NiE Lit 2017 (Vol 472)

Vol 472

WEDNESDAY 12 JULY 2017

Intermediate A bittersweet symphony Advanced Parting ways Earn Your Band 6 Stop cyberbullying

Tel: 03 7967 1388 Fax: 03 7955 4039 thestar.com.my/education

Spark your creative energy >2 Supported by the Ministry of Education

2

-NiE ,

12 JULY 2017

Elementary Scriptwriting Note to the teacher

century learning skills

OUR children are riding the great wave of technology today. They now have facts and procedures at their fingertips.

Teachers have to equip their students with new skills that allow them to thrive in today’s global economy.

The activities in The Star’s Newspaper-in-Education pullout combine literacy skills with content to build this set of skills.

The key below indicates the skills integrated into the activities in this pullout.

Calling the shots WHY do actors always say and do the right things at the right moments? Everything appears to fall in place, so much so that it is poetic!

In reality, it is not as simple as it looks. Actors in movies or plays have to learn and practise lines that have been specially written for them. These lines are called scripts. People who write the scripts of plays are sometimes called playwrights or scriptwriters.

A playwright can write for many genres: plays, television shows and movies. Plays can be divided into a number of scenes. Many plays are also adapted from familiar legends, fairy tales or stories. Sometimes, even real-life incidents can be adapted into plays.

The following is an example of how one part of a story from The Star can be adapted into a scene for a play.

What Happens to My Family?

8TV, Astro Ch 708 / HyppTV Ch 108, 10.30am Cha Soon-bong, a widower and a father of three children, finds out he has cancer. He decides to use his remaining time to ensure the happiness of his children, even though they are selfcentred and disrespectful. As part of his plan, Cha takes his children to court, demanding that they pay him an impossibly large amount of cash. But of course, none of them has the money.

Hence, they have to fulfil their father’s seven requests. Only then do they realise their wrongdoings, but is it too late?

In a private ward in Hospital Orient. Cha Soon-bong is talking to Doctor Sia, who has just finished examining him. Nurse Jasmine is standing beside the doctor.

Cha Doctor Sia Cha

: So, tell me the truth, Doctor Sia. : (Shaking his head) I’m sorry, Mr. Cha. : (Softly) How long do I have? Just be honest.

Doctor Sia : Five months, maybe seven.

Nurse Jasmine : Is there anything I can do for you? Do you want me to call your children?

Cha

: Children? Ha! What a fine set of children I have. Not even one of them cared enough to come and visit me.

Not one, out of the three. (He tries to get up but starts coughing.)

Nurse Jasmine : (Trying to make Mr. Cha lie down again) Be careful, Mr. Cha. You need to rest now.

NiE Activity 1 Critical thinking ● Identify

Critical thinking

Creative thinking

Problem solving

● Identify ● Reason

● Imagine ● Invent

● Question ● Recreate

Communicating

Collaborating

● Oral ● Written

● Listen ● Contribute respectfully

● Reason

In groups of four, choose an article, news report or story (or part of it) from The Star. Use it to write one scene for a play script. You can invent a storyline, add more characters, change the setting and provide additional information that is not found in the article. When you have finished, take turns performing your scene in class.

● Measure ● Organise

Creative thinking ● Imagine

NiE Activity 2 Critical thinking

Creative thinking

● Identify ● Organise

● Imagine ● Connect

Problem solving

Communicating

Sometimes, scripts can even be written for cartoons. For example, the script below is based on the cartoon strip Kee’s World from The Star .

● Brainstorm ● Connect ● Invent

● Present ● Recreate

Problem solving

Collaborating

● Question

● Contribute respectfully

● Research

● Compromise

● Recreate ● Present

Communicating ● Oral ● Non-verbal ● Written ● Aural

Collaborating

● Non-verbal ● Written

Kee is walking in a park with his friends, Chin and Johnny. The sun is shining brightly.

Chin: It is such a pleasant day, isn’t it?

Johnny: Just the right weather for a nice walk in the park during lunch break.

