Friday 28 February 2020
Tuesday 25 February 2020
Monday 24 February 2020
"The Outsiders" And "The Hill" - Essay Questions
"The Outsiders" Essay Questions
- S.E. Hinton never uses the word "outsider" in her novel, yet it's the title of the book. Maybe she wants us to ponder whom the outsiders are. Write an essay in which you explain whom she may have meant by The Outsiders. Be sure to define what you mean by an outsider, and then explain whom you think Ms. Hinton meant.
- Write an essay explaining why you believe each of the Greasers - Ponyboy, Johnny, and Dally - could be considered a hero. Include your own definition of hero in the essay, and be sure to explain how each character, in his own way, meets your definition.
- Write an essay explaining which of the two gangs were more of a disgrace and menace to society than the other. Look at how society viewed and treated the two groups. Examine the characteristics of each group, its actions, and the choices they made.
- “Sixteen years on the streets and you can learn a lot. But all the wrong things, not the things you want to learn” (p. 122). Discuss this quote from the novel and how it applies to each of the boy’s lives. What things did they learn? What things might they have liked to learn?
- Explain how symbols are used in the novel. Specifically: what does the sunset symbolize? The vacant lot? What about the different books and poems Ponyboy reads?
- Discuss the theme of abandonment in the novel. What actions by the characters, or events, in the story exhibit this theme? What symbols (the vacant lot, the church, etc.) point to a theme of abandonment? What is the significance of the novel's title to this theme?
- Describe Johnny's growth throughout the story. What events contributed to this maturity and changes the way he looks at life?
"The Hill" Essay Questions
- Explain how the stereotypes that Jared believes about First Nations peoples affects how he treats Kyle throughout the story. Why would Jared believe these stereotypes?
- Throughout the story, Kyle accuses Jared of being prejudiced and discriminatory. Explain what prejudice and discrimination mean, and explain whether or not Jared is being prejudiced or discriminatory, or both.
- Discuss how Jared's relationship with his clothing teaches us about his development as a character.
- Write an essay explaining why you believe each of the characters - Kyle, and Jared - could be considered a hero. Include your own definition of hero in the essay, and be sure to explain how each character, in his own way, meets your definition.
- Explain how symbols are used in the novel. You might discuss the cell phone, clothing, animals, etc. How do the symbol(s) enhance the story?
- The story contains many references to Cree beliefs and culture. Discuss how Karen Bass uses these references in the story to educate the reader about the Cree, and discuss how these references attempt to address stereotypes towards First Nations peoples.
- Choose one of the stereotypes that is brought up in the story. Discuss if these stereotypes are still prevalent in today's society and discuss how you think people's perspectives can be changed to better reflect the reality of the situation and eliminate racist perceptions.
- Choose one of the many themes in the story, and discuss how this theme stays relevant throughout the story, and drives the plot forward.
- S.E. Hinton never uses the word "outsider" in her novel, yet it's the title of the book. Maybe she wants us to ponder whom the outsiders are. Write an essay in which you explain whom she may have meant by The Outsiders. Be sure to define what you mean by an outsider, and then explain whom you think Ms. Hinton meant.
- Write an essay explaining why you believe each of the Greasers - Ponyboy, Johnny, and Dally - could be considered a hero. Include your own definition of hero in the essay, and be sure to explain how each character, in his own way, meets your definition.
- Write an essay explaining which of the two gangs were more of a disgrace and menace to society than the other. Look at how society viewed and treated the two groups. Examine the characteristics of each group, its actions, and the choices they made.
- “Sixteen years on the streets and you can learn a lot. But all the wrong things, not the things you want to learn” (p. 122). Discuss this quote from the novel and how it applies to each of the boy’s lives. What things did they learn? What things might they have liked to learn?
- Explain how symbols are used in the novel. Specifically: what does the sunset symbolize? The vacant lot? What about the different books and poems Ponyboy reads?
- Discuss the theme of abandonment in the novel. What actions by the characters, or events, in the story exhibit this theme? What symbols (the vacant lot, the church, etc.) point to a theme of abandonment? What is the significance of the novel's title to this theme?
- Describe Johnny's growth throughout the story. What events contributed to this maturity and changes the way he looks at life?
"The Hill" Essay Questions
- Explain how the stereotypes that Jared believes about First Nations peoples affects how he treats Kyle throughout the story. Why would Jared believe these stereotypes?
