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. As the Devon boys enjoy their summer in 1942, the specter of war looms in the background.

• In what ways does war disrupt the lives of the Devon boys? (topic sentence)
• Find 2-3 examples from the text to substantiate your answer.
• In your concluding sentence or sentences, consider the following: In what ways is the theme of War Encroaching on Peace of the Devon boys literal? In what ways is it metaphorical?

2. Throughout his narration, Gene is preoccupied with the idea that Finny is a possible rival, as opposed to a genuine friend.

• Why does Gene believe Finny is more foe than friend at times? (topic sentence)
• Find 2-3 examples from the text to substantiate your answer.