Literature Module (F4 & F5)

Dear Mr. Kilmer 48

No Answers
1 Xenophobia
2 Self versus community
3 War
4 Friendship
5 Popularity
6 Fairness and equality
7 The importance of education
8 Patriotism
9 Love amongst family members

By : Ms Rina Gunasegaran (SMK Datuk Mansor)

Dear Mr. Kilmer 49

The following is the novel that you have studied in the literature component in
English language.

DEAR MR. KILMER - ANNE SCHRAFF

Based on the novel that you have read, write one theme that you have learnt.
Support your answer with close reference to the text.

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By : Ms Rina Gunasegaran (SMK Datuk Mansor)

Dear Mr. Kilmer 50

Complete the crossword puzzle with the themes found in
the novel, Dear Mr. Kilmer

1

12

3

2
4

3

4

Down
1. a conflict carried on by force of arms, as between nations or between

parties within a nation

2. a profoundly tender, passionate affection for another person
3. a friendly relation or intimacy
4. the state, condition, or quality of being free from bias or injustice

Across

1. the quality or fact of being popular
2. an unreasonable fear or hatred of foreigners or strangers or of that

which is foreign or strange

3. the act or process of imparting or acquiring general knowledge
4. devoted love, support, and defense of one's country; national loyalty

By : Ms Shubatra Thangarajoo (SMK Batu Kikir)

Dear Mr. Kilmer 51

Answers

Complete the crossword puzzle with the themes found in
the novel, Dear Mr. Kilmer

W

a

PopuLar i t y

oF

vr

Xe n o p h o b i a

eF

Ed u c a t i o n a

di

sr

hn

ie

Pa t r i o t i s m

s

Down

5. a conflict carried on by force of arms, as between nations or between

parties within a nation

6. a profoundly tender, passionate affection for another person
7. a friendly relation or intimacy
8. the state, condition, or quality of being free from bias or injustice

Across

5. the quality or fact of being popular
6. an unreasonable fear or hatred of foreigners or strangers or of that

which is foreign or strange

7. the act or process of imparting or acquiring general knowledge
8. devoted love, support, and defense of one's country; national loyalty

By : Ms Shubatra Thangarajoo (SMK Batu Kikir)

Dear Mr. Kilmer 52

Match the themes given below with the suitable phrases from the
novel Dear Mr. Kilmer

But Blanche, Peggy, and several other students were
gazing at him with newfound respect.

Patriotism “This war is going to end someday,” Hannah said. “And
when it does, maybe people will stop holding it against my
The importance family that we’re German.
of Education
April arrived-and with it news that the United States had
Popularity declared war on Germany.

Fairness and Suddenly, Richard’s father began to sob. Richard was
equality shaken. He had never seen his father cry before. He rose
from his bed and sat down beside Pa, putting his arm
Friendship around his shoulders.

War “You’re not going anywhere until you graduate,” the boys’
father grumbled.
Self-versus
Community Then Hannah smiled, and her blue eyes brimmed with
tears. Suddenly she reached out and squeezed Richard’s
Love amongst hand.
family members
I really like the poem, and I thought Mr. Kilmer was
Xenophobia awfully brave to volunteer to go fight in the war

“It’s true, Pa,” Richard said. “I’ve been writing poetry for a
long time. I’ve got a huge stack of it upstairs in a drawer. I
just never showed it to anybody or said anything about it.”

“We must make peace right here at home. We must
battle our own prejudices and hatred. We must learn to
care about one another, despite our differences in race,
religion, or nationality.

By : Ms Shubatra Thangarajoo (SMK Batu Kikir)

Dear Mr. Kilmer 53

Answers

Match the themes given below with the suitable phrases from the
novel Dear Mr. Kilmer

But Blanche, Peggy, and several other students were
gazing at him with newfound respect.

Patriotism “This war is going to end someday,” Hannah said. “And
when it does, maybe people will stop holding it against my
The importance family that we’re German.
of Education
April arrived-and with it news that the United States had
Popularity declared war on Germany.

Fairness and Suddenly, Richard’s father began to sob. Richard was
equality shaken. He had never seen his father cry before. He rose
from his bed and sat down beside Pa, putting his arm
Friendship around his shoulders.

