English Comprehension for Primary 3

WCPB13425

Titles in This Series: English Comprehension for Primary

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English Comprehension for Primary

The English Comprehension series aims to help pupils familiarise themselves with the different types of passages and the different questioning techniques used. Pupils also get acquainted with the latest examination format, ensuring that they are equipped with critical skills to answer comprehension questions confidently.

PELANGI

3

www.PelangiBooks.com • Online Bookstore • Online Library •

Published by:

Pelangi Publishing Singapore Pte. Ltd. In collaboration with:

Dickens Publishing Ltd. Suite G7-G8, Davina House, 137-149 Goswell Road, London, EC1V 7ET, United Kingdom.

E-mail: info@dickenspublishing.co.uk

Eng Comprehension P3.indd 1

www.PelangiBooks.com • Online Bookstore • Online Library •

( 201112597 C )

WCPB13425 ISBN 978-981-07-8661-8

,!7IJ8B0-higgbi!

In collaboration with Dickens Publishing Ltd. (UK)

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Dharine BALAKRISHNAN

11/7/14 1:00 PM

Name:

Class:

Date:

1

5 BASIC / MCQ

Read the diary entry below carefully and answer the questions that follow.

25 December 2015 Dear Diary,

The day started when I woke up at 8.00 a.m. I ran downstairs with my brother and sister. I saw how beautiful our Christmas tree looked. My sister and I had decorated it with lights and colourful ornaments a few days ago. I found my Christmas stocking under the tree. I was so excited to find out what Santa Claus had for me. I ripped off the packaging and unwrapped my present. It was a talking doll. It spoke when I pushed a button on its back. I received a board game from my parents today. My sister received a pair of shoes and a dress.

As for my brother, an encyclopaedia was a perfect present for him.

We went to church in the morning. When we arrived home, it was already afternoon. It was snowing heavily, but there was a group of people carolling outside my house. We had lunch and then I sat down by the fireplace with my brother and sister to watch a Christmas movie. At around 7.00 p.m., my friends came over to my house for Christmas dinner. We wore paper hats and sat down to a hearty dinner. There was so much of delicious food, including roasted turkey, roasted potatoes and fruit cake. After that, we played games and munched on candy bars. It was a very merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas to you too, Diary!

Catherine

1

Comp P 3 5th Ex 1-40.indd 1

11/Jul/14 4:23 PM

English Primary 3 Comprehension Exercise 1

Choose the correct answer and write its number in the brackets.

1. How many siblings does Catherine have?

(1) One (2) Two (3) Three (4) Four

(

)

(

)

(

)

(2) Outside Catherine’s house (4) Outside the church (

)

2. How do you think Catherine felt on Christmas Day? (1) She felt very sad.

(2) She felt so nervous.

(3) She felt very happy.

(4) She felt so worried.

3. Which of these is not a gift that Catherine and her sister received on Christmas Day? (1) A talking doll (2) A dress (3) A board game (4) Candies

4. Where were the carollers singing Christmas songs?

(1) Inside Catherine’s house (3) Outside the grocery store

5. Catherine did all of the following activities on Christmas Day except (1) she went to church

(2) she sang Christmas songs

(3) she watched a Christmas film

(4) she played games

(

)

1. ripped off – removed something quickly, often by pulling it apart e.g. The roof of the house was ripped off by the strong wind.

2. carolling – singing songs in a cheerful way, especially for Christmas e.g. When I passed by the church, I could hear people carolling.

3. munched – ate something noisily e.g. Kelly munched two slices of toast and drank a glass of milk.

2

Comp P 3 5th Ex 1-40.indd 2

11/Jul/14 4:23 PM

Name:

Class:

Date:

2

10 BASIC / OE

Read the book review below carefully and answer the questions that follow.

Bridge to Terabithia

by Katherine Paterson Jess Aaron’s ambition is to be the fastest runner in the fifth grade. He has been practising every day for the whole summer, running in the fields around his farmhouse until he sweats profusely. He cannot wait to see the look on his classmates’ face if he wins. Then a new girl called Leslie Burke moves next door to his farmhouse. From then on, his life is changed forever. Leslie does not act or look like the other girls who Jess knows but she is the fastest runner in the fifth grade. At first, Jess is humiliated and shocked to be beaten by a girl, but he gradually starts to enjoy being with her.

Jess and Leslie are soon inseparable. Together, Jess and Leslie create their own imaginary magical kingdom in the woods which they name Terabithia. The only way to enter Terabithia is by swinging on an enchanted rope over a creek. Jess and Leslie take on the roles of king and queen in Terabithia. Their imagination and creativity know no limit in Terabithia. Leslie and Jess share stories and plot against their schoolmates who tease them. Then one day, an accident befalls Leslie and causes Leslie and Jess to be separated forever. The grief and anger experienced by Jess due to the accident is sure to touch readers.