(It starts raining suddenly.)

Kee: (Looking pleased) Such a beautiful day.

Chin: (Starting to run) Beautiful day? You’re crazy. Oh no, my new shirt is going to get wet.

Johnny: Quick, let’s dash across the field.

Chin: No wait, there’s someone selling umbrellas.

Johnny and Chin rush to the umbrella stall. Kee is there selling umbrellas.

Johnny: What? RM20 for one umbrella?

Chin: It was just RM10 this morning!

Kee: Well, well, it wasn’t raining this morning!

In groups of four, choose one cartoon strip from The Star. Cut it out and paste it on a sheet of A4 paper. Then, create a play script based on it. Add at least three speaking lines of your own. You can also add extra characters if you like. When you have finished, act out your script in class.

● Listen ● Contribute respectfully ● Compromise ● Attain goal nie editorial manager: SHARON OVINIS senior nie executive: ROWENA CHUA writer: DR MALLIKA VASUGI layout designer: SHOBA illustrator: HASSAN BAHRI To order The Star for NiE lessons, call: Sundarrajan 03-7967 1388 ext 1437 or 016-288 3682 We welcome feedback; write to: Star-NiE, Star Media Group, 15 Jalan 16/11, 46350 Petaling Jaya or e-mail us at: starnie@thestar.com.my

-NiE ,

Elementary Short story

NiE Activity 1 Critical thinking ● Identify

● Reason

Creative thinking ● Imagine

● Invent

● Recreate

Communicating ● Oral

● Written

Collaborating ● Contribute ● Attain goal respectfully

3

The soul of EIGHT-YEAR-OLD Akbar has a dream. He wants to craft the most beautiful silk cloth in the whole of India. Although his grandfather feels that Akbar is still a little too young, he wants to help Akbar realise his dream. He plans a journey to Agra for Akbar to see the Taj Mahal. He hopes that Akbar will be inspired by the patterns and motifs displayed there.

When they finally make the trip to Agra, Akbar is amazed by the beauty of the Taj Mahal. Stirred by its stories and splendid patterns and colours, Akbar sets out to make his dream of creating the most beautiful silk cloth in India come true.

Problem solving ● Present

12 JULY 2017

Indian actors Zulfikar Syed and Sonya Jehan posing near the Taj Mahal in Agra.

– Reuters

In the story Akbar’s Dream, Akbar’s grandfather helps him to make his dream come true. Do you dream of doing something special one day? Who could help make it happen?

In groups of four, talk about your dreams and aspirations.

Then, look in The Star for individuals or organisations (in the form of pictures or names) that could help make your dreams a reality. Cut them out and paste them on separate sections on a sheet of A4 paper. Next, write a reason for your choice. Finally, take turns to share your work with other groups.

EXAMPLE

NiE Activity 2 Critical thinking ● Identify

Win a trip!

Attention, all secondary school students! We are running the Picture Perfect online photography contest from July 3 to 24.

All you need to do is to go to our Facebook page (www.facebook.com/niebrats), post a photograph you have taken, capturing an exciting holiday moment, and then get your friends to “like” it.

Your post must be accompanied by a 50-word caption, and the hashtag #pictureperfect. Also, provide your full name, age and school name.

You will be judged based on your creativity, caption, language, photo quality and social media reach.

Communicating ● Non-verbal ● Written

Problem solving

● Brainstorm ● Connect

● Question

● Present

EXAMPLE

Collaborating ● Contribute respectfully

● Compromise

When Akbar finally sees the Taj Mahal, he is inspired by its beauty. Read the following extract from Akbar’s Dream.

It was carv decorated ed to look like lace and emeralds with rubies and . The twis ting, turn flowers th ing a were eve t covered the scre n e ones Akb more beautiful tha n ar had se n the en outsid e.

In groups of four, look for a picture in The Star that inspires you to create something beautiful. Cut it out and paste it on a sheet of A4 paper. Then, write (or draw) a short description of what you are inspired to create based on the picture. Take turns to present your work in class.

