Teacher’s Guide
Dracula
Reading Level
Genre/Length
Language Register
Content Load
THE EXCHANGE QUESTION
Lexile 290
Classic Fiction; 64 pages
Literary, Simple
Vampire Lore, Fantasy
Does good always triumph over
evil?
Overview
Background Dracula, by Bram Stoker, is considered by many to be the most wellknown novel about vampirism. Originally published in 1897, the novel was an instant
success and catapulted vampires and vampire culture into popularity. Though some
critics denounced it for being grotesque, the novel sold well and, to this date, has
never gone out of print. Stoker’s Dracula has had an even larger impact in theater
and film. Many theater productions and films have been produced that feature
Stoker’s famous supernatural villain or a minor character from the original story.
Book Summary The story follows Jonathan Harker, a young man who meets the
infamous Count Dracula in the mysterious surroundings of Transylvania. Dracula
tries to turn Harker into a vampire, but Harker escapes Castle Dracula and goes
back to England with a plan to stop Dracula from spreading his evil. Dracula preys
on Harker’s friends until the industrious Dr. Van Helsing hunts down the murderous
Count and kills him. Stoker’s book was originally structured as a story that is told
through diary entries and letters. Stephanie Spinner’s adaptation does not follow
this form. Instead, she tells the story through a third-person narrator. Spinner’s
adaptation allows a younger audience to enjoy Stoker’s frightening tale.
About the Author
Bram Stoker, the author of Dracula, was born in Dublin, Ireland in 1847. The third
of seven children, Stoker was a sickly child who rarely left his bed. During his
childhood, he was entertained by his mother’s frightening tales and was soon
writing ghost stories of his own. After graduating from college, Stoker worked as
a theater critic for the Dublin Mail. It was during this time that he began writing.
Though much of Stoker’s work received favorable reviews, Dracula is by far his
most successful.
Teacher’s Guide
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© Hampton-Brown
Dracula
Student Journal, page 1
Reading the Book
Name:
There are several options for reading Dracula. They include:
Student Journal
• Whole Class Assign sections of the book and discussion dates
using the planner on Student Journal, page 1. After students
read a section and respond to the corresponding Student
Journal pages, have a class discussion. At the end of the book,
the class meets for The Exchange.
Dracula
by Bram Stoker
Reading Schedule
Group members: _____________________________________________________________
• Small Groups Read the book’s Introduction with the group.
Group members then read an agreed-upon number of pages,
complete the corresponding Student Journal pages, and meet
to discuss. When they finish the book, they meet again for The
Exchange. Use the planner on Student Journal, page 1 to
establish meeting times.
_____________________________________________________________________________
Dracula
Student Journal
Introduction
Pages 2–4
Chapter 1
Pages 5–6
Chapters 2–4
Pages 7–8
Chapters 5–6
Pages 9–10
Chapters 7–8
Pages 11–12
Due Date
Discussion Date
The Exchange
Assessment
• Independently Students read the book on their own and
then meet as a group for The Exchange. Use the planner on
Student Journal, page 1 to establish the meeting time.
• Guided Reading Have students read Student Journal,
page 2 and monitor their discussion of the What If? scenario.
Read aloud the book Introduction to give students background
on the book. As students read, use the Before You Move On
questions to guide comprehension. Use the Look Ahead to set
a focus for reading the next set of pages. At the end of each
section, assign the appropriate Student Journal pages. Discuss
the pages before starting the next section. Establish a date for
The Exchange and record it on the planner.
Does good always
triumph over evil?
Student Journal, page 2
Dracula
Getting Started
What If?
Getting Started
You are playing in a championship basketball game. It’s the fourth
quarter and the game is tied 56–56. There is one minute left to play. A
player from the opposing team insults you by making a comment about
your family. You ignore him, but he trips and yells, “Foul.”
Have students read What If? on Student Journal, page 2
and discuss the scenario. Encourage students to describe the
similarities and differences between the scenario and their lives and
imagine how the situation would affect them.
• Have students write their responses to the three questions below
the scenario and compare answers with a partner or the group.
The referee turns and sees the kid on the floor and your angry look.
