13. Yes.
14. Yes, but then again no. He doesn't want to get hurt.
15. A good amount, but we should have more pep rally's.
16. Some, but no a lot. School is school.
17. I haven't had humiliating times, except this one time we did a fundraiser at Wal-Mart for my brothers football team and we would stand outside the doors and ask for donations and I had like two front teeth missing.
18. He'll hurt other people people to show his dominance.
19. In a way, but then again some people keep to themselves and avoid being pressured.
20. Black mails him with a "F" and basically lets him know if he gets Jerry to help him sale chocolates he'll change the grade, and probably I like A's and B's.
21. Because he's tired of doing what people tell him and he's tired of people running him over.
22. Yes, but it makes things very difficult when he says no.
23. Your stomach gets all queasy and you get shaky.
24. Yes, but they won't because their partially afraid, but at the same time they need them. I would want them to and try my best to get them to, but that's all I could do.
Sunday, March 7, 2010
The Chocolate War DQ's 1-12
1. It shows that this really is a war going on in a school with a sort of mafia.
2. No, because I try not to be intimidated. I stand up for myself.
3. I would probably ask them why. I would kind be kind of freaked out.
4. Because Jerry's staring, and he says that to Jerry because Jerry just seem like he has no fun, he spends his time staring at them and he is never late for the bus.
5. The assistant principle.
6. Because they try to pretend the Vigils don't exist, and their intimidated in a way.
7. Because Archie draws the right color marble. I probably wouldn't have done the assignment because I would be scared someone would get hurt.
8. He tries to show that he is in charge so the students don't try and run him over. No. No. In the book they didn't do anything either.
9. Not really, I don't associate with those kind of people.
10. Because he's vulnerable and doesn't blow up about it, he just cries.
11. Talk to someone else. Yes. Just talk to somebody about it.
12. Lollipops, sunglasses, and no, I just sold them because it was fun, and we needed the money.
2. No, because I try not to be intimidated. I stand up for myself.
3. I would probably ask them why. I would kind be kind of freaked out.
4. Because Jerry's staring, and he says that to Jerry because Jerry just seem like he has no fun, he spends his time staring at them and he is never late for the bus.
5. The assistant principle.
6. Because they try to pretend the Vigils don't exist, and their intimidated in a way.
7. Because Archie draws the right color marble. I probably wouldn't have done the assignment because I would be scared someone would get hurt.
8. He tries to show that he is in charge so the students don't try and run him over. No. No. In the book they didn't do anything either.
9. Not really, I don't associate with those kind of people.
10. Because he's vulnerable and doesn't blow up about it, he just cries.
11. Talk to someone else. Yes. Just talk to somebody about it.
12. Lollipops, sunglasses, and no, I just sold them because it was fun, and we needed the money.
Writing Prompt- Good and Evil
The nature of mankind is both good and evil because good people sometimes do evil things. Also evil people do some good things sometimes, too. Evil does bad things, evil had no conscience, evil does not fear nor feel. Evil is what makes people do back things and not regret it. Evil makes people hate.
Evil is when people take bad thoughts and puts them into action, letting it control them. Some people are born evil and some grow into evil people. Evil can be made also. Evil is made when people are treated badly, or when evil stuff happens to people and they become evil.
Good people are the ones who have a conscience and care about what they do. Evil people may also be made by thinking that their superior and better than everyone else like Hitler. Good people do the right thing, most of the time. In people good is in evil and evil is in good.
Evil is when people take bad thoughts and puts them into action, letting it control them. Some people are born evil and some grow into evil people. Evil can be made also. Evil is made when people are treated badly, or when evil stuff happens to people and they become evil.
Good people are the ones who have a conscience and care about what they do. Evil people may also be made by thinking that their superior and better than everyone else like Hitler. Good people do the right thing, most of the time. In people good is in evil and evil is in good.
Black Cat DQ's 17-21
17. Because he realizes the cat is now gone so he doesn't have to wake up to it every morning. He's now all alone and proud of what he's done.
18. He was saying he killed and got away with it and he still breaths as a free one until he is caught and imprisoned.
19. Because they don't notice that there is anything different with the wall and so he though they wouldn't never know.
20. It's showing how the screeching low noise progressed into a loud scream.
21. He's saying the corpse of his dead wife stood there staring at him and the cat was sitting there. He had put the cat in the wall along with his dead wife by accident.
18. He was saying he killed and got away with it and he still breaths as a free one until he is caught and imprisoned.
19. Because they don't notice that there is anything different with the wall and so he though they wouldn't never know.
20. It's showing how the screeching low noise progressed into a loud scream.
21. He's saying the corpse of his dead wife stood there staring at him and the cat was sitting there. He had put the cat in the wall along with his dead wife by accident.
