Non-Honors English 9 – Hunger Games
Introductory Reading Activity
Selection:
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins or Pride and Prejudice by
Jane Austen. (For those of you who would have picked Hunger
Games but have already read the book, you may choose Catching
Fire.
Rationale:
This text contains strong examples of the elements of literature
incorporated into the 9th grade English curriculum. More
importantly, this book will serve as a bridge between 8th grade
knowledge of literary elements and the 9th grade honors focus on
analysis of these elements.
Objectives:
To enjoy reading and responding to the book in its entirety.
To understand how a writer develops the elements of literature.
Assignment:
We strongly recommend you examine the questions prior to
reading the novel. You are encouraged to purchase your own book
to build your own library, or you may borrow one from any public
library. Read the entire book and complete all questions /
activities.
Specific Instructions: Please word-process your answers (12 pt. Times New Roman).
Answer all questions (and all the parts of each question) in
complete sentences unless otherwise indicated.
Questions and Activities for The Hunger Games
1. How does Katniss feel about the country of Panem? Why does she need to make her
face “an indifferent mask” and be careful what she says in public?
2. Describe the relationships of Katniss with Gale, with Prim, and with her mother.
3. How does the fact that the tributes are always on camera affect their behavior from the
time they are chosen? Does it make it easier or harder for them to accept their fate? How
are the “career tributes” different from the others?
4. Why are the “tributes” given stylists and dressed so elaborately for the opening
ceremony?
5. When Peeta declares his love for Katniss in the interview, does he really mean it or did
Haymitch create the “star-crossed lovers” story? What does Haymitch mean when he
says, “It’s all a big show. It’s all how you’re perceived.” Why do they need to impress
sponsors and what are those sponsors looking for when they are watching the Games?
The Hunger Games
6. Why does Katniss ignore Haymitch’s advice to head directly away from the
Cornucopia? Did she do the right thing to fight for equipment?
7. Discuss the ways in which the Gamemakers control the environment and
“entertainment” value of the Games. How does it affect the tributes to know they are
being manipulated to make the Games more exciting for the gamblers and viewers? Does
knowing that she is on live TV make Katniss behave differently than she would
otherwise?
8. When does Katniss first realize that Peeta does care for her and is trying to keep her
alive? When does she realize her own feelings for him?
9. What do you think is the cruelest part of the Hunger Games?
10. Reality TV has been a part of the entertainment world since the early days of
television (with shows such as “Candid Camera” and the “Miss America Pageant”), but
in the 21st century there has been a tremendous growth of competitive shows and
survival shows. Discuss this phenomenon with respect to THE HUNGER GAMES.
Compose a Bio- Poem about one of the main characters. Bio-Poem: Do this activity
when you have completed the novel. Select one of the main characters from Pride and
Prejudice and create a Bio-Poem following these line-by-line instructions. You may
complete the line with single words or with phrases. Your objective is to show the depth
of your understanding about the character. Don’t forget a title!
Title
Line 1-- First Name of character
Line 2—Title or nickname given to the character
Line 3-- Four words that describe the character
Line 4-- Lover of (three items, objects, or ideas)
Line 5-- Who believes (one idea or concept)
Line 6-- Who wants (three things)
Line 7-- Who uses (three things)
Line 8-- Who gives (three things)
Line 9-- Who says (a direct quote)
Line 10-- Last name of character
Assessment: A range (100-90) – Answers indicate critical and close reading,
thoughtful engagement and analysis. Very few if any grammatical or
formatting errors are present. Academic voice. All directions are
followed.
B range (89-80) – Answers predominately indicate critical and close
reading, and mostly thoughtful engagement and analysis. Some, although
The Hunger Games
few, grammatical or formatting errors may be present. Academic voice.
All directions are followed.
C range (79-70) – Answers indicate some critical and close reading and
analysis, although understanding of the text may be not in depth or just
skimming the surface. Very few if any grammatical or formatting errors
are present. Academic voice. All directions are followed.
D or F range (69-0) – Responses are not acceptable for honors level
work. It is unclear whether the book was read or understood. Multiple
errors in grammar, voice and / or formatting may be present.
This will count for 50 points in the Homework Category.
Due Date: The completed questions / activities are due – Word-processed, 12 font,
Times New Roman (or similar), on Thursday / Friday, August 9 / 10, 2012
A copy of this assignment is available on-line at the Hamilton website:
www.HamiltonHuskies.com
Questions: (please put “summer reading” in the subject line of your e-mail)
Brown.maren@cusd80
Chen.yilily@cusd80
Headman.jennifer@cusd80
Moore.Diana@cusd80
Russo.angelica@cusd80
Books are available at all libraries, Changing Hands Book Store, Barnes and Noble,
Bookmans. Please check with the front desk during the summer if you are unable to
obtain a copy. A few copies will be available for loan.
The Hunger Games