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 below bulleted outlines. Cite details from the text over the course of your response that serve as examples and support.

1. The discovery of Barty Crouch Jr.’s identity has a significant impact on the themes and characters in the novel.

• What do the events surrounding Crouch Jr.’s discovery and punishment reveal about justice in the wizarding world? (topic sentence)
• Analyze the events leading up to the discovery of Crouch Jr.’s identity. Compare and contrast the reactions of two different characters and explain how their reactions reflect their beliefs about justice and punishment.
• In your conclusion, reflect on how the events of the novel inform your own beliefs about justice and punishment.

2. The book introduces the concept of the “Dark Mark,” which is a symbol of Voldemort and the Death Eaters.

• How does the Dark Mark contribute to the sense of danger and foreboding in the story? (topic sentence)
• Give examples of at least 3 scenes or events where the Dark Mark appears in the novel and analyze how it affects the scene’s tone and atmosphere.
• In your conclusion, discuss how the Dark Mark contributes to one of the novel’s themes of Trust and Betrayal.

Full Essay Assignments

Student Prompt: Write a structured and well-developed essay. Include a thesis statement, at least three main points supported by text details, and a conclusion.

1. How is the idea of loyalty demonstrated in the larger conflict between Voldemort and his followers and the members of the wizarding community who oppose him? In your essay, discuss the ways in which characters on both sides demonstrate their loyalty to their respective causes, and analyze the consequences of this loyalty. In your essay, you should explore the ways in which characters like Harry, Ron, and Hermione demonstrate their loyalty to the wizarding community, as well as how Voldemort and his followers show their loyalty to their cause. Consider the sacrifices made by these characters and the impact of their loyalty on the story as a whole.

2. Throughout the novel, jealousy is a recurring theme that affects many of the characters. Choose two characters who exhibit jealousy and analyze how it affects them and the people around them. What causes each character’s jealousy? How does each character’s jealousy show itself in their behavior and actions? What impact does jealousy have on their relationships with others? What does each character’s jealousy reveal about their personality, values, and motivations? Cite specific examples from the text to support your response.