Black Cat DQ's 11-16
11. He looks like Pluto except the patch of white. The cat he once lost and the cat he once felt hatred for.
12. He's talking about how he feels for killing something he once loved, he feels nothing.
13. Maybe to get him angry or to just remind him of what he had done to Pluto.
14. He just shows how mad he's grown. He doesn't even care that he's killed his wife, he's proud of himself and his work.
15. He hides her in the wall instead of calling someone for help and he feels good about it.
16. He's going to hide her and be proud of his work because he thinks no one will ever know. He wants to see how good his work is.
Black Cat DQ's 1-10
1. My answer: He's talking about how he has done for this cat, by not hurting him, but he consistently begins to think about hurting the cat, that he once loved. He's showing love to the cat but nothing else.
2. It's describing the magnificence in the cat, that's why he loves it so much.
3. Pluto is the God of evil.
4. It shows his quick change in emotion and mood. It shows that the alcohol made him angry.
5. Because he loves him, and he meant a lot to him.
6. Because he's grown angry, and the cat's love rages his anger.
7. He felt bad, then outraged in an instant. He begins to feel hatred instead of sympathy for the cat.
8. One of the primitive impulses of the human heart. Yes. It is because we all make hateful and selfish decisions.
9. He felt bad that the cat still loved him after all he did to it. Also it made him feel sick in a twisted way.
10. He's delusional.
2. It's describing the magnificence in the cat, that's why he loves it so much.
3. Pluto is the God of evil.
4. It shows his quick change in emotion and mood. It shows that the alcohol made him angry.
5. Because he loves him, and he meant a lot to him.
6. Because he's grown angry, and the cat's love rages his anger.
7. He felt bad, then outraged in an instant. He begins to feel hatred instead of sympathy for the cat.
8. One of the primitive impulses of the human heart. Yes. It is because we all make hateful and selfish decisions.
9. He felt bad that the cat still loved him after all he did to it. Also it made him feel sick in a twisted way.
10. He's delusional.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
The Chocolate War DQ's 1-10
1. What affect did the first sentence have on you? Why did the author use it? (ask this question again after reading the whole book)
It had a pretty intense affect. It made me wonder and realize the real world gets violent in all places, even in the safest places.
2. Do you feel you have to stay on the good side of anyone if your life? Why?
Maybe some people like a boss or somebody. Normally though, I don’t have to stay on the good side of people.
3. What would you do? AND how would you feel if you found out someone was keeping private information about you (like Obie’s notebook)?
I would probably lay low and steer the clear because I’d be afraid that someone was watching me. I’d become paranoid. If I had to do something I would probably confront the person to see what was going on. I would be a little nervous and scared.
4. Why is the man at the bus stop contemptuous of Jerry? What does he mean when he tells him he’s “missing a lot in the world?”
Because Jerry’s always staring at them. Because Jerry is always on time, always does what he’s told, he never just lets go or explores.
5. Who is Brother Leon? Have you ever seen a teacher pick on a student? Have you ever been picked on by a teacher? What did the rest of the class do?
The vice principle. No I haven’t actually. Nope. If I would have seen it happen the class may have just sat there and done nothing like in the book. It depends on the teacher. They may stand up for their friends.
6. Why does everyone in the school ignore the Vigils?
Because they try to co-exist with the Vigils, and they try to pretend the Vigils aren’t real.
7. Why does Goober have to comply with the assignment? What would you do?
Because Archie beat the drawling. Also because you have to do what the Vigils say, they pretty much run the school.
8. What kind of teacher is Brother Leon? Have you ever seen a teacher pick on a student?
He’s the kind of teacher that tries to show he’s always in charge. No.
9. Have you ever been picked on by a teacher? What did the rest of the class do?
See # 5.
10. Do you know anyone with any of Emile’s characteristics?
No.
It had a pretty intense affect. It made me wonder and realize the real world gets violent in all places, even in the safest places.
2. Do you feel you have to stay on the good side of anyone if your life? Why?
Maybe some people like a boss or somebody. Normally though, I don’t have to stay on the good side of people.
3. What would you do? AND how would you feel if you found out someone was keeping private information about you (like Obie’s notebook)?
I would probably lay low and steer the clear because I’d be afraid that someone was watching me. I’d become paranoid. If I had to do something I would probably confront the person to see what was going on. I would be a little nervous and scared.
4. Why is the man at the bus stop contemptuous of Jerry? What does he mean when he tells him he’s “missing a lot in the world?”
Because Jerry’s always staring at them. Because Jerry is always on time, always does what he’s told, he never just lets go or explores.
5. Who is Brother Leon? Have you ever seen a teacher pick on a student? Have you ever been picked on by a teacher? What did the rest of the class do?
The vice principle. No I haven’t actually. Nope. If I would have seen it happen the class may have just sat there and done nothing like in the book. It depends on the teacher. They may stand up for their friends.
