TTDerek

1. Put yourself in place of one of the boys who escaped the crash but was forced to watch "helplessly as Rob died". What is going through your head? How do you feel physically and mentally ?How do you think that you will feel tomorrow?

2. When you hear or read of a car accident that involved teenagers, what do you assume is the cause of the accident - drinking, speed - drugs? What about if you hear about a car accident involving the elderly? Explain your answers.

When I hear about a teenager getting in an accident I can assume that it could be caused by drinking, speeding, or doing drugs.It all depends on what kind of person it is. Though the first one you think of is drinking. This is because drinking is a problem with many teens especially if there's more than one in the car, because your friends influence you're decisions. If it is an adult the first one would assume is speeding. This is because adults are more responsible and mature than teens, but some will speed if they're late for something.

3. Andy and Rob have their own slang and manner of speaking. On the surface they seem to be putting each other down, but it is clear to us that they are close friends who respect each other. What purpose does this style of language serve? Does it draw kids closer together? Does it set you off from others? Explain.

4. In a paragraph rich with sensory detail, write about your own most frightening moment.

5. Even though many people cried, Rhonda did not cry after the accident occurred; she was angry. When or if a public tragedy occurs and it is not someone in your immediate family (9/11/01), how do you respond? Explain.

6. One //Herald// editorial says that statistics don't usually "mean much, but this statistic (Rob) had a name, face,..."When we hear of a statistic such as this that reports someone dying in a drunk-driving accident every 18 minutes - how do you feel? Do you agree that it is hard to feel emotional about the numbers when you do not have a face to relate it to?

7. In his homework assignment, Gerald writes that he would rid the world of 3 things. What 3 things would you rid the world of? Stick to concrete items, and back up your choices with personal reasons why you are eliminating them.

8. Neither of Andy's parents bother to show up for the game. How important is it for you that your parents turn out for the events in which you participate? Explain.

I believe that is important for parents to show up at events their children are in. This is because the children want to feel like someone cares about what they’re doing. It also helps their self esteem.

9.Andy mentions that some kids at school haven't looked him in the face since the accident; one even taped a mean note to his locker. How would you treat Andy now? Elaborate.

If I went to school with him I would treat Andy with care I’d stick up for and if someone was being mean to him and would tell him not to worry about them. I would do this because I would know that he was going through a lot at the time. I would know you try to kill such a close friend. If he was feeling that I would tell one that it wasn’t his fault and try to cheer him up.

10.Does doing homework help you to perform better on tests? Does homework seem purposeful to you, or is it basically a waste of time? What alternate do you suggest? Defend your answer with three (3) points.

I believe that doing homework does help you perform better on tests. . One reason is because it is extra practice on the work and like they say practice makes perfect. . Another reason is that you can ask for extra help from people at home, for some having someone working with only you is better than someone working with an entire class. . My final reason is that the students can use computers for extra help which is something that many can’t do at school. These are my reasons that I believe homework can help students perform better on tests. An alternate that I would suggest is to make homework optional, so that those who think they need extra help can do it and those who don’t need help don’t do it.

11. Do you feel that your parents 'get' you or don't understand you at all? What makes you think this? Explain.

I fell that my parents somewhat understand me. Although I believe that most parents would understand their children more if they would talk to each other more often. My parents try to talk to me about school life etc. whenever they can. This is my reason for believing that. I think that Andy’s circumstance isn't this way and he needs to talk to his parents more often.

12.Andy believed that his friends would talk about him if he won academic awards. Then consider Marcus's unpopularity due to his achievement. Is academic failure or apathy built into teenager's notions about what is 'cool'? What effect does academic achievement have on you?

13. We learn about Andy's grades and study habits. Do you think the guidance counselor who advised him against going into pre-law was being realistic or unfair? Defend your answer.

14. In a class discussion, Keisha says, "All of us at one time or another feel like a cinder among the snowflakes. You stand out when you just want to blend in, you get noticed whether you want to or not". In a paragraph, write about when you have felt like a "cinder among the snowflakes". . 15. Andy envisions Monty will have a future as a doctor or lawyer. But when he thinks of his own future, he sees a blank, or darkness. Can you picture who you will be in 15 years? What do you envision about your future?

I can’t entirely picture what my life will be like in 15 years. I occasionally think about college careers etc. I want to try to get in a local college as fast as I can once I’m out of school and try to open up a small business. Also as a second job I’d like to be an author. I would also like to try to start a family by the time that I am 30.