8th Grade Language Arts
The Outsiders Unit Test Study Guide
You may use your book, this sheet of paper, and your novel packet for the essay part of the test.
Short Answer Essay Questions
Instructions for Success
1. Restate the question at the beginning of your answer.
2. Write at least one well-developed paragraph, 3-5 sentences, per answer.
3. Refer to at least one place in the book.
4. Use direct quotes and/or examples from the book.
5. Don’t forget to include page numbers.
Answer 3 of the following questions. Do not answer more than three questions.
1. What is an epiphany, when does Ponyboy experience one, and how is he changed by this experience? 17, 42, 98, 175, 176
2. Define gallant. Why does Johnny see Dally as being gallant? 76, 154
3. What does Johnny mean when he tells Pony to stay gold? 77, 148, 178
4. What does a sunset symbolize in the novel? 40, 41, 77, 117, 129, 130, 178-179
5. How does Ponyboy come to understand Cherry’s statement: “Things are rough all over” (35)? 117-118
There will also be 15 multiple choice vocabulary questions for which you may not use your book, notes, or novel packet.
8th Grade Language Arts
Grading Rubric
Standards
Supports
Understanding
of Theme
Writes a
Composition
Uses
Conventions
Vocabulary:
Multiple
Choice
Average of all
scores = grade
4
For each essay question, at
least 2 clear examples from
the book are provided with
page numbers. Explanation
of examples shows depth of
insight.
A well-organized answer
includes topic sentence(s),
examples from text,
concluding statements.
Mechanical errors are rare.
3
For each essay question, at least
one clear example from the book is
provided. Examples are adequately
explained.
2
For each essay question, at
least one clear example from
the book is provided.
1
There are no clear
examples from the
book.
A well-organized answer includes a
topic sentence, example(s) from
text, concluding statement.
An attempt at organizing ideas
is present but not clearly
developed.
No clear
organization of
ideas is present.
15-14 correct
Mechanical errors don’t detract
from the writing.
13-11 correct
Mechanical errors detract
from the writing.
7-10 correct
Mechanical errors
throughout
3-6 correct
Overall Grade:
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