The player is allowed to try and make two baskets. The player makes
both baskets, and your team loses. No matter how much you argue, the
referee will not listen.
Make notes about how this would affect you.
• Would you continue to argue or take some other action?
• Would this change your outlook on the fairness in life?
• Would you react differently next time you were in this kind of situation?
• Have students discuss how the situation might relate to The
Exchange question and then write a brief summary of their
discussion in the Student Journal.
Connect to The Exchange Question Discuss how this situation
could relate to The Exchange Question: Does good always triumph
over evil? Summarize your discussion.
Teacher’s Guide
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© Hampton-Brown
Dracula
Introduction
Student Journal, page 3
Dracula
Have students read the book’s Introduction. Check their
comprehension with the three follow-up questions on Student
Journal, page 3.
Introduction
Read the Introduction on pages 7–9 in Dracula. The Introduction will help
you understand key concepts in the book. Knowing them will help you
discuss and write about the book.
The Introduction includes information about
• the inspiration for the character of Dracula
• medical treatments in Victorian England
• ancient societies’ fascination with human blood
After you read the Introduction, answer these questions to check your
understanding.
1. What is the story of Dracula based on?
A 15th-century European prince, Vlad the Impaler, may
have inspired Bram Stoker. Vlad was said to have murdered
thousands of people. European folk tales about nosferatu,
dead people who have been brought back to life, may also
have inspired Stoker.
2. What was “bloodletting”? Why did doctors in the Victorian Era
practice it?
Bloodletting was the practice of cutting a sick person and
letting them bleed. Doctors believed that removing the “bad
blood” would get rid of the illness.
3. What are some of the ways human blood was used by ancient
societies?
Ancient Romans used to drink the blood of slain warriors to
get their strength and Egyptians used to bathe in it because
they thought it gave them strength.
Introduction: Key Concepts
Student Journal, page 4
Dracula
Have students study the first Key Concept with the help of the
graphic organizer on Student Journal, page 4. After studying the
example, they should create similar graphic organizers to focus
their understanding of the remaining Key Concepts.
Introduction: Key Concepts
Word Web
Study the Word Web for alter. What words does alter make you think
of? Write a sentence using the word alter.
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
Key Concepts
alter
brave
horror
mysterious
power
Word Web
manipulate
change
Key Concept
alter
modify
adjust
On a separate sheet of paper, create a similar Word Web for each of the
Key Concept words. Write a sentence for each one.
Teacher’s Guide
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© Hampton-Brown
Dracula
Pages 11–17
Answers for Before You Move On
Student Journal, page 5
Chapter 1
Dracula
PAGE 17
1. Mood What mood does the author’s description of
Transylvania create?
Transylvania is dark, cold, and cloudy. It does not seem
welcoming to visitors and nothing grows there. This creates a
mood of fear and danger.
2. Foreshadowing Reread pages 13–15. What shows you that
something bad may happen to Jonathan?
The passengers in the coach say this night is when all the evil
things in the world come out. They warn Jonathan not to go
to Castle Dracula.
Respond to Chapter 1
1. Personal Response The people in the coach warn Jonathan to stay
away from Dracula, but he does not listen. If you were Jonathan, would
you have listened to the warnings? Why or why not?
2. Character What actions does Jonathan take that show he is brave?
Use the word brave in your response.
Jonathan is brave enough to make a long journey to a
foreign country without a companion. He also goes to see
Dracula, despite the warnings of others. He is careful to
hide his fear, and he goes inside Dracula’s castle alone.
3. Inference Why does Jonathan believe that he must visit Dracula,
despite the warnings of the townspeople?
Jonathan feels obligated to visit Dracula because it is part
of his job. Jonathan’s employer sent Jonathan on a trip to
serve Dracula with legal papers. Jonathan takes his duties
seriously.
4. Generate Questions Write a question about this section for someone
else reading this book. Exchange questions with them. Do you agree
with their answer?
Student Journal, page 6
Dracula
Respond to Chapter 1, continued
5. Evidence and Conclusions In Chapter 1, Jonathan travels to
Dracula’s castle. List what happens after Jonathan reaches Castle
Dracula in the Sequence Chain.
Sequence Chain
1.
3.
5.
Dracula’s
handshake is
cold and hurts
Jonathan.
