the boy in the striped pyjamas, john boyne · a) the chef froze the ice cream. b) the gambler had...

The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas, John Boyne

Chapter 1, pages 1-10

Content Domain Focus 2a)

LI: To be able to give / explain the meaning of words in context

Questions:

‘What are you doing?’ he asked in as polite a tone as he could muster, for although he

wasn’t happy to come home and find someone going through his possessions, his mother

had always told him that he was to treat Maria respectfully and not just imitate the way

Father spoke to her. (from page 1)

1. After reading the paragraph above, which of the following words could you use

instead of ‘muster’?

a) manage; b) tested; c) luxury; d) uncle

2. Find and copy the word from the paragraph above that means ‘copy’. imitate

3. Looking at the two middle paragraphs on page 2, which word tells us that Bruno’s

mother is annoyed? frustration

4. On page 3, Gretel is described as a “Hopeless Case”, think of another word the author

could have used? useless/desperate/pathetic…

5. On page 4, the author tells us that Bruno knows Martin’s father is a chef because he

wears a “white smock and a tartan apron”, which of the following words could the author

have used instead of ‘smock’?

a) bikini; b) trainers; c) shirt; d) unicorn.

6. Find the word on the second half of page 5 that could be replaced by the word

‘evenly’. equally

7. Look at the top of page 6, focusing on the phrase “the little room at the top of the

house with the slanted windows, think of a word the author could have used instead of

‘slanted’. sloped/tilted/uneven/wonky/sagging

8. In the middle of page 7, Bruno is told not to interrupt his mother whilst she is speaking,

think of and write down your own definition for the word ‘interrupt’.

9. …page 8, find a word that means the same as the word ‘precise’. exact

10. ‘Honestly, only last week you were complaining about how much things have

changed here recently.’ (page 8)

Which of the following words could be used instead of ‘complaining’?

a) disturbing; b) enquiring; c) moaning; d) celebrating.

11. Which of the following definitions do you think describes what a ‘banister’ is best?

(page 9)

a) a container or device in which water is boiled, having a lid, spout, and handle;

b) the structure formed by the uprights and handrail at the side of a staircase;

c) a soft felt hat with a narrow brim and indented crown.

12. Which word … on page 10 could be replaced by ‘assumed’? presumed



Content Domain Focus 2a)

LI: To be able to give / explain the meaning of words in context

1. Focusing on the second paragraph on page 11, choose one of the following words the

author could have used instead of using the phrase steered clear of:

a) greeted; b) befriended; c) hugged; d) avoided.

2. Focusing again on the second paragraph on page 11, choose a word the author might

have used instead of ‘desolate’:

a) depressing; b) welcoming; c) inspiring; d) warm.

3. Which of the following definitions do you think describes what a ‘nook’ is best?

(near the top of page 12)

a) a corner or cubbyhole, especially one offering quiet or safety;

b) a natural underground chamber in a hillside or cliff;

c) a strong open vehicle with four wheels, typically pulled by a horse.

4. Re-reading page 13, think of another word to replace the word ‘frothy’ when the

author describes the ‘frothy drinks’ people enjoyed in Berlin. fizzy/bubbly/foamy/eferves...

5. Thinking about Bruno and his mother’s conversation on page 14, which personal quality

would someone need to have to make the best of a bad situation?

a) irritability; b) ignorance; c) anxiety; d) resilience.

6. ‘We’re here, we’ve arrived, this is our home for the foreseeable future…’ (top, p.15)

Which of the following defines the word ‘foreseeable’?

a) having poor judgement; unfair and ridiculous;

b) close enough in time to be predicted, imagined or estimated;

c) so ludicrous as to be amusing.

7. …as he went through his own door to find all his clothes scattered on the bed and the

boxes of toys and books not even unpacked yet. (middle, p.16)

Which word makes it clearest to the reader that Bruno’s bedroom is currently untidy?

8. Which of the following sentences uses the word ‘froze’ in the same way the author has

used the word towards the bottom of page 17?

a) The chef froze the ice cream.

b) The gambler had his bank account frozen.

c) When the cat saw the dog turn the corner - just for a second - it froze.

9. He looked very serious and his cap was secured tightly on his head. (page 18)

Which of the following words means the opposite of ‘tightly’?

a) firmly; b) powerfully; c) loosely; d) securely.

10. Returning to page 19, which word do you think is a synonym for ‘commandant’?

a) clown; b) florist; c) commander; d) athlete.

11. Think of and write down your own definition for the word ‘hilarious’ (page 20).



Content Domain Focus 2b)

LI: To be able to retrieve and record information / identify key details from fiction

1. Read the first paragraph on page 21, where does Bruno wish the family had left Gretel?

Berlin

2. Within the third paragraph on page 21, Bruno says that Gretel has some ‘nasty habits’.

Give a quotation which lists Gretel’s most annoying habit and explain in your own words

what effect it has on Bruno. “She spent far too long in the bathroom in the mornings”…

leaves Bruno desperate for the toilet.

3. On page 22 we are told the age difference between Gretel and Bruno.

Who is older and what is the total age difference? Gretel is older by three years.

4. We find out on page 23 that Bruno isn’t as tall as he’d like to be, write down the

approximate measurement he would like to gain in height. An extra foot or two.

