Home+Learning+(4+Sep+2009)

This comprehension exercise is based on an excerpt from the novel 'The Kite Runner' by Khaled Hosseini.


 * You may catch a glimpse of what modern Afghanistan is like from this movie trailer based on the book:**

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 * If you are interested in the historical as well as political context of Afghanistan, tune in to this video:**

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 * For an insight into the book as well as the world of the author, click on to the following links for the summary and reviews of the book:**

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 * Now, that you have a better understanding of the background of the novel, you can complete the following comprehension exercise:**

[|Compre Ex.doc]


 * When you have completed the above exercise, you may check your answer using the suggested Answer Scheme. **

[|Compre Ans.doc]


 * Finally, it's time to try setting your own comprehension questions.

Please read the following passage and set your own questions based on the suggested categories - factual, inference, vocabulary, own words, etc...

There should be a good mix of direct, thought-provoking and challenging questions that make up a total of 25 marks.

Have fun...**

[|Compre Practice - Setting Qns.doc]


 * //[Please submit your questions here. Remember to indicate the question type, the allocated mark for each question as well as your names.]//**the content of your page here.

Done by Kong Wilson 3B110

From paragraph 1 1) What feature of the East Coast of Malaysia attracts the English poet? [1] (Identifying main / supporting ideas + Factual)

From paragraph 2 2a) State two features of a kite. [2] (Identifying main / supporting ideas + Inference)

2b) What is the aim of kite-flying? [1] (Identifying main / supporting ideas + Factual)

3) In your own words, explain how does the humming sound produced by kites influence people. [2] (Use your own word + rephrasing ideas)

From paragraph 4 4) Why did ship's crews fly kites before setting sail? [1] (Identifying main / supporting ideas + Factual)

From paragraph 5 5) In your own words, explain why only madmen or drunkarkards were tied to kites and sent up. [2] (Use your own word + Inference)

6) Identify the irony in the well-known story about the Japanese thief. [2] (Inference)

From paragraph 6 7) What does the writer mean by "suprisingly"? [1] (Understanding writer’s tone and/or attitude)

8) How were kites useful in warfare? [2] (Identifying main / supporting ideas + Inference)

From paragraph 7 9) List two examples which kites have assisted in scientific discoveries. [2] (Identifying main / supporting ideas + Factual)

10) In your own words, explain how did Captain Baden Powell used kites. [2] (Use your own words + factual)

From the whole passage 11) What are the sectors which kites have made great contributions to? [2] (Identifying main / supporting ideas + Factual)

12) For each of the following words, give one word or phrase (of not more than seven words) which has the same meaning that the word has in the passage. [5] (Vocabulary)

(a) trances (line 17) (b) fluttering (line 30) (c) voyage (line 39) (d) peril (line 45) (e) tremor (line 87)

Done by Tan Zheng Ting 3b126

// From paragraph 1 // //1) ////Why do you think the English poet felt it was a pleasure to see men fly kites and cut strings? [1]// // (Inference) // // From paragraph 2 // //2) ////What is the aim of kite flying and how is it achieved? [2]// // (Identifying main/supporting ideas + factual) // //3) ////A) What attachment is there to the kites and what are its effects [1]// // (Identifying main/supporting ideas + factual) // // B) Explain how this affects the kite flyers [2] // // (Use own words) // // From paragraph 3 // //4) ////Why are westerners astonished by kites?[1]// // (Identifying main/supporting ideas + factual) // //5) ////Explain what the author means through this sentence “These people are pursuing a pastime older than recorded history” [2]// // (Use own words + identifying main/supporting ideas) // // From paragraph 4 // //6) ////In what way was Marco Polo’s men different from other kite flyers? [1]// // (Identifying main/supporting ideas + factual) // // From paragraph 5 // //7) ////A) What does the word “peril’ (line 45) refer to?[1]// // (Factual+language) // // B) How is Marco Polo proved wrong? [2] // // (Identifying main/supporting ideas + inferences) // // From paragraph 6 // //8) ////Explain how has kites made its usefulness in warfare. [2]// // (Identifying main/supporting ideas + use own words) // // From paragraph 7 // //9) ////A) How has the usage of kites benefitted the modern society? [1]// // (Factual) // // B)Explain what it means by “Man was at last realising an ambition that has possessed him since the beginning of time” [2] // // (Use own words) // // From paragraph 8 // //10) ////Why does the writer say “it can serve and surprise us”? [2]// // (Identifying main/supporting ideas + inference) // // From whole passage // //11) ////For each of the following words, give one word or phrase(not more than seven words) which has the same meaning that the word has in the passage [5]// //a. ////Spellbound (line 16)// //b. ////Manoeuvred (line 24)// //c. ////Prosperous (line 39)// //d. ////Inspire (line 55)// //e. ////Idle (line 83)//

