Brilliant Activities for Reading Comprehension Year 3 : Engaging Stories to Develop Comprehension Skills [1 ed.] 9780857474971, 9780857474841

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Ages: 7–11yrs

Brilliant Activities for

Reading Comprehension, Year 3 Engaging Stories to Develop Comprehension Skills

Charlotte Makhlouf

Contents Introduction...................................................................................................................................4 Links to the National Literacy Strategy.........................................................................................5 Cross-curricular Activities.............................................................................................................7 Local Pubs and their Lunchtime Meals......................................................................................14 Forthcoming Marriages..............................................................................................................17 Postcard.....................................................................................................................................20 Local News.................................................................................................................................23 The Waglow................................................................................................................................26 Whose Tracks are These?..........................................................................................................29 Job Vacancy...............................................................................................................................32 Witches’ and Wizards’ Awards Ceremony..................................................................................35 Dreams.......................................................................................................................................38 Stinkwort School for Girls...........................................................................................................41 Runner’s Weekly........................................................................................................................44 Save our Playground!.................................................................................................................47 The Happy Sally.........................................................................................................................50 The Highwaywoman...................................................................................................................53 The Cup of Sylvester..................................................................................................................56 Property for Sale........................................................................................................................59 Talented Violinist.........................................................................................................................62 Making it Rain.............................................................................................................................65 Captain Flint...............................................................................................................................68 An Extract from ‘Dr Fiona Greeve’s Book of Death Rituals”.......................................................71 The Island of Zambo: A Tourist’s Guide......................................................................................74 Witness Statement.....................................................................................................................77 The Failed Potion.......................................................................................................................80 Tidal Wave Hits Zambo!.............................................................................................................83 The Tale of Sir Basil....................................................................................................................86 The Magic Football.....................................................................................................................89 The Missing Gnomes.................................................................................................................92 Broken Window..........................................................................................................................95 A Peculiar Murder.......................................................................................................................98 Secrets to Hide.........................................................................................................................101 The Death of Colonel Forster...................................................................................................104 The Dress.................................................................................................................................107 Answers.................................................................................................................................... 110

Brilliant Activities for

Reading Comprehension, Year 3 Engaging Stories and Activities to Develop Comprehension Skills

Charlotte Makhlouf

Brilliant Publications publishes many other practical resource books for primary school teachers, a few of which are listed below. You may find more details on our website: www.brilliantpublications.co.uk. Brilliant Activities for Reading Comprehension Series Year 1. Year 2. Year 4. Year 5. Year 6. Other publications Brilliant Activities for Persuastive Writing. Brilliant Activities for Reading Non-Fiction. Brilliant Activities for Reading Fiction Speaking and Listening Games Fun with Plays. Fun with Poems. Fun with Action Rhymes and Poems.

Published by Brilliant Publications Unit 10 Sparrow Hall Farm Edlesborough Dunstable Bedfordshire LU6 2ES, UK Tel:

© Text: Charlotte Makhlouf 2012 © Design: Brilliant Publications 2012

2015 digital version by Andrews UK Limited www.andrewsuk.com

01525 222292

E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.brilliantpublications.co.uk The name Brilliant Publications and the logo are registered trademarks. Written by Charlotte Makhlouf Illustrated by Calivn Innes, Pat Murray and Frank Endersby Cover illustration by Frank Endersby Front cover designed by Brilliant Publications

The right of Charlotte Makhlouf to be identified as the author of this work has been asserted by herself in accordance with the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988. Pages 14–122 may be photocopied by individual teachers acting on behalf of the purchasing institution for classroom use only, without permission from the publisher an without declaration to the Publishers Licensing Society. The materials may not be reproduced in any other form or for any other purpose without the prior permission of the publisher.

Introduction The importance of reading for meaning should never be underestimated. Whilst many young children might be able to decode quite complex texts, it is vital that they understand what they read. More importantly, it is fundamental that they enjoy what they are reading. Over my 15 years of experience, I have used a number of comprehension books as part of my English teaching. Very few of them have engaged the children who are being asked to read and understand them. I decided that if we are asking children to read, understand and answer questions from a passage, that passage should at least engage their attention, and indeed their teacher’s attention as well. The passages in the Brilliant Activities for Reading Comprehension Series are designed to give children valuable reading practice through varied, enjoyable texts. The passages begin in the Year 1 book with simple picture comprehension. They gradually increase in difficulty as you progress through the book, and through the series, encouraging pupils to use a range of decoding strategies and to develop their ability to read for meaning. The passages are entirely fictional and it is hoped that both pupils and teachers will find them humorous. Teachers should read the texts with the children and discuss them thoroughly before allowing them to proceed to the activities. If you are using the e-book version, you can display the pages on the interactive white board. In the Year 3 book there are first a series of Questions that require factual recall. Encourage children to respond in full sentences. The Word work sections will help to develop and stretch their vocabulary. The Extension work sections require more open-ended questions enabling the pupils to provide a more personal response. Children should write the answers in their workbooks or on separate sheets of paper. Answers are provided on pages 110–122. On pages 7–13 there are some suggestions for ways in which the children can follow up this work in other areas of the curriculum, thus providing a cross-curricular aspect. These activities are ideal for children who finish their work early. The Brilliant Activities for Reading Comprehension Series provides the teacher with a basis for ensuring progression. The activities give pupils: u

the ability to select or retrieve information in order to answer the questions successfully using a full sentence

u

the opportunity to deduce, infer or interpret information, events or ideas from the texts

u

the opportunity to identify and comment on the structure and organization of the text and comment on the writer’s use of language at word and sentence level

u

the chance to comment on cultural, social or historical traditions and the impact the text may have on the reader.

The Brilliant Activities for Reading Comprehension Series provides an invaluable resource for assessing pupil progress in reading. The key assessment criteria from the National Strategies for levels 2 and 3 for reading are listed, for your convenience, on pages 5–6.

Links to the National Literacy Strategy The activities in this book will help to assess the following criteria: AF1 – use a range of strategies, including accurate decoding of text, to read for meaning Level 2

In some reading: u range of key words read on sight u unfamiliar words decoded using appropriate strategies, eg blending sounds u some fluency and expression, eg taking account of punctuation, speech marks.

Level 3

In most reading u range of strategies used mostly effectively to read with fluency, understanding and expression.

AF2 – understand, describe, select or retrieve information, events or ideas from texts and use quotation and reference to text Level 2 Level 3

In some reading: u some specific, straightforward information recalled, eg names of characters, main ingredients u generally clear idea of where to look for information, eg about characters, topics. In most reading: u simple, most obvious points identified though there may also be some misunderstanding, eg about information from different places in the text u some comments include quotations from or references to text, but not always relevant, eg often retelling or paraphrasing sections of the text rather than using it to support comment.

AF3 – deduce, infer or interpret information events or ideas from text Level 2 Level 3

In some reading: u simple, plausible inference about events and information, using evidence from text, eg how a character is feeling, what makes a plant grow u comments based on textual clues sometimes misunderstood. In most reading: u straightforward inference based on a single point of reference in the text, eg ‘he was upset because it says “he was crying”’ u responses to text show meaning established at a literal level, eg ‘walking good’ means ‘walking carefully’ or based on personal speculation eg a response based on what they personally would be feeling rather than feelings of character in the text.

AF4 – identify and comment on the structure and organization of texts, including grammatical and presentational features at text level Level 2

In some reading: u some awareness of use of features of organization, eg beginning and ending of story, types of punctuation.

Level 3

In most reading: u a few basic features of organization at text level identified, with little or no linked comment, eg ‘it tells about all the different things you can do at the zoo’

AF5 – explain and comment on writer’s use of language, including grammatical and literary features at word and sentence level Level 2

In some reading: u some effective language choices noted, eg ‘“slimy” is a good word there’ u some familiar patterns of language identified, eg once upon a time; first, next, last.

Level 3

In most reading: u a few basic features of writer’s use of language identified, but with little or no comment, eg ‘there are lots of adjectives.’

AF6 – identify and comment on writer’s purposes and viewpoints, and the overall effect of the text on the reader Level 2 Level 3

In some reading: u some awareness that writers have viewpoints and purposes, eg ‘it tells you how to do something’, ‘she thinks it’s not fair’ u simple statements about likes and dislikes in reading, sometimes with reasons. In most reading: u comments identify purpose, eg ‘the writer doesn’t like violence’ u express personal response but with little awareness of the author’s viewpoint or effect on reader, eg ‘she was just horrible like my nan is sometimes.’

AF7 – relate texts to their social, cultural and historical traditions Level 2

In some reading: u general features of a few text types identified.

Level 3

In most reading: u some simple connections between texts identified, eg similarities in plot, topic or books by same author, about same characters u recognition of some features of the context of texts, eg historical setting, social or cultural background



Cross-curricular Activities Local Pubs and their Lunchtme Meals page 14

Postcard

v Devise a complete menu, with prices, for a pub. Make sure that people could eat a threecourse meal there for less than £40.

v Find Spain on a globe or a map of the world.

v The Health Inspector has visited The Squeaky Lightbulb and found a problem. What could it be and how will the pub’s owner solve it? v Write a job description for a new waiter or waitress. What work will they be expected to do? v The new waiter or waitress will work 40 hours a week. Make up a week’s timetable for them: what times do they need to start and finish work each day? v Design a pub sign to hang outside one of these pubs. v Draw a map of Marshtown for the tourist board to put in their new brochure. Make sure to include all three pubs. Forthcoming Marriages

page 17

v Design wedding dresses for the two women or wedding suits for the two men. v Design a wedding cake. Draw it, or make a model cake. v Make up a wedding song or some wedding music. v Design wedding invitations to sell in a shop (you will need to leave blanks for the names and so on). v Research different flowers. Write a list of flowers to use when decorating tables for the wedding meal. v Mark Dribble is a military man and likes things to be precise. Help him plan his daughter’s wedding day. What time should she get dressed, and leave for the church? When should the caterers start cooking the wedding meal? What time will the wedding meal be? Think of other things that need to happen, and make a plan. v Draw a family tree for one of the people who has got engaged. You will need to invent names for all their brothers, sisters, aunts and uncles … .

page 20 .

v Find somewhere that you would like to go on holiday. Why would you like to go there? v Design a picture for the front of a postcard. Then write a message on the postcard for a friend. Tell them about all the things you have done on your holiday. v Design a series of stamps. If you have stamps worth 2p, 3p and 5p, will you be able to make up any amount from 2p to 20p? v Imagine you are Maybelle and have just been horse-riding up in the mountains. Write about your trip in your diary and describe what happened. v Maybelle and her family went on another visit, to a crocodile farm. Imagine you are Maybelle and write a postcard to another friend about the visit. Perhaps something dreadful happened, or something funny. What could it be? v Design a swimming costume for Auntie Jemma. v Draw a family photo of everyone at the beach. Local News

page 23

v Design the front page of a newspaper. Think especially about the name of the newspaper and how you want this to look. You could cut out articles and pictures from real newspapers to fill the page. v Look at some real newspapers. Compare the way they look and what they write about. Which ones do you like best, and why? v Make a class newspaper and ask everyone to contribute. v Imagine you are one of the scientists who tested the trees. Describe how you tested them and why you are sure they have a dog allergy. v Draw a graph showing how the population of Forest Slugs has gone down since the year 2000. v Make a papier mâché tree showing its terrible warts.

v Prepare a dance routine to show when you audition for the role of Robin. The Waglow

page 26

v Imagine there are four other interesting birds on Zambo. Make up names for them and draw and colour their eggs. v Make a block graph showing the numbers of different eggs usually laid by birds on Zambo. v Imagine you are Miranda Twit. You have been asked to give a speech to the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds explaining the plight of the Waglow. Write a speech to give to your class saying what the problems are and how the birds can be helped. Say what you think the society can do to support you. v Draw what you think the Island of Zambo might look like. v Make a Waglow nest, shaped like a tetrahedron. It needs to be the right size for a 4 cm bird and its eggs. Make eggs to put inside it. Whose Tracks are These?

page 29

v Look at an atlas and find some countries with mountains. v Read the poem by Robert Frost called ‘Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening’. In what ways is Frost’s poem like this one? Try to write your own poem about snow. v The yeti is a mysterious beast that is said to live in the Himalaya mountains. Find out about the yeti. v Draw your idea of a yeti. v Look at videos or DVDs about life in the mountains. v Read Heidi by Johanna Spyri. v. Research people who have climbed mountains. v Have a class debate about whether or not people should climb Mount Everest. v Draw a snowflake. Remember snowflakes are symmetrical and usually have six points. v Cut a snowflake out of folded paper. You will need to work out how to fold it first!

Job Vacancy

page 32

v A job has become vacant in the design department and you decide to apply. To see if you would suit the job, Father Christmas wants you to design some wrapping paper for him. v Use a globe to plan Father Christmas’ route on Christmas Eve. v Design a new uniform for the elves in the workshop. v Devise a menu for the elves on Christmas Day. What do you think they would eat? v Father Christmas pays his elves £8 a day. How much do they earn a week? Make up some more problems about the payment the elves get. v Draw a plan of Father Christmas’ home and workshop. Remember to include:

u

the workshop where the presents are made



u

the packaging department



u

the design department, where wrapping paper is designed and made



u

Father Christmas’ home



u

the reindeers’ stables.

Witches’ and Wizards’ Awards Ceremony page 35 v Dramatize the awards ceremony. Act out the parts of the witches and wizards and make acceptance speeches. v Write a menu for the celebration dinner. Write another menu for the familiars. v Draw what you think the Unicorn Hotel looks like. v After dinner 36 witches and wizards decide to do some circle dancing, in groups. Each group must have the same number of people in it. Could they have groups of 5 people? Of 6 people? Of 7 people? What size of groups could they have? v Design a wonderful gown and hat for Grand Witch Gruffkin. v Choose something in the world that you would like to improve with a magic spell. Explain why you would like to improve it and how the spell would do it.

Dreams

page 38

v Do you have a dream? If so, describe what your dream is.

problems like this about sharing a big sum of money. v Design a piece of playground equipment.

v Write two extra verses for the poem. v Illustrate one or two verses from the poem. Or illustrate your own verses. v Make up a dance, with music, to tell the story of the poem. Stinkwort School for Girls

page 41

v Imagine you are the new chef at Stinkwort and you want to make improvements to the food. Devise a new menu for a week. What meals would you have? How would you make sure the girls had a balanced diet? v The writer’s mother clearly enjoyed Stinkwort. Write a description of her character and say why you think she liked the school. v Draw pictures of all the past head teachers at Stinkwort and put them into a gallery with their names under them.

The Happy Sally

page 50

v Paint a picture of The Happy Sally. v Look on the internet to find out what sailors looked like in 1598. Then paint or draw a portrait of Samuel. v Find out about the sea animals and birds the sailors might have seen on their voyage. v Research what it was like being a sailor a long time ago and make a collage of your findings. v Draw a map showing the Cape of Good Chickens. On the map, mark Samuel’s route and the spot where he had his encounter with the sea monster. The Highwaywoman

page 53

v What are golden horseshoes? Draw one.

v Draw up a timetable for a week’s lessons and activities for Y3 children at Stinkwort school.

v Jack was a highwaywoman for thirteen years before her capture in 1745. In what year did she start robbing people in this way?

Runner’s Weekly

v Make up a timeline for Jack’s life, starting the year she was born and ending in 1745.

page 44

v Find out about some real long distance runners and how fast and how far they ran or run. v Plan some races. Make some really special medals, then run the races and award the medals. v Look at different types of shoe and compare them with running shoes. Why do you think running shoes are designed the way they are? v Draw what you think Ming’s training centre will look like. Make a list of the facilities. v Paint a picture of Ming. Save our Playground!

page 47

v Make a drawing of the playground. v Make a 3D model of the playground. v Use your drawing as part of a poster to campaign for keeping the playground open. v. If two councillors shared two million pounds, how much would they get each? What if they shared one million pounds? Make up other

v Have a class debate to decide whether the gallows was a suitable punishment for a highwaywoman. v Find out about spindle trees, then draw or paint one. v Design a stable for Hot Toddy. v Make up a name for a rival highwayman or highwaywoman. v Draw a map of the woods where Captain Jack used to ride. v Make a wanted poster for Jack. Include a description of what he/she looks like. (Remember, people didn’t know for sure that Jack was really a woman.) The Cup of Sylvester

page 56

v Draw a map of the island of Snack. Include some special features. v Where would you put Snack on a world map? On the map, highlight the journey Auntie Dolly might have taken in order to reach Snack.

v Use the Internet to research what old family photographs look like. Then draw a family photograph of the Plunk family. v How many days is 72 hours? Work out the 24 times table, so you can quickly find how many hours there are in 5, 8 or 10 days. v Make a Cup of Sylvester out of papier mâché and decorate it. v You are a police sergeant and you have just arrested Auntie Dolly. What questions will you ask her? v Do some role play. Put Auntie Dolly in the hot seat; everybody else take on the role of family members, and ask her to explain why she stole the cup. v Use the Internet to research some real events which happened in 1871. Property for Sale

page 59

v The ghost of Lady Mary Bagwiddle can sometimes be seen walking in the Rose Garden. Write a short account explaining why her ghost walks there. v As a group, paint portraits of each member of the Bagwiddle Family and make up names for them. Create a picture gallery of them in the classroom. v Choose a room in the house and paint or draw what it looks like. Explain your picture to a friend. v Draw an architect’s plan of the house and gardens. Show where you might make changes or add extensions. v Plan a menu for a dinner party or banquet at Bagwiddle Hall. v Estimate how big must the library be if it can house 20,000 books. v If this library was yours, how many shelves would it have? How many books would there be on each shelf? Talented Violinist

page 62

v Find some glass bottles and fill them with different amounts of water. Try playing tunes on them like Julia did.

