WORKSHEET -1

COMPREHENSION
Section A: Reading

Read this passage from Anne of Green Gables by L. M. Montgomery and then
answer the questions in the question paper.

When Matthew reached Bright River there was no sign of any train; he thought
he was too early, so tied his horse in front of the Bright River hotel and went over
to the station house. The long platform was almost deserted. The only living
creature in sight was a girl who was sitting at the far end. Matthew, barely noting
that it was a girl, sidled past her as quickly as possible without looking. Had he 5
looked, he could hardly have failed to notice the tense expression of expectation
on her face. She was sitting there waiting for something or somebody and, since
sitting and waiting was the only thing to do just then, she sat and waited with all
her might.

Matthew found the station master locking up the ticket office, and asked him if 10 the
five-thirty train would soon be along.

‘The five-thirty train has been in and gone half an hour ago,’ answered the
impatient official. ‘But there was a passenger dropped off for you – a little girl.
She’s sitting out there. I asked her to go to the ladies’ waiting room, but she
informed me gravely that she preferred to stay outside as there was more scope 15
for the imagination. She’s a case, I should say.’

‘I’m not expecting a girl,’ said Matthew blankly. ‘It’s a boy I’ve come for. He
should be here.’
The station master whistled. ‘Guess there’s some mistake,’ he said. ‘Mrs Spence
came off the train with that girl and gave her into my charge. Said you and your 20
sister were adopting her from an orphanage.’

‘I don’t understand,’ said Matthew, helplessly.

‘Well, you’d better ask the girl,’ said the station master casually. ‘I dare say she’ll
be able to explain. She’s got a tongue of her own, that’s for certain!’

The station master walked away, cheerfully, leaving Matthew to speak to the girl 25
– something he was feeling very uncomfortable about. Matthew groaned as he
turned around and shuffled gently down the platform towards her.

She had been watching him ever since he had passed her. However, Matthew
was not looking at her. If he had been, he would have seen this: a child of about
eleven, dressed in a very short, very tight, very ugly dress of yellowish white 30
cloth. She wore a faded brown sailor hat, and beneath the hat, extending down
her back, were two braids* of very thick red hair. Her face was small, white and
thin, also much freckled; her mouth was large and so were her eyes, which
looked green in some lights and moods, and grey in others.
Most people would also notice that her chin was very pointed and pronounced; 35
that the big eyes were full of spirit and vivacity; that the mouth was sweet-lipped
and expressive; that the forehead was broad and full. In short, most people could
see that she was just an ordinary child. But shy, uneasy Matthew Cuthbertsaw
none of this. Fortunately, for him, he was spared the ordeal of having to speak
first. 40

‘I suppose you are Mr Matthew Cuthbert of Green Gables?’ she said in a

peculiarly clear, sweet voice. ‘I’m very glad to see you. I was beginning to be
afraid you weren’t coming for me.’

* braids: plaits
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Section A: Reading

Spend 30 minutes on this section.

Read the passage from Anne of Green Gables by L. M. Montgomery in the INSERT
and then answer these questions.

1 Read these statements about Anne.

Tick (✓) two boxes that are true from the passage.

Anne was wearing smart clothes.

Anne was the only passenger on the platform.

Anne had short hair.

Anne liked being outdoors.

Anne was waiting for a train.

[2]

2 Anne had travelled by train. Who had she travelled to Bright River with?

...................................................................................................................... [1]

3 Write one word from the third paragraph which shows that Anne spoke in a
serious way.

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4 Why did Matthew look for the station master?

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5 Was Matthew happy about having to speak to Anne? For
Teacher’s
Use
Tick (✓) one box.

Yes

No

Give a reason from the passage to support your answer.

...................................................................................................................... [1]

6 Are Anne and Matthew very different characters?

Tick (✓) one box.

Yes

No

Explain the effect this has on the reader.

...................................................................................................................... [1]

7 (a) Do you think that Anne has been well cared for in the past?

Tick (✓) one box.

Yes

No

Explain your answer.

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For
Teacher’s
(b) What does the station-master mean when he says, ‘She’s got a tongue of Use
her own, that’s for certain!’ about Anne?

....................................................................................................................

................................................................................................................ [1]

8 Why does Anne prefer to stay on the platform rather than sit in the waiting
room?

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9 Do you think that Anne finds it hard to meet new people?

Explain your answer using your own words.

..........................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................

Give a phrase from the passage to support your explanation.

...................................................................................................................... [2]

10 Matthew expected to meet a boy. Does the author’s choice of words make you
feel sorry for Matthew in this situation?

Tick (✓) one box.

Yes

No

Explain your answer using your own words.

..........................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................

Give a phrase from the passage to support your explanation.

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5 [2]

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11 (a) Find a phrase from the passage which shows that Anne might wantMatthew’s
attention.

................................................................................................................ [1]

(b) In paragraph 10 (the paragraph that begins ‘Most people…’), the writer continues
describing Anne. Which phrase shows that Anne is interesting and lively?

................................................................................................................ [1]

(c) Find a word in paragraph 10 that suggests that talking to Anne would be difficult for
Matthew.

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12 This passage is an extract from the second chapter of a fiction book. Give apossible
title for this chapter.

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13 (a) Is the story Anne of Green Gables being told by:

Anne

Matthew

the station-master

none of the characters

[1]

(b) Explain your answer.

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................................................................................................................ [1]

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