Once A Week Comprehension Book 4 Answers · PDF fileOnce a Week Comprehension Book 4 Answers. ... the night. 8 They were taken ... c – Country people might live in a log cabin,

Once a Week Comprehension Book 4 Answers


Test 1

A 1 The words ‘creeping round the door-curtain’ suggest that the grey winter light was a living thing.

2 It was early morning. 3 We know this because we are told that Chris climbed out of the shelter and

watched the milkman before going round to the kitchen door. 4 He looked round carefully to make sure it was safe for him to return to the

house. 5 His progress was slow. He may have ‘meandered’ or ‘wandered’. 6 The kitchen smelt safe because of the bread frying, and it was warm with the

paraffin heater lit by his mother. 7 The extra bottles showed that some families to whom the milkman usually

delivered milk no longer needed it, for their homes had been bombed during the night.

8 They were taken to the shelter because they were important items, which could have been destroyed if the house was bombed.

9 There were two more panes of glass out of the window and the gaps had been covered with cardboard from a Nestle’s box.

10 There was a door-curtain to prevent the light from the shelter being seen outside.

11 The Hazards of War

B 1 The boxer was renowned for his strength. 2 I am sure that you will have sympathy for me. 3 Finally he was proclaimed the victor. 4 The Flying Fortress was a giant amongst bombers.

C 1 He listened attentively to the discussion. 2 The thief went to work stealthily. 3 He slept soundly the whole night through. 4 He complained bitterly about his misfortune. 5 So that the crowd might hear, he spoke distinctly.

D 1 A stonemason makes carvings in stone. 2 An architect plans houses, churches, schools, etc. 3 An explorer seeks new countries, rivers and mountains.

E unimportant, disadvantage, immortal, incorrect, invisible, unselfish, disconnect, impractical

© Pearson Education Limited 2009


Test 2

A 1 The old man had gone without a catch for eighty-four days. 2 The fishermen were pleased with the three fish because they showed that it

was the old man’s lack of good fortune, not a shortage of fish that had caused the bad times. As they were good fish, the men would enjoy a good meal.

3 ‘The boy’s parents had told him that the old man was now definitely and finally salao ...and the boy had gone at their orders in another boat.’

4 The boy was sad because he continued to see the old man returning home each day with no fish.

5 He showed he had not forgotten the old man by going down to help him carry his fishing equipment at the end of each day.

6 We know the sail was very old because it was patched with flour sacks. 7 The old man was ‘thin and gaunt’ and he had ‘deep wrinkles on the back of his

neck.’ 8 ‘it looked like a flag of permanent defeat’ haggard - ‘thin and gaunt’ 9 The old man was completely and utterly out of luck. (There are other

possibilities.) 10 a – unfortunate b – ill-starred c – disastrous

B 1 a - Native Americans might live on a reservation. b –Campers and Scouts might live in a bunkhouse. c – Country people might live in a log cabin, particularly in areas where wood is

plentiful. d – A prisoner would live in a cell.

2 a - the Pope b – the President of the USA c – the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom d – the Queen or King of the United Kingdom

C The way to the goal was open. The winger sprinted along. He reached the line and crossed the ball. The defenders were taken by surprise. The centre-forward leaped back, and nodded the ball into the back of the net. The scores were even. Hundreds of hats and scarves were waved in the air. Shouts of joy echoed round the ground.

D 1 Policeman is to thief as gamekeeper is to poacher. 2 New is to old as modern is to ancient or old-fashioned or out-of-date or

antique. 3 Hyde Park is to London as Central Park is to New York. 4 House is to bedroom as ship is to cabin.

E 1 Mary arrived early, June arrived earlier, and Jill the earliest. 2 His conduct was gracious, his brother’s more gracious, his sister’s most

gracious. 3 I will give you some, you more, and you most of the sweets. 4 Jack ran far, Tom ran further, Ben ran furthest along the road.



Test 3

A 1 The assassination took place on the steps of the Capitol in Rome. 2 The word ‘friends’ is in inverted commas because, in assassinating their leader,

the murderers were not the true friends they had pretended to be. 3 The ‘friends’ named in the story are Brutus, Cassius and Casca. Caesar’s true

friend was Marc Antony. 4 Some of the plotters were jealous of Caesar’s success as a general. Others

were worried that he would accept the crown of Rome and become king. 5 The killers showed the crowd their blood-stained daggers. 6 The killers did not use guns because they had not yet been invented. They used

daggers because they were easier to hide than larger weapons. With blood- stained daggers, the killers could also clearly demonstrate the reality of Caesar’s death to the crowd.

7 We know this because Caesar had been offered the crown of Rome. 8 a – assassinated, stabbed ... to death b – senators c – jealous d – failed to do e – was short-lived f – mob g – again and again 9 With friends like these, who needs enemies?

B 1 Where are you? We’re at Uncle Arthur’s looking after the girls’ coats. 2 The children’s dog slept in their aunt’s house. 3 The lady’s painting was taller than the man’s. 4 The ladies’ sculptures were smaller than the mens’. 5 The boys’ bicycle was faster than the girls’. 6 England’s goal was due to the team’s efforts.

C 1 Jim asked, “What is the first lesson of the day?” 2 The accused man cried out, “I’m not guilty!” 3 The captain asked Tommy, “Are you playing in the next game?” or “Will you be playing...?” 4 Emma suddenly shouted, “I have to be home early this evening!”

D 1 Pros and cons 4 Alpha and Omega 2 Yea and nay 5 Bricks and mortar 3 Crime and punishment 6 Humming and hawing

E 1 KNIFE 2 KNIGHT 3 KNAPSACK 4 KNUCKLES 5 KNOLL 6 KNELL or KNOCK



Test 4

A 1 b - The feast hall was made of timber. 2 They were lined with spruce boughs to make the log shed look like a forest glade. 3 Resinous pine branches provided the light for the feast. They were used

because they were readily available, and the resin burned well and smelt pleasant.

