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 novel over the course of your response that serve as examples and support.

1. Symbolism occurs when an object, action, image, or person represents something other than its basic, concrete meaning.

• How does Touching Spirit Bear use symbolism to illustrate the values and lessons that Cole learns? (topic sentence)
• Identify at least 3 unique symbols in the book and explain what they represent, as well as how these symbols connect to Cole’s journey of healing and forgiveness.
• In your conclusion, evaluate how the use of symbolism either clarified or complicated your reading experience.

2. Cole experiences major personal growth during his time on the Alaskan island.

• What does Cole learn about anger, control, and forgiveness, and how does he teach what he learned to Peter? (topic sentence)
• Select 3 passages describing Cole’s thoughts or actions: 1 from the novel’s exposition, 1 from its rising action, and 1 from its conclusion.