Descriptive Text: The Old Lighthouse
The old lighthouse stood sentinel against the relentless assault of the sea. Its white paint, once pristine, was now chipped and flaked, a testament to years of wind and salt spray. The circular tower, broad at the base and tapering gracefully towards the top, was scarred with the marks of countless storms. Rust, like a creeping vine, had claimed parts of the metalwork, particularly the intricate railing that encircled the lantern room. The glass panes, though many were cracked and clouded, still offered glimpses of the swirling grey sea below. Inside, the air was thick with the scent of brine and damp stone. The rhythmic pulse of the lamp, a lonely heartbeat in the vast expanse, could be felt as much as heard, a beacon of hope in the stormy nights. A thick coil of rope lay discarded near the base, a silent witness to countless rescues and near misses. The lighthouse, though weathered and aged, possessed an undeniable dignity, a stoic resilience that spoke volumes about its long and arduous history.
Comprehension Questions:
1. What is the main subject of the descriptive text?
2. Describe the condition of the lighthouse's paint.
3. What imagery is used to describe the rust on the lighthouse?
4. What senses are evoked in the description (sight, sound, smell, touch)? Give examples from the text.
5. What is the significance of the "rhythmic pulse of the lamp"?
6. What is the overall tone or feeling of the descriptive text?
7. Find and explain one example of figurative language (simile, metaphor, personification) used in the description.
8. What does the discarded rope symbolize?
9. How does the description of the lighthouse's condition contribute to the overall impact of the text?
10. What is the author's apparent attitude towards the lighthouse?
These questions assess different aspects of understanding a descriptive text, ranging from identifying the main idea and details to analyzing the author's use of language and tone. Remember to support your answers with evidence from the text.