Name: __________________________________
The Outsiders “Are Greasers Kids or Criminals?” Notes
Instructions:
All readers of The Outsiders have to decide if the Greasers are “good kids” or “bad kids”—in other words, are they just
normal, regular, everyday teenagers who generally have good hearts or are they corrupt, heartless criminals?
As you read this novel, I’d like you to find evidence, in the form of quotes, that will support both sides. You should easily fill
up both sides of this paper. We will then have a class debate on the topic. After our debate, you will write a 5-paragraph
argument paper answering the question “Are Greasers Kids or Criminals?”
On this paper then, in list form, you will record examples of Greasers as “good” or “bad” throughout the whole book.
Below and on the back I have listed a couple examples from the first few pages. If you take quality notes, including page
number, your final essay will not only be better, but it will be easier to write. You will be turning these notes in to me, for
points, when you turn in your final essay.
Quotes for “Greasers are just kids”

page 3: “We’re almost as close as brothers; when you grow up in a tight-knit neighborhood like ours you get to know
each other real well.”
Quotes for “Greasers are criminals”
page 3: “Greasers are almost like hoods; we steal things…and hold up gas stations and have a gang fight once in awhile.”