English Reading Comprehension

What is the meaning of puffed in context to the passage?

Directions: Read the passage and answer the following question:

“Piffle and poffle!” cried Mandarin. “You are not a dragon! Everyone can see that you are only a dusty old wanderer. We have no time to give you free meals or to talk politely. Get out of the way.”
And he ran home to the palace and crawled under the bed where he lay shivering.
“ My gallant army,” command the Captain, “follow me!”
He turned and ran to the barracks and all his soldiers followed him. They all hid under their beds and lay there shaking.
The Merchant, The Wise Man, and the Chief of the Workmen fled to their own houses and all the people hurried after them. In a few minutes, the streets were empty except for Han and the little fat old man.
“Well,” said Han, “I don’t think we have much time. The enemy will be here soon. I don’t know whether you are a dragon or not, but if you are hungry and thirsty, please do me the honour of coming into my humble house.”
With a low bow, he showed the old man the way into his tiny hut.There, he gave him the bowl of rice and the cup of wine, which were all he had.
The old man ate and drank. Then he stood up.
“I don’t think much of the people of Wu,” he said, “but for your sake I will save the city.”
He went out to the gate. The Wild Horsemen were very close. There wore fur caps and the skins of tigers. They shot arrows at the city as they rode hard on their shaggy horses.
The little fat man puffed out his checks.He blew a long breath. The sky grew dark and lightning sizzled from the clouds to the earth. A great wind arose. It caught the Wild Horsemen and blew them far and wide. Those who escaped turned and galloped madly away through the storm.
The sky cleared. The sun shone again. The plain was empty.
The little fat man said, “Now I will show you what a dragon looks like.”
He sprang up into the air and his form changed. He grew taller than the tallest tree, taller than the tallest tower. He was the colour of sunset shining through rain. Scales covered him, scattering light. His claws and teeth glittered like diamonds. His eyes were noble like those of a proud horse. He was more beautiful and more frightening than anything Han had ever seen.
He flew high, roaring, and vanished into the deep sky. Han gave a long sigh and went to tell the Mandarin what had happened.
The people of the city crowded around to hear the tale. They could see for themselves that the enemy had vanished. They cheered Han, pinned medals on him, gave him many gold pieces, and from that day on called him “The Honourable Defender of the city.”

What did the captain and his soldiers do?

Directions: Read the passage and answer the following question:

“Piffle and poffle!” cried Mandarin. “You are not a dragon! Everyone can see that you are only a dusty old wanderer. We have no time to give you free meals or to talk politely. Get out of the way.”
And he ran home to the palace and crawled under the bed where he lay shivering.
“ My gallant army,” command the Captain, “follow me!”
He turned and ran to the barracks and all his soldiers followed him. They all hid under their beds and lay there shaking.
The Merchant, The Wise Man, and the Chief of the Workmen fled to their own houses and all the people hurried after them. In a few minutes, the streets were empty except for Han and the little fat old man.
“Well,” said Han, “I don’t think we have much time. The enemy will be here soon. I don’t know whether you are a dragon or not, but if you are hungry and thirsty, please do me the honour of coming into my humble house.”
With a low bow, he showed the old man the way into his tiny hut.There, he gave him the bowl of rice and the cup of wine, which were all he had.
The old man ate and drank. Then he stood up.
“I don’t think much of the people of Wu,” he said, “but for your sake I will save the city.”
He went out to the gate. The Wild Horsemen were very close. There wore fur caps and the skins of tigers. They shot arrows at the city as they rode hard on their shaggy horses.
The little fat man puffed out his checks.He blew a long breath. The sky grew dark and lightning sizzled from the clouds to the earth. A great wind arose. It caught the Wild Horsemen and blew them far and wide. Those who escaped turned and galloped madly away through the storm.
The sky cleared. The sun shone again. The plain was empty.
The little fat man said, “Now I will show you what a dragon looks like.”
He sprang up into the air and his form changed. He grew taller than the tallest tree, taller than the tallest tower. He was the colour of sunset shining through rain. Scales covered him, scattering light. His claws and teeth glittered like diamonds. His eyes were noble like those of a proud horse. He was more beautiful and more frightening than anything Han had ever seen.
He flew high, roaring, and vanished into the deep sky. Han gave a long sigh and went to tell the Mandarin what had happened.
The people of the city crowded around to hear the tale. They could see for themselves that the enemy had vanished. They cheered Han, pinned medals on him, gave him many gold pieces, and from that day on called him “The Honourable Defender of the city.”

What is the meaning of shot in context to the passage?

