Whole-class reading plan
Class/group:
DECODE RETRIEVE (RT)
Apply phonic Understand,
knowledge and summarise, retrieve
skills as the route and record
to decode words information from
until automatic texts, including non-
decoding has fiction.
become
embedded and
reading is fluent.
Introduce and model RF
(example question)
Retrieval questions –
skimming and scanning.
Skimming: useful when
summarising a piece of
text – read the title,
Session 1
heading, subheading, the
first and last sentences of
each paragraph.
Scanning: useful when
picking out specific
information; look for clues
(e.g. capital letters,
numbers, punctuation)
Date Started:
Text: Holes by Louis Sachar Book Band: -
INTERPRET (I) CHOICE (C) VIEWPOINT (V) PERFORM (P) REVIEW (RV)
Deduce, infer or Explain and Identify and Show understanding Discuss books
predict information, comment on the comment on through intonation, Read independently
events or ideas writers’ use of writers’ purposes tone, volume and and as a group,
from text, justifying language, structure and viewpoints, and action when justifying their views.
using the text. and presentation the overall effect of performing poems
and the overall the text on the and playscripts.
impact on the reader.
reader.
Book
intro/ RF questions
review, Italic questions – ask during initial Follow-up questions Additional notes
strategy reading to check understanding
check
(Part C1: What do you think happened to (C) Look at the structure of the sentences in
One) the lake? chapter 1 (simple, compound and complex).
Chapters C1: What do you think happened to What do you notice? What is the effect?
1-3 the town and its people? (most are simple – the prose pulls no
C2: What do you think Stanley will
choose to do?
punches; menacing tone; echoes
What is unusual about Stanley’s harshness of landscape)
name?
C3: What are outlaws? Were they (C) ‘The only trees are two old oaks on the
all bad? What might have driven eastern edge of the “lake”’ (page 1). Why is
them to their course of action? the word ‘lake’ written in inverted commas?
(To show that is it is called a lake, but it is
(RT) Write down 5 things that not actually a lake, so just saying lake might
we learn about the character mislead you)
Stanley Yelnats in chapter 3.
 Retrieval questions –
skimming and scanning.
Skimming: useful when
summarising a piece of
text – read the title,
heading, subheading, the
first and last sentences of
each paragraph.
Scanning: useful when
picking out specific
information; look for clues
(e.g. capital letters,
numbers, punctuation)
Session 2
Retrieval questions –
skimming and scanning.
Skimming: useful when
summarising a piece of
text – read the title,
Session 3
heading, subheading, the
first and last sentences of
each paragraph.
Scanning: useful when
picking out specific
information; look for clues
(e.g. capital letters,
numbers, punctuation)
Chapters What is a canteen?
4-5 C5: What does Mr P mean when
he says, “You may have done
some bad things, but that doesn’t
mean you’re a bad kid”?
(RT) After reading the first five
chapters, what do we know
about why Stanley has been
sent to Camp Green Lake? (He
was arrested but he was
innocent. It has something to do
with his dad’s latest project –
trying to invent a way to recycle
old sneakers – that lead to his
arrest.)
Chapter (RT) How old was Igor, the pig-
6-7 (end farmer? (57)
of p31)
(RT) Who did Stanley say he
stole sneakers from? (Clyde
Livingston/‘Sweet Feet’)
(RT) Who was mean to Stanley
in school? (Derrick Dunne)
Write your own RT questions for
a friend to answer.
(C) How does Sachar build our knowledge
of Stanley’s character through inference?
(Stanley considers different interpretations
of the driver’s parting advice to “Be careful”)
(I) Why does Mr P insist on using
everyone’s proper names, and the boys
insist on their nicknames? (Nicknames are
important in terms of belonging/fellowship.
Stanley feels accepted when he is dubbed
“Caveman”)
(I) Look at the reference to Barf Bag in
Chapter 5. (“Lewis is still in hospital… He
won’t be returning.”) What might have
happened? What effect does this have on
the reader?
(I) Why did Stanley think ‘well duh!’ when
he saw the sign explaining what you were
not allowed to bring to Camp Green Lake
(page 12)? (Because it is common sense
that people would not be allowed to bring
those things, there is no need for a sign)
(I) What does Mr Sir mean when she says,
‘This isn’t Girl Scout camp’ (page 14)? (He
means that they are not at a fun camp and
they will not be having fun)
 Retrieval questions –
skimming and scanning.
Skimming: useful when
summarising a piece of
text – read the title,
heading, subheading, the
first and last sentences of
each paragraph.
Scanning: useful when
picking out specific
information; look for clues
(e.g. capital letters,
numbers, punctuation)
Session 4
Chapter (RT) What language is the pig Extract 2 (from Chapter 7: p34-5)
7 (from lullaby in?
p31) (C) What do you notice about the sentence
(RT) How old was Myra when lengths? Are there any adjectives or
Elya’s pig weighed over 50 adverbs? Why does Sachar write like this?
stones? (unemotional description; treats the reader
as mature, capable of drawing own
conclusions)
(I) What adjectives would you use to
describe Maya and her father?
(I) Underline “Elya said nothing”. Why did
he do this? Why didn’t Elya pick a number?
(He realises that Madame Zeroni is right
about Myra.) How does Elya feel? What
does this tell the reader about him?
Rest of the chapter
(C) Chapter 7 is the longest chapter so far –
it is divided between describing Stanley’s
first hole and the story of Elya Yelnats.
