POEMS
MR. NOBODY
BY: UNKNOWN
I KNOW A FUNNY LITTLE MAN
AS QUIET AS A MOUSE
WHO DOES ALL THE MISCHIEF THAT IS DONE
IN EVERYBODY’S HOUSE!
THERE’S NO ONE EVER SEES HIS FACE,
AND YET WE ALL AGREE
THAT EVERY PLATE WE BREAK WAS CRACKED
BY MR. NOBODY
‘TIS HE WHO ALWAYS TEARS OUR BOOKS,
WHO LEAVES THE DOOR AJAR,
HE PULLS THE BUTTONS FROM OUR SHIRTS,
AND SCATTERS PINS AFAR;
THAT SQUEKING DOOR WILL ALWAYS SQUEAK,
FOR, PRITHEE, DON’T YOU SEE,
WE LEAVE THE OILING TO BE DONE
BY MR. NOBODY.
HE PUTS DAMP WOOD UPON THE FIRE,
THAT KETTLE CANNOT BOIL;
HIS ARE THE FEET THAT BRING IN MUD,
AND ALL THE CARPETS SOIL.
THE PAPERS ALWAYS ARE MISLAID,
WHO HAD THEM LAST BUT HE?
THERE’S NO ONE TOSSES THEM ABOUT
BUT MR. NOBODY.
THE FINGER MARKS UPON THE DOOR
BY NONE OF US ARE MADE;
WE NEVER LEAVE THE BLINDS UNCLOSED,
TO LET THE CURTAINS FADE;
THE INK WE NEVER SPILL; THE BOOTS
THAT LYING AROUND YOU SEE
TO MR. NOBODY.
1. From the poem, we can conclude that Mr. Nobody is actually?
Anyone who does not admit making mistakes.
2. Why does the ‘squeaking door’ will always creak?
Everyone is too lazy to put oil on it hinges.
3. What does the phrase ‘the door ajar’ means?
The door is not closed.
4. Why has no one ever seen Mr. Nobody? Explain.
Because he is not really a person. He is just an imaginary person made up by children so they will not be blamed for all their mistakes.
1. What thing that Mr. Nobody would never do?
Put oil on the door’s hinges so it does not squeak.
2. What will happen when damp wood is put upon a fire?
The kettle will not boil.
3. What really happens with all the paper in the house?
They are tossed about and always mislaid.
4. Who did all the wrong actions done at home? Why do they blame Mr. Nobody?
Children in the house because they do not want to be scolded for making a mess in the house.
1. What soiled the carpets?
The children muddy feet.
2. Why can’t the kettle boil?
Because the wood used are wet.
3. What is the poem generally about?
An imaginary person whom we blame when things go wrong at home.
4. Why do you think the children created Mr. Nobody?
Because they do not want to admit to their mistakes at home and get scolded by their parents.
1. When we blame Mr. Nobody for cracking the plates we break, what kind of person are we showing ourselves to be?
We are showing ourselves to be an irresponsible person.
2. What two reasons are given for saying that Mr. Nobody has mislaid the newspaper?
ii. He tosses the newspaper about.
3. Write the lines that say Mr. Nobody cannot be seen?
i. As quiet as a mouse.
ii. There’s no one ever sees his face.
4. List three misfits that Mr. Nobody had done at the living room.
i. The finger marks upon the door ii. Leave then blinds unclosed iii. Let the curtains fade
1. Why do you think the door is always squeaking?
Because Mr. Nobody forgot to put oil on it.
2. Based on the stanza, gives two examples of mischief done by Mr. Nobody.
i. He always tears the books
ii. He pulls the buttons from the shirts
3. What does the word prithee means?
My dear.
4. In your opinion, why is Mr. Nobody so naughty?
Because he is like a child and like a child he likes to be lazy and do small mischiefs.
1. Give a reason why the water in the kettle cannot boil?
The woods were damp.
2. Who actually ‘bring in mud’ into the house?
The children in the house.
3. Write the line describing about the newspaper.
The papers are always mislaid.
4. Would you like a friend like Mr. Nobody? Why?
No because he is very naughty and causes trouble for others at home.
1. What lesson can we learn from the poem?
We must be responsible and admit our own mistakes.
2. (A) What sense is evoked in stanza 2?
Sense of hearing or sound.
(B) Give an example from stanza 2 of the sense?
3. What is a possible theme for the poem?
Carrying out our responsibility at home.
4. Do you enjoy reading the poem? Give a reason.
Yes I enjoy reading the poem because Mr. Nobody is a funny person in the poem.
THE RIVER
BY: VALERIE BLOOM
THE RIVER’S A WANDERER A NOMAD, A TRAMP’
HE DOESN’T CHOOSE ONE PLACE TO SET UP HIS CAMP
THE RIVER’S A WINDER, THROUGH VALLEY AND HILL
HE TWISTS AND HE TURNS’ HE JUST CANNOT BE STILL.