Credit: AP

Ten winners will be entitled to a 2D1N holiday in Resorts World Genting.

● Reason

Creative thinking

4

-NiE ,

12 JULY 2017

INTERMEDIATE Graphic novel

A bittersweet

JULES VERNE is the author of this story that is set in 1866.

When an “enormous, unidentified thing” in the ocean becomes a threat to sailing ships, the United States government invites Professor Pierre Aronnax, an expert on undersea life, to investigate the source and help deal with the mysterious sea monster. Professor Aronnax agrees and together with his manservant Conseil and Ned Land, who is also known as the “prince of harpooners”, they join an expedition aboard the warship named the Abraham Lincoln.

Professor Aronnax believes that this giant creature could be a narwhal – a whale that could grow to a length of sixty feet. Unfortunately, their ship crashes into a large object and they are hurled overboard. They are then rescued by Nemo, captain of the Nautilus. They soon discover that it is this very submarine that has been mistaken for the sea

monster. They are well treated by Captain Nemo, although they are told that they should never attempt to leave the submarine.

During their time on the Nautilus, they have many exciting experiences. They fish for giant pearls and view fantastic sights like the magnificent coral kingdoms, the underwater forest of Crespo Island and the submerged lost city of Atlantis.

In time, they learn about Captain Nemo’s need for secrecy and his desire to be completely cut off from the world.

When Captain Nemo attacks and sinks a warship, they decide that they must escape at all costs. Do Professor Aronnax, Ned and Conseil succeed in their attempt to escape from the Nautilus? Read 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea to find out.

NiE Activity 2

NiE Activity 1 Critical thinking ● Identify ● Reason

Creative thinking ● Imagine ● Connect

Communicating

Collaborating

● Oral ● Written

● Contribute respectfully ● Compromise

Problem solving

● Question ● Present

When Professor Aronnax decides to join the expedition in search of the mysterious sea monster, two other men accompany him. They are Ned Land, a skilful Canadian harpooner who is also known as the “prince of harpooners”, and Conseil, his loyal manservant who is also a skilled oarsman.

If you were in Professor Aronnax’s position, who would you choose on this mission and why?

In groups of four, choose three people (in the form of pictures or names) from The Star whom you would take along on the journey. Cut the pictures or words out and paste them on a sheet of A4 paper. Write down three reasons for your choices (based on information from The Star). Then, create one more reason of your own. When you have finished, present your work in class.

EXAMPLE

Expedition companion from The Star

Reasons ● ● ● ●

Critical thinking ● Identify ● Organise

Creative thinking ● Imagine ● Connect

Communicating

Collaborating

● Oral ● Written

● Listen ● Contribute respectfully

Problem solving

● Question ● Recreate

Contrast is sometimes used in literature when opposing values are juxtaposed or placed next to each other. In this novel, we see Captain Nemo alternating between feelings of hate and love at different points of the story. He feels the heartbreak of losing his family, which turns into feelings of bitter revenge and a quest for vengeance. There is, however, a great deal of compassion in his heart. This is evident in his care for a man on board who is ill. He is grieved when the man dies and prepares a beautiful burial. He donates gold to people of Crete and hands a bag of pearls to an East Indian diver who has been attacked by a shark. Read the following extract.

Captain Nemo had planned to ram the warship from below, where it was not protected.

Suddenly, I felt a blow. The Nautilus had struck the hull of the warship. I was frozen with horror when I saw the warship sinking before my eyes.

I rushed to Captain Nemo’s room. Through the open door, I saw the Captain crying over a portrait of a woman and two small children.

In groups of four, use words, phrases and pictures from The Star to show two contrasting sides of Captain Nemo. Cut them out and paste them on separate columns on a sheet of A4 paper. When you have finished, write a short message of advice to Captain Nemo. Display your work on the classroom walls and do a gallery walk.

