Reading Comprehension

Which of the following words is nearly the same in meaning to the word ‘sprang’ as given in the passage?

Directions: Read the passage given below carefully and answer the question that follows.

There once was a poor woodcutter. One day while working, he felt tired and sat down under a tree to rest for a while. A little bird flying about happened to see the woodcutter and felt sad at his miserable condition. "I must help him," thought the bird, and perched beside the woodcutter.
As the woodcutter dozed off, the little bird laid a golden egg near him and flew away. When the woodcutter woke up, he was surprised to see the golden egg. He quickly picked it up and slipped it in his pocket. Then he bundled the logs he had chopped that day and carried them to the market.
The woodcutter told the shopkeeper how he had dozed off and found a golden egg when he woke up. The shopkeeper, a cunning man, lured him into exchanging the egg for a single gold coin. The innocent woodcutter accepted. The shopkeeper also told him that if he could bring the bird that laid the golden egg, he could get five gold coins. Promising to bring the bird, the woodcutter went home.
The next day, he went to the same tree where he had found the golden egg and sat down, pretending to sleep. The little bird came again and perched beside him.
Just then, the woodcutter sprang up and caught the bird. "Now I shall sell you to the shopkeeper for five gold coins!" said the woodcutter. "But one golden egg is a hundred times more valuable than five gold coins, don't you know that?" screeched the bird. "The shopkeeper has made a fool of you!"
The woodcutter realized his mistake. "I am sorry I got greedy and harmed you," he said.
But by then the bird had fallen to the ground. "My end is near," she moaned, "I come from the family of Lucky Birds. We bring luck to men, but we are destined to die if ever caught by humans."
The woodcutter heard this and wept bitterly. He asked, "Is there any way I can help you?"
The bird said, "When I die, pluck a feather from my wing and show it to the fire; you'll be transported to my home. Give my feather to my family and tell them the truth." Saying this, the Lucky Bird died.
The woodcutter did as he was told.
In an instant, he found himself amidst the Lucky Bird's family. He showed them the feather and narrated his story to them. "Oh, we must act fast!" said the Father Bird. He kept the Lucky Bird's feather on the ground and began to hop around it. After ten rounds, the Father Bird touched the feather. And lo! The Lucky Bird's lifeless body was transported there.
The Mother Bird and the Sister Birds then brought some green leaves and grass that could raise the dead, and stuffed them into the Lucky Bird's beak. In no time, the Lucky Bird opened her eyes.
The woodcutter was ecstatic to see her alive again. The Lucky Bird then spoke, "Luck appears and disappears; and so do we Lucky Birds. But we don't stay with those who are greedy." The woodcutter cried, "I have lost you because of my foolishness!" "Don’t be disheartened, friend!" said the Lucky Bird.
The woodcutter returned home with a heavy heart, but with the hope that the Lucky Bird would return someday.

Why did Wunzh wrestle daily with the Sky Stranger?

Directions: Read the following passage and answer the question that follows:

Wunzh reached the age when every Indian boy fasts so that he may see a vision of the Spirit that is to be his guide through life.

On the first day he walked in the woods looking about and filling his mind with images of growing things, so that he might see them in his dreams. He saw how plants grew, and knew that some were for food and others for healing. His heart was filled with longing to do something for his people.

"Truly," thought he, "the Great Spirit made all things. To Him we owe our lives. Could He not make it easier for us to get our food other than by hunting and fishing? I must seek an answer in my vision."

So Wunzh returned to his lodge where he fasted and slept. On the third day he became weak and faint. Soon he saw a young brave coming down from the sky. He was clad in garments of green and yellow. On his head was a tuft of green plumes and his motions were graceful and swaying.

"I am sent to you,"said the Sky stranger, "by that Great Spirit. He has seen your fast­ing, and knows how you wish to do good for your people. Arise and wrestle with me, for only by overcom­ing me, may you learn the secret." Thus, the two wrestled daily.

