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Bush Survival Comprehension Exercise

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Bush Survival Comprehension Exercise

Bush Survival Comprehension Exercise

New Zealand bush survival scene

📖 Part 1: Reading Comprehension

Read the following passage about bush survival, then answer the questions below:

"Right then, mate. So you've gone and got yourself lost in the bush, eh? Don't panic - that's the first rule. The New Zealand bush might look like a green maze, but she's not out to get you if you use your noggin. First thing - find shelter before dark. A good overhang or even a pile of branches will do. You don't want to be wandering around in the dark like a possum with a torch.

Water's your next priority. Listen for streams - they're usually downhill. If you can't find running water, collect dew on your shirt in the morning or catch rainwater in whatever you've got. Don't drink from stagnant pools unless you're desperate, mate.

For tucker, stick to what you know. Puha's good eating if you can spot it, and watercress grows near streams. Don't go munching on random berries unless you fancy a one-way ticket to the great campfire in the sky. And remember - three days without water, three weeks without food. Water first, always.

Signal for help during the day. Three of anything - whistle blasts, mirror flashes, smoke signals. Make yourself big and obvious. Rescuers can't find what they can't see. Stay put once you've made camp - don't go wandering off like a tourist at a souvenir shop."

1. According to the passage, what is the first rule when lost in the bush?
2. List the four main priorities mentioned in the passage, in order:

🔍 Part 2: Multiple Choice Questions

3. Why does the author suggest not wandering in the dark?

Because you might get more lost

Because it's dangerous and you can't see properly

Because possums are dangerous at night

Because you need to save energy

4. What does "tucker" mean in this context?

Shelter materials

Water containers

Food

Signalling equipment

5. Which foods does the author recommend as safe to eat? (Select all that apply)

Puha

Random berries

Watercress

Any mushrooms you find

📝 Part 3: Language and Vocabulary

6. The passage uses informal New Zealand language. Match each phrase with its meaning:
1. "use your noggin"
2. "mate"
3. "she's not out to get you"
4. "fancy a one-way ticket"
A. friend/person
B. want to risk
C. use your brain/think
D. it won't harm you
7. Fill in the blanks with words from the passage:

The author suggests making _________ of anything as a signal for help. You should stay _________ once you've made camp, rather than wandering off. Water should be your priority because you can survive three _________ without water but three _________ without food.

8. What writing technique does the author use to make the advice memorable and engaging?

🧠 Part 4: Critical Thinking and Application

9. Explain why the author emphasises "Water first, always." Use evidence from the text to support your answer.
10. The author uses several comparisons (similes) in the passage. Find two examples and explain what each one means:
11. Create your own survival priority list. If you were lost in the New Zealand bush, what would be your top 5 priorities and why?
12. Draw a simple map showing the ideal location for a bush survival camp. Include and label: water source, shelter, signalling area, and food gathering spot.

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