6 th & 7 th Grade Reading NAME: ______________________
The Westing Game, by Ellen Raskin
1.
What was unusual about Sunset Towers?
2.
Why was the delivery boy described as uncommon looking?
3.
What was unusual about Barney Northrup?
4.
What did Barney Northrup say that caused Jake to wonder?
Barney Northrup told Jake that the rent on this apartment would cost him less than the upkeep on his older home and Jake wondered ____________________________________.
5.
Where was Sydelle Pulaski directing a suspicious stare?
6.
How did Barney finally convince Sydelle Pulaski to take the apartment?
7.
Explain why Barney Northrup could be described as a very good salesman?
8.
List the various types of people that would be the new tenants in Sunset Towers.
9.
At the end of the chapter we are told that one of the tenants was a mistake. Which tenant do you think was a mistake? Explain your choice.
Vocabulary: tenants, exclusive, stationery, alcove, bookie, warped, chandeliers, plush

6 th & 7 th Grade Reading NAME: ______________________
The Westing Game, by Ellen Raskin
1.
How did Mr. Hoo feel about the grand opening of his restaurant. Why did he feel this way?
2.
Who is Sandy McSouthers? Who was Sandy McSouthers?
3.
What surprised Turtle Wexler about the Westing house?
4.
Describe Otis Amber.
5.
Briefly describe how the story of the two "unfortunate fellows" from Westing town told by Otis relates to what is happening in the story you are reading.
6.
What does Chris notice through his binoculars?
: stocky, maggots, gruesome, stubble, asylum, grapple, cuisine, exclusive
List the three words you are least familiar with, research and write their definitions, below.
 ____________________
 ____________________
 ____________________

6 th & 7 th Grade Reading NAME: ______________________
The Westing Game, by Ellen Raskin
1.
Why is Angela Wexler standing on a hassock?
2.
What caused Angela Wexler to utter a small cry?
3.
Describe Mrs. Wexler's relationship with her two daughters.
4.
Describe this character: J.J. Ford.
5.
According to Chris, what special talent did his brother Theo possess?
6.
What was in the long package that Sydelle Pulaski carried into her apartment?
Vocabulary: lunatic, podiatrist, gaunt, averted, putrid, ulcer, hassock, pudgy, amputation, nape, ample, rational
List the three words you are least familiar with, research and write their definitions, below.
 ____________________
 ____________________
 ____________________

6 th & 7 th Grade Reading NAME: ______________________
The Westing Game, by Ellen Raskin
1.
Why was Doug Hoo stationed outside the Westing house?
2.
Why did Turtle Wexler have her mother's silver cross in her pocket?
3.
What did Turtle encounter upon entering the house?
4.
Why had Turtle taken a billiard cue upstairs?
5.
Sam's obituary mentions that he was a dedicated gamesman and a master of chess. Why might this be significant?
6.
Why were sixteen people asked to go to the south library of the Westing mansion?
Vocabulary: pyrotechnic, coroner, beneficiary, heiress, legacy, vigil, meager, patriot, receding, corpse, immigrant, executor
List the four words you are least familiar with, research and write their definitions, below.
 ____________________
 ____________________
 ____________________
 ____________________

6 th & 7 th Grade Reading NAME: ______________________
The Westing Game, by Ellen Raskin
1.
Who was greeting the beneficiaries at the Westing home? _______________________
2.
Why was Turtle startled when she looked in the coffin?
3.
Why is Judge Ford surprised to see E.J. Plum in charge of the Westing estate?
4.
What did the design on Sydelle Pulaski's dress remind Turtle of right at that moment?
5.
Answer in a PEE paragraph: Why do you think Sydelle Pulaski is really using a crutch? (This is a “think and search” question. The author will not give you the answer directly; use the clues in the text to help you come
up with a conclusion.) (Include your POINT in a clear topic sentence, EVIDENCE, EXPLANATION!)
Vocabulary: relinquish, afflicted, aviator, convulsions, forfeit, appraise, mourning, relinquish, invalid, morbid, scrutiny
List the four words you are least familiar with, research and write their definitions, below.
 ____________________
 ____________________
 ____________________
 ____________________
Write an original, compound sentence using 2 to 3 of the other words listed (not the ones you defined above.)

