The Hunger Games
Novel Study 9
Questions
Part one: The Tributes
Chapters 1-10
Directions: Read each question carefully and respond in your novel notebook.
1. In a five-paragraph essay, describe the Hunger Games. Include the following ideas in your response.
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
Describe the reaping system.
Why were they created?
Why do some people have more votes than others?
What does this suggest to the reader about society in District 12?
What is your reaction to this tradition?
Assessment Rubric
Points
Content
Description of reaping system (summarized in own words) /10



/14
Purpose of the system
Voting system
Inferences about society
Personal reaction
/4
Organization

Five-paragraph essay

Introduction (captures attention)

Body paragraphs develop ideas with details

Conclusion (personal reaction/ final thoughts)
Vocabulary and Voice

Appropriate tone for audience and subject matter

Diction (word choice) is appropriate

Words appeal to the senses or emotions
Sentence Fluency and Conventions

Sentences are easy to read

The basic rules of capitalization and spelling are used
/6
/5
/5
Final Score
/30
Partner Project
2. Create graphic organizer (chart, Venn-diagram, graph, etc.) that shows the differences between the
people that live in the Capital and those that live in the other districts? Compare at least five (5)
different categories (food, shelter, work, recreation, security, etc.). Quote or paraphrase specific
details from the novel. Consider the following:
a. Food
b. Shelter
c. Work
d. Recreation
e. Safety
Assessment Rubric
Creative design
Easy to read
Profession appearance
5 categories
Paraphrasing of details
Points
/10
/10
Part one: The Tributes
Chapters 1-10
Paragraph Response 10-12 sentences
3. The presentation of the tributes seems to be greatly focused on looks and appearances. What does
this reveal about the beliefs and values of the Capitol? How do feel about this? Do you think our
society is similar to the capital? Explain.
Consider the following:






Effie Trinket’s character
The remake center
The tribute parade
The importance of sponsors
The Caesar Flickerman show
The purpose of dystopian literature
Ideas and Voice



Description of the Capitol’s obsession with looks and appearances
Personal reaction to the beliefs and values of the Capitol
Comparison between the beliefs and values of the Capitol and our own society
/10
Organization




Format: 10-12 sentence paragraph
Ideas are presented in a logical easy to follow manner
Main points are supported with sufficient details and evidence
Interesting introduction and conclusion
/6
Conventions



Capitalization, punctuation, spelling
Sentence structure—ideas flow together
Words are appropriate and descriptive
/4
4. Create a collage comparing and contrasting Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark, the tributes for
District Twelve. Create a visual or symbol for each character based on the description in the book
and use visuals to represent their individual personalities and histories. Make sure you include
specific details from the novel. Think about the following:
a. How do they know each other?
b. Do they have special talents or skills
c. Are they intelligent, courageous, kind, loyal, strong, stubborn, etc.
d. How may their personality and physical traits affect their battle for survival?
Assessment Rubric
Creative design (visuals, colors, text, font, etc.)
Design elements capture attention and reveal character and personality
Professional appearance
Relevant content (selection of details)
Presentation of character traits (details, symbols, visuals, etc.)
Descriptive details (paraphrased words, short phrases, short quotes, etc.)
/10
/10
Questions
Part Two: The Games
Chapters 11-19
5. Describe the “star-crossed lovers” strategy used by the tributes of District 12. What events
led to this strategy? What are some of the advantages and disadvantages of this strategy?
Ideas and Voice



Description and purpose of the strategy
Who came up with the strategy? What helped come up with the idea?
Discuss (2) advantages and (2) disadvantages
/15
Organization




Format: 10-12 sentence paragraph
Ideas are presented in a logical easy to follow manner
Main points are supported with sufficient details and evidence
Interesting introduction and conclusion
/6
Conventions



Capitalization, punctuation, spelling
Sentence structure—ideas flow together
Words are appropriate and descriptive
/4
In chapter 10, the two tributes from District 12 discuss their displeasure about being forced to
fight for the entertainment of the people of the Capitol. Peeta tells Katniss “I want to die as
myself”. What does he mean by this statement? What does this reveal about his personality?
Explain.
6.
Content


The statement is understood and discussed in detail
Main points are supported with sufficient details and evidence
/10
Sentence structure—ideas flow together
Words are appropriate and descriptive
Capitalization, punctuation, and spelling
/10
Style



7. Throughout this section of the novel, both tributes from District 12 are continually searching
for ways to rebel against the power and control of the Capitol. In Chapter 18, Katniss finally
gets her chance to use the media and send a message to those in power.
(a) What is the message? Explain. Quote her exact words.
(b) Use words and phrases from the text to create a short word collage based on her reaction to the
capitol’s mistreatment of the people living in the districts.
Visit Wordle online at http://www.wordle.net/create
Look at the example below.
Content


