tears of a tiger · 2018-01-11 · tears of a tiger teacher’s resource packet page 3 of 25...

of 28

Last Revised 6/10/14

2014-2015 English Language Arts, Grade 10

Tears of a Tiger

Student Documents

Second Semester

The mission of the Richmond County School

System is to educate students to become lifelong

learners and productive citizens.

Tears of a Tiger Teacher’s Resource Packet

of 25

Tears of a Tiger By Sharon M. Draper

A story of Realistic Fiction


of 25

Pre-reading Activity

Directions: Think about the words below. Free write for at least

three minutes about each word. Use extra paper if necessary. Be

prepared to share your thoughts with your classmates.

1. suicide

2. DWI

3. friendship

4. family

5. depression

6. discrimination


of 25

Pages 1-22 Vocabulary & Discussion Guide

Vocabulary

Fiery (1)

Weaving (1)

Frantically (2)

Raggedy (4)

Stunted (16)

Infinite (16)

Discussion Questions (Use your own paper to answer questions)

1. What does the newspaper article report in the first chapter?

2. Why do you feel the author chooses to begin the novel this way? How

does that affect your opinion of the novel?

3. What are the four friends going to do after the game? Why?

4. Who does not drink alcohol? Why?

5. Which member of the team decides to go home after the game

instead of going with the guys? If you were this person, and you

learned of the accident, what would be your first reaction?

6. Who calls Keisha to inform her about the accident?

7. Why does Keisha assume that it was Andy involved in the accident?

8. Who was the only person admitted to the hospital?

9. Who had the most to drink, according to Tyrone?

10. How was Rob positioned in the car?

11. Why did B.J. sit behind Rob?

12. Who was the first to escape from the car?

13. Who did Rob call to for help? Why?


of 25

14. Why does B.J. decide to go back to church? Would most people react

this way? Why or Why not?

15. What is ironic about Andy being appointed as the new team captain

for the basketball team? Who can we infer appoints Andy to this new

position?

Journal: Respond to one of the two prompts (Use your own paper to

answer questions)

1. Tears of a Tiger begins with a tragic accident--a fatal car crash

caused by drinking and driving. The story is then told from the point

of view of the group of friends involved. How does this method of

telling the story affect the reader's response? What advantages and

disadvantages does this method of narrative offer?

2. Many teenagers drink and then drive with no thought of the

consequences. How is Andy like many young people today? How is he

different? What makes this book more than just a moral warning to

young readers about alcohol and vehicles?


of 25


Vocabulary

Proceeded (25)

Miscellaneous (26)

Recuperated (26)

Ordeal (26)

Revoked (27)

Privileges (28)

Forfeited (28)

Clogged (34)


1. How does everyone treat Andy after the accident occurs?

2. How is Andy dealing with the tragedy? Do you agree or disagree with

his method of coping?

3. Who was Rob closest to out of the three boys?

4. What could Andy have done to avoid the accident? What about the

others?

5. Why did Andy cry when he was in court?

6. What sentence did the judge give to Andy? Does Andy think the

sentence was fair? What sentence do you think Andy should have

received?

7. What sentence did the judge give to Andy? Does Andy think the

sentence was fair? What sentence do you think Andy should have

received?

8. How does Rhonda feel about grief counselors who visit the school?

Why do you think she feels this way?

9. Who is Rhonda dating?


of 25

10. Why does Gerald hate peanut butter?

11. What are the things that Gerald says a five-dollar bill can buy? Why

does Gerald mention these things? What does this suggest about

Gerald’s home life?

Debate: (Use your own paper to answer questions)

Do you believe that the punishment Andy received fit the crime he

committed? Write 4-6 sentences on why or why not.

_________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________


of 25


Vocabulary

Assuming (35)

Psychic (39)

Affected (42)

Cotillions (46)

Affirmative action (47)

Rebellious (48)


1. Why is Andy late to the basketball game?

2. Who has replaced Rob as captain on the basketball team?

3. Do you feel that Andy should take the place of Rob as both team captain

and as center? How do you think this affects Andy?

4. Why do you think Andy played better than ever for his first game back?

Does this indicate that Andy is moving past his feelings of guilt? Why or

Why not?

5. How does the author let you know that Andy is unhappy with his

parents?

