ThE wEsTiNg GaMe
Directions: Pick four questions from each chapter to answer in complete sentences, restate
the question in your answer, answer all parts, and check for MUGS (mechanics, usage,
grammar, spelling).
Chapter 1: Sunset Towers
1. How do you feel toward Barney Northrup? Mr. & Mrs.
Wexler? Sydelle Pulaski?
2. What is a “bookie” on page 5? Hint: the word is not in
the dictionary, look it up online.
3. What is the mood of this chapter, how do you feel while
reading it?
4. What kind of person is Barney Northrup?
5. What questions do you have about what is happening?
6. What do you think the problem will be in this story?
7. Do you know where Lake Michigan is located? How could you find out? What
resource could you use?
8. Do you think you will enjoy this book? Explain why or why not.
9. How does Barney Northrup “hook” people into renting the apartments?
Chapter 2: Ghosts or Worse
1. What has the reader learned about “old man” Westing?
2. Explain what happened Halloween night one year ago.
3. What’s the main idea of this chapter? Justify your answer with the text.
4. How does Otis’ and Sandy’s story set the mood?
5. Who is Chris? Do you have any questions about him?
6. What could “purple waves” be?
7. Who do you think is “the limper”?
8. Do you think Theo and Turtle made a bet?
9. Why do you think Otis could “have a grudge” against Mr. Westing?
Chapter 3: Tenants In and Out
1. Explain the characters’ reactions to the smoke coming out from the Westing chimney.
2. What is the author trying to convey to you in this chapter? How do you know?
3. Explain why Turtle’s kicking has been included in each chapter.
4. How many characters seem to have a prior relationship with Mr. Westing? How do you
think that relates to “the mistake” tenant?
5. When the judge is told about the smoke, she starts thinking about something. Find that
part and explain it.
6. Make a prediction about Sydelle Pulaski and the crutches. How does the author hook
you into thinking about her?
7. What is the judge’s reaction to the smoke at the Westing house?
8. Why didn’t Chris tell Theo about “the limper”?
Chapter 4: The Corpse Found
1. Why did Mrs. Hoo sign her name with the letter X?
2. Was Mr. Westing alive or dead when Turtle was in the house? Support your answer.
3. What is the main idea of this chapter? Support your answer with the text.
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ThE wEsTiNg GaMe
Directions: Pick four questions from each chapter to answer in complete sentences, restate
the question in your answer, answer all parts, and check for MUGS (mechanics, usage,
grammar, spelling).
4. The author sets the mood with the first sentence of this
chapter. What does the full moon on Halloween make
you think of?
5. Reflect back to “the mistake”. Do you have any new
information that refines your thinking about the mistake?
6. The narrator gives us Turtle’s thoughts. How does she feel
as she stands at the door to the Westing house?
7. Why do you think the newspaper did not mention how
Mr. Westing’s body was found?
8. Have you ever read an obituary in the newspaper? What things are mentioned in an
obituary? Bring one in for extra credit.
9. Why did Theo want to sign Chris’ receipt for him?
Chapter 5: Sixteen Heirs
1. How does Mrs. Wexler act when she arrives at the Westing house?
2. How does this chapter fit into the plot of the book? Offer proof of your answer with text
from the book.
3. What does the word “beneficiaries” mean?
4. How does the description of the day shape the mood of this chapter?
5. How do Mrs. Wexler’s actions and attitude when she arrives at the house fit in with your
opinion of her?
6. Why do you think all these people are beneficiaries? Is there any evidence any of
them knew Mr. Westing?
7. How do you think Angela feels about Dr. Deere? What clues does the text give you?
8. What do all the invited people have in common?
9. The next chapter is titled “The Westing Will”. What do you think it will be about?
10. Name the people who arrive in the Westing house library?
11. What does Turtle notice about the dead body of Mr. Westing?
Chapter 6: The Westing Will
1. Who were the two witnesses who signed Mr. Westing’s will?
2. Why is this chapter title the best choice?
3. Are you surprised to learn that all the residents of Sunset Towers are related to each
other? Explain.
