Graded Reading - Unit 1

Athens Exam Skills for Papers 1 & 2 (Book 1) Graded reading comprehension worksheet
Name: ______________________ ( ) Class: _______ Date: ____________________
Unit 1 Getting along with others

Set A
No. of Word: 404
Read the following article and answer questions on pages 2–3.
The Intouchables is a great friendship film
[1] The Intouchables is a French film. It has had many positive reviews from critics and
audience members. The movie is about Philippe, an old disabled man and Driss, a young man
who has just been released from prison. Driss becomes Philippe’s caretaker and they become
5 friends. The film shows how their friendship grows and what they learn from each other. It is a
movie with a positive message and makes people feel good.
[2] Philippe is disabled but he likes it that Driss doesn’t treat him any differently. Driss moves in
with Philippe. Driss must be careful to take care of Philippe and care for his health. Philippe
10
talks to Driss to help him find a purpose in life. They have many conversations about love, life
and music. These talks help them understand each other. They do not have much in common so
the conversations help a lot. Philippe loves classical music while Driss prefers R&B. Philippe’s
home is huge and he is very rich, while Driss’ is not. His family lives in a very small apartment.
15 Driss and Philippe become friends and people who watch this movie will feel like they are
friends with Driss and Philippe, too.
[3] This movie is special because it shows different cultures. Even though Driss and Philippe are
totally different, they are friends. It shows that people must learn about different cultures to help
20
make the world better. The Intouchables shows how people must try to understand others to
make the world a better place.
[4] Overall, this movie is a complete success. The two main actors do a great job. Movie-
25 watchers truly believe the actors are Driss and Philippe and the friendship feels very real. The
dialogue is also very realistic. The way each actor thinks of each other is very true to life. The
movie is also very beautifully made. When they show the difference between Driss’ and
Philippe’s homes, it is clear they are very different people. It makes a big impact even without
any extra dialogue.
[5] This type of movie is called a ‘feel-good’ movie. It has a happy ending, and the characters
make a positive change. Many movies are feel-good types, but The Intouchables is one of the
best. It is very relatable, funny and beautifully made. If you like movies that inspire and make
you feel hopeful, it is a good movie to watch. Everyone can find something to relate to in The
Intouchables.
Unit 1 Getting along with others 1 ©2015 Athens Education

Predicting
1. What is the film The Intouchables about?
A. What makes people feel good about themselves
B. Looking after the disabled
C. Why people should be nice to strangers
D. Two people from different cultural backgrounds becoming friends. A B C D
   
Scanning
2. What is the relationship between Driss and Philippe?
Scanning
3. Which of the following is true about the film?
A. It has broken box office records across the world.
B. It tells a funny and relatable story.
C. It is the most inspiring film of the year. A B C D
D. The filmmakers knew it would become a hit.    
Scanning
4. Name one difference between the Philippe and Driss.
Reference
5. What does ‘These talks’ (line 9) refer to?
Paraphrase
6. For each of the following sentences, blacken the circle of the character who might say the
sentence. Blacken ONE circle only for each statement.
Philipp Driss
e
i) I appreciate it that he treats me like a normal person.  
ii) I just got out of jail.  
iii) The old man helps me find the true meaning of life.  
iv) He is a friend of mine and he takes care of me.  

Synonyms
7. Find words in paragraphs 3 and 4 that can be replaced by the following. Use ONE word for
each blank.
i) despite the fact that __________ __________
ii) influence __________
iii) talk __________
Scanning
8. Complete the following summary of the film. Use ONE word for each blank.
The Intouchables is a film which depicts the (i) _______________ between Philippe and
his (ii) _______________, Driss. Although they are very (iii) _______________ from each
other, the two become very close (iv) _______________. Many (v) _______________ give
the film positive reviews.
Skimming
9. Match the main points (A–D) with one of the corresponding paragraphs on the left. Write
the correct letter (A–D) on the line next to the paragraph number.
Paragraph No. Main Point
i) Paragraph 1 _______ A. A message to the audience
ii) Paragraph 2 _______ B. An overview of what The Intouchables is about
iii) Paragraph 3 _______ C. The performance of the main actors
iv) Paragraph 4 _______ D. A summary of the writer’s comment on the film
v) Paragraph 5 _______ E. How Driss and Philippe become friends
Scanning
10. Which of the following is NOT mentioned in the article?
A. who the supporting characters are
B. the plot of the film
C. what is good about the film
A B C D
D. the theme of the film    
Skimming
11. What is the best alternative title for the text?
A. The Intouchables shows the beauty of humanity
B. The Intouchables gives great advice on relationship
C. The Intouchables : an interesting and inspiring film A B C D
   

D. The Intouchables: the best foreign film of the year

End of Paper

The Intouchables is a great friendship film

Answer Key (Set A)
Predicting
D. Two people from different cultural backgrounds becoming friends. A B C D
   