Done by: Han Song (3B1-08)

Paragraph 1: 1. Why would the English poet choose East coast of mainland Malaysia to live in? // (Identifying main / supporting ideas + Factual Question) // Paragraph 2: 2. **Use your own words**, explain the features that made the kites look alive. // (Identifying + Rephrasing main / supporting ideas) // 3. From “released among other birds high up in the heavens”, what does the “other birds” refer to? // (Recognising writer’s tone / attitude + Language Use) // Paragraph 4: 4. **In your own words**, what did Marco Polo and his men use the kite for? // (Identifying + Rephrasing main / supporting ideas) //

Paragraph 6: 5. What does “innocent-looking kite” suggest about the impression of kites in people’s minds. // (Recognising writer’s tone / attitude + Language Use) // 6. How does the kites help archers to determine direction and strength of wind in olden times? // (Identifying main / supporting ideas + Making Inferences) //

Paragraph 7: 7. Quote a phrase that reflects man’s dreams of flying in the air. // (Making inferences + Language use) // 8. Which development was the kite most credited for? Support your answers with details in the passage. // (Identifying main / supporting ideas + Making Inferences) // Paragraph 8: 9. What does “the kite gently floats, simple and unassuming, a piece of low technology, waiting until the next time it can serve and surprise us.” Suggest about the future of kites. // (Recognising writer’s tone / attitude + Language Use) //

10. **//From the whole passage://**

For each of the following words, give **one** word or phrase (of not more than **seven** words) which has the same meaning that the word has in the passage. 1. trances (line 17) 2. elaborate (line 19) 3. exposed (line 45) 4. unassuming (line 88) 5. idle (line 83)

//__Done By: Ngo Wei Jun (22) 3-B1 05/09/2009__//
From Paragraph 1: 1a) What does ‘mainland’ in line 3 refer to? [1m] ~ Inferential

1b) Why does the author want to live in the ‘East Coast of the Mainland’? [1m] ~ Factual

From Paragraph 2:

2) In your own words, explain the aim of kite-fighting. [1m] ~ Own words

3) What does the author mean by the word ‘even’ (line 15)? [2m] ~ Inferential

4) Give two phrases that show how focused and engrossed kite-fighters are during a battle. [2m] ~ Factual

From Paragraph 4:

5) State and explain the metaphor that Marco Polo uses to describe kite-flyers. [2m] ~ Factual + Inferential

From Paragraph 6: 6a) Replace ‘surprisingly’ (line 51) with another appropriate word of the same meaning. [1m] ~ Vocabulary

6b) Why then is the author surprised? [1m] ~ Inferential 7) How did the kites ‘inspire fear in the enemy’ (line 55)? [2m] ~ Factual

8) In your own words, explain the purpose of the ‘pennon kites’ (line 57). [2m] ~ Own word From Paragraph 7:

9) ‘Kites have also had a part to play in the long history of scientific discovery, and technological advances.’ (lines 61-62) Give two examples of how kites played their part throughout history. [2m] ~ Factual 10) ‘Man was at last realising an ambition that had possessed him since the beginning of time.’ What is the ‘ambition’ the author is referring to here? [1m] ~ Inferential

From Paragraph 8:

11) In the passage, ‘…the air disturbance created by a passing jet-plane rattles the fabric of some high-flying kite, sending a tremor down the lines.’ (lines 85-87) What is the author trying to say through the above extract? [2m] ~ Inferential

From the whole passage:

