Museletter Junior 8
Part 8: The Trap
Read the passage carefully before answering the questions. Click any word to collect it. Click an underlined word to reveal its definition below.
Tick, tick, tick, tick, tick.
The clock had always bugged Simon, its sounds seeming unnecessarily loud to him. But now, as he waited nervously, they were even more irritating.
The family had finished eating hours ago. The Big Sister had greedily devoured slice after slice of sashimi and nigiri. Simon had been horrified. What if she got through all of it and there was none left to bait his trap. But the Little Sister didn't let him down.
"I hate fish!" she wailed.
"Dom't eaf it them" said the Big Sister, small flecks of rice flying from her mouth.
So there, on the counter, four hours later, were some delicious sushi scraps, untidied and awaiting Reginald. The trap was baited and set. It was time. This was going to be the day that Reginald became history. Penelope would be so impressed!
Tick, tick, tick, tick, clack.
Suddenly, Simon heard a new sound. The unmistakeable clack of a rat's claw. It was time. His body tensed, ready to leap from his hiding place and seize his tormentor. Now was the time when all his distress and pain would become worth it. This would be his moment of ultimate victory. Simon was concealed on top of the fridge. It had taken a full half hour to scuttle across the counter top and hook his claws into the side of the top and haul himself up.
He had an unencumbered view of the counter. And there he was, clacking his way across the counter top, towards the empty cardboard box.
Simon readied himself for the leap….
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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1Why is the ticking clock more irritating to Simon than usual at this moment?(2 marks)
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2Why is Simon horrified when the Big Sister starts eating, and what saves his plan?(2 marks)
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3Where is Simon hiding, and how did he get there?(2 marks)
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4What does Simon hear that tells him Reginald has arrived?(1 mark)
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5What is Reginald heading towards at the end of the passage?(1 mark)
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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6Simon thinks "Penelope would be so impressed!" What does this tell us about why he is really doing all of this?(2 marks)
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7Simon describes Reginald as his "tormentor." Does this seem fair, based on what we know about Reginald from the story so far? Give reasons.(3 marks)
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8How does the writer show that Simon has put serious effort and planning into this trap? Use evidence from the passage.(3 marks)
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9The passage ends just before Simon leaps. As a reader, how do you feel about what is about to happen? Do you want Simon to succeed?(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 writer uses "Tick, tick, tick, tick, tick" at the start, then "Tick, tick, tick, tick, clack" later. Why is that single change from "tick" to "clack" so effective?(3 marks)
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11How does the writer build tension throughout the passage? Use at least two examples.(3 marks)
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12Why do you think the writer ends the passage with "Simon readied himself for the leap…." rather than showing us what happens next? What effect does this create?(2 marks)
Section 4: Writing Task
Writing Task — 20 minutes
Continue the story. Simon leaps. Write what happens next — does he catch Reginald, or does something go horribly wrong?
You might think about:
- What does the leap feel like — is Simon graceful, or a little less so?
- Does Reginald notice Simon coming? How does he react?
- What unexpected twist could change everything?
Remember: this story is funny — even disaster should feel entertaining, not sad!
Watch: Answers & Discussion
Finished all the questions? Watch the answers below.