9 th Grade
th
Name____________________________
Period_____ Date__________________
NOVEL DISCUSSION QUESTIONS (Reading Grade)
(5 pts.) Title of Book: _______________________________________________
Author: ____________________________________________________
Questions (5 points each) Minimum 3 sentence response.
Who is the central character and what motivates his/her actions?
What surprised you about the character?
What have you learned about the time period while reading (e.g., names of people, laws, situations, settings)?
What is the one thing the writer makes you curious about? Why?
How is the main character changing? What is he or she learning about life and the role he or she plays in it?
What is the most interesting scene in the novel? What did the writer do to catch your interest?
What would be “out of character” for the main character? (In other words, what would he or she most likely never do?)
Who is the antagonist? What motivates him or her? Is the antagonist likable even though he or she is trying to prevent the central character from accomplishing his or her goals? Why?
What is the central message of the novel? How did you discover this message?

Written Response (English Grade)
Write a one-paragraph response to each question, using evidence from the text to support your response.
(20 points each)
1. Would you recommend this novel to another classmate? Why or why not? Write a letter to a friend explaining why you would or would not recommend this book. Support your response with specific details and examples from the text.
2. Select ONE of the following questions:
The Tragedy Paper
Write about the internal conflict either Tim or Duncan struggles with throughout the novel. Provide three specific pieces of evidence from the text to support your answer.
The Good Earth
Write about the relationship between Wang Lung and O-Lan’s in The Good Earth . Explain how these characters meet and the state of their initial relationship. Then, explain how the relationship develops, show how it changes as the story progresses, and tell what effect it has on each of the characters who are involved. Mention specific events in the story as you describe the developing relationship.
Chinese Cinderella
The theme of abandonment is profound in this novel. Name three times where Adeline feels abandoned by her family and how she handles the situation.
Tears of a Tiger
Describe Andy’s gradual decline throughout the story. Discuss three major factors— after the car accident -- that contribute to Andy’s suicide. Use specific evidence from the text to support your answer.
Martian Chronicles
1. Discuss who you believe to be the heroes of the novel and explain why they are important to the message of the novel as a whole. Choose 3 characters. Support your answer with details and examples.
OR
2. Discuss who you believe to be the villains of the novel and explain why they are important to the message of the novel as a whole. Choose 3 characters. Support your answer with details and examples.
The World We Live In
Write about the relationship between Miranda and Alex in This World We Live In . Explain how these characters meet and the state of their initial relationship. Then, explain how the relationship develops, show how it changes as the story progresses, and tell what effect it has on each of the characters who are involved. Mention specific events in the story as you describe the developing relationship.
Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet
Write about the relationship between Henry and Keiko in Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet . Explain how these characters meet and the state of their initial relationship. Then, explain how the relationship develops, show how it changes as the story progresses, and tell what effect it has on each of the characters who are involved. Mention specific events in the story as you describe the developing relationship.