Shipwreck

The questions inside

One per chapter, across all 18 chapters — every question is editable before you print.

1. Chapter 1: Why is Luke being sent to the sailing program, and how does he feel about it? Use details from the chapter to explain your answer.
2. Chapter 2: What first impressions do you get of the other kids on the boat? Choose one character and describe what you notice about their personality.
3. Chapter 3: The program is called Charting a New Course. What do you think that name means, and how might it connect to the kids’ lives?
4. Chapter 4: How does the captain try to control the kids on the Phoenix? Do you think his rules are fair, too strict, or not strict enough? Explain your opinion.
5. Chapter 5: What problems do the kids face as they begin learning how to work on the boat? How do these problems affect the mood of the story?
6. Chapter 6: Which character seems to have the hardest time adjusting to life at sea so far? Give examples from the chapter to support your thinking.
7. Chapter 7: What do you predict will happen if the kids do not learn to work together? Explain what clues in the story helped you make that prediction.
8. Chapter 8: Choose a sailing or ocean-related word from this chapter. What does it mean, and how does understanding it help you picture the scene?
9. Chapter 9: What lesson about teamwork is starting to appear in the story? Describe one moment that shows this lesson.
10. Chapter 10: How does the setting of the open ocean make the characters’ problems more serious? Use details from the chapter in your response.
11. Chapter 11: Pick one character who surprises you in this chapter. What do they do that is unexpected, and what does it show about them?
12. Chapter 12: If you were on the Phoenix, which character would you trust most in an emergency? Explain your choice with evidence from the story.
13. Chapter 13: What signs show that the situation on the boat is becoming dangerous? How do the characters react to those signs?
14. Chapter 14: How does the storm change the way the kids think and act? Give at least one example from the chapter.
15. Chapter 15: What does this chapter show about courage? Choose one character and explain how they are brave, even if they are scared.
16. Chapter 16: Why is it important for the kids to make quick decisions after the ship is damaged? What might happen if they wait too long?
17. Chapter 17: How have the kids changed from the beginning of the book to this point? Choose one character and describe their growth.
18. Chapter 18: At the end of the book, what questions or worries are left for the characters? What do you predict will happen next?

Example answers

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

Chapter 3: The program is called Charting a New Course. What do you think that name means, and how might it connect to the kids’ lives?

I think Charting a New Course means more than just sailing in a new direction. It also means the kids are supposed to change their behavior and make better choices. Many of them have made mistakes or have problems they need to face. The name fits because the boat trip is like a second chance for them.

Chapter 10: How does the setting of the open ocean make the characters’ problems more serious? Use details from the chapter in your response.

The open ocean makes every problem feel bigger because the kids cannot just leave or get help easily. If something goes wrong on the boat, they are far away from land and have to depend on each other. I think this makes the story more tense. It also shows that the characters have to be responsible, even if they do not want to be.

Chapter 17: How have the kids changed from the beginning of the book to this point? Choose one character and describe their growth.

I think Luke has changed a lot since the beginning. At first, he seemed angry and upset because he felt like he did not belong in the program. By this point, he is thinking more about survival and helping the group. I can tell he is becoming stronger because he does not only focus on himself anymore.