Narrative Passage: The Last Race
The crowd roared as Jason tightened the laces on his dusty running shoes. The sun was fierce, beating down on the old concrete track at Kingston High. It was the final race of the inter-school championships, and for Jason, it was more than just a competition—it was his last chance.
Just a month ago, Jason had injured his ankle during practice. His coach had told him to rest, but Jason was determined to run. He had trained for this day for nearly two years, dreaming of winning the 400-metre race and earning a scholarship that could change his life.
The starter raised his hand. Jason crouched into position. His ankle throbbed, but he pushed the pain to the back of his mind. Bang! The gun fired, and they were off.
Jason started slow, saving his energy for the final stretch. He could hear the pounding footsteps of the other runners and feel the heat rising from the track. At the 200-metre mark, he was in fourth place. His coach’s voice echoed in his head: “Stay steady. Finish strong.”
As they approached the final bend, Jason gritted his teeth and surged forward. He could feel the pain now, sharp and insistent, but he kept going. He passed one runner, then another. Now he was in second place. Just metres ahead was Kyle—his long-time rival from another school.
The final straight was a blur of noise and sweat. The crowd was on its feet, screaming. Jason’s legs felt like jelly, but he forced them to move faster. Inch by inch, he closed the gap. With ten metres to go, he pushed harder than ever before. His ankle screamed in protest, but he didn’t stop.
He crossed the finish line and collapsed. For a moment, he couldn’t breathe. Then he heard it—the announcer’s voice booming through the loudspeakers: “And the winner of the 400-metre final is… Jason Thompson of Kingston High!”
Tears filled Jason’s eyes as his teammates lifted him to his feet. He had done it. The pain didn’t matter anymore. He had won the race—and possibly his future.
Comprehension Questions:
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What was Jason’s main reason for wanting to win the race? (1 mark)
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Identify TWO challenges Jason faced during the race. (2 marks)
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Quote the line that shows Jason’s determination despite his injury. (1 mark)
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What does the phrase “His ankle screamed in protest” suggest about his physical state? (1 mark)
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What role did Jason’s coach play in his performance? (1 mark)
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How did the crowd contribute to the atmosphere of the race? (1 mark)
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What can be inferred about Jason’s personality from the story? Give ONE trait with evidence. (2 marks)
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Do you think Jason made the right decision by running despite his injury? Give ONE reason for your answer. (2 marks)