Reading comprehension practice for the test

Dick “Jealous Ken”

Ken
Dick and Ken lived in the same street. Both children had a good

home and lots of nice things. But Ken was unhappy because some of

Dick’s things were better than his. In other words, Ken was a jealous

boy.

Dick and Ken grew up and got jobs. At first, they both cycled to

work every morning. Then, Dick bought a motorcycle. Every morning,

Dick on his motorcycle rode past Ken on his bicycle, and Ken felt

jealous. So, Ken bought a motorcycle and he was happy. He was

happy until Dick bought a car.

Ken worked hard until he had enough money for a car. He

bought a car, and it was as good as Dick’s car. There were a lot of

other cars on the road, so the journey to work was slower, but Ken

was happy.
 But, after a year, Dick bought a bigger car. So, Ken worked very

hard and yesterday he bought an expensive new car. This morning,

Ken left home in his new car.

There were cars in front as far as he could see, and none of them

could move. But Ken was happy because his car was bigger, better

and faster than Dick’s car.

Then, he saw Dick behind him, but Dick was not in a car. Dick

was riding a bicycle. It was a new bicycle. The cars moved very

slowly, so Dick cycled past them easily. Ken watched as Dick cycled

away in front of him . He watched from his big, expensive car and felt

jealous.

a) Highlight the two halves of the sentences

 Dick’s things were … lived in the same street.

Ken was happy when … better than Ken’s.

They both … his things were as good as Dick’s.

Ken was jealous when … Dick had better things.

b) Answer:

1. What did they buy after the car?

2. How many cars did each man buy?

3. How did Dick go to work in the end? Why?

4. How did Ken go to work in the end?

5. What do you think Ken will do next?