War “You’re not going anywhere until you graduate,” the boys’
father grumbled.
Self versus
Community Then Hannah smiled, and her blue eyes brimmed with
tears. Suddenly she reached out and squeezed Richard’s
Love amongst hand.
family members
I really like the poem, and I thought Mr. Kilmer was
Xenophobia awfully brave to volunteer to go fight in the war

“It’s true, Pa,” Richard said. “I’ve been writing poetry for a
long time. I’ve got a huge stack of it upstairs in a drawer. I
just never showed it to anybody or said anything about it.”

“We must make peace right here at home. We must
battle our own prejudices and hatred. We must learn to
care about one another, despite our differences in race,
religion, or nationality.

By : Ms Shubatra Thangarajoo (SMK Batu Kikir)

Dear Mr. Kilmer 54

DEAR MR KILMER
PLOT/WORKSHEET 1a
Fill in the flow map below with the events in the novel.

 The war ends.
 Mrs. Hansen introduces a poem ‘Trees’ by Joyce Kilmer in class.
 Richard decides to write to Joyce Kilmer.
 Richard notices that his classmate, Hannah Schermer is crying because the

words ‘Dirty Huns’ are scribbled on her book.
 Hannah is chosen to play Lady Liberty and Richard wins the part of

Doughboy.
 Mrs. Hansen announces that they will hold a patriotic programme to sell

Liberty Bond to raise funds for the war.
 Everyone is the class is angry and shocked with Mrs.Hansen’s decision.
 Mrs. Hansen introduces a poem ‘Trees’ by Joyce Kilmer in class.
 Pa tells Richard that people accuse him of being unpatriotic.
 Joyce Kilmer is dead, prompting Richard to pen his tribute to his late hero.
 His poem is published in ‘The Turtle Lake Weekly’ and his relationship with

Pa improves
 Richard purposely misfires the beautiful young buck and let it escapes.

By : Ms Siti Aida Ahmad (SMK Pasoh 2)

Dear Mr. Kilmer 55

SUGGESTED ANSWERS

PLOT/WORKSHEET 1

1.Richard purposely misfires the beautiful young buck and let it
escapes.

2.Mrs. Hansen introduces a poem ‘Trees’ by Joyce Kilmer in class.

3.Richard notices that his classmate, Hannah Schermer is crying
because the words ‘Dirty Huns’ are scribbled on her book.

4.Richard decides to write to Joyce Kilmer.

5.Mrs. Hansen announces that they will hold a patriotic programme to
sell Liberty Bond to raise funds for the war.

6.Hannah is chosen to play Lady Liberty and Richard wins the part of
Doughboy.

7.Everyone is the class is angry and shocked with Mrs.Hansen’s
decision.

8.Both, Hannah and Richard decline the role.

9.Pa tells Richard that people accuse him of being unpatriotic.

10.Joyce Kilmer is dead, prompting Richard to pen his tribute to his
late hero.

11.His poem is published in ‘The Turtle Lake Weekly’ and his
relationship with Pa improves

12.The war ends.

By : Ms Siti Aida Ahmad (SMK Pasoh 2)

Dear Mr. Kilmer 56

PLOT/WORSHEET 1b
Identify the conflicts in the novel and how the characters in the novel resolve the conflicts.

THE CONFLICT

WHY IS HOW IS IT HOW DOES WHAT
THERE A RESOLVED? THE HAPPENS AFTER
CONFLICT? THE CONFLICT IS
RESOLUTION
AFFECT THE RESOLVED?
CHARACTERS?

PLOT/WORSHEET

By : Ms Siti Aida Ahmad (SMK Pasoh 2)

Suggested answers Dear Mr. Kilmer 57

THE CONFLICT
He is forced to go hunting

WHY IS THERE HOW IS IT HOW DOES WHAT
A CONFLICT? RESOLVED? THE HAPPENS AFTER
THE CONFLICT IS
-He does not -He purposely RESOLUTION
enjoy killing misfires the deer AFFECT THE RESOLVED?
and the animal CHARACTERS?
anything. -His father
-He believes that escapes. -He learns to understands his
he has no right deal with the feeling and says
things that he that he does not
to kill animals. does not like
have to go
doing and hunting
ensures that he
does not have to anymore if he
do them again. does not want

-He openly to do so.
admits the truth
to his father and
does not lie to
him to get out of

trouble.

By : Ms Siti Aida Ahmad (SMK Pasoh 2)

Dear Mr. Kilmer 58

PLOT/WORKSHEET 2a
Sequence the stages in the story pyramid by using the events given.