3

Comp P 3 5th Ex 1-40.indd 3

11/Jul/14 4:23 PM

English Primary 3 Comprehension Exercise 2

Answer the questions in complete sentences.

1. What is Jess Aaron’s ambition?

2. Where does Leslie Burke move to?

3. How do Jess and Leslie go to Terabithia?

4. Who is the queen of Terabithia?

5. Why are Leslie and Jess separated forever?

1. humiliated – made to feel ashamed e.g. I felt humiliated when my neighbours scolded me in front of my friends.

2. inseparable – (of people) spending most of their time together and are very good friends e.g. When we were kids, Zoe and I did everything together, and we were

inseparable.

3. enchanted – affected by magic e.g. The story is about a prince’s adventure in an enchanted forest.

4

Comp P 3 5th Ex 1-40.indd 4

11/Jul/14 4:23 PM

Name:

Class:

Date:

3

5 BASIC / MCQ

Read the letter below carefully and answer the questions that follow.

5, Wise Street 7, Sydney, Australia 29 September 2015

Dear Mandy,

Thank you so much for your letter. I received it yesterday. Wow! It came all the way from Africa! I am happy that you have chosen me to be your penfriend. This is my first time having a penfriend.

I would like to introduce myself to you. My name is Sally but most people call me “Salmon� because I like to eat salmon very much. I am twelve years old, just like you. I am currently in primary 6.

My hobbies are collecting stamps, fishing and swimming. I am glad to know that you like collecting stamps too. We could exchange some stamps if you like. My family is bigger than yours. You said that you are the only child in your family. I have two siblings. My brother is two years younger than me while my sister is eight years old. My father is an architect and my mother is a nurse.

Let me tell you about my country. Australia is an amazing country. I am sure you have heard about the World-famous Sydney Opera House and the breathtaking Bondi Beach. Australia is also well known for kangaroos. You should come here for a visit one day.

Well, I think T have to sign off now as I have been down with chickenpox for the past three days. When I get well, I will write to you again. I hope to hear from you soon.

Your friend,

Sally

5

Comp P 3 5th Ex 1-40.indd 5

11/Jul/14 4:23 PM

English Primary 3 Comprehension Exercise 3

Choose the correct answer and write its number in the brackets.

1. Where does Mandy hail from?

(1) Australia (3) Britain

(2) Africa (4) India

(

)

(2) Ten years old (4) Fourteen years old

(

)

(2) Bondi (4) Sydney

(

)

4. How old is Sally’s brother?

(1) Eight years old (2) Nine years old (3) Ten years old (4) Eleven years old

(

)

5. All of the following statements are true except (1) Mandy likes to collect stamps (2) Sally has a younger sister (3) Mandy has siblings (4) Sally is currently ill

(

)

2. How old is Mandy?

(1) Eight years old (3) Twelve years old 3. What is Sally’s nickname?

(1) Mandy (3) Salmon

1. amazing – very surprising e.g. The audience was impressed by the amazing performance of the magician.

2. breathtaking – very exciting or impressive e.g. We took photographs of the breathtaking scenery.

6

Comp P 3 5th Ex 1-40.indd 6

11/Jul/14 4:23 PM

Name:

Class:

4

Date:

10 BASIC / OE

Read the autobiography below carefully and answer the questions that follow.

I do believe that I am really lucky to be born as a cat. I can remember my early childhood. My mother was a big orange cat, but I do not remember my father at all. It was Julie who saw me and picked me up. I was hungry then. Someone had put me in a bag and thrown me outside the school.

Julie placed me in the crook of her arm and took me home. She fed me regularly with warm milk. Soon I settled down and became her pet. I noticed that not all creatures were as beautiful as us cats. I realised that neither Julie nor any of her fellow human friends had tails. It must be awkward but they did not seem to mind. I began to love them anyway. It did not really matter even though they were not cats. They were kind to me.

I am particularly glad about one thing. I do not have to work. I see the humans in my house working hard. They never sit still for a moment. I feel sorry for them. As for me, I am glad that I have the freedom to do whatever I like and to go wherever I please. I have a simple life and that is why I think I am lucky to be a cat. I have everything taken care of for me. I am grateful for that.

Answer the questions in complete sentences.

1. What does the cat remember about its mother?

7

Comp P 3 5th Ex 1-40.indd 7

11/Jul/14 4:23 PM

English Primary 3 Comprehension Exercise 4

2. Who picked up the cat when it was thrown outside the school?

3. What was the cat’s regular meal?

4. Why did the cat begin to love the humans in the house?

5. Why does the cat feel sorry for the humans in the house?

1. crook of her arm – the place where the arm bends at the elbow e.g. Alice is carrying a doll in the crook of her arm.

