Essay Questions: Volume I :

							                                          Non-Honors English 9
                              Introductory Reading Activity – Catching Fire

Selection:               Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins is the selection if you have already read
                         Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. Your alternate book to these two choices is
                         Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

Rationale:               This text contains strong examples of the elements of literature incorporated into
                         the 9th grade English curriculum. More importantly, this book will serve as a
                         bridge between 8th grade knowledge of literary elements and the 9th grade focus
                         on analysis of these elements.

Objectives:              To enjoy reading and responding to the book in its entirety.
                         To understand how a writer develops the elements of literature.

Assignment:              We strongly recommend you examine the questions prior to reading the novel.
                         You are encouraged to purchase your own book to build your own library, or you
                         may borrow one from any public library. It’s also available on eBooks. Read the
                         entire book and complete all questions / activities.

Specific Instructions: Please word-process/type your answers (12 pt. Times New Roman).
                       Answer all questions (and all the parts of each question) in complete sentences
                       unless otherwise indicated.

Questions and Activities:
   1. How did Katniss’s participation in the Games change her relationship with Gale? Why does she
       say, “The Games have spoiled even that…There’s no going back.”

    2. Suzanne Collins’ characters are realistic individuals in their speech and actions. Characterize any
       two (2) of the characters below. Discuss their personality traits, how you know this (specific
       evidence from the book), and why they are like this. For example: Mrs. X, my English teacher, is
       loud and outgoing. You can hear her from the back of the classroom, but she is always friendly
       and smiling. I think she is like this because she loves her job and wants us to learn but enjoy
       English at the same time.
                Katniss Everdeen                          Wiress
                Peeta Mellark                             Mags
                Beetee                                    Finnick Odair
    3. Why are all citizens of Panem required to watch The Hunger Games on television? How does this
       affect the people? Why haven’t they rebelled earlier against the brutality of the Games? Discuss
       the effect of television and reality TV in your own life.

    4. Why does the Capitol devise a special reaping procedure for every 25th Game? Do you believe the
    requirements for this Quarter Quell were decided in the past or were they designed for this Game to
    force Katniss and Peeta back to the Arena?

    5. Discuss the differences between the Games in the first volume and the second --- the training
    sessions, the interviews, the set-up of the Arena, the strategies that Katniss and Peeta use. How is
    each of them changed by the time they spend in the Arena?

    Bio-Poem: Do this activity when you have completed the novel.
        Select one of the main characters from Catching Fire and create a Bio-


                                                                                     Catching Fire
       Poem following these line-by-line instructions. You may complete the line with
       single words or with phrases. Your objective is to show the depth of your
       understanding about the character. Don’t forget a title!

                Title
   Line 1-- First Name of character
   Line 2—Title or nickname given to the character
   Line 3-- Four words that describe the character
   Line 4-- Lover of (three items, objects, or ideas)
   Line 5-- Who believes (one idea or concept)
   Line 6-- Who wants (three things)
   Line 7-- Who uses (three things)
   Line 8-- Who gives (three things)
   Line 9-- Who says (a direct quote)
   Line 10-- Last name of character

Assessment:    A range (100-90) – Answers indicate critical and close reading, thoughtful engagement
               and analysis. Very few if any grammatical or formatting errors are present. Academic
               voice. All directions are followed.

               B range (89-80) – Answers predominately indicate critical and close reading, and mostly
               thoughtful engagement and analysis. Some, although few, grammatical or formatting
               errors may be present. Academic voice. All directions are followed.

               C range (79-70) – Answers indicate some critical and close reading and
               analysis, although understanding of the text may be not in depth or just
               skimming the surface. Very few if any grammatical or formatting errors are present.
               Academic voice. All directions are followed.

               D or F range (69-0) – Responses are not acceptable for honors level work. It is unclear
               whether the book was read or understood. Multiple errors in grammar, voice and / or
               formatting may be present.

               This will count for 50 points in the Homework Category.

Due Date: The completed questions / activities are due – Word-processed, 12 font, Times New Roman
              (or similar), on Thursday / Friday, August 9 /10, 2012

A copy of this assignment is available on-line at the Hamilton website: www.HamiltonHuskies.com

Questions: (please put “summer reading” in the subject line of your e-mail)
Brown.maren@cusd80                                     headman.jennifer@cusd80
buchanan.lucee@cusd80                                  Moore.diana@cusd80
chen.yilily@cusd80                                     russo.angelica@cusd80


Books are available at all libraries, Changing Hands Book Store, Bookmans, and Barnes and Noble. If
you have trouble finding a copy, check with the main desk at Hamilton High School.




                                                                                Catching Fire