Rising Falling
action action

Climax

Exposition Resolution

1. Hannah is chosen for the part of lady Liberty whereas Richard is the Doughboy.
2. Mrs. Hansen introduces a poem”Trees” by Joyce Kilmer who has volunteered to fight in
the war in Europe.
3. Joyce Kilmer is killed in the battle.
4. Everyone in class is shcoked and angry with Mrs. Hansen’s decision.
5. Richards finds that Hannah is mistreated because she is a German.
6. Richard’s poem is published in the local newspaper and the war ends.
7. Both, Richard and Hannah declines their roles.
8. The relationship between Richard and his father improves.
9. Richard’s father tells him that people accuses him of being unpatriotic.
10. The tavern belongs to Hannah’s parents is vandalised.

By : Ms Siti Aida Ahmad (SMK Pasoh 2)

Dear Mr. Kilmer 59

Answers
PLOT/WORKSHEET 2a

Rising 1 4 7 Falling
action 9 action
Climax

10 3 68
25

Exposition Resolution

By : Ms Siti Aida Ahmad (SMK Pasoh 2)

Dear Mr. Kilmer 60

PLOT/WORSHEET 2b
In a novel one event leads to another in a pattern of cause and effect.
Map the sequence of events of the story as a result of cause and effect.

Richard deliberately misfires to allow the beautiful young buck to escape.

By : Ms Siti Aida Ahmad (SMK Pasoh 2)

Dear Mr. Kilmer 61

Answers
PLOT/WORSHEET 2b

Richard deliberately misfires to allow the beautiful young buck to escape.
Pa has a private chat with Richard.
Pa learns that Richard does not like to kill anything.
Pa tells Richard that he does not need to go hunting again.

By : Ms Siti Aida Ahmad (SMK Pasoh 2)

Dear Mr. Kilmer 62

Dear Mr. Kilmer
Worksheet 1
Read the following statements. Then, write (T) if the statement is True
and (F) if the statement is False.

1. Richard was aware that he did not fit in and other
people realized it too.

2. Mrs. Hansen read from Shakespeare, Lord Byron and
Shelley.

3. Mr. Joyce Kilmer worked for The Washington Post.
4. Richard was the only student who wanted to sign the

card.
5. Some of Hannah’s neighbours came to repaint the

tavern wall.
6. Richard thought that Mr. Kilmer was courageous to

volunteer for the war.
7. Richard wanted to think of an original idea to help in the

war effort.
8. No one liked Hannah’s essay except for Richard.
9. Richard did not understand why Hannah did not want to

play Lady Liberty.
10. Joyce Kilmer’s death moved Richard to write another

poem.

By : Mr Sivakumar Al Athimulam (SMK Chi Wen)

Dear Mr. Kilmer 63

Worksheet 2
Rearrange the sentences below according to the sequence of events in this novel and
write them in the flow chart provided.

JUMBLED UP EVENTS

a. Richard sees his classmate, Hannah Schermer, crying. He notices that
the words ‘Dirty Hun’ are scribbled on her book cover because her
parents are Germans. Besides, the tavern belonging to Hannah’s parents
has been vandalized.
b. Mrs. Hansen, the English teacher reads a poem “Trees” by Joyce
Kilmer in class. Joyce Kilmer has volunteered to fight in the war in
Europe.
c. Joyce Kilmer is killed in the battle. Richard dedicates a poem for him
and is published in the local newspaper. His father understands him.
d. Hannah declines the role of Lady Liberty. Richard declines the role of
Doughboy.
e. School reopens, and Mrs. Hansen announces to the class that they
will hold a patriotic programme to help sell Liberty Bonds to raise funds
for the war. The girl with the best essay would play Lady Liberty while
the boy with the best essay would play Doughboy.