6 th & 7 th Grade Reading NAME: ______________________
The Westing Game, by Ellen Raskin
Chapter Six--The Westing Will (Write your responses in complete sentences.)
1.
When the will is first read, why are those present shocked to hear the words, "my sixteen nieces and nephews"?
2.
What is the second important piece of information that is revealed during the reading of the will?
3.
What must the potential beneficiaries do if they wish to "strike it rich"?
4.
Explain Mr. Hoo's comment, "The poor are crazy, the rich just eccentric".
Vocabulary: eccentric, appalled, autopsy, embalmed, cremated, verified, purported, slur, culprit, corrupt, reverence
List the three words you are least familiar with, look up the definition, and write a complete sentence correctly using the word in your sentence.
 ____________________
 ____________________
 ____________________

6 th & 7 th Grade Reading NAME: ______________________
The Westing Game, by Ellen Raskin
(Write your responses in complete sentences.)
1.
What was the object of the game?
2.
Why was Chris happy to be selected to play the game?
3.
Why does Berthe Erica Crow shriek?
4.
Why was Sandy so insistent that his partner, Judge Ford, play the game?
Vocabulary: forfeit, pompous, indignant, shrewd, dialect, protest, jaunty, token, wafted
List the three words you are least familiar with, look up the definition, and write a complete sentence correctly using the word in your sentence.
 ____________________
 ____________________
 ____________________

6 th & 7 th Grade Reading NAME: ______________________
The Westing Game, by Ellen Raskin
VOCABULARY : Match the words in the box with the correct definition.
pretentious, incriminating, invalid, infirmity, incompetent,
1.
_________________ Not having the skills to do something well; Not being good at something
2.
_________________ Describes someone who tries to act more important than he or she actually is (or
exaggerates his or her importance.)
3.
_________________ Making someone appear guilty of a crime or wrongdoing
4.
_________________ A physical or mental weakness or disability
5.
_________________ A person made weak or disabled by an illness or injury
VOCABULARY : Write two synonyms AND an original sentence for each word, below.
6.
:
Your sentence:
( synonyms ) ___________________ _______________________
7.
Your sentence:
( synonyms ) ___________________ _______________________
8.
( synonyms ) ___________________ _______________________
Your sentence:
COMPREHENSION QUESTIONS:
9.
What did the tenants of Sunset Towers awaken to the next morning?
10.
How was Turtle Wexler able to profit from the storm?
11.
What are many of the heirs apparent doing on this particular day?
12.
What does J. J. Ford hope to do just once?
13.
The author doesn’t simply tell us that Sydelle Pulaski is upset and alarmed when she discovers her shorthand notebook is missing. List the specific words and phrases that help you visualize Sydelle’s reaction.
DO
NOT simply re-write the whole section.

6 th & 7 th Grade Reading NAME: ______________________
The Westing Game, by Ellen Raskin
VOCABULARY : Write the letter for the correct word next to each definition, below.
1.
______ being resistant or disobedient a) filigree
2.
______ appetizers or snacks served before a meal
3.
______ talking rapidly or excitedly but making little sense
4.
______ a delicate kind of jewelry metalwork, typically gold or silver
5.
______ being arrogant or snooty
QUESTIONS:
1.
Why is Lost and Found a good name for this chapter?
2.
What had somebody found in the third-floor balcony?
3.
What was happening at J. J. Ford's apartment that evening?
4.
What does Turtle predict the next part of the will would read?
5.
Why does Turtle think her mother is treating her so nicely for a change? b) defiantly c) uppity d) jabbering e) hors d’oevres
6.
What information does Judge Ford uncover that indicates James Hoo would not have liked Samuel Westing ?
 P ( point ) Make sure your first sentence is a topic sentence that directly responds to the question above.
 E (evidence) Use direct evidence from the chapter to support your point. (Use ‘ ’ around your evidence!)
 E (explanation) Explain how the evidence supports your POINT. Add detail and meaning to explain your interpretation of what the author did not say directly.
7. (4 points) Write a PEE paragraph: Explain and compare Grace Wexler’s feelings toward each of her daughters.

