To Kill a Mockingbird
Anticipation Guide
Please answer ALL of the following questions in at least 3 COMPLETE SENTENCES on a SEPARATE SHEET OF
PAPER!  There are no real “right” or “wrong” answers…
1. Have you ever stood up for something that wasn't popular with everyone else? Why? Give an example.
Or, why not? What has stopped you?
2. Do you find it difficult to stand up for what you believe if no else agrees? Why or why not?
3. Have you ever started something even though you know you will probably fail? If so, why did you choose
to go ahead with it? If not, what stopped you?
4. Have you ever experienced prejudice? If so, under what circumstances? If not, describe a time when you
have heard about prejudice.
5. Tell everything you know or have heard about the Great Depression. List at least 3 things.
6. Do you believe it's natural to have a fear of the unknown (are we naturally afraid of things we don’t know
or understand?)? Why or why not?
7. Has anyone ever made assumptions about you based on knowledge of your family or friends? Give an
example. If not, explain a time when you might have done this to someone else.
8. Do you think human character is essentially good or evil? Are people born good or bad? Both? Neither?
Explain your thoughts.
9. Are there certain people/groups that are “better than” others? If so, who and why? If not, why not?
10. What is the most important thing you learned before you were 10 years old? Why was this important?
11. When you were a child what was your idea of a best friend, and how has that changed or stayed the
same?
12. How is living in a small town different than living in a big city?
Give two or three examples.