By : Mr Sivakumar Al Athimulam (SMK Chi Wen)

Dear Mr. Kilmer 64

By : Mr Sivakumar Al Athimulam (SMK Chi Wen)

Dear Mr. Kilmer 65

Answers Worksheet 2
Worksheet 1 1. b
1. T 6. T 2. a
2. F 7. T 3. e
3. F 8. T 4. d
4. T 9. F 5. c
5. T 10. T

By : Mr Sivakumar Al Athimulam (SMK Chi Wen)

Dear Mr. Kilmer 66

Worksheet 1
a) Based on the novel Dear Mr. Kilmer, state whether you like or dislike the
ending of the story? Give reasons for your answer with close reference to the
text.
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By : Ms Zarina Mohd Hamid (SMK Bahau 2)

Dear Mr. Kilmer 67

Worksheet 2
b) Based on the novel Dear Mr. Kilmer, write about the importance of
friendship and how one character epitomised being a good friend. Give
reasons for your choice with close reference to the text.
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By : Ms Zarina Mohd Hamid (SMK Bahau 2)

Dear Mr. Kilmer 68

Worksheet 3
c) Read the questions and answer the following questions.
1. Why did some of the students groan when Mrs. Hansen wanted to read a
poem?

2. In your opinion why did Joyce Kilmer volunteer for the army?
____________________________________________________________

3. Why did Richard feel that he had found a hero in Joyce Kilmer?
____________________________________________________________

4. What motivated Richard to write to Joyce Kilmer?
____________________________________________________________

5. In your opinion, why did Richard write a poem about his father?
____________________________________________________________

By : Ms Zarina Mohd Hamid (SMK Bahau 2)

Dear Mr. Kilmer 69

(Suggested answers) Question a.

The ending in Dear Mr. Kilmer by Anne Schraff makes one think deeply. While I like
the ending, I also wish Mr. Kilmer didn’t have to die in the war. But life in reality is
tough and as Richard’s father says, death is part of life. At the end of this novel,
Hannah is the one who breaks the news to Richard that Kilmer was killed in the war.
It is the most devastating news to Richard who has grown to like Kilmer very much
and share good relationship with him. They both love reading and writing poems and
have similar ideas about the war. They both want the end of the wars so that people do
not have to die unnecessarily.

Richard writes a poem to express his pain in losing his dear friend. When
Richard’s father reads the poem, he is deeply touched. The poem expresses his own
pain when he lost his own brother. He speaks to Richard and both of them understand
each other better and their relationship improves and goes on a better footing.

Question b.

Richard Knight is the epitome of a good friend to Hannah Schermer, a good American
citizen whose family was originally from Germany. The family had a tavern and
everyone was a friend to them until the war broke out. This caused the whole village
too see the Schermer family as outcasts because the war was against the Germans.
Despite his classmates and brother’s advice to stay away from Hannah and her family,
Richard did the opposite. Someone had written ‘Dirty Hun’ on Hannah’s book cover.
He could not understand why someone would do so cruel things to sweet Hannah. He
did not give in to peer pressure and the pressure from the other members of his village
community. Villagers had even vandalised their tavern by painting terrible things on
the tavern walls.

People considered him a traitor for being a friend with her and even going to
dinner at her house. However, Richard did not see it as being a traitor. He was sure that
being a patriot did not mean being cruel to another person and her family simply
because of them being Germans, the food they served or the language they spoke. He
stood by Hannah through everything. Richard was the only one who signed the card
Mrs. Hansen had bought on behalf of the class to express their regret for such terrible
things happening to Hannah and her family. That action spurred Mrs. Hansen to
acknowledge how proud she was for him doing that as it showed he was a person with
integrity. Richard was truly a good friend to Hannah Schermer, and his words and
actions demonstrated that.

Question C.

1. They did not like poetry.
2. He wanted to serve his country as he was patriotic
3. Joyce Kilmer was brave and he wrote poetry.
4. Joyce Kilmer’s poems spoke to him directly
5. This was his way of trying to understand his father

By : Ms Zarina Mohd Hamid (SMK Bahau 2)

Dear Mr. Kilmer 70

1. DEAR MR. KILMER- CHARACTERS

ACROSS

3. the History teacher who keeps the students updated about the war
5. the supportive English teacher
7. a poet, works for the New York Times
10. the main character in the novel
11. Richard’s older brother ; an ordinary boy

DOWN

1. German girl. Pretty with blue eyes and blonde hair
2. The troublemaker and full of prejudice against the Schermers
4. Richards’s eldest sister; loving and patient
6. Richard’s classmate who is interested in the role of Lady Liberty
8. Hannah’s brother who joins the army
9. A loving and understanding father of Richard, Gus and Angie

By : Ms Nurul Amirah Mohd Azam (SMK Alam Beraja) & Ms Aziratulsyida Mohd Razli (SMK Undang Jelebu)

Dear Mr. Kilmer 71

2. DEAR MR. KILMER (CHARACTERS)

I THINK....

