Museletter Junior 10
Part 10: The Moment of Doubt
Read the passage carefully before answering the questions. Click any word to collect it. Click an underlined word to reveal its definition below.
Simon scrabbled his paws, just staying on the surface. He hauled himself to his feet and stared at Reginald, who was wearing an expression that Simon had never seen before: fear. He was within striking distance of Simon's left paw. Still, they stared.
Tick, tick, tick, tick — the clock's sound echoed in the silence.
Reginald's eyes darted to his left then to the right. Simon realised he was looking for an escape. Not today. Simon lurched forward just as Reginald darted forwards, just avoiding his swipe.
Simon heard the rat's claws scrape on the surface as he slid underneath him and out past his tail. He turned to see Reginald looking over the counter edge. He didn't have time to climb down and wouldn't jump. He was trapped.
Pulling himself up to his full height, Simon grinned malevolently and closed the gap, advancing step-by-step, gradually getting closer and closer to the offending rodent.
This was it. This was the moment he had been waiting for. Simon felt a rush of emotion — a swelling of pride — and then, strangely, a second emotion. What was it? Then he paused in realisation. He was feeling doubt.
Once again, the two stared at each other. Simon raised his paw, ready to swat the rat out of existence.
Vocabulary
Click an underlined word in the passage above to reveal its definition here.
Section 1: What Happened?
Answer using evidence from the passage. Use full sentences where possible.
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1What expression does Simon notice on Reginald's face, and why is it surprising?(2 marks)
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2What do Reginald's eyes do while the two stare at each other, and what does Simon understand from this?(2 marks)
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3How does Reginald end up trapped at the edge of the counter?(2 marks)
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4How does Simon behave as he closes in on Reginald? Use evidence from the text.(2 marks)
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5What two emotions does Simon feel at the climactic moment, and which one surprises him?(2 marks)
Section 2: Perspectives & Feelings
Think about how the characters are feeling and why they behave the way they do. Use the text to support your ideas.
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6Why is seeing fear on Reginald's face such a significant moment for Simon?(2 marks)
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7"This was it. This was the moment he had been waiting for." Why has this moment become so important to Simon? Think about everything that has happened across the story so far.(3 marks)
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8Why do you think Simon feels doubt at the very moment he is about to win? What might be causing it?(3 marks)
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9How has the balance of power between Simon and Reginald shifted across Parts 8, 9 and 10? Who has had the upper hand at each stage?(3 marks)
Section 3: Writer's Corner
Think about the choices the writer has made and what effect they have on the reader.
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10The clock ticking appears again in this passage, right in the middle of the confrontation. What effect does it create this time?(2 marks)
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11"Pulling himself up to his full height, Simon grinned malevolently." What does this moment suggest about how Simon sees himself — and how does it compare to the Simon we met at the beginning of the story?(3 marks)
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12The passage ends on the single word "doubt." Why is this an effective final word? What does it make the reader feel and wonder?(3 marks)
Section 4: Writing Task
Personal Writing Task — 20 minutes
Simon felt triumph — and then, strangely, doubt. Write about a time you felt doubt just before doing something.
You might think about:
- What were you about to do, and why did doubt creep in?
- What did that feeling of doubt actually feel like — in your body, in your thoughts?
- Did you go ahead anyway, or did you pull back? What happened as a result?
Try to bring the reader right into that moment of hesitation — the more specific the detail, the more real it will feel.