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L2b Comprehension Set 10 – Trapped up a Mountain

Read the passage carefully and answer the following questions in complete sentences.
“This view is amazing!” said Mark to his friend Tim. They were walking in the
mountains. The sky was clear and they could see for miles and miles. Although they had
been walking for a long time, it was very quiet and peaceful in the mountains, so Tim and
Mark were relaxed. It was a great way to spend a summer holiday, far away from all the
stress of exams. Then, the sky suddenly became dark. Thick, black clouds covered up the
sun. Small drops of rain started to fall. “A storm is coming...” said Tim. Mark was confused.
“I don’t understand,” he said, “it was sunny five minutes ago! What happened?” The rain
became heavier and they could hear thunder in the distance. It was clear that this was going
to be a serious storm.

“We have to go back down the mountain,” said Tim with a scared look on his face.
“No,” replied Mark, “it’s too dangerous. We have to find shelter. If the storm causes rocks
and mud to fall down then we could get trapped – or worse!” Both boys were frightened, but
they knew that they needed to stay calm in order to get through this ordeal. Panicking would
make things even more difficult. They looked around. In the distance, Mark could see a small
cave. “Run to that cave! Quick!” They ran as fast as they possibly could. Lightening flashed
nearby, causing Tim to scream. It lit up all the mountains – it was incredibly beautiful, but
also incredibly dangerous. Eventually, they reached the cave, where they sat and waited for
the storm to die down. It was not fun, but at least they were safe.

After two hours, the rain finally stopped. Mark and Tim were able to walk back down
the mountain, being careful not to slip on the wet rocks. When they finally reached the bus
stop they felt relieved and exhausted. “Thank goodness we found shelter in that cave – you
saved our lives!” said Tim to his friend. “No problem. Let’s just hope this never happens
again,” Mark replied.

1. How do Mark and Tim feel in paragraph 1? Why do they feel that way?
2. Why was Mark confused?

3. What does Tim suggest in paragraph 2, and what does Mark suggest in paragraph 2?

4. What word in paragraph 2 means “a very difficult experience”?

5. What does “it” in paragraph 2 refer to?

6. What caused Tim to scream?

7. Put the events of the story in the right order by writing 1-5 in the boxes.

Tim and Mark disagree about what to do.

The storm goes away.
They find shelter in a nearby cave.
Tim and Mark go walking in the mountains.
A serious storm starts to build.

8. How would you feel if you were trapped up a mountain in a storm? Why?