Slam!

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 bulleted outlines below. Cite details from the text over the course of your response that serve as examples and support.

1. Tension rises between Slam and Ice when Slam attends a different school.

• Do Slam and Ice have more similarities or differences overall? (topic sentence)
• Explain why the two friends have more differences as the novel ends, using evidence from the text to support your claims.
• In your concluding sentence or sentences, explain why you believe Ice’s perspectives and mannerisms changed after Slam changed schools.

2. Consider the novel’s themes of Coming of Age, The Importance of Teamwork, and The Role of Mentorship.

• Which of the novel’s themes do you believe is the most important? (topic sentence)
• Describe how that theme presents itself in the novel, then explain why you believe it is the most important.
• In your concluding sentence or sentences, explain why you believe Myers chose this theme.

3. Most of the novel occurs at Latimer, where Slam must learn to navigate the differences between his new and old schools.

• What lesson does Slam learn at Latimer? (topic sentence)
• Choose two moments from the novel that demonstrate this lesson and explain how this knowledge impacts him.
• In your concluding sentence or sentences, explain how Slam’s life is better for attending Latimer.

Full Essay Assignments

Student Prompt: Write a structured and well-developed essay. Include a thesis statement, at least three main points supported by text details, and a conclusion.

1. Grandma Ellie is a minor character in the novel. Analyze her character’s impact on Slam using the following questions to help guide you. Why do you think she is included in the story? Does Grandma Ellie contribute to some of the stress Slam experiences outside of school? How does Grandma Ellie’s story serve as inspiration for Slam? Use at least three pieces of evidence from the text to support your ideas.

2. Compare the leadership strategies of Coach Nipper and Mr. Parish. Each has different methods of motivating and encouraging Slam, but Slam perceives both as working against him. How does Coach Nipper motivate Slam? How does Mr. Parish motivate Slam? Based on Slam’s character, who has the potential for the greatest success? Do you agree with their methods? Are both men effective in helping Slam accomplish what they feel he is capable of?

3. The novel ends with a few unresolved storylines. Make predictions as to how each storyline may end based on evidence from the novel. Do you believe Latimer will win in the final tournament? Do you think Slam will get a scholarship? Will Slam become successful in school? Do you think Ice will stick to his commitment to stop dealing drugs? Use at least three pieces of evidence from the text to support your ideas.