Music in London. v Look at a globe or a map of the world and plan a route for Julia, including some major cities she might visit. v Find Vienna on a map of Europe. Cut pictures from travel brochures to make an individual or class collage. v Paint or draw a picture of Julia Sneetch and frame it or mount it. Making it Rain

page 65

v Write a list of ingredients for a potion to do good things. v Write a list of ingredients for a potion to do bad things. v Write some good or bad spells and say what they are for. Make them into a book of class spells. v Make witches’ or wizards’ hats and decorate them. v Devise incantations and say them aloud.

v Imagine Wizard Wonkin is visiting your school. What questions would you ask him about his work and life as a wizard?

v Wizard Wonkin is looking for a new cat to help him with his work. Write a job advertisement explaining what Wizard Wonkin is looking for. v Imagine you are a cat and write a reply to the advertisement. Make sure to say why you would be good at the job.

v Wizard Wonkin has received a prize for his new spell book. Have an awards ceremony. Help him plan a speech in which he explains the source of his inspiration and ideas, and talks about how he prepares his spells.

v Have a magic dressing-up day at school. Read lots of poems and stories about spells, and about witches and wizards. Captain Flint

page 68

v Imagine you are one of Captain Flint’s crew. Describe what it is like working for him. v Imagine you are Captain Flint and describe one of your adventures. v Imagine you are Captain Flint’s mother, father or sister. Describe him as you see him.

v Who do you think Winifred Jones might have been? Write a short account of her life.

v If you could meet Captain Flint, what five questions would you ask him?

v Find out more about the Royal Academy of

v Draw a portrait of Captain Flint.

v Draw the map showing where Captain Flint’s treasure is buried. v Design a front cover for Captain Flint’s book of memoirs. v Design and write an advert for the book of memoirs. v Paint a picture of the Jolly Sea Snake. An Extract from ‘Dr Greave’s Book of Death Rituals’ page 71 v Imagine the island has run out of rabbits. What might you use instead and why? v Weave small baskets to use in a burial ceremony for a doll. v Design suitable clothing for the elders and chiefs of the village. What materials would the clothes be made from and where would these materials come from? v Make a map of the Island of Thong. Mark any interesting features such as hills, lakes, swamps etc. v Research on Bluebush thistles has shown that they have medical properties. Imagine you are a scientist who has been doing research on this subject. Write a paper describing your findings and saying what these properties are. The Island of Zambo: A Tourist’s Guide page 74 v Draw a map of Zambo and its neighbouring islands. v Prepare a menu for one of Chief Makaloo’s dinners. v Make turtle shells out of papier mâché. v You are a scientist or historian and have found out something new about the Island of Zambo. Write a short paper for your colleagues, telling them about your findings. v Explore ways of folding a sheet of A4 paper to make a flyer advertising a Zambo restaurant or a boat trip. v Now design the flyer. v Draw what you think the monastery looks like. Witness Statement

page 77

v Make a wanted poster showing the criminals

who drove the van. v Draw a street map of where the events happened, showing the different streets and the houses. v The culprits have been caught. Devise six questions for PC Bannerman to ask them to help him work out what has been going on. v Act out the story. Then write a play based on the acting you have done. The Failed Potion

page 80

v Design a front cover for the Witch’s Almanac. v Make a class book of spells. Don’t forget to include the quantities you need of each ingredient, and how long it must be cooked for. v Find out what shape bends round into a perfect cone. Use this knowledge to make a witch’s hat. v Design and make a potions game for four players. v Write a speech for the witch in which she accepts a prize for a fabulous new potion at next year’s conference. Tidal Wave Hits Zambo!

page 83

v Draw a map to show the path of the tidal wave. Use different colours to show which parts of the island were destroyed and which were unharmed. v The islanders are very fond of music. Make musical instruments out of gourds or from papier mâché for them to play. v Find out about breadfruit: how it grows and what it is used for. v Make up a chart showing hours of sunshine (or amount of rainfall, or temperature) in Zambo. Will it cover a day, a week, a month, a year? v Imagine you are a travel company. Write and design a leaflet giving advice to travellers going to Zambo. The Tale of Sir Basil

page 86

v Make a map showing Gwendoline’s home, and Mount Gobble. Show the cave where the dragon lives. v Design a sword and shield for Sir Basil.

v Pretend you are Sir Basil and tell a friend why you spared the dragon’s life. v Now Grymbol mustn’t leave the mountain top, she is planning to redecorate her home and install a new kitchen. Design a new kitchen for a dragon with some special features. What could these special features be? v Write a book for knights who fight dragons, telling them everything they need to know about fighting a dragon and what to do to protect themselves. You could put in chapters. v Gwendoline likes singing and dancing. Make up a new song and dance for her. v The road home to Gwendoline’s castle from the dragon’s cave was 2 km. Roughly how long would it take Sir Basil to ride that distance? Why do you think that? The Magic Football

page 89

v Draw a picture of the football and put all the words which describe its qualities inside it. v Draw a map to show Hussain’s route from school to the sports shop near the bridge. Make sure you include all the important details, using the passage to help you. v Write a short play for two characters: Hussain and the owner of the shop. Begin the play from when Hussain sees the shop. What do the two people say to one another? v Find out how much footballs cost. What is the difference in price between the cheapest and the most expensive? v Find out about the history of football and write down 10 interesting facts. The Missing Gnomes

page 92

v Marmalade the cat has been dreaming. What do you think he has been dreaming about? Write about, or draw, his dream. v Find out what garden gnomes look like and draw one. v Find out how big garden gnomes are. Estimate how many would fit in a bath.

bathroom. Broken Window

page 95

v Write a letter for Pearl and Ryan to send Mr Granger, apologizing for breaking his window. v Write a dialogue between Pearl and Ryan and Mr Granger. v Paint a picture of Mr Granger’s house and garden, or make a collage. v Suppose the neighbours are right about Mr Granger – he is on the run from the police. Design a ‘Wanted’ poster describing him and saying what he has done. v A drama activity: imagine you are Mr Granger. Explain why you keep to yourself. Invite the rest of the class to ask you questions about your life. A Peculiar Murder

page 98

v Imagine you are PC Dickens. What do you think you might say to Miss Springs while she is waiting to be questioned? v Imagine you are PC Dawson. Write out the series of events from 10.00 am to 4.00 pm on the day of the murder. v Imagine you are the young man who has died. Tell the story of what actually happened to you and why it happened. v Write a witness statement for Miss Springs, giving an account of all she saw and what she did. v Draw a map of the quarry and the exact spot where the body was found. v Make a picture storyboard narrating the whole sequence of events. v Write a character profile for the young man who died. v Write a character profile for Detective Inspector Crabbe. v Imagine a new Police Constable is needed at the force. Write a job description for the new post. What do you think she or he will have to do? What type of person would he/she have to be?

v Make a gnome out of clay and paint it. v Write a story about the gnomes before they came to Mrs Frost’s garden. v Write a postcard from one of the gnomes to a friend describing their adventures in the

Secrets to Hide

page 101

v Draw a map of the yard and position the other buildings around it.

v The children’s father is probably breaking the law. What do you think the children should do about that? v Look at a map of the UK and decide where the passage is set and where the lorries have come from. What places might they have passed through? v Draw pictures for a storyboard to show the sequence of events in this passage. Make speech bubbles for the storyboard. What are the characters saying? v Write character profiles for Dad, Ma, Jagad and Sabal, Amita and Prem. v Imagine you are a neighbour. Write a letter to the council complaining about the noisy lorries going through the village at such a late hour. The Death of Colonel Forster

page 104

v Draw the Colonel’s house. v Draw an elaborate front cover for a diary.

v Write a diary entry for any of the characters in the story. v What do you think the Colonel and the person he was blackmailing said to one another over supper? Write a short dialogue then act it out with a friend. v As a class, agree how the story continues. Act it out, with different children taking on the roles of various characters. The Dress

page 107

v Design a ball dress for Ellie. v Write out a menu for the dinner that people will eat at the ball. Make the menu look really beautiful, as it will be displayed on the dining tables. v Make a model of a bridge with a shop on it. v Look in catalogues or on the Internet for party clothes. Choose how you would spend up to £100 on a really special outfit for a party.

Local Pubs and their Lunchtime Meals

owns E M IL DR ED B UB BL tbulb. She The Squeaky Ligh us liver and produces a gorgeo ith forest bacon casserole w best-liked mushrooms. Her turnover pudding is banana uce. Prices with raspberry sa t at £3.50. for a single dish star ns The Brian Jones ow He does a Dog and Duck. kidney pie lovely steak and gravy. All full of onions and his special the locals adore y pie and dessert: strawberr r a threecustard. Prices fo £25.00. course meal start at

May Gubble owns The Cheeky Fox. Her locals always choose her apple and pumpkin roll with cheesy mashed potato. May says her most popular pudding is probably her cabbage and leek ice cream with hot lemon sauce. Prices for a two-course meal start at £65.34.

Questions Answer the following questions with a full sentence:   1. Who owns the pub called The Squeaky Lightbulb?   2. Who owns The Cheeky Fox?   3. Who owns The Dog and Duck?   4. What is a main course?   5. Which of the main courses described here would you choose to eat?   6. Which is the most popular pudding at The Cheeky Fox?   7. Which of the different pubs’ puddings do you most like the sound of?   8. Could you get a three-course meal for £30 at The Dog and Duck?   9. What is the price of the cheapest dish at The Squeaky Lightbulb? 10. Would £70 be enough to buy a two-course meal at The Cheeky Fox? 11. Which pub would you most like to visit and why? 12. Is there a pub you would not want to visit? Why?

Word work Give the meaning of the following words:

choose lovely gorgeous casserole dessert

Extension work 1.

Imagine you are the chef at The Cheeky Fox and you want to invent a new dish, either a main course or a dessert. Name the main ingredients.

2.

The chef at The Squeaky Lightbulb has run out of bananas. Suggest something delicious she could put in her turnovers.

3.

What would you like one of these chefs to make for your birthday? You can choose a starter, a main course and a yummy pudding!

4.

If you could choose a name for a pub, what would it be? What kind of food would it sell?

Forthcoming Marriages FORTHCOMING MARRIAGES The engagement is announced between Anastasia Dribble, sixth daughter of Mark and Emily Dribble, and Edward Froggitt, third son of Brian and June Froggitt. Miss Dribble is a solicitor at Messrs Plum, Wood and Snodgrass and her fiancé is studying Art at St Saviour’s College in Froghampton. The wedding will take place on the 13th June at Oldway Church, Thogham.

Anastasia Dribble

The engagement is announced between Sally Snapple, only daughter of Harris and Desdemona Snapple, and Lucas Peabody, eldest son of Horace and Barbara Peabody. Miss Snapple is studying to be an astronaut and Lucas is currently a pavement artist.

Sally Snapple and Lucas Peabody

Questions Answer the following questions with a full sentence: 1.

How many couples are getting married?

2.

Who is Anastasia marrying?

3.

What is Sally’s surname?

4.

What are the names of Lucas’ parents?

5.

What is Sally studying to become?

6.

Where is Anastasia’s fiancé studying?

7.

Where will Anastasia and Edward get married?

8.

Will their wedding be in the summer or winter?

9.

Where would you find a marriage announcement?

Word work 1.

Explain what a fiancé is.

2.

What is an engagement?

3.

What does an astronaut do?

Extension work 1.

Look at the picture of Anastasia and describe her.

2.

Describe what you think Sally and Lucas’s wedding might be like.

3.

Invent two people and write a marriage announcement for them.

4.

Plan a menu for a wedding feast.

5.

What do you think a pavement artist does?

6.

What do you think you might like to do or study when you grow up?

Postcard

e nny Spain. W me here in su ti e ly Th . ve ol lo po a ming I am having its own sw im h y it tr w to lla y vi t da im ever y have a grea sw e w so t ally ho weather is re . ol co to keep a basket ket. I bo ught ar m a to t en eese w Yesterday we ings. Dad bo ught lots of ch hes. th new clot for my beach bo ught so me um M d an an d sausages t diving an d ach. Dad wen be e th co ol. to en ch was really hi We have be w at bo na e bana d we ha d to I went on th on the boat an flamenco us of x si e er went There w y. Mum an d I tl gh frilly ti ry ve hold on castanets an d ve ha e W t. gh ni dancing last s. se dres ght which I’m g to a bull fi in go ng e ar e w ing horse ri di To morrow then we’re go d an t ou ab not sure ntains. up in the mou ining us next Jem ma are jo e ti un three new A d an Gran she’s bo ught ys sa a m m Je week. Auntie po ol! umes for the st co g in m im sw so on! well. See yo u Hope yo u are belle xx Lo ve from May

nes Miss Sally Jo 22 River Way Dellham North Devon ND51 3XX

Questions Answer the following questions with a full sentence:   1. What is a postcard?   2. When would you send a postcard?   3. Who has written this postcard?   4. To whom is it being sent?   5. Where is the card being sent?   6. List three things Maybelle has done on holiday.   7. Where is Maybelle staying?   8. How do you know that Maybelle is enjoying herself?   9. Who is on holiday with Maybelle? 10. Who will be joining the family soon? 11. What words tell you Maybelle is reluctant about going to the bull fight? Why do you think she is reluctant? 12. What does Maybelle mean when she says the banana boat was ‘cool’?

Word work Give the meaning of the following words:

frilly castanets banana boat bull fight

Extension work 1.

Which part of the holiday sounds the most exciting to you? Why?

2.

Imagine you are Sally. Write a postcard to send to Maybelle.

3.

Rewrite the following passage using words of your own for those in italics. I am having a lovely time here in sunny Spain. We have a great villa, which has its own swimming pool. The weather is really hot so we swim every day to try to keep cool!

Local News The Daily Blunder

DANCEATHON CHALLENGEYe!nko,

is lga C EL EB RATE D DA NC ER , Vo onal danceathon hoping to break the internati for three days in record by dancing non-stop g’. Ms Yenko has aid of ‘Support the Forest Slu tness programme been on a special diet and fi g challenge and in order to meet this exhaustin celery, beetroot hopes that regular drinks of ether, will boost and pilchards, blended tog . her energy and keep her going rg, the Forest ‘In my home town of Ya on. I am hoping Slug is in danger of extincti importance,’ she to promote awareness of its told reporters.

DOGS ANNOY EES! R T ! d te n a w t n le Young ta T

AUDITIONS WILL soon be held at the Piccolo Theatre, Piccadilly for the title role of Robin in a new comedy musical called Me ’n’ Robin.

Time and date: 23rd March, at 3 pm. musical The will open in late October.

WO

HORSE CHESTNUT

been have trees diagnosed with an allergy to dogs. When tree surgeons noticed odd warts on their bark they began a variety of

tests, which revealed that the trees were allergic to dogs. The trees now have protective fences around them to prevent dogs from sniffing and rubbing against their trunks. Tree surgeon Ivor Rubb said the chestnuts are now much improved.

Questions Answer the following questions with a full sentence: 1.

What is the newspaper called?

2.

Who is hoping to break the danceathon record?

3.

Which charity is the danceathon supporting?

4.

To what have the trees developed an allergy?

5.

What type of tree are they?

6.

How was the allergy discovered?

7.

What has been done to protect the trees?

8.

Where are auditions being held for the role of Robin?

9.

What is ‘Me ’n’ Robin’ ?

Word work 1.

Give the meaning of the following words:

exhausting blended diagnosed much improved 2.

Volga Yenko is said to be a ‘celebrated dancer’. What do you think this means?

3.

Describe in your own words what an allergy is.

4.

What is a ‘pilchard’?

Extension work 1.

Which headline captures your attention the most? Why?

2.

Write a short article for a newspaper about something strange which has happened in your street. Before writing it, draft your ideas.

3.

What or who do you think Robin could be? Is Robin a boy or girl? Or an animal? A bird?

4.

Imagine you are one of the Forest Slugs. Describe how you feel now there are so few of you around.

5.

Write an article for the paper telling readers how they can help to save the Forest Slug.

The Waglow The Waglow is the smallest and most difficult bird to find on the Island of Zambo. This tiny creature lives high in the topmost branches of the Wakaloo tree. The Waglow is about 4 cm in length. It is extremely shy and difficult to spot. If you are lucky enough to find yourself on the Island of Zambo in summertime, sit still in the Wakaloo woods. If you sit for long enough you may spot a bird with a black and red breast, bright green wing feathers, and a blue and yellow striped plume of feathers on its head. This is the Waglow. The plume doubles in size when the bird is frightened or angry. The male has a slightly bigger plume than the female and its legs are a brighter pink. In the autumn, the Waglow goes to the neighbouring Island of Zog to keep warm on the rocks beside the hot springs. In late winter it returns to Zambo to lay its tiny, purple-spotted eggs. The nest is a work of art. Shaped like a tetrahedron, it is made from tiny twigs and lined with feathers, and fur shed by creatures. Sadly, there are now very few Waglows left. About 340 are thought to remain, compared with the 8,000 which used to live on these islands.

Questions Answer the following questions with a full sentence: 1.

What is a Waglow?

2.

How long is a Waglow?

3.

Why do you think this bird is so difficult to find?

4.

Describe a Waglow’s nest and eggs.

5.

How will you know whether the bird you are looking at is a Waglow?

6.

What happens to the Waglow when it is angry?

7.

How is the male Waglow different from the female?

8.

Where does the Waglow spend most of the winter?

9.

When are its eggs laid?

Word work Give the meaning of the following words:

topmost plume neighbouring tetrahedron

Extension work 1.

In 1896 an ornithologist called Miranda Twit first recorded observations about the Waglow. Imagine you are Miranda. Describe how you felt when you saw the bird for the first time.

2.

Miranda Twit named the Waglow after somebody who was special to her. Who do you think that person might be?

3.

What do you think is likely to happen to the Waglows in the future?

4.

What do you think people could do to help the Waglows?

5.

Some of the eggs are being poached by hunters. Imagine you are a ranger on Zambo. What have you been trying to do to stop the poaching? Write an account of this.

Whose Tracks are These?

Whose tracks are these I do not know; Some creature left them in the snow. A silent place, an icy land, Unblemished now by human hand, The bitter wind whips up its might; Those dainty tracks now hide from sight. Their story fades from weary eyes; Above the mountains, storm clouds rise. The first flakes flutter on my face, Dancers whirling with measured grace. I place my skis upon the slope And like those tracks I homewards grope. Through a whirl of furious snow, I see the lights of home now glow. Whose tracks they were I’ll never know. A mystery hides beneath the snow.

Questions Answer the following questions with a full sentence: 1.

What kind of mark has been left in the snow?

