English
Reading Comprehension
I
21 lestexti á ensku með verkefnum
Um bókina
English Reading Comprehension I er fyrsta bókin í nýjum bókaflokki okkar á Skólavefnum þar
sem við einbeitum okkur að lesskilningi í ensku. Í þessari bók er boðið upp á 21 lestexta úr
ýmsum áttum sem bæði er hægt að prenta út og vinna gagnvirkt á vefnum.
Prentútgáfan samanstendur af textum með opnum spurningum og fjölvalsspurningum. Geta
kennarar og nemendur valið að nota aðra hvora spurningagerðina eða báðar. Þá er merkt við
þau orð sem skýrð eru út á vefnum.
Í vefútgáfunni er boðið upp á orðskýringar og fjölvalsspurningar. Orðskýringarnar eru þannig
útbúnar að nemandinn færir bendilinn yfir valin orð sem eru undirstrikuð og þá birtist
skýring á orðinu. Fjölvalsspurningarnar með vefútgáfunni eru tvenns konar, annars vegar
efnisspurningar og hins vegar orðaforðaspurningar.
Já, hér er á ferðinni nýtt og vandað efni sem getur annað hvort hentað sem námsefni inni í
bekkjum eða sem leið fyrir einstaklinga til að bæta sig í ensku.
Skólavefurinn | English Reading Comprehension I
2
In this volume
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
Mongolia
The Ebers Papyrus
Carthage
It Pays to be Polite
A Resourceful Dolphin
Bloody Sunday (1905)
Frozen
Haydn – Symphony No. 94
Norma
Bond (finance)
Digital Library
Hades
Violin
Galaxy
Chickens and Lemon Trees to the Rescue
Snow White
Fatemeh Ekhtesari
The Three Musketeers
Saving up to $400 per Year
Mary Edmonia Lewis
Lake Baikal Race
Skólavefurinn | English Reading Comprehension I
3
1. Mongolia
Mongolia is a country in
eastern Asia, bordered by
China and Russia. Its
capital is Ulaanbaatar.
The population is just
around three million.
The Gobi Desert occupies
the south part of the
country.
In the thirteenth century Mongolia was the centre of the Mongolian empire
ruled by Genghis Khan. Later Mongolia became a Chinese province. It achieved
independence in 1911. In 1924, Mongolia became a communist state after the
Soviet Union model. In 1992, democracy was introduced by a new constitution.
81 words
Words
bordered by, capital, population, occupies, century, empire,
province, achieved, independence, state, model, democracy,
was introduced, constitution
Questions
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Where is Mongolia?
What countries does Mongolia have borders to?
What is the capital of Mongolia?
How many people live in Mongolia?
What desert occupies a large part of Mongolia?
When did Mongolia become an empire?
Who was Ghengis Kahn?
When did Mongolia achieve independence?
What kind of government ruled in Mongolia from 1924 to 1882?
Skólavefurinn | English Reading Comprehension I
4
Fjölvalsspurningar
1. Where is Mongolia?
[ ] a) In Europe
[ ] b) In North Africa
[ ] c) South America
[ ] d) In Eastern Asia
2. What countries does Mongolia have borders to?
[ ] a) China and Japan
[ ] b) China and India
[ ] c) China and Russia
[ ] d) Russia and Ulaanbaatar
3. What is the capital of Mongolia?
[ ] a) Kabul
[ ] b) Kathmandu
[ ] c) Luanda
[ ] d) Ulaanbaatar
4. How many people live in Mongolia?
[ ] a) About three million
[ ] b) About five million
[ ] c) About seven million
[ ] d) About nine million
5. What desert occupies a large part of Mongolia?
[ ] a) The Gobi Desert
[ ] b) The Kalahari Desert
[ ] c) The Mojave Desert
[ ] d) Sahara
6. When did Mongolia become an empire?
[ ] a) In the eleventh century
[ ] b) In the thirteenth century
[ ] c) In the fifteenth century
[ ] d) In the seventeenth century
7. When did Mongolia achieve independence?
[ ] a) In 1911
[ ] b) In 1924
[ ] c) In 1945
[ ] d) In 1992
Skólavefurinn | English Reading Comprehension I
5
2. The Ebers Papyrus
The Ebers Papyrus (c. 1550 BC) is an ancient
Egyptian medical treatise. It covers both
practical and magical advice. There are over
700 different drugs described in the
papyrus. Some are useful such as opium for
pain. Other things in the papyrus can seem
ridiculous. An example of that is tapping a
person on the head with a fish if they have
a migraine. Aside from covering a large
number of treatments, the papyrus also has
information on a broad range of ailments
from intestinal complaints and eye
problems to depression or other mental
disorders.
95 words
Words
ancient, treatise, covers, practical, drugs, described,
ridiculous, tapping, migraine, treatments, broad range,
ailments, intestinal, complaints, depression, mental disorders
Questions
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
How old is the Ebers papyrus?
Where was the Ebers papyrus written?
What kind of text is the Ebers papyrus?
How many drugs are described in the papyrus?
What does the text say about opium?
What does the papyrus state as a remedy for migraine?
Skólavefurinn | English Reading Comprehension I
6
Fjölvalsspurningar
1. How old is the Ebers papyrus?
[ ] a) About 1500 years old
[ ] b) About 2700 years old
[ ] c) About 3600 years old
[ ] d) About 5000 years old
2. Where was the Ebers papyrus written?
[ ] a) In Babylonia
[ ] b) In Egypt
[ ] c) In Greece
[ ] d) In Rome
3. What kind of text is the Ebers papyrus?
[ ] a) It is a list of imported goods
[ ] b) It is a historical text
[ ] c) It is a constitution
[ ] d) It is a medical text
4. How many drugs are described in the papyrus?
[ ] a) Over 700
[ ] b) About 1550 drugs
[ ] c) Over two thousand
[ ] d) There are no drugs described in the text
5. What does the text say about opium?
[ ] a) That it’s good for pain
[ ] b) That it can cure depression
[ ] c) That it is useless in all aspects
[ ] d) That it’s bad for the mind
6. What does the papyrus state as a remedy for migraine?
[ ] a) To run ten miles a day for a week
[ ] b) To bathe in cold water
[ ] c) To tap a person on the head with a fish
[ ] d) To eat fish once every day for a month
Skólavefurinn | English Reading Comprehension I
7
3. Carthage
Carthage was founded in the 9th
century BC on the coast of North
Africa, in what is now Tunisia. It
developed into a significant trading
empire
throughout
the
Mediterranean, and was seen as
home to a wealthy and brilliant
civilisation. After a long conflict with
the emerging civilisation of Ancient
Rome, known as the Punic Wars, during which advantage shifted from one side
to the other and Hannibal fought the Romans when he conducted a campaign
in Italy after first crossing the Alps. Rome finally destroyed Carthage in 146 BC.
