Use these essay questions as writing and critical thinking exercises for all levels of writers to build their literary analysis skills by requiring textual references throughout the essay.

Differentiation Suggestion: For English learners or struggling writers, strategies that work well include graphic organizers, sentence frames or starters, group work, or oral responses.

Scaffolded Essay Questions

Student Prompt: Write a short (1-3 paragraph) response using one of the below bulleted outlines. Cite details from the text over the course of your response that serve as examples and support.

1. Overcoming Obstacles is a key theme in the novel.

• How does Pedro help Derek understand the importance of persistence in learning? (topic sentence)
• Examine the relationship that Pedro has with his owner, Michael, and what Derek learns about Pedro’s training to become a helper monkey.
• In your conclusion, discuss how this lesson changes Derek at the end of the novel.

2. Derek is characterized by his mischievous and rebellious nature.

• Why does he act out in risky and destructive ways, and what does it show about his reluctance to grow up? (topic sentence)
• Detail three instances in the novel where Derek acts out. Explore what he’s reacting to and how others react to him.
• In your conclusion, examine the possible reasons that Derek might be worried about growing up using clues from his asides in the novel.