Big Jim Believes Comprehension Questions & Reading Journal

Big Jim Believes questions by chapter

We know the book, its characters, setting and story, but not what happens in each chapter. So every question is written for this book, and any of them works wherever your reader has just stopped. One question per chapter, across all 14 chapters, and every one is editable before you print. The example answers under 3 of the chapters are the ones printed at the front of the booklet.

1. Chapter 1

   So far, what problem seems most important for Big Jim or Dog Man to solve? Explain what makes that problem difficult.

2. Chapter 2

   Which character have you learned the most about in your reading so far? Describe something the character says or does that helps you understand them.

3. Chapter 3

   How does the world of Dog Man mix silly details with serious problems? Choose one detail from your reading and explain how it affects the story.

4. Chapter 4

   What do you think the title Big Jim Believes suggests about being a hero? Connect your idea to what you have read so far.

   Example answer: I think the title suggests that being a hero takes more than strength. The adventure includes a challenge from the Space Cuties From Space, so the heroes need reasons to keep trying. To me, believing in yourself means thinking you can help even when a problem looks hard. I will watch for whether Big Jim turns that belief into helpful actions.

5. Chapter 5

   Choose an interesting word from the chapter you just read. What do you think it means, and how do the nearby words or pictures help you figure it out?

6. Chapter 6

   Describe a choice a character makes in your reading so far. What other choice could that character have made, and how might it have changed things?

7. Chapter 7

   What have you learned so far about the Space Cuties From Space or another challenge facing the heroes? Explain which details seem most important.

8. Chapter 8

   Based on what you know so far, what do you predict Dog Man or Big Jim will need to do next? Explain the clue behind your prediction.

   Example answer: I predict Dog Man will need to work with the other heroes instead of handling everything alone. My clue is that the Space Cuties From Space return and interrupt the celebration. Their arrival makes me think the heroes will need a new plan. Working together could give them more ideas.

9. Chapter 9

   Where do you notice confidence or doubt in a character so far? Explain how that feeling affects the character's actions.

10. Chapter 10

    How do the pictures help you understand something that the words alone might not explain? Describe an example from the chapter you just read.

11. Chapter 11

    When has a character's behavior made you think about honesty or doing the right thing? Explain your thinking using your reading so far.

12. Chapter 12

    Would you rather have Big Jim or Dog Man as a teammate, based on what you know so far? Explain which qualities would make that character helpful.

    Example answer: I would choose Dog Man as my teammate. He is one of the heroes facing the trouble caused by the Space Cuties From Space. I would want a teammate who is willing to face a difficult problem with me. I would also try to help him, because being a good team should go both ways.

13. Chapter 13

    What question would you ask one of the characters right now? Explain what in your reading made you curious about the answer.

14. Chapter 14

    Looking back over your reading so far, which moment best shows what this adventure might teach about believing in yourself? Explain why you chose it.