The Outsiders: Chapter 1
1. Write your heading on this sheet.
2. Think about it. What kinds of things have helped you decide what kind of person you want to
be? (Make a bulleted list.)
3. You will read/listen to chapter 1 of The Outsiders. A class set of chapter 1 has been provided
so that everyone can read along right now. Please do not write on these pages.
As you read, think about questions and comments you have. Consider these categories:
o Questions- What confuses you?
 Example: Why would ________ (person) __________?
o Reactions- What brings out strong emotions (positive or negative)? What surprises
you, makes you angry, or makes you form strong opinions?
 I was ___________ (emotion) when __________.
o Observations- What patterns do you notice? Why is the character acting this way
again? Why is the author using this word or author’s tool again?
 I think that _______ (person) ________ again because _______ (reason).
 I noticed that the author uses ________ (word/author’s tool) when ________.
TURN OVER PAGE AND COMPLETE THE BACK OF
THIS BEFORE MOVING ON TO STEP 4.
4. Write a one-sentence summary of what happened in this chapter. Be sure to address the
beginning, middle, and end of the chapter.
5. The chapter is not titled. What would be a good chapter for this title based on what happened?
Responding to What You Have Read
Write down 3 comments or questions you have. You DO NOT need to answer them. These
should be genuine, real questions, reactions, or observations you had while reading. In the left
column, write the quote from the book that made you think of it (so that you could find that
page again.) The goal is to write questions that would really encourage discussion later on.
Quote
Question OR Comment
1) Write the quote (textual evidence) from the Write your question or comment. Reminder: These
book that made you think of this question or questions or comments should be your STRONGEST
comment (so that you can have your group 3 that will ENCOURAGE discussion.
turn to this part of the text during discussion).
2) Cite evidence. (Give author credit.)
Example: “Quote” (Smith 5)