On the third day, Wunzh, though fainter in body, grew stronger in mind and will. He was determined to win or perish in the attempt. He exerted all his powers, and soon prevailed, overcoming the stranger. 

The conquered one said, "You have wrestled manfully and met your trial well. Tomorrow I shall come once more. You must wrestle with me one last time. Should you prevail, you will strip off my garments, clean the ground of roots and weeds, and bury me in that spot. When you have done so, leave my body there. Come often to the place, and see whether I have come to life.”

"Be careful not to let weeds or grass grow on my grave. If you do all this, you will learn how to benefit your people." Having said this, the stranger disappeared.

The next day, the stranger came again. Although Wunzh had fasted seven days, he felt a new power arise within. He grasped the stranger and threw him down. He took his garments, and, finding him dead, buried him, and did all that he was directed.

Daily he visited, and pulled out weeds and grass. He kept the ground soft and moist. Very soon, to his wonder, he saw green plumes coming up from the ground. 

Weeks passed by. One day Wunzh went to the grave and there in the place where the stranger had been buried, stood a tall and graceful plant, with golden, silken hair, crowned by nodding green plumes. Its stalk was covered with waving leaves, and there grew from its sides many ears of corn wrapped in green husks.

The boy shouted joyously, "This is Mondawmin, my friend, who has turned into the Indian Corn! We need no longer depend on hunting, so long as this gift is planted and cared for. The Great Spirit has heard my voice and has sent us this food."

Why was the Sky Stranger called the Indian Corn?

Directions: Read the following passage and answer the question that follows:

Wunzh reached the age when every Indian boy fasts so that he may see a vision of the Spirit that is to be his guide through life.

On the first day he walked in the woods looking about and filling his mind with images of growing things, so that he might see them in his dreams. He saw how plants grew, and knew that some were for food and others for healing. His heart was filled with longing to do something for his people.

"Truly," thought he, "the Great Spirit made all things. To Him we owe our lives. Could He not make it easier for us to get our food other than by hunting and fishing? I must seek an answer in my vision."

So Wunzh returned to his lodge where he fasted and slept. On the third day he became weak and faint. Soon he saw a young brave coming down from the sky. He was clad in garments of green and yellow. On his head was a tuft of green plumes and his motions were graceful and swaying.

"I am sent to you,"said the Sky stranger, "by that Great Spirit. He has seen your fast­ing, and knows how you wish to do good for your people. Arise and wrestle with me, for only by overcom­ing me, may you learn the secret." Thus, the two wrestled daily.

On the third day, Wunzh, though fainter in body, grew stronger in mind and will. He was determined to win or perish in the attempt. He exerted all his powers, and soon prevailed, overcoming the stranger. 

The conquered one said, "You have wrestled manfully and met your trial well. Tomorrow I shall come once more. You must wrestle with me one last time. Should you prevail, you will strip off my garments, clean the ground of roots and weeds, and bury me in that spot. When you have done so, leave my body there. Come often to the place, and see whether I have come to life.”

"Be careful not to let weeds or grass grow on my grave. If you do all this, you will learn how to benefit your people." Having said this, the stranger disappeared.

The next day, the stranger came again. Although Wunzh had fasted seven days, he felt a new power arise within. He grasped the stranger and threw him down. He took his garments, and, finding him dead, buried him, and did all that he was directed.

Daily he visited, and pulled out weeds and grass. He kept the ground soft and moist. Very soon, to his wonder, he saw green plumes coming up from the ground. 

Weeks passed by. One day Wunzh went to the grave and there in the place where the stranger had been buried, stood a tall and graceful plant, with golden, silken hair, crowned by nodding green plumes. Its stalk was covered with waving leaves, and there grew from its sides many ears of corn wrapped in green husks.

The boy shouted joyously, "This is Mondawmin, my friend, who has turned into the Indian Corn! We need no longer depend on hunting, so long as this gift is planted and cared for. The Great Spirit has heard my voice and has sent us this food."

