Jack London · Survival, loyalty and belonging
I will be able to:
Start here: What might a pet need to learn in a cold wilderness?
Jack London published The Call of the Wild in 1903. Its main character is Buck, a large dog who lives comfortably in California. During the Klondike Gold Rush, strong dogs are valuable because they can pull sleds carrying people and supplies.
Buck is stolen and sold. He is taken north, where his easy life is replaced by snow, hard work and danger. He has to learn how to pull a sled, find food and protect himself. He watches other dogs and adapts to the harsh conditions.
Buck becomes stronger and eventually leads a sled team. However, not all his owners understand the wilderness. Some treat the dogs badly and push them beyond their strength. John Thornton saves Buck from a cruel owner and cares for him.
Buck develops a deep loyalty to Thornton. He protects him and performs remarkable feats of strength. At the same time, the sounds and smells of the forest attract him. He explores farther from camp and feels drawn towards a life beyond people.
After Thornton is killed, Buck’s last close connection to human life is broken. He joins a wolf pack and becomes part of the wilderness. He does not turn into a wolf: he remains a dog whose way of life has changed.
The story explores survival, loyalty and belonging. London imagines Buck’s thoughts and instincts, so this is fiction rather than scientific evidence about dogs. The title suggests the pull Buck feels towards the wild.
Original simplified overview; not a quotation. Read the original novel. AI illustration.
Match 1–6 with A–F.
A. a group of animals such as wolves
B. a wild area with little human development
C. to change to suit new conditions
D. a natural urge to act in a certain way
E. faithful support for someone
F. very difficult or severe
Use two words in your own sentences.
Answer in sentences. Find evidence in the reading.
Used to + base verb describes a past habit or state that has changed.
Buck used to live in California.
Negative: did not use to + base verb.
Complete with used to or did not use to, using the clue in brackets.
Try it: Make negative: Buck used to live in the wilderness.
Discuss in pairs:
Useful language: Buck used to… / Later, he… / This suggests… / I think… because…
Use evidence and consider more than one viewpoint.
The Call of the Wild — continued
Write 80–100 words. Choose one:
Use two sentences with used to or did not use to, and two vocabulary words.
Check sentence structure, capitals and punctuation.
Put these events in story order. Write the letters.
A. Thornton saves Buck.
B. Buck joins a wolf pack.
C. Buck lives comfortably in California.
D. Buck is stolen and sold.
E. Buck learns to work in a sled team.
Compare your answer with a partner and explain your choices.
Exit reflection: One idea I understand better…
One thing I want to practise…
Final challenge: Write 6–8 sentences, or prepare a one-minute spoken response, comparing Buck’s early life with his later life. Include two changes, one example of loyalty, and two sentences with used to or did not use to.