The Ghost’s Child Year 8 English Major Test Your task is to write a text response essay in response to one of the topics below. You will do this in the double period advised by your English teacher. You will be able to consult with your teacher and plan your essay beforehand. You should bring an essay plan into the test, which will be checked by your English teacher. You will not be allowed to refer to your novel or any other class notes during the test. Your teacher may direct you towards a particular topic. For information on the assessment criteria and a review of the text response essay structure see: http://learn.stleonards.vic.edu.au/yr8eng/home/units‐of‐study/the‐ghosts‐child/e‐assessment/ Topics 1) “There are many kinds of journeys in The Ghost’s Child. Hartnett gives us real journeys, imaginary journeys and emotional journeys for the characters”. Discuss 2) “There are problems in all the relationships in The Ghost’s Child.” How fair is that statement? 3) ‘Feather made the wrong choice; he should have stayed with Maddy.’ Do you agree? 4) How does Hartnett challenge our understanding of what a traditional novel should be like? Refer to at least five ways she achieves this. 5) ‘Maddy uses her imagination to help her cope with her loneliness.’ How effective do you find this strategy? Give at least five examples from the novel to support your ideas. 6) “The view from the mountain top is good.” How do Matilda’s experiences shape her life? 7) “In The Ghost’s Child, Sonya Hartnett shows us many kinds of love. There is the happiness and sadness of human love, but there is also a love of the beach, the sea, beautiful creatures, objects, ideas – and the lost fay.” What evidence of love did you find in the novel? 8) What makes the mysterious boy such an important part The Ghost's Child? 9) In some ways this is a fantasy story but in other ways it is very realistic. To what extent would you agree with this statement?