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. Mr. Browne gives precepts, which are life lessons, throughout the school year. Write your own precepts for the academic year and explain each one OR choose one precept and explain in more detail why it is important.

• What life lesson do you think is important for everyone to know, especially when entering middle school? (topic sentence)
• In your body paragraphs, give a few reasons for your precept, with examples of why this lesson is important. (If you are doing multiple precepts, explain each one with at least one example of when it would be important.)
• End by giving your reader practical steps they could take to implement this into their life. (conclusion)

2. Although Auggie is the main character in the novel, he is contrasted with other characters like his new best friend, Jack Will, and his antagonist, Julian.

• What is similar about these characters? What is different? (topic sentence)
• How do they meet and interact? How do they change by the novel’s end?
• Include at least one direct quote that describes the character or communicates the character’s point of view.