Speak Discussion Questions pp. 3 - 46

Speak 1 Discussion Questions

1. Analyze Melinda's recreation to the first day of high school and why her fears seem more intense than that of others. Analyze why she says, "I am Outcast."

Answer: She still feels horrible over the incident during that party she went during the summer. The reason why she is an outcast is because nobody wants to be friends with her.

2. Examine the meanings of the "clans" and the prevalence of high school cliques. Why do we sometimes not like people who are really good at things, like sports, music, art or school? Is that fair? Are adults like this?

Answer: Because they're just trying to get popular like the rest of the students there. Obviously no. Not all adults are.

3. Discuss the "first ten lies they tell you in high school." Compare with your first day. So you think Melinda's assumption that they are "lies" is valid?

Answer: All the lies are not valid because she's right about the ten lies she made. Some teachers will do that for real in school.

4. Examine Melinda's characterization of the teachers. What do these descriptions reflect?

Answer: The descriptions reflects on how they are teaching the students this year.

5. Discuss Mr. Freeman's approach to teaching art. Have you had similar experiences in classes with this type of teaching style?

Answer: His art class is so creative and his class is teaching the aspects of drawing, and paintings. I used to when I was in art class in the 8th grade.

6. Discuss Melinda's home life. How does communication break down in Melinda's family? What could each person do to improve it? If you were a parent, how would communication be in your family?

Answer: Her home life is too dramatic, and her parents keep on arguing all the time. It doesn't break down easily because she hasn't tell anyone about her problem yet. By talking to one another more often. We would talk to each about anything that is on our minds.

7. Discuss the interaction between Melinda and Heather. Are they friends? What brings them together?

Answer: Heather lives a normal life and Melinda's life is a drag. Melinda always wanted the life Heather wanted. Yes they are. The stuff they have in common with each other.

8. Are we sometimes different people on the outside than we are in the inside? How? Why is this true, do you think?

Answer: Yes. The way we are, the way we look, and the way we dress. It is true because we see it everyday.