Speak - Weebly

Name: ____________________ Block: ____

Speak

Laurie Halse Anderson

You will use this packet as you read Speak. You are responsible for responding to the questions and completing the activities included in this packet on your own.

FIRST MARKING PERIOD

Welcome to Merryweather High 1. What is Melinda's mood as the book begins? As you read the first section of Speak, list reasons why you believe she might be feeling this way.

2. What grade is Melinda in?

3. Melinda says, "I am clanless." What is a clan? What does she mean by saying that she is clanless?

4. Melinda uses the metaphor of a "wounded zebra" to describe the society of her high school. Based on her use of this metaphor, how does she feel about entering high school?

Spotlight 5. Why do you think Melinda has such difficulty speaking to Mr. Neck when he confronts her during lunch?

6. On page 9, Melinda says, "It is easier not to say anything... All that crap you head on TV about communication and expressing feelings is a lie. Nobody really wants to hear what you have to say." Do you agree with her? Why or why not?

Sanctuary 7. Describe Melinda's art class. What is the room like? What is her teacher, Mr. Freeman, like?

8. How might Mr. Freeman's last name work on a symbolic level in Speak?

Home. Work. 9. How might the white couch symbolic of Melinda's personality?

10. Describe Melinda's room. What does her bedroom suggest about her character?

Burrow 11. How does Melinda use the neglected janitor's closet? Why does she need this room?

Devils Destroy 12. What new information is revealed about Melinda's past? Why has Melinda been made an Outcast?

The Opposite of Inspiration is... Expiration? 13. Why is Melinda painting nearly dead trees? How might the trees she creates be symbolic?

Acting 14. Melinda says that she is "getting better at smiling when people expect it" (32). What does this thought say about her inner struggle?

The Marthas 15. Who are the Marthas? What are they known for?

Nightmare 16. Why does Melinda list categories on her report card that are not traditional classes?

SPEAK VOCABULARY--GROUP 1

DIRECTIONS: Fill in the blanks below with the correct vocabulary term from the word bank. You may use any medium you wish to look up the definition of each term.

Burrow Inconspicuous

Demerit Indoctrination

WORD BANK Errant

Pseudo

Floundering Sanctuary

Inciting Wan

1. I don't have time to answer. The lights are dim and the _____________________ of principles begins.

2. My first class is biology. I can't find it and get my first _____________________. 3. I scan the cafeteria for a friendly face or an _____________________ and discreet corner. 4. Art, a _____________________ and comfortable place, follows lunch, like dream follows

nightmare. 5. Principal Principal spots another _____________________ student in the hall, a stray in the

hall. 6. Rachel's smudging mascara under her eyes to look exhausted and __________________. 7. Just a _____________________-friend, disposable friend. Friend as accessory. 8. My stuffed rabbits inhabit my room, and now I have the closet as a

_____________________ to hide in. 9. And they cheer on our boys, _____________________ them to violence and, we hope,

victory. 10. We are all _____________________, trying to find our clumsy way amid the confusion of

the school.

SECOND MARKING PERIOD

Closet Space 17. What does Melinda do to the mirror in the closet? What do you think could be the symbolic meaning behind her actions?

All Together Now 18. What might be significant about the words Melinda decided to

conjugate for her Spanish homework? Why do you think she chose these particular words?

Job Day 19. Who do you identify with more--Heather or Melinda? Why?

Giving Thanks 20. What is Melinda's home life like? What is her mother like? Her father?

21. Why is cooking Thanksgiving dinner so important to Melinda's mother?

Wishbone 22. How do you think Melinda's art project symbolically reflects her inner thoughts and emotions? Explain you response.

First Amendment, Second Verse 23. Why does Melinda think of David Petrakis as her hero?

Dead Frogs 24. Describe what happens during the frog dissection.

25. Why do you think Melinda responds this way during the dissection?

Word Work 26. What do you think of Hairwoman's teaching techniques? Explain your response.

Rend Round 3 27. Describe Melinda's mother's reaction to her recent behavior--falling grades, sleeping in her closet, cutting her wrists. Do you think this is the best way to handle Melinda's actions?

Can It 28. Why does Melinda call Andy Evans "IT"?

Dark Art

29. Like Melinda, Mr. Freeman uses his art to express his innermost thoughts and emotions. Why do you think he has stopped working on his canvas?

30. How does Melinda's second quarter report card compare with her first quarter grades?

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