Questioner – As you read the assigned section, write three under-the-surface Level II or Level III questions (only one may be Level III) relating to the section you were assigned to read. You should answer your own questions in writing with detail from the section you read to demonstrate your specific understanding of the entire section. Answers must be at least four to five sentences each and show close reading of the text (through the use of partial quotes and/or page number references). Make sure to write questions that cover a variety of pages in the reading.

The first two chapters open with a horrific description of a raid on Mark’s home. How does Mathabane write this scene in order to make us feel the horror of the experience?

Mathabane begins the chapter by describing an ordinary day: his father going off to work, his mother emptying the chamber pot, his sister Florah snoring next to him. While a scene of extreme poverty, the first page or two of Chapter 2 nevertheless sets us at ease, as if things will be fine. Yet, suddenly this all changes with the sentence, “[M]y mother came bursting through the door, yelling, in a winded voice, ‘Get up, Johannes! Get up quickly!’” This sudden shift shocks us into the realization that all will not be okay from now on. The pace from this moment on changes from a rather unhurried description in the first couple pages to a more frenzied pace marked by quick dialogue (“Get up! Get up!” – p. 7) and short narrative sentences (“I swung around and saw a candle coming out of the bedroom. It was stopped briefly by the door. It was my mother.” – pps. 7-8). These techniques and others make us feel the tension of this experience first-hand.

Summarizer – After you have read the assigned pages, on a white piece of paper (8 ½ x 11), draw in color the most significant scene from the pages you were assigned. Sign in pen your name on this drawing. On the reverse side, write in pen a three to five sentence summary of the entire section you were assigned to read.

Mathabane describes his hometown of Alexandra and gives a brief description of his mother and father. One day, when Mark is five years old, the Peri-Urban conduct a raid of Mark’s township. His father has already left for work, but his mother attempts to flee so that she won’t be caught. Though she has a difficult time finding her passbook, she eventually finds it under the table and then leaves Mark to care for his sister Florah and infant brother George as the police conduct their raid. They leave Mark’s home alone, though, because they assume there are only children inside the shack.

Clarifier – As you read, find five words in the section that are words you think your classmates may not know – words that are challenging. On your paper, (1) write the word and page number where the word appears; (2) copy out the sentence in which the word appears; and (3) write a definition (with part of speech) that shows you clearly understand the word in the context in which it is used. During the discussion, you should keep a dictionary with you so that you can “clarify” any other words which arise during your discussion.

Predictor – As you read, think about what’s occurred so far in the section you were assigned and how these events might foreshadow or lead to future events. On your paper, write a seven to eight sentence paragraph wherein you describe what you think will happen in the next chapters and why these events will happen. For the “why” portion of your writing, you should use evidence from the reading you just did to explain why you believe something will happen in the future. For example, if you think Mark will join a gang soon, discuss what in the previous chapters will lead you to believe this.

Mark’s family will probably continue to be plagued by Peri-Urban raids. Judging by the way in which Mark deals with this raid, it seems like this was a rather common occurrence. He writes, “Memories of previous encounters with the police began haunting me. Will the two fat black policemen with sjamboks and truncheons burst open the door again?” (p. 8) Clearly, these raids had happened before and will probably happen again. I also predict that Mark’s family will enjoy some good experiences in this book. On page 6, Mark describes how his father will have a payday the next day and bring home fish and chips, clearly a treat Mark’s family will enjoy. This event may not happen for a while, though, since this raid had just disrupted their lives.

Scoring Guide

5
Written work always complete, on time, and meeting specifications
Written work usually demonstrates outstanding understanding of reading
Group participation demonstrates active engagement with the text and with group members

4
Written work nearly always complete, on time, and meeting specifications
Written work usually demonstrates above average understanding of reading
Group participation demonstrates generally active engagement with the text and with group members

3
Written work usually complete, on time, and meeting specifications
Written work usually demonstrates average understanding of the reading
Group participation demonstrates mostly good engagement with the text and with group members

2
Written work partially complete, perhaps not on time or not meeting specifications
Written work demonstrates superficial understanding of the reading
Group participation is lacking or perhaps inconsistent; engagement not observed

1
Written work often failed to meet specifications or was not on time
Written work demonstrates little or no understanding of reading
Group participation not observed or usually ineffective and disengaged