CAMBRIDGE LOWER SECONDARY ENGLISH 9: TEACHER’S RESOURCE

Workbook answers
1 Going underground
1.1 Relic 1.2 The Doorkeeper
1 Key information: organised and neat, 1 Louis’s fears and doubts are apparent
Everything was in its place, the walls were through the ellipses, which show pauses. He
painted cream, kitchen was perfectly clean, also questions Relic to show his uncertainty.
table, chairs, TV, rug, clock, only photograph. Relic is evasive, answering his question with
a question as a way of avoiding giving an
The description of the apartment makes answer. This has the desired effect and leads to
Louis’s life sound very dull. It is so neat and an uncomfortable silence. When Louis (clearly
tidy that it does not sound relaxing or as still worried) asks how far they still have to go,
though Louis does much socialising there. Relic shows her exasperation through the use
There is hardly anything personal about of an exclamation, when she tells him he can
his apartment – it comes across as a bland go home.
place where anyone could live. It suggests
that Louis is lonely, as he has lost touch with 2 Example answer:
school friends and does not seem to have any
photographs of family in his apartment. ‘Stand Back! Watch carefully!’ said The
Doorkeeper in hushed tones. ‘You’ve waited
2 Louis makes the decision to meet Relic when he your whole life . . . for this.’
looks at his apartment and realises how empty
and unfulfilling his life is: it seemed somehow Louis held his breath and watched . . . The
empty are words describing his apartment Doorkeeper slowly turned a key in a door in
but the impression is given that Louis is also the wall and pushed it open. Louis stared in
talking about his life generally. The apartment horror as the awful thing appeared!
meets his basic needs but it appears that Louis ‘What is . . . that?’ whispered Louis, barely
wants more and sees Relic as a way of adding breathing.
some adventure to his dull routine. Louis is
also unfulfilled – listened to the silence sums up 3 Example answer:
how lonely he is. The photograph of himself The Doorkeeper slammed the door shut and
with his school friends seems to make him turned on Louis with burning eyes full of fury.
determined to change things and meet Relic.
‘It’s you! You!’ he roared, ‘You have caused
3 Example answer: this . . . this symbolic representation of a life
He sat at the desk, which was covered in tall half lived . . . a meaningless existence . . . a
towers of paper; endless assignments to mark wasted human soul!’
and most of them mediocre and dull. In his ‘I . . . I . . . don’t understand . . . ’ stuttered
five-year teaching career, he could count the Louis, completely stunned by the anger he was
number of talented writers he had taught facing. ‘How can I be responsible?’
on one hand. Teaching creative writing
had seemed a great way of earning money The Doorkeeper looked at him with barely
while working on his first novel, but it had concealed contempt. ‘Existing is not living,
not worked out as planned. He was still on Louis. Why did you come here? You have a
chapter 8. He could not even locate his own responsibility to fulfil and I am the one who
work amongst the sickening mess of papers will make you succeed. Life or death, you will
sprawled on the desk in front of him. Instead try! Then we will open the door again and see
of writing every evening, he was forced to plan what awaits us.’
lessons and mark. He was sick of it and knew
things needed to change.

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 CAMBRIDGE LOWER SECONDARY ENGLISH 9: TEACHER’S RESOURCE

1.3 Reviewing Darkparis

1 Floyd: The ending of this book is amazing. 2 Both reviewers like the character of The
It was the character of The Doorkeeper that Doorkeeper because he is mysterious and
grabbed my interest at first, because he seemed keeps the reader interested in how the plot
so mysterious, and that’s what kept me reading develops. They differ in their views about the
because I wanted to find out who he was and middle sections of the book, with one reviewer
why he needed Louis to help him. I did lose a losing interest but the other citing them as
bit of interest in the middle of the book – the their favourite part. They also differ in their
bit where The Doorkeeper goes missing – but in views of the ending, with one review describing
the last few chapters, there are so many things it as amazing and the other as disappointing.
happening and when The Doorkeeper came Floyd doesn’t mention Relic by Hyen wishes
back and said his last words, it was brilliant. she had more of a storyline.
Hyen: Like my friends, I mostly enjoyed 3 It is clear that lots of people who have read
Darkparis. The ending of the book wasn’t as Darkparis enjoyed it and would recommend
good as I’d hoped, but the character of The it. However, the statement Everyone who reads
Doorkeeper was the best in the story. I liked the book thinks it’s the best thing they’ve read
the way he was mysterious, but also was weak is not supported by these reviews. Firstly,
too and needed the help of other people to Hyen does not think that the book lived up
survive. The middle chapters of the book, to his expectations. He says the ending of the
where the setting changes to the island, were book wasn’t as good as I’d hoped, showing that
my favourite part. Relic was interesting too – he was disappointed. Floyd describes it as
I think the writer should have involved her amazing so clearly enjoyed it, but he also says,
more in the story. I did lose a bit of interest in the middle of the
book. So, at best, these reviews are mixed and
Positive points do not support this claim.
Negative points

1.4 The second test

1 What Louis knows What Louis does not know
He is underground. That The Doorkeeper and Relic are around
the corner.
He is blindfolded.
That he is being tested.
His hands are tied behind his back.
That there is a gap further down the path.

What the audience knows What the audience does not know
He is underground. If he passes the test.
He is blindfolded. Why he is being tested.
His hands are tied behind his back. What will happen if he falls down the gap.
That The Doorkeeper and Relic are around
the corner.
That he is being tested.
That there is a gap further down the path.

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 CAMBRIDGE LOWER SECONDARY ENGLISH 9: TEACHER’S RESOURCE

2 Summaries may include: 1.6 Living under the ground

• The reader will feel concern for Louis as 1 a, c, d
he is in a vulnerable position.
2 The main message of this text is that we
• The Doorkeeper and Relic are still fairly should not make assumptions or judge others
ambiguous characters. It is not clear what for living differently to us, or assume one way
their interest is in Louis or whether either of living is better than another. The writer
of them can be trusted. went to Matmata with a slightly patronising
• The reader still does not know why Louis attitude, expecting to find the people very
is being tested, or what will happen if he different to her, but instead she found she
falls down the gap. had much in common with them in terms of
priorities and ambitions, such as wanting to be
3 Learners’ answers will vary. happy and healthy.

1.5 Visiting Coober Pedy 3 Example answer:

As I watched the city race past the train
1 The city is being compared to a monstrous
window, I reflected on my week exploring
creature: a predator with glowing red eyes, a
one of China’s busiest cities. The landscape
threatening growl and tentacles.
started to change: the buildings thinned out
2 The extended metaphor creates the impression and were replaced by fields and small villages.
that the city is an unpleasant and hostile So, what had I learnt about city life? People!
environment. It is clearly a big city, as the People everywhere! From the packed trains
head of smoke implies pollution and the two on the metro to the crowds of shoppers on
towers show there are tall buildings. The writer the Nanking Road, Shanghai is full of people.
describes the city as if it is alive: the noise of Initially I found it suffocating and longed for
the city is described as a threatening growl the open space of my small rural village, but
and the streets pounded like a heartbeat. The even I had to admit that the constant buzz of
narrator seems to feel threatened, as he says, the city and the beauty of the lights at night
this city was dangerous and he had to escape. were exciting and mesmerising. Things that
He describes himself as prey and says Dhaka I feared, such as getting lost, turned into great
had me in its sights; it is as if he feels he is adventures. I discovered that I am far more
being hunted by a predator. capable than I thought possible. My outlook
has changed – I know now that I am destined
3 Example answer: to be a city girl someday.
The skyline rose ahead of us like a mountain
range. Its peaks almost reached the sky and
called out to us to conquer them. As we drove
closer it was clear that this was a place for
fun, adventure and discovery. We had the
knowledge and all the right equipment: we
were prepared to get to the summit.