2.
Dracula does
not eat with
Jonathan.
4.
Dracula tells
Jonathan he will
follow his wishes.
Dracula looks
over the ownership
papers.
Dracula smiles;
his teeth look like
fangs.
What do you think Jonathan’s stay at Castle Dracula will be like? Why?
Jonathan will probably not enjoy his visit. Dracula does
not seem friendly. His handshake was cold and painful to
Jonathan. Dracula did not share a meal with Jonathan,
like a good host would usually do. Dracula only seems
interested in making Jonathan do what he wants him to do.
Teacher’s Guide
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© Hampton-Brown
Dracula
Pages 18–33
Answers for Before You Move On
Chapters 2 – 4
Student Journal, page 7
Dracula
PAGE 27
1. Character Reread page 21. Jonathan believes Dracula is not
human. Why?
Dracula does not have a reflection in the mirror; he crawls
down the castle walls like a spider.
2. Conclusions Reread pages 26–27. Why does Jonathan
decide Dracula must be stopped?
Jonathan finds the creatures who attacked him resting in
boxes. He reads the addresses on the boxes. The Count is
sending the boxes and many others like them to England,
where Jonathan and his friends live.
PAGE 33
1. Conclusions Reread page 31. What was strange about
the ship?
The ship had no crew, only long boxes filled with dirt.
There was a big dog on the ship that killed someone and ran
away.
2. Inference Reread pages 32–33. What do you think
happened to Lucy?
Dracula probably attacked Lucy. Mina saw a dark figure with
glowing eyes and pale skin bending over Lucy. Lucy has two
small marks on her neck that are unexplained.
Respond to Chapters 2–4
1. Personal Response Jonathan explores the castle and begins to
wonder about the locked doors. If you were exploring a strange place
what would you look for? Why?
2. Cause and Effect Jonathan discovers that mirrors do not show
Dracula’s reflection and that Dracula sleeps in a coffin. What effect
do these discoveries have on Jonathan? Use the word horror in your
response.
Jonathan is filled with horror when he discovers Dracula’s
unusual traits. Jonathan suspects that he may be in terrible
danger unless he can escape Dracula’s castle.
3. Plot Reread page 21. Dracula reaches out for Jonathan’s neck, but
suddenly moves away. Why?
Dracula sees that Jonathan is wearing a cross. He gets
angry and looks sick. The cross protects Jonathan and
does not allow Dracula to continue terrorizing him.
4. Generate Questions Write a question about this section for someone
else reading this book. Exchange questions with them. Do you agree
with their answer?
Student Journal, page 8
Dracula
Respond to Chapters 2–4, continued
5. Genre In Chapters 2–4, Jonathan discovers more scary and horrifying
things about Dracula and Castle Dracula. List his discoveries. Use the
Details Web to answer the question.
Details Web
Dracula
found with
blood on
his lips
Dracula
sleeps in a
box of dirt
Castle
Dracula
Jonathan
attacked
by three
women
Dracula
not human
castle
is empty;
doors
locked
Dracula
and family
killed
enemies
Dracula
crawls
down
castle
Based on the details above, why is Dracula considered a horror story?
Horror stories contain elements such as violence,
nonhuman creatures, and evil. They also are full of details
that terrify readers. Dracula includes all of these elements
and details.
Teacher’s Guide
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© Hampton-Brown
Dracula
Pages 34–47
Answers for Before You Move On
Chapters 5 – 6
Student Journal, page 9
Dracula
PAGE 40
1. Summarize How does Dracula slowly kill Lucy?
Dracula attacks Lucy on the cliff and makes her ill. Then he
visits Lucy during the night in her room. He continues to bite
her and drink her blood.
Respond to Chapters 5–6
1. Personal Response Jonathan kept a diary to help him deal with what
was happening at Castle Dracula. What do you do to help you cope
with your fear or anxiety?
2. Character Reread pages 39–40. How does Lucy change?
Lucy now has fangs; she speaks as if she will attack Arthur;
she changes from good to evil because she is a vampire.
2. Inference How does Dracula’s ability to alter his appearance make it
easier for him to attack Lucy? Use the word alter in your response.
