Question 1: Identify one sentence in the extract that states a factual opinion and explain why.

Answer: Possible answer: 'Maria believed that the city's decline was irreversible,' because it expresses a personal belief rather than an absolute fact.

Question 2: Find a sentence that reflects an opinion about the city’s future. Briefly justify your choice.

Answer: Possible answer: 'Maria wondered whether hope was lost or simply waiting to be rediscovered,' as it shows personal speculation.

Question 3: Identify a phrase that suggests the author's attitude towards the city’s situation.

Answer: Possible answer: 'the city on the brink of transformation or collapse,' implying uncertainty about the outcome.

Question 4: Analyse how the author builds atmosphere in the extract.

Answer: Students should discuss the use of descriptive language, setting, and tone to create a mood of uncertainty and tension.

Question 5: Identify and explain one literary technique used in the extract.

Answer: Example: The contrast between 'chaos' and 'hope' illustrates the tension between despair and optimism.

Question 6: Write a short paragraph (150-200 words) exploring the themes of hope and despair in the extract.

Answer:

Question 7: Create a brief speech (about 20 lines) from Maria’s perspective, expressing her feelings about the city’s future.

Answer:

Question 8: For the creative task, outline a checklist of features students should include when writing Maria’s speech.

Answer: Checklist: emotional tone, personal perspective, references to the extract, expressions of hope or despair, persuasive language.

Question 9: Explain the significance of the phrase ‘on the brink of transformation or collapse’ in understanding the extract’s tone.

Answer: It highlights the uncertainty and tension about the city’s future, contributing to an atmosphere of anticipation or anxiety.