MORIAH’S MIDDLE
SCHOOL READS:
War Horse
a novel by Michael Morpurgo
A Collaborative Learning Experience from the English and History Departments
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Introduction
War Horse is a powerful story of friendships during World War One.
In this student guide you will find Vocabulary Words. These are words from each
chapter that may be unfamiliar to certain students. Students have the definitions
and should work to use them within their writing. There are questions to use as
discussion starters or as reading checks. There are writing prompts called Write
Away to encourage students to write more about a specific topic. Art Wise
encourages students to use the art portion of Language Arts to research and
integrate art into reading time.
Chapter 1
Vocab Words
bellowed: shouted, yelled
bolted: ran away in fright
calf: a baby cow
clambering: trying to climb up in an awkward or frightened way
colt: a young, male horse
conviction: passion or certainty
dabbed: put on gently in certain spots
draft horse: a work horse, bred for heavy farm work like ploughing
gangling: awkwardly long or tall
glimpse: look at briefly, or only see part of
haggling: arguing over a bargain or price
halter: harness worn over a horse’s head to help control its movements
hindquarter: the back leg and/or hip
immediate: happening right away, at once
instinctive: occurring without thought, like a reflex
intrigued: curious
lunge: bend toward or come toward threateningly
nickered: gave a small high-pitched whinny
nuisance: a bother or irritation
obstinate: stubborn
soothed: calmed down
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stables: areas where horses are kept, usually divided into small sections for individual or
small groups of horses
stamina: ability to keep doing something for a long time
stumbled: fell over, tripped (without actually falling down)
suckle: to eat a mother’s milk, or to give a baby milk
thoroughbred: a horse that is pure in breed
venture: try out or go out tentatively/carefully
whisked: took away very quickly
Questions
1. In what perspective is the story told?
2. After reading Chapter 1, name and describe the main characters.
3. Why did Albert’s father buy a horse when the family needed a calf?
4. How does Joey feel about Albert?
5. Why did Joey say that he would not call his owner, “Master”?
Write Away
Why did Albert name the horse, “Joey”? What would you have named him?
Why is it important to “rub down a horse”?
Chapter 2
Vocabulary Words
abundance: more than is necessary, a lot of
continuously: without stopping
dismissive: not caring, wanting to get rid of
encounter: come across or meet, or a meeting
hesitated: paused, thought before doing
infinite: without end or limit
intricacies: the details, difficulties, or bits of special knowledge required to do something
limp: walk with an injury, unevenly
loneliness: sadness at being without friends
obedience: ability to obey commands or follow directions
precaution: something done carefully to prevent something else from happening
pretext: pretension, something that somebody is pretending
protected: sheltered, kept safe from harm
shuttering: closing up or putting away by closing shutters
terrified: very afraid
vengeance: revenge, something done to get back at somebody
vicious: evil, cruel
whinnied: made a high-pitched squeal
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Questions
1. Joey stated that Albert’s whistle imitated the stuttering call of a what? Did he come when
Albert whistled?
2. What did Joey do to Albert’s father that could have gotten him shot or sold?
3. What does Albert have to teach Joey to do in a week? If he doesn’t learn in a week, what
will happen to Joey?
Art-Wise
They declared war yesterday at 11:00! Draw a picture of what you think Albert and his
family looked like at this very moment. Use the details from the book to illustrate your
picture.
Write-Away
Albert is too young to go to war, but he says that he wants to go. How would you feel if you
were Albert? Would you want to go to war? Explain why or why not.