PAGE 47
3. Plot How is Dr. Van Helsing’s story about Dracula’s past important to
the story?
1. Character’s Motive Reread page 43. Why do Arthur and
Van Helsing go to the graveyard?
Van Helsing wants to prove to Arthur that Lucy is a vampire.
He wants to dig up Lucy’s coffin to show Arthur that Lucy
has risen from the dead and is out attacking innocent victims.
Dracula alters his appearance to that of a bat so that he
can fly. It is easier for him to gain entry as a bat, because
people guarding Lucy might recognize him in his human
form and try to stop him.
It is important because it helps Jonathan and his friends
understand why Dracula has the supernatural powers he
has and why he must be stopped.
4. Generate Questions Write a question about this section for someone
else reading this book. Exchange questions with them. Do you agree
with their answer?
2. Paraphrase Reread page 45. Tell in your own words how
Dracula became evil.
Dracula wanted a powerful army that would win all battles.
He sold his soul to the Devil in exchange for victories. Now
he is doomed to drink blood forever.
Student Journal, page 10
Dracula
Respond to Chapters 5–6, continued
5. Judgments Dracula goes to England to attack Jonathan and his
friends. List Dracula’s powers and what Jonathan and his friends can
do to protect themselves against Dracula. Use the T Chart to answer
the question.
T Chart
Dracula’s Powers
alters form to mist, a bat,
or a wolf
controls people’s minds
can slowly kill by drinking
victims’ blood
changes others into
vampires
Ways to Fight Dracula
wear garlic flowers
wear crosses
use holy water
destroy wooden boxes
attack during the day
Do you think that Van Helsing and Jonathan and his friends can stop
Dracula? Why?
Students may say that Van Helsing and friends can use
their knowledge of Dracula to help fight or destroy Dracula.
Or they may say that Dracula is too powerful and smart and
can escape any trap.
Teacher’s Guide
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© Hampton-Brown
Dracula
Pages 48–57
Answers for Before You Move On
Student Journal, page 11
Chapters 7– 8
Dracula
PAGE 57
1. Cause and Effect Reread pages 49–52. How does
Dracula’s attack on Mina make her a threat to the others?
Dracula drank Mina’s blood and she drank his; now she is
under Dracula’s control and he can read her mind. It will
be more difficult for Van Helsing and Jonathan to stop
Dracula now.
2. Conclusions What would have happened if Dracula had not
been destroyed?
Dracula may have continued to kill people by drinking their
blood. He may have succeeded in changing others into
vampires, too.
Respond to Chapters 7–8
1. Personal Response Van Helsing and the others want to defeat
Dracula. Describe another movie, book, or television show in which
characters are trying to defeat an evil villain. Do you want the good
guys or the evil villain to win? Why?
2. Opinion Dracula is very powerful. Which of Dracula’s supernatural
powers is the most dangerous? Why do you think so? Use the word
power in your response.
Students may respond that the power to read people’s
thoughts is most dangerous, because Dracula would know
when a person is planning to harm him, and he can defeat
their efforts and defend himself.
3. Character Why is Van Helsing a good leader in the fight against
Dracula?
Van Helsing is a good leader because he is very
knowledgeable about Dracula’s powers and what weakens
his powers. He is able to convince others that Dracula
needs to killed.
What If?
4. Connect Look at your notes on Student Journal, page 2. Think about what might
happen if you were punished for doing something and the other person involved was
not. Compare this to Dracula. Do truth and goodness always win? Why or why not?
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
Student Journal, page 12
Dracula
Respond to Chapters 7–8, continued
5. Plot In Chapters 7–8, the friends from London work together to defeat
Dracula. Read the goal. Then list the events and the outcome. Use the
Goal and Outcome Chart to answer the question.
Goal and Outcome Chart
Goal
defeat Dracula
Outcome
Dracula
dies
Events
destroy boxes
during the day
sail to Castle
Dracula with
crosses, garlic,
and holy water
sprinkle the
holy water
around the
group
drive a stake
through
Dracula’s
heart
How do Dracula’s weaknesses help Van Helsing and his friends defeat
Dracula?