THE RIVER’S A HOARDER AND HE BURIES DOWN DEEP
THOSE LITTLE TREASURES THAT HE WANTS TO KEEP.
THE RIVER’S A BABY, AND GURGLES AND HUMS, AND SOUND LKE HE’S HAPPILY
SUCKING HIS THUMBS. THE RIVER’S A SINGER, AS HE DANCES ALONG, THE COUNTRYSIDE ACHOES
THE NOTES OF HIS SONG. THE RIVER’S A MONSTER
1. Describe the mood of the river as expressed in stanza 4.
The mood of the river is happy.
2. Give an example of the river being destructive.
The river’s a monster, hungry and vexed.
3. Which line says that the river is moving along merrily?
The river’s a singer, as he dances along.
4. State two opposite characteristics of the river that you find interesting. Explain.
The river is peaceful and it can be dangerous because the river can flow slowly sometimes but sometimes it flows very fast.
1. Why is the river compared to a wanderer?
Because the river always move from one place to another.
2. Which phrases in stanza 2 suggest that the river will keep on flowing?
He twists and he turns, he just cannot be still.
3. What does ‘the notes of his songs’ refer to?
The sound made by the river as it flows.
4. (A) Why is the river compared to a monster?
Because sometimes it flows very fast and it sweeps away everything in its path.
(B) State one way we can show our appreciation of rivers.
Do not throw rubbish into the river.
1. What is the river not personified as?
The river is not personified as a friend.
2. Why is the river never still?
Because it is always flowing.
3. The poem is mainly about?
The different characteristics of a river.
4. Do you think the river really sings? Why?
The river does not really sings, it is only the sound of the water that is like a song.
1. Why is the river a ‘winder’?
2. What does the river do with the little treasures?
The river buries them in its river bed.
3. What condition is the countryside where the river flows?
The countryside is echoes of the sounds of the river.
4. What sound does the river makes? Explain.
The river makes gurgles and hums like a baby because the river flows slowly and happily.
1. Which phrases from the stanzas shows the movement of the river?
The river’s a wanderer, the river’s a winder.
2. Based on the stanzas, give two examples of what the river is compared to?
The river’s is a baby and the river’s is a singer.
3. Which line suggest that the river is an infant?
Line 13 Stanza 2 or ‘ the river’s a baby’.
4. Why do you think the river is compared to a monster? Explain.
Because sometimes it flows very fast and it sweeps away everything in its path.
1. Why is the river compared to a hoarder?
Because it keeps all the little treasures that is in its river bed to itself.
2. Which two stanzas show that the river is in a happy mood?
Stanza 3 and Stanza 4.
3. What does stanza 4 tells us about the river?
The river is like a singer that songs is heard all through the countryside.
4. What does the line the ‘countryside echoes the notes of his song’ means? Explain.
The line suggest that the sound of the river is so loud that it can be heard all over the countryside.
1. Why does the river bury deep down the little treasures?
Because the river wants to keep it to itself.
2. State one value that learn from the poem?
The value that i have learn is that we must appreciate nature especially the rivers.
3. Which stanza do you like? Give a reason to support your answer.
1. What does the young boy want to know from his grandfather?
He wants to know if his grandfather’s life was difficult without modern inventions.
2. Name two modern inventions mentioned in stanza 1.
Air con and faxes.
3. Which line in the stanza means that nature is being destroyed?
Line 15 Stanza 2.
4. Based on stanza 2, name two negative effects of modern inventions? Give a reason for your answer.
HEIR CONDITIONING
BY : M.SHANMUGALINGAM
GRAND DAD DID YOU BREATH BEFORE AIR CONS WERE INVENTED
WAS IT HARD STAYING
ALIVE WITHOUT MODERN INVENTIONS? GRANDMA WEREN’T YOU FLUSTERED AS YOU FLUTTERED WITH PAPER FANS?
COULD YOU COMMUNICATE BEFORE FAXES AND LONG DISTANCE CALLS
BECAME BASIC NECESSITIES GRANDCHILD WE LIVED BEFORE YOUR AGE. BECAUSE
OF OUR IGNORANCE, WE DID NOT KNOW
POLLUTION, STRESS, TRAFFIC JAMS
DESTRUCTION OF FORESTS, STREAMS AND HILLS WE FEARED GOD AND NATURE
Traffic jams and pollution because of too many vehicles on the road causes traffic jams. Vehicles also give out smoke that caused air pollution.
1. State a phrase from stanza 1 that represents the past.
Before air cons were invented. 2. What is the main idea of the poem?
