We're Not from Here

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.

(When using Essay Topics from the Study Guide, please reword to support rigorous essay-writing.)

Scaffolded Essay Questions

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

1. Consider the harmful effect of the traditionalist Zhuri government on the inhabitants of Choom.

• In what ways do the traditionalist government’s views harm both the species already living on Choom and the humans seeking refuge? (topic sentence)
• Explain the traditionalist government’s views and, using evidence from the text, describe 2-3 ways in which the traditionalist policies actively cause harm.
• In your concluding sentence or sentences, explain what the novel aims to convey by depicting the effect of these policies on Choom’s people.

2. Consider the role of biased news reports in We’re Not From Here.

• How does media that shows only one side of an issue impact public opinion? (topic sentence)
• Offer 3 examples from the text of news broadcasts that show only one opinion of humans. Analyze the impact these broadcasts have on the people of Choom, especially the Zhuri.
• In your concluding sentence or sentences, show the connection between these one-sided broadcasts and the theme of The Dangers of Misinformation.

3. Consider science fiction as a genre that questions cultural norms.

• What human societal norms does We’re Not From Here question? (topic sentence)
• Identify 2-3 places in the text where the species of Choom question human norms. Explain what it is about these norms that is strange to nonhumans.
• In your concluding sentence or sentences, explain what message the novel is conveying about what’s “normal” and how “normal” differs between groups.

Full Essay Assignments

Student Prompt: Write a structured and well-developed essay. Include a thesis statement, at least three main points supported by text details, and a conclusion.

1. The Zhuri and humans of We’re Not From Here participate in the groupthink phenomenon. What is groupthink in the novel, and how does it impact the characters? Based on the differences between the Zhuri/humans and Ororo/Krik, what are the benefits and cons of groupthink? Support your answer with evidence from the text.

2. What messages does We’re Not From Here offer about change and the process of bringing it about? How do the main characters bring about change in their circumstances? How do they change as individuals over the course of the story? Consider, for example, Ila’s character arc as compared to the changes that take place in Zhuri society. Does We’re Not From Here support the idea that change, even positive change, is stressful? Support your answer with evidence from the text.

3. If you had overseen the Zhuri government following the Nug massacre, would you have banned emotion like the Zhuri traditionalists? Why do you think the Zhuri traditionalists made that decision, and was it successful? If you chose a different solution, why do you think it would be more effective than the traditionalist ban? Support your answer with evidence from the text.