Dante refers to his girlfriend as ‘my girl’. She is also the first person he calls when he realises he cannot get hold of Melanie, suggesting he relies on her. It is revealed that, by luck, they are both planning to go to the same university and both appear to be ambitious with firm career plans.
Key Quotations to Learn ... off to university … And a year earlier than all my friends. (Dante: Chapter 1) ‘Adam, you really need to get over this phobia you have of doctors.’ (Tyler: Chapter 4) ‘At least you’re calling Emma “her” now rather than “it”.’ (Melanie: Chapter 5)
Summary •
Dante is waiting for his exam results. He is expecting to do well but is clearly nervous.
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Melanie, Dante’s ex-girlfriend, arrives with a baby. She tells Dante the baby is his and leaves them together while she runs errands. She does not return.
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Adam has been suffering from headaches following a match with another school. His father takes him to the doctor.
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Dante gets four A-stars in his A levels.
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Dante retreats to his bedroom overwhelmed by the events, leaving Emma crying in the living room.
Questions QUICK TEST 1. What are Dante’s future plans? 2. Why does Melanie leave Emma with Dante? 3. What event appears to have caused Adam’s headaches? 4. What does Dante get for his A level results and why are they so impressive? 5. How does Blackman show that Dante is struggling to accept his role as a father? EXAM PRACTICE Using one or more of the ‘Key Quotations to Learn’, write a paragraph about how the plot is introduced in the opening chapters.
Advanced vocabulary to improve your writing potential coercion
71798_P001_080.indd 5
aspirations naive
denial
Chapters 1 to 6
5
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