Sutton SET English Mock Paper 7

Choose the correct spelling.

There was an ____ silence after both speakers began at once.There was an ____ silence after both speakers began at once.

1. Aawkward
2. Bakward
3. Cawkwerd
4. Dawkkward
5. Eawkwardd

Choose the correct spelling.

A purple ____ appeared on my knee after the fall.A purple ____ appeared on my knee after the fall.

1. Abreuse
2. Bbruise
3. Cbruse
4. Dbruisse
5. Ebruize

Choose the correct spelling.

Out of ____, I lifted the lid of the old tin.Out of ____, I lifted the lid of the old tin.

1. Acuriousity
2. Bcuriosty
3. Ccuriossity
4. Dcuriosity
5. Ecuriocity

Choose the correct spelling.

The exhausted walkers were ____ for a drink.The exhausted walkers were ____ for a drink.

1. Adesparate
2. Bdesprate
3. Cdessperate
4. Ddesperete
5. Edesperate

Choose the correct spelling.

The rescue boat was ____ with ropes and lifejackets.The rescue boat was ____ with ropes and lifejackets.

1. Aequiped
2. Bequipped
3. Cequipt
4. Dequippedd
5. Eequeped

Choose the correct spelling.

Exactly ____ chairs were arranged in the hall.Exactly ____ chairs were arranged in the hall.

1. Afourty
2. Bfortee
3. Cforty
4. Dfourtee
5. Efortty

Choose the correct spelling.

Repeated messages were sent to ____ the witness.Repeated messages were sent to ____ the witness.

1. Aharrass
2. Bharas
3. Charras
4. Dharass
5. Eharasse

Choose the correct spelling.

The masked singer kept her ____ secret.The masked singer kept her ____ secret.

1. Aidentety
2. Bidentity
3. Cidentitty
4. Dindentity
5. Eidenty

Choose the correct spelling.

Painting is one of her favourite ____ activities.Painting is one of her favourite ____ activities.

1. Aleasure
2. Bliesure
3. Cleisurre
4. Dleisure
5. Eleisur

Choose the correct spelling.

From the hilltop, we had a ____ view of the coast.From the hilltop, we had a ____ view of the coast.

1. Amarvelous
2. Bmarvelllous
3. Cmarvellous
4. Dmarvelouss
5. Emarvellus

In the opening paragraph, how does the narrator plan to record the locks they pass?

1. Aby moving nine coins from one pocket to another
2. Bby drawing nine squares on their wrist and ticking them off
3. Cby writing each lock's name in a notebook
4. Dby scratching marks on the brass windlass
5. Eby counting the boats travelling the other way

At Mallow Lock, which job does Grandad do while the narrator fits the windlass?

1. AHe loops the centre rope round a bollard.
2. BHe opens both lower gates.
3. CHe measures the depth with a boat hook.
4. DHe ties the boat beneath the railway bridge.
5. EHe clears branches from the upper gate.

What causes Grandad's hand to be bruised at Crow Mill?

1. AA spinning windlass strikes it.
2. BThe boat hook traps it against the gate.
3. CHis knuckles hit the wall when his boot slips.
4. DA branch falls from the blocked gate.
5. EThe centre rope snaps across it.

At Walnut Lock, what does the narrator do before leaning on the stiff windlass?

1. Aopens the far paddle fully
2. Basks one of the walkers for help
3. Cloosens the Wren's centre rope
4. Dchecks the pawl and resets the windlass
5. Ewaits for the rain to stop

Where does the narrator find the scratched letter W?

1. Abeside the socket of the brass windlass
2. Bon the Wren's cabin door
3. Cunder the brim of Grandad's cap
4. Dinside the rusty spare's handle
5. Eon the gate at the ninth lock

In the opening paragraph, Grandad says, 'A lock crossed in a hurry still takes exactly as long.'

What does he most precisely want the narrator to understand?

1. ANine locks will make the journey long even if the boat travels quickly between them.
2. BThe lock's old machinery must be operated at a controlled pace to stay safe.
3. CRushing the necessary stages creates risk without removing the need to complete them.
4. DWaiting at a lock often feels longer to a child than it does to an adult.
5. EOther canal users may feel delayed even when the crew works carefully.

At Mallow Lock, why does the cyclist's glance at his watch make ten seconds feel like 'a whole school assembly'?

1. AThe narrator is already embarrassed by the mistake and feels the stranger's impatience magnify the pause.
2. BThe cyclist cannot cross until the gates are safe, so even a short delay matters to him.
3. CGrandad has deliberately slowed the task to make the narrator remember the correct method.
4. DA school assembly is the narrator's familiar example of time passing slowly under observation.
5. EThe narrator expected to complete the first lock smoothly and is disappointed by the interruption.