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 CAMBRIDGE LOWER SECONDARY ENGLISH 9: TEACHER’S RESOURCE

2 Law and order

2.1 Right and wrong 2.3 The art detective
1 a The first, simple, sentence gives the key 1 Learners’ answers will vary.
argument. The complex sentence that
follows develops the ideas and evidence to 2 Learners’ answers will vary.
support the key argument. 3 Learners’ answers will vary.
b The compound-complex sentence offers a
4 Example answer:
dilemma and explains it – the details. The
simple sentences that follow sum up the It was too chilly to be sitting outside but I
decision made. was early and the table wasn’t ready. The
autumnal trees were shedding their leaves and,
2 Example answer:
despite the sun being out, there was a cold
Emotions are powerful things: they can be breeze that pierced my thin jacket. No one
positive or negative. Emotions can influence else was outside; I looked at the pristine white
people’s decisions. They control the conscience. tablecloths and wondered why they bothered
setting the outdoor dining tables on such a
3 Example answer: cold day. Optimism that the restaurant may
I thought deeply about my decision and be so busy with customers that they would be
carefully considered the impact it would have forced out there? Perhaps. I shivered as the
on those around me. That was the problem. wind caught me again and hoped my guest
I had never been good at putting myself first. would be early too.
With a deep breath, I walked into the room
and made my announcement: I was going to 2.4 Young detectives
take the job and would be leaving them.
1 Lian seems confident and intelligent. She
knows that Mr Chan does not get on well
2.2 Join the police with people and clearly does not trust him.
1 a The community expects one thing from However, she says very little and keeps her
police officers: fairness. thoughts to herself until she has had a chance
to look carefully at the scene in the shop for
b Dedication and bravery: the two main clues. Mr Chan is quite angry towards Lian
attributes of any good police officer. but she does not react to this; she waits until
2 a Communities need good police officers; she has some evidence.
good police officers make good 2 Using appropriate quotations, answers should
communities. note that Lian becomes more powerful
b Communities are complex things; they because she looks for evidence that she can
need time and care invested in them. confront Mr Chan with. She does not respond
to his rudeness and complaints but just ignores
3 a The second part of the sentence directly him so he cannot establish any power over her.
explains the statement in the first part. Once she has evidence, she speaks. The way
b The colon adds emphasis to the word that she looks him in the eye clearly makes
policing. In the second sentence, the him nervous, as he blinks. The implication is
semi-colon shows the close relationship that she has been in control from the start and
between the two parts of the sentence. is not concerned by his rudeness.
4 Example answer: 3 Example answer:
Acting: my lifelong dream! The theatre has it  wame watched as the door slowly opened
K
all: the roar of the audience, the thrill of the and a voice spoke through the crack: ‘Who
curtain rising, the smell of the greasepaint, the are you?’
brightness of the lights. It’s in my heart and
soul; I belong on the stage.

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‘Police Ma’am,’ said Kwame holding up his behaviour when Lian tells him she can see
identification card, ‘Here to investigate the what has happened.
theft of your handbag.’
3 Example answer:
‘Oh yes,’ exclaimed the voice as the door
opened further and a tiny, elderly lady came In the story, Mr Chan seems to be a victim,
into view. ‘It’s taken you long enough to but actually turns out to be the villain. From
arrive,’ she grumbled, ‘but I suppose you’d the opening of the story, readers view him with
better come in.’ suspicion. Mr Chan is an unpleasant character.
He is dishonest and tries to lie and cheat to
 wame followed her down a dimly lit
K gain money. He is not very good at being a
hallway into a living room that was cluttered criminal as he seems to get caught very easily,
with different belongings, ornaments and which indicates that he isn’t very intelligent.
photographs; every surface was covered. He Instead he relies on his large frame and
had to remove a cat, two hairbrushes, a pair of aggressive demeanour to intimidate people. He
slippers, a bag and several magazines to clear isn’t very good at covering his tracks as it looks
a chair to sit down in. as though he smashed his shop window from
the inside. He is also a bad liar as his face gives
‘So, I understand your handbag was stolen it away when he is confronted.
yesterday. Could you tell me more about what
happened?’ Kwame enquired as he took out
his notebook.
2.6 Detective fiction
‘It was stolen while I slept in my chair,’ she 1 Jacob and Boris are likely to produce
exclaimed, ‘I have no idea how he got in as all biased texts.
the windows and doors were locked. I’ve been 2 This story is another in the series featuring
terrified ever since. He could still be in the Lian Yang, the quiet but effective detective.
house.’ Most fans of the genre know the character of
‘Could you describe the handbag to me?’ Lian, as the book sales of 500 000 for Liu’s
Kwame asked gently. previous novel suggest. Broken Promises is
not the best of books, however. From the
‘It was duck-egg blue; my favourite bag start, where Yang investigates a break-in at
actually,’ she replied sadly. the shop of the suspicious Mr Chan, it feels
very predictable. Familiar openings are, of
 wame sighed deeply. ‘This bag?’ he said,
K
course, common in detective stories, but this
retrieving the bag the cat had been asleep on.
opening – and indeed the whole book – is
poor and confirms that Mae Liu is past her
2.5 Making deductions best. Anyone who reads this will be sorely
1 Mr Chan is: disappointed. There are so many better writers
producing much better detective fiction.
large
Factual  Fair opinions  Biased opinions
unfriendly
3 The review starts off by fairly acknowledging
known for being argumentative/difficult the success of the writer’s previous novel.
rude and demanding But it then becomes critical and seems
biased as the only real criticism of the book
a liar – but not a good one! offered is that the plot is predictable, which
2 The reader may respond quite negatively to the reviewer admits is common in detective
Mr Chan as he does not come across as a very stories. The reviewer goes on to make a series
pleasant character. He is abrupt and rude of sweeping statements such as the whole
to Lian when she is trying to do her job. We book – is poor and Mae Liu is past her best, as
are also told that he is angry, unfriendly and well as assuming that the reader will be sorely
always getting into arguments, so the reader disappointed. There is no further evidence
suspects he may not really be a victim. He offered to support these highly critical
seems to give that away through his guilty assertions. The review does, therefore,
seem biased.

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 CAMBRIDGE LOWER SECONDARY ENGLISH 9: TEACHER’S RESOURCE

3 ‘The Red-Headed League’

3.1 The red-headed visitor
1 Word Meaning Etymology
analysis solving a complex problem by From the Greek ana (up) and lysis (loosen).
breaking it down into simple To loosen/unfasten/untie/cut apart.
elements
liberty to have free choice From the Latin libertatem meaning civil
and political freedom. The modern English
version is personal independence not just
political.
destroy to end something’s existence From old French destruien, meaning to
through damaging or attacking it overthrow, lay waste, ruin.
psyche the human mind, soul or spirit From the Greek psykhe, meaning the soul,
mind, spirit.
edifice a large structure – building or From the old French edifice, meaning
system of beliefs building.