6. How would you describe Andy’s coach as a person? Do you think he helps

Andy?

7. What impresses Andy about Dr. Carrothers?

8. Why does Andy feel that Rob wouldn’t blame him for the accident?

9. Why do you think Andy says he is not a killer? Do you think he really

believes this? Why?

10. Why do you think Andy didn’t want to role play with Dr. Carrothers?

11. How does Andy describe his parents to Dr. Carrothers? Explain.


of 25

12. How does Andy feel about his brother, Monty? Is he concerned about

Monty? Why?

Debate: Blame (Use your own paper to answer questions)

Who is most at fault for the accident? Andy, who drove and was the

drunkest, Rob, who got the alcohol, Tyrone, who participated in drinking; or

B.J., who was sober. Write 5-6 sentences.

_________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________


of 25

Pages 50-70 Vocabulary and Discussion Guide

Vocabulary

Righteous (51)

Tantrums (51)

Expectations (55)

Potential (57)

Frustration (59)

Dense (69)


1. Why is Andy finally in a good mood?

2. How is Andy reacting to Keisha not spending enough time with him?

Do you think his reaction is fair or unfair? Why?

3. What is happening to Andy’s grades? Why?

4. How did Gerald get that scar on his face?

5. What excuse does Andy give for not making straight A’s?

6. According to Andy, how does his dad communicate with him?

7. Why doesn’t Andy talk to the guidance counselor at school? If you

were in a situation like Andy’s would you talk to someone at school? If

so, who? Do you feel that the people at school would be there to help

you?

8. Why do you think Keisha is frustrated with Andy?

9. Describe the poem that Andy wrote. How does it make you feel? How

do you think Andy felt when he wrote it?

10. Why do you think Andy doesn’t turn in the poem he wrote?


of 25

Analyze and Opinion: What does Dr. Carrothers mean when he states, “It’s

like the system is set up so you don’t succeed”? Do you agree or disagree

with his statement? Why?

_________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________


of 25


Vocabulary

Commodities (72)

Looted (73)

Phony (74)

Cynical (74)

Cinder (84)

Stereotypes (86)


1. Why is Christmas so tough for Andy to deal with?

2. Why did Andy feel like he and Rob were being watched at the store?

3. How does Andy feel about his relationship with Keisha?

4. What spoils Christmas Day for Andy? Would this spoil your day? What

could Andy do to make this situation better?

5. Why is Andy cynical about Christmas?

6. How does Andy feel about his teacher, Ms. Blackwell?

7. How does Gerald react to the poem, “One Thousand Nine Hundred and

Sixty-Eight Winters”?

8. What is the teacher’s reasoning for using references of black and

white in poetry? What other colors are mentioned in the story to show

something else (symbolism)?

9. Why would Andy wonder if Rob’s feet were cold like his own?


of 25


Vocabulary

Hypnotized (90)

Verbalize (92)

Traumatic (92)

Grieving (93)

Eternity (101)


1. How did the winter weather reflect Andy’s emotional state?

2. Character Analysis: In what ways is Andy out of touch with reality?

3. Infer: Why would the retaining wall seem bigger than it really is on

the night of the accident?

4. How does Dr. Carrothers respond when Andy says, “It seems like bein’

dead is the only way I’ll ever feel alive again”?

5. What does Dr. Carrothers suggest Andy do in place of contemplating

suicide?

6. What does Andy tell Keisha he sees in his future? What event does

this foreshadow?

7. Why does Monty sleep with the light on?

8. Infer: Why would Andy feel that it would be a nightmare to be in a

rich white neighborhood after midnight?

9. Character Analysis: Why does Andy dream of Rob blaming him for

his death?

10. What does Rob’s family have that Andy believes his family doesn’t

have?


of 25

Pages 106-122 Vocabulary and Discussion Questions

Vocabulary

Wretched (106)

Morality (106)

Degeneration (106)

Inevitable (106)

Deterioration (107)

Inhibitions (120)


1. Why does Ms. Blackwell think that Macbeth’s death was inevitable?

How does Macbeth’s emotional state compare to Andy’s emotional

state?

2. Why did Andy run out of his English class?

3. Why does Andy get so upset when B.J. and Tyrone bring up Rob’s name

at lunch?