/10
Words and phrases listed reveal the message
Exact words and phrases used
Wordle Collage



/10
Creative design
Relevant words and phrases
Spelling
8. At the end of Section II the Gamemakers make a surprising announcement. What is this
announcement? Explain.
Discuss the following in your response:



Why did they make this announcement?
How do Katniss and Peeta feel about this announcement?
How would you feel if you were one of the six remaining tributes?
Content



Description of the announcement
Reaction to the announcement
Main points are supported with sufficient details and evidence
/10
Sentence structure—ideas flow together
Words are appropriate and descriptive
Capitalization, punctuation, and spelling
/10
Style



Questions
Part Three: The Victor
Chapters 20-27
9. Dehumanization is the process of consistently devaluing and looking down on a group of
people over a period of time until these attitudes are accepted within a society. In World War II
Germany, Hitler and the Nazi government tried to dehumanize the people sent to the
concentration camps. In The Hunger Games, the Capitol is using a similar tactic against the
districts of Panem. What effect does this have on the tributes? What does the Capitol hope to
achieve with these games?
Ideas to consider:
Why don’t the districts rebel?
Why are some districts treated better than others?
How does the competition benefit the Capitol?
What types of tributes win these competitions?
Content


The concept and effects of dehumanization are discussed in detail
Main points are supported with sufficient details and evidence
/10
Sentence structure—ideas flow together
Words are appropriate and descriptive
Capitalization, punctuation, and spelling
/10
Style



10. Throughout the novel, the tributes of District 12 (Katniss and Peeta) actively defy and rebel
against the rules, restrictions, and unfair treatment imposed on them by the privileged few of
the Capitol. Discuss at least three acts of rebellion that were televised on the 74th Hunger
Games. Do you think such actions will trigger a revolution against the capitol? Why? Why
Not?
Content and Style



Three or more actions of rebellion are discussed
Main points are supported with sufficient details and evidence
Final opinion about the effects of these acts
/10



Sentence structure—ideas flow together
Words are appropriate and descriptive
Capitalization, punctuation, and spelling
/5
11. There are a number of key themes in the Hunger Games use the list below to help you
complete the charts:






Totalitarian governments and the control and abuse of power
Citizen oppression often leads to rebellion
Image is everything in a media dominated culture
Appearances can be deceiving
Survival of the fittest
The power of love and self-sacrifice
Quotations
““This is just your tracker,
Katniss. The stiller you are, the
more efficiently I can place it,”
she says.” (p.143)
"They do surgery in the Capitol,
to make people appear younger
and thinner. In District 12,
looking old is something of an
achievement since so many
people die early... But here it is
different. Wrinkles aren't
desirable." p.125
“…Only I keep wishing I could
think of a way to …to show the
Capital they don’t own me. That
I’m more than just a piece in
their Games,” says Peeta.”
(p.142)
This fire is designed to flush us
out, to drive us together. It may
not be the most original device
I’ve seen, but it’s very, very
effective.” (p.173)
Identify the theme and give a brief explanation of the
meaning of each quotation. (5 pts each
/20)
Quotations
The arenas are historic sites,
preserved after the Games.
Popular destinations for Capitol
residents to visit, to vacation.
Go for a month, rewatch the
Games, tour the catacombs,
visit the sites where the deaths
took place. You can even take
part in re-enactments. They say
the food is excellent..." p.144
“We have so little
communication with anyone
outside our district. In fact, I
wonder if the Gamemakers are
blocking out our conversation,
because even though the
information seems harmless,
they don’t want people in
different districts to know about
one another.” (p.203)
“It isn’t in my nature to go down
without a fight, even when
things seem insurmountable.”
(p.36)
I spread out my fingers, and the
dark berries glisten in the sun. I
give Peeta's hand one last
squeeze as a signal, as a goodbye, and we begin
counting…Maybe they don't
care if we both die….It's too late
to change my mind. I lift my
hand to m mouth, taking one
last look at the world. The
berries have just passed my lips
when the trumpets begin to
blare. (p.345)
Identify the theme and give a brief explanation of the
meaning of each quotation. (5 pts each
/20)
Hunger Games
Process Essay
Evaluation
Brainstorming (assessed at the beginning of the project)
/5 pts
First Draft (including editing sheets)
/15 pts
Final Assessment
Content (ideas, evidence, details are relevant and compelling )
/20 pts
Organization (ideas are presented in a logical way—each paragraph has a
main point with supporting details/ evidence)
/10 pts
Sentence Fluency (smooth flow and rhythm—easy to read)
/10 pts
Word Choice (specific and descriptive details that appeal to the senses)
/10 pts
Voice (enthusiastic and positive attitude)
/10 pts
Conventions (spelling, punctuation, grammar, etc.)
/10 pts
Presentation
/10 pts