4 ‘flickering’ 5 There were shipmen and villagers at the feast. The villagers were the hosts and

the shipmen, the guests. 6 The fireplace was in the middle of the hall and the chimney was a hole high up

in the roof. 7 b – the hall was filled with smoke 8 The wind played a great part in the atmosphere because it was rough and

everyone was happy to have good company, warmth, food and shelter. 9 We know this because we are told that ‘no one minded’ as they enthused about

the adventure ahead of them. 10 c – because a voyage was soon to begin 11 Resinous pine-boughs burned in iron wall sockets, mead, corn-wine, wooden

platters, barley bread, suckling pigs, the fire in the middle of the hall, chimney-hole

B Sammy Smith would drink and eat from morning until night, He filled his mouth so full of meat it was a horrid sight. Indeed he ate and drank so fast, and used to stuff and cram, The name they called him by at last was Greedy, Greedy Sam.

C 1 TRICK 2 CROWN TRICE BROWN TRACE BRAWN

D 1 The band is playing a lively tune, which I like very much. 2 I am able to do what you are able to do. 3 I have with me the witness on whose word you can rely. 4 The player who scored the winning goal seemed inspired.

E 1 LAUGHABLE 2 EDIBLE 3 REACHABLE 4 LEGIBLE



Test 5

A 1 b – they told the soldiers that fighting was over for the night. 2 The enemy had overpowered the soldiers. 3 The fires had been lit to keep wolves away from the dead soldiers. The fires

might also have been lit to keep the soldiers warm during the night and maybe to cook food.

4 He dreamed he had left the battlefield and wandered a long way along a desolate track, enjoying the Autumn sunshine as he finally arrived in his welcoming homeland.

5 The stars so high in the sky would seem to have a good view and would appear to be keeping watch, like guards, over the whole troop.

6 We know because the soldier says he roamed ‘far, far...to the home of his fathers.’

7 c – he had had enough of the whole wretched business of war 8 a – the night-cloud had lowered b – overpowered, weary

c – thousands d – pallet of straw e – faggot f – the dead of night

9 I think it is a war of a few centuries ago in a foreign country. The life of the soldier in battle was obviously frugal and primitive. It lacked any help or comfort, such as shelter, protection, adequate warmth, and medical aid. The soldier dreamed of returning a long way to his homeland, so must have been in a foreign country. The phrases used are not typical of a soldier of Ancient Greece or Rome.

B 1 celebrity – star 2 showy – colourful 3 frustration – friction 4 tranquil – peaceful

C 1 Every day thousands of London passengers travel from Piccadilly Circus to Knightsbridge, from Oxford Circus to Marble Arch. They are carried by London Transport, by bus or by underground. Others make for The Tower, St Paul’s, Westminster Abbey or Hyde Park.

D 1 freshwater fish 2 highway or road signs 3 chemical elements or metals 4 places of worship

E 1 BRAZIL 2 NORWAY 3 POLAND 4 SWEDEN 5 GREECE 6 CANADA



Test 6

A 1 The boy’s first thoughts were that his uncle, normally a gloomy man who scorned tree-climbing unless for a useful purpose, was playing a joke on him.

2 It took place about midnight. 3 The boy describes it as being a big, branching tree with a thick trunk. 4 We know this because we are told the tree was near the house. 5 The words ‘it used to stand there’ tell us that the tree no longer exists. 6 The stars had disappeared from view because the sky was covered with clouds. 7 a – an odd time b – a gloomy man 8 a – Get a move on! c – Start shinning up! f – Don’t ask why! 9 matter-of-fact, unimaginative, practical

B 1 branch 2 voluntary or uncommitted (‘Uncommitted’ can be a negative description,

implying an unwillingness to commit oneself to a task. It can also mean that one is not bound by any promise or contract – therefore ready to respond.)

3 prompt 4 well-defined

C 1 This is an order. Write an essay in an hour’s time. 2 I saw it in a daily paper, not an evening paper, nor a weekly. 3 Would you prefer an unpaid job, or one with a wage? 4 He made an offensive remark to an ambassador.

D 1 Fair exchange is no robbery. 2 Faint heart never won fair lady. 3 Half a loaf is better than none. 4 Make hay while the sun shines.

E 1 hamlet, village, town, city, metropolis 2 solo, duo, trio, quartette, quintette 3 semiquaver, quaver, crotchet, minim, semibreve

4 town, borough, county, country, continent



Test 7

A 1 c – in a prison cell 2 c – make his escape 3 The iron things were clamps, which attached the bed to the wall. 4 He couldn’t remove the clamps because he didn’t have a screwdriver to

take them off the wall. 5 He broke the jug by dropping it on the floor, then hid three of the sharpest

fragments in his bed to use later. 6 The gaoler didn’t suspect Dantes because he thought the broken jug was just a

natural accident, something that could easily happen. 7 c – he did not care to trouble himself 8 ‘pieces’ and ‘fragments’ 9 a – he had too often assured himself b – (he) had but one resource

c – to excite suspicion d – departed

B 1 fork – prongs 2 trio – three 3 cycle – wheels 4 ship – keel

C 1 The orchestra filed on to the stage. 2 The visiting fifteen was captained by an Argentinian or The fifteen, captained

by an Argentinian, was visiting. 3 With a shout of triumph, Jim bounded from his cell or Jim bounded from his

cell with a shout of triumph. 4 That song has been Top of the Pops for ages.

D 1 MARGIN 2 MARIGOLD 3 MARSUPIAL 4 MARTIAN 5 MARTYR

E 1 punch 2 stone 3 common 4 grate



Test 8

A 1 The meeting was taking place in the main hall of the House of Ocelot.

2 The purpose of the meeting was to encourage the men to take up arms in the new campaign of war.

3 Asamodo, Commander of the Royal Guard, was in charge of the meeting.

4 We know this because the passage tells us that he was ‘a veteran of many battles’ and that he had scars to prove it.

5 The youngest members were standing at the back of the hall.

6 We know it was a kingdom because the men were called upon to take up arms ‘in the name of the King’.

7 We know his words were well received because the men rose to their feet with loud and enthusiastic shouts of approval.

8 a – senior officers b – veteran c – There was a tense, expectant silence. d – proclaimed e – to take up arms f – rose to their feet

g – a shout of acclamation h – with all the force of his lungs

9 a – Everyone agreed with Asamodo. No one disagreed or dissented or objected. (There are other possible answers.)

b - The proposal was carried unanimously. Everyone voted for it.

