📚 Part 1: Mini Quiz & Vocabulary
WeAreLearningTo: Analyse key ideas and use context clues to understand vocabulary from the excerpt Chapter Three of Cuz.
Success Criteria: I can identify characters and setting, infer the meaning of words from context, and match vocabulary to simple definitions.
1. Who is River?
A crew member on the boat
The main character and cousin of Huia
A teacher at the local centre
A tourist visiting Milford Sound
2. Where does the chapter mainly take place?
In a city cafe
On a boat near Milford Sound
At a school gym
In a forest on the West Coast
3. What does the word winch most likely mean in this story?
A small bird seen near the shore
A mechanical device for lifting or pulling
A type of fishing net
A local Māori greeting
4. Check all of the words from the list below that appear in the chapter:
steaming
wheelhouse
winch
swamp
swell
5. Match each vocabulary word to the best simple definition. Draw a line between the columns.
A. steaming
B. wheelhouse
C. winch
D. swell
1. a gentle rise and fall of the sea
2. the enclosed area where a boat is steered
3. moving quickly with steam or smoke (or moving fast)
4. a device used to pull or lift heavy things
✏️ Part 2: Short and Extended Answers
Reread and use Chapter Three of Cuz. Write clear, brief answers and include one piece of evidence from Chapter 3 where asked.
6. Summarise, in 2–3 sentences, what happens during the fire incident in this chapter.
During the fire incident, River and Huia are caught off guard as flames engulf the area. They work together to alert others and help evacuate the boat, showcasing their bravery and quick thinking.
7. How does the author show River and Huia’s relationship? Give at least ONE detail from the text as evidence.
The author illustrates River and Huia’s close relationship through their teamwork during the fire. For instance, River instinctively looks out for Huia, ensuring she is safe, which highlights their strong bond.
8. What do you understand about Tau’s character (what he is like) from his actions in the passage? Write one idea and support it with a short quote or detail from the text.
Tau is portrayed as a protective figure who prioritizes the safety of others. His decisive actions during the chaos, such as directing people to safety, reveal his leadership qualities and sense of responsibility.
9. Reflection and Goal: From the success criteria at the start of the worksheet, identify which success criterion you met today. Write one thing you did well and one goal for the next lesson.
✅ Answer Key
1. The main character and cousin of Huia
2. On a boat near Milford Sound
3. A mechanical device for lifting or pulling
4. steaming, wheelhouse, winch, swell
5. A-3, B-2, C-4, D-1
6. [Student's summary of the fire incident]
7. [Student's detail about River and Huia’s relationship]
8. [Student's idea about Tau’s character]
9. [Student's reflection and goal]
