Plot
What is the name of the town the expeditioners set off from?
Beltana
What is the word that means the main character in a story, or the 'good guy'?
the protagonist
What does the word 'setting' mean in the context of a story?
Where/when an event happens
Which character does Taj have an internal conflict with?
Tommy
What do the two 'E's' stand for in PEEL?
What is the purpose of the expedition that Taj joins?
To cross the Australian desert from South Australia to Perth, to test the use of camels for inland exploration
What is meant by the term 'character traits'?
Words that describe a character's personality
What are three adjectives (describing words) that could be used to describe the setting in Taj and the Great Camel Trek?
hot, dry, sandy, windy, difficult, barren, challenging. Basically anything that describes a desert..
Provide an example of a scene from the novel that shows character vs nature conflict.
Basically any scene where they are searching for water, or are hot and bothered..
True or false: It is important to introduce your body paragraphs (in you introduction) in the same order that you are going to write about them in your essay.
TRUE TRUE TRUE
List three challenges faced by the characters in the novel.
They face extreme heat, lack of water, isolation, fear of the unknown, death and cultural tensions.
List three character traits that could be used to describe Taj.
Choose from: kind, caring, brave, resilient, insecure, observant, loyal, dutiful, curious. Could be others as well.
Time, built environment, natural environment
What are the four types of conflict we have studied in English?
Character vs character
Character vs self
Character vs nature
Character vs society
What is the difference between a regular PEEL paragraph and a complex PEEL paragraph?
A complex PEEL paragraph requires two pieces of evidence and explanations, rather that just one.
What is the resolution of the novel? (HINT: you need to know what resolution means - the teacher can't tell you!)
Taj and the expedition team finally reach their destination in Perth.
In what ways is Mustara characterised more like a human character than an animal? Use an example from the book.
Eg. when Taj and Emeline are lost in the desert, Mustara's bravery helps them find their way home.
Which century is the novel set in?
The 19th Century
What is an example of a character versus self-conflict from the novel?
When Taj is battling with his emotions and self-worth around his mum leaving, his self-consciousness around Tommy etc.
Writing introductions: What does the acronym B.A.M stand for?
Background
Argument
Map (roadmap)
What mixture is given to Mustara when he gets sick in the chapter titled 'Mustara in Danger'?
A mixture of butter and mustard.
How does Alec's character contrast with the other European expeditioners?
Alec is open-minded and accepting of differences, especially toward Taj. He treats Taj with respect and teaches him to read, showing a progressive attitude in a colonial setting.
How does the desert setting help Taj develop his perseverance?
The harsh environment forces Taj to braver, more courageous, and more resilient. His ability to navigate and survive in the desert reflects his unwillingness to give up.
What is an example of a character vs society conflict from Taj and the Great Camel Trek?
When Alec is teaching Taj to write, and he is told by Jess Young that 'natives' shouldn't be taught to read. This exposes the racial discrimination that was present at the time the novel was set.
Students may come up with other examples.
Why is a thesis statement important in an essay, and where should it be placed?
A thesis statement is important because it tells the reader the main idea or argument of the essay. It should be placed in the introduction paragraph.