Tag Archives: Grades 6-12

Comprehension Questions – #6 Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

by J.K. Rowling

Grades 6-12; Genre - Fantasy; GRL W; AR pts. 29.0

As classes continue for sixth-year students at Hogwarts, Harry Potter searches for the full and complex story of the boy who became Lord Voldemort, thereby finding what may be his only vulnerability. The plot contains mild profanity and violence.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Summarize the introduction. Fudge visit England’s Prime Minister bringing him up to speed on the events that have been happening; we learn about Fudge’s perspective over the last several years; Fudge has been replaced and the new Minister of Magic introduced himself to the Prime Minister and revealed his secretary is a wizard and his Junior Minister is admitted to St. Mungo’s hospital due to being cursed p.2

Chapter 2

  1. What task do you think the Dark Lord asking Draco to perform? Kill Harry p.36
  2. What do you think about Snape? Whose side is he really on? Listen to your child’s answer p.37

Chapter 3

  1. What business did Dumbledore speak to the Dursley’s and Harry about? Harry inherited Sirius’s home, personal things and Kreacher; he told the Dursley’s they didn’t do as he asked and requested that Harry be allowed to come to their home one last time before he’s 17 years old and the protection placed on the home will stay until then p.52

Chapter 4

  1. Why isn’t Harry’s scar hurting? Voldemort is using Occlumency against Harry; he’s blocking his thoughts and feelings from him p.59
  2. Why did Dumbledore come pick up Harry? To help recruit Slughorn; take Harry to the Weasley’s; tell him he would give him private lessons p.74

Chapter 5

  1. Why is Harry disappointed at the end of this chapter? He didn’t pass his potions OWLS with the grade he needed to become an Auror p.104

Chapter 6

  1. Summarize this chapter. The Weasley’s took Harry and friends to Diagon Alley to purchase school supplies; Harry and his friends saw Draco and his mom in a shop, they almost got into a fight; they went to Fred and George’s shop and saw Draco hurrying down the street and followed him in the Invisibility Cloak; he’d gone into a dark arts store and they listened to his conversation p.105
  2. What do you think Draco was doing in the store? Listen to your child’s answer; it might be about the special mission Voldemort has given him p.124

Chapter 7

  1. What proof does Harry have that Malfoy’s a Death Eater? He thinks Malfoy has the Dark Mark, that’s why he jerked away from Madam Milkin when she tried to roll up his sleeve p.130
  2. Summarize what happened to Harry after lunch with Slughorn? Harry snuck into Draco’s compartment with his invisibility cloak; Draco saw him and after everyone else had left the compartment, he cast a paralysis spell on Harry, broke his nose and covered him with his cloak so no one would find him p.153

Chapter 8

  1. Did Harry make it back to London? Explain. No, Tonk’s came looking for him and they jumped off the train just as it was leaving Hogsmeade p.158
  2. What shocking news did Dumbledore give the students after dinner? Slughorn is teaching potions and Snape is teaching Defense Against the Dark Arts p.166

Chapter 9

  1. How did Harry win the Felix Felicis potion? He followed the instructions in the textbook given him, and the extra notes in the book helped him make the best Draught of Living Death p.188
  2. Who does the book belonged to? The Half-Blood Prince p.193

Chapter 10

  1. Why do you think it’s important to know and understand Voldemort’s past? Understanding who he is will help Harry defeat him p.215

Chapter 11

  1. How did Hermione help Ron make the Quidditch team? She cast a spell to make his competition mess up p.232

Chapter 12

  1. Why is Harry convinced Malfoy is the one responsible for the cursed necklace? He thinks he’s a Death Eater p.255

Chapter 13

  1. What memory did Dumbledore and Harry see in this chapter? Dumbledore meeting Tom Riddle and inviting him to come to Hogwarts p.270
  2. What training is Dumbledore giving Harry? Learning who Lord Voldemort is and how he came to be p.277

Chapter 14

  1. Why are Ron and Hermione so angry with each other in this chapter? They like each other, but haven’t admitted it p.282

Chapter 15

  1. What’s the unbreakable vow Snape promised Draco’s mother? He would protect Draco or die p.323

Chapter 16

  1. Why did Scrimgeour want to talk to Harry outside? How did it go? To see if Harry would be a mascot for the Ministry; not well, Harry doesn’t want to be used by the Ministry when he doesn’t agree with what they’re doing p.346

