Spy school

The questions inside

One per chapter, across all 25 chapters — every question is editable before you print.

1. Chapter 1: What do you learn about Ben Ripley’s normal life before he is recruited, and how does it help you understand him as a character?
2. Chapter 2: Alexander Hale gives Ben a surprising chance to join spy school. What questions would you want answered before making a choice like Ben’s?
3. Chapter 3: How does Ben feel as he leaves his regular life behind, and what character traits does he show during this big change?
4. Chapter 4: What is your first impression of the Academy of Espionage, and how is it different from a regular school?
5. Chapter 5: Choose one spy-related word or phrase from this chapter. What do you think it means, and what clues in the story help you understand it?
6. Chapter 6: How do the other students treat Ben when he first arrives, and how does that affect the way he sees himself?
7. Chapter 7: What clues show that Erica Hale is an excellent spy student, and why do you think Ben notices her so much?
8. Chapter 8: How does the author make the attack on Ben feel exciting or suspenseful? Use details from the chapter in your answer.
9. Chapter 9: After the attack, what prediction can you make about who might be behind it, and what evidence makes you think that?
10. Chapter 10: Ben faces difficult classes and training at spy school. Which challenge seems hardest for him, and how does he handle it?
11. Chapter 11: What do you learn about Alexander Hale in this chapter, and how does it change your opinion of him?
12. Chapter 12: A theme in this story is that courage does not mean never being scared. How does Ben show courage even when he is afraid?
13. Chapter 13: Ben starts to realize that adults may not be telling him everything. What important questions should he be asking now?
14. Chapter 14: The word cover is important in spy stories. What does a cover mean in this chapter, and why would a spy need one?
15. Chapter 15: Which character seems most trustworthy to Ben at this point, and what actions make you think that?
16. Chapter 16: How do Ben and Erica work together to investigate the danger around them, and what strengths does each one bring?
17. Chapter 17: Describe a mistake or risky choice Ben makes. What does he learn from it?
18. Chapter 18: Do you think it is fair for the adults to put Ben in danger as part of a bigger plan? Explain your opinion with reasons.
19. Chapter 19: How does learning more about the enemy raise the stakes for Ben and the other students?
20. Chapter 20: What prediction do you have for how Ben might help stop the enemy, even though he is new to spy school?
21. Chapter 21: Give an example of a skill or lesson from earlier in the book that becomes useful in this chapter. Why does it matter?
22. Chapter 22: How have Ben’s relationships with Erica, Alexander, or other students changed since the beginning of the book?
23. Chapter 23: In a dangerous moment, how does Ben use his brain instead of just strength or fighting skills?
24. Chapter 24: What lesson do you think Ben learns about being a spy and being himself?
25. Chapter 25: After the ending, what do you predict could happen in Ben’s next adventure, and why?

Example answers

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

Chapter 4: What is your first impression of the Academy of Espionage, and how is it different from a regular school?

My first impression is that the Academy of Espionage is exciting but also scary. It is not like a regular school because students are learning spy skills instead of just normal subjects. I think Ben feels amazed because everything is secret and serious. I would be nervous there because mistakes could be dangerous.

Chapter 12: A theme in this story is that courage does not mean never being scared. How does Ben show courage even when he is afraid?

I think Ben shows courage because he keeps going even when he knows he is in danger. He is not the strongest or most experienced person at spy school, but he still tries to do the right thing. To me, that makes him brave in a realistic way. Courage means acting even when your stomach feels scared.

Chapter 24: What lesson do you think Ben learns about being a spy and being himself?

I think Ben learns that being a spy is not only about fighting or looking cool. He finds out that his intelligence, quick thinking, and honesty can help him survive. I like that he does not have to become exactly like everyone else to be useful. He can be a good spy by using the strengths he already has.