Question

Excerpt from Gulliver’s Travels

by Jonathan Swift

When we came to land, we saw no river or spring, nor any sign of inhabitants. Our men therefore wandered on the shore to find out some fresh water near the sea, and I walked alone about a mile on the other side, where I observed the country all barren and rocky. I now began to be weary, and seeing nothing to entertain my curiosity, I returned gently down toward the creek; and the sea being full in my view, I saw our men already got into the boat, and rowing for life to the ship. I was going to holla after them, although it had been to little purpose, when I observed a huge creature walking after them in the sea, as fast as he could; he waded not much deeper than his knees, and took prodigious strides; but our men had the start of him about half a league, and the sea thereabouts being full of pointed rocks, the monster was not able to overtake the boat. This I was afterwards told, for I durst not stay to see the issue of the adventure; but ran as fast as I could the way I first went, and then climbed up a steep hill, which gave me some prospect of the country. I found it fully cultivated; but that which first surprised me was the length of the grass, which, in those grounds that seemed to be kept for hay, was about twenty feet high.

8
Drag each tile to the correct location on the image.
Identify which details are most important or less important for an objective summary of the excerpt.

I saw our men already got into the
boat, and rowing for life to the ship.
I durst not stay to see the issue of the
adventure; but ran as fast as I could
the way I first went . . .
and I walked alone about a mile on
the other side, where I observed the
country all barren and rocky.
I observed a huge creature walking
after them in the sea, as fast as he
could . . .
I found it fully cultivated . . .

Answer 1

The narrator, observing barren terrain, rushes back as a huge sea creature pursues their boat. Fearful, they avoid witnessing the outcome and describe the fully cultivated land, emphasizing the contrasting elements.

Important details for an objective summary:

1. The men rowing to the ship, indicating urgency and potential danger.

2. The narrator's decision not to stay and witness the outcome of the encounter with the creature, suggesting a sense of fear or threat.

3. The observation of the barren and rocky nature of the country, providing context about the setting.

4. The presence of a huge creature following the men in the sea, adding a suspenseful and potentially dangerous element.

Less important details:

1. The narrator walking alone about a mile on the other side, as it doesn't directly impact the main events.

2. The narrator climbing up a steep hill to get a better view of the country, as it doesn't significantly advance the plot or reveal crucial information.