6. Why does everyone in the school ignore the Vigils?
Because they try to co-exist with the Vigils, and they try to pretend the Vigils aren’t real.
7. Why does Goober have to comply with the assignment? What would you do?
Because Archie beat the drawling. Also because you have to do what the Vigils say, they pretty much run the school.
8. What kind of teacher is Brother Leon? Have you ever seen a teacher pick on a student?
He’s the kind of teacher that tries to show he’s always in charge. No.
9. Have you ever been picked on by a teacher? What did the rest of the class do?
See # 5.
10. Do you know anyone with any of Emile’s characteristics?
No.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Writing Prompt 1
If someone standing in front of me dropped their five dollar bill I would tell them. I would tell them because I would want them to do the same for me. Also it would be the right thing to do. I do believe in karma, what comes around goes around. Maybe I would have luck afterwards.
I'm a good and kind person so I would definitely let anyone know that they dropped anything. Plus I couldn't think of anything I would want to spend five dollars on. Also if I took the money and spent it, it would be on my conscience. They may have really needed that five dollars.
Even if I didn't like the person I would tell them they dropped it because that's just who I am. If you dropped your money wouldn't you want someone to tell you. I know I would. Even if I decided to pick up the money and keep it someone would see me.
If someone were to see me, I might get beat up or have drama and I wouldn't want that. I don't think anybody would really. I might even get in trouble. I'm a good kid so I don't like to get in trouble. I'd feel bad and be embarrassed. I'm a pacifist.
I don't like fighting. I think it's bad. Plus if it was a big person I'd probably get beat up. Now that would be embarrassing. I would just give them their money. It would make all this less complicated. I like to keep things simple. I'm just making stuff up right now because I have no clue what else to write and I need a hundred and fifty words for Mr. Infante. He's the coolest teacher ever.
Black Cat Vocabulary
Vocabulary Definitions
1. Solicit: (V) -to seek for (something) by earnest or respectful request, formal application, etc.
1. Solicit: (V) -to seek for (something) by earnest or respectful request, formal application, etc.
Syn.- Sell Ant.- Buy
I had to solicit for a well worded contract for my boss.
2. Mad: (Adj) -mentally disturbed; deranged;
Syn. -Insane Ant.- Sane
Edgar Allen Poe was mad he eventually became delusional.
3. Succinct: (Adj) -expressed in few words; concise; terse.
Syn.- Simple Ant.- Complex
Shakespeare's work wasn't succinct he expressed things in a more complex way.
4. Phantasm: (N) -an illusory likeness of something.
Syn.- Ghostly Ant.-Complete
Casper the friendly ghost is a phantasm, because he looks human but he isn't.
5. Docile: (Adj) -easily managed or handled.
5. Docile: (Adj) -easily managed or handled.
Syn.- Easy Ant.-Difficult
Baby sitting a baby isn't as docile as watching a kid who could do more for themselves.
6. Disposition: (N) -the predominant or prevailing tendency of one's spirits; natural mental and emotional outlook or mood; characteristic attitude.
6. Disposition: (N) -the predominant or prevailing tendency of one's spirits; natural mental and emotional outlook or mood; characteristic attitude.
Syn.- High/low Ant.- No personality
Edgar Allen Poe was disposition, he went crazy in "The Black Cat".
7. Sagacious: (Adj) -having or showing keen discernment, and sound judgment.
7. Sagacious: (Adj) -having or showing keen discernment, and sound judgment.
Syn.- Caution Ant.- Unaware
The cat was sagacious the narrator was in an outrage.
8. Paltry: (Adj) -lacking in importance or worth; trivial.
8. Paltry: (Adj) -lacking in importance or worth; trivial.
Syn.- Worthless Ant.- Valuable
I seen a penny on the floor but I just left it because it was paltry, nothing costs one cent.
9. Gossamer: (N) -something delicate, light, or flimsy.
.Syn.- Fragile Ant.- Strong
The piece of paper was so gossamer it just bent.
10. Fidelity: (N) -faithfulness to obligations, duties, or observances.
Syn.- Loyal Ant.- Betrayal
The las is a fidelity, we owe that much to our country to obey the laws.
11. Procure: (V) -to get by special effort; obtain or acquire.
Syn.- Extra credit Ant.- Lack effort
To get a good grade you must study, by doing that your being procure.
12. Allusion: (N) -the act of alluding; indirect reference:
Syn.- Imaginary Ant.- Realistic
The magician pulled the handkerchiefs out of his sleeve creating an allusion.
13. Intemperance: (N) -excessive use of alcoholic beverages.
14. Maltreat: (V) -to treat in a rough or cruel way; abuse.
13. Intemperance: (N) -excessive use of alcoholic beverages.
Syn.-Alcoholic Ant.- Straight edge
The man in "The Black Cat" was excessive intemperance, he became a drunk
Syn.- Abusive Ant.- Handle with care
Pluto was maltreated by the narrator in "The Black Cat".