Chapter 3
Vocabulary Words
acknowledged: paid attention to, confirmed
arbitrating: seeing over, supervising
brewing: growing, thinking, creating
complaining: crying out against something unpleasant
inquisitiveness: curiosity, desire to know more
criticize: pick apart or say bad things about, find fault with
foreboding: a feeling that something bad is going to happen
gradually: slowly, piece by piece, not all at once or right away
inevitable: happening no matter what, bound to happen
intervened: stepped in, interfered
mortgage: a loan taken out, or to take a loan out
negotiator: somebody who tries to reach an agreement
normality: something that is done normally or regularly
scarcely: rarely, not happening very much, barely
suspicious: thinking that something is not right or that somebody is not telling the truth
tension: fear, anxiety, conflict
tinder: something that burns easily
vehemently: angrily or with great passion
Questions
1. Describe Albert’s relationship with his mother and father.
2. Albert helps out on the farm. What are some of his responsibilities?
3. Where do you think Albert’s father is taking Joey and Zoey?
Art-Wise
Draw a picture of Albert riding Joey (while they went to check the sheep) with Zoey
following close behind.
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Write Away
How do you think Albert is going to react when he comes home to find his horse/best
friend missing? How would you react?
Chapter 4
Vocabulary Words
abandoned: left behind
cavalry: soldiers mounted on horseback
elegant: beautiful, graceful
exaggerating: embellishing, or making better/bigger than, the truth
exertion: effort, energy
inconsolable: not able to be calmed down or made to feel better
khaki: a light brown color, usually used for military uniforms or work pants
placid: calm, peaceful
reassure: make feel better, tell everything is going to be all right
recruiting: asking to join, trying to get members
shrunken: shriveled, small
steady: ongoing, trustworthy, without stopping
union: a coming together, being joined
Questions
1. Why did Albert’s father sell Joey to the army?
2. What did Albert offer Captain Nicholls once he realized his father had sold Joey?
3. What did Captain Nicholls promise Albert?
Write-Away
What did the vet check to decide if Joey was “a perfect specimen”? Was he perfect?
Why or why not?
Chapter 5
Vocabulary Words
artillery: weapons/machines that do more than humans can, such as tanks or mounted
guns
barbed: having sharp spikes
cobbles: stones used to pave roads, usually making the roads slightly uneven
consolation: reassurance, something given to help make somebody feel better
cumbersome: awkward or difficult/heavy to carry or move
determination: unbreakable will to succeed
devotion: loyalty, great love and caring that attaches somebody to another
dignity: self-respect, pride
discipline: concentration in sticking to a task or completing a job
disciplines: various divisions or subjects in a field
furrow: crease, either on somebody’s head—like if that person is concentrating, or in the
land—like where farmers sow seeds
grooming: brushing and washing a horse
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infuriated: deeply angered
instinctively: without thinking, like a reflex
majestic: beautiful, large, expansive, regal
maneuvers: exercises to prepare armies for battle, formations
persuasion: words used get somebody to believe, feel, or do something
resented: felt angry at, or jealous
resigned: having given up, having accepted something
reveled: played in or with, or enjoyed
snaffle: put a metal bar (called a bit) into a horse’s mouth
squadron: a large group of soldiers who fight together
tedious: boring
transformation: a change, usually into something better
trepidation: fear or nervousness
Weymouth: a seaside town in England
Questions
1. Captain Nicholls explained to Joey how he and Jamie feel about the war; explain their
feelings.
2. Tell about Captain Jamie Stewart and Corporal Samuel Perkins. Who are they? Why are
they important to Joey and Captain Nicholls?
Art-Wise
Captain Nicholls is sketching a picture of Joey for Albert; sketch a picture of Joey with
Captain Nicholls
Chapter 6
Questions
1. While on the ship, who was it that gave Joey comfort? How did he comfort Joey?
2. When the ship docked, what did they all see that made them all very silent and somber?
Art-Wise
When the enemy was sighted, the command “Draw swords!” was shouted. Draw a picture
of what you think this looked like.
Write-Away
Write a short paragraph about this chapter from Captain Stewarts’ view.
