Before we continue reading, let's look ahead at the next chapter title: "Throwing the Hammer". This title refers to a specific event in the Olympic Games, but in Matilda's world, it might mean something very different. Use what you have already learned about the characters to make some predictions.
1. Making Predictions Based only on the title "Throwing the Hammer," what do you think is going to happen in this chapter? Who do you think is doing the throwing?

2. What do we know about Miss Trunchbull? We have heard her name and heard how scary she is. List three things we already know or have heard about her character so far.
3. Predict: Fair or Unfair? Do you think something unfair will happen in this chapter? Explain why you think so, using evidence from what you know about the school and its Headmistress.
During Reading: Chokeys and Flying Pigtails 👧
📢 | Vocabulary Check: In these chapters, Hortensia uses the word brigand (a member of a gang of outlaws) and knave (a dishonest man) to describe how the Trunchbull sees the children. |
Character | Their Reaction to the Trunchbull | Matilda & Lavender | Fascinated, curious, and slightly shocked. | Hortensia | Brave, rebellious, and used to the cruelty. | Amanda Thripp | Terrified but tries to stand up for herself briefly. |
After Reading: Discussion & Reflection 💭 Now that you have finished the chapter, it is time to reflect on Roald Dahl's writing style and the deeper meanings behind the events at Crunchem Hall. Work through these questions to consolidate what you have learned.
Remember?
1. What have we already learned about Matilda in earlier chapters that makes her different from the other children at the school?
2. Why might the events of this chapter be important for Matilda's story later on?
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| Author's Craft: Exaggeration
Roald Dahl is famous for using exaggeration (making things seem much bigger, worse, or more extreme than they really are).
3. Why do you think Roald Dahl describes the scene where Amanda is thrown over the fence in such an exaggerated way? Do you think the scene is meant to be scary or funny? Or perhaps both? Explain your answer.
🧠 | Author’s Message: When authors write about villains like Miss Trunchbull, they are often making a point about how people use and abuse their power. |
Power and Bullying
4. What do you think the author wants to say about power and bullying in this chapter? Think about how the adults treat the children and how the children try to support each other. Together in pairs, identify two things that illustrate a moment of power and a moment of bullying
A moment of Power | A moment of Bullying | Example: Miss Trunchbull using her Olympic skills. | Example: Forcing a child into the Chokey. |
Vocabulary Practice: Mastering Matilda's World ✍️ To wrap up our work on these chapters, let's practice using some of the more challenging words Roald Dahl uses to bring Crunchem Hall to life. Read the definitions below and choose the correct word from the word bank to fill in the table.
Word bank: loathsome, insolence, vile, brigand, knave, exaggerate
Definition | Word | To represent something as being larger, better, or worse than it really is. |
| Extremely unpleasant; causing hatred or disgust. |
| Rude and disrespectful behaviour. |
| A member of a gang of outlaws or thieves. |
| Extremely unpleasant; wicked or immoral. |
| A dishonest or unscrupulous man. |
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