What effect does this have? (Increases the
sense of just how long and wearisome it
was to dig the hole)
(I) Stanley declines a ride back to the camp.
What does this show about him? (inner
toughness; character development)
 Vocabulary – how can we Chapters
work out what a word 8 – 10
means without using a
dictionary? What clues
can we use from the text
to help us?
Find and copy…
Which word most closely
matches the meaning of
the word…
Which sentence below
uses the word _____ in
the same way?
Encourage chln to
replace the word in each
sentence with a different
word/phrase – which one
matches the original
sentence?
Session 5
C8: What’s the connection between (I) When Stanley shows Mr. Sir the fossil,
the diets of the yellow-spotted he immediately tells that the Warden will
lizard and Mr. Sir? (sunflower not be interested in it. Why do you think
seeds) Stanley thought she might be interested in
C9: Why is it called Wreck Room?
(Used to be ‘Rec(reation) room’ –
it?
everything inside is wrecked.) Why
might the boys break everything in
a room that is designed for their
recreation? How can punishment
affect people? What do you think is
the most effective way to correct
people?
“Zero stared at him for a
moment, with the same intensity
with which he had been staring
at the letter.” Which of the
following words most closely
matches the meaning of the
word ‘intensity’? a) strength b)
fervour c) passion d) power
Find and copy the word on p50
that means ‘desolate’. (‘barren’)
(I) Find evidence from chapter 9
that shows that X-ray, Armpit
and Squid like and respect
Stanley. (They give him a
nickname – Caveman. They say
he is cool and is ‘one tough
dude’)
“True, everyone referred to this
area as “the lake,” but it was still
hard to believe that this dry
wasteland was once full of
water.” (p50) Which sentence
below uses the word ‘referred’
in the same way?
a) You will have to refer to the
rule book. (pass a matter to a
higher body for a decision)
b) Her mother never referred
to him again. (mentioned)
c) 24 students passed the
 Vocabulary – how can we Chapters
work out what a word 11 – 13
means without using a
dictionary? What clues
can we use from the text
to help us?
Find and copy…
Which word most closely
matches the meaning of
Session 6
the word…
Which sentence below
uses the word _____ in
the same way?
Encourage chln to
replace the word in each
sentence with a different
word/phrase – which one
matches the original
sentence?
Find and copy the phrase on
p53 that means ‘he realised
that’. (“It occurred to him”)
“He climbed up out of his hole
and sifted his fingers through
the pile.” (p60) Which word
most closely matches the
meaning of the word ‘sifted’? a)
ran b) brushed c) sieved d)
poked
“Otherwise you’re going to end
up right back in jail.” (p56)
Which sentence below uses the
word ‘back’ in the same way?
a) She put the book back on
the shelf. (return to earlier
position)
b) He made his fortune back in
1955. (in the past)
c) They wrote back to me. (in
return)
d) He moved back a pace. (in
opposite direction)
(I) How effective is Mr P as camp
counsellor? Explain your opinion using
evidence. (Consider his use of platitudes,
attitude to Zero, element of fantasy when
discussing the boys’ choice of career)
(I) In chapter 11, why did Stanley think it
was a good thing that he had promised to
give anything interesting that he found to X-
ray? (Because X-ray was the leader, and it
was important to stay on his good side if he
wanted to survive at CGL)
(RT) How had Stanley’s body changed
since arriving at Camp Green Lake? (His
skin (particularly on his hands) has become
much tougher. He has lost 5 pounds)
 Vocabulary – how can we Chapters
work out what a word 14 – 15
means without using a
dictionary? What clues
can we use from the text
to help us?
Find and copy…
Session 7
Which word most closely
matches the meaning of
the word…
Which sentence below
uses the word _____ in
the same way?
Encourage chln to
replace the word in each
sentence with a different
word/phrase – which one
matches the original
sentence?
“Just keep digging until (I) At the beginning of chapter 14, X-ray
someone says otherwise,” Mr. does something that Stanley doesn't
Pendanski said.” (p66) Which understand. What question is probably in
sentence below uses the word Stanley's mind?
‘otherwise’ in the same way?
a) You must clean your teeth (I) What is something the Warden says or
otherwise they’ll fall out. (‘or does in chapter 15 that shows she has
else’) perseverance?
b) It was an otherwise totally
black cat with a single white (RT) What "is certain" to the boys at the
whisker. (‘apart from that’) end of chapter 15?
c) The collection is a good draw
that brings visitors who might
not come otherwise. (‘if not’)
d) He means mischief—it's no
good pretending otherwise.
(‘differently’)
Find and copy the word on p65
that means ‘inspected’.
(“examined”)
 Vocabulary – how can we Chapters
work out what a word 16 – 18
means without using a
dictionary? What clues
can we use from the text
to help us?
Find and copy…
Which word most closely
Session 8
Find and copy the sentence in
chapter 18 that describe how
Stanley’s body has changed as
a result of the digging at Camp
Green Lake. (“His muscles had
strengthened, and his hands
were tough and callused”)
“It seemed so familiar, but he
just couldn’t place it.” (p73)
(I) How does Sachar increase the reader’s
fear of the warden? (A character rarely
seen but surrounded by rumour; she knows
all the boys’ nicknames; her treatment of Mr
P)
(RT) What does Stanley learn about Zero in
chapter 16?
(I) On page 82, why does Stanley laugh?