15. Scruple: (N) -a moral or ethical consideration or standard that acts as a restraining force or inhibits certain actions.
Syn.- Hold backs Ant.- Inattentive
The person driving in a 50 mph zone remained scruple because they didn't want to pay a fine.
Syn.- Hateful Ant.- Loving
Serial killers are usually filled with malevolence by hurting people.
17. Atrocity: (N) -the quality of being extremely or shockingly wicked, cruel, or brutal.
Syn.- Wicked Ant.-Helpful
Dahmer was an atrocity because he cut up his victims.
18. Debauch: (N) -a period of wanton self-indulgence, an excessive party which includes consumption of alcohol.
Syn.- Alcohol indulgence Ant.- Sobriety
College parties are more debauch because more people are of age.
19. Sentiment: (N) -a mental feeling; emotion.
19. Sentiment: (N) -a mental feeling; emotion.
Syn.- Ill minded Ant.- Normal
Sometimes people become sentimental and try to hurt themselves.
20. Remorse: (N) -deep and painful regret for wrongdoing.
20. Remorse: (N) -deep and painful regret for wrongdoing.
Syn.-Regret Ant.- Empty
Only serial killers fill no remorse after killing people.
Killing Mr. Griffin Study Guide 10-12
CHAPTER TEN
How do Mark’s aunt and uncle feel about him?
That he’s weird and different and not like their children.
Why do you suppose Mark’s mother has a nervous breakdown and says she never wants to see her son again?
Because he burnt down his old house and it killed his father.
What does David’s grandmother remember about the day before that upsets David?
She remembers him leaving with his friends.
In the conversation with his grandmother, what mistakes does David make that may hurt
his alibi?
That he says he ate the Jell-o and his grandma knows he didn’t and she says the Jell-o tasted funny.
Why does Lt. Baca ask Mrs. Griffin if there is trouble in their marriage?
Because he thinks Mr. G may have just left because she was pregnant.
What does Mrs. Griffin say that convinces Lt. Baca to begin searching for Brian?
He couldn’t wait for the baby to come, that all Mr. G had was her and his students, and that he told her he loved her before he left the house that day.
How do Mark’s aunt and uncle feel about him?
That he’s weird and different and not like their children.
Why do you suppose Mark’s mother has a nervous breakdown and says she never wants to see her son again?
Because he burnt down his old house and it killed his father.
What does David’s grandmother remember about the day before that upsets David?
She remembers him leaving with his friends.
In the conversation with his grandmother, what mistakes does David make that may hurt
his alibi?
That he says he ate the Jell-o and his grandma knows he didn’t and she says the Jell-o tasted funny.
Why does Lt. Baca ask Mrs. Griffin if there is trouble in their marriage?
Because he thinks Mr. G may have just left because she was pregnant.
What does Mrs. Griffin say that convinces Lt. Baca to begin searching for Brian?
He couldn’t wait for the baby to come, that all Mr. G had was her and his students, and that he told her he loved her before he left the house that day.
CHAPTER ELEVEN
1. Why isn’t Susan surprised to hear her name over the loudspeaker?
Because she was the last person to see Mr. G.
2. Compare Susan’s attitude toward her family at the beginning of the story with her attitude
now.
Now she has more respect for them so she’s not telling them about Mr. G.
Why does Susan agree to Mark’s lie?
To keep people from assuming it was the students so they don’t get caught.
Why does Mark want her to lie?
So that they wont get caught and it will keep them away from being suspects.
Do you think Mark really believes everything will be all right? Why?
1. Why isn’t Susan surprised to hear her name over the loudspeaker?
Because she was the last person to see Mr. G.
2. Compare Susan’s attitude toward her family at the beginning of the story with her attitude
now.
Now she has more respect for them so she’s not telling them about Mr. G.
Why does Susan agree to Mark’s lie?
To keep people from assuming it was the students so they don’t get caught.
Why does Mark want her to lie?
So that they wont get caught and it will keep them away from being suspects.
Do you think Mark really believes everything will be all right? Why?
Yes, because he knows exactly what he's doing and he's going to make sure their not caught.
CHAPTER TWELVE
1. What is the real reason Betsy says nasty things about Susan?
She’s jealous because Mark gives her all the attention
2. Find an example of allusion in this chapter.
The allusion is when David says The Lord's Prayer.
3. Briefly describe Mark’s mood during the burial. Jeff? David? Betsy?
Mark has this happy look in his eyes, Jeff is tired of digging, David feels bad, and Betsy feels bad.
4. Why does David recite the Lord’s prayer?
Because he thinks they should have at least prayed or something and that’s the first thing that came to his mind.
