Worksheet for the ”One of the Lads” Short Story from Frozen Pizza and other slices of life by Antoinette Moses (2002; Cambridge University Press; ISBN: 978-0-521-75078-3).
You can find more questions to use with this short story in part 2 of this worksheet.
CHARACTERS
- The Lads: Luke, Big Dave, Mick, Gerry and Steve
- Luke’s Parents
- Luke’s Teachers
- the Chelsea Headhunters
QUESTIONS
Page 26:
- What did Dave and Mick do to Luke when they first met?
- What does “the lads” mean?
- Why did they put Luke’s head in a toilet?
- What happened after they put Luke’s head in a toilet and he gave them his money?
Page 27:
- What is the lads’ favorite soccer team?
- “He was never an equal in the gang.” what does that mean?
- Who are the “names cut into the doors?”
- Why are Eccles, Ginger Bill and King famous?
- What is “the Shed”?
Page 28:
- What do the fans do before and after games?
- When Luke is at the games he is not scared, because he is “just another fan.” Why is he scared when he is not at the game?
- How do the other fans feel about the Chelsea fans?
- What changed things at Chelsea games?
- What do the lads want?
Page 29:
- Why did Luke stop doing his homework?
- Why do you think Luke couldn’t tell his parents the truth about his problems at school?
Page 30:
- What did 4 members of the gang do after they left school?
- What did Luke love?
- If Luke asked you for advice, what would you say?
ANSWERS
Page 26:
- They put his head in a toilet.
- It is British English for “friends,” “buddies,” or “the guys.”
- They put his head in a toilet to get his money.
- He became part of the gang.
Page 27:
- Chelsea (Wikipedia article on Chelsea)
- The other boys in the gang had more power than him.
- Former players and fans
- They were the “Chelsea Headhunters” who were the leaders when Chelsea fans fought.
- Place in the stadium where Chelsea fans used to stand together.
Page 28:
- Fight
- Because he is worried about his role in the gang
- They were the toughest, dirtiest fighters.
- There were seats now so you couldn’t stand and families started coming to the games.
- The lads want to “become the new Chelsea Headhunters.”
Page 29:
- Because of the gang
- Answers will vary.
Page 30:
- Mick – electrician; Gerry – mechanic; Big Dave – tried and failed to join the army; Luke – carpenter
- Working with wood
- Answers will vary