2.

Do we know who or what made these marks?

3.

How is the writer travelling?

4.

How do we know the poem is not about a snowy scene in a flat landscape?

5.

How do we know that the weather is not good?

6.

In verse 3, why do you think the snowflakes are described as dancers?

7.

We are told the tracks have been made in ‘ … an icy land, Unblemished now by human hand.’ Explain what you think the poet means by this.

Word work 1.

2.

3.

Give the meaning of the following words: unblemished bitter wind measured mystery Give another word or words which mean the same as: creature silent weary glow List some of the words and phrases which describe the weather.

Extension work 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

What or who do you think made the tracks in the snow? Imagine you are the creature who has left the tracks. Describe what you have been doing and where you are going. Say what you liked or disliked about the poem. Was there any particular word or phrase in the poem which captured your imagination? Give reasons for your answer. Write an adventure story set in the mountains. Imagine that there is a strange creature living in the mountains. Describe what it is like and what it does in the mountains.

Job Vacancy

Sorcery Weekly Elf Required A position has become vacant in the packaging department of the Workshop of Father Christmas. The post is that of Wrapping Elf. This department is one of the busiest areas of the workshop. The successful applicant should: •

have some experience of wrapping presents

•

be able to work as part of a team in a very busy and varied environment in which strict deadlines must be kept

•

• •

be able to stack parcels carefully ready for delivery

have a good sense of humour

be willing to work late by negotiation.

If you feel you have the necessary qualities and would like the challenge of a varied yet rewarding job, please send a handwritten letter of application. Give full details of all your previous experience and say why you feel you would suit the job. Address letters to Chief Elf, Workshop of Father Christmas, Lapland. The job is suitable for both female and male elves. Elves who do not like reindeer need not apply.

Questions Answer the following questions with a full sentence:   1. If you were an elf, would you apply for this job? Give reasons for your answer.   2. What would put you off applying for the job?   3. To which person at the workshop should you send your letter of application?   4. Where would the job be based?   5. Who would be your employer?   6. In which department do Wrapping Elves work?   7. Who should not apply for the job? Why do you think the advert says this?   8. What experience is needed for the job?   9. Why do you think it is important to stack the presents carefully? 10. Why do you think the wrapping and packaging department is the busiest? 11. Which other department do you think might be very busy and why?

Word work Give the meaning of the following words:

stack vacant applicant varied

Extension work 1.

What do you think it might be like working for Father Christmas?

2.

The job description lists qualities you should have in order to apply for the post. What other qualities do you think you might need which are not listed here?

3.

Why do you think the successful elf should have a sense of humour?

4.

If you could work for Father Christmas, which area would you like to work in and why?

5.

Imagine you are an elf applying for the job advertized here. Write a letter to the Chief Elf saying why you would be good for the job.

6.

Write the Chief Elf’s letter to a lucky elf telling them they have got the job at the workshop.

7.

If you were Father Christmas, what four questions would you ask the elves who apply for the job, to check whether they would be suitable?

Witches’ and Wizards’ Awards Ceremony

The 85th Annual Awards ceremony for witches and wizards was held in the Unicorn Hotel on top of Mount Drizzle last week. Three thousand and fifty-five witches and wizards, dressed in their finest gowns and hats, gathered to celebrate the year’s best new spells, potions and lotions. The hotel is very popular among witches and wizards and can only be reached by broomstick. The event was hosted by Grand Witch Gruffkin. The award for the best spell went to Wizard Wiggle whose spell for turning water into oil was judged to be one of the finest in the wizarding world. Witch Peach won the award for Best Potion; her potion for making chewing gum on city streets disappear was devised after she found that her cat Jasper had gum all over his paws. Wizard Wizzle won the award for Best Lotion; his lotion for making people look younger was said to be brilliant. After the ceremony all the witches and wizards had a celebration dinner in the Moon Chamber dining room. Their cats and other familiars had a feast of their own in the stable block.

Questions Answer the following questions with a full sentence: 1.

Is this the first Annual Awards ceremony?

2.

How often is an annual awards ceremony held?

3.

What were the witches and wizards celebrating?

4.

Where was the event being held and how does one get there?

5.

Who won the award for Best Spell and what for?

6.

Who won the award for Best Potion and what for?

7.

Who won the award for Best Lotion and what for?

8.

What room was used for the magicians’ dinner?

9.

Why did Witch Peach decide to invent a potion for making gum disappear?

Word work Give the meaning of the following words:

gown award ceremony annual celebration witch’s familiar

Extension work 1.

Imagine you are Witch Peach. Describe how you came to devise your potion.

2.

Imagine you are Jasper the cat. Jasper is being interviewed by a newspaper reporter. Write what you think he might say about his part in the spell.

3.

Write a paragraph for a witches’ and wizards’ travel guide, explaining why the Unicorn Hotel is such a super place to stay.

4.

Describe what you think the Moon Chamber dining room looks like.

5.

Why do you think turning water into oil is one of the ‘finest ideas in the wizarding world’?

6.

The Grand Witch has organized a little surprise for the guests at the celebration dinner. What could it be?

7.

Witches often have a cat as a familiar – that is a kind of cross between an animal servant and a friend. What other animals might the witches and wizards have as familiars?

Dreams

I dreamed I could travel to the Moon in a silver spaceship And return home in time for supper. I dreamed I could solve the problems of the world And make food grow in every corner of the globe. But when I woke there was still poverty in many Places and I could hear the Children crying. I dreamed that I swam with dolphins in a deep, blue sea And found the place where mermaids live. I dreamed that the guns had stopped their firing And that peace reached every land. But when I woke there were still tanks Rumbling down the dusty streets and Houses crumbled. I have dreamed of holding out my hands To every person that I meet. But now I am suspicious Of those around I’d choose to greet. I have many dreams. Some are possible and some are not. But I will still dream my dreams … your dreams … many dreams.

Questions Answer the following questions with a full sentence. 1.

In what vehicle would the poet travel to the Moon?

2.

Explain why you think the children in the poem are crying.

3.

What action of the guns does the poet hope will stop?

4.

What words are used to describe the sea?

5.

Why do you think the streets are dusty?

6.

The poem is called ‘Dreams’. Do you think these are daydreams or night dreams or another kind of dream? Why do you think that?

7.

‘I have dreamed of holding out my hands to every person that I meet …’ What do you think the poet means by this?

Word work 1.

What does ‘poverty’ mean?

2.

If you are ‘suspicious’ of someone, what does this mean?

3.

The houses in verse 4 are described as ‘crumbled’. What do you think this means?

4.

Look at the adjectives (describing words) in the poem. Can you find any that you’d like to change? What words would you use instead?

Extension work 1.

‘But now I am suspicious Of those around I’d choose to greet.’ Why do you think the poet is now suspicious?

2.

‘I have many dreams. Some are possible and some are not.’ What do you think is meant by this statement?

3.

What problems in the world does the poem highlight?

4.

What do you notice about how the poem is structured?

5.

Where in the world do you think the poet might live?

Stinkwort School for Girls Stinkwort was my mother’s old boarding school. She loved it. I hated it! I would dread the end of the holidays because it meant my return to that hideous place where my life was torture. It was Lesley Griddle who made my life a misery. She made all the smaller girls’ lives a misery. She bullied us mercilessly. Heather and I hated her because we were her favourite victims. Her greatest pleasure was to stuff our heads down the lavatory and flush it! If the mistresses knew what was going on, they did very little about it. Their view was that it was part of school life and we had to accept it. I don’t think I ever accepted it. Stinkwort was a hard place in which to flourish. Quite apart from the Lesley Griddle problem, there were the dreadful early morning runs for miles around the freezing parkland, with Mrs Winkle screaming at us to ‘keep up’. And the food – the food they gave to the pigs was better than the mess which was served to us. I never sent my own daughter there. Not for her the regular tellings off and bullying. A few weeks ago, I read in the newspaper that Lesley Griddle had met an unfortunate end under the wheels of a bus. The papers said she had been intoxicated. I felt neither pleasure nor remorse, just a simple relief that she could bully no more.

Questions Answer the following questions with a full sentence.   1. What is the name of the school?   2. Did the narrator enjoy going to school?   3. What words does she use to show this?   4. Who made her life a misery?   5. What does the author mean when she writes ‘we were her favourite victims’?   6. What was Lesley Griddle’s greatest pleasure?   7. Apart from the bullying what else made life miserable at Stinkwort?   8. Who or what are the ‘mistresses’?   9. Why do you think the teachers did nothing about the bullying? 10. What is meant by the expression ‘met an unfortunate end ’?

Word work 1.

Give the meaning of the following words:

boarding school hideous mercilessly intoxicated 2.

‘Stinkwort was a hard place in which to flourish’. What is meant by this sentence?

Extension work 1.

If you were having trouble at school, what would you do?

2.

Do you think the teachers at Stinkwort handled the bullying situation correctly? What could they have done better?

3.

Imagine you are the storyteller. Write a letter home explaining the situation at school.

4.

Can you imagine a good side to being at Stinkwort school? If so, what would it be?

5.

You are the new head teacher at Stinkwort. Write a list of all the things you plan to change.

Runner’s Weekly husband, Gunter.’ Training alongside Ming was Bertha Huggins. ‘It was great having Bertha with me,’ explained Ming. ‘Not only was she a good friend but she pushed me to try my hardest.’ Ming retired from cross-country running last year at the age of seventy-two.

SPORTS PROFILE

O U R H E R O this week is cross-country runner, Ming Biggins. Ming began running when he was only five years old. His sister Lian said he would spend hours running over the fields with his dog, Manchu. At the age of six, Ming entered his school’s cross-country competition against forty boys and girls aged between ten and sixteen. To his family’s surprise, Ming came first. Later that year he

broke the school record by running three miles in just fifteen minutes.

At the age of ten Ming went to Switzerland to train with the celebrated Helga Crabbe. Training was very hard. Helga Crabbe made him get up at 5:30 every morning to swim in the small lake beside the log cabin where they lived. Ming said that it took a while to get used to the altitude and the crisp, clean air. Set high up in the mountains,

‘I’ve loved every minute of every race and every run. Running has given me great joy, fantastic fitness and many wonderful friendships. Now my knees are not what they used to be and I’ve got to give them a break. I still run but I only do about ten miles a week rather than my usual sixty.’

the log cabin was hidden away from prying eyes. It meant that Ming was free to train hard without being disturbed by outsiders. For nine months he ran all over the mountains, sometimes going higher than the pastures where Ming Biggins won the cows grazed. forty-two gold medals ‘Helga was a tough during his lifetime. teacher,’ Ming told Now he has hung up Runner’s Weekly. his running shoes, ‘I was on a strict he plans to open a vegetarian and pasta training centre for gifted young runners. diet. My meals were cooked by Helga’s

Questions Answer the following questions with a full sentence:   1. At what age did Ming begin running?   2. Who ran with the young Ming over the fields?   3. Who is Lian?   4. What was the name of Ming’s Swiss trainer?   5. Who is Gunter Crabbe and what did he do to help Ming?   6. Where did Ming live while he was training in Switzerland?   7. How was Bertha helpful to Ming?   8. How many medals did Ming win during his lifetime?   9. At what age did Ming retire? 10. What reason does Ming give for having to retire? 11. What does Ming plan to do with his retirement? 12

How many miles a week did Ming use to run and how many does he run now he is retired?

Word work 1.

What is a hero?

2.

If someone is ‘hanging up their running shoes’ what does this mean?

3.

Give the meaning of the following words: retire vegetarian altitude prying celebrated

Extension work 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

7.

Ming clearly loves running. What three things does he say running has done for him? In your own words, describe Ming’s routine with his trainer. Do you think Ming’s training was tough? Explain why you think that. Why do you think diet is important for a runner? From what you have read about Ming, how would you describe his personality? Imagine you are the dog, Manchu. Describe one of your most exciting runs with Ming. Where did you go and what adventures did you have? Imagine you are interviewing Bertha. What questions would you ask her about her time spent running with Ming?

Save our Playground!

The Daily Rattle Playground to be taken over by new supermarket LOCALS IN Henburyon-Sea are upset to learn that a supermarket will be replacing the children’s playground which opened only last year. The playground was built at huge cost to the council and has proved extremely popular with children in the town. It is believed that the supermarket chain Lakelands have paid over two million pounds to buy the land which the playground is built on.

going to dig it up to build another supermarket we don’t need!’ Lakelands will be the fourth supermarket in this small town.

‘It’s the little shops I feel sorry for,’ said Usman Gill who owns Gill’s, the local hardware store. ‘I’ve seen businesses close down over the past two years and it’s going to get worse. I don’t see how I can last out with this new supermarket on the way because ‘This is the first they’ll be selling all that we’ve known the stuff I’ve got at about it,’ said Mrs half the price!’ Cheng, a local Councillor Terry mother. ‘We fought Seeds is fighting to long and hard to get a save the playground. new playground and ‘I’ve got five chilnow the council is

dren of my own and they all love the miniadventure playground and the slides. There’s a huge sandpit and a paddling pool. It’s got a great mix of activities for both young and older children. We’re all devastated that it’s being pulled down for another supermarket.’ Terry is sending a petition around the local schools, in an attempt to save the playground.

Other councillors remained silent on the topic and refused to say where the funds from the supermarket will be spent. Rumour has it that some of the two million pounds has slipped into the pockets of councillors who voted to allow Lakelands to buy the land.

Questions Answer the following questions with a full sentence:   1. What is going to be built to replace the playground?   2. What is the name of the company which bought the land that the playground is on?   3. How much did the company pay for the land?   4. When the new supermarket is built, how many will there be altogether in Henbury-on-Sea?   5. Why is the playground so popular?   6. How do local people feel about the new supermarket replacing their playground?   7. What shop does Usman Gill own?   8. What might happen to the small shops if the supermarket arrives?   9. Do all the councillors support the new supermarket? 10. List all the activities you can do in the playground.

Word work 1.

2. 3.

Give the meaning of the following words:

upset fought devastated rumour What sort of things can you buy in a hardware shop? What do you think the article means when it says ‘Rumour has it that some of the two million pounds has slipped into the pockets of councillors who voted to allow Lakelands to buy the land’?

Extension work 1.

Why do you think a big supermarket will be a threat to small shops?

2.

Why do you think some councillors wouldn’t talk to the journalist about the playground?

3.

If you lived in Henbury-on-Sea, what might you do to stop the playground from being knocked down?

4.

Imagine you are Usman Gill. Write a letter to the council telling them how worried you are about the supermarket and how it will affect your business.

5.

Imagine you are a resident of Henbury-on-Sea. Write a letter to the newspaper complaining about plans for a new supermarket. Say why you don’t want it to be built and give reasons.

6.

Imagine the playground has been saved. Choose another exciting activity or piece of equipment to add to the playground. Why would you choose that?

7.

Imagine the people of the town have stopped the new supermarket from being built. How did they manage it?

The Happy Sally In 1598 the adventurer Samuel Tompkin sailed his ship The Happy Sally around the world in search of treasure. His adventures are well known. The most famous adventure of them all is when he met a sea monster off the Cape of Good Chickens near Madamamar. In his diary, Samuel tells us that the weather had been foul that day. ‘The waves pounded the ship, whilst thunder and lightning lit up the sky. A thick fog drifted in front of us and rearing out of the fog came the most enormous beast we had ever seen in our lives.’ Samuel Tompkin then tells of their terror as the monster flipped the ship upside down, tipping the sailors into the sea. ‘Many of our dear comrades were drowned. To my great good fortune I managed to grab one of the ropes hanging against the side of the ship. The monster snapped and snarled at us, its huge horned head hitting the side of the boat until the boat flipped upright once more. To our great relief, the fog lifted and the monster disappeared. One minute it was there, the next it had vanished, leaving us cold, tired and exhausted.’

Questions Answer the following questions with a full sentence: 1.

What is Samuel’s ship called?

2.

In what year did Samuel sail around the world?

3.

Why did he sail around the world?

4.

Where did he meet the sea monster?

5.

What does Samuel say the weather was like just before the monster arrived?

6.

What was the first thing the monster did?

7.

What happened to many of the sailors as a result of the monster’s actions?

8.

How was Samuel saved from drowning?

9.

How did the ship become upright once more?

Word work Give the meaning of the following words:

treasure foul enormous flipped adventurer exhausted comrade

Extension work 1.

How do you think Samuel felt when his ship turned over?

2.

Why do you think the monster attacked the ship?

3.

Imagine you are Samuel Tompkin. What would you do after the monster has gone away? Why would you do that?

4.

Describe another one of Samuel’s exciting adventures around the Cape of Good Chickens.

5.

From looking at the comments made by Samuel, what tells you that his diary was written some time ago?

   The Highwaywoman

‘Captain Jack’ Slugpot rode the highways and byways of Tweedle in North Yorkshire for thirteen years before her capture in 1745. During this time, rumours abounded that Jack was in fact a woman, but no one knew for sure. She was famous for her cry of ‘halt your hooves,’ and stole from over three hundred people before she met her death at the gallows. It has been said that her horse, Hot Toddy, had golden horseshoes on his hooves, but this has never been proved as Toddy disappeared mysteriously after Jack’s capture. Jack’s favourite place for robbing the rich and famous was the road that ran through Spindle Wood. Jack knew every inch of the wood and there were plenty of good hiding places where she could lie low for days. It was in Spindle Wood that Lord Wigham was robbed of six hundred pounds, a chest of family jewels and all his clothes. Those people who saw Jack’s untimely end at the hangman’s noose said she died bravely with a laugh and a joke on her lips. ‘I love you all,’ she told the sobbing crowd, ‘but I’ve loved your money more!’

Questions Answer the following questions with a full sentence: 1.

What is a highwayman or highwaywoman?

2.

For how many years was Jack a highwaywoman?

3.

In this time, how many people did she steal from?

4.

In what year was Jack captured?

5.

What was the name of Jack’s horse?

6.

Where did Captain Jack do most of her robberies?

7.

What did she take from Lord Wigham?

8.

What were Jack’s last words before she died?

Word work Give the meaning of the following words:

rob capture lie low disappeared gallows

Extension work 1.

Make up a story about why Captain Jack became a highwaywoman.

2.