2 a analytical: able to solve complex problems were firmly fixed to his right where the young
woman stood nervously waiting for the train
b liberally: freely/repeatedly to arrive. He observed her left hand firmly
c destructive: damaging placed in the pocket of her trench-coat
holding something that strongly resembled the
d psychological: battles of minds shape of a gun. He briefly flickered his eyes
e edification: improvement of the mind to glance at the station clock; when he looked
back, the young woman had gone.
3 a pre-eminent: distinguished
b renowned: famous 3.3 The end of the League
c curb: reign in 1 Features of a report might include: a title,
subheadings, numbered or bulleted points,
d confrontations: clashes formal language, facts and figures.
e out-smart: defeat 2 They help the reader by organising the material
logically and signposting where to find
3.2 The assistant information. It makes it easier to skim through
the text and find the information needed.
1 This means that introducing a mysterious
character makes a story more interesting for 3 Example plan:
the reader as it adds a sense of tension.
• Start with factual information about
2 Mrs Crick is mysterious as she has clearly been Conan Doyle and the books – when
hiding her identity and real personality from her published/how many, etc.
husband. The implication is that she has given
• Then write about Sherlock Homes, the
her husband away to some sort of authority
character – where he lives/family/
and has some regrets about it. We have no idea
arch enemy.
whether she is good or bad though.
• Then write about what has happened
3 Example response:
to the books since – numbers sold, TV
He stood on the crowded platform holding adaptations/fans being upset.
a newspaper in front of his face to give the
4 Learners’ answers will vary.
impression of reading it. Behind it his eyes

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3.4 Investigating the street night. The spikes of rain were hitting my face
and running off down the back of my neck,
1 a Tension: creating a growing sense making me shiver. The house didn’t seem to be
of expectation. getting closer. As the field got wetter, my boots
squelched in the mud. And then, somewhere
b Climax: the highest point of tension or up ahead, a wild animal howled . . .
turning point.
Aural images    Tactile images
c Release: the moment the tension is
allowed to subside. The images used make the reader feel tense
as the atmosphere created is quite eerie. The
2 Readers are likely to react by building up their sounds such as creaking, a rustle and a wild
sense of anxiety or excitement until the climax animal all suggest that something threatening
when they see the highest point of the action is out there and the character is afraid. Even
and feel fulfilled. They will then feel the the rain sounds hostile as it falls in spikes as
release as the story has played itself out and though it wants to do harm. The house seems
is resolved. to be getting further away as if the character is
3 Lian put her foot on the bottom step as in a nightmare.
quietly as she could. He must be upstairs. The 2 Example response:
stair creaked a little. Should she be doing this?
She was on her own and Crick was dangerous. The aural and tactile images used suggest
She’d asked for help, but her nearest colleagues that crossing the field is not a very pleasant
were on another job in another part of town. experience. The sounds being made are
The second stair creaked. What was that? It described as creaking, a rustle and a wild
sounded like movement upstairs. Lian began animal, which could all cause a feeling of fear.
to crawl up the stairs on her hands and knees. The heavy rain is described as spikes, which
Maybe she was wrong. Maybe Crick was long indicates that it was painful and the idea of
gone. One more step. Then it happened. There rain running off down the back of my neck,
was an almighty roar as Crick raced towards making me shiver gives a feeling of discomfort.
her. She moved quickly, but he had her When her boots squelched in the mud it makes
cornered. She stood no chance. He was nearly it sound as though it was difficult to walk.
twice her size. So this is it, thought Lian. He Learners describe the impact and suggest what
smiled menacingly and walked towards her. the character is feeling.
‘Stop right there, Mr Crick!’ demanded a 3 Example response:
voice from the bottom of the stairs. They had
arrived just in time. Pounding the cold, hard pavement, I could feel
the salty sea air washing over my face as I ran.
Tension    Climax    Release It had been raining so tiny splinters of water
hit my legs as I ran; I could feel them trickling
4 The longest phase is building up the tension. uncomfortably down the back of my training
This is important to develop the story and shoes. My footsteps squelched slightly as they
keep the reader interested. It allows lots of hit the ground. The raucous cries of seagulls
details to be included to give the story more filled the air as I disturbed them pecking into
depth. The climax is reasonably developed and discarded chips and sandwiches. The sudden
exciting whereas the release is shorter so it has and violent flapping of their wings as they
more direct and immediate impact. took flight made me stumble. This was not a
5 Learners’ answers will vary. relaxing run by the sea.

3.5 The dark cellar 3.6 The solution

1 Way up ahead, I could just see the lights of 1 This ending reinforces the message that
the old house. It seemed miles away, and it was criminal behaviour will be punished in the
dark. I walked across the field, the creaking end. My Crick tries to evade the police but is
of the branches filling the air, and behind finally caught. It shows that in the end, good
them, the rustle of the leaves. It was a terrible will always win over evil. It also shows that
good will not give up.

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2 This ending may be a bit disappointing to

some readers as it suggests that Mr Crick is
able to get away with his criminal behaviour
because he has enough money to hire a good
lawyer. This lacks morality and order so
readers may feel it gives out a poor message.
3 This opinion shows that readers do not always
like predictable endings and enjoy it when
something unexpected happens. Life is not
always fair so this ending is perhaps more
reflective of what sometimes happens.

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4 Time
4.1 Moments in time image and implies that the narrator has not
had a good year and is relieved to see it gone.
1 It piles up, thick and formidable, on the
3 Learners’ answers will vary.
marble terrace.
The pages, called again and again,
try to sweep it away. 4.3 The tribe that time forgot
But never mind, the next moon
1 When music festivals come to an end, all
The shadow will come back.
the local people are much happier. Festivals
Annotations: contribute nothing to the local area, apart
from bringing misery for the people who live
The present tense verbs make his frustration nearby. Everybody knows that at festival time,
immediate in the main body of the poem. it’s extremely noisy – and extremely messy. We
The modal verb in the last line makes it clear asked some of the locals in the city of Leeds
it will keep happening. what they felt about the recent festival in their
area. One resident, Karen White, said ‘Festivals
2 The poem suggests that humans want to attract the sort of people I can’t bear. They just
control nature but cannot. They keep trying make a mess.’ Certainly today, as the festival
but in the end, nature will always triumph. left Leeds, there was a lot of litter lying around.
The present tense shows the continuous but
futile attempts to sweep away the shadow cast 2 There is negative vocabulary, such as misery,
by the moon; the modal verb shows nature which is contrasted with happiness when the
will persist, the moon will appear again and festival ends. There is a lot of focus on mess
the shadow will reappear. and litter, showing how thoughtless the people
who attend are. The local people do not like
3 Example answer: the noise created.
The End of Summer Quoting a local resident shows how the locals
feel about the people: they can’t bear them.
 he nights draw in, shorter and colder,
T
The reader gets the impression that people who
bringing early twilights.
attend festivals are thoughtless and selfish.
She stays up later to lengthen the summer’s joy
and warmth. 3 Learners may note the following effects:
But father time keeps going
The summer will die. • There are many generalised statements,
such as all the local people are much
happier and Everybody knows . . . This has
4.2 Making the most of time the effect of making the reader accept the
1 The narrator feels that the current year has writer’s bias without thinking about it fully.
gone quickly, as though it is over before it has • Quoting Karen White at the end of
begun. The narrator does not seem to regret the article gives support to the writer’s
this, as they feel disappointed by how little viewpoint. Because she is a local, she
they have achieved. speaks for everyone so the reader could
The narrator is looking forward to the new accept her opinion as being the general
year ahead and hoping to feel as though they opinion of everyone in the area. No
have achieved more by the end of it. The new alternative view is offered. What she says
year seems to bring the promise of a new start. gives evidence such as mess and litter.

2 The simile suggests that the year passed very • Not offering any alternative viewpoint
quickly: the moment it began it seemed to end. makes the article very biased. Some
The snake in the field disappears as soon as it of the generalisations, such as festivals
is seen, so the simile works well to suggest that contribute nothing to the local area, could
time passes in a flash. It is a slightly negative be challenged quite easily. Quoting one
resident does not give a balanced viewpoint.

