Family activity

Paul is Elisa’s older brother.

• Yes

• No

Paul no longer lives permanently with his family.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

He’s an apprentice engineer on ships for the oil and gas industry, so he lives away from home for a month and then lives home for a month before returning to sea again.

Elisa and Paul used to have serious arguments.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

We get on well, although we have always argued a lot, though not about important things. Just usual kid stuff, like who’s turn it is to play video games and things like that.

Paul is often mean to Elisa when she is with her friends.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

He’s actually always been really kind and helpful when I have a problem or when friends are mean to me. I miss him a lot when he isn’t at home, although I never tell him that!

Elisa enjoys arguing, but her friends and father don’t.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

The house is really quiet without him. I realise that I quite enjoy arguing with people, but I don’t know anyone else who likes it. My friends think I’m being unkind when I argue, and my dad doesn’t like it when I argue with him or mum.

Elisa’s father has built a house and is now building a boat.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

My parents are fine. My dad used to be an engineer on ships too, but now he has taken early retirement. He’s building a boat and wants to sail it around the Mediterranean. I admire him for that. He always has big ideas and makes them happen. For example, he built our house completely by himself!

Her father doesn't try to achieve his dreams.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

Lots of people have big dreams but they don’t actually do anything to get them. But my dad does.

Elisa’s mother has just retired after working for over 20 years.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

My mum is really kind and caring, and has always been interested in me, my brother and my friends. She hasn’t worked for over twenty years now, so she has had plenty of time.

Elisa’s wants to leave her parents' home.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

But I’m hoping to move away from home soon. I don’t know what she will do when both Paul and I aren’t here. I think she will be quite bored.

Elisa’s mother is not very good at entertaining herself.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

I think she will be quite bored. She isn’t very good at finding things to do, like my dad is.