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Shells From the Sea

Sea shells are actually external skeletons which have kept their color and luster long after the death of the tenant. They are the hard coverings of a marine animal known as the mollusk. This casing, which protects its soft, defenseless body from predatory sea dwellers, is made up largely of carbonate of lime and is often stone-hard.

Shells usually have three layers. The outer covering of horny skin forms the protective surface. The middle and thicket layer is made up of prisms and governs the color pattern of the shell. Innermost is the smooth, shining nacreous lining often called mother-of-pearl. From this delicate surface, which gleams blue, rose, green and other pastel shades, is taken the material for pearl buttons, jewelry and adornments.


1. This passage describes mostly

  1. the way shells are formed and what they look like.
  2. the many varieties of shells.
  3. the commercial uses of shells and mother-of-pearl.
  4. the historical significance of shells.

2. Shells are best describes as

  1. beautiful three-layered skeletons of sea animals.
  2. carbonate of lime rocks found on the ocean floor.
  3. delicate remains of withered marine life.
  4. gleaming gem-like wastes called mother-of-pearl.

3. The middle layer of the shell determines its

  1. length and size.
  2. weight and thickness.
  3. color pattern.
  4. surface texture.

4. The beauty of shells is a

  1. commercial creation.
  2. natural phenomenon.
  3. result of sea deposits.
  4. form of protective coloration.

5. The author develops his point by means of

  1. narration.
  2. definition.
  3. comparison.
  4. description.

6. A predatory sea dweller is one that

  1. lives in harmony with other sea animals.
  2. preys on other sea animals.
  3. grows its own shell.
  4. d. is brightly colored.

 

Categories of Comprehension Questions: 1.Subject Matter, 2. Main Idea, 3. Supporting Details, 4. Conclusion, 5. Clarifying Devices. 6. Vocabulary in Context.

 

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