4. The title of the book has been revealed. Explain it.
5. Why do you think Mr. Westing chose those particular people to witness his will?
6. How many people will inherit the fortune? How do you know? Support with text.
7. Who is your choice of suspects for the murder? Return to chapter 5 and form a list of all
16 suspects to help you decide.
8. Why do you think the judge did not open and read the letter at the table?
Chapter 7: The Westing Game
1. How did Dr. Deere misinterpret Angela’s view of herself?
2. Why is this chapter important?
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ThE wEsTiNg GaMe
Directions: Pick four questions from each chapter to answer in complete sentences, restate
the question in your answer, answer all parts, and check for MUGS (mechanics, usage,
grammar, spelling).
3. What thoughts do you have as to teams?
4. Why do you think Mr. Westing paired the people as he
did?
5. When Angela is paired with Sydelle Pulaski what is her first
reaction? How does her opinion change?
6. Why does Turtle notice that the rack of billiard cues is
complete?
7. Have you ever played chess? What is the object of the
game, Chess?
8. What do you think the clues are clues to? What must happen next?
9. What is unusual about the chess set?
10. Explain Dr. Wexler’s position joke? Hint: a dictionary can help you.
Chapter 8: The Paired Heirs
1. What do you think about Angela’s reaction to Chris?
2. What is the main idea of this chapter? Justify your answer.
3. What does the word “bigot” mean?
4. What do you think of Chris’ thoughts about his clues?
5. How does the author show Chris’ intelligence?
6. Why do you think Angela did not answer when Theo asked if she wanted to play
chess?
7. Compile a list of all the clues available from the text.
8. How does Turtle take advantage of the blizzard?
9. Do you feel the same way as Angela when you encounter a person with a handicap?
10. It seems that Sydelle and Angela have more clues than anyone else. Do you think they
have a better chance of winning?
11. What do all the tenants want from Sydelle Pulaski? Why?
Chapter 9: Lost and Found
1. We now know who the inventor is. What is his or her name?
2. What is the author trying to convey to you in this chapter? How do you know?
3. “The thumping heart that had jumped into her throat.” What do we call this literary
device? What is the author’s meaning?
4. Do you think the six “found” clues are legitimate? Support your answer.
5. Why do you think Judge Ford is trying to get information about the other tenants?
6. Why is Grace Windsor Wexler being so kind and thoughtful with her daughter, Turtle?
7. Do you think everyone will come to the party?
8. What in the world IS wrong with Turtle?
Chapter 10: The Long Party
1. Do you think Angela is a happy person? Support your answer.
2. What is the main idea of this chapter? Support your answer with the text.
3. What does the word paternal mean?
4. What is the mood of the characters at the party?
3|Page
ThE wEsTiNg GaMe
Directions: Pick four questions from each chapter to answer in complete sentences, restate
the question in your answer, answer all parts, and check for MUGS (mechanics, usage,
grammar, spelling).
5. There’s a clue in this chapter. Find it, and explain.
6. Why do you think Judge Ford hosted this party?
7. The next chapter is titled “The Meeting”. What do you
think this means?
8. Why is Sydelle Pulaski constantly referring to twins at the
party?
Chapter 11: The Meeting
1. Explain how Turtle Wexler got her nickname.
2. How does this chapter fit into the plot of this book? Offer proof of your answer with the
text.
3. How does Mr. Hoo explain the notebook? Do you believe him?
4. Why do think Turtle turns to Flora Baumbach to do her hair?
5. Do you think the players will share their clues with one another? Why?
6. What do we learn about Flora Baumbach in this chapter?
7. Why do you think Turtle Wexler lied to Flora about her “real” name?
Chapter 12: The First Bomb
1. Which of the characters have a previous connection to Mr. Westing?
2. Why is this title the best choice for this chapter?
3. Angela thinks that Turtle’s “crutch” is her _____. What do you think she means?
4. What do you think about Turtle accusing Angela? Do you think the accusation is real?
Do you think the accusation is true?
5. Why do you think Sydelle Pulaski believes the thief is Mrs. Wexler? Do you agree with
her?
6. Turtle does seem to be able to read the feelings of others. Is she correct about
Angela? About Sydelle?
7. Whose voice do you think Judge Ford recognizes on the telephone?
8. What do you think the following phrase means? “...if she hoped to protect the victim
of Sam Westing’s revenge.”
