NOVEL

SMK PENDETA ZA’BA

MY LITERATURE

PREPARED BY: WAN HAMIAH WAN MAHMUD

1

TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE
3-9
NO CONTENT 3
1 SUMMARY OF CHAPTERS 3-4
4
Chapter 1 4
Chapter 2 5
Chapter 3 5
Chapter 4 6
Chapter 5 7
Chapter 6 7-8
Chapter 7 8-9
Chapter 8
Chapter 9 10
Chapter 10
11-13
2 ANSWERING TECHNIQUE
14-15
3 SAMPLE QUESTION AND ANSWER
16-29
4 GUIDELINE TO DEVELOP CONTENT POINT 16
17
5 EXERCISE
Exercise 1 18-19
Exercise 2 20-21
Exercise 3 22-23
Exercise 4 24-25
Exercise 5 26-27
Exercise 6 28-29
Exercise 7
Exercise 8 30

6 DESCRIPTOR 31

5 COMMON ERRORS

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DEAR MR KILMER
SUMMARY OF CHAPTERS

Lesson learnt Relate to life

CHAPTER 1

Early morning during the above freezing February air, Courage Courage makes us
Richard, Gus and Pa went to deer hunting. Pa bet We must have the stronger people and
Richard was going to get his first deer on that day. courage to speak out builds our character.
However, Richard hated hunting and he purposely and act according to We will be at peace
misfired to avoid killing the beautiful young buck our principles and and win the respect of
although it was only 50 metres away. Gus tried to beliefs others
encourage his brother to be more sociable and scolding
him for missing the shot. Richard explained to Pa that he Kind/ understanding The world will be a
did not have the right to kill the animals. Pa told him that We must try to better place to live if
“death is a part of life”, but if Richard really disliked understand there are more kind
hunting then he needed not to go hunting anymore. Pa other people people
confessed that he was grieving every time he shot an
animal. Richard felt miserable for disappointing his
father, but he also relieved for not having to take the life
of innocent deer. In Pa’s eye, maybe he was
remembering his wife or his brother, Roland who was
killed in a war in Cuba. Richard felt satisfied after he
shared his feeling with Pa.
Gus was active in sports meanwhile Richard loved
farming. After dinner, Pa and Gus started talking about
sports. Richard went to the kitchen to help his sister
Angie who had been taking care of the house after their
mother died. Pa and Gus always took it for granted.
Richard went to his room, and took a piece of paper and
pen and started writing a poem about how a Deer had
been killed to show the sadness he felt at that killing. He
put it in the drawer on top of other poems and he did not
want anyone to know and think him to be stranger than
he already was.

Lesson learnt Relate to life

CHAPTER 2

The snow had come to an end. The school had started Truth/ integrity If we have this value
again in the month of April. America declared war on We must believe in our conscience will be
Germany. One morning, Richard's English teacher, Mrs ourselves and we clear and we will be
Hansen read a poem entitled "Tree" written by Joyce have purpose in life respected
Kilmer to the class. Richard was fascinated by the Rationality
beauty of the simple poem. The trouble makers like We have to make We must be rational
Abner and, Harry said that poet and poetries were of wise conclusion about and moderate in
sissy matters. Mrs Hansen told the class that a famous person’s words and thought, words and
poet, Joyce Kilmer had just volunteered for army service action actions
in the ongoing world war. Richard borrowed Mrs Hansen Prejudice causes
poetry book and secretly jotted down the New Yorks conflicts and
Time editors office's address .On the way back home. misunderstanding
Richard met Hannah Schermers, the beautiful girl of
German crying in the hallway because someone had
scribbled "dirty hun" on her book cover.

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Richard confronted his classmates who then revealed Lesson Relate to life
their hatred toward Germans. After he came back home,
Richard decided to write to Mr Kilmer, he introduced
himself and told him that he liked his simple poems and
shared about his secret poetry writing. He sent the letter
to the New York Times.

CHAPTER 3

A terrible incident had happened at the tavern owned by Courage Courage makes us
Hannah Schermers’s parents. It had been vandalised. We must have the stronger people and
The trouble makers declared it unpatriotic to follow their courage to speak out builds our character.
German culture- the family spoke German, served and act according to We will be at peace
German traditional food and sang German song. They our principles and and win the respect of
thought it was disloyal to serve German food during the beliefs others
war against German. In order to instil good values in
students, Mrs Hansen encouraged her students to sign Truth/ integrity If we have this value
a card expressing their sympathy for Hannah and her We must believe in our conscience will be
family. Mrs Hansen was shocked at the protest by more ourselves and we clear and we will be
vocal student and the culture of fear created by the class have purpose in life respected
bullies which stopped some sincere students from
signing the card. In the end, only Richard signed the
card. Richard action caused the students taunted him for
supporting the German. Richard approached his teacher
and asked for the card and he wanted personally
delivered it to the Schermers. Abruptly, Richard
was attacked by Abner and Harry but he managed to win
the fight. Richard felt terrible as he walked home and
kept pondering about the people of Turtle Lake. On his
way home, he climbed an old oak tree to watch a train
passed by. He saw passenger happily travelling. As he
reached home, Angie running excitedly towards him with
news that he had received a letter from Mr Kilmer.

