Student activities: The angry kettle

Writing tasks

1. As Michael, write a justification of your behaviour in the story.

2. A kettle is usually associated with the comfort of shared refreshments and conversation. Describe the role of the kettle in this story.

3. After the end of the story, Michael might write a letter to the narrator. Write Michael’s letter.

4. Choose three short examples of dialogue from the story. Use these examples to discuss the way the author uses dialogue, and its effect.

5. What effect does the last sentence of the story have on the reader? Why?

Extension activities

1. Write your own story about having to share someone else’s prized possession.

2. Interview someone who has come to Australia from another country. Tell them the story of The angry kettle and ask them whether they had similar experiences. Try to find out what else they found difficult in Australia.

3. Compare The angry kettle with other literature by people who have come to Australia from another country.