Chapter 17

  1. List the two memories Dumbledore showed Harry in this chapter. Tom murdered his father and grandparents with his uncle’s wand, gave him the memory of doing it, so he confessed; Tom asking Professor Slughorn about Horcruxes p.363
  2. What homework did Dumbledore give Harry? To find out Slughorn’s true memory p.372

Chapter 18

  1. Summarize what happened to Ron and how did Harry handle it. It’s Ron’s birthday and accidentally ate chocolates with a love potion meant for Harry; Harry took him to Slughorn for help and Slughorn gave him an antidote; while drinking to celebrate Ron’s birthday, Ron was poisoned; Harry cured him p.398

Chapter 19

  1. How did Harry wind up in the hospital wing? He was injured during a Quidditch match p.416
  2. Who did Harry call in the hospital wing and why? Kreacher; to follow Malfoy to find out what he’s doing p.422

Chapter 20

  1. Why is the locket important to Voldemort? Why would he kill for it? It was his mother’s p.437
  2. Why is it so important for Harry to retrieve Slughorn’s memory? They need it to find out Voldemort’s intentions p.446

Chapter 21

  1. What did Harry spend a lot of his time doing in this chapter? Was he successful? Trying to get in the Room of Requirement; no p.452
  2. What should Harry have spent his time doing? Trying to persuade Slughorn for the memory about the Horcrux p.456

Chapter 22

  1. Summarize this chapter. Harry and his friends were asked by Hagrid to come to a funeral for a large spider; Harry was still trying to get the memory but had failed; Harry took the lucky potion he’d won and felt like he needed to go to the funeral; on the way, he saw Slughorn and told him about it; Slughorn wanted to go to retrieve venom from the spider; after the funeral, Hagrid and Slughorn started drinking and Harry waited until Hagrid fell asleep; he persuaded Slughorn to share the memory p.469

Chapter 23

  1. Describe how Harry and Dumbledore will defeat Voldemort? They need to find and destroy four Horcruxes, then Harry can defeat Voldemort p.500

Chapter 24

  1. How did the Half-Blood Prince’s book get Harry in trouble? He used a spell from the book that almost killed Draco, giving him detention and missing out on the championship Quidditch match p.522

Chapter 25

  1. What made Harry upset in this chapter? Learning it was Snape who told Voldemort about the prophecy p.548
  2. Why did Harry give Hermione the Marauders Map? To see what Draco and Snape were up to while Dumbledore and he were gone p.534

Chapter 26

  1. Describe what was hard for Harry in this chapter. Why? Dumbledore had asked him to continue giving him the water from the basin until it was gone; Harry didn’t want to hurt Dumbledore p.569

Chapter 27

  1. Describe Malfoy’s mission and what he was doing in the Room of Requirement. He was trying to fix the Vanishing Cabinet to let in the Death Eaters through the store’s Vanishing Cabinet to kill Dumbledore p.585

Chapter 28

  1. Who’s the Half-Blood Prince? Severus Snape p.604
  2. Whose side do you think Snape’s on? Listen to your child’s answer p.604

Chapter 29

  1. Describe what happened to Bill and what are the possible effects? He was attacked by the werewolf, Grayback; he may have wolfish features, he won’t look the same with the scars p.612
  2. Do you think they should close the school down? Why, or why not? Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 30

  1. Summarize the conclusion of this book. Dumbledore’s funeral takes place; Harry breaks up with Ginny, Harry’s determined to find the other Horcruxes; Hermione and Ron are determined to go with Harry p.633

Comprehension Questions – #5 Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

by J.K. Rowling

Grades 6-12; Genre - Fantasy; GRL W; AR pts. 44.0

Fifteen-year-old wizard Harry Potter struggles with a threatening teacher, a problematic house-elf, the dread of upcoming final exams, and haunting dreams that hint toward his mysterious past. The plot contains mild profanity and violence.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Why is Harry so anxious at the beginning of this story? Now that he knows that Voldemort is back, he’s waiting for something bad to happen p.10
  2. Who attacked Harry and Dudley? Two dementors p.16

Chapter 2

  1. Why did Uncle Vernon want Harry to leave and not come back? Voldemort is after him and Harry’s uncle doesn’t want his family to get hurt p.38
  2. Who changed Uncle Vernon’s mind to let Harry stay? Why? Aunt Petunia; She got a howler from an owl that made her feel like Harry should stay p.40