B 1 The victory was wholly due to you.

2 Like lightning he struck again.

3 Until the whistle blew he remained stationary.

4 What right have you to judge me?

C mother – smother choir – higher guilt – quilt muff – rough quay – flea plough – cow pretty – witty alarms – calms

D 1 excitable – impetuous 2 entire – complete 3 superior – supreme 4 agreement – concord 5 increase – extend 6 order – uniformity

E The glories of our blood and state Are shadows, not substantial things. There is no armour against fate, Death lays his icy hand on kings. Sceptre and crown must tumble down, And in the dust be equal made, With the poor crooked scythe and spade.



Test 9

A 1 The four girls were called Beth, Meg, Amy and Jo. 2 The family stopped work and sang together before they went to bed every night. 3 Beth was the best piano player. 4 c – the ivory from which they were made had grown yellow with age 5 Meg’s voice was likened to a flute. 6 They meant ‘Twinkle, twinkle little star’. 7 Beth was playing a musical backing, the tune or a harmony, on the piano as the

others sang the words of the songs. 8 a – chirped b – her own sweet will c – a household custom

d – a lullaby 9 b – If Music be the Food of Love, play on. (Although the other two may also be

accepted, providing the student can justify their reason!) 10 Crotchets and quavers are musical notes denoting time. 11 loving, harmonious, musical, tender

B The call of the trumpet was followed by the crack of a rifle and the reverberation of an explosion. An aeroplane thundered or roared overhead and the teacups rattled. The boring voice ceased to drone, the front door creaked and the hoot of a motor-horn meant that the spies were departing.

N.B. Other sound-words are possible.

C 1 guilty secret unseen danger pleasant surprise practical joke careful preparation harmonious voices

2 passing fancy unfinished business false modesty old-world courtesy unanswered correspondence

D a – on the telephone b – at a rocket launch c – at an airport or border customs checkpoint d – from a ship or aircraft that is in distress e – on a tennis court

E 1 b – await patiently a suitable time 2 c – dismiss someone quickly and firmly 3 b – to deal with something boldly and speedily



Test 10

A 1 The meeting took place on the quayside. 2 b – by waving his hand 3 The parrot is described as gaudy because it was very brightly coloured. 4 To become the sailor’s messmate, he would have to leave home, his family,

and other landlubbers and sign on as a sailor in the ship. 5 ‘Devil-may-care’ means reckless or audacious. 6 a – landsman b – lubber 7 ‘Sign on in my lugger’ means something like ‘Commit yourself to work as a

sailor in my ship.’ 8 He might have said, “Go out to sea.” or maybe, “Run away to sea.” 9 bragging, blowing his own trumpet, saucy, spruce, handsome, bewhiskered

B 1 continue to feud (The others are terms of friendship.) 2 cudgel (The others are sharp weapons.) 3 Braille (The others are spoken languages.) 4 theodolite (The others are used for medical purposes.) 5 promontory (The others are areas separated from the land by water.) 6 angle (The others are curved 2D shapes.)

C 1 Fir is to oak as evergreen is to deciduous. 2 Golf is to course as ice-skating id to rink. 3 Either is to or as neither is to nor. 4 Beijing is to China as Belgrade is to Serbia. 5 Shakespeare is to drama as Beethoven is to music.

D 1 LIZARD 2 ZEBRA 3 PUZZLE 4 ZENITH 5 MUZZLE

E Algebra, Art, Biology, Chemistry, Citizenship, Design Technology, English, Geography, History, Mathematics, Physical Education, Physics



Test 11

A 1 We know it was on the outskirts of town because it was the last splash of light before the town petered out into moorland.

2 A neon sign is an illuminated sign. It glows when electricity is passed through the neon and sometimes ‘splutters’. The sign was advertising dances at the Roxy six days a week.

3 c – because the people in them were stand-offish and unneighbourly. 4 b – to find a girl 5 The main occupation of the onlookers seemed to be attracting the attention of

the girls. 6 The girls were waiting for their escorts to come and pay their entrance fee. 7 The advertisements for the pies were printed on the outside of the bags, so

that other people could see them. 8 He was trying to dodge a girl called Rita. 9 a - promenaded up and down b – escorts c – amenity d – warily 10 high-spirited, sleazy, unkempt, rowdy, quarrelsome 11 “Hiya, Mavis, I haven’t seen you for ages. How are you?” “’Lo Billy, I’m fine, thanks. Are you going into the dance?” (There are many other possibilities!)

B 1 Winnie the Pooh and Christopher Robin 2 Romeo and Juliet 3 Tweedledum and Tweedledee 4 Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson 5 Antony and Cleopatra 6 Robin Hood and Little John 7 Peter Pan and Wendy 8 Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde

C 3 The haunting footsteps came nearer and nearer. 1 They stopped outside Bill’s bedroom door. 5 Slowly, very slowly, the handle turned. 2 A shapeless creature entered the room. 4 Bill flung the pillow at it and fled.

D 1 The postmistress never saw her niece’s granddaughter. 2 The Girl Guides gave a duck to the schoolgirls to keep as a pet. 3 The Duchess of Ruritania may never be queen, but her auntie might. 4 The natives thought the giantess was a goddess.

E 1 “Oh to be in England now that April’s there,” said the poet. 2 The Mediterranean is well worth visiting in the winter. 3 “We are about to start,” said the guard. “Take your seats please!” 4 “You are going the wrong way,” she snapped. “This is the road to Paris!”



Test 12

A 1 Mount Everest was climbed in June 1953. 2 Everest is situated in the Himalayan Mountains of northern India. 3 It is called ‘the Roof of the World’ because it is the highest mountain on earth. 4 It seemed to be challenging climbers, inadequate though they were for the

task, to reach its summit. 5 The perils mountaineers faced were avalanches, blizzards, extreme cold and

hunger. 6 Edmund Hilary and John Hunt led the expedition. 7 Hillary and Tensing Norgay were the first to reach the summit. 8 a – mortals b – devoted c – reigned supreme d – I challenge you! 9 In recognition of their achievement, the Queen bestowed the special honour of

knighthood on the two men, entitling them to be called Sir. 10 courageous, valiant, brave, indomitable 11 ON TOP OF THE WORLD - EVEREST CONQUERED BY HUNT, HILLARY AND

TENSING. (Many other ideas will be equally acceptable.)

