10: Meaning, Audience and Purpose GapFill

Read the text and then answer the questions.

A Peaceful Day at Sea

Part 1: Enjoying a Spot of Fishing

I settled down at the back of the boat with my fishing rod. All morning, the calm sea had been a serene sheet reflecting the clear sky. The conditions were perfect. While the rest of my family napped in the glorious golden sunshine, I cast my line and waited.

Part 2: Something Ominous This Way Comes

As I gazed out over the peaceful ocean, I noticed an unusual cloud formation on the horizon. It looked bad-tempered and seemed to be in a hurry to get to us. I watched as it came closer and closer.

Part 3: Peace No More

Before long, the boat started to dance on the water. The gentle lapping of the waves was soothing at first, but I decided I had better reel in my line as the sky was looking angrier by the second. I gasped when the first big wave crashed into the boat. The previously silent sea was now raging round us, picking up the little boat and tossing it into the swirling depths, then flinging it back up before grabbing it again. My knuckles were white as I gripped the railings with all my might. Behind me, I could hear my family wailing with fear. Above me, the enraged clouds fought a mighty battle across the sky.

Part 4: A Tragic Day at Sea

As quickly as the storm had descended on us, it blew over. The boat resumed its gentle dance, accompanied by the lap-lapping of the now contented water. I prised my fingers from the railings and sank to my knees. I strained to hear my family’s cries of relief, but the earlier silence had returned.

1. Which of these language features is used in Part 1?  StatisticsRhetorical questionDirect addressAlliteration

2. Which of these language features are used in Part 2?  Metaphor and personificationSimile and repetitionSimile and metaphorPersonification and repetition

3. What does 'by the second' in 'the sky was looking angrier by the second' in Part 3 suggest?  That the sky is changingThat the sky is changing really quicklyThat the sky is getting darkerThat the storm is coming

4. What does 'resumed' in 'The boat resumed its gentle dance' suggest in Part 4?  That the boat was dancingThat the boat went back to how it was before the stormThat the boat was calmThat the boat had survived the storm

5. Which heading or headings create(s) the most suspense?  Something Ominous This Way ComesA Peaceful Day at SeaPeace No MoreEnjoying A Spot of Fishing