1. Why does Andrew think Mr Spinks does not like children? 2. What was Andrew’s secret weapon? 3. Name Andrew’s Dad’s two faults.
4. What tense is this extract written in? What effect does this have?
5. What actions did Andrew take to make Dad crack? 6. How did the adults respond to Andrew’s revolting behaviour?
7. Why do you think Andrew wanted to make his Dad crack? 8. Do you think Andrew would have behaved as badly if he had not overheard his parents’ conversation in the kitchen? 9. Retell the story from the point of view of Mr Spinks.
10. Do you think Andrew’s behaviour will affect his Dad’s promotion? Why?
11. Do you think his Dad will try to explain to Mr Spinks what really happened?
12. What does it mean to have a complex about something? 13. Have you ever played a practical joke on someone? What happened?