2. awkward – causing problems or embarrassment e.g. My friend’s impolite manner put me in an awkward position at

the party.

3. still – not moving e.g. Fred is a child who cannot stay still even for a minute.

8

Comp P 3 5th Ex 1-40.indd 8

11/Jul/14 4:23 PM

Name:

Class:

Date:

5

5 BASIC / MCQ

Read the biography below carefully and answer the questions that follow.

Jane Austen was an English author whose books were notable for their wit, social observations and insights into the lives of early 19th-century women. She was born on 16 December 1775 in the village of Steventon in Hampshire. She was one of the eight children of a clergyman. She began writing when she was a teenager. In 1801, the family moved to Bath. Her father died in 1805.

After that, Jane, her sister, Cassandra, and their mother moved several times and, eventually, they settled down in Chawton, near Steventon.

Jane’s brother, Henry, helped her negotiate with a publisher and her first novel, “Sense and Sensibility” appeared in 1811. Her next novel, “Pride and Prejudice”, which she described as her “own darling child”, received highly favourable reviews. “Mansfield Park” was published in 1814.

Thereafter, “Emma” was published in 1816. However, none of the books that were published when she was alive had her name on them.

They were described as being written “By a Lady”.

Jane Austen contracted Addison’s disease and became ill. She travelled to Winchester to receive treatment and died there on 18 July 1817. She was 41 years old when she passed away. Two more novels, “Persuasion” and “Northanger Abbey”, were published posthumously and a final novel was left incomplete.

Choose the correct answer and write its number in the brackets.

1. How many siblings did Jane Austen have?

(1) Three

(2) Four

(3) Seven

(4) Eight

(

)

9

Comp P 3 5th Ex 1-40.indd 9

11/Jul/14 4:23 PM

English Primary 3 Comprehension Exercise 5

2. What was the name of Jane Austen’s sister?

(1) Henry (2) Emma (3) Cassandra (4) Abbey

(

)

(

)

3. Jane Austen wrote the following novels except (1) Sense and Sensibility (2) Pride and Prejudice (3) Emma (4) By a Lady

4. Which novel did Jane Austen describe as her “own darling child”?

(1) Pride and Prejudice (2) Sense and Sensibility (3) Mansfield Park (4) Emma

(

)

(

)

5. Which novel was published after Jane Austen’s death?

(1) Pride and Prejudice (2) Sense and Sensibility (3) Mansfield Park (4) Persuasion

1. notable – deserving attention e.g. The director is notable for his award-winning movies.

2. insights – understanding of what something is like e.g. I read an article that gave me some insights into human relationships.

3. posthumously – in a way that happens after a person’s death e.g. A medal for bravery was presented posthumously to the soldier’s next of kin.

10

Comp P 3 5th Ex 1-40.indd 10

11/Jul/14 4:23 PM

Name:

Class:

6

Date:

10

BASIC / OE Read the recipe below carefully and answer the questions that follow.

How to Make an Omelette One omelette is one person’s serving and it can be cooked easily and quickly.

Use two to three large eggs for one omelette. The fresher the eggs, the better the taste of the omelette. However, eggs that are two weeks old are still fine.

First, break the eggs carefully into a bowl and season with salt and pepper.

Blend the egg yolks and whites with a large fork. The important rule in making omelettes is never to overblend the eggs. Therefore, remember not to whisk or beat the eggs. You could add some onions and 40 grams of grated cheese to the eggs if you like. These should be gently mixed in with the eggs, using a fork.

Next, place a frying pan which is big enough for the omelette on the stove.

When it gets quite hot, pour ½ teaspoon of oil and ½ teaspoon of butter on the frying pan. As soon as the butter melts, tilt the frying pan so that the base and sides of the frying pan get coated with the mixture of oil and butter.

Then, increase the heat and pour the mixture of eggs on the frying pan.

Tilt the frying pan to spread the mixture evenly over the base. Leave it on the frying pan for about 30 seconds. Flip over the half-cooked omelette and tilt the frying pan again. Leave the mixture on the frying pan for another 30 seconds till it cooks to a slightly brownish yellow colour. Then put the omelette on a plate and serve immediately.

11

Comp P 3 5th Ex 1-40.indd 11

11/Jul/14 4:23 PM

English Primary 3 Comprehension Exercise 6

Answer the questions in complete sentences.

1. How many eggs are used to make an omelette?

2. Find a word in the recipe which means “to beat eggs or cream with a special utensil in order to have more air and make the mixture light”.

