'Slide the Corner'
When looking at an extended text we need to study…
Characters behave in certain ways to reveal something about human nature.
- Character
Characters behave in certain ways to reveal something about human nature.
- Plot
- Setting
- Theme
- Important Events
Greg is in trouble with his parents. He has failed NCEA Level 1 and is being made to repeat Year 11. Greg is the odd one out in his family. Both his parents are scientists and his older sister and younger brother are both brainy. Greg struggles at school; according to his father he is thick as crude oil. He finds school boring, especially since he has done it all before. Misunderstood by his parents Greg begins to rebel. He changes his subjects at school, choosing to study automotive engineering, which really interests him. He refuses to come home and study with his mother and begins looking for a part-time job. His parents are unimpressed. In fact they ban him from eating any food from the house until he comes to his senses . One day after school Greg does a good deed for a pregnant woman and his life changes for the better. Holly's husband Brad drives and works on racing cars. Suddenly Greg finds his niche. Brad offers him an after-school job and, far from struggling, Greg shows a real talent for fixing cars. Brad understands Greg and fosters his talent by allowing him to become his co-driver. For the first time ever he has friends and a sense of purpose. But Greg's father still refuses to support his son's endeavours. Will he realise that Greg is a worthy member of the family with his own strengths before their relationship is destroyed forever?
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Comprehension Questions:
All questions must be answered in full sentences.
Chapter One and Two:
1. What does Greg dream of doing? Why doesn't he tell his parents?
2. How do Greg's parents punish him for failing NCEA Level 1?
3. Why doesn't Greg complain when his mother tells him that he has to repeat Year 11?
4. Why doesn't Greg have anything personal in his room? Support your answer with a quote from the novel.
5. What decision does Greg come to when he climbs out his window in search of food?
6. Why does Greg go and see Mr Carmody? Do you agree with what Mr Carmody says about Greg's dad? Why/why not? Explain in detail.
Extension:
- Why does Greg feel so misunderstood at home? Give detailed examples.
- Greg's father calls him 'thick' and constantly compares him to his siblings. Is this an effective way of motivating him? Explain in detail. Support your answer with quotes from the novel.
Chapter Three, Four and Five:
1. Why does Greg not have any friends? Include a quote.
2. Why does Greg stop trying to please his father?
3. Who are the Chattertons?
4. What are they like? Give at least three examples.
5. What is Greg's objection to Brad teaching him to drive better? What does it show you about the effect Greg's parents have had on him?
6. How does Brad change Greg's mind?
Chapter Six, Seven, Eight, Nine and Ten:
1. What does Greg say to try and convince his parents that he should become a mechanic? (Support with an actual quote) Page 46
2. What happens when Greg's parents visit Brad and Holly's house? Page 48-49
3. What happened at the garage while Brad was at the hospital visiting Holly? Page 61-62
4. How does Greg get all the gear he needs for rallying? Page 67
Extension:
- Brad tells Mr Mannering that he "does not argue with bigots." Find the definition for the word 'bigot' and list at least three synonyms (similar words) and three antonyms (opposite words). Explain what Brad meant, and what he was referring to. In your own words, explain why being bigoted is a problem in society today.
Chapter 11, 12 and 13:
1. What does Brad suggest Greg could do for his father? Page 62-63
2. Find a quote that shows Greg's reaction to this. (Page 73)
3. What is different about the writing style of the first half of Chapter 12? Why has the author changed the writing style for that part of the chapter? (What is the effect?)
4. What position did Greg and Brad come in their class? Page 87
5. Identify the simile and metaphor on page 80. Copy them down. Explain why they have been used.
6. Identify the personification on page 81. Copy it down.
Chapter 14 and 15
1. What advice does Brad give Greg about dealing with making a mistake? Include a quote (pg 98)
2. What does Greg do in order to buy the mini? (103)
3. What happens on the trip to Auckland? What compliment does Greg's father pay him? Include the quote. (111 - 112)
4. How does this make Greg feel? (112 - 113)
Chapter 16 and 17
1. Who is Chris Broadbank? Why is Greg so surprised to find out he is interested in cars? (115)
2. Why does Chris ask to speak to Greg's dad when the group meets before the rally? Why is Greg's dad surprised by Greg's new friend? (117)
3. Why does Greg feel so triumphant when he finishes the rally? (128)
4. What major changes have happened in Greg's life so far in the novel?
5. How has he changed from the beginning of the novel? (Include an event from the start of the book and an event from where we have read up to which shows the change in Greg). Be specific and detailed.
