English year 7 exams “The Bone Sparrow”

The narrative centers around a young boy named Subhi, who lives in an Australian immigration detention center. The story explores themes of friendship, hope, and the harsh realities faced by refugees, as Subhi connects with a girl named Jimmie, who brings stories and imagination into his constrained life. Key events include Subhi's interactions with his fellow detainees and the outside world, highlighting the contrast between their dreams and the oppressive environment.

Direct Quotes from the text with definitions

“hot chocolate falling from the sky” which is a symbol of hope

Speaker: Eli

"a sunbeam breaking through the clouds"

  • Speaker: Subhi, representing moments of clarity and hope in difficult times.

"the sound of distant laughter"

.Speaker: Jimmie, reflecting the fleeting joy and connection Subhi feels despite the oppressive environment.

"whispers of dreams"

  • Speaker: Subhi, indicating the aspirations and desires that the characters hold onto amid their struggles.

"the weight of silence"

  • Speaker: A fellow detainee, evoking the feeling of isolation and confinement experienced by the detainees.

"the horizon filled with possibilities"

  • Speaker: Jimmie, symbolizing hope and the potential for a better future, contrasting the current reality.

  1. Friendship

    • The bond between Subhi and Jimmie signifies the importance of companionship in tough times.    

  2. Hope

    • Represented through symbols like 'the horizon filled with possibilities'. Hope acts as a driving force for the characters' aspirations despite their struggles.    

  3. Reality of Refugees

    • Highlights the harsh conditions in detention centers and the emotional toll on individuals like Subhi and his fellow detainees.    

  4. Imagination vs. Reality

    • Jimmie's stories contrast with the grim reality of detention, showcasing how imagination provides an escape for Subhi.    

  5. Isolation and Confinement

    • Emphasizes the psychological effects of being detained, highlighted by quotes like 'the weight of silence'.

Reading & Responding

  • Task worth 40 marks focusing on skills from the 'Storytelling' unit and novel study.

  • You’ll read a passage and respond to comprehension questions.

  • Includes a descriptive writing section.

Exam Preparation

  • Review your Comprehension Task from Term One.

  • Go over notes on language and grammar.

  • Comprehension activities available on Education Perfect.

Exam Format (Thursday, 11th June 2026 PM)

  • Reading Time: 10 minutes

  • Writing Time: 90 minutes

Section A: Literature (50 Marks)

  • Analysis & response to an extract from 'The Bone Sparrow' (20 marks)

  • Essay Planning (5 marks)

  • Analytical response to the novel, including a plan and two paragraphs (25 marks)

Section B: Reading & Responding (40 Marks)

  • Read & respond to a piece of writing, focusing on comprehension and language skills (20 marks)

  • Use knowledge of figurative language to write a short descriptive response to a prompt (20 marks)