SourceExtract from The Little Stranger, Sarah Waters (Virago, 2009), pp. 392-393

ISBN: 9781844086061

Copyright © Sarah Waters, 2009

Reproduced by permission of Greene & Heaton Ltd.

Ghosts 2

Reading 1. How has the writer of this extract created a tense atmosphere? Discuss the language used.

This question tests your ability to use deduction and analysis skills to interpret meaning from the language used in the text.

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2. Which of the below best describes the meaning of the phrase ‘The day … was a peculiarly still one’ as used in this text?

a. The day was typical.b. The day was quieter than usual.c. The day was colder than usual.d. The day was sunnier than usual.

This is a context question which asks you to choose the meaning of a word or phrase, using clues from the text to select the best fit answer.

3. How does the narrator feel throughout this extract? Use evidence from the text to back up your answer.

This is an analysis question which tests your ability to interpret meaning from the text and to refer to evidence in your answer.

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4. What type of text is this extract taken from?

a. a ghost storyb. a garden magazine c. an advertisement d. a travel review

This question tests your ability to recognise and understand the type of text by analysing the language and content.

5. Which of the following words could be used to replace ‘menace’ in the text without changing the meaning?

a. hazardb. dangerc. threatend. alarm

This is a context question. You are asked to recognise and understand the meaning of a word in the text.

Writing

6. The writer of the extract has used language to create an atmosphere of tension in the walled garden. Write a short passage (about 300 words) describing a place you know. Use descriptive language to create an atmosphere of tension, fear or horror.

7. Many people do not believe in ghosts. Others claim to have seen or experienced them. Write a balanced article for your school newspaper entitled ‘Do ghosts exist?’. Include arguments for and against the existence of ghosts. Write about 400 words.

Oracy

8. In Llancaiach Fawr visitors have experienced strange smells, sights, sounds and feelings (see ‘Ghosts 1’). The narrator from The Little Stranger refers to an inexplicable feeling of unease. Do you think that these experiences could be caused by ghosts or the supernatural?

Discuss your ideas and opinions in groups of four or five. Remember to listen as well as talk. Make sure that every member of the group gets a chance to share their opinion.