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Teaching English to Year 7 students
Here are some questions and model answers for a Year 7 English lesson, based around a short story, "The Treasure in the Forest" by H.G. Wells.
Comprehension
1. What is the main setting of the story?
- Model Answer: The main setting of the story is a dense, tropical forest on an island.
2. Who are the main characters in the story?
- Model Answer: The main characters are Evans and Hooker, two treasure hunters.
3. What motivates Evans and Hooker to explore the forest?
- Model Answer: Evans and Hooker are motivated by the desire to find a hidden treasure that they believe is buried in the forest.
4. Describe the mood of the story. How does the author create this mood?
- Model Answer: The mood of the story is tense and suspenseful. The author creates this mood through detailed descriptions of the dark, mysterious forest and the characters' anxious behaviour.
5. What is the climax of the story?
- Model Answer: The climax of the story occurs when Evans and Hooker find the treasure but realise that it is guarded by a deadly trap.
Language Analysis
1. Identify and explain the use of imagery in the story.
- Model Answer: Imagery is used to create vivid pictures in the reader's mind. For example, the description of the forest as "a tangled mass of vegetation" helps the reader visualise the dense and impenetrable nature of the setting.
2. How does the author use foreshadowing in the story?
- Model Answer: The author uses foreshadowing to hint at the danger that awaits the characters. For instance, the uneasy feeling that Evans and Hooker have as they approach the treasure site foreshadows the deadly trap they encounter.
3. What is the significance of the title "The Treasure in the Forest"?
- Model Answer: The title signifies the central focus of the story—the hidden treasure that the characters are searching for in the forest. It also hints at the adventure and danger associated with their quest.
Creative Writing
Imagine you are one of the characters in the story. Write a diary entry describing your feelings and experiences during the treasure hunt.
Model Answer:
Dear Diary,
Today was a day filled with excitement and fear. As we ventured deeper into the forest, the dense foliage seemed to close in on us, making it hard to see the path ahead. My heart raced with anticipation as we neared the treasure site, but a sense of dread also loomed over me. When we finally uncovered the treasure, our joy was short-lived as we realised the deadly trap that lay in wait. I can't shake off the feeling that we were never meant to find this treasure...
Notes on "The Treasure in the Forest" by H.G. Wells
“The Treasure in the Forest” is an adventure story about two men, Evans and Hooker, who seek a hidden Spanish treasure on an island. They obtain a map by robbing and murdering a Chinese man named Chang-hi. Following the map, they navigate through a dense forest and eventually find the treasure. However, they come across the dead body of a Chinaman, indicating that someone had reached the treasure before them. In their greed and haste, Evans and Hooker ignore the warning signs on the map and fall victim to a deadly trap, ultimately losing their lives. The story highlights the destructive nature of greed and the consequences of taking risks without proper preparation.
The forest itself plays a role in creating the story's atmosphere. Here are a few ways it contributes:
1. Sense of Mystery and Suspense: The dense, tangled vegetation of the forest creates a sense of mystery and suspense. The characters' inability to see far ahead adds to the tension and uncertainty of their journey.
2. Isolation: The forest's impenetrable nature isolates the characters from the outside world, heightening their vulnerability and the sense of danger.
3. Foreboding Environment: The dark, shadowy environment of the forest sets a foreboding tone. The descriptions of the forest as "a tangled mass of vegetation" and "dark and silent" contribute to the ominous mood.
4. Symbol of the Unknown: The forest symbolises the unknown and the unpredictable nature of their quest. It represents the challenges and risks they must face to reach the treasure, adding to the story's adventurous and perilous atmosphere.