matches the meaning of
the word…
Which sentence below
uses the word _____ in
the same way?
Encourage chln to
replace the word in each
sentence with a different
word/phrase – which one
matches the original
sentence?
Which sentence below uses the (Because he is surprised that Zero does not
word ‘otherwise’ in the same know how to read and write. All this time he
way? had thought Zero was reading over his
a) She knew she’d met him, shoulder)
but she eventually said she
couldn't place him.
(‘remember’)
b) The school place an
emphasis on growth mindset.
(‘put’)
c) I’m going to place third in the
race! (‘rank’)
d) Place him under arrest.
 Inference questions Chapters Is the warden’s reaction what you’d (RT) Find an example of a complex
19 – 21 expect? Why is she punishing Mr. sentence in chapter 19.
What do these words Sir and not Stanley? Who has dug
make the reader feel Stanley’s hole in his absence? How (C) At the start of chapter 21, why does the
do you know?
about…? author repeat the words from the previous
chapter: ‘He won’t die, the warden had said,
(I) Stanley's "heart had
Give X impressions this Unfortunately for you.’? (It shows the reader
hardened as well" as his
gives you of… that the words are on Stanley’s mind and
muscles. This doesn't mean his
are worrying him)
heart muscles are harder. It
What does this suggest
means he isn't going to go out
about…?
of his way to be kind to people.
What did Stanley say to Zero in
“Explain…” = probably a 2
chapter 18 that was a sign of a
mark question! You need
"hard" heart?
to answer and then find a
quote to justify your
(I) Why do you think Squid
answer. (AP of APE)
reacted so angrily when Stanley
asked if he was okay (page
83)? (Because he was
Session 9