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4 Example answer: 2 The event the text describes is clearly daring

and frightening, but also exhilarating, and
Everyone finds soccer boring because it is many of the verbs show speed and a lack of
on the television far too much. If it was on control, such as plunged, hurtled and whizzed.
less, people may enjoy it more, but over the In the last part of the extract, the narrator
weekend, it just dominates the screens, driving has completed the jump and is peacefully
everyone mad. It is also on during the week, floating on the surface of the water. The verbs
which has just made all our lives worse. The used here are calm and gentle, such as floated,
whole game is just a load of men kicking a touched and smiled to mirror the narrator’s
ball up and down a field. They all cheat and tranquillity and contentment. The change
dive throughout the whole match. We all in verbs shows the change in the narrator’s
know that football players earn far more than actions and mood.
they deserve, too. It is ridiculous that they
earn more in an hour than most people do 3 Example answer:
in a year and most of them have not got any
intelligence or sense. They are just a bunch of I furiously bit my nails praying for the post to
idiots who drive flashy cars too fast down the arrive early. I paced up and down the hallway
motorways. They do not make any significant staring at the letter box willing the white
contributions to the communities they play in. envelope to arrive. When it finally plopped
Life would be better if football was banned. through the door, I raced over to pick it up
off the floor. Ripping open the envelope, I
frantically devoured the contents of the single
4.4 The time tornado white sheet of paper. I trembled as I read.
1 leapt – dramatic: connotations of great Within seconds I crumpled to the floor in
distance, speed and being daring/urgency sorrow. My eyes closed and I sank down as
I realised that I had failed them all. I wept
hurtled – dramatic: connotations of speed and silently with disappointment.
being out of control
whizzed – dramatic: connotations of speed 4.5 The visitor
and eagerness 1 It was midnight. His well-polished leather
spun – dramatic: connotations of circling and shoes strode quickly and quietly down the
being out of control path. In his hand was a brown briefcase. It
was locked. The contents of the briefcase were
rising – calm: connotations of lifting gently the reason why he strode quickly and quietly
racing – dramatic: connotations of speed and down the path. He pulled his hat further down
competitiveness and looked at the door ahead. It was locked.
He carefully entered the passcode and the
panicking – dramatic: connotations of anxiety door opened. ‘Right on time,’ said a gruff
and loss of control voice from within the darkness.
plunged – dramatic: connotations of falling 2 The key information tells us that this well-
fast and loss of control dressed man has an appointment at midnight
which he must not be late for. He is carrying
shot – dramatic: connotations of great speed
something important or valuable in his
floated – calm: connotations of being briefcase, which is locked for security. The
supported by air or water gently meeting is secretive and being held late at
night behind a locked door that the man
opened – calm: connotations of something knows the passcode for.
allowing access calmly
3 The writer withholds some important
smiled – calm: connotations of calm and information to add mystery. The reader does
controlled happiness not know who the man is, the contents of
touched – calm: connotations of making his briefcase or who he is meeting. This adds
contact calmly / gently intrigue because it is clear that the meeting
is important but we have no idea why. It is
possible that the briefcase contains stolen

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documents or something valuable. The man 2 In the first transcript, Chen seems to be
could be a spy or he could be a hero – whether talking to a friend or someone she knows
he is good or bad is not yet clear. very well. She uses informal language such as
cash as well as contractions such as That’d.
4 Example answer:
She repeats the personal pronoun I a lot.
She looked at the clock: one hour before In the second transcript, Chen is speaking
her flight was due to depart and he still had to her teacher so adopts a more formal and
not arrived. She clutched her bag tightly to polite tone. She addresses him as Sir and uses
her and thought with horror about passing more formal vocabulary, such as interesting
through security. She was depending on him to and career rather than job. She speaks in full
be there with her. He had promised he would sentences with no contractions used.
be. He had ten minutes to arrive or she would
3 Chen varies her speech due to the differing
have to go alone. This wasn’t part of the deal
purposes and audiences. With her friend, she
but she knew she could not back out now.
can be more honest about her aspirations
She bit her lip so hard she drew blood. That
to earn lots of money through singing. She
was no good; she must not draw attention to
uses contractions because her speech is very
herself. Deep breaths. In ten hours, it would all
relaxed and also uses slang words such as cash
be over. She would be safe. She heard him call
because of the informality of the situation. In
her name and felt relief flood through her.
the second transcript, Chen is talking to her
teacher so adopts quite a formal and polite
4.6 Into the future tone with no contractions used. Words are
adapted accordingly: job becomes career and
1 a Talk would be informal, using
loads of cash becomes well-paid. Instead of
contractions and probably pausing and
saying she wants to be a singer, she says music
interrupting one another.
to keep it more formal.
b Talk would be polite and in a friendly,
warm but reasonably formal manner,
asking questions and answering any
questions asked in a helpful tone.
c Speech would be very formal, using
a wide vocabulary, full sentences and
explaining things clearly. The tone would
be polite.

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5 That’s entertainment
5.1 Leaving Jamaica Hortense: A confident but quiet and likeable
woman from Jamaica. She is precise and
1 The aside gives the audience extra information – punctual. She is very well dressed and has
that Alexei has lost his project – and sets up ambitions to make progress in life. She wants
possible conflict later. It shows that Alexei is people to think of her as ladylike and has
worried and makes the audience think that he worked hard to lose her Jamaican accent but
may get into trouble. forgets this when she is angry.
2 The difference now is that both characters Annotations:
have asides. Alexei confirms that he has still
The similarities show that they have
lost the project, but Mr Rahman’s aside lets
something important in common: being from
the audience know that he has found it and is
Jamaica and thus foreign and away from their
just testing Alexei to see if he will come clean
homeland to face this new life together, so
and admit he has lost it. It makes the situation
they may share common misunderstandings.
more light-hearted because the audience is in
The fact that they are both confident makes
on the joke.
clashes more likely but also means they are
3 Example answer: evenly matched so provides scope for comedy.
Mina H
 ave you heard anything from the The contrasts are likely to cause conflict and
recruiting agency yet? (Aside) I hope possible humour as it shows the characters
she hasn’t or it looks bad for me that will clash often as they are so different.
they haven’t been in touch.
2 The contrasts in their living standards show,
Becca Yes, they’ve invited me for an interview as Hortense is horrified by the room that
on Tuesday. What about you? Gilbert has rented – she thinks it is disgusting.
Gilbert is much more laid back so thinks it is
Mina I haven’t heard anything at all. It fine, but also compares it to the place where
looks as though they didn’t like my he first lived, which was even worse. Hortense
application. also thinks it is Gilbert’s responsibility to
Becca I’m sure that isn’t the case. They’re provide a place for her as he went there first,
probably holding more than one day and she feels he has let her down. Gilbert does
of interviews. (Aside) I feel awful now not want others to hear her complaints and
but I did tell her the job was too senior may be a bit embarrassed by her snobbish
for her. attitude. The audience would react in an
amused way because the contrast shows how
Mina W
 ell, good luck. I’m sure you’ll smash different the characters are, but they are also
the interview. (Aside) She always gets both likeable.
what she wants. I’m sick of it.
3 Example answer:
Becca Thanks. I’m sure the right job for you
will come along soon. (Aside) Except Hortense Gilbert, what is this disgusting
she always wants what I have so coffee you bring me? This is not
probably wouldn’t go for it anyway. real coffee.
Gilbert  ush, they don’t do the real
H
5.2 Arriving in England stuff here. This is instant coffee
Hortense. It’s a powder they mix
1 Gilbert: A confident, energetic and likeable
with water.
man from Jamaica. He is a little disorganised
and often late. He is funny, dresses in colourful Hortense You telling me there’s no coffee
clothing and is happy to have a place to live, beans ground up in this coffee
even if it is small and a little unclean. He Gilbert? What sort of place did
speaks with a strong Jamaican English accent. you bring me to?

