Question 1 of 12
The writer says Mr Blakeman 'slammed the brakes on, and jumped out, grabbing Oliver and steering him'. What effect does this chain of quick action words create?
A) It shows that Mr Blakeman is a dangerous driver
B) It creates a sense of urgency and shows how stressful and chaotic the journey has become
C) It shows that Mr Blakeman is angry with Oliver
D) It makes the passage feel like an action film
Question 2 of 12
Oliver holds his books 'as if to ward off blows'. This is an example of which literary technique?
A) A metaphor
B) Personification
C) A simile
D) Alliteration
Question 3 of 12
What does 'under her breath' mean when Prill mutters 'Not again'?
A) She said it so quietly that only she could hear it
B) She was out of breath from running
C) She was holding her breath in fear
D) She breathed the words out loudly like a sigh
Question 4 of 12
The old people in Uncle Stanley's house 'came and went silently, like ghosts'. What does this simile tell us about the house?
A) The house is haunted by real ghosts
B) The people are very old and close to death
C) Colin was scared of the people who lived there
D) The house has a quiet, eerie, and unwelcoming atmosphere where people seem almost invisible
Question 5 of 12
Can you think of another word for 'jolt' as used in the passage?
A) Slide
B) Jerk
C) Drift
D) Crawl
Question 6 of 12
Can you think of another word for 'bawl'?
A) Whisper
B) Giggle
C) Wail
D) Mumble
Question 7 of 12
Can you think of another word for 'musty'?
A) Stale
B) Fragrant
C) Shiny
D) Spicy
Question 8 of 12
The passage says the smell 'had taken Colin right back into his early childhood'. What technique is the writer using here?
A) Foreshadowing — hinting at something that will happen later
B) Personification — giving human qualities to the smell
C) Alliteration — repeating the same starting sound
D) A flashback — the smell triggers a memory of the past and the story goes back in time
Question 9 of 12
Can you think of another word for 'blows' as used in 'as if to ward off blows'?
A) Gusts of wind
B) Hits or strikes
C) Shouts or screams
D) Surprises or shocks
Question 10 of 12
What does 'gloomy' suggest about Uncle Stanley's front door?
A) The door is very large and grand
B) The door is painted a bright colour
C) The door is dark and unwelcoming, creating a sad or depressing feeling
D) The door is locked and cannot be opened
Question 11 of 12
How would you best describe Oliver's character based on the whole passage?
A) Anxious, studious, and fragile — a nervous boy who uses books as comfort and protection
B) Bold, sporty, and confident — a natural leader who loves adventure
C) Lazy and rude — he pretends to be sick to get attention
D) Cheerful and talkative — he makes everyone laugh during the journey
Question 12 of 12
Why does the writer describe Oliver as having 'bony knees' and 'large pale eyes'?
A) To show that Oliver is very tall for his age
B) To show that Oliver is unwell with a serious illness
C) To make Oliver seem scary and intimidating
D) To make the reader feel sympathy for Oliver by showing him as thin, fragile, and vulnerable