Students are to respond to one of the following questions and write a 600-800 word text
response essay. It must use the TEEL structure and refer to The Simple Gift throughout the
essay, using quotes and examples to exemplify understanding of the text.
1. Despite appearances, Old Bill is the most generous. Discuss stereotypes and
generosity within the novel The Simple Gift.
OR
2. ‘Education is the key to improving the life of everyone.’ Does the novel support or
contradict this statement? Explain your ideas using evidence from The Simple Gift.
3. The Simple Gift demonstrates that belonging is an inherit desire of people. Discuss.
4. ‘Discovering your identity relates is reflected directly to belonging and relationships’.
Discuss this statement using evidence from The Simple Gift.
5. ‘Money is the key to happiness.’ Using your knowledge of the Simple Gift, explain
why some may argue against this statement.
6. ‘Stereotypes are prevalent and damaging to society.’ Using the characters and
events of The Simple Gift, discuss your understanding of this statement.
7.
The Simple Gift, Stephen Herrick's narrative poem, demonstrates elements of
belonging and acceptance through the pain and suffering of different characters.
Discuss.
8.
Individuals who experience transitions into new experiences may encounter
challenges, but the outcome can be a positive transformation. Does The Simple Gift
support this statement? Discuss.