Chapter 7
Vocabulary Words
bandolier: a belt with small pockets used to hold bullets
chaffing: rubbing painfully, causing skin to crack or break
deadlock: a situation where neither side involved can move or make any progress
effectively: successfully
fetlocks: the area around the ankles, or just above the hooves, of a horse
finesse: refinement, skill, grace
frustration: anger at not being able to do something
idleness: the state of not doing anything, normally waiting
incessant: without stopping, ongoing
irritations: frustrations, inconveniences, little things that upset people
meticulous: extremely careful, paying close attention to detail
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monotony: the state of doing the same thing over and over again
ominous: scary
Reveille: the song played in the morning to begin the day in the military
saddle sores: sores or blisters caused by a saddle rubbing on a horse’s back
stamina: ability to keep doing something for a long time
unsympathetic: not feeling kind toward, not having any sympathy for
veterinarian: a doctor for animals
Questions
1. Describe Trooper Warren. Is he a good horseman? Why or why not?
2. How is Trooper Warren while “out of the saddle”?
3. Who is the Sally mentioned in Trooper Warrens letters from his mother?
Write-Away
Write a short paragraph and predict what you think is going to happen in Chapter 8.
Chapter 8
Vocabulary Words
bedlam: chaos
carnage: destruction, dead bodies, etc. left on a battlefield
extract: pull out of
farewell: goodbye
feverishly: with haste and desperation
foe: enemy
gallop: run very quickly (horses)
galvanized: gave new strength, or came together
ghastly: horrible, gruesome
inexorably: in a way that leaves no room for change or exception
reassure: tell somebody that things will be all right
remnants: leftovers, pieces
sabers: swords
Questions
1. Was your prediction for chapter 8 correct? Explain.
2. Joey and Topthorn have been separated from their soldiers. Who do they belong to now?
Write-Away
There were only two soldiers left and they are now prisoners of war. Who are these
soldiers and what do you predict will happen to them?
Chapter 9
Vocabulary Words
admiration: respect, warm approval
desperately: in a way that seems hopeless
formidable: strong, intimidating
Herr: German word of address roughly meaning “sir”
immensely: largely, much
impatience: lacking the ability to wait for something
indignation: anger over something being unfair, passionate outrage
noble: graceful, regal, dignified
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sustained: kept going
undisguised: open, without any covering up
wielding: carrying, or threatening with
Art-Wise
A young girl and an old man came into where Joey and Topthorn were resting. Draw a
detailed picture of the two individuals and the horses.
Questions
1. Who is Hauptmann? How did he want the horses treated?
2. What were they going to use the horses for?
Write-Away
The officer insured Joey and Topthorn were well taken care of after their very long day of
pushing carts and saving lives. Describe where they were put for the night.
Chapter 10
Vocabulary Words
adulation: praise
extricate: take out of, untangle from
hazardous: dangerous
pitted: marked by holes, uneven because of dents
plodded: walked slowly and tiredly
prattle: talk on and on, like a child
Questions
1. Why were Joey and Topthorn happy about how their summer was going?
2. Joey said, “But it is the evenings of that summer that stay so strong in my memory.” What
is Joey describing?
Write-Away
Emilie is very sick so her grandfather is taking care of the horses. Summarize what he tells
the horses about Emilie and her life.
Art-Wise
A soldier reached up and hung a muddied ribbon with an iron cross dangling from it on
Joey’s neck. This ribbon was given to both Joey and Topthorn. Draw a picture of this ribbon
once it is hanging on a nail outside of their stable door.
Chapter 11
Vocabulary Words
harnessed: tied or connected to with a harness
emerged: came out of
yoked: joined together, normally by a large collar
besieged: feeling as though there are too many bad things happening at once
exuberant: excited and filled with joy and energy
consultation: a conversation, normally with an expert or a colleague, for an opinion
Questions
1. Why did Emilie ride Joey more than she rode Topthorn?
2. The orderlies, nurses, and doctors no longer needed Joey and Topthorn so they gave
them to Emilie and her Grandfather. What were the horses’ responsibilities on Emilie and
her grandfathers’ farm?
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Write-Away
Different soldiers came to the farm and demanded that the horses pull their guns. What do
you think the difference is between these soldiers and the previous soldiers who cared for
Joey and Topthorn? Emilie is devastated! Do you think Emilie will get her horses back like
she demanded of those soldiers? Why or why not?