5. Why does Mark keep Mr. Griffin’s credit cards?
To send to one of his friends from where he used to live so he can buy some stuff and forge Mr. G’s signature so that people will think he’s still alive and ran away.
6. Why does Mark tell them to leave the car unlocked with the keys in the ignition?
So somebody will maybe just steal the car and they wont have to worry about it.
7. What mistakes do the four make burying Mr. Griffin?
David puts his jacket on Mr. G’s face, and they bury him near water in softer sand.
8. What is the implied but not stated reason that the policeman recognizes Betsy at the
airport?
Because he probably knows her father.
Killing Mr. Griffin Study Guide 7-9
CHAPTER SEVEN
What do Mr. Griffin and Mark have in common?
Their stubborn and when they have their mind set on something they don’t change it.
Find a flashback in this chapter. What important facts about Mark do we learn?
Lana steals the paper for Mark and Mr. G catches them and exposes them for cheating.
What mistake(s) does Betsy make with the police officer?
She told him it was her boyfriend’s car she got a ticket in.
Why do you think Betsy participates in the kidnapping?
Because she wants Mark to like her better.
Why do you suppose the incident with Shauna Berman is included?
To show that everyone liked Betsy so she would look innocent and that no one wanted to cross her.
Who finds the container of pills? Where?
Betsy, on the path up to the clearing.
How does Mr. Griffin’s tie appear here?
Perfectly knotted.
What does Mr. Griffin think of his kidnappers?
That they are sick, immature, and being ridiculous.
What question does David ask him?
How does it feel to be on the ground?
Who wants to let Mr. Griffin go? Why don’t they?
David and Jeff, and because Mark wants him to beg.
CHAPTER EIGHT
Explain, with examples from the story, how David begins to see Susan as a real person.
When he sees her crying and sees how much she cares.
Why does David doubt that Mark and Jeff are going to release Mr. Griffin after the game?
Because they’ll procrastinate and put it off ‘til tomorrow.
How does David know Mr. Griffin is dead?
He’s not answering or breathing and he’s stiff.
What is the implied but never stated cause of Mr. Griffin’s death?
He couldn’t take his pills because he was tied up and they had smashed them.
CHAPTER NINE
Betsy and Susan both have fathers to turn to for help. Why do you suppose Susan wants
to go to her father for help, but Betsy doesn’t suggest going to her father?
Because Susan is all upset and trusts her dad, but Betsy knows the consequences and she isn’t going to be a cry baby because she is trying to impress Mark.
What two things does Mark say that they need to do to be safe?
Hide the body and get rid of the car.
How does Mark convince Susan they need to bury the body?
He says they’ll take care of everything and he tells her how it will effect the people around her if they find out.
How does Mark’s father die?
He burns down in his house.
What does David’s father have to do with his decision to go along with Mark’s plan to bury the body?
They hope people think of Mr. G like they do David’s dad like he left and never came back.
Why does Mark comfort Susan?
So she’ll stop crying and worrying and so she won’t go tell on them.
What do Mr. Griffin and Mark have in common?
Their stubborn and when they have their mind set on something they don’t change it.
Find a flashback in this chapter. What important facts about Mark do we learn?
Lana steals the paper for Mark and Mr. G catches them and exposes them for cheating.
What mistake(s) does Betsy make with the police officer?
She told him it was her boyfriend’s car she got a ticket in.
Why do you think Betsy participates in the kidnapping?
Because she wants Mark to like her better.
Why do you suppose the incident with Shauna Berman is included?
To show that everyone liked Betsy so she would look innocent and that no one wanted to cross her.
Who finds the container of pills? Where?
Betsy, on the path up to the clearing.
How does Mr. Griffin’s tie appear here?
Perfectly knotted.
What does Mr. Griffin think of his kidnappers?
That they are sick, immature, and being ridiculous.
What question does David ask him?
How does it feel to be on the ground?
Who wants to let Mr. Griffin go? Why don’t they?
David and Jeff, and because Mark wants him to beg.
CHAPTER EIGHT
Explain, with examples from the story, how David begins to see Susan as a real person.
When he sees her crying and sees how much she cares.
Why does David doubt that Mark and Jeff are going to release Mr. Griffin after the game?
Because they’ll procrastinate and put it off ‘til tomorrow.
How does David know Mr. Griffin is dead?
He’s not answering or breathing and he’s stiff.
What is the implied but never stated cause of Mr. Griffin’s death?
He couldn’t take his pills because he was tied up and they had smashed them.
CHAPTER NINE
Betsy and Susan both have fathers to turn to for help. Why do you suppose Susan wants
to go to her father for help, but Betsy doesn’t suggest going to her father?
Because Susan is all upset and trusts her dad, but Betsy knows the consequences and she isn’t going to be a cry baby because she is trying to impress Mark.
What two things does Mark say that they need to do to be safe?
Hide the body and get rid of the car.
