The War of the Worlds

The uncovered part had the ________ of a huge cylinder, caked over and its outline softened by a thick scaly crust.

• glimpse

• consistency

• size

• appearance

• inconsistency

He ___________ it, surprised at the size and more

• carried

• touched

• approached

• escaped

• moved

He approached it, surprised at the size and more so at the ________ since most meteorites are rounded more or less completely.

• temperature

• height

• texture

• width

• shape

How does the observer first explain to himself the 'stirring noise' from within the cylinder?

• It was the sound of the Thing sinking deeper into the pit.

• The Thing was hot and it made a boiling noise.

• Different parts of the Thing were cooling at different rates.

• There was a creature stirring inside the cylinder.

• The fir tree branches around the Thing were crackling.

What is the meaning of the phrase "brought his heart into his mouth"?

• He is deeply shocked by the sudden noise from the Thing.

• He has strong feelings inside that he wants to speak about.

• He is afraid the Thing will burst into flames.

• He is choking because of the falling ash and smoke.

• He is startled because he realizes he is not alone.

Find one metaphor in these words and phrases from the text.

• strange appearance

• stirring noise within its cylinder

• dropping off in flakes

• raining down upon the sand

• within the cindery cylinder

Why does the writer use exclamation marks at the end of the final two sentences?

• He wants to suggest that the man in the story is shouting.

• He wants to emphasize how dramatic the events are.

• The whole thing turned out to be a joke.

• The exclamation mark tells us this is the end.

• He wants us to know how far-fetched the man's story is.

Which of the following best describes what is happening towards the end of the passage?

• He notices that the cylinder is beginning to roll away.

• He has a flash of inspiration about how to escape

• He realizes that something might emerge from the cylinder.

• He is delighted that no-one has been hurt.

• He is amused that his imagination has been tricking him.