6 th & 7 th Grade Reading NAME: ______________________
The Westing Game, by Ellen Raskin
WORD BANK abstention, chiding, coiffure, embrace, grimace,
VOCABULARY CROSSWORD: hobble, humiliation, paternal, prattle
ACROSS
2 to walk in an awkward way
4
5
6
7
8 shame or embarrassment associated with a father facial expression of pain or disgust scolding or criticizing someone an elaborate hairstyle
1.
What is a social climber?
DOWN
1 declining to vote for or against a proposal
3 hold (someone) closely in one's arms, especially as a
sign of affection (or) to accept
5 to babble on or chatter in a foolish way
WORD BANK abstention, chiding, coiffure, embrace, grimace, hobbled, humiliation, paternal, prattle
2.
Why was Grace Windsor Wexler on time for Judge Ford's party this evening when normally she would arrive late?
3.
Why does Angela become upset when everyone continually asks about Denton?
4.
Why was Chris watching legs from his wheelchair?
5.
Why is Sydelle disappointed that Angela changed out of her clothes?
6.
Why does Angela rush into Judge Ford's kitchen?

6 th & 7 th Grade Reading NAME: ______________________
The Westing Game, by Ellen Raskin
Chapter Eleven--The Meeting
Vocabulary : Write a synonym and an antonym for each word below.
SYNONYM ANTONYM
1.
scoffing _____________________ _______________________
2.
contempt _____________________ _______________________
3.
vault
4.
envy
_____________________
_____________________
_______________________
_______________________
5.
larcenist
6.
felon
_____________________ _______________________
_____________________ _______________________
7.
What dilemma did the tenants face as they awoke on the third snowbound morning?
8.
Write a PEE paragraph to answer this question: How does Turtle feel about doing her own hair?
9.
What was Alice's nickname? ______________________________
10.
What did Chris suddenly realize as he read the note on the elevator wall?
11.
Why could no one read Sydelle Pulaski's shorthand?
12.
What does Theo suggest to the tenants who have gathered in the coffee shop?
13.
What confusion arises about Turtle's real name? Can you explain a possible reason for this?
14.
What question did Judge Ford write on the paper? Do you think it was a good question? YES/NO

6 th & 7 th Grade Reading NAME: ______________________
The Westing Game, by Ellen Raskin
Chapter Twelve--The First Bomb
Vocabulary : woozy, transcribe, obituary, paraphernalia, sappy, intern, prop, caption
1.
Miscellaneous items or odds and ends, often associated with a particular activity
2.
Foolishly sentimental or romantic
3.
An apprentice, or trainee, learning to do a job
_____________________________
_____________________________
4.
A title or heading
5.
To put thoughts into written form
_____________________________
_____________________________
6.
(noun) Something serving as a support; (verb) to support something _____________________________
7.
The notice, or writing, of the death of a person _____________________________
8.
Confused, or out of sorts, as with dizziness or faintness _____________________________
9.
Write a paragraph that compares two characters’ reactions of what happened in the kitchen. Include a complete topic sentence that directly responds to the question and evidence that supports your ideas.
10.
The author doesn’t simply tell us that the event in the kitchen caused great excitement for the characters.
List the specific words and phrases that help you visualize the excitement and the characters’ reactions.
DO NOT simply re-write the whole section.
11.
What does Turtle demand that Angela return to her immediately?
12.
According to Judge Ford, who are the four people with Westing connections?
13.
Why does Judge Ford's finger suddenly stop at the top of the list of detectives in the yellow pages?

6 th & 7 th Grade Reading NAME: ______________________
The Westing Game, by Ellen Raskin
Chapter Thirteen – The Second Bomb
VOCABULARY CROSSWORD s crumptious, memento( x ), harried, baffled, woeful,
petrified, distraught, bestow
ACROSS
3 extremely tasty or delicious
5 afraid or deeply alarmed
6 to present or offer something to someone; often as an honor
9 shaming or humiliating; causing one to lose the respect of others
11 bewildered or confused
12 troubled or distressed
DOWN
1 a ceremony with actions performed in a specific order
2 deeply upset or agitated
4 a treatment of the foot or toenails
7 painfully heartbroken or deeply saddened
8 an object or souvenir kept as a reminder
10 upper part of a dress
SHORT ANSWER :
1.
What kind of timing device did the bomber use?
2.
Who were the only people to order down?
3.
Who is Mrs. Baumbach reminded of when she sees Angela?
4.
According to Sydelle Pulaski why is Chris's disability an advantage?
5.
What happened just as Otis Amber entered the restaurant?
6.
According to the fireman why was it not unusual to have had two explosions within two days in the same building?
7.
Where was the bomber planning to set the next bomb?

