the novel that i have learnt in form five is

8/11/2019 The Novel That I Have Learnt in Form Five Is

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1.What is one life lesson that you have learnt from the main character in the novel thatyou have studied? Support your answer with close reference to the text.

POSSIBLE ANSWER( not the best one):

Based on the novel 'Catch Us If You Can' by Catherine MacPhail. The storyis narrated by Rory, a young boy who lived alone with his grandfather, Mr. McIntoshwhom he lovingly calls 'Granda'. Rory's father had left him when he was still small andhis mother had died of a broken heart.One life lesson that I have learnt from Rory is that one should be a responsible familymember. Rory was a very responsible boy even though he was still a young kid. Herealised that Granda had looked after him all his life and now that Granda needed him,he would take care of him. He did the shopping and cooking. He cleaned the house.

Rory also gave up football for Granda. Mr Hood, his football coach had asked himto join the football team but he lied that he did not like football anymore. The truth was,he needed to look after Granda. Granda relied on him to get his lunch and he also had

to make sure Granda took his pills. Sometimes, he rushed home during lunchtime tobuy two hot pies for their lunch.When Granda was hospitalised at Rachnadar, Rory realised that if he left Granda

there, he would be very miserable and sick. He was very frightened when he visitedGranda and he did not respond to him. He was afraid that he would 'be dead inside'. Hedecided to run away with Granda in order to save him.Darren's mother was concerned for Rory. She felt that Rory should not have to bear thiskind of responsibility. However, Rory felt that it was his responsibility since there wasnobody else. Finally, when he found out about his father, he felt that it was high time helived up to his responsibility as a son and father.

2. Choose a character that you admire from a novel that you have learned in Form 5.With close reference to the text, give reasons to support your answer.

Based on the novel Catch Us If You Can, the character that I admire most is Rory.There are many reasons why I admire him very much.

First of all, I admire Rory because he is loving and caring. He loves his Granda verymuch and takes a very good care of him. Granda has taken care of Rory since he wasvery young. Now that Granda is getting old and having his share of illness and memorylapses, it is Rory's turn to take on the role of a care-giver to him. It is proven that everylunch time, Rory would sneak out to get some lunch from the baker for granda andensure that he takes his pills regularly.He would listen to Granda's embellished storiesand jokes especially about the stars whom he admires and 'has met'.

Apart of that, I admire Rory because he is a determined person. When he faces thethreat of becoming separated from his Granda while he is in the Castle Street andGranda in Rachnadar, Rory makes the decision to run away with Granda. He thinks thatthey are a team and should always be together. On their journey, they meet strangers


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who help them. Rory gets to handle many situations and people of all sorts, and helearns a lot about life and wonderful people. Even though things are not easy for them,he is determined not to give themselves up.

Last but not least, I admire Rory because he is organized. This can be seen as he plans

out his running away with Granda. He spends three days putting together his plan andorganizing everything that he has to do. He also gets contact with his friend, Darrenwho offers his mum's caravan.Then he goes over and over his plan in his head, everystep of the way to make sure nothing would go wrong.

In a nutshell, I admire Rory because he is loving, caring, determined and organized. Nowonder the strangers whom he met, would helped him and his granda cordially.I reallythink that someone like him deserves a great life.

QUESTION 3:

Novel Question: Amemorable eventand how it affects one of the characters

In Catch Us If You Can, a memorable event that affects one of the characters in

the story is when Rory helps Granda to escape from Rachnadar, a home for the aged.

After taking his Granda out from Rachnadar, Rory decides to escape from the town

where they both lived.

Their escape takes them to various locations and they encounter many people

who assist them. Rory learns valuable lessons from these people. For instance, Rory

learns about compassion and kindness from Sammy and Rubys family. From Rab,

Annie and Norma, Rory learns that there exist people in this world who would go to

great lengths to help others. When Norma reports Rory and Granda to the police, she

does so out of the kindness of her heart and not out of malice. As a result, Rory is not

only touched but also grateful.

In addition, Rorys life has changed for the better when he and his Granda are

reunited with Rorys father. Now, Rory not only has a father, he also has a stepmother

and two stepsisters.

Before their escape, Rory was concerned about the welfare of his Granda and the

former cannot lead a normal life of a young, growing boy. At the end of the story,

however, Rorys life has improved as there are certain services provided for the elderly.

Because of this, Rory can lead a normal life like the rest of his schoolmates. All these

positive changes would not have occurred if Rory had not helped his Granda to escape

from Rachnadar.


