Does My Head Look Big In This?

What are the similarities and differences between Amal’s friends from Islamic College (Leila and Yasmeen) and McCleans (Simone and Eileen)? Support your answer with examples from the text.

Analyze the way the relationship between Amal and Adam develops through the novel.

“I feel like my passion and conviction in Islam are bursting inside me and I want to prove to myself that I’m strong enough to wear a badge of my faith” (5). Analyze whether Amal’s determination proves founded by the end of the novel.

In an argumentative essay, explore the attitudes of Leila and her mother, Gulchin, towards Leila’s future.

“I’m sick of obsessing about my body, what guys are going to think about my cleavage and calves and shoulder to hip ratio. And for the love of everything that is good and holy I am really sick of worrying what people are going to think if I put on a kilo or have a pimple” (6). Starting from this quote, explore the attitudes towards women’s appearance in contemporary society as presented in the novel.

Analyze how the character of Mrs. Vaselli changes through the novel. Use examples from the text.

Tradition Versus Assimilation. Write an argumentative essay presenting both sides of this issue in Australian society as presented in the novel.

Compose a letter from Mrs. Vaselli’s son, in which he tries to renew contact with his mother, and his mother’s reply (respecting the way her speech is presented in the novel).