Middle East International School

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15
Academic Year 2023-2024
Name: ……………………………….. Reading Comprehension Grade: 8 ……..

Date: ………………….…………….…… Total Marks: 15 Time Allowed: 1 period

Passage: 1
Karina Moore – Teenage High Diver!

Several times a week, teenager Karina Moore trains at her local pool to jump from the high-
diving board into the water – in an attempt to become a national diving champion.
Karina first learned about diving during a family break in Spain, where the resort’s pool had
a high-diving board. Young people were diving off it, and it looked fun, but Karina didn’t join
in, even though she was a strong swimmer. Then after returning home, she discovered a
long-distance runner she’d always admired had started diving for relaxation – so she
became more interested.

Karina joined a beginners’ diving class at her local pool. They had several sessions jumping
onto soft materials before trying the high board. ‘The water looked a long way down,’ says
Karina, ‘but after our training, I felt I’d handle it – without injuring myself? They’d warned
me I’d land in the water fast – at around 60 kph – but I was prepared. I couldn’t wait to get
started – although the others weren’t so keen! Anyway, I wasn’t disappointed by the
experience.’

In Karina’s area, there’s now lots of interest in high diving, but it’s sometimes difficult for
swimmers to find suitable practice facilities. Although the pools are deep enough, they’re in
use so often by diving clubs that other people don’t get opportunities to practise.
Fortunately, though, Karina’s coach noticed her talent and helped her develop her
techniques. After also two years, she’s winning competitions in her area.

But what’s it like to concentrate so much on diving? ‘I train 20 hours a week’ says Karina,
‘and I won’t pretend it’s easy – you have to enjoy it to spend so much time doing it! It’s not
easy for my parents either, though – they drive me to training sessions early in the morning,
and that costs money. But they’re had financial help from sports organisations, luckily. And
my schoolwork and social life are good. I still meet my mates – and there’s always the

1
phone! The only thing I hadn’t realised was that the pool water would damage my hair – I
used to love my long hair, but I’ve had to cut it short because it looked awful! But I’ll
definitely keep on diving!’

1 What made Karina keen to take up diving?

A She wanted to repeat her holiday experience.

B She found out her athletics hero had taken it up.
C She’d visited a pool where some teenagers were doing it.
D She wanted a new challenge after her success at swimming.

2 How did Karina feel the first time she used the high board?

A worried about how fat it was above the pool

B pleased to experience it with other beginners
C confident that she wouldn’t get hurt
D shocked to hit the water at such speed

3 What does the writer suggest about diving facilities in Karina’s area?

A They’re not used as much as they could be.

B There aren’t enough coaches teaching people to use them.
C There aren’t as many boards as there used to be.
D They’re not available to the public for long enough each day.

4 How does Karina feel about spending so much time diving?

A surprised by one effect it has had on her

B sorry she no longer sees her friends so much
C anxious about the amount of money it costs
D grateful to be able to focus on something she loves

5 What would the writer say about Karina?

A She’s a young girl who’s achieved a lot by becoming a national diving champion – and
all with very little support.
B She’s made enormous progress in a very short time – after only a couple of years,
she’s already showing great signs of success.
C She has a lot of natural talent, but she’s already thinking of having a break from the
high board for a while.
D She’s sad that she’s given up almost everything for her sport – and her lifestyle really
sounds quite hard.
2
Passage: 2
Robert Taylor talks about his New Art Show

Like all children, I was always getting myself and the kitchen table in a mess when I first
took an interest in painting. Unlike many kids, who give up activities like art for other
subjects when they go through school, I continued painting throughout my childhood.
Now, after years of enjoyment, I’ve finally taken the scary decision to show off some of
my favourite pieces of work by holding an exhibition at Glebe Street library. Inviting
people to see my work is a new idea and one which I’m looking forward to.

I’ve never had any formal art training. When I was trying to decide what I should study
at university, art as a subject never entered my head. I always thought my parents
wanted me to follow a subject that would be useful when I was looking for a job, so I
ended up taking a business course. Looking back, my parents would probably have
supported me whatever my decision, but I decided to do what I thought was best for
everyone.