EXAMPLE

Positive side

Kind

Loving

NiE Activity 3 Critical thinking

Creative thinking

● Identify ● Reason

● Imagine ● Connect

Problem solving

Communicating

● Question ● Present

Collaborating ● Contribute respectfully

● Compromise

● Non-verbal ● Written

Imagine that, like Professor Aronnax, you were imprisoned in a place that was quite comfortable: enough entertainment, food and shelter. However, you were not permitted to leave. Would you be contented to stay there all your life or would you want your personal freedom?

In groups of four, compose an e-mail to a close friend or family member, expressing your thoughts on the subject. Use at least 10 words from The Star. When you have finished, exchange e-mail messages with another group.

You will now have to create a reply to the message from the other group before sending it back to them.

Negative side

Violent

Impulsive

-NiE ,

INTERMEDIATE Play

NiE Activity 1 Critical thinking ● Identify

● Organise

Creative thinking ● Imagine

● Invent

Problem solving ● Recreate

● Present

12 JULY 2017

9

A smooth facade O. HENRY is the witty author behind this play about office worker Towers Chandler who saves one dollar out of the 18 dollars he earns each week. After 10 weeks, he would indulge in a night out. Dressed in his Sunday best, he would set off to dine in one of the most expensive restaurants in New York, after which he would take a taxi home.

On one of these nights out, a girl wearing rather shabby clothes bumps into him and hurts her foot when she falls.

Chandler is concerned and offers to call a taxi to take her home.

She declines but later accepts Chandler’s offer to have dinner.

Chandler is by now very attracted to the girl, Marian, whom he believes to be a common shop girl. He tries to impress her with tales of his rich and idle lifestyle. When they part ways, Chandler regrets not telling her the true circumstances of his modest lifestyle. He does not know that Marian actually comes from a wealthy family and wishes to marry someone who has a worthy purpose in his life. In fact, she wishes to meet with someone whose lifestyle is exactly the opposite of the one Chandler claims to lead.

Communicating ● Oral

● Written

Collaborating ● Contribute ● Attain goal respectfully

In the following extract from the play A Night Out, Chandler explains to his friend Jeff White what he does on his evening out.

White : What do you do?

Chandler : I put on my finest clothes, go to one of the best restaurants in New York, eat the most expensive food on the menu, drink the best coffee, then take a taxi home!

White : (Very surprised) Why? Chandler : Why? Because it makes me feel wonderful to sit with some of the richest people in America, and to make them think that I’m rich, too.

Imagine that this conversation was between two office workers in Malaysia.

Fill in the blanks with the words using phrases and words from The Star. You may even create your own names to replace White’s and Chandler’s.

White : What do you do?

Chandler : I put on ……………………………….., go to ……………………………….., eat ……………………………….., drink ……………………………….., then take a ……………………………….. home!

White : (Very surprised) Why? Chandler : Why? Because it makes me feel …………………………………………………………………..…………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………..………………………………………………………………………....

NiE Activity 2 Creative thinking

Critical thinking

The following is another extract from the play. Marian is talking to her sister.

Sissie Marian

Sissie Marian

● Imagine ● Invent

● Identify ● Reason

Sissie’s choice

Ben Radnish Heir to a steel fortune who spends his time in his luxury yachts and holiday villas. Often attends redcarpet events. Well-known for his expensive designer suits and fleet of luxury cars.

1 2 3 4

● Identify ● Reason

Creative thinking ● Imagine ● Connect

Problem solving

● Question ● Recreate

Collaborating

● Non-verbal ● Written

● Contribute respectfully ● Compromise

Marian’s choice

Jay Merdian Lawyer who prefers to work for humanitarian causes such as famine relief. Enjoys science fiction movies and jazz, and walks in the park with his dog, Sacha.