Which of the following tasks was Wunzh required to do after conquering the Sky Stranger?

A. Take off the garments and bury the body of the Sky Stranger B. Keep the grave free from weeds and grass C. Keep the ground of the grave dry

Directions: Read the following passage and answer the question that follows:

Wunzh reached the age when every Indian boy fasts so that he may see a vision of the Spirit that is to be his guide through life.

On the first day he walked in the woods looking about and filling his mind with images of growing things, so that he might see them in his dreams. He saw how plants grew, and knew that some were for food and others for healing. His heart was filled with longing to do something for his people.

"Truly," thought he, "the Great Spirit made all things. To Him we owe our lives. Could He not make it easier for us to get our food other than by hunting and fishing? I must seek an answer in my vision."

So Wunzh returned to his lodge where he fasted and slept. On the third day he became weak and faint. Soon he saw a young brave coming down from the sky. He was clad in garments of green and yellow. On his head was a tuft of green plumes and his motions were graceful and swaying.

"I am sent to you,"said the Sky stranger, "by that Great Spirit. He has seen your fast­ing, and knows how you wish to do good for your people. Arise and wrestle with me, for only by overcom­ing me, may you learn the secret." Thus, the two wrestled daily.

On the third day, Wunzh, though fainter in body, grew stronger in mind and will. He was determined to win or perish in the attempt. He exerted all his powers, and soon prevailed, overcoming the stranger. 

The conquered one said, "You have wrestled manfully and met your trial well. Tomorrow I shall come once more. You must wrestle with me one last time. Should you prevail, you will strip off my garments, clean the ground of roots and weeds, and bury me in that spot. When you have done so, leave my body there. Come often to the place, and see whether I have come to life.”

"Be careful not to let weeds or grass grow on my grave. If you do all this, you will learn how to benefit your people." Having said this, the stranger disappeared.

The next day, the stranger came again. Although Wunzh had fasted seven days, he felt a new power arise within. He grasped the stranger and threw him down. He took his garments, and, finding him dead, buried him, and did all that he was directed.

Daily he visited, and pulled out weeds and grass. He kept the ground soft and moist. Very soon, to his wonder, he saw green plumes coming up from the ground. 

Weeks passed by. One day Wunzh went to the grave and there in the place where the stranger had been buried, stood a tall and graceful plant, with golden, silken hair, crowned by nodding green plumes. Its stalk was covered with waving leaves, and there grew from its sides many ears of corn wrapped in green husks.

The boy shouted joyously, "This is Mondawmin, my friend, who has turned into the Indian Corn! We need no longer depend on hunting, so long as this gift is planted and cared for. The Great Spirit has heard my voice and has sent us this food."

According to the passage, which of the following sentences is true?

Directions: Read the following passage and answer the question that follows:

Wunzh reached the age when every Indian boy fasts so that he may see a vision of the Spirit that is to be his guide through life.

On the first day he walked in the woods looking about and filling his mind with images of growing things, so that he might see them in his dreams. He saw how plants grew, and knew that some were for food and others for healing. His heart was filled with longing to do something for his people.

"Truly," thought he, "the Great Spirit made all things. To Him we owe our lives. Could He not make it easier for us to get our food other than by hunting and fishing? I must seek an answer in my vision."

So Wunzh returned to his lodge where he fasted and slept. On the third day he became weak and faint. Soon he saw a young brave coming down from the sky. He was clad in garments of green and yellow. On his head was a tuft of green plumes and his motions were graceful and swaying.

"I am sent to you,"said the Sky stranger, "by that Great Spirit. He has seen your fast­ing, and knows how you wish to do good for your people. Arise and wrestle with me, for only by overcom­ing me, may you learn the secret." Thus, the two wrestled daily.

On the third day, Wunzh, though fainter in body, grew stronger in mind and will. He was determined to win or perish in the attempt. He exerted all his powers, and soon prevailed, overcoming the stranger. 