Chapter 12
Vocabulary Words
aggression: behavior that is forceful, attacking, or violent
arduous: difficult
compulsion: a feeling that something MUST be done, not able to be resisted
courageous: having courage or bravery
deteriorated: became old and worn out
diminutive: small
dismissively: in a way that lacks care or shows that something is not important
efficiency: ability to do something quickly
exceptions: instances that do not follow the norm or a rule
excruciatingly: in an extremely painful or annoying way
exhaustion: extreme tiredness
fording: crossing
incongruous: not making sense, not following logically
intermittently: now and then, not constantly
motley: made up of different parts, not uniform
nuzzling: pushing the nose into something in an affectionate way
piteous: sad, in a weak state
recuperation: recovery, healing
relentlessly: without stopping
reservoir: store of food or materials, also a place to store these
spectacled: wearing glasses in order to see better
sporadically: here and there, now and then, not constant
steely: cold and strong
unperturbed: without being shaken or upset
urged: tried to get somebody to do something
vicious: evil, mean, spiteful
Questions
1. Joey didn’t think the work was any harder than pulling an ambulance cart, but what was
different now that WAS making it much more difficult?
2. What was happening to the horses as they kept on in the mud?
Write-Away
What were Herr Doctor and Herr Major arguing about? What did they decide to do?
Chapter 13
Vocabulary Words
admiration: respect, warm approval
comparative: using comparisons or the similarities between things
empathy: being able to imagine how other people must be feeling
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enthusiasm: excitement for doing something
exhilaration: excitement and joyousness
idleness: the state of not doing anything, normally waiting
simplicity: the state of being simple or easy to understand
obliging: willing to do something for somebody else
optimism: seeing the positive side to things
rational: logical, unemotional
regiment: a small division of soldiers fighting together
sporadic: random, inconsistent, here and there
tedious: boring
Questions
1. Topthorn and Joey survived and actually got fat! How did they lose their excess weight?
Write-Away
Who is “Crazy Old Friedrich”? Write a short paragraph and tell his story.
Chapter 14
Vocabulary Words
surefooted: confident
frantically: in a way that is panicked or frantic
wearily: in a very tired way
instinctively: doing something occurring without thought, like a reflex
spontaneous: on the spur of the moment, doing something without planning it beforehand
intensified: became stronger or more powerful
Questions
1. Describe Rudi and his love for horses.
2. What happened to Topthorn and how did Joey react?
Write-Away When the shelling began, Joey stayed with Topthorn as his troop fled. Predict
what will happen next to Joey.
Chapter 15
Vocabulary Words
abandoned: left behind
anticipation: excitement or nervousness about something that is going to happen
belched: burped, pushed noisily from the stomach
bombardment: a strong attack that seems to come all at once and doesn’t stop
contemplate: think deeply about
craters: holes made in the earth by bombs
inexorably: in a way that leaves no room for change or exception
lumbering: moving slowly and heavily
pulsated: throb, expanded and contracted
Questions
1. What was it that finally tore Joey away from Topthorn’s side?
2. What happened to Joey’s leg while he was running?
3. When the sun came up and the mist cleared, Joey found himself in “no-man’s-land”. What
do you think it means to be in “no-man’s-land”?
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Write-Away
Joey was terrified, lost, and physically and mentally hurt. Have you ever been lost? How did
you feel? What thoughts do you think were running through Joey’s head?
Chapter 16
Vocabulary Words
consternation: confusion
disbelief: a state of not being able to believe something
occasional: occurring now and then, not all the time
savor: enjoy, spend time over, appreciate
warily: with caution, carefully
Questions
1. What did the two soldiers hold up as they both entered “no-man’s-land”? Why?
2. Did the German or the Welshman win Joey?
Art-Wise
Draw a picture of the German and Welshman with Joey in “no-man’s-land”. Use details from
the chapter.
Write-Away
Write a short summary about the conversation the two soldiers had about war.
