Inference means to use clues from within the text to draw conclusions.

Evidence is the information from a text that can support or justify our reasoning.

An impression refers to initial feelings about a person, place or thing, gained from reading a text.

Answering a range of comprehension questions on 'Shackleton's Journey'

English

In 'Shackleton's Journey: reading’, pupils read a text set in  1914–1917. In ’When the Sky Falls; reading’, pupils will read another text set during the Second World War, 1939-1945.

In 'Curiosity: The Story of a Mars Rover: reading’, pupils read and discussed a non-fiction, picturebook narrative. In ’Shackleton's Journey: reading’, pupils will read and discuss a more complex non-fiction, picturebook narrative, based on true events.

In this unit, pupils read and explore the non-fiction picturebook text, 'Shackleton's Journey'. They explore the context of the Antarctic expedition and examine the layout features of the text. Finally, pupils answer a range of comprehension questions and engage with the key themes.

'Shackleton's Journey': reading

Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

to use clues from within the text to draw conclusions

information from a text that can support reasoning

initial feelings about a person, place or thing

Match the following keywords to their definitions.

Endurance had tilted at a 30-degree angle.

It would be more comfortable living on the ice floe.

It was growing harder and harder to repair.

Which of the following contributed to Shackleton making the decision to evacuate the ship?

After abandoning the Endurance, which two camps did the crew set up on the ice floe?

There were lots of passing ships that could offer to help the crew.

The ice was breaking up and it was becoming less stable.

Why did Shackleton and his crew have to leave the ice floe?

What were the names of the lifeboats that the crew sailed to Elephant Island in?

They had to row against 60 foot sprays of icy cold water.

Camping on smaller sections of ice meant crew might fall into the water.

What were some of the dangers the crew faced as they sailed?

True or false? The weather was calm during the expedition's journey to Antarctica.

How far away from civilisation was the Endurance when it became stuck in the ice?

They would be able to catch their own food.

They would have more space to exercise and run around in.

Why might the dogs have enjoyed being off the ship?

Which crew member made the stove where lots of the crew hung out together?

Which dangers did the crew need to be aware of when on the ice floe?

Endurance sets sail for Buenos Aires, Argentina

The crew spend a month making final preparations at Grytviken Whaling Station

Endurance is isolated, now 500 miles from other signs of civilisation

Put the following events that have occurred so far in 'Shackleton's Journey' in the correct order.

Content guidance

Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

Adult supervision required

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

Answering a range of comprehension questions on 'Shackleton's Journey'

Lesson outcome

Content guidance

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.