DBH 4, Persuasion

Pre-intermediate Level Worksheet
Macmillan Readers Persuasion 1

Persuasion
Jane Austen
A Before Reading
1 What do you know about Jane Austen and her writing? Fill in the table with any ideas.
Jane Austen
When did she live?
Where was she from?
What other books did she write?
What sort of people and stories
did she write about?
Now read pages 4–6 of the book to check your ideas.

2 The story describes the life of rich people (or ‘polite society’) in the early nineteenth century. Life was
very different and there were many rules for what you should and should not do. Try to complete the
sentences (a–g) with your own ideas about life at this time in polite society. Part of an example answer
is in the first sentence.
a Women spent their time … at home or visiting friends, playing music, …
b When someone died, they left their money to …
c Most people did not work, but some men (younger sons) became …
d It was important for a young woman to …
e When people met someone they knew at home or outside, they usually …
f People travelled by …
g Women could not …
Check your ideas as you read.


B While Reading
3 a The title of the book is Persuasion and there are many examples of persuasion in the story. As you
read, keep a record of any examples of persuasion. Who persuades (or tries to persuade) who, and
to do what? The first one is an example.
Who? Persuades who? To do what?
Lady Russell Sir Walter
To save money (although he does not follow her
advice, choosing instead to go to Bath).
b Are you a persuasive person? Are you easily persuaded? Can you give any examples of persuasion in
your own life? Write a short paragraph.


4 a There are many differences between the three Elliot sisters. As you read, choose the best
descriptions for each daughter and write them in the table. One description is done for you.
the most similar to her mother the most important to Sir Walter the best-looking
the most interested in beauty the best listener the closest to Mrs Clay
the closest to Lady Russell the eldest the cleverest the strongest mind
the most vain the most often ill the youngest the most sensible
Anne
Elizabeth
the eldest
Mary
Now write a paragraph comparing the three sisters and explaining your choices of description.
b Do you think sons and daughters are usually more similar to one of their parents, or a mix of both
parents? Do you think that being the eldest, youngest or middle child changes a person’s character?
Write a paragraph giving your own opinion. Include the Elliot sisters and your own experience as
examples.
5 ‘Anne wanted to tell Lady Russell the truth about Mr Elliot as soon as possible.
Before she left Mrs Smith, she asked her if she was happy for Anne to tell her friend everything.’
(page 62).
Imagine and write the conversation that Anne later had with Lady Russell, explaining what she now
knew about Mr Elliot. Start the conversation like this:
Anne: I went to see my good friend Mrs Smith today and she told me some very interesting things
about Mr William Elliot.
Lady Russell: What exactly did she say, Anne?
Anne: …

C After Reading
6 a ‘I would like a woman with a strong mind and a gentle character … That is the kind of woman I
want.’ (Captain Wentworth, page 25).
The list below shows what some men and women in the story look for in their marriage partner. Do
you think they are still important in a partner? Put a cross (‘X’) in the relevant column to show your
own opinion of how important each is today.
Very important Quite important Not important
A strong mind
A gentle character
Beauty
Money and property
A good family
background
A young look
Polite manners
Not having married
before
A title (eg Sir, Lady)
b Sir Walter and Lady Russell stopped Anne from marrying Wentworth when she was nineteen. Do
you think that it is a good idea for parents to help in the choice of a marriage partner for their son
and daughter? Can they disagree? Write a paragraph explaining your opinion.
7 Imagine you are a director making a film version of Persuasion. Choose three characters from the story
and say which famous actor or actress you think should play each one and why.
Character Actor/Actress Why you chose this actor/actress
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© Macmillan Publishers Limited 2013.