Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban Comprehension Questions & Reading Journal

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban questions by chapter

We know this book well. Every question asks about something that happens in its chapter, a moment, a choice or a character, without giving away what comes next. One question per chapter, across all 22 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

   In Chapter 1, how does Harry's birthday mail help show that he has people who care about him, even when he is stuck with the Dursleys?

2. Chapter 2

   In Chapter 2, why does Harry lose control with Aunt Marge, and what does this chapter show about his feelings toward his family?

3. Chapter 3

   In Chapter 3, how does the Knight Bus make the wizarding world feel surprising or different from the regular world?

4. Chapter 4

   In Chapter 4, Harry gets to spend time in Diagon Alley before school starts. What does this freedom mean to him, and how does it change his mood?

5. Chapter 5

   In Chapter 5, how do the Dementors affect Harry differently than some of the other students, and what might this tell us about his past?

6. Chapter 6

   In Chapter 6, Professor Trelawney makes a scary prediction about Harry. How do different characters react to fortune-telling, and what do you think about it?

7. Chapter 7

   In Chapter 7, Lupin teaches the class how to face a boggart. What does this lesson show about fear and how people can handle it?

   Example answer: I think this lesson shows that everyone is afraid of something, even brave people. Lupin helps the students see that fear can feel smaller when you face it with help and even humor. The spell works best when they imagine something funny, which changes the way they think about the scary thing. This makes me think that talking about fears can make them easier to handle.

8. Chapter 8

   In Chapter 8, why is the attack on the Fat Lady so frightening to the students and teachers at Hogwarts?

9. Chapter 9

   In Chapter 9, Harry feels upset after the Quidditch match and what happens to his broom. How does he deal with disappointment in this chapter?

10. Chapter 10

    In Chapter 10, what makes the Marauder's Map such an important discovery for Harry, and how could it be helpful or dangerous?

11. Chapter 11

    In Chapter 11, Harry gets a Firebolt, but Hermione worries about it. Do you think Hermione is being a good friend, even though Harry and Ron are angry with her? Why or why not?

    Example answer: I think Hermione is being a good friend because she is trying to keep Harry safe. She knows the broom could be dangerous if it came from someone who wants to hurt him. Even though she does not explain it in the nicest way, her reason is caring. A true friend sometimes says something you do not want to hear if it might protect you.

12. Chapter 12

    In Chapter 12, why is learning the Patronus Charm so difficult for Harry, and what does Lupin do to help him keep trying?

13. Chapter 13

    In Chapter 13, how does Harry's success in the Quidditch match affect his confidence and his friendships?

14. Chapter 14

    In Chapter 14, Snape tries to get Harry in trouble after finding the Marauder's Map. What does this chapter show about the conflict between Harry and Snape?

15. Chapter 15

    In Chapter 15, the Quidditch final is very important to the team. What does winning mean to Harry, and why is it about more than just a game?

16. Chapter 16

    In Chapter 16, Professor Trelawney makes another prediction. How does this moment change the mystery of the story?

17. Chapter 17

    In Chapter 17, the truth about Scabbers begins to come out. How does this change what Harry, Ron, and Hermione thought they knew?

18. Chapter 18

    In Chapter 18, Lupin explains the story of Moony, Wormtail, Padfoot, and Prongs. How does learning about the past help Harry understand the present?

19. Chapter 19

    In Chapter 19, Harry has to decide what should happen to Peter Pettigrew. What does Harry's choice show about the kind of person he is?

    Example answer: Harry's choice shows that he is not cruel, even when he is very angry. Peter Pettigrew helped cause the death of Harry's parents, so Harry has a reason to hate him. But Harry decides that killing him would not be right, and he wants the truth to come out instead. This shows that Harry can make a hard, fair choice instead of just acting from revenge.

20. Chapter 20

    In Chapter 20, the Dementors create a dangerous moment by the lake. What feelings or memories make this scene so powerful for Harry?

21. Chapter 21

    In Chapter 21, Hermione reveals her secret about the Time-Turner. How do Harry and Hermione use courage and careful thinking to change events?

22. Chapter 22

    In Chapter 22, Harry receives hopeful news and a gift of freedom. How does the ending show that Harry's life may be different in the future?