A Roman Carthage was established on the ruins of the first.
101 words
Words
BC., coast, developed, significant, trading empire, throughout,
Mediterranean, wealthy, civilisation, conflict, emerging, Punic,
advantage, shifted, conducted, a campaign, destroyed
established, ruins
Questions
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
When was Carthage founded?
Where was Carthage?
What do we know from the text about Carthage?
With whom did Carthage compete?
Who fought in the Punic Wars?
Who was Hannibal?
When was Carthage destroyed?
Skólavefurinn | English Reading Comprehension I
8
Fjölvalsspurningar
1. When was Cathage founded?
[ ] a) In the 9th century
[ ] b) In the 9th century BC
[ ] c) About 3600 years ago
[ ] d) About 5000 years ago
2. Where was Carthage?
[ ] a) In Greece
[ ] b) On the coast of North Africa, in what is now Egypt
[ ] c) On the coast of Sicily
[ ] d) On the coast of North Africa, in what is now Tunisia
3. What do we know from the text about Carthage?
[ ] a) It was a peaceful empire focusing mainly on agriculture
[ ] b) It was first and foremost a military power
[ ] c) They did a lot of trade in the Mediterranean
[ ] d) They were wealthy and their wealth came mostly from taxes
4. With whom did Carthage compete?
[ ] a) Greece
[ ] b) Hannibal
[ ] c) Rome
[ ] d) Syria
5. Who was Hannibal?
[ ] a) A general in the Roman army
[ ] b) A leader of the Carthagean army
[ ] c) A peaceful merchant
[ ] d) A Syrian general who was relentlessly in conflict with Rome and Carthage
6. When was Carthage destroyed?
[ ] a) In the 9th century
[ ] b) In the 9th century BC
[ ] c) In 146 BC
[ ] d) In the fifth century BC
Skólavefurinn | English Reading Comprehension I
9
4. It pays to be polite
If you visit a café and the staff are rude you can choose not to go back, but
what happens when it’s the customers who
are impolite? A French café has decided to
reward polite customers and punish rude
ones by implementing some unusual coffee
price variations. According to the menu
board, ‘a coffee’ costs €7 while ‘a coffee,
please’ costs a more affordable €4.50. Of
course, there’s an even cheaper option:
‘hello, can I have a coffee, please?’ will cost you just €1.40. Sometimes it pays
to be polite and if you are in a bad mood you can always choose another café.
104 words
Words
The staff, rude, choose, customers, impolite, to reward, punish,
implementing,
variations, according to, affordable, cheaper,
option, mood
Questions
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Where is the café mentioned in the text?
What can you do if the staff are rude?
What does ‘coffee′ cost at this café?
What does ‘coffee, please′ cost at this café?
What is the cheapest coffee?
Why is the café implementing these coffee price variations?
Skólavefurinn | English Reading Comprehension I
10
Fjölvalsspurningar
1. Where is the café mentioned in the text?
[ ] a) In England
[ ] b) In Belgium
[ ] c) In France
[ ] d) In Scotland
2. What can you do if the staff are rude?
[ ] a) Call the police
[ ] b) Nothing
[ ] c) Refuse to serve them
[ ] d) Go to another café
3. Why is the café implementing these coffee price variations?
[ ] a) They want the customers to be more polite
[ ] b) They like playing games
[ ] c) They want to make more money from selling coffee
[ ] d) They’re trying to get the customers to drink tea instead
4. What does ‘coffee′ cost at this café?
[ ] a) €1.40
[ ] b) €4.50
[ ] c) €7.00
[ ] d) €10.00
5. What does ‘coffee, please′ cost at this café?
[ ] a) €1.40
[ ] b) €4.50
[ ] c) €7.00
[ ] d) €10.00
6. What is the cheapest coffee?
[ ] a) Café latte
[ ] b) ‘Coffee′
[ ] c) ‘Coffee, please′
[ ] d) ‘Hello, can I have a coffee, please?’
Skólavefurinn | English Reading Comprehension I
11
5. A Resourceful Dolphin
A wild dolphin whose fin was tangled up in a fishing line ‘asked’ a diver for help.
Mr Laros was enjoying a dive with friends in Hawaii when suddenly he heard a
dophin cry. The animal swam towards them and pushed his nose into the diver
in an obvious plea for help. It took over eight minutes to remove the hook and
cut away the line. The animal waited patiently while the diver worked to set
him free. At one point the dolphin surfaced for air and then came back down to
let his rescuer finish the job. The amazing scene was captured on video.
105 words
Words
resourceful, dolphin, fin, tangled up, a diver, enjoying,
towards, obvious, plea, to remove, the hook, patiently,
surfaced, rescuer, captured
Questions
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
What did the dolphin get caught in?
Who did the dolphin ask for help?
How did the dolphin ask for help?
Where did this happen?
How long did it take to set the dolphin free?
Why was there a break in the rescue at one time?