The main idea is about respecting our grandfather and grandmother.
3. How was life different for Grandfather?
In his younger days there was not much technology compared to today.
4. Do you enjoy reading the poem? Give a reason for your choice.
Yes, I enjoy reading the poem because it shows the difference between the older and the younger generations.
1. What do you think the grandchild must have imagined about his grandfather’s life before he was born?
He thinks that his grandfathers life must have been difficult without modern necessities.
2. What is the poem about?
The poem is about the different point of view about life between a grandfather and his grandson.
3. Who is speaking in stanza 1?
The grandson.
4. Based on the poem what does the grandfather think about the modern day?
He feels that the modern day have made people to forget about saving nature, be afraid of God and be grateful with what they already have.
1. What are two inventions that the grandchildren won’t be able to live without?
i. Air conditioning ii. Telephones
2. What is the meaning of ‘flustered’?
Tired and out of breath.
3. What are the negative aspects of modern life?
Pollution, stress, traffic jams, destruction of forests, streams and hills.
4. Why should we take care of our nature?
A FIGHTER’S LINES
BY: MARZUKI ALI
I AM OLD AND WORN
AND HAVE LOST ALL MY STRENGHT
SUFFERINGS
AND THE HISTORY OF THE FIGHT FOR
INDEPENDENCE
HAVE FORCED SACRIFICES
THAT KNOW NO NAME
OR LIFE
FROM THE WHEELCHAIR OF THE REST OF MY
DAYS
I, BODY AND ENERGY CRUSHED
SEE AND CANNOT DO MUCH
THESE TIMES ARE TOO BIG A CHALLANGE
FOR THE REMAINS OF MY CRIPPLED YEARS
THE NET OF DECEIT SPREAD EVERYWHERE
DISTURBS ME.
IN THE NAME OF JUSTICE
WAKE UP AND FORM RANKS SONS OF OUR
ANCESTOR
BE BRAVE
AND ERECT A WALL OF PEOPLE
STAND UP HEIRS OF OUR FREEDOM
I HAVE NO MORE VOICE
1. What do you think is the most admirable quality of the persona?
He was willing to fight and die for his country’s freedom.
2. Do you think the persona ever regretted his actions?
No, he is proud of his sacrifice for the country.
3. What do you think have happened to the old soldier?
He is old and crippled.
4. Do you think the persona is the right person to talk to the young people about patriotism? Give a reason for your answer.
Yes, he is the right person because he had fought during the war for the freedom of the country.
1. Why do you think the persona is in a wheelchair?
His body and energy have been crushed during the war.
2. What is the main theme of the poem?
The main idea is about rallying the younger generation to defend the country’s freedom.
3. Write the lines that says the younger generation must defend the country’s freedom?
Wake up and form ranks sons of our ancestors and stand up heirs of our freedom.
4. Explain in your own words how you can uphold the country’s freedom
I could defend my country from outside and inside enemies and I can also fight for my country’s freedom.
1. What does the word wheelchair tells us about the persona?
He is crippled or paralysed.
2. Why do you think the persona says ‘these times are too big a challenge’?
Because nowadays there are a lot of deceitful people everywhere.
3. Based on the poem who do you think the persona was?
He was a soldier fighting for the country’s freedom.
4. What would you do if you were the persona facing such a challenge?
I would continue fighting not with my energy but by sharing my wisdom with the younger generations.
1. Why do you think the persona has lost all his strength?
2. What happened to all those people who had fought for independence?
They are already all and worn and had lost all their strength.
3. State one phrase in the poem that says the persona is helpless.
From the wheelchair for the rest of my days.
4. What was the appeal made by the persona and why?
He appealed for the younger generations to protect the country’s independence because if they fail to do so then the country will be invaded by the enemies from outside or from inside the country.
1. Who do you think the persona ask to ‘wake up’?
The younger generations.
2. What did the persona told them to do?
To wake up and form ranks and be brave to be united in protecting the country’s freedom.
3. What does the persona means when he said ‘it is you now who should speak’?
He said that it is time for the younger people to stand up for the country because people like him are already too old and worn to continue to fight for the country.
4. What do you think are the difference between the types of enemies that the persona have to face with the enemies nowadays?
The persona had to fight with enemy soldiers but nowadays the new generations have to fight against deceitful people.
1. Explain the phrase ‘in the name of justice’?
Taking action against the wrong doers.
2. What do you think is the meaning of the word ‘heir’?
The person who inherits something from their elders.
3. What do you think the ‘heir’ inheritance is?
To continue the fight of the older generation in defending the country’s independence.
