The text provides Reading VIPERS questions for Matilda by Roald Dahl, chapter by chapter. These questions are organized into categories: Vocabulary, Inference, Prediction, Explanation, Retrieval, and Summarise. Each chapter’s questions encourage students to engage deeply with the text, examining key elements like word meanings, character motivations, plot predictions, and textual explanations.

Starting from Chapter 1, “The Reader of Books,” through to Chapter 21, “A New Home,” these VIPERS questions explore the key events, characters and themes in Matilda. Pupils are encouraged to develop their understanding of Matilda’s extraordinary intelligence, her difficult family life, her growing friendship with Miss Honey, and her conflict with the fearsome Miss Trunchbull.

The questions focus on important plot developments, including Matilda’s clever pranks on her parents, her discovery of telekinetic powers, Miss Honey’s tragic past, and the plan to free her from Miss Trunchbull’s control. They also examine Roald Dahl’s humour, larger-than-life characters and powerful themes of justice, kindness, courage and the importance of education.

Through a balance of Vocabulary, Inference, Prediction, Explanation, Retrieval and Summarising questions, pupils are guided to explore character motivations, analyse significant events, make connections across the text and reflect on how Matilda’s determination and intelligence help her overcome challenges. The questions culminate in consideration of the novel’s resolution, as Matilda finally finds a loving home with Miss Honey and receives the recognition and support she deserves.

Each chapter is broken down to promote discussion, making the text accessible for students to summarize and understand on a deeper level.