Skólavefurinn | English Reading Comprehension I
12
Fjölvalsspurningar
1. What did the dolphin get caught in?
[ ] a) A fishing line
[ ] b) A coral reef
[ ] c) A net
[ ] d) A diver‘s snorkeling tube
2. Who did the dolphin ask for help?
[ ] a) A bay watch rescuer
[ ] b) A diver
[ ] c) A policeman
[ ] d) Another dolphin
3. How did the dolphin ask for help?
[ ] a) It made signs in the water
[ ] b) It screamed at the diver
[ ] c) It pushed its nose into the diver
[ ] d) It swam up to the surface
4. Where did this happen?
[ ] a) In Cuba
[ ] b) In Florida
[ ] c) In Hawaii
[ ] d) In Puerto Rico
5. How long did it take to set the dolphin free?
[ ] a) Four minutes
[ ] b) Six minutes
[ ] c) Eight minutes
[ ] d) Ten minutes
6. Why was there a break in the rescue at one time?
[ ] a) Because the dolphin was tired
[ ] b) Because Mr. Laros lost his scissors
[ ] c) Becuase Mr. Laros had to get more people to help him
[ ] d) Because the dolphin had to get some air
Skólavefurinn | English Reading Comprehension I
13
6. Bloody Sunday (1905)
Bloody Sunday took place in Russia in 1905.
More than three thousand people marched
towards the Winter Palace to Tsar Nicholas II
to show him a petition for reform.
The Tsar was not home that day but those
who were in charge of security decided to
shoot at the petitioners leaving more than
100 dead and 300 wounded.
Even though the Tsar himself had not given
the order to shoot the people held him
accountable for it.
It is believed that this event is one of the key
events that caused the Russian revolution.
Later Dmitri Shostakovich composed his 11th Symphony based on this event.
105 words
Words
took place, marched, towards, a petition, reform, petitioners,
wounded, accountable, event, caused, revolution, composed,
based on
Questions
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Where did Bloody Sunday take place in 1905?
How many were the petitioners that day?
How did Tsar Nicholas react to the petitioners?
How many of the petitioners were killed?
What did this event lead to?
Who wrote a symphony based on this event?
Skólavefurinn | English Reading Comprehension I
14
Fjölvalsspurningar
1. Where did Bloody Sunday take place in 1905?
[ ] a) In Belarus
[ ] b) In Ireland
[ ] c) In Japan
[ ] d) In Russia
2. How many were the petitioners that day?
[ ] a) Just over a thousand people
[ ] b) More than three thousand people
[ ] c) Somewhere between ten and fifteen thousand people
[ ] d) Tens of thousands of people
3. How did Tsar Nicholas react to the petitioners?
[ ] a) He didn’t because he was away that day
[ ] b) He got very angry and ordered the petitioners to be shot at
[ ] c) He met them like a strict father but promising nothing
[ ] d) He promised them everything they asked for
4. How many of the petitioners were killed?
[ ] a) About a hundred
[ ] b) Three hundred
[ ] c) About five hundred
[ ] d) None
5. What did this event lead to?
[ ] a) A better relationship between the Tsar and the people
[ ] b) The Tsar issued new laws to help those poorest in society
[ ] c) The Tsar resigned and gave way to a democratic government
[ ] d) A revolution
6. Who wrote a symphony based on this event?
[ ] a) Alexander Borodin
[ ] b) Dmitri Shostakovich
[ ] c) Igor Stravinsky
[ ] d) Pjotr Tchaikovsky
Skólavefurinn | English Reading Comprehension I
15
7. Frozen
Frozen is a 3D computer-animated musical movie very loosely based on the
fairy tale "The Snow Queen" by Hans Christian Andersen.
The movie was released in November 2013. Voice actors include Kristen Bell,
Idina Menzel, Jonathan Groff, Josh Gad, and Santino Fontana.
The movie is about a princess who sets off on a journey with a mountain man,
his pet reindeer, and a snowman to find her sister.
The public and critics liked the movie. It won two Academy Awards, one for
Best Animated Film and the other for Best Song ("Let It Go"). It won other
awards, including a Golden Globe and a BAFTA.
105 words
Words
3D, animated movie, loosely, fairy tale, released, include, sets off,
a journey, mountain, reindeer, the public, critics, including
Questions
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
What kind of movie is Frozen?
On what fairy tale is the movie based?
When was the movie shown in movie theatres?
What are the main characters in the movie looking for?
What Academy Award did the movie receive besides being the best animated
film that year?
6. How was the movie received?
Skólavefurinn | English Reading Comprehension I
16
Fjölvalsspurningar
1. What kind of movie is Frozen?
[ ] a) An animated musical movie
[ ] b) An animated horror movie
[ ] c) An animated documentary film
[ ] d) An animated science fiction movie
2. On what fairy tale is the movie Frozen based?
[ ] a) Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland
[ ] b) The princess and the Dragon
[ ] c) Snow-White and Rose-Red
[ ] d) The Snow Queen
3. When was the movie shown in movie theatres?
[ ] a) In January 2013
[ ] b) In September 2012
[ ] c) In November 2013
[ ] d) In December 2014
4. What are the main characters in the movie looking for?
[ ] a) A snowman
[ ] b) The Mountain man’s pet reindeer
[ ] c) The Mountain man
[ ] d) The princess’s sister
5. What Academy Award did the movie receive besides being the best animated film
that year?
[ ] a) For the best song
[ ] b) For the best supporing actress
[ ] c) For the best actor in a leading role
[ ] d) For the best dance scene in a movie
6. How was the movie received?
[ ] a) The public liked it but the critics didn’t
[ ] b) The public liked it as well as the critics
[ ] c) The critics liked it but not the public
[ ] d) It failed to impress both the public and the critics
Skólavefurinn | English Reading Comprehension I
17
8. Haydn – Symphony No. 94
The Symphony No. 94 in G major was
composed by Franz Joseph Haydn in 1791
for a series of concerts he was giving in
London. The symphony is nicknamed the
"Surprise" Symphony because a loud chord
interrupts the serenity of the second
movement. It is also known as the
Symphony "with the drum beat".
Haydn conducted the first performance of
the symphony at the Hanover Square
Rooms in London on 23 March 1792. A
typical performance of the symphony lasts
about 23 minutes.