How does Mark convince Susan they need to bury the body?
He says they’ll take care of everything and he tells her how it will effect the people around her if they find out.
How does Mark’s father die?
He burns down in his house.
What does David’s father have to do with his decision to go along with Mark’s plan to bury the body?
They hope people think of Mr. G like they do David’s dad like he left and never came back.
Why does Mark comfort Susan?
So she’ll stop crying and worrying and so she won’t go tell on them.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Killing Mr. Griffin Study Guide 1-6
CHAPTER ONE
1. Briefly identify the children in the McConnell family.
Susan McConnell, Mrs. And Mr. McConnell, the McConnell twins, and Craig
2. What does Susan mean by “someday”?
Eventually she’s going to move away and live somewhere else.
3. Who is David Ruggles? How does Susan feel about him?
He’s a good boy who is against Mr. Griffin, also. Susan likes him, a lot.
4. Several other students of Room 117 are introduced. Briefly identify them.
Susan, David, Jeff, Mark, and Betsy.
5. In the classroom scene, what emphasizes Susan’s feelings of being an outsider?
She’s talking about wondering how Betsy has all the popularity without trying and how Susan just stares down at her desk.
6. Two teachers are introduced. Briefly identify them.
Mr. Griffin, and Dolly Luna.
7. Mr. Griffin is very strict and stern with the students. Do you think these qualities make
him a good teacher? Briefly explain your answer.
In a way, because it keeps the class from going wild, but he’s too strict and even people he are working hard he looks down on them because their not perfect like he wants them to be.
8. An allusion is when a writer refers to a person, place, poem, book, or movie that the
reader, is expected to recognize. Find an example of allusion in this chapter.
Susan thinks she’s like Ophelia.
9. In what ways does Susan think she and the dying female in Hamlet are similar?
Their both sad, and Susan feels all alone.
10. A metaphor is a comparison of two things that are basically unlike, in order to create a
sharp picture. In this first chapter find the metaphor involving a bird that helps the author
Define how Susan is feeling about her life.
Dropped like a feather covered stone to the ground.
11. Jeff says, “That Griffin’s the sort of guy you’d like to kill.” Why doesn’t Susan think he is serious?
Because she may think that he is just mad and he wouldn’t do anything like that. Basically he’s just angry and he doesn’t mean what he’s saying.
12. Frequently, objects which seem inconsequential when first mentioned become an
important part of the plot later. In the last six paragraphs do you notice any object that might be foreshadowed?
CHAPTER TWO
1. Why does Mark say the following? “Jeff’s done a neat job of lining us up for a mass flunkout.”
That he has flunkout so much that is seems planned.
2. Explain Mark’s special dislike of Mr. Griffin.
He doesn’t like him because Mark’s ex girlfriend got him a paper to turn in and Mr. Griffin found out and ruined all that, than she had to move away.
3. “Jeff had seen that look before, and it always meant something.” What look does Jeff see? What does Jeff think it means?
He had mischief and a deep thought look in his eyes like he was forming a evil plan.
Why do Jeff and Betsy go along with Mark’s plan to kidnap Mr. Griffin?
They think it would be funny and neither on of them like him either because he is too strict and gives them bad grades.
Why does Mark believe Dave will go along with the plan?
Because Dave seems like a innocent person and needs good grades.
What does Mark know about Susan that makes him think she will be their decoy?
That she likes David and he can lure her in.
7. A flashback is a scene that interrupts the ongoing action to show an event that happens
earlier. Briefly describe the flashback in this chapter. Explain why the author chooses to
include it.
Mark setting the cat on fire for fun.
CHAPTER THREE
The members of David’s family are introduced. Briefly identify them.
David, his mother, and his grandma.
Why does David think he needs a good education?
He wants to prove to his family that he can do it, and they pressure him to do well.
Find the metaphor in this chapter that helps illustrate the emptiness of David’s life.
That he may kidnap Mr. G to get into a good college and support his family.
Support or refute the following statement:
David goes along with Mark because he dislikes Mr. Griffin and needs a better English
grade to get into law school.
CHAPTER FOUR
Why are Saturday’s special for Susan?
Because she gets to sleep in, she doesn’t have to worry about school, and she doesn’t have to worry about school lunch.
2. Find a quotation in the chapter that illustrates the idea that Susan feels a part of the picnic
group.
"It's such a heat day out."
3. Who is Lana?
Mark’s ex girlfriend, who took a paper from the college for him to use, and they got caught, and they broke up and she moved away.
4. How does Susan feel about Mark before the picnic?
He intimidates her, and she is scared of him.
5. A symbol is an object, person, or place that has a meaning in itself and that also stands
for something larger than itself. How may the eyeglasses be a symbol in this chapter?
To show how she looks, and how innocent she is and seems.