12) For each of the following words, give **one** word or phrase (of not more than **seven** words) which has the same meaning that the word has in the passage. [5m] ~ Vocabulary

a) spellbound (line 16)   b) manoeuvred (line 24) c) viciously (line 50) d) advances (line 62) e) unassuming (line 88)

//__Done By: Lim Mingxun (15)__//
**__From Paragraph 1:__** 1) Why would the English poet want to live in the east coast of Malaysia? [1m] //(Identifying main / supporting ideas)//

**__From Paragraph 2:__** 2a) Why do you think kite-flying is popular? Explain your answer. [2m] //(Inferential)//

2b) **In your own words**, explain why some men become spellbound while flying their kites. [2m] // (Rephrasing ideas) //

**__From Paragraph 3:__** 3) What is meant by "at peace with one another" (line 31) in this context? [1m] // (Inferential) //

**__From Paragraph 4 and 5:__** 4) Suggest another word for "prosperous" (line 39). [1m] //(Vocabulary)//

5) What is the "peril" (line 45) that people would not have exposed themselves to? [1m] //(Identifying main / supporting ideas)// 6a) Why does the author use the word "surprisingly" (line 51) to descibe kites? [1m] //(Language use/ Understanding writer's tone)//
 * __From Paragraph 6:__**

6b) What does the phrase "like so many other" (line 55) tell us about the period described in the ancient book? [1m] //(Inferential)// 7) What is the meaning of "deadly effect" (line 60)? [1m] //(Vocabulary)

**__From Paragraph 7:__** 8) Describe, **in your own words**, Benjamin Franklin's kite experiment. [2m]  //(Rephrasing ideas)

//9) Suggest one similarity between ancient kites and the kites Captain Baden Powell were using. [1m]// (Identifying main / supporting ideas) // 10a) What, according to the author, is the kite's greatest development to modern civilisation? [1m] //(Identifying main / supporting ideas) 10b) What ambition has Man possessed since the beginning of time? [1m] //(Inferential)
 * __From Paragraph 8:__**

11a) Find a word in the passage which is synonymous with 'humble'. [1m]  //(Vocabulary)

//11b) "All this seems far from the idle pleasures of watching kites from a London or Malaysian hill-top." (line 83) What does this tell you about kites today? [1m] //(Inference)

//13) What does the author suggest when he writes that kite s are "waiting until the next time it can serve and surprise us? [2m] //(Understanding writer's tone/attitude, inferential)

__**From the entire passage:**__

14) For each of the following words, give **one** word or phrase (of not more than **seven** words) which has the same meaning that the word has in the passage. [5m] //(Vocabulary)// a) roused (line 17) b) superstitious (line 37) c) derived (line 68) d) ambition (line 81) // e) idle (line 83) //

//**Done by: Yeo Kai Yuan (35)**//
1. Why would the English poet choose to live in the East Coast of mainland? [1] //(Identifying main / supporting ideas + Factual Question)//
 * //From paragraphs 1://**

2(a). What is the aim of kite-flying? [1] //(Identifying main / supporting ideas + Factual Question)//
 * //From paragraphs 2://**

2(b). **In your own words**, explain how the features of the kite are developed for kite-fighting. [2] //(Identifying + Rephrasing main / supporting ideas)//

3. What made the kite produce a humming sound when it is in the air? [1] //(Identifying main / supporting ideas + Factual Question)//

4. Why are the men “strangely spellbound” by the sound of their kites? [1] //(Identifying main / supporting ideas + Making Inferences)//

5. **In your own words**, explain why “the men Polo saw flying a kite were not engaged in a game, or a pastime”. [2] //(Identifying + Rephrasing main / supporting ideas)//
 * //From paragraphs 4://**

6. Cite **one** example to show evidence of kites being used to carry men up into the air. [1] //(Identifying main / supporting ideas + Factual Question)//
 * //From paragraphs 5://**

6. Explain the irony that lies in the seemingly innocent-looking kites. [2] //(Identifying main / supporting ideas + Making inferences)//
 * //From paragraphs 6://**

7. How did the kites “inspire fear in the enemy”? [1] //(Identifying main / supporting ideas + Factual Question)//

8. Why are the “pennon kites” useful to the archers? [1] //(Identifying main / supporting ideas + Factual Question)//

9. Cite an example to show how the kites were used to carry out experiments on weather. [1] //(Identifying main / supporting ideas + Factual Question)//
 * //From paragraph 7://**