B 1 I didn’t do so badly after all. 2 You are as much to blame as he. 3 He chose the largest of the three cakes. 4 Look after your pets as I do.

C 1 He was well known in the neighbourhood. 2 Mr Higgs is a centenarian. 3 Do the job efficiently. 4 He is always optimistic. His friend is pessimistic. 5 His business is cartography.

D 1 That land is fertile, but the next field is barren. 2 Tom’s evidence was factual, but Jim’s was anecdotal. 3 The customers were of two classes, satisfied and dissatisfied. 4 Old Jan was a miser. Next to him lived a spendthrift.

E 1 He lost his spectacles in the gymnasium whilst looking for a magazine, but all ended okay.

2 He was at home at 10 post meridiem after seeing the science-fiction film about Unidentified Flying Objects.

3 Close Circuit Television footage confirmed that the Motor Vehicle Accident had taken place shortly after 3 ante meridiem Greenwich Mean Time.

4 The World Wildlife Fund, International Monetary Fund and United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organisation are all well-known organisations.



Test 13

A 1 The garden was divided into three parts, the terrace and the gravelled garden being nearest to the house.

2 The blue door led to the river bank. 3 The wilderness was probably a less formal part of the garden, wilder than the

rest with old paths and statues, and perhaps rambling plants. It was maybe an area where people could experience isolation for a while.

4 The trees were ‘old, twisted, covered in lichen and moss’. 5 It wasn’t necessary to pick the fruit at times because it just fell off the trees

into one’s hands. 6 b – plants called box-trees 7 The orchard seemed immense because, even without counting the other fruit

trees, there were seven rows of greengage trees. 8 c – the sun could not reach that area of grass to evaporate the dew. 9 sweet, juicy, luscious 10 A blue door in the wall separated the orchard from the river. 11 Greengages and plums sometimes have a slightly powdery covering which, when

combined with moisture in a shady place, gives the fruit an attractive glow.

B 1 Galaxy 2 Anthology 3 Canteen 4 Ream

C 1 The brooches were in the women’s studios. 2 The Members of Parliament sat in the libraries. 3 Our sisters-in-law liked the scarves. 4 Some spoonfuls of those jellies for us, please.

D 1 He is going to emigrate to Britain. 2 The man was hard to satisfy. 3 He imagines that he is safely home. 4 I demand that you obey me.

E 1 philatelist 2 numismatist 3 campanologist 4 palmist 5 astrologist 6 manicurist



Test 14

A 1 The purpose of the expedition was to find the treasure. 2 Jim Hawkins was unable to escape because he was tied, with a rope round his

waist, to Long John Silver. 3 The party carried shovels, picks, meat, bread and brandy with them. 4 It was to be eaten at mid-day. 5 The first mark was the tall tree, which was on the slopes, or perhaps at the

top, of Spyglass Hill. 6 N. of NNE is halfway between North and North North-East. (A mariner’s

compass couldn’t give more precise information, such as degrees, at that time.) 7 The party broke into a run, attracted by the shouts of the men who had gone on

ahead and found the skeleton. 8 b – he was not afraid to go near to the skeleton. 9 a – armed to the teeth b – a strange crowd 10 It was probably called Spyglass Hill because, using a telescope, it would be a

good look-out point.

B 1 c – as alike as two peas 2 c – as drunk as a lord 3 a – as safe as houses 4 b – as old as the hills 5 b – as light as a feather

C blackberry housewife suitcase postcard dishcloth headmaster

D 1 As time passed by he sang many a song. 2 She brought fame to her town last year. 3 They knelt in prayer yesterday at the service. 4 He ran a good race and came first.

E 1 He lost a valuable cargo. 2 He built up a thriving business. 3 She had an attractive personality. 4 Unless you give a satisfactory reason, I shall sue you.



Test 15

A 1 The speaker describes it as ‘a quiet and dusty’ room. 2 biding their time, slumbering, carrying on their work, indestructible, looking to

the future, stored temporarily 3 A ‘dale of hawthorns’ means a valley of hawthorn bushes, which would emerge

from the seeds of the wizened brown berry. 4 The cedar might last a century, a hundred years. 5 When she says she can blow a garden, she means that her breath could scatter

the tiny, lightweight seeds far and wide, where they would settle and grow into a garden.

6 The room is safe and simple because it has just the right conditions for seeds, a dry, draught- free area without any unnecessary clutter which might cause their premature dispersal.

7 This means that in the summer the lilies would bloom gloriously in the poet’s garden.

8 reflective, sad

B 1 You are in danger of destruction. 2 Each dawn his awakening was troubled and noisy. 3 Your behaviour will lead to your ruination or ruin. 4 That was a marvellous speech you delivered. 5 Misbehaviour will lead to punishment.

C 1 We got up at dawn, ate some apples and then went to our private rooms. 2 The managers knew them better than they knew themselves. 3 Our step-daughters were maids-of honour to some queens. 4 Some flights of swallows and schools of porpoises accompanied the men-of-

war.

D 1 The White Rabbit in ‘Alice in Wonderland’ 2 The motto of Athos, Porthos and Aramis in ‘TheThree Muskateers’ 3 Sinbad 4 Willy Wonka in ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’

E 1 Switzerland Swiss German, French and Italian 2 Wales Welsh Welsh or English 3 Poland Poles Polish 4 Denmark Danes Danish 5 Spain Spaniards Spanish



Test 16

A 1 c – a warning that suddenly appeared on the screen 2 c – it made him unable to believe what was happening 3 The Security Officer’s name was Tony Verdersaki. 4 Yasko, a Japanese operator, was in charge of the computer. 5 b – that they were going off in another direction 6 The space ship had been on an even course for three years. 7 The three words were, “We’re changing course!” 8 The digits 0.01 ̊, 0.02̊, 0.03 ̊, 0.04̊ ... on the computer showed the progress of

events. 9 crew - Command Centre personnel numbers – digits

pulled himself together – stirred himself into action hurriedly – urgently The point where earth and sky seemed to meet – the horizon

B 1 The class formed a choral society. 2 As the spade struck the soil there was a metallic ring. 3 What a melodious tone the singer produced. 4 All around him were shadowy forms.

