Speak 2

Discuss Melinda’s decline, including physical symptoms. She is biting on her lips and cutting herself.

Analyze the social studies “debate” and its aftermath. Note who challenges the teacher and the position each person takes. How do you feel about this type of debate? Is the teacher right or wrong? Do students have a right to challenge a teacher? yes they do if its a debate and no techer should be racist.

Who is a “real” American? What do you think of Mr. Neck’s opinion? Going by his definition, are some of you not really Americans? All of us arent americans if we go by his definition.

Discuss the Thanksgiving dinner for Melinda’s family and why this is significant. Its significant because it keeps the famlily together.

Analyze Melinda’s statement about her parents, “I bet they’d be divorced by now if I hadn’t been born.” What does this reflect about her self esteem? Its very low and she needs to go get some help.

Examine Melinda’s references to her secret and what this reveals about her relationship with her parents. What do you think happened at the party? Something very scary and life changing happened.

Discuss Melinda’s athletic ability, her attitude toward being on the basketball team, and the comparison she makes between basketball and life. She doesnt like sports even though she has a shot.

+Analyze the deterioration of the relationship between Melinda and Heather. Why is it that people sometimes like us more when they can get something out of us? Are the Marthas good friends to Heather? Why or why not? no they arent because they do her wrong and dirty.

What should we value in other people? What qualities are important in a person? What do you usually notice first about people? Does that really matter? No it really doesnt matter.

Examine Melinda’s reference to IT. Pages 85-86 & 89-90 she almost throw ups in her mouth.

Discuss the school conference with Melinda’s parents and the aftermath. What do you think about Melinda’s suicide attempt? Was it real? What does it indicate? What do you think about her mother’s reaction? It isnt good because this really means she needs some help.