Model Answer: Blackman presents Sephy as privileged but naive. She is shown as innocent through her excitement about starting school with Callum, not fully understanding the racial tensions. Her privileged position as a Cross is evident through references to her family's wealth and status. However, Blackman also shows her genuine friendship with Callum, suggesting she questions the social divide. Key quotations: "I couldn't wait to see Callum again" shows her innocence, whilst her confusion about why things have changed reveals her sheltered upbringing.

Model Answer: Callum's thoughts reveal his anger, frustration, and intelligence. He is bitter about the inequality he faces as a Nought, shown through his resentful observations about Cross society. His intelligence is evident in his articulate internal monologue and political awareness. Despite his anger, he shows vulnerability in his feelings for Sephy, creating internal conflict between his political beliefs and personal emotions.

Model Answer: Their relationship creates central conflict as it crosses racial boundaries in a segregated society. Their friendship/romance becomes increasingly impossible due to social pressures, family opposition, and political events. This drives key plot points including Callum's radicalisation, family conflicts, and the tragic ending. Their relationship symbolises the possibility of unity whilst highlighting the destructive nature of prejudice.

Model Answer: The alternating first-person perspectives allow readers to understand both Sephy and Callum's viewpoints, creating empathy for both characters. This structure highlights the different experiences of Crosses and Noughts - Sephy's chapters often show privilege and confusion, whilst Callum's reveal anger and oppression. The structure builds tension as readers see misunderstandings develop and creates dramatic irony when characters don't know what the other is thinking.

Model Answer: Blackman uses derogatory terms like "blanker" and "dagger" to show racial hatred. She employs contrasting imagery - Cross areas described with positive language (bright, clean, spacious) whilst Nought areas use negative descriptions (cramped, dirty, dark). The formal/informal register differences in dialogue show class distinctions. Metaphors of darkness and light are inverted from traditional associations to challenge reader assumptions.

Model Answer: Blackman uses short, sharp sentences during conflict scenes to create pace and urgency. She employs cliffhangers at chapter ends to maintain suspense. Internal monologue shows characters' fears and anxieties. Dramatic irony creates tension when readers know information characters don't. Foreshadowing through ominous imagery and dialogue hints at tragic outcomes.

Model Answer: Prejudice is shown through institutional racism (separate schools, job discrimination), personal relationships (family opposition to Sephy/Callum), and internalised racism (some Noughts accepting inferiority). Blackman shows how prejudice corrupts both oppressor and oppressed - Crosses become cruel whilst Noughts become bitter. The reversed racial hierarchy challenges real-world assumptions and forces readers to examine their own prejudices.

Model Answer: The title references the simple game where players compete but someone always loses - reflecting the racial conflict where both sides suffer. "Noughts" suggests emptiness/worthlessness (how society views the pale-skinned people), whilst "Crosses" implies burden/suffering (despite their