- Throughout the story, Kyle accuses Jared of being prejudiced and discriminatory. Explain what prejudice and discrimination mean, and explain whether or not Jared is being prejudiced or discriminatory, or both.
- Discuss how Jared's relationship with his clothing teaches us about his development as a character.
- Write an essay explaining why you believe each of the characters - Kyle, and Jared - could be considered a hero. Include your own definition of hero in the essay, and be sure to explain how each character, in his own way, meets your definition.
- Explain how symbols are used in the novel. You might discuss the cell phone, clothing, animals, etc. How do the symbol(s) enhance the story?
- The story contains many references to Cree beliefs and culture. Discuss how Karen Bass uses these references in the story to educate the reader about the Cree, and discuss how these references attempt to address stereotypes towards First Nations peoples.
- Choose one of the stereotypes that is brought up in the story. Discuss if these stereotypes are still prevalent in today's society and discuss how you think people's perspectives can be changed to better reflect the reality of the situation and eliminate racist perceptions.
- Choose one of the many themes in the story, and discuss how this theme stays relevant throughout the story, and drives the plot forward.
Tuesday 18 February 2020
Monday 10 February 2020
"The Outsiders" - Chapters 10-12 Questions And "The Hill" - Chapters 19-25 Questions
"The Outsiders"
Chapter 10
1) Ponyboy commented, "Johnny was dead. But he wasn't." What did Ponyboy mean? Explain.
2) What did Ponyboy mean when he said, "It was only yesterday...but yesterday was years ago. A lifetime ago"?
3) Why did Dally want to be dead?
4) Why did Ponyboy want to know if he had asked for Darry while he was sick?
Chapter 11
1) Why do you think that Ponyboy hoped that Bob's parents hated him and the other Greasers? Using evidence from the text to support your thinking.
2) Why do you think that Randy came to visit Ponyboy? Use evidence from the text to support your thinking.
3) Why would Ponyboy try to assume responsibility for the stabbing death of Bob? Support your thinking with evidence from the text.
4) What could have been the significance of Darry calling Ponyboy "little buddy"? Support your thinking with evidence from the text.
5) The words "idolize", and "liable" are two very important words used in this chapter. Define them, and explain their significance in the context in which they are used.
Chapter 12
1) Why was Two-Bit relieved when Ponyboy picked up the broken glass? Explain using details from the text.
2) Why would Soda run out of the run when Ponyboy and Darry were arguing? Explain.
3) Soda's heartfelt comments helped Ponyboy come to an important realization about his relationship with Darry. What were these comments? What was the realization Ponyboy made? What would make this realization so important? Explain using details from the text.
4) How did Johnny's letter affect Ponyboy's choice of a theme for his English paper? Explain using details from the text.
5) The word "acquitted" is used in this chapter. Define this word, and explain its importance for this chapter.
"The Hill"
1) Ponyboy commented, "Johnny was dead. But he wasn't." What did Ponyboy mean? Explain.
2) What did Ponyboy mean when he said, "It was only yesterday...but yesterday was years ago. A lifetime ago"?
3) Why did Dally want to be dead?
4) Why did Ponyboy want to know if he had asked for Darry while he was sick?
Chapter 11
1) Why do you think that Ponyboy hoped that Bob's parents hated him and the other Greasers? Using evidence from the text to support your thinking.
2) Why do you think that Randy came to visit Ponyboy? Use evidence from the text to support your thinking.
3) Why would Ponyboy try to assume responsibility for the stabbing death of Bob? Support your thinking with evidence from the text.
4) What could have been the significance of Darry calling Ponyboy "little buddy"? Support your thinking with evidence from the text.
5) The words "idolize", and "liable" are two very important words used in this chapter. Define them, and explain their significance in the context in which they are used.
Chapter 12
1) Why was Two-Bit relieved when Ponyboy picked up the broken glass? Explain using details from the text.
2) Why would Soda run out of the run when Ponyboy and Darry were arguing? Explain.
3) Soda's heartfelt comments helped Ponyboy come to an important realization about his relationship with Darry. What were these comments? What was the realization Ponyboy made? What would make this realization so important? Explain using details from the text.
4) How did Johnny's letter affect Ponyboy's choice of a theme for his English paper? Explain using details from the text.
5) The word "acquitted" is used in this chapter. Define this word, and explain its importance for this chapter.
"The Hill"
Chapter 19 (Mud)
1) Explain the process Kyle takes to get Jared out of the mud
2) Why couldn't Kyle just reach down and pull Jared out of the mud?