5. On page 24 Bruno and Gretel agree that they’d like to leave their new home as soon

as possible, how many weeks does Gretel predict until they will be able to leave?

Three weeks

6. Look at the paragraph beginning: Bruno considered this. (top, p.25)

Using information from the text, copy the statement(s) from the table below that are true.

Statements: True False

Bruno found a sign with their new house’s name on it.

Bruno found a number on the front door of their new house – number 9.

Their old house in Berlin had a name, Luftwaffe.

The number for their address in Berlin was number 4.

The number for their address in Berlin was number 4.

7. Focusing on page 26, where is Gretel’s room in relation to Bruno’s in the new house?

Opposite Bruno’s.

8. Towards the top of page 27, how many cars are parked that belong to other soldiers?

Three or four cars.

9. On page 28, for how long does Bruno manage to forget his sister is stood next to him?

“For a few moments he forgot that she was even there.”

10. What is the weather like in Out-With at the end of the chapter (page 29)?

Find and copy a phrase as a quotation which describes the weather.

“… a bright, sunny day” / “…the sun reappeared from behind a cloud”



Content Domain Focus 2b)

LI: To be able to retrieve and record information / identify key details from fiction

1. Read the bottom paragraph on page 30, find a copy and quotation that describes

Gretel’s view from her bedroom. “forest facing her own window” / “little dark” / “good

place for picnics”

2. Look at the paragraph beginning: It started off nicely enough. (top, p.31)



Bruno had a swimming pool located beneath his window.

The garden was very small.

The flowers were grown in a very orderly manner.

The flowers are compared to candles lighting a castle on a foggy night.

3. Focusing on the opening lines of page 32, would you say that Gretel feels secure and

comfortable looking at the barbed wire fences? Why/why not? No. “unexpected pain”…

4. Look at the paragraph beginning: ‘But we learned in geography class... (bottom, p.33)

Using information from the text, copy the statement(s) from the table below that are false.


Bruno learnt that many farmers live in cities, like Berlin.

They were taught that all Germany’s food is grown in the countryside.

He remembers learning that the farmers keep all the food, sending

none to the people living in the cities.

It requires huge areas to grow enough food for an entire country.

5. Focusing on the middle section of page 34, list the six animals Bruno expects to find in

the countryside. Cows, pigs, sheep, horses, chicken, ducks.

6. Look at the paragraph beginning: He sat down on the bed... (middle, p.35)



Gretel didn’t sit down next to Bruno.

She stared at the flowers and the barbed wire fence.

She focused her attention on the people outside.

She told Bruno it was all going to be OK in the end.

7. Focusing on the penultimate paragraph on page 36, having seen hundreds of people

living outside, how may lots of people does Bruno estimate living there? Thousands

8. Within the text on the first new paragraph of page 37, what do the soldiers do to the

children Bruno sees from the window? Shout at them. Laugh at them.

9. Just before the chapter finishes on page 38, the children’s clothing is described. What

are they wearing? Find and copy the phrase that describes their outfits.

“a pair of grey striped pyjamas with a grey striped cap on their heads.”



Content Domain Focus 2c)

LI: To be able to summarise main ideas from more than one paragraph

1. Focusing on the second and third paragraphs on page 39, create a paragraph by

copying the following events (a)-(e) to show the order in which they happened.

(a) A few days later, they loaded a big truck.

(b) Father left Berlin that evening.

(c) The truck was driven away to Out-With.

(d) Early one afternoon, Bruno found Maria going through his things.

(e) The next morning, a car with flags on it came to collect Mother, Bruno and Gretel.

Early one afternoon, Bruno found Maria going through his things. Father left Berlin that

evening. A few days later, they loaded a big truck. The truck was driven away to Out-

With. The next morning, a car with flags on it came to collect Mother, Bruno and Gretel.

2. Below are some summaries of different paragraphs from pages 42 and 43.

Copy the summaries as a lettered bullet point list (a)-(d) to show the order in which the

paragraphs appear in the text.

After that the soldiers shake Father’s hand and leave. (d)

Bruno then watches soldiers trying to impress his father. (b)

Bruno looks down towards his father’s office from upstairs. (a)

Next Father raises his hand to silence the soldiers. (c)

3. Looking at page 45’s final paragraph, copy the true statement(s) into your book:


Father stays behind his desk.

Father gave Bruno a firm handshake as a greeting.

Bruno is then called “My boy” by his father.

Finally, Bruno’s Father gives him a big, slobbery kiss.

4. Which is the most frequently used word in the second paragraph on page 48?

(Ignore high frequency words like ‘to’, ‘we’, ‘is’, ‘and’ etc.)

How many times is the word used by the author within the paragraph?

Important. Three times.

5. Looking at the top half of page 51, copy the following events in the order they happen.

Father rests his cigarette in an ashtray.

He glances at Father.

Bruno swallows nervously.

Father stands up and backs away from his desk.

Bruno then licks his lips as he turns away from his father’s gaze.

Bruno swallows nervously. He glances at Father. Bruno then licks his lips as he turns away

from his father’s gaze. Father stands up and backs away from his desk. Father rests his

cigarette in an ashtray.

6. Which is the most noticeable word in the third paragraph on page 53?

How many times is the word used by the author within the paragraph?

People. Three times.

7. Which of the following would be the most suitable summary of Chapter 5?

Copy the most appropriate summary

Bruno receives a slobbery kiss from his Father, who tells him to put on some striped

pyjamas and go play with the other children.

