Essay+Topics

Socratic Topics

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J ** Topic One: ** Use plot developments in __Speak__ to clearly analyze how the symbol of a tree represents Melinda’s emotional and mental growth to deal with what happened to her. How does the development of Melida's art reflect her process of healing and recovering? ======

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 J ** Topic Two: ** Find as many references to speaking in the novel (when people speak, when they don't). What are the consequences for not speaking? What about for speaking up (saying what's important). What is the author saying about speaking? ======

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 J ** Topic Three: ** Trees are one of the main symbols in the novel. What does Melinda learn from/through her interaction with trees throughout the novel. ======

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 J ** Topic Four: ** One of the main motifs of the novel is mirrors. Find as many instances of mirrors (or any reflective surface) and think about what Melinda is doing, thinking, or learning. How does she grow or change through as she continues to consider her own reflection? Mirror images: 17, 21, 25, 40, 50, 82, 101, 124, 125, 136, 145, 170. Don't forget to consider the value of the mirror at the end of the novel as well. ======

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 J ** Topic Five: ** The Marthas seem like great girls. The teachers and the administration think they are. Contrast Melinda's view of the Marthas with the adults' view of them. ======

 J ** Topic Six: ** Melinda's teachers: who are the best/worst and why?   J **Topic Seven**: Analyze the debate that took place in social studies class. Describe the two students who challenged the taecher. What did they say? Whey was it inappropirate?  Speak Discussion Questions by Quarter Grading Period 1 pgs. 3-46 1. Discuss parts of the book that support Melinda’s statement, “I am Outcast.” 2. Reread “The First Ten Lies They Tell You in High School.” (p. 5) Discuss them and how do they apply to your and Melinda's high school experiences. 3. Discuss Mr. Freeman’s approach to teaching art. (pgs. 9-12) 4. Describe what happened to Melinda at the first pep rally. What did you learn about Melinda? 5. Describe Melinda’s art after the pep rally. What do you think it represents?

Grading Period 2 pgs. 47-95 1. Discuss the physical symptoms that Melinda is having. 2. Describe what happens to Melinda during frog dissection. Why do you think she reacted the way she did? 3. Discuss Melinda’s athletic ability. What comparison does she make between basketball and life? 4. Discuss the relationship between Melinda and Heather. Give examples that show this relationship is changing.

Grading Period 3 pgs. 97-150 1. Discuss what happens when Melinda is placed in MISS for the first time (116-118). Describe the environment. How does she react? How would you react? 2. Analyze Mr. Freeman’s effect on Melinda in and out of the classroom. Discuss his quote, “When people don’t express themselves, they die one piece at a time.” What does he mean by this? 3. Examine Melinda’s self image, survival techniques, and reactions to Heather’s rejection. 4. Discuss the book’s focus on Merryweather’s school mascot. How many mascots did Merryweather have this year? What were they and why were they rejected? How does this relate to the book? How does this treatment affect the school's identity? students' identity? 5. Discuss the interaction between Ivy and Melinda at the mall (145-156).

Grading Period 4 pgs. 151-end 1. Analyze how Melinda begins to assert herself and find her voice. Give three examples. 2. Discuss what the entries under Melinda’s initial graffiti about Andy Evans reveal. What did other people say about him? 3. Compare Mr. Sordino’s treatment and explanation of the diseased tree with Melinda’s survival. (186-189) 4. Analyze the aftermath of the prom. What did Melinda hear about Rachel? Other students? 5. Discuss the symbolism of Melinda’s final portrayal of her tree in art class. Be sure to describe the tree and how is resembles Melinda.

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