Lesson Relate to life

CHAPTER 4

Joyce Kilmer letter to Richard consisted plain simple Supportive/kindness The world will be a
answer and advice. He encouraged him to pursue his We should support better place if there
poetic dreams with courage and confidence. He invited each other in doing are many supportive
Richards to write again and sent him one of his poems. good things and kind people
That night, Richard tried to be brave to share about the
letter to his family. Pa, Gus and Angie didn't show any
excitement and they did not know who Joyce Kilmer
was.
Richard went to his room to reply Mr Kilmer's letter. Gus
came to the room and teased Richard on his sissy
poems. Gus also advised him to try to fit in with his
friends. The next morning Richard went to see Mrs
Hansen to tell her about the letter. She was very
impressed. Richards showed her a few of his favourite
poems and she helped to select one to send to Mr
Kilmer. Mrs Hansen encouraged him to share the letter
to the class, but Richard was not ready yet. Richard met

4

Hannah right after he came out from Mrs Hansen’s
room. She apologised Richard on what she had done
the last time they met. She shared her feeling and
problems with Richard. Richard climbed the oak tree
again and he saw the train with a load of happy soldiers
on their way to war. Richard was sad thinking about Mr
Kilmer and Otto, Hannah's brother who were the
volunteer soldiers fighting for America.

Lesson Relate to life
Relate to life
CHAPTER 5

It was the end of school and Richard shared Mr Kilmer's Supportive
letter to the class. Many of his classmates discouraged /Kind/Courage
him about writing poems, but Mrs Hansen always
gave him support and advised him to do what he liked.
Richard and Mr Kilmer often exchanged their stories and
wonderful poems. Hannah also fully supported Richard
and helped him to finish his poems. She suggested a
better ending “ Although I wonder why?” which Richard
gladly adopted. The poem turned out really well. Other
students started to respect Richard and he was relieved
that his secret was out. In history class, Mr Higby
described about the current battle. He also reminded his
class to keep abreast of war He informed the students
that historically, the Huns were nomadic Mongolian
horsemen who overran Europe and were not related to
Germans. During the summer, Richard helped his father
at the farm enjoying herding cattle, and he also noticed
that his father was always unhappy. One night, he wrote
about his Pa and very pleased with his work. Richard
received a reply from Mr Kilmer. He praised Richard's
poem on the soldiers and he hoped this war will end all
wars. He did not want the new generation to suffer from
war anymore. Meanwhile, Richard continued to
daydream about the smart and beautiful Hannah and
wrote poems about her.

Lesson

CHAPTER 6

Richard and Kilmer exchanged a number of letters Patriotism We must be ready to
throughout the Summer, Richard sent a poem with each serve our country and
letter and always delighted to receive encouragement It is good to be loyal promote harmonious
and suggestion to improve his poem. In early to one’s country and life
September, Kilmer told Richard that he had finally fight for the nation
arrived in France. He shared his fear of fighting in the
battlefront. Richard was hoping that the war would end when the time comes
before Kilmer went to Europe. School started again, Mrs
Hansen announced a plan to hold a patriotic programme
to help selling Liberty Bond which financed the war. The

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show would involve musics, singing war songs, playing
Lady Liberty Role and Doughboy wearing a soldiers’
uniform. The main roles would be played by the boy and

girl who wrote the best essay. Each student secretly

dreamed of playing the roles; however, Richard was

selected to play the role of the Doyghboy and Hannah
Schermers was selected for the role of Lady of Liberty.
Richard’s essay was a suggestion to exchange letters

between students and soldiers on battlefield. This would
help soldiers felt less lonely and students would learn
more about life in the trenches. Hannah’s essay was

about making peace within our own hearts and fighting

prejudices and hatred to end all wars. When Hannah
read her essay in the class, Richard sensed that some

students appreciated Hannah's essay, but they are

scared to clap because of the class bullies. Richard was
the only one who applauded her.

