A NOVEL BY GARY PAULSEN

Complete three of the following

activities (one from each section). Extension work is also
possible.
Section 1: Knowing the novel
Present Hatchet as a graphic novel. Divide the story into 6 to 10 sections. Draw 3, 4 or 5
frames for each section, retelling the story. Include the chapter numbers covered in each
section.
OR
Make a list of the animal (fish, birds) and vegetable (fruit, plants) foods that Brian eats.
Give the page that on which each food item appears. Write ½ page on each food item,
describing the circumstances which led Brian to find it and eat it, where he found it, how
he gathered/hunted it, the consequences of eating it. Provide drawings or other pictures
of each item listed.

OR
Draw a detailed map of Brian’s ‘home’ during the novel. Include between 6 and10 sites
where significant events happened. Include page numbers for each event. Remember
BOLTS.

Section 2: Understanding the novel

Research a real life survival story. Write up your findings. This section needs to be one
page (approximately 250 words in length). You MUST include details about where you
got your information (website, book, interview, etc.).
OR
Research a real life survival story. Present this information to the class as an oral
presentation. Your speech should last for a minimum of 2 minutes. You may use
support material, such as photographs and maps to support your speech if you wish. You
MUST include details about where you got your information (website, book, interview,
etc.).
OR
Brian changes significantly as a person over the course of the novel. His experiences in
the wilderness make it necessary for him to change in order to survive. Show Brian’s
development by finding three quotes or events in the novel that highlight his
development. Quote these references, with page numbers. Underneath each quote write
1-2 sentences outlining what each quote tells us about how Brian is changing.
 Section 3: Applying the novel
Brian has changed significantly in order to survive in the wilderness. At the end of the
novel a further challenge awaits him – he is to return to civilisation a different person
from the one who left.
Write a diary entry from Brian for the day after he returns home to his mother. There are
many things you need to consider. For example, how is he coping with this lifestyle?
Has his experience in the wilderness had any long term effects? What does he enjoy
most about being home? Is there anything he misses about his camp? Your diary entry
needs to be approximately one page (250-300) words in length. It needs to show
evidence of drafting.
OR
How would you have survived Brian’s experience? Imagine you were lost in the
Australian bush. Write a reflective piece describing your thoughts, fears and hopes. Your
writing needs to be approximately one page (250-300) words in length. It needs to show
evidence of drafting.
OR
Imagine you were lost in the Australian desert. Research survival tips and write a guide
for other people in your situation. Include at least 10 tips. Use illustrations and present
your guide in an authentic format. this could be a booklet, a pamphlet or a sheet. You
MUST include details about where you got your information (website, book, interview,
etc.).

Section 4: Extension tasks

B
Research Gary Paulsen’s life. Present your findings as a magazine feature article. Your
article needs to be approximately one page (250-300) words in length. It needs to show
evidence of drafting. You can include illustrations. You MUST include details about
where you got your information (website, book, interview, etc.).

A
Read another book in the Hatchet series. Write a book review for a teenage magazine,
comparing this title with Hatchet and giving your opinion of why people should read this
title. Your review should be 100 to 200 words long and be presented in an authentic
format. You could include pictures, quotes from readers, quotes from the book,
information about the author, etc.