Directions: Read the passage and answer the following question:

“Piffle and poffle!” cried Mandarin. “You are not a dragon! Everyone can see that you are only a dusty old wanderer. We have no time to give you free meals or to talk politely. Get out of the way.”
And he ran home to the palace and crawled under the bed where he lay shivering.
“ My gallant army,” command the Captain, “follow me!”
He turned and ran to the barracks and all his soldiers followed him. They all hid under their beds and lay there shaking.
The Merchant, The Wise Man, and the Chief of the Workmen fled to their own houses and all the people hurried after them. In a few minutes, the streets were empty except for Han and the little fat old man.
“Well,” said Han, “I don’t think we have much time. The enemy will be here soon. I don’t know whether you are a dragon or not, but if you are hungry and thirsty, please do me the honour of coming into my humble house.”
With a low bow, he showed the old man the way into his tiny hut.There, he gave him the bowl of rice and the cup of wine, which were all he had.
The old man ate and drank. Then he stood up.
“I don’t think much of the people of Wu,” he said, “but for your sake I will save the city.”
He went out to the gate. The Wild Horsemen were very close. There wore fur caps and the skins of tigers. They shot arrows at the city as they rode hard on their shaggy horses.
The little fat man puffed out his checks.He blew a long breath. The sky grew dark and lightning sizzled from the clouds to the earth. A great wind arose. It caught the Wild Horsemen and blew them far and wide. Those who escaped turned and galloped madly away through the storm.
The sky cleared. The sun shone again. The plain was empty.
The little fat man said, “Now I will show you what a dragon looks like.”
He sprang up into the air and his form changed. He grew taller than the tallest tree, taller than the tallest tower. He was the colour of sunset shining through rain. Scales covered him, scattering light. His claws and teeth glittered like diamonds. His eyes were noble like those of a proud horse. He was more beautiful and more frightening than anything Han had ever seen.
He flew high, roaring, and vanished into the deep sky. Han gave a long sigh and went to tell the Mandarin what had happened.
The people of the city crowded around to hear the tale. They could see for themselves that the enemy had vanished. They cheered Han, pinned medals on him, gave him many gold pieces, and from that day on called him “The Honourable Defender of the city.”

To what form did the old man change himself?

Directions: Read the passage and answer the following question:

“Piffle and poffle!” cried Mandarin. “You are not a dragon! Everyone can see that you are only a dusty old wanderer. We have no time to give you free meals or to talk politely. Get out of the way.”
And he ran home to the palace and crawled under the bed where he lay shivering.
“ My gallant army,” command the Captain, “follow me!”
He turned and ran to the barracks and all his soldiers followed him. They all hid under their beds and lay there shaking.
The Merchant, The Wise Man, and the Chief of the Workmen fled to their own houses and all the people hurried after them. In a few minutes, the streets were empty except for Han and the little fat old man.
“Well,” said Han, “I don’t think we have much time. The enemy will be here soon. I don’t know whether you are a dragon or not, but if you are hungry and thirsty, please do me the honour of coming into my humble house.”
With a low bow, he showed the old man the way into his tiny hut.There, he gave him the bowl of rice and the cup of wine, which were all he had.
The old man ate and drank. Then he stood up.
“I don’t think much of the people of Wu,” he said, “but for your sake I will save the city.”
He went out to the gate. The Wild Horsemen were very close. There wore fur caps and the skins of tigers. They shot arrows at the city as they rode hard on their shaggy horses.
The little fat man puffed out his checks.He blew a long breath. The sky grew dark and lightning sizzled from the clouds to the earth. A great wind arose. It caught the Wild Horsemen and blew them far and wide. Those who escaped turned and galloped madly away through the storm.
The sky cleared. The sun shone again. The plain was empty.
The little fat man said, “Now I will show you what a dragon looks like.”
He sprang up into the air and his form changed. He grew taller than the tallest tree, taller than the tallest tower. He was the colour of sunset shining through rain. Scales covered him, scattering light. His claws and teeth glittered like diamonds. His eyes were noble like those of a proud horse. He was more beautiful and more frightening than anything Han had ever seen.
He flew high, roaring, and vanished into the deep sky. Han gave a long sigh and went to tell the Mandarin what had happened.
The people of the city crowded around to hear the tale. They could see for themselves that the enemy had vanished. They cheered Han, pinned medals on him, gave him many gold pieces, and from that day on called him “The Honourable Defender of the city.”

What is the meaning of gongs in context to the passage?

