Group+Discussion+Questions

Discussion # 5 ( Chapters 10, 11, & 12)

 * Why do you think Ponyboy has an easier time coping with Dally's death than he does with Johnny's? How does the note make Johnny's death easier for Ponyboy to accept?
 * Do you believe that Ponyboy will "stay gold" or do you think that "nothing gold can stay"
 * Why do you think Ponyboy insists that he is the one who killed Bob? How might this help Pony feel better?

Discussion # 4 (Chapters 7, 8, & 9)

 * Do you think it is realistic that the Socs admit they were to blame for Bob's murder? Why or Why not?
 * Do you think Randy is a coward or a hero? What would you have done in his place and why?
 * The statement "things are tough all over" is used in the novel to break down the social barriers between the Socs and greasers. What other truths might help to break down the barriers between these social groups?

Discussion # 3 Question (Chapters 5 & 6)

 * What do you think motivates Ponyboy and Johnny to save the children in the burning church? Why do you think the author include this event in the story?
 * Ponyboy grudgingly changes his appearance to keep from being recognized. Why is he so reluctant to have his hair cut? How does his image change in both his own eyes and the eyes of others after his hair is cut and bleached?
 * Which force seems to have more control over Pony-the influence of friends and family or the inner desire to be himself? Which forces do you think should be the main influence in his life? Why?

Discussion # 2 Question (Chapters 3-4)

 * Why does Ponyboy drop the broken bottle in the first encounter with the Socs? If there had been a bottle in the park, do you think he would have used it? Why or Why not?
 * Cherry reveals that she is not happy in her role as a Soc. Why is she uncomfortable as a member of this group? Why might Ponyboy say he dislikes being a greaser? How would his dislikes be similar and different from Cherry's?
 * Imagine you are a member of the jury that is to judge Johnny's case. You must decide if Johnny could have rescued Pony and defended himself without using such deadly force. Do you think Johnny is guilty of murder? Why or why not?

Discussion # 1 Question (Chapters 1-2)

 * Why does Ponyboy do his best to stay out of trouble with the police? What is he afraid of losing? Do you think that Ponyboy behaves because he knows it is the right thing?
 * What are the differences between the greasers and the Socs? Why do you think they dislike each other? Do you identify with either group? Why or Why not?
 * Pony thinks that Darry doesn't care for him and mistreats him. But at the end of Chapter 1, Soda says that Darry really loves Pony a lot. What evidence is there for each view? How might the two views be reconciled?

Groups: Post discussion answer in your groups location.


=Discussion Information=

Participating in **interactive** discussions requires balancing the following: Critical Thinking


 * Well-thought through comments requiring
 * careful interpretation of the question/topic
 * formation of responses


 * Precise and succinct postings
 * Mean what you say and say what you mean
 * Keep your word count down … rambling is not effective communication for online discussions
 * As in any conversation, it is not necessary to comment on everything; choose your responses carefully
 * When responding to a classmate's post, please address them by name and end your response with your name(first names only)


 * Postings
 * Timing
 * There are two deadlines
 * Post once in response to the question/topic
 * Post twice in response to your classmates’ responses-do not respond to a classmate's post if it has already been responded to twice.


 * Once you have met the timing deadlines, you are free to respond as often as you like. Please note, though, that //quantity// of posting is not taken into consideration in grading. (See grading rubric below)

NOTE: I suggest that you write your responses in Word first and then post them to the discussion area. This will avoid the loss of information when connectivity to the wiki is lost.

**Assessment Of Discussions**
Critical Thinking


 * Ideas should be well-developed with evidence of analysis, synthesis, and creativity. New ideas should be introduced
 * Responses to peers should further the discussion - use open-ended questions that take the discussion to a deeper level

Timing


 * Deadlines met
 * Directions followed