6 th & 7 th Grade Reading NAME: ______________________
The Westing Game, by Ellen Raskin
 Chapter Summary: Two to Three Sentences that summarize the chapter.
 Reading Log Questions:
1.
Why did Angela search under the hoods of the cars in the parking lot/
2.
Why did the doorman refuse to accept a tip from the judge?
3.
Why was Alexander McSouthers fired from his job at the Westing factory?
4.
Why does Alexander McSouthers suffer from bad headaches?
5.
What voices does Grace hear coming from the kitchen?
6.
Why did Grace open the window despite the cold draft?
7.
Why were the tenants purchasing so many Westing Paper Products?
 Vocabulary: amends, brewery, contend, contender, flattery, obsequious, oath, trousseau, patriotism, deception, remission, rigid, shrewd

6 th & 7 th Grade Reading NAME: ______________________
The Westing Game, by Ellen Raskin
 Chapter Summary: Two to Three Sentences that summarize the chapter.
 Reading Log Questions:
1.
What does Turtle mean by the expression, "Paper losses. . .doesn't mean a thing"?
2.
Why were Turtle and Sandy dubious about the "murder" of Samuel Westing?
3.
Why did Doug suspect that the murderer may have been a doctor?
4.
Shin Hoo told Jake Wexler that he thought he could squeeze him in at the restaurant.
Explain why this statement is ironic.
5.
Why is Judge Ford surprised at McSouthers' description of Mrs. Westing?
6.
Flora, Judge Ford and Sandy notice a remarkable resemblance between Angela Wexler and what other person?
 Vocabulary: presided, injected, profound, smirking, guffaw, interrogate, bribery, cunning, soothsayer
 Chapter Summary: Two to Three Sentences that summarize the chapter.
 Reading Log Questions:
1.
Describe what event is occurring at the beginning of this chapter.
2.
Does Angela do anything to suggest that she may already know the contents of the gift wrapped in good foil?
3.
Describe Angela's injuries.
4.
Why did Otis Amber think that he should not be considered a suspect in the incident?
5.
Who does Sydelle think the bomber is?
6.
Who do you think the bomber is? Explain your choice.
 Vocabulary: impractical, vaguely, prank, amnesia, incriminating, despondently, scorch
 Chapter Summary: Two to Three Sentences that summarize the chapter.
 Reading Log Questions:
1.
What indication is there that the heirs were jittery?
2.
What were the two trading terms that Flora Baumbach had learned?
3.
After reexamining their clues, whom do Grace and Mr. Hoo think is involved in the mystery?

6 th & 7 th Grade Reading NAME: ______________________
The Westing Game, by Ellen Raskin
4.
What does Theo discover when he analyses his clue?
5.
Why does Theo think that he must be dreaming?
 Vocabulary: incinerator, bonbons, culled, snooping, eluding
 Chapter Summary: Two to Three Sentences that summarize the chapter.
 Reading Log Questions:
1.
Why does Turtle think that it would be a good idea to call Flora Baumbach by another name?
2.
Who was Rosalie and how did she die?
3.
How is ammonium nitrate used?
4.
What assignment does Theo give to Doug Hoo?
5.
What letter does Otis Amber deliver to Doug?
6.
What help does Denton hold out for Chris.
7.
How does Chris feel at the prospect of being taken hostage by Doctor Deere?
 Vocabulary: conferring, broker, propellants, ailment, malady, coyly, graft, swatches, neurologist, ransom, bachelor
 Chapter Summary: Two to Three Sentences that summarize the chapter.
 Reading Log Questions:
1.
How did Turtle defend the use of the radio in school?
2.
Who does Otis Amber accuse of being responsible for the bombings?
3.
To whom is Crow referring when she uses the term "foot butcher"?
4.
How does Chris presume the blank envelope ended up in his bathrobe?
5.
How does Judge Ford react when told by Sandy that Jake Wexler is a bookie?
6.
How did the doorman react to what Judge Ford said?
7.
According to the judge, what is Westing's first mistake?