Scanning
2. What is the relationship between Driss and Philippe?
They are friends. (lines 3–4) / Driss is Philippe’s caretaker. (line 3)
Scanning
B. It tells a funny and relatable story. (line 26)
D. The filmmakers knew it would become a hit.    
Scanning
Philippe loves classical music while Driss prefers R&B. (line 10) / Philippe’s home is huge
while Driss lives in a very small apartment. (lines 10–11) / Philippe is very rich, while Driss
is not. (lines 10–11)
Reference
5. What does ‘These talks’ (line 9) refer to?
The conversations about love, life and music (line 8)
Paraphrase
Philippe Driss
i) I appreciate it that he treats me like a normal person. (line  
6)
ii) I just got out of jail. (line 3)  
iii) The old man helps me find the true meaning of life. (line 8)  
iv) He is a friend of mine and he takes care of me. (lines 3–4)  

Synonyms
each blank.
i) despite the fact that even though (line 14)
ii) influence impact (line 22)
iii) talk dialogue (line 23)
Scanning
The Intouchables is a film which depicts the (i) friendship (line 4) between Philippe and
his (ii) caretaker (line 3), Driss. Although they are very (iii) different (line 15) from each
other, the two become very close (iv) friends (line 15). Many (v) critics (line 1) give the
film positive reviews.
Skimming
i) Paragraph 1 B A. A message to the audience
ii) Paragraph 2 E B. An overview of what The Intouchables is about
iii) Paragraph 3 A C. The performance of the main actors
iv) Paragraph 4 C D. A summary of the writer’s comment on the film
v) Paragraph 5 D E. How Driss and Philippe become friends
Scanning
A B C D
D. the theme of the film    
Skimming
11. Which is the best alternative title for the text?
A. The Intouchables shows the beauty of humanity
B. The Intouchables gives great advice on relationship

C. The Intouchables: an interesting and inspiring film

A B C D
D. The Intouchables: the best foreign film of the year    

Name: ______________________ ( ) Class: _______ Date: ____________________
Unit 1 Getting along with others Set B

No. of Word: 598
Read the following article and answer questions on pages 8–10.
The Intouchables shows an unlikely friendship
[1] The Intouchables is a French film that has been widely praised by critics and audiences
around the world. The plot centres around Philippe, an old, rich quadriplegic and his new
caretaker Driss, who has just been released from prison. The film shows the core values of an
5 unlikely friendship, as Driss and Philippe get to know one another and develop a relationship. It
is a feel-good movie and that shows what life is like for each man, and through their actions and
amusing conversations, audience members can relate to both men.
[2] The movie focuses on Driss and Philippe. Driss applies to become Philippe’s caretaker after
10
being released from prison but doesn’t expect to get the job. Philippe, however, appreciates that
Driss doesn’t treat him differently, and hires him. After Driss moves in with Philippe, the movie
shows us how Driss must follow a strict regime to take care of Philippe, and how Philippe
15 works to empower Driss, as well as their conversations about life and love and music. They do
not have much in common — Philippe loves classical music while Driss prefers R&B, and
Philippe’s home is huge and crowded with antiques, whereas Driss’ small home is crowded with
his family — and although they come from different cultures, they tolerate and learn about each
other’s personal culture. They become not just friends but confidants. People who watch this
20
movie will become interested in how these two have grown and come together and will feel an
emotional reaction as their bond grows, especially in the scene where they go hang-gliding
together.
25
[3] One great thing about this film is that it shows all the different types of relationships there
are. In addition to being friends, there is a mentor–mentee relationship. Even when they
disagree, they encourage each other to do what makes them happy. Another thing that makes
this movie special is the way it portrays a relationship between a Black man and a Caucasian
30 man. Currently in France, racial tensions are high and have been so for several years. A lack of
understanding or education about different cultures has led to riots, stricter laws and a culture of
oppression. The Intouchables shows that rethinking our perceptions of different cultures is
absolutely essential to promote peace and understanding. This movie is a good example of how
giving others a chance can lead to big positive changes.
[4] Overall, this movie is a complete success. The two main characters have a lot of chemistry,
which is a big part of this movie’s success. The realistic dialogue helps elevate the natural
chemistry, as does the presentation of each character’s perception of the other. The actors and
the dialogue make it truly believable that Driss is willing to make a valuable contribution to
society, while all Philippe wants is to feel whole again. Visually, the movie makes a lot of points

that spoke louder than the actual dialogue. For example, showing the difference between
35 Philippe’s antique-filled, beautiful mansion and the crowded, crumbling apartment of Driss’
family is a great statement to the two different worlds from which these men come. While this
type of feel-good story has been told many times before, this version is one of its most
successful. Clearly the audience feel that they can relate to this movie, as it was widely
40
successful around the world before even opening up in the USA. For anyone who likes
inspirational, optimistic stories and feels that movies can make a difference, I would absolutely
recommend this movie to teenagers and adults alike, as everyone can find something to relate to
in The Intouchables.

