The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini 2003 date

‘The Kite Runner’ by Khaled Hosseini (2003) date

Objectives: Reading: • AO 1 To select and synthesise information from texts • AO 1 To identify and interpret explicit and implicit information and ideas • AO 2 To explain and analyse how writers use language and structure to achieve effects and influence readers • AO 4 To evaluate texts critically and support this with textual references Writing: • A 05 – To communicate clearly and effectively, adapting writing to suit purpose and audience • A 06 - To use a range of vocabulary and sentence structure with accurate spelling and punctuation

Extract from The Kite Runner (2003) Read the extract from the novel. Number the paragraphs and summarise the key moments in each one.

Extract from The Kite Runner (2003) Re-read the extract from the novel. Annotate for the following: • • Narrative voice Setting (time and place) Characterisation Key events Themes Genre Language Structure

Exam-style questions: identify Question 1: In the first paragraph of the extract, Amir describes receiving a phone call and then going for a walk. Write down four things we learn about Amir in this paragraph. (4 marks) • He has a friend (called Rahim Khan) • He has ‘unatoned sins’ in his past • He now lives in San Francisco • He knows someone called Hassan

Exam-style questions: inference in the text Question 2: Why do you think Hosseini uses an image of two kites on lines 5 -7? • Represent the two boys • Link him to Hassan • Boys flew kites together in Afghanistan so links him to the past • Used as a link to begin the story

Exam-style questions: explore effects of structure Question 3: How does Hosseini use structure to set up the story in this extract? • Description is used to set up the story. • Hassan is the focus and attention is drawn to his importance in the first paragraph, emphasised by giving him a title ‘the harelipped kite runner’ which echoes the novel title • Narrator mentions names from his past, suggesting that these characters will also be important in the story • Memories of this part of his life are clear, important and significant

Exam-style questions: language in the text Question 4 a: On line 19, Hassan is describe as being like a ‘doll’. Why do you think Hosseini uses this image? • Treated like a belonging • That he is fragile or vulnerable • That Amir can make Hassan do what he wants Question 4 b: How else does Hosseini use language to describe Hassan? What effect does this create on the reader? • Makes his sound beautiful and precious (like he’s a treasure) and that Amir’s memories are idealised • Makes him seem like a baby with his face ‘almost perfectly round’ and therefore innocent and/or vulnerable

Exam-style questions: language in the text Question 5: How does Hosseini present the relationship between Amir and Hassan? Typical friendship with the boys getting up to mischief Strong friendship because of the power of the memory It was a happy friendship as the y were ‘giggling’ and ‘laughing’ An imbalanced relationship with Amir being more dominant and being able to instruct and manipulate Hassan • Possibly unhealthy because Hassan seems very submissive and loyal (easily exploited? ) – adverb ‘never’ • •

Exam-style questions: evaluate Question 6: A student who has read this extract comments, ‘From line 14 to the end of the extract, the writer brings Amir’s childhood in Afghanistan to life for the reader. It’s easy to imagine Amir’s life and experiences. ’ How far do you agree with this? In your response, you could : • Give your impressions of Amir’s childhood • Comment on the techniques the writer uses to present Amir’s childhood • Explore how effective the writer’s presentation of Amir’s childhood is. • Support your opinions with references to the text (20 marks) 25 -30 mins to answer this question

Exam-style questions: evaluate Question 6: A student who has read this extract comments, ‘From line 14 to the end of the extract, the writer brings Amir’s childhood in Afghanistan to life for the reader. It’s easy to imagine Amir’s life and experiences. ’ How far do you agree with this? • Writer gives detailed descriptions of the boys playing together to evoke the setting and the boys in the setting. • Descriptions of Amir’s family home help reader imagine the life he lived as a child with the focus on wealth and lavish surroundings. • People from his past are described vividly and he also creates humour. The reader therefore gets a sense of Amir’s personality and he becomes a more lifelike and believable character.

Imaginative writing task Write a story with the title ‘Memories’.

The Lovely Bones movie We will watch some of the movie.