C 1 The kite soared above the rooftops. 2 Will you fight for me or against me? 3 After the ball was over, the princess hurried home. 4 They are saying unkind things about me.

D 1 They understood quite well his point of view. 2 He strode into the arena, sword in hand, and laughed aloud. 3 All the children taught one another. 4 He forsook his comrades and fled.

E 1 linen (They are all natural fibres – the others are man-made) 2 bassoon (They are all woodwind instruments – the others are brass.) 3 leopard (They are all animals in the cat family.) 4 teacher (They all impart knowledge, skills or wisdom.)



Test 17

A 1 The hero of the story was David, and his enemy was Goliath. 2 The hero carried only a sling and five smooth stones. 3 Goliath was a Philistine. 4 a purse 5 Goliath thought that David, being so young and armed only with weapons he

would use in his everyday work as a shepherd, was making fun of him, the great intimidating giant of the Philistine army.

6 Goliath boasted that he would feed David’s flesh to the wild birds and animals. 7 David used just one stone. 8 We know Goliath was merely stunned because the passage then tells us that

David took the giant’s own sword to kill and behead him. 9 stick or pole – staff approached – came on unto

looked with scorn – disdained From the bag – thence struck – smote

10 David: little, youthful, resourceful, triumphant, victorious Goliath: massive, boastful, vanquished, over-confident, threatening, conquered

B 1 owlet 3 foal 5 elver 2 eaglet 4 cygnet 6 cub

C 1 Peter’s work is bad, Paul’s work is worse, but Percy’s is the worst. 2 Today Peter’s work is good, Paul’s work is better, but Percy’s is the best. 3 Peter won many marks, Paul won more, but Percy won the most. 4 Peter’s work was careful. Paul’s work was more careful, but Percy’s was the most careful. 5 Monday was a beautiful day, Tuesday was more beautiful, but Wednesday was

the most beautiful.

D 1 Your school uniform is different from mine. 2 Why is it you always have the bigger of the two apples? 3 Neither Joe nor Jill would confess. 4 You have taught him some useful things. 5 Each of the boys had his chance.

E 1 vegetarian 2 ostracised or excluded 3 amphibian 4 colonel 5 annual



Test 18

A 1 a – it was not as he usually saw it 2 He used this phrase because the little orange flames on the hillside closely

resembled cockscombs fluttering in a breeze. 3 The fields were yellower than usual because the straw that had been used

around the fruiting strawberry plants was very dry after months without rain. The brilliant sunlight would further enhance the colour in the fields.

4 b – it was the quickest way of clearing them 5 The fields beyond were black because they had already been burnt. 6 The words that show he was very fond of his surroundings are ‘his beloved little

valley’. 7 Pop Larkin’s suit was biscuit coloured, probably beige or fawn. 8 She had said, “Everything’ll burn off soon if we don’t get rain, me included.” 9 neatly dressed – spruce saucy – perky devouring – consuming narrow lanes – alleys floated – drifted bone-dry – parched 10 unusual, exceptional, unprecedented, fantastic

B 1 Black and white 4 Curds and whey 2 Horse and groom 5 Please and thank-you 3 Lean and hungry 6 Hide and seek

C 1 QUOIT 2 QUEEN 3 QUADRUPED 4 QUOTE 5 QUARREL

D 1 The lynx escaped from the zoo. 2 Hold the reins tightly, Janet! 3 Go peddle your wares in the next street. 4 The parson told the sexton and the sexton tolled the bell.

E The roads even within twelve miles of London were at that time ill-paved, seldom repaired and very badly made up. The path the riders followed had been ploughed-up by the wheels of heavy wagons and rendered rotten by the frosts and thaws of the winter. Deep holes and ruts were worn into the soil.



Test 19

A 1 Sinbad was a merchant seaman, buying, selling and exchanging goods. 2 b – they anchored the ship to the sea bottom 3 We know this because we are told he ‘journeyed many days’. 4 ‘very beautiful’ 5 The passengers lit fires, cooked and washed. Some began to eat, drink and

enjoy themselves while others explored the ‘island’. 6 The ‘island’ was really a huge whale floating in the ocean. 7 The sand had settled on the whale’s back and trees had seeded themselves

there. 8 The heat of the fires awakened the whale! 9 goods – merchandise made plans – made preparations

as quickly as you can – speedily loss of control – panic hopelessly - desperately

10 Buying and selling requires goods to be exchanged for money. Exchanging involves goods being exchanged for other goods.

B 1 The school or college register 2 A catalogue 3 A telephone directory 4 A dictionary 5 An atlas 6 A biography or autobiography 7 The log book 8 A diary

C 1 The water froze in the extreme cold. 2 The master overheard the gossip. 3 He bore his heavy burden and slept soundly. 4 The spiders came early and spun their webs. 5 He bade me be of good courage.

D 1 You shouldn’t expect kindness in a thieves’ kitchen. 2 Where there’s a will there’s relations. 3 The King’s Secretary’s bag was lost. 4 The oak trees’ boughs were stout, but the fir tree’s boughs were slim. 5 The babies’ prams were new but one baby’s bottle was empty.

E 1 “Stand and deliver!” roared the highwayman. 2 “The Prime Minister has come home with good news!” the broadcaster announced. 3 The man asked, “Will you dance the polka with me?” 4 “Come into the garden Maud,” sang the poet.



Test 20

A 1 We are told that he ‘had known no change’. 2 The Indian was wandering along a sunlit beach gathering shells. 3 b – great surprise 4 The ‘huge canoes’ were really sailing ships, but the Indian knew of only one

type of boat, a canoe, that could move on the sea. He had to use his own limited experience to try and describe the ships.

5 The magic was the wind in the sails of the ship, enabling it to move without any oars.

6 They were the sails and the flags on the ship. 7 The caravels were small, light sailing ships used in expeditions. The captain of

the voyage was Columbus. 8 The ‘doom’ was people from another culture, with their noise, aggression and

material goods, threatening the peace and security the Indian had always known and loved.