1. Split the class into 2 groups.
2. Cut handout A (make 2 copies). Put all the 6 characters’

cards on the board (2 columns, one for each group).
3. Prepare the characteristics cards in 2 different boxes (cut

handout B).
4. Give one characteristics box to each group. Allow the

students time to read all the characteristics and match the
correct characteristics to the right characters. NOTES: this is
only done in group.
5. Next, from each group, students take turn to paste the
characteristics to the characters on the board.
6. When everyone has finished, check the answers.
7. Make copies of handout C- one copy for each student. Tell
students to copy the right answers into the personal note
for reference.

VARIATION
1. Withdraw the fixed sequence of turns and invite students
to play competitively.

By : Ms Nurul Amirah Mohd Azam (SMK Alam Beraja) & Ms Aziratulsyida Mohd Razli (SMK Undang Jelebu)

Dear Mr. Kilmer 72

ACTIVITY 2 (HANDOUT A)

GUS

PA

ANGIE

HANNAH
SCHERMER
JOYCE KILMER

RICHARD KNIGHT

By : Ms Nurul Amirah Mohd Azam (SMK Alam Beraja) & Ms Aziratulsyida Mohd Razli (SMK Undang Jelebu)

Dear Mr. Kilmer 73

ACTIVITY 2 (HANDOUT B)

a famous poet, a friend of Richard and died in German
during war

the main character who likes to write poetry
Richard's dad

RichaRridc’hsaerdld'serdbardother
Richard's older sister
Richard's neighbour. She is an American German
Kind, sensitive and sympathetic
Pale, slender, tall with blonde hair, resembles his mother
Brave and true to his principles
Creative and artistic
Beautiful, with blue eyes and blonde hair like corn silk
Hardworking, humble and helpful
Richard’s classmate
Sensitive and supportive
Intelligent and helpful

By : Ms Nurul Amirah Mohd Azam (SMK Alam Beraja) & Ms Aziratulsyida Mohd Razli (SMK Undang Jelebu)

Dear Mr. Kilmer 74

Unseen character
A poet, works for The New York Times
Kind, thoughtful, encouraging and brave

Honest
A loving and understanding father

Stout, dark and brawny
A man of few words

A practical and hardworking farmer
Determined: enlist in the army
Insensitive
Loving and patient

# teachers may refer to any workbook for the characters’ traits

By : Ms Nurul Amirah Mohd Azam (SMK Alam Beraja) & Ms Aziratulsyida Mohd Razli (SMK Undang Jelebu)

Dear Mr. Kilmer 75

ACTIVITY 2 (HANDOUT C)
Fill in the boxes with characteristics of each character.

RICHARD KNIGHT JOYCE KILMER

HANNAH SCHERMER GUS

ANGIE PA

By : Ms Nurul Amirah Mohd Azam (SMK Alam Beraja) & Ms Aziratulsyida Mohd Razli (SMK Undang Jelebu)

Dear Mr. Kilmer 76

Answers

Activity 1 Down

Across 1 Hannah Schermer
2 Abner Lewis
3 Mr Higby 4 Angie
5 Mrs Hansen 6 Peggy
7 Joyce Kilmer 8 Otto
10 Richard Knight 9 Pa
11 Gus

Activity 2 JOYCE KILMER
- a famous poet, a friend of Richard and died
RICHARD KNIGHT
- the main character who likes to write in German during war
poetry - Unseen character
- Kind, sensitive and sympathethic - A poet, works for the The New York Times
- Creative and artistic - Kind , thoughtful , encouraging and brave
- Pale, slender, tall with blonde hair, - Honest
resembles his mother
- Brave and true to his principles GUS
- Hardworking, humble and helpful - Richard’s elder brother
- Determined: enlist in the army
HANNAH SCHERMER - Insensitive
- Richard’s classmate
- Richard's neighbour.She is an American PA
German - Richard's dad
- Beautiful, with blue eyes and blonde hair - A loving and understanding father
- Stout, dark and brawny
like corn silk - A man of few words
- Sensitive and supportive - A practical and hardworking farmer
- Intelligent and helpful

ANGIE
- Richard's older sister
- Loving and patient

By : Ms Nurul Amirah Mohd Azam (SMK Alam Beraja) & Ms Aziratulsyida Mohd Razli (SMK Undang Jelebu)

Dear Mr. Kilmer 77

3. CHARACTERS- WHO IS WHO?

1. Cut up handout A and paste them around the class. Make
sure that they are visible to the students.

2. Divide the class into pairs. Give each student a copy of
handout B.

3. Explain: In each pair, one student will be the writer, and
one will be the runner. Only the runner can go around the
class and memorize the lines. The writer will write them on
handout B, in the section ‘Evidence’. Runner is not allowed
to write the sentences on their palms or papers. They need
to memorize the lines and tell the writers.

