"The Outsiders" Novel Study Unit

S.E. Hinton's novel The Outsiders is studied chapter by chapter through comprehension worksheets, vocabulary pages, quizzes, and a final test with answer keys.

Year groups: Lower Secondary, Years 7–9
File type: PDF
Preparation: Print ready

Updated Feb 21, 2024

Subject: Literature, Vocabulary, English
Topic: The Outsiders, Literature
Resource types: Novel Studies, Quizzes and Tests, Worksheets & Printables
Preparation: Print ready
England expectations: Key Stage 3 · Reading

From the author

About this resource

S.E. Hinton's novel The Outsiders is worked through chapter by chapter in a 12-lesson study unit that pairs comprehension worksheets with context-clue vocabulary pages and figurative-language search activities, then checks understanding with two or three short multiple-choice quizzes per lesson. Students track their own quiz scores on bar-graph data charts, complete a themed writing prompt with a scoring rubric after most lessons, and take six ten-point vocabulary tests covering sixty mystery words drawn from the chapters. A 50-question multiple-choice final test, a bonus quiz on Robert Frost's poem "Nothing Gold Can Stay," and answer keys for every assessment close out the unit. Teacher instructions describe rotating group and individual work, using a "Souvenir Walking Tour" discussion activity, and keeping a student folder to collect all materials for cumulative review. For a lighter, choice-based approach to the same novel, the Outsiders project menu offers eight rubric-scored creative activities in place of this unit's chapter quizzes and tests.

In the classroom

Teaching tips & learning objectives

Learning objectives

Cite textual evidence to answer chapter comprehension questions
Use context clues to determine the meaning of unfamiliar vocabulary
Identify and interpret figurative language within the novel's chapters
Summarize chapter events and identify main ideas, themes, and point of view

Teaching tips

Model how to complete the discussion questions using the first chapter or two before releasing students to work independently or in groups
Use the "Souvenir Walking Tour" activity to get students moving and comparing answers after a worksheet or quiz
Have each student keep a dedicated folder for all worksheets, quizzes, and tests to support review before the final test
Assign the pre-chapter vocabulary before reading each chapter so students recognize the words in context

Skills covered

Reading comprehension — students answer 20 to 25 plot-based questions per chapter using textual evidence from the novel.
Context-clue vocabulary — students use blanks and definitions to identify five mystery vocabulary words per chapter.
Figurative language analysis — students locate similes and other figurative language in a chapter-specific word search activity.
Persuasive and narrative writing — students respond to a themed writing prompt for each chapter using a scoring rubric.

Good to know

Questions teachers ask about this resource

How are the multiple three-question quizzes for each chapter meant to be used?

The teacher instructions describe three options: giving all three quizzes after the full worksheet is finished, giving each quiz after the pages it covers, or using extra quizzes as retakes for students who need a second chance.

What is the purpose of the pre-chapter vocabulary page at the start of each lesson?

It introduces words students will need to understand the upcoming chapter and previews terms that reappear on the vocabulary tests and the final exam, so the instructions recommend quizzing students on it orally before reading.

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National Curriculum in England

National Curriculum in England expectations

England expectations

Key Stage 3 · Reading — England Key Stage 3 English reading: making inferences and referring to evidence in the text.

Core concepts

Novel study
Reading comprehension
Vocabulary in context
Figurative language
Point of view

Topics

The Outsiders Literature Novel Study Vocabulary Quizzes

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Categories this resource belongs to

Literature Vocabulary English Novel Studies Quizzes and Tests Worksheets & Printables

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