Step 3 - Reading

Reading
Read the first chapter of the book The Great Railway Bazaar Classics.
After reading the chapter, answer the following questions.

The Great Railway Bazaar Classics - Chapter 1

Comprehension questions

  1. Where is the author going?
  2. Why does he find train travel exciting?
  3. What did he seek, and what did he find?
  4. What do we learn about Duffill?
  5. How is England described?
  6. What do you think Duffill has in his ‘paper parcels’?
What does the author believe to be the difference between fiction and travel writing?

Now read Home thoughts, from Abroad by Robert Browning.

Home Thoughts, from Abroad

Answer the following questions.

  1. What is the poem describing?
  2. Find out what a ‘thrush’ is. What is the significance?
  3. Highlight the words at the end of the lines that rhyme. What is the pattern?

Now compare and contrast the first chapter from The Great Railway Bazaar and the poem, Home thoughts from abroad.
In your opinion, which piece of writing best captures the feeling of home?

Imagine being away from your home.
Write about what you would miss.
Also think about aspects that you would not miss – and why.
Use as much description as you can including a description of smell and taste (home cooking for example).