The Maze Runner

The questions inside

One per chapter, across all 62 chapters — every question is editable before you print.

1. When Thomas wakes up in the dark box, what details help you understand how confused and scared he feels?
2. What do you learn about the boys in the Glade when Thomas first meets them, and how do they treat him?
3. The word Glade means an open space. Why do you think the boys use this word for the place where they live?
4. Why are rules important in the Glade, and what might happen if the boys did not follow them?
5. What is your first opinion of Chuck? What does he do that makes you feel that way?
6. How do the huge Maze doors change the mood of the story when they close for the night?
7. Thomas remembers almost nothing about himself. What do you predict he will discover about his past?
8. How would you describe Gally in these early chapters? Use details from his words or actions.
9. The Gladers use many made-up slang words. How does their special language make the Glade feel like its own world?
10. What jobs do the boys have in the Glade, and why does each job seem important?
11. Would you want to be a Runner if you lived in the Glade? Explain your reasons.
12. What happens when Ben attacks Thomas, and what does this event show about life in the Glade?
13. Fear is a big part of the story so far. How do different characters handle fear in different ways?
14. What do Alby’s choices during Ben’s punishment tell you about him as a leader?
15. A girl arrives with a strange message saying she is the last one. What questions does this raise for you?
16. Why is Thomas so interested in the girl, even before he fully understands who she is?
17. The Changing sounds painful and frightening. What do you think this word means in the story, based on what characters say?
18. Thomas often feels a strong pull toward the Maze. What does this show about his personality?
19. What do Minho and Alby find in the Maze, and why is this discovery so surprising?
20. What do you predict the dead Griever might mean for the Gladers and their future?
21. Why does Thomas run into the Maze after Minho and Alby, even though he knows it is against the rules?
22. Do you think Thomas made the right choice by breaking the rule and entering the Maze? Why or why not?
23. How does Minho react when things seem hopeless in the Maze, and what does that show about him?
24. What plan does Thomas use to help protect Alby during the night in the Maze?
25. How do Thomas and Minho work together to survive the Grievers?
26. After surviving a night in the Maze, how does Thomas seem different to the other Gladers?
27. What consequences does Thomas face for going into the Maze, and why do the leaders think consequences matter?
28. Do you think the Keepers treat Thomas fairly after he survives the Maze? Explain your thinking.
29. Why does Thomas want to become a Runner so badly, and what does this goal reveal about him?
30. How do Newt and Minho support Thomas, even when other boys do not trust him?
31. What strange things happen with the girl, and how do they make the mystery deeper?
32. The girl says that everything is going to change. What do you think the word change means for the Gladers now?
33. How do the Gladers react when their normal life starts to break apart, and what does this show about them?
34. What does Thomas learn during his first Runner training, and why is the job harder than he expected?
35. What kind of teacher is Minho? Give examples of how he trains Thomas.
36. Why are the maps so important, and what do they show about the Gladers’ patience and hard work?
37. What do you predict the Cliff or the Griever Hole might have to do with escaping the Maze?
38. How does Thomas and Teresa’s unusual way of communicating affect their relationship?
39. What changes in the sky or weather make the Gladers realize their world is no longer working the same way?
40. How would you feel if the safe routines in your home suddenly stopped working like they do in the Glade?
41. The Gladers search for a code in the maps. What does the word code mean, and why might a code be useful?
42. What happens when supplies stop coming, and how does this make the situation more dangerous?
43. Where do you see hope in the story, even when the Gladers are facing serious problems?
44. Gally gives a warning about Thomas. Why might some Gladers believe him, and why might others not believe him?
45. What pattern do the Grievers begin to follow, and how does it change the choices the Gladers must make?
46. What do you predict the Gladers will do to stop the Grievers from taking one of them each night?
47. Why does Thomas decide to get stung on purpose, and what does this show about his bravery?
48. What memories or clues does Thomas gain after going through the Changing?
49. What does the story suggest about truth when characters learn that some of their memories were hidden from them?
50. The name WICKED sounds frightening, but the phrase says it is good. What do you think this confusing name might mean?
51. How do the code words help the Gladers understand what they need to do next?
52. What is your opinion of the escape plan through the Griever Hole? Is it smart, risky, or both?
53. How does Teresa help the group as they prepare to escape?
54. What do the Gladers do on the night before the escape, and how do these actions build suspense?
55. Who do you predict will show the most courage during the escape, and why?
56. What happens when the Gladers fight their way through the Maze, and how do they help one another?
57. How does Chuck show bravery near the end of the story?
58. What does Chuck’s choice to save Thomas teach about friendship and sacrifice?
59. What do Thomas and the others learn about the people who created the Maze?
60. Do you think it was right for the Creators to test children in such a dangerous way? Explain your opinion.
61. How does Thomas react after the escape, and why are his feelings so complicated?
62. After the ending, what do you predict will happen next to Thomas, Teresa, and the other Gladers?

Example answers

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

Why does Thomas run into the Maze after Minho and Alby, even though he knows it is against the rules?

I think Thomas runs into the Maze because he cannot just watch Minho and Alby get trapped outside. He is scared, but he also feels that helping people is more important than protecting himself. This shows that Thomas is brave and acts quickly in a crisis. Even though he breaks a rule, his reason is to save lives.

What happens when supplies stop coming, and how does this make the situation more dangerous?

When supplies stop coming, the Gladers cannot count on food and tools the way they used to. I think this makes everyone feel more worried because their whole system depends on those supplies. It also means they may not be able to stay in the Glade much longer. The danger feels bigger because they have fewer choices.

What does Chuck’s choice to save Thomas teach about friendship and sacrifice?

Chuck’s choice teaches me that real friendship can mean putting someone else first. He saves Thomas even though it costs him everything. This moment made me feel sad because Chuck was young and kind. It also shows that he was much braver than he seemed at the beginning.