4. What hints do Tyrone and B.J. receive from Andy that tells them he

is not able to handle the pain and pressure?

5. What happens when Andy’s friends try to talk to the counselor about

Andy?

6. Why would Andy hide the truth about his dreams, his failing grades,

and his depression from Dr. Carrothers?

7. Do you feel that Dr. Carrothers was right to end Andy’s weekly visits

so quickly? Why or Why not?

8. Why does Keisha believe that friends can survive anything? Do you

have the same attitude about your friends? Why?


of 25

9. Why does Ms. Blackwell call Andy’s parents? How does Andy’s father

react to Ms. Blackwell’s call? Is this wise? Do parents often overlook

what is really happening with their children? Justify your answer.

.


of 25


Vocabulary

Hilarious (127)

Magnificent (132)

Bombard (132)

Daggers (134)


1. Infer: Why is Andy upset that Monty only likes blond-haired girls?

2. Why did Monty put tears on his picture of a tiger?

3. Infer: Why would Monty compare Andy to a tiger?

4. What types of comments do the teachers make in “Hidden Openings”?

(Responses will vary)

5. How have Keisha’s feelings changed about dating Andy?

6. Why does Keisha feel that it is time to break up with Andy?

Comparison: (Use your own paper to answer questions)

What do you know of Hazelwood High School from the descriptions given in

the text? How would you describe the building itself, the teachers, the

students, the administration, the "feel" of the school? Compare and contrast

our high school culture to that of the one in this book.

_________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________


of 25


Vocabulary

Crept (139)

Revelation (139)

Resilient (139)

Reprehensible (149)

Detriment (150)

Assimilate (153)


1. Why didn’t Andy’s mom come to see him host the talent show?

2. When talking to his mom, what incident from his childhood does Andy

compare his pain to? Do you feel that his mom understands what he is

trying to tell her? Why do you feel this way?

3. What is the bad news Coach Ripley has for Andy?

4. Opinion: What do you think is happening to Andy as he continues to hide

his emotional problems and his fears from everyone?

5. What reason does Andy’s father give for calling him “Andrew”?

6. Opinion: Do you feel Andy’s father did the right thing by approaching

Andy in the manner he did? Why or why not?


of 25


Vocabulary

Adviser (156)

Soul (157)

Fatal (160)

Instinct (163)

Ancestors (163)

Tufts (164)


1. Why does Andy suddenly feel the need to talk to someone?

2. Why won’t Andy talk to Dr. Carrothers’ associate, Dr. Kelly?

3. How is a caged tiger similar to Andy at this time?

Describe Andy's gradual deterioration. Discuss all of the factors that

contributed to Andy's suicide. Could Andy's death been prevented? How?

What are the reactions of Andy's friends to his death and how do those

reactions clarify that life is always a better solution than death?

_________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________


of 25


Vocabulary

Disposition (166)

Summoned (167)

Bitter (168)

Severity (169)

Triumphed (169)

Envied (174)

Shattered (175)

Irritable (178)


1. Who was the first to notice that something was wrong at Andy’s

house?

2. Why does Tyrone say that Andy was stupid?

3. Who believes Andy is a coward for his actions?

4. Why is Gerald angry at Andy?

5. What has Marcus learned from this experience?

6. What will Rhonda never be able to forget?

7. What does B.J. say has kept him sane all of this time?

8. What is B.J.’s tone in his prayer about Andy?

9. What has changed in Andy’s family now that he is gone?

10. Infer: What is one thing Monty says he will miss about Andy?


of 25

Analyze: Choose two of the following and complete a detailed explanation

for both: (Use your own paper to answer questions)

1. What do the poems and essays written by the various students

reflect about their lives and personalities? Why are the poems and

essays an easy way to explain complicated feelings? How can self-

expression be used as a tool for helping or healing?

2. The teenagers in the novel are honest, realistic, and able to express

themselves comfortably to each other and to the adults around them.

Do teenagers speak two "languages"-- one for themselves and one for

adults? Discuss.

3. Many people have asked the author why Andy was allowed to die at the

end of the novel. What would have been the effect on the novel if

Andy had lived?

4. Why is tragedy more memorable and more powerful than happiness in

a novel?

