It was Ann’s first experience of flying.She had always been afraid of heights and so was prepared to be frightened. Only the fact that she was going to meet her son who she had not seen for three years had given her the courage to make the flight.
She sat in her seat,her hands gripping its arms, her seat belt already fastened.The air hostess was talking,telling everyone what to do in case of emergency,showing them where their life-jackets were. The plane was crowded,and every seat was full.From her window seat,getting out in a hurry would be impossible,thought Ann.In any case who would want to get out of a plane in mid-air?
The engines began to shake—the noise increased till it was like a great rushing wind.She looked out to see the runway slip past at astonishing speed.She wanted to cry out—to stop the plane before it left the ground,but she knew she was trapped in this great roaring machine. I must scream, she told herself, and put her hands over her eyes.
There was a strange feeling as if she were going up in a lift.The noise died down.Carefully she opened her eyes. Through the window she saw a great carpet of cloud above, so beautiful that she stared in wonder,hardly turning away from the window till they touched down.
4. How was Ann sitting before the plane took off?
AWith her arms folded.
BWith her seat belt undone.
CHolding tight to her seat belt.
DHolding on to part of the seat.