Because Dracula must sleep during the day they are able
to search for and destroy the boxes of vampires. They are
able to protect themselves with crosses, garlic, and holy
water. They are finally able to destroy Dracula because they
find him before the sun sets and he is without power.
Teacher’s Guide
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© Hampton-Brown
Dracula
Dracula, inside back cover
Exchange Discussion
THE QUESTION
Review the work you did in your Student Journal. Take
your book and your Journal with you to The Exchange
book discussion.
Does good always triumph over evil?
EXCHANGE IDEAS
• Tell the group why you would recommend or not
recommend this book.
• Compare this book to something it reminded you
of, such as another book, a movie, a TV show, or a
personal experience.
• What questions would you ask the author about this
book? What do you imagine the answers would be?
• What actions make Dracula evil? What kind of punishment does
he deserve?
As a human, Dracula wants to win wars at all costs, so he sells his soul
to the devil and wins unfairly; when he becomes a vampire he destroys
others to stay a vampire; he knows he is creating more vampires and
spreading evil, but he continues anyway. People who want to stop
Dracula may lock him away where he cannot harm others. They might
try to figure out a way to destroy him for good.
THE QUESTION
Does good always triumph over evil?
• What actions make Dracula evil? What kind of
punishment does he deserve?
• Van Helsing punishes Lucy for being a vampire even
though she did not choose to become one. Tell about
a time when you or someone you know was punished
unfairly. What happened?
• Dracula wants to triumph at any cost, even if it means
hurting others. Describe a time in your life when you
felt that winning was not worth the cost. Why did you
feel this way?
• Van Helsing punishes Lucy for being a vampire even though she
did not choose to become one. Tell about a time when you or
someone you know was punished unfairly. What happened?
REFLECT
• Dracula wants to triumph at any cost, even if it means hurting
others. Describe a time in your life when you felt that winning
was not worth the cost. Why did you feel this way?
Summarize your Exchange. How did this book change the
way you see something? What questions do you still have?
How will you answer them?
Discussion Rubric
Evaluate the Discussion
Evaluate the Discussion
Use the reproducible master from page 9 of this Teacher’s Guide
to evaluate The Exchange discussion. The form may also be used
by students for group assessment.
Excellent
Good
Fair
Everyone participated.
Most people participated.
Only a few people
participated.
Everyone spoke clearly.
Most people spoke clearly.
Some people did not speak
clearly.
Everyone listened carefully.
Most people listened
carefully.
Some people did not listen
carefully.
We stayed on the topic
throughout the discussion.
We stayed on the topic
most of the time.
We did not stay on the
topic all the time.
We responded to each
other’s thoughts and ideas
often.
We commented on each
other’s thoughts and ideas
sometimes.
We did not make many
comments on each other’s
thoughts and ideas.
Most people used examples
from the book to support
their points.
Many people used
examples from the book
to support their points.
Only a few people used
examples from the book
to support their points.
Most people gave detailed
answers using their
experiences and even other
texts.
Many people gave detailed
answers using their
experiences.
Only a few people gave
detailed answers.
Notes:
Teacher’s Guide
page
8 of 14
© Hampton-Brown
Book Title
Date
Evaluate the Discussion
Excellent
Good
Fair
Everyone participated.
Most people participated.
Only a few people
participated.
Everyone spoke clearly.
Most people spoke clearly.
Some people did not speak
clearly.
Everyone listened carefully.
Most people listened
carefully.
Some people did not listen
carefully.
We stayed on the topic
throughout the discussion.
We stayed on the topic
most of the time.
We did not stay on the
topic all the time.
We responded to each
other’s thoughts and ideas
often.
We commented on each
other’s thoughts and ideas
sometimes.
We did not make many
comments on each other’s
thoughts and ideas.
Most people used examples
from the book to support
their points.
Many people used
examples from the book
to support their points.
Only a few people used
examples from the book
to support their points.
Most people gave detailed
answers using their
experiences and even other
texts.
Many people gave detailed
answers using their
experiences.
Only a few people gave
detailed answers.
Notes:
© Hampton-Brown
Dracula
Assessment
Assessment Part I
Name:
Dracula
Assess students’ understanding of Dracula by administering
the multiple-choice test and essay questions.
