Here are extract-based questions from each lesson in the First Flight textbook. Each extract is followed by three part-questions.

Prose Section

A Letter to God

Extract: “It’s during the meal, as Lencho had predicted: big drops of rain began to fall. In the heart of the valley, the older boys were working in the field, while the smaller ones played near the house.”

Questions:

1. What does this extract reveal about Lencho’s connection to nature?

2. How does Lencho’s family reflect rural life in this scene?

3. What role does the rain play in the development of the story?

Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom

Extract: “The policy of apartheid created a deep and lasting wound in my country and my people. All of us will spend many years recovering from that profound hurt.”

Questions:

1. What was the impact of apartheid on South African society?

2. How does Mandela use this extract to emphasize the need for reconciliation?

3. What does the phrase “lasting wound” signify in the context of apartheid?

His First Flight

Extract: “He waited a moment in surprise, wondering why he did not fall. Then he flapped his wings once and he soared upwards.”

Questions:

1. How does the seagull’s first flight symbolize personal growth?

2. What emotions does the seagull experience in this moment?

3. How does the author use imagery to capture the seagull’s transformation?

The Black Aeroplane

Extract: “The black aeroplane was still there in front of me in the clouds. Now there was only enough fuel in the old Dakota’s last tank to fly for five or ten minutes more.”

Questions:

1. How does the black aeroplane add an element of mystery to the story?

2. What does the narrator’s situation reveal about his determination?

3. How does this moment heighten the suspense of the narrative?

From the Diary of Anne Frank

Extract: “Paper has more patience than people. I thought of this saying on one of those days when I was feeling a little depressed and listless, waiting for it to end.”

Questions:

1. Why does Anne find solace in writing?

2. How does this extract highlight Anne’s introspective nature?

3. What does the phrase “paper has more patience than people” suggest about Anne’s feelings?

Madam Rides the Bus

Extract: “The conductor was a jolly sort, fond of joking. ‘Oh, please don’t be angry with me, my fine madam,’ he said. ‘Here, have a seat right up there in front.’”

Questions:

1. What does the conductor’s behaviour reveal about his personality?

2. How does this moment contribute to the overall tone of the story?

3. What does Valli’s response to the conductor’s jokes tell us about her character?

Mijbil the Otter

Extract: “Somehow, I managed to squirm the bag open just enough for him to poke his head out of the opening. Mijbil’s wide, staring eyes met mine.”

Questions:

1. What does this interaction reveal about the bond between Gavin Maxwell and Mijbil?

2. How does Mijbil’s behaviour reflect his intelligence and curiosity?

3. How does the author’s description create a vivid image of Mijbil’s personality?

The Sermon at Benares

Extract: “He who seeks peace should draw out the arrow of lamentation, and complaint, and grief. He who has drawn out the arrow and has become composed will obtain peace of mind.”

Questions:

1. What is the significance of the metaphor “arrow of lamentation”?

2. How does this teaching align with Buddha’s overall philosophy?

3. What lesson does this extract offer to those struggling with grief?

   
   

Poetry Section

Dust of Snow

Extract:

“The way a crow shook down on me

The dust of snow from a hemlock tree

Has given my heart a change of mood

And saved some part of a day I had rued.”

Questions:

1. How does the poet use nature to convey a moment of transformation?

2. What is the significance of the crow and the hemlock tree in this extract?

3. How does this moment reflect the power of small events?

Fire and Ice

Extract:

“Some say the world will end in fire,

Some say in ice.

From what I’ve tasted of desire

I hold with those who favor fire.”

Questions:

1. How does the poet use fire and ice as metaphors for human emotions?

2. What does the phrase “tasted of desire” suggest about the poet’s experiences?

3. How does this extract highlight the destructive potential of emotions?

A Tiger in the Zoo

Extract:

“He stalks in his vivid stripes

The few steps of his cage,

On pads of velvet quiet,

In his quiet rage.”

