Weekly Assessment T 2 U6 EN – Y9 2024-25

Name……………………………………………………………………………………… Stream…. Teacher: Mr. Anu

General Instructions:
1. Read all instructions carefully. There are 16 [sixteen] questions in this weekly assessment.
2. All questions must be answered. A few questions may have internal choices; you need to
choose one option from the given choices.
3. Write your answers clearly in blue or black ink. Ensure that your handwriting is legible.
Sufficient space is provided to respond.
4. Marks for each question are indicated next to the question number. Answer each question
according to the marks it carries.
5. Use only the writing materials provided. No borrowing.
6. Do not seek help from others during the assessment.
7. Write neatly and legibly. Avoid overwriting.
8. Review your answers to correct any mistakes or add details.

Reading Sec on: Non-Fic on (Contemporary Prose)

Text: Extract from "A Walk in the Woods" by Bill Bryson

The Appalachian Trail, which stretches over 2,100 miles from Georgia to Maine, is one of the longest con nuous
footpaths in the world. In his memoir, A Walk in the Woods, Bill Bryson documents his journey along this challenging
trail, sharing both the beauty and the difficul es that come with exploring the wilderness.

Bryson’s story begins with his decision to hike the trail, despite being woefully unprepared. He describes the trail as a
‘long and lonely ribbon of dirt’, with unpredictable weather, treacherous terrain, and a dis nct lack of ameni es. The
author’s sense of humour shines through as he recounts the mishaps and frustra ons of preparing for the journey.
His lack of physical fitness and poor gear choices serve as a reminder that nature, while awe-inspiring, does not care
for the weaknesses of humankind.

As Bryson makes his way through forests, over mountains, and across rivers, he frequently reflects on the history of
the Appalachian region. The once-thriving towns along the trail have become ghost towns, with only remnants of
their former life remaining in the woods. Nature has a way of reclaiming what humans have le behind, a fact that
Bryson meditates on throughout his journey.

Despite the discomforts and challenges, Bryson finds beauty in the landscapes that surround him. From vast
mountain ranges to serene valleys, the wilderness reveals itself to him in small, quiet moments. His observa ons of
the plants, animals, and weather pa erns around him evoke a deep respect for the environment. Even in moments
of frustra on, he is constantly aware of the connec on between humans and nature. Ul mately, Bryson’s story is
about more than just hiking – it is about the effort to find meaning in the natural world, even when it is o en
inconvenient or uncomfortable.

Reading Ques ons (10 Marks)

Comprehension (5 Marks)

1. What is the Appalachian Trail, and how long is it? (1 Mark)

3. How does Bryson feel about his lack of prepara on for the hike? (1 Mark)

4. What happens to the towns along the Appalachian Trail? (1 Mark)

5. What is the significance of nature ‘reclaiming’ what humans have le behind? (1 Mark)

Understanding Skills (2 Marks) 6. How does Bryson convey his sense of humour throughout the narra ve? (1 Mark)
7. Why is Bryson’s reflec on on nature important to the themes of the book? (1 Mark)

Analysing (2 Marks)
8. How does Bryson’s wri ng style help engage the reader with the difficul es he faces on the trail? (1 Mark)
9. Iden fy one example from the text that demonstrates Bryson's respect for nature. (1 Mark)

Evalua ng (1 Mark)
10. Do you think Bryson’s journey along the Appalachian Trail is about more than just hiking? Jus fy your answer. (1
Mark)

Language Focus (5 Marks)

Focus: Rhyming Couplets and Imperfect Rhyme

Instruc ons: Read the excerpt from the poem provided below. A er reading, answer the following ques ons based
on the rhyming scheme and the effect of rhyme in the poem.

Text:

In the forest where the trees grow high,

11. What is the rhyme scheme of the first stanza? (1 Mark)

12. Which two words in the second line of the stanza are an example of an imperfect rhyme? (1 Mark)

13. Iden fy a rhyming couplet in the poem. (1 Mark)

14. Explain the effect of the rhyme in the first stanza of the poem. (1 Mark)

15. How does the imperfect rhyme in the poem influence its tone or rhythm? (1 Mark)

Wri ng Sec on: 10 Marks

Task:

16. Choose one of the following tasks to complete. Write your response in 200-250 words.

1. Analysing a Poem (10 Marks)

 Step 1: Read the provided poem carefully.

 Step 2: Iden fy the main theme or message of the poem.

 Step 3: Analyse the use of language, including rhyme, imagery, and tone.
  Step 4: Discuss how the poem’s structure contributes to its meaning.

 Step 5: Write your response in a structured essay form, focusing on analysis.

2. Describing a Natural World (10 Marks)

 Step 1: Choose a se ng in nature that you feel connected to (e.g. a forest, beach, mountain).

 Step 2: Describe the sights, sounds, and feelings associated with this place.

 Step 3: Use sensory details to create a vivid picture.

 Step 4: Incorporate figura ve language (simile, metaphor, personifica on).

 Step 5: Write a detailed descrip on, paying a en on to language and structure.

3. Analysing Spa al Metaphors (10 Marks)

 Step 1: Iden fy a passage in the text that uses metaphors related to space or loca on (e.g., paths, journeys,
boundaries).

 Step 2: Explain how these metaphors are used to represent something deeper than physical space (e.g.,
emo onal or psychological journeys).

 Step 3: Discuss the impact of these metaphors on the reader's understanding of the text.

 Step 4: Write a clear analysis with examples from the text.

4. Wri ng Sonnet Lines (10 Marks)

 Step 1: Study the structure of a Shakespearean sonnet (14 lines, ABAB CDCD EFEF GG rhyme scheme).

 Step 2: Write the first 8 lines (an octave) of a sonnet. Ensure you follow the rhyme scheme and use iambic
pentameter.

 Step 3: Focus on developing a theme (e.g., love, nature, me).

 Step 4: Incorporate vivid imagery and figura ve language.

 Step 5: Make sure your lines flow with rhythm and rhyme.

5. Homecoming Wri ng (10 Marks)

 Step 1: Think about the concept of returning home a er a long me away.

 Step 2: Describe the emo ons and observa ons of someone returning home.

 Step 3: Use sensory details to illustrate the experience (e.g., sights, smells, sounds).

 Step 4: Reflect on what the return signifies for the person (e.g., growth, nostalgia).

 Step 5: Write your response as a narra ve or reflec ve piece, paying a en on to structure and emo onal
depth.