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 doctor. He lived in Kisumu with his parents and two younger sisters, whom he loved very much. Although his family did not have much money, his parents encouraged him to study hard. Every evening, after finishing his chores, Otieno would sit under a paraffin lamp and read his science books until late.

At school, Otieno was known for his curiosity. He asked his teachers many questions about the human body and how diseases spread. His biology teacher, Mr Omondi, noticed his determination and lent him extra books from the school library. Otieno read each one carefully and wrote down everything he wanted to remember in a small notebook he kept beside his bed.

One term, the school held a science competition. Otieno chose to make a simple model showing how clean water can prevent illness in a community. He worked on it for many weeks, testing his ideas and improving the design. When the judges saw his project, they were impressed by his clear explanation and the effort he had put into it.

Otieno won the first prize, which included a scholarship to continue his studies. His parents wept with joy, and his sisters cheered loudly. Mr Omondi told the whole school that determination, more than money, decides how far a learner can go. Otieno promised himself that he would one day return to help children in his own village. Years later, he kept that promise.

  1. Question 1

    1 mark

    Where did Otieno read his science books every evening?

    A. At the school library

    B. In the science competition hall

    C. Under a paraffin lamp at home

    D. At Mr Omondi's house

    (1 mark)

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  2. Question 2

    1 mark

    What did Otieno's science project show?

    A. How the human heart beats

    B. How plants grow in dry soil

    C. How clean water can prevent illness

    D. How to build a paraffin lamp

    (1 mark)

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  3. Question 3

    1 mark

    The word 'determination' as used in the passage means

    A. A feeling of fear

    B. A sudden change of mind

    C. A lack of interest

    D. A firm decision to succeed

    (1 mark)

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  4. Question 4

    1 mark

    From the passage, we can conclude that

    A. Hard work can overcome a lack of money

    B. Money is the only path to success

    C. The competition was easy to win

    D. Otieno's teacher did not believe in him

    (1 mark)

    Marking scheme

    A. Hard work can overcome a lack of money

  5. Question 5

    1 mark

    The best title for this passage is

    A. Life in Kisumu Town

    B. Mr Omondi's Library

    C. A Dream Built on Hard Work

    D. The Science Competition Rules

    (1 mark)

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