The conquered one said, "You have wrestled manfully and met your trial well. Tomorrow I shall come once more. You must wrestle with me one last time. Should you prevail, you will strip off my garments, clean the ground of roots and weeds, and bury me in that spot. When you have done so, leave my body there. Come often to the place, and see whether I have come to life.”

"Be careful not to let weeds or grass grow on my grave. If you do all this, you will learn how to benefit your people." Having said this, the stranger disappeared.

The next day, the stranger came again. Although Wunzh had fasted seven days, he felt a new power arise within. He grasped the stranger and threw him down. He took his garments, and, finding him dead, buried him, and did all that he was directed.

Daily he visited, and pulled out weeds and grass. He kept the ground soft and moist. Very soon, to his wonder, he saw green plumes coming up from the ground. 

Weeks passed by. One day Wunzh went to the grave and there in the place where the stranger had been buried, stood a tall and graceful plant, with golden, silken hair, crowned by nodding green plumes. Its stalk was covered with waving leaves, and there grew from its sides many ears of corn wrapped in green husks.

The boy shouted joyously, "This is Mondawmin, my friend, who has turned into the Indian Corn! We need no longer depend on hunting, so long as this gift is planted and cared for. The Great Spirit has heard my voice and has sent us this food."

Directions: Choose the word which is most nearly the same in meaning to the word printed in bold as used in the passage.

Brave

Directions: Read the following passage and answer the question that follows:

Wunzh reached the age when every Indian boy fasts so that he may see a vision of the Spirit that is to be his guide through life.

On the first day he walked in the woods looking about and filling his mind with images of growing things, so that he might see them in his dreams. He saw how plants grew, and knew that some were for food and others for healing. His heart was filled with longing to do something for his people.

"Truly," thought he, "the Great Spirit made all things. To Him we owe our lives. Could He not make it easier for us to get our food other than by hunting and fishing? I must seek an answer in my vision."

So Wunzh returned to his lodge where he fasted and slept. On the third day he became weak and faint. Soon he saw a young brave coming down from the sky. He was clad in garments of green and yellow. On his head was a tuft of green plumes and his motions were graceful and swaying.

"I am sent to you,"said the Sky stranger, "by that Great Spirit. He has seen your fast­ing, and knows how you wish to do good for your people. Arise and wrestle with me, for only by overcom­ing me, may you learn the secret." Thus, the two wrestled daily.

On the third day, Wunzh, though fainter in body, grew stronger in mind and will. He was determined to win or perish in the attempt. He exerted all his powers, and soon prevailed, overcoming the stranger. 

The conquered one said, "You have wrestled manfully and met your trial well. Tomorrow I shall come once more. You must wrestle with me one last time. Should you prevail, you will strip off my garments, clean the ground of roots and weeds, and bury me in that spot. When you have done so, leave my body there. Come often to the place, and see whether I have come to life.”

"Be careful not to let weeds or grass grow on my grave. If you do all this, you will learn how to benefit your people." Having said this, the stranger disappeared.

The next day, the stranger came again. Although Wunzh had fasted seven days, he felt a new power arise within. He grasped the stranger and threw him down. He took his garments, and, finding him dead, buried him, and did all that he was directed.

Daily he visited, and pulled out weeds and grass. He kept the ground soft and moist. Very soon, to his wonder, he saw green plumes coming up from the ground. 

Weeks passed by. One day Wunzh went to the grave and there in the place where the stranger had been buried, stood a tall and graceful plant, with golden, silken hair, crowned by nodding green plumes. Its stalk was covered with waving leaves, and there grew from its sides many ears of corn wrapped in green husks.

The boy shouted joyously, "This is Mondawmin, my friend, who has turned into the Indian Corn! We need no longer depend on hunting, so long as this gift is planted and cared for. The Great Spirit has heard my voice and has sent us this food."

