Subject: English Language
Topic: Comprehension
Age: 6-9 years
Period: Single
Time: 45 Minute
Date: June 06, 2020
Before you read.
Can you imagine what it is like to travel on the sea?
Debby was shocked when she opened her posting letter. She was posted to Degema for her NYSC assignment. Degema is one of the riverine areas in Rivers State, Nigeria.
Debby was a graduate of Chemistry from Ahamdu Bello University, Zaria. She was not happy about her posting because she had a strong fear of the sea. She knew the only way to get to Degema from PortHarcourt was through the waterway. The thought of traveling on the sea made her sick.
Debby decided not to report at Degema. She slept in the church that day. On the following day, she headed straight to the office of the Director of the NYSC in Port Harcourt. She knocked at the door. "Who is there? Come in", the director answered. Debby walked in, greeted the director several times. She told the director what she wanted but the director refused to repost her. The director said, not minding the tears in Debby's eyes, "People, and not ghosts, live in riverine areas. So, go there too and have the experience".
Reluctantly, Debby carried her bag and the safety jacket that was given to her at the NYSC orientation camp. She looked at the jacket and asked herself, "Can this protect me on the sea?" She walked to Abonima Wharf Port Harcourt. Her heart raced with fear when she saw several engine boats speeding fast on the sea.
At the far end of the jetty, Debby watched the scene. Suddenly, she spoke out, putting her hands on her head, "Oh, I think I have to go back because I am scared". A chief who had been watching her came near and told her not to be afraid. He assured her, "Accidents don't usually occur on the sea; we have not experienced any in the past ten years.
Debby's face brightened when she heard what the chief said. She made up her mind and the chief led her to the waiting engine boat.
The driver started the engine of the boat. It roared and spread the seawater apart. The boat first swerved left and right and later balanced up and moved on. Something papery flew into Debby's mouth. She was very afraid and held unto the chief like a baby.
Debby was astonished at the courage her co-passengers, particularly the little girls among them. They were traders who were coming from Port Harcourt, Onitsha, and Warri. Debby did not understand the language they spoke. She knew they were talking about their experience at the various markets they went to.
They got to a narrow portion of the sea. The driver ran to the sharp bend. Another boat appeared from the other end. The two boats almost ran into each other. Debby shouted for help.
The driver was reckless because he thought it might rain. That as not good for them. A few meters to Degema, a big fish jumped into the boat and a young man quickly grabbed it. It was a dolphin. Debby had never seen that kind of fish.
They got to Degema after one hour on the sea. Debby was happy at the end. She saw many fishermen by the seaside. She saw a fish that was as big as a human being. She thanked the chief for encouraging her.
Questions:
- Why was Debby unhappy when she read her posting letter?
- What did she think about the sea? How did she feel traveling on the sea?
- Why did Debby go to the office of the director of NYSC in Port Harcourt?
- Why did the Director refuse to grant Debby's request?
- Was the chief of help to Debby?
- What made Debby shout for help?
- Why was the driver overspeeding?
- What happened a few meters to Degema?
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