Describing an Object – Electric Kettle

FSP Unit 8

Materials Office

There are FIVE topics in a complete object description:

• Function / Use• Components / Parts• Physical Characteristics (5 subtopics)• Position of components• Connection between components

1: Function / Use

An electric kettle is a kitchen tool that is used for boiling water.

• Gives the definition and use of the object.

It is made up of a container, a handle, a base, an on/off switch, and an electrical cord.

• Describe all the parts of the object.

2: Components / Parts

It consists of five main parts: a container, a handle, a base, an on/off switch, and an electrical cord.

• There are five types of characteristics:– Material– Shape– Dimensions / Size– Special Properties– Color

3: Characteristics

A. Material – what types of materials are things made of, and why?

3: Characteristics

Metal (steel, iron, aluminum),Plastic, Wood, Glass,Fabric (cotton, leather, silk), etc

The kettle is made of plastic, aluminum, and metal electrical parts. The handle is plastic in order to not conduct heat.

B. Shape – What shape is the object and the components?

3: Characteristics

The kettle’s main container is cylindrical and the base is flat and circular.

C. Dimensions – What SIZE are the object and the components?

3: Characteristics

The kettle is 10 inches high, and its diameter is 6 inches. The base also has a 6-inch diameter and a height of 1 inch. The kettle holds 1.5 liters of water.

D. Special Properties – any important properties of the object.

3: Characteristics

Hollow / solidFragile / sturdyStraight / curvedPlain / decorated

The kettle is hollow in order to hold water. The lid and handle are curved.

E. Color

3: Characteristics

Metallic (silver, gold)Black, pink, white, etc..

Kettles can be many colors but the most popular are silver and white.

4: Position of components

The on/off switch is on the handle. There is a spout at the top of the container for pouring water.

• Describes where the components are located. Uses PREPOSITIONS of location.

5: Connections between components

The water container sits on top of the base but they are not connected. The electric cord leads from the base to the electric outlet.

• Describes how the components are connected together.