Going Places
TEXTBOOK EXERCISES
1. Where were the two girls most likely to find work after school?
Ans: Sophie and Jansie had only a few months left before finishing school. Jansie knew that both of them would most likely have to work in the biscuit factory. It was also possible that they might get a job in a shop. Unlike Sophie, Jansie clearly understood the practical reality of their future.
2. What were Sophie’s dreams? Why did Jansie discourage her?
Ans: Sophie had many ambitious dreams. She wanted to open a boutique, become an actress, or work as a fashion designer. However, Jansie discouraged her because these dreams required money and opportunities which they did not have. Jansie was practical and believed Sophie should think realistically about her future.
3. Why did Sophie feel uncomfortable when Geoff told their father about Danny Casey?
Ans: Sophie felt uneasy because she did not want her father to know about the story of meeting Danny Casey. She knew that her father would not believe her and might become angry. When Geoff mentioned it, her father looked at her with disbelief, which made Sophie feel embarrassed.
4. Did Geoff believe Sophie’s story?
Ans: No, Geoff did not fully believe Sophie’s story. He repeatedly said that it might not be true and asked questions about Danny Casey. His reaction shows that he was doubtful about Sophie’s claim.
5. Did Sophie’s father believe her story?
Ans: No, Sophie’s father did not believe her story either. Although he was a big fan of Danny Casey, he considered Sophie’s story just another of her imaginative tales and ignored it.
6. How did Sophie include Geoff in her dreams?
Ans: Sophie imagined Geoff as a companion in her dream world. She often pictured herself riding behind him on his motorcycle and exploring new places. In her imagination, Geoff was someone who could take her away from her ordinary life into a more exciting world.
7. Which team did Danny Casey play for?
Ans: Danny Casey played for United.
8. Why didn’t Sophie want Jansie to know about Danny Casey?
Ans: Sophie wanted to keep the story secret between herself and Geoff. She believed Jansie was too curious and would quickly spread the news. Sophie feared that if Jansie knew about it, the entire neighbourhood would hear the story.
9. Did Sophie really meet Danny Casey?
Ans: No, Sophie did not actually meet Danny Casey. She admired him greatly and created an imaginary meeting in her mind. Her dreams and fantasies made her believe the story even though it never really happened.
10. When did Sophie see Danny Casey in real life?
Ans: Sophie saw Danny Casey only once in real life when she went with her family to watch a football match. During the match, Casey scored a goal for United, which made Sophie feel proud and excited.
UNDERSTANDING THE TEXT
1. What differences between Sophie and Jansie are shown in the story?
Ans: Sophie and Jansie are close friends but very different in their attitudes. Sophie is imaginative and lives in a world of dreams. She often thinks about unrealistic plans such as opening a boutique or becoming a famous actress.
Jansie, on the other hand, is practical and realistic. She understands their financial situation and believes they will probably work in a biscuit factory. These differences show that Sophie is a dreamer while Jansie is sensible and grounded.
2. Describe the character of Sophie’s father.
Ans: Sophie’s father is a strong and practical man who does not like unrealistic stories. He appears strict and sometimes aggressive. Sophie is slightly afraid of him because he often dismisses her imaginative ideas.
However, he is very passionate about football and greatly admires Danny Casey. He enjoys watching football matches and celebrating victories with friends.
3. Why did Sophie like her brother Geoff so much?
Ans: Sophie trusted Geoff more than anyone else in her life. Unlike her father or Jansie, Geoff listened quietly to her stories without criticizing her. She believed he could keep her secrets safe.
To Sophie, Geoff represented adventure and mystery because he worked in the city and had experiences she did not know about. She admired his quiet nature and felt comfortable sharing her dreams with him.
4. What was Sophie’s socio-economic background?
Ans: Sophie belonged to a lower middle-class family. This is shown through several details in the story. Her brother Geoff worked as an apprentice mechanic, which indicates a modest income. The family did not have luxuries such as servants or a car.
Because of their limited financial resources, Sophie’s dreams of opening a boutique or becoming a fashion designer were unrealistic. Her economic background explains why her dreams remained only fantasies.