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The novel that I have learnt in Form Five is 'Catch Us If You Can' by Catherine MacPhail.

The novel is about the troubles Rory and Granda had to endure in their escape feat from

their hometown to Liverpool. Both Rory and Granda had been staying together and looking

after one another. The conflict happened when they had to be separated : Rory was to be

placed in a children's home and Granda in an old folks' after a fire in their flat. They started

an escape adventure that took them through the countryside and small towns and becameheadline news. At the end of the story , they ended up in Liverpool when they were reunited

with Rory's father and his family.

One of the lessons learnt from the novel iscare and love among family members must

be nurtured and not taken for granted, This is shown where Rory and Granda made the

effort to take care of one another and were determined to stay together free from the control

of the social system. This determination made them willing to face dangers and discomforts

on their journey of a lifetime. They succeeded in staying free until they reached Liverpool

where they had a happy ending.

Another lesson learnt is that there are strangers who are kind and are willing to lend a

hand when needed . They do not expect anything in return. This is shown by the minor

characters in the novel ( Sammy and his family ) who helped them without any hidden

motive. Rory and Granda appreciated their help given in the right spirit. There should not be

any generation gap though family members may be from two different generations ( for

example , the relationship between a grandson and a grandfather). Anyone of any age

should be able to get along fine with a bit of effort.

In a nutshell , Rory, Granda , and Sammy and his family have shown some interesting

moral lessons which can be adapted to in one's everyday life


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1. Based on the novel you have read, write about a character that you dislike. Support your answer with

information from the novel.

In the novel, Catch Us If You Can, the character who I dislike is Granda. Although Granda took good care

of his grandson, Rory, when he was young I do not think it is fair of him to expect Rory to take care of

him now. Rory is still a boy and it is not easy taking care of an elderly person who is forgetful andstubborn. Rory himself needs responsible, capable adults to take care of him.

Due to some unfortunate circumstance Granda is placed at Rachnadar, a home for the elderly,

and Rory is placed at Castle Street, a childrens home. Granda is unhappy at Rachnadar. This is turn

made Rory feel bad. He then escaped from Castle Street and broke Granda out of Rachnadar. I feel

Granda should not have let Rory help him run away. He did not think of the kind of life Rory would be

leading. Rory should be in school studying, not being a fugitive.

I also felt Granda put himself and Rory in danger when he began doing criminal activities to

avoid going back to Rachnadar. He also rose recklessly in a stolen car, further endangering their lives.

Although Granda was not mean to Rory I felt he did not really think about Rorys present and future life.

2. Which character do you like best in the novel you have read? Give reeasons why you like this

character, using information from the novel to support your answer.

In the novel, Catch Us If You Can, my favourite character is Rory. Although he is only eleven years old

and he is mature beyond his years. He has the responsibility of looking after his grandfather, or Granda

as he calls him. He has a difficult time talking care of Granda as he is forgetful and very stubborn. Still

Rory hardly complains and tries to take good care of Granda because he loves him.

When he realises Granda is not happy at Rachnadar he hatches a plan for the both of them to

escape. They succeed and go on the run. This shows that Rory is a smart and courageous boy. Rory is

also very patient with Granda and hardly ever scolds him.

Although Rory loves Granda he has no problem telling him off if he has made a mistake. He

does not like it when Granda called the travelers as tinkers. He tells his Granda not to call them that as it

might offend them. Rory is also very protective of his Granda. He is annoyed when the nurse in the old

folks home treated Granda as if he was stupid.

Despite his young age, I think Rory is more responsible and wise than many adults. He has to

look after his Granda and make sacrifices for him. Yet he remains cheerful and takes care of Granda with

love, patience and understanding. I find him admirable and like his character the best in this story.

3. Using details from the novel you have read state whether you like or dislike the ending of the story.

Give reasons for your answer.


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In the novel, Catch Us If You Can, ends the story on a fairly happy note. Rory is able to get his

grandfather away from the home he disliked and Rory himself is able to escape being in a childrens

home.

Right from the beginning of the story we find that the bond of love between Rory and his

Granda to be very strong. They do not want to be separated at all. Being sent to the respective homeswas devastating to them. Thus they decide to run away.

Rory decides to look for his long lost father who lives in Liverpool but Granda is not aware of his

intention. When he does find out Rorys intention, Granda is most unhappy as he feels that his son had

abandoned him and the family in times of need.

