Reading: Chapter 1

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Chapter 1 - Reading Diary & First Impression

Read the first chapter of the novel. While reading, please keep a reading diary (Word document) and follow the instructions:


Task 3: Reading Diary

Your diary should include the following aspects:

  1. Write down the date when you have finished a chapter,
  2. the page numbers you have read,
  3. comments on your thoughts and feelings while reading (e.g. What was shocking/surprising/amusing/etc.? What made you feel miserable/ cheerful/sad/anxious/etc.?), and
  4. one or two quotes referring to the roles of men and women in the story.


From now on, write in your diary after every chapter you read! Hand in your diary together with your portfolio at the end of the lessons.


After reading chapter 1, do the following task:


Task 4

Go to Padlet (https://padlet.com/s1038373/i0rjc3adne5qwgip), think of 1-3 adjectives and 1-3 nouns related to your first impression of the novel. Post your chosen words in the columns.

IMPORTANT: Start your post like this: ##NameSurname##, so your teacher can check whether you completed the task.

Analysing Chapter 1

Task 5

Answer the following questions in a Word document. Provide page numbers and/or quotes to support your arguments!

  1. What is the role of the Aunts?
  2. Who are the Angels?
  3. What can you find out about the roles of women in the first chapter? Are there any differences?


Making Predictions

Task 6

After reading the first chapter, what do you expect will happen next?

In your document, write down the following:

  1. What do you think will happen in the next chapters?
  2. What do you think is the narrator's role in the novel?
  3. Do you think the book will have a happy ending? If yes, why do you think so?

Task 7

Now watch the trailer of the TV show The Handmaid's Tale. Note down in your document whether your predictions have changed, and if so: in what way?