Correct Answer: present some document
Passage Reference: asked for proof that she was their mother a demand for written evidence
Why this is correct: Look at the first paragraph. The woman at passport control asked for proof that Perry was the mother. Then she made “a demand for written evidence,” so Perry had to show a document.
Tips: For a “what was she asked to do” question, find the request in the text. Then choose the option that means the same thing.
Why the other options are wrong:
- write an application: The official wanted written proof right there at the desk. Nobody asked Perry to fill in an application.
- call the children’s father: The children’s father is never contacted. The official wanted proof from Perry herself.
- wait for a supervisor: No supervisor is mentioned. The official questioned Perry and then let the family through.
Correct Answer: remarried
Passage Reference: remarried with a new surname
Why this is correct: The second paragraph says Perry is divorced and “remarried with a new surname.” Her new name came with her new marriage.
Tips: When a question asks why something changed, look for the words right next to the change.
Why the other options are wrong:
- deserted her children: Perry never left her children. They were travelling with her.
- changed her job: Perry’s job is never mentioned in the feature.
- returned from abroad: Coming back from a trip is when Perry was questioned. It did not change her name.
Correct Answer: perturbed
Passage Reference: The woman let the shaken family through.
Why this is correct: At the end of the first paragraph, the family is called “shaken,” and Perry’s daughter was nearly in tears. “Perturbed” means upset and worried, so it fits.
Tips: Feelings are not always named directly. Look for clues like tears or a “shaken” family, then pick the word that matches.
Why the other options are wrong:
- amused: Nothing was funny for Perry. Her daughter was nearly in tears.
- satisfied: Perry was not happy with the result. Afterwards, Perry looked for ways to avoid another upset like this.
- bored: The scene was tense, with a sharp rebuke. Nobody would feel bored in that moment.
Correct Answer: both parents' names
Passage Reference: adding both parents' names to children's passports
Why this is correct: Read the end of the second paragraph. Perry started her campaign to add “both parents’ names to children’s passports.”
Tips: Watch small words like “both” and “only.” Two options can look alike, and one small word decides which one matches.
Why the other options are wrong:
- children's names: Children’s passports already show the children’s own names. The campaign wants to add the parents.
- grandparents' names: Grandparents are never mentioned. The campaign is about the mother and the father.
- only mothers' names: The campaign wants the father’s name added too, not just the mother’s.
Correct Answer: mother's family name
Passage Reference: only 4% of children were given their mother's surname
Why this is correct: Near the end of the feature, a survey found that “only 4% of children were given their mother’s surname.” So very few children carry their mother’s family name.
Tips: When a question says “a very small share,” scan the text for a number or a percentage. Then check exactly what that number is about.
Why the other options are wrong:
- father's family name: Most children get their father’s surname. The father’s name is common, not rare.
- grandparents' family name: Grandparents’ names are never mentioned. The 4% is about the mother’s surname.
- own surname: The 4% is about the mother’s surname. It says nothing about children having a surname of their own.
Correct Answer: rigid attitude of entitlement
Passage Reference: prompting a sharp rebuke from the woman and a demand for written evidence
Why this is correct: In the first paragraph, the official gave “a sharp rebuke” and made “a demand for written evidence.” That is a rigid attitude, as if the official had every right to demand papers.
Tips: To judge how someone behaves, look at what they do and say, not only at describing words. Demands and rebukes tell you a lot.
Why the other options are wrong:
- friendly attitude of trust: The official did not trust Perry’s word and wanted written evidence.
- relaxed attitude of indifference: The official was not indifferent. Perry was questioned closely and asked for proof.
- nervous attitude of fear: Nothing suggests the official was afraid. The official was the one giving the sharp rebuke.
Correct Answer: plight
Passage Reference: My daughter was nearly in tears
Why this is correct: Perry says her daughter was “nearly in tears.” After that, Perry learned she would need seven legal documents. That is a hard situation, which is what “plight” means.
Tips: If you do not know a word in the options, test it in the sentence. Ask yourself whether the text shows a good or a bad situation.
Why the other options are wrong:
- amusement: Nothing about the mother’s experience was funny.
- calmness: The feature calls the family “shaken,” so the mother was not calm.
- silence: Perry did not stay quiet. Perry answered the official and even suggested asking the children.
Correct Answer: turned away
Passage Reference: The woman let the shaken family through
Why this is correct: The first paragraph ends with “The woman let the shaken family through.” So the family was not turned away at the border.
Tips: Look for “not” in the comment sentence. The blank must name something that did NOT happen in the text.
Why the other options are wrong:
- questioned: Perry was questioned. The official asked how she and the children were related.
- rebuked: Perry was rebuked. Perry’s answer led to a sharp rebuke from the official.
- challenged: Perry was challenged. The official asked for proof that Perry was the mother.
Correct Answer: legislation
Passage Reference: a change to passport design is all that is needed, rather than an act of parliament
Why this is correct: In the third paragraph, Perry says a change to passport design is all that is needed, “rather than an act of parliament.” So Perry thinks no new law is needed.
Tips: “Without” in the comment means you need the thing that is NOT required. Look for phrases like “rather than” or “instead of.”
Why the other options are wrong:
- a passport redesign: A new passport design is exactly what Perry wants, so her goal needs it.
- ministerial action: Perry says Theresa May “could make this happen,” so Perry is counting on the minister.
- public support: Perry is running a campaign, a petition and a meeting with MPs. Perry clearly wants people to back her.
Correct Answer: confrontational
Passage Reference: you could ask the children prompting a sharp rebuke from the woman
Why this is correct: Perry suggested the official could ask the children. That led to “a sharp rebuke from the woman,” so the reply was confrontational.
Tips: When a question asks how someone replied, find the words just after the reply in the text. A word like “sharp” tells you the tone.
Why the other options are wrong:
- apologetic: The official did not say sorry. Instead, the official gave a sharp rebuke and wanted written evidence.
- amused: A sharp rebuke is not an amused reply. The official took the suggestion badly.
- sympathetic: The reply left the family shaken, so it was not kind or caring.
