The Black Pearl

The questions inside

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

1. In Chapter 1, what do you learn about Ramón’s home, his family, and the pearl business? How does the setting help you understand the story?
2. In Chapter 2, Ramón wants to be treated as more than a child. What does he do or think that shows he wants more responsibility?
3. In Chapter 3, Ramón learns more about pearls and the people who dive for them. What dangers or challenges do the pearl divers face?
4. In Chapter 4, how does Ramón’s father influence the choices Ramón makes? Give one example from the chapter.
5. In Chapter 5, the story includes warnings and beliefs about the Manta Diablo. What do these warnings make you predict might happen later?
6. In Chapter 6, why is Ramón drawn to the idea of finding a great pearl? What does this goal show about his character?
7. In Chapter 7, Ramón goes out on the sea with high hopes. What problems does he face, and how does he react to them?
8. In Chapter 8, compare Ramón and the Sevillano. How are their attitudes about diving, danger, or pearls different?
9. In Chapter 9, Ramón finds the black pearl. How does this discovery change the way he sees himself and his future?
10. In Chapter 10, different people react to the black pearl in different ways. What do their reactions show about greed, pride, or faith?
11. In Chapter 11, do you think Ramón should keep the pearl, sell it, or give it away? Explain your opinion using details from the story.
12. In Chapter 12, choose a word such as superstition, omen, or courage. How does that word connect to what happens in this chapter?
13. In Chapter 13, the pearl seems to bring trouble as well as wonder. What do you predict will happen next because of the pearl?
14. In Chapter 14, how does the danger on the sea affect Ramón, his family, or the town? Describe the mood of this chapter.
15. In Chapter 15, Ramón has to face fear and guilt. What does he learn about himself during this part of the story?
16. In Chapter 16, what lesson does this chapter suggest about respecting nature, the sea, or old legends?
17. In Chapter 17, Ramón must make a hard choice about the black pearl. Do you think he makes the right choice? Why or why not?
18. In Chapter 18, how has Ramón changed from the beginning of the book to the end? What is one theme or lesson you think the author wants readers to remember?

Example answers

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

In Chapter 5, the story includes warnings and beliefs about the Manta Diablo. What do these warnings make you predict might happen later?

I predict that the Manta Diablo will become a real danger later in the story. The warnings make the sea seem mysterious and scary, not just beautiful. I think Ramón may ignore the warnings because he wants to prove himself. That could lead him into trouble.

In Chapter 11, do you think Ramón should keep the pearl, sell it, or give it away? Explain your opinion using details from the story.

I think Ramón should give the pearl away because it seems too powerful and dangerous to keep for himself. Many people start acting differently because of the pearl, and it brings worry instead of happiness. If Ramón gives it away, he might show that he cares more about doing the right thing than becoming rich. That would make him seem more mature.

In Chapter 18, how has Ramón changed from the beginning of the book to the end? What is one theme or lesson you think the author wants readers to remember?

At the beginning, Ramón wants to prove that he is brave and important. By the end, he understands that bravery is not just finding treasure or taking risks. I think he learns to respect the sea and to think about the results of his choices. One lesson is that greed can cause harm, but wisdom means knowing when to let something go.