Life at the Big House

The Story for Questions 1-20!

Sam squinted against the sun at the distant dust trail raked up by the car on its way up to the Big House. The horses kicked and flicked their tails at flies, not caring about their owner's first visit in ten months. Sam waited. Mr Carter didn't come out here unless he had to, which was just fine by Sam. The more he kept out of his boss's way, the longer he'd have a job.

Carter came by later while Sam was chopping wood. Carter lifted his hat as if he were waiting for an appointment with the town priest, and then removed it completely as if he were talking to his mother. He pulled out a pile of paper from his back pocket and held it out.

'Don't pick up your mail often, do you?'

Sam took it without a glance and dropped the envelopes onto the bench.

'Never,' he replied and waited for Carter to say why he was here. The fact it was Carter's house was no explanation and they both knew it. Carter twisted his hat round and round, licking his lips and clearing his throat.

'Nice work fixing those fences,' he said finally.

'I'll be back to the beginning soon,' Sam said. It wasn't a complaint. A fence that took a year to repair meant another year's work to the man who did it well.

'Don't you ever want to take a holiday?'

'And go where?' A holiday meant being back out in the real world, a place even people like Carter travelled to escape from. Sam's escape was his reality and he wasn't going back.

Mr Carter wiped the sweat from the back of his neck. The damp patches on his shirt drew together like shapes in an atlas. His skin was already turning ruddy in the June sun. Otherwise he had the indoor tan of a man that made money while other people did the work.

'I've brought my son with me on this trip. He's had some trouble at school.' Mr Carter's eyes flicked up, blinked rapidly and then shifted back to the hat occupying his hands. 'Not much trouble out here for a young boy.' He attempted a laugh but it came out like a dog's bark.

The two men looked towards the northern end of the property. It stretched as far as the eye could see. Even the fences were barely visible from where they stood. However bored and rebellious a teenage boy might get, it wasn't possible to escape on foot. Sam looked at the biggest of the horses, kicking at the ground with its heavy hooves. Could the boy ride? he wondered. There was a whole load of trouble a good rider could get into out here, miles away from anyone. But maybe there was even more trouble for someone who knew nothing about horses and wanted to get away from his father.

Who is Sam waiting for at the beginning of the passage?

• Sam is waiting for Alex.

• Sam is waiting for Jamie.

• Sam is waiting for Jordan.

• Sam is waiting for Taylor.

How long has it been since Sam's last visit to the Big House?

• Last month

• Last week

• A few days

• Unknown

What activity is Sam engaged in when Mr. Carter arrives?

• Sam is watching TV.

• Sam is playing video games.

• Sam is cooking dinner.

• Sam is studying.

What does Mr. Carter do with his hat when he approaches Sam?

• He takes off his hat.

• He gives his hat to Sam.

• He puts on his hat.

• He throws his hat away.

How does Sam respond to Mr. Carter's comment about his mail?

• Sam is confused by Mr. Carter's comment about his mail.

• Sam reacts negatively to Mr. Carter's comment about his mail.

• Sam responds positively to Mr. Carter's comment about his mail.

• Sam ignores Mr. Carter's comment about his mail.

What does Sam do with the envelopes he receives from Mr. Carter?

• Sam sorts the envelopes.

• Sam gives the envelopes to Mr. Carter.

• Sam opens the envelopes and reads them.

• Sam throws the envelopes away.

What does Mr. Carter seem to be waiting for when he arrives?

• He appears to be checking his watch.

• He looks like he is lost.

• He seems to be waiting for someone.

• He seems to be looking for a place to sit.

What does the phrase 'twisted his hat round and round' suggest about Mr. Carter's demeanor?

• Mr. Carter is indifferent and unconcerned.

• Mr. Carter is excited and enthusiastic.

• Mr. Carter is likely anxious or agitated.

• Mr. Carter is feeling joyful and relaxed.

What does Sam think about Mr. Carter's visits?

• Sam enjoys Mr. Carter's visits.

• Sam thinks Mr. Carter's visits are intrusive.

• Sam thinks Mr. Carter's visits are necessary.

• Sam finds Mr. Carter's visits helpful.

What can be inferred about Sam's job security?

• Sam's job security is uncertain.

• Sam's job is stable and reliable.

• Sam has a guaranteed promotion soon.

• Sam's job is very secure.