Compression and understanding questions

Tomorrow, When the War Began-Revision

1) The title of the Novel ‘Tomorrow, When the War Began’, suggests both the future and the past. Why do you think the author chose this title.

Because the book is about teenagers going out camping with a few friends and then Australia their country gets invaded.

2) Homer and Lee reacted in different ways to Ellie’s camping trip invitation. Why? Consider the personality and the background of both boys and explain your ideas in your answer.

3) Ellie felt uneasy before she left Hell, and she had begun to make some connections. Why was she afraid to ask questions?

Because she might have thought something bad had happened without them knowing since she doesn't really talk to anyone.

4) The role of leader immediately fell to Ellie’s shoulders when the group realized the calamity of the situation. Why was that a natural reaction? What about Ellie’s character inspired her friends to trust her as a leader?

5) Millie and Flip were the two main pets written about in the novel. If you were in Ellie’s of Kevin’s situation, would you choose to endanger the group in an effort to keep your pet with you?

Yes because having pets such as dogs they are good for looking out for danger well some dogs are and you might need them for something and just letting your pets go away is not worth looking it for letting your group stay not seen than seeing your pet leave you for the rest for your life.

6) Think about Homer. He was ‘wild, outrageous. He didn't care what he did or what anyone thought’; yet Homer turns out to make good decisions. Why did this transformation occur?

7) Robyn’s character is deeply religious. Why do you think the author added her character to the story? What sort of balance (or imbalance) does she bring?

8) When Ellie found Chris asleep during his sentry duty, she was ultimately shocked at the violence of her reaction. Was her reaction justifies? Explain your opinion?

9) Kevin is depicted as a coward at the beginning of the book. Do you think he redeems himself at the end? Explain your opinion

10) The group of teenagers broke many laws throughout the novel. Describe five actions they committed that broke a law. Do you think their actions were justified?

11) The novel was very much about the invasion of Australia, yet the relationships between the friends are documented quite often by Ellie. Why do you think that is?

12) Many invaders died in the novel, with no casualties in Ellie’s group. Do you think that it is fairer if the enemy dies? Or does it become fair when both ‘good’ and ‘bad’ sides die?

13) The novel reminds us that even in times of chaos and trauma, the human spirit will always triumph. Do you agree? Explain your opinion.

14) Do you think that it is friendship and family, and not revenge that provides the motives for the characters’ action in the novel? Explain your opinion.

15) There are four female and four male main characters in the story. Why do you think this is? Would the story be different if the ratio was changed?

16) Tomorrow, When the War Began, shows us that war always brings out the worst in people. Do you agree? Use three examples from the text to support your opinion.

17) Which character in the novel is the most ‘useless’ in your opinion, why? What could be changed about this character in order to make them more useful?

18) What would you say was the overall message of the novel? What parting wisdom did John Marsden intend you to uncover in his story/

19) Whose voice is not heard in this story? Why do you think the author has not included their thoughts and opinions.

20) Create an argument and justification from the point of view of the invaders as to why the invasion was necessary and beneficial.