Lesson Relate to life

CHAPTER 7

The next morning, some parents were already in the Courage Courage makes us
principal room. They complained about Hannah was Truth/integrity stronger people and
builds our character.
chosen to play Lady Liberty since she was a German. Rationality We will be at peace
Everyone in school was angry with Mrs Hansen’s choice. We have to make and win the respect of
The next day, Mrs Hansen announced that Hannah had wise conclusion about others
turned down the roll of Lady Liberty. She withdrew to person’s words and If we have this value
action our conscience will be
avoid causing people more pain. Richard also gave up clear and we will be
respected
the role of doughboy because he disliked the
mean biased behaviour of his friends and neighbours. We must be rational
and moderate in
He wanted to give moral support to Hannah. Although thought, words and
Mrs Hansen was surprised at Richard’s decision, she actions
was proud for her faith in humanity was restored Prejudice causes
because of Richard and Hanna’s integrity and courage. conflicts and
Richard’s decision also drew mixed reactions from his
classmates and neighbours. Then Mrs Hansen chose
Millie and Herbie as the replacement, for their essays

were the second best. During the lunch break, Hannah

invited Richard to her house for the supper. Richard
informed Gus in school to tell their father that he would

not be home for dinner. Gus said that he is unpatriotic

and calling him a traitor because he was close to

Hannah. Richard walked with Hannah to her house. He
spent a delightful evening with them. When he reached

home, his father was waiting to talk to him at the porch.

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Lesson Relate to life

CHAPTER 8

Pa told Richard that Abner's father complained to him Courage Courage makes us
that he turned down his role in the school play to side Truth/integrity stronger people and
with Schermers, thus supporting Germans in the war. builds our character.
Richard explained that it was unfair of classmates to Rationality We will be at peace
gang up against Hannah. He added that Schermers We have to make and win the respect of
were patriotic and warned the Allies to win. Besides, wise conclusion about others
their son, Otto who was an American soldier also fighting person’s words and If we have this value
with the America against German. Pa advised action our conscience will be
Richard not to side with the Schermers against the rest clear and we will be
of community and Schermers were different. Besides, respected
Abner's father and the other help him when he broke his
leg. Richard felt it was unfair because the Schermers We must be rational
were Americans and they paid taxes. Most of the and moderate in
students ignored Richard at school. He did not bother thought, words and
and became closer to Hannah. Whenever he was lonely, actions
he went to the Schermers as they understood him. He Prejudice causes
shared his poetry with them. Christmas was around the conflicts and
corner and Mr Kilmer had to spend it away from home.
He missed his family very much and understood how
hard his wife to spend Christmas without him. It was very
cold in France as fighting continued. Richard sent
Hannah's cookies with nut and raisins and Mrs
Schermer knitted scarf with his letter to Mr Kilmer.
In class, Mr Higby informed that the American had
pushed back the German in France. He told about
President Wilson’s initiative whis was the Peace Plan to
end all wars through a League of Nations. A picnic is
planned for the last day of school in Turtle Lake. Richard
and Hannah sat away from the others under a large
tree.Richard carved a heart and their initial R and H on
the oak tree. Suddenly, someone had thrown a stone at
her.
Her ankle was bleeding- another reminder of reality of
war and prejudice.

Lesson Relate to life

CHAPTER 9

Three days after Richard was having a picnic with Patriotism We must be ready to
Hannah, as usual, he and his father were cleaning the serve our country and
barn. What was so suprising on that day, Gus showed It is good to be loyal promote harmonious
up earlier than usual. With a big smile, he told his father to one’s country and life
and Richard that he had enlisted in the army and would
leave for basic training the next day. As he was excited fight for the nation
about it, his father acting against him, He tried to
convince his father that he could survive the mass war when the time comes
as he was too tough and smart to get killed. But still, his
farher did not believe him as he knew the real situation
which he experienced from the death of his brother in
war. The argument ended in a complete

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dissapointment and tension. Richard stucked in the Supportive The world will be a
middle and decided to comfort his brother. Richard felt We should support better place if there
helpless as Gus could not accept it. The next morning, each other in doing are many supportive
Gus and his friend went to Sioux City to catch the next good things and kind people
troop train headed to the East. Before leaving, he had a
talk with his father and shook hand with Richard. He
waved for the last time as sign of goodbye. Richard
suddenly felt the fear that he would lose his beloved
brother.

Pa turned into more quiet person after Gus absence.
Richard talked to Angie about his father state of mind
because they both knew that his father must be grieving
as he concerned and worried for Gus. Richard felt a
great relief when he spent time with Schermers rather
than with his family. Besides, he could not imagine a
time of joy without the letter and the poetry matters. He
received the most warm hearted and kindest letter he
had ever received. Even so, it left Richard with a
question in his mind regarding of what do poets and
poetry do to make world better? Normally, he left the
letter in the mail box, but this time, Richard felt an
absolutely haste for him to send the letter. As he walked
to the post office, he decided to stop at Schermers’s
house to have talk with Hannah. Surprisingly, Hannah
came out with a gloomy expression on her face when
Richard knocked the door showing that something
sorrowful had happened. With a heavy heart, Hannah
told Richard that Mr Kilmer ended up dying in the war
area. He was shot by a sniper. He was very devastated
but he held his tears.

