RC 4
RC 4
RC 4
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15
Academic Year 2023-2024
Name: ……………………………….. Reading Comprehension Grade: 8 ……..
Passage: 1
Coasteering
Lily Carter had no idea what present she wanted for her 14th birthday. But she’d always
been keen on challenging sports, especially to do with water, like surfing and sailing. So
when her parents heard about an activity called coasteering – exploring rocks along the
coast by climbing and swimming – they thought Lily would love it. They found a course
offered at an activity centre called Porthdean, just along the coast from the family home,
which was perfect. So after checking it was led by experienced instructors, they signed her
up.
Lily had seen a TV show about coasteering, and was interested in doing it, although she’d
thought only adults could take part. But then she discovered that on courses at Porthdean,
there’d also be people her age jumping from rocks into the sea, and also exploring caves –
which she was never normally allowed to do, so she really wanted to go. But she still asked
her dad to go along too and, although he wondered whether he’d like coasteering himself,
he knew how much Lily wanted someone to accompany her, so he agreed.
Lily and her dad drove to Porthdean, where they attended a session with their instructors
to learn basic safety and techniques and be given helmets and special wetsuits to keep the
cold out. The group they joined was quite small, which meant they got lots of individual
attention. Says Lily, ‘The entire trip was awesome – although the water was freezing! But
our instructors encouraged the whole group so much, we were ready to try absolutely all
the challenges, even stuff we hadn’t expected at all, like jumping off high cliffs! I must
admit, the one I jumped off wasn’t that high, but Dad went much higher!’
‘Anyway, Dad and I hadn’t realised how hard it would be physically, so we were glad we
were fit,’ explains Lily. ‘Even so, afterwards, we actually felt like we’d done loads of hard
exercise in the gym! But I’ll keep the memories of that trip forever, I reckon. And the
instructors are going to put a video of it onto the website, so my friends will see it. They’d
never believe me otherwise!’
1
1 Why did Lily’s parents choose Porthdean for her coasteering present?
3 Lily particularly liked her instructors because they made sure everyone
5 What would Lily text to a friend while she was away on the course?
A I don’t think Dad was sure before he came that he’d enjoy it – but actually, he’s been
braver than me!
B I wanted to do the coasteering course, and mentioned it to my parents before my
birthday. But I never expected they’d let me go!
C Our session before the activities was great, although I really didn’t think I’d need a
wetsuit for the cold – and I was right!
D Going into caves was amazing. I’d love to explore them by myself when we’re next at
the beach – I’m sure my parents will let me!
2
Passage: 2
Cross-country Skiing in Sweden
Last year, Mum and I wanted to try a winter sport called cross-country skiing – travelling on
skis across the countryside. And pictures of one area in Sweden, with people skiing along
through forests on wonderful white snow, persuaded us that destination was a good
choice. We hadn’t done much skiing, though, so weren’t sure how difficult cross-country
skiing was, compared with skiing fast down steep mountains. But we signed up to join a
group of people, of all ages, plus a guide.
We’d read about the place we went to before we left, so we knew it was close to where
Sweden ends and Norway starts. And our family knew we couldn’t text home, as there was
no internet connection – and actually, it was relaxing to be far from anywhere, or anyone.
What we hadn’t realised was that from there, we’d be able to see amazing coloured lights
in the sky, which appeared at certain times of year, called the Northern Lights – what a
sight!
On our first day there, I hated getting up in the dark, but it meant I saw the sun come up
over the forest, so I was glad I did. And sunshine was forecast for the week, I was delighted
to hear! But the real problem was my 15kg rucksack, full of food and clothes – I had no idea
it would weigh that much. Anyway, we skied for hours across mainly flat snow. Having
special light skis was supposed to help us climb the few hills there were – although I still
couldn’t do it!
Finally we stopped for the night. It wasn’t until we’d reached our hut that our guide
mentioned we’d just crossed a frozen lake to get there – but nothing surprised us by that
point! Anyway, he gave us all jobs to do – cutting fire wood and cooking food – and soon we
were having dinner, made from whatever food we’d brought – a strange mix, but it tasted
delicious. And everywhere was so peaceful outside that none of us stayed awake long.
Mum and I want to try another winter sports trip, maybe snowboarding. But we’ll probably
end up just as exhausted as we were after this trip!
2 After their arrival, what did they discover about where they were staying?
3
A It wasn’t far from the border with another country.
B They could get great views of a spectacular natural event.
C It was at a point where they couldn’t use technology.
D They weren’t near local people of their homes.
3 How did Jenna feel about the long trips through the snow on skis?
A One reason we chose this trip was that we thought we’d be among loads of trees,
which we love – but that hasn’t happened so far.
B The people in our group were really friendly – but they were all Mum’s age and older,
really.
C I’m not used to getting out of bed so early to do things! But it was worth it, as the
sunrise was wonderful.
D Mum and I have agreed that although the trip was great, we might attempt
something less tiring on our next winter holiday.
Passage: 3
Computer games
Kamil
I spend about five hours a week playing computer games. My parents don’t mind because
they know it’s less time than some teenagers spend on the computer. I’ve got all kinds of
games, but the ones I like most are those where you learn things. I’ve got a brilliant game
called ‘History Ship’. It shows you what life was like on sailing ships hundreds of years ago
and it’s fun to play. There’s another interesting game I’d like to get called ‘Space Journey’.
It’s quite expensive, but I think I’ll have enough money for it soon.
Mia
4
Both of my brothers love being outdoors playing football, but the hobby I enjoy most is
playing computer games. My parents are OK with that because they think you can learn a
lot from playing games. The only thing they say is that I can’t play games on the evenings I
have homework. I’ve got a variety of games, but my favourite is called ‘Forestworld’. A
friend said it was an amazing game, so I was really pleased when I got it as a present for my
birthday.
Liam
I’ve enjoyed playing computer games for as long as I can remember. I have lots of different
games, but the one I like most is called ‘Sea Adventure’. It’s a really great game. I wasn’t
very good at it at first, but I’ve improved and can complete the different levels really quickly
now. Several of my friends like computer games too, so they come round to my house at
the weekend and we play together. It’s great fun!
3 Who has seen a new computer game they would like to buy?
A Kamil B Mia C Liam
Good Luck!!
5
Bubble Answer Sheet
A B D
1. A B C D 1. A B C D 1. A B C D
2. A B C D 2. A B C D 2. A B C D
3. A B C D 3. A B C D 3. A B C D
4. A B C D 4. A B C D 4. A B C D
5. A B C D 5. A B C D 5. A B C D
6. A B C D
7. A B C D
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