In the paragraph beginning 'After that', why does Grandad answer the narrator with 'What tells you that?' rather than saying good or wrong?

1. AHe wants the narrator to notice the boat, water and rope rather than depend on his approval.
2. BHe needs to check that the narrator remembers the order of the lock's controls.
3. CPutting each reason into words makes the narrator pause before acting.
4. DHe prefers questions because a direct correction might worsen the narrator's embarrassment.
5. EHe is gradually giving the narrator more responsibility for each move.

By the third lock, the narrator has stopped looking at the squares on their wrist.

What best explains this change?

1. AThe ink marks will later blur, so the physical checklist cannot last.
2. BThe practical decisions at each lock have replaced the earlier wish simply to collect completed stages.
3. CGrandad's questions require the narrator to watch several things at once.
4. DThe narrator now trusts Grandad to remember how many locks remain.
5. EThe first two locks have taken longer than expected, so finishing all nine seems less certain.

Where Grandad hurts his hand, why does he tuck it into his pocket before asking about the rope?

1. APutting the sore hand away helps him avoid using it during the next safety check.
2. BHe does not want his injury to distract the narrator from checking an important safety task.
3. CHe is embarrassed that somebody so experienced slipped on the ladder.
4. DHe usually directs attention through practical questions rather than discussing discomfort.
5. EHe is already considering whether the narrator can manage the next lock alone.

At Walnut Lock, Grandad says only, 'Your lock.'

Why is this brief instruction important?

1. AHis bruised hand means he would find the stiff spindle painful to operate.
2. BThe high water and rain make this the most demanding lock of the journey so far.
3. CHe gives the narrator real authority to judge the lock, not merely permission to copy his steps.
4. DHe remains close enough to intervene if the narrator makes another dangerous move.
5. EHe expects the narrator to use the lessons gathered at the earlier locks.

Why does the narrator refuse the walkers' suggestion to open both paddles fully?

1. AThe Wren's tugging rope shows that a faster rush of water could make the boat unstable.
2. BThe narrator remembers how opening a paddle too quickly caused trouble at Mallow Lock.
3. CThe walkers care about crossing soon, while the narrator must care about the boat inside the chamber.
4. DGrandad has taught the narrator to increase the flow gradually and watch its effects.
5. EThe far paddle can add water without pushing the boat from the same side.

After the narrator opens Walnut Lock safely, Grandad does not offer praise and simply steps aboard.

What does this response most clearly communicate?

1. AHe is too tired and sore to make a longer comment.
2. BHe regards the safe instruction as ordinary crew work rather than a child's performance needing applause.
3. CHe has already praised the narrator indirectly by calling Walnut Lock 'your lock'.
4. DHe trusts the narrator's judgement enough to act on it without checking the gate himself.
5. EHis boarding also ends the walkers' wait without another discussion.

Near the end, Grandad takes longer than necessary to untie a knot after giving away his windlass.

What is the best explanation for this detail?

1. AHis bruised hand makes the rope harder to loosen.
2. BHe wants to check that the narrator holds the keepsake securely.
3. CHe uses the familiar task to hide a moment of emotion about passing on an object shared with Grandma.
4. DHe is reluctant to admit that the spare windlass under the sink is rusty.
5. EHe needs extra time to decide whether the day's work has earned the gift.

The narrator says, 'I attacked' the paddle spindle at Mallow Lock.

Select the TWO words that best describe how the narrator begins the task.

Select TWO answers.

1. Aforcefully
2. Bhastily
3. Cexpertly
4. Dfearfully
5. Epatiently

The heron is 'balanced like folded scissors'.

Select the TWO qualities this comparison most strongly suggests.

Select TWO answers.

1. Aangular
2. Bpoised
3. Cnoisy
4. Dheavy
5. Ehidden

Select the TWO words that most accurately describe Grandad's way of teaching during the journey.

Select TWO answers.

1. Apatient
2. Bprobing
3. Cboastful
4. Dcareless
5. Econtrolling

Select the TWO words that best describe the mood of the final paragraph.

Select TWO answers.

1. Aaffectionate
2. Breflective
3. Cfrantic
4. Dtriumphant
5. Ebitter

Four details accurately describe the Wren's journey. Which one is NOT correct?

1. ANine locks lie between Willow Wharf and Alder Bend.
2. BThe route passes beneath a railway bridge.
3. CBranches block a gate at Crow Mill.
4. DThe crew spend the night at Mallow Lock.
5. EThe boat is tied beneath a chestnut tree at Alder Bend.