4. Reminder: tell students that it is okay to do it several times
(back and forth) for each line.

5. Once they manage to get all evidences, in pairs, they need
to match the characters to the evidences.

6. When everyone has finished, check answers in plenary.
7. Finally, students need to elaborate each evidence using

their own words. Encourage them to eleborate each point
with supporting details. Tell students to find the sixth
evidence of any characters in the novel.

By : Ms Nurul Amirah Mohd Azam (SMK Alam Beraja) & Ms Aziratulsyida Mohd Razli (SMK Undang Jelebu)

Dear Mr. Kilmer 78
ACTIVITY 3: HANDOUT A

Chapter 4
“I enjoyed your letter... You mustn’t let fear of ridicule imprison you

...be strong!”

Chapter 3
Slowly he picked up his pen...he had already made his decision. He

signed his name.

Chapter 6
When Hannah finished reading her essay, he applauded loudly. But

he realised, he was the only one clapping.

Chapter 7
She declined the role of Lady Liberty after many students were angry

about her selection for the role.

Chapter 8
She baked cookies with nuts and raisins in them, while her mother

knitted a scarf to Mr Kilmer for Christmas.

By : Ms Nurul Amirah Mohd Azam (SMK Alam Beraja) & Ms Aziratulsyida Mohd Razli (SMK Undang Jelebu)

Dear Mr. Kilmer 79

ACTIVITY 3: HANDOUT B- Match the characters with the
lines (evidences). Complete the elaboration. Try to find
another evidence of any characters from the novel.

No Evidences Characters Elaboration/Details

Richard Hannah Joyce
Knight Schermer Kilmer

By : Ms Nurul Amirah Mohd Azam (SMK Alam Beraja) & Ms Aziratulsyida Mohd Razli (SMK Undang Jelebu)

Dear Mr. Kilmer 80

Activity 3

No Evidences Characters
Joyce kilmer
“I enjoyed your letter.. You musn’t let fear of ridicule Richard Knight
Richard Knight
1 imprison you ...be strong!” Hannah Schermer
Hannah Schermer
Chapter 3

2 Slowly he picked up his pen...he had already made his
decision. He signed his name.

Chapter 6

3 When Hannah finished reading her essay, he applauded
louldy. But he realised, he was the only one clapping.

Chapter 7

4 She declined the role of Lady Liberty after many students
were angry about her selection for the role.

Chapter 8

5 She baked cookies with nuts and raisins in them, while her
mother knitted a scarf to Mr Kimler for Christmas.

By : Ms Nurul Amirah Mohd Azam (SMK Alam Beraja) & Ms Aziratulsyida Mohd Razli (SMK Undang Jelebu)

Dear Mr. Kilmer 81
Activity 4 – Characters

Msytery Box
1. Before we get started, you need to have speakers,

music and a box.
2. Cut handout A, fold and put them in the box.
3. Ask all students to sit in a big circle. Tell them that

they are going to play the ‘Mystery Box game’. When
music is played, they need to pass the box around
the circle, anti-clockwise. Keep passing the box until
the music stops. The last person who holds the box
need to choose a paper from the box and answer the
question written on it.
4. Give students some time to think of the answer. If
they could not answer the question, allow others to
help.
5. Repeat the steps until all questions are done.

By : Ms Nurul Amirah Mohd Azam (SMK Alam Beraja) & Ms Aziratulsyida Mohd Razli (SMK Undang Jelebu)

Dear Mr. Kilmer 82
Activity 4 - Handout A

Richard is dark and browny. (TRUE OR FALSE?)
Richard looks like his mother. (TRUE OR FALSE?)
Richard is the youngest of 3 siblings. (TRUE OR FALSE?)
Richard’s English teacher’s name is ___________.