The symphony is in four movements, marked as follows: I. Adagio – Vivace assai
II. Andante III. Menuetto: Allegro molto IV. Finale: Allegro molto.
106 words
Words
composed, a series, nicknamed, surprise, chord, interrupts,
serenity, movement, conducted, performance, square, marked
Questions
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
When did Haydn compose Symphony number 94 in G major?
What is the Symphony sometimes called?
Where did he conduct the first performance of the Symphony?
When was the Symphony first performed?
How long is the Symphony?
How many movements are in the Symphony?
Skólavefurinn | English Reading Comprehension I
18
Fjölvalsspurningar
1. When did Haydn compose Symphony number 94 in G major?
[ ] a) 1790
[ ] b) 1791
[ ] c) 1792
[ ] d) 1793
2. What is the Symphony sometimes called?
[ ] a) The Bass Beat Symphony
[ ] b) The Final Symphony
[ ] c) The Chord Symphony
[ ] d) The Surprise Symphony
3. Where did he conduct the first performance of the Symphony?
[ ] a) In Berlin
[ ] b) In London
[ ] c) In Paris
[ ] d) In Vienna
4. When was the Symphony first performed?
[ ] a) 1790
[ ] b) 1791
[ ] c) 1792
[ ] d) 1793
5. How long is the Symphony?
[ ] a) Just over twenty minutes
[ ] b) Just under forty minutes
[ ] c) Just over an hour
[ ] d) Seventy three minutes
6. How many movements are in the Symphony?
[ ] a) Two
[ ] b) Three
[ ] c) Four
[ ] d) Five
Skólavefurinn | English Reading Comprehension I
19
9. Norma
Norma is a tragic Italian opera in two acts with words by Felice Romani and
music by Vincenzo Bellini. The opera is based on Norma, or The Infanticide by
Alexandre Soumet. It was first performed at La Scala on 26 December 1831.
The opera tells of a Druid priestess who breaks her vows and gives birth to two
children of a Roman officer. When he makes plans to return to Rome and
marry another, she plots revenge.
The first Norma was Giuditta Pasta. Famous modern Normas include Maria
Callas and Dame Joan Sutherland. The aria Casta diva is one of the most
famous arias for soprano in opera.
108 words
Words
tragic, acts, the infanticide, performed, priestess,
breaks her vows, gives birth, plots, revenge
Questions
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Who wrote the music to Norma?
Who wrote the words to Norma?
What kind of music is Norma?
On what book is Norma based?
Who is the main character in Norma?
When was Norma first performed?
Where was Norma first performed?
Who sang the part of Norma when it was first performed?
What is Casta diva?
Skólavefurinn | English Reading Comprehension I
20
Fjölvalsspurningar
1. Who wrote the music to Norma?
[ ] a) Felice Romani
[ ] b) Vincenzo Bellini
[ ] c) Dame Joan Sutherland
[ ] d) Giuditta Pasta
2. Who wrote the words to Norma?
[ ] a) Felice Romani
[ ] b) Vincenzo Bellini
[ ] c) Dame Joan Sutherland
[ ] d) Giuditta Pasta
3. What kind of music is Norma?
[ ] a) A string quartet
[ ] b) An opera
[ ] c) A symphony
[ ] d) A violin concert
4. Where was Norma first performed?
[ ] a) At The Opera House in Berlin
[ ] b) At the London Albert Royal Hall
[ ] c) At La Scala
[ ] d) At The Sidney Opera House
5. Who sang the part of Norma when it was first performed?
[ ] a) Anna Moffat
[ ] b) Maria Callas
[ ] c) Dame Joan Sutherland
[ ] d) Giuditta Pasta
6. What is Casta diva?
[ ] a) An aria
[ ] b) An opera
[ ] c) A sonata
[ ] d) A piano concert
Skólavefurinn | English Reading Comprehension I
21
10. Bond (finance)
A bond is a contract between two parties. Companies or governments issue
bonds because they need to borrow large amounts of money. They issue bonds
and investors buy them (thereby giving the people who issued the bond
money).
Bonds have a maturity date. This means that at some point, the bond issuer has
to pay back the money to the investors. They also have to pay the investors a
little bit more than they paid for the bond.
Bonds are usually traded through brokers and are part of a financial instrument
group called Fixed income. Banks and financial institutions offer loans on
different terms against the security of assets.
109 words
Words
bond, contract, parties, issue, borrow, amounts, investors,
a maturity date, traded, brokers, a financial instrument group,
fixed income, institutions, terms, security, assets
Questions
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
What is a bond?
Who issues bonds?
Who buys bonds?
What is meant by the fact that bonds have a maturity date?
Who usually oversees the trading of bonds?
What do banks and financial institutions require in return for loaning money?
Skólavefurinn | English Reading Comprehension I
22
Fjölvalsspurningar
1. What is a bond?
[ ] a) A contract between two parties
[ ] b) A bank account
[ ] c) A blank check
[ ] d) A statement of certain interests
2. Who issues bonds?
[ ] a) Companies and governments
[ ] b) People who want to go into the business of banking
[ ] c) People who owe a lot of money
[ ] d) Individuals who want to travel abroad
3. Who buys bonds?
[ ] a) Bonds are not bought
[ ] b) People who have no money
[ ] c) Investors
[ ] d) Those who want to lend money to others
4. What is meant by the fact that bonds have a maturity date?
[ ] a) That the issuers themselves decide when they pay back the money
[ ] b) That at some point the amount is doubled
[ ] c) That at some date the issuer must pay back the amount
[ ] d) That the issuers do not have to pay what they owe
5. Who usually oversees the trading of bonds?
[ ] a) Brokers
[ ] b) Government officials
[ ] c) Loan sharks
[ ] d) Presidents
6. What do banks and financial institutions require in return for loaning money?
[ ] a) A handshake
[ ] b) Nothing
[ ] c) The lives of those who take the loan
[ ] d) The security of assets
Skólavefurinn | English Reading Comprehension I
23
11. Digital Library
A completely digital library, with no real books, is set to open in Texas. The
Bibliotech is going to look more like an Apple store than a traditional library.