Which statement about operating the locks is NOT supported by Text 1?

1. AA rope may tighten as the boat rises.
2. BOpening one ground paddle gently can steady the boat.
3. CGates move most easily when water levels match.
4. DA pawl is checked before a stiff spindle is turned.
5. EBoth paddles must always be opened fully at the same time.

The passage gives several details about Grandad. Which claim is NOT supported?

1. AOther people along the canal appear to recognise him.
2. BHe once shared the brass windlass with Grandma.
3. CHe plans to sell the Wren immediately after the journey.
4. DHe keeps a rusty spare windlass beneath the sink.
5. EHe hides his bruised hand in his pocket.

Which description of the weather during the day is NOT correct?

1. AThe canal reflects the dawn at the start.
2. BHeavy rain begins after Crow Mill.
3. CRainwater is already overtopping the upper gate at Walnut Lock.
4. DThe rain polishes the leaves along the bank.
5. ESnow covers the towpath before the ninth lock.

Which details show the narrator becoming a safer lock worker after the first mistake?

Select ALL that apply.

Select ALL the answers that are correct.

1. AThe narrator gives a reason before each move.
2. BThe narrator checks the pawl before applying weight.
3. CThe narrator opens both Walnut Lock paddles fully.
4. DThe narrator watches the Wren's rope while adding water.
5. EThe narrator waits for the final bubbling to stop before pushing the gate.

Which details suggest that Grandad is known and experienced on this canal?

Select ALL that apply.

Select ALL the answers that are correct.

1. AHe explains how the chamber and paddles work.
2. BHe greets Mr Devlin at the boatyard without needing to call out.
3. CThe brass windlass has been worn smooth by use.
4. DThe walkers ask him for directions to Alder Bend.
5. EThe narrator feels that everybody seems to know him.

The narrator feels pressure from people waiting at locks. Which parts of the text build that idea?

Select ALL that apply.

Select ALL the answers that are correct.

1. AA cyclist checks his watch during the safety pause.
2. BTwo walkers shelter beneath one umbrella.
3. CThe walkers suggest opening both paddles to hurry.
4. DTheir impatience reminds the narrator of the cyclist.
5. EMr Devlin shouts that the Wren is moving too slowly.

Which comparisons or personifications make water and canal objects seem active?

Select ALL that apply.

Select ALL the answers that are correct.

1. AThe boat cuts through two dawns.
2. BWater punches into the chamber.
3. CThe canal can spare ten seconds.
4. DRain polishes the leaves.
5. EThe rusty windlass sleeps beneath the sink.

Which details connect the brass windlass with family history rather than only with today's work?

Select ALL that apply.

Select ALL the answers that are correct.

1. AIts handle has been worn by Grandad's palm.
2. BGrandma used it before Grandad.
3. CGrandma scratched a W beside its socket.
4. DGrandad gives it to the narrator to keep.
5. EThe cyclist admires it at Mallow Lock.

The ending returns to counting, but its meaning has changed. Which details help show that change?

Select ALL that apply.

Select ALL the answers that are correct.

1. AThe wrist squares have blurred into one cloud.
2. BThe narrator counts nine ducks aloud.
3. CGrandad joins in even though the count is not difficult.
4. DThe narrator redraws the nine lock squares carefully.
5. EThe shared count has become a moment of companionship rather than a race to finish.

In the entry for 14 September, why does the keeper add 'No reply required' after Mr Vale mentions the child?

1. AThe call was only meant to confirm the date of Wren's passage.
2. BThe keeper records the unusual plan without allowing an opinion about it into the log.
3. CMr Vale has already decided who will operate the lock, so permission is unnecessary.
4. DA formal log should record messages received rather than whole conversations.
5. EThe keeper expects to inspect the equipment before the child arrives.

The keeper records that a kingfisher remained on the rail until the gate opened.

Why is this detail especially revealing?

1. AIt fixes the bird's visit within the sequence of the second gate test.
2. BIt shows that the repaired gate could move without immediately frightening nearby wildlife.
3. CIt slips an observed moment of beauty into a record otherwise limited to water and maintenance.
4. DIt gives the keeper something visible to watch while checking for further leakage.
5. EIt demonstrates the keeper's habit of recording exact changes at the lock.

On 16 September, why is the spare windlass placed on the hut hook rather than in its usual drawer?

1. AThe keeper wants it visible and quickly available for the child's expected passage.
2. BThe delayed hire boats have shown that visiting crews sometimes mishandle paddles.
3. CHeavy rain may require the keeper to reach equipment without opening a drawer.
4. DKeeping the spare in view makes its presence easy to check before Saturday.
5. EMr Vale may need a second handle while supervising another person.