Bruno sees his father for the first time since arriving at Out-With. They have an

important conversation; Father orders Bruno to stay away from the other children,

the children in the grey striped pyjamas.

Bruno and Gretel are called in to their father’s office to make up over an argument

about who gets to use the bathroom first in the morning.



Content Domain Focus 2c)

LI: To be able to summarise main ideas from more than one paragraph

1. Which is the most frequently used word in the paragraph that runs from p.55 to p.56?

(Ignore high frequency words like ‘to’, ‘we’, ‘is’, ‘and’ etc.)

How many times is the word used by the author within the paragraph? Hate. Four times.

2. Focusing on the first three complete paragraphs on page 56, create a paragraph by

copying the following events (a)-(e) to show the order in which they happened.

(a) Maria walks silently towards Bruno’s wardrobe. (b)

(b) Bruno says “Hello” to Maria. (c)

(c) Maria walks into Bruno’s bedroom. (a)

(d) Bruno tells Maria he thinks Out-With is “awful”. (e)

(e) Maria greets “Master Bruno” as she’s putting away his clothes. (d)

3. Looking at the paragraph beginning For a moment it seemed to Bruno as if… (p.58),

copy the true statement(s) into your book:


Maria begins by telling Bruno what she really thinks.

She tosses Bruno’s clothes all over his bedroom floor.

Maria seemed terribly angry about something.

Maria’s hands were tightened into the shape of fists.

4. Below are some summaries of events in different paragraphs from pages 60 and 61.

Copy the summaries as a lettered bullet point list (a)-(d) to show the order in which the

events happen in the text.

She asks Bruno if he remembers when she first came to work for his family. (b)

Maria tells Bruno there are many reasons why he should be proud to have his Dad.

(a)

She tells Bruno she was so poor she had no food and that he doesn’t know that

feeling. (c)

Bruno wants to tell Maria he’s feeling a tad peckish at that moment. (d)

Bruno notices that Maria is quite pretty, but feels awkward about it. (e)

5. Focusing on the first three complete paragraphs on page 56, create a paragraph by

copying the following events (a)-(f) to show the order in which they happened.

(a) Gretel tells Bruno to get out. (b)

(b) Gretel then asks Maria to run her a bath. (c)

(c) Bruno tells Gretel to get out. (a)

(d) Gretel tells Bruno that it’s Maria’s job to run them baths and do other tasks. (e)

(e) Bruno asks Gretel, “Why can’t you run your own bath?” (d)

(f) Maria rapidly shakes her head. (f)

6. Looking again at the conversation between Maria and Bruno (bottom, page 64),

copy the true statement(s) into your book:


Maria asks Bruno to promise he won’t express his opinions about Out-

With to his Father.

She tells him he isn’t allowed to say what he feels in this instant.

Bruno doesn’t ask her again whether he’s allowed to express his opinion.

Maria gives up and tells him just to say what he wants, when he wants.

7. Which of the following would be the most suitable summary of Chapter 5?

Copy the most appropriate summary into your exercise book:

After spending some quality time with his sister (Gretel), Bruno decides they’re going

to have a great time living in Out-With.

Bruno gets to know Maria much better. He complains about Out-With and his

Father, but Maria tries to convince him it’s in his best interests to get used to his new

living situation.

Bruno has a conversation with Maria, who encourages him to return away. So, he

sprints away to the train station to make his escape.



Content Domain Focus 2d)

LI: To be able to make inferences and justify/explain them with evidence from the text

1. In the chapter’s opening paragraph, Bruno thinks that he might slowly go mad.

(a) Why does Bruno expect he might go mad? He won’t see his friends soon enough.

(b) How might Bruno prevent himself going mad? He must entertain himself.

2. Focusing on the second paragraphs on page 67, find and copy a group of words that

show that Herr Roller could be considered mad. Much of the paragraph works!

3. Looking at the paragraph beginning ‘I mean it,’ Mother insisted. (middle, p.68)

What do we learn about Mother’s character from what she says here to Bruno? Explain.

She is very kind/understanding/sympathetic. Tells Bruno to speak kindly about Herr Roller.

4. Within the final paragraph on page 69, Bruno looks at a tree he believes is strong

enough to support a small boy.

Give two pieces of evidence which supports this.

Very wide trunk / hefty branches

5. How does the opening paragraph on page 70 suggest that Bruno is inventive?

He conjures the idea of making a tyre swing, and begins collecting the materials/tools…

6. Using information from the paragraph that begins on page 71 and ends on page 72,

copy any statement(s) that is/are opinion(s).

Statements: Fact Opinion

The Lieutenant was wearing a white vest.

Hair was flopping over the Lieutenant’s face.

Bruno thought he looked younger that day.

It was a sunny morning that day.

7. Focusing on the paragraph beginning ‘And afterwards… (page 76), why might Gretel

be feeling a little uncomfortable in light of Lieutenant Kotler’s actions towards Pavel?

He used a rude word / spat a little as he spoke. Generally rude towards an older person.

8. Looking again at the paragraph which begins Bruno frowned and bit his lip (p. 80), how

does the information in the paragraph make it clear that Pavel is a skilled first-aider?

Various actions described meaning ‘the bleeding had stopped’. Used medication well

(green liquid).

