Year 9 Reading Comprehension Test
Instructions:
This test consists of 35 questions based on written and visual material. For each question,
choose the best answer from options A, B, C, and D, and mark it on your answer sheet. You will
have 35 minutes to complete this test. Use a pencil for marking your answers. If you make a
mistake, erase it completely before marking a new answer. Work through all the questions
systematically but don’t spend too much time on any one question.
Section 1: Literary Text
Passage: The following excerpt is from a novel about a young girl, Clara, who has just moved to
a small coastal town with her family. She is exploring the nearby beach for the first time.
Clara stood at the edge of the cliff, the salty wind tugging at her hair. Below, waves crashed
against the jagged rocks, their rhythmic roar a soothing contrast to her racing thoughts. She
closed her eyes and let the sound envelop her, imagining it washing away the uncertainty of her
new life. The beach stretched out in both directions, deserted and wild, with driftwood scattered
like forgotten relics of another time. As Clara scrambled down the narrow path to the shore, she
noticed a lone figure in the distance, hunched over something in the sand. Curiosity propelled her
forward, though each step felt heavy with hesitation. The figure straightened as she approached,
revealing an old man with weathered skin and piercing blue eyes. He held up a piece of
driftwood, the edges smoothed by years in the sea. “Beautiful, isn’t it?” he said, his voice rough
yet warm. “The ocean never forgets, you know. It shapes everything it touches.” Clara nodded,
unsure of what to say. She reached out to touch the driftwood, surprised by how light it felt in
her hand. As the old man walked away, she stayed there, holding the piece of wood and staring
out at the horizon. For the first time since the move, she felt a sense of connection, as if the
ocean had whispered a secret only she could hear.
Questions:
1. What is Clara’s initial reaction to the beach?
o A. Disinterest
o B. Awe and reflection
o C. Fear of the waves
o D. Confusion about her surroundings
2. The description of the waves as “rhythmic” and “soothing” suggests that Clara feels:
o A. Overwhelmed by the noise.
o B. Calmed despite her worries.
o C. Annoyed by the constant crashing.
o D. Indifferent to her new environment.
3. The old man’s comment about the ocean shaping everything it touches is best understood
as:
o A. A metaphor for personal growth.
o B. A critique of environmental damage.
o C. An observation about nature’s unpredictability.
o D. A literal statement about the ocean’s power.
4. By the end of the passage, Clara’s mood has shifted from:
o A. Hesitation to determination.
o B. Uncertainty to a sense of belonging.
o C. Fear to relief.
o D. Sadness to excitement.
Section 2: Informative Text
Passage: The Great Barrier Reef, located off the coast of Queensland, Australia, is the world’s
largest coral reef system. Spanning over 2,300 kilometers, it is home to a diverse array of marine
life, including over 1,500 species of fish and 400 species of coral. The reef is also a critical
ecosystem, providing protection for coastal communities from storms and serving as a vital
source of income through tourism and fishing. However, the reef faces significant threats from
climate change, pollution, and overfishing. Rising sea temperatures cause coral bleaching, a
phenomenon where corals lose their vibrant colors and become more susceptible to disease.
Conservation efforts are underway, including reef restoration projects and regulations to reduce
carbon emissions. Scientists and local communities continue to work together to ensure the
survival of this natural wonder, but the challenges are complex. Despite their efforts, the gradual
warming of oceans globally poses a constant threat, requiring long-term, collaborative strategies
across nations and industries. Beyond its ecological importance, the reef stands as a symbol of
the interconnectedness of natural systems and human responsibility, urging immediate and
sustained action to prevent further degradation.
Questions: 5. The main purpose of this passage is to:
A. Describe the Great Barrier Reef’s size and location.
B. Highlight the threats facing the reef and conservation efforts.
C. Explain the economic importance of the reef.
D. Discuss the history of coral reefs worldwide.
6. The phrase “coral bleaching” refers to:
o A. The natural aging process of coral.
o B. The loss of color due to rising sea temperatures.
o C. The growth of new coral species.
o D. The impact of pollution on coral ecosystems.
7. Which of the following is a key factor in protecting the reef?
o A. Increasing tourism.
o B. Reducing carbon emissions.
o C. Building more coastal communities.
o D. Expanding fishing activities.
Section 4: Quotes and Proverbial Wisdom
Quotations:
1. “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts.” –
Winston Churchill
2. “Do not wait to strike till the iron is hot; but make it hot by striking.” – William Butler
Yeats
Questions: 11. The first quote suggests that: - A. Success should always be celebrated. - B.
Failure is the end of an endeavor. - C. Persistence is the key to overcoming challenges. - D.
Courage is more important than action.
12. The second quote encourages:
o A. Patience in achieving goals.
o B. Taking initiative to create opportunities.
o C. Waiting for the right moment to act.
o D. Focusing on success over effort.
Section 5: Poetry Analysis
Poem: The following poem reflects on the passage of time and its impact on life and memory.
Time’s Shadow
Beneath the ancient oak, where shadows play, The whispers of the wind through branches sway.
Each leaf a story, cradled in its veins, Of seasons past, of joys and hidden pains.
The river murmurs secrets as it flows, Eroding banks where golden sunlight glows. It mirrors
skies of fire and twilight’s hue, A fleeting canvas, ever-changing view.
But time, relentless, wears the mountains low, And scatters dreams like blossoms in the snow. Its
shadow stretches, veiling youth’s bright flare, Yet kindles wisdom in the autumn air.
Remember this: though time may take its due, Each fleeting moment shapes the soul of you.
Questions: 13. The poet’s imagery of the river in stanza two suggests: - A. The permanence of
nature. - B. The fleeting and reflective nature of life. - C. The destructive power of water. - D.
The isolation of the human experience.
14. The phrase “scatters dreams like blossoms in the snow” is an example of:
o A. Simile.
o B. Metaphor.
o C. Personification.
o D. Hyperbole.
15. What is the overall tone of the poem?
o A. Nostalgic and contemplative.
o B. Bitter and regretful.
o C. Joyful and celebratory.
o D. Detached and analytical.
16. Which of the following best represents the central theme of the poem?
o A. Nature’s resilience despite human interference.
o B. The balance between joy and sorrow in life.
o C. The inevitability of change and the value of memory.
o D. The conflict between time and human ambition.
Let me know if you would like further revisions or additions!