6 th & 7 th Grade Reading NAME: ______________________
The Westing Game, by Ellen Raskin
 Vocabulary: soothes, penance, distorted, blotched, vengeance, chronic, covetousness, mutilator, manipulated
 Chapter Summary: Two to Three Sentences that summarize the chapter.
 Reading Log Questions:
1.
What was the price of WPP at two o'clock?
2.
Why didn't Doug's feet hurt anymore?
3.
Why was Theo in the hospital?
4.
Why did George Theodorakis falter while telling the story of Violet Westing?
5.
Who does Judge Ford believe must be protected and why?
 Vocabulary: legitimate, sprinted, wincing, faltered, hack,eloped, plotted, loathed
 Chapter Summary: Two to Three Sentences that summarize the chapter.
 Reading Log Questions:
1.
What does Theo want to borrow from Turtle?
2.
What is Judge Ford's connection with the Westing family?
3.
Why does Judge Ford think that Sam Westing paid for her education?
4.
What was on the reverse side of the bomber's note?
5.
What does Turtle confess to the judge?
6.
Why does Sydelle Pulaski throw her crutches into the air?
 Vocabulary: fuming, blackmail, seamy, ragtag, lurched, wreched, derelicts, meticulous, appellate, arsenal, singed, juvenile, divert, remedy
 Chapter Summary: Two to Three Sentences that summarize the chapter.
 Reading Log Questions:
1.
Briefly describe the note posted in the elevator.
2.
Where would one find the story of Cain and Abel
3.
What is the significance of Turtle's comment that her mother would be upset if she knew who the real bomber was
4.
Which of the heirs does Judge Ford think may be Sam Westing's former wife?
5.
Who does Judge Ford think was actually in the coffin?

6 th & 7 th Grade Reading NAME: ______________________
The Westing Game, by Ellen Raskin
6.
Why would it be difficult to recognize Sam Westing now?
 Vocabulary: scrimp, tousled, wreak, pompous, notched
 Chapter Summary: Two to Three Sentences that summarize the chapter.
 Reading Log Questions:
1.
What did Otis mean by the phrase, "The turtle's lost its tail"?
2.
What did Turtle convince Angela not to do?
3.
What did the heirs receive in their envelopes?
4.
Why is Grace's voice thick and slurred?
5.
What is meant by the expression, "to go on the wagon"?
6.
Who did Denton Deere suggest could use plastic surgery?
 Vocabulary: fumbled, lolled, regally, swathed, turban, ethnic, gilt, bleary, ornithologist, derisive
 Chapter Summary: Two to Three Sentences that summarize the chapter.
 Reading Log Questions:
1.
Since they can no longer work as partners, what does Theo suggest the heirs do?
2.
What was Denton Deere's diagnosis when Mr. Hoo claimed that the tea might be poisoned?
3.
Which heir does Judge Ford believe is actually Sam Westing?
4.
Using the clues provided, who does Sydelle Pulaski announce as the murderer?
5.
What happens to Sandy towards the end of this chapter?
6.
Do you think that Berthe Erica Crow is telling the truth? Explain your answer.
 Vocabulary: paranoia, ravings, condemn, vicious, null, immigrant, fanatic, improbable
 Chapter Summary: Two to Three Sentences that summarize the chapter.
 Reading Log Questions:
1.
What does Denton Deere accuse Turtle of doing?
2.
How does Turtle respond to his accusation?
3.
What according to Judge Ford is the famous Westing trap?
4.
Why does Judge Ford repeatedly call herself stupid?
 Vocabulary: wake, stoolie, conscience, checkmate, bolted, poring, sole, culprit, dastardly