9. Thinking about the paragraph beginning Pavel smiled. (p.83), how does the paragraph

suggest that Pavel has a determined character?

Always wanted to be a doctor… Succeeded.

10. Looking again at the bottom half of page 85, copy the opinion statement(s) into your

book:


Mother tells Bruno to go to his room.

Bruno had been standing on a chair.

Mother selfishly claims responsibility for cleaning Bruno’s wound, so

Bruno thinks.

Bruno believes if it hadn’t been for Pavel he would have bled to death.



Content Domain Focus 2d)

LI: To be able to make inferences and justify/explain them with evidence from the text

1. With reference to the chapter’s opening paragraph, copy any statement(s) that is/are

opinion(s).


Bruno’s grandparents lived in a flat near some fruit and veg stalls.

Bruno’s grandfather was almost seventy-three years old.

As far as Bruno was concerned, his grandfather was pretty much the

oldest man in the world.

Grandfather was over eight times older than Bruno.

2. Focusing on the second paragraphs on page 86, find and copy a group of words that

show why Grandfather enjoyed visiting the restaurant. Customers to talk to / he could eat

meals there / he had a good time with friends there “laughing with friends”

3. Looking at the paragraph beginning Grandmother never seemed old... (top, p.87)

Why does Bruno’s grandmother believe she has Irish blood? Explain.

She has “red hair” and green eyes; red hair is more common in Irish people than others.

4. Focusing on the bottom half of p.87 and the paragraph that ends at the top of p.88,

we find out that Bruno’s family parties dominated by grandmother’s singing.

Why might this have been? Give two pieces of evidence which support your reasoning.

She is very knowledgeable about music, names a specific song “La Vie en Rose”. She is a

good singer, “Bruno liked nothing more than to hear her sing” / her songs “gave him

chills… made the … hairs on the back of his neck stand on end.” / “humorous” lady.

Applause from guests

5. How does the middle paragraph on page 88 suggest that Grandmother is arrogant?

“she always gave herself the best lines” / generally include “a song” / song prefaced by

her asking “Is it a song you’re wanting?”

6. Referring to the paragraph beginning Of course (p.89), why does Bruno remember their

final play with sadness?

It ended with “an argument”.

7. Using information from the opening paragraph on page 90, copy any statement(s) that

is/are opinion(s).


Father received a new uniform on Christmas Day.

The family applauded Father the first time he wore his new uniform.

The fabric was very fine, so Mother thought.

Bruno was allowed to wear Father’s cap for a small amount of time.

8. Focusing on the paragraph beginning ‘And now look at you… (page 91), why might

Grandfather be feeling so proud of Bruno’s Father at that time?

He had been “elevated to… a responsible position.” / Grandfather thinks Father is

“helping [Germany] reclaim her pride…”

9. Looking again at the paragraph which begins ‘A Patriot indeed!’ (p. 93), how does the

information in the paragraph make it clear that Grandmother has been upset by Father?

Various statements – “the people you have to dinner… makes me sick” / “that uniform

makes me want to tear the eyes from my head!” / storms out of the house and slams door

10. Thinking about the chapter’s final paragraph (p.94), how does the information

included suggest that Bruno is a depressive character?

“He wished he was back home in Berlin” / he told his grandmother he feels “unhappy” /

mentions “how much he missed her”



Content Domain Focus 2e)

LI: To be able to predict what might happen from details stated and implied

1. Thinking about the bottom of page 96 and the top of page 97, do you think Bruno will

improve in their academics whilst living at Out-With? Why?

Yes – one-to-one tuition; no beatings

No – differing interests… Bruno likes Art and Herr Liszt likes History…

2. Based on your knowledge of p.98, do you think Bruno will read more fiction or non-

fiction whilst living at Out-With? Explain you answer.

He will read more non-fiction now, as Herr Liszt says his fiction reading is “what he is hear to

change” etc.

3. Based on Bruno’s thinking within the top half of p.100, do you think he will interact with

the striped-pyjama people? Use evidence from page 100 to support your answer.

Yes – he is questioning the separation e.g. “What exactly was the difference?” / “…who

decided which people wore the striped pyjamas and which people wore uniforms?” /

“sometimes the people mixed”

4. Based on hat you’ve read in chapter 9, what do you think will happen when Bruno

heads towards the camp? Use evidence from the entire chapter.

He will meet people from the text.

Again ideas he’s had about the needlessness of separating the different peoples.

BONUS POINTS: He is an explorer like Christopher Columbus etc. who met different people

in their travels.



Content Domain Focus 2e)

LI: To be able to predict what might happen from details stated and implied

1. Based on what you’ve read of Bruno and Shmuel’s conversation on pages 108 and

109, do you think either of them will meet another Bruno in the course of the novel?

Justify your prediction with evidence from page 108 or 109.

2. Based on your knowledge of p.111, would you predict that Shmuel will manage to

teach Bruno to understand the Polish language if they were to spend more time

together? Use evidence from p.111 to support your response.

3. Having read the entire chapter, do you think Bruno’s opinion of his Father will

change after his meeting with Shmuel? Refer back to the text to defend your

prediction.

4. Reflection on your knowledge of all that you’ve read of The Boy in the Striped

Pyjamas so far, do you think Bruno will manage to do much more exploring? Explain

your prediction using your knowledge of earlier chapters and specific evidence

from chapter 10.



