Would you like to be the speaker in the poem Dusting the Phone by Jackie Kay? Give a reason for your answer. Use lines from the poem to help support your points.
Exam Tips In an exam situation you will be rewarded if your answer: v Responds in a personal way to the question. v References particular lines from the poem. v Shows an understanding of the speaker’s point of view.
9.7 Novel Extract: Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen
Learning Intentions In this section you will … ✓ Explore the effect that communication has on relationships. ✓ Rewrite the text in a modern style. ✓ Create a formal letter which shows an understanding of the text.
35 Before Reading
Sense and Sensibility is an 1811 novel from the English author Jane Austen. It tells the story of wealthy sisters, Marianne and Elinor, whose family suddenly becomes poor, forcing them to marry in order to secure their future. Their brother inherits the family home. Because they are women, they cannot have professions and finding a husband is the only way to save themselves. In the extract you are about to read, Marianne gets unwelcome news from John Willoughby, with whom she has been having a romantic relationship. When they are not face-to-face, Marianne and Willoughby communicate via letters. What do you think are the advantages and disadvantages of this method of communication for people in a relationship?
Reading
As you read, make notes on how the letter adds to your understanding and enjoyment of this story. Report back to your class.
