Name______________________________
ELA Period _____________
Student Journal
The City of Ember
by Jeanne DuPrau
Reader Response and Study Guide Questions for Chapters 16-18
Directions:
Respond to the questions in this journal as you read the chapters. Cite evidence from the chapter in
your responses. If you need more space, use the back of the page you’re working on. Write in complete
sentences.
Reading Log
The City of Ember
Chapter 16
Date Completed
Student Journal
Page 1
Chapter 17
Page 2
Chapter 18
Page 3
Date Completed
Respond to Chapter 16 – “The Singing”
Page 1
Personal Response
1. While “The Singing” is going on, Lina stops to listen, even though she is on the run from the guards. She thinks
about what these songs mean to her and to the people of Ember. Discuss some of the thoughts and feelings
she is having at this important moment in her life.
Comprehension
2. To Lina, it felt like the blackout had “been arranged especially for her.” Why does it seem this way?
3. How did Lina know (p.224) that her eyes were not playing tricks on her, and that she was seeing Doon heading
for the Pipeworks?
4. At the end of this chapter, the author writes that Lina felt “strong and purposeful,” and that she had a plan.
What do you think her plan is?
Generate Questions
5. Write a question about this chapter for someone else reading this book. Do not write the answer here. Later,
we will exchange questions with a partner and discuss the answers.
Respond to Chapter 17 – “Away”
Page 2
Personal Response
1. Are you surprised that Lina brings Poppy with her? Why or why not?
Comprehension
2. What are some ideas Lina and Doon have for the use of the paddles?
3. Find two places in this chapter where the moth shows up.
4. Irony occurs in a story when the outcome of a situation is the opposite or nearly the opposite of what you
expected it to be. What is ironic about Doon’s name appearing on posters all around Ember?
Generate Questions
5. Write a question about this chapter for someone else reading this book. Do not write the answer here.
Later, we will exchange questions with a partner and discuss the answers.
Respond to Chapter 18 – “Where the River Goes”
Page 3
Personal Response
1. Why might the people left in Ember not all be saved? Do you think there is still hope?
Comprehension
2. What was the boat ride like for Lina, Doon, and Poppy (before and after the river slowed)?
3. What is the book Lina and Doon find? Who most likely left it behind?
4. How do you know that the Builders carefully planned Ember’s escape route?
Generate Questions
5. Write a question about this chapter for someone else reading this book. Do not write the answer here.
Later, we will exchange questions with a partner and discuss the answers.