Chapter 13: The Second Bomb
1. Mr. Hoo refers to his wife as “the cook.” What does this tell you about his feeling for
her?
2. List three characters and tell something you found out about each of them in this
chapter.
3. Why is this chapter important?
4. Do you like Mr. Hoo? Why or why not? Support your answer with information from the
text.
5. What clues does the author give you to indicate rather than name the injured person?
6. Why do you think Sydelle Pulaski was in the restaurant kitchen?
7. Tell how Grace manipulates the tenants at the Hoo restaurant. Why does she do this?
8. Do you think the first bomb and the second bomb are set by the same person?
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ThE wEsTiNg GaMe
Directions: Pick four questions from each chapter to answer in complete sentences, restate
the question in your answer, answer all parts, and check for MUGS (mechanics, usage,
grammar, spelling).
Chapter 14: Pairs Required
1. Judge Ford and Sandy seem to have the same idea
about Mr. Westing and the inheritance. Can you
explain?
2. What is the main idea of this chapter? Justify your answer
with the text.
3. Who found the quotation source? Where was the quote
from?
4. What is the mood at the hospital?
5. Why is Angela sitting in the lobby waiting for Dr. Deere? Is this fact something she likes
about herself?
6. Why do you think Angela does everything according to her mother’s wishes?
7. Does Dr. Deere want to play the game, to get the inheritance? Does he want to be
Chris’ partner? Support your answer.
8. Will Angela share these new clues with her partner, Sydelle?
9. When Angela visits Sydelle in the hospital, what does she say to Sydelle? What does
this tell you about Angela? What kind of person is she?
Chapter 15: Fact and Gossip
1. What is the relationship between Dr. and Mrs. Wexler? What clues do you have to
support your answer?
2. What is the author trying to convey to you in this chapter?
3. Explain the phrase “English-Speaking ears.”
4. How many residents admit to knowing Mrs. Westing? Which residents know Violet
Westing? Why do you think this information is important?
5. Why do you think Turtle has a radio and listens to it at school?
6. Who does Violet Westing look like?
7. What do you think about Sandy’s prediction that Angela Wexler might have to die?
8. Describe Mrs. Westing. Does she resemble any of the tenants of Sunset Towers?
Chapter 16: The Third Bomb
1. What does the wedding shower reinforce what we already know about Angela?
2. Tell about the guests at the wedding shower.
3. What is the main idea of this chapter? Support your answer with the text.
4. There is an example of personification in this chapter. Locate and explain.
5. What was the mood at the wedding shower?
6. Tell three things the characters are thinking about each other. Do you agree or
disagree?
7. Why is Crow thinking “her blessed Angela was almost killed”? What does this indicate?
Are there any clues in previous chapters?
8. What is Angela pretending? Where do you think she got the idea? Why do you think
she is doing this?
9. What do you know about bound feet? What resource could you use to increase your
knowledge? Find out more about bound feet.
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ThE wEsTiNg GaMe
Directions: Pick four questions from each chapter to answer in complete sentences, restate
the question in your answer, answer all parts, and check for MUGS (mechanics, usage,
grammar, spelling).
10. Check your prediction about what Sandy said about
Angela against what has happened at the shower.
Chapter 17: Some Solutions
1. How are Judge Ford and Sandy trying to find the
solution?
2. Explain the three times the bomb squad is called to the
building.
3. How does this chapter fit into the plot of the book? Offer
proof of your answer with the text.
4. Why do you think Jake is being so considerate of his wife? How do you think she feels
about his attention?
5. Why do Mr. Hoo and Mrs. Wexler show their clues to Jake?
6. What does a bull market mean? What does a bear market mean? If you don’t know,
what resource could you use to find out?
7. How will Theo react to Crow? What will he do next?
8. What do you think of Crow? Do you understand what she tells Theo? What are your
thoughts?
9. What ideas does Theo have for solving the mystery?
Chapter 18: The Trackers
1. Tell about the relationship Turtle and Mrs. Baumbach have. How do they feel about
each other? Why do they feel this way?
