10'

Test 4 โ€ข Shoulders Under

Read the passage carefully and answer the questions that follow.

๐Ÿ’พ Answers Saved
โฑ๏ธ 10:00

๐Ÿ“œ Shoulders Under (Scroll to read full text)

I'm at Ella's house. My heart's in my mouth.
The wind is whispering to the trees:
"Rumour has it Max and Ella have fallen out.
Best friends forever? Oh please!"
5   I want to turn back, retreat, leave instead,
When I call to mind something Dad once said.

It was years ago when I was very young,
My mind was as numb with anguish
As my skin was from the biting wind.
10   I was standing still, frozen and skittish,
Dad in the sea with his trademark grin:
"Come on โ€” it's not cold! Just dive in!"

Later, on the sand, hot chocolate in hand,
We both reflected, full of emotion,
15   On the terror, the thrill of the wild blue ocean.
"Remember," Dad said, "that it's all less grim
Once you go shoulders-under and swim."
So here I am now, frozen in trepidation,
My hand inching out to knock on the door.
20   Anxious and alone, I try to ignore
The encroaching ocean's deafening roar.
I've eased myself in: ankles, knees, waist-deep
Time to go shoulders-under, take the leap.

25   I knock. Time slows to a crawl before
Ella opens the door and says, "Oh โ€” it's you."
When I try to speak, the words escape me:
"I just came round... I came round to..."
My throat's stuck โ€” I choke, stutter, blunder.
30   But I hear Dad's voice: "Go shoulders-under!"

"I came to apologise," I splutter at last.
She nods, even smiles, says: "I'm sorry too.
Let's forget it all โ€” the past is the past."
I sigh with relief. From out of the blue,
35   I'm riding the waves, and I have to admit:
Cold water's not bad once you're used to it.
Answer these questions about the text that you've just read. Circle the letter that matches the correct answer.
1. The narrator says, "My heart's in my mouth" (line 1). This means he is feeling:
2. According to the text, why does the narrator decide not to turn around and go home?
3. Which pair of words best describes the weather on the day that the narrator went swimming?
4. Which of the following statements about the narrator's trip to the sea is not true?
5. What do you think the narrator means when he says "Time to go shoulders-under" (line 24)?
6. Which of these words best describes how the narrator feels immediately after Ella opens the door?
7. Which of the following statements about Ella is true?
8. According to the text, how does the father's advice help the narrator?
9. Which word is closest in meaning to "anguish" (line 8)?
10. Which word is closest in meaning to "trepidation" (line 18)?
11. Which of the following lines contains an example of personification?
12. "On our adventures in the mighty waves," (line 15). Which word in this line is an adjective?
Comprehension 4 Completed!

First Attempt Result (CGP GL 10-Minute Test)

0 / 12