embarrassed that Stanley had

noticed he was upset and
crying)

(I) Why is it ‘unfortunate’ for

Stanley that Mr. Sir was not
going to die (page 91)?
(Because after this Mr. Sir
would surely have it in for
Stanley, and treat him
especially badly. He would
blame Stanley for what had
happened to him)

(I) On page 93, Stanley states

that a rattlesnake would be a lot
more dangerous if it didn’t have
a rattle. Why do you think this
is? (Because the rattle warns
people that the snake is
coming. Without this there
would be no forewarning)
 Inference questions Chapters C22: Could the lipstick cover have (RT) In chapter 22, what does Stanley
22 – 24 belonged to Kissin’ Kate Barlow? discover about the golden tube that he
What do these words found? (That it was actually half of a lipstick
make the reader feel (I) On pages 96-99, Stanley is container and that the initials K.B. stood for
about…? teaching Zero. What impression Kate Barlow)
do you get of Zero during this
scene? Explain your answer.
Session 10

Give X impressions this (RT) Why did everybody in the town of

gives you of… Green Lake expect Kate Barlow to marry
(I) Why do you think Stanley Trout Walker (p102-103)? (Because he was
What does this suggest thought he saw “a flash of the son of the richest man in the county, His
about…? defiance in Zero’s eyes” (p96) family owned most of the peach trees and
when he asked him if he knew all of the land on the east side of the lake)
“Explain…” = probably a 2 the alphabet? (because he
mark question! You need thought Stanley might be (RT) In chapter 24, how does Mr. Sir get his
to answer and then find a insinuating he was stupid) revenge on Stanley? (By pouring all the
quote to justify your water on the floor instead of into Stanley’s
answer. (AP of APE) canteen)
Inference questions Chapters C25: Note how quickly “we value (RT) Why did Doc Hawthorn’s head often
25 – 26 education here in Green Lake” smell of onions in the morning (page 108-
What do these words becomes burning school books 109)? (Because he used Sam’s special
make the reader feel because of the teacher’s illicit kiss ointment on his head to stop him from
with Sam.
about…? losing any more hair, as he was almost
completely bald)
Give X impressions this (I) What is similar about Zero
gives you of… and Sam? (Both are intelligent (C) How has the written style of chapters
and uneducated) 23-26 changed? Why do you think it’s
What does this suggest changed? (It’s become more descriptive,
about…? (I) Why is Green Lake dry now? featuring more adjectives and longer
Session 11

sentences – it’s a flashback to the Kissin’

