Unit 2 Test Practice Grade 7
Pearson iLower Secondary
Pearson iLower Secondary
After a challenging jungle trek in West Africa, we arrived at a small cave which was known for snake sightings. Our crew was led by a local ranger, Zari, and two snake handlers. My reptile-loving companion and avid wildlife photographer, Bob, had formed a unique bond with Zari, who had shared some interesting findings about pythons. They had promised us an adventure of a lifetime in seeking out a wild python in a cave. Without second thoughts, we hurriedly headed for the cave.
"Snake's inside. They spotted it this morning," said Zari, pointing to the snake handlers. Bob clapped his hands in delight, much to everyone's amusement. He was the first to volunteer to lead the way. Both of us got down on our stomachs and squeezed our way into the cave, trying to spot the python. Surrounded by darkness, my initial excitement turned to regret. With hardly any room to move, the inevitable danger of encountering a menacing python made my heart race. Bob directed his torch beam down the narrow passage to reveal a massive python, coiled up tight, just two metres ahead. I felt a surge of cowardice wash over me as ferocious hisses echoed. We crawled out quickly into the sunlight again and sat up.
Moments later, Bob was squealing with joy as he experimented with his camera. I was about to suggest consulting the locals for help when Bob spotted one of the handlers making a noose out of thick rope. "We need to get that around its neck, then pull and drag it out!" suggested Bob as he impatiently pulled me up. I doubted it could work, but kept it to myself. I fought to compose myself as I watched Bob behave like an eager child. As Bob skipped around playfully, I clenched my jaw, resisting the urge to yell.
More doubts started to creep in as I assessed the risks. I warned Bob about the dangers of getting entangled with the python within the cramped cave. Determined to prioritise our safety, I insisted that Bob and I wear thick, layered clothing to shield ourselves from potentially getting bitten. Despite these precautions, a nagging sense of worry lingered. Concerned about our well-being, I emphasised the python's strength and unpredictable nature, stating, "Do you really think you'll get a chance to noose it?"
Immediately, one of the snake handlers produced an extendable pole with a grabber tool at one end, while the other tested the resistance of the knot.
"This will work. We've got to try, right?" Bob asked. He patted my shoulder, adding, "Don't worry, I understand how snakes react. This knowledge will come in handy for sure!"
I sighed in resignation, as I knew Bob was not going to give up the prospect of photographing and getting close to the snake. Zari gave us some instructions on how to assist in capturing the snake. Suddenly, the air buzzed with anticipation.
Bob and I crawled into the cave together, wedged shoulder to shoulder. While shone the torch down the tunnel, Bob slowly inched the pole over the top coil of the python and then yanked with all his strength. To our amazement, the entire bulk of the snake slid down the cave towards us without resistance! My mind grappled with confusion as I had anticipated a fierce struggle as Bob shuffled backwards and pulled. I watched in awe as Bob skilfully manoeuvred the noose over its head in the tight confines of the cave. Soon, the snake hissed madly as it tried to free itself.
"Quick! Pull the rope!" I roared as Bob appeared at the cave mouth. As he stepped back to drag the snake out, he slipped on a loose rock. The pole slipped from his grasp as he tumbled backwards. Within seconds, the python slithered back into the cave, leaving us speechless!
Adapted from "A Zoo in My Luggage" by Gerald Durrell
Pick out a four-word phrase from the first paragraph that tells us that the narrator was in for an unforgettable experience.
Explain clearly why the narrator said that there was "inevitable danger" as they entered the cave.
Which two of the following words best describe Bob's character in paragraph 2? Put a tick (✓) in the box beside each of your answers.
DO NOT TICK MORE THAN TWO BOXES.
From paragraph 3, the narrator compares Bob to 'an eager child' . What actions led the narrator to think so?
Look at the table below. What do the words in the left column refer to in the passage? Write your answers in the column on the right.
Word(s) from the passage | What the word(s) refer(s) to |
|---|---|
they (Para. 2) | |
that (Para. 3) | |
This knowledge (Para. 6) |
Write 1, 2 and 3 in the blanks below to indicate the order in which the events occurred in the story.
1. Bob slipped and lost his grasp of the pole.
2. Bob succeeded in putting a noose over the python's head.
3. Bob was excited to explore the cave.
Based on the story, state whether each statement in the table below is true or false.
The narrator visited the cave alone with Bob.
Based on the story, state whether each statement in the table below is true or false.
The narrator and Bob could get into the cave easily.
Based on the story, state whether each statement in the table below is true or false.
The python resisted being caught after the noose was put over its head.
Based on the information from paragraph 4, fill in the blanks in the following table.
How the narrator felt | Why the narrator felt this way | What the narrator did as a result |
|---|---|---|
The narrator studied the risks. | The narrator warned Bob about the dangers of getting entangled with the python. | |
determined | The narrator wanted to prioritise their safety. |
Explain why the narrator thought that Bob would not be able to noose the python.
Select one word that best describes how the narrator first felt when the bulk of the snake slid down the cave in paragraph 8.
Do not choose more than one!