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Gilbert  ortense, we ain’t got no money

H bin sitting sadly on the pavement after
to go to them fancy places. This is being ignored by the refuse collectors.
cheap and the coffee is hot. Before
c He looked up at the school building
you arrive here, I spent hours in
nervously: he was feeling like a Year 7 on
this café dreaming of all the things
his first day rather than a teacher.
we’d do when you arrive.
Hortense Well, perhaps you’d have done 5.4 K-pop
better to find me a decent place to
live, Gilbert. No wonder you done 1 Stardom
so badly if you spent all your time
Every day I practised. Every hour, every day.
dreaming in a café. I can’t believe you
I wanted to be a star. I knew I had the talent
bring me all this way and you done
and I knew I had the commitment to succeed.
nothing to make things nice for me.
So I did everything I was asked to. I worked as
Gilbert  ou sure is a difficult woman to
Y hard as I could. Every day I practised. Every
please, Hortense. hour, every day. It made no difference. My
dreams of musical fame never happened.
Hortense You could start by getting me one
of those cakes, Gilbert. They look Eddi X
fine to me.
We all ‘know’ Eddi X. He’s the secretive,
brilliant bass guitar player whose music has
5.3 
The Boy Who Harnessed taken the rock world by storm. Nobody has
the Wind seen a picture of him, yet he’s played on
some of the hottest music around. And why?
1 Annotations may mention the following: Because he made himself the best. Years of
• A balloon gives the feeling of freedom, as practice when others couldn’t be bothered. His
they are lighter than air and can blow high commitment is the key to his success.
in the sky. Annotations should mention:
• A balloon gives a feeling of playfulness, as Structure: The repeated use of personal
it is an item associated with celebrations pronoun ‘I’ shows this is very personal in
and parties. Text 1. Text 2 is about someone else so uses
• There is a feeling of space as it is a field ‘we’ as it is from the fan’s perspective. Text
and Amina is running across it. 1 builds to disappointment of musical fame
never happened whereas Text 2 builds to key to
2 Example answer: his success.
Describing him using the metaphor of a Language: The language in Text 1 is quite
machine makes him sound cold and inhuman, plain and there is repetition of practised.
which gives a hostile and threatening air. The It stresses how hard he worked through
word striding makes him sound ruthless and repetition Every hour, every day. Text 2 also
set on his target as though nothing can stop uses language such as practice to show how
him. The words that room shows there is a hard he worked but also uses more flattering
very specific target that he is aiming for. It all vocabulary such as secretive, brilliant, storm
sounds unpleasant and as though something and hottest to show admiration for his
bad may happen to whoever is in that room. achievements.
3 Example answers: 2 The first text shows that no matter how
committed you are, success in the music
a He ran like the wind, knowing that he
business is never guaranteed. It shows that
needed a hurricane to get him there
talent is more important than hard work
on time.
although both are necessary. The tone of
b Her suitcase was so stuffed with clothes Text 1 is one of great disappointment and
and equipment, it looked like a bulging disillusionment, so you feel sorry for the writer.

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Text 2 is also about the importance of shows desperation and the idea that action is
commitment but is written in a celebratory urgently needed now so the reader is likely to
tone as it is about a musician who has feel compelled to help.
succeeded. His modesty is stressed, as no one
3 Example answer:
knows who he is. This shows that for him it is
about the music rather than fame. Covered in cracked plastic bottles, discarded
packets and old flip-flops, the white sand looks
3 Learners should note that the theme of
far from pristine. Despite being uninhabited,
commitment is explored in a far more
this paradise island with its white beaches and
personal way in ‘Stardom’, as he is clearly very
azure seas looks neglected and forlorn –
disappointed about his lack of success. The
all thanks to the filthy habits of humans.
piece does suggest that perhaps the ‘stardom’
Every piece of litter that stretches around the
was a priority rather than the music. In ‘Eddi
coastline of this jewel in the Pacific Ocean has
X’ the theme of commitment is explored in a
been washed up from the sea, much of it from
very positive way, as he is presented as someone
the luxury ocean liners filled with wealthy and
who has succeeded. It is stressed that for him,
ignorant holiday makers who hardly spare a
stardom is not important, which implies that
thought about what happens to the tonnes of
true commitment means that fame is not a
garbage produced by their affluent lifestyles
goal at all. For Eddi X, it is clearly all about
and throwaway habits. Support us now. Stop
the music, whereas in ‘Stardom’ you get the
these holiday companies from ruining the
feeling that it is all about him: the repetition
habitats of wild birds and other animals with
of the personal pronoun ‘I’ reinforces this.
their irresponsible and sometimes illegal
actions. Donate today and do your bit to
5.5 Animals and entertainment make our world a cleaner place.
1 Imprisoned in small cages, the sad eyes of the
tigers stare out at a world that has been torn 5.6 The benefits of zoos
away from them. They are like sad clowns,
1 and 2
made to perform for people, hiding their
depression behind their outward appearance. For Against
Watch them lie on the floor of their cells,
Zoos are run by Animals should be
depressed and unloved, and you’ll agree that
animal lovers. (4) free to enjoy their
using animals in the circus is cruel. Set them
lives. (3)
free from their prisons. Set them free from
their cruel prison guards. The love between Putting animals in
zookeepers and cages is cruel. (2)
2 Example answer: animals is very
The writer uses language to make the reader strong. (5)
feel guilty about the way that the animals live. Zoos help animals to A zoo is not a natural
Words such as imprisoned, cages, cells and stay alive. (2) place for an animal. (1)
prison make it clear that these animals are In a zoo, animals are Zoos only exist to
being caged against their will, and the appeal well fed and cared make money. (4)
to set them free makes it clear that the reader for. (3)
can help by taking action. The unhappiness
Zoos allow humans to When animals live in
of the animals is also stressed with emotive
learn about animals. (1) zoos, they become
language such as sad eyes, hiding their
weak. (5)
depression and depressed and unloved. This
makes the reader understand how awful it is 3 Learners’ answers will vary.
for them being locked away and out of their
natural environments. There is some use of
hyperbole in phrases such as a world that has
been torn away from them that makes it sound
as though they were captured rather than
bred in captivity. It makes it sound very cruel
and callous. The repetition of set them free

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6 A sense of place
6.1 The city sings 6.3 Chasm
1 The low soothing hum of air-conditioners, 1 The reader is informed that despite saying
fanning out the heat and the smells of that she loves the necklace she receives for her
shops and cafes and offices across the city, birthday from Melanie, she actually hates it on
winding up and winding down, long breaths sight. It is not to her taste.
layered upon each other, a lullaby hum for
tired streets. 2 The second version is from Paul’s perspective.
He believes Jess when she says she loves the
2 The aural images make the sounds in the necklace and is relieved that it may indicate
passage very soothing and calm. The idea of that she and Melanie are going to get along
the low hum of the air conditioning sounding better in the future. This changes the meaning
like a lullaby makes it sound as though it of the text as the reader does not know
could put a baby to sleep. It creates the effect what Jess is thinking so would share Paul’s
of a calm environment despite it being a city. optimism. It comes across as a positive text
rather than a negative one.
3 a The ‘oo’ sound in soothing helps the
reader imagine the sound of the hum and 3 Example answer:
elongates it to create the idea of the sound
travelling. Version 1:

b The repetition of the ‘l’ sound in long ‘Kate darling. I’ve cooked your favourite:
breaths layered makes it sound calm and roast chicken!’ her grandmother said
soothing like the low humming sound triumphantly. ‘It is lovely the way that you
described. It spreads out the sound. come for lunch so often.’

