Chapter 13 - I Plunge to My Death

1.      Why does Percy try to keep a low profile on the train?

2.      What new information does Annabeth tell us about her father in this chapter?

3.      Annabeth says a couple of unexpected friends took care of her when she ran away from home. Any guesses who these might be? Why?

4.      Why does Percy laugh when Annabeth tells him what she wants to be?

5.      What magic item does Hades have? What are its powers?

6.      Describe the Chimera.

7.      Echidna says Percy should feel honored to be killed by her. Why?

8.      What is Percy’s “fatal mistake” while battling the Chimera?

9.      Why does Percy decide he has no choice but to jump? What would you have done in his place?

10.  How would the battle have been different if there were no mortal spectators in the Arch?

Text message

Text message to Chiron. In an earlier chapter, Percy mentions that cell phones are a no-no for half-bloods because monsters can trace the signals. But what if Percy had no choice? Imagine Percy has to send a text message to Chiron about their situation as it stands at the end of Ch. 12. He wants Chiron to know what’s going on, but he has to keep it brief so the monsters don’t trace the call. A text message can only be 150 characters, maximum (including spaces and punctuation). Write the best message for Percy to send Chiron. Add it as a comment to this blog.

Literacy - Chapter 12 - We get Advice from a Poodle.

1. Why does Grover want a searcher’s license?
2. Why does Grover’s dream sound so hopeless to Percy?
3. What new information do you learn about Grover’s past and how it relates to Annabeth?
4. According to Grover, why did Percy mail Medusa’s head to Mount Olympus?
5. Describe the place Percy sees in his dream.
6. What terrible realization does Percy make toward the end of the dream? What does the voice want from him?
7. Who do you think is talking to Percy in the dream? Who is this voice from the pit?
8. Who is Gladiola?
9. What is Grover’s plan to get money for the trip?
10. If you were offered the choice in Percy’s dream – to save your own parent’s life or complete your quest and prevent a terrible war – what would you choose?

Homework due Friday 9th August

Complete homework sheet 4.
Edit your persuasive writing. Show the improvements using a different colored text. Then have a second copy completed ready to be printed.

Medusa’s obituary.

Medusa’s obituary. 

Study some obituaries from your local newspaper, then write an obituary for Medusa. Make it funny if you wish. Be sure to use facts about her life (from the myths) and her death (from The Lightning Thief). What will her funeral arrangements be? Where should people send flowers or charitable donations? 

Chapter 11 - We visit the Garden Gnome Emporium

1. Why is Annabeth upset with Percy for risking his life on the bus?
2. What does Aunty Em look like when she opens the door?
3. How does Percy explain why he went into the garden gnome emporium? Does this explanation make sense to you?
4. Why does Grover start to get nervous at the emporium? (There are several reasons)
5. How can you tell that Percy isn’t thinking straight after he eats his meal?
6. Did you guess Aunty Em’s true identity before Percy did? If so, what clues gave her away?
7. Why does Annabeth say they have to kill Medusa? Why can’t they just run away?
8. Medusa’s head doesn’t disintegrate along with the rest of her. Why not?
9. What important information does Percy find in Medusa’s office?
10. Why do you think Percy sends Medusa’s head to Mount Olympus? Do you think this is a good idea?

Class speech competition

Monday 20 August:
Amy
Jason
Kristin
Hayze
Emaraina
Ray
Shania M
Oceania
Rose
John

Tuesday 21 August:
Bryanna
Kyle
Jessie
Lorna
Taine
Sophie
Kate
Josh
Oliver

Wednesday 22 August:
Christie
Ryan
Shania H
James
Hannah
Brad
Olivia
Hayden
Rangi