And during my time at university, I rarely did much in the way of painting. It wouldn’t
have been easy to paint anyway as I lived in university accommodation and had very
little space. I kept an interest in art though and visited local exhibitions whenever I
could, but that was about it. It was later in my thirties while I was working that I
discovered my love of the activity again. Since then I’ve made a point of spending at
least one evening a week painting.

However, my works have only ever been seen by trusted friends and relatives. They’ve
always given me plenty of support and encouraged me to continue with my art. But I’ve
always wondered what people who I didn’t know would think, people who could give me
an honest opinion of my ability. The library have been very helpful and offered me a
room for the show. They’ve asked me to supply questionnaires about the event and I’ve
included a section for visitors• comments about the works. I’m very much looking
forward to reading these opinions.

1 What does Robert say about art?

A Children usually continue doing it at school.

B He had to give it up to do other subjects.
C The thought of showing off his work is a little frightening.
D He has often thought about letting people see his work.

2 When deciding what to study at university

A Robert didn’t consider doing art.

B his parents didn’t want him to study art.
C he thought he would need a job while he was studying.
D Robert understood correctly what his parents wanted him to do.

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3 What happened while Robert was at university?

A He didn’t do any painting.

B He discovered his love of painting again.
C He was still keen on art.
D He painted at least one evening a week.

4 Robert is holding the exhibition because

A his friends and relatives encouraged him to do this.

B the library asked him to.
C he is interested in getting opinions from friends and relatives.
D he wants to know what strangers think of his work.

5 What would be a good introduction to this article?

A Robert Taylor tells us how a love of art can lead to a change of career.
B If your child shows an interest in art, Robert Taylor will explain how to
support this activity.
C After years in the shadows, Robert Taylor is about to face the public with his
works.
D If you’re keen on developing your artistic skills, Robert Taylor explains how to
get support from friends and relatives.

Passage: 3

Three Teenagers Talk about their Science Teachers

Joshua

Mrs Philips was my science teacher when I joined my school and she still is, so I
don’t know what the other teachers are like. But I think Mrs Philips is amazing. Her
lessons always seem to go really fast – she gives us so much great stuff to do. Even
when we think something is too hard for us, she says she knows we can all do it,
and she’s usually right! She also shows us drawings, photos and websites to explain
how things work, which I love.

Dan

I have a fantastic science teacher called Mrs Rhodes. She loves her subject –
especially plants. She is able to draw wonderful pictures of them on the board,
which helps us understand them. She never seems to get tired or bored when she’s
teaching. She takes time to get to know each student in the class so that she can
help them better. I think she’s the reason I want to be a science teacher one day.

Chris
4
In just one year, Mrs James has become my favourite teacher. Until I joined her
class, I was very bad at science, but she explained things so well that I soon
understood them better. My marks went up almost immediately. She’s always happy
to spend extra time with us at the end of lessons if we’re having problems. But it isn’t
just teaching that makes her great. She’s also interested in our lives and gives
advice on how to be a better person.

1 Who says his teacher helps with things other than science?

A Joshua B Dan C Chris

2 Who says his teacher is really interested in what she teaches?

A Joshua B Dan C Chris

3 Who says his teacher believes every student can be successful?

A Joshua B Dan C Chris

4 Who says he has chosen his future career because of his teacher?

A Joshua B Dan C Chris

5 Who says his teacher helped him to improve quickly?

A Joshua B Dan C Chris

6 Who says he’s only ever had one science teacher at his school?

A Joshua B Dan C Chris

7 Who says his teacher is very good at drawing?

A Joshua B Dan C Chris

Good Luck!

5
Name Class Date

Bubble Answer Sheet

A B D

1. A B C D 1. A B C D 1. A B C D

2. A B C D 2. A B C D 2. A B C D

3. A B C D 3. A B C D 3. A B C D

4. A B C D 4. A B C D 4. A B C D

5. A B C D 5. A B C D 5. A B C D

6. A B C D

7. A B C D