Typed or neat legible and professional final draft
Cover page with the following: essay title, student name, ELA teacher,
date submitted, appropriate visual
Final Mark
/100
HUNGER GAMES
ESSAY TOPICS
Students are to choose ONE of the following statements to compose a five-paragraph essay.
1. Discuss Katniss's greatest strengths in the games? What skills did she have entering the games and how
did they help her achieve success? Discuss at least (3) specific examples in your essay response.
2. Is Haymitch a good mentor to Katniss and Peeta? Keep in mind that Haymitch was the winner of an earlier
Hunger Games. Discuss at least three (3) specific strategies he devised for the tributes of District 12 and tell
whether they were well thought out.
3. Does Katniss truly begin wanting a relationship with Peeta, or is she playing a role to gain a strategic
advantage? Discuss how their relationship strengthens throughout the novel. Do you think this relationship
will last? Explain.
4. Dystopian writing often uses a futuristic society to comment on the values and morals of present-day. What
does The Hunger Games suggest about present-day North America? Discuss three (3) specific concepts or
ideas in your essay.
5. The love story between Katniss and Peeta is central to the novel. How is the love story developed? Do you
think Peeta and Katniss have genuine feelings for each other? Does Katniss have feelings for Gale? Which
partner do you think would be a more suitable match for Katniss? Explain. Use specific examples and
supporting details in your response.
6. How is the theme of sacrifice developed throughout the novel The Hunger Games? Consider the sacrifices
made by characters in their daily lives, as well as sacrifices made by the tributes during The Games.
Discuss at least three (3) examples in your response.
7. The Hunger Games is full of acts of defiance against the Capitol despite the Capitol’s authoritarian
(complete) control over the people of Panem. Discuss a least three (3) major acts of rebellion and the
possible effects these acts may have on the citizens of Panem.
8. There are a variety themes in the Hunger Games associated with main character and narrator, Katniss
Everdeen. Discuss what you think are the three (3) most important lessons the reader can take away from
this novel.
9. The author of the Hunger Games brings up the idea that appearances can be deceiving quite frequently in
the Hunger Games. Discuss this theme with reference to at least three (3) examples in the novel. Why
would the author be concerned about this theme? Explain.
The Writing Process
Brainstorming
1. Consider class discussions, your class notes, and the novel before deciding on a question.
2. Using the following graphic organizer, list as many reasons and pieces of evidence to support your answer.
Remember, you are looking at a 5 paragraph essay, so you need at least 3 reasons to support your stance,
along with evidence to support your claims. At this stage, there are no right or wrong answers – just get your
ideas on paper
INTRODUCTORY PARAGRAPH
1. Opening statement related to your question:


Attention grabbing idea, statement, question, or quotation.
Any definitions if applicable
2.Thesis statement listing at least three major points: (main position/opinion/ideas)

State the topic of the selection and list the three major points that support that your answer
BODY PARAGRAPHS: Major points (ideas, opinions, etc) about your topic and supporting details. Three major
points (events, examples, etc.) from the text are used to support the thesis. Each event becomes a paragraph with
supporting details of the event.
1st Body Paragraph:
Topic Sentence:
Supporting Detail:
2nd Body Paragraph
Topic Sentence:
Supporting Detail:
3rd Body Paragraph
Topic Sentence:
Supporting Detail:
Concluding Paragraph: (Re-state the topic of the essay by re-phrasing the information in your introduction,
summarize the main points of the essay using different words, and include new insights into the main points
discussed in your essay. Do not introduce ideas that you have not dealt with in your essay.
Drafting Essay: 1st draft
1.
2.
3.
4.
Begin writing your draft following the basic ideas in your outline
Don’t try to edit at this point—just keep writing until you finish the assignment
You will have a chance to add ideas in the second draft
Get your 1st draft signed by your Language Arts teacher.
Revising and Editing Stage:1st Draft
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Read your draft aloud to yourself and make adjustments.
Trade papers and ask your editing partner to read your draft aloud.
Get an editing partner to check your draft.
Ask your partner to underline possible misspellings and confusing parts, etc.
Fill out the editing sheets for your partner’s paper.
Check the underlined areas and make changes.
Now, work on your own to decide where you will make changes in your writing, including:









stronger supporting evidence
Adding specific/descriptive details
Crossing out parts that are not needed
Changing words that do not sound right
Adding descriptive words
Using different sentence patterns
Arranging the sentences in the best possible order
Checking to see if your writing brings the subject to life
Checking the conventions (spelling, punctuation, grammar) that you and your partner discussed
Final Draft:
Write or print your final draft.
Create a cover page that includes the following:
 essay title,
 student name,
 ELA teacher,
 date submitted,
 appropriate visual
3. Submit a cover page, final copy, and attached draft and checklists.
1.
2.
Editing Checklist Drafts # 1
Author:______________________
Editor:_____________________________
Questions I Can Ask to Help Me Revise and Edit/Proofread
Content:




YES
NO


Did I answer the question or discuss the topic completely? Does my answer
make sense?
Did I include a thesis statement (my position or opinion)?
Did I discuss at least three (3) main points in each body paragraph?
Did I support the main points with details and examples from the play?