People will be able to download e-books onto their own devices and borrow
e-readers. Fans of e-books argue that they are extremely convenient as they
can store thousands of books. Of course, there are still many book-lovers who
are convinced that nothing can take the place of a real book printed on paper.
It may be unrealistic to expect the traditional library to survive, but perhaps a
hybrid version, which offers both e-books and paper ones would keep everyone
happy.
109 words
Words
digital, library, bibliotech, traditional, devices, borrow, e-readers,
argue, convenient, store, convinced, can take the place of,
unrealistic, hybrid version
Questions
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
What is set to open in Texas?
How will the new library look?
Why are e-readers more convenient?
How will users borrow books?
What may be unrealistic according to the author?
Skólavefurinn | English Reading Comprehension I
24
Fjölvalsspurningar
1. What is set to open in Texas?
[ ] a) A digital bookstore
[ ] b) A digital library
[ ] c) A traditional library
[ ] d) A reading laboratory
2. How will the new library look?
[ ] a) Probably just like a traditional library
[ ] b) Something similar to a candy store
[ ] c) Probably like a busy supermarket
[ ] d) Probably more like an Apple store
3. Why are e-readers more convenient according to the text?
[ ] a) It is better to read from a computer screen than paper
[ ] b) They can store thousands of books
[ ] c) A traditional book is much heavier than an e-book
[ ] d) It is easier to write notes on e-readers
4. How will users borrow books in this new library?
[ ] a) They will receive books on USB sticks (flash drives)
[ ] b) They will receive the books on computer disks
[ ] c) They will download the books onto their own devices
[ ] d) They will scan the books from printed versions
5. What may be unrealistic according to the author?
[ ] a) That e-readers will last
[ ] b) That a digital library can be opened in Texas
[ ] c) That people will want to read digital books
[ ] d) That traditional libraries will survive
Skólavefurinn | English Reading Comprehension I
25
12. Hades
Hades is the Greek god of the underworld. He is the brother of Zeus and
Poseidon. He has three sisters: Demeter, Hestia and Hera. Hades‘ wife is
Persephone. In time, he became the god of wealth, perhaps because precious
metals came out of the ground.
Hades ruled over the souls of the dead. He never allowed any soul to leave the
underworld. Hercules, Orpheus, Theseus, and other heroes descended into the
underworld for various reasons, but did not like what they saw.
Hades owned a cap of invisibility, a chariot drawn by four magnificent black
horses, and a three-headed dog named Cerberus. This dog guarded the
entrance to the underworld.
111 words
Words
the underworld, Zeus, in time, wealth, precious, metals, souls,
allowed, descended, various, cap of invisibility, a chariot,
drawn, entrance
Questions
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
What is Hades god of?
Who are his brothers?
Who are his sisters?
Who is his wife?
What rule did Hades set in the underworld?
What did Hades own aside from a a chariot and Cerberus?
What did Cerberus do?
Skólavefurinn | English Reading Comprehension I
26
Fjölvalsspurningar
1. What is Hades god of?
[ ] a) The heavens
[ ] b) The mountains
[ ] c) The seas
[ ] d) The underworld
2. Who are his brothers?
[ ] a) Artemis and Zeus
[ ] b) Apollo and Artemis
[ ] c) Artemis and Poseidon
[ ] d) Poseidon and Zeus
3. Who is Hades’s wife?
[ ] a) Demeter
[ ] b) Hera
[ ] c) Hestia
[ ] d) Persephone
4. What rule did Hades set in the underworld?
[ ] a) No animals could ender the underworld
[ ] b) All those who visited the underworld would pay a body part as an entance fee
[ ] c) No one could leave the underworld
[ ] d) No one could enter the underworld without a password
5. What did Hades own aside from a a chariot and Cerberus?
[ ] a) A cap of invisibility
[ ] b) A mighty golden bow
[ ] c) A big horn he would sound when someone came into the underworld
[ ] d) Three golden apples
6. Who guarded the underworld?
[ ] a) Hercules
[ ] b) Cerberus
[ ] c) Orpheus
[ ] d) Theseus
Skólavefurinn | English Reading Comprehension I
27
13. Violin
The violin is a string instrument that is played with a bow. The violin has four
strings, which are tuned to the notes G, D, A, and E. The violin is held between
the left collarbone (near the shoulder) and the chin. Different notes are made
by fingering with the left hand while bowing with the right.
The violin is the smallest and highest pitched instrument in the string family.
The other instruments in the family are: viola, cello and double bass. A person
who plays the violin is called a violinist. A person who makes or repairs a violin
is called a luthier.
The violin is about 400 years old.
111 words
Words
instrument, a bow, tuned, collar bone, chin,
highest pitched, viola, double bass, repairs, a luthier
Questions
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
What is used to play the violin?
How many strings does the violin have?
What notes are the strings of the violin tuned to?
To what family of instruments does the violin belong?
What is a person who plays the violin called?
What is the person who repairs or makes violins called?
Skólavefurinn | English Reading Comprehension I
28
Fjölvalsspurningar
1. What is used to play the violin?
[ ] a) A bow
[ ] b) A hammer
[ ] c) A spool
[ ] d) A wedge
2. How many strings does the violin have?
[ ] a) Three
[ ] b) Four
[ ] c) Five
[ ] d) Six
3. What notes are the strings of the violin tuned to?
[ ] a) C, F, G and A
[ ] b) D, F, E and A
[ ] c) G, D, A and E
[ ] d) F, G, A and E
4. To what family of instruments does the violin belong?
[ ] a) Brass instruments
[ ] b) Percussion instruments
[ ] c) String instruments
[ ] d) Woodwind instruments
5. What is a person who plays the violin called?
[ ] a) A lutheran
[ ] b) A luthier
[ ] c) A violinist
[ ] d) A virtuoso
6. What is the person who repairs or makes violins called?
[ ] a) A lutheran
[ ] b) A luthier
[ ] c) A violinist
[ ] d) A virtuoso
Skólavefurinn | English Reading Comprehension I
29
14. Galaxy
A galaxy is a group of billions of stars. There are many known galaxies in the
universe. Our planet, the Earth; our star, the Sun, with its solar system and all
its planets; and even every star that can be seen with the naked eye belong to
our galaxy, called the Milky Way.
