Sample Answer for Question 1

Here is an example question for you to practice

"The houses of the poor children were small, cramped, and dimly lit, with barely enough space for their families. In contrast, the homes of the wealthy were grand and spacious, filled with fine furniture and warm fires in every room.

The poor children often went without basic comforts; their homes lacked warmth, and many slept on the hard floor. With thin walls, they could hear the sounds of arguments and frustration from neighbouring homes, adding to the sorrowful atmosphere.

Unlike the rich children, who dined together with their families and laughed around the dinner table, the poor children's families were often too busy working to sit down together, leaving the children lonely and craving affection."

Questions

1 (a) Look again at lines 5–13.

Give two things which make the poor children's houses less comfortable than the rich children's houses. [2 marks]

Example Answer:

1. The poor children's houses are "small, cramped, and dimly lit."
2. They "lack warmth," and some children sleep on the "hard floor."

1 (b) Look again at lines 9–13.

Explain two ways in which the family life of the poor children is also less happy. [2 marks]

Example Answer:

1. The poor children's families are often "too busy working to sit down together," making the children feel lonely.
2. They can hear "sounds of arguments and frustration" from neighbouring homes, which adds to the sad atmosphere.

Here is an example question for you to practice

"The birds gathered in large numbers along the fence, their beaks pointed and sharp, wings beating furiously as they stared at the house. Nat could see their dark, beady eyes fixed upon him, filled with a strange, cold malice. Suddenly, a few birds lunged forward, pecking and clawing at the windows, trying to get inside. He backed away, heart pounding, his breath quickening as he watched them relentlessly attack the glass."

Questions

1 (a) Look again at lines 3–8.

Identify two words or phrases which show the birds acting aggressively. [2 marks]

Example Answer:

1. "Lunged forward, pecking and clawing."
2. "Relentlessly attack the glass."

1 (b) Give one detail which suggests that Nat is frightened. [1 mark]

Example Answer:

"He backed away, heart pounding."

1 (c) Explain how this detail shows that Nat is frightened. [1 mark]

Example Answer:

The phrase "heart pounding" suggests that Nat is feeling panicked and scared by the birds' aggressive behaviour, showing his intense fear.