English The Year The Maps...

In which Australian town is the majority of 'The Year the Maps Changed' set?

Sorrento

What specific year serves as the setting for the novel?

1999

Who is the eleven-year-old protagonist and narrator of the story?

Winifred "Fred" Owen-Ricci

What is Luca's profession and relationship to Winifred?

He is a police officer and Winifred's adoptive father.

What does the name 'Drumlin' signify in the context of the novel?

It means 'littlest ridge' or a small hill.

Why does Luca become furious with Fred during the initial chairlift incident at Arthurs Seat?

She deliberately rocks the chair, causing Sam's glasses to fall off and terrifying him.

Mr. Khouri teaches that maps of _____ are often drawn smaller than they are to take power away from people.

Africa

According to the novel's prologue, why do maps 'lie'?

They do not always tell the truth and are used by those in power to control people.

What is the name of the official government initiative to house 4,000 Kosovar refugees in Australia?

Operation Safe Haven

Where are the refugees specifically housed near Sorrento?

Point Nepean Quarantine Station

How does Sam Murray's identity in the family change by the end of the novel?

He moves from being Fred's rival or stepbrother to being accepted as her brother.

Who is the pregnant Albanian refugee teacher Fred befriends?

Nora Ramusa

Which character allows Fred to play soccer by forging a signature, standing up against his father's prejudice?

Aidan McMillan

What medical tragedy occurs to Anika's baby, Drumlin?

He is stillborn because the umbilical cord was wrapped around his neck.

Why does Fred feel intense guilt after Drumlin's death?

She initially resented the pregnancy and felt her negative thoughts caused the tragedy.

In the context of the novel's themes, what is a 'moral compass'?

The internal ability to know the difference between right and wrong.

Which character explains that 'Morality doesn't always equal legality'?

Mr. Khouri

How does Luca demonstrate heroism during the crisis involving Merjeme at Sphinx Rock?

He leads a human chain rescue to save her from the rising tide.

What action does Nora take when the government sets a deadline for refugees to leave?

She escapes from the haven because she is nine months pregnant and fears for her baby's safety.

Where does Pop (Jeff) hide Nora to protect her from the authorities?

In his apartment

What does Nora name her daughter, and why?

Rose, after Rosebud, the place where she first started to feel safe.

What are the legal consequences for Pop and Mr. Khouri for helping Nora escape?

They are both arrested.

What gift does Mr. Khouri give Fred for her 12th birthday to encourage 'perspective'?

The Times Atlas of the World

According to Anika, what is 'grief' an expression of?

Love

Which character says, 'It is entirely possible to do the wrong thing for all the right reasons'?

Pop (Jeff)

What does the use of the national anthem's 'boundless plains to share' symbolize in the story?

The hypocrisy of the government's treatment of refugees.

How does Fred's perspective of her room change during the pregnancy storyline?

She fears being replaced as her room (formerly her mother's) is considered for the new baby.

Who are the Vietnamese-Australian characters that help the refugees and understand their plight?

Jed Tran and his parents, Vi and Khoa.

What is the primary metaphor used by Binks to explore how power shapes our world?

Maps

What concept does Mr. Khouri describe as 'seeing the world through someone else's eyes'?

Perspective

Why is August 29th a difficult day for Sam in the novel?

It is his birthday, but it is forgotten by the family due to the grief over Drumlin.

In the final scene, what activity do Fred and Sam repeat to show their new bond and perspective?

Riding the chairlift at Arthurs Seat.

What Albanian word does Nora teach Fred as the correct way to say 'hello'?

Ckemi

What event causes Anika to be rushed to the hospital and share a room with Nora?

A hemorrhage during her pregnancy.

Why does Luca stop volunteering at the refugee haven?

He cannot handle the government's pressure on refugees to leave, which includes playing discouraging recordings.

What happens to Merjeme's family after she is rescued from Sphinx Rock?

They are sent back to Kosovo because her mother signed papers she didn't understand.

How does the community reaction to refugees reflect a 'moral' divide in the town?

Some locals protest and show prejudice, while others like the Trans and Mr. Khouri provide aid and shelter.

To Fred, what does the change from being called 'Freddo' to 'Winnie' signify?

Her personal growth and Anika's acceptance of her.

Which character brings computers to the refugee haven to help people connect with home?

Jed Tran's father (Khoa)

What does Fred mean when she asks herself, 'Maybe I'm like the force that stops everything'?

She is expressing her internalised guilt and belief that her resentment caused the baby's death.

What theme is explored through the example of Uluru being renamed Ayers Rock?

How maps take power away by erasing indigenous history and language.

What is the 'PETAL' structure used for in the context of the source material?

A method for writing analytical essay paragraphs (Point, Evidence, Technique, Analysis, Link).

According to Vi Tran, how does the 'world heal'?

One small act at a time.

Why does Mr. Khouri organise a soccer game between Albanians and Australians?

To foster community and human connection during the school holidays.

What does the transition of Point Nepean into a 'detention centre' indicate in the plot?

The government's shift toward a more aggressive and restrictive policy against the refugees.

Luca tells Fred: 'There's no more or less about it, there's only _____.'

Love

What specific fear does Nora have regarding the news from Kosovo?

She is frightened of what is happening to her home and family while she is trapped in the haven.

Which location is described as a 'small coastal town near Melbourne'?

Sorrento

What does the 'Times Atlas of the World' symbolise to Winifred at the end of the novel?

The gift of understanding and the ability to see the world from different perspectives.

How does Aidan's father, Bill McMillan, feel about the refugees?

He is prejudiced against them and does not want them in the town.

The phrase 'beggars can't be choosers' is used in the book by which group of characters?

Locals protesting against the refugees.

What role does the local newspaper play in the resolution of Nora's story?

It prints 'Let Them Stay' with a photo of Nora and Rose to rally community support.

Who does Fred stay with when Anika is rushed to the hospital with a hemorrhage?

The Trans (Jed's family)

In Chapter 6, what is revealed about the size of Africa compared to how it appears on most maps?

It is actually three times the size it is often drawn.

How does Winifred first meet Merjeme and Arta?

At the supermarket, where she helps them clean up spilled cereal.

What does the phrase 'moral responsibility' refer to in the context of Fred's actions?

Choosing to help Nora escape because it is 'right', even though it is illegal.

What is the significance of the mountain 'Arthurs Seat' in the story?

It is a recurring setting used to represent height and the gaining of perspective.

Operation Safe Haven

The Australian government's 1999 mission to provide temporary asylum to 4,000 Kosovar refugees.

Luca tells Fred: 'The world doesn't really stop just because there's _____ happening in one part of it.'

Tragedy

Why is the composite class (5th/6th grade) significant to the characters?

It is where Fred, Sam, and Jed are taught by Mr. Khouri and learn about maps and perspective.