Summative Test in English 8

I. Reading Comprehension
A. Read the passage then answer the questions. Write the letters only.

Bullet Trains
If you visit Japan, you might choose to travel around the country by shinkansen train. These high-speed trains connect the
major cities of Japan. They are nicknamed “bullet trains” because they go very fast and have pointy noses like a bullet.
Bullet trains are a good way to travel for several reasons other than their speed. They are very punctual, often leaving on
time on the second. They are also comfortable. All the seats face forward; and there is plenty of leg room. Most importantly, bullet
trains are very safe. In their 35-year history, there have been only a few accidents and no deaths.
The only downside to bullet trains is that they are expensive. A ticket to travel to another city can almost cost as much as
airline ticket. However, if you fly, you will land at an airport at the edge of a city. Train stations are right in the middle of a city. This
means that it’s often more convenient to take a bullet train instead of flying, because you will arrive exactly where you want to be.

1. What kind of train does the author talk about in the passage?
a. shinkansen b. shinkansea c. shinkanset d. sinkatsen

2. These trains are nicknamed “bullet trains” because of their

a. safety and shape b. safety and timing c. speed and shape d. speed and timing

3. We learn that bullet trains are “very punctual.” As used in par. 2, which of these can also be described as
punctual?
a. Antonio, who checks his work carefully and makes no mistakes
b. Rochelle who arranges her desk in exactly the right way
c. Carolyn, who always calls someone if she says she is going to
d. Harvey, who is never late to class even when it is raining

4. The author says that one reason to take a bullet train instead of flying is because the bullet train is often
a. much cheaper b. much faster c. more comfortable d. more convenient

5. As used in the final paragraph, the word downside nearly means

a. hill b. problem c. lower d. mistake

B. Identifying Adjectives. Encircle the adjective then underline the word it describes.
6. Many kids prefer to eat greasy pizza for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. .
7. My barber uses sharp scissors to cut my hair.
8. The cruel boy throws the kitten outside their house.
9.. Aisha is the smartest girl in our class.
10. Her emotional sister cried upon hearing the news.

C. Using Transition Words. Write the letter of the correct answer.

11. Pauline left her village ______ she practically grew up there.
a. since b. even though c. because d. meanwhile

12. _______ you failed to settle your accounts, you are hereby given a sanction.
a. since b. although c. unless d. while

13. There are different types of composition _______ narrative, descriptive, explanatory, and persuasive.
a. like b. but c. as compared to d. to illustrate

14. DepEd will implement the new curriculum for next year. ________, public schools must still use the old
curriculum.
a. before b. after c. however d. meanwhile

15. If you are having company for dinner, try to get as much done in advance as possible.
_________, set the table the day before.
a. For instance b. In contrast c. Even though d. Until

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D. Context Clues. Write the letter of the correct answer.
16. Julius Erving was called by his coach to rescue the team from its very precarious situation.
The word precarious means a. gloomy b. unlikely c. dangerous d. safe

17. That is when the teammates bestowed on him the title of “Doctor,” he’s been called “Dr. J” ever since.
The word bestowed means a. honored b. gave c. offered d. protected

18. The typhoon annihilated the whole town to the point that nothing was left standing.
The word annihilated means a. saved b. destroyed c. created d. constructed
19. Lourdes felt elated when she won the race.
The word elated means a. sick b. miserable c. tired d. happy

20. Put this medicine on your arm and rub it into your skin. It will inhibit the infection's attempt to spread.
The word inhibit means a. bite b. stop c. itch d. allow

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