Directions: Read the passage and answer the following question:

“What is the fourth thing?” asked the Mandarin.
The Wise men shrugged. “We can pray to the Great Cloud Dragon to help us.”
“That seems most practical,” said the Mandarin
So the gongs were beaten, and the smoke of sweet incense rose up while everyone in the city prayed.
The next morning, as Han was sweeping the road under the gate, a small, fat man came walking up the hill. He had a long white beard and a shiny baldhead, and he leaned on a long staff
“Goodmorning,”he said
Han bowed.” I hope your honourable stomach is happy sir,” he replied, politely
“Will you take me to the ruler of the city?” said the little fat man.
“I’ll take you to him,” said Han, “but he is very busy this morning. We are expecting the enemy, and the Mandarin is praying to the Great Cloud Dragon for help.”
“I know,” said the little man. “I am the dragon.”
Han opened his eyes very wide. “You don’t look like one,” he said
“How do you know?” asked the little man. “Have you ever seen one?”
“No,” said Han.
“Now that you mention it, I haven’t,”
“Well, then?”
“Well then,” said Han, “please come this way, Honourable Dragon.”
He led the little fat man to the palace. There sat the Mandarin with his councilors. They had just finished a huge bowl of rice and six dozen duck eggs for breakfast and they were drinking their tea.
The Mandarin looked at the little fat man with a frown.
“Who is this person and why have you brought him here?” he asked Han.
“Sir,” said Han, “he is a dragon.”
“Don’t be ridiculous,” said the Mandarin. “He’s a fat man who is tracking dirt on my fine carpets. What do you want here, old man?”

What is the meaning of shivering in context to the passage?

Directions: Read the passage and answer the following question:

“Piffle and poffle!” cried Mandarin. “You are not a dragon! Everyone can see that you are only a dusty old wanderer. We have no time to give you free meals or to talk politely. Get out of the way.”
And he ran home to the palace and crawled under the bed where he lay shivering.
“ My gallant army,” command the Captain, “follow me!”
He turned and ran to the barracks and all his soldiers followed him. They all hid under their beds and lay there shaking.
The Merchant, The Wise Man, and the Chief of the Workmen fled to their own houses and all the people hurried after them. In a few minutes, the streets were empty except for Han and the little fat old man.
“Well,” said Han, “I don’t think we have much time. The enemy will be here soon. I don’t know whether you are a dragon or not, but if you are hungry and thirsty, please do me the honour of coming into my humble house.”
With a low bow, he showed the old man the way into his tiny hut.There, he gave him the bowl of rice and the cup of wine, which were all he had.
The old man ate and drank. Then he stood up.
“I don’t think much of the people of Wu,” he said, “but for your sake I will save the city.”
He went out to the gate. The Wild Horsemen were very close. There wore fur caps and the skins of tigers. They shot arrows at the city as they rode hard on their shaggy horses.
The little fat man puffed out his checks.He blew a long breath. The sky grew dark and lightning sizzled from the clouds to the earth. A great wind arose. It caught the Wild Horsemen and blew them far and wide. Those who escaped turned and galloped madly away through the storm.
The sky cleared. The sun shone again. The plain was empty.
The little fat man said, “Now I will show you what a dragon looks like.”
He sprang up into the air and his form changed. He grew taller than the tallest tree, taller than the tallest tower. He was the colour of sunset shining through rain. Scales covered him, scattering light. His claws and teeth glittered like diamonds. His eyes were noble like those of a proud horse. He was more beautiful and more frightening than anything Han had ever seen.
He flew high, roaring, and vanished into the deep sky. Han gave a long sigh and went to tell the Mandarin what had happened.
The people of the city crowded around to hear the tale. They could see for themselves that the enemy had vanished. They cheered Han, pinned medals on him, gave him many gold pieces, and from that day on called him “The Honourable Defender of the city.”

Directions: Complete this passage by selecting the most suitable word from each list to fill the corresponding gap (18).

At the highest point in Tarifa is an old fort. From ___(17) ____ its walls, one can _____(18)______ a glimpse of Africa. The old man sat there and made several strange gestures over the boy's head. The boy was ____(19)___ as his friends looked with curiosity. He ____(20) ___ something in the old man's ears and strode off.

Directions: Complete this passage by selecting the most suitable word from each list to fill the corresponding gap (17).

At the highest point in Tarifa is an old fort. From ___(17) ____ its walls, one can _____(18)______ a glimpse of Africa. The old man sat there and made several strange gestures over the boy's head. The boy was ____(19)___ as his friends looked with curiosity. He ____(20) ___ something in the old man's ears and strode off.

Directions: Complete this passage by selecting the most suitable word from each list to fill the corresponding gap (19).

At the highest point in Tarifa is an old fort. From ___(17) ____ its walls, one can _____(18)______ a glimpse of Africa. The old man sat there and made several strange gestures over the boy's head. The boy was ____(19)___ as his friends looked with curiosity. He ____(20) ___ something in the old man's ears and strode off.

Directions: Complete this passage by selecting the most suitable word from each list to fill the corresponding gap (20).

At the highest point in Tarifa is an old fort. From ___(17) ____ its walls, one can _____(18)______ a glimpse of Africa. The old man sat there and made several strange gestures over the boy's head. The boy was ____(19)___ as his friends looked with curiosity. He ____(20) ___ something in the old man's ears and strode off.