Chapter 18 and 19
1. Why is Greg disappointed when the holidays arrive?
2. Why is it so important that Brad does well in the next national champ rally?
3. Why does Greg decide to upgrade his competition licence?
4. Explain the dilemma Greg's mum has. How does Greg's dad stand up for him? Include the quote (pg 132)
5. What is Greg going to do next year when he leaves school?
6. Describe Brad's reaction when he finds out that Ted Allen has been rallying in the South Island. How does this affect Brad's chance of getting the sponsorship?
7. Why is Greg worried about making a mistake? Give two reasons.
Chapter 20, 21 and 22
1. How does Lindy convince the spectators to move? pg 145
2. How does Greg do in his exams? What does his mother bring him home after he receives his report? pg 151, pg 152
3. Who does Greg invite to the school ball? Why does he enjoy the night so much? pg 153, pg 154
4. What does Greg want for his birthday? What presents does he receive? pg 154
5. Why does Greg's mum decide that the family should go and watch Brad and Greg in the rally? How does Greg's dad react to this suggestion? pg 156, pg 157
6. What slows Brad down during the rally? How does he injure himself? pg 160
7. How does Brad react when he learns that Greg has the appropriate licence? pg 161
8. Why does Greg begin to question himself again during the race? What restores his confidence? pg 165, 166
9. Where do Brad and Greg come in the rally? pg 167
10. What exciting news does Brad give Greg the day after the rally? pg 169
11. What does Greg's dad give him? Why is this so important to Greg?(Include a quote) pg 170, 171
Personal Reading Response
Possible ideas:
- a character
- an event
- a big idea (destiny, sexism, whaling, the environment, culture, family etc)
- decisions characters make…
- structure
- language used in the text
- conflict between characters
- reactions you might have had to certain situations
- anything else you want to write about!
Below is a list of questions to help prompt you.
1. Was there a character that you liked/disliked? Explain why in detail.
2. Was there a decision someone made that you agreed with/disagreed with? Explain why in detail. What were the consequences of that decision? What does this show you about choices?
3. Was there an event that happened that made you feel a strong emotion? (Anger, exhilaration, fear etc.). Explain the event and how it made you feel.
4. How would you react in some of the situations in the text? Would you react differently? Why/why not? Explain in detail.
Response structure:
'I' statement (opinion)
In the short story/novel/film..... (include evidence from the text to support your 'I' statement/opinion)
I felt/thought/disliked etc ___________ because ______________ (explain your 'I' statement in detail)
In the real world/In society etc (Connect your opinion to the real world or society)
Title:
Author:
Text type: (novel, article, poem etc)
I really liked the character of.... I liked his character because he was loyal and brave. He stood up for his friends. An example of him standing up for his friends was when.... This showed me that no matter the situation, it is vital to protect and support the people you care about. This might stop the increase of bullying in schools.
I didn't like the decision that the character of....made to..... I didn't like it because..... I would never do that because...... A better way to have handled the situation would have been to.....
- a character
- an event
- a big idea (destiny, sexism, whaling, the environment, culture, family etc)
- decisions characters make…
- structure
- language used in the text
- conflict between characters
- reactions you might have had to certain situations
- anything else you want to write about!
Below is a list of questions to help prompt you.
1. Was there a character that you liked/disliked? Explain why in detail.
2. Was there a decision someone made that you agreed with/disagreed with? Explain why in detail. What were the consequences of that decision? What does this show you about choices?
3. Was there an event that happened that made you feel a strong emotion? (Anger, exhilaration, fear etc.). Explain the event and how it made you feel.
4. How would you react in some of the situations in the text? Would you react differently? Why/why not? Explain in detail.
Response structure:
'I' statement (opinion)
In the short story/novel/film..... (include evidence from the text to support your 'I' statement/opinion)
I felt/thought/disliked etc ___________ because ______________ (explain your 'I' statement in detail)
In the real world/In society etc (Connect your opinion to the real world or society)
Title:
Author:
Text type: (novel, article, poem etc)
I really liked the character of.... I liked his character because he was loyal and brave. He stood up for his friends. An example of him standing up for his friends was when.... This showed me that no matter the situation, it is vital to protect and support the people you care about. This might stop the increase of bullying in schools.
I didn't like the decision that the character of....made to..... I didn't like it because..... I would never do that because...... A better way to have handled the situation would have been to.....