3) Why does Jared compare Kyle to Captain America?
4) Explain why Kyle thinks getting to the moose camp is best for the boys.
5) Why is Jared ok with being covered in mud?
Chapter 20 (Trails)
1) Explain what happened to Jared as the boys were travelling towards the moose camp.
2) Explain why Jared is upset when Kyle compares him to Cheetah.
3) Explain the phrase, "That's the pot calling the kettle black".
4) What is different about Kokum and the moose camp compared to the first time the boys saw Kokum earlier in the story?
5) What problem did Kokum accidentally cause by praying and burning Sweetgrass?
Chapter 21 (Decisions)
1) Why would Kyle seem so defeated, even though his Kokum is right in front of him?
2) How does Jared bring Kyle back to reality, and snap him out of his daze?
3) What does Jared want he and Kyle to figure out?
Chapter 22 (Uphill)
1) Explain what happened to Kyle's cat according to his story.
2) Compare on contrast the lives Kyle and Jared had with their families before the events of the book, according to their stories.
3) According to Kyle, what happened to his mom?
4) What does Jared hear at night when taking a dump?
5) How does Jared know which voice belongs to Kyle?
6) What is Jared's plan to stop the Wîhtiko?
7) Recount Kyle's Moshum's story about the hill.
8) Where do Kyle and Jared agree to go together if they survive?
9) Add to the list of reasons why Jared believes he will never be friends with Kyle.
Chapter 23 (Plans)
1) Describe the Wîhtiko's lair using the language that Karen Bass uses in the chapter.
2) Considering the imagery creating by the vocabulary in this chapter, what could you infer has happened inside of the Wîhtiko's lair over time?
3) Explain the plan the boys come up with the trap the Wîhtiko.
4) Kyle repeats the statement, "Sometimes, afraid is the smartest thing you can be." Why is this statement so important at this point in the story? How does Kyle saying this again, now, differ from when he first said it? Explain.
Chapter 24 (Flames)
1) Explain how Jared is able to not freeze due to the Wîhtiko's scream?
2) What takes Kyle so long to close the Wîhtiko's lair with rocks?
3) What happens to Jared while trying to escape through the small opening?
4) Recount Jared's reaction to being grabbed by the Wîhtiko
5) How is Kyle able to escape through the small opening?
6) What is the bigger danger that is getting closer to the boys after escaping from the Wîhtiko?
Chapter 25 (Kokum)
1) What immediately scared Jared once he and Kyle make it back to Kokum?
2) Kokum tells Jared that Kyle "is nôcicim". What does this mean?
3) Why does Kokum say that Jared is also now her grandchild?
4) What is the Cree remedy that Kokum gives Kyle and Jared?
5) How long were Kyle and Jared gone in the real world compared to the spirit world?
6) Explain why Jared defending Kyle to his dad is so important. What could this say about Jared? Explain.
7) At the end of the story, the boys see the Whiskey Jack again, but realize something. What is that? Why is that relevant to the beginning of the story? Explain.
1) Explain the process Kyle takes to get Jared out of the mud
2) Why couldn't Kyle just reach down and pull Jared out of the mud?
3) Why does Jared compare Kyle to Captain America?
4) Explain why Kyle thinks getting to the moose camp is best for the boys.
5) Why is Jared ok with being covered in mud?
Chapter 20 (Trails)
1) Explain what happened to Jared as the boys were travelling towards the moose camp.
2) Explain why Jared is upset when Kyle compares him to Cheetah.
3) Explain the phrase, "That's the pot calling the kettle black".
4) What is different about Kokum and the moose camp compared to the first time the boys saw Kokum earlier in the story?
5) What problem did Kokum accidentally cause by praying and burning Sweetgrass?
Chapter 21 (Decisions)
1) Why would Kyle seem so defeated, even though his Kokum is right in front of him?
2) How does Jared bring Kyle back to reality, and snap him out of his daze?
3) What does Jared want he and Kyle to figure out?
Chapter 22 (Uphill)
1) Explain what happened to Kyle's cat according to his story.
2) Compare on contrast the lives Kyle and Jared had with their families before the events of the book, according to their stories.
3) According to Kyle, what happened to his mom?
4) What does Jared hear at night when taking a dump?
5) How does Jared know which voice belongs to Kyle?
6) What is Jared's plan to stop the Wîhtiko?
7) Recount Kyle's Moshum's story about the hill.
8) Where do Kyle and Jared agree to go together if they survive?