10. What does the word “theory” in line 66 refer to? [1] //(Making inferences)//

11. Quote a word that has the same meaning as producers. [1] //(Making inferences + Language use)//

12. Explain what “Man was at last realising an ambition” (line 80) means. [2] //(Identifying main / supporting ideas + Making inferences)//

13. How might a kite, a piece of low technology, serve and surprise us in the future? [2] //(Identifying main / supporting ideas + Making inferences)//  14. For each of the following words, give **one** word or phrase (of not more than **seven** words) which has the same meaning that the word has in the passage. [5]
 * //From paragraph 8://**
 * //From the whole passage://**
 * (a)spellbound || (line 16) || - ||
 * (b)grazing || (line 29) || - ||
 * (c)superstitious || (line 37) || - ||
 * (d)peril || (line 45) || - ||
 * (e)unassuming || (line 88) || - ||
 * (d)peril || (line 45) || - ||
 * (e)unassuming || (line 88) || - ||
 * (e)unassuming || (line 88) || - ||
 * (e)unassuming || (line 88) || - ||

**Done by Zhang Shuofei 3B1 37 (****Below)** 1. Why would the author choose to live in the east coast of Malaysia? [1] ( // Identifying main / supporting ideas + Factual Question) // ** Paragraph two: ** 2. What is the aim of kite-flying? [1]  ( // Identifying main / supporting ideas + Factual Question)  // 3. What is the purpose of the application of Gum and powdered glass on the upper section of the string? [1] (// Identifying main / supporting ideas + Factual Question) //
 * Paragraph one: **

4. Explain in your own word, what is the purpose of attaching attachments made from bamboo and leaves to the kite? [2] ( // Identifying + Rephrasing main // // idea// ) 5. Give one phrase that suggests that kite flying is an ancient hobby. [1] // (Language use )// 6. What is the ship crew’s superstition about the kite? Explain in your own word. [2] // (Identifying main / supporting ideas + Factual Question + rephrasing main idea) // Paragraph five: 7. What does the cruel joke (line 44) refers to? [1] ( // Identifying main / supporting ideas // ) 8. Why is nobody willing to expose his life to such peril (line 45)? [2]
 * Paragraph three: **
 * Paragraph four: **

9. Explain In your own word, a) How does kite strike fear in the enemies’ heart?[2] b) What is the application of “pennon kites”? [2] // (Identifying main / supporting ideas + Factual Question + rephrasing main idea) // 10. How does the kite aids in scientific discoveries? Support your answer from the paragraph[2] // (Identifying main / supporting ideas + Factual Question) // 11. What does “…waiting until the next time it can serve and surprise us.” Suggest about the author’s tone? [1] // (Recognising writer’s tone / attitude + Language Use )// 12. Explain why does it seem far from the idle pleasures of watching kites from a London or Malaysian hill-top? [2] (Inference + // Identifying main / supporting ideas) // b) trances (line 17) c) maneuvered (line 24) d) derived (line 68) e) idle (line 83) _ __**Done by Lim Hong Yao (below)**__ //**Paragraph 1& 2** 1. Explain the sentence ‘watching men fly the great kites to cut each other’s strings.’ (2) (explanation of facts)
 * Paragraph six: **
 * Paragraph seven: **
 * Paragraph eight: **
 * From the whole passage: **
 * 13. ** For each of the following words, give    ** one **    word or phrase (of not more than    ** seven **    words) which has the same meaning that the word has in the passage. [5m]
 * a)spellbound || (line 16) ||

2. In your own words, state in what way the kite feels ‘alive’ when it is in the air (2) (Own words)// //**Paragraph 3** 3. ‘Some of these models can be manoeuvred with an accuracy and a speed that astonish Westerners.’ From this sentence, infer how the writer views Westerners. (2) (Inference)

4. Quote a phrase from the paragraph that tells us that kite flying has been around for a very long time. (1) (Language skills)// //**Paragraph 4 & 5** 5. Predict what would happen if the kite on a Chinese ship did not go straight up. (1) (Inference and prediction)