Lesson Relate to life

CHAPTER 10 The world will be a
better place if there
Richard read the news on how Mr Kilmer was killed. He Supportive are many supportive
startled when he saw Mr Kilmer's picture in the We should support and kind people
newspaper. He ran through the streets of Turtle Lake each other in doing
and climbed the highest branches of the oak tree. good things 8
Richard was deeply disappointed. He realised that poets
are unable to stop war and decided to stop writing
another new poem. He went back home and wrote
another poem entitled "In Memory of Sergeant Joyce
Kilmer." After writing it, he shared it with the
Schermers because only they would understand.
Hannah cried and Mr Schermers shed his tears.
Richards felt guilty because his poem made them
thought about Otto. Mr Schermers suggested Richard
to send it to Turtle Lake Weekly, so many families were
many people felt the same way as them.

Hannah accompanied him to the newspaper office.
When Mr Garrison began to read the poem, Richard got

nervous and left because he scared his father would be
angry. A few days later, the poem published in the
newspaper. After the farm works, Pa asked Richard if he
knew that Mr Kilmer had died. Pa came with the
newspaper and talked about his brother Roland. Pa
sobbed and told Richard about his brother Roland. Pa
was amazed how Richard could use those words in his
poem. In mid-November 1918, The allies won. Pa,
Angie and Richard laughed because Gus was still
training hard for the war that was over. Richard
continued writing poems and his poems regularly
featured in the local weekly. In the end, Pa always
listened to Richard's poem and made correction and
gave suggestion. He also gave compliment to his son.

9

ANSWERING TECHNIQUE

IM E J

IDE ME ELABORATION JUSTIFI
NT NTI CATIO
IFY ON STORE
N

Identify PARA 1 PARA 2/3/4 JUSTIFY PARA 5
task/s Introduction Statement of opinion Conclusion
from Mention: content /lesson :
question title, writer , Textual Relate to Restate the
– what Q brief story evidence (TE) life response in
wants Answer Details: 4W1H the
(highlight Respond to introduction
if the task/s .
possible)
Singular/
plural

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Question SAMPLE QUESTION AND ANSWER
IDENTIFY
Introduction From the novel that you have read, write about a conflict faced by a
character/in the novel. Task 1
MENTION (Response) Explain how the conflict affects the character. Support your
answer with close reference to the text. Task 2

 Novel – Dear Mr Kilmer
 Author – Anne Schraff
 Brief story – It is about Richard Knight who loved writing

poetry, but he kept it secretly. He corresponded with Mr
Kilmer, a famous poet who volunteered being a soldier.
Kilmer gave support to Richard and finally his poem was
published after Kilmer’s death.

Richrd Knight faced the problem/ conflict of fitting in with others
or doing what he believed was right Task 1. This conflict turns him
to be a better person Task 2.

S- statement Richard faced the problem of fitting with others or doing what he
believed was right. For example, he had a conflict when Pa and Gus
T- Textual evidence were excited to want him went hunting deer, for this was the pride of

(example of event in the

story) – While

When/where a man. However, he purposely misfired to avoid killing the beautiful
How/ Why young buck because Richard hated hunting. Gus tried to encourage
his brother to be more sociable and scolding him for missing the shot.

Richard explained to Pa that he did not have the right to kill the

Before animals. Pa told him that “death is a part of life”, but if Richard really
disliked hunting then he needed not to go hunting anymore.

When he was small he was distress when his Pa and grandfather

killed an animal, but he had no strength to tell his feeling. He

expressed his feeling by writing poems and kept them secretly in his

drawers. Richard felt miserable for disappointing his father, but he was

also relieved for not having to take the life of the innocent deer.

After In addition, when Abner's father complained to Pa that he turned

down his role as a Dough boy in the school play to side with

Schermer's. Pa advised Richard not to side with the

JUSTIFICATION Schermers against the rest of community. Richard explained to Pa

11

O- Opinion the real story. He added that Schermers were patriotic and wanted
RE- Relate/Emphasise the the American to win. Besides, their son Otto, an American soldier also
content point to the task fighting with the America against German. Richard felt it was unfair
given because the Schermers were Americans and they paid taxes.
Although most of the students ignored Richard and Gus and Pa
Main point 2 disagreed with him, he did not bother and became closer to Hannah.
S Whenever he was lonely, he went to the Schermers as they
T understood and supported him to better in poetry.
This shows that the conflict makes Richard to have courage to speak
O the truth although many people disagreed. As teenagers, we must be
R brave not only to face conflicts, but also to conquer our fear. Once we
E have achieved that, we can easily face any challenges that come.
Therefore, the conflict between fitting in with others and what he
believed was right turns Richard to be a better person. He had courage
to speak the truth and do what he believed was right.