2. Why is this title the best choice for this chapter?
3. What does the word “mongoloid” mean?
4. Why do you think Dr. Deere is helping Chris, or at least trying to?
5. Why do you think Dr. Deere ignored the offer of the money for helping Chris?
6. What do you know about the stock market and how it fluctuates? What resource
could you use to find out?
7. After reading the description of Sydelle Pulaski, do you believe she may be “the
mistake”?
8. How many miles (at least) did Doug Hoo run while he was following Otis Amber?
Chapter 19: Odd Relatives
1. Tell about the connection between Crow and Grace Wexler. How do you think Grace
would feel if she knew? Do you think she does know?
2. Why is this chapter important?
3. What does the word “lavatory” mean? How do you know?
4. Why do you think Crow wants Angela away so badly?
5. In chapter 16 it seemed as if Angela had amnesia. Do you think that is still the case in
this chapter? Support your answer.
6. What is the mistake that Sam Westing made? Do you think Sydelle will be excluded
from the game?
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ThE wEsTiNg GaMe
Directions: Pick four questions from each chapter to answer in complete sentences, restate
the question in your answer, answer all parts, and check for MUGS (mechanics, usage,
grammar, spelling).
7. Prediction check: Who is the bookie? Who is the
mistake? Do we know the burglar or the bomber yet?
What is your guess?
8. Where did the letter Chris finds in his bathrobe pocket
truly come from?
Chapter 20: Confessions
1. Is there a character that resembles Mrs. Westing in
personality? Who is it?
2. Explain the main idea of this chapter. Justify your answer with the text.
3. Why do you think the Theodorakis parents are not heirs to the Westing fortune?
4. Why do you think Theo is experimenting with chemicals?
5. How is Violet Westing like Angela in personality? Support your answer with the text.
6. Who do you think Mrs. Westing is? Why do you hold this opinion?
7. Did Doug Hoo gather any useful information about Otis Amber?
8. How did Turtle and Mrs. Baumbach do in the stock market?
Chapter 21: The Fourth Bomb
1. Explain how Theo is thinking one thing about the bomber but Turtle believes he is
thinking another.
2. What is the author trying to convey to you in this chapter?
3. What does the word “derelicts” mean? How do you know?
4. Do you think Turtle has been the bomber all along? Why or why not?
5. Do you think Angela and Sydelle have solved all the clues?
6. Judge Ford thinks of Angela as “a thing.” Is that how everyone views her? Support your
answer.
7. How does Judge Ford fell about her connection to Sam Westing? What is your opinion,
why did Mr. Westing pay for her education?
Chapter 22: Losers, Winners
1. Do you believe that Crow is Mrs. Westing? Why or why not? Support your answer with
the text.
2. What is the main idea of this chapter? Support your answer with the text.
3. How do you feel about Mr. Hoo, Doug, and Mrs. Hoo at the end of the track meet?
What about their reactions to each other?
4. Why do you think Jake says: “It’s no wonder [Turtle] wanted to blow us all up”?
5. Who is the burglar? What clues are given that help you draw this conclusion?
6. Why does the burglar steal?
7. What do you think will happen at the Westing house?
8. How would Otis Amber ever know that Crow used to drink a lot?
9. If there is no such person as Barney Northrup, who do you think he is? Have you had
any hints from the text?
Chapter 23: Strange Answers
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ThE wEsTiNg GaMe
Directions: Pick four questions from each chapter to answer in complete sentences, restate
the question in your answer, answer all parts, and check for MUGS (mechanics, usage,
grammar, spelling).
1. Describe the setting (where the story takes place) in this
chapter. {The setting of this chapter is…}
2. How does this chapter fit in with the plot of the book?
Offer proof of your answer from the text.
3. Of all the answers, whose do you think is the correct one?
Why do you think so?
4. Why do you think Turtle wants to “look mean”?
5. Why do you think Crow is ordered to get the
refreshments? Add this to the fact that she holds the door to
Westing house open. What do you think?
6. Have you ever seen anyone dressed as the judge is described?
7. What do you think will take place in the library?
8. What does the fourteenth clue refer to? What does this imply to the reader?
9. How many of the heirs suspected Otis Amber (remember many did not say his name—
but did suspect him.) Does this impact your opinion of who the murderer might be?
