Use these essay questions as writing and critical thinking exercises for all levels of writers, and 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 bulleted outlines below. Cite details from the text over the course of your response that serve as examples and support.

1. The kids’ vuvuzela heist is punished with suspension, but it also deepens the relationship between Mr. Kermit and the class.

• Do the students make the correct decision to steal the vuvuzelas? How so? (topic sentence)
• Explain the intention of the students as they steal the vuvuzelas and describe whether it is right, wrong, or a mix of both. Then discuss the argument from the viewpoint of those who oppose your assessment of the characters’ actions.
• In your concluding sentence or sentences, explain whether the punishment issued for stealing the vuvuzelas is just.

2. Students in Room 117 thrive outside of traditional learning, but core subjects are important to succeeding in school.

• What are the benefits and disadvantages of core (math, English, social studies, and science) and non-core subjects (art, music, electives)? (topic sentence)
• Compare core and non-core subjects.