Question 1: Describe Ethan’s attitude towards the forest and its environment based on the passage.

Answer: Ethan shows respect for nature and is determined to uncover the truth while valuing the forest's fragile balance.

Question 2: Identify one example of imagery used in the story and explain its effect.

Answer: The phrase 'mist-shrouded morning' creates an atmospheric, mysterious mood, emphasizing secrecy and suspense.

Question 3: What technique is used in the phrase 'whispering trees'?

Answer: b) Personification

Question 4: How does the author build suspense in the passage?

Answer: Through descriptions of the mysterious shimmer, the elusive shadow, and the tense atmosphere, the author creates a sense of uncertainty and anticipation.

Question 5: Analyze how the setting contributes to the overall mood of the story.

Answer: The dense, misty forest setting creates an atmosphere of mystery and suspense, emphasizing secrecy, danger, and the allure of the unknown, which enhances the story's tension.

Question 6: Identify and explain one environmental issue hinted at in the story.

Answer: The story hints at environmental exploitation and human greed harming the forest ecosystem.

Question 7: What does the 'hidden story' mentioned in the last sentence suggest about the characters’ motivations?

Answer: It suggests that characters like Ethan are motivated by a desire to protect nature and uncover the truth behind environmental harm.

Question 8: Based on the passage, how might the theme of human impact on nature be explored further?

Answer: The theme could be explored through the consequences of environmental exploitation, conflicts between humans and nature, and efforts to preserve wilderness, highlighting the ongoing tension between progress and conservation.