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. 

Scaffolded/Short-Answer Essay Questions

Student Prompt: Write a short (1-3 paragraph) response using one of the below bulleted outlines. Cite details from the book over the course of your response that serve as examples and support.

1. Think about how often abuse is discussed in the public in the present time. Using Pelzer’s account of his abuse, as well as the previous short answer questions on The Ideal Family, compare the public acknowledgment of abuse in contemporary times versus during the 1960s/1970s.

• How has society’s perception and attitudes towards child abuse changed from the 1960s/1970s to the present? (topic sentence)
• Find three instances in Pelzer’s account that you believe would have been handled differently in the present time.
• What resources for victims of abuse are available today that were not available then?

2. Pelzer uses vivid imagery and detailed descriptions in his account of his abuse. Analyze why you believe Pelzer took this approach in his writing.

• Why would Pelzer choose to vividly describe his different experiences of abuse? (topic sentence)
• Identify three descriptions of his abuse in the text and analyze his use of imagery in these examples.