Web (Penguin Reader Level 5)
#3 of 109 in All Aboard Reading Series
What’s inside...
The 'Penguin Readers' series offers simplified novels and film novelizations to help students at various levels improve their English reading skills. The books are graded across seven difficulty levels and categorized into 'Contemporary', 'Classics', or 'Originals'. Each book includes exercises to enhance vocabulary, comprehension, and writing skills. Some titles also have accompanying audio cassettes or free 'Penguin Readers Factsheets' for further learning material. In one story from the series, a millionaire English lord attempts to create a utopian community on a remote Pacific island, but the endeavor quickly turns deadly as group members begin to die under mysterious circumstances after their arrival.
Discussion points
What do you think are the main themes in 'Web' by John Wyndham, and why are they important?
How do the characters in the book react to unprecedented challenges, and what can we learn from their responses?
In what ways do the events in the book change the characters’ perspectives on society and relationships?
If you were a character in 'Web', how would you have reacted to the situation on the island?
What would you have done differently from the characters in the book to overcome the challenges presented?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by sharing your thoughts on the book’s themes to create an open dialog.
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the characters and their decisions, fostering empathy and critical thinking.
Discuss the moral and ethical questions raised by the book to deepen understanding of complex issues.
Highlight key moments in the story that might resonate with your child’s experiences or challenges.
Ask your child to imagine alternative endings or scenarios to engage their creative thinking.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of community and cooperation
Explanation: In 'Web', the characters must work together to overcome challenges posed by a hostile environment and its inhabitants. This highlights the necessity of teamwork and supporting one another.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by learning to collaborate with peers in school projects or in sports teams, understanding that collective effort often leads to better outcomes.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: The protagonists in the novel face numerous obstacles and threats, yet they strive to persevere and adapt to their circumstances. This resilience is a key theme throughout the story.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of persistence and not giving up when faced with difficulties, whether it’s dealing with a tough subject at school or overcoming a personal challenge.
Example Lesson: Ethical decision-making
Explanation: Throughout 'Web', characters are frequently faced with moral dilemmas and must make decisions that reflect their values and ethics, providing a narrative on the complexity of right and wrong.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand the importance of considering the consequences of their actions and making choices that align with ethical principles in their own lives.
Example Lesson: Respect for nature and its ecosystems
Explanation: The setting of the book on a remote island with a unique ecosystem underlines the theme of environmental conservation and respect for natural habitats.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to be more conscious of their environment, promoting activities that protect and preserve nature, like recycling, conserving water, or participating in local clean-up days.