Vocabulary
What does the word “swamp” suggest about the place Elise is moving to?
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The word “swamp” suggests that the place is...
The word “swamp” suggests that the place is wet, muddy and unpleasant.
Who told Elise’s family that the house was a “highly desirable property”?
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The person who said this was...
The estate agent said that the house was a “highly desirable property.”
How does Elise feel about moving house at the beginning of the text?
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At the beginning, Elise feels...
At the beginning, Elise feels unhappy about moving house.
Why does the writer describe the house as being near a swamp?
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The writer describes the house near a swamp to...
The writer describes the house near a swamp to create an unusual and uncomfortable setting.
In the phrase “clambered out of our car”, what does “clambered” mean?
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“Clambered” means...
“Clambered” means climbed out awkwardly or with difficulty.
What animal was sitting on the kitchen counter?
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The animal on the kitchen counter was...
The animal on the kitchen counter was a slimy lizard.
How can we tell that Elise does not like the new house?
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We can tell Elise does not like the new house because...
We can tell Elise does not like the new house because she thinks bitterly about the road, has a disgruntled expression and longs for her old house.
Why does the writer include the estate agent screaming at the lizard?
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The writer includes this moment to...
The writer includes this moment to add humour and show that the house is wild and strange.
What does the word “precarious” suggest about the window shutters?
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“Precarious” suggests that the window shutters were...
“Precarious” suggests that the window shutters were unsafe, loose and likely to fall.
How did the family reach the house?
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The family reached the house by...
The family reached the house by driving along a dirt track.
Why does Dad say, “Where’s your sense of adventure?”
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Dad says this because...
Dad says this because he wants Elise to be more positive and excited about the move.
Why does the writer describe the plants as “invaders”?
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The writer describes the plants as “invaders” to...
The writer describes the plants as “invaders” to make nature seem powerful and as if it is taking over the house.
What does “disgruntled expression” tell us about Elise’s feelings?
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A “disgruntled expression” tells us that Elise felt...
A “disgruntled expression” tells us that Elise felt annoyed, unhappy and dissatisfied.
Give two details that show the house was old or damaged.
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Two details that show the house was old or damaged are...
Two details that show the house was old or damaged are that the paint was peeling and the window shutters were hanging off their hinges.
Why might the swamp begin to interest Elise?
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The swamp might begin to interest Elise because...
The swamp might begin to interest Elise because it feels unusual, quiet and prehistoric, and she sees a dragonfly that makes her curious.
Why does the writer compare the swamp to “prehistoric times”?
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The writer compares the swamp to “prehistoric times” to...
The writer compares the swamp to “prehistoric times” to make the setting feel ancient, wild and far away from modern life.
What does the word “tentatively” suggest about the way Elise moved towards the dragonfly?
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“Tentatively” suggests that Elise moved...
“Tentatively” suggests that Elise moved carefully and uncertainly because she was curious but not fully confident.
What did Elise see near the stagnant river?
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Near the stagnant river, Elise saw...
Near the stagnant river, Elise saw a small dragonfly hovering nearby.
How does Elise’s attitude change by the end of the extract?
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By the end of the extract, Elise’s attitude changes from...
By the end of the extract, Elise’s attitude changes from miserable and uninterested to curious and slightly more hopeful.
Why might the writer end with the sentence, “the swamp was going to be a different story”?
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The writer ends with this sentence to...
The writer ends with this sentence to suggest that Elise’s feelings are changing and to make the reader curious about what she will discover next.