4. In your opinion, what will happen if the younger generation fails to defend the country? Explain.
LEISURE
BY: WILLIAM HENRY DAVIES
WHAT IS THIS LIFE IF. FULL OF CARE,
WE HAVE NO TIME TO STAND AND STARE,
NO TIME TO STAND BENEATH THE BOUGHS
AND STARE AS LONG AS SHEEPS OR COWS.
NO TIME TO SEE, WHEN WOODS WE PASS,
WHERE SQUIRRELS HIDE THEIR NUTS IN GRASS.
NO TIME TO SEE, IN BROAD DAYLIGHT,
STREAMS FULL OF STARS, LIKE STARS AT NIGHT.
NO TIME TO TURN AT BEAUTY’S GLANCE,
AND WATCH HER FEET, HOW THEY CAN DANCE.
NO TIME TO WAIT TILL HER MOUTH CAN
ENRICH THAT SMILE HER EYES BEGAN.
A POOR LIFE THIS IF, FULL OF CARE,
1. What does the word wood refers to?
The forest.
2. What is the stream full of?
Full of stars.
3. What is nature compared to?
A beautiful dancing girl.
4. Explain in your own words the line ‘stream full of stars, like stars at night’.
The stream looked like it is full of stars as the sunlight hits the clear and clean water of the stream.
1. Why is the life a poor life?
Life is a poor life if we do not take the time to appreciate nature’s beauty.
2. Why does the persona describes life as full of care?
Because people are too busy with their work that they have no time for other things.
3. What does the persona keep asking us to do?
To take time off from our busy schedule to watch nature.
4. Suggest one way not stated in the poem to appreciate nature?
We can go out for a picnic at the beach.
1. Why can people be too busy to appreciate nature’s beauty?
People can be too busy because they are too focused on getting more money.
2. Why is it important to have leisure in life?
So that we will not be stressed and feel relaxed.
3. Name one leisure activity stated in the poem.
Take time just to stand and stare.
4. What leisure activity do you like to do? Why?
I like to go fishing because I can relax and catch some fish at the same time.
1. What is the special quality about the sheep and the cows in the meadows?
They sheeps and cows have time to stare at the beauty of nature.
2. What is the advice given by the persona regarding leisure?
3. Where did the squirrels hid their nuts?
In the grass.
4. What do you think will happen to people who do not do leisure activities?
They will be stressed and they will not be healthy because they do not relax their mind.
1. In stanza 1, what does the word ‘care’ mean?
The word means ones’ responsibility.
2. What does the poet mean when he says people have ‘no time to stand and stare’?
People are too busy to take some time to appreciate nature.
3. In stanza 4, why does the poet say the ‘stream are full of stars’?
Because the sunlight reflected by the stream’s water looks like so many stars.
4. In your opinion, is it important to spend more time resting and enjoying yourself? Give a reason.
Yes it is important to spend time resting because we need time to be relaxed from our problems.
1. How does the poet suggest people enjoy nature?
Just take time to stand and stare at nature.
2. Find the words in the poem with the meanings below; i. Trees: boughs
ii. Forest: woods
3. What line says that nature is like a beautiful women?
No time to stare at Beauty’s glance.
4. Why do people find it hard to stand and stare?
They are too busy spending time in their work than leisure activities.
POSSIBLE QUESTIONS FOR NOVEL
The following are the novels studied in the literature component in English Language. 1 How I Met Myself - David A. Hill
2 Around the World in 80 Days - Jules Verne 3 The Railway Children - Edith Nesbit Your response should be:
not less than 50 words
in continuous writing (not note form)
Sample Question 1:
Based on one of the novels you have read, choose a character that you admire. Give reasons for your choice.
Sample Answer:
I refer to the novel “The Railway Children” by Edith Nesbit. Among all the characters in the novel, the character I admire the most is the old gentleman because he is kind, helpful and generous. He travels regularly on the morning train and sees the children waving to him. He opens up to them readily when they need help. When Bobbie writes to him for help to get better food for their sick mother, he gives generously.
Again, when Bobbie approaches him for help to investigate the truth about her father, he tells her that he will do his best and he has high hopes that things will turn out well because he believes in her father s innocence. In the end he is also rewarded when his only grandson,‟ who is injured during a paper-chase, is rescued from the train tunnel by the children.
When he learns of this, his generosity ensures that the children have a comfortable life with their mother. He gets the family a housemaid and a cook while his grandson stays with the family. He eventually helps to get the children’s father released.
Sample Question 2:
Based on one of the novels that you have chosen, write about an event that has taught you a very important lesson.
Sample Answer :
I refer to the novel “The Railway Children” by Edith Nesbit. An event which has taught me a very important lesson is the rescue of the „hound in the red shirt. Upon realising that the‟ boy has gone into the train tunnel and has not emerged while all the others have, Bobbie, Peter and Phyllis immediately run into the tunnel to search for him. They brave an oncoming train passing through the tunnel. They finally find the boy, hurt and unconscious.
