The History Boys - Comprehension Practice
English
Grade 8
0 questions
1 views0 downloads
About This Worksheet
A comprehension worksheet focusing on Wit & Intellect within the context of The History Boys, emphasizing historical setting for Grade 8 students.
Worksheet Preview
Full preview • 0 questions
The History Boys - Comprehension Practice
Subject: EnglishGrade: Grade 8
Name:
Date:
TeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizz
Untitled Worksheet
Grade Grade 8
A
Scene Summary and Context Guide
The History Boys by Alan Bennett is set in a British grammar school during the early 1980s, a period marked by political conservatism and social change. The play centers around a group of bright students preparing for university entrance exams, guided by their unconventional teachers. The dialogue reflects a mixture of wit, intellectual debate, and subtle commentary on the societal norms of the era. The characters often discuss history and literature in ways that reveal their perspectives on authority, tradition, and modernity. A key scene involves the boys engaging in a spirited discussion about the significance of history and how it shapes identity, revealing Bennett's use of language to challenge stereotypes and provoke thought. Short phrases like
1.
How does the historical setting of the early 1980s influence the characters' attitudes towards tradition and change?
[2 marks]2.
Identify one example of wit used in the dialogue that reflects the characters' intellectual engagement with history.
[2 marks]3.
What literary technique is exemplified by the phrase 'The past is a foreign country', and what effect does it have?
[3 marks]4.
Describe how Bennett uses dialogue to showcase the characters’ wit and intellect within the historical context.
[4 marks]5.
Analyze how the play’s setting influences the themes of authority and rebellion among the students.
[4 marks]6.
Select the correct option: Which of the following best describes the role of humor in Bennett’s portrayal of the historical setting?
Aa) To lighten the mood without deeper significance
Bb) To highlight the contrast between past and present
Cc) To satirize societal norms and provoke critical thought
Dd) To make the dialogue more entertaining but unrelated to themes
7.
Provide a short quote from the play that encapsulates the play’s attitude towards history and its relevance today.
[2 marks]8.
Explain how Bennett’s use of language in the dialogue contributes to the play’s exploration of wit and intellect.
[4 marks]9.
Imagine you are a student in the 1980s setting of the play. Write a short dialogue between two students debating the importance of history in understanding the present. Use language reflective of the era and the play's tone.
[6 marks]Unlock Full Worksheet & Answers
Get instant access to the complete worksheet, answer keys, and 1,899 others
Unlimited answer keys for all worksheets
Download clean, formatted PDFs
Customize and remix any worksheet
Cancel anytime • No commitment • Start today
Quick Actions
What is Remix?
Create a new worksheet based on this one. Change the grade level, topic, number of questions, or difficulty - then generate a fresh version.
- • Change grade level (Grade 6 → Grade 7)
- • Swap topics (Harry Potter → Macbeth)
- • Add more questions (10 → 15)
- • Adjust difficulty
Details
- Created
- 12/31/2025
- Updated
- 12/31/2025
- Type
- worksheet