(Teacher’s Guide, pages 11–13)
Assessment Part I
Circle the best answer.
1. The setting of the story is dark and
How you administer the Assessment depends on your objective.
You may choose to use the test as:
• an open-book test to allow students to continue practicing
reading strategies and/or become familiar with a typical
standardized test format
• a closed-book test to check students’ comprehension of the
book and their abilities in various reading skills
dangerous. Dracula is a powerful and evil
creature. Many characters almost die. These
are all elements of a
story.
A romance
England
C horror
C Dracula does not want Jonathan there
D mystery
2. On the way to Castle Dracula, Jonathan
begins to get nervous. Why does Jonathan
tell himself not to be a fool?
D Dracula plans to harm Jonathan
5. Which sentence suggests that vampires were
on the ship?
A He is losing his memory.
A The girls saw a big ship.
B He is beginning to believe what the
B There was a big dog on the ship.
people in the coach told him.
D He thinks Mina will not miss him.
3. Dracula can control others, feed on human
blood, and live forever. All of these are
examples of his—
A transformations
C “It will crash on the rocks,” said Lucy.
D It carried only boxes.
6. The characters are able to protect
themselves from vampires because —
A vampires only attack during the day
B vampires can read their minds
C they wear garlic, crosses, and use holy
water
B power
Assessment Part I: 5 points per question for a total of 50 points
A Dracula is relieved that Jonathan has
B Dracula does not trust people from
him by sending him to Castle Dracula.
Suggested point values are as follows:
Jonathan at the castle, the reader can
conclude that—
finally arrived to help him
B humorous
C He thinks Mr. Hawkins is trying to trick
• a take-home test to allow students to practice reading strategies
as well as test-taking skills
4. From Dracula’s strange behavior toward
D vampires only attack people who are evil
C bravery
like them
D mystery
Assessment Part II: 40 points possible (see Scoring Guide,
page 14)
HSLL.T1.TG.Dracula.indd 11
Assessment Part II
9/22/06 12:04:37 PM
Assessment Part I, continued
Dracula
Name:
Dracula
Assessment Part I, continued
Guidelines for Short Essay
Circle the best answer.
Have students write a short essay in response to one of the writing prompts
below. Use the Scoring Guide to assist in your evaluation of their essays.
7. Dr. Van Helsing tells Jonathan and his friends
A. Dracula was written in the Victorian Age, during which people valued bravery
among men and weakness among women. How is this portrayed in the
book? Are such gender roles outdated? How?
the story of how Dracula became a vampire.
This is important because —
A it explains why Dr. Van Helsing had to kill
Responses should include examples of bravery such as Jonathan’s escape from Castle
Dracula and Dr. Van Helsing’s pursuit of Dracula. Mrs. Westenra is weak because she died
of fright; Lucy easily falls under Dracula’s influence. The roles are outdated because women
are portrayed as stronger and more heroic in many modern books and films. This is a
reflection of the way gender roles have been redefined in society.
Dracula many years ago
B it convinces the others that it is possible
to help Dracula become human again
C it serves as a warning to Mina that
B. Why is Dracula a horror story? How do the characters fight against the
powers of evil? Are all the characters in Dracula either good or evil? Why or
why not?
Dracula only seeks female victims
D it explains why Dracula is so evil and
Responses should include descriptions of various settings and/or characters: Transylvania
is cold, cloudy, and barren; Castle Dracula is dark and empty. The characters use their
knowledge of Dracula’s weaknesses to fight his evil power. All the characters are not
either good or evil. Good characters are forced to make bad decisions with terrible
consequences.
powerful and why he must be stopped
8. Mrs. Westenra collapses and dies suddenly
because she —
A is attacked by Dracula while trying to
protect Mina
Scoring Guide
B found out that Arthur killed Lucy
Description of the response:
•
•
•
•
Interpretation is accurate and thoughtful
Explanation is fully developed
Support includes specific and relevant text evidence
All parts of the question are clearly addressed
3
•
•
•
•
Interpretation is adequate
Explanation is developed but may lack some insight
Support includes most specific and relevant text evidence
All parts of the question are addressed to some degree
2
•
•
•
•
Interpretation is literal or limited
Explanation is incomplete
Support includes some specific and relevant text evidence
Only parts of the question are addressed and mostly in a limited way
•
•
•
•
Interpretation is weak
Explanation is vague
Support includes few, if any, relevant details from the text
Only one part of the question is minimally addressed
4
1
C is frightened by a large, growling wolf
D was terrified when she saw Dracula turn
into a bat
9. Why does Jonathan begin to shake when he
sees Dracula in the street in London?
