Museletter Junior 7 — J23 Education

Part 7: The Betrayal

Read the passage carefully before answering the questions. Click any word to collect it. Click an underlined word to reveal its definition below.

Finally, the sushi menu fluttered to the floor and landed at Simon's feet. He was exhausted, but turned, with triumph, to Penelope. She was gone. Simon sighed and pushed the menu right into the middle of the floor, where the humans would definitely see it. Then he retreated to the shadows and waited.

Sure enough, just as Penelope had predicted, the big sister came downstairs soon after and picked up the menu.

"Please can we have sushi, mum," she begged, "Please."

The mother sighed exasperatedly. "Fine."

Simon should have felt excited, but instead he felt nervous. It was very unusual for his plan to actually be working. Now he had to figure out a way to actually get hold of Reginald, to capture him and take him down. But what did 'take him down' mean? What would he actually do if he caught the rat?

Simon wandered towards the cat flap and poked his head out — the grass was still wet so he didn't go fully outside.

His heart sank as he saw Penelope talking to Reginald.

"I think there's going to be some sushi for you tonight," said Penelope.

Simon's heart hardened. This was a terrible betrayal. He had to catch Reginald now.

Silently, without either of them noticing, he slunk back into the kitchen and began to form his plan of attack.

Word Collector

Click any word in the passage to collect it

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.

1

How does Simon make sure the humans find the menu after it falls?

(2 marks)
2

How does the big sister try to get sushi ordered, and does she succeed?

(2 marks)
3

Why does Simon feel nervous when his plan starts working?

(2 marks)
4

What does Simon see when he looks through the catflap?

(2 marks)
5

What does Simon decide to do at the end of the passage, and why?

(2 marks)

Section Total: _____ / 10

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.

6

How does Simon's mood change throughout the passage? Track at least three changes.

(3 marks)
7

The narrator writes: "But what did 'take him down' mean? What would he actually do if he caught the rat?" What does this tell us about Simon as a character?

(2 marks)
8

Simon calls what Penelope did "a terrible betrayal." Do you agree with him? Give reasons using the text.

(3 marks)
9

Do you feel sorry for Simon at the end of this passage, or do you think he brings his troubles on himself? Explain your answer.

(3 marks)

Section Total: _____ / 11

Section 3: Writer's Corner

Think about the choices the writer has made and what effect they have on the reader.

10

"His heart sank as he saw Penelope talking to Reginald." Why is this a powerful moment in the story? What makes it feel dramatic?

(2 marks)
11

"Simon's heart hardened." What does this short phrase suggest about how Simon is changing as a character?

(3 marks)
12

How does the writer use humour and sympathy together in this passage? Find at least two moments where you feel both at the same time.

(3 marks)

Section Total: _____ / 8

Section 4: Writing Task

Writing Task — 20 minutes

Continue the story. Simon is alone in the kitchen, forming his plan of attack. The sushi is on its way. Reginald is outside, unsuspecting. What does Simon decide to do — and what could possibly go wrong?

You might think about:

What is Simon's plan — is it clever, or is it as chaotic as usual?
Does Simon have any doubts about what he is doing?
What unexpected complication could get in the way?

Try to keep Simon's character consistent — enthusiastic, not very wise, but surprisingly determined!