7. Mary and Colin’s relationships with their parents create feelings of neglect and loneliness, which they overcome through friendship.
  8. The children learn that hard work, friendship, and love are essential for personal growth and healing.
  9. The weather reflects the mood of the story, with stormy weather symbolising turmoil and sunny days representing hope and renewal.
  10. A moment of conflict is when Colin refuses to leave his room; it is resolved as Mary encourages him to explore the garden.
  11. When Mary first arrives, she feels lonely and resistant to her new environment, but this changes as she meets new friends.
  12. The discovery of the key opens up new possibilities for exploration and friendship, marking a turning point in the story.
  13. The author’s message regarding friendship suggests that true connections can lead to personal transformation and healing.
  14. The garden serves as a character by influencing the emotions and growth of the children, acting as a catalyst for change.
  15. The children promote teamwork by working together to restore the garden, learning to rely on each other’s strengths.
  16. The story illustrates the theme of transformation through the characters’ growth and the revitalisation of the garden.
  17. The garden represents hope, renewal, and the potential for healing in Mary and Colin’s lives.
  18. The gradual process of healing is suggested through the slow restoration of the garden and the children’s evolving relationships.
  19. It is important for Colin to learn to walk as it signifies his independence and newfound strength, contributing to his character development.
  20. The children’s interactions with animals enhance the story by highlighting themes of compassion and the interconnectedness of life.