They manage to wake him up. Peter and Phyllis run off to get help while Bobbie bravely accompanies the boy in the dark and tries to make him as comfortable as possible. Bobbie then firmly decides that they will take the boy, Jim home to their mother.
Sample Question 3:
Based on one of the novels that you have chosen, write about your favourite theme.
Sample Answer:
I refer to the novel “The Railway Children” by Edith Nesbit. My favourite theme is about showing initiative. First of all, as Bobbie, Peter and Phyllis realise that things are different for them now after their father is taken away, they try to make life easier for their mother by being good. The first thing they do is to get up early the first morning in their countryside house to prepare breakfast for her.
They are quick-thinking and always take the initiative to solve a problem or crisis when it arises. They try to stop an approaching train by themselves when they realise that there will be a disaster if the train is not warned about the landslide by the railway track. They run quickly Into the tunnel when they realise that the „hound in red shirt has not emerged from ‟ the tunnel during the paper-chase. The children also discover that Perks has never celebrated his birthday and they get the villagers to participate in their birthday plan for Perks.
The children take to their new environment in the countryside because they are energetic, spirited and have a lot of initiative. They do not need to be told how to behave. They are proactive.
Sample Question 4:
Based on one of the novels that you have learned, write about the relationship between two characters. Give evidence from the novel to support your answer.
Sample Answer:
I refer to the novel “The Railway Children” by Edith Nesbit. I would to describe the relationship between Bobbie and her mother. Bobbie is the eldest child and feels responsible for her mother and her siblings. She is always sensitive to her mother s needs ‟ and she senses that her mother must be lonely because she has no one to talk to about their troubles. When they first wake up in the morning in their new countryside home, she is eager to make life easier for her mother by getting everything in order in the house. Bobbie acts like an adult when their mother is sick. She looks after her during the day and night.
Bobbie and her mother have a special relationship. When she reads about her father being jailed, she confides in her mother and says nothing to her siblings. Bobbie shares a rather special relationship with her mother because she is the eldest and feels the responsibility of being the eldest child.
A) THEME
1. Based on one of the novel above, write about one of the themes of the novel. Support your answer with evidence from the novel.
2. Choose one of the novel above, write about the main theme.
Support your answer with evidence from the novel.
3. Based on one of the novel above, write about its theme of loyalty. Support your answer with evidence from the novel.
4. Based on one of the novel above, write on the theme of love. Support your answer with evidence from the novel.
Support your answer with evidence from the novel.
6. Based on one of the novel above, write about love or courage.
Support your answer with evidence from the novel. (Perak – Trial 2012)
SAMPLE ANSWER: Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4, Q5, Q6
I refer to the novel “The Railway Children” by Edith Nesbit. One of the theme/ the main theme/ the theme of loyalty/ the theme of love/ handling difficult situations with perseverance/ theme of love/ theme of courage is about showing initiative. First of all, as Bobbie, Peter and Phyllis realise that things are different for them now after their father is taken away, they try to make life easier for their mother by being good. The first thing they do is to get up early the first morning in their countryside house to prepare breakfast for her. They are quick-thinking and always take the initiative to solve a problem or crisis when it arises. They try to stop an approaching train by themselves when they realise that there will be a disaster if the train is not warned about the landslide by the railway track. They run quickly Into the tunnel when they realise that the „hound in red shirt has not emerged from‟ the tunnel during the paper-chase. The children also discover that Perks has never celebrated his birthday and they get the villagers to participate in their birthday plan for Perks.
The children take to their new environment in the countryside because they are energetic, spirited and have a lot of initiative. They do not need to be told how to behave. They are proactive.
B) MORAL VALUE / LESSON
1. Based on one of the novel above, write about one moral value that is significant. Support your answer with evidence from the novel.
2. Choose one of the novel above, write about the lesson you have learnt from the novel. Support your answer with evidence from the novel.
3. Based on one novel above, write about the moral value of optimism.
Support your answer with evidence from the novel.
4. Choose one of the novels above, then write about the moral value of responsibility. Support your answer with evidence from the text.
5. Choose one of the novels above, then write about the moral value of optimism.
Support your answer with evidence from the text.
6. Based on one of the novel above, write on any one of the following moral values:
i) honesty ii) responsibility
Support your answer with evidence from the novel.
Support your answer with evidence from the novel. (Pahang – Trial 2012)
8. Based on one of the novel above, write about one good lesson you found in the story. Support your answer with evidence from the novel.
(Kelantan – Trial 2012)
SAMPLE ANSWER:Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4, Q5, Q6, Q7, Q7
One lesson/ one moral value/ a valuable lesson that I have learnt from the novel ‘The Railway Children’ is kindness/ the moral value of optimism/ the moral value of responsibility. Small acts of kindness/ optimism/ responsibility not only make the recipient feel better and valued but also help the giver to be a better person.