The closest galaxy from ours is called Andromeda. It is seen as only a tiny point
with the naked eye, but can be more clearly distinguishable with a telescope.
We presume that the Milky Way looks like a spiral, like Andromeda. The
Ancient Greeks called it the Milky Way because of its light colour, that looked
like a path made of milk.
115 words
Words
galaxy, the universe, solar system, the naked eye,
belong to, the closest, a tiny point, distinguishable,
a telescope, presume, a spiral, a path
Questions
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
How many stars are in a galaxy?
What is our galaxy called?
What is the closest galaxy to ours?
What do we presume our galaxy looks like?
Who gave our galaxy its name?
Skólavefurinn | English Reading Comprehension I
30
Fjölvalsspurningar
1. How many stars are in a galaxy?
[ ] a) Hundreds
[ ] b) Thousands
[ ] c) Millions
[ ] d) Billions
2. What is our galaxy called?
[ ] a) The Autumn Almanac
[ ] b) The Four Seasons
[ ] c) The Milky Way
[ ] d) The Stars Parade
3. What is the closest galaxy to ours?
[ ] a) Andromeda
[ ] b) Black Eye
[ ] c) Comet
[ ] d) Cosmos Redshift 7
4. What do we presume our galaxy looks like?
[ ] a) A large three dimensional box
[ ] b) A circle
[ ] c) A spiral
[ ] d) A triangle
5. Who gave our galaxy its name?
[ ] a) The Ancient Greeks
[ ] b) The Babylonians
[ ] c) The Ancient Romans
[ ] d) The Ancient Egyptians
Skólavefurinn | English Reading Comprehension I
31
15. Chickens and Lemon Trees to the Rescue
In February 2017 the government of Uzbekistan proposed to help nearly 2
million households to feed themselves and earn money by providing them with
chickens and lemon trees. According to draft decree documentation,
households will be provided with poultry or seedlings, so that they can sell
eggs/lemons back to the government for export. Uzbekistan’s exports have
lately been booming thanks to demand from neighbouring countries such as
Russia. It is believed that this will help generate employment, given that nearly
two thirds of the country’s population of 32 million live in rural areas.
It is reported that the government plans to give 100 chickens to each of
850,000 households, and help 1.07 million households to build greenhouses for
4.2 million lemon trees.
118 words
Words
proposed, households, to feed, earn, by providing, draft, decree,
documentation, poultry, seedlings, export, booming, demand,
generate employment, population, rural areas, greenhouses
Questions
1. What is the government of Uzbekistan going to give to nearly 2 million
households?
2. What countries buy products from Uzbekistan?
3. What does the government hope to generate by this?
4. How big a proportion of the country’s population lives in towns and cities?
5. How many people live in Uzbekistan?
6. How many chickens will the government give on the whole?
Skólavefurinn | English Reading Comprehension I
32
Fjölvalsspurningar
1. What is the government of Uzbekistan going to give to nearly 2 million households?
[ ] a) Money to buy chickens and lemon trees
[ ] b) Chickens and lemon trees
[ ] c) Houses to live in
[ ] d) Cars for transporting their products
2. What countries buy most of the export products from Uzbekistan?
[ ] a) Southern European countries
[ ] b) Russia and other neighbouring countries
[ ] c) The U.S. and France
[ ] d) African countries
3. What does the government hope to generate by this?
[ ] a) Employment
[ ] b) Friends in other countries
[ ] c) An increase in Russian import
[ ] d) Larger households
4. How big a proportion of the country’s population lives in towns and cities ?
[ ] a) About ten percent
[ ] b) Nearly half
[ ] c) Just over one third
[ ] d) Nearly two thirds
5. How many people live in Uzbekistan?
[ ] a) 850.000
[ ] b) 1.07 million
[ ] c) 4.2 million
[ ] d) 32 million
6. How many chickens will the government give on the whole?
[ ] a) 850.000
[ ] b) 8.500.000
[ ] c) 85 million
[ ] d) 100
Skólavefurinn | English Reading Comprehension I
33
16. Snow White
"Snow White" is a German fairy tale. It was probably told for centuries, but in
1812 the Brothers Grimm published a version of it in their collection of fairy
tales.
The story has always been popular with readers and critics. It has been adapted
to movies and television, most famously in the 1937 animated musical movie,
Snow White is a beautiful princess. She is cast out by her jealous stepmother,
the Queen. The princess finds a home in the forest with seven dwarfs who are
very kind to her.
The Queen learns where she is living and poisons her. Snow White does not
die, but falls asleep. She is awakened by a handsome prince. They marry and
live happily ever after.
121 words
Words
fairy tale, centuries, a version, collection, adapted to,
animated movie, cast out, jealous, dwarfs, poisons
Questions
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
From what country does the fairy tale "Snow White" come from originally?
When was the fairy tale published by the Brothers Grimm?
What year was the fairy tale adapted to the movie screen?
Who is Snow White’s enemy in the story?
Where does Snow White live after she is cast out?
What becomes of Snow White at the end of the story?
Skólavefurinn | English Reading Comprehension I
34
Fjölvalsspurningar
1. What country does the fairy tale "Snow White" come from originally?
[ ] a) Canada
[ ] b) Germany
[ ] c) Iceland
[ ] d) Russia
2. When was the fairy tale published by the Brothers Grimm?
[ ] a) In 1812
[ ] b) In 1912
[ ] c) In 1937
[ ] d) In 1945
3. In what year was the fairy tale adapted to the movie screen?
[ ] a) 1812
[ ] b) 1912
[ ] c) 1937
[ ] d) 1945
4. Who is Snow White’s enemy in the story?
[ ] a) A dwarf
[ ] b) Her father
[ ] c) Her stepmother
[ ] d) A prince
5. Where does Snow White live after she is cast out?
[ ] a) In a city
[ ] b) In a desert
[ ] c) In a forest
[ ] d) On a farm
6. What becomes of Snow White at the end of the story?
[ ] a) She dies
[ ] b) She goes into a convent
[ ] c) She travels abroad
[ ] d) She marries a prince
Skólavefurinn | English Reading Comprehension I
35
17. Fatemeh Ekhtesari
Fatemeh Ekhtesari (born 1984 or 1985) is a poet from Iran. She is known for
poems about Iranian women.
