Chapter: 01. Grandfather’s House
A. Fill in the blanks with the correct words from the story.
Heidi’s aunt was named Dete. Grandfather lived in a little wooden house. At the back of the house were three big, old fir trees. Heidi saw some steps in the corner leading to the room under the roof. The sound of the wind through the fir trees made Heidi feel very happy. B. Answer these questions with reference to the context.
“I want to see what you have inside the house.”
* a. Who said these words?
* Heidi said these words.
* b. To whom were these words spoken?
* These words were spoken to her grandfather.
* c. What was the response to this request?
* Grandfather’s response was, “Come, then.” and he opened the door.
“I’ve never had such good milk!”
* a. Who exclaimed this?
* Heidi exclaimed this.
* b. What kind of milk was it?
* It was fresh goat’s milk from Grandfather’s goats.
* c. What does this statement tell us about the speaker’s past experiences?
* This statement suggests that Heidi’s previous living situation, possibly with her aunt, did not offer her such fresh and wholesome food, especially milk of this quality.
C. Think and answer.
Describe the initial atmosphere when Heidi first arrived at her grandfather’s house. How did it change by the end of the extract? Initially, the atmosphere was quiet and somewhat tense. Grandfather sat silently looking at the ground, and Heidi felt alone and observed his quietness. The house interior was simple and unfamiliar. By the end of the extract, the atmosphere transformed into one of warmth, comfort, and belonging. Grandfather showed kindness through actions like building a chair and providing food, and Heidi was filled with joy from exploring, making her bed, enjoying the meal, and anticipating going up the mountain with the goats. It felt like a true home. How does Heidi’s reaction to her new home, particularly her sleeping arrangements, reveal her character? Heidi’s reaction reveals her adaptable, joyful, and nature-loving character. Instead of being daunted by the rustic setting or lack of a conventional bed, she finds pure excitement in the hay room under the roof. Her immediate exclamation of “It’s nice here!” and her eagerness to sleep in it, despite not being nighttime, shows her ability to find happiness in simple, natural things and her cheerful acceptance of new, unconventional experiences. Based on the extract, what can you infer about Grandfather’s personality and his feelings towards Heidi, despite his quiet nature? Despite his initial silence and seemingly gruff exterior, Grandfather is revealed to be a practical, resourceful, and caring individual. He expresses his affection not through many words, but through his actions: carefully putting away Heidi’s belongings, preparing a warm meal, praising her independence, and building her a custom chair. His actions show a deep, protective love for Heidi, ensuring her comfort and well-being in his simple home, indicating that his quietness hides a warm and thoughtful heart. 
Answer key