Chapter 17
Vocabulary Words
anxious: nervous or excited, wound up
immaculate: perfect, spotless
irritation: annoyance
kinship: a feeling of friendliness or togetherness
magnificent: amazing, awe-inspiring
turrets: towers
ungainly: awkward, not smooth or graceful
Questions
1. Describe the Sergeant and his first impression of Joey.
2. Albert joined the Veterinary Corps just on the off chance that he may come across his
Joey again. How did Albert and Joey react when they stood face to face once again?
Art-Wise
Sketch a picture of Joey and Albert when they stood face to face once again. Use details
from the chapter while sketching.
Write-Away
Describe David and how Albert knows him so well.
Chapter 18
Vocabulary Words
consequence: the effect of something that has happened before, result
euphoric: filled with inexpressible joy
hullabaloo: excitement, activity, outcry
incredulous: not able to believe something
irrational: not logical
nickered: gave a small high-pitched whinny
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Questions
1. Albert talked to Joey about his father. What did he tell Joey?
2. Joey wasn’t getting better from his wound. He was getting worse and worse. Major
Martin and Sergeant Thunder told Albert and David what was wrong. What was it that Joey
had?
3. Albert and David bravely spoke up to the Major and Sergeant. What did they offer to do
to help Joey get better?
Write-Away
Albert thinks the war will be over soon! What do you think will happen once the war is
over?
Chapter 19
Vocabulary Words
convalescence: time spent healing from an illness or injury
ominous: scary
Questions
1. In time, Joey was better and back at the front line. What made things easier for Joey this
time around?
2. Maisie Brown is the girl who Albert is very fond of. Describe Maisie, and why she is so
important to Albert.
3. What happened to David? How did Albert react?
Write-Away
Major Martin announced that the soldiers would be home by Christmas! He also stated that
the horses would not be going back and would be staying in France. There will be an
auction and they will all be sold. Explain the thoughts and feelings that the soldiers had
when this was announced.
What do you predict will happen? Will Joey get to go home with Albert? Will Albert have to
go home without Joey?
Chapter 20
Vocabulary Words
audible: able to be heard, like a sound
conspiracy: secret plot
dispersed: spread out in different places
mucking : cleaning out
Reveille: the song played in the morning to begin the day in the military
Questions
1. Sergeant Thunder decided that he was going to bid on Joey at the auction. How did he
come up with enough money for the auction?
Write-Away
Joey was the last horse to be sold at the auction. What happened? Who bought him? How
do you think Albert is going to react to this?
Chapter 21
Vocabulary Words
acceptance: a state of having decided there is nothing that can be changed
commiserating: sharing memories or complaints about something
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levity: lightheartedness, the state of not being serious
pealing: loud sounds coming in succession, one after the other
proposition: idea
rapturous: extremely happy
vagaries: sudden and unexpected changes
Questions
1. Emilie’s grandfather bought Joey! After he spoke with Major Martin and Sergeant
Thunder, he came to Albert. What did the man say to Albert? What was the promise that he
made Albert keep?
2. How much money did Albert have to give the man to buy Joey?
3. What happened to Emilie?
4. Once Joey got back home to his family and Maisie, what happened?
Additional Questions:
1. Why do you think that the book was written from the horse’s point of view?
2. What war is taking place? Where does Albert live?
3. Why do you think that Albert’s father treats Joey so badly?
4. Joey seems to have a good feel for the character of people. Why do you think this is
the case?
5. Describe Captain Nicholls’ attitude about the war and the use of the cavalry.
Describe Herr Hauptmann’s attitude about the war. How are they similar? How do
they differ from other people thinking?
6. If you were reading the story from Captain Nicholls’ point of view, what would be
the differences in the description of the first battle?
7. Why were Joey and Tophorn such a comfort to the wounded men? What can give
you comfort in tough situations?
8. Discuss the new technology that comes about in this war. Compare and contrast this
war with previous war technology. Is Joey useful in this war situation? Why or why
not?
9. How did Joey feel when he was trapped in No Man’s Land?
10. When both the Welshman and the German were trying to help Joey, whom did you
want to take the horse? Why? What did the event say about how the soldiers on
both sides really felt about the war?
