Chapter 8 Reading Response Questions

Read the first half of Chapter 8, "The Queen's Croquet-Ground," and answer the following questions"

1. Why are the gardeners nervous about the Queen's arrival?

2.What is the gardeners' punishment? Is it carried out?

3. Why is the Duchess "under sentence of execution?"

4. What items does one use in a game of croquet? What are they substituted for in Wonderland?

5. How do you think Alice will do at the croquet match? Why?

6. What makes it impossible for the Queen's croquet game to be played fairly?

7. Why does Alice seek to escape the croquet game?

8. Think about the orders the Queen gives and how many of those are carried out. What picture does this paint of the effectiveness of authority in Wonderland?

"The Nine Billion Names of God" Reading Guide Questions

All sections:

We began discussing these questions in class. As we continue to read, make sure you answer these questions on loose-leaf paper. The questions and responses will go in the "Classwork" section of your binder. Complete any questions we did not cover in class for homework due 9/16/09.

1. Read the title of the story. Make some predictions about this text. Ask three questions you think the text may answer.

2. How does the Tibetan monk intend to use the Mark V Computer? Make a prediction about the purpose of the project.

3. Why did the monks invent their own alphabet? How do you think it is different from the alphabet you use every day?

4. Do you agree with Dr. Wagner when he asserts the monks are "compiling their lists of meaningless words"?

5. Who are the two engineers hired to go to Tibet? How do they feel about their assignment? How do you know?

6. Why did the monks want the computer? Look back to question #2. Was your prediction correct?

7. Do you think the engineers are justified in their attitude towards the monks and their project? Why or why not?

8. Look back to question #1. Which of your questions did the story answer?