Content Domain Focus 2f)

LI: To be able to identify/explain how information/narrative content is related and

contributes to meaning as a whole

5. The mood of the characters changes throughout chapter 11.

Find and copy the group of words where:

(a) Mother’s mood changes in the first paragraph on page 117;

“Mother’s eyes opened wide and her mouth made the shape of an O.”

(b) Mother’s mood changes in the second paragraph on page 117;

“… said Mother, growing a little pale.”

(c) Gretel’s mood changes within the second paragraph on page 118;

“Gretel sat down again, disappointed…”

(d) Bruno’s mood changes within the main, middle paragraph on page 121;

“…making him go red with embarrassment.”

(e) The mood in the house changes after the Fury has left on page 124.

“Their voices were unusually loud…” / sensible quotation from heated conversation.

6. Match these words to the following quotations in the text: setting, future events, action,

lesson.

e.g. “It had a very high ceiling… and a carpet underfoot that Bruno thought he might

sink into.” (setting)

Copy the word and the corresponding quotation in to your Guided Reading book.

“If the fury ignores you then you do not say anything either, but look directly

ahead and show him the respect and courtesy that such a great leader

deserves.” (LESSON)

“Father saluted them and ushered them inside...” (ACTION)

“Bruno and Gretel took their places standing side by side by the staircase…”

(SETTING)

“A couple of days later he came home from school to find Maria… packing his

belongings into four large wooden crates…” (FUTURE EVENTS)



Content Domain Focus 2f)

LI: To be able to identify/explain how information/narrative content is related and contributes to

meaning as a whole


Find and copy the group of words where Shmuel’s mood changes near the bottom of p.127.

“…remembering his old life… made him very sad”


Find and copy the group of words where Bruno’s mood changes near the top of p.128.

“delighted he wasn’t the only boy who’d been forced to move.”

9. The atmosphere within the novel changes throughout chapter 12.

Find and copy the group of words where the atmosphere in Shmuel’s living arrangements

changes in the middle of p.128.

“there was another family there… always fighting with each other… one of the sons…hit me”

10. Shmuel has moved from place to place throughout his life.

Find and copy the group of words that show Shmuel’s opinion of his change of environment at

the top of p.129.

“one small window… I would see the wall… the bad part [of town]… noisy…impossible to

sleep”

11. Shmuel has moved from a totally different environment to Out-With.

Focusing on the middle section of p.130, find and copy a group of words which demonstrate a

thought about Out-With’s difference relative to where he lived earlier in his life.

“…a very cold place”


Find and copy a group of words from the bottom half of p.130, that demonstrate a change in

Shmuel’s mood.

“Shmuel looked very sad when he told his story…”

13. Shmuel’s mood changes throughout chapter 12.

Find and copy a quotation from the bottom half of p.132 that reveals a change in Shmuel’s

mood.

“Shmuel watched him do this and backed away nervously…”

14. Bruno changes his mind over the course of chapter 12.

Find and copy a quotation from the middle paragraph on p.133 that demonstrates Bruno

changing his mind.

“… the closer he got to his own house, the more he started to think that that might not be a

good idea.”



Content Domain Focus 2g)

LI: To be able to identify / explain how meaning is enhanced through choice of words and phrases

1. Look at the paragraph beginning: As week followed week (p.134)

Find and copy another set of words which suggest Bruno and his family will be at Out-With a

while longer still.

“foreseeable future”

2. As Bruno is filling his pockets with food, Maria comes in and watches him. (p.134-135)

We are then told Bruno was trying to appear as casual as possible.

Give two impressions Bruno’s reaction gives you about his character.

He can be sneaky. He is independent minded. He is a risk-taker. He is kind (getting food for

Shmuel).

3. “You’re not eating again, surely?” asked Maria… (p.135)

What does Maria’s question suggest about Bruno’s recent actions.

Bruno has been taking a lot of food, pretending to eat, to stash food for Shmuel frequently.

4. Look at the paragraph beginning: Maria’s face froze a little… (p.136)

Find and copy three other sets of words, which show she is anxious.

1. “she didn’t say anything”; 2. “she looked away”; 3. “she licked her lips”.

5. Look at the paragraph beginning: ‘I won’t tell anyone,’ said Bruno… (p.137)

Find and copy three phrases which suggest Bruno is not very good at keeping secrets.

1) “almost never spread them around”; 2) “except when it was totally necessary”; 3) when

“there was nothing he could do about it”

6. ‘It’s not that cold, is it? You chould have brought a jumper, you know. The evenings are

getting chillier.’ (p.141)

Give two impressions Bruno’s observations of Shmuel allow the reader.

He has not been given sufficient clothing. He is frightened. He is unwell/ill/malnourished etc.

7. Focusing on the paragraph beginning: Whenever anyone needed anything… (p.142)

Find and copy three sets of words which suggest Pavel is in a bad way.

1) “smaller and smaller each week”; 2) “the colour that should have been in his cheeks

had drained almost entirely away”; 3) “his eyes appeared heavy with tears”

8. Within the main paragraph on p.143, we are told the family were dressed formally.

Find and copy three descriptions which emphasise the effort the family have gone to for

dressing for that evening’s meal.