6. a) What were the conditions required for a kite to be able to lift a person into the air? (1) (Factual) //b) In your own words, describe the story of the Japanese thief. (2) (Own words, Language) //**Paragraph 6 7. State two examples from the passage to show how kites were used in battlefields. (2) (Factual) **// //**Paragraph 7 8. In your own words, explain how the kite lead to the creation of the aeroplane (2) (Own words)

9. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> **// ‘Man was at last realising an ambition that had possessed him since the beginning of time.’ What does ambition in this sentence refer to? (1) (Language, Inference) //**Paragraph 8** 10. Explain clearly why some watchers of kites ‘smile as the air disturbance created by a passing jet-plane rattles the fabric of some high-flying kite, sending a tremor down the lines.’ (2) (Inference, Explanation)

11. Explain the choice of words like gently, simple and low technology in the last sentence. (2) (Language, Inference)// //**From the whole passage** 12. For each of the following words, give **one** word or phrase (of not more than **seven** words) which has the same meaning that the word has in the passage. (5) (Vocabulary)// //a)// //Alive (line 13)// //b)// //Elaborate (line 19)// //c)// //Right (line 44)// //d)// //Possessed (line 80)// //e)// //Unassuming (line 85)//

1(a) Why would the English poet choose the East Coast of the mainland if he had to live in Malaysia?
// (Identifying main idea + Factual Question) // [1]

1(b) By using the words ‘spectator’ and ‘great’ to describe the sport and kites respectively, what does it tell about the poet’s attitude towards the sport? // (Recognising writer’s tone / attitude + Choice of vocabulary) // [1]

2(a) With reference to the rest of the text, how might the author’s description of kites, from line 12 to 15, contradict with the impression of kite-fighting instead of kite-flying cultivated by the author? // (Indentifying supporting ideas + Inference Question) // [2]
 * // From paragraph 2: //**

2(b) Explain in your own words, the disadvantages of the ‘pleasant humming sound’ of kites to the men holding it. // (Using your own words) // [2]

3. Explain in your words, why kites might have fascinated Westerns’ eyes. // (Using your own words) // [1]
 * // From paragraph 3: //**

4. **//“They all share in the delights that kite-flying brings the world over.”//**

(a) What might be the ‘delights’? // (Identifying supporting idea + Factual Question) // [1] (b) How does this prove an irony when compared to kite-fighting in Asia? // (Inference Question + figure of speech) // [1]

5. With reference to the rest of the passage, state a difference and similarity between kite-flying in the past and now in different places. // (Rephrasing ideas + Inference Question) // [2]
 * // From paragraph 4-5: //**

6. Explain how the well-known story about the Japanese thief differs from Marco Polo’s theory? // (Making Inference) // [1]

7(a) How do kites inspire fear in the enemy as according to ancient books? // (Identifying supporting ideas + Making Inferences) // [2]
 * // From paragraph 6: //**

7(b) Suggest a phrase earlier in the passage to reinforce the innocent-looking image of the kites. // (Identifying supporting idea) // [1]

8. Describe the process & development of aeroplane from kites. // (Factual Question) // [2]
 * // From paragraph 7: //**


 * //“Man was at last realising an ambition that had possessed him since the beginning of time.”//**

9. Support this statement with evidence in your own words. // (Factual Question + Using your own words) // [2]

10. Suggest a word which has the same meaning as ‘ a trembling or quivering effect’ // (Choice of vocabulary + Language use) // [1] From the whole passage: //** 11. For each of the following words, give **one** word or phrase (of not more than **seven** words) which has the same meaning that the word has in the passage. [5] **Done By: Chen Shenghui 3B1** Done By: Alcander Seah 3B1 From paragraph 1 and 2:
 * (a) trances || (line 17) || - ||
 * (b) remarkable || (line 22) || - ||
 * (c) peril || (line 45) || - ||
 * (d) viciously || (line 50) || - ||
 * (e) idle || (line 83) || - ||

Explain in your own words why kite flying has been popular throughout Asia for hundred of years. (Using your own words+Inference) [2]

What are the aims of kite flying? [1] (Inference)

Explain the author’s attitude when he said “It then seems to become alive, a brilliantly painted bird, and to be singing its pleasure at being released among other birds high up in the heavens” [2]

