The BFG

The questions inside

One per chapter, across all 15 chapters — every question is editable before you print.

1. In Chapter 1, how does Roald Dahl use the quiet, dark setting to make the beginning of the story feel mysterious or scary?
2. In Chapter 2, what does Sophie see outside the window, and why do you think she has trouble believing her own eyes?
3. In Chapter 3, how does Sophie react when the giant snatches her, and what does her reaction show about her character?
4. In Chapter 4, what details about the giant’s cave help you picture it in your mind? Choose two details and explain why they stand out.
5. In Chapter 5, how is the BFG different from what Sophie first expected a giant to be like?
6. In Chapter 6, what do we learn about the other giants, and how does this make the BFG seem different from them?
7. In Chapter 7, the word “marvellous” means wonderful or amazing. What is marvellous about the BFG’s ears, and how do they help him?
8. In Chapter 8, would you want to taste a snozzcumber? Why or why not? Use details from the chapter in your answer.
9. In Chapter 9, how does the visit from the Bloodbottler create danger and suspense for Sophie and the BFG?
10. In Chapter 10, how does the BFG’s drink, frobscottle, add humor to the story? What does this chapter show about Roald Dahl’s style?
11. In Chapter 11, what do you predict Sophie and the BFG will discover in Dream Country? Explain your prediction using clues from the story.
12. In Chapter 12, how does the BFG catch dreams, and what does this job tell you about his personality?
13. In Chapter 13, why is the trogglehumper important to the BFG’s plan, and how does it connect to the problem of the other giants?
14. In Chapter 14, what message about dreams do you think the author is sharing? Explain your thinking with an example from the chapter.
15. In Chapter 15, Sophie and the BFG begin thinking of a great plan. What strengths does each character bring to solving the problem?

Example answers

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

In Chapter 5, how is the BFG different from what Sophie first expected a giant to be like?

I think Sophie expected the giant to be cruel and hungry like a monster in a nightmare. Instead, the BFG talks to her and seems lonely, gentle, and even a little funny. He does not want to eat people, which makes him very different from the other giants. This shows Sophie that someone can look frightening at first but still have a kind heart.

In Chapter 9, how does the visit from the Bloodbottler create danger and suspense for Sophie and the BFG?

The Bloodbottler makes the chapter suspenseful because he is much bigger and meaner than the BFG. I felt nervous because Sophie has to hide, and if the Bloodbottler finds her, she could be eaten. The BFG also seems scared, which shows how dangerous the other giants are. This scene made me want to keep reading to see if Sophie would stay safe.

In Chapter 15, Sophie and the BFG begin thinking of a great plan. What strengths does each character bring to solving the problem?

Sophie brings bravery and smart ideas to the plan because she wants to stop the giants even though she is small. The BFG brings his knowledge of dreams and his ability to travel in Giant Country. They are very different, but their differences help them work as a team. I think the plan works better because they trust each other.