Fatemeh Ekhtesari was arrested with another poet, Mehdi Mousavi, in 2013.
They were put in solitary confinement and interrogated. In January 2015, they
were released on bail. Ekhtesari received a prison
sentence of eleven and a half years and 99 lashes.
Ekhtesari‘s writing was approved by the Ministry of
Islamic Guidance. However, Ekhtesari said she
shook hands with male participants at a poetry
event in Sweden. This is illegal in Iran. Ekhtesari
made the statement during interrogation, but
during the trial, she denied the charges.
More than 100 poets signed a letter asking for a pardon. In 2016, Ekhtesari and
Musavi escaped from Iran.
123 words
Words
poet, arrested, solitary confinement, interrogated, released,
on bail, received, prison sentence, lashes, approved,
Ministry of Islamic Guidance, participants, a pardon
Questions
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Where is Fatemeh Ekhtesari from?
What is her occupation?
What was she charged with?
What was her punishment?
What other poet was arrested along with Ekhtesari?
What happened in 2016?
Skólavefurinn | English Reading Comprehension I
36
Fjölvalsspurningar
1. Where is Fatemeh Ekhtesari from?
[ ] a) Afghanistan
[ ] b) Iran
[ ] c) Iraq
[ ] d) Syria
2. What is her occupation?
[ ] a) She is an actress
[ ] b) She is a teacher
[ ] c) She is a poet
[ ] d) She is a singer
3. What was Ekhtesari charged with?
[ ] a) Writing poetry that went against Islamic law
[ ] b) Dancing in a public place
[ ] c) Going abroad without permission
[ ] d) Shaking hands with male participants at a poetry event
4. What was her punishment?
[ ] a) One year in prison and 99 lashes
[ ] b) Eleven and a half years in prison and 99 lashes
[ ] c) Three years in prison and 12 lashes
[ ] d) 99 years in prison and elven lashes
5. What other poet was arrested along with Ekhtesari?
[ ] a) Forough Farrokhzad
[ ] b) Hafez
[ ] c) Mehdi Mousavi
[ ] d) Omar Khayyam
6. What happened in 2016?
[ ] a) Ekhtesari escaped from Iran
[ ] b) Ekhtesari died in prison
[ ] c) Ekhtesari published a new book of poetry
[ ] d) Ekhtesari was awarded the Nobel prize for Literature
Skólavefurinn | English Reading Comprehension I
37
18. The Three Musketeers
The Three Musketeers is a novel by Alexandre Dumas. It was first published in
serial form in the newspaper Le Siècle between March and July 1844. The novel
was followed by two sequels: Twenty Years After and The Vicomte of
Bragelonne: Ten Years Later. The novel has been adapted to plays, movies, a
musical, four operas, and television programs.
The story is set in the early 17th century, and the main character is a man
named d‘Artagnan. He leaves his country home to join the Musketeers of the
Guards.
The three musketeers of the title are his friends Athos, Porthos, and Aramis.
They have many adventures together. Their chief adventure involves the
recovery of a missing necklace belonging to the Queen of France, Anne of
Austria.
126 words
Words
musketeers, a novel, in serial form, sequels, involves,
recovery, necklace, belonging to
Questions
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
How was the novel The Three Musketeers first published?
What is the second book about the musketeers called?
When does the story take place?
Who is the main character in the novel?
Who are the three musketeers referred to in the title?
Who owned the necklace?
Skólavefurinn | English Reading Comprehension I
38
Fjölvalsspurningar
1. How was the novel The Three Musketeers first published?
[ ] a) As an e-book
[ ] b) It was read out loud in the town square
[ ] c) In serial form in a newspaper
[ ] d) In three books
2. What is the first sequel to the original story about the musketeers called?
[ ] a) In the Court of the Crimson King
[ ] b) Kidnapped
[ ] c) The Vicomte of Braglone: Ten years later
[ ] d) Twenty years after
3. When does the story take place?
[ ] a) In the early fifteenth century
[ ] b) In the early sixteenth century
[ ] c) In the early seventeenth century
[ ] d) In the early eighteenth century
4. Who is the main character in the novel?
[ ] a) A man called Aramis
[ ] b) A man called d’Artagnan
[ ] c) A man called Athos
[ ] d) A man called Porthos
5. Who are the three musketeers referred to in the title?
[ ] a) d’Artagnan, Athos and Portos
[ ] b) d’Artagnan, Aramis and Portos
[ ] c) d’Artagnan, Athos and Aramis
[ ] d) Athos, Portos and Aramis
6. Who owned the necklace?
[ ] a) d’Artagnan
[ ] b) Cardinal Richelieu
[ ] c) Queen Anne of Austria
[ ] d) Louis XIII, King of France
Skólavefurinn | English Reading Comprehension I
39
19. Saving up to $400 million per year
A 14-year-old boy of Indian origin has come up with a clever plan, which could
save the U.S government up to $400 million per year, simply by changing the
font they use on official documents. Suvir Mirchandani had the idea while
thinking of ways to cut waste and save money for a project at school. He
noticed that his school used a lot of handouts and considered recycling to save
paper. Suvir also wanted to find a way to cut down on ink, which, he says, is
twice as expensive as French perfume. He experimented with different fonts
and found that Garamond uses 24% less ink. It is incredible to think that such a
small change could result in such a huge saving.
123 words
Words
origin, font, official documents, to cut waste, a project, handouts,
considered, recycling, ink, experimented,
Questions
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
How old is Suvir Mirchandani when this is written?
How much could the boy’s idea save the U.S. government?
Why was Suvir thinking about this?
What other topic did Suvir consider before he came up with his brilliant idea?
