Question 1: Identify one example of personification in the passage and explain its effect.

Answer: The wind 'carried secrets'—it gives wind human qualities, creating a mysterious and ominous atmosphere.

Question 2: What mood is created by the description of the 'hollow eyes' windows, and how does it contribute to the theme?

Answer: It creates a sense of eeriness and foreboding, enhancing the theme of mystery.

Question 3: Find and name a metaphor used in the passage.

Answer: The 'trees whispered their secrets'—a metaphor suggesting trees seem to speak or share knowing secrets.

Question 4: How does the use of the phrase 'as elusive as a butterfly in a storm' contribute to the description of the figure?

Answer: It emphasises the figure’s secrecy and difficulty to catch or understand, adding an aura of mystery.

Question 5: Analyze the effect of the repeated use of the word 'shadow(s)' in the passage.

Answer: The repetition of 'shadow' emphasises darkness and concealment, reinforcing the theme of mystery and the unknown.

Question 6: Identify a technique used to create a sense of suspense in the narrative.

Answer: The description of the figure moving silently and mysteriously adds suspense and intrigue.

Question 7: Discuss how atmosphere is established through the description of the setting. Provide specific examples.

Answer: Atmosphere is created through descriptive details like 'fog settled', 'shadows stretched', and 'moon’s pallid glow', which evoke eeriness and suspense.

Question 8: Creative Task: Write a short descriptive paragraph (around 150 words) that continues the story, using at least two examples of figurative language you invent yourself. Focus on maintaining the mysterious tone.

Answer: See full answer key

Question 9: Creative Task: Based on the theme of mystery, create a list of five possible secrets that the trees might be whispering about. Use imagery and figurative language in your list.

Answer: See full answer key