Use these essay questions as writing and critical thinking exercises for all levels of writers, and to build their literary analysis skills by requiring textual references throughout the essay.

Differentiation Suggestion: For English learners or struggling writers, strategies that work well include graphic organizers, sentence frames or starters, group work, or oral responses.

Scaffolded Essay Questions

Student Prompt: Write a short (1-3 paragraph) response using one of the below bulleted outlines. Cite details from the novel over the course of your response that serve as examples and support.

1. The Force of Healing is a prominent theme and central plot point in the novel.

• How does physical healing lead to the emotional healing of Ellie’s family? (topic sentence)
• Identify details in the story that reveal why Ellie’s family needs healing, what Ellie does to promote healing, and how the healing eventually happens. Be sure to compare and contrast the emotional state of Ellie’s family in the exposition, rising action, and conclusion. You might also discuss one symbol that is used to represent healing.
• In your concluding sentence or sentences, explain what the novel teaches about the nature of healing.

2. Ellie and her family Persist in the Face of Great Obstacles despite their conflicts and inexperience.