4 Learners’ answers will vary. ‘Oh Granny . . . how lovely . . . that you
remembered . . . ’ Jo’s voice faltered as
she caught her mother’s face desperately
6.2 A love letter to the warning her not to say anything about
Grand Canyon her grandmother’s mistake. What was her
grandmother on about? How could she have
1 a huge peak, black and huge, reared its head. forgotten she was a vegetarian? Roast chicken
the grim shape towered up between me and was her sister’s favourite, not hers. A fine
the stars welcome home after two years of travelling
The narrator seems to find nature threatening/ this was!
overpowering. Version 2:
2 The scenery is very impressive as it has huge ‘Kate darling. I’ve cooked your favourite:
icebergs that are as high as the ship’s mast. roast chicken!’ my mother cried as soon as she
The narrator is amazed at them because they saw her youngest granddaughter walk through
look green in the night sky and loom out of the door. She had been so excited about Jo
the mist on a freezing night. coming home from travelling. I went over it
3 In the first poem, the narrator seems in all with her yesterday but she now confused
awe of nature’s power and it is presented as her with her sister, Kate. I should have warned
threatening and unpleasant. In the second Jo, but how do you explain dementia? I didn’t
poem, the narrator is celebrating the beauty want her to feel guilty for being away so I just
and mighty magnificence of nature as seen in pretended that everything was fine. I glanced
the icebergs. at her quickly and shook my head slightly
warning her not to say anything. I’d have to
get through this meal and then start facing up
to things that I had preferred to ignore.

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6.4 In the desert 6.5 Pastoral poetry

1 a A sonnet is a poem of 14 lines, each 1 The rhyme and the lack of caesura show a
containing ten syllables. sense of completion – the happiness of the
childhood is reflected in the perfection of
b Iambic pentameter is a line of verse with the couplet.
five metrical feet, each consisting of one
short syllable followed by one long syllable. 2 The lines show a sadness for the dying of the
summer so they are split and do not rhyme.
c A volta is a dramatic shift in thought or This signals the negative change that is
emotion in a poem. taking place.
d A couplet is two successive lines of verse 3 The poet calls Time old and challenges him
which rhyme and are of the same length. to do his worst. The caesura shows that he
2 There is a singer everyone has heard, A cannot stop the ageing process, as it continues
into the next line, but he says he can capture
Loud, a mid-summer and a mid-wood bird, A his youthful love forever in his poetry. This
Who makes the solid tree trunks makes it both positive and negative. Wrong
sound again. B and young is a half rhyme – again, imperfect.

He says that leaves are old and that 6.6 Returning home
for flowers C
1 Nafwaz walked home from the school on the
Mid-summer is to spring as one to ten. B last day of the year. The birds sang joyfully
He says the early petal-fall is past D and the blue sky cheered.

When pear and cherry bloom went down Annotations should note that the joyful birds
in showers C and the fact that the sky cheered indicate
Nafwaz’s extreme happiness.
On sunny days a moment overcast. D
2 The winter wind reflects Beth’s anger, as it is
Iambic pentameter is used throughout but stormy and yelled. The trees act as though
requires flowers and showers to be pronounced they are trying to restrain her showing that
using one syllable. she feels trapped or restrained. Her anger is
reflected in the rain clouds which imply that
3 a There is a singer everyone has heard,
she may explode at any point.
Loud, a mid-summer and a mid-wood
bird, Who makes the solid tree trunks 3 Example answer:
sound again. He says that leaves are old
and that for flowers Mid-summer is to As she drove up outside the house, it seemed
spring as one to ten. He says the early to smile at her. The garden gate was blowing
petal-fall is past in the breeze like an open arm welcoming her
home. The flowers in the front garden danced
When pear and cherry bloom went down and waved at her as she walked up the path.
in showers The sun shone happily in the sky as the front
door opened and she saw her mother again.
On sunny days a moment overcast.
b The regular rhythm and rhyme scheme
reflect the cyclical nature of the seasons
and that everything happens at its
allotted time.

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7 ‘The Journey Within’

7.1 The Tree to give Ceyla some sort of power as she now
believes that anything was possible. The writer
1 A river can represent life as it flows, sometimes withholds details about what this means though.
quickly and sometimes slowly. It can be straight
2 The flashback reveals the secret of the emerald
or have twists and turns. Water is life-giving,
ring. It makes a very dangerous situation less
but a river can also dry up. It can be destructive
dangerous because the reader realises that
when it overflows and bursts its banks.
Ceyla and her mother can escape thanks to
2 The river seems to reflect the contentment the the ring’s ability to timeshift them to a date of
narrator feels after becoming a father. The Ceyla’s choosing.
river is barely moving because at that point in
3 Learners’ answers will vary.
his life time is standing still in the peace of the
baby sleeping at home for the first time.
7.4 The crow
3 Here the river is more turbulent because the
narrator is going through a very difficult time 1 Annotations may include:
in his life, with his wife unwell and his son
• The character is an unlikely hero as he is
away at university. His uncertainty is reflected
crying and has no confidence (sound of
in the river rising and threatening to burst its
gentle crying). This creates humour.
banks – like his emotions.
• Opening with question Why me? is
4 Learners’ answers will vary.
effective as it sets a tone of moaning.

7.2 The farmers • Deep imitation of father’s voice when

quoting him is exaggerated and creates
1 This is a very formal extract. Sergot speaks comedy.
in complex sentences and uses sophisticated
vocabulary such as precious and ceremony. • Use of loser is comic as it is not a word
We are told she announced her words, which usually associated with a hero.
makes it sound like a formal occasion. • Pun on loser then revealing he has lost his
Ceyla’s response is equally formal, as she sword creates comedy.
uses language such as gratitude instead of
thanks and honour to bestow upon me. This • Use of dashes and ellipsis in For instance
is also quite old-fashioned language and this sword – the . . . since I . . . hang on . . .
makes them sound like a high-status family, shows how hopeless and disorganised he
possibly royalty. is and creates comedy.

2 The language here is less formal as it is 2 The structure is effective as it starts off with
fragmented due to the tension. They use him moaning and questioning why he was sent
unfinished sentences and short exclamations. on the quest with Why me? This is unexpected
Sergot is still high status as she snaps at Ceyla. for the hero of a fantasy story so creates
They also use contractions to abbreviate humour immediately. He then refers to his
words as they are trying not to say too dad calling him a loser imitating his father’s
much but need to communicate quickly. The deep voice as he quotes him. This builds up
language reflects the dangerous situation that his character into a more comic one and he
they are in. sounds more confident. When he ponders
his father’s words, the word loser is used as
3 Learners’ answers will vary. a pun which makes him think about how he
loses important things. He defends that by
7.3 The bronze door referring to his sword and in doing so realises
it is not by his side anymore. Then he starts to
1 The time gap implies that something amazing
panic. This is a clever way of building comedy
happened in between the emerald glowing and
through structure.
Ceyla leaving home later that day. It seems

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3 Example answer: 7.6 Chosen One

Osric O
 h no! What am I going to do? Dad 1 In the first extract, Rostin is not interested in
will kill me if I go home without that any responsibility. His father is in charge of
sword. He loves that sword. It’s always the farm, giving the men their jobs for the day,
been his favourite. When he gave it to while Rostin stays inside and buried his nose
me, he said it was against his better in his phone to play a new game. He seems like
judgement, but it’s passed down from a typical teenager. In the last extract, he has
father to son on the 16th birthday and clearly grown up and tells his father to have
being a ‘man of-tradition’ he didn’t some breakfast indoors while he sorts the men
have a choice. The only thing to do out. It says his broad shoulders gave him an
here is have a piece of cake and think immediate air of authority, which shows he has
about where I could have left it. also grown in stature. The dream in the first
Gets a large cake from a pocket in his space suit extract also shows that he is troubled and lacks
and starts munching it while staring into space confidence, as he was forever a little boy sitting
and making strange facial contortions as he watching. In the final extract, it is clear that
thinks about the sword. Every now and again he this has not come true and in the years that
makes a jabbing gesture using the cake as the have passed he has learnt a lot about himself
sword. As he finishes the last bite of cake, his and matured. When his father smiled it shows
face lights up! that he is pleased that his son is now a man.