“Explain…” = probably a 2 Kate Barlow story)
mark question! You need
to answer and then find a (RV) “You make the decision: Who did God
quote to justify your punish?” What do you think? Why?
answer. (AP of APE)
(RT) In chapter 26 the reader discovers
how Kate Barlow became the famous
outlaw. Describe briefly what caused her to
become an outlaw. (She fell in love with
Sam, and the village which she loved
turned against her for doing so. Sam was
shot and so was Mary-Lou. She took
revenge by shooting the sheriff and became
the famous outlaw – Kissin’ Kate Barlow)
 Inference questions Chapters C27: What is Zero’s real last (RT) Who has a conflict in this chapter?
27 – 28 name? Who else had that last How is the conflict resolved?
What do these words name in Latvia? (see Chapter 7)
make the reader feel What is a possible inference you (RT) What is buried somewhere near Green
could make from those facts?
about…? C28: What’s the connection
Lake?
between Kate’s prophecy and the
Give X impressions this present-day story? (RT) On page 121, how did Kate know that
gives you of… it was Trout Walker who had broken into
(I) What does Stanley infer the cabin before she actually saw him?
What does this suggest about his canteen when Mr. Sir (She smelt his dirty feet)
about…? disappears with it? Why doesn't
he drink from it?
“Explain…” = probably a 2
mark question! You need (I) At the end of chapter 27, we
Session 12

to answer and then find a
quote to justify your
answer. (AP of APE)
find out Zero’s real name. What
is familiar about Zero’s real
name? (His last name is Zeroni.
This is the name of Madame
Zeroni, the old lady that
Stanley’s great great-
grandfather had been cursed by
after he had broken his promise
to carry her up the mountain)

(I) Why was Kate Barlow

laughing as she died? (Because
she knew that she was their
only hope of finding the loot, so
she took pleasure in knowing
they would never find it after
what they had done to her)
 Choice questions
Can you list words and phrases
which show you how the speaker is
feeling?
Can you find a descriptive phrase
and consider the effect it has on the
reader? Which words create this
effect?
What does... mean? Could you use a
more emotive word? What about a
less emotive word?
Session 13
(Part C29: Identify the symbolism in this
Two) section: God’s thumb (thumbs up,
Chapters scene of rescue for both Stanley
29 – 30 and his great-grandfather);
lightning (flash of understanding –
moving the story forward); storm
brewing (weather mirroring
plot/pathetic fallacy – Zero is about
to lose his temper)
(C) “I found refuge on God’s
thumb.” (p128) What is the
significance of the last line and
(I) What are two possible reasons that "the
last hole" is about to be dug in chapter 29?
(I) In chapter 30, how does the way the
other boys treat Stanley begin to change?
Why do you think this is? (They are very
sarcastic with him. They start a fight with
him. It’s because he’s not digging his hole
all by himself, Zero is helping him)
(I) ‘She examined her fingernails and said,
“It’s almost time for me to paint my nails

What effect would this have on the

story?
Do the events happen in time order?
If not, why not?
How is the information organised
and presented? Why do you think
this order/these headings were
chosen?
why is it written in italics? (It again.”’ (page 140) What does the Warden
comes from Stanley’s great- mean by this comment? (She is going to
grandfather’s story; to punish Zero when he comes back like she
emphasise the link between punished Mr Sir earlier in the book)
God’s thumb and the mountain
Stanley has just seen)
(C) Mr. Pedanski says, "Here,
take it, Zero. It's all you'll ever
be good for." This tells you that
even though he has said some
nice things to the boys, he really
doesn't care about Zero at all.
Choose something that Zero
says in this chapter. What does
it tell you about what he is like?
 Choice questions
31 – 33
Can you list words and phrases
which show you how the speaker is
feeling?
Can you find a descriptive phrase
and consider the effect it has on the
reader? Which words create this
Session 14
Chapters (C) How is tension raised as
Stanley sets off to look for
Zero? (Canteen empty from
outset, sees his first set of
lizards, odds of survival
emphasized)
(C) At the end of chapter 32,
Chapter 31
(I) Why is Stanley probably more parched
than he was before Zero left?
(RT) What is grotesque about Mr.
Pedanski?