6. Foreshadowing is also used to create interest and build suspense. Since this is a mystery
story, there are many examples of foreshadowing. Find an example of foreshadowing in
this chapter that lets the reader know Susan is going to have problems.
"Never Susan thought cleliriously, never in all the time to come will I ever be as happy as I am right now- and she was right.
CHAPTER FIVE
1. How does the author illustrate Kathy Griffin’s stubborn personality?
She’s telling Mr. Griffin that he needs to tell Sue she’s doing a good job if that’s what he thinks, and she is telling him that he needs to stop being so strict.
2. Briefly explain Mr. Griffin’s reason for leaving Stanford to teach high school.
He left Stanford to teach high school because he saw that most the kids in Stanford didn’t know half of the stuff that they should have learned in high school, so he went back to teach high school so that the high school students would be more prepared for college.
3. What does Mr. Griffin think about Susan?
That she’s a good student and she really tries, and her work is good.
4. Why is Kathy Griffin upset by her husband’s description of Dolly?
Because she thinks it reminds her of herself and he acts like he doesn’t like Dolly so she thinks that may be how he sees her.
5. How does her husband make her feel better?
He tells her she isn’t like Dolly and he told her he loved her before he left.
6. Why does Mrs. Griffin want Brian to compliment Susan on her writing?
So that it will encourage her to do better, and let her know she isn’t a bad student.
7. Find an example of foreshadowing in this chapter.
When Kathy is talking to Mr. G about being less strict and to be real it seems he might.
8. Why do you suppose the pills are mentioned again? Why does the author bother
mentioning his tie?
Because they want to emphasize that he needs his pills, and the tie is mentioned to show that he’s a perfectionist.
9. We learn that Mrs. Griffin is pregnant. How does she hope having a child will change her husband? Why might the author have added the pregnancy into the story.
She thinks it will make him more lenient on his students because he realizes their just children and their not perfect. The pregnancy might have been added to show she wants him to change in that way, and to show that later on in the story when Mr. G “left” her it would make it hard to believe.
CHAPTER SIX
1. What little things go wrong with the kidnapping?
Susan didn't go in the opposite direction.
With David’s alibi?
He had to put his grandma to sleep.
With Betsy’s alibi?
She got pulled over by the cops and got a ticket in Mark's car.
2. In what way does Mr. Griffin earn the respect of his kidnappers?
He won’t give in and he tells them that it’s ridiculous and he won’t beg them.
3. Why is Susan especially upset about her part in the kidnapping?
Because Mr. G tries to tell her to go so she won’t get caught.
4. Why does Betsy say the following to Susan? “Honestly, I don’t understand you.”
Because Betsy doesn’t get Susan, and why she is the way she is and does what she does.
1. Briefly identify the children in the McConnell family.
Susan McConnell, Mrs. And Mr. McConnell, the McConnell twins, and Craig
2. What does Susan mean by “someday”?
Eventually she’s going to move away and live somewhere else.
3. Who is David Ruggles? How does Susan feel about him?
He’s a good boy who is against Mr. Griffin, also. Susan likes him, a lot.
4. Several other students of Room 117 are introduced. Briefly identify them.
Susan, David, Jeff, Mark, and Betsy.
5. In the classroom scene, what emphasizes Susan’s feelings of being an outsider?
She’s talking about wondering how Betsy has all the popularity without trying and how Susan just stares down at her desk.
6. Two teachers are introduced. Briefly identify them.
Mr. Griffin, and Dolly Luna.
7. Mr. Griffin is very strict and stern with the students. Do you think these qualities make
him a good teacher? Briefly explain your answer.
In a way, because it keeps the class from going wild, but he’s too strict and even people he are working hard he looks down on them because their not perfect like he wants them to be.
8. An allusion is when a writer refers to a person, place, poem, book, or movie that the
reader, is expected to recognize. Find an example of allusion in this chapter.
Susan thinks she’s like Ophelia.
9. In what ways does Susan think she and the dying female in Hamlet are similar?
Their both sad, and Susan feels all alone.
10. A metaphor is a comparison of two things that are basically unlike, in order to create a
sharp picture. In this first chapter find the metaphor involving a bird that helps the author
Define how Susan is feeling about her life.
Dropped like a feather covered stone to the ground.
11. Jeff says, “That Griffin’s the sort of guy you’d like to kill.” Why doesn’t Susan think he is serious?
Because she may think that he is just mad and he wouldn’t do anything like that. Basically he’s just angry and he doesn’t mean what he’s saying.
12. Frequently, objects which seem inconsequential when first mentioned become an
important part of the plot later. In the last six paragraphs do you notice any object that might be foreshadowed?
CHAPTER TWO
1. Why does Mark say the following? “Jeff’s done a neat job of lining us up for a mass flunkout.”
That he has flunkout so much that is seems planned.