Pictures and names to represent their chosen husbands-to-be Occupations (of both men) Personalities

5 6 7

Interests People they admire Life slogans

Places they like to visit

Activity 3 Critical thinking

● Question ● Recreate

Communicating

EXAMPLE

: Who could you love? : I could love a man with kind blue eyes, who doesn’t try to flirt with every girl he sees. But I could only love him if he has some important work to do in the world. Then it doesn’t matter how poor he is. : You are crazy! : Perhaps. But, sister dear, we only meet men who ride their horses and go dancing. I couldn’t love a man like that, even if his eyes are blue and he’s kind to poor girls who meet him in the street.

Marian’s sister does not seem to share Marian’s feelings about future life partners.

In groups of four, look in The Star for suitable pictures and words to describe the choices of the two sisters according to the list on the right. Cut them out and paste them in different columns on a sheet of A4 paper.

You may use some of your own words, but all the pictures and at least 10 words or phrases must come from The Star. Present in class when you have finished.

Problem solving

Communicating

Collaborating

● Non-verbal ● Aural

● Listen ● Contribute respectfully

In the play, Marian says: Everyone thought that I was a shop girl! It was wonderful!

Why do you think Marian was delighted when people thought that she was a shop girl? What would you happily be mistaken for and what would sadden you?

Discuss in groups of four. Then, look for pictures or words from The Star to represent each of your choices. Cut them out and paste them on different sections on a sheet of A4 paper, together with your reasons. Take turns to present your work in class.

10

-NiE ,

12 JULY 2017

ADVANCED

Coming of age

Novel

ANNE SCHRAFF writes a coming-of-age tale about 15-year-old Richard Knight whose preference for poetry, instead of sports and hunting, makes him appear poles apart from his father and brother, Gus. His love for nature and his belief in the sanctity of life make him reluctant to join them in their hunting activities.

When Richard’s teacher introduces the class to the poetry of Joyce Kilmer, a well-known poet with The New York Times, Richard takes an interest. This is so because Kilmer feels the same way about nature and the sanctity of life. When World War 1 breaks out, Kilmer, although a man of peace who does not believe in war, volunteers for service in the army to fight for his country.

This kind of courage intrigues Richard even more and he begins a correspondence with the poet. In time, this develops into a strong bond of friendship. Through their letters, they exchange thoughts on poetry and snippets of their lives.

Richard learns about the evils of war. He is also affected by what’s going on around him like the show of patriotism and the strong anti-German feeling in his community. As the correspondence continues, Richard matures and learns about true courage and the evils of discrimination and racism.

When Kilmer is killed in the war, Richard is deeply saddened. In his grief, he writes a poem as a beautiful tribute to the poet. It is published in the local newspaper.

One of the themes of the story is moral courage. Moral courage refers to the courage to stand firm in what you believe in, and to do what you believe is right even when there is a risk of adverse consequences.

In the novel, Richard remains true to his love for poetry, although most of the people closest to him don’t think much of it. He is willing to stand up against criticisms by the people he loves the most, including his father.

The following is an extract from the novel Dear Mr. Kilmer.

“Would any of you like to read some of my poems?” Richard asked.

“I don’t think so,” his father said in a bland voice. “Never could see much use in that poetry stuff. If you want to do it, it’s your concern, not mine.”

A wave of despair rushed over Richard. He looked hopefully toward his sister.

“You know I’ve never been much of a reader,” Angie said.

“I could read some of them to you,” Richard offered, trying not to sound like he was pleading.

“I probably wouldn’t even understand them,” Angie protested.

“I hate poetry,” Gus piped up. “It’s a lot of sissy stuff, as far as I’m concerned...”

NiE Activity 1 Critical thinking ● Identify

● Reason

Creative thinking ● Imagine

● Invent

Imagine that Richard’s family had given encouraging responses to Richard’s request. In groups of four, fill up the missing parts with some possible responses to show that Richard’s family are supportive of his interest in poetry. Use at least five words from The Star.

When you have finished, read it out in class.

Problem solving ● Recreate

● Present

● Identify

● Reason

Communicating ● Oral

● Written

● Written

Collaborating ● Listen

● Aural

● Contribute respectfully

“Would any of you like to read some of my poems?” Richard asked. “………………………..,” his father said in a …………………… voice. “………………………………… ………………………………………………………………..............................................................................”