effect?
What does... mean? Could you use a
more emotive word? What about a
less emotive word?
What effect would this have on the
story?
Do the events happen in time order?
If not, why not?
How is the information organised
and presented? Why do you think
this order/these headings were
chosen?
Choice questions
Can you list words and phrases
which show you how the speaker is
feeling?
Can you find a descriptive phrase
and consider the effect it has on the
reader? Which words create this
Session 15
why does the author repeat the
words ‘empty, empty, empty’?
Chapters C34: Stanley saw a boat: what was
34 – 35 its name? What else had that name
many years ago? Who might have
owned this boat?
(C) Find an example of
personification on page 152.
What is the effect? (“The pool
(I) To use figurative language, The Warden
wants to make it seem like Zero has just
"evaporated" or disappeared into the air.
What does she want Mr. Pedanski to do?
(I) Why did none of the other boys help
Stanley to dig Zero’s hole? (Because Zero
had been digging Stanley’s hole for so
many days)
(I) Perseverance means continuing to try,
even though what you're trying is hard,
things get in the way, or it's discouraging, or
all three. Why does Stanley need
perseverance in chapters 32-34?
(I) What is the purpose of “sploosh”?
(Connects Zero and Stanley with the earlier

effect? hurried away from him”: shows

What does... mean? Could you use a
more emotive word? What about a
less emotive word?
What effect would this have on the
story?
Do the events happen in time order?
If not, why not?
How is the information organised
and presented? Why do you think
this order/these headings were
chosen?
story; raises links in the reader’s mind)
how delirious he is)
(C) Why do you think Sachar
chose to compare Zero’s face to
a jack-o’-lantern (pumpkin) that
had been “left out too many
days past Halloween” on p155?
(he’s dehydrated, withered,
unhealthy, “past it”)
 Choice questions
36 – 37
Can you list words and phrases
which show you how the speaker is
feeling?
Can you find a descriptive phrase
and consider the effect it has on the
reader? Which words create this
effect?
Session 16
Chapters (C) Zero and Stanley speculate
about who Mary Lou was – but
the reader already knows. Why
does Sachar do this? (Gives the
reader a sense of superiority)
(C) In chapter 36, can you find
three examples where Sachar
(RT) What are three things the shovel was
used for in chapters 35 and 36?
(I) What are three things that make Stanley
and Zero's trip difficult and require
perseverance to overcome?

makes the reader sympathise

What does... mean? Could you use a
more emotive word? What about a
less emotive word?
What effect would this have on the
story?
Do the events happen in time order?
If not, why not?
How is the information organised
and presented? Why do you think
this order/these headings were
chosen?
3-mark questions
Use APE to answer – 3-
mark questions often
Session 17
with the boys? (there are loads!
E.g… p160: hot weather,
Staley’s water bottle still empty;
p161: Big Thumb never moved
closer no matter how hard
Stanley wished; p161: using the
shovel as a 3rd leg because he
was so weak; p162: Stanley
considering having to dig a
grave for Zero; p162: weak and
exhausted, hurt too much to
talk)
Chapters (C) How does Sachar effectively (RT) In chapter 39, what does Zero confess
38 – 40 convey Stanley’s struggle to the to doing? (He confesses that he was the
reader on p170-171? Use one who stole the sneakers)
evidence from the text to justify

need two points, each your answer. (short sentences,
with evidence. often on a new line –
symbolises Stanley’s lack of
energy and time running out; “it
was the bitter smell of despair”;
he almost gives up, but his
thoughts interrupt him (“You
need water to make mud!”))
(C) Find and copy the word on p179 that
means ‘with remorse’. (“contritely”)
(I) “He saw a large indentation in the weeds
a little farther down the mountain.” (p181)
Which word most closely matches the
meaning of the word ‘indentation’? a)
recess b) gap c) slit d) branch
 3-mark questions Chapters (I) Describe Stanley’s different
41 – 42 emotions in chapter 42. Use
Use APE to answer – 3- evidence from the text to justify
mark questions often your answer. (happy – “he was
need two points, each too happy to fall asleep”; self-
with evidence. confident – “he liked himself
now”; grateful – “there was no
place he would rather be”;
hopeful – “maybe they could
Session 18
(I) How do the last few chapters set on the
mountain combine some of the story’s
puzzle pieces and link the three plot strands
through character actions and themes?
(The finding of water and carrying of Zero
mirrors the Elya story; onions link them to
the story of Sam and Kate; Zero and
Stanley are linked via the sneakers)