I remember – I left the sword in the cake 2 In the first extract, Rostin and his father seem
shop! I put it down so I could fumble in distant as they are physically divided by the
my pockets for the right change. Ah well house, which could symbolise an emotional
. . . I’d better get back there to claim it! distance also. As his father was giving the
Dad doesn’t ever need to know! men their jobs for the day, Rostin yawned and
buried his nose in his phone. This shows that
7.5 Nothing he is bored of the farm and has no sense
of responsibility for helping his father. The
1 The anti-climax is effective because it is fact that he gazed from his window onto the
unexpected. The writer builds the tension so farmyard below suggests that he looks down
the reader thinks the ball is inevitably going on the farm – perhaps thinks it is beneath
to smash through the window. It is a complete him. There is no sense of a bond between
surprise when Baz’s brother catches it as the father and son. In the final extract, however,
reader was not aware of his presence. Although although the farmyard looked the same, Rostin
it is an anti-climax, the reader is relieved as it clearly sees it as part of his responsibility now.
means Baz will not get into trouble. He immediately assumes ownership and tells
his shuffling father to go inside and have some
2 The effect of changing the last two sentences breakfast while he clapped his hands loudly
is that there is a pause while the reader waits to sort out the men for the day. This implies
for Baz’s father to appear and punish him. It that his father is ageing and Rostin now sees
creates more tension instead of releasing it. himself as an integral part of the farm and is
3 Learners’ answers will vary. ready to take on his father’s role. It is no longer
beneath him and he is no longer separate
from it as his voice rang around the farmyard.
When his old father smiled, it shows a sense of
contentment and also pride in his son. He is
now the one inside while Rostin runs the farm.
3 Learners’ answers will vary.

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8 Different lives
8.1 The aeroplane 2 a Leila is clearly ambitious and proud of
her professional achievements, which are
1 The conflict is shown through questions symbolised by her big house. Although
and commands. Helmut’s language is quite Jen admires the house, she quickly starts
aggressive. He asks a question then gives to judge Leila because of her treatment
a command before Gunther can answer of her employees, who earn very little.
him. There is no pause so this is deliberate. Leila had the ambition of owning a
The imperative use of the modal verb You big house and a nice car as a child and
must gives Gunther no choice and is very has achieved it without really thinking
dominating. Gunther’s language is more about the human cost. Leila thinks this
emotive. It’s suffocating! is a metaphor used is immoral.
to show how trapped he feels. I need space is
b These contrasts lead to conflict because
an appeal for more personal freedom from his
Leila is quick to jump on any implied
brother. His language is much more passive
criticism: I make no apology for it is
than Helmut’s. Helmut’s curt dismissal of
defensive. Jen then jumps on the word
Nonsense! shows that he is not listening to
apology and uses it against Leila. They
Gunther. He repeats You as though he knows
know their values are different so the
what is best for Gunther. However, Gunther’s
conflict erupts very quickly because they
language gets more assertive with the short
are both oversensitive.
Not any more adopting a more decisive tone.
3 Learners’ answers will vary.
2 The writer implies conflict through the
descriptions of the settings. The wooden hut is
clearly in a bad state of repair and is directly 8.3 A different voice
contrasted to the outside of a large house. The
1 Will states that it took him a while to come to
woman glares angrily across the stage at the
terms with things when he woke up in hospital.
house as the lights come up directly links them
This implies that he was very upset for a while
and shows the audience that she is disapproving
and had to learn to accept his disabilities. He
so they will share her negative attitude. The thin
also states that his family were there every step
. . . ragged child is also contrasted to the well
of the way. This implies that for his family,
fed and well dressed man, as well as the mother’s
it was a very difficult time too, as they had
tired face to the laughter in the large house. The
to spend a lot of time supporting him both
impression is that poverty brings misery and
physically and mentally. Will states that he
wealth brings happiness. These are deliberately
took up basketball and it was a challenge
juxtaposed to create conflict.
getting the strength in my arms. This implies
3 Learners’ answers will vary. that he had to work really hard and that the
basketball may not have been enjoyable at first
8.2 Mrs Manzi but he stuck with it.
2 Sarah presents Will as someone who is really
1 a Leila is wealthy and lives in a large
admirable and determined. She says he was
house. She employs people but does not
desperately unhappy when he came around
treat them fairly. Jen is well qualified but
in the hospital, but she knew he would find
spends her time improving the health of
a way to get through it. This shows that she
the poor. She travels for her work.
thinks he is an incredibly strong person.
b This is likely to lead to conflict as the twin She also says the family were really proud
sisters have very different values. Leila of his achievements in basketball as he was
does not care about the poor, whereas Jen the captain of his team. She describes him
devotes her life to helping them. Leila cares as stronger – and happier – than ever which
about materialistic things like a beautiful shows that she thinks he has turned his
house, whereas Jen is more nomadic. Jen is disability into a positive.
likely to disapprove of Leila.

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 CAMBRIDGE LOWER SECONDARY ENGLISH 9: TEACHER’S RESOURCE

3 Will’s account is modest, and he focuses on second entry, so clearly much has
the people who have helped him rather than happened in between them.
himself. He gives credit to his family for his • The tone changes from determined in
recovery. Sarah, however, seems to imply the first entry to defeated in the second,
that it was Will himself who engineered his although it ends with a glimmer of hope.
own recovery. Will is also modest about his
basketball and does not mention being a • The extracts create and build tension
captain or winning games. He focuses on the because so much is left out.
people around him and how important they 2 The first response sounds quite irritated as
are whereas Sarah focuses on how proud she is the reader is clearly not a fan of the science-
of Will, giving him the most credit. fiction genre so not interested in the futuristic
technology. They also did not like the style
8.4 He for she where things are mentioned but not developed
to intrigue the reader.
1 The teacher’s use of pronouns stresses that
although she can help the students and they The second response is obviously written
are working together, the emphasis is now on by a fan of science-fiction so is much more
them to work hard and take responsibility positive. They want to know more about the
for their exam results. It shows she is handing situation and like the unanswered questions
over the responsibility to them now as she they were left with.
cannot do it for them.
3 Learners’ answers will vary.
2 The second speech is more supportive, in that
it implies that they are not alone when taking 8.6 A strange ship
their exams as he uses we. It makes the group
of students more of a collective rather than 1 This was it. The moment where anything
individuals so may be more reassuring for them. could happen. Anything. I left the ship,
clutching the monophore and hoping they
3 Example answer: wouldn’t search me. The monophore was the
Speech A: answer. We needed it. Walking into the arrival
hall, my mouth going dry, I tried to move
Right, you need to get out there and put all unhurriedly. The Medean guards watched all
your effort in to winning this game. Your the passengers, some with cases, others, like
mindset needs to be more determined. Face me, travelling light. The monophore pulsed
your opponent, face your enemy and go for in my hand. A Medean turned towards me.
the win. It’s up to you. I know you can do it! ‘Hey, you!’ he said. And all at once, Medean
tentacles were moving towards me . . . The
Speech B:
world stopped. The face of the guard was like
Right, we need to get out there and put all our wax. My legs – jelly.
efforts in to winning this game. Our mindset
Conflict   Mystery   Tension
needs to be more determined. Face our
opponent, face our enemy and go for the win. 2 Mystery is created by the fact that the reader
It’s up to us. I know we can do it! does not know what the monophore is or why
it is so important. We do not know why the
8.5 The transporter guards are so threatening or what will happen if
he is caught by one. Tension is created because
1 Notes will vary, but may include: the narrator is clearly afraid of being caught
• The text is quite fragmented, as though with the monophore and is very scared of the
the writer was in a hurry. guards. He is on edge the whole time and says
that something terrible will happen if he is
• The amandene is clearly important, as it is caught. He is holding the monophore in his hand
repeated, but the reader has no idea what and it pulsed (like a heartbeat), which adds to
it is or why it is important. the tension created. Conflict is created when the
• The ending of the first entry is directly guard calls out to him and stares at him.
contradicted by the beginning of the
3 Learners’ answers will vary.

