English Reading Comprehension Flashcards

Read the passage: "Leah clutched the envelope, her fingers trembling. She had checked the letterbox every afternoon for three weeks. Now that the reply was finally here, she couldn't bring herself to open it." What does the passage suggest about Leah?

Answer: She has been waiting anxiously for important news

Her trembling fingers and daily checking show she is nervous and has been eagerly waiting.

Read the sentence: "The old bridge groaned under the weight of the truck." Which technique is the writer using?

Answer: Personification

Giving the bridge the human action of groaning is personification.

Read the passage: "Despite the forecast of clear skies, the campers packed raincoats. By evening, the first drops were falling." What does the word "despite" tell the reader?

Answer: The campers acted in a way that contrasted with the forecast

'Despite' signals a contrast: they packed raincoats even though rain wasn't expected.

Read the passage: "The recipe calls for two eggs, but you can substitute a mashed banana if you are cooking for someone with an allergy." What is the meaning of "substitute" in this sentence?

Answer: Use one thing in place of another

To substitute means to replace one thing with another.

Read the passage: "Koalas sleep for up to 20 hours a day. This is not laziness; eucalyptus leaves are so low in energy that koalas must rest to conserve what little they gain." What is the main purpose of the second sentence?

Answer: To explain the reason for the behaviour in the first sentence

The second sentence gives the cause of the long sleeping described in the first.

Read the passage: "'Fine,' Jack muttered, kicking a stone across the path. 'Whatever you say.'" How does Jack most likely feel?

Answer: Grudgingly accepting

Muttering, kicking a stone and saying 'whatever you say' show reluctant, unhappy agreement.