6 th & 7 th Grade Reading NAME: ______________________
The Westing Game, by Ellen Raskin
 Chapter Summary: Two to Three Sentences that summarize the chapter.
 Reading Log Questions:
1.
Who is the young lawyer in Judge Ford's court?
2.
Why is everyone surprised when Otis Amber testifies?
3.
Who hired Otis Amber?
4.
What is a coronary thrombosis in layman's terms?
5.
Why did Sandy's flask contain according to Turtle?
6.
Judge Ford believed that Sam Westing had assumed two disguises. Identify his two disguises.
 Vocabulary: stenographer, flaw, accomplice, interceded, bristled, baffled, benefactor, astound(ing)
 Chapter Summary: Two to Three Sentences that summarize the chapter.
 Reading Log Questions:
1.
What announcement does Edgar Jennings Plum make?
2.
What is to happen to Sunset Towers according to Westing's "last" document?
3.
What is the significance of Turtle's statement, "Hurry up, Uncle Sam, I can't keep up this act much longer"?
4.
Which heir wins and explain how they finally solve the puzzle?
5.
Which heir that played the Westing Game had actually been Sam Westing himself?
On Your Own (This question requires you to analyze and interpret the text on your own)
Quote: “Behind her the discontented heirs grumbled: He made fools of us all. He played us like puppets. He was a g-good m-man. He was a vengeful man, a hateful man” (204).
Question: Do you think that Sam Westing was really a hateful man? What do you thing were his motives for setting up the Westing Game?
 Vocabulary: bequeath, deed, forfeited, vengeful, charred, turret, mimicked, inlaid

6 th & 7 th Grade Reading NAME: ______________________
The Westing Game, by Ellen Raskin
 Chapter Summary: Two to Three Sentences that summarize the chapter.
 Reading Log Questions:
1.
Whose wedding is Turtle going to be late for if she doesn't hurry and make her move?
2.
What did the members of the Good Salvation Soup kitchen do for this special occasion?
3.
How did Judge Ford intend to repay her debt to Sam Westing?
4.
Describe the changes in Angela's life.
5.
Why did Turtle never tell anyone that she won the Westing Game? Rationale: This is an
“author and you” question. The answer is not explicitly stated in the text, but the reader can use his/her opinion as well as sense the author’s opinion to come up with an answer.
(p. 206)
Turtle never told. She went to the library every Saturday afternoon, she explained (which was partly true).
6.
Think and Search (You have clues to the answer within the text but this question will not be handed to you, you must come up with it on your own.)
Question: Who was Julian Eastman and how do you know this?
Quote: “Julian R. Eastman rose. He looked stern. And very proper. He wore a gray business suit with a vest, a striped tie. He limped as he walked toward her, not the crooked limp of Doctor
Sikes, just a small limp, a painful limp” (206).
7.
Author (You are to answer this question with the viewpoint of the author in mind. What would the author have thought?)
Quote: “Julian R. Eastman was dead; and with him died Windy Windkoppel, Samuel W.
Westing, Barney Northrup, and Sandy McSouthers. And with him died a little of Turtle”
(207).
Question: Why did Ellen Raksin have Samuel Westing mean so much to Turtle? What had
Sam Westing given Turtle that none of the others characters had before?
 Vocabulary: draped, heirloom, sobered, tutor, toting, abacus

6 th & 7 th Grade Reading NAME: ______________________
The Westing Game, by Ellen Raskin
 Chapter Summary: Two to Three Sentences that summarize the chapter.
 Reading Log Questions:
1.
Why was Mr. Hoo almost happy?
2.
What had happened to Denton Deere?
3.
What good things had happened to Chris Theodorakis?
4.
Who was the chess game master that T.R. Wexler had finally defeated?
 Vocabulary: fragile, stouter, nape, confetti, tango, correspondent, radiant
 Chapter Summary: Two to Three Sentences that summarize the chapter.
 Reading Log Questions:
1.
Who is dying at the opening of the final chapter?
2.
What had happened to Judge Ford?
3.
Why did Turtle lie about Otis Amber?
4.
What does Eastman know about Angela that surprises Turtle?
5.
What is the irony of Jake Wexler's new position?
 Vocabulary: orthopedic, subspecies, corporation, veiled, mansion, audible
1.
Design a title page for the novel.
2.
Design a bookmark for your book. Any words or illustrations on the bookmark should be related to your novel.
3.
Select two characters from your novel. List both their negative and positive attributes.
4.
Pretend that you are the author of this novel and that you are unsatisfied with the final copy. You have decided that the only way to improve the book is by adding another character. Write a brief description of your new character and explain how you will utilize them in your novel.
5.
Pretend your school or class is conducting a book sale. Design a poster that you think will encourage customers to buy The Westing Game.