How expensive is ink in comparison to French perfume?
What font did he recommend?
Skólavefurinn | English Reading Comprehension I
40
Fjölvalsspurningar
1. How old is Suvir Mirchandani when this is written?
[ ] a) Twelve
[ ] b) Thirteen
[ ] c) Fourteen
[ ] d) Fifteen
2. How much could the boy’s idea save the U.S government?
[ ] a) Up to $200 million a year
[ ] b) Up to $400 million a year
[ ] c) Up to $600 million a year
[ ] d) Up to $800 million a year
3. Why was Suvir thinking about this?
[ ] a) He was working on a school project
[ ] b) He’s obsessed with trying to help the government
[ ] c) He’s obsessed with reducing costs in everything
[ ] d) He was hired by the government to find ways to reduce costs
4. What other topic did Suvir consider before he came up with his brilliant idea?
[ ] a) Reusable shopping bags
[ ] b) Electric cars
[ ] c) Recycling paper
[ ] d) Shorter opening hours for government offices
5. How expensive is ink in comparison to French perfume?
[ ] a) Ink is twice as expensive
[ ] b) Ink is 24% more expensive
[ ] c) Ink is four times more expensive
[ ] d) Ink is much cheaper than French perfume
6. What font did he recommend?
[ ] a) Arial
[ ] b) Garamond
[ ] c) Century Gothic
[ ] d) Times New Roman
Skólavefurinn | English Reading Comprehension I
41
20. Mary Edmonia Lewis
Mary Edmonia Lewis (c. July 4, 1844 – September 17, 1907) was an American
sculptor who worked for most of her career in
Rome, Italy. She was the first woman of AfricanAmerican and Native American heritage to
achieve international fame and recognition as a
sculptor in the fine arts world. Her work is known
for incorporating themes relating to black people
and indigenous peoples of the Americas into
Neoclassical-style sculpture. She began to gain
prominence during the American Civil War; at the
end of the 19th century, she remained the only
black woman who had participated in and been
recognized to any degree by the American artistic
mainstream. In 2002, the scholar Molefi Kete
Asante included Edmonia Lewis on his list of 100
Greatest African Americans.
125 words
Words
sculptor, Native American, heritage, achieve, recognition,
incorporating, relating to, indigenous, peoples, Neoclassical,
to gain, prominence, participated, to any degree,
artistic mainstream, scholar
Questions
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
What kind of artist was Mary Edmonia?
Where did she work for most of her career?
What was she first to achieve?
What is her work known to incorporate?
When did she begin to gain prominence as an artist?
What list did she become part of in 2002?
Skólavefurinn | English Reading Comprehension I
42
Fjölvalsspurningar
1. What kind of artist was Mary Edmonia?
[ ] a) A painter
[ ] b) A pianist
[ ] c) A sculptor
[ ] d) A writer
2. Where did she work for most of her career?
[ ] a) In Alabama
[ ] b) In London
[ ] c) In Paris
[ ] d) In Rome
3. What was she as a woman of African-American and Native American heritage first
to achieve?
[ ] a) To become a devoted Christian
[ ] b) International fame and recognition as a sculptor
[ ] c) Liberty
[ ] d) Financial independence
4. What is her work known to incorporate?
[ ] a) Themes relating to the middle classes
[ ] b) Themes relating to the gods of Rome
[ ] c) Themes relating to black and indigenous people
[ ] d) Themes of war and destruction
5. When did she begin to gain prominence as an artist?
[ ] a) During the American Civil War in the 19th century
[ ] b) In the sixties, when Kennedy was president
[ ] c) In the latter part of the eighteenth century
[ ] d) At the beginning of the twentieth century
6. What list did she become part of in 2002?
[ ] a) 100 Greatest Native Americans
[ ] b) 100 Greatest African Women
[ ] c) 100 Greatest American Women
[ ] d) 100 Greatest African Americans
Skólavefurinn | English Reading Comprehension I
43
21. Lake Baikal Race
Lake Baikal is the world’s deepest lake. It is situated in Siberia, Russia. Every
year there is a race on the water; a three-day race on ice which attracts
competitors from all over the world.
Participants use skis, ice skates and bikes to make it to the other side of one of
the oldest lakes in the world. The distance that the competitors must travel is
205 kilometres. According to the organizers of this event this should not be
difficult as local people can travel over 80 kilometres in one day.
But last year temperatures dropped to as low as –20°C, and only two thirds of
the competitors managed to finish the gruelling course. It was no surprise that
locals won the bike and ice skating races.
127 words
Words
lake, situated, attracts, competitors, participants,
organizers, gruelling, course
Questions
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
What is the world’s deepest lake?
Where is Lake Baikal situated?
What takes place on lake Baikal every winter?
What do the participants use to cross the lake?
How long is the distance that the participants must travel?
How long a distance can the local people travel on the ice in one day?
What did the temperature drop to last year?
Skólavefurinn | English Reading Comprehension I
44
Fjölvalsspurningar
1. What is the world’s deepest lake?
[ ] a) Caspian Sea
[ ] b) Lake Baikal
[ ] c) Lake Tanganyika
[ ] d) Lake Vostok
2. Where is Lake Baikal situated?
[ ] a) In China
[ ] b) In Bulgaria
[ ] c) In Russia
[ ] d) In Georgia
3. What do the participants use to cross the lake?
[ ] a) Cars, skis and trucks
[ ] b) Skis, ice skates and bikes
[ ] c) Skis, ice skates and dog sleds
[ ] d) Skis, trucks and motorcycles
4. How long is the distance that the participants must travel?
[ ] a) 205 km
[ ] b) 315 km
[ ] c) 375 km
[ ] d) 405 km
5. How long a distance can the local people travel on the ice in one day?
[ ] a) 60 km
[ ] b) 70 km
[ ] c) 80 km
[ ] d) 90 km
6. What did the temperature drop to last year?
[ ] a) –10°C
[ ] b) –20°C
[ ] c) –30°C
[ ] d) –40°C
Skólavefurinn | English Reading Comprehension I
45