make it past the camp… back to
civilization” etc.)
(RT) What was Zero’s upbringing like?
(I) In chapter 41, Zero describes how he
used to steal the things that he needed. Do
you think it was wrong of him to steal?
Explain your opinion. (Open. No – he only
took what he needed because he had
nothing)

(C) Why does Sachar end chapter 42 with

an unanswered question? (Leaves the
reader to supply the answer unaided – the
answer is obvious)
3-mark questions Chapter (RT) In chapter 43, what was the challenge
43 between Stanley and Zero? (Who could go
Use APE to answer – 3- the longest without having a drink)
mark questions often
need two points, each (I) On page 193, why does Stanley say to
with evidence. Zero: “I am a camel”? (Because camels
store water and so don’t need to drink that
often)
Session 19

(C) On page 193, why does the author

choose to describe Stanley and Zero’s
mouths as ‘stubborn’? (Because both boys
are acting stubborn by pretending that they
don’t want a drink and are only drinking
because the other boy is, when in fact they
are desperately thirsty)

(C) Sachar has interspersed the description

of the walk with revelations about Zero’s
childhood. Why has he done this? (To
emphasise the distance that Zero and
Stanley have to walk back to the camp)
 3-mark questions Chapters (I) On page 201, why do you think Stanley’s
44 – 45 voice is “filled more with astonishment than
Use APE to answer – 3- with excitement” after discovering what he
mark questions often believes to be a treasure chest in the
Session 20
need two points, each ground? (Because he probably didn’t
with evidence. expect to actually find something of value)

(I) ‘“It won’t be long now,” the Warden said’

(page 206). What is the Warden waiting
for? (For the yellow-spotted lizards to bite
and kill Stanley and Zero so she can get the
chest)
A variety of all types of Chapters (C) Sachar uses irony in chapter 46. How/where is the irony used? (As the
question 46 - 47 camp staff wait for Zero and Stanley to die, they tell Stanley that he was to be
released the previous day – his lawyer had been to visit)

(I) Why do you think the lizards have not hurt Stanley or Zero?
Session 21

(C) Find and copy the word on p210 that means ‘exhausting’. (“strenuous”)

(I) “Stanley thought back to… the bits of conservation he’d overheard. He tried
to make sense out of it.” (p210) Which sentence below uses the word ‘sense’
in the same way?
a) The bear has a keen sense of smell. (literal senses)
b) She had the sense of being someone who nobody liked. (feeling)
c) He earned respect by the good sense he showed at meetings. (wisdom)
d) It is not clear which sense of the word ‘characters’ is intended in this
passage. (meaning)
A variety of all types of Chapters (I) What is the link between the Warden and the Kissin’ Kate Barlow story?
Session

question 48 – 49 (Her surname is Walker; Kate died prophesying Trout’s descendants would be
22

digging for treasure for many years to come)

(C) How is pathetic fallacy used in chapter 49?

A variety of all types of (Part (I) Why might somebody infer that Stanley's family had a curse on it, but it was
question Three) over now?
Chapter
Session 23

50 (I) Who is the lady "sitting in the chair beside Hector" [Zero] and why is she
singing the same song that Stanley learned from his parents?

(RV) Chapter 50 fills in some of the detail, but again leaves the reader to ‘fill in
the holes’. Why is the ending so satisfying? (Threads tied together; story came
full circle when Stanley carried Zero up the hill and broke the gypsy curse;
themes neatly integrated; but not all questions answered – some left to reader
to infer)