Predicting
D. Two people from different cultural backgrounds becoming friends A B C D
   
Meaning of words
2. Which word in paragraph 1 suggests that Philippe is disabled?
Scanning
3. Use ONE word to complete each blank.
The film shows an _______________ _______________ between Driss and Philippe.
Scanning
4. According to paragraph 2, what does Philippe like about Driss?
Scanning
Reference
6. What do ‘these two’ (line 16) refer to?
Scanning
7. According to paragraph 3, what causes racial tensions in France?

Scanning
8. Why is it essential for us to rethink our perceptions of different cultures?
Synonyms
each blank.
i) is grateful for _______________
ii) extremely important _______________
iii) make someone more confident _______________
iv) strained relations _______________
v) very close friends _______________
Paraphrase
10. For each of the following sentences, blacken the circle of the character who said the
Philippe Driss
i) I hire him because he treats me like a normal person.  
ii) I’m an ex-criminal and I just got out of jail.  
iii) I want to be connected to other people and the world again.  
iv) I want to give back to society.  
Scanning
The Intouchables is a French comedy which (i) _______________ the friendship between
Philippe and his (ii) _______________, Driss. Although they are very (iii) ______________
from each other, the two are willing to learn about each other’s (iv) _______________ and
become very close (v) _______________. The (vi) _______________ can relate to the
characters as the conversations between the characters are (vii) _______________ and
realistic.
Scanning
12. List one positive aspect of the film.


Scanning
13. Based on paragraph 4, decide if the following statements are True, False, or the information
is Not Given. Blacken ONE circle only for each statement.
T F NG
i) The audience have never watched a feel-good movie like The   
Intouchables before.
ii) The Intouchables was filmed in the US.   
iii) The writer thinks it is not normal for an employer to befriend   
his employee.
iv) The contrast between the Philippe’ wealth and the Driss’   
poverty is shown in the film.
Scanning
B. It tells a relatable story.
D. The filmmakers knew it would become a hit.    
Skimming
i) Paragraph 1 _______ A. A message to the audience
ii) Paragraph 2 _______ B. An overview of what The Intouchables is about
iii) Paragraph 3 _______ C. How Driss and Philippe become friends
iv) Paragraph 4 _______ D. A summary of the writer’s comment on the film
Scanning
A B C D
D. the theme of the film    
Skimming
17. The text is …
A. a story.
B. a blog entry.
C. a film review
A B C D
   

D. a transcript.
End of Paper

The Intouchables shows an unlikely friendship

Answer Key (Set B)
Predicting
D. Two people from different cultural background becoming friends A B C D
   
Meaning of words
2. Which word in paragraph 1 suggests that Philippe is disabled?
quadriplegic (line 2)
Scanning
3. Use ONE word to complete each blank.
The film shows an unlikely friendship (line 4) between Driss and Philippe.
Scanning
4. According to paragraph 2, what does Philippe like about Driss?
He likes it that Driss doesn’t treat him differently. (lines 8–9)
Scanning
Philippe loves classical music while Driss prefers R&B. (line 12) / Philippe’s home is huge
while Driss’s home is small. (line 13) / Philippe is Caucasian whereas Driss is Black. (line
22)
Reference
6. What are the ‘these two’ (line 16) refer to?
Philippe and Driss (line 7)
Scanning
7. According to paragraph 3, what causes racial tensions in France?
A lack of understanding or education about different cultures (lines 23–24)

Scanning
8. Why is it essential for us to rethink our perceptions of different cultures?
This can help promote peace and understanding. (line 26)
Synonyms
9. Find words in paragraphs 2 and 3 that can be replayed by the following. Use ONE word for
each blank.
i) is grateful for appreciates (line 8)
ii) extremely important essential (line 26)
iii) make someone more confident empower (line 11)
iv) strained relations tensions (line 23)
v) very close friends confidants (line 15)
Paraphrase
Philippe Driss
i) I hire him because he treats me like a normal person. (lines  
8–9)
ii) I’m an ex-criminal and I just got out of jail. (line 3)  
iii) I want to be connected to other people and the world again.  
(line 32)
iv) I want to give back to society. (lines 31–32)  
Scanning
The Intouchables is a French comedy which (i) portrays (line 22) the friendship between
Philippe and his (ii) caretaker (line 7), Driss. Although they are very (iii) different (line 14)
from each other, the two are willing to learn about each other’s (iv) culture (line 15) and
become very close (v) friends (line 15). The (vi) audience (line 6) can relate to the
characters as the conversations between the characters are (vii) amusing (line 6) and
realistic.
Scanning
12. List one positive aspect of the film.

