Prompt Writing: The Outsiders
Choose one of the five prompt writings to turn in for a final copy. This
is worth a test grade (50%). I will be grading for capitalization,
punctuation, grammar, spelling, and of course if it is on topic and
directions are followed. You must include an introduction, body
paragraphs, and a conclusion. Refer to you ABOW handout for
guidance. The length should be between 250-300 words, or a page and a
half/two pages.
And yes, you do have to write the prompt.
Prompt 1
Ponyboy points out to Cherry Valance that you can see the sunset from
both sides of town. Just as they both can appreciate the same sunset,
they must deal with some of the same problems. What are some
difficult issues that affect kids from both sides of the tracks?
Prompt 2
Reread the poem by Robert Frost in the middle of Chapter 5. What does
this poem mean to you, and how does it relate to the book? Be sure to
use quotations from the poem in your answer.
Prompt 3
The Curtis brothers live in fear that the state agency will split them up,
sending Ponyboy and Soda to live in a boy’s home. Using specific
examples from the book, give an argument for why they should be
allowed to stay together and function as a family.
Prompt 4
Do you think this book will still be relevant to American teenagers in fifty
years? Do you think it is relevant to young people in other cultures?
Explain.
Prompt 5.
How might The Outsiders have been a different story if it had been told
from another character’s point of view? What unique insights did
Ponyboy lend to his version of the story? How might Johnny have
focused the story differently? Or Darry?