Anne Frank Reading Comprehension

Name:

Date:

📖 WALT: Understand and analyse a text about Anne Frank

Success Criteria: I can find information in the text, make inferences, and explain the meaning of words in context.

Read the text below carefully:

13th June 1942

Dear Kitty, I hope I will be able to confide everything to you, as I have never been able to confide in anyone, and I hope you will be a great source of comfort and support. Today I received you as a birthday present, and I have decided to call you Kitty. You are my diary, and from now on, you will be my closest friend.

Life in Amsterdam has become increasingly difficult for Jewish families like mine. New restrictions seem to appear every week - we cannot go to cinemas, swimming pools, or even sit in our own gardens after eight o'clock in the evening. Father looks worried constantly, though he tries to hide it from Margot and me. Mother whispers with the neighbours about families who have simply vanished overnight.

Despite everything, I remain hopeful. I dream of becoming a famous writer one day, and perhaps these terrible times will give me something important to write about. I believe that people are really good at heart, even when the world seems dark and frightening. I must hold onto this hope, dear Kitty, for without it, what else do we have?

📝 Part 1: Multiple Choice Questions

1. Why did Anne decide to call her diary 'Kitty'?

It was her favourite name

She wanted it to be like a friend she could confide in

Her mother suggested the name

It was written on the diary cover

2. What does the word 'confide' mean in the context of the first paragraph?

To share secrets and personal thoughts

To feel confident

To write neatly

To hide information

3. Which of these restrictions is NOT mentioned in the text?

Cannot go to cinemas

Cannot use swimming pools

Cannot sit in gardens after 8pm

Cannot go to school

4. How does Anne's father try to protect his family from worry?

He tells them everything will be fine

He hides his own concerns from Anne and Margot

He doesn't talk to them at all

He makes jokes about the situation

✏️ Part 2: Inference and Analysis

5. What can you infer about what is happening to Jewish families from the phrase "families who have simply vanished overnight"?

6. Find and copy one phrase that shows Anne is determined to stay positive despite the difficulties.

7. Why do you think Anne believes that "these terrible times will give me something important to write about"? Explain your answer using evidence from the text.

8. Challenge Question: How does the author create a sense of hope and fear at the same time in this diary entry? Give examples from the text.

Extension Activity: Research the real Anne Frank and compare this fictional entry to what you discover about her actual experiences.