A wave of ……………… rushed over Richard. He looked hopefully toward his sister. “……………………………………………………………………..,” Angie said. “…………………………,” Gus piped up. “……………………………………………………………………

NiE Activity 2 Critical thinking

Communicating

NiE Activity 3 Creative thinking ● Brainstorm

● Connect

Problem solving ● Question

● Present

Collaborating ● Contribute respectfully

● Compromise

Richard also displays moral courage when he stands up for his GermanAmerican neighbour, Hannah Schermer and her family, when they become victims of anti-German sentiment. Richard is the only one who signs his name on the card expressing sympathy for the Schermers. He also gives up the lead role in a patriotic programme to show his support for Hannah.

Sometimes, you need to make sacrifices for something you believe in strongly but you need to be careful about making the right choices.

In groups of four, look for a situation (article, report or picture) from The Star that would require moral courage to voice your opinion. You could be for or against the issue. Cut it out and paste it on a sheet of A4 paper. Discuss the issue in your group and then write a brief description of: ● the main point of the issue; ● why you are for or against the issue; and ● what you could do to make a change.

When you are done, present your work to other groups who will have to provide comments or suggestions.

Critical thinking ● Identify

● Reason

Creative thinking ● Brainstorm

● Connect

Problem solving ● Question

Communicating

● Present

The poet Joyce Kilmer volunteers for service in the army to fight for his country even though he doesn’t believe in war. This shows his spirit of patriotism for his country. There are many other ways that one can show patriotism for their country even when there is no war.

In groups of four, look for four people (in the form of pictures or names) from The Star. These personalities should be people who demonstrate the spirit of patriotism for their country. Cut out their pictures or names and paste them on a sheet of A4 paper. Write reasons for your choices next to them. Then, create short messages of encouragement for them. Display your work on the classroom walls before doing a gallery walk.

● Oral

Collaborating ● Contribute respectfully

EXAMPLE Picture, name or profession

Message of encouragement

● Written

Reason

● Attain goal

-NiE ,

ADVANCED Poem

PH PHOTOGRA THE LIVING there,

r is tall randmothe erie anglaise shirt, My small g rod b e it h ck, w , straight-ba s, grey bun e o sh t a fl t, ir sk d s. te ye plea d her e smile roun a kind, old ine, m s ld o dh .

Her big han black hand. th in the eye in er own dea h white hand k o lo s ye lue e Her sharp b at look. after all; th ll.

It was true ecame sma b r e th ndmo My tall gra d and hunched. un Her back ro t to boil. others go. rgo fo Her soup lace grandm p l fu w a e th She went to known, unthinkable. un re e h w e m So e is still, But there sh ith me at three, . w , breathing In the photo is still living ile sm d e Kay The crinkl – By Jackie

NiE Activity 1 ● Reason

● Measure

Communicating ● Non-verbal

● Written

11

Parting ways

THE persona in Jackie Kay’s poem is viewing a photograph taken with her grandmother from many years ago when they were both much younger.

In the photograph, the persona was just three years old. Her grandmother looked taller and stronger than she was at that point in time. The persona remembers that with the progression of time, her grandmother became hunched with age, less alert and weaker. Her memory was not as sharp, as well.

When her grandmother died, it was as if her grandmother had moved to a mysterious, strange and forbidding place that the grandchild does not comprehend. In the photograph, however, the grandmother remains as alive and vibrant as she once was.

Critical thinking

12 JULY 2017

Activity 2 Creative thinking ● Brainstorm

● Connect

Problem solving ● Question

● Recreate

Collaborating ● Contribute respectfully

● Attain goal

In any literary work, the tone is the mood, perspective or attitude that the writer adopts regarding his subject. Tone can reflect many emotions such as joy, regret, pride, admiration and longing.

The tone of a literary work helps the reader identify the feelings of the writer towards his topic and understand it better.

She went to the awful place grandmothers go.

Somewhere unknown, unthinkable.

