Into the Wild Comprehension Questions & Reading Journal
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Into the Wild has 18 chapters · 284 pages
In April 1992 a young man from a well-to-do family hitchhiked to Alaska and walked alone into the wilderness north of Mt. McKinley.
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Inside the journal: 18 chapter pages, one question each · 3 example answers · a cover for your reader’s name
Chapter by chapter Each question is about its own chapter.
In Chapter 1, what does Jim Gallien notice about Alex, and why does he worry about him?See all 18 questions ↓
About the book
In April 1992 a young man from a well-to-do family hitchhiked to Alaska and walked alone into the wilderness north of Mt. McKinley. His name was Christopher Johnson McCandless. He had given $25,000 in savings to charity, abandoned his car and most of his possessions, burned all the cash in his wallet, and invented a new life for himself. Four months later, his decomposed body was found by a moose hunter. How McCandless came to die is the unforgettable story of Into the Wild.
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Into the Wild 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 18 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.
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Chapter 1
In Chapter 1, what does Jim Gallien notice about Alex, and why does he worry about him?
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Chapter 2
In Chapter 2, how does the description of the bus and the wilderness help you understand the danger Chris faced?
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Chapter 3
In Chapter 3, what do Wayne Westerberg's memories show about Chris's personality?
Example answer: I think Wayne's memories show that Chris was a hard worker and very smart. He did not act lazy, and he was willing to do difficult jobs. Chris also seemed friendly, but he kept some parts of his life private. This makes me think he wanted people to like him for who he was, not for his family or money.
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Chapter 4
In Chapter 4, Chris leaves his car, gives away money, and changes his plans. What do these choices tell you about what he values?
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Chapter 5
In Chapter 5, Chris tries living and working in Bullhead City. How is this part of his life different from his time in the wilderness?
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Chapter 6
In Chapter 6, how does Chris's friendship with Ronald Franz affect both of them?
Example answer: Chris and Ronald Franz both seem to care about each other. Ronald is lonely, and Chris gives him someone to talk to and care for. Chris also gets kindness and help from Ronald, even though he still wants to keep moving. I think their friendship is important because it shows Chris could touch people's lives deeply.
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Chapter 7
In Chapter 7, why do you think Chris has a hard time staying close to people, even people who care about him?
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Chapter 8
In Chapter 8, the author compares Chris to other adventurers. How does this help you understand Chris better?
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Chapter 9
In Chapter 9, what is a theme, or big idea, you notice in the stories about people who leave ordinary life for the wild?
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Chapter 10
In Chapter 10, people begin to learn who the young man in Alaska really was. How does this change the way the story feels?
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Chapter 11
In Chapter 11, what details from Chris's childhood help explain the kind of person he became?
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Chapter 12
In Chapter 12, Chris learns upsetting things about his family. How might this have changed the way he saw the world?
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Chapter 13
In Chapter 13, what does Carine's point of view help you understand about Chris and his family?
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Chapter 14
In Chapter 14, Krakauer tells a story about his own climb. Why do you think he includes his own experience in a book about Chris?
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Chapter 15
In Chapter 15, Krakauer faces danger while climbing. What lesson about risk can readers learn from this chapter?
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Chapter 16
In Chapter 16, Chris enjoys parts of life at the bus but also makes mistakes. What are some ways he shows both courage and lack of preparation?
Example answer: Chris shows courage because he lives alone in a wild place and tries to find food for himself. He also seems happy when he is close to nature. But he is not fully prepared because he does not have enough supplies or a safe plan for leaving. I think the chapter shows that being brave is not the same as being ready.
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Chapter 17
In Chapter 17, Krakauer visits the place where Chris lived. What new understanding does this visit give the author?
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Chapter 18
In Chapter 18, what do you think the author wants readers to feel or think about Chris's final days?
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How to use this Into the Wild reading journal
At home, as a discussion guide
After each chapter your reader writes a few lines on that chapter’s question. Read the answer together at bedtime: it shows what they understood and gives you something real to talk about, without a quiz.
In class, as a novel study
Print a class set (booklets fold from plain letter paper) and use one question per chapter as the reading-response or literature-circle prompt. The example answers at the front show what a full answer looks like.
Homeschool
One booklet covers the whole book, 18 chapters, so it doubles as the reading log for Into the Wild. Reword any question before printing to match your reader.
Printing
The booklet PDF prints on ordinary 8.5 × 11 paper: print double-sided (flip on the short edge) at 100%, fold the stack in half and staple on the fold. There is also a one-page-per-sheet PDF and A5 binder pages.
Where the questions come from
Each question is about its own 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. The questions were drafted with AI from what is known about the book and checked before publishing; every one is editable before you print.