Reading Comprehension
What is the main setting of Monster? Be specific
A courtroom and jail in New York City.
Who is Steve Harmon?
A 16-year-old boy on trial for murder, and the narrator of the story.
What is a theme of Monster?
The search for identity and the idea of justice.
What is a thesis statement?
A sentence that states the main idea or argument of an essay.
What does the word obscene most likely mean?
Offensive or shocking
What crime is Steve Harmon on trial for?
Felony murder during a robbery.
Who is James King?
A co-defendant in the robbery trial, believed to be more directly involved.
Why does Steve write in a screenplay format?
To cope with fear, confusion, and to separate himself from what’s happening.
What is the purpose of a topic sentence, and where is it usually found?
It introduces the main idea of a paragraph, usually at the beginning.
What is a pessimist?
What does it mean to be gullible?
Someone who always expects the worst to happen
Someone who believes in everything they here
Who was killed in the robbery, what kind of store did he own, and how was he killed?
Mr. Nesbitt was the victim. He owned a drugstore and was shot during a robbery.
How do Steve’s parents respond to the trial, and what does this show about their relationship with him?
His parents are deeply concerned and supportive. His father is distant but heartbroken, while his mother believes in his innocence. This shows Steve’s desire to be accepted and trusted.
What is the purpose of Steve’s journal entries, how do they differ from the screenplay sections, and what do they reveal?
The journal entries are personal and emotional, showing Steve’s thoughts and fear. They are more honest and raw than the screenplay, revealing his inner conflict and need for self-understanding.
Gets the reader's attention
Quote, Fact, Statistic, Question
Use grisly, adjourn, and contention in three separate sentences.
The crime scene was so grisly that the officer had to step outside.
The judge decided to adjourn court until Monday.
There was a contention between Kyro and Hamzeh over the cute girl.
What role do Bobo Evans and Osvaldo Cruz play in the case, and how do their testimonies affect Steve’s trial?
They are witnesses who were involved in the crime. Bobo admits guilt but blames others, and Osvaldo lies to protect himself. Their testimonies make Steve look guilty even if he wasn’t directly involved.
Who is Kathy O'Brien and what are two things she does to defend Steve?
She’s Steve’s defense attorney. She challenges the credibility of the witnesses and advises Steve to present himself as a good, respectful kid.
How does the novel make readers question the idea of justice, and what are two examples from the trial that support this?
It shows how justice is complicated by race, background, and unreliable witnesses. Example 1: Osvaldo lies and still gets a deal. Example 2: Steve might be innocent but is treated like a criminal.
If you were to write backgroun info in an introduction paragraph on the book Monster, what could you say?
Monster is a story by Walter Dean Myers, in which Steve Harmon is the main character and finds himself in a situation that can change his life forever. Steve struggles to find truth and justice within the story.
Write four separate sentences using testify, suppress, tentative, and traverse.
She will testify about what she saw at the scene.
He tried to suppress his laughter during the serious moment.
The meeting after school was tentative.
We had to traverse a steep mountain trail to reach the cabin.
Why is the title Monster significant, how does it connect to the prosecutor’s words, and how does Steve react to it throughout the story?
The prosecutor calls Steve a "monster," labeling him as less than human. The title shows how others see him, and Steve struggles with that label throughout the trial, questioning whether he really is what they say he is.
Compare Steve and James King. How are their personalities different, and how does this affect their roles in the trial and outcome?
Steve is quiet, reflective, and uncertain about his identity. King is aggressive, confident, and seen as a bad influence. This contrast makes the jury more likely to sympathize with Steve and distrust King.
What are three ways the story explores truth, and how do these examples affect how we judge Steve?
Truth in the courtroom is based on stories and deals, not always facts. (2) Steve’s screenplay may not be fully reliable. (3) Witnesses lie or tell partial truths. These make it hard to know if Steve is guilty, so we question what truth really means.
Choose one essay question: “Is Steve guilty?” or “How does Steve change?” Then, name three pieces of evidence from the book you would use to support your answer.
(Example for “Is Steve guilty?”): (1) Steve says he didn’t talk to King about the robbery. (2) The prosecution can’t prove he gave a signal. (3) O'Brien says there is no solid evidence linking him directly to the crime.
Match each word with the correct meaning:
Liable
Indulgence
Solicit
Tranquil
Mosaic
A) A decorative picture made from small pieces
B) Something enjoyed that’s usually a luxury
C) To ask for something, like money or help
D) Peaceful & Calm
E) Legally responsible