9 wandered – strayed a mixture of noises – commingled noise swelling – bellying move at an angle – slant

B 1 WIRE 2 POLE HIRE PALE HARE GALE

C 1 c – scold or punish 2 a – to lead the way 3 b – escape by running

D Alice in Wonderland, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, King Solomon’s Mines, Little Women, National Velvet, Robinson Crusoe, The Railway Children, Tom Sawyer, Watership Down, What Katy Did

E 1 Greenhouse is to plants as incubator is to eggs. 2 Lawnmower is to grass as sandpaper is to wood. 3 Grimm is to fairy-tales as Aesop is to fables.



Test 21

A 1 c – because they were against the rules 2 The hidden places were in the gorse bushes on a hill behind the College, and

they were made by carving out the middle of the prickly bushes so that there was a space to sit.

3 Stalky, M’turk and Beetle occupied the hut in the story. 4 They smoked in the lair. 5 We know this because the passage tells us that there was nothing at all in the

boys’ characters that commanded the respect of Mr Prout, nor did Foxy trust them. This mistrust triggered a regular inspection of the grounds.

6 A hawk hovers over its prey, then swoops down on it. Foxy employed a similar technique as he toured the grounds of the school, creeping up in his tennis shoes and surprising the disobedient boys.

7 c – he had studied the boys’ habits 8 dens – lairs quiet thinking – meditation crafty - subtle

good luck – Providence footprints - track 9 Rudyard Kipling wrote most of his books towards the end of the 19th Century.

The language used, and the brief insight into the lives of the boys and staff at the College further suggest this story was probably written around that time, when many such schools were educating the ‘elite’ in Victorian society.

10 They attended what is called in England a ‘public’ school. The boys had to pass a public entrance examination, but the parents of most boys still had to pay all their costs.

11 I think the school had a sergeant to ensure good standards of discipline and behaviour. His duty would have been to keep the boys in order, both in the school building and in the grounds. He would also be responsible for punishing any miscreants.

B A man of words and not of deeds Is like a garden full of weeds And when the weeds begin to grow

He’s like a garden full of snow And when the snow begins to fall He’s like a bird upon the wall And when the bird away does fly He’s like an eagle in the sky.

C 1 Walking quickly we descended the hill. 2 If you speak quietly or softly you are inaudible. 3 Are you sure that piano is immovable? 4 The general’s order caused the armies to retreat.

D 1 The marchioness acted like a comedienne. 2 The instructress complained to the headmistress. 3 The heiress to the throne had a number of peahens. 4 ‘Enter Mrs Jones and the baroness.’

E 4 One day a dog stole a bone. 2 He carried it away to the country. 6 As he was crossing over a bridge he saw his reflection in the water. 1 He thought it was another dog. 3 He opened his mouth to snarl.

5 The bone fell into the stream.



Test 22 A 1 The name of the Cyclops in this story was Polyphemus. 2 Odysseus and his companions were in a cave. 3 They knew that danger was approaching because they heard the tramping of

many feet and the loud bleating of sheep. 4 Polyphemus’ appearance was horrifying because he was a really enormous

monster with a huge red eye in the middle of his forehead. 5 They tried to hide in the darkest corner of the cave. 6 We know this because we are told earlier that the loud bleatings of the

approaching sheep were answered by some ewes already in the courtyard. 7 Polyphemus curdled half the milk to make cheese and he kept the other half

for drinking. 8 A very large boulder formed the door of Polyphemus’ den. 9 He carried a massive log for his fire. 10 talking together – conversing looking anxiously around – casting fearful glances female sheep – ewes ogre – monster

enormous – huge as a mountain, vast, immense (‘mighty’ could be added.) People who enter where they have no right to go – intruders

11 tremendous, gigantic, monstrous, fearsome, formidable, horrific

B Miss Ellen Gee of Kew Peerless yet hopeless maid of Kew Accomplished Ellen Gee

Never again shall I see you, Together sip our tea, For oh! the fates I know not why, Sent midst the flowers a bee, Which, venomous, stung her in the eye, So that she could not see.

C 1 botanist 2 pharmacist 3 arsonist 4 bigamist

D 1 PRATTLE becomes RATTLE 2 CLOUT becomes LOUT 3 STEAK becomes TEAK 4 TROUGH becomes ROUGH

E 1 leisure (They are all words relating to a rest from work.) 2 hunt (They all involve following something or someone.) 3 dexterity (They all show competence.) 4 confident (These adjectives convey trust or belief.)



Test 23

A 1 The men were English. 2 Forty men from the original party were no longer present. 3 The ship was called the Rose and it had been burnt in a fire. 4 They didn’t know what the river was called because they were the first

Englishmen to set foot in the jungle. The river and other features were ‘uncharted’.

5 They had travelled by canoe. 6 This means they had died in the valleys of the Andes Mountains. 7 Their beards were long and their hair was matted because they had been in the

jungle for three years and would have no razors or combs. 8 As their clothes became increasingly torn and threadbare, the men would make

readily- available materials, such as grass, reeds and animal skins, into patches to repair the garments.

9 The author probably used this word because he wanted to convey to the reader how difficult, slow and confusing the journey was for the party. The men didn’t know where they were heading and would often go off course, wandering around.

10 burnt – charred all that was left – remains where no one had before set foot – untrodden not shown on maps – uncharted those who had come through the dangers – the survivors

tanned – sun-dried

B Four rugby unions compete for the Triple Crown, England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland. France and Italy join them for the Grand Slam. England plays at Twickenham, Wales at The Millennium Stadium in Cardiff, Scotland at Murrayfield, Edinburgh, and Ireland at Landsdown Road, Dublin. France plays at Stade Colombes. Italy play at Stadio Flaminio. The All Blacks of New Zealand and The Kiwis of Australia are welcome visitors. The Pumas of Argentina and the Japanese also pay visits.

C 1 sugar – sweetness 2 spider – eight legs 3 mountain – summit 4 sombrero – brim

D 1 large cities 2 The Great Lakes of the USA 3 The colours of the rainbow 4 National flowers

E 1 “I owe you five farthings,” say the Bells of St Martin’s. 2 “Come in!” the Mayor cried, looking bigger. 3 The actor recited, ‘The Knave of Hearts he stole some tarts.’ 4 “You’ll never get away with it,” said the policeman. “I’ll be watching you!”



