Wonder

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.

3. Kindness is one of the central themes in the novel. Wonder shows how much courage it takes to be kind but also how powerful that kindness can be. Define kindness as illustrated in the novel. Detail several instances where kindness wins

out over rude or crude behavior.

• Based on the examples in the novel, define what kindness is. (topic sentence)
• In your body paragraphs, give 3-4 examples of where kindness wins out over rude or crude behavior.
• What is the key takeaway that the author wants us to remember about kindness? (conclusion)

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. Mr. Browne gives his students monthly precepts. These lessons impact different characters, causing them to reflect on their own actions as they mature into young adults. Choose two of his precepts and write your own ideas about what these precepts mean.

In your essay, include at least one example for each precept. Be specific about what characters learn this lesson. (When using direct quotes, cite the chapter or page number.)

2. Bullying is a troubling theme in the narrative. How does Auggie suffer from bullying, and how does he face it? What do the different types of bullying that Auggie encounters tell us about what bullying is really like?

Provide at least three specific examples of when Auggie is bullied and explain what the story is saying about bullying. (When using direct quotes, cite the chapter or page number.)

3. The novel uses several movie and book references. For example, Star Wars is important to Auggie, but sometimes references to Darth Sidious are meant to hurt him. Pick one of these book or movie references and explain why it is important in the narrative, as well as what character/s it is most important to.

Provide at least two specific examples of this reference being used in the text. (When using direct quotes, cite the chapter or page number.)