Armistice Runner - Session 4 - Reading Comprehension

In Session 4 of the reading comprehension series on "The Armistice Runner", students delve into Chapters 7 and 8, exploring the nuances of the narrative through a set of thought-provoking questions. They are prompted to ponder the mysterious disappearance of Frank Thwaite at the onset of the war, and to consider the oddity that Ernest notices upon returning from his run. The emotional connections between characters are examined, such as why Lily embraces Tim, adding depth to the reader's understanding of the relationships within the story.

The use of formal language in a letter from the War Office, including words like 'inform', 'notifying', and 'command', is analysed to understand its significance. Students are encouraged to empathise with Ernest's perception of his village as lifeless, and to speculate on the reasons behind Billy Mawson's speechlessness when meeting Ernest. The session also probes into the discomfort of Joseph during his conversation with Ernest and the reasons why Ernest's mother relies so heavily on him. Additionally, the question of why Lily prefers to keep Ernest's story private invites readers to reflect on the characters' motivations. To consolidate their understanding of the chapters, students are challenged to condense the key events and themes into a concise 50-word summary.