Scorpion
Scorpion
“Scorpion”
Reading Comprehension – Short Stories
Directions: Read the story. Then answer the questions below.
Soon after Navi got engaged to Roberto, she went to meet his family
in Mexico.
She had heard many a story of Roberto’s birth city of Guanajuato, and they had
all captivated her. At one time, this colonial city was the source of two-thirds of
the world’s silver.
“Our family goes to a beautiful church in Guanajuato,” Roberto had told her while
they courted in the United States. “It is said that silver dust was mixed into the
cement building blocks and that is why the church sparkles.”
Navi had been enthralled. Roberto always told such wonderful stories. She
could not wait to see the city and meet all of Roberto’s family. Navi was an artist
and knew that the trip would inspire her to create.
While Roberto had imparted Navi with all the wonders of his beautiful city, it had
not occurred to him to mention any dangers. They were young. They were in
love. They lived only in the moment.
Navi was speechless when she saw the Oratorio de San Felipe. “It really does
sparkle!” she exclaimed.
Navi kissed Roberto on the cheek. “I’ll meet you outside,” she said, leaving the
church.
She pulled her sketchpad and pencils from her bag and went to sit against one of
the glorious palm trees outside the church. She began sketching
the colossal cupola which extended three stories above the nave.
Suddenly, a sharp pain took hold of her left shoulder. It felt like an electrical
shock. The pain began to pervade the rest of her body.
The last thing Navi remembered was Roberto kneeling by her side. She woke up
a week later with him holding her hand and telling her a story. “In Mexico,
scorpions are ubiquitous. There are more scorpion deaths here than in any
other place in the world. And they love palm trees,” he said, rubbing her hand
with tears of relief in his eyes. “I should have mentioned that before.”
Questions:
A. banal A. numb
B. microscopic B. paralyze
C. temporal C. permeate
D. uninspiring D. sicken
Questions (continued):
9) What type of narrator is telling this 10) Which is the best antonym
story? for ubiquitous?
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