Directions: Choose the word which is most nearly the same in meaning to the word printed in bold as used in the passage.

Power

Directions: Read the following passage and answer the question that follows:

Wunzh reached the age when every Indian boy fasts so that he may see a vision of the Spirit that is to be his guide through life.

On the first day he walked in the woods looking about and filling his mind with images of growing things, so that he might see them in his dreams. He saw how plants grew, and knew that some were for food and others for healing. His heart was filled with longing to do something for his people.

"Truly," thought he, "the Great Spirit made all things. To Him we owe our lives. Could He not make it easier for us to get our food other than by hunting and fishing? I must seek an answer in my vision."

So Wunzh returned to his lodge where he fasted and slept. On the third day he became weak and faint. Soon he saw a young brave coming down from the sky. He was clad in garments of green and yellow. On his head was a tuft of green plumes and his motions were graceful and swaying.

"I am sent to you,"said the Sky stranger, "by that Great Spirit. He has seen your fast­ing, and knows how you wish to do good for your people. Arise and wrestle with me, for only by overcom­ing me, may you learn the secret." Thus, the two wrestled daily.

On the third day, Wunzh, though fainter in body, grew stronger in mind and will. He was determined to win or perish in the attempt. He exerted all his powers, and soon prevailed, overcoming the stranger. 

The conquered one said, "You have wrestled manfully and met your trial well. Tomorrow I shall come once more. You must wrestle with me one last time. Should you prevail, you will strip off my garments, clean the ground of roots and weeds, and bury me in that spot. When you have done so, leave my body there. Come often to the place, and see whether I have come to life.”

"Be careful not to let weeds or grass grow on my grave. If you do all this, you will learn how to benefit your people." Having said this, the stranger disappeared.

The next day, the stranger came again. Although Wunzh had fasted seven days, he felt a new power arise within. He grasped the stranger and threw him down. He took his garments, and, finding him dead, buried him, and did all that he was directed.

Daily he visited, and pulled out weeds and grass. He kept the ground soft and moist. Very soon, to his wonder, he saw green plumes coming up from the ground. 

Weeks passed by. One day Wunzh went to the grave and there in the place where the stranger had been buried, stood a tall and graceful plant, with golden, silken hair, crowned by nodding green plumes. Its stalk was covered with waving leaves, and there grew from its sides many ears of corn wrapped in green husks.

The boy shouted joyously, "This is Mondawmin, my friend, who has turned into the Indian Corn! We need no longer depend on hunting, so long as this gift is planted and cared for. The Great Spirit has heard my voice and has sent us this food."

How could the woodcutter be transported to the bird’s home?

Directions: Read the passage given below carefully and answer the question that follows.