Test 24

A 1 The school building was a stone barn with a wooden partition to divide it into two rooms.

2 The Big Ones would be children of junior and secondary school age, up to the age of fourteen.

3 One female teacher did most of the teaching, perhaps with the assistance of a younger girl.

4 We know this because the children came not only from the village, but from isolated farms and small houses for ‘miles around’.

5 The children left school when they were fourteen years old. 6 The history lessons would deal with the ‘jumbled list of wars’. 7 unusual fertility 8 School leavers could work in a factory or in the fields. 9 b – made their daily excursions to the school 10 elderly lady – dame dull picture – dreary image

more than the grandparents had had – one up on our poor old grandparents at its highest – at its peak swear words – oaths smells – odours

11 We know this because we are told that the children brought ‘curious pies’ with them.

B 1 The ‘black sheep’ means he was the odd one out, regarded as being a disgrace or maybe embarrassing by the rest of the family.

2 March 11th as a ‘red letter day’, is an important day for George. It is a day he can look forward to and look back on with pleasure.

3 If the orders were in ‘black and white’, they were written very clearly and were easy to understand. They probably demanded an instant response without further discussion!

4 If Mr Jenkins had ‘blue blood’ in his veins, he would be a member of the aristocracy.

C 1 a - as pale as death 2 b - as green as grass 3 a - as deaf as a post 4 b - as round as a barrel

D 1 He gained a Bachelor of Science (degree), worked for the United Nations, became a Very Important Person, and retired to the United States of America.

2 From the Youth Hostels Association he moved to the Young Men’s Christian Association where his work won him an honorary Doctor of Philosophy.

3 She bought an MPEG-1 audio layer 3 player and replaced her Videocassette Recorder with a Digital Versatile Disc player.

4 The poem might have been written by Madame or Monsieur Legrand.

E 1 For aught I know he is the heir to the throne. I know that when the last monarch died it took six men to carry the bier through the royal borough.



Test 25

A 1 They lit their fires by the chalk pit. 2 b – to stop them from straying 3 We know that evening was coming on because the poem speaks of the horses

eating at dusk. We also read of ‘the last of sunset’ in the second verse. 4 The elm tree caught the golden colour of the evening sun and the glow was

reflected in the water of the pond. 5 ‘The cricketers had done, the leas all silent lay’ tell us that the match was

over. 6 The poem tells us that ‘the carrier’s clattering wheels went past and died

away.’ 7 They stole them. 8 They played mouth-organs. 9 The gypsy women smoked pipes. 10 We are told that none of them seemed to know the word ‘care’, so they were

not burdened with anxiety. 11 once again – anew the horses were having their evening meal – supped gorse – goss darkness was approaching – in the further dusk a deep, trilling sound – churr meadows – leas sat around lazily – lolled talked about this and that – gossiped

constructed toys from reeds – worked toys with piths of reeds 12 a – Rustic Joys

B 1 a caravan 2 caraway or cardamom 3 a carbine 4 a carbuncle 5 a carcass 6 a carton 7 a carp 8 a carnation 9 a carol 10 a carnivore

C 1 to beg (The others verbs involve some assertion.) 2 warder (The others are all thieves.) 3 receipt (The other words tell the buyer about the money he has to pay.) 4 indolent (The other adjectives describe a hard worker.) 5 adroit (The others describe a lack of co-ordination or skill.)

D Not, Celia, that I juster am, or better than the rest, For I would change each hour like them, were not my heart at rest,

But I am tied to very thee by every thought I have, Thy face I only care to see, thy heart I only crave.

E 1 He had no reply although he shouted many times. 2 Archie is not handsome, neither is Dennis handsome. (The last word could be

omitted.) 3 The field was packed with people who were all applauding excitedly. 4 You have tested the car that Father wants to buy for us.



Test 26

A 1 Mr Paris’ shop was in Friers Street. 2 We know this because we are told that it occupied ‘a commanding position on

the corner’. 3 One of his favourite designs was a frame with golden boys and golden grapes

clustering round the mirror. 4 The boys’ dimpled arms seemed to be inviting the passer-by to stop and look at

himself in the mirrors. 5 The light of the single candle was reflected in all the mirrors in the shop

window, giving the illusion of many more candles. 6 A dining-parlour is usually called a dining room. 7 c – they did not feel middle-aged at that time. 8 place of business – premises is very well lighted – flares out extravagantly great number of candles – platoons of candles

when one examines more carefully – on closer inspection to look at himself – contemplate himself

9 a - Mr Paris’ business sense: artistic, talented, imaginative b - The Paris family: well-to-do, refined, affluent, well-heeled 10 Someone is called an apprentice when he or she is learning a trade or skill

under the guidance of an experienced employer. 11 He scarcely had time to wash because he had arrived only a short time before

the meal.

B 1 He waited for Peter to pack his case. 2 Susan was suffering from chicken pox so she could not go. 3 The fog was so thick that the plane could not take off. 4 According to the weather forecast it should have been a lovely day. 5 The miserable old man strongly disagreed with the broadcast. 6 He said that we were all victims of a conspiracy.

C 1 TAILOR 2 DOCTOR 3 ACCOUNTANT 4 LAWYER 5 JOURNALIST

D 1 Great minds think alike. 2 The early bird catches the worm. 3 Pride goes before a fall. 4 Spare the rod and spoil the child.

E 1 a library – books 4 a reservoir - fresh water 2 a factory – manufacturing 5 an apiary - bees 3 a nursery – young children 6 a silo - grain



Test 27

A 1 The River Say formed one boundary of the Moss’s garden. 2 A hedge, a fence, or a stretch of wire-netting formed the end boundaries of the

other gardens. 3 It wasn’t a turbulent, hurrying river because it had ‘softly flowing waters’. 4 b – in case she should fall into the river and drown 5 David wasn’t forbidden because he was older and if he fell in, he would be able to swim. 6 It was ‘over-grandly named’ because no one had ever landed there. 7 Mr Moss had built it so that he could fill his watering-can from the river. 8 a: identical – like all the others b: unlike the others – out of the ordinary c: ended – stopped, brought to a stop 9 It was probably called Jubilee Row because the houses were built at the time of

a special anniversary, such as the Queen’s Silver Jubilee in 1977, or maybe the anniversary of a local event or dignitary.

