Fireweed Comprehension Consolidation Worksheet

Name:

Date:

📚 WALT: Demonstrate understanding of character and theme in Fireweed

Read this extract from Fireweed:

"Bill looked across the bombed street. The fireweed was growing everywhere now, purple spikes pushing up through the rubble where houses used to be. Julie was sitting on a broken wall, her face streaked with dirt, but she was smiling. 'We're free,' she said quietly. 'Nobody telling us what to do.'"

1. What does the fireweed symbolise in this extract?

Destruction and sadness

New life and hope growing from destruction

The end of the war

Julie's happiness

2. How does Julie feel about her situation? Use evidence from the text.

3. Which word best describes the mood of this extract?

Hopeful

Frightening

Angry

Confused

4. Find and copy one phrase that shows the contrast between destruction and new life.

🔍 WALT: Use inference skills and analyse vocabulary choices

5. What can you infer about Bill and Julie's living situation from the phrase "Nobody telling us what to do"?

They are living without adult supervision

They have run away from home

They are enjoying their independence

They are completely alone in London

6. Why do you think the author chose to describe Julie's face as "streaked with dirt" but also mention that "she was smiling"?

7. The word "spikes" is used to describe the fireweed. What does this suggest about how the plants are growing?

8. Complete this sentence using a subordinating conjunction:

The children felt free __________ they had no adults controlling them.

and

because

but

✏️ WALT: Express understanding through creative response

9. Extension Activity: Imagine you are Bill. Write a diary entry describing your feelings about living in bombed London. Use descriptive language and show your emotions.

Success Criteria:

• I can identify themes and symbols in the text

• I can use evidence to support my answers

• I can make inferences about characters' feelings

• I can analyse the author's vocabulary choices