Which of the following words is closest in meaning to ‘interrupted’ as used in the passage?

Directions: Read the following passage carefully and answer the related question.

I was sitting on the other side and as the train was standing still, I still could hear snatches (1) of their conversation when nobody was passing between us. The tradesman began by saying he was going to his estate (2) which was only one station farther on; then, as usual, the conversation turned to price and trade, and they spoke of the state of business in Moscow and then of the Nizhny Novgorod fair. The clerk began to relate how a wealthy merchant, known to both of them, had gone on a spree (3) at the fair. But the old man interrupted (4) him by telling him of the origins he had been at in former times (5) in Kunavin fair. He evidently prided himself on the part he had played in them and recounted (6) with pleasure how he and some aquintainces (7) together  with the merchant they had been speaking of, had once got drunk in Kunavinand and played such a trick that he had to tell of it in a whisper. The clerk’s roar of laughter filled the whole carriage, the old man laughed also, berring (8) two yellow teeth.

Which of the following words is closest in meaning to ‘estate’ as used in the passage?

Directions: Read the following passage carefully and answer the related question.

I was sitting on the other side and as the train was standing still, I still could hear snatches (1) of their conversation when nobody was passing between us. The tradesman began by saying he was going to his estate (2) which was only one station farther on; then, as usual, the conversation turned to price and trade, and they spoke of the state of business in Moscow and then of the Nizhny Novgorod fair. The clerk began to relate how a wealthy merchant, known to both of them, had gone on a spree (3) at the fair. But the old man interrupted (4) him by telling him of the origins he had been at in former times (5) in Kunavin fair. He evidently prided himself on the part he had played in them and recounted (6) with pleasure how he and some aquintainces (7) together  with the merchant they had been speaking of, had once got drunk in Kunavinand and played such a trick that he had to tell of it in a whisper. The clerk’s roar of laughter filled the whole carriage, the old man laughed also, berring (8) two yellow teeth.

Which of the following phrases would replace ‘had gone on a spree’ as used in the passage?

Directions: Read the following passage carefully and answer the related question.

I was sitting on the other side and as the train was standing still, I still could hear snatches (1) of their conversation when nobody was passing between us. The tradesman began by saying he was going to his estate (2) which was only one station farther on; then, as usual, the conversation turned to price and trade, and they spoke of the state of business in Moscow and then of the Nizhny Novgorod fair. The clerk began to relate how a wealthy merchant, known to both of them, had gone on a spree (3) at the fair. But the old man interrupted (4) him by telling him of the origins he had been at in former times (5) in Kunavin fair. He evidently prided himself on the part he had played in them and recounted (6) with pleasure how he and some aquintainces (7) together  with the merchant they had been speaking of, had once got drunk in Kunavinand and played such a trick that he had to tell of it in a whisper. The clerk’s roar of laughter filled the whole carriage, the old man laughed also, berring (8) two yellow teeth.

Which of the following words would best replace the word ‘snatches’ as used in the passage?

Directions: Read the following passage carefully and answer the related question.

I was sitting on the other side and as the train was standing still, I still could hear snatches (1) of their conversation when nobody was passing between us. The tradesman began by saying he was going to his estate (2) which was only one station farther on; then, as usual, the conversation turned to price and trade, and they spoke of the state of business in Moscow and then of the Nizhny Novgorod fair. The clerk began to relate how a wealthy merchant, known to both of them, had gone on a spree (3) at the fair. But the old man interrupted (4) him by telling him of the origins he had been at in former times (5) in Kunavin fair. He evidently prided himself on the part he had played in them and recounted (6) with pleasure how he and some aquintainces (7) together  with the merchant they had been speaking of, had once got drunk in Kunavinand and played such a trick that he had to tell of it in a whisper. The clerk’s roar of laughter filled the whole carriage, the old man laughed also, berring (8) two yellow teeth.

Which of the following is closest in meaning to ‘recounted’ as used in the passage?

Directions: Read the following passage carefully and answer the related question.

I was sitting on the other side and as the train was standing still, I still could hear snatches (1) of their conversation when nobody was passing between us. The tradesman began by saying he was going to his estate (2) which was only one station farther on; then, as usual, the conversation turned to price and trade, and they spoke of the state of business in Moscow and then of the Nizhny Novgorod fair. The clerk began to relate how a wealthy merchant, known to both of them, had gone on a spree (3) at the fair. But the old man interrupted (4) him by telling him of the origins he had been at in former times (5) in Kunavin fair. He evidently prided himself on the part he had played in them and recounted (6) with pleasure how he and some aquintainces (7) together  with the merchant they had been speaking of, had once got drunk in Kunavinand and played such a trick that he had to tell of it in a whisper. The clerk’s roar of laughter filled the whole carriage, the old man laughed also, berring (8) two yellow teeth.