1. Read the following text and do the tasks that follow.
In a quiet corner of the bustling city, there stood an old, dusty library. While most people hurried past, its unassuming exterior hid an incredible secret. The librarian, an elderly woman named Ms. Abernathy, was not an ordinary librarian; she was the guardian of a magical library.One sunny afternoon, Sarah, an eighth-grader with an insatiable love for books, stumbled upon the library. She had always been drawn to stories of magic and adventure, and something about the library's unassuming facade piqued her curiosity. As she stepped inside, a small bell above the door tinkled, announcing her arrival. Ms. Abernathy greeted her with a warm smile, sensing Sarah’s keen interest in books.Sarah soon discovered the true enchantment of the library. Its shelves held volumes that could transport readers to other worlds. She found herself immersed in tales of knights and dragons, enchanted forests, and talking animals. These books had a way of making her feel like she was right there, part of the adventure.As the weeks passed, Sarah spent hours at the library, delving into one captivating story after another. She uncovered a book about a boy who could fly, and as she read, she felt her feet lifting off the ground. She found herself soaring over the city, experiencing the thrill of flight. Another day, she read about a time-traveling watch, and suddenly, she was witnessing historical events unfold before her eyes.One day, as Sarah was browsing the shelves, she noticed a book titled "The Lost Amulet of Althoria." The cover featured a golden amulet with a shimmering blue gem. Ms. Abernathy explained that this was a unique book—it was unfinished. No one knew how the story ended because no reader had ever returned the book. Sarah decided to take on the challenge. She opened the book and was immediately drawn into a tale of a young adventurer, Alaric, on a quest to find the lost amulet. She felt herself journeying through dark forests, crossing treacherous rivers, and facingmythical creatures. The more she read, the deeper she became entangled in the story. It was as though she had become Alaric, feeling his determination and bravery.As the days turned into weeks, Sarah's friends and family grew concerned. She had become so absorbed in the book that she neglected her usual activities. Ms. Abernathy gently reminded her to take breaks, but Sarah was determined to reach the end of the story.Finally, one evening, as Sarah read the last page, she found herself standing in a clearing, facing an ornate door. Through the door, she saw a dazzling chamber with the lost amulet resting on a pedestal. With a deep breath, she opened the door and approached the amulet. As she touched it, a burst of blue light enveloped her, and she felt herself returning to the library.When she opened her eyes, she was back among the dusty bookshelves, holding the book in her hands. Ms. Abernathy congratulated her on completing the unfinished story. Sarah had not only finished the tale but had also experienced an adventure unlike any other.From that day on, Sarah continued to visit the magical library, understanding that the real magic was not just in the stories but in the way they made her feel and the adventures they allowed her to live.
A) Complete the following sentences using the correct words highlighted in the text. Two of the words are not necessary.
a. World leaders are now united in their ...... for peace.
b. People are impressed by her ........ manner and relaxed style of writing.
c. As I started to live on my own, I ........ myself in my career.
d. The stuff written about me helped to establish me as a/an ......... figure in public.
e. His desire for money is ........ .
B) Choose and copy the correct alternatives.
a. Where is the story set?
(i) a bustling city
(ii) a dazzling chamber
(iii) an enchanted building
(iv) a magical forest
b. Who is Ms. Abernathy in the story?
(i) a magical creature
(ii) a narrator
(iii) a librarian
(iv) a character from a book
c. What unique quality do the books in the library have?
(i) They can speak to the readers gently.
(ii) They can make readers a part of the adventure.
(iii) They grant wishes reading their inner motives.
(iv) They can predict the reader's fortune.
d. How does Sarah feel when she touches the lost amulet?
(i) disappointed
(ii) afraid
(iii) awakened
(iv) enchanted
e. What kind of character is Sarah in the story?
(i) brave and proud
(ii) determined and courageous
(iii) imaginative and obsessed
(iv) obedient and tactful
C) Answer the following questions.
a. Why did Sarah go to the library in the beginning?
b. What happened when Sarah reads the book about a boy who can fly?
c. What was special about the book "The Lost Amulet of Althoria"?
d. What was Alaric searching for in the tale?
e. Was Sarah more determined to read books at the end? Give a reason.