Questions:

1. How does the poet contrast the tiger’s physical power with his restricted environment?

2. What does the phrase “quiet rage” reveal about the tiger’s emotions?

3. How does this extract critique human treatment of animals in captivity?

Amanda!

Extract:

“Don’t bite your nails, Amanda!

Don’t hunch your shoulders, Amanda!

Stop that slouching and sit up straight, Amanda!”

Questions:

1. How does this extract reflect the restrictions placed on Amanda?

2. What does Amanda’s reaction to these instructions reveal about her desires?

3. How does the poet use repetition to emphasize Amanda’s struggles?

The Proposal

Extract:

“It’s true. Your Guess is wrong. Both Guess and Squeezer are dogs! But he is better than Guess, isn’t he? Squeezer is young. He may develop a bit, but on points and pedigree, he’s better than anything that even Volchanetsky has got!”

Questions:

1. What causes the argument over dogs in this extract?

2. How does this moment reflect the characters’ pride and stubbornness?

3. How does Chekhov use humour to portray the absurdity of the situation?

Here are the answers to all the extract-based questions:

Prose Section

A Letter to God

Extract:

“It’s during the meal, as Lencho had predicted: big drops of rain began to fall. In the heart of the valley, the older boys were working in the field, while the smaller ones played near the house.”

Answers:

1. The extract highlights Lencho’s deep connection to nature. His understanding of weather patterns and his reliance on rain for farming demonstrate his harmony with the environment.

2. Lencho’s family reflects the simplicity of rural life, with clear roles—older boys working in the fields and younger ones playing near the house. This scene emphasizes their dependence on farming for sustenance.

3. The rain symbolizes hope and prosperity, but it also sets the stage for tragedy when it turns into a destructive hailstorm, driving the story’s conflict.

Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom

Extract:

“The policy of apartheid created a deep and lasting wound in my country and my people. All of us will spend many years recovering from that profound hurt.”

Answers:

1. Apartheid caused severe oppression, segregation, and injustice, leaving South Africa deeply divided. The emotional, social, and economic wounds created long-lasting effects on its citizens.

2. Mandela emphasizes reconciliation by acknowledging the damage caused by apartheid but promoting forgiveness and unity as essential for healing.

3. The phrase “lasting wound” signifies the enduring emotional and societal scars left by apartheid, emphasizing the immense work needed for recovery.

His First Flight

Extract:

“He waited a moment in surprise, wondering why he did not fall. Then he flapped his wings once and he soared upwards.”

Answers:

1. The seagull’s first flight symbolizes personal growth and the realization of potential. It represents overcoming fear and discovering one’s abilities through courage.

2. The seagull experiences surprise, relief, and joy as he realizes he can fly. These emotions reflect his transition from fear to confidence.

3. The author uses vivid imagery, such as “flapped his wings” and “soared upwards,” to convey the seagull’s transformative moment and the beauty of flight.

The Black Aeroplane

Extract:

“The black aeroplane was still there in front of me in the clouds. Now there was only enough fuel in the old Dakota’s last tank to fly for five or ten minutes more.”

Answers:

1. The black aeroplane adds mystery by appearing unexpectedly and guiding the narrator safely through a storm, with no explanation of its origin or pilot.

2. The narrator’s decision to follow the black aeroplane despite dwindling fuel reveals his determination and trust in unknown assistance.

3. This moment heightens suspense as the narrator faces imminent danger, creating tension about whether he will reach safety.

From the Diary of Anne Frank

Extract:

“Paper has more patience than people. I thought of this saying on one of those days when I was feeling a little depressed and listless, waiting for it to end.”

Answers:

1. Anne finds solace in writing because it allows her to express herself freely without fear of judgment or interruption, providing emotional relief.

2. This extract highlights Anne’s introspective nature, showing her ability to analyze her emotions and articulate her thoughts deeply.

3. The phrase “paper has more patience than people” suggests Anne’s feelings of isolation and frustration with human interactions, emphasizing her reliance on writing for comfort.