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 CAMBRIDGE LOWER SECONDARY ENGLISH 9: TEACHER’S RESOURCE

9 Strange and unusual

9.1 Stranger in a strange land • My black and deep desires – shows
he knows that his ambitions and evil
1 Annotations will vary, but may consider: intentions are wrong.
• Sadness: his father has grown old; his • Light versus dark is a motif here.
father never expressed any pride in him;
2 She means that he should make his face look
his father is always in his thoughts; an
innocent and gentle so people do not realise
unresolved relationship.
what he is up to, but his evil intentions should
• Disappointment: he does not feel his be underneath, ready to strike.
father was ever really there for him /
3 Example answer:
expressed pride in him.
In Macbeth, the theme of appearance versus
• Could also be read more positively –
reality is explored. When Macbeth and
that his father was always there for him
Lady Macbeth decide to kill Duncan, they
but never made judgements / let him
must hide their deed, as they are committing
be himself.
treason even by thinking about such an act.
2 The poem is quite ambiguous. It could Therefore, Macbeth pretends that he is still a
be about a disappointing and unfulfilling loyal subject to the king as he calls the Stars
relationship between a father and son, where to hide your fires so that the light cannot see
there is little communication. I grew up and my black and deep desires. This shows that he
you grew old could show a lack of connection knows that what he is doing is wrong. Lady
between them, and the question: Was I a Macbeth is also an expert in deception. She
disappointment to you or were you proud? could tells Macbeth to look like the innocent flower –
be read as a criticism – that his father never to adopt an expression of innocence and
showed him affection or told him when he was gentleness but also to be the serpent under it,
disappointed. With this interpretation, you’re which refers to a snake unexpectedly biting
always there in the final line could indicate someone. This shows that she wants Macbeth
that the poet is haunted by these unresolved to hide his evil but be ready to strike when
questions about whether his father really people least expect it.
cared for him. However, the poem could be
interpreted more positively. The first line could 9.3 Fun with Macbeth
indicate sadness about his father growing old
but an acceptance of the inevitability of this. 1 Learners’ answers will vary. They may find it
The poet questioning Was I a disappointment odd to have the witches dressed as nurses, as
to you, or were you proud? could be the poet nurses are usually associated with being caring
admitting the fact that his father never judged and gentle to make people well again, but note
him, and you’re always there could show his that this fits with the theme of deception and
close bond with his father. appearance versus reality.

3 Learners’ answers will vary. 2 In the second example, the witches are dressed
as schoolgirls, deliberately causing damage.
9.2 Strange meeting They are probably younger than in the first
representation, although both versions seem
1 Annotations may include: to show them as younger than in traditional
representations of them, which are usually
• Stars hide your fires – he wants the stars of old women. In both versions, too, the
to stop shining so his evil actions can weird sisters do not behave as their outward
not be seen / or he wants to hide his appearance leads us to expect, so both fit
evil thoughts. with the theme of deception and appearance
• Let not light see . . . – light is seen as versus reality.
positive / darkness is needed to hide
his desires.

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3 Both of these versions show that the witches 4 Example answer:

are deceivers who appear to be one thing but
behave unexpectedly. In the play, they trick James met his friends at the end of the beach
Macbeth so that fits quite well. Both show near the carpark.
that the witches behave in a very destructive ‘Any luck?’ he asked.
or unnatural way. This is true as in the play
they set off a chain of events which destroy They all shook their heads sadly. As expected,
the country. there was no sign of the watch.
‘Well, thanks for looking,’ James said, slowly
9.4 An unusual job sinking to the sand. ‘I guess that’s it then.
I’m going to have to tell mum. She’s going
1 Anna Jeffs is described as someone who is
to be furious with me. That watch cost so
completely obsessed with music, as she is
much money.’
constantly moving as though she is working
out a rhythm. She is considered to be the best His friends looked sympathetic, but they had
young drummer in England and attends a done all that they could to help him.
renowned music college.
Suddenly, James looked up and to his horror
2 The second extract shows more concern saw his mother parking her car. She got out
about the impact of Anna’s obsession with and started walking towards them. His friends
music as the writer focuses on her lack of hurriedly said their goodbyes and ran off
concentration. There is concern that she is towards the sea.
too young to be attending music college and
whether she is really the best young drummer ‘James, what are you doing? I’ve been so
in England is not confirmed. The writer here worried about you. You haven’t been yourself
seems to think that she has been pushed into this week. What’s wrong? I just spoke to
this at a young age. Tony’s mum. She said he’s been helping you
find something at the beach and that you’ve
3 Learners’ answers will vary. been in a terrible state all week. Please tell me
what’s wrong so I can help.’
9.5 Unusual endings James felt awful. ‘It’s my watch, mum. I lost
1 The conventional ending here would be that it here on Sunday. I didn’t know how to
James confesses to his mother that he has tell you . . .’
lost the watch and is very upset. His mother James’ voice trailed off as he saw his
tells him that material possessions are not as mother laugh . . .
important as people and that she forgives him
for losing it. ‘Oh James! I don’t know how to tell you this.
I have your watch. I took it from your room to
2 An unusual ending may be that his mother get a new battery put in it. I picked it up from
is puzzled and tell James that the watch is the jeweller this morning. It’s on my dressing
on her dressing table at home as she took it table! Oh darling, why didn’t you tell me? All
out of his drawer to put a new battery in it. this worry over nothing.’
He was not wearing it the day he went to the
beach so his searching and upset has all been James sobbed with relief. ‘I thought you’d
for nothing. She tells him that if he had been be so angry with me and hate me for losing
honest and told her, all this worry could have something so expensive.’
been avoided.
‘Don’t be silly. Nothing is precious enough to
3 Conventional ending: Material possessions are make me hate you. Always be honest, James;
not important compared to our relationships it’s always the best policy. Come on . . . let’s
with people. go home.’
Unusual ending (in example 2): Honesty is
the best policy.

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9.6 A twist in the tail

1 Example sentences:
a i Do not shoot the messenger!
ii I can see a new shoot growing.
b i Write the date at the top of your work.
ii I do not know what to wear on our
first date.
c i Turn right at the next junction.
ii You do not have the right to be here.
2 a Rose can mean a flower or to get up.
The effect here is comic.
b Hit can mean to physically strike a
person, or a sudden realisation. The effect
here is comic.
3 Learners’ answers will vary.

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