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

The harambee spirit is one of the proudest traditions in Kenya. The word means 'pulling together', and it describes how people unite to help one another. When a family cannot afford a hospital bill, school fees or a new roof, neighbours and friends come together to raise the money needed. This custom reminds everyone that no person should have to face hardship alone.

In the village of Sega, the community decided to build a new classroom for their primary school. The old one had a leaking roof and cracked walls that frightened the younger pupils. The villagers held a meeting and agreed that each household would contribute whatever it could. Some gave money, others offered bricks, and a few skilled men promised to do the building work for free.

On the day of construction, almost everyone arrived early. Women prepared food for the workers, while children carried small stones and fetched water. The atmosphere was cheerful, filled with songs and laughter. Even an elderly man who could no longer lift heavy loads sat nearby, encouraging the workers and telling stories of how the community had built the school many years before.

Within a month, the new classroom stood proudly beside the old buildings. It had a strong roof, smooth walls and wide windows that let in plenty of light. The headteacher thanked everyone for their generosity and hard work. The villagers felt a deep sense of pride, knowing that their unity had created something lasting for their children and for generations still to come.

  1. Question 1

    1 mark

    What does the word 'harambee' mean according to the passage?

    A. Pulling together

    B. Earning money

    C. Building schools

    D. Working alone

    (1 mark)

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  2. Question 2

    1 mark

    Why did the community of Sega want to build a new classroom?

    A. The old one had a leaking roof and cracked walls

    B. The old classroom was too small for the teachers

    C. They wanted to attract more pupils from other villages

    D. The government had ordered them to do so

    (1 mark)

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  3. Question 3

    1 mark

    The word 'generosity' as used in the passage means

    A. the act of complaining loudly

    B. the willingness to give and share

    C. the habit of arriving late

    D. the skill of building houses

    (1 mark)

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  4. Question 4

    1 mark

    What can we infer about the elderly man in the third paragraph?

    A. He still contributed by encouraging and inspiring others

    B. He was angry about the new classroom

    C. He was the owner of the school land

    D. He refused to take part in the project

    (1 mark)

    Marking scheme

    A. He still contributed by encouraging and inspiring others

  5. Question 5

    1 mark

    The best title for this passage would be

    A. The Spirit of Working Together

    B. Songs and Laughter

    C. The Leaking Roof Problem

    D. A Lonely Elderly Man

    (1 mark)

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