Question 1
Read lines 1-5 (para one) List five reasons why people would think Ciaran was leading an unhealthy life. [5]
- He has a fat/bloated/big stomach
- His shirts do not fit/His stomach pokes through his shirt
- He likes ale/pub food/takeaways/tobacco (one mark for each- so three marks for all three even if on one line)
- He is lazy/doesn’t like exercise (one mark for each- so two marks for both even if on one line)
- He has a fat face/paunchy face/rotund stomach
DO NOT ACCEPT: he is a man;
- he is unhealthy;
- he is old;
- he doesn’t like being fat;
- anything from elsewhere in the text.
Question 2
Read lines 6-12 How does the writer show you the effect being with Ciaran has upon Niall’s behaviour?
- You must refer to the text to support your answer, using relevant subject terminology where appropriate. [5]
- “cautiously” implies nervousness, hesitation, apprehension- he isn’t sure about getting in with his brother, perhaps doesn’t trust him or want to be there with him. OR he is cautious about the water or the boat.
- His actions are that of someone who is scared/nervous “leg jiggled” and hands “taptaptapped” as if he can’t sit still, feels uncomfortable, uneasy- doesn’t trust his brother, or doesn’t want to be in the boat.
- His voice ‘lost’ as if he cannot be found, he doesn’t have confidence to speak, feels weak in front of his brother.
- The stones/wishing well coins are symbolic of his discomfort there and how he wants to be somewhere else. A wishing well is a childish notion, and fits with Niall’s whimsical personality.
Niall cautiously stepped into the boat. …
