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Grade Seven Assigned Reading for the June-July Break:
Maroo of the Winter Caves by Ann Turnbull
ISBN 0-89919-304-8
In August 2008, Grade Seven students will begin the school year with discussion and activities based on Maroo of the Winter Caves. Thus, all grade seven students are expected to have read the book over the June-July break. Continuing students have received a copy of the book; incoming students should purchase a copy or borrow from a library in order to be prepared for class. Please bring these worksheets with you on the first day of class. Enjoy!!!
Please read the story, and complete the following activities.
Chapters 1 and 2
A. Vocabulary: Using a dictionary or context clues, what do these words mean in this context?
B. Please answer these questions with detail.
This story is called ‘historical fiction’. Why do you think it is called that?
Maroo is the protagonist, the most important character in the story. How did she get her name?
Chapters 3, 4 and 5
A. Vocabulary: Using a dictionary or context clues, what do these words mean in this context?
B. Please answer these questions with detail.
What is a grub? Have you ever seen or touched one? How does it feel? How does it move? How might it taste?
What does it mean that ‘dogs were rivals of people’? (p. 21)
What does Old Mother mean when she says, “Once you give him a name, his spirit will be in your keeping”? (p. 29)
Chapters 6 and 7
A. Vocabulary: Using a dictionary or context clues, what do these words mean in this context?
B. Please answer these questions with detail.
How long did the journey to the sea take and how did Vorka keep track of time?
What happened to Vorka and Areg while hunting for the ibex?
Chapters 8-10
A. Vocabulary: Using a dictionary or context clues, what do these words mean in this context?
B. Please fully answer the questions below with detail.
How did Sovi’s trail “grow colder” each day?
Why is winter described as “a giant striding behind them, his shadow already looming”?
Chapters 11-13
A. Vocabulary: Using a dictionary or context clues, what do these words mean in this context?
B. Please answer these questions with detail.
What did Old Mother say would give them hope, “even when the worst comes”?
Was Areg’s spirit in the ibex?
Why did Maroo insist that it was not?
Chapters 14-16
B. Please answer these questions with detail.
On p. 115, why is Maroo irritable with Otak’s questions?
If food supplies were running low, what did Maroo know Old Mother would do?
Do you think this is a good solution? Explain your view.
On p. 126 Maroo is desperate. What saves her?
The torch alone was insufficient to scare off the lion. In your opinion, what really saved Maroo?
Who is your favorite character in this story? Use some of your own special adjectives to describe this person and his or her character traits. Explain what you find interesting or intriguing about this character.