What is the name of the German girl?
Who wrote the poem, Trees?
Who is Joyce Kilmer?

Describe 2 physical traits of Gus.
Gus insists to join the war even though Pa does not allow it. This shows that Gus is...?

Give one evidence to show that the Schermers are patriotic Americans.
Give one evidence to show that the Schermers are patriotic Americans.

Pa is a supportive father. Give one example from the novel.
Richard is described as someone who is brave and true to his principles. Give 2

examples.
When Hannah decides to turn down the offer as Lady Liberty, it shows that she is

_____
Richard’s English teacher’s name is ___________.

By : Ms Nurul Amirah Mohd Azam (SMK Alam Beraja) & Ms Aziratulsyida Mohd Razli (SMK Undang Jelebu)

Dear Mr. Kilmer 83

Give one example to show that Pa knows the importance of education.
Hannah is a beautiful girl. She has......

Which character from the novel that you admire most? Why?
Hannah faces a lot of challenges in the novel. Give 1 example.
Hannah faces a lot of challenges in the novel. How does she overcome the challenges?
Hannah faces a lot of challenges in the novel. How does she overcome them?
What lessons did the main character learn? How did it help him to become a better

person?
How would you describe Mrs Hansen?
Both Mr Kilmer and Richard tell us that writing poem is not a sissy thing. Do you

agree? why?

By : Ms Nurul Amirah Mohd Azam (SMK Alam Beraja) & Ms Aziratulsyida Mohd Razli (SMK Undang Jelebu)

Dear Mr. Kilmer 84

EXPLORING THE SETTINGS
OF

DEAR MR KILMER

ACTIVITY 1
Where does the story take place?

 ____________________________________________________
 ____________________________________________________
 ____________________________________________________

During what time period does the story take place?
 __________________________________________________

How does the setting (place and time period) affect or contribute to the
plot of the story?



By : Ms Nurul Nadiah Mohd Nasir(SMK Bandar Baru Serting), Mr James Thong Wai Meng & Ms Shahrizad bt
Abdul Samad (SMK Teriang Hilir)

Dear Mr. Kilmer 85

ANSWER KEY

1. Where does the story take place?
 The Knights farmhouse
 The Schermer’s tavern
 Richard’s school
 The headquarters of The New York Times
 The battle trenches where American soldiers fight
 The New York Armory where Joyce Kilmer trains for war

(Choose three out of the answers above)

2. During what time period does the story take place?

 February 1917 to November 1918; before the United States joined
World War I until the end of the war.

3. How does the setting (place and time period) affect or contribute to the plot of
the story?

(Any relevant answer acceptable)

By : Ms Nurul Nadiah Mohd Nasir(SMK Bandar Baru Serting), Mr James Thong Wai Meng & Ms Shahrizad bt
Abdul Samad (SMK Teriang Hilir)

Dear Mr. Kilmer 86

EXPLORING THE SETTINGS
ACTIVITY 2
Based from the pictures, describe the place where the story take place?

PICTURE 1 PICTURE 2
__________________________ _____________________
__________________________ _____________________

PICTURE 3 PICTURE 4
__________________________ _____________________
__________________________ _____________________

By : Ms Nurul Nadiah Mohd Nasir(SMK Bandar Baru Serting), Mr James Thong Wai Meng & Ms Shahrizad bt
Abdul Samad (SMK Teriang Hilir)

Dear Mr. Kilmer 87

ANSWER KEY
PICTURE 1

 In the woods, where Richard, Gus and Pa went for hunting.
PICTURE 2

 The battle trenches where American soldiers fight.
PICTURE 3

 Richard’s classroom where he reads and writes the poem.
PICTURE 4

 The Knights’ farmhouse where Richard and his father work on
together.

By : Ms Nurul Nadiah Mohd Nasir(SMK Bandar Baru Serting), Mr James Thong Wai Meng & Ms Shahrizad bt
Abdul Samad (SMK Teriang Hilir)

Dear Mr. Kilmer 88

EXPLORING THE SETTINGS
ACTIVITY 3
Who do you associate with these places?
Match the characters (column A) to the places (column B)

COLUMN A COLUMN B
Pa
1. A one – room newspaper office Mrs
2. Pool in the forest
Hansen Gus
3. Open countryside for horseback riding and cattle herding Roland
4. An old, leafy oak tree which overlooks a railway track Mr
5 A tavern which serves sausages, sauerkraut and beer
Garrison Schermers
6. The football field Angie
7. The New York Armoury deer
8. El Carney, Cuba Richard
9. A farmhouse kitchen Joyce
10. A working desk with posters on a coming pageant
Kilmer

