JSS2: English Language 1st Term Examination – Comprehension Passage

Instruction: Read the passage carefully and answer the questions that follow.

In 1953, Edmund Hillary and Tenzing climbed to the top of Mount Everest, the highest mountain in the world. In previous years, many attempts had been made by various parties, but all resulted in failure, accident, or loss of life. In 1924, Mallory and Irvine tried to reach the top but never came back again.

John Hunt, the leader of the successful team, was well trained in mountain climbing. His first task was to select young, strong, and experienced men. They started from the south and after three months of hard work, Everest at last lay under the foot of men.

Three things made this mountain very hard to climb: its height (about 8850meters), the very cold weather, and the difficulties in climbing. At great heights, there is very little oxygen and without it, a man would die. To solve this problem, the climbers carried oxygen equipment from which the life-giving gas was breathed in.

On Everest, every place is covered with snow and ice fall instead of rain. Cold, fierce winds blow which no human being can withstand without special clothing. This special clothing and specially-made tents and boots helped the climbers. Ice axes and hammers, ladders, crampons, and pitons aided these courageous men in the actual climbing of the Everest.