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ESOL Worksheets

TOMORROW WHEN THE WAR BEGAN

John Marsden

CHAPTER 10

Look closely at the section of this chapter which begins with "I sidled closer to the door …" (p.127) and ends with Ellie crying "Robyn!" (p.128). Your job is to analyse the way the author has created a mood of suspense/tension.

You will examine three aspects of the writing:

  1. Choice of words
  2. Imagery
  3. Structure

Choice of words

  1. Make a list of verbs from the passage which help to build up an atmosphere of tension or fear. Example: sidled

    2.  

  2. Similarly, identify adverbs that contribute to the tense atmosphere. Example: silently

    3.  

  3. Look also at adjectives in the passage. Pick out any that reveal something about Ellie’s state of mind or the need for quiet. Example: took three slow careful steps
    4.

     

     

    Imagery

  4. There is one metaphor in the passage (describing the sound of the door opening). Find it.
  5. There is one simile in the passage (used to describe Homer). Find it.
    6.

    Structure

  6. Look at the length of the sentences and at the way sentences are broken up into shorter phrases with commas. (Look especially at the final paragraph.) In what way is the structure of the sentences similar to the breathing of a frightened person?

 

Frankie Meehan