Significant Cigarettes

• Who is the author of "Significant Cigarettes"?

  Rose Tremain
• What is the purpose of reading "Significant Cigarettes"?

  Preparation for Edexcel IGCSE exam
• How many times should you read the text before interpreting it?

  At least twice
• What does the title "Significant Cigarettes" suggest?

  Cigarettes are important in the text
• How do cigarette sales in Eastern Europe compare to other regions?

  Higher than in other countries
• What might cigarettes symbolize for Lev?

  Cultural link and nostalgia
• What does Lev's body language indicate when he sits at the back of the coach?

  He wants to isolate himself
• How does Lev's initial behavior contrast with later interactions with Lydia?

  He becomes more social later
• What does the description of Lev's hometown suggest about rural life?

  It can be idyllic yet harsh
• What clothing does Lev wear that suggests he has little money?

  Leather jacket and jeans
• What does Lev's grey-toned skin indicate?

  His addiction to smoking
• What does Lev clutching a pack of Russian cigarettes symbolize?

  His connection to culture and comfort
• How does Lev feel about moving to London?

  It is nerve-wracking for him
• What does Lydia tell Lev about smoking on the bus?

  No smoking is allowed
• How does the dialogue between Lev and Lydia contrast their characters?

  Lydia is confident, Lev is anxious
• What does the unlit cigarette represent for Lev?

  A source of companionship
• How does the simile about Lev sitting next to Lydia emphasize his discomfort?

  It compares them to a married couple
• What does the long coach journey reveal about Lev's financial situation?

  He cannot afford to fly
• What does the synthetic listing of experiences during the journey suggest?

  It emphasizes the journey's discomfort
• What shared experience do Lev and Lydia have as immigrants?

  Both are starting new lives
• How does Lev's perception of London reflect his feelings of alienation?

  He sees it as a completely different world
• What does Lev anticipate about his future work in London?

  He expects hard labor ahead
• How does the author encourage compassion for Lev and immigrants?

  By highlighting Lev's hardships
• What does Lev's addiction reveal about his social situation?

  He feels marginalized and alone
• What do the wildflowers symbolize during the coach journey?

  Hope and beauty out of reach
• How does the journey transition from rural to urban settings?

  It becomes less idyllic and harsher
• What does the verb "herded" imply about the passengers' treatment?

  They are treated like cattle
• How does Lev's flashback reveal his family values?

  He is a loving and protective father
• What does the comment about being "storks" symbolize for Lev and his wife?

  Migration and hope for life
• How does Lydia's situation differ from Lev's?

  Lydia has job prospects, Lev does not
• What does Lydia's description of her life highlight?

  The monotony and boredom of her existence
• What job interviews does Lydia have in London?

  Translator
• How does Lydia feel about her job prospects?

  She feels hopeful
• What does Lydia's situation contrast with Lev's situation?

  Lydia is moving for adventure, Lev for necessity
• What does Lydia describe about her daily life?

  Monotony and boredom
• What does Lev's English language skills consist of?

  Basic and functional phrases
• What does Lev anticipate regarding his arrival in England?

  Xenophobic attitudes towards him
• How does Lev's language reflect his work opportunities?

  His limited English limits job prospects
• What does Lev's focus on darkness symbolize?

  His predictable life in his village
• How long has Lev been unable to find work?

  Two years