Speak 1 Discussion Questions

1) Analyze Melindas reaction to the first day of high school and why her fears seem more intense than that of others. Analyze why she says, " I'm am an outcast."
- Melindas fear and thoughts of being an outcast come from what happened that summer. (being raped). Other students might not like her b/c she dresses different or the way she acts. She doesnt feel like she belongs.

2) Examine the meanings of the "clans" and the prevailing of high school cliques. Why do we sometimes not like people that are really good at things, like sports, music, art, or school? Is this fair? Are adults like this?
- Every high school has its cliques and groups that people belong to. It is natural for people to hang out with others that have like personality and interests. People tend to get jealous or even mad at others that are more talented than themselves. To me this is a very selfish attitude. If someone is better than you at something you should work on whatever that is to get better, not be mad at them, that won't do anything for you. It's not fair, and yes even adults are like this.

3) Discuss the "first ten lies you tell in high school." Compared with your firt day. Do you think that melindas assumptions that they are "lies" is valid?
- This applies to poeple telling lies to there friends to make them look cooler. This did not correspond to my first day of school. Yes.

4) Examine Melindas characterization of the teachers. What do these descriptions reflect.
- These descripions reflectr her creativity. It is based on the personality and apperence of the teacher.

5) Discuss Mr. Freemans approach to teaching art. Have you had similare experiences with this type of teaching style?
- Mr. Freedman is a very expressive and unique person. He incerages his students to express their emotions though their art. No, i have not.

6) Discuss Melindas home life. How does communication break down in her family? What could each person do to improve it? If you here a parent, how would communication be in your family?
- She has a very poor home life. Melinda is not very close to her parents and they talk very little. If i was a parent i would talk to my kids everyday and ask them how their day was.

7) Discuss the interaction between Melinda and Heather. Are they friends? What brings them together?
- Melinda ans Heather wher friends all through middle school. The each had a friendship bracalet. Yes they were friends in high school, (at first)

8) Are we sometimes different people on the outside than we are on the inside? How? Why is this true, do you think? Yes, sometimes we put on a front to impress others and to fit in, when on the inside we aren't like that at all.