There once was a poor woodcutter. One day while working, he felt tired and sat down under a tree to rest for a while. A little bird flying about happened to see the woodcutter and felt sad at his miserable condition. "I must help him," thought the bird, and perched beside the woodcutter.
As the woodcutter dozed off, the little bird laid a golden egg near him and flew away. When the woodcutter woke up, he was surprised to see the golden egg. He quickly picked it up and slipped it in his pocket. Then he bundled the logs he had chopped that day and carried them to the market.
The woodcutter told the shopkeeper how he had dozed off and found a golden egg when he woke up. The shopkeeper, a cunning man, lured him into exchanging the egg for a single gold coin. The innocent woodcutter accepted. The shopkeeper also told him that if he could bring the bird that laid the golden egg, he could get five gold coins. Promising to bring the bird, the woodcutter went home.
The next day, he went to the same tree where he had found the golden egg and sat down, pretending to sleep. The little bird came again and perched beside him.
Just then, the woodcutter sprang up and caught the bird. "Now I shall sell you to the shopkeeper for five gold coins!" said the woodcutter. "But one golden egg is a hundred times more valuable than five gold coins, don't you know that?" screeched the bird. "The shopkeeper has made a fool of you!"
The woodcutter realized his mistake. "I am sorry I got greedy and harmed you," he said.
But by then the bird had fallen to the ground. "My end is near," she moaned, "I come from the family of Lucky Birds. We bring luck to men, but we are destined to die if ever caught by humans."
The woodcutter heard this and wept bitterly. He asked, "Is there any way I can help you?"
The bird said, "When I die, pluck a feather from my wing and show it to the fire; you'll be transported to my home. Give my feather to my family and tell them the truth." Saying this, the Lucky Bird died.
The woodcutter did as he was told.
In an instant, he found himself amidst the Lucky Bird's family. He showed them the feather and narrated his story to them. "Oh, we must act fast!" said the Father Bird. He kept the Lucky Bird's feather on the ground and began to hop around it. After ten rounds, the Father Bird touched the feather. And lo! The Lucky Bird's lifeless body was transported there.
The Mother Bird and the Sister Birds then brought some green leaves and grass that could raise the dead, and stuffed them into the Lucky Bird's beak. In no time, the Lucky Bird opened her eyes.
The woodcutter was ecstatic to see her alive again. The Lucky Bird then spoke, "Luck appears and disappears; and so do we Lucky Birds. But we don't stay with those who are greedy." The woodcutter cried, "I have lost you because of my foolishness!" "Don’t be disheartened, friend!" said the Lucky Bird.
The woodcutter returned home with a heavy heart, but with the hope that the Lucky Bird would return someday.

What was Wunzh looking for in his vision?

Directions: Read the following passage and answer the question that follows:

Wunzh reached the age when every Indian boy fasts so that he may see a vision of the Spirit that is to be his guide through life.

On the first day he walked in the woods looking about and filling his mind with images of growing things, so that he might see them in his dreams. He saw how plants grew, and knew that some were for food and others for healing. His heart was filled with longing to do something for his people.

"Truly," thought he, "the Great Spirit made all things. To Him we owe our lives. Could He not make it easier for us to get our food other than by hunting and fishing? I must seek an answer in my vision."

So Wunzh returned to his lodge where he fasted and slept. On the third day he became weak and faint. Soon he saw a young brave coming down from the sky. He was clad in garments of green and yellow. On his head was a tuft of green plumes and his motions were graceful and swaying.

"I am sent to you,"said the Sky stranger, "by that Great Spirit. He has seen your fast­ing, and knows how you wish to do good for your people. Arise and wrestle with me, for only by overcom­ing me, may you learn the secret." Thus, the two wrestled daily.

On the third day, Wunzh, though fainter in body, grew stronger in mind and will. He was determined to win or perish in the attempt. He exerted all his powers, and soon prevailed, overcoming the stranger. 

The conquered one said, "You have wrestled manfully and met your trial well. Tomorrow I shall come once more. You must wrestle with me one last time. Should you prevail, you will strip off my garments, clean the ground of roots and weeds, and bury me in that spot. When you have done so, leave my body there. Come often to the place, and see whether I have come to life.”

"Be careful not to let weeds or grass grow on my grave. If you do all this, you will learn how to benefit your people." Having said this, the stranger disappeared.

The next day, the stranger came again. Although Wunzh had fasted seven days, he felt a new power arise within. He grasped the stranger and threw him down. He took his garments, and, finding him dead, buried him, and did all that he was directed.

Daily he visited, and pulled out weeds and grass. He kept the ground soft and moist. Very soon, to his wonder, he saw green plumes coming up from the ground. 

Weeks passed by. One day Wunzh went to the grave and there in the place where the stranger had been buried, stood a tall and graceful plant, with golden, silken hair, crowned by nodding green plumes. Its stalk was covered with waving leaves, and there grew from its sides many ears of corn wrapped in green husks.

The boy shouted joyously, "This is Mondawmin, my friend, who has turned into the Indian Corn! We need no longer depend on hunting, so long as this gift is planted and cared for. The Great Spirit has heard my voice and has sent us this food."

