Page 6 - BOOK VI Unit 4

The twenty-two of us lived like this in the cold for four months. Our discipline and team
spirit kept us optimistic and helped us deal with our fears in a positive and successful
way. We also celebrated our birthdays, festivals, and even the times when we caught a sea
animal. This was an episode in my life that I would never forget.

When we were finally rescued, we felt such relief and joy that many of us could not hide
our tears. We were at last free to go home to warm beds, good food, and the care of our
family and friends. Our optimism and faith in Shackleton had helped us persevere in
staying alive. And he paid us back by his commitment to save us from a slow but painful
death.

2 Read the text again and answer the following questions.

1 What did the men eat and drink on the island?
2 What were the dangers of living on the island?
3 How did the men stay in good spirits while waiting to be rescued?
4 What do you think were the key reasons for their survival?
5 If you were one of the men on Elephant Island, would you have trusted Shackleton? Why
or why not?

3 Based on the diary entries and the memoir you have read, write an essay about the
story of Shackleton and his men on the ship Endurance.

1 Read the story again and think about the following questions. Make notes with your
answers.
• How does the author describe Shackleton and his crew members?
• What kind of relationship did Shackleton have with his crew?
• What struggles did they face?
• What were the motives for their actions?
• What did you like most about the story?
2 Begin your essay with a brief summary of the story. Remember to include who, what,
where, when, why, and how.
3 Use your notes and cite examples to explain what you think about the characters.
4 End your essay by talking about how the story made you feel, and give your overall
impressions of the expedition and the men who went on it. Explain why you feel this way.

4 Exchange drafts with a partner. Use the checklist to give feedback on your partner’s
draft.

Does the essay contain the main points in the story?

Is the essay written in the writer’s own words?
Does the writer give his/her opinion about the story?
Does the writer present his/her ideas clearly by using linking words and phrases?

5 Get your draft back and revise it. Then put up your essay in your classroom or read
it to the class.

UNIT 4 ADVERSITY AND COURAGE 45