MYCT 2012 Comprehension Practice Paper 2 (Answers)

1.

Why had the wild ducks flapped up at our (the mens) approach (line 2 - 3)? - disturbed, alarmed by presence of men

[1 m]

2.

I followed his fingers (line 5) What does this expression mean? - looked where he pointed

[1 m]

3.

Bee-Mason became alive (line 9) a) Explain this phrase. - alerted, excited, eager b) Why do you think he behaved so? - chance to take picture of wildlife

[2 m]

4.

What do you suppose his art (line 10) was? - taking pictures of wildlife

[1 m]

5.

Keep the brute in play. (line 11) a) What did Bee-Mason mean by this? - get its attention, keep it occupied, ensure it not escape b) Why did he give such an instruction? - allow him time to go get camera

[2 m]

6.

... a constrictor needs an anchor for its tail before it can contort its huge muscles.... (line 14) Explain this phrase without repeating the words underlined. - constrictor needs firm, secure base for it to be able to tighten/squeeze its muscles round its victim

[2 m]

7.

Which phrase (two words) in the paragraph beginning on line 18 repeats the writers description of Bee-Mason as a fanatic about his art? - roaring madman

[1 m]

8.

I was considerably more afraid of the biting contempt that he would show in the event of my failure than I was of any watersnake. (line 22 - 23) a) Explain the underlined phrase. - sharp, critical, sarcastic; disgust, disdain, scorn, sneer b) What was the failure? - unable to ensure it remained; lose sight of it
1

[2 m]

9.

Why did the author ensure that the affair should take place in the open (line 47)? - so that it would not have chance to secure its tail on anything as anchor for it to contort itself and thereby strangle author

[1 m]

10.

Hold it! (line 57) a) What did Bee-Mason want of the author? - keep still b) From the authors reply By the neck, I thought perhaps youd noticed. (line 58), what do you think he was trying to tell Bee-Mason? - that he was already doing his best, struggling; even in some danger, holding it so near its fangs

[2 m]

11.

The unwilling actor (line 63) was _______________ - the snake

[1 m]

12.

a) gingerly - cautiously, apprehensively b) hostile - unfriendly, menacing, threatening c) dim - faint, vaguely remembered d) gallantly bravely e) liberty freedom f) sluggish - slow moving, lethargic g) short of wind - without sufficient air/breath h) strenuous -having to exert great strength, demanding physically effort i) malice - spite, grudge

[9 m]