Moreover, Richard faced the problem of fitting with his classmates or
doing what he believed was right. For instance, when Hannah’s
family’s tavern was vandalised. People were mean to Hannah’s family
since they were from German. In order to instil good values in
students, Mrs Hansen encouraged her students to sign a card
expressing their sympathy for Hannah and her family. Mrs Hansen
was shocked at the protest by more vocal student and the culture of
fear created by the class bullies which stopped some sincere students
from signing. In the end, only Richard signed the card; since, he
believed it was unpatriotic to be mean to Hannah’s family. Richard was
the only one who signed the card although he knew the unpleasant
consequences for supporting Germans. His action caused the
students teased him for he was unpatriotic to support the German.
Consequently, after school Richard was attacked by Abner and Harry,
but he managed to win the fight. Moreover, when some parents was
angry and complained to the principal that Mrs Hansen should not
choose Hannah since she was a German. As a result, Hannah had
turned down the roll of Lady Liberty. She withdrew the role to avoid
causing people more pain. Richard also gave up the role of doughboy
because he disliked the mean biased behaviour of his friends and

12

Conclusion neighbours. He wanted to give moral support to Hannah. Richard
Repeat the response believed that people cannot discriminate Hannah’s family because
Relate to life. they were Germans, but they should be nice to others regardless their
differences since they were also American citizen who paid taxes like
others. This shows that we should have integrity and be firm in what
we believe is right without compromising mean actions of others.
Thus, Richard shows that the conflict turns him to be a better
person who has integrity and firm in what he believes was right. His
integrity ensures harmonious life in community.

In conclusion, Richard Knight faced the problem of fitting in with
others or doing what he believed was right and turns him to be a
better person. Our life will be meaningful if we can maintain integrity
and be brave to uphold the truth in handling a conflict.

*STORE : S – Statement (Topic Sentence), T – Textual Evidence, O – Opinion (Based on
the statement in each content point) , R/E – Relate/Emphasize the content point to the task

given.

13

GUIDELINE TO DEVELOP THE CONTENT POINTS FOR NOVEL RESPONSE

S Firstly, Richard can be a good role model for teenagers because he is a
courageous person.

T While For example, Richard’s courage is shown when Pa and Gus were

excited to want him went hunting deer, for this was the pride of a

When man. However, he purposely misfired to avoid killing the beautiful
Who/with young buck although it was just 50 metres away because Richard
whom/how hated hunting. Gus tried to encourage his brother to be more
Why sociable and scolding him for missing the shot. Richard explained

to Pa that he did not have the right to kill the animals. Pa told him
that “death is a part of life”, but if Richard really disliked hunting

then he needed not to go hunting anymore.

Before When he was small he was distress when his Pa and grandfather
How killed an animal, but he had no strength to tell his feeling. He
why expressed his feeling by writing poems and kept them secretly in
his drawers. Richard felt miserable for disappointing his father,
After but he was also relieved for not having to take the life of the
innocent deer.

In addition, when Abner's father complained to Pa that he turned
down his role as a Dough boy in the school play to side with
Schermer's. Pa advised Richard not to side with the
Schermers against the rest of community. Richard explained to
Pa the real story. He added that Schermers were patriotic and
wanted the American to win. Besides, their son Otto, an
American soldier also fighting with the America against German.
Richard felt it was unfair because the Schermers were Americans
and they paid taxes. Although most of the students ignored
Richard and Gus and Pa disagreed with him, he did not bother
and became closer to Hannah. Whenever he was lonely, he went

14

to the Schermers as they understood and supported him to better
in poetry.
O This shows that Richard had courage to speak the truth and do what he
believed was right. although many people disagreed.
R/E Therefore, as teenagers, we must be brave not only to face conflicts, but also
to conquer our fear. Once we have achieved that, we can easily face any
challenges that come.
*STORE : S – Statement (Topic Sentence), T – Textual Evidence, O – Opinion (Based on
the statement in each content point) , R/E – Relate/Emphasize the content point to the task
given

15

EXERCISE 1:

S To stand firm in what he feels is right is a valuable value for Richard in life.

T While Richard stood firm on what he felt was right when he followed his

How father and brother on a hunting trip, he intentionally missed his
shot………………….

why

Before

After He confessed the truth to Pa………

O This shows that Richard loves nature and believed that no one has the right
to kill or bring harm to it. This act was important for Richard as it expressed
his stand that would not simply give to prompting to others in doing things
unfavourable to him.

RE Thus, to stand firm in what he feels is right is a valuable value for Richard in
life. This act makes us stronger people and builds our character. We will be at
peace and win the respect of others

*STORE : S – Statement (Topic Sentence), T – Textual Evidence, O – Opinion (Based on
the statement in each content point) , R/E – Relate/Emphasize the content point to the task
given

16

EXERCISE 2

S Another example of instance that shows to stand firm in what he feels is right
is a valuable value for Richard in life is when .

