The Unwanteds

Reading Check and Short Answer Questions on key plot points are designed for guided reading assignments, in-class review, formative assessment, quizzes, and more.

Chapters 1-16

Reading Check

1. What is Alex called by his family after the Purge?

2. Where are the Unwanteds supposed to go after the Purge?

3. What is the name of the land Alex is taken to in lieu of the Death Farm?

4. What is Meghan exceptionally gifted at?

5. Who does Samheed believe reported him for Dramatic Boasting?

6. Who is the leader of Quill?

Short Answer

Answer each question in at least 1 complete sentence. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.

1. Why might creativity be threatening in an authoritarian society?

2. Why are the other children surprised by Samheed’s behavior when he first meets Mr. Today?

3. Why does Aaron become increasingly withdrawn as his friends advance to Magical Warrior Training?

Paired Resource

“Authoritarianism”

• This encyclopedia entry describes authoritarianism and offers examples of authoritarianism around the world.
• What is authoritarianism? How does authoritarianism limit opposition? How is Quill’s government like authoritarianism? How is this article related to the novel’s themes of Authoritarianism and Creativity?

“How Similar Are Siblings? What Makes Us Different?”

• An article discussing differences between siblings (Teacher-appropriate; not student-facing)

Chapters 17-32

Reading Check

1. What does Ms. Octavia teach Alex to use as a weapon in his first lesson?

2.