A Jonathan is tired because he has walked
live in Transylvania. Jonathan Harker visits
Transylvania but escapes harm. Jonathan
keeps a diary while at Transylvania. He
asks Mina to read it because he does
not know if what he saw was real or a
nightmare. Jonathan discovers that what
he saw was real and that his friends are in
danger.
B A young lawyer, Jonathan Harker, travels
to Castle Dracula for a business meeting
with Count Dracula. He realizes his host,
Dracula, is a vampire and wants to kill
him. Jonathan escapes to England, but
Dracula follows him there. Dracula kills
Jonathan’s friend Lucy and begins to visit
his wife Mina each night. A group of men
led by Dr. Van Helsing organize and hunt
down Dracula. Van Helsing bravely kills
the vampire.
C Mina and Jonathan are in love. Dracula
wants Mina for himself. Together,
Jonathan and Van Helsing fight Dracula.
Lucy’s death causes Arthur to join the
fight to kill Dracula. The group wears
garlic and crosses to prevent attacks.
D Jonathan Harker is a lawyer. He is
Dracula.
C Jonathan is nervous because he will soon
be married.
Response is totally incorrect or irrelevant
Jonathan’s mind and body.
HSLL.T1.TG.Dracula.indd 12
Teacher’s Guide
A Count Dracula and three female vampires
for miles.
B Jonathan is filled with fear at the sight of
D Dracula is using his power to control
0
10. Which of these best summarizes the story?
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interested in the stories about Castle
Dracula even though people warn him
against visiting. Dracula is a vampire, but
Van Helsing remembers Dracula from the
war. Lucy becomes a vampire. Jonathan
takes revenge and destroys Dracula’s
coffins.
9/22/06 10:05:54 AM
© Hampton-Brown
Name:
Dracula
Assessment Part I
Circle the best answer.
1. The setting of the story is dark and
dangerous. Dracula is a powerful and evil
creature. Many characters almost die. These
are all elements of a
story.
A romance
B humorous
C horror
D mystery
2. On the way to Castle Dracula, Jonathan
begins to get nervous. Why does Jonathan
tell himself not to be a fool?
4. From Dracula’s strange behavior toward
Jonathan at the castle, the reader can
conclude that—
A Dracula is relieved that Jonathan has
finally arrived to help him
B Dracula does not trust people from
England
C Dracula does not want Jonathan there
D Dracula plans to harm Jonathan
5. Which sentence suggests that vampires were
on the ship?
A He is losing his memory.
A The girls saw a big ship.
B He is beginning to believe what the
B There was a big dog on the ship.
people in the coach told him.
C He thinks Mr. Hawkins is trying to trick
him by sending him to Castle Dracula.
D He thinks Mina will not miss him.
3. Dracula can control others, feed on human
blood, and live forever. All of these are
examples of his—
A transformations
B power
C bravery
C “It will crash on the rocks,” said Lucy.
D It carried only boxes.
6. The characters are able to protect
themselves from vampires because —
A vampires only attack during the day
B vampires can read their minds
C they wear garlic, crosses, and use holy
water
D vampires only attack people who are evil
like them
D mystery
© Hampton-Brown
Dracula
Name:
Assessment Part I, continued
Circle the best answer.
7. Dr. Van Helsing tells Jonathan and his friends
the story of how Dracula became a vampire.
This is important because —
A it explains why Dr. Van Helsing had to kill
Dracula many years ago
B it convinces the others that it is possible
to help Dracula become human again
C it serves as a warning to Mina that
Dracula only seeks female victims
D it explains why Dracula is so evil and
powerful and why he must be stopped
8. Mrs. Westenra collapses and dies suddenly
because she —
A is attacked by Dracula while trying to
protect Mina
B found out that Arthur killed Lucy
C is frightened by a large, growling wolf
D was terrified when she saw Dracula turn
into a bat
9. Why does Jonathan begin to shake when he
sees Dracula in the street in London?
