Focus On Reading: The Outsiders:grades 4-6 (Focus on Reading)

The questions inside

One per chapter, across all 12 chapters — every question is editable before you print.

1. Chapter 1: How does Ponyboy describe the differences between the Greasers and the Socs? Why do these differences matter to the story?
2. Chapter 2: What does Ponyboy learn about Cherry at the movies? How does this change the way he thinks about Socs?
3. Chapter 3: Ponyboy says, “Things are rough all over.” What do you think this means, and how does it connect to the characters in this chapter?
4. Chapter 4: Why do you think Johnny and Ponyboy decide to go to Dally for help? What does this show about Dally’s role in their lives?
5. Chapter 5: How do Ponyboy and Johnny change while they are hiding in the church? Use details from the chapter in your answer.
6. Chapter 6: Why is Johnny’s decision to help rescue the children important? What does it show about his character?
7. Chapter 7: What prediction can you make about Ponyboy’s future after the newspaper calls him a hero? What clues help you make that prediction?
8. Chapter 8: How does the visit to Johnny in the hospital make Ponyboy and Two-Bit feel? What does this scene show about friendship?
9. Chapter 9: Why do the Greasers care so much about the rumble? Do you think winning will really solve their problems? Explain your opinion.
10. Chapter 10: The word “shock” can mean a strong upset feeling after something terrible happens. How does Ponyboy show that he is in shock in this chapter?
11. Chapter 11: How does Randy act when he visits Ponyboy? What does his visit show about how his feelings have changed?
12. Chapter 12: What theme, or big message, do you think Ponyboy wants readers to understand by the end of the story? Use an example from the book.

Example answers

Printed at the front of the booklet, so your reader can see what a strong answer looks like.

Chapter 2: What does Ponyboy learn about Cherry at the movies? How does this change the way he thinks about Socs?

I think Ponyboy learns that Cherry is not just a rich Soc girl. She has feelings and problems too, even if her life looks easier. This changes Ponyboy because he starts to see that Socs are real people, not just enemies. It helps him understand that people can be different but still share some of the same feelings.

Chapter 6: Why is Johnny’s decision to help rescue the children important? What does it show about his character?

Johnny’s choice is important because he could have run away, but he went into the burning church to help the kids. This shows that he is brave and caring. Even though Johnny is often scared, he still does the right thing when it matters. I think this makes him a true hero.

Chapter 12: What theme, or big message, do you think Ponyboy wants readers to understand by the end of the story? Use an example from the book.

I think Ponyboy wants readers to understand that judging people by their group is wrong. The Greasers and Socs seem very different, but characters like Cherry and Randy show that everyone has struggles. Ponyboy also learns that telling his story might help others feel less alone. The message is to look for the person inside, not just the label.