The Unteachables

Use these essay questions as writing and critical thinking exercises for all levels of writers, and to build their literary analysis skills by requiring textual references throughout the essay.

Differentiation Suggestion: For English learners or struggling writers, strategies that work well include graphic organizers, sentence frames or starters, group work, or oral responses.

Scaffolded Essay Questions

Student Prompt: Write a short (1-3 paragraph) response using one of the bulleted outlines below. Cite details from the text over the course of your response that serve as examples and support.

1. The kids’ vuvuzela heist is punished with suspension, but it also deepens the relationship between Mr. Kermit and the class.

• Do the students make the correct decision to steal the vuvuzelas? How so? (topic sentence)
• Explain the intention of the students as they steal the vuvuzelas and describe whether it is right, wrong, or a mix of both. Then discuss the argument from the viewpoint of those who oppose your assessment of the characters’ actions.
• In your concluding sentence or sentences, explain whether the punishment issued for stealing the vuvuzelas is just.

2. Students in Room 117 thrive outside of traditional learning, but core subjects are important to succeeding in school.

• What are the benefits and disadvantages of core (math, English, social studies, and science) and non-core subjects (art, music, electives)? (topic sentence)
• Compare core and non-core subjects. Explain why each is important and explain why you believe some subjects are given less attention.
• In your concluding sentence or sentences, use your knowledge of multiple intelligences to determine what you believe should be taught in schools.

3. In Chapter 11, Mr. Kermit gives a speech suggesting that spirit isn’t something that can be forced or scheduled.

• Is Mr. Kermit correct in his statement? Include a rationale (topic sentence)
• Explain what Mr. Kermit means by his statement. Then explain the extent to which his assessment of school spirit is accurate. Use examples from the novel to support your answer.
• In your concluding sentence or sentences, summarize a strategy that might be the most effective in cultivating support in an institution.

Full Essay Assignments

Student Prompt: Write a structured and well-developed essay. Include a thesis statement, at least three main points supported by text details, and a conclusion.

1. Describe the concept of a bucket-filler and a bucket-dipper. In the text, identify a student you believe is typically a bucket-filler and a student who is typically a bucket-dipper. Compare the two students, the way they view their classmates, and how their actions and thoughts make them a bucket-filler or bucket-dipper. Use specific examples from the novel to support your answer and make a connection to the them Our Decisions Affect Those Around Us.

2. Dr. Thaddeus blames Mr. Kermit for the cheating scandal, even though he knows Mr. Kermit isn’t responsible. Describe the motivations behind Dr. Thaddeus’s actions, other than Mr. Kermit’s pension. What is Dr. Thaddeus’s like? Why does he hold a grudge against Mr. Kermit for something he didn’t do? To what extent does Dr. Thaddeus’s concern for the school inhibit his judgment, and why?

3. Korman’s novel is written from the perspective of several characters who describe their own understanding of the events in Room 117. Why do you think Korman chose to tell the story from multiple character’s viewpoints? How does the reader benefit from multiple viewpoints? What are the disadvantages of multiple viewpoints? Do you believe any of the students’ perspectives to be unnecessary? If so, which and why? How does this relate to the theme There Are Different Kinds of Smart?