The “awful place” could most likely be an allusion to death, something a child aged three would not comprehend. Imagine being three years old. What would entail “awful places” and “good places”?

In groups of four, look for a photo or description of a place or situation from The Star that can be regarded as “awful”. Cut it out and paste it on a sheet of A4 paper. Next, look for three more words from The Star associated with the mood or atmosphere of the situation. Cut them out and paste them on the same page.

Write a short description with reasons to justify why it is an “awful” place or situation to be in.

When you have finished, exchange papers with another group. You will now have to write two more ways suggesting how the place or situation could be improved so that it would not be so “awful” anymore.

EXAMPLE

Tortured to death over a laptop PETALING JAYA: He was bound, beaten and burned with an iron for days, leading to his death – all because of a dispute over a laptop.

When 21-year-old Malaysian National Defence University student Zulfarhan Osman Zulkarnain was rushed to Hospital Serdang on Thursday, his body was found 80% covered in bruises and burn marks.

The final-year navy cadet officer’s two supposed friends who had rushed him to hospital were arrested, along with 34 other students – 30 from the university and four from Universiti Tenaga Nasional.

The Star, June 3, 2017

Horrific Shocking Terrible

Critical thinking ● Identify

● Reason

Problem solving

Creative thinking ● Imagine

● Invent

● Recreate

is tall there, andmother gr l shirt, al sm y M erie anglaise k, white brod ac -b ht ig ra st grey bun, t, flat shoes, pleated skir r eyes. he ile round a kind, old sm e, in holds m Her big hand black hand. e eye. in n death in th white hand look her ow es ey ue bl Her sharp

● Present

Communicating ● Non-verbal

● Written

Collaborating ● Contribute respectfully

● Attain goal

In groups of four, look for a photograph of any person featured in The Star. Cut it out and paste it on a sheet of A4 paper. Imagine that 20 years have passed and you are looking at the same photograph in the year 2037.

What do you think you would say about the photograph? Use the lines of the poem as a guide and replace some of the words based on the photograph. When you have finished, take turns to read out your poem in class.

EXAMPLE

12

-NiE ,

12 JULY 2017

Episodes 18 and 19

By: Dean Pitchford We are so sorry, Newt.

It was getting dark by the time I got home.

Dad was on his phone.

Sorry for what?

What am I going through?

This… you wore your Halloween costume to school.

For neglecting you. We just never stopped to notice what you’re going through.

Yeah, but I feel super amazing in them. It’s like magic.

Dad? When can I visit Chris?

Thanks!

Clothes do not have magical powers, Newt.

When the doctors say it’s okay, you’ll be the first one through the door.

Neglecting

Not paying proper attention, ignoring, overlooking or forgetting.

Magical

Supernatural or relating to magic.

I dropped off to sleep and dreamed about the Big Tackle again; only this time, I came to my brother’s rescue.

Ollie ollie oxen STOP!

What’s the matter? Aren’t you supposed to be tougher than steel?

I was on the playground at noon the next day when suddenly a football knocked me on the back of my head.

Who wants to know?

!

ng i o B

Hassling

Bothering, troubling or harassing.

Ricky Ratner.

Cousin of Reggie Ratner.

Ow!

Punching out someone’s lights

Knocking someone out with a fist or punching someone until they are unconscious.

My cousin has nothing to do with punching out your brother’s lights.

Dissolved

Within a split second, the wall of my fourth-grade classmates dissolved and life on the playground returned to normal.

What was that?

It’s happening just like we said it would.

QUESTIONS

I never said he did.

But everybody else thinks he did. I want you to call off all your brother’s friends who keep hassling my cousin, because if you don’t…

Disappeared.

What do you think Mr. Newman meant when he apologised to Newt for neglecting him?

Remember what I said, you tell your brother’s friends to back off my cousin. Or else.

It’s the power of Captain Nobody.

We’re finally getting noticed!

Who stepped out of the school building during the confrontation between Newt and Ricky Ratner?