These exercises were sent in by Jocelyn Allen, an Australian teaching English in Germany. They have been specially designed for non native English speakers. Thanks Jocelyn!
1. Knowledge
Find a word or phrase in the story that means the same as:
- expert on food
- to destroy the taste of red wine
- to become happy again
- in reality
- to hide displeasure
- to not care
- to renege
- employed by the family for many years
List all the facts on how to ‘taste’ wine.
2. Comprehension
Who is the narrator?
Name the wines that were drunk at the gathering.
What food was served at the gathering?
What was bet on both sides?
3. Application
Draw a layout of the table setting in the dining room.
Demonstrate how one should taste wine. Refer to your wine tasting fact list.
4. Analysis
Chart the story on a line indicating the changes in tone and tension in the story.
5. Synthesis
Write the next paragraph (in Dahl’s style) to conclude the story.
6. Evaluation
What is your reaction to how Mike Schofield treats his wife and daughter?
How would you react in this situation if you were the daughter?
What criteria do you use to assess your enjoyment of drinks?
Do you believe in making bets? If so, what do you bet on and what is your stake?