10 Waters Edge, Riverside House, Waterside House, Say-no-more ... there are many other names!

B 1 wretched – miserable 2 assemble – gather 3 vigour – healthiness 4 certain – positive 5 intention – choice

C frozen - boatswain sou’wester - Leicester gaol – pale humming – coming Delhi – Nelly goal – whole

D market-gardener, sledge-hammer, engine-driver, oil-lamp, drinking-water, homesick, chicken-hearted

E illegal, irregular, disapprove, insincere, misbehave, non-essential, abnormal, unselfish, ignoble, impolite



Test 28

A 1 He was a ‘youthful private’. 2 b – in listening to the talk of other soldiers 3 The soldiers usually talked about marches and attacks. 4 c – he wanted to think things out 5 He went to his hut and lay down on his bunk. The bunk would probably be a

raised bed, looking rather like a shelf, perhaps with another bed underneath. 6 There was no real furniture, but cracker (biscuit) boxes could be used as stools,

and maybe tables, when needed. 7 A folded tent formed the roof. 8 a – at last he was going to fight 9 with close attention – with eager ears different remarks – varied comments he wanted to think – he wished to be alone with some new thoughts a difficult entrance – an intricate hole that served as a door

he could not easily believe – he was obliged to labour to make himself believe bewildered and mystified – in a little trance of astonishment

B 1 Nepal is a mountainous region. 2 Mohammed Ali had a meteoric rise to fame. 3 The weather is bringing atmospheric problems to television enthusiasts. 4 Your pupil is an arithmetical genius. 5 I don’t think you’ll find a comfortable chair here! 6 The camera was very expensive because it had a telescopic lens.

C 1 CHELSEA 2 NORWICH 3 WATFORD 4 EVERTON 5 PRESTON 6 FULHAM

D 1 She reached the State Registered Nurse grade, became a superintendent and moved away from the United Kingdom.

2 The Post Script in the letter said that the Professor was a Doctor of Philosophy.

3 The British Broadcasting Corporation reported that the meeting was attended by representatives of (The) United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund and (The) World Health Organisation.

E 2 A quarter-past-one bell now struck. 4 It began tolling for dinner. 3 They went into the hall and took their places. 5 Tom saw for the first time his future schoolfellows. 1 In they came from football or long walks.

6 They brought with them pickles and sauce bottles.



Test 29

A 1 Elizabeth 1 reigned for forty five years. Most of her reign was in the sixteenth century. 2 Spain threatened England during her reign. 3 Drake and Raleigh were heroes who explored newly-discovered parts of the

world. They returned to England with wonderful stories, tobacco and new foods and opened trade with far-away countries.

4 c – it was a description of our poets and playwrights. 5 Potatoes, tomatoes, and turkeys were brought back to England. 6 England began to trade with India and Russia, among other countries. 7 b – because she brought England safely through trying times 8 seeking and finding – exploring people from other countries – foreigners eternally – ever and ever

B 1 The passers-by saw the hangers-on ignore the bye-laws and break the curios. 2 The thieves took the loaves from the shelves and cut them with knives. 3 The cowboys with lassoes (or lassos) rode broncos at the rodeos. 4 The cacti grew on plateaux (or plateaus), but sheep ate them.

C 1 Scrooge was mean, but became generous in the end. 2 The iron bar was rigid, but the wire was flexible. 3 You must inhale and exhale at equal speeds. 4 Glass is transparent; wood is opaque. 5 The jury found the three men guilty of murder but found the woman innocent.

D athletics, badminton, baseball, basketball, boxing, cricket, football, golf, hockey, lacrosse, rugby, squash, tennis, water-polo, wrestling

E He poured some wine from the carafe into the tumbler, put the documents into his briefcase, together with a thermos-flask of tea. She had taken clothes from her wardrobe, enough to fill a trunk. Her handbag held her make-up. They made sure the car’s tank was full of petrol. They sped past the zoo where the animals were held captive.




Test 30

A 1 These words are meant to represent the calls and songs of birds. 2 It means that of the four seasons, Spring’s rule gives the most pleasure. 3 ‘Palm’ is the name sometimes given to the willow that bears compact, fluffy,

yellow catkins (often called pussy-willow) in Spring. As England has few palms of the kind grown in Jerusalem, these willow ‘palms’ were traditionally taken to church on Palm Sunday. ‘May’ is hawthorn, which has a small, pink and white flower. Together these branches would provide a festive and cheerful decoration in the houses, especially around Eastertime.

4 c – they play sweet music upon the pipes 5 Thomas Nash probably needed a word to rhyme with ‘sweet’ and ‘greet’, and

‘shoes’ does not rhyme! He may also have wanted to convey the idea of walking through the daisies barefoot and carefree in the warmer Spring weather.

6 The fields were smelling sweet with the scent of fresh grass and Spring flowers, such as daisies.

7 a: give one an unpleasant shock – sting b: a pleasant song – merry lay 8 In his poem Thomas Nash paints a picture of the joys of Spring-time with the

warmer weather, bird-song, pretty scented flowers, lambs, music and dancing. These pleasures would stir young men to think of love, expressed in the third verse, ‘Young lovers meet’.

9 b – Rural Simplicity

B 1 HISTORY 2 SCIENCE 3 GEOGRAPHY 4 MATHEMATICS 5 ENGLISH

C 1 Goals are to soccer as tries are to rugby. 2 Putt is to golf as pot is to snooker or billiards. 3 Mountain is to valley as hill is to dale. 4 Nelson’s Column is to London as Eiffel Tower is to Paris.

D 1 The boy came and said that he was sorry. 2 The coach said that he liked the style of Jim’s batting. 3 Gorging Jack told Guzzling Jimmy that he was extremely hungry. 4 The shop assistant said that this tea-set costs £25.

E 1 emigrate 2 currently 3 equinox 4 precisely

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Once A Week Comprehension Book 4 Answers · PDF fileOnce a Week Comprehension Book 4 Answers. ... the night. 8 They were taken ... c – Country people might live in a log cabin,