In the novel, ‘The Railway Children’, Roberta, Peter and Phyllis and their mother are forced to move from a comfortable house to an uncomfortable and isolated house near a railway line in the countryside when their father is sent to prison for selling state secrets. In the countryside the children make friend with an old gentleman who is kind/ optimistic/ responsible that always takes the 9.15 train, Perks and the Station master. The kind/ optimistic/ responsible old gentleman brought food for their mother who was ill to help her cure her sickness. He also helps the children to get their father released from prison. Perks, the porter is also a kind/ optimistic/ responsible man. For example, he gives Roberta old magazines and newspapers to read and the children also showed kindness/ optimistic/ responsibility by organising a birthday party for Perks.
C) CHARACTER
1. Based on one of the novel above, write about a character that you find interesting.
2. Based on one of the novel above, write about a character that you like the most.
Support your answer with evidence from the novel.
3. Based on one of the novel above, write about a character whom you like.
Support your answer with evidence from the novel. (Melaka – Trial 2012)
4. Based on one of the novel above, write about a character you admire
Support your answer with evidence from the novel. (Negeri Sembilan – Trial 2012)
5. Based on one of the novel above, write about a character who has admirable qualities.
Support your answer with evidence from the novel
6. Based on the novel you have read, write about a character who is brave. Give reasons for your choice.
Support your answer with evidence from the novel.
7. Based on the novel you have read, write about a character that is determined to achieve success.
(Terengganu – Trial 2012)
8. Based on one of the novel above, choose a character who can be your role model in the novel.
Support your answer with evidence from the novel. (Penang – Trial 2012)
SAMPLE ANSWER: Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4, Q5, Q6, Q7, Q8
I refer to the novel “The Railway Children” by Edith Nesbit. Among all the characters in the novel, the character I find interesting/ like the most / like / admire/ has admirable qualities/ who is brave/ determined to achieve success/ who can be my role modelis the old gentleman because he is kind, helpful and generous. He travels regularly on the morning train and sees the children waving to him. He opens up to them readily when they need help. When Bobbie writes to him for help to get better food for their sick mother, he gives generously.
Again, when Bobbie approaches him for help to investigate the truth about her father, he tells her that he will do his best and he has high hopes that things will turn out well because he believes in her father’s innocence. In the end he is also rewarded when his only grandson, who is injured during a paper-chase, is rescued from the train tunnel by the children.
When he learns of this, his generosity ensures that the children have a comfortable life with their mother. He gets the family a housemaid and a cook while his grandson stays with the family. He eventually helps to get the children father released.
9. Based on one of the novel above, write about a character that you dislike.
Support your answer with evidence from the novel.
10. Based on one of the novel above, which character do you dislike in the novel. Support your answer with evidence from the novel.
SAMPLE ANSWER: Q9, Q10
A character that I dislike in the novel ‘The Railway Children’ is Mrs. Ransome. I dislike her because she has a selfish nature. She is not kind towards others.
When the three children approach her for Mr. Perk’s birthday present, she is extremely rude to the children. She refuses to donate a single gift. She tells them that no one has ever remembered her birthday. Then she chases the children away.
She is rather unkind to the children. They are doing a kind deed but it is not appreciated by Mrs. Ransome. That is why I dislike her character.
.
11. Based on one of the novel above, write about the main character in the novel.
Support your answer with evidence from the novel.
12. Based on one of the novel above, choose a character who changes in the novel.
13. Based on one of the novel above, write about how a character overcomes a main problem.
Support your answer with evidence from the novel. (Wilayah Persekutuan – Trial 2012)
SAMPLE ANSWER: Q11, Q12,
‘The Railway Children’ is a story about three children Roberta, Peter and Phyllis that once lived in a big house in London. Their father is taken away from them for being accused as a spy. After that, they became poor and they moved to an isolated and small house in the countryside near a railway line. Their mother writes stories to earn money and they got used to being poor.
The main character in the novel is Roberta. She is the eldest daughter in the family. She is also called Bobbie. Her character changes in the novel from a rich and happy child into a person that have to carry out many responsibilities on her own. She had to overcome many problems faced by her and her siblings.
When her mother fells ill Roberta takes the responsibility of taking care of Peter and Phyllis. She also cooks and takes care of her ill mother. When she receives a list of things to buy to help her mother get better she comes up with a plan. She and her siblings have befriended and old gentleman who always take the 9.15 train. When she sees the train she and her siblings signalled to the old man to stop at the railway station.
