Sample Reading Comprehension - 4 | English Language for Grade 10 PDF Download

Marietta, Ohio, may not be on your short list for a vacation destination, but I encourage you to consider visiting this historic town. Located right on the Ohio River, on the National Scenic Waterway, this Old World city boasts a string of picturesque covered bridges. You could easily lose yourself in an afternoon of strolling back and forth across them, as well as exploring the town's myriad other treasures.
Summers here are blistering hot and the winters mighty chilly, so spring or fall might be best for a first-time look-see. The locals don't mind the extreme temperatures, though. In fact, you'll find it hard to upset the warm and happy folks who call Marietta their home. They welcome visitors, too and are glad to show off their little piece of paradise.
The town glitters with quaint, Appalachian charm, yet it doesn't lack the modern conveniences. You might say it's the best of both worlds—a step back in time with all the comforts of today. The downtown streets are like a walk back into history. You'll enjoy the candy stores, pubs, and cafes, and don't forget to take a riverboat tour! The view from the river really shows off this entrancing town. Stay for a week, and, if you're like me, you'll wonder why on earth you didn't visit sooner! 

Linda and Mark,
I know you were given no warning that I would be visiting the bookstore this morning, but that is no excuse for the sloppy condition I found the place in. As the owner of Books for Kids, I expect my employees to maintain order and cleanliness. I shouldn't have to remind you of this—especially you, Mark, as you've worked for me for nearly 4 years. Honestly, I thought, even at your young age, that you had a stronger work ethic than this. Unless you can prove me wrong, it seems I was sadly mistaken.
When kids and other customers drop books on the floor and do not pick them up, it is your job to clean up after them, much as you may dislike it. There were books lying all over the carpet this morning, and what's more, the countertop area behind the desk was strewn with scraps of paper, which is unacceptable.
Finally, my other employees confirm that the two of you spend most of your time e-mailing friends and text-messaging. If this childish behavior does not improve dramatically, and soon, I regret to say your continued employment at Books for Kids will seriously be in question.

Signed,
Marilyn Kresky

No travel destination can beat China for its fascinating history, from the mysterious dynasties of ancient times to the economic powerhouse it is today. Take a tour with Paradise Travel, and you'll be treated to a feast for the senses in the spectacular cities of Beijing, Shanghai, and others as you cruise the Yangtze River! Come experience for yourself China's fast-paced cities, eye-popping scenery, and polite and friendly people. Book now for supersaver tours that will fit any budget. 

I think it's high time we start charging people for destroying the environment, and plastic bags are a good place to begin. Grocery stores should start charging 10 cents every time a customer requests a plastic bag. Maybe then, people will get on the bandwagon and start bringing their own bag. Everybody knows that plastic takes forever to degrade and gives off toxic byproducts in the process. We simply can't go on producing plastic bags in such quantity and dumping them in the landfill. "Convenience" has to start taking a backseat to caring for the planet.
Sadly, the United States is miles behind in this regard. Ireland, for example, has charged people for plastic bags for nearly a decade. Paris, France, has also begun charging for non-biodegradable bags, and so have 50 other countries! But this brilliant idea has not caught hold here in the USA. Even liberal San Francisco couldn't get such a program off the ground. Everyone from grocers to dog owners to the plastics lobby shot the idea down.
The fact is, the United States uses a huge percentage of the world's resources and is one of the biggest polluters. Worst of all, we're so addicted to convenience that we can't be bothered to even reuse paper or plastic bags. That addiction will cost us dearly in the form of a toxic environment for our kids and grandkids. When you think of it that way, is keeping a cloth bag in the car for grocery trips really too much to ask? 

Juan,

Dude, did I tell you my grandparents are paying for me to take guitar lessons? It's every Wednesday at 7, so I can't watch videos with you that night, like we've always done. I'm disappointed, but it's not like I can turn them down. The lessons are a gift. Can't believe I'm gonna be hauling around some crazy big guitar case. So much for my cool image, huh? I wish they'd at least talked to me first and given me a choice. I'd probably have picked the drums. I'm thinking of telling my grandparents thanks, but no thanks, only it would crush them. E-mail me when you get this, would you? I could use your advice.

Thanks man,
Travis

Director Patricio Washington's 2012 film Dawn of Tumult, starring Jules Tyne and Mac Emerson does not disappoint. In my view, not since Night of Ice has a version of the Infantry of Space tale been so captivating and enthralling. The fireballs, explosions, and fight scenes are achieved with special effects designed to dazzle but not overwhelm. From the opening battle scenes, I was on the edge of my seat— and I stayed there.
The old, familiar characters seem freshly realized, given new life by the writing as well as superb performances by the cast. Perhaps the only exception is Demidov, played by Sam Quarles, who seems to be tacked on as an afterthought. Demidov was a rather boring character even in the original series, and making him more interesting and integral is a challenge every Infantry of Space movie has faced. Jules Tyne as Dr. Waldo and Mac Emerson as the young Timothy Grace more than do the roles justice. Rafael Dias as Santos will have you howling with his one-liners. Adela Bevan as Natalia is electrifying—the camera loves her, and she gives the traditionally staid character a comic twist.
To give the plot away would be a crime, so I will merely say that the writers have succeeded where others have failed. They have paid homage to the original TV series, while also throwing in a few surprises that even the most diehard fan will not see coming. Admittedly, the adventures of the crew have gotten a bit old and tired over the years, and I knew it would take a miracle to draw me back into the story. Patricio Washington managed to pull off exactly that. 

I'm appalled that KPTL.com today published a salacious story about the ex-governor of our state, using a tabloid newspaper as its only apparent source. This article suggesting the ex-governor took bribes is the shoddiest journalism I've ever seen. Anyone who lived here during his tenure knows his reputation was unblemished and that his only interest was in serving the people. Until today, I was a loyal reader of your site for local news, but I will go elsewhere from now on. I strongly suggest you read the dozens of comments from people below the article. Readers will not put up with such nonsense from a local news source. For shame!

Signed, 

Terry Hughes, disgruntled reader 

If you're like me, you've never forgotten the first eclipse of the Moon you ever witnessed. Well, if you live in the western United States, you're in for a treat this Saturday, June 26. Beginning around 2:15 AM and lasting for 2.5 hours, a partial eclipse of the Moon will take place. Those who live the farthest west will have the best visibility. (No one east of the Mississippi will be able to observe the eclipse, as the Moon will have set by the time it occurs.) Hawaii will see the entire event, from start to finish. On the West Coast, just the final stages should be visible, but they could be spectacular. During an eclipse, the Earth and Moon are lined up in such a way that the Earth's shadow partially or fully obscures the Moon for a time. If you miss this one, a total eclipse will occur on December 21 and should be visible to the entire United States.