Novel •Ties
A Study Guide
Written By Crystal Norris
Edited by Joyce Friedland and Rikki Kessler
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P.O. Box 326 • Cranbury • New Jersey 08512
THE DARK IS RISING
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Synopsis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
About the Author . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Pre-Reading Activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Map: The British Isles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Part One: Midwinter’s Eve, Midwinter Day . . . . . . 5 - 6
Part One: The Sign-Seeker,
The Walker on the Old Way . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 - 9
Part Two: Christmas Eve,
The Book of Gramarye. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 - 11
Part Two: Betrayal, Christmas Day . . . . . . . . . . 12 - 13
Part Three: The Coming of the Cold,
The Hawk in the Dark . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 - 15
Part Three: The King of Fire and Water, The
Hunt Rides, The Joining of the Signs . . . . 16 - 18
Cloze Activity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Post-Reading Activities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 - 21
Suggestions For Further Reading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Answer Key . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 - 24
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Copyright © 1988, 1991, 1997 by LEARNING LINKS
THE DARK IS RISING
For the Teacher
This reproducible study guide consists of lessons to use in conjunction with
the book The Dark is Rising. Written in chapter-by-chapter format, the guide contains
a synopsis, pre-reading activities, vocabulary and comprehension exercises, as well as
extension activities to be used as follow-up to the novel.
In a homogeneous classroom, whole class instruction with one title is
appropriate. In a heterogeneous classroom, reading groups should be formed: each
group works on a different novel on its reading level. Depending upon the length of time
devoted to reading in the classroom, each novel, with its guide and accompanying
lessons, may be completed in three to six weeks.
Begin using NOVEL-TIES for guided reading by distributing the novel and
a folder to each child. Distribute duplicated pages of the study guide for students to
place in their folders. After examining the cover and glancing through the book,
students can participate in several pre-reading activities. Vocabulary questions should
be considered prior to reading a chapter or group of chapters; all other work should be
done after the chapter has been read. Comprehension questions can be answered
orally or in writing. The classroom teacher should determine the amount of work to be
assigned, always keeping in mind that readers must be nurtured and that the ultimate
goal is encouraging students' love of reading.
The benefits of using NOVEL-TIES are numerous. Students read good
literature in the original, rather than in abridged or edited form. The good reading
habits will be transferred to the books students read independently. Passive readers
become active, avid readers.
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THE DARK IS RISING
PRE-READING ACTIVITIES
1. Social Studies Connection: The novel you are about to read takes place in
England. Consult the map on page four of this study guide and locate North Wales,
Buckinghamshire, and the Chiltern Hills. Do some research to learn about the
geography of these areas. How does the climate differ in each of these regions?
What are some of the distinguishing features of Buckinghamshire, North Wales,
and the Chiltern Hills? What are the typical flora and fauna of the regions?
2. Work with a small cooperative learning group to reach a consensus for a definition
of a hero. With what powers is a hero typically endowed? Who are the heroes you
have encountered in your reading, in films, and on television? Are there any people
alive today who can be considered heroic? As you read the book, consider whether
Will, the main character in the novel, fits your definition of a hero.
3. As you read The Dark is Rising, discover how this book fits into each of the following genres:
• Myth – a legendary story usually containing some superhuman individual or
event, sometimes dealing with the creation of the world or the forces that control
the world.
• Allegory – a story which conveys a spiritual meaning told through symbolic
means.
• Fantasy – an imaginative story usually dealing with supernatural beings or
events or both.
What books, films, or TV programs are you familiar with that fall into any of these
categories?
4. The struggle between Good and Evil has always been a popular literary theme.
Have you read any books or seen any films that portray this struggle? How does
appearance and language often establish a character as being either good or evil?
What colors are often used to signify good and evil? As you read The Dark is
Rising, notice how Susan Cooper used details of appearance, language, and color to
reinforce notions of good and evil.
5. Work with a partner to discuss the following ethical questions:
• Must an individual sometimes make a sacrifice for the common good?
• When fighting for principles, do the ends ever justify the means? If so, when?
Share your conclusions with your classmates.
6. The Dark is Rising is about an eleven-year-old boy who suddenly discovers that he
has been given a gift of power that no one else in his family possesses. How would
you feel if you possessed a secret power that you could not discuss with your
friends or family? Write a journal entry expressing your feelings.
7. The Dark is Rising tells of the steps Will Stanton takes toward achieving a specific
goal. What goals have you set for yourself? What steps have you taken to achieve
these goals?
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THE DARK IS RISING
PART ONE: MIDWINTER’S EVE, MIDWINTER DAY
Vocabulary: Synonyms are words with similar meanings. Draw a line from each word
in column A to its synonym in column B. Then use the words in column A to fill in the
blanks in the sentences below.
B
A
1. reverent
a. haunting
2. abruptly
b. fortunate
3. ominous
c. scampered
4. raucous
d. suddenly
5. auspicious
e. persistent
6. scuttled
f. harsh
7. amiably
g. respectful
8. resolute
h. graciously
......................................................
1. Considering my college graduation a(n) ____________________ occasion, my family
gathered from all over the country.
2. The dark clouds in the sky were a(n) ____________________ sign that a bad storm
was on the way.
3. The ____________________ stare of the witness told the defendant that he had been
caught.
4. James stopped ____________________ when the car in front of him made a sudden
turn.
5. To make her new friend feel comfortable at the party, Kim greeted her
____________________ at the door and guided her to people she would enjoy
meeting.
6. With bowed heads and ____________________ expressions, they entered the newly
constructed chapel.
7. The students who were trying to take an exam in the auditorium complained
about the ____________________ noise in the hallway.
8. The mouse ____________________ under the couch when it became aware that a cat
was in pursuit.
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