From what you have read, do you think Jack was successful at what she did?

3.

Jack ‘rode the highways and byways of Tweedle’. Explain what you think this means.

4.

‘I love you all,’ she told the sobbing crowd.’ Why do you think that the crowd were sobbing?

5.

Jack kept a diary in which she wrote all about her adventures. Write the diary entry in which she describes the robbery of Lord Wigham. Think about where she would have waited, what the weather was like and how she felt at the time.

6.

Imagine you are the horse Hot Toddy. Describe how you felt about Captain Jack and her work. Did you like the part you played in the robberies? Was she good to you? Where did you go and what did you do?

7.

Write a character profile of Captain Jack.

The Cup of Sylvester

Dogwood Hall, The Old Mill Road, Dogworthy, Devon

July 8th 1871 Dear Martha,

ss to its ster. Dahlia and I found the gla lve Sy of p Cu the len sto s ha lly ars I write with grave news. Auntie Do agine our fright! We thought burgl im can u Yo . oor fl y rar lib the r cabinet smashed and scattered ove truth. e Dolly’s room that we realized the nti Au to got we til un t sn’ wa It had crept in. the cup leaves the Plunk family if t tha s say se cur ily fam e Th s this is. I don’t need to tell you how seriou desperate. Plunk will die! Dahlia and I are of me na the by ne ryo eve rs hou home for more than 72 Uncle Peter As you know, Auntie Dolly and . ack Sn of nd isla the for g din We think Dolly might be hea ctly the been very secretive about where exa s ay alw ve ha ey Th rs. yea for have holidayed there regularly have three ase help us to retrieve the cup. We Ple m. the h wit re the t wen you r island is, but I think one yea lost forever. die and the name of Plunk will be all st mu we l, fai we If ce. pla ul days to return it to its rightf In haste,

Your affectionate brother,

Julian Archimedes Plunk

Questions Answer the following questions with a full sentence:   1. Who has written the letter?   2. Where does the letter-writer live?   3. To whom is the letter written, and what relation is she to the writer?   4. What has been stolen?   5. Who does the letter-writer think is the thief?   6. At first, who did the letter-writer think had taken the cup?   7. In which room could the cup normally be found?   8. Who do you think Dahlia might be?   9. Why is the theft of the cup so serious? 10. How might Martha be able to help recover the cup? 11. How do we know that this letter was written a long time ago?

Word work Give the meaning of the following words:

smashed desperate burglars affectionate

Extension work 1.

What do you think the Cup of Sylvester is? Who might Sylvester have been?

2.

Why do you think Auntie Dolly might have taken the cup? What do you think she will do with it?

3.

Imagine you are Auntie Dolly. Write a letter to Julian telling him what you are planning to do with the cup.

4.

Write a short character profile of Auntie Dolly.

5.

Imagine you are Martha. Write a letter of your own in answer to Julian. What would you say?

6.

‘ … the name of Plunk will be lost forever.’ What do you think Julian means by this?

Property for Sale

The imposing family residence of Bagwiddle Hall, owned by the actress Fenella Smack, is up for sale. Set in 45 acres of stunning parkland and gardens, Bagwiddle Hall is a beautiful Georgian house designed and built by the celebrated architect, Gubbling Tott. The property is in good condition. It is close to the River Twaddle and would be an ideal retreat for keen anglers.

and vegetable garden. There is a library able to house at least 20,000 books, two studies and a morning room.

At present, the staff live in three cottages near the Hall. There is enough stabling for eight horses, plus many out-buildings. All these buildings are in need of renovation Not just a lovely family home, Bagwiddle work. Hall is also ideal for entertaining guests. The nearest railway station is in the tiny It has 13 bedrooms, eight bathrooms hamlet of Small Widdling, twenty miles and a beautiful dining room, which away, while the nearest motorway is will seat 30 people in comfort; also a over an hour away by car. drawing room, which overlooks the rose garden and summerhouse. The kitchen For further details and a brochure please has everything one could possibly need call Lucas Shamming at Pearson, Topkins and opens out into a small, paved herb and Dumpling, Estate Agents.

Questions Answer the following questions with a full sentence:   1. What is the name of the property for sale?

  2. Who designed and built it?

  3. How many acres of parkland and gardens surround it?

  4. Who is the current owner and what is her job?

  5. How many bedrooms does the property have?

  6. How many books would you be able to keep in the library?

  7. Where would you find the nearest railway station?

  8. Is the motorway nearby?

  9. Who should you contact for further information about the property?

10. What is the job of an estate agent?

Word work Give the meaning of the following words:

imposing out-building architect stabling renovation angler

Extension work 1.

What appeals to you about this home? Do you think it would be a good place in which to live and why?

2.

What do you dislike about this home?

3.

Imagine you have contacted the estate agents. What questions would you ask them about the property?

4.

At present, the attics are used for storage. If you bought the property, what would you do with the attics to improve them?

5.

Imagine you own the house. Your cook has left and you need a new one quickly because you are having a dinner party for fourteen movie stars next week. You are about to interview somebody for the job, called Jane Miggins. What questions would you ask her?

6.

Imagine you are Jane Miggins. Write a letter of application for the post of Cook at Bagwiddle Hall. It is important to say why you feel you would be good for the job. Don’t forget to say what experience you have and what you can do.

Talented Violinist

Music Profile Julia Sneetch

O U R M U S I C profile this week is on talented, young violinist, Julia Sneetch. Julia started playing the violin in her home town of Lymeon-the-Water in Devon when she was only three years old.

Her father, Melvin, said that she was always musical, even as a toddler. ‘She liked playing tunes on bottles we filled with water for her, and even on radiators. She broke quite a few cups and plates trying to play tunes on them.’ Julia saw her first violin in a music shop and refused to put it

down. After a month she was able to play simple pieces such as Baa Baa Black Sheep. A year later she was working towards her Grade Five violin exam.

At just ten years old Julia won a scholarship to the Royal Academy of Music in London.

Once there she won the Winifred Jones Memorial Cup for the most promising young musician. Now aged nearly twenty-one, Julia is beginning her third tour of the world, playing at all the major concert halls. Next week, as she celebrates

her birthday, she will be playing her favourite violin concerto in Vienna, to an audience of thousands. ‘My dream,’ she says, ‘is to play forever. But I know that can never be!’

Questions Answer the following questions with a full sentence: 1.

What instrument does Julia Sneetch play?

2.

When did she first start playing this instrument?

3.

Before she had an instrument to play, how did Julia make music?

4.

Where did Julia go to study music when she was ten?

5.

How old is Julia now?

6.

What does Julia say she would like to do?

7.

Is her dream possible? Explain why you think that.

8.

How do we know that Julia is talented?

9.

How do you think Julia feels about travelling all over the world?

Word work 1.

What is a ‘music profile’?

2.

Give the meaning of the following words:

talented simple broke beginning tour audience

Extension work 1.

If you could interview Julia Sneetch what four questions would you like to ask her?

2.

Do you have a dream about what you would like to do? If so, what is your dream and do you think you will achieve it?

3.

Imagine you are the head of a concert hall. Write a letter to Julia inviting her to come and play. Use the Internet to find the name of a violin concerto you can ask Julia to play.

4.

Write a letter from Julia’s mother or father, wishing her happy birthday.

Making it Rain Q UICK

AND

E ASY W EATHER S PELLS + A new book by Wizard Wonkin

Page xiii 



Making it rain This is a lovely little potion, which is quick and simple to prepare. You only need a few ingredients, none of which need to be collected specially. You should find most of them in your everyday spell larder.

Ingredients one eighth of a rainbow (probably your most expensive ingredient)

Care needs to be taken with the cobwebs and the oak root. Make sure to add the right amount at the right time or the mixture will curdle badly.

three whole cobwebs

a pinch of stardust one centimetre of oak root

eight tablespoons of rainwater four hailstones

Method Put everything except the oak root and cobwebs into a small blender and blend until it resembles fine sugar. Carefully mix in the cobwebs and say the reverse Hocus spell. Grind the oak root into powder then add carefully to the mixture. Repeat the reverse Hocus spell followed by the Flexus Incantation.

The potion will now be ready to sprinkle wherever you want it to rain. Remember to repeat the Flexus Incantation when you sprinkle the mixture. Sprinkle finely and not in large clumps.

Questions Answer the following questions with a full sentence:   1. For what is the potion used?   2. Who has written the recipe for this potion?   3. Is this a time-consuming potion to make?   4. Where could you find some of the ingredients?   5. Which ingredients would be hard to find?   6. Which ingredients must you take care with, and why?   7. Which ingredient is considered to be the most expensive?   8. Briefly describe in your own words how to use the ingredients to make the potion.   9. What problems could occur if the potion is not properly prepared? 10. Why might people want it to rain? 11. Describe what is meant by an incantation.

Word work 1.

Give the meaning of the following words:

collected mix method curdle 2.

What is a larder?

Extension work 1.

Wizard Wonkin wants you to sprinkle the potion. Why do you think he asks you to do this? If you don’t do this, what do you think might go wrong?

2.

If you had to add two extra ingredients, what would they be and why would you choose them?

3.

You have been asked to write a potion for a celebrated new spell book. What would your potion be for? What ingredients would you use and how would you use them?

Captain Flint

To whomsoever finds this parchment and map I, Captain Flint, pirate chief of the Jolly Sea Snake, hereby let it be known that this document is my last will and testament. I have no children, so I bequeath the sum total of my treasure to the one who finds it. It won’t be easy. Blood has been spilt on account of it and many say it’s cursed. It’ll need a hard head and a strong stomach to find it. Should you have trouble reading the map, there’s one who may help you. That’s my second in command, Hot ‘Sealegs’ McGlogg. It’ll be a hard job to reach him, though, for the Queen’s soldiers put him away to rot in Green Island Castle and none comes out of that place alive, so they say. I’ve had a good life and regret none of the things I’ve done. My life story has gone to Mistress Crumble, publisher on the Island of Twink. A good woman she is. She paid me a fortune for the stories in my head and promises to spread my life around the four corners of the world. And what a life it was! I’ve sunk a hundred ships and gathered together a treasure that would make most rich men faint. But my greatest joy was the Jolly Sea Snake. What adventures we had together! She never let me down, not even when the Queen’s men put a hole through her and we had to fight to stop her from sinking. Good luck to you if you find my treasure. If I could live again I’d swap all the gold and jewels I’ve found, for another ship and a glittering cutlass and I’d sail the seas once more following the trail of blood I’ve already left behind me.              signed

Questions Answer the following questions with a full sentence:   1. What is this document Captain Flint has written?   2. How do you think Captain Flint made his fortune?   3. What is the name of Flint’s ship?   4. If you had a ship what do you think you might call it and why?   5. To whom is Flint leaving his treasure?   6. What do people say is wrong with the treasure?   7. If you need assistance finding the treasure, who can help you?   8. Why will it be hard to find this person?   9. Captain Flint tells us that the Queen’s men put a hole through the Sea Snake. How do you think they did this? 10. If Captain Flint could start his life again, what would he do? 11. Why do you think he might want to begin his life again? 12. Do you think Captain Flint had an easy life? Give reasons for your answer.

Word work 1.

Give the meaning of the following words:

document bequeath parchment cutlass 2.

If someone sails the seven seas, what do they actually do?

3.

‘The Queen’s soldiers put him away to rot in Green Island Castle.’ What does this sentence mean?

Extension work 1.

Who is Mistress Crumble and what does she do?

2.

What has Captain Flint ‘sold’ to her?

3.

What are memoirs? Why do you think Captain Flint sold his?

4.

What has Mistress Crumble promised to do?

5.

Imagine you are Captain Flint. Describe one of your most exciting adventures.

6.

We are not told why Captain Flint is writing his will. Why do you think he is?

An Extract from ‘Dr Fiona Greeve’s Book of Death Rituals’ Chapter Four  Burial Rites on the Island of Thong The Sambooca people have an interesting cremation ritual which is a special way of saying goodbye to a loved one. The Sambooca strongly believe in life after death. When a person dies their spirit must be able to leave the body quickly so the body is brought into the open. There the spirit can fly freely to the eternal world. If this does not happen, the spirit will not be able to live again. Once the spirit has left, the body is washed with oils and herbs and dressed in pawpaw leaves. It is then placed in a large, woven basket with candles surrounding it in the shape of a star. That night the whole tribe gathers around the basket to sing praise songs until dawn. Then they all hold hands and dance the Welcome Dance, which celebrates the spirit’s arrival to the eternal world. After the dance, each person spits into the basket. This is not disgusting, for to the Sambooca the spitting means that the dead person will take with them to the next life a small part of everyone they have known. After two days of mourning, the dead person is taken to the ancient Rock of Thoughts. There they are placed on a mound of Bluebush thistles and covered in Stink Oil. While the oldest members of the tribe say the necessary prayers, all the young women fire burning arrows into the Bluebush thistles, which sets the funeral fire burning very quickly. At the same time, the priests pile more thistles on top of the pyre. The bodies of marinated rock rabbits are also put on the pyre and carefully barbecued. When they are ready, the Sambooca feast on the rabbits and celebrate the life of the departed.

Questions Answer the following questions with a full sentence: 1.

What is the name of the book that contains this piece about the Sambooca?

2.

Who is the author of the book?

3.

When a Sambooca person dies, why is their body brought into the open?

4.

What happens to the body once the spirit has left?

5.

After the two days of mourning, where is the dead person taken?

6.

Why do the Sambooca spit on the body?

7.

Do you think this is a good way to deal with death and dead bodies?

8.

If you could add another ritual to the burial ceremony what would it be? What would be its purpose?

Word work Give the meaning of the following words:

cremation marinated eternal mourning pyre

Extension work 1.

You have been asked to say a Praise Poem at the burial ritual. Write your own poem celebrating the life of the dead person.

2.

List the important parts of the burial ceremony in order. The first has been done for you: •

3.

The body is brought into the open.

The Sambooca people have decided to change their burial ritual. Devise a burial ritual of your own to show them. Think carefully about the purpose of each action.

The Island of Zambo: A Tourist’s Guide The beautiful Island of Zambo is one of many tiny islands to be found clustered around the larger island, Tangking. Zambo is a favourite spot for nature lovers. Reaching Zambo is not easy. The weekly ferry leaves from Tangking very early every Monday morning. It takes two hours to reach the pretty harbour in the village of Zapin. The trip is not for the faint-hearted, as the seas can be quite choppy at times. Travellers are advised to take wet-weather gear and plenty of sick bags. Once at the harbour, horse and donkey carts will take you to the Pacific Hotel, situated on top of the hill. It has breath-taking views of the sea and Zapin waterfall. There is plenty to see on Zambo. Up in the hills is a monastery, a breadfruit plantation, and the famous Iguana Forest. At Coral Bay there is a sandy beach, which is where the Smaller Spotted Sea Turtle lays its eggs. Sunbathing is forbidden on this beach to prevent disturbing the turtles. For sun-worshippers, the best spot is Palm Beach. For a few zongas (the local currency) you can hire a deck chair and parasol for the day. Animal lovers should take a day trip to Wanalooloo Island to spot seals sunbathing on the rocks and dolphins playing in the water. A short trip along the coast from Wanalooloo will bring you to Nockalocka Bay where there is a large puffin colony. The palace of Chief Makaloo is open to visitors every Wednesday and Friday. The palace boasts the largest collection of turtle shells in the world. Zambo has plenty of cafes and wine bars and a wide variety of food for even the fussiest of eaters.

Questions Answer the following questions with a full sentence: 1.

What is Zambo and where is it near?

2.

How long does it take to reach Zambo from Tangking?

3.

What are travellers advised to take for the sea journey?

4.

Where are tourists advised to sunbathe on Zambo?

5.

Why is sunbathing forbidden on Coral Beach?

6.

What animals might you see in or near Zambo?

7.

What kind of shell would you expect to see in the palace?

8.

On what days may you visit the palace?

9.

What is a ‘zonga’?

Word work 1.

Give the meaning of the following words:

tourist monastery harbour ferry boast 2.

What is meant by ‘the trip is not for the faint-hearted’?

Extension work 1.

Why do you think Zambo is described as a favourite spot for nature lovers?

2.

Would you like to visit Zambo? What in particular would you like to do or see there?

3.

Imagine you are visiting Zambo. Write a postcard to a friend describing your trip.

4.

You have been asked to write about Chief Makaloo’s palace for a guide book. Describe the palace.

5.

If you could put something else on the island to interest visitors, what would it be and why would you choose it?

6.

Imagine you are a chef at one of Zambo’s restaurants. Describe the national dish of Zambo. What ingredients do you use and how do you cook them?

Witness Statement Date: Thursday 14th January 2023 Witness: Chizu Asahi Recorded by: PC Bannerman

I was walking down Spring Road early on Tuesday. I can’t tell you what time it was as I had left my watch at home but I think it was a bit before eight o’clock. I noticed something funny going on in front of number 18, the house with the big garden. Outside it was a green van which I’ve never seen before. Mrs Chatterji, who lives there, was shouting at the driver. She was shouting, ‘Give them back, they’re my vegetables!’ Then the van drove off. I saw Mrs Chatterji running after it. She was keeping up really well which surprised me because she’s over 80 years old. Her dog Bahloo was following her, barking like mad. The van just kept going. It turned into Boris Close and then I lost sight of it. I saw Mrs Chatterji and her dog following it but they didn’t come back for ages … not until lunch time. Mr Chatterji just stood by his garden gate shaking his head. I asked him what had happened but he couldn’t say anything at all. He just looked stunned. About 10 o’clock, the green van returned. It parked outside the Chatterji’s house. I was in my front garden at the time and I couldn’t believe it was the van again but it was. Mr Chatterji was inside, which was just as well really because he might have fainted if he’d seen what I saw.There were rabbits driving the van. Yes, rabbits! I couldn’t believe my eyes. It was unbelievable. At first I thought they were people dressed as rabbits, but then I realized they were real.What was even scarier was that they were huge. Larger than a small child actually. It was then that I rang the police.

Questions Answer the following questions with a full sentence: 1.

What is the name of the witness making this statement?

2.

What is the name of the police officer recording the statement?

3.

Is the witness able to say precisely what time the van drove off from the Chatterji’s house?

4.