Chapter 3

  1. Who visited Harry at his aunt and uncle's house? Why? 8-9 wizards; to take Harry to safety p.56
  2. Where did they take him? London; the house where the Order of the Phoenix is meeting p.58

Chapter 4

  1. What’s the Order of the Phoenix? A secret society of wizards who previously fought against Voldemort p.67
  2. Why is a portrait of Sirius’ mother in the house? It’s the home Sirius’ grew up in p.78

Chapter 5

  1. What did Harry learn in this chapter? Harry thwarted Voldemort’s plans; Voldemort is secretly recruiting Death Eaters and working on a weapon; the Ministry doesn't believe that Voldemort is back p.92

Chapter 6

  1. Describe Sirius’ family? Share two examples. They’re Voldemort supporters; don’t like anyone who’s not a pureblood; Sirius’s brother was a Death Eater and Draco’s dad is married to Sirius’s cousin p.113
  2. What hearing is Harry worryied about and why? He’s on trial for using magic in the muggle world; he could be expelled from Hogwarts and be forced to return to live at the Dursley’s p.119

Chapter 7

  1. Summarize this chapter. Describes the Ministry of Magic building and Harry and Mr. Weasley's travels; the location and time of the hearing changed and Harry and Mr. Weasley run to get there p.121
  2. Why do you think the hearing was changed to the new location? Listen to your child's answer

Chapter 8

  1. How do we know Fudge didn’t expect Dumbledor at the hearing? He was surprised and flustered when Dumbledor arrived; didn’t set out a chair; changed the time and location of the hearing intentionally so Dumbledor wouldn’t be there p.139
  2. Who do you think told Dumbledor of the change? Listen to your child’s answer
  3. Why doesn’t Fudge want to believe dementors attacked Harry? It would prove that Voldemort is back p.148

Chapter 9

  1. What was Harry feeling when he didn’t make Prefect? Jealous and selfish p.166
  2. Why was Mrs. Weasley so upset when she saw the bogart? She’s scared someone in her family is going to die p.176

Chapter 10

  1. What did Draco Malfoy say to unnerve Harry in this chapter? Why? “I’ll be dogging your footsteps in case you step out of line"; Draco’s dad might have noticed Sirius dropping off Harry at the train station and know where he's hiding out p.194
  2. Why was Harry alarmed his friends couldn’t see the creatures pulling the carriages? He’s not been able to see them until now; Luna has been able to see them as well, which concerned him p.199

Chapter 11

  1. What did the Sorting Hat sing about? The different houses; warnings; advice p.207
  2. Why was that strange? The Hat hasn't given advice or warnings since Harry's been at Hogwarts p.207
  3. Why is Harry frustrated and grateful at the end of this chapter? Seamus’ mom doesn't believe Harry and Dumbledor and doesn't want him at the school; Neville believes Harry and stood up for him p.220

Chapter 12

  1. What’s Harry’s Divination class about? Predicting the future p.237
  2. Why isn’t Harry happy about keeping a dream journal? His dreams are about Voldemort and come true p.238
  3. Describe Professor Umbridge. Very short; sweet voice and but very strict; determined to put Harry’s accusations about Voldemort to rest and called them lies p.239

Chapter 13

  1. What pun did Professor Umbridge use on page 266? “Oh, as long as it takes the message to sink in” p.266
  2. Why is it a pun? When Harry used the quill, it actually carved the words into his flesh p.267
  3. Why doesn’t Harry want to talk to Dumbledor about his detention or his scar? Dumbledor hasn’t talked to him since the summer p.277

Chapter 14

  1. What concerns did Sirius calm when Harry spoke with him? Harry’s scar isn’t anything to worry about; Professor Umbridge isn’t a Death Eater; Hagrid's away on a mission and is fine p.302

Chapter 15

  1. Why did Hermione suggest Harry teach the Defense against the Dark Arts class? Why? Harry; he’s been successful in using the spells against Voldemort p.326
  2. What’s Harry’s reaction? He didn’t feel qualified p.328

Chapter 16

  1. Which houses are the students from who came to the Dark Arts meeting? Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Gryffondor p.338
  2. Why were the students hesitant to sign their names? They didn’t want to be found out p.346
  3. Why was Harry noticing how beautiful the village is now? Cho likes him p.349