“Father in his uniform” / “Mother in a green dress that set off her eyes” / “Gretel and Bruno

in the clothes they wore to church…”

9. Look at the paragraph following: ‘Disagreements, Herr Commandant?’ (p.147)

Find and copy three words from the paragraph that suggest Father dislikes men like Kotler’s

father.

“curious fellows” / “disturbed” / “traitors” / “cowards”

10. Look at the paragraph beginning: What happened then was both unexpected and

extremely unpleasant. (p.148-149)

Find and copy three phrases from the rest of the paragraph which suggest that the family

were upset by what Kotler does next.

“none of them could watch” / “made Bruno cry” / made “Gretel grow pale”



Content Domain Focus 2g)

LI: To be able to identify / explain how meaning is enhanced through choice of words and phrases

1. Look at the paragraph beginning: ‘You haven’t tried living in my house,’ said Bruno (p.151)

Give two impressions we are given of Bruno’s personality.

Innocent / spoilt / thoughtless / self-interested / forgetful / unsympathetic

2. Towards the top of p.155, the text tells us about Bruno that although he had never

bothered to ask her, there was every chance that she was just as lonely as he was…

We are then told Bruno was trying to appear as casual as possible.

Find and copy two sets of words from the rest of the paragraph that explain why Gretel

might be feeling lonely at Out-With.

“back in Berlin she had Hilda and Isobel and Louise to play with” / “Here she had no one at

all except her collection of lifeless dolls”

3. Within the paragraph that begins on p.155 and continues on p.156, we are told that Bruno

tried to look ashamed and embarrassed.

Find and copy three sets of words from the rest of the paragraph that suggest Bruno is

trying to look embarrassed.

“squirmed on the bed” / “didn’t look her in the eye” / “wished that he could make himself

go red”

4. Look at the paragraph beginning: Bruno got to the end of his sentence and realized that

his voice had gone very quiet. (p.158)

Find and copy phrases that show Bruno is beginning to feel sympathetically towards

Shmuel.

“he hadn’t really understood at the time how sad that must have made his friend” / “he

felt terrible that he hadn’t tried to say anything to cheer Shmuel up”

5. And with that she flounced out of the room, and Bruno could her talking to her dolls in the

room across the hall and scolding them for getting themselves into such a mess while her

back was turned that she had no choice to rearrange them and did they think she had

nothing better to do with her time? (p.159)

What does this descriptiom suggest about Gretel?

She is lonely / imaginative / bored / speaks to imaginary friends too (in a way)…

6. At the end of chapter 14, we are told that Bruno stared out at the rain instead and

wondered whether Shmuel, wherever he was, was thinking about him too and missing their

conversations as much as he was. (p.160)

What does the description tell you about Bruno?

He’s very sensitive / he misses his friend / he is very lonely / he is very sentimental / maybe

he is beginning to love Shmuel like a best friend…



Content Domain Focus 2h)

LI: To be able to make comparisons within a text

1. Look at the opening paragraph of chapter 15, who is hungrier: Bruno or Shmuel?

Use evidence from the text to support your answer.

Shmuel – “getting thinner by the day…”

2. Focusing on the paragraph that begins on p.161 and ends at the top of p.162, how is

Father different to Bruno’s grandmother?

Bruno’s grandmother loved parties. Father doesn’t.

3. Look at the paragraph beginning: Bruno walked towards the living room… (p.163)

Find and copy a set of words that show how Father is different to Bruno’s tutor, Herr Liszt.

Explain.

Father is different as he “had given [Bruno a new book] called Treasure Island”. Herr Liszt

didn’t encourage Bruno to read fiction, but Father is encouraging him to read novels.

4. Focusing on the bottom of page 67 and the top of page 68, compare and contrast Bruno’s

hands with Shmuel’s hands. Explain, using quotations from the text.

Shmuel’s hands are skeletal (“like the hand of the pretend skeleton”) compared to Bruno’s

healthy hand (“his hand was healthy and full of life”). Other sensible quotations too…

5. Look at the paragraph beginning: ‘That’s a question you never have to ask me,’ (p.169).

In what way are Shmuel and Gretel similar? Find and copy a set of words to support your

answer.

“although he had never met Gretel in his life, he knew something about sarcasm too”

6. Reflecting in total on chapter 15 alone, how does Bruno’s attitude towards Lt. Kotler

change throughout the chapter?

A combination of the following, or similar ideas:

First, he is quite rude – it’s about an island… there is treasure…

Dislikes him – how he acts towards his mother…

Cockily disregards Lt. Kotler to Shmuel (p.166; p.168-169)

Terrified by Lt. Kotler’s behavior towards Shmuel (p.171 – p.173)

Hates Kotler even more when he sees Shmuel’s bruises (p.174/175)



Content Domain Focus 2h)

LI: To be able to make comparisons within a text

1. Look at the second paragraph of chapter 16, in what way has Bruno changed physically at

Out-With?


Bruno has become taller…various sensible quotations, e.g. “he could see over things…”

2. Focusing on the bottom of p.176 and the top half of p.177, how do we know Bruno and

Father are feeling similarl emotions?

Find and copy a set of words that show how Father feels; find and copy a set of words that

show Bruno’s feelings.

They are both sad. Bruno’s thoughts made him “very sad indeed”; Father “was particularly

sad”.

3. Looking at the paragraph beginning at the bottom of page 177, find and copy a sentence

that shows how Bruno’s mood changes when they return to Out-With.