What was in the van, apart from the driver or drivers?

5.

Where does Mrs Chatterji live?

6.

How old is Mrs Chatterji?

7.

Who or what was driving the van when it returned to the Chatterjis’ house?

Word work 1.

Give the meaning of the following words:

2.

stunned fainted unbelievable Give another word which means the same as the one in italics. I noticed something funny going on outside number 18 … he was barking like mad … they didn’t come back for ages

Extension work 1.

List all the people and animals involved in the incident.

2.

From the passage, what do you learn about Mrs Chatterji’s character?

3.

If you had seen this event taking place, what do you think you might have done?

4.

Imagine you are the driver of the van. Explain what you were doing and why you returned to the Chatterjis’ house.

5.

Imagine you are Bahloo the dog. What do you think you might say to your friends about the whole episode?

6.

Imagine you are the police officer in charge of this case. What impression do you get of the witness? How do you feel about Chizu’s statement?

7.

As the police officer in charge, what do you think you would do next?

8.

Imagine you are Mrs Chatterji. Write a witness account describing everything that you saw and felt. Ask a friend to imagine they are Mr Chatterji and to describe what he saw to the police. How do the two accounts differ?

The Failed Potion

Purple smoke filled the cave, followed by a disgusting smell. Something had gone wrong. Badly wrong. As Witch Wizzlekin peered into the enormous, black cauldron her eyes began to water unpleasantly. A nasty, yellow sludge sizzled at the bottom of the cauldron. Her face turned grey and she sat down heavily on a wobbly stool. ‘The spell!’ she gasped in horror, clasping her head in her hands, ‘it’s ruined!’ Frantically she waved her wand. Nothing happened. ‘Oh no! What do I do now?’ Her reputation as a brilliant young witch depended on that spell. It was vital that it worked. She’d spent days of careful work on it only to have this happen. ‘Blast!’ she thought angrily. ‘What a waste of perfectly good ingredients.’ She tried not to think about the expensive piece of unicorn horn and the toadstool powder. And as for the fairy tears … Witch Wizzlekin almost started to cry herself as she thought of the fairy tears. They were virtually irreplaceable. She waved her wand at the cauldron and muttered a few magic words. Instantly the cave filled with the smell of sweet roses and cut grass, the smoke vanished, and the cauldron gleamed as good as new. Witch Wizzlekin sighed, and collapsed wearily into her enormous armchair by the fire. The situation looked utterly hopeless. Instead of impressing all her colleagues at the magicians’ conference tomorrow, the witches would all just laugh at her. Worse, her name would be struck from the Grand Witch’s Almanac of Eminent Witches. It was a hideous prospect. ‘I’ll have to run away,’ she thought desperately. ‘I’ll have to hide where no one will find me until this mess has sorted itself out!’ The trouble was … where?

Questions Answer the following questions with a full sentence: 1.

Why is Witch Wizzlekin upset?

2.

Which ruined ingredients is the witch especially upset about?

3.

Will it be easy or difficult to replace these ingredients?

4.

At the start of the passage, what filled the cave?

5.

Where had the witch planned to be the next morning?

6.

Does she still plan to go there, now her potion has failed?

7.

How does the witch clean up the mess in her cave?

Word work 1.

Give the meaning of the following words:

cauldron irreplaceable collapsed conference colleague hideous 2.

3. 4.

Rewrite this part of the passage using words of your own which mean the same as the ones in italics. As Witch Wizzlekin peered into the enormous, black cauldron her eyes began to water unpleasantly. A nasty, yellow sludge sizzled at the bottom of the cauldron. What do you think it means to have her name struck from the Grand Witch’s Almanac? What do you think an almanac is?

Extension work 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

Imagine you are Witch Wizzlekin. What was this potion going to do? List the other ingredients in the potion, apart from unicorn horn, toadstool powder and fairy tears. If you were the witch, now that your potion is ruined, what would you do next? Do you think Witch Wizzlekin should go to the conference anyway? Why? Write a story about how the witch got the unicorn horn, the toadstool powder or the fairy tears. Imagine you and the other witches are going to vote in a new Grand Witch. What type of person would you choose?

Tidal Wave Hits Zambo!

Zambo News Breadfruit Saves Tidal Wave Villagers A F R E A K wave hit the Island of Zambo early yesterday afternoon, wiping out the main village of Zapin and its harbour. Nobody was hurt because the villagers were inland, harvesting breadfruit. Speaking on behalf of his people, Chief Makaloo said they had not been aware of the trouble. ‘The weather got a bit blustery at one point, but we had no idea a wave was swamping the village,’ he told our reporter. The wave hit the island at about 1:15 pm, wrecking everything in the village. Tourists Bernard and Barbara Okoro saw the wave roll in as they were picnicking on the hill ‘It took us completely by surprise. The wave above the harbour. must have been about ‘We saw this wall 5 or 6 metres high. We of water. At first I were lucky to be where thought my eyes we were: any lower were going funny but down and we would then Bernard and I have been washed realized it was a tidal away!’ wave,’ said Barbara. The last tidal wave

to hit the island was 180 years ago. The damage to Zambo today has been estimated at over three million pounds. With all the houses in the village destroyed, locals are now relying on emergency aid from the neighbouring

island of Tangking. Scientists believe a small earthquake under the sea caused the freak wave. Villagers say they are very grateful for the breadfruit crop, which undoubtedly saved their lives.

Questions Answer the following questions with a full sentence: 1.

Which island did the tidal wave hit?

2.

Which parts of the island were wrecked?

3.

Where were the villagers when the tidal wave struck, and what were they doing?

4.

How many years is it since the last tidal wave strike?

5.

What do scientists think caused the wave?

6.

What are the names of the tourists who witnessed the tidal wave?

7.

What saved the villagers from drowning?

Word work Give the meaning of the following words:

inland freak tidal wave estimated wiping out

Extension work 1.

Imagine you are one of the villagers. Describe how you feel about the calamity.

2.

Imagine you are an aid worker who has just arrived on the island. Describe what you have seen and how you feel. How will you help the people affected by the tidal wave?

3.

Imagine you are either Bernard or Barbara Okoro. Describe what you saw in your own words.

4.

What scientists don’t realize is that something even more sinister than an earthquake caused the tidal wave. What do you think that could be?

5.

Imagine you are Chief Makaloo. Write a speech which will be broadcast on radio to your people to give them support and encouragement after this dreadful disaster.

The Tale of Sir Basil Long ago, when dragons roamed the world, the country was in need of a great knight. So it was that the bold Sir Basil came forth, clad in shining metal, to do brave exploits across the land. Far and wide his daring acts were told until the sad day when his shining sword began to fade and he hung up his shield. By far his most daring deed was the rescue of the fair Princess Gwendoline from the wicked she-dragon, Grymbol. Fair Gwendoline had been picking flowers in the woods with her maid when the evil Grymbol sneaked up and carried her off in her powerful claws. Grymbol took Gwendoline to her freezing cave on top of Mount Gobble. Terrified, Gwendoline expected to be eaten at any moment but instead the evil Grymbol made her dance and sing constantly, until Gwendoline sobbed with exhaustion. Luckily, brave Sir Basil heard her singing and crying from the bottom of the mountain. Leaving his horse Firesmoke tethered to a pine tree, he made his way up the mountain to the cave and challenged the dragon to a fight. They battled hard for days. The dragon blew huge gusts of smoke and fire all over Sir Basil until his armour was quite melted. But he never gave up, even when his sword was flicked from his hand by the dragon’s mighty tail and tossed down the mountain. Finally he managed to plunge his hand into Grymbol’s mouth. He shook Grymbol’s head until the beast’s eyes rolled and the dizzy creature fell over. Sir Basil smacked Grymbol on the nose and said, ‘I am brave Sir Basil. From this day on you will never leave the mountain top. If you dare to, you will feel the tip of my sword in your heart. This day I have spared your life. Next time you will not be so lucky!’ Taking the fair Gwendoline in his arms, Sir Basil staggered down the mountain to where Firesmoke waited, and he took the Princess home. The name of Sir Basil is sung far and wide; but it is sung most often in the castle where fair Gwendoline thinks fondly of her saviour.

Questions Answer the following questions with a full sentence: 1.

What is generally thought to be Sir Basil’s most daring deed?

2.

How does Sir Basil travel around the countryside?

3.

What was Gwendoline doing when she was captured?

4.

Why do you think she had a maid?

5.

How did Sir Basil know that Gwendoline needed rescuing?

6.

What happened to Sir Basil’s armour? What happened to his sword?

7.

How did Sir Basil overcome the dragon?

8.

Why did Sir Basil stagger down the mountain?

9.

What is the dragon called?

10. How do we know the fight went on for a while? 11. Which paticular day is a sad one for Sir Basil? 12. Surprisingly the dragon does not eat Gwendoline. What does he make her do?

Word work 1.

Give the meaning of the following words:

powerful sneaked tethered plunge exhausted exploits 2.

Fair Gwendoline had been picking flowers in the woods. What does ‘fair’ mean in this sentence?

3.

The name of Sir Basil is sung far and wide. What do you think is meant by this sentence?

Extension work 1.

Why do you think Gwendoline thinks fondly of her saviour?

2.

If you had been Gwendoline, what would you have done during the fight?

3.

Imagine what the dragon might have done after the fight, and write about it.

4.

What do we know about Gwendoline from the passage?

5.

What do you think it is like on top of Mount Gobble?

6.

Do you think Gwendoline has an exciting life? Describe what she does each day.

The Magic Football Of course, Hussain would never have found the shop if he had not been cycling under the bridge that evening. Normally he never went under the bridge. It took too long to get home that way and it meant having to go along the busy main road. Hussain hated the main road. The lorries zoomed past at a terrible speed and once he was nearly hit by one. Today, however, he had no choice. Maya Grudge had followed him out of school on her bicycle. Hussain hated Maya. She was twice as big as him and liked to knock him off his bike whenever she could. Luckily today, Maya’s bike hit a stone and she fell off. He had time to escape, so he charged past the take-away and under the railway bridge. Just after the bridge he stopped and stared in amazement. There was a beautiful new sports shop nestled in between the hardware shop and the bicycle shop. In the window was a football, a shiny, red football with tiny silver arrows all over it. It was the most wonderful thing he had ever seen. Hussain got off his bike and went into the shop. Inside, a little red-faced man dressed in a bright green suit, welcomed him with a huge smile. ‘Do you like it?’ he asked Hussain. Hussain nodded. ‘It’s beautiful. How much is it?’ The little man laughed. ‘For the right person it will cost very little. It’s a very special football, you see, and I have to make sure it goes to a good owner. Do you think you are that person?’ Hussain nodded again, his eyes bright with excitement. ‘Then the football is yours.’ The little man took it off the shelf and handed it to Hussain. ‘Thank you,’ gasped Hussain. The little man smiled. ‘Just one word of warning before you go. As I said, this is a very special football. Use it well and play fairly and it will help you and your team. But be warned, if it is not used wisely, who knows what it might do.’

Questions Answer the following questions with a full sentence: 1.

What type of transport is Hussain using in the story?

2.

Why does Hussain usually not go under the bridge?

3.

What type of transport uses the main road under the bridge?

4.

Why does Hussain dislike Maya?

5.

How does Hussain escape from Maya on this particular day?

6.

What are the shops on either side of the new sports shop?

7.

When Hussain sees the football what does he do?

8.

Who meets him inside the shop?

Word work Give the meaning of the following words:

zoomed amazement hardware

Extension work 1.

Hussain is told: ‘For the right person it will cost very little. It’s a very special football, you see, and I have to make sure it goes to a good owner.’ In your own words explain what you think is meant by this.

2.

If the football is magic, what do you think it might do?

3.

‘But be warned, if it is not used wisely, who knows what it might do.’ What do you think might happen if the football is not ‘used wisely’?

4.

Imagine you are Hussain and Maya’s teacher. You can see that they do not get on and Maya is bullying Hussain. What would you do to help improve their relationship?

5.

Who or what do you think the man in the sports shop could be? Where do you think he might have come from?

6.

Imagine you are the owner of the sports shop. Write some important instructions to go with the football.

7.

Write a short character profile of Maya Grudge.

The Missing Gnomes Mrs Frost stared hard at the garden. All the garden gnomes had completely disappeared. She gasped in shock. Someone had come into her garden and stolen her gnomes. ‘Francie!’ she shrieked. ‘Francie! They’ve all gone!’ Francie Frost poked her head around the kitchen door. ‘What’s gone?’ ‘My gnomes … they’ve vanished!’ Francie frowned. ‘They were here this morning,’ she said, looking puzzled. ‘I saw them when I put the rubbish out.’ ‘Well they’re not here now. I’m going to call the police.’ Francie wondered what the police would be able to do. Searching for three garden gnomes, when there were murderers and bank robbers to be caught, would not be top of their list of things to do. ‘I’d forget about it if I were you, Mum,’ she said. ‘They’re only plastic garden gnomes. The police have got better things to do than look for gnomes. Let’s buy some more.’ Mrs Frost turned sharply and glared at her. ‘That’s not the point! ‘she snapped. ‘It’s theft and I want them back.’ Mrs Frost stomped into the house and picked up the telephone. She was just about to dial 999 when she heard singing coming from upstairs. She stopped and listened. For a brief moment there was silence, then the sound of voices was there again. There was definitely singing coming from one of the rooms upstairs. Mrs Frost put down the telephone and made her way upstairs. Perhaps Francie had left the radio on in her bedroom. But the bedroom was quiet. Only Marmalade the cat was lying on the bed in a pool of sunlight. Mrs Frost frowned. How very strange. Then she froze. The singing was much louder now and seemed to be coming from the bathroom. Suddenly there was the sound of breaking glass, a high-pitched squeal and then excited laughter. Mrs Frost’s face turned white. Plucking up her courage, she crept towards the bathroom and pushed open the door. Her eyes opened wide in shock. A pool of pink bubble bath lay on the floor amongst pieces of broken glass. There, swimming in the bath and relaxing in the basin, were her gnomes.

Questions Answer the following questions with a full sentence:   1. What has gone missing from Mrs Frost’s garden?   2. Where was Francie when Mrs Frost discovered her things were missing?   3. What is the relationship between Francie and Mrs Frost?   4. What does Mrs Frost think has happened to her gnomes?   5. What are the gnomes made from?   6. How many gnomes are missing?   7. What job did Francie do earlier that day?   8. In your own words explain what Francie means when she thinks: ‘Searching for three garden gnomes when there were murderers and bank robbers to be caught, would not be top of their list of things to do.’   9. What does Mrs Frost intend to do about the missing gnomes? 10. What stops her from putting her plans into action? 11. How do we know that the weather is fine? 12. What tells Mrs Frost that there is something going on in the bathroom? 13. Describe what has been going on in the bathroom.

Word work 1.

Give the meaning of the following words:

vanished theft excited relaxing squeal pool of sunlight 2.

List the words in the passage which tell us that Mrs Frost is not happy about her gnomes going missing.

Extension work 1.

How do you think Francie feels about the missing gnomes?

2.

Imagine you are Mrs Frost and you have called the police. What do you think you might say to them?

3.

What do you think the police might say to Mrs Frost about her robbery?

4.

What do you think happened to the bottle of bubble bath?

5.

Imagine you are one of the gnomes. You are being questioned by Mrs Frost. Explain why you left the garden and went up to the bathroom.

6.

Now Mrs Frost has discovered the gnomes in the bathroom, what do you think she might do next?

Broken Window The damage had been done. The window was completely broken. ‘Now look what you’ve done,’ whispered Pearl. ‘I told you not to kick it!’ ‘I didn’t kick it!’ retorted Ryan. ‘The wind blew it out of my hands!’ Pearl looked scornful. ‘Rubbish! You kicked it … right through Mr Granger’s window!’

The children fell silent. They had been forbidden to play on Mr Granger’s land. Everyone avoided the ramshackle old house, which stood on the hill, looking unwanted and abandoned. Tall weeds and a forest of nettles surrounded it. Mr Granger himself kept well out of sight. Sometimes he could be seen shuffling to the shops, a shabby individual wearing a wide-brimmed hat. He kept to himself, and the town left him alone. Some people said he was on the run from the law. Others said he had just finished a spell in jail. Nobody really knew for certain. Pearl shivered. ‘Let’s get out of here. My mother would be furious if she knew I was here.’ ‘It’s not my ball,’ began Ryan nervously. Pearl frowned. ‘What do you mean it’s not your ball?’

‘It’s my brother’s. He doesn’t know I borrowed it. I can’t just leave it. I’ve got to get it back!’ ‘We can’t go up there.’ Pearl almost shook Ryan. ‘It’s much too dangerous! Anyway it’s only a ball. Your brother will understand if we leave it.’ ‘No he won’t… it’s special!’ ‘Special?’

‘It’s signed… by Lee Harvey!’

‘Lee Harvey!’ Pearl almost fell over with shock. He was one of the most famous baseball players in the world. Of course Ryan’s brother would want his ball back! Only, how would they get it back? They couldn’t just knock on the door and ask. There was the question of the window too. Perhaps they could sneak in and snatch it back without Mr Granger looking. Suddenly, the front door creaked open. Something bounced towards them. It was the ball!

Questions Answer the following questions with a full sentence:   1. At the beginning of the story, what has been broken and how was it broken?   2. Where have the children been playing?   3. Ryan denies breaking anything. What excuse does he use?   4. Where do people think Mr Granger has come from?   5. How do you think people feel about Mr Granger?   6. Which words tell you that Mr Granger’s house is not well cared for?   7. Why do you think Mr Granger keeps away from everyone?   8. Why does Pearl want to leave the ball in the house?   9. Why does Ryan not want to leave the ball in the house? 10. What makes the ball special to Ryan and his brother? 11. What idea do the children have for rescuing the ball? 12. Do the children expect their ball to be returned? What does it tell you about Mr Granger when he returns it?

Word work Give the meaning of the following words:

forbidden ramshackle famous shabby

Extension work 1.

How would you try to get the ball back if this happened to you?

2.

Imagine you are Ryan. Describe how you felt when the ball went through Mr Granger’s window.

3.

Imagine you are Pearl and want to ask Mr Granger to return the ball. What would you say to him?

4.