When the train stops at the station Roberta quickly gives a letter to the old gentleman. In the letter she asks for the old man’s help to buy the things needed to cure her mother sickness. Not long afterwards, the old man arrives again at the station and he gives Roberta a basket of things she needed to help her mother gets better.
In the end we can see that why Roberta is the main character in the novel. / have changed
from a soft and weak girl into a strong and brave girl.
SAMPLE ANSWER: Q13
‘The Railway Children’ is a story about three children Roberta, Peter and Phyllis that once lived in a big house in London. Their father is taken away from them for being accused as a spy. After that, they became poor and they moved to an isolated and small house in the countryside near a railway line. Their mother writes stories to earn money and they got used to being poor.
The main character in the novel is Roberta. She is the eldest daughter in the family. She is also called Bobbie. She is from a rich and happy child into a person that have to carry out many responsibilities on her own. She had to overcome many problems faced by her and her siblings.
One of the main problems is when her mother fells ill Roberta takes the responsibility of taking care of Peter and Phyllis. She also cooks and takes care of her ill mother. When she receives a list of things to buy to help her mother get better she comes up with a plan. She and her siblings have befriended and old gentleman who always take the 9.15 train. When she sees the train she and her siblings signalled to the old man to stop at the railway station. When the train stops at the station Roberta quickly gives a letter to the old gentleman. In the letter she asks for the old man’s help to buy the things needed to cure her mother sickness. Not long afterwards, the old man arrives again at the station and he gives Roberta a basket of things she needed to help her mother gets better.
14. Based on one of the novel above, write about how two or more characters work together to obtain success.
Support your answer with evidence from the novel.
15. Based on the novel you have read, write about how two characters help each other to achieve a goal.
Support your answer with evidence from the novel.
16. Based on one of the novel above, write about the relationship between characters in the story.
Support your answer with evidence from the novel.
SAMPLE ANSWER: Q14, Q15, Q16,
I refer to the novel “The Railway Children” by Edith Nesbit. I would like to describe
how two or more characters work together to obtain success/ how two characters help each other to achieve a goal/ the relationship between characters. Bobbie and her mother. Bobbie is the eldest child and feels responsible for her mother and her siblings. She is always sensitive to her mother’s needs and she senses that her mother must be lonely because she has no one to talk to about their troubles. When they first wake up in the morning in their new countryside home, she is eager to make life easier for her mother by getting everything in order in the house. Bobbie acts like an adult when their mother is sick. She looks after her during the day and night.
Bobbie and her mother have a special relationship. When she reads about her father being jailed, she confides in her mother and says nothing to her siblings. Bobbie shares a rather special relationship with her mother because she is the eldest and feels the responsibility of being the eldest child.
D) EVENT / INCIDENT / SCENE / MOMENT
1. Based on one of the novel above, write about an interesting event.
Support your answer with evidence from the novel.
2. Based on one of the novel above, write on its most exciting event. Support your answer with evidence from the novel.
3.Based on one of the novel above, write about an event that fills you with joy. Support your answer with evidence from the novel.
4. Based on one of the novel above, write about an incident that you think is important.
Support your answer with evidence from the novel.
5. Based on one of the novel above, write about an event that is most significant.
Give reasons to support your answer.
Provide evidence from the text to support answer. (SBP – Trial 2012)
SAMPLE ANSWER : Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4, Q5, Q6
I refer to the novel “The Railway Children” by Edith Nesbit. An interesting event/ an event that fills you with joy/ about an incident that I think is important/ an event that is most significant/ an event that I think is the most meaningful is the rescue of the „hound in the‟ red shirt. Upon realising that the boy has gone into the train tunnel and has not emerged while all the others have, Bobbie, Peter and Phyllis immediately run into the tunnel to search for him. They brave an oncoming train passing through the tunnel. They finally find the boy, hurt and unconscious.
They manage to wake him up. Peter and Phyllis run off to get help while Bobbie bravely accompanies the boy in the dark and tries to make him as comfortable as possible. Bobbie then firmly decides that they will take the boy, Jim home to their mother.
This event has taught me a very good lesson about taking initiative. The children are very observant when they notice that Jim has not emerged from the train tunnel. They act immediately to look for him in case he is lying injured somewhere. They find him and naturally take him home to be nursed by their mother.
7. Based on one of the novel above, describe an event that makes you feel unhappy.
Support your answer with evidence from the novel.
8. Based on one of the novel above, write about a sad event.
Support your answer with evidence from the novel.
9. Based on one of the novel above, write on an event which makes you feel sad.
Support your answer with evidence from the novel.
10. Based on one novel above, describe one of the following moments in the story: the most frightening
the saddest
Support your answer with evidence from the novel.
