Comprehension 12 marks Read through the passage carefully and then answer the questions.
LOST PROPERTY
It happened one day aboard the Antelope that Sam, the captain’s servant , whilst emptying the captain’s silver teapot, accidentally dropped the valuable article overboard. He was terrified as to what would happen when the captain found out, so he made up his mind to make things a little easier for himself.
‘Sir, is a thing lost when you know where it is?’ he asked the skipper.
‘Of course it isn’t , was the reply. ‘If you know where it is, it can’t be lost.’
‘Are you quite sure of that, sir?’ Sam asked anxiously.
‘As sure as I am that this ship is sailing the Pacific,’ said the captain.
‘Well, that makes me very happy indeed,’ said Sam. ‘Your silver teapot isn’t really lost, for I know where it is. It’s at the bottom of the ocean.

1. What was the ship’s name, and where was it at the time?


2. What was Sam’s job aboard the vessel?

3. What is he doing when the story begins?

4. Write down the sentences that are true: a) Sam was very light-hearted at what had happened. b) He was very worried. c) He went about whistling happily. d) He had no fear of anything. e) He was very much alarmed. f) He was in a panic.
5. What was the first question he asked about the captain?

6. Why did Sam repeat the question?