Question 1
purpose across time · core
Two children's story openings from different times
A — The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter, first published in 1902. This is its opening sentence, with line breaks preserved:
“Once upon a time there were four little Rabbits, and their names were—
Flopsy,
Mopsy,
Cotton-tail,
and Peter.”
B — Pip's Morning, an original Pileo Academy classroom story, 2026:
Meet Pip: a rabbit with muddy paws and a plan. This morning she is going to find out who has been nibbling the carrot tops. Her brothers think the answer is obvious. Pip is not so sure.
Both openings introduce rabbit characters in stories for children. The short extracts do not show the complete stories.
What shared purpose do these openings have?
- To advertise vegetables for sale.
- To report the result of a scientific observation.
- To give instructions for caring for real rabbits.
- To introduce characters in a story for children.
VC2E4LY07 · VC2E4LY09
Text references: The Tale of Peter Rabbit (1902), Beatrix Potter — public-domain text
Question 2
language across time · core
Use the text at Question 1.
Which phrase in the 1902 opening is a traditional way to begin a tale?
- “muddy paws”.
- “Once upon a time”.
- “Meet Pip”.
- “not so sure”.
VC2E4LY07 · VC2E4LY09
Text references: The Tale of Peter Rabbit (1902), Beatrix Potter — public-domain text
Question 3
comparing language · core
Use the text at Question 1.
How does the 2026 opening address the reader differently?
- It starts with the exact same phrase as A.
- It gives four names on separate lines.
- It asks the reader to stop reading.
- It begins by inviting the reader to meet Pip directly.
VC2E4LY07 · VC2E4LY09
Text references: The Tale of Peter Rabbit (1902), Beatrix Potter — public-domain text
Question 4
comparing story information · core
Use the text at Question 1.
What does B introduce that is not yet included in the short extract from A?
- More than one rabbit.
- A named rabbit.
- A question for the main character to investigate.
- An audience of child readers.
VC2E4LY07 · VC2E4LY09
Text references: The Tale of Peter Rabbit (1902), Beatrix Potter — public-domain text
Question 5
layout across time · core
Use the text at Question 1.
How is the presentation of names different?
- B lists names alphabetically and A does not.
- A gives no names, while B gives four.
- A gives a list across several lines; B names one rabbit within its opening sentence.
- Both print every name as a numbered list.
VC2E4LY07 · VC2E4LY09
Text references: The Tale of Peter Rabbit (1902), Beatrix Potter — public-domain text
Question 6
source awareness · extension
Use the text at Question 1.
Which conclusion is fair after comparing these two extracts?
- No modern story ever uses a traditional opening.
- Every story in 1902 began in exactly the same way.
- Children in 1902 could read only stories about rabbits.
- These openings share a purpose but use different introductions; two examples cannot represent every story from their times.
VC2E4LY07 · VC2E4LY09
Text references: The Tale of Peter Rabbit (1902), Beatrix Potter — public-domain text
Question 7
texts across time · extension
Use the text at Question 1.
Compare the dated story openings using one similarity of purpose and two differences in language or presentation. Explain why the dates do not prove that every story of each period uses the same style.
What to aim for- Names the common purpose and audience.
- Gives two supported differences.
- Avoids generalising two extracts to all writing in either period.
Response or adult observation notes:
VC2E4LY07 · VC2E4LY09
Text references: The Tale of Peter Rabbit (1902), Beatrix Potter — public-domain text