Zooming in on language

Touching the Void by Joe Simpson

Read from ‘I wanted to cry but I couldn’t’ to ‘I released my aching hand from the rope’
(Chapter 9).
1. The writer describes Joe’s rope as ‘stretched tautly’. Select one definition from the
list below that best defines the word ‘tautly’. [1]

loosely

tightly

high

far

2. The text describes Joe experiencing ‘twelve despairing hours’ in the crevasse. Select
one definition from the list below that best defines the word ‘despairing’. [1]

productive

peaceful

frightening

hopeless

3. The text also describes Joe as being ‘incapable of thinking’. Select one definition
from the list below that best defines the word ‘incapable’. [1]

not able

intelligent

distracted

impossible

4. Place the events that happen in chronological order, numbering them 1 to 6. The
first one has been completed for you. [5]

Joe observes the holes in the floor’s surface.

Joe hangs on a rope. 1

Joe is distracted by the sunlight.

Joe observes what he believes is the floor.

Joe slides down the rope.

Joe decides to look down.

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 Zooming in on language
Touching the Void by Joe Simpson
5. What is meant when Joe states ‘my jubilation was quickly tempered’? [1]

........................................................................................................

........................................................................................................

........................................................................................................

6. How high is the crevasse? [1]

.......................................................................................................

7. What is meant when Joe states ‘I was mesmerised by this beam of sunlight’? [1]

......................................................................................................

......................................................................................................

......................................................................................................

8. Summarise, in your own words, five feelings that Joe experiences in the last
paragraph. [5]

1. ....................................................................................................

2. ....................................................................................................

3. ....................................................................................................

4. ....................................................................................................

5. ....................................................................................................

9. Which range of mountains are Joe and Simon climbing in? [1]

........................................................................................................

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 Zooming in on language
Touching the Void by Joe Simpson
Answers
1. The writer describes Joe’s rope as ‘stretched tautly’. Select one definition from the
list below that best defines the word ‘tautly’. [1]

loosely

tightly ✔

high

far

2. The text describes Joe experiencing ‘twelve despairing hours’ in the crevasse. Select
one definition from the list below that best defines the word ‘despairing’. [1]

productive

peaceful

frightening

hopeless ✔

3. The text also describes Joe as being ‘incapable of thinking’. Select one definition
from the list below that best defines the word ‘incapable’. [1]

not able ✔

intelligent

distracted

impossible

4. Place the events that happen in chronological order, numbering them 1 to 6. The
first one has been completed for you. [5]

Joe observes the holes in the floor’s surface. 4

Joe hangs on a rope. 1

Joe is distracted by the sunlight. 5

Joe observes what he believes is the floor. 3

Joe slides down the rope. 6

Joe decides to look down. 2

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 Zooming in on language
Touching the Void by Joe Simpson
5. What is meant when Joe states ‘my jubilation was quickly tempered’? [1]
Joe’s happiness/triumph is soon replaced with anger or is destroyed.
Students must recognise the contrast to be awarded a mark.

6. How high is the crevasse? [1]

100 feet

7. What is meant when Joe states ‘I was mesmerised by this beam of sunlight’? [1]
Joe is amazed / transfixed / in awe of the sight of the sun creating a beautiful
pattern in the snow.
Reward valid alternatives.

8. Summarise, in your own words, five feelings that Joe experiences in the last
paragraph. [5]
1) ‘invigorated’ = refreshed / revitalised
2) ‘full of energy’ = energetic /energised
3) ‘optimism’ = positive
4) ‘blessed’ = lucky, fortunate
5) ‘I knew I could overcome them’ = determined

9. Which range of mountains are Joe and Simon climbing in? [1]
Peruvian Andes

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