In the end Jeff, the son, turns up and the family has a chance to be together. Rory and Granda

live in a flat not far from where Jeff lives with his family. Now the family is together. Rory has a father

and Granda has a son. Rory has a chance to get an education and live with his ailing grandfather for as

long as possible.

The ending is full of hope for a better future. It is not a fairy tale ending. It gives opportunities

for an average family to lead an ordinary but happy life.

4. Which character in the novel you have read changes for the better as the story proggresses? Give

reasons for your answer, using information form the novel.

In the novel, Catch Us If You Can by Chaterine MacPhail, the character who changes for the better is

Granda. Granda has certain prejudices and fears. He is angry with his son, Jeff for abandoning the family

and is afraid of being rejected. He does not want Rory to look for his father and does not want a reunionwith him but when it happens, he is thrilled with his new grandchildren and accepts the fact that Jeff has

also changed and is more responsible now.

Granda dislikes the gypsies and thinks poorlyof them. But they help him and Rory and go out of their

way to make sure they escape from the police. They show much love and compassion towards Granda

and Rory and this makes him realise that he has misjudged them. He vows never to say anything harsh

against them.

Granda was initially suspicious of Rab, the rough garage owner but later realises that he is a man who is

capable of great concern and kindness. Granda finds many caring people through is journey and realises

that there are many compassionate people in the world.

Granda definitely changes for the better as his experiences bring him life-changing encounters with

good people.


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5. Based on the novel you have read, write about a character who you feel prossesses strong

determination. Support you answer with information from the novel.

In the novel Catch Us If You Can by Catherine MacPhail, the character, the character who possesses

strong determination is Rory. Rory is an amazing eleven year old who acts with great confidence and

determination to achive what he wants.

Rory wants to keep his grandfather out of the old folks home and he does exactly that. He

plans the great escape and with great effort and pains, manages to take him to his friend, Darrens

mothers caravan. From there he has to be on the run from the police.

The escape takes them through many experiences and episodes which teach Rory and his

Granda many valuable lessons about the kindness and compassion of strangers. Rory is able to accept

the outcome of these experiences only because he is determined to save his Granda from the miserable

place, Rachnadar. If he had faltered in his aim, he would have not got the sympathy and the support of

so many people.

The public showed their support for him because they saw a determined little boy trying to

keep his Granda from the dreadeed place. Rory sacrifices his education and the company of his friends

for the sake of his grandfather. Rory looks for his long lost father to help him to save his grandfather.

Rorys determination is admirable and will no doubt lead him to success as he grows older.

6. Describe an interesting event in the novel you have read. Give reasons why you find the event

interesting. Support your answer with information from the novel.

In the novel, Catch Us If You Can by Catherine MacPhail, an event that is interesting is the great escapethat Rory and Granda undertake. Rory decides to run away from the home after talking his Granda out

of the old peoples home.

No doubt the escape is not a single event as it goes over many days but the escape takes them

to many places and they meet many different people who help them on their journey. Meeting all these

people teaches Rory some lessons too. From the travellers he learns about compassion and kindness.

From Rab, Annie and Norma he learns about people who offer their help without question and treat

them very well. Even when Norma reports about them, she is doing it out of kindness, not malice. So

Rory is touched by all these peoples kindness and is deeply grateful.

This escape is more than just an interesting event as it changes Rorys life. His father turns up to

help him and Granda. Now he has a father, a stepmother and two adorable stepsisters. He has a family

and that is a life-changing moment for him.

I find this event thought-provoking as Rory and Granda trigger off much speculation and

concern about what happens to senior citizens and young carers. Certain services provided for the


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elderly make life better for him and Granda. Rory can go back to school and lead the normal life of a

young, growing boy. All these changes would not have taken place if not for the great escape.

7. Describe a character that you sympathise with in the novel you have read. Give reasons why you feel

sympathy for the character. Support your answer with information from the novel.

In the novel, Catch Us If You Can by Catherine MacPhail, I sympathise strongly with Rory. Rory is only

eleven years old but has a huge responsibility as he has to look after an ageing grandparent. This is no

easy job for such a young boy who should be having fun and enjoying his childhood.

Rory has to see to the meals and medication of his beloved Granda. He has to see that his

senile grandfather does not endanger himself as he does when he tries to cook and when he smokes his

pipe. He tires to make sure see that his Granda behaves himself at the clinic and at school. Granda with

his frank comments can be an embarrassment such as when he tells the teacher that she has a

moustache! Rory does have a difficult job on his hands.