Chapter 17

  1. Why did Professor Umbridge ban student organizations, societies, teams, groups and clubs? To prevent the secret Dark Arts class p.351
  2. Why are the teachers upset with Umbridge? She has the power to get rid of them, is questioning how they teach and putting them on probation p.364
  3. What caused Sirius to vanish? Umbridge came looking for him in the chimney floo p.372

Chapter 18

  1. Why weren’t the other elves picking up Hermione’s hats and socks? They were insulted p.385
  2. Describe the first lesson Harry taught. Harry was voted their leader; they call themselves the D.A., Dumbledor’s Army; they learned the Expelliarmus spell p.396

Chapter 19

  1. Describe the Quidditch match and what happened after. Ron missed three goals, Harry caught the snitch so they won; during the match Slytherin sang a mean song about Ron; Draco taunted Ron, Harry and George hit him; Umbridge banned Harry, George and Fred from playing Quidditch again; Ron left the field very discouraged p.406

Chapter 20

  1. Summarize this chapter. Harry and his friends went to see Hagrid; he told them how he went to the giants to gain their favor against Voldemort; the chief who liked them was killed and a new chief was put in, he was siding with the Death Eaters; Hagrid and Madame Maxine weren’t successful in convincing the other giants to join; Umbridge came to see Hagrid while the kids were there, but couldn’t see them due to the invisibility cloak; Hermione is worried Umbridge going to get rid of Hagrid p.424

Chapter 21

  1. Why was Harry so confused by Cho’s kiss? She cried about missing Cedric just before p.458
  2. What and who was Harry in his dream? A snake; Voldemort p.462

Chapter 22

  1. Why did Dumbledor remove Harry and the Weasley’s from Hogwarts? He didn’t want Umbridge to get involved; he wanted them to be able to see their father p.476
  2. Why didn’t Harry want to hear the conversation in the hospital room? He was disturbed Voldemort is possessing him p.491

Chapter 23

  1. Why was Harry so upset at the beginning of this chapter? He thought Voldemort was using him as a weapon p.493
  2. What helped Harry feel better? Talking to his friends; Ginny reminded him she’d been possessed by Voldemort too p.499
  3. Who did Harry and his friends see on the closed ward of the hospital? Why? Neville Longbottom; his mom and dad were cursed by Bellatrix Lestrange p.515

Chapter 24

  1. Why did Dumbledor want Harry to learn Occlumency? It would teach him to control and protect his mind from Voldemort p.518
  2. Why was Harry so sick at the end of this chapter? He’d had his first lesson with Snape and his mind was weakened and tired p.542

Chapter 25

  1. Why did Harry’s date with Cho go poorly? Harry didn’t want to talk about Cedric and then said he was meeting Hermione and that made Cho jealous p.562
  2. Why did Hermione want Harry to meet her? To tell Rita Skeeter the truth about Voldemort p.567
  3. How did Hermione convince Rita to do the story about Harry for free? She blackmailed Rita since she’s not a registered Animagus p.569

Chapter 26

  1. What was the reaction to the article written about Harry and Voldemort? Umbridge was angry and put up a new decree that students were forbidden to read it; the students believed Harry; Harry received lots of fan mail p.579
  2. How does Snape know that Harry dreamt of Voldemort? He can see Harry’s memories as they practice Occlumency p.593

Chapter 27

  1. Why was Harry taken to Dumbledor’s office? Umbridge caught him doing the D.A. Class p.611
  2. Why did Dumbledor take the blame for organizing the class? He didn’t want Harry to get expelled; he knew he could handle the consequences p.618
  3. What advice did Dumbledor give Harry before he left? To study Occlumency as hard as he could and close his mind p.623

Chapter 28

  1. Why was Snape so enraged to find Harry watching his memory? It was humiliating to him; it was about how Harry’s dad treated him when they were younger p.645
  2. Should Harry have looked into the Pensieve? Why, or why not? No; Snape’s memories were personal like a journal 

Chapter 29

  1. What did Sirius tell Harry about his father? That he was 15 years old and an idiot; that his father was a show off when Lily was around; he was his best friend and a good person p.671
  2. What diversion did Fred and George do so Harry to talk to Sirius? Made a swamp in the school p.675

Chapter 30

  1. What was Hagrid hiding in the Forbidden Forest? His brother, a giant p.690
  2. Why did Hagrid need Harry and his friends to visit his brother? He was worried Umbridge was going to fire him p.701
  3. Why did Harry and Hermione decide to wait to tell Ron about Hagrid's brother? Ron had just won the Quidditch Cup p.702