SAMPLE ANSWER: Q7, Q8, Q9, Q10
‘The Railway Children’ is a story about three children Roberta, Peter and Phyllis that once lived in a big house in London. A sad event / The event that makes me feel unhappy/ an event which makes me feel sad/ the saddest event is the day their father is taken away from them for being accused as a spy. After that, they became poor and they moved to an isolated and small house in the countryside near a railway line. Their mother writes stories to earn money and they got used to being poor.
11. Based on the novel you have read, write on an incident that changes the life of a character in the story.
Support your answer with evidence from the novel.
12. Based on one novel above, describe an incident that motivates you and state the reasons why.
Support your answer with evidence from the novel. (Kedah – Trial 2012)
SAMPLE ANSWER: Q11, Q12
‘The Railway Children’ is a story about three children Roberta, Peter and Phyllis that once lived in a big house in London. An incident that changes the life of a character/ an incident that motivates me is the day their father is taken away from them for being accused as a spy. After that, they moved to an isolated and small house in the countryside near a railway line. Their mother writes stories to earn money and they got used to being poor. Roberta now must be responsible to take care of Peter and Phyllis because their mother is too affected by the turn of events and she mostly kept to herself writing stories which she sell to get money for the family. Roberta no longer wears beautiful dresses and she cannot go to school because they have no money. Roberta also learns to be responsible in cleaning the house and preparing dinner for them. When their mother falls ill, Roberta writes a letter to the old man asking for his help.
Though out the story we can see how Roberta’s life has changed due to the situations she has to face every day. / and this has motivated me to be a responsible person like Roberta.
E) ENDING OF THE STORY
1. Based on the novel you have read, explain why you like or dislike the ending of the story. Support your answer with evidence from the novel.
2. Based on one novel above, write about whether you like or dislike the ending of the story.
Support your answer with evidence from the novel.
3.Based on the novel you have read, do you like the ending of the novel? Use information from the novel to support your answer.
4.Based on one novel above, do you enjoy reading the ending of the story?
Support your answer with evidence from the text.
SAMPLE ANSWER: Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4,
‘The Railway Children’ is a story about three children Roberta, Peter and Phyllis that once lived in a big house in London until the day their father is taken away from them for being accused as a spy. After that, they moved to an isolated and small house in the countryside near a railway line. Their mother writes stories to earn money and they got used to being poor.
daily. They also have some adventures like helping the injured boy and stopping the train from a landslide.
After meeting the old man their live start to turn for the better. He helps to buy things needed to help cure their mother illness and most importantly he helps secure the release of their father from jail. In the end, their father returned and the family is once again reunited. They live together at the small house.
I like/ dislike/ enjoy reading the ending of the story because I think the children deserve a better life with their parents. I am happy that the father is released from the jail and re-united with his wife and children.
F) MESSAGE
1. Based on one of the novels, write on a message presented in the story. Support your answer with evidence from the text.
2. Based on the novel you have read, write about the writer’s main message in the novel. Support your answer with examples from the novel.
3.Choose one of the novels above, then write about its message of showing kindness to others in need.
Support your answer with evidence from the text .
4. Based on one of the novels, write about its message of optimism.
Support your answer with evidence from the text.
SAMPLE ANSWER: Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4
One of the message in the novel ‘The Railway Children’ is we must have courage/ we must have optimism. The three children Roberta, Peter and Phyllis display courage/
optimism in their in their attempt to stop the train. They decide to climb down the hillside along the railway track when there is a landslide.
The children think fast and come up with the idea of using red petticoats to warn the driver of the landslide. They wave the red flag. Roberta even risks her life standing on the railway tracks. She has courage to believe/ has the optimism that the train will stop. Her actions help stop the train from a disaster.
Peter also shows courage/ shows optimism when he went to steal the coal from the railway station when they runs out of coal for fire to heat up their house. He is sure he will not be caught.
G) FAVOURITE PART IN THE NOVEL
1. Based on one novel above, write about your favourite part in the novel. Why do you like this part?
Support your answer with evidence from the novel.
I refer to the novel “The Railway Children” by Edith Nesbit. My favourite part/ part of the story I like is the rescue of the „hound in the red shirt. Upon realising that the boy has gone‟ into the train tunnel and has not emerged while all the others have, Bobbie, Peter and Phyllis immediately run into the tunnel to search for him. They brave an oncoming train passing through the tunnel. They finally find the boy, hurt and unconscious.
They manage to wake him up. Peter and Phyllis run off to get help while Bobbie bravely accompanies the boy in the dark and tries to make him as comfortable as possible. Bobbie then firmly decides that they will take the boy, Jim home to their mother.
This event has taught me a very good lesson about taking initiative. The children are very observant when they notice that Jim has not emerged from the train tunnel. They act immediately to look for him in case he is lying injured somewhere. They find him and naturally take him home to be nursed by their mother.
