A. Comprehension exercises

A. Comprehension exercises

1. The central theme of the passage is the overwhelming power and destructive force of natural disasters, specifically tsunamis, and the resilience, vulnerability, and varied responses of humans in the face of such catastrophic events. It is conveyed through individual accounts that highlight personal experiences of survival, loss, and the immediate aftermath.

2. The different narratives (e.g., the stories of Ignatious, Sanjeev, and Tilly Smith) work together to express the overall message by providing multiple perspectives on the same disaster. Each account offers a unique insight into the tsunami's impact, demonstrating different survival strategies, emotional tolls, and the diverse ways people react to extreme danger, collectively painting a comprehensive picture of the event's human dimension.

3. A key lesson or message about human response to natural disasters that can be inferred from the text is the critical importance of quick thinking, awareness of natural warning signs, and preparedness. It also highlights the psychological impact of such events and the instinctual drive for survival that emerges in crises.

B. Rearrange them in the correct chronological order by numbering the sentences in the correct order:

1. a. The family hears the rumble of the earthquake.
2. c. Family members rush out of the house as the tsunami approaches.
3. d. Some family members are swept away by the waves.
4. b. The sea starts rising, and relief helicopters appear overhead.
5. e. Survivors are later rescued or find refuge.

C. Vocabulary and Inference

a. In the context of the little girl who doesn't want to talk about the tsunami, "traumatised" means she has experienced severe emotional and psychological shock or injury due to the terrifying event. This distress makes it too painful or difficult for her to discuss her experiences.

b. The description of animal behavior during the disaster helps reinforce the narrative's overall theme by illustrating that animals often possess an innate ability to sense impending natural disasters before humans do. This highlights nature's subtle warnings and underscores the immense power of the tsunami, which even animals instinctively recognize and react to, thereby emphasizing the severity and natural origins of the catastrophe.