The Unwanteds

Reading Check and Short Answer Questions on key plot points are designed for guided reading assignments, in-class review, formative assessment, quizzes, and more.

Chapters 1-16

Reading Check

1. What is Alex called by his family after the Purge?

2. Where are the Unwanteds supposed to go after the Purge?

3. What is the name of the land Alex is taken to in lieu of the Death Farm?

4. What is Meghan exceptionally gifted at?

5. Who does Samheed believe reported him for Dramatic Boasting?

6. Who is the leader of Quill?

Short Answer

Answer each question in at least 1 complete sentence. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.

1. Why might creativity be threatening in an authoritarian society?

2. Why are the other children surprised by Samheed’s behavior when he first meets Mr. Today?

3. Why does Aaron become increasingly withdrawn as his friends advance to Magical Warrior Training?

Paired Resource

“Authoritarianism”

• This encyclopedia entry describes authoritarianism and offers examples of authoritarianism around the world.
• What is authoritarianism? How does authoritarianism limit opposition? How is Quill’s government like authoritarianism? How is this article related to the novel’s themes of Authoritarianism and Creativity?

“How Similar Are Siblings? What Makes Us Different?”

• An article discussing differences between siblings (Teacher-appropriate; not student-facing)

Chapters 17-32

Reading Check

1. What does Ms. Octavia teach Alex to use as a weapon in his first lesson?

2. What prevents Samheed and Alex from fighting in the theatre?

3. What is Lani’s favorite pastime?

4. What does Alex do to Lani while he is invisible?

5. Who has been promoted to Will’s former position as assistant secretary in Priest Justine’s office?

Short Answer

Answer each question in at least 1 complete sentence. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.

1. Why is Mr. Today skeptical about letting Alex begin Magical Warrior Training?

2. What does Alex find in the hallway that many students are unable to locate?

3. Why does Alex spend a lot of time thinking about his brother and looking for him in the blackboards?

Paired Resource

The Importance of Creativity

• This 1-minute video describes the importance of creative thinking.
• According to the video, why is it believed that children today are less creative than in the past? What is considered the most important quality to many CEOs? Do you agree that schools stifle creativity? How is this video related to the novel’s themes of Authoritarianism and Creativity?

Twins

• This 6-minute video describes the bond between twins.
• Why, according to the video, are some intrigued by the similarities in twins? What role does nature versus nurture play in the lives of twins? How are twins related to the novel’s theme of Duality?

Chapters 33-48

Reading Check

1. What is Alex’s painting of?

2. Who plans to kill Aaron?

3. Who discovers Alex listening to his conversation, but decides not to tell on him?

4. When Alex returns from visiting Aaron, who finds him on the other side of the door?

5. What is Gunnar?

6. Who is killed in Alex’s stead?

Short Answer

Answer each question in at least 1 complete sentence. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.

1. What realization strikes Alex as he tries to convince his brother to return to Artimé with him?

2. Why is Aaron angry with Alex for visiting him in his dorm room?

3. What does Mr. Today mean when he says he expects the Unwanteds to either fight or provide?

4. What does Mr. Today reveal about his relationship with Justine?

Recommended Next Reads

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J.K. Rowling

• This novel is the first in the Harry Potter series about a young boy who is invited to join the unknown world of witchcraft and wizardry at a school called Hogwarts.
• Shared topics include magic schools, good and evil forces, and secret worlds.
• Shared themes include Duality, Authoritarianism, and Creativity.
• Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone on SuperSummary

The School for Good and Evil by Soman Chainani

• This novel is about two friends with opposing characteristics who believe they have been placed in the wrong schools, one for good and one for evil.
• Shared topics include good versus evil, magical schools, and friendship.
• Shared themes include Duality and Creativity.
• The School for Good and Evil on SuperSummary