6 th & 7 th Grade Reading NAME: ______________________
The Westing Game, by Ellen Raskin
6.
When reading a who done it or murder mystery, the reader must be an active rather than passive reader.
For example, the active reader would already be formulating an opinion as to who committed the murder.
Who might be some of the most likely suspects at this point in the story? Defend your position.
7.
Is it ever possible to justify the use of violence to achieve your goals? Explain and justify your opinion.
8.
Form a group of 3 classmates and design a bulletin board in your classroom to promote the reading of The
Westing Game.
9.
Research the writing of a will. Why might you want a lawyer to help with the writing of a will? Find out what might invalidate a will. Try and locate some funny or interesting wills. Culminate this activity by writing your own will.
10.
People who suspect others of committing a crime but have no evidence or proof, often say they are relying on instinct or a gut feeling. Are there any problems with relying on instinct or gut feeling? Explain.
11.
Make a book jacket for your book.
12.
The author makes use of humor throughout the novel. Give some examples.
13.
List as many reasons as possible why someone might make a false confession.
14.
Write a private dialogue between two of the characters in your story.
15.
Create a chart with three different classifications: Likely Suspects, Possible Suspects, and Least Likely
Suspects. Based on your opinion, fill in the chart.
16.
Pretend that you are employed in a publishing house that has just decided to reject the novel, The Westing
Game. Write an imaginary letter to Ellen Raskin rejecting her novel and explaining why.
17.
Pretend you are a television reporter or newspaper journalist. Write an article on the latest happenings in your story.
18.
Write an imaginary letter to Ellen Raskin telling her about your experiences reading this book.
19.
Prepare a test of 10 questions for your classmates.
20.
Write an obituary for one of the characters in your novel. Read some of the obituaries in a local newspaper as preparation for this exercise.
21.
Make a presentation to a small group or your entire class on your favorite part of the book.

6 th & 7 th Grade Reading NAME: ______________________
The Westing Game, by Ellen Raskin
Project 1: Sculpture
Create a sculpture of a character in the story. Use any combination of soap, wood, clay, sticks, wire, stones, old toy pieces, or any other object you chose. An explanation of how this character fits into the book should accompany the sculpture.
This project will be graded as follows:
100pts- Sculpture of one of the characters in the story.
50pts- Explanation of how this character fits into the story in correct paragraph form.
50pts- Presentation must include the title of the story, the author, and explanation of sculpture.
Project 2: Character Description
Write a description of four of the characters in the book. Each description should be three paragraphs long and contain information on both the physical appearances of the character and an emotional description. Draw a colored portrait of each character to accompany each description.
This project will be graded as follows:
50pts- Description of characters in three complete paragraphs each.
100pts- Colored portraits drew of each of the characters.
50pts- Presentation must include the title of the story, the author, and description of the three
Project 3: Newspaper
Create a newspaper for your book. Summarize the plot in one article, cover the weather in another, do a featured story on one of the more important characters in another. Include an editorial, at least four ads that would be pertinent to the story, and one picture about the story.
This project will be graded as follows:
30pts- Write an article summarizing the plot of the story using correct paragraph form.

6 th & 7 th Grade Reading NAME: ______________________
The Westing Game, by Ellen Raskin
30pts- Write an article covering what the weather is like in the setting of the story using correct paragraph form.
30pts- Write a featured story on one of the important characters in correct paragraph form.
30pts- Write an editorial giving your opinion of the story in correct paragraph form.
30pts- Write 4 ads which would be pertinent to the story.
30pts- Drawing of one picture about the story.
20pts- Presentation must include the title of the story, the author, and explanation of newspaper.
Project 4: Mobile
Create a mobile about the story. The mobile must include the title of the story, the name of the author, setting, and characters of the story. The mobile must have at least 5 moving parts and each part must have a paragraph explanation of each part in correct form.
This project will be graded as follows:
50pts- Mobile with at least 5 moving part.
50pts- Must include the author, title, setting, and characters of the story.
50pts- Explanation of each part in complete paragraph form.
50pts- Presentation must include the title of the story, the author, and explanation of mobile.
Project #5
Draw "Most Wanted" posters of 4 of the suspects from The Westing Game. Include a brief written description under each picture.
This project will be graded as follows:
75pts- Description of each wanted character
75pts- Drawings of each wanted character
50pts- Presentation must include the title of the story, the author, and explanation of wanted posters.