1. The Lives
of Animals
The Author's Thoughts 1

2. Key inquiry questions
How can interpretations of a text differ between the audience and the author?
What examples can be used to support a particular argument about the purpose of text? 2

3. How would you present an argument to the wider community?
Brainstorm:
How would you present an argument to the wider community?
Class to brainstorm then feedback discussion. Some examples:
non-fiction (e.g. news article, documentary)
opinion (e.g. blog)
fiction (e.g. play, fairytale

4. Interview:
What is the key point Coetzee is making about the use of fiction to present a factual argument?
Students to read the interview ““J.M. Coetzee Interview with Voiceless” and consider the question as part of their review.

5. Language is powerful. How can fiction play a vital role in exploring real world issues?
"Works of fiction, whether novels or plays or films, have a long and proud history of providing us with avenues by which to explore real-world issues, and specifically the human dimension of real-world issues.” - J.M. Coetzee
This is Question 2 from the interview with J.M. Coetzee.

6. Mind Map What are the real-world issues in The Lives of Animals?
Language is powerful. How can fiction play a vital role in exploring real world issues?
Works of fiction, whether novels or plays or films, have a long and proud history of providing us with avenues by which to explore real-world issues, and specifically the human dimension of real-world issues.
What are the real-world issues in The Lives of Animals?
What other examples have you encountered where a fiction text is used to explore reality or to promote a particular perspective?
Do you think fiction is more or less persuasive than non-fiction? Why?
What is “the human dimension” Coetzee is referring to? 6

7. Reflection: written piece
Support or refute the use of fiction texts as a way of exploring real-world issues.
500 word