What do you think Ryan might say to his brother if he couldn’t return the ball he has borrowed?

5.

Imagine you are Ryan’s brother. What would you say to Ryan if he didn’t return the ball?

6.

Who do you think Mr Granger might be? Where might he have come from?

7.

Some people in the story say that Mr Granger is ‘on the run from the law’. What do they mean by this?

8.

If you lived next door to Mr Granger, how could you help him?

A Peculiar Murder ‘It’s a dangerous business,’ began Police Constable Dawson, shaking her head sadly. ‘A dangerous business indeed!’ Beside her, Detective Inspector Crabbe said nothing. He was still recovering from the dreadful climb down into the quarry. Terrified of heights as he was, it had taken every ounce of courage to force his legs down the slippery slope into the huge rock pit. Inwardly, Crabbe cursed. Why did people always have to choose such awkward spots for such things? Why couldn’t they have chosen the edge of a forest, or a ditch? Anywhere that did not involve climbing. Gradually the sick feeling vanished and Crabbe viewed the body with cold interest. It was a young man, no more than twenty-five years old. Strangely, he was wearing only swimming trunks and there was a tyre around his waist. There were no marks at all on the body. Nothing to say how he had died. Not even a bump on his head. ‘When was it found?’ he asked. PC Dawson consulted her notebook. ‘Ten o’clock this morning, Sir.’ Detective Inspector Crabbe went red. ‘Ten this morning!’ he exploded furiously. ‘But it’s four o’clock now! Why has the body only just been reported?’ PC Dawson shuffled her feet. ‘Well it was on account of the woman who found him, Sir,’ she explained. ‘What about her?’ ‘Well she’s very frail and extremely elderly, Sir. Says she was walking her dog, only she didn’t have her glasses on when she saw the body, so she said she couldn’t be sure that it was what she was seeing, if you get my meaning, Sir. So she returned home to get her glasses!’ ‘Surely it didn’t take six hours to find her glasses!’ PC Dawson coughed apologetically. ‘She couldn’t find them, Sir. She told me she had to look everywhere, even the potting shed and the dog’s kennel. I believe she found them a few hours later in a bag of dog biscuits.’ ‘And where is this woman now?’ demanded Detective Inspector Crabbe, controlling his temper with an effort. ‘In the investigations tent with PC Dickens, having a cup of tea, Sir,’ continued PC Dawson. She lowered her voice slightly. ‘It was the tyre, Sir. It upset her dreadfully so I suggested a warming beverage to perk her up! Her name is Miss Springs. Miss Alice Springs.’

Questions Answer the following questions with a full sentence:   1. Where was the body found?   2. At what time was it found?   3. Who found the body?   4. What do we know about this person?   5. How many hours passed before the person who found the body reported it?   6. Why did it take her so long to report the body?   7. Who is investigating the case?   8. At the start of the passage (line 6) PC Dawson’s superior says nothing. Why is that?   9. Where would Detective Inspector Crabbe have preferred the body to have been found and why? 10. Who is looking after the witness who found the body? 11. What in particular has upset this witness? 12. Using words from the passage, describe what the body looked like when it was found. 13. The person who found the body had to make a search herself. What was she searching for and where did she look? Where was the item finally found? 14. How do you think the missing item got into this particular place?

Word work 1.

2.

Give the meaning of the following words:

frail elderly beverage terrified dangerous Give a word which means the opposite of: dangerous elderly warming awkwardly

Extension work 1.

Do you think this is a murder investigation or do you think something else happened? Give reasons for your answer.

2.

What is a quarry?

3.

‘It’s a dangerous business,’ says PC Dawson. What do you think she means by this statement?

4.

What is meant by a ‘warming beverage’?

5.

PC Dawson says: ‘… she was walking her dog only she didn’t have her glasses on when she saw the body, so she said she couldn’t be sure that it was what she was seeing, if you get my meaning, Sir …’ Rewrite this piece of statement in your own words so that it makes better sense. Imagine you are Alice Springs. In your own words, describe all the events which led up to her discovery of the body. Imagine you are Detective Inspector Crabbe. What four questions would you ask Miss Springs to help you with your investigation?

6. 7.

Secrets to Hide

The lorries came at midnight. They swung into the yard almost silently, coming to a halt in front of the warehouse. I watched breathlessly from a chink in my bedroom curtains, terrified Dad would spot me and yet loath to move for fear of missing the action. Dad had warned us about the lorries. ‘Stay in your rooms,’ he had told Prem and me. ‘There’ll be trouble if I catch you or your brother out of your beds tonight!’

Dad was always more moody with the arrival of the lorries. His short temper was even shorter than usual. He would spend hours in his office speaking furtively on the phone to nameless people with gruff voices. Even Ma was tense. ‘Just do as your Dad says,’ she said grimly, dunking a dirty plate roughly into a sink of soapy water. ‘I don’t want any trouble.’ The yard was silent now. In the middle, the lorries waited like patient giants. My heart hammered painfully in my chest. What possible secrets could these metal beasts hide? Suddenly Dad walked into the yard. His heavy coat was buttoned tightly against the spiteful wind that rattled the windows. I heard him giving orders and watched as Jagad and Sabal, who worked in the warehouse, opened the doors to the first lorry. ‘Amita!’ My mother’s voice was sharp and angry. ‘What are you doing?’ Startled, I shut the curtain abruptly as she pulled me quickly away from the window. ‘Are you mad, girl?’ she hissed. ‘Get back into bed! Now!’ I heard fear in her voice, mingled with the anger. Silently and swiftly I obeyed her, pulling the duvet over my head. The door closed with barely a click and I knew she was gone. I squeezed my eyes tightly shut and tried to stop the sounds from the yard popping into my head. But the noise of many feet still whirled in my brain and I knew that there were others out there apart from Dad and Jagad and Sabal … Who were they? Why did they frighten my mother to silence and make my father an unpleasant stranger? As the faint glimmer of dawn began to break over the sky and my eyes closed wearily, I promised myself I would find out.

Questions Answer the following questions with a full sentence:   1. How many children are mentioned in the passage?   2. What is the name of the person telling the story?   3. At the start of the passage, where is the storyteller and what is she doing?   4. What is the name of the storyteller’s brother?   5. What have the children been warned will be arriving that night?   6. The storyteller gives the lorries another name. What does she call them?   7. In front of what building do the vehicles stop?   8. What is Dad like before the arrival of his lorries?   9. How do you think the children’s mother feels about the arrival of the lorries? 10. Describe what the weather is like when the vehicles arrive. 11. When the lorries arrive, what should the storyteller and her brother be doing? 12. ‘My heart hammered painfully in my chest.’ What does this sentence mean?

Word work 1.

Give the meaning of the following words:

breathlessly terrified gruff patient rattled glimmer 2.

Give another word which means the same as:

hammered spiteful halt

Extension work 1.

What do you think the lorries might contain? Why is this being kept so secret?

2.

What do you think might happen next in the story?

3.

The children’s father has been speaking to other people on the telephone. Who do you think he has been talking to and what do you think he was talking about? Be creative and imaginative.

4.

Imagine you are the storyteller as she looks out of her window. Make a list of words to describe how you are feeling.

The Death of Colonel Forster The hotel lounge was empty that afternoon, except for the two of us. We had just finished arguing, when to my surprise, Colonel Forster gasped violently and his head slumped against the flowery cushions of the armchair he was in. I was shocked. ‘Colonel Forster! Colonel Forster!’ I shook him roughly. His body rolled on to the floor with a nasty thud. Stunned, I felt his pulse. It had stopped. Colonel Forster was dead! I eased myself into the window seat, my legs weak and shaky. What on earth had killed him? For a brief moment my mind went blank, then I realized what it was. Strawberries. It had been the fruit mousse! During one of our furtive meetings in a market we had passed a fruit stall. ‘Hate the things,’ I remembered him saying and he had jerked his head at a stall of strawberries. ‘Allergic to them,’ he had shuddered. Inwardly I blessed the greed which had made him choose a fruit mousse for pudding by mistake. Gradually the weak, shaky feeling began to pass and relief took its place. My blackmailer was dead. I would not have to pay him the money after all. And now I could hold my head up without shame, for no one would know the awful truth about what I had done. My guilty secret would be safe. I waved to the waiter, who came over immediately. His face went white when he saw the Colonel but he did not look surprised. ‘I did warn him not to have the pudding,’ the waiter said in a wobbly voice. ‘But he wouldn’t listen. Terrible things these allergies, you know, sir. I’ll call the police and the ambulance.’ Hours later, when the police had come and gone and statements had been taken, I sat in the hotel bar with a large glass of lemonade in my hand. The relief was enormous. Thankfully the police had said there was no question of foul play. They had accepted his allergy to strawberries. I sighed with relief. Then I sat bolt upright in sudden terror. The diary! Colonel Forster’s diary! He had mentioned he kept a diary during one of our secret meetings. Horror gripped me. What if he had written about my awful secret in his diary? It would be a secret no longer! Someone would find it and then everything would be known. My heart thudded painfully in my chest. I put down my glass of lemonade and left the hotel as fast as I could. I headed towards the colonel’s house. I had to get my hands on his diary at any cost!

Questions Answer the following questions with a full sentence: 1.

Why did Colonel Forster die?

2.

Where was he when he died?

3.

How had the waiter tried to help the Colonel?

4.

Is the person telling the story sad about the Colonel’s death?

5.

Why is the writer relieved about the Colonel’s death?

6.

Why does the diary cause the writer such terror?

7.

When did the writer first learn that the Colonel wrote a diary?

Word work 1.

Give the meaning of the following words:

blackmail allergy secret diary mousse bolt upright 2.

The police said that there was no question of foul play. What do they mean by this?

Extension work 1.

The person telling the story has a ‘guilty secret’. What do you think the ‘guilty secret’ could be?

2.

Imagine you are Colonel Forster. Write an extract in your diary explaining all about the writer’s guilty secret and what you intend to do.

3.

Imagine you are one of the Colonel’s friends. You find his diary in his house after his death. What would you do with it, and why?

4.

Continue the story. Will the writer find the diary?

5.

Imagine you are one of the police officers called to the hotel. Write a detailed description of what you saw.

6.

The narrator of the story has to give a statement to the police. Imagine you are the narrator and write a brief statement saying what happened at supper and then afterwards in the hotel lounge.

The Dress It was quite the most disgusting dress Ellie had ever seen. Her face dropped in horror. What on earth had Aunt Adanna been thinking of! She swallowed hard and tried to smile. ‘Thank you Auntie,’ she said weakly. ‘It’s lovely.’ Aunt Adanna smiled. ‘I thought you’d like it,’ she said. ‘It’s just your colour. I found it in that tiny shop on the bridge.’ Ellie said nothing. The dress looked as if it had been dipped in slime. It was a sludge green with pink bows all around the hem. It looked hideous. It was also far too short, much too short for a ball dress. How could Aunt Adanna have done this to her? ‘Perhaps she wasn’t wearing her glasses,’ thought Ellie miserably. She wished she had not been given a present at all. ‘You’ll look lovely in it at the party,’ continued Aunt Adanna, holding the dress up against her niece. ‘Very, very pretty.’ Ellie flushed and stared down at the ground. Pretty! She had never been pretty! She was the ugliest girl in the class at school. The boys had nicknamed her ‘Nose’ simply because hers was so large. Ellie’s eyes filled with tears. How could she possibly go to the New Year ball in a dress like this? She would look even uglier. Misery swamped her. She had been hoping for something nice. Something that would make her feel special and beautiful for a short while, even if she was plain and boring. Aunt Adanna got up from her chair, beaming happily. ‘Well I’ll be off, dear,’ she said. ‘I’m so glad you like my little gift. Be sure to wear your garnet necklace with it. That will make it even more special.’ The door closed behind her and Ellie collapsed into a chair. Even if she dyed the dress another colour and took off the horrible bows it would still look awful. How could Aunt Adanna, who worked for one of the most famous fashion houses in the world, have chosen her such a ghastly outfit? She stared down at the mass of sludge green silk. It gleamed strangely. To her surprise she found herself reaching out to stroke it. Her hands rose from her lap and stretched out towards the dress. The material felt soft and smooth under her fingers and before she knew it she was struggling out of her ordinary clothes and pulling it on. The dress fitted like a glove. Ellie looked in her bedroom mirror and stared at her reflection in amazement. Standing there was someone she hardly recognized as herself – a beautiful someone, who had changed from an ugly duckling into a swan.

Questions Answer the following questions with a full sentence:   1. What present did Aunt Adanna give Ellie?   2. What colour is the present?   3. Where have the bows been attached?   4. Where does Aunt Adanna work?   5. Where did she buy the dress?   6. What nickname does Ellie have and why was she given it?   7. Aunt Adanna suggests that Ellie wears something with her dress. What is it?   8. Where does Ellie intend to wear the new dress?   9. How had Ellie hoped a new dress would make her feel? 10. What ideas does Ellie have for altering the dress? 11. Where does Ellie try on the dress?

Word work 1.

Give the meaning of the following words:

reflection gleamed hideous misery slime 2.

We are told that the dress fitted like a glove. Explain in your own words what this means.

3.

What does it mean when we are told that Ellie had become a beautiful someone, who had changed from an ugly duckling into a swan?

Extension work 1.

How do we know that Ellie does not have a good opinion of herself?

2.

If you were Ellie, what might you say to Aunt Adanna about the dress?

3.

What tells you that the dress might be special?

4.

What do you learn about Aunt Adanna’s character from the passage?

5.

How would you feel if you received a dress which looked disgusting?

6.

Write a story about what happens to Ellie after she puts on the dress.

Answers Local Pubs and their Lunchtime Meals (page 14) Questions 1. The Squeaky Lightbulb is owned by Mildred Bubble. 2. The Cheeky Fox is owned by May Gubble. 3. The Dog and Duck is owned by Brian Jones. 4. A main course is the main meal you will eat at a restaurant. 5. I would choose to eat the … because … . 6. The most popular pudding at The Cheeky Fox is the cabbage and leek ice cream with hot lemon sauce. 7. I like the sound of the … because … . 8. You could get a three-course meal at the Dog and Duck for £30 as prices start at £25. 9. The cheapest dish at The Squeaky Lightbulb is £3.50. 10. £70 would be enough to buy a two-course meal at The Cheeky Fox as prices start at £65.34. 11. I would most like to visit the … because … . 12. I would not want to visit the … because … OR I would like to visit all of them. There is not a pub I would not want to visit. Word work Choose – to select something that you would like to eat Lovely – very nice or very pretty Gorgeous – splendid, showy or dazzling Casserole – a meat and vegetable meal that is cooked in a dish called a casserole in the oven Dessert - pudding Extension work (Require a personal and imaginative response and answers will, therefore, vary.) Forthcoming Marriages (page 17) Questions 1. Two couples are getting

2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.

married. Anastasia is marrying Edward Froggitt. Sally’s surname is Snapple. Lucas’ parents are called Horace and Barbara Peabody. Sally is studying to become an astronaut. Anastasia’s fiancé is studying Art at St Saviour’s College in Froghampton. Anastasia and Edward will get married at Oldway Church, Thogham. Their wedding is going to be in the summer. You would normally find a marriage announcement in a newspaper.

Word work 1. A fiancée is someone with whom someone is engaged to be married. 2. When two people come together and make a commitment to marry. 3. An astronaut is someone who goes on a rocket to space. Extension work (Require a personal and imaginative response and answers will, therefore, vary.) Postcard (page 20) Questions 1. A postcard is a small card with a picture on the front and on the other side is a space where you write a brief message to someone. 2. I would send a postcard when I was on holiday. (Accept any sensible answer.) 3. Maybelle has written this postcard. 4. It is being sent to Miss Sally Jones. 5. It is being sent to a place called Dellham in North Devon. 6. Maybelle has been to the

market, she has also been to the beach where she went on the banana boat and she has been flamenco dancing. 7. Maybelle is staying at a villa with its own swimming pool. 8. We know that Maybelle is enjoying herself because she writes that she is having a lovely time in sunny Spain. We also know that she enjoyed the banana boat which she thought was cool. 9. Maybelle is on holiday with her Mum and Dad. 10. Gran and Auntie Jemma are going to be joining them. 11. The words that tell me Maybelle is reluctant to watch the bull fight are: ‘I’m not sure about’. I think she might be reluctant because the bulls are quite fierce and she is worried about getting hurt. OR (Some children might have seen a bull fight and can respond in more detail.) She might not want to go to the bull fight because she does not want to see animals and people getting hurt. 12. Maybelle means that the banana boat was really good fun. Word work Frilly – a fluted strip of fabric that is attached to the hem or bottom of a garment Castanets – wooden, hand-held instruments that are clacked together to make a noise, used in Spanish dancing Banana boat – an inflatable boat in the shape of a banana that you sit on and are then pulled across the water by a speed boat Bull fight – when two bulls fight one another in front of a crowd or when a person called a matador fights a bull with his

cape and sword Extension work (Require a personal and imaginative response and answers will, therefore, vary.) Local News (page 23) Questions 1. The Newspaper is called The Daily Blunder. 2. Volga Yenko is hoping to break the international danceathon record. 3. The charity being supported is ‘Support the Forest Slug’. OR ‘Support the Forest Slug’ is the charity Volga is supporting. 4. The trees have developed an allergy to dogs. 5. The trees are horse chestnut trees. 6. The allergy was discovered when tree surgeons noticed odd warts on their bark. 7. The trees now have protective fences around them to prevent the dogs from sniffing and rubbing against their trunks. 8. Auditions are being held at the Piccolo Theatre, Piccadilly. 9. ‘Me n’ Robin’ is a new musical comedy. Word work 1. Exhausting – very tiring Blended – when ingredients are put into a machine called a blender and churned together to become smooth Diagnosed – to identify something, in this case to identify a disease the trees have much improved – getting better 2. A celebrated dancer is one who is very well known and popular around the world. 3. An allergy is something to which some people have an intolerance

