Primary 4 English - Orlesson.com

Section J: Comprehension Open-ended (5 x 2 marks)
Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow.
Four hundred years ago, most of the people who lived in Europe thought that the
earth was flat. They knew only the land that was near them. They knew the continent of
Europe, a small part of Asia, and a strip along the northern shore of Africa. They thought
this known land was surrounded by a vast body of water that was like a broad river.
Sailors were afraid to venture far upon this water for they feared they would fall over the
edge of the earth.
Other seafaring men believed that if they should sail too far out upon this water their
vessels would be lost in a fog or that they would suddenly begin to slide downhill, and
would never be able to return. Wind gods and storm gods too, were supposed to dwell in
this mysterious sea. People believed that the wind and storm gods would be very angry
with anyone who dared to enter their domains and that in their wrath they would hurl the
ships over the edge of the earth, or keep them wandering round and round in a circle, in
the mist and fog.
It is no wonder that the name "Sea of Darkness" was given to this great body of
water, which we now know to be the Atlantic Ocean; nor is it surprising that the sailors
feared to venture far out upon it.
(Adapted from ‘Discoverers and Explorers” by Edward. R. Shaw)
48. Four hundred years ago, what did most of people think of the earth?
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