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The passage describes a ship caught in a storm at sea, including the captain's efforts to secure the sails before the gale hits and the dangerous conditions that result. It also discusses the role of lighthouses and life-saving stations in guiding ships and rescuing sailors during dense fogs or when vessels are driven onto the shore. Sailing is depicted as a difficult life, with sailors braving storms and other hazards to bring luxuries from abroad.

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Urwah Miraal
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354 views

Comprehension Word

The passage describes a ship caught in a storm at sea, including the captain's efforts to secure the sails before the gale hits and the dangerous conditions that result. It also discusses the role of lighthouses and life-saving stations in guiding ships and rescuing sailors during dense fogs or when vessels are driven onto the shore. Sailing is depicted as a difficult life, with sailors braving storms and other hazards to bring luxuries from abroad.

Uploaded by

Urwah Miraal
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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THE WESTMINSTER SCHOOL, DUBAI

DATE: 27-02-20 SUBJECT: ENGLISH YEAR: 5


TOPIC: COMPREHENSION

A ship in a Storm.
Did you ever go far out into the great ocean? How beautiful it is to be out at sea when the sea
is smooth and still! When a storm approaches, the scene changes. The heavy, black clouds
appear in the distance and throw a deep, long shade over the world of waters. The captain and
sailors soon see in the clouds the dark signs. All hands are then set to work to take in sail. The
hoarse notes of the captain, speaking through his trumpet, are echoed across the ship. They’ll
be happy if all is made snug before the gale strikes the vessel. At last, the gale comes like a
vast moving mountain of air. It strikes the ship. The vessel heaves and groans under the
dreadful weight and struggles to escape through the foaming waters. If she is far out at sea,
she will be likely to ride out the storm in safety. But if the wind is driving her upon the shore,
the poor ship may hit the rocks. Once there was a ship in a storm. Some of her masts were
already broken, and her sails lost. While the wind was raging, and the billows were dashing
against her, the cry was heard, “A man has fallen overboard!” The rescue boat was lowered
quickly, and it was soon seen bounding on its way over the mountain of waves. At one
moment, the boat seemed lifted to the skies, and the next, it sank down and appeared to be
lost beneath the waves! Finally, the man was found. He had almost drowned, but he was
taken on board, and now they made for the ship. The ship rolled so dreadfully that it seemed
certain the boat wouldn’t make it to the ship. Now, what should they do? The captain told one
of the men to go aloft and throw down a rope. This was tied fast to the boat, and when the sea
was somewhat calm, the rescue boat was hoisted and landed on the ship with a dreadful
crash. It was a desperate way of getting on board, but fortunately everyone was safe. On the
dangerous points along our seacoast are lighthouses which can be seen far out at sea and
serve as guides to ships. Sometimes the fog is so dense
that these lights cannot be seen, but most light houses
oases have great fog bells or fog horns; some of the latter
are made to sound by steam and can be heard for a long
distance. These bells and horns keep sounding as long as
the fog lasts. There are also many life-saving stations
along the coast where trained men are ready with
lifeboats. When a ship is driven ashore, they at once go to
the rescue of those on board, and this way many valuable
lives are saved. A sailor’s life is a very hard one. Our
young friends owe a debt of gratitude to those whose
home is upon the great waters, and who bring them the luxuries of other countries.

Questions:
1. Based on the short story, what is a gale?
Write a sentence for the word.

Ans) A gale is a strong wind.

2. Why do lighthouses use fog bells? (tick the correct answer)


a. To ring bells
b. serves as guides to ships.
c. their lights cannot be seen in the fog.
d. great fog bells or fog horns; some of the latter are made to sound.

3. Why is it safer for a ship to be in a storm when it is far out at sea?

Ans) It is safer for a ship to be far out at sea in a storm as there are no rocks or shoreline for
the ship to crash into.

4. Give an example about why, as the passage says, “A sailor’s life is a hard one.”

Ans) (Answers will vary) for example: A sailor’s life is hard, because they sail through
dangerous ,storms.

Creative writing:

Imagine yourself in a situation where you are stuck, and you have nor access to any
communication and you want to reach out for help. What will you do to get in touch with your
family or friends? Who will you ask for help? How will you know that you are asking for help to
the right person? What will be your sensible action plan to reach home and if it does not work
which backup plan you will keep in mind for you next safety?

Write a paragraph keeping in mind all the above questions.

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