Why might his mood have changed from how he had been feeling in Berlin? Explain.

“Bruno felt almost glad when they returned to Out-With.” He was sad in Berlin, because

Grandmother had just died; he is happy going back to Out-With as he could spend time

with Shmuel again.

4. Focusing on the opening lines of page 178, in what way does the writer show that Bruno’s

parents’ marriage has improved. Explain, using quotations from the text.

The author tells us that “Father and Mother seemed cheerful all the time”. Mother had

stopped taking “naps” in the afternoon and “medicinal sherries”. PSHE opportunity –

mental health/depression…

5. Look at the paragraph beginning: Bruno often made comments like this (p.179).

In what way have Shmuel and Bruno reacted differently following the incident with Lt.

Kotler?

Find and copy sets of words to help compare their responses.

For Bruno the event “still preyed on his mind and made him feel bad…”; Shmuel “seemed

to have forgotten all about it.”

6. Reflecting on the paragraph beginning: Gretel’s room had changed quite considerably

(p.179-180).

How has Gretel’s room changed? Find and copy sets of words that show change, and

explain what changes they might suggest about Gretel’s changing character.

A combination of the following, or similar ideas:

“there wasn’t a single doll in sight”

“hung up maps of Europe… put little pins into them and move the pins around…”

It suggests Gretel is maturing, putting away the toys from her childhood and instead

following the movement of the German (Nazi) army as it progressed and receded within

Europe like the adults in the novel.

7. Focusing on page 185, in what way are Bruno and Shmuel now similar?

Find and copy a set of words to support your answer.

“their heads were shaved too”



Content Domain Focus: Mixed 2a-2h

LI: To be able to use my inference and deductive reasoning skills to extract information and

meaning from a text

1. Look at the opening paragraph of chapter 17, why have Mother and Bruno’s moods

changed in differing ways since they’ve returned to Out-With after Grandmother’s funeral?


Bruno is glad to be back “mostly due to Shmuel”. Mother is lonely as “the young Lieutenant

Koteler – had been transferred somewhere else”.

2. Focusing on the paragraph that beings: Although he tried not to be one of those boys

(p.186)

The author has used the word ‘eavesdrop’.

Think of and write down your own definition for the word ‘eavesdrop’.

secretly listen to a conversation

3. Looking at the paragraph beginning at the bottom of page 187, how many best friends did

Bruno have in total when he lived in Berlin?

“Karl and the two other best friends” – 3 in total.

4. Look at the paragraph beginning: Nothing at all changed for a few weeks (p.188).

Find and copy at least two sets of words that show how life went on as normal.

“Father spent most of his time either in his office…” / “Mother kept very quiet during the

day…” / “Gretel stayed in her room…”

5. Focusing on the opening two lines of page 190, find the word that could be replaced by

the word ‘obvious’.

‘explicit’

6. Reflecting on the paragraph beginning: ‘Oh, Bruno!’ said Gretel… (p.190).

Find the word that could be replaced by the word ‘irritated’.

‘exasperated’

7. Look at the paragraph beginning: ‘There are hundreds of children here,’ said Bruno (p.191)

How do the words in the following paragraph suggest Bruno may have said the wrong

thing?

Find and copy a set of words, then explain your answer.

“A silence followed this remark” – Bruno isn’t supposed to know what is happening on the

other side of the fence. His knowledge of the children in the striped pyjamas suggests he

has been going to places his father would have forbidden him going towards…

8. Focusing on the second to last paragraph of chapter 17 (p.192), list at least three of the five

instructions Father has given for their home in Berlin to be prepared for their return.

Find and copy sets of words to support your answer.

“house should be cleaned” / “windows washed” / “banister varnished” / “linen pressed” /

“the beds made”





meaning from a text

1. Focusing on the paragraph that beings: Bruno broke into a smile… (p.193)

The author has used the word ‘smuggled’.

Think of and write down your own definition for the word ‘smuggled’.

move (things/items/objects/goods/individuals/beings) illegally/secretly

2. Looking again at chapter 18’s second paragraph (p.193), in what way has Shmuel’s mood

changed from how it is when Bruno normally sees him?

Find and copy at least one set of words to support your answer.

“his friend looked even more unhappy than usual” / “he didn’t reach for the food with his

usual eagerness”

3. Focusing on the closing lines of page 193, find the word that could be replaced by the

word ‘’enthusiasm’.

‘eagerness’

4. Look at the paragraph beginning: ‘I don’t think that would be a good idea,’ (p.195).

Based on Bruno and Shmuel’s conversation, why might Bruno be feeling disappointment at

that moment?

Bruno would find it easier if Shmuel didn’t ask him to ask his father about the whereabouts

of Shmuel’s father, as he knows deep down that this would be an awkward request.

5. Focusing on the paragraph that beings: ‘I don’t think the soldiers like us,’ (p.195), find the

word that could be replaced by the word ‘manage’.

‘muster’

6. Looking at the opening paragraph on page 196, why might Shmuel find it hard to

understand how such a man [as Bruno’s Father] could have a son who was so friendly and

kind?

Bruno has been kind to Shmuel; however, Bruno’s Father probably acts in a very cruel way

towards the Jewish inmates of the concentration camp.

7. Look at the paragraph: ‘Yes. I’m going back to Berlin.’ (p.196).

Find and copy two sets of words from the following paragraph that demonstrate Shmuel’s

shock at Bruno’s announcement.