A Jonathan is tired because he has walked
10. Which of these best summarizes the story?
A Count Dracula and three female vampires
live in Transylvania. Jonathan Harker visits
Transylvania but escapes harm. Jonathan
keeps a diary while at Transylvania. He
asks Mina to read it because he does
not know if what he saw was real or a
nightmare. Jonathan discovers that what
he saw was real and that his friends are in
danger.
B A young lawyer, Jonathan Harker, travels
to Castle Dracula for a business meeting
with Count Dracula. He realizes his host,
Dracula, is a vampire and wants to kill
him. Jonathan escapes to England, but
Dracula follows him there. Dracula kills
Jonathan’s friend Lucy and begins to visit
his wife Mina each night. A group of men
led by Dr. Van Helsing organize and hunt
down Dracula. Van Helsing bravely kills
the vampire.
C Mina and Jonathan are in love. Dracula
wants Mina for himself. Together,
Jonathan and Van Helsing fight Dracula.
Lucy’s death causes Arthur to join the
fight to kill Dracula. The group wears
garlic and crosses to prevent attacks.
for miles.
D Jonathan Harker is a lawyer. He is
B Jonathan is filled with fear at the sight of
Dracula.
C Jonathan is nervous because he will soon
be married.
D Dracula is using his power to control
Jonathan’s mind and body.
interested in the stories about Castle
Dracula even though people warn him
against visiting. Dracula is a vampire, but
Van Helsing remembers Dracula from the
war. Lucy becomes a vampire. Jonathan
takes revenge and destroys Dracula’s
coffins.
© Hampton-Brown
Dracula
Assessment Part II
Choose one question to answer. Write 3–4 paragraphs. Use 3
examples from the text to support your answer. Continue your essay
on a separate sheet of paper if necessary.
A. Dracula was written in the Victorian Age, during which people valued
bravery among men and weakness among women. How is this
portrayed in the book? Are such gender roles outdated? How?
B. Why is Dracula a horror story? How do the characters fight against the
powers of evil? Are all the characters in Dracula either good or evil?
Why or why not?
© Hampton-Brown
Dracula
Guidelines for Short Essay
Have students write a short essay in response to one of the writing prompts
below. Use the Scoring Guide to assist in your evaluation of their essays.
A. Dracula was written in the Victorian Age, during which people valued bravery
among men and weakness among women. How is this portrayed in the
book? Are such gender roles outdated? How?
Responses should include examples of bravery such as Jonathan’s escape from Castle
Dracula and Dr. Van Helsing’s pursuit of Dracula. Mrs. Westenra is weak because she died
of fright; Lucy easily falls under Dracula’s influence. The roles are outdated because women
are portrayed as stronger and more heroic in many modern books and films. This is a
reflection of the way gender roles have been redefined in society.
B. Why is Dracula a horror story? How do the characters fight against the
powers of evil? Are all the characters in Dracula either good or evil? Why or
why not?
Responses should include descriptions of various settings and/or characters: Transylvania
is cold, cloudy, and barren; Castle Dracula is dark and empty. The characters use their
knowledge of Dracula’s weaknesses to fight his evil power. All the characters are not
either good or evil. Good characters are forced to make bad decisions with terrible
consequences.
Scoring Guide
Description of the response:
4
•
•
•
•
Interpretation is accurate and thoughtful
Explanation is fully developed
Support includes specific and relevant text evidence
All parts of the question are clearly addressed
3
•
•
•
•
Interpretation is adequate
Explanation is developed but may lack some insight
Support includes most specific and relevant text evidence
All parts of the question are addressed to some degree
2
•
•
•
•
Interpretation is literal or limited
Explanation is incomplete
Support includes some specific and relevant text evidence
Only parts of the question are addressed and mostly in a limited way
1
•
•
•
•
Interpretation is weak
Explanation is vague
Support includes few, if any, relevant details from the text
Only one part of the question is minimally addressed
0
Response is totally incorrect or irrelevant
Teacher’s Guide
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© Hampton-Brown