T While The whole class refused to sign a sympathy card Mrs Hansen

brought in for Schermers……………….

Why

how

Before The society lived harmoniously before the war……………..

After Richard stood up and courageously signed the card……………

Why
What
happened

O This shows that Richard decision to go against the class showed that he is
strong in his stand

RE Thus, to stand firm in what he feels is right is a valuable value for Richard in
life. This act develops us to be strong and not easily convinced by irrational
ideas and act.

*STORE : S – Statement (Topic Sentence), T – Textual Evidence, O – Opinion (Based on
the statement in each content point) , R/E – Relate/Emphasize the content point to the task
given

17

EXERCISE 3

QUESTION: Write about a character who would appeal to teenagers like you? Give
reasons for your choice with evidence from the novel to support your answer.

Introduction  Novel – Dear Mr Kilmer
Title/Author  Author – Anne Schraff
Brief Story  Brief story – It is about Richard Knight who loved

Answer: Mention writing poetry, but he kept it secretly. He corresponded
(based on rubric)
with Mr Kilmer, a famous poet who volunteered being
a soldier. Kilmer helped and gave support to Richard
and finally his poem was published after Kilmer’s

death.
A character who would appeal to teenagers is Richard Knight
. This is because Richard was kind, firm in his principle and

brave.

S : Reason 1 Richard Knight a teenager who lived with his Pa after his

T: Elaboration : when mother died when he was seven years old. He hoped to be a
/who/where/how /why
well- known poet. He would appeal to teenagers because he

is kind. For example, when his father wanted him to
shoot……

WHILE/ BEFORE Moreover, he was kind to his sister Angie, when …..
/AFTER

O: Opinion/lesson This shows Richard is kind to animals and his sister, and
we should be kind to all living things.
RE: Relate to life Therefore, it is our responsibility to be kind to others. Richard
/emphasis S (content would appeal to me for he shows kindness.
point)

S : Reason 2 In addition, he would appeal to teenagers because he was

T: Elaboration : when firm in his principle. He was firm in what he believed was
/who/where/how /why right and fair. For example when……

WHILE/ BEFORE
/AFTER

O: Opinion/lesson This shows we should be firm in what is right and never give
way to mean action.

RE: Relate to life Thus, Richard was firm in his principle and this quality would
/emphasis S (content appeal to me to be a good teenager.
point)

S : Reason 1 Moreover, he would appeal to teenagers because he was
brave. This is shown when ……
T: Elaboration : when
/who/where/how /why

WHILE/ BEFORE
/AFTER

18

O: Opinion/lesson This shows that, as teenagers, we must be brave not only to
face challenges, but also to conquer our greatest fear. Once
RE: Relate to life we have achieve that, we can easily face any
/emphasis S (content challenges that come.
point)
Therefore, Richard has shown an example a brave teenager
Conclusion which is a good example for all people.
Repeat the response
(Summarize ideas) In conclusion, From all the evidences Richard Knight is
Opinion / hope undoubtedly would appeal to teenagers because he was
kind, firm in his principle and brave. These qualities build
our character, make us stronger people and win the
respect of others.

19

EXERCISE 4

From the novel that you have read, what are the moral values that you can learn from
it? With close reference to the text, support your answer.

Introduction  Novel – Dear Mr Kilmer
 Author – Anne Schraff
Novel & Author  Brief story – It is about Richard Knight who loved writing poetry,
Brief synopsis
but he kept it secretly. He corresponded with Mr Kilmer, a
Answer (based
on the rubric) famous poet who volunteered being a soldier. Kilmer helped
S:1 and gave support to Richard and finally his poem was published
T: Elaboration : after Kilmer’s death.
when
/who/where/how one should be courageous and resilience, one should have good family
/why relationship and one should have humanity in himself

 . One should be courageous and resilience

- Richard has problem fitting in the society.

- He is different from his family and the society.
He is a boy with principle – does not give in to the herd mentality or get

pressured into being popular like Gus.

WHILE/
BEFORE
/AFTER

O:
Opinion/lesson

RE: Relate to
life /emphasis S
(content point)

S:2  One should have good family relationship.
- Pa loves his children but is unable to express it.
T: Elaboration : - Richard knows that Angie is important even she is taken
when lightly by the family members.
/who/where/how
/why Pa finally can accept Richard and they share their interest in poems.

WHILE/ .
BEFORE
/AFTER

O:
Opinion/lesson

RE: Relate to  One should have humanity in himself
life /emphasis S - The Schermers become the victim of racism because of the
(content point) war.