and it makes them unwell. 4. A pilchard is a type of oily fish. Extension work (Require a personal and imaginative response and answers will, therefore, vary.) The Waglow (page 26) Questions 1. A Waglow is a small bird. 2. The Waglow is about 4 cm in length. 3. The bird is difficult to find because it is extremely shy and difficult to spot. 4. The Waglow nest is a work of art. It is shaped like a tetrahedron and is made from tiny twigs and lined with feathers and fur. It lays tiny, purple-spotted eggs. 5. You will know if you have seen a Waglow because it has a black and red breast, with a blue and yellow striped plume of feathers on its head. It has pink legs. 6. When the Waglow is angry the plume doubles in size. 7. The male Waglow is different from the female because it has a slightly bigger plume than the female and its legs are a brighter pink. 8. The Waglow spends most of the winter on the Island of Zog where it goes to keep warm on the rocks beside the hot springs. 9. The eggs are laid in late winter. Word work Topmost – near the very top of something Plume – a feather or ornament of feathers on the top of a bird’s head Neighbouring – situated near by Tetrahedron – a solid contained by four plane faces Extension work (Require a personal and imaginative response and answers

will, therefore, vary.) Whose Tracks are These? (page 29) Questions 1. The kind of mark left in the snow is the track of a small animal. 2. We know that some creature left them in the snow but we are not told what type of creature. (Note: it could be a marmot.) 3. The writer is travelling on skis. 4. We know that this is not a snowy scene on a flat landscape because we are told that there are mountains. 5. We know that the weather is not good because it says, ‘the bitter wind’ and ‘storm clouds rise’ and ‘a whirl of furious snow’. 6. The snowflakes are described as dancers because when they fall they look graceful and dainty rather like dancers. They also whirl around like dancers might do. 7. I think that the poet means that the tracks have been made in an area which is not normally frequented by people. It is an area where the little animals feel safe to live. Word work 1. Unblemished – when something has no marks on it Bitter wind – a very cold wind Measured – steady, stately movement OR when something is carefully apportioned through measurement Mystery – an obscure or secret thing. 2. Creature – animal Silent – quiet Weary – tired Glow – light up 3. Words and phrases to describe the weather are: silent place, icy land, bitter wind, storm clouds, flakes

flutter, whirl of furious snow. Extension work (Require a personal and imaginative response and answers will, therefore, vary.) Job Vacancy (page 32) Questions 1. If I were an elf I would/would not apply for the job because …. 2. The only thing that would put me off the job is the part where I would have to work late. (Answers will vary for this question) 3. You should send your letter of application to the Chief Elf at the Workshop of Father Christmas, Lapland. 4. The job would be based in the packing department of the Workshop of Father Christmas. 5. Your employer would be Father Christmas! 6. Wrapping Elves work in the packaging department. 7. Elves who do not like reindeer should not apply for the job. I think that the advertisement says this because some of the job would involve working with the reindeer. 8. The experience you need for the job is: experience of wrapping presents, the ability to stack parcels neatly, the ability to work as part of a team, a good sense of humour and the willingness to work late. 9. I think it is important to stack the presents neatly so that they do not get broken or crushed. 10. I think that the wrapping and packaging department is the busiest because in the run up to Christmas this is the time when all the presents have to be wrapped and sent and there would be millions of presents to wrap. 11. I think another busy department would be (a variety of suggestions

might be made here): the department dealing with the children’s letters. OR The toy making department. (Accept imaginative, credible responses.) Word work Stack – to place things on top of each other carefully Vacant – to be free, a position which is waiting to be filled by someone else Applicant – someone who is applying for a job Varied – different things have to be done Extension work (Require a personal and imaginative response and answers will, therefore, vary.) Witches’ and Wizards’ Awards Ceremony (page 35) Questions 1. No this is the 85th Annual Awards ceremony. 2. An annual awards ceremony is held every year. 3. The witches and wizards are celebrating the year’s best new spells, potions and lotions. 4. The event is being held in the Unicorn Hotel on top of Mount Drizzle. You can get there by broomstick. 5. The award for best spell went to Wizard Wiggle for turning water into oil. 6. Witch Peach won the award for best potion. The potion was for making chewing gum on streets disappear. 7. The award for best lotion was won by Wizard Wizzle. The lotion was for making people look younger. 8. Dinner was held in the Moon Chamber dining room. 9. Witch Peach decided to make her potion when her cat Jasper came home one day with chewing gum all over his

paws. Word work Gown – a long robe you wear for the evening, at a special event Award – a trophy you receive for something you have won Ceremony – a sacred rite or formal observance Annual – something that takes place yearly Celebration – to get together to celebrate an event Witch’s familiar – a witch’s cat (or other animal) Extension work (Require a personal and imaginative response and answers will, therefore, vary.) Dreams (page 38) Questions 1. The poet would travel to the moon in a silver spaceship. 2. I think the children in the poem are crying because … (answers might vary) they are poor/hungry/frightened. 3. The poet hopes that the guns will stop firing. 4. The words used to describe the sea are deep and blue. 5. The streets are dusty because many of the houses have fallen down and this has created dust and dirt. 6. I think the poem is called dreams because it refers to the things the poet wishes she could change. It also refers to the dreams which are hopes or daydreams, because she would like to swim with dolphins and perhaps in time will. 7. I think that the poet means that she would like to be friends with people all around the world and is extending the hand of peace and friendship to those she meets. Word work 1. Poverty means being incredibly

poor. 2. If you are suspicious of someone it means that you are uncertain about them as to whether they are friendly or not. 3. The houses are ‘crumbled’ because they have been destroyed by the guns’ firing. 4. (Answers will vary according to the variety of adjectives used.) Extension work 1. The poet is now suspicious of the people she meets because people she thought were friendly have perhaps turned out to be unfriendly or untrustworthy. 2. It means that some dreams that you have are attainable and others are not possible. 3. The poem highlights the problems of war and poverty around the world. 4. I notice that the poem is structured in such a way as to show the poet’s daydreams followed by a dream that refers to a world problem she would like to change. 5. (A personal response is required for this answer.) Stinkwort School for Girls (page 41) Questions 1. The name of the school is Stinkwort. 2. The writer did not enjoy going to school, she hated it. 3. She uses the words ‘hated’ and ‘dread’ and ‘hideous’ and ‘torture’ to show that it is a place she hates. 4. Lesley Griddle made her life a misery. 5. The author means that Lesley Griddle chose particular children all the time to bully on a regular basis. 6. Lesley Griddle’s greatest pleasure was to stuff the girls’ heads down the lavatory and flush it! 7. As well as Lesley Griddle,

other things at Stinkwort which made it a misery were the dreadful early morning runs and the awful food and the regular shouting. 8. The mistresses are the teachers at the school. 9. I think that the teachers did nothing about the bullying because they considered it a normal part of school life and you just had to get on with it. OR I think they did nothing about the bullying because they just couldn’t be bothered to do anything about it. 10. To meet an unfortunate end means that you die in a rather unpleasant way that is not expected. Word work 1. Boarding school – a school where children sleep at as well as work for the duration of the term Hideous – awful to look at Mercilessly – to inflict suffering on someone without stopping Intoxicated – drunk 2. The sentence means that Stinkwort was not a good place for children to be happy and to do well. Extension work (Require a personal and imaginative response and answers will, therefore, vary.) Runner’s Weekly (page 44) Questions 1. Ming began running at the age of five. 2. His dog Manchu began running with him over the fields. 3. Lian is Ming’s sister. 4. Ming’s Swiss trainer is called Helga Crabbe. 5. Gunter Crabbe cooks Ming’s food. He is Helga’s husband. 6. While he was training Ming lived with Helga and her husband in a log cabin. 7. Bertha was helpful to Ming because she trained

alongside Ming and was a good friend. 8. During his lifetime, Ming won forty-two gold medals. 9. Ming retired at the age of seventy two. 10. Ming says he has retired because his knees are not what they used to be and he wants to give them a break. 11. Ming plans to open a training centre for gifted young runners. 12. Ming used to run sixty miles a week. He now plans to run just ten miles a week now that he is retired. Word work 1. A hero is someone who is noted for their achievements. 2. ‘Hanging up their running shoes’ means that they are no longer running for competitive races. 3. Retire – when you come to an age in life when you can stop working and relax Vegetarian – someone who eats vegetables and not meat Altitude – high up, as in up high in the mountains where the air is thin Prying – snooping on others without them knowing Celebrated – someone who is well known for their achievements Extension work 1. Ming says that running has given him great joy, fitness and wonderful friendships. 2. Ming’s routine with his trainer was tough! He would get up at 5.30am every morning to swim in the small lake. He would then run all over the mountains going higher than the pastures where the cows grazed. 3. I think Ming’s training was tough because … (should be some mention of getting up early and swimming in a freezing lake, running large distances and running at

altitude). Personal response required (should be some mention of diet and fitness, health and strength, or some of combination of these or other sensible suggestions). 5. I would describe Ming as a very … (dedicated, fit, caring, strong, hard-working, happy) individual. 6–7. (Require an imaginative and personal response.) 4.

Save our Playground (page 47) Questions 1. A supermarket is going to be built to replace the playground. 2. The name of the company who have bought the land is the supermarket chain Lakelands. 3. The company paid two million pounds for the land. 4. When the supermarket is built it will be the fourth supermarket in the town. 5. The playground is popular because the children love the mini-adventure playground and the slides. It has a great mix of activities for young and older children. 6. Local people are said to be devastated that the playground is going to be pulled down. 7. Usman Gill owns the local hardware store. 8. People are worried that the little shops will close down due to the supermarket which will undercut their prices. 9. Not all the councillors support the supermarket. Terry Seeds is fighting to save the playground. 10. In the playground you can: play on the mini-adventure playground, go on the slides, play in the sand pit and paddling pool. Word work 1. Upset – to be unhappy about

something Fought – to fight over something, in this case the supermarket Devastated – to be really upset, crushed Rumour – gossip spread around that may or may not be true 2. You can buy all sorts of things in a hardware shop such as plugs, picnic plates and cups, nails and hammers, things for the kitchen and items for the garden such as weedkiller. You might get ladders and drills. 3. I think it means that not all the councillors are honest and that some of the money has been taken by the councillors. I think that Lakeland paid them a huge sum of money for the land and the councillors allowed the deal to go through on the understanding that some of the money would be given to them. Extension work 1. I think a big supermarket is a threat to small shops because it will undercut their prices and put them out of business. 2. I think some of the councillors would not talk to the journalist because they did not want to show they were involved in the project and they were afraid of being asked awkward questions which might incriminate them! 3–7.(Require a personal response.) The Happy Sally (page 50) Questions 1. Samuel’s ship is called The Happy Sally. 2. Samuel sailed around the world in 1598. 3. He sailed around the world in search of treasure. 4. He met the sea monster off the Cape of Good Chickens near Madamamar. 5. Samuel says that the weather had been foul that day. 6. The first thing that the monster did was to flip the

7. 8.

9.

ship upside down. As a result of the monster’s actions, many of the sailors were drowned. Samuel was saved from drowning by grabbing one of the ropes hanging against the side of the ship. The ship became upright once more when the monster hit its head on the side of the boat flipping it upright once more.

Word work Treasure – riches, stored wealth and valuables Foul – in this case the weather had been awful/terrible Enormous – of huge dimensions Flipped – turned over Adventurer – someone who travels the world in search of treasure and adventure Exhausted – very tired Comrade - friend Extension work (Require a personal and imaginative response.) The Highwaywoman (page 53) Questions 1. A highwayman or highwaywoman is someone who used to rob travellers. 2. Jack was a highwaywoman for thirteen years. 3. In this time she stole from over three hundred people. 4. Jack was captured in 1745. 5. Jack’s horse was called Hot Toddy. 6. Captain Jack did most of her robberies on the road that ran through Spindle Wood. 7. She took six hundred pounds from Lord Wigham, plus a chest of family jewels and all his clothes. 8. Her last words before she died were, ‘I love you all, but I’ve loved your money more!’ Word work Rob – to steal from people Capture – when someone or something is seized by others

and held prisoner Lie low – to hide Disappeared – has not been seen, has vanished Gallows – a place of execution, a structure made of wood in which to execute/hang people Extension work 1. (Requires a personal and imaginative response.) 2. I think Captain Jack was quite successful at being a highwaywoman because Hot Toddy is supposed to have golden horseshoes and she robbed people of large amounts of money and jewels. 3. I think that this means that Captain Jack rode all around the roads and lanes of Tweedle. 4. I think that the crowd were sobbing because … (answers will vary) 5–7. (Answers will require a personal and imaginative response.) The Cup of Sylvester (page 56) Questions 1. Julian Archimedes Plunk has written the letter. 2. Julian Plunk lives at Dogwood Hall in Devon. 3. The letter is written to Martha, his sister. 4. The Cup of Sylvester has been stolen. 5. Julian thinks that the thief is Auntie Dolly. 6. Initially they thought that burglars had got into the house. 7. The cup could normally be found in the library. 8. I think Dahlia could be Julian’s wife or another sister. (Accept also mother, sister or grandmother) 9. The theft of the cup is serious because if the cup leaves the Plunk family home then everyone by the name of Plunk will die. 10. Martha might be able to help because she knows the location of the island where

they think Aunt Dolly has gone with the cup and she can get it for them. 11. We know that the letter was written a long time ago because it was written in 1871. The language is also quite old and not as modern as the language we would use today. Word work Smashed – broken into lots of small pieces Desperate – leaving no room for hope Burglars – people who are thieves who break into others’ property to steal Affectionate – to be loving towards others Extension work (Require a personal and imaginative response and answers will, therefore, vary.) Property for Sale (page 59) Questions 1. The property for sale is called Bagwiddle Hall. 2. It was designed and built by Gubbling Tott. 3. It is surrounded by forty five acres of stunning parkland and gardens. 4. The current owner is called Fenella Smack and she is an actress. 5. The property has thirteen bedrooms. 6. You would be able to keep 20,000 books in the library. 7. The nearest railway station is in the tiny hamlet of Small Widdling. 8. No, the motorway is over an hour away by car. 9. For further details about the property you should contact Lucas Shamming at Pearson, Topkins and Dumpling, Estate Agents. 10. An estate agent sells house and flats to people. They take them around properties and

show them to people. Word work Imposing – when a building is very grand and beautiful it is said to be imposing Out-building – a building that can be found slightly away from the main building where things might be stored or kept Architect – someone who designs and plans homes Stabling – a place where horses are kept in compartments of their own Renovation – to restore a building to its former glory Angler – someone who is a fisherman Extension work (Require a personal and imaginative response and answers will, therefore, vary.) Talented Violinist (page 62) Questions 1. Julia Sneetch plays a violin. 2. She first started playing the violin when she was only three years old. 3. Before she had an instrument Julia would play tunes on bottles filled with water. 4. When she was ten she went to study music at the Royal Academy of Music in London. 5. Julia is now nearly twentyone. 6. Julia says she would now like to play forever. 7. I do not think that her dream is possible because people cannot live forever and therefore she cannot play forever, unless she becomes immortal. 8. We know Julia is talented because when she was very young she began working on her grade 5 violin exam and, at the age of ten she won a cup for the most promising musician. Now she is on world tours and she is not yet twenty-one. 9. I think Julia feels … about

travelling all over the world. Word work 1. A music profile is a piece of writing about someone who is a talented musician. It gives information about their life and what they have done. 2. Talented – to be very gifted at something Simple – plain, straightforward Broke – when something becomes damaged Beginning – the start of something Tour – to travel around to different places on a given route or tour Audience – a group of people who watch a particular event Extension work (Require a personal and imaginative response and answers will, therefore, vary.) Making it Rain (page 65) Questions 1. The potion is used for making it rain. 2. The recipe has been written by Wizard Wonkin. 3. No it is not time consuming. We are told they are quick and easy weather spells. 4. You could find some of the ingredients in your everyday spell larder. 5. Ingredients which would be hard to find would be the star dust, the rainbow and the hailstones. 6. You must take care with the cobwebs and the oak root to ensure that you add the right amount so that the mixture does not curdle. 7. The most expensive ingredient is considered to be the rainbow. 8. You have to put everything except the oak root and cobwebs into a small blender and blend it until it is like fine sugar. You then have to mix the cobwebs in carefully whilst saying the reverse Hocus spell. When you have ground the oak root into

powder you then add it to the mixture and repeat the Hocus spell followed by the Flexus Incantation. 9. If you do not prepare the mixture properly it will curdle badly. 10. People might want it to rain to help the crops grow or to bring more water into the reservoirs so that we don’t have hose pipe bans. 11. An incantation is a magical chant. Word work 1. Collected – gathered Mix – stir together Method – the way in which ingredients have to be put together Curdle – when ingredients do not blend together smoothly and the mixture fragments/breaks apart 2. A larder is a cool place where food is stored. Extension work (Require a personal and imaginative response and answers will, therefore, vary.) Captain Flint (page 68) Questions 1. Captain Flint has written his last will and testament. 2. Captain Flint has made his fortune by sinking and plundering ships. 3. Flint’s ship is called the Jolly Sea Snake. 4. If I had a ship I would call it the … because … . 5. Flint is leaving his treasure to the person who finds it. 6. People say that the treasure is cursed. 7. The person who can help you find the treasure is Hot ‘Sealegs’ McGlogg. 8. It will be hard to find this person because he is in Green Island Castle. 9. The Queen’s Men put a hole through the Sea Snake which

means they hit her with a cannon ball. 10. If Captain Flint could start again he would swap all the gold and jewels he had found for another ship and a glittering cutlass and he would sail the seas once more. 11. He might want to begin his life again because he enjoyed it so much. 12. I think in some respects he has had an easy life and in some ways a hard one because … OR I think he had an easy life because … OR I do not think he has had an easy life because … . Word work 1. Document – a piece of paper with important information on it Bequeath – to give to someone when you die Parchment – an old piece of paper made from the dried skin of either a goat, sheep or cow Cutlass – a curved sword used by pirates 2. If someone sails the seven seas, they sail around the world on adventures. 3. This means that the Queen’s soldiers took him away and imprisoned him in Green Island Castle, where he was forgotten about and left to die. Extension work 1. Mistress Crumble is the publisher on the Island of Twink. 2. Captain Flint has ‘sold’ to her his life story. 3. Memoirs are what people write telling others about their exciting lives. Captain Flint sold his to make more money and because he thought his life was such a good one others would want to hear about it. 4. Mistress Crumble has promised to spread his life around the four corners of the

world. 5–6. (Require a personal and imaginative response.) An Extract from Dr Fiona Greeve’s … (page 71) Questions 1. The name of the book that contains this piece about the Sambooca is Dr Fiona Greeve’s Book of Death Rituals. 2. The author is Dr Fiona Greeve. 3. A Sambooca person’s body is brought into the open so that their spirit can fly freely to the eternal world. 4. Once the spirit has left the body it is washed with oils and herbs and dressed in paw paw leaves. 5. After two days of mourning the dead person is taken to the Ancient Rock of Thoughts. 6. The Sambooca spit on the body so that the dead person takes a small part of everyone they have known into the next life. 7. (A personal response needs to be given.) I do OR I do not feel that this is … . 8. (A personal and imaginative response is required for this question.) Word work Cremation – to burn something or someone when they are dead Marinated – to cover something like meat or vegetables with herbs, oils and spices which soak into the meat and give it flavour Eternal – forever Mourning – to grieve for the death of someone Pyre – a mound upon which a dead person is placed Extension work 1. (A personal response is required for this answer.) 2. • The body is brought into the

open. The body is washed with oils and herbs and dressed in paw paw leaves. • The body is placed in a large, woven basket. • The whole tribe gathers around the basket to sing praise songs. • They all hold hands and dance the Welcome Dance. • Each person spits into the basket. • The dead person is taken to the Rock of Thoughts. • The body is placed on a mound of Bluebush thistles and covered in Stink Oil. • Prayers are said by the elders. • The young women fire flaming arrows into the thistles. • The priests pile more thistles on top of the pyre. • Bodies of marinated rock rabbits are put on the pyre and barbecued. • The Sambooca feast on the rabbits. 3. (A personal response is required for this answer.)

