The Outsiders Novel Projects
Choose one (1) project from each section and complete by______________.
Completion Rubric (checks) will be used to grade each project.
Choose one from Application: use concepts in new situations
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Pick out 10 significant incidents in the novel. Make a timeline with the incidents and a two-sentence
explanation of why they are significant. Put positive events on the top and negative events on the
bottom.
Draw a character web representing the interconnectedness of members of the greasers and Socs and
the link from both sides to Cherry, Johnny, Two-Bit, Ponyboy, and Randy. Explain how the characters
are linked to each other. (brothers, friends, etc.)
Draw a cartoon of one of your favorite scenes in the book.
On poster board, create a “graffiti” collage featuring at least 5 slang words in the novel. Include actual
meanings and current slang equivalents.
Create a geographic map of key locations in the novel. Include at least 10 sites and illustrate the map.
Choose one from Analysis: break down information into its elements
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Design an award for each main character (choose 6). Write a 2-3 sentences explaining why each
character qualified for that particular award. For example: Rebel of the Year goes to Dally.
Take the Robert Frost poem “Nothing Gold Can Stay” (p. 77) and explain its meanings in relation to the
themes of the novel. Write one paragraph and illustrate your point with a picture you create.
List at least 6 questions an interviewer, ambulance driver, or police investigator might ask the three
greasers who rescued children from the fire. Include inquiries about their background, injuries, and
plans for the future. Also write the responses most likely given by the greasers.
Chart examples of fairness, honor, humiliation, curiosity, loyalty, loss, and immaturity among the
greasers. Include a definition of the word and at least two examples with explanation. For example:
Loyalty means a feeling of devotion, duty, or attachment to somebody or something. Cherry was loyal
to Bob’s memory by not visiting Johnny in the hospital. She felt visiting Johnny would show she
accepted his murder of Bob.
Choose one from Synthesis: put elements together to form a whole that reflects creative thinking
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Add a chapter to the book written from the point of view of Ponyboy, Darry, Sodapop, Mr. Syme,
Jerry, nurse, track coach, reporter, judge, Cherry, Sandy, or Marcia. Conclude the story of the Curtis
family by detailing what happens to each brother after the rumble. It can be set in the near future or
10, 15, 25 years into the future.
Write a five paragraph essay defining the term “outsider” as related to the novel. Express the
alienation that leads to Ponyboy’s errors in judgment. Additionally, apply the word to two other
characters (Darry, Dally, Johnny, Cherry, or Randy). Include supporting examples from the novel.
Write a five paragraph essay discussing the importance of gangs to the Socs and greasers. Include
supporting examples from the novel.
Write a compare and contrast five paragraph essay relating the similarities and differences in the
novel to the movie version. (You could use your graphic organizer for help).