Moriori Reading Comprehension

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Date:

📘 Part 1: Literal & Vocabulary

1. Literal (Core) — Who was Tommy Solomon and why is he important in the story?

2. Literal (Core) — What was the Law of Nunuku?

3. Literal (Stretch) — Add detail: include what Tommy was known for and explain how the Law of Nunuku affected Moriori actions.

4. Vocabulary (Core & Stretch) — What does the word “enslaved” mean? What are taonga? Then use each word in your own sentence showing you understand it in the context of the Moriori story.

🧠 Part 2: Inference, Reorganisation & Evaluation

5. Inference (Core) — Why did Moriori choose not to fight back when they were invaded?

6. Inference (Core) — Why did many Moriori begin to hide their identity?

7. Inference (Stretch) — Explain what the Moriori decisions (not fighting, hiding identity) show about their values and experiences.

8. Reorganisation (Core) — Put these events in order by writing numbers 1–4 beside each event (1 = first):

Arrival of British sailors ________

Law of Nunuku established ________

Invasion by Ngāti Mutunga and Ngāti Tama ________

Moriori revival of culture ________

9. Reorganisation (Core & Stretch) — What were two main effects of outsiders arriving on Moriori life? Then explain briefly how one event led to another (cause and effect).

💬 Part 3: Reaction & Critical Thinking

10. Reaction (Core) — How did this story make you feel? Which part of the story stood out to you the most?

11. Evaluation (Core & Stretch) — Do you think the decision to follow the Law of Nunuku was a good one? Why or why not? Why is it important that Moriori history is now being told accurately? Justify your answers with reasons or examples from the text or real life.