S:3

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T: Elaboration : - Richard is the only person to restore humanity when he
when does not care about the Germans in the war because the
/who/where/how Schermers are different Germans.
/why

WHILE/
BEFORE
/AFTER

O:
Opinion/lesson

RE: Relate to
life /emphasis S
(content point)

Conclusion the moral values found are one should be courageous and resilience in
Repeat the facing challenges in life, one should have good family relationship and
response one should have humanity in himself.
(Summarize
ideas)
Opinion / hope

21

EXERCISE 5

Based on the novel that you have read, do you like the story? Would you recommend it
to your friends? Why?

Introduction  Novel – Dear Mr Kilmer
 Author – Anne Schraff
Novel & Author  Brief story – It is about Richard Knight who loved writing poetry,
Brief synopsis
but he kept it secretly. He corresponded with Mr Kilmer, a
Answer (based famous poet who volunteered being a soldier. Kilmer helped
on the rubric) and gave support to Richard and finally his poem was published
S:1 after Kilmer’s death.
T: Elaboration :
when  Patriotism
/who/where/how - Joyce Kilmer and Otto Schermer fighting in the war.
/why - People should not practice discrimination among each other
because war benefits no one.

Every country need peace and harmony in order to guaranteed
success and greatness in life of its citizen.

WHILE/
BEFORE
/AFTER

O:
Opinion/lesson

RE: Relate to
life /emphasis S
(content point)

S:2  Family ties and friendship
- The Knights family care about each other. Pa worry about
T: Elaboration : Gus, who enlisted in the army. However, his relationship
when with Richard improved greatly in the end.
/who/where/how - The Schermer’s family care about each other’s safety.
/why - Richard and Hannah supported each other when their
classmates were unkind to them.
WHILE/
BEFORE Richard received moral support and encouragement from Joyce Kilmer.
/AFTER

O: .
Opinion/lesson

RE: Relate to
life /emphasis S
(content point)

S:3  Stand firm in what you believe in

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T: Elaboration : - Richard’s belief against the people around him. He stand by
when his beliefs although many others in the community practice
/who/where/how discrimination out of ignorance and fear.
/why
- Richard still befriend with the Schermers despite receiving a
WHILE/ lot of pressure to stay away from them.
BEFORE
/AFTER Richard purposely missed the shot when he go for hunting with Pa and
Gus because he don’t like to hurt others.

O:
Opinion/lesson

RE: Relate to
life /emphasis S
(content point)

Conclusion I like the story Dear Mr. Kilmer as it taught about patriotism, the
Repeat the importance of family ties and how principle guide us toward better. I will
response definitely recommend this novel to my friends.
(Summarize
ideas)
Opinion / hope

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EXERCISE 6

Write about an event you find the most interesting in the novel you have studied. Give
reasons why the event is interesting.

Introduction  Novel – Dear Mr Kilmer
Novel & Author  Author – Anne Schraff
Brief synopsis  Brief story – It is about Richard Knight who loved writing poetry,

Answer (based but he kept it secretly. He corresponded with Mr Kilmer, a
on the rubric)
famous poet who volunteered being a soldier. Kilmer helped

and gave support to Richard and finally his poem was published
after Kilmer’s death.
The most interesting event is when some vandals painted “Dirty Huns”
with red paint all over Schermers’s tavern wall to show their hatred

towards them. This event is interesting because it teaches me many

lessons for example we should bravely stand for what is right, be kind

to others and be rational .

S:1 Describe the event- why Hannah was picked
T: Elaboration :
when This event is interesting because it teaches me many lessons for
/who/where/how example we should bravely stand for what is right .
/why Richard the only one signed the card – he will face more troubles. It is
unpatriotic to be mean to others

WHILE/
BEFORE
/AFTER

O:
Opinion/lesson

RE: Relate to
life /emphasis S
(content point)

S:2 The event teaches me that we should be kind to others – Richard
declined the role of Doughboy so Hannah would not face difficulties all
T: Elaboration : alone
when
/who/where/how
/why

WHILE/
BEFORE
/AFTER

O:
Opinion/lesson

RE: Relate to
life /emphasis S
(content point)

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S:3 We should be rational- Richard was rational

T: Elaboration : Abner’s father complained that Richard was not patriotic for supporting
when Schermers – Richard gave explanation.
/who/where/how
/why

WHILE/
BEFORE
/AFTER

O:
Opinion/lesson

RE: Relate to
life /emphasis S
(content point)

Conclusion We should be rational to differentiate between right and wrong and do
Repeat the what we think is the best even though when the world is against us.
response
(Summarize
ideas)
Opinion / hope

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EXERCISE 7

“One’s future lies in one’s hands”
With close reference to the text, how far this true of the novel you have read.

Introduction  Novel – Dear Mr Kilmer
Novel & Author  Author – Anne Schraff
Brief synopsis  Brief story – It is about Richard Knight who loved writing poetry,

Answer (based but he kept it secretly. He corresponded with Mr Kilmer, a
on the rubric)
famous poet who volunteered being a soldier. Kilmer helped

and gave support to Richard and finally his poem was published
after Kilmer’s death.
The statement “One’s future lies in one’s hands” is true as shown in

many parts of the novel. Richard has shown his positive steps

determine his own future.

