These exercises were sent in by Jocelyn Allen, an Australian teaching English in Germany. They have been specially designed for non native English speakers. Thanks Jocelyn!
1. Knowledge
List ten words from the story which are connected with cards and playing cards.
2. Comprehension
Why was Pamela not looking forward to the weekend?
How does Arthur feel when Pamela points her finger at him?
What does Arthur notice about Sally Snape?
What did Arthur and Pamela hear the Snapes talking about?
What is a ‘bidding code’, and why did the Snapes use it?
3. Application
Draw:
- An ace of hearts
- A jack of diamonds
- A queen of spades
- A nine of clubs
4. Analysis
Summarise the story ‘My Lady Love, My Dove’.
In order to get her husband to do something, Pamela uses bullying language. Find examples of this language, and infer what this tells us about her personality and relationship with her husband.
5. Synthesis
Write a short scene with dialogue describing breakfast on the next morning, Saturday, when Arthur and Pamela and the Snapes are together.
6. Evaluation
What is your reaction to the statement from the story – “Listen Arthur. I’m a nasty person. And so are you – in a secret sort of way. That’s why we get along together.” Do you agree that Pamela and Arthur are equally ‘nasty people’?
Do you think the reader is meant to feel sorry for Sally Snape? Justify your answer with examples from the text.
Have you ever spent time with people you do not particularly like? How did you decide to liven things up? Justify why you did this.