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Grade 6 Reading Comprehension Exercises

Passage 1 - Our Loyal Friends

Read the passage below, and answer the questions that follow.

We have often heard the adage ‘A dog is a man’s best friend’. This has proven to be true time and again; dogs have not only served as faithful pets, but also as workers and protectors. For example, in the icy regions of Alaska, Huskies are often used to pull sleds, while the Doberman Pinschers are known for being vigilant watchdogs.

Dogs make endearing pets. Once they come to accept their human owners, dogs often remain stubbornly faithful to them even in the face of danger. This can be seen from the accounts of fearless dogs which saved their owners from burning houses or protected them against intruders. Indeed, once they pledge their loyalty, it can be readily assumed that these amazing animals will remain faithful for life.

Many dog owners believe that their pets are sensitive to their feelings and are able to respond to them. The truth of this, however, remains uncertain. The wild ancestors of dogs hunted in packs, so their responses were guided by those of the pack leader. Perhaps, in the case of domesticated dogs, the role of the pack leader falls on the dog owner. Thus, a dog which seems upset when its master is upset may simply be following its pack instinct. However, many dog owners testify to the fact that their dogs can sense their emotions even when they do not display them.

Most domestic dogs are expected to be able to understand and obey simple commands so that the dog owner can maintain some control over them. Dogs are best trained when they are young; an older dog might be too set in its ways to change. Dog training sessions are best carried out when the animal is hungry; in this way, it can be rewarded with food. Basic commands such as ‘sit’, ‘stay’, ‘come’ and ‘quiet’ are the easiest to teach. Some dog owners try to teach their dogs tricks such as rolling over and fetching newspapers. These tricks are best taught when the dogs are older, about six months old. Persistent training sessions are necessary if a dog is to learn commands, and in time, a dog might even come to recognize its owner’s emotions through the mere tone of his voice. Speaking in a high pitch relays positive feelings, while a low pitch warns the dog that its master is displeased.

  • Give an example of dogs being used as protectors.
  • From the second paragraph, find a word that means ‘descriptions’.
  • What could be an explanation of dogs being sensitive to their owner’s feelings?
  • Why is it said that dogs are best trained when they are young?
  • What sophisticated skill could be learnt by a dog with enough time and practice?

Answers

  • Doberman Pinschers are used as watchdogs.
  • The word is ‘accounts’.
  • The wild ancestors of dogs hunted in packs, and their responses were guided by those of the pack leader. In the case of domesticated dogs, the owner could be seen as the pack leader.
  • An older dog might be too set in its ways to change.
  • A dog might come to recognise its owner’s emotions through the mere tone of his voice.

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