Biography and Autobiography - Lesson 6 - First Day at School Reading Worksheet

The excerpt from an autobiography vividly recounts the author's initial encounter with secondary school life in Glasgow. On his first day, the author describes being ushered into a new classroom by a lean, inexperienced teacher named Mr. Maxwell, who promptly segregates the students by gender. Mr. Maxwell, who introduces himself not only as their form teacher responsible for daily attendance and discipline but also as their Latin instructor, stands before the class with a commanding presence. With hands on hips and a forward-leaning stance, he lays down the law, emphasising the importance of punctuality and attendance, and warning the students that any excuses for lapses had better be convincing.

The narrative captures Mr. Maxwell's attempt to establish a rapport with his students, despite his stern demeanor. He acknowledges his own novice status as a teacher and highlights the shared beginning of their educational journey at the senior secondary level. Declaring a mutual understanding, he proposes a simple agreement: cooperation from the students would be met with fairness from him, but any conflict would result in their detriment, not his. His piercing gaze and the description of his distinct features—a rugged nose, neatly trimmed red moustache, and wide lips—paint a picture of a man determined to make an impression on his first class, who in turn watch him with a mix of apprehension and curiosity.