Comprehension Passage

Read the passage, then answer the 5 questions that follow. Marking schemes are included.

Read the passage below and answer the questions that follow

Juma had always dreamed of becoming a doctor. In his small home in Nakuru, he studied late into the night by the dim light of a paraffin lamp. His parents were farmers who earned very little, but they encouraged him to read hard. Juma kept his books neatly stacked on a wooden shelf his father had made. Each night he promised himself that he would not waste a single chance to learn.

School was three kilometres away, and Juma walked there every day. Sometimes the rain turned the paths into thick mud, and his shoes were heavy with it by the time he arrived. Yet he was never late. His teachers admired his courage and his eagerness to ask questions. When other pupils complained about the long walk, Juma reminded them that the journey was a small price to pay for a good education.

In Form Two, Juma faced a difficult challenge. His father fell ill and could no longer work on the farm. Money became scarce, and there were days when the family had only one meal. Juma thought about leaving school to help at home. But his mother held his hand and said firmly that his books were the family's hope for a better future. Her words gave him strength.

Years later, Juma stood in a hospital wearing a white coat, treating patients in the very town where he had grown up. He never forgot the muddy paths or the paraffin lamp. Whenever he met young people who doubted themselves, he told them his story. He wanted them to believe that hardship is not the end of a dream but often the beginning of a great one.

  1. Question 1

    1 mark

    What did Juma use to study at night?

    A. The light of the moon

    B. A bright electric bulb

    C. A torch given by his teacher

    D. A paraffin lamp

    (1 mark)

    Marking scheme for this question

    Create a free account to see it
  2. Question 2

    1 mark

    Why did Juma think about leaving school in Form Two?

    A. The school was too far from his home

    B. His father fell ill and money became scarce

    C. He had failed his examinations

    D. He no longer wanted to be a doctor

    (1 mark)

    Marking scheme for this question

    Create a free account to see it
  3. Question 3

    1 mark

    The word 'scarce' as used in the passage means

    A. heavy and difficult to carry

    B. colourful and bright

    C. in short supply and hard to get

    D. plentiful and easy to find

    (1 mark)

    Marking scheme for this question

    Create a free account to see it
  4. Question 4

    1 mark

    What does the passage suggest about Juma's character?

    A. He was hardworking and refused to be defeated by difficulties

    B. He disliked helping other people

    C. He cared only about money

    D. He gave up easily when things were hard

    (1 mark)

    Marking scheme

    A. He was hardworking and refused to be defeated by difficulties

  5. Question 5

    1 mark

    The best title for this passage is

    A. Farming in Nakuru

    B. From Hardship to a Dream Fulfilled

    C. The Cost of a Paraffin Lamp

    D. The Long Walk to School

    (1 mark)

    Marking scheme for this question

    Create a free account to see it
  6. 4 more marking schemes are on this page. A free account opens all of them, and lets you build your own paper on the topics you have actually taught, laid out in KNEC format with its full marking scheme.

    Create a free account

More Grade 8 English topics