By : Ms Nurul Nadiah Mohd Nasir(SMK Bandar Baru Serting), Mr James Thong Wai Meng & Ms Shahrizad bt
Abdul Samad (SMK Teriang Hilir)

Dear Mr. Kilmer 89

ANSWER KEY
1. Mr Garrison
2. Deer
3. Pa
4. Richard
5. Schermers
6. Gus
7. Joyce Kilmer
8. Uncle Roland
9. Angie
10. Mrs Hansen

By : Ms Nurul Nadiah Mohd Nasir(SMK Bandar Baru Serting), Mr James Thong Wai Meng & Ms Shahrizad bt
Abdul Samad (SMK Teriang Hilir)

Dear Mr. Kilmer 90

Activity 1 : FINDING VALUES
List 5 moral values that you have learnt from Dear Mr Kilmer

Ex : Family Love

Dear mr
kilmer :

Moral
values

 Choose one value and relate the value to our daily life.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

POEM…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

By : Ms Kanimoli Subramaniam ( SMK Serting Hilir Kompleks )

Dear Mr. Kilmer 91

Activity 2 : MATCHING DESCRIPTION
Match the moral values to their description

1. War benefits no A. Richard was friends with the
one Schermers despite receiving a lot
of pressure to stay away from
2. Family them.
Relationships
B. Many lives were lost and the
3. The gift of people of Turtle Lake were
Friendship divided. Unity was lost because of
discrimination
4. Be creative
C. Richard and Hannah supported
each other when their classmates
were unkind to them. Richard
also received moral support and
encouragement from Joyce
Kilmer

D. The Knights and Schermers care
about each other and worry about
each other's safety

5. The value of E. Poetry writing is a form of creative
Education expression which brings comfort
to both Richard and Joyce Kilmer
6. Stand firm in
what you believe F. Pa insisted that Gus finish his high
in school education before joining
the army. Ignorance cause
discrimination, as seen in the
community's misconception of
Germans

By : Ms Kanimoli Subramaniam ( SMK Serting Hilir Kompleks )

Dear Mr. Kilmer 92

Activity 3 : FINDING EVIDENCE

Fill in the table with appropriate moral values, description
and evidence from the text.

MORAL VALUE EXPLANATION TEXTUAL
EVIDENCE
Ex : We must Richard was friends
with the Schermers Chapter 6/7 ( pg 78, 79)
always stand despite receiving a lot
firm in what of pressure to stay “ When Hannah finished
we believe in away from them. reading, Richard claped…He
was the only student in the
classroom applauding…”

By : Ms Kanimoli Subramaniam ( SMK Serting Hilir Kompleks )

Dear Mr. Kilmer 93

ANSWERS:

ACTIVITY 1
(Accept any possible answers)
ACTIVITY 2

1. (B) 2. (D) 3. (C) 4. (E) 5. (F) 6. (A)

ACTIVITY 3

Suggested Answers

MORAL VALUE EXPLANATION TEXTUAL

Ex : We EVIDENCE

must always Richard was friends with the Chapter 6/7 ( pg 78, 79)
stand firm in
what we Schermers despite receiving a lot of “ When Hannah finished
believe in pressure to stay away from them. reading, Richard claped…He
We must have was the only student in the
integrity classroom applauding…”

We must Richard has shown integrity towards Hannah Chapter 3 (pg 33)
support when no one else did. Mrs Hansen was very “But when he remembered
family proud of his action. He signed the card. pretty Hannah, who has never
through thick hurt anyone….
and thin The Knights and the Schermers care about each Despite the fact that he was
other. They support each other tired of being different, he
knew he had to sign the card
Chapter 1 (pg 7)
“ You don’t have to come
hunting anymore…” Pa told
Richard

Chapter 4 (pg 54-55)
1. The Schermers support
Papa’s decidion to
come to Iowa.
2. They also supported
Otto’s decidion to join
the army

ACCEPT ANY POSSIBLE ANSWERS.

By : Ms Kanimoli Subramaniam ( SMK Serting Hilir Kompleks )

Pictures 94

Pictures 95

Pictures 96

Pictures 97