Leaving Certificate Ordinary Level – Excellence in English Language and Literature
4. How did Ma feel when Jack was born? 5. Why do you think Ma has looked up so many terrible stories about children on the internet? Writing Task:
T e interviewer asks Ma if she ever thought of having Old Nick leave Jack somewhere to be adopted. How do you think Ma feels when she is asked this question? ****************
Questions up to the end of the ‘Aſt er’ section of this book: 1. How does Jack feel when anyone other than Ma touches him? 2. What does Jack put in his pocket before he goes on the trip with his uncle? 3. Outline what happens when Paul and Deana bring Jack into the mall. 4. Why do you think Ma took an overdose? Writing Task: Based on the episode in the mall, what is your opinion of Paul and Deana? Support your answer with reference to the text.
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Grandma takes Jack home from the clinic to stay with her and Steppa while Ma is being treated for her overdose. She tries to put Jack to bed in the spare room, but he refuses to stay there on his own. Grandma puts an infl atable bed on the fl oor in her and Steppa’s room and stays with Jack until he falls asleep.
T e next morning, the hospital rings to say that Ma is stable. Grandpa comes to say goodbye as he is going back to Australia. Jack doesn’t want to see him because he knows Grandpa wishes he had never been born. Grandma tells him to take no notice of Grandpa, so Jack joins them for breakfast.
Grandma takes Jack to the playground because she is worried that he is watching too much television. Jack doesn’t interact with the other children but watches them play. Grandma forgets to put sun cream on Jack and he gets sunburnt. Grandma feels guilty and allows him to lie on the couch and watch cartoons for the rest of the day.
Ma’s condition improves and Grandma tells Jack she will be fi ne. Grandma puts sun cream on Jack and takes him out in the back garden. Jack touches a bee and is stung. Grandma puts