How did Rupert prove to be a good cavalry horse?

Directions: Read the following passage and answer the question that follows.

Rupert was born and raised in the vast, open interior of the Australian continent.

His only unpleasant childhood memory was when he was separated from his mother and brought in with many other young horses of his age and branded with a hot iron. The pain was only momentary: but the mark ….. 2GD/20 ….. remained on his nearside shoulder for the rest of his life. The brand indicated that Rupert’s birthplace was Gordon Downs Station in the Australian state of Queensland.

It was shortly after this experience that Rupert was driven to the coast and then put onboard a ship and sent to India. He showed the stamina to tread the rugged terrain with ease. Rupert was selected to be a cavalry horse in the Indian Army.

Rupert was a magnificent looking horse and was a great cavalry horse as he performed his duties extremely well. He was clever, brave, strong and fast.

On one occasion, the heir to the British throne – the Prince of Wales – was visiting India when he saw Rupert. The Prince was so taken by this beautiful black cavalry horse that he was determined to buy him: which he did. And he sent him to England by ship.

Eventually the Prince of Wales became King of England and Emperor of India. For the rest of his life, Rupert remained the King’s favourite charger and lived in the Royal Stables in London. What a story Rupert could have told had he been able to write it down!

Horses employed in the army needed to possess stamina so that they can

Directions: Read the following passage and answer the question that follows.

Rupert was born and raised in the vast, open interior of the Australian continent.

His only unpleasant childhood memory was when he was separated from his mother and brought in with many other young horses of his age and branded with a hot iron. The pain was only momentary: but the mark ….. 2GD/20 ….. remained on his nearside shoulder for the rest of his life. The brand indicated that Rupert’s birthplace was Gordon Downs Station in the Australian state of Queensland.

It was shortly after this experience that Rupert was driven to the coast and then put onboard a ship and sent to India. He showed the stamina to tread the rugged terrain with ease. Rupert was selected to be a cavalry horse in the Indian Army.

Rupert was a magnificent looking horse and was a great cavalry horse as he performed his duties extremely well. He was clever, brave, strong and fast.

On one occasion, the heir to the British throne – the Prince of Wales – was visiting India when he saw Rupert. The Prince was so taken by this beautiful black cavalry horse that he was determined to buy him: which he did. And he sent him to England by ship.

Eventually the Prince of Wales became King of England and Emperor of India. For the rest of his life, Rupert remained the King’s favourite charger and lived in the Royal Stables in London. What a story Rupert could have told had he been able to write it down!

Which word from the second paragraph indicates that the pain from Rupert’s branding was short-lived?

Directions: Read the following passage and answer the question that follows.

Rupert was born and raised in the vast, open interior of the Australian continent.

His only unpleasant childhood memory was when he was separated from his mother and brought in with many other young horses of his age and branded with a hot iron. The pain was only momentary: but the mark ….. 2GD/20 ….. remained on his nearside shoulder for the rest of his life. The brand indicated that Rupert’s birthplace was Gordon Downs Station in the Australian state of Queensland.

It was shortly after this experience that Rupert was driven to the coast and then put onboard a ship and sent to India. He showed the stamina to tread the rugged terrain with ease. Rupert was selected to be a cavalry horse in the Indian Army.

Rupert was a magnificent looking horse and was a great cavalry horse as he performed his duties extremely well. He was clever, brave, strong and fast.

On one occasion, the heir to the British throne – the Prince of Wales – was visiting India when he saw Rupert. The Prince was so taken by this beautiful black cavalry horse that he was determined to buy him: which he did. And he sent him to England by ship.

Eventually the Prince of Wales became King of England and Emperor of India. For the rest of his life, Rupert remained the King’s favourite charger and lived in the Royal Stables in London. What a story Rupert could have told had he been able to write it down!

What is the most likely reason for branding horses in Australia?

Directions: Read the following passage and answer the question that follows.

