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

Otieno had always dreamed of becoming a football player. Every evening after finishing his homework, he ran to the open field near his home in Kisumu. There he practised dribbling, passing and shooting with his friends until it grew dark. His old ball was patched in several places, but Otieno treated it as though it were a precious treasure that no money could ever buy.

One afternoon, the head teacher announced that the school would form a team to compete in the county tournament. Otieno was thrilled, but he was also nervous. Many older and stronger boys wanted to join the team too. He knew that only the most committed players would be chosen. That night he could hardly sleep as he imagined himself wearing the school jersey on the big day.

The selection trials were tough. The coach watched carefully as each boy showed his skills. Otieno was smaller than the others, yet he was quick and clever with the ball. When his turn came, he stayed calm and played his best. He weaved past two defenders and scored a beautiful goal. The coach nodded and wrote something down in his small notebook.

A week later, the list of selected players was pinned on the notice board. A crowd of excited boys gathered around it. Otieno pushed his way forward, and his heart pounded. There, near the top, was his own name. He had been chosen! Otieno realised that his hours of practice had finally been rewarded, and he promised himself that he would never give up on his dreams.

  1. Question 1

    1 mark

    Where did Otieno go to practise football every evening?

    A. At the school notice board.

    B. At the county tournament ground.

    C. Inside the head teacher's office.

    D. At the open field near his home.

    (1 mark)

    Marking scheme for this question

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  2. Question 2

    1 mark

    Why was Otieno nervous about the new school team?

    A. Many older and stronger boys wanted to join too.

    B. The tournament had already been cancelled.

    C. The coach had refused to watch him play.

    D. He did not have any football boots to wear.

    (1 mark)

    Marking scheme

    A. Many older and stronger boys wanted to join too.

  3. Question 3

    1 mark

    The word 'committed' as used in the passage means

    A. weak and easily tired.

    B. selfish and unkind to others.

    C. dedicated and serious about something.

    D. afraid of large crowds.

    (1 mark)

    Marking scheme for this question

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  4. Question 4

    1 mark

    What can we tell about Otieno from the way he played during the trials?

    A. He was too frightened to touch the ball.

    B. He was only interested in showing off.

    C. He was skilful and stayed calm under pressure.

    D. He was careless and gave up quickly.

    (1 mark)

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  5. Question 5

    1 mark

    Which is the best title for this passage?

    A. The Old Patched Football

    B. A Trip to Kisumu Town

    C. How to Build a Notice Board

    D. Otieno's Dream Comes True

    (1 mark)

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