Starter quiz
- Which of the following is the best definition of companion?
- an important person in your life
- a device that provides assistance or support
- a close friend or associate ✓
- a tool used for a specific purpose
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- What do we call the period of history between 1837 and 1901?
- 'Victorian' ✓
- Match the word on the left with the correct example on the right.
- journey⇔a long trip especially one taken for a specific purpose or goal ✓
- expedition⇔a trip that usually involves exploration, research or adventure ✓
- trip⇔a brief journey, often for leisure or business ✓
- holiday⇔a period of time set aside for pleasure or celebration ✓
- Which of the following is the best description of an adventure?
- a dangerous journey undertaken alone
- an exciting or unusual experience ✓
- a risky undertaking designed to challenge yourself
- a long trip with no specific goal in mind
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- Which of the following is the best synonym for perspectives?
- viewpoints ✓
- declarations
- contradictions
- agreements
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- Which is the best explanation for why we compare writers' attitudes?
- to identify common themes and motifs
- to understand the specifics of a point of view ✓
- to appreciate stylistic differences
- to analyse narrative structure
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Exit quiz
- Apart from 'Travels with a donkey in the Cevennes,' which of the following were written by Robert Louis Stevenson?
- 'Of Mice and Men'
- 'The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde' ✓
- 'East of Eden'
- 'Treasure Island' ✓
- 'The Grapes of Wrath'
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- Which prestigious literary prize was awarded to John Steinbeck?
- 'Nobel' ✓
- Why does Stevenson choose a donkey and not a horse to carry his belongings?
- He likes the appearance of donkeys.
- He thinks a donkey will be kinder and more friendly.
- He thinks a donkey will be cheaper and hardier. ✓
- He is a little frightened of horses.
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- What is unusual about Steinbeck's dog Charley?
- He is extremely large.
- He is exceptionally friendly.
- He can make a speech sound. ✓
- He is intensely devoted to Steinbeck.
- He makes a strange sound when he barks.
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- Match the words on the left with the words on the right.
- intuitvely⇔instinctively ✓
- euphemism⇔polite terminology ✓
- compassionate⇔caring ✓
- perceptive⇔insightful ✓
- Look at the following quotation about Modestine from 'Travels with a Donkey ...', "There was something neat ...quaker-ish ...about the rogue". Identify the word that shows Modestine is naughty.
- something
- neat
- quaker-ish
- rogue ✓
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Worksheet
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Lesson Details
Key learning points
- Robert Louis Stevenson was a Victorian writer of novels and travel books.
- John Steinbeck was a 20th century American writer of novels and travel books.
- Both Stevenson and Steinbeck wrote books about travelling with animal companions.
- When writers describe someone or something, they are also conveying information about themselves.
- We use inference to understand the more hidden information they are telling us.
Common misconception
When considering description, students often focus on the external effect.
Ask how things might look different depending on your personality or circumstances? Offer examples e.g. how a town might be described differently by someone who enjoys living there and someone who dislikes living there.
Keywords
Intuitively - in a way that is based on feelings not facts
Perceptive - good at noticing and understanding things that other people may miss
Compassionate - feeling or showing sympathy for the suffering or bad luck of others
Euphemism - a word or phrase used to avoid saying something unpleasant or offensive
Daunting - making you feel nervous about your ability to achieve something
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