Organization:












Is the introduction interesting— it captures attention?
Did I state my opinion/thesis?
Did I address each main point in a body paragraph?
Are my ideas in logical order—easy to follow and understand?
Did I use transitional expressions to link ideas and paragraphs?
Did I conclude with a summary of the thesis and main points of the essay?
Or




Did I conclude with an interesting final insight/thought about the ideas discussed
in the essay?
Sentence Fluency:






 

 






There are a variety of sentence types
There are a variety of sentence lengths—long and stretchy and some are short
and snappy.
Sentence beginnings are varied.
Sentences are linked using transitional expressions.
The writing has a smooth flow and a natural rhythm—it’s very easy to read
aloud.
Voice:


Does my writing showing how I feel about the subject?
Does my writing bring the subject to life?
Word Choice:



Have I used interesting or creative words?
Have I used words that suit the purpose of the essay?
Have I used figurative language—creating imagery?

Conventions:





Have I used correct spelling?
Have I used correct grammar?
Have I used correct punctuation?
Have I used correct capitalization?
Is my work neat and legible?





 
Peer-Editing Worksheet: Draft #1
Author: ________________________ Editor: ______________________
Answer the following in jot note format.
List the main Ideas in the introduction
How did the author capture the reader's attention? Explain.
Main Idea in body paragraph #1
Main Idea in body paragraph #2
Main Idea in body paragraph #3
Final thoughts in the concluding paragraph
What did you like about this essay? Give at least two specific details.
1.________________________________________________________________________
2. ________________________________________________________________________
What needs improvement? Give at least two specific suggestions
1._______________________________________________________________________
2. ________________________________________________________________________
Alternate Assignments
Representing Assignment : Theme based Collage
Directions: Students are to create a collage, using the medium of their choice (computer
drawn, hand-created, and cut and paste, etc.) detailing one of the many themes found within the
novel The Hunger Games. Student’ presentations will be graded on the choice of images, the
quotations selected from the novel, placement of images and text, design elements (colour,
balance, focal point, etc.) and creativity.
Some examples of themes found in the novel The Hunger Games:










the power of love and self-sacrifice
risk and the struggle for survival
survival of the fittest and self-preservation
the insensitivity of the privileged and powerful
government control and oppression
the influence of mass media and propaganda
the issue of violence and entertainment
the effects of dehumanization
man’s inhumanity to man
appearances can be deceiving (things are not as they appear)
Requirements:
1. Clearly identified theme.




Include six (6) theme related quotations from the novel
Two (2) from Section 1
Two (2) from Section 2
Two (2) from Section 3
2. Minimum of six images related to your theme
3. Minimum size is 8.5 by 14 (Legal Size Paper)
Speaking and Listening Assignment: Last Will & Testament
At the start of the novel, there are 24 tributes representing twelve separate districts. Each tribute
knows that there can only be one victor at the Games and all the other tributes must die in
battle. Therefore, each tribute is required to record a Last Will and Testament that will detail
what happens to everything he or she owns in the event of a death (It dictates who gets what
and when). It also indicates who will be in charge (executor) and what kind of power he/she will
have in the division of personal assets and possessions.
Directions:
1. Choose one of the last 7 remaining tributes




District 2 – Cato & Clove
District 5 – Fox-face
District 11 – Thresh & Rue
District 12 – Katniss & Peeta to represent in your recording.
2. Think about the following:




Personalities traits and special skills
Personal possessions or objects that symbolize their personalities, interests,
talents, and skills.
The special skills associated with their districts ( special symbols, personal items,
etc.)
The individual descriptions and personal details described in the novel.
3. Write a rough draft detailing the following points:
a) Name a person to act as the executor (someone to represent your character) and
a trustee.
b) The executor will probably be a spouse, child, or trusted relative as this person
usually responsible for carrying out your instructions.
c) The executor ensures that your possessions go the right people and he/she is
also responsible for making sure your debts are paid off.
d) Make a list of all personal property your character may have and name the
person/ persons (beneficiaries) who will inherit each item.
e) Decide if the beneficiaries will get all the items at once or will they receive them
over a specified time period.
f) Give a personal message to those you have left behind.
4. Record your Last Will and Testament using the audacity program or some
other recording device. (Cell phone apps, etc.)
5. Send your project to your teacher or post to the Student Shared folder
marked