3. What ingredients are optional in making an omelette?

4. How big should the frying pan be for making an omelette?

5. Why should the frying pan be tilted when the butter melts?

1. season – add salt, pepper, etc. to food to give it more flavour e.g. Mum likes to season fish with shredded garlic.

2. grated – rubbed against a grater (a kitchen utensil with a rough surface) to shred food into small pieces e.g. “I would sprinkle some grated coconut over the cake,” the baker said.

3. tilt – move or make something move into a position with one side higher than the other e.g. She pressed the lever to tilt the seat slighty back.

12

Comp P 3 5th Ex 1-40.indd 12

11/Jul/14 4:23 PM

Name:

Class:

Date:

7

5 BASIC / MCQ

Read the dialogue below carefully and answer the questions that follow.

Annie : Hello. Can I speak to Victoria, please?

Victoria : Hello. This is Victoria speaking. May I

know who is calling, please?

Annie : Annie here. How are you?

Victoria : It’s good to hear from you. I’ve just arrived home from the Astronomy Camp.

Annie

: I have been having a bad sore throat and cough for over a week. I have called to ask you about the Astronomy Camp.

I could not join the camp early this year as I was sick, but

I am interested to attend such a camp next year. Can you tell me more about your experience at the Astronomy Camp?

Victoria : Annie, I hope you are feeling much better now. It was fun and I learned so much from the Astronomy Camp. I will join the camp again next year. The camp was held for two days. On the first day, we were divided into groups and each group appointed their own leader. We were taught the names and characteristics of the planets, including the moon. There were interesting talks on astronomy. I learned how to use a telescope. On the first night, I used the telescope to look at the moon. I was held spellbound.

Annie : That sounds so interesting. What else did you do?

Victoria : On the second day, I went horse riding. It was my first time! I also watched a documentary on astronomy. It was truly a memorable camping experience.

Annie

: I am so excited to go for next year’s camp. Thanks for the information. I will catch up with you soon. Goodbye.

Victoria : It is my pleasure. Goodbye.

13

Comp P 3 5th Ex 1-40.indd 13

11/Jul/14 4:23 PM

English Primary 3 Comprehension Exercise 7

Choose the correct answer and write its number in the brackets.

1. Why did Annie call Victoria?

(1) To tell her about her sore throat and cough (2) To ask Victoria how she was doing (3) To find out more about the Astronomy Camp (4) To ask Victoria about horse riding

(

)

(

)

(

)

(

)

(1) At the clinic

(2) In her school

(3) At the Astronomy Camp

(4) At Annie’s house

(

)

2. Why did Annie not attend the Astronomy Camp?

(1) She was not interested in astronomy.

(2) She was not interested in horse riding.

(3) She could not afford to pay the fee.

(4) She was not feeling well.

3. Which of the following did Victoria not do?

(1) Went horse riding (2) Went to see a doctor (3) Attended astronomy talks (4) Used a telescope to view the moon 4. How long was the Astronomy Camp?

(1) 1 day

(2) 2 days

(3) 3 days

(4) 4 days

5. Where did Victoria learn to use the telescope?

1. appointed – chose somebody for a job or position of responsibility e.g. Miss Stevenson has been appointed as the General Manager of the company.

2. astronomy – the scientific study of the sun, moon, stars, etc. e.g. Astronomy is one of the subjects my cousin studies at university.

3. spellbound – with your attention completely held by what you are listening to or watching e.g. All the spectators who watched the football match were spellbound.

14

Comp P 3 5th Ex 1-40.indd 14

11/Jul/14 4:23 PM

Name:

Class:

Date:

8

10 BASIC / OE

Read the passage below carefully and answer the questions that follow.

My grandmother lives with us in our flat. For a person her age, she is very healthy and strong even though the only exercise she gets is the long walks around the neighbourhood. Her memory is very good and she can remember the names and birthdays of all her nineteen grandchildren.

My grandmother will be sixty years old at the end of this year. She cannot remember when she was born, but she has vivid memories of her younger days in China. It is really delightful to hear her talk about my dad and all his naughty tricks when he was a boy. I was surprised to hear that my quiet dad was irrefutably the naughtiest boy my grandmother had ever known. My dad feels embarrassed when his mother talks about him.

Lately, I am beginning to notice that my grandmother is not as strong as she used to be. She pants whenever she has to climb the stairs and needs to lie down most of the time. She also seems to get sick more often.

My parents have assured me that there is nothing to worry about, but I am concerned for her. I want my grandmother to be around for a long time.

Answer the questions in complete sentences.

1. How many grandchildren does the writer’s grandmother have?

15

Comp P 3 5th Ex 1-40.indd 15

11/Jul/14 4:39 PM