Anne says teachers are most unpredictable. Is Mr Keesing unpredictable? How?
Yes, Mr Keesing is unpredictable. Initially, he appears strict and annoyed with Anne for talking in class. After several warnings, he assigns her extra homework—an essay on 'A Chatterbox'. When Anne justifies her talking as an inherited trait from her mother, Mr Keesing laughs at her arguments but still assigns a second essay titled 'An Incorrigible Chatterbox' when she continues talking.
His unpredictability grows when he assigns a third, more humorous essay—'Quack, Quack, Quack, Said Mistress Chatterbox'—showing he is engaging with her wit rather than simply punishing.
The most unpredictable turn comes after Anne writes a creative poem about a duck family. Instead of further punishment, Mr Keesing reads the poem to the class, adding his own comments, and even shares it with other classes.
Since then, he has completely transformed—he allows Anne to talk and assigns no extra homework. On the contrary, Mr Keesing is always making jokes these days.
This shift from a strict punisher to a joking, lenient teacher proves Mr Keesing is indeed unpredictable, just as Anne claims teachers are.
Explanation
The question tests whether students can evaluate Mr Keesing's character through his changing behaviour. Anne calls teachers 'the most unpredictable creatures on earth,' and Mr Keesing exemplifies this. He shifts from being annoyed and assigning repetitive punishments to laughing at Anne's creativity and eventually becoming jovial. The key evidence is the progression from strict essays to accepting the poem, and the final statement that he 'is always making jokes these days.' Students should note how his reactions evolve from punishment to appreciation, demonstrating unpredictability.
Solution Steps
Step 1: State whether Mr Keesing is unpredictable (Yes)
Step 2: Describe his initial strict behaviour—annoyance and essay punishments
Step 3: Show escalation through three increasingly humorous essay titles
Step 4: Highlight the turning point—his positive reaction to Anne's poem
Step 5: Conclude with his transformed behaviour—making jokes and allowing talking