Reading Response Questions
As you read each section from The Greatest Generation by Tom Brokaw, answer the
following questions. Answers must provide proof that you have read the section by citing
specific examples.
Section 1: Ordinary People DUE JANUARY 18
Directions: Summarize each entry by answering the questions given.
Thomas and Eileen Broderick
What was Thomas’s Broderick’s affliction? Give specific examples of how he deals with his situation? Do you
think someone today in a similar circumstance would act the same way. Does his experience inspire others? Why
or why not?
Charles O. Van Gorder
Summarize VanGorder’s philosophy of life. What does he feel it is all about? What choices does he make? What
was important to him?
Wesley Ko
What situation does Ko find himself in? How does he deal with it? What lament does Ko make at the end of the
chapter? What example does he give?
James and Dorothy Dowling
How did society benefit from the military training and discipline of the WWII generation?
Rev. Harry Reginald “Reg’ Hammond
How does his WWII experience and his faith intersect? What was the role of religious faith in the lives of the World
War II generation? How did this serve them when they needed it?
Gordon Larsen
Describe how Larsen changed based on his military experiences. Summarize the final paragraph about Larsen.
John “Lefty” Caulfield
How would you describe Caulfield? Summarize the changes Caulfield mentions in how he treated kids as principal,
as opposed to how educators must treat children today. Do you think his way is successful?
Essay #1 (Jan 18)
Of the men and women who fought during WWII many had common characteristics such as duty, faith,
sacrifice, hard work and discipline along with loyalty and patriotism. Brokaw called this section “Ordinary
People”; however, many seemed performed extraordinary deeds. Write a multi-paragraph paper discussing what
these individuals have in common from their qualities, how past events and actions developed these traits and how
these individuals exemplified these traits and shaped their viewpoint of contemporary times. Use your responses
from above to aid you in your writing and use examples from each section to support your statements.
Section 2: Homefront Due January 25:
Directions: Summarize each entry by answering the questions given.
Charles Briscoe
What did Briscoe believe to be true if a person really wanted something? What were some ways that Briscoe
obtained goods and services he wanted?
Dorothy Haener
Explain the steps Haener went through in an effort to regain her job and salary at the plant. How did she help
others? What other qualities (characteristics) does the reader see in Dorothy based on her work?
Women in Uniform and Out
Based on the five readings (include in this section Martha Settle Putney from Shame), how did WWII elevate the
place of women in American society? Cite specific examples from each of the five readings.
Love, Marriage, and Commitment- Your choice
“Of all the new marriages in 1940, one in six ended in divorce. By the late 1990’s, that number was one in two.”
What has changes since WWII? Read the story of one of the couples and summarize their story. How were they
affected by the war?
Essay #2 (January 23)
During the war, life on the homefront changed. In a multi-paragraph paper, discuss how those at home
supported the war effort and how their actions, particularly women, changed and shaped them for the future.
Section 3 Heroes Due Feb 6
Directions: Summarize each entry by answering the questions completely
Bob Bush
Bush stated strongly that everyone should learn the meaning of a certain four-letter word. What is that word? Give
examples of how he exemplified this four letter word. How is it appropriate that he is in “Heroes” section?
Joe Foss
Respond to the closing quotation in this chapter. Is it realistic? Why or why not? Give examples for your
reasoning. (Give the quote then write why Foss felt like this. What experience lead him to feel this way, and then
your reaction)
Shame
Based on all readings from this section
Discuss the similarities and the differences between how minorities were treated before, during, and after WWII.
Cite examples using African Americans, Native Americans, and Japanese Americans.
Famous PeopleGeorge Bush
How did George Bush learn about life? How did he exhibit honor?
Your ChoiceAfter reading the accounts of famous Americans who acquired their ideals and the foundation for their lives in
WWII, select one account besides George Bush, and explain why it made an impact on you. You should discuss the
famous American’s background, impact of war and how you might use his/her qualities in your life.
FINAL ESSAY (TBA) will be in class after the 3 set of readings. It will count as your APP essay
Name______________________________
Hour______________________
American History
Greatest Generation Rubric
Category
Fully meeting
Expectations
Ideas & content 


10
Provides background
Answers question(s)
Demonstrates personal
thoughts/critical thinking
Entry 1
Due
Jan 16
Entry 2
Due
Jan 23
Entry 3
Due
Feb 6
Entry
1-3
Possible
PTS
Final
Essay
In class
TBA
10
3pts
Evidence from
Reading
20
Presentation
10






Fluency &
structure

10

Examples and
references from the
novel are provided in
detail where necessary
20
Clean & neat
Written in blue or
black ink
Typed, double spaced
Title included for each
entry
No grammar or
spelling errors
Easy to read &
understand
10
6pts
3pts
10
3pts
Comments
TOTAL
Has intro & 3 main pts
with supporting detail &
conclusion statement