11. Joey had relationships with several people in the book – Albert, Captain Nicholls,
Warren, and Emile. Joey was a confidante to these people. Why do you think that it
was so easy for these people to talk to Joey so openly? In what way was this
comforting to them?
12. How did you feel when Joey finally found Albert? Discuss the path that Albert might
have taken to put himself in a position to find Joey again. Compare and contrast
Joey’s journey with the one that Albert might have made.
13. War Horse was written from a unique perspective--from the point of view of a horse.
Choose a character from the book, and recreate a short scene from the book from
that character’s perspective.
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14. Joey gave comfort to many characters in the book just by listening to them. What is
it about animals that can bring people comfort?
15. At the end of War Horse, Albert and his horse, Joey, are able to return home to their
family on the farm in Devon. What do you think is in store for Albert and Joey?
16. Respond to one of the following quotes from War Horse:
a. “I tell you, my friends,’ he said one day. ‘I tell you that I am the only sane man
in the regiment. It’s the others that are mad, but they don’t know it. They
fight a war and they don’t know what for. Isn’t that crazy? How can one man
kill another and not really know the reason why he does it, except that the
other man wears a different colour uniform and speaks a different language?
And it’s me they call mad!”
b. “Any problem can be solved between people if only they can trust each other”
17. What possible benefits actually came out of Joey being sold as a war horse? Use
specific examples from the book to support your answer.
18. What do you think the author’s attitude is toward war? Why do you think so?
19. How does Joey express his emotional attachment to his various (human and horse)
companions? In your life, in what ways do you communicate, aside from talking?
20. In your opinion, what’s the most important scene in War Horse? Why?
21. Compose a paragraph to explain why you think the author of War Horse allowed
Joey to understand English, French, and German.
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War Horse Final Assessment
Choose one topic from the options below for your final War Horse Assessment.
Options For All Students
1. Write an original story from the point of view of an animal. It could be a pet, a zoo animal, a
farm animal or even an animal found in the city. The story should reflect the style of War
Horse and revolve around a historical or current event, for example, the Apollo Moon
Landing or September 11th. This story should be at least three pages or nine full paragraphs.
2. How did the countries of the world convince their citizens to join the war effort? Research
World War I posters on-line using various websites and create a collage of some of these
posters. On an accompanying sheet of paper, compare and contrast posters from at least two
different countries and explain: who created these posters? What do they mean? Do you find
them convincing? Why or why not? Your answers should be a total of one and a half pages or
five paragraphs.
3. Research women’s role in the work force during World War I and how this role affected the
passing of the 19th Amendment, which affirmed women’s right to vote. Write your research
in at least a page and a half or five paragraphs. Use what you have learned to write and
present a persuasive three minute speech encouraging women in 1920 to register to vote.
Option Just For Sixth Grade
On a small canvas, paint one of the following scenes from War Horse. Please accompany your canvas
artwork with a two-paragraph explanation on a separate piece of paper.
You may choose to do:
a. A battle scene
b. Joey and Albert together
c. The German and English soldier freeing Joey from the barbed wire
Option Just For Seventh Grade
Write a series of four or more poems of eight lines each that express the various themes in War
Horse. Make sure to include an accompanying sheet that explains in a page or three paragraphs the
themes in War Horse, where you see them demonstrated, and how you have expressed them in your
poetry. You may choose to write one song about a single theme in the book instead of writing four
poems, but be sure to compose the song yourself and include at least two verses, a repeating
chorus, and a bridge.
Option Just For Eighth Grade
War Horse suggests that the impact of war on soldiers is life-changing. Locate a recent article,
interview, or story about the struggles and, hopefully, triumphs of a veteran of the wars in Iraq or
Afghanistan. In two pages or six paragraphs, write about this American hero’s story, focusing on
his/her challenges and achievements. Emphasize how he or she has acclimated to civilian life.
*** All writing must be double-spaced in Times New Roman size 12 and have a proper
heading and title.***
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