It shows the core values of friendship. (lines 3–4) / It is inspirational. (line 39) / It is
relatable. (line 6) / The two main actors have a lot of chemistry. (line 28) / The dialogue
between the characters is realistic. (line 29)

Scanning
13. Based on paragraph 4, decide if the following statements are True, False, or the information
is Not Given. Blacken ONE circle only for each statement.
T F NG
i) The audience have never watched a feel-good movie like The   
Intouchables before. (lines 35–36)
ii) The Intouchables was filmed in the US.   
iii) The writer thinks it is not normal for an employer to befriend   
his employee.
iv) The contrast between the Philippe’s wealth and Driss’ poverty   
is shown in the film. (lines 33–35)
Scanning
B. It tells a relatable story. (line 37)
D. The filmmakers knew it would become a hit.    
Skimming
i) Paragraph 1 B A. A message to the audience
ii) Paragraph 2 C B. An overview of what The Intouchables is about
iii) Paragraph 3 A C. How Driss and Philippe become friends
iv) Paragraph 4 D D. A summary of the writer’s comment on the film
Scanning
A B C D
D. the theme of the film    
Skimming
17. The text is …
A. a story.

B. a blog entry.
C. a film review
A B C D
D. a transcript.    

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Athens Exam Skills for Papers 1 & 2 (Book 1) Graded reading comprehension worksheet

Name: ______________________ ( ) Class: _______ Date: ____________________

Unit 1 Getting along with others

The Intouchables is a great friendship film

Unit 1 Getting along with others 1 ©2015 Athens Education

Unit 1 Getting along with others 2 ©2015 Athens Education

i) despite the fact that __________ __________

ii) influence __________

iii) talk __________

i) Paragraph 1 _______ A. A message to the audience

ii) Paragraph 2 _______ B. An overview of what The Intouchables is about

iii) Paragraph 3 _______ C. The performance of the main actors

iv) Paragraph 4 _______ D. A summary of the writer’s comment on the film

v) Paragraph 5 _______ E. How Driss and Philippe become friends

Unit 1 Getting along with others 3 ©2015 Athens Education

D. The Intouchables: the best foreign film of the year

Unit 1 Getting along with others 4 ©2015 Athens Education

The Intouchables is a great friendship film

They are friends. (lines 3–4) / Driss is Philippe’s caretaker. (line 3)

The conversations about love, life and music (line 8)

iv) He is a friend of mine and he takes care of me. (lines 3–4)  

Unit 1 Getting along with others 5 ©2015 Athens Education

i) despite the fact that even though (line 14)

ii) influence impact (line 22)

iii) talk dialogue (line 23)

film positive reviews.

i) Paragraph 1 B A. A message to the audience

ii) Paragraph 2 E B. An overview of what The Intouchables is about

iii) Paragraph 3 A C. The performance of the main actors

iv) Paragraph 4 C D. A summary of the writer’s comment on the film

v) Paragraph 5 D E. How Driss and Philippe become friends

Unit 1 Getting along with others 6 ©2015 Athens Education

C. The Intouchables: an interesting and inspiring film

Unit 1 Getting along with others 7 ©2015 Athens Education

Name: ______________________ ( ) Class: _______ Date: ____________________

Unit 1 Getting along with others Set B

The Intouchables shows an unlikely friendship

Unit 1 Getting along with others 8 ©2015 Athens Education

Unit 1 Getting along with others 9 ©2015 Athens Education

Unit 1 Getting along with others 10 ©2015 Athens Education

i) is grateful for _______________

ii) extremely important _______________

iii) make someone more confident _______________

iv) strained relations _______________

v) very close friends _______________

Unit 1 Getting along with others 11 ©2015 Athens Education

Unit 1 Getting along with others 12 ©2015 Athens Education

i) Paragraph 1 _______ A. A message to the audience

ii) Paragraph 2 _______ B. An overview of what The Intouchables is about

iii) Paragraph 3 _______ C. How Driss and Philippe become friends

iv) Paragraph 4 _______ D. A summary of the writer’s comment on the film

Unit 1 Getting along with others 13 ©2015 Athens Education

Unit 1 Getting along with others 14 ©2015 Athens Education

The Intouchables shows an unlikely friendship

He likes it that Driss doesn’t treat him differently. (lines 8–9)

Philippe and Driss (line 7)

A lack of understanding or education about different cultures (lines 23–24)

Unit 1 Getting along with others 15 ©2015 Athens Education

This can help promote peace and understanding. (line 26)

Name: __________________ ( ) Class: _ Date: __________________

i) despite the fact that

Name: __________________ ( ) Class: _ Date: __________________