From paragraph 3 and 4:

Cite 2 example that kites originated from Asia. (Factual+Inference) [2]

In your own words, explain how kite flying had an impact on the people’s actions and believes. (Inference + Factual)[2]

Quote a sentence that suggests that kite flying was viewed very importantly (Inference)[1]

From paragraph 5 and 6:

Explain what the author meant by “The innocent-looking kite, surprisingly, also had its place in warfare.” Why did the author use the word “Surprisingly”? (Inference)[3]

Explain in your own words how kites have played a role in warfare. (Inference)[2]

From paragraph 7 and 8:

Explain how the kite has helped in technological advances. (Inference)[1]

What does the word ambition refer to in this passage? (Inference) [2] Explain what the author meant when he said “All this seems far from the idle pleasures of watching kites from a London or Malaysian hill-top.” (Inference)[2] <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';"> Provide an alternative word with the same meaning as the given word: [5] 1)<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> Spellbound (16) 2)<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> Peril (45) 3)<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> Ambition (81) 4)<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> Viciously (50) 5)<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> Unassuming (87)

Done by: Ng Jing Han 3B120 (Below) From Paragraph 1:

1. Why would the English poet choose to live at the East Coast of mainland Malaysia if he had a chance to live in Malaysia? ** //(Identifying main / supporting ideas + Factual Question)//
 * From Paragraph 2:

2. State and explain how certain adaptations are made to the kites for better performance in kite-fighting. ** // (Identifying main / supporting ideas + Factual Question) //
 * From Paragraph 3:

3. What does “grazing intently upwards as though in a dream” (line 29) tell us about the reason for kite lovers to pursue their hobby. ** // (Making inferences) // ** 4. In your own words, state one way in which kites were used in ancient China, as observed by Marco Polo. // (Identifying + Rephrasing main / supporting ideas) //
 * From Paragraph 4:


 * From Paragraph 5:

5. Suggest another word for "viciously " (line 50). ** // (Vocabulary) //


 * From Paragraph 7:

6. **In your own words, explain how has kites has contributed in the development of radio communication. // (Identifying + Rephrasing main / supporting ideas) // 7. What does “Man was at last realising an ambition that had possessed him since the beginning of time” tell us about the reason for man’s obsession with kites. // (Making inferences) //
 * From Paragraph 8:

8. Which word in the passage has the **same meaning as “prospective”? // (Vocabulary)

9. Explain what the writer meant by “surprise us”. (line 89) // // (Making inferences) //
 * From the Whole Passage:

10. What do you think is the main objective of this essay? ** // (Identifying main / supporting ideas + Making inferences) //
 * From the Whole Passage:

11. For each of the following words, give one word or phrase (of not more than seven words) which has the same meaning that the word has in the passage. ** // (Vocabulary) //

(a) spellbound (line 16) (b) peril (line 45) (c) inspire (line 55) (d) reception (line 76) (e) unassuming (line 88)

__Done By: Ching Zhi Xiang 3B106__ From Paragraph 1 and 2 // From Paragraph 3 // // From Paragraph 4 // // From Paragraph 5 // From Paragraph 6 // From Paragraph 7 // From the Whole Passage: // (Vocabulary) // (a) roused (line 17) (b) superstitious (line 37) (c) inspire (line 55) (d) deadly (line 60) (e) rattles (line 86)
 * 1) What made the English poet decide to live in the East Coast of the mainland of Malaysia? [1] // (Identifying main / supporting ideas + Factual Question) //
 * 2) // Why did the author used a “brilliantly painted bird” to describe the kite? [2] //
 * 1) // Quote a phrase which shows that kite flying has been around for a very long time. [1] //// (Making inferences + Language use) //
 * 2) // In your own words, explain what is it about the kites that astonish Westerners. [2] //// (Identifying + Rephrasing main / supporting ideas) //
 * 1) // In what ways are the reasons of the sailors flying kites different from others? [2] //// Inference //
 * 1) // Why would no one in his right mind tie himself to a kite? [1] //
 * 2) “Marco Polo tells how madmen or drunkards were tied to kites and sent up as unwilling victims of a cruel joke.” What does it tell you about the author’s feelings towards this act. [1] // Inference //
 * 1) State two uses of kite in warfare. [2] // (Identifying main / supporting ideas + Factual Question) //
 * 1) // Explain how kites played a role in the creation of the first flying machines. [2] //// (Identifying ideas + Inference Question //
 * 2) // “Man was at last realizing an ambition that had possessed him since the beginning of time.” Explain. [2] //// Inference //
 * 11. For each of the following words, give one word or phrase (of not more than seven words) which has the same meaning that the word has in the passage. **

