READING PROFICIENCY GRADE 7

The Bear and the Two Friends

Once, two friends were walking through the forest. They knew that anything dangerous can happen to them at any time in the forest. So they promised each other that they would remain united in any case of danger.

Suddenly, they saw a large bear approaching them. One of the friends at once climbed a nearby tree. But the other one did not know how to climb. So being led by his common sense, he lay down on the ground breathless, pretending to be a dead man.

The bear came near the man lying on the ground. It smelt in his ears, and slowly left the place. Because the bears do not touch the dead creatures. Now the friend on the tree came down and asked his friend on the ground, “Friend, what did the bear tell you into your ears?” The other friend replied, “The bear advised me not to believe a false friend.”

Where did the story happen?

• park

• school

• forest

• zoo

What promise did the two friends make?

• They will remain united in any case of danger

• They will walk side by side.

• They will help one another

• All of the above.

What came after them?

• lion

• bear

• snake

• tiger

How did the other friend keep himself safe from the attack of the animal?

• By laying on the ground pretending he was dead

• By running away.

• By fighting the animal.

• By flying.

What is the moral of the story?

• Always be alert to save yourself

• A true friend always supports you in any situation.

• Be loving to your friend.

• Running away is not a sign of cowardice.

The History of Cats

Cats have along and interesting history. In fact, the cat was probably the first animal kept as a pet. The Egyptian worshipped cats. In Europe, cats were praised for their ability to catch rats and mice. They were much in demand during the Black Plague, illnesses of the 11^th century.

In the Middle Ages, cats lost much of their appeal because they became connected with devil worship. Many cats lost their lives and gave rise to superstitions still held by some people today.

The American Indian did not appear cats as pets, so it wasn’t until the white settlers came from Europe that cats were kept as pets in America. The Colonists, like the Europeans, found cats helpful in controlling rats and mice.

Through the ages, the cat _____________________________.

• has been a favorite pet

• has been kept by all races of people

• has been both prized and hated

• has been valued for its intelligence

The group that DID NOT appear to keep cats as pets were _________________.

• the Colonists

• the Europeans

• the American Indians

• the Egyptians

When did cats lose much of their appeal because they were connected with devil worship?

• 11^th century

• Colonial times

• Middle Ages

• 20^th century

In this passage, the writer ___________.

• explains why the cat was the first pet kept by man.

• defends the importance of cats in the home.

• traces the man’s attitudes about cats.

• compares the cat with other animals.

Which sentence best expresses the main idea?

• Cats have long and interesting history.

• In fact, the cat was probably the first animal kept as pet.

• Many cats lost their lives and gave rise to superstitions.

• The Egyptians worshipped cats.