Rory finds his homework in the rubbish chute because his Granda puts it there by mistake. He

has to think of all kinds of excuses to tell his teacher for this mishap. Rory cannot stay back longer in

school to do his homework because he has to get his Grandas meals. Thus Rory has to be on his toes to

make sure he can cope with everything.

When Granda and Rory are separated, it breaks their hearts. Rory undertakes to rescue his

Granda and goes on a long journey which puts them both in many awkward situations. Yet Rory holds on

to his determination and courage and comes through. I sympathise with this young boy who is willing to

go through a lot all because he loves his grandfather and believes it is his duty to do his best for him.

8. What is the most important lesson you have learnt from the novel you have read? Give reasons to

support your answer.

In the story, Catch Us If You Can by Catherine MacPhail, the most important lesson I learned is about

family responsibility. Family members have a role to play in caring for each other just like Granda and

Rory do. Granda cared for Rory when his father abandoned him. He looked after him and took him for

games and saw to his emotional and physical needs. Now he is old and is unable to look after himself.

Rory understands his Granda well and looks after him now. He remembers how well he waslooked after and feels that it is now his turn to look after Granda, a job which he does most devotedly.

He sees to his meals, make sure that he takes his medicines and that he does not harm himself.

Granda hates the idea of being in and folks home and Rory does his best to keep him away

from it. Rorys act of love and compassion tells me that family members should show that they care for

each other and do the right thing for them.


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When Rorys father, Jeff, abandoned his family, Granda looked after Rory and his mother.

Granda was very hurt by his sons irresponsible action. He showered Rory with love and brought up his

grandson well. Therefore, Rory feels it is now his turn to look after Granda.

Jeff comes back into their lives later and does his part by making sure that Granda and Rory are

comfortably set up in a flat nearby and can enjoy amebities that they need. Family members must carefor each other and be there to lend a helping hand.

9. Using details from the novel you have studied, describe one main character in the novel. Support your

answer with close reference to the text.

In the novel, Catch Us If You Can by Catherine MacPhail, one main character in the novel that I have

choose is Rory. Rory is a loving and good-natured young boy who loves his grandfather very much. Rory

gives up his childhood joys to look after his Granda. He buys his meals so that Granda will not endanger

himself by cooking and sees to his medicines. Rorys caring ways decide his course of action for he goeson the grand escape because he cannot bear to see Granda in an old folks home.

Rory rescues Granda from the old peoples home so that Granda will not be miserable. He

assures Granda that they will never be parted from each other and sticks to it.

Rory has a good sense of humour as he jokes about Mrs. Foleys eyebrows as a place to go on a

safari and thinks she has a whiskery smile! His prayers are light-hearted and humane. He is very

protective of his Granda and will not tolerate anyone saying anything hurtful.

Rory is compassionate and he cries when he finds his Granda crying in Rachnadar. The thought

of his Granda being in a place where people nobody wants are put is too much for Rory. Rory does notlike Granda to call the travelers as tinkers and tells Granda not to call them so. He tells himself not to be

judgmental about people too. Rory has a good sense of fairness and kindness. When he finally gets a

home with Granda in a flat near his father and step-family, there is a sense of gladness that his well-

balanced good boy is finaly getting his dues.

10. From the novel you have read, write about one of the themes in the story.

One of the themes in Catch Us If You Can by Catherine MacPhail is love and compassion and family

relationships. Granda loves Rory and Rory loves Granda, their love for each other is constant andunconditional. Granda did love his son, Jeff, but feels disappointed that his son abandoned the family.

Granda had looked after Rory when he was a baby and now Rory wants to look after his Granda. He is

willing to sacrifice much so that he can save his Granda from the old peoples home.

Rorys friends are good boys who love him and care for him. They look upon Granda with great

affection. Mrs. Foley, the teacher shows sincere love and care for Rory. Val Jessup, the social worker


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shows compassion for what Rory and his Granda are going through. The children at Castle Street show

much affection for Rory. They realise that Tess behaves like that only because nobody wants her.

Kindness and compassion are necessary in a civil society. The people who help Rory and Granda prove

that they are caring and willing to help. The great escape is possible only because there are many willing

and compassionate people on the road.

Family relationships matter and Rory and Granda prove it. Sammy, his wife, Ruby and son,

Tyrone are a warm and loving family. They may not have much money but they have much love and

enough to spare. Bernie, his wife and daughter are equally warm-hearted and helpful. Rab and Annie

are loving and caring. Families are held together by love and compassion.

the novel that i have learnt in form five is

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