The keeper advises Mr Vale to postpone, then records his reply that 'nine locks had been promised'.

What does the decision to include this reply most strongly imply about the keeper?

1. AMr Vale values keeping his word to the child despite the poor forecast.
2. BThe reply explains why Mr Vale is reluctant to shorten or abandon the planned route.
3. CThe keeper still considers the high water serious enough to record the disagreement.
4. DThe journey matters personally to Mr Vale for reasons not stated in the telephone call.
5. EThe keeper understands the reason for continuing even while giving safer official advice.

In the final entry, the keeper notes the child's correct actions in much more detail than the boat's ordinary movement.

What is the best explanation for this emphasis?

1. AThe actions provide evidence that the lock was worked safely despite the high upper pound.
2. BThe child's correct sequence contrasts with the hire crews' earlier paddle mistake.
3. CThe exact sequence shows a quiet interest in whether the child was ready for the responsibility.
4. DThe tightening rope and paddle response are the passage's most safety-relevant events.
5. EThe keeper needs enough timings and actions to support the final claim of no incidents.

Four statements about the water levels are correct. Which one is NOT?

1. AOn 14 September, both pounds are below their markers.
2. BRain raises the upper pound between 14 and 15 September.
3. CThe upper pound is above its marker at closing on 17 September.
4. DThe upper pound is 12 mm below its marker when Wren arrives.
5. EThe measurements move from low water towards high water over the entries.

Which event does NOT occur before Wren enters Lower Mere Lock?

1. AFishing line is removed from the bywash grille.
2. BA leaking gate seal is packed with hemp.
3. CTwo hire boats are delayed.
4. DThe handrail, ladder and pawls are inspected.
5. EThe spare windlass is returned to its usual drawer.

Which statement about Wren's recorded passage is NOT correct?

1. AWren enters at 15.34.
2. BThe child checks the left pawl.
3. CThe far paddle is opened one turn.
4. DMr Vale borrows the keeper's spare windlass.
5. EWren clears the lower gates at 15.49.

Which jobs in the log are aimed at controlling water flow or preventing obstruction?

Select ALL that apply.

Select ALL the answers that are correct.

1. Aremoving fishing line from the bywash grille
2. Bpacking the leaking seal with hemp
3. Cclearing leaves from the bywash twice
4. Dcollecting Mr Vale's blue cap
5. Egreasing both paddle spindles

Which entries suggest special preparation for Wren's wet-weather passage?

Select ALL that apply.

Select ALL the answers that are correct.

1. AThe keeper moves the spare windlass to a visible hook.
2. BThe bywash is cleared twice during continuous rain.
3. CThe keeper advises postponement after seeing high water.
4. DThe handrail, ladder and pawls are inspected.
5. EThe kingfisher is watched during a gate test.

The keeper never states a feeling directly. Which recorded choices nevertheless suggest personal concern for Mr Vale and the child?

Select ALL that apply.

Select ALL the answers that are correct.

1. Arecording that nine locks had been promised
2. Bplacing the spare windlass on the hut hook
3. Clisting the child's safe decisions in sequence
4. Dcollecting the forgotten blue cap
5. Emeasuring the rain gauge at 7 mm

The log says the handrail, ladder and pawls are 'serviceable'.

Select the TWO words closest to serviceable in this context.

Select TWO answers.

1. Ausable
2. Bfunctional
3. Cshining
4. Dnew
5. Edecorative

Both texts show the child working Walnut Lock. Which details are supported by BOTH accounts?

Select ALL that apply.

Select ALL the answers that are correct.

1. AThe child checks a pawl before winding.
2. BThe centre rope tightens as water enters.
3. CThe far paddle is adjusted rather than both paddles being fully opened.
4. DMr Vale operates the spare windlass.
5. EThe gates are opened only after the water levels match.

Each writer makes the weather important to the day's work. Which connections between the texts are accurate?

Select ALL that apply.

Select ALL the answers that are correct.

1. AText 1 shows rain raising concern through water overtopping a gate.
2. BText 2 traces the upper pound moving from below to above its marker.
3. CBoth texts connect heavy rain with the need for careful lock operation.
4. DBoth texts say the journey is cancelled because of the forecast.
5. EBoth texts record sunshine returning later on 18 September.

The texts reveal Grandad's care without relying on long explanations from him. Which details contribute to that picture?

Select ALL that apply.

Select ALL the answers that are correct.