“mouth dropped open in surprise…” / “his voice catching slightly…”

8. On page 197, the author writes: Shmuel nodded but couldn’t find any words to express his

sorrow.

Think of and write down your own definition for the word ‘sorrow’.

a feeling of deep distress/sadness caused by loss, disappointment, or other misfortune

suffered by oneself or others

9. Focusing on pages 198 and 199, what do you think might happen in chapter 19?

You must use evidence from p.198 and/or p.199 to support your prediction. Explain.

[DO NOT USE KNOWLEDGE OF THE FILM OR LATER CHAPTERS]

Bruno probably goes on the other side of the fence to help Shmuel search for his Papa, e.g.

“Bruno imagined a great adventure…on the other side of the fence… help him in the

search for Papa”. He probably disguises himself as an inmate: “don’t forget the pyjamas…”

Any other sensible quotations from p.198/p.199.





meaning from a text

1. Focusing on the opening paragraph of chapter 19, in what way has the weather remained

the same at Out-With?

Find and copy a set of words to support your answer.

“another wet day”

2. Look at the paragraph that begins: However, the clock was ticking… (p.200)

Find and copy the set of words that explain Bruno’s prediction that it will stop raining.

“it was only the morning and a lot could happen between then and the late afternoon”

3. Focusing on the paragraph that begins: Fortunately it came to an end (p.201), list the two

items of clothing Bruno chooses to wear.

“pair of boots” / “heavy raincoat”

4. In the following paragraph on page 201, we are told that His boots squelched in the mud.

Think of and write down your own definition for the word ‘squelched’.

a soft sucking sound such as that made by treading heavily through mud

5. Focusing on the paragraph that begins at the bottom of p.201 and continues on p.202, find

and copy a set of words that explain why Mother’s mood has changed.

“their belongings had been sealed and packed into a truck for despatch to Berlin”

6. Look at the paragraph beginning: Shmuel was waiting for Bruno (p.202).

In what way has Shmuel’s positioning changed from what he is normally doing when Bruno

arrives at the fence?

Find and copy two sets of words (one that describes Shmuel normally; the other as Bruno

finds him on this occasion) to support your answer.

He normally is “sitting cross-legged”; however, today he is “standing, leaning on the fence”

7. Focusing on the paragraph that begins: Shmuel nodded and held out his hands (p.202),

find and list the three clothing items Shmuel has brought Bruno.

“striped pyjama bottoms” / “striped pyjama top” / “striped cloth cap”

8. On page 203, we are told that Bruno began scratching his stubbly head.

Think of and write down your own definition for the word ‘stubbly’.

E.g. If a man has not shaved recently, he has a stubbly chin – short, scratchy/itchy hairs.

9. Looking at the paragraph that begins: Shmuel turned round (p.203).

Find the word that could be replaced by the word ‘shuddered’.

‘shivered’

10. Focusing on the paragraph beginning: Shmuel turned just as Bruno… (p.204).

Find and copy a set of words that describe how Bruno is different to the other boys on

Shmuel’s side of the fence.

“Bruno was nowhere near as skinny” / “not quite so pale”

11. Focusing on the paragraph that begins: ‘It reminds me of the plays… (p.205).

Find and copy the word that explains what makes Grandmother’s plays and his adventure

on the other side of the fence similar.

“costume”

12. Look at the paragraph that begins: Shmuel smiled too… (p.206)

Think of and write down your own definition for the word ‘unaccustomed’.

not familiar; strange or unusual

13. Focusing on two paragraphs, one that begins: Bruno had an urge…; the other beginning:

Shmuel had an urge… (p.206)

Find and copy two sets of words that show how Bruno and Shmuel share the same feelings

towards each other.

Any two sensible quotations from the two paragraphs.

14. Focusing on all of page 207, find and copy two sets of words that demonstrate how the

other side of the fence is different to Bruno’s previous vision of the other side.

[Make sure you pick one quotation that shows how Bruno thought it would be and another

that shows what it’s like in reality.]

Any contrasting pair of sensible quotations from p.207.

15. Look at the paragraph that begins: In fact everywhere he looked (p.208).

Find and copy two sets of words that demonstrate the difference between the Jewish

people and the Nazi soldiers holding them as prisoners.

“happy, laughing, shouting soldiers” / “unhappy, crying people” OR “uniforms” / “striped

pyjamas”

16. Focusing on the paragraph beginning: So Bruno kept his word… (p.209)

How much time did Bruno and Shmuel spend searching for evidence to explain Papa’s

disappearance?

“an hour and a half”

17. Look again at the paragraph that begins: The whistles blew again… (p.210-211)

How many Jewish inmates are estimated to be marching at that time?

“about a hundred”

18. Focusing on the opening lines of p.212, find and copy the words the writer has chosen to

emphasise how securely built the room was.

“no rain was getting in” / “airtight”

19. Focusing on the paragraph beginning: ‘And I’m sorry… (p.212).

Find the word that could be replaced by the word ‘disappeared’.

‘vanished’

20. Focusing on the final paragraph of chapter nineteen, find the word that could be replaced

by the word ‘convinced’.

‘persuaded’

the boy in the striped pyjamas, john boyne · a) the chef froze the ice cream. b) the gambler had...

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