5. What is the effect of Monty's final words to Andy in the last

chapter?


of 25

Online Resources

www.cpsb.org/resources/cbt/CBT_06.../tears_tiger_tiger_guide.doc

http://www.webenglishteacher.com

http://www.novel-ties.com/tears-of-a-tiger-a-novel-ties-study-guide

https://www.docstoc.com/search/tears-of-a-tiger

Online Resources for Projects www.sites.rochester3a.net/nationenglish/lesson...plan.../tears-of-a-tiger-

project

www.schooltube.com/video/a72231f3e46f41efb1b9

www.nlhs.lincoln.k12.nc.us/download.

www.scratch.mit.edu/projects/LukeTB/2201286

www.teacherweb.com/MS/JeffersonCountyJrHigh/Gaines/TOAT-

Booklet.doc

www.pebblebrookhigh.typepad.com/files/genre-ideas.doc

Video Links to Show before and after

Reading Tears of a Tiger Before:

San Diego Sheriff’s Department Start Smart Video

http://vimeo.com/25846521

After:

Every 15 Minutes 2008, “Shattered Dreams”


http://www.cpsb.org/resources/cbt/CBT_06.../tears_tiger_tiger_guide.doc

http://www.webenglishteacher.com/

http://www.novel-ties.com/tears-of-a-tiger-a-novel-ties-study-guide

https://www.docstoc.com/search/tears-of-a-tiger

http://www.sites.rochester3a.net/nationenglish/lesson...plan.../tears-of-a-tiger-project

http://www.sites.rochester3a.net/nationenglish/lesson...plan.../tears-of-a-tiger-project

http://www.schooltube.com/video/a72231f3e46f41efb1b9

http://www.nlhs.lincoln.k12.nc.us/download

http://www.scratch.mit.edu/projects/LukeTB/2201286

http://www.teacherweb.com/MS/JeffersonCountyJrHigh/Gaines/TOAT-Booklet.doc

http://www.teacherweb.com/MS/JeffersonCountyJrHigh/Gaines/TOAT-Booklet.doc

http://www.pebblebrookhigh.typepad.com/files/genre-ideas.doc




of 25

Student’s Name: ______________________________Date: ____________________

Title: ________________________________ Author: _________________________

1. Did you feel like you were part of the story? Yes No

Explain your answer.

2. Were you able to guess what was going to happen at the end? Yes No

Explain your answer.

3. What do you think was the best part of the story?

4. What was the main problem in the story?

5. What was the character’s goal?

6. How was the problem solved? (Resolution/Solution)

Conflict List (Check one or more)

Character vs. Nature

Character vs. Self

Character vs. Society

Character vs. Character


of 25

Question Frames for Developing Higher-Level

Directions: Choose a question frame from each question level in order to

develop five questions based on your reading selection. Use these questions

for review or to share in class for discussion.

Recall: What is ____________________________________________________________?

Define ______________________________________________________________.

Identify the __________________________________________________________.

Who did _____________________________________________________________?

Analysis: What is the main idea ___________________________________________________?

List the main events of __________________________________________________.

What are the parts of a _________________________________________________?

What is the topic of ____________________________________________________?

Comparison: Compare the characters in ________________________________________ to the

characters in __________________________________________________________.

What is the difference between __________________ and _____________________?

Inference: What do you think will happen next in the ____________________________________?

What is the main conclusion from __________________________________________?

Predict what _____________________________________________________ will do.

What would happen if ___________________________________________________?

Evaluation: What is your opinion of __________________________________________________?

What is the best solution to the problem of ___________________________________?

Evaluate the writing of __________________________________________________.

Defend your opinion about ________________________________________________.


of 25

Question Starters

Student’s Name:

____________________________________________________________________

Directions: Use the key words on the right column in order to develop questions related to

your reading selection.

Type of question

Recall: who, what, list, repeat, identify, name,

when, define

Analysis:

summarize, categorize, divide, separate

Comparison:

differentiate, compare, contrast

Inference:

predict, conclude, what if, anticipate, infer

Evaluation:

judge, defend, prove, assess, evaluate


of 25

Student’s Name:

_____________________________________________________________

Book Title:

Where did it happen?

When did it happen?

Who are the most important

people or animals?

What was wrong?

What was the problem?

What happened first?

Next? Then what happened?

How did they solve the problem?