61 pages 2 hours read

Linda Sue Park

A Single Shard

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2001

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.

Reading Questions & Paired Texts

Reading Check and Short Answer Questions on key plot points are designed for guided reading assignments, in-class review, formative assessment, quizzes, and more.

Chapters 1-4

Reading Check

1. How do Tree-ear and Crane-man find food?

2. What object does Tree-ear break in Min’s workshop?

3. How many days must Tree-ear work for Min initially?

4. What is the first task that Tree-ear must perform for Min?

5. What is Min required to give Tree-ear each day even though he doesn’t pay him?

6. Where does Tree-ear go to find clay?

Short Answer

Answer each question in at least 1 complete sentence. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.

1. What is the meaning of Tree-ear’s name?

2. What is the meaning of Crane-man’s name?

3. Why does Min want a palace commission?

Paired Resource

Reviving Traditional Korean Celadons

  • An 8-minute video showing the various steps required to create the type of pottery detailed in the novel
  • How does the video tie into the tasks that Min requires Tree-ear to perform in the novel?

UNESCO Heritage in Korea

  • Sponsored by the Korean Cultural Center of New York, this site presents an overview of Korea’s cultural and World Heritage sites from a variety of time periods and locations.
  • Includes information and images on celadon pottery and other kinds of cultural artifacts
  • What details from the images and information on this site are helpful in visualizing the opening chapters?

Related Titles

By Linda Sue Park