Speak 1

1. Analyze Melinda’s reaction 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.” She says that because after what happened at the party no one wants her to be her friend anymore so shes by herself.

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 this fair? Are adults like this? We dont like people who are really good at things because we can get jealous. And also it really doesnt matter if its fair or not. And no most adults arent like this.

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? Well i dont think they are lies because most people tell the truth.

4. Examine Melinda’s characterization of the teachers. What do these descriptions reflect? They reflect how she feels and her personality.

5. Discuss Mr. Freeman’s approach to teaching art. Have you had similar experiences in classes with this type of teaching style? No i have not because most of my schools stopped teaching art because of the shortage of teachers.

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? If i was a parent communication in my household would be good because i would make sure i would allways know what me and my child is doing.

7. Discuss the interaction between Melinda and Heather. Are they friends? What brings them together? well they were friends until heather came and told her that they couldnt be friends anymore because of her personality.

8. Are we sometimes different people on the outside than we are in the inside? How? Why is this true, do you think? Yes i think its true because on the outside someone can be nice but on the inside how mean they can really be.