__Done by Xing Bo__
Paragraph 1 1.What feature attracted the English poet to live in the East Coast of Malaysia? [1] (Identifying main+Factual Question) Paragraph 2 2.State two distinct features of the kite. [1] (Identifying main+Factual Question) 3.Why are these distinct features important to the kites during kite-flying? [1] (Identifying main+Factual Question) 4.In your own words, explain how the sound of the kites spellbound the men. [2] (Use your own word + rephrasing ideas) Paragraph 3 5.Why is making a good fighting kite a form of art? [1] (Identifying main+Factual Question) 6.State the influences of kites on western society. [1] (Identifying main+Factual Question) 7.Explain the meaning of “These people are pursuing a pastime older than recorded history”. [1]   (Identifying main+ Factual) Paragraph 4 8.What do Marco Polo’ men think of flying kites? [1] (Identifying main/supporting ideas + factual) Paragraph 5 9.What do the word “peril” in line 45 refers to? [1]   (Identifying main/supporting ideas) Paragraph 6 10.What is the tone of the author when he address the kite as “innocent-looking”? [2] (Inference Questions+ Language Use/ Vocabulary) 11.What are the uses of “pennon kites” in warfare? [1]   (Identifying main+ Factual Question) Paragraph 7 12.Name 2 contributions kites made to scientific discovery and technological advances. [2]  (Identifying main+ Factual Question) 13.Explain the phrase, “man was at last realising an ambition that had possessed him since the beginning of time”, in your own words. [2] ( Use your own word + rephrasing ideas) Paragraph 8 14.What is the authors tone in this paragraph? [1] (Inference Questions + Language use) 15.What does the author mean by “waiting until the next time it can serve and surprise us”? [2] (Inference Questions + Identifying main/supporting ideas) //16. For each of the following words, give// **one** //word or phrase (of not more than// **seven** //words) which has the same meaning that the word has in the passage. (5)// //a)//  Spellbound (line 16)  //b)// //Elaborate (line 19)// //c)//    Inspire (line 55)  //d)// //Possessed (line 80)// //e)//  Idle (line 83)
 * From the whole passage **

Done By Lim Zheng Jie 3B116: 1. How do kite-flyers bring down their opponents’ kites? [1] ( Factual) 2. Explain in your own words why some kite-flyers fall into deep trances during competitions. [2] (Use your own words) 3. (a) Why is making a good fighting kite a “very skilful art”? [2] (Inference) (b) Cite two examples to show that westerners are fascinated by kites. [2] (Factual) 4. Give a phrase which shows that kite-flying has a far-reaching influence. [1] (Language use) 5. Explain how kites were used by sailors as witnessed by Marco Polo. [2] (Use your own words) 6. (a) What does the “cruel joke” (line 44) refer to? [1] (Factual + Inference) (b) Which word suggests that it was uncertain whether the Japanese thief landed safely? [1] (Language + Inference) 7. Explain why kites inspired fear in enemies in the ancient times. [2] (Inference) 8. (a) What is the writer’s attitude towards kites being used in warfare? [1] (Tone) (b) Explain what the writer means in the phrase “ with more deadly effect” [2] (Use your own words + Inference)
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9. Give two examples of how kites contribute to scientific discovery [2] (Factual) 10. What does the “ambition” that had possessed mankind since the beginning of time refer to? [1] (Inference)
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For each of the following words, give   ** one **    word or phrase (of not more than    ** seven **    words) which has the same meaning that the word has in the passage. [5]     (a) pleasures (line 3) (b) spellbound (line 16) (c) accuracy (line 24) (d) superstitious (line 37) (e) idle (line 83)
 * From the whole passage**