•

The Island of Zambo: A Tourist’s Guide (page 74) Questions 1. Zambo is an island and it is one of many islands clustered around the larger island of Tangking. 2. It takes two hours to get to Zambo from Tangking. 3. Travellers are advised to take wet weather gear and sick bags for the journey. 4. Tourists are advised to sunbathe at Palm Beach. 5. Sunbathing is forbidden on Coral Beach so that the turtles are not disturbed. 6. On Zambo you might see seals, iguanas, puffins, turtles and dolphins. You will also see donkeys and horses giving rides to travellers. 7. In the palace you would expect to see turtle shells. 8. The palace is open to visitors every Wednesday and Friday. 9. A ‘zonga’ is the local currency

on Zambo. Word work 1. Tourist – someone on holiday who visits places Monastery – the religious home for monks Harbour – a place of safety where boats are moored Ferry – a boat that takes cars and passengers across a strip of water Boast – to brag about something you have done 2. The trip is not for the faint hearted means that it is a long trip on rough seas so a difficult crossing. Extension work 1. I think that Zambo is described as a favourite spot for nature lovers because there are so many different creatures to see on such a small island. You can watch them at your leisure in peaceful surroundings. 2. (Personal response required, starting with: I would/would not … .) 3–6. (Require an imaginative and personal response.) Witness Statement (page 77) Questions 1. The witness making the statement is Chizu Asahi. 2. The police officer recording the statement is PC Bannerman. 3. The witness is not able to say precisely what time it is as they had left their watch at home but they think it was a bit before eight o’clock. 4. There were vegetables in the van. 5. Mrs Chatterji lives at number 18, Spring Road. 6. Mrs Chatterji is over eighty years old. 7. There were large rabbits driving the van when it

returned to Spring Road. Word work 1. Stunned – shocked so that you are unable to speak Fainted – when you become pale and weak and you swoon/fall down from lack of air Unbelievable – when something is hard to believe 2. I noticed something strange/ peculiar/odd/weird going on outside number 18. He was barking like crazy. They didn’t come back for a very long time/for an eternity. Extension work 1. Chizu Asahi Mrs Chatterji Mr Chatterji Bahloo the dog Rabbits The police are called later on 2. We learn that Mrs Chatterji is a very good runner for her age. She is also a determined woman to charge off after the van. She is obviously fit and agile for her age (maybe because she eats lots of vegetables!). 3–8. (These questions require a personal and imaginative response. The answers will vary.) The Failed Potion (page 80) Questions 1. Witch Wizzlekin is upset because the spell is ruined. 2. She is particularly upset over the expensive piece of unicorn horn, the fairy tears and the toadstool powder. 3. The fairy tears are virtually irreplaceable. 4. At the start of the passage, purple smoke filled the cave followed by a disgusting smell. 5. She had planned to be at the magicians’ conference the next day. 6. Witch Wizzlekin is not

7.

planning to be there now, she is planning on running away and hiding until the mess has sorted itself out. Witch Wizzlekin cleans up the mess in her cave by waving her wand at the cauldron and muttering a few magic words.

Word work 1. Cauldron – a vessel usually big and black, in which witches and wizards make their potions Irreplaceable – when something cannot be made or replaced again Collapsed – when something falls down Conference – a large important meeting where various matters are discussed Colleague – someone with whom you work Hideous – awful to look at 2. As Witch Wizzlekin stared/glanced/ looked into the huge/vast/gigantic, black cauldron her eyes began to water unpleasantly. A vile/ disgusting/horrible/loathsome, yellow mess/lump/goo sizzled at the bottom of the cauldron. 3. To have her name struck from the Grand Witch’s Almanac means to have her name removed or taken out from the book so that she is dishonoured. 4. An almanac is a special book or catalogue giving information about all the witches and what they have done that is special. Extension work (Require an inventive and creative personal response, therefore, answers will vary.) Tidal Wave Hits Zambo (page 83) Questions 1. The tidal wave hit the island of Zambo. 2. The main village of Zapin was wrecked and its harbour. 3. The villagers were inland

4. 5. 6. 7.

when the tidal wave struck, harvesting breadfruit. The last tidal wave to hit the village was 180 years ago. Scientists believe that a small earthquake under the sea caused the freak wave. Bernard and Barbara Okoro were the tourists who saw the wave. The villagers were saved because they were inland and high up away from the wave.

Word work Inland – when something is on the land as opposed to out to sea Freak – something very odd, in this case a wave that was not anticipated Tidal wave – another word for a tsunami, a giant wave Estimated – to have a good guess about how much of something there is, as in measurement Wiping out – to devastate an area, to raise it to the ground so that it is destroyed completely Extension work (Require an inventive and creative personal response, therefore, answers will vary.) The Tale of Sir Basil (page 86) Questions 1. Sir Basil’s most daring deed is said to be the rescue of the fair Princess Gwendoline. 2. Sir Basil travels around the countryside on his horse. 3. When she was captured, Gwendoline was picking flowers in the woods with her maid. OR Gwendoline was picking flowers in the wood when she was captured. 4. I think that Gwendoline had a maid because in those days a lady never went around the countryside without someone else to look after/chaperone her. 5. Sir Basil knew she needed rescuing because he heard her singing and crying from the bottom of the mountain. 6. Sir Basil’s armour melted and

his sword was flicked out of his hand and tossed down the mountain. 7. Sir Basil overcame the dragon by plunging his hand into the dragon’s mouth and shaking the dragon’s head until his eyes rolled and the dizzy creature fell over. 8. Sir Basil staggered down the mountain because he had Gwendoline in his arms and she was probably heavy to carry and he was also exhausted from the fight! 9. The dragon is called Grymbol. 10. We know that the fight went on for a long time because we are told that they battled for days. 11. The day which is a sad one for Sir Basil is the one when his shining sword fades and he has to hang up his shield because he is now too old to fight. 12. The dragon makes Gwendoline sing and dance constantly. Word work 1. Powerful – having the ability to act on a situation, having strength Sneaked – to move around in a furtive manner Tethered – to tie something up, usually referred to horses when they are tied up Plunge – to put forcibly into something, like water Exhausted – to be very, very tired Exploits – the deeds you do, the things you get up to 2. Fair means that she is very pretty or beautiful. 3. I think that this means that Sir Basil is remembered and praised throughout the kingdom for his daring deeds. Extension work 1. I think that Gwendoline thinks fondly of her saviour because she remembers and is grateful for the fact that he rescued

her and she might also be a little bit in love with him too! 2. If I had been Gwendoline I would have … (accept imaginative perhaps comic responses, eg I would have jumped on the dragon’s back and pulled out his scales. OR I would have run down the mountain and brought back Sir Basil’s sword. OR I would have found a big rock and brought it down on the dragon’s head.) 3. From the passage we learn that Gwendoline is … . 4–6. (Require a personal and imaginative response.) The Magic Football (page 89) Questions 1. Hussain is using a bike to travel around. 2. He usually does not go under the bridge because it takes too long to go home that way and it meant going along the busy main road. 3. Lorries zoom past on the main road under the bridge. 4. Hussain dislikes Maya because she tries to knock him off his bike. 5. Hussain manages to escape from Maya that day when her bike hits a stone and she falls off. He is then able to get away. 6. The shops on either side of the new sports shop are the hardware shop and the bicycle shop. 7. When he sees the football, Hussain gets off his bike and goes into the shop. 8. Inside the shop he is met by a little, red-faced man in a green suit. Word work Zoomed – turn suddenly upward at a sharp angle and move with great speed Amazement – to be greatly surprised Hardware – ironmongery, items that can be found in a hardware shop such as nails,

pans, lightbulbs etc Extension work 1. I think that it means that if the football goes to the right home it will not cost much at all because it is going with the right person who will look after it. 2. I think that the football will … (personal response required). 3. I think that the football will … if it is not used wisely. 4–7.(Require a personal and imaginative response.) The Missing Gnomes (page 92) Questions 1. All the garden gnomes have disappeared from Mrs Frost’s garden. 2. Francie was in the kitchen. 3. The relationship between Francie and Mrs Frost is that of mother and daughter. 4. Mrs Frost thinks that the gnomes have been stolen. 5. The gnomes are made from plastic. 6. Three garden gnomes have gone missing. 7. Earlier that day Francie had put out the rubbish. 8. I think she means that the police will not take any notice of the garden gnomes because they have more important things to worry about than looking for plastic gnomes. 9. Mrs Frost intends to call the police and get them back. 10. She is stopped from ringing the police by the sound of voices and singing coming from upstairs. 11. We know that the weather is fine because we are told that the cat is lying in a pool of sunlight. 12. She knows that something is going on in the bathroom because the noise is much louder there and the singing is coming from the bathroom. 13. The gnomes have been swimming in the bath and relaxing in the basin; they

have used the bubble bath and broken the bottle. Word work 1. Vanished – disappeared Theft – stolen Excited – to be roused over something, to have feelings of excitement Relaxing – to feel loose and slack, to feel less stressed and tension free Squeal – to make a sharp noise of excitement Pool of sunlight – a small round circle of light thrown on to the ground by the sun 2. The words in the passage that tell us Mrs Frost is not happy about her gnomes going missing are: gasped in shock, shrieked, glared, turned sharply, ‘that’s not the point’, snapped, theft, stomped. Extension work 1. I do not think that Francie is bothered about the gnomes because she suggests to her mother that she just buys some more. 2–6. (Require an imaginative and personal response.) The Broken Window (page 95) Questions 1. At the beginning of the story a window has been broken by a baseball being thrown into it. 2. The children have been playing on Mr Granger’s land. 3. He uses the excuse that the wind blew the ball out of his hands. 4. People think that Mr Granger has come from jail and that he is on the run from the law. 5. People feel nervous and worried about Mr Granger. 6. The words that tell us his house is not cared for are: ramshackle, old, unwanted and abandoned, tall weeds. 7. I think that Mr Granger keeps away from everyone because he is a loner/he is shy/he does not like people/he is

unfriendly/he likes to be on his own. 8. Pearl wants to leave the ball in the house because she is worried about Mr Granger and she knows her mum will be cross with her for playing in his garden. 9. Ryan does not want to leave the ball because it belongs to his brother. 10. The ball is special because it has been signed by a famous baseball player called Lee Harvey. 11. They have two ideas, one, to knock and ask for it back, the second, to sneak in and snatch it back. 12. They do not expect the ball to be returned. It tells you that Mr Granger is not the monster he is made out to be and that he understands that the ball is important to the children and he returns it. Word work Forbidden – when something is banned Ramshackle – run down and broken Famous – very well known by everyone Shabby – poorly dressed Extension work 1–6. (Require an imaginative and personal response.) 7. Being ‘on the run from the law’ means that the police want Mr Granger and he is hiding from them. 8. (Requires a personal response.) A Peculiar Murder (page 98) Questions 1. The body was found in the quarry. 2. It was found at ten o’clock that morning. 3. The body was found by Miss Alice Springs. 4. We know that she is an elderly lady who is very frail and she has poor eyesight. 5. It took six hours from finding

6.

7. 8.

9.

10. 11. 12.

13.

14.

the body and reporting it. It took a long time to report the body because Miss Springs had to go home to find her glasses and she had trouble doing so. Detective Inspector Crabbe is investigating the case. Detective Inspector Crabbe says nothing because he is catching his breath after the long climb. He would have preferred the body to have been found on the edge of a forest or a ditch rather than in a quarry because he is frightened of heights. PC Dickens is looking after Miss Springs. The tyre has upset the witness. When it was found the body was wearing swimming trunks and there was a tyre around his waist. There were no other marks on his body. Miss Springs was searching for her glasses. She had to look everywhere for them even the potting shed and the dog’s kennel, she found them in a bag of dog biscuits. I think the glasses got into the dog biscuits because they dropped in when Miss Springs was giving biscuits to the dog on a previous occasion.

Word work 1. Frail – not strong, quite weak and needing support Elderly – when someone is old Beverage – a drink Terrified – extremely scared Dangerous – when something can cause harm 2. Dangerous – safe Elderly – young Warming – cooling Awkwardly – easily Extension work 1. I think that … because … . 2. A quarry is a place from which

a specific rock is dug. I think that PC Dawson says ‘it’s a dangerous business’ because she is thinking of how dangerous quarry work is for the people who do it and she also reminds us that a quarry is a dangerous place for people who don’t work there but who might fall down into the quarry. 4. A warming beverage means a hot drink. 5. (Statement to be written out correctly: sensible, articulate wording should be accepted.) 6–7. (Both questions require an imaginative and personal response.) 3.

Secrets to Hide (page 101) Questions 1. Two children are mentioned in the passage. 2. The person telling the story is Amita. 3. At the start of the passage, Amita is watching from her bedroom window as the lorries come into the yard. 4. The storyteller’s brother is called Prem. 5. The children have been warned that the lorries would be coming that night. 6. Amita calls the lorries, ‘patient giants’ and ‘metal beasts.’ 7. The lorries stop in front of the warehouse. 8. Dad is always more moody and short tempered before the arrival of the lorries. 9. The children’s mother feels fearful and tense before the lorries arrive. She is anxious that there might be trouble. 10. When the lorries arrive the weather is windy. 11. When the lorries arrive the children should be in bed asleep. 12. It means that the storyteller is rather frightened and nervous about what is going on

outside. Word work 1. Breathlessly – when you find it hard to speak because you are short of breath Terrified – to be extremely scared Gruff – rough in manner or voice Patient – bearing trials calmly Rattled – to shake violently Glimmer – a small amount of light shining through something 2. Hammered – banged away Spiteful – unpleasant Halt – stop Extension work (Require a personal and imaginative response.) The Death of Colonel Forster (page 104) Questions 1. Colonel Forster died from eating strawberry mousse because he was allergic to strawberries. 2. When he died, he was in the hotel lounge. 3. The waiter had tried to help the Colonel by warning him not to have the pudding. 4. The person telling the story is not sad that the Colonel has died. We are told at the end that he sighed with relief. 5. The person is relieved because the police have said that there is no evidence of foul play which means that he is not being accused of murder. 6. The diary causes the writer terror because he’s worried that the Colonel has written about his awful secret in the diary and he does not want this to be discovered. 7. He first learnt about the diary during one of their secret meetings. Word work 1. Blackmail – to make someone do something for you or give

something under coercion Allergy – when your body is intolerant to something and you have a reaction to it Secret – something that is hidden that others do not know about Diary – a daily record of the things you do and see Mousse – a sweet pudding Bolt upright – to sit up suddenly 2. Foul play is when something unpleasant has happened to someone and they have been murdered. Extension work (Require a personal and imaginative response, therefore, they will vary.) The Dress (page 107) Questions 1. Aunt Adanna has given Ellie a dress. 2. The dress is a sludge green colour with pink bows. 3. The bows have been attached to the hem. 4. Aunt Adanna works for one of the most famous fashion houses in the world. 5. Aunt Adanna bought the dress in a tiny shop on the bridge. 6. Ellie’s nickname is ‘Nose’ because she has a large nose. 7. Aunt Adanna suggests that she wears her garnet necklace with the dress. 8. Ellie intends to wear the dress at the New Year ball. 9. Ellie had hoped that the dress would make her feel special and beautiful. 10. Ellie thinks she could alter the dress by dying it another colour and taking off the horrible bows. 11. Ellie tries the dress on in her bedroom. Word work 1. Reflection – when you see your mirror image reflected in glass or water Gleamed – to shine brightly with a

special shimmering glow Hideous – absolutely disgusting Misery – to be deeply upset and sad Slime – greasy viscous mud 2. Fitted like a glove’ means that the dress fitted Ellie perfectly. 3. Ellie had become a ‘beautiful someone, who had changed from an ugly duckling into a swan’. This means that she has been transformed from being plain and boring into someone beautiful, rather like the story of the Ugly

Duckling who finally turns into a swan. Extension work 1. We know that Ellie does not have a good opinion of herself because she says: ‘pretty, she had never been pretty. She was the ugliest girl in the class at school.’ 2. If I were Ellie I would say to Aunt Adanna … . 3. The dress might be special because we are told that it gleams strangely and that Ellie is compelled to touch

4.

5. 6.

and stroke it and put it on. We learn that Aunt Adanna is a thoughtful woman who likes giving Ellie gifts. We also learn that she works for a famous fashion house and that she needs to wear glasses. Indirectly we learn that Aunt Adanna might be special herself because she has clearly found or made a dress that is special which can help Ellie. I would feel … . (Personal response required for this question.)

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