Three Cups of Tea Reading Reflections
Name:_____________________________________
Directions: Answer all questions in complete sentences. Some questions have multiple parts, be sure to
answer them completely.
1 (Intro.) Greg Mortenson says, “Ignorance breeds hatred, and the simplest way to stop that is to educate
kids.”? What does he mean by this statement? Do you agree with his statement? Explain.
2 (Ch. 1) a. The first line of the story begins “Greg Mortenson was lost.” The word “lost” can have both a
literal (factual) and a figurative (symbolic) meaning. State what you think the author meant by this sentence.
How was Greg “lost” in more than one sense of the word? Explain.
2.b. Describe a time when you or someone you, someone you know, or a character you’ve read about has
been “lost” (figuratively).
3 (Ch. 4) a. How did Greg’s early years and family upbringing shape his character and personality as an
adult? Give at least 2 specific examples.
3.b. Give one example of how your childhood experiences are shaping your character as an adult.
4 (Ch. 5) a. Before Greg builds a school in Pakistan he encounters many problems, what were they?
b. Why did Jean Hoerni ultimately help Greg raise enough money for his first school?
5a. Explain the new obstacles Greg is facing in Chapters 7 and 8 of the book. Go into detail and describe
what happens to Greg when he arrives in Korphe with his good news of the school.
b. How does Haji Ali respond?
6a. The title of Chapter 10, “Building Bridges” has both a literal (factual) and a figurative (symbolic)
meaning. Explain how through his work, Greg is building bridges in a figurative sense.
6b. Give an example of how you, someone you know, or a character you’ve read about has made an attempt
to “build bridges.”
7a. When Greg returns to Pakistan in chapter 12, why is he upset with Haji Ali? What is Haji Ali’s response
to Greg?
7b. How is this situation an example of the differences in culture between the U.S. and Pakistan?
8 (Ch. 13) a. Retell, in your own words, the custom of “three cups of tea” as defined by Haji Ali. How does
embracing this custom impact Greg’s success?
b. Why do you think Greg chooses this phrase as the title to his book?
9. (Throughout) a. What are some of the sacrifices the people of Korphe made to build their school?
b. What does this tell you about their feelings toward education and its value?
10. (Ch. 13) a. Why does Greg consider Haji Ali the “wisest person he’s ever met”?
b. Describe the wisest person you know or have learned about and why he or she is wise.
11. In Chapter 14 Greg really wants to call his wife Tara, but there are no phones. Imagine a phone call took
place. Write the dialogue of their conversation. This should be a detailed account of what you imagine they
discussed in the form of a conversation, it should show your understanding of what was going on in the
chapter and your ability to infer how Greg and Tara may have been feeling.
Example of dialogue format – set your response up as a phone conversation between Greg and Tara
Phone rings:
Tara: Hello
Greg: Tara, it’s so good to hear your voice. I don’t want to worry you, but I have to tell you something…
12. In chapter 16, Greg says when you educate girls, “everything changes.” Explain what he means by this
and why educating girls in Pakistan is important.
13. (Ch. 17) a. What does Greg hope Westerners (people in The USA and Europe) will understand about
Islam in the example of Syed Abbas?
b. How can Greg’s experiences help people better understand Muslims (followers of Islam)?
14. Chapter 19 recounts the events of September 11, 2001, and concludes with a speech by Muslim religious
leader Syed Abbas Rasvi at a CAI school opening celebration. Describe in your own words Syed Abbas
Rasvi’s message to Americans on behalf of Muslims?
(Choose to answer 15 or 16)
15. In Chapter 20, Greg Mortensen says, “The difference between a good local citizen and a terrorist could
be an education.”
a. Explain what Greg means.
b. Do you agree or disagree? Why?
16. Greg Mortenson states that the war on terror “will ultimately be won with books, not bombs.” Do you
agree or disagree with this statement? Explain.
17. How is education like water? Explain.