Rupert was born and raised in the vast, open interior of the Australian continent.

His only unpleasant childhood memory was when he was separated from his mother and brought in with many other young horses of his age and branded with a hot iron. The pain was only momentary: but the mark ….. 2GD/20 ….. remained on his nearside shoulder for the rest of his life. The brand indicated that Rupert’s birthplace was Gordon Downs Station in the Australian state of Queensland.

It was shortly after this experience that Rupert was driven to the coast and then put onboard a ship and sent to India. He showed the stamina to tread the rugged terrain with ease. Rupert was selected to be a cavalry horse in the Indian Army.

Rupert was a magnificent looking horse and was a great cavalry horse as he performed his duties extremely well. He was clever, brave, strong and fast.

On one occasion, the heir to the British throne – the Prince of Wales – was visiting India when he saw Rupert. The Prince was so taken by this beautiful black cavalry horse that he was determined to buy him: which he did. And he sent him to England by ship.

Eventually the Prince of Wales became King of England and Emperor of India. For the rest of his life, Rupert remained the King’s favourite charger and lived in the Royal Stables in London. What a story Rupert could have told had he been able to write it down!

How does the reader know that this story belongs to a distant past?

Directions: Read the following passage and answer the question that follows.

Rupert was born and raised in the vast, open interior of the Australian continent.

His only unpleasant childhood memory was when he was separated from his mother and brought in with many other young horses of his age and branded with a hot iron. The pain was only momentary: but the mark ….. 2GD/20 ….. remained on his nearside shoulder for the rest of his life. The brand indicated that Rupert’s birthplace was Gordon Downs Station in the Australian state of Queensland.

It was shortly after this experience that Rupert was driven to the coast and then put onboard a ship and sent to India. He showed the stamina to tread the rugged terrain with ease. Rupert was selected to be a cavalry horse in the Indian Army.

Rupert was a magnificent looking horse and was a great cavalry horse as he performed his duties extremely well. He was clever, brave, strong and fast.

On one occasion, the heir to the British throne – the Prince of Wales – was visiting India when he saw Rupert. The Prince was so taken by this beautiful black cavalry horse that he was determined to buy him: which he did. And he sent him to England by ship.

Eventually the Prince of Wales became King of England and Emperor of India. For the rest of his life, Rupert remained the King’s favourite charger and lived in the Royal Stables in London. What a story Rupert could have told had he been able to write it down!

The central idea of the passage is

Directions: Read the given passage carefully and choose the best answer to the question out of the four alternatives.

At this time, the economy of India is facing a very difficult time. We have been witnessing slow growth along with a shrinking industrial base for the past two months. Wholesale price inflation has risen to 5.8% and the rupee has been sharply losing its value. Currently it is valued at approximately 60 rupees to 1 U.S. dollar, where two years ago it was valued at approximately 50 to 1. This has led to increasing prices in raw materials and fuel which is passed on to the consumer. As such, pretty much all Indians have much to be concerned about as well as be upset over. However, this really isn’t the biggest issue that is faced by India. The driving force behind these issues is what is at stake and poses as the nation’s biggest challenge.
This driving force is corruption as well as other dishonest behavior from our leaders. It cuts across party lines and is ubiquitously eating away at the moral fabric of society. As a result, the ordinary person is left feeling confused and in a state of despair. Even worse, it breeds a sense of apathy among the common man; but much worse than this, it engenders a feeling of complacency. This sense of complacency further encourages the behavior and motives behind corruption. As is evident, the economy is not doing well, but if we can look beyond this fact to the eroding values that is held by the different factions within the government, we should begin to understand that the reason why the economy is not doing well is due to the failure of trust held by those in power.
So far, the outlook on the economy is not good. Conditions are bleak and any growth is hampered by a slowdown as well as a devaluation of the rupee. However, this gloomy and pessimistic outlook is not proportionate and is fueled largely by the disenchantment with politics as usual.