2. Explain Mark’s special dislike of Mr. Griffin.
He doesn’t like him because Mark’s ex girlfriend got him a paper to turn in and Mr. Griffin found out and ruined all that, than she had to move away.
3. “Jeff had seen that look before, and it always meant something.” What look does Jeff see? What does Jeff think it means?
He had mischief and a deep thought look in his eyes like he was forming a evil plan.
Why do Jeff and Betsy go along with Mark’s plan to kidnap Mr. Griffin?
They think it would be funny and neither on of them like him either because he is too strict and gives them bad grades.
Why does Mark believe Dave will go along with the plan?
Because Dave seems like a innocent person and needs good grades.
What does Mark know about Susan that makes him think she will be their decoy?
That she likes David and he can lure her in.
7. A flashback is a scene that interrupts the ongoing action to show an event that happens
earlier. Briefly describe the flashback in this chapter. Explain why the author chooses to
include it.
Mark setting the cat on fire for fun.
CHAPTER THREE
The members of David’s family are introduced. Briefly identify them.
David, his mother, and his grandma.
Why does David think he needs a good education?
He wants to prove to his family that he can do it, and they pressure him to do well.
Find the metaphor in this chapter that helps illustrate the emptiness of David’s life.
That he may kidnap Mr. G to get into a good college and support his family.
Support or refute the following statement:
David goes along with Mark because he dislikes Mr. Griffin and needs a better English
grade to get into law school.
CHAPTER FOUR
Why are Saturday’s special for Susan?
Because she gets to sleep in, she doesn’t have to worry about school, and she doesn’t have to worry about school lunch.
2. Find a quotation in the chapter that illustrates the idea that Susan feels a part of the picnic
group.
"It's such a heat day out."
3. Who is Lana?
Mark’s ex girlfriend, who took a paper from the college for him to use, and they got caught, and they broke up and she moved away.
4. How does Susan feel about Mark before the picnic?
He intimidates her, and she is scared of him.
5. A symbol is an object, person, or place that has a meaning in itself and that also stands
for something larger than itself. How may the eyeglasses be a symbol in this chapter?
To show how she looks, and how innocent she is and seems.
6. Foreshadowing is also used to create interest and build suspense. Since this is a mystery
story, there are many examples of foreshadowing. Find an example of foreshadowing in
this chapter that lets the reader know Susan is going to have problems.
"Never Susan thought cleliriously, never in all the time to come will I ever be as happy as I am right now- and she was right.
CHAPTER FIVE
1. How does the author illustrate Kathy Griffin’s stubborn personality?
She’s telling Mr. Griffin that he needs to tell Sue she’s doing a good job if that’s what he thinks, and she is telling him that he needs to stop being so strict.
2. Briefly explain Mr. Griffin’s reason for leaving Stanford to teach high school.
He left Stanford to teach high school because he saw that most the kids in Stanford didn’t know half of the stuff that they should have learned in high school, so he went back to teach high school so that the high school students would be more prepared for college.
3. What does Mr. Griffin think about Susan?
That she’s a good student and she really tries, and her work is good.
4. Why is Kathy Griffin upset by her husband’s description of Dolly?
Because she thinks it reminds her of herself and he acts like he doesn’t like Dolly so she thinks that may be how he sees her.
5. How does her husband make her feel better?
He tells her she isn’t like Dolly and he told her he loved her before he left.
6. Why does Mrs. Griffin want Brian to compliment Susan on her writing?
So that it will encourage her to do better, and let her know she isn’t a bad student.
7. Find an example of foreshadowing in this chapter.
When Kathy is talking to Mr. G about being less strict and to be real it seems he might.
8. Why do you suppose the pills are mentioned again? Why does the author bother
mentioning his tie?
Because they want to emphasize that he needs his pills, and the tie is mentioned to show that he’s a perfectionist.
9. We learn that Mrs. Griffin is pregnant. How does she hope having a child will change her husband? Why might the author have added the pregnancy into the story.
She thinks it will make him more lenient on his students because he realizes their just children and their not perfect. The pregnancy might have been added to show she wants him to change in that way, and to show that later on in the story when Mr. G “left” her it would make it hard to believe.
CHAPTER SIX
1. What little things go wrong with the kidnapping?
Susan didn't go in the opposite direction.
With David’s alibi?
He had to put his grandma to sleep.
With Betsy’s alibi?
She got pulled over by the cops and got a ticket in Mark's car.
2. In what way does Mr. Griffin earn the respect of his kidnappers?
He won’t give in and he tells them that it’s ridiculous and he won’t beg them.
3. Why is Susan especially upset about her part in the kidnapping?
Because Mr. G tries to tell her to go so she won’t get caught.
4. Why does Betsy say the following to Susan? “Honestly, I don’t understand you.”
Because Betsy doesn’t get Susan, and why she is the way she is and does what she does.
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