Madam Rides the Bus

Extract:

“The conductor was a jolly sort, fond of joking. ‘Oh, please don’t be angry with me, my fine madam,’ he said. ‘Here, have a seat right up there in front.’”

Answers:

1. The conductor’s behavior reveals his cheerful and friendly personality, adding humor and lightheartedness to the story.

2. This moment contributes to the story’s overall tone by maintaining a playful and engaging atmosphere.

3. Valli’s composed and serious response to the conductor’s jokes reflects her maturity and determination to be treated with respect.

Mijbil the Otter

Extract:

“Somehow, I managed to squirm the bag open just enough for him to poke his head out of the opening. Mijbil’s wide, staring eyes met mine.”

Answers:

1. This interaction reveals the growing bond between Maxwell and Mijbil, marked by trust and mutual curiosity.

2. Mijbil’s behavior reflects his intelligence and inquisitiveness, showcasing his adaptability and personality.

3. The author’s detailed description vividly captures Mijbil’s charm, making him relatable and endearing to readers.

The Sermon at Benares

Extract:

“He who seeks peace should draw out the arrow of lamentation, and complaint, and grief. He who has drawn out the arrow and has become composed will obtain peace of mind.”

Answers:

1. The metaphor “arrow of lamentation” signifies the pain caused by attachment, grief, and sorrow, which must be removed to achieve peace.

2. This teaching aligns with Buddha’s philosophy of detachment, emphasizing the importance of letting go to overcome suffering.

3. This extract offers a profound lesson to those struggling with grief: inner peace can be attained through acceptance and composure.

Poetry Section

Dust of Snow

Extract:

“The way a crow shook down on me

The dust of snow from a hemlock tree

Has given my heart a change of mood

And saved some part of a day I had rued.”

Answers:

1. The poet uses nature to show how a simple act, like snow falling, can transform one’s mood and bring positivity.

2. The crow and the hemlock tree, often associated with negativity, symbolize unexpected sources of comfort and hope.

3. This moment reflects how small events can have a significant impact on altering perspective and uplifting spirits.

Fire and Ice

Extract:

“Some say the world will end in fire,

Some say in ice.

From what I’ve tasted of desire

I hold with those who favor fire.”

Answers:

1. Fire represents destructive desire, while ice symbolizes hatred. These metaphors highlight the dual destructive nature of human emotions.

2. The phrase “tasted of desire” suggests the poet’s personal experience with passion and its overwhelming potential.

3. This extract emphasizes how unchecked emotions can lead to devastation, reflecting on their universal impact.

A Tiger in the Zoo

Extract:

“He stalks in his vivid stripes

The few steps of his cage,

On pads of velvet quiet,

In his quiet rage.”

Answers:

1. The poet contrasts the tiger’s majestic power with its confinement, emphasizing its suppressed strength.

2. The phrase “quiet rage” conveys the tiger’s frustration and helplessness in captivity.

3. This extract critiques human interference in nature by highlighting the loss of freedom and dignity for wild animals.

Amanda!

Extract:

Answers:

“Don’t bite your nails, Amanda!

Don’t hunch your shoulders, Amanda!

Stop that slouching and sit up straight, Amanda!”

1. This extract reflects the restrictions placed on Amanda, showing the constant commands, she faces.

2. Amanda’s longing for freedom and independence is revealed through her imaginative escapes, contrasting with these instructions.

3. The poet uses repetition to emphasize Amanda’s struggles and the suffocating nature of excessive control.

The Proposal

Extract:

“It’s true. Your Guess is wrong. Both Guess and Squeezer are dogs! But he is better than Guess, isn’t he? Squeezer is young. He may develop a bit, but on points and pedigree, he’s better than anything that even Volchanetsky has got!”

Answers:

1. The argument over dogs arises from the characters’ pride in their pets, symbolizing their trivial and competitive nature.

2. This moment reflects the characters’ stubbornness and inability to prioritize important matters, like the marriage proposal.

3. Chekhov uses humor to showcase the absurdity of human disputes over insignificant issues, adding comedic relief.