9) Add to the list of reasons why Jared believes he will never be friends with Kyle.
Chapter 23 (Plans)
1) Describe the Wîhtiko's lair using the language that Karen Bass uses in the chapter.
2) Considering the imagery creating by the vocabulary in this chapter, what could you infer has happened inside of the Wîhtiko's lair over time?
3) Explain the plan the boys come up with the trap the Wîhtiko.
4) Kyle repeats the statement, "Sometimes, afraid is the smartest thing you can be." Why is this statement so important at this point in the story? How does Kyle saying this again, now, differ from when he first said it? Explain.
Chapter 24 (Flames)
1) Explain how Jared is able to not freeze due to the Wîhtiko's scream?
2) What takes Kyle so long to close the Wîhtiko's lair with rocks?
3) What happens to Jared while trying to escape through the small opening?
4) Recount Jared's reaction to being grabbed by the Wîhtiko
5) How is Kyle able to escape through the small opening?
6) What is the bigger danger that is getting closer to the boys after escaping from the Wîhtiko?
Chapter 25 (Kokum)
1) What immediately scared Jared once he and Kyle make it back to Kokum?
2) Kokum tells Jared that Kyle "is nôcicim". What does this mean?
3) Why does Kokum say that Jared is also now her grandchild?
4) What is the Cree remedy that Kokum gives Kyle and Jared?
5) How long were Kyle and Jared gone in the real world compared to the spirit world?
6) Explain why Jared defending Kyle to his dad is so important. What could this say about Jared? Explain.
7) At the end of the story, the boys see the Whiskey Jack again, but realize something. What is that? Why is that relevant to the beginning of the story? Explain.
Wednesday 5 February 2020
Tuesday 4 February 2020
"The Outsiders" - Chapter 9 Questions And "The Hill" - Chapters 17 & 18 Questions
“The Outsiders”
Chapter 9
1) Compare the Greasers with Tim Shepard's gang, and the gang from Brumly.
2) Why did Darry feel hatred for Paul Holden?
3) How did Ponyboy react to Darry's hatred?
4) Who won the rumble? How was the winner determined?
5) Just before he died, Johnny said, "Stay gold, Ponyboy. Stay gold..." What did he mean by this?
“The Hill”
Chapter 17 (The Ridge)
1) Why does Kyle believe that Wesakechak will not kill the Wîhtiko for the boys?
2) Why might Kyle be so upset that Wesakechak is willing to help Jared? Explain.
3) According to Jared, why would Wesakechak be helping the boys? Expain.
4) Why would Kyle feel that Wesakechak is disappointed in him? Explain.
5) What is it that's really happening when the boys hear the wind whispering their names?
6) How do the boys escape the Wîhtiko at the end of the chapter?
Chapter 18 (Water)
1) How does Jared save himself from being frozen by the Wîhtiko's scream?
2) What does "Kinanâskomitin, nisimis" mean? Explain its importance at this point in the story.
3) Compare and contrast how the boys feel about where the other one lives. (e.g., How does Kyle feel about the city?)
4) What is Kyle's plan for getting back to the hill?
5) What happens to Jared as the boys are crossing the marsh?
Chapter 9
1) Compare the Greasers with Tim Shepard's gang, and the gang from Brumly.
2) Why did Darry feel hatred for Paul Holden?
3) How did Ponyboy react to Darry's hatred?
4) Who won the rumble? How was the winner determined?
5) Just before he died, Johnny said, "Stay gold, Ponyboy. Stay gold..." What did he mean by this?
“The Hill”
Chapter 17 (The Ridge)
1) Why does Kyle believe that Wesakechak will not kill the Wîhtiko for the boys?
2) Why might Kyle be so upset that Wesakechak is willing to help Jared? Explain.
3) According to Jared, why would Wesakechak be helping the boys? Expain.
4) Why would Kyle feel that Wesakechak is disappointed in him? Explain.
5) What is it that's really happening when the boys hear the wind whispering their names?
6) How do the boys escape the Wîhtiko at the end of the chapter?
Chapter 18 (Water)
1) How does Jared save himself from being frozen by the Wîhtiko's scream?
2) What does "Kinanâskomitin, nisimis" mean? Explain its importance at this point in the story.
3) Compare and contrast how the boys feel about where the other one lives. (e.g., How does Kyle feel about the city?)
4) What is Kyle's plan for getting back to the hill?
5) What happens to Jared as the boys are crossing the marsh?
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