S:1 The part in the novel that shows Richard’s future lies in his own hand is
T: Elaboration :
when he did the necessary things to save the innocent animals for example
/who/where/how when ….
/why

WHILE/
BEFORE
/AFTER

O: If he killed the deer most probably would not be able to write about his
Opinion/lesson poetry anymore, especially things from nature

RE: Relate to
life /emphasis S
(content point)

S:2 Richard had made important decision to write a letter to Joyce
Kilmer….
T: Elaboration :
when
/who/where/how
/why

WHILE/
BEFORE
/AFTER

O: Richard took positive steps to secure his future in poetry by writing to
Opinion/lesson Mr Kilmer and to share his work with others

RE: Relate to
life /emphasis S
(content point)

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S:3 Richard wrote apoem in tribute to Mr Kilmer who was killed in the war

T: Elaboration : It was published
when His father accepted and supported Richard’d future as a potential poet
/who/where/how
/why

WHILE/
BEFORE
/AFTER

O:
Opinion/lesson

RE: Relate to
life /emphasis S
(content point)

Conclusion Richard did what he could to ensure his future which was in his hands
Repeat the
response
(Summarize
ideas)
Opinion / hope

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EXERCISE 8

Describe a significant event that happens to the main character and how it affects the
character’s life. Provide close reference to the text

Introduction  Novel – Dear Mr Kilmer
Novel & Author  Author – Anne Schraff
Brief synopsis  Brief story – It is about Richard Knight who loved writing poetry,

Answer (based but he kept it secretly. He corresponded with Mr Kilmer, a
on the rubric)
famous poet who volunteered being a soldier. Kilmer helped

and gave support to Richard and finally his poem was published
after Kilmer’s death.

The significant event that happens to Richard is when he received a
reply from Mr Kilmer. This event has made Richard’s life more

meaningful.

S:1 Describe the event - How Richard started corresponded
T: Elaboration :
when What made him interested to write to Mr Kilmer
/who/where/how What were Mr Kilmer’s advice
/why

WHILE/
BEFORE
/AFTER

O:
Opinion/lesson

RE: Relate to
life /emphasis S
(content point)

S:2 He gained courage to tells others about his passion in poetry writing

T: Elaboration :
when
/who/where/how
/why

WHILE/
BEFORE
/AFTER

O:
Opinion/lesson

RE: Relate to
life /emphasis S
(content point)

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S:3 He is able to pursue his poetry-writing passion
After Mr Kilmer’s death, he wrote a poem in memory of Mr Kilmer
T: Elaboration :
when It was published in Turtle Lake Weekly
/who/where/how
/why His father was able to open up

WHILE/
BEFORE
/AFTER

O:
Opinion/lesson

RE: Relate to
life /emphasis S
(content point)

Conclusion The event had made Richard’s life better and more meaningful as he
Repeat the was able to pursue his poetry-writing without secrecy and become
response closer to his father.
(Summarize
ideas)
Opinion / hope

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NOVEL RESPONSE
15 marks
30 minutes

Content - 10 marks Language - 5 marks

CONTENT AND LANGUAGE DESCRIPTORS FOR NOVEL RESPONSE

MARK CONTENT MARK LANGUAGE
RANGE RANGE

9 -10 - a consistently relevant and convincing 5 - language is accurate
7–8 response to the task specified - very well-organised
- always provides detailed and well
developed textual evidence - language is largely
accurate
- response is relevant to the task specified 4 - well-organised
- usually provides textual evidence with
some development

5–6 - response is intermittently relevant 3 - frequent errors but
3–4 to the task specified meaning is never in
- provides some textual evidence with little doubt
development - fairly well-organised

- response of little relevance to the task 2 - very frequent errors
specified with blurring in meaning
- little textual evidence - poorly organised

1-2 - response has no relevance to the task 1 - makes little or no
specified sense at all
- has no understanding of the - lacks organisation
requirements of the task -

Note: 0 should only be awarded if : • the response is in a language other than English • the
response is not related to any of the novels

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5 types of errors found in students' answer for the novel:
1. mere mention
Students do not elaborate or give evidence. For example:The most important event in the
novel is Hannah’s tavern was vandalised.
2. mere narration
Students tell the story without answering the question. They are merely giving a synopsis of
the story.
3. factual errors
Students do not know the novel well and they tried to elaborate but ended up giving factual
errors.
For example: Gus died in the war.
4. switching between tenses
If you answer in the present tense, do not change. If you are more comfortable answering in
the past tense, make sure it is all in the past tense.
5. answering only one part of the question . For example:
Describe a sad event in the novel and how this event affect the main character. Describe an
event which teaches you a moral lesson.

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