SC Reading Comprehension

Why is the sentence, ‘And stepped back, dumbstruck.’ (line 112) on a line by itself?

• To make Simon look foolish 

• To indicate that a new idea is being introduced 

• To emphasise Simon’s surprise 

• To make the story more readable 

Which word best describes Simon’s attitude towards himself for most of the story?

• Conceited

• Critical 

• Forgiving 

• Realistic 

What is suggested by the words, ‘Simon had worshipped Rebecca from afar’? (lines 27 – 28)

• Simon believed that Rebecca was arrogant.

• Simon had never told Rebecca of his feelings for her.

• Simon was embarrassed about his feelings for Rebecca.

• Simon had never admitted his true feelings to himself.

What does the word “just”, in the line ‘It would just be Eva’, (lines 85 – 86) suggest about Simon’s attitude towards Eva?

• He is indifferent towards her. 

• He does not know her. 

• He does not like her. 

• He is irritated by her. 

Which words best describe the language in the lines, ‘if only he could be sitting studying Rebecca’s features he was sure he would be seized by incredible creative surges and produce a portrait masterpiece as a towering testament to his abiding love for her.’? (lines 101 – 107) 

• Colloquial for conversational effect 

• actual for informative effect 

• Exaggerated for comparative effect 

• Emotive for persuasive effect 

Why did Simon dislike the feeling he was getting in his stomach? (lines 143 – 147) 

• He was afraid of being hurt again. 

• He did not like to feel weird. 

• He wanted to reject Rebecca. 

• He wanted to think of Eva as one of the blokes. 

When Simon asks, ‘And what are you going to call it: “Portrait of an Idiot Loser”? ’ (lines 177 – 179), which word best describes his tone?

• Amused 

• Angry 

• Inquiring 

• Sarcastic 

Which of the following is an example of a metaphor?

• ‘her glossy dark hair plaited tightly round her head.’(lines 128-129)

• ‘You look like a Medieval Princess,’ (line 130) 

• ‘You’re a Cancer sign too, are you?’ (line 218) 

• ‘the bitter taste of rejection,’ (lines 322 – 323) 

The image of the slippery-slide is used a number of times in the story. What is the effect of repeating this image?

• It suggests to the reader that Simon has accepted defeat. 

• It emphasises the smoothness of Eva’s satin dress. 

• It links the present action to Simon’s memories of rejection. 

• It reminds the reader of the innocence of childhood. 

What is the effect of the author’s use of the extended metaphor of shining knights and medieval princesses?

• It highlights the romantic side of Simon’s character. 

• It gives the story an authentic historical flavour. 

• It emphasises Simon’s success as a romantic hero. 

• It comments on the interests of young adults.