1. AHe stops the windlass from spinning into the child's hand.
2. BHe asks for reasons before allowing each move.
3. CHe keeps the promise of nine locks despite being advised to postpone.
4. DHe lets the child handle a demanding lock while he remains nearby.
5. EHe tells the keeper to record his affection in the log.

Which features make Text 2 more documentary than Text 1?

Select ALL that apply.

Select ALL the answers that are correct.

1. Aseparate dated entries
2. Bmeasurements in millimetres and litres
3. Cclock times for maintenance and boat movements
4. Dbrief statements such as 'No incidents'
5. Ea first-person account of events witnessed by the speaker

Both texts show that safe lock work depends on observing effects, not just following a fixed command. Which evidence supports that shared idea?

Select ALL that apply.

Select ALL the answers that are correct.

1. AGrandad repeatedly asks what evidence tells the narrator what to do.
2. BThe narrator adjusts the far paddle after noticing the rope tug.
3. CThe keeper retests a gate after packing its leaking seal.
4. DThe keeper clears the bywash again as rain continues.
5. EThe walkers recommend the same setting for every paddle.

Objects carry signs of human touch in both passages. Which examples fit that shared pattern?

Select ALL that apply.

Select ALL the answers that are correct.

1. AThe brass handle is worn smooth by palms.
2. BGrandma scratches a W beside the socket.
3. CThe keeper packs the gate seal with hemp.
4. DThe spare windlass is moved from hook to drawer.
5. EThe kingfisher remains on the rail during a test.

Read the texts for what experienced adults choose not to say directly. Which examples support that comparison?

Select ALL that apply.

Select ALL the answers that are correct.

1. AGrandad hides his bruised hand and asks about the rope.
2. BGrandad bends over a knot after giving away the windlass.
3. CThe keeper writes 'No reply required' after recording the child's role.
4. DThe keeper records preparations and the child's actions without naming concern.
5. EBoth adults openly explain every feeling before Wren leaves.

The same successful lock passage serves different purposes in the two texts. Which statements describe that difference accurately?

Select ALL that apply.

Select ALL the answers that are correct.

1. AText 1 presents the passage as the result of lessons learned earlier that day.
2. BText 1 uses the passage to show a change in trust between child and grandfather.
3. CText 2 presents the passage as a timed sequence of observable actions.
4. DText 2 uses the passage to close several days of safety preparation.
5. EBoth texts describe the child mainly to criticise slow work.

Which option most accurately contrasts the way the two texts organise time?

1. AText 1 covers several years of canal work, while Text 2 follows the child's first hour aboard.
2. BText 1 gives exact times for every lock, while Text 2 avoids all clock references.
3. CText 1 moves backwards from Alder Bend, while Text 2 records only one afternoon.
4. DText 1 follows one journey from dawn to evening, while Text 2 selects dated preparations and exact moments across five days.
5. EBoth texts count time only through the nine locks and never mention dates or daylight.

Which option best describes the contrast in how feeling reaches the reader?

1. ABoth narrators directly tell the reader when to feel anxious and relieved.
2. BText 1 contains no personal response, while Text 2 openly names the keeper's fear and pride.
3. CText 1 relies entirely on dialogue, while Text 2 relies entirely on water measurements.
4. DText 1 hides the family history of the windlass, while Text 2 explains that history in full.
5. EText 1 shares embarrassment, worry and affection through the child's thoughts, while Text 2 makes feeling visible only through selected facts and omissions.

Text 1 says the gate moves 'as softly as a cupboard door'; Text 2 records, 'Levels equal at 15.46.'

What is the most important difference between these descriptions of success?

1. AThe simile proves the gate is made of wood, while the log proves both gates opened at exactly 15.46.
2. BThe simile lets the child feel the surprising ease of a correctly timed gate, while the log reduces the same result to condition and time.
3. CThe simile criticises household doors, while the log praises the keeper's punctuality.
4. DThe simile shows the lock is unsafe, while the log records an emergency closure.
5. EThe simile describes the walkers' experience, while the log describes only the weather.

Why is the keeper's logbook an effective companion to the child's account of the same day at the locks?

1. ABoth accounts set out to teach a reader how a lock should be worked, though only the keeper sets the procedure down in order.
2. BThe log supplies the warmth that the child's account holds back, so the pair moves from restraint towards feeling.
3. CThe child's account says openly what the day taught, while the log lets the same care show through what the keeper thought worth writing down.
4. DBoth writers watch the water levels closely, which shows that each is finally more interested in the canal than in the people using it.
5. EThe keeper's dates and times confirm that the child's account of the journey is accurate in every detail.