Chapter 24: Wrong All Wrong
1. Who gives the answer?
2. Why is this title the best choice for this chapter?
3. What do you think the phrase “it’s what you don’t have that counts” means?
4. What do you think of the fact that Mr. Plum brings a doctor back to the house with
him?
5. Why do you think Crow was sent for refreshments? Has your opinion changed with the
death of Sandy?
6. Who does the inheritor give the money to? Why?
7. Do you think Crow will be arrested?
8. How do you think the heirs are supposed to act now, on their own?
Chapter 25: Westing’s Wake
1. What is the connection between Sandy and Barney Northrup?
2. Why is this chapter important?
3. Does the phrase “my life was taken from me” truly mean that Mr. Westing is dead?
4. Why do you think Judge Ford is interested in Theo’s chess match with Sandy?
5. Angela signed her receipt as “person” to show her independence. Do you think she is
the “person” she wanted to be?
6. Do you think Mr. Westing is dead?
7. What is the connection between Sandy and Mr. Westing?
8. What is the significance of Turtle’s dentist visit?
Chapter 26: Turtle’s Trial
1. Who is Otis Amber? Who is surprised by this information?
2. Explain the main idea of this chapter. Justify your answer with the text.
3. What is the significance of Sandy telling the story of the dead man on the carpet?
4. What is the purpose of Turtle’s trial?
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ThE wEsTiNg GaMe
Directions: Pick four questions from each chapter to answer in complete sentences, restate
the question in your answer, answer all parts, and check for MUGS (mechanics, usage,
grammar, spelling).
5. Why do you think Mr. Westing did not want Crow to ever
again use the name Mrs. Westing?
6. What happened to the letter Judge Ford was given?
Who caused this to happen?
7. Check your prediction about the thief. Were you correct
about the character? Were you correct about
motivation?
8. Sandy made a joke about ashes and made it impossible
to hear at the reading of the will. Why is this significant?
Chapter 27: A Happy Fourth
1. Do you think Sandy was loved by the residents of Sunset Towers? How does the text
support your answer?
2. What is the author trying to convey to you in this chapter?
3. What does the phrase “the sun has set on your Uncle Sam” mean?
4. Why do you think Ed Plum wanted to resign from the Westing Game?
5. Sam Westing gave Crow $30,000. Does this signal that he has forgiven her?
6. What will Sam/Sandy say to Turtle now?
7. Why do the tenants of Sunset Towers not inherit the $200,000,000?
8. How does Turtle figure out where to find Sam Westing?
Chapter 28: And Then…
1. Why did Crow and Otis Amber wait until now to marry?
2. What is the main idea of this chapter? Support your answer with the text.
3. Why do you think Judge Ford decided to pay for Chris’ education?
4. Why is Madam Hoo happy now?
5. How has Sydelle Pulaski’s life changed? How has that changed her?
6. The next chapter is titled “5 Years Pass”. Choose a character and tell about him or her
5 years later.
7. Are the Wexler’s happier now? Name the cause for each of them?
8. What is “Hoo’s Little Foot Eze”?
Chapter 29: Five Years Pass
1. Explain how life has changed for your favorite character.
2. How does this chapter fit into the plot of the book?
3. What one event can be credited with instigating the change in your favorite
character? Support your answer.
4. Why do you think Otis showed up at the “get together” wearing his old delivery boy
suit?
5. How has learning English helped Mrs. Hoo?
6. Mrs. Hoo has changed her name. To what? How does is suit her?
Chapter 30: The End?
1. Why do you think Angela consented to marry Dr. Denton Deere after all?
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ThE wEsTiNg GaMe
Directions: Pick four questions from each chapter to answer in complete sentences, restate
the question in your answer, answer all parts, and check for MUGS (mechanics, usage,
grammar, spelling).
2. Why is this title the best choice for this chapter?
3. Do you think the end of this book is a sad or a happy
one? Support your answer.
4. Why do you think Turtle will not tell Mr. Westing that Crow
is dead?
5. How is Turtle carrying on with the Westing tradition?
6. How did Turtle become the true heir of the Westing
fortune?
7. How did you like this book? What was your favorite part?
8. Why do you think Turtle kept the secret of Mr. Westing’s identity all of his life?
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