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. 

Scaffolded/Short-Answer Essay Questions

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

1. Lucky Broken Girl takes place from spring of 1966 to early summer of 1967.

• What are 3 important plot points (narrative events) that rely on the timing of the seasons, holidays, and school years? (topic sentence)
• Discuss these 3 events in Ruthie’s healing journey and the ways in which they are affected by seasonal events. Support your ideas with quotations and evidence from the novel.
• In your concluding sentence or sentences, describe how the linear plot structure (a plot that moves forward in time) of the novel impacts the reader.

2. The author, Ruth Behar, employs the use of chapter titles to introduce and emphasize events in Ruthie’s story.

• Which chapter title best serves to support the theme of Controlling and Overcoming Fear? (topic sentence)
• Discuss the events of that chapter briefly and offer at least 3 points of connection to the theme.
• In your concluding sentence or sentences, create an alternate name for this chapter and summarize how it too fits the theme.