Chapter 31

  1. What event interrupted the astronomy test? Umbridge telling Hagrid to leave Hogwarts p.719
  2. Who was Voldemort torturing in Harry’s dream and why? Sirius; Voldemort wanted Sirius to fetch something p.728

Chapter 32

  1. Do you think Snape got Harry's message? Listen to your child’s answer p.745
  2. Predict the weapon Hermione and Harry are taking Umbridge to? Listen to your child’s answer p.748

Chapter 33

  1. How did Luna, Neville, Ginny and Ron escape? They used spells Harry taught them p.761
  2. Why were they so determined to go with Harry? They wanted to use the skills Harry taught them against Voldemort p.761

Chapter 34

  1. Why wasn’t Sirius where Harry saw him in his dream? It was a trap Voldemort planned to get Harry into the room with the orb p.780

Chapter 35

  1. Summarize this chapter. The kids were all fighting for their lives running from the Death Eaters when members of the Order of the Phoenix arrived to help them; Sirius fell through the veil and died p.781

Chapter 36

  1. What did Fudge finally admit? That Voldemort’s back p.817

Chapter 37

  1. Who took the blame for Sirius’s death? Why? Dumbledor; he should have told Harry everything long before p.826
  2. Who lied to Harry and betrayed the Order? Kreacher p.829
  3. Why did Dumbledor wait to tell Harry the prophecy? He would need to one day kill Voldemort or be killed by him p.844

Chapter 38

  1. What was Nicks response when Harry asked him about Sirius? Sirius moved on and wouldn’t come back as a ghost p.860
  2. What did Luna say that helped Harry feel better? That those who have died are just behind the veil, they’re not gone p.863
  3. Why was Harry confident going home with the Dursley’s? The Order stood up for him and told the Dursley’s they’d better be nice to Harry; Harry knew he had support from his friends p.870

Comprehension Questions – Maniac Magee

Maniac Magee

by Jerry Spinelli

Grades 6-12; Genre - Fiction; GRL W; AR pts. 5.0

He wasn't born with the name Maniac Magee. He came into this world named Jeffrey Lionel Magee, but when his parents died and his life changed, so did his name. And Maniac Magee became a legend. Even today kids talk about how fast he could run; about how he hit an inside-the-park "frog" homer; how no knot, no matter how snarled, would stay that way once he began to untie it. But the thing Maniac Magee is best known for is what he did for the kids from the East Side and those from the West Side.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. How does the introduction differ from the first chapter of the story? The introduction describes Maniac Magee, the legend, the first chapter describes who Jeffrey Lionel Magee really was p.1
  2. Why does Jeffrey scream during the performance and run? He’s angry that his aunt and uncle hate each other and that he’s had to live with their selfishness p.7

Chapter 2

  1. Describe Jeffrey. Friendly, 12 years old; homeless; could run far and fast p.8
  2. What unusual behavior did Jeffrey show? He was friendly p.9

Chapter 3

  1. Describe Amanda. Friendly, kind, African American; close to Jeffrey’s age; smart, liked books p.10

Chapter 4

  1. Why were the high school kids in awe? Jeffrey intercepted a football, ran down the field and punted it to the wide receiver all while holding a book in one hand p.14

Chapter 5

  1. How did Jeffrey go against the grain in this chapter? He carried a kid out of a mean neighbor’s backyard and then read his book on the front porch p.18

Chapter 6

  1. How did Jeffrey show bravery in this chapter? He joined a family for dinner without an invitation and he ran on the train rail p.21

Chapter 7

  1. What did the author compare McNab to in this chapter? A shark waiting for his victims to walk the gangplank p.23
  2. How did Jeffrey humble McNab? He hit every ball McNab threw at him; hit a home run with a frog McNab pitched to him p.24

Chapter 8

  1. How did Jeffrey receive the name, “Maniac”? Nobody knew his name, but in awe, they called him a maniac p.28
  2. Where did Jeffrey stay? In the shed at the Elmwood Park Zoo p.29

Chapter 9

  1. Why was it such a big deal for Maniac to cross the boundary from the West End to the East End? People knew that the kids that didn’t belong in one or the other would be treated badly; the people with white skin lived in one and the people with darker skin lived in the other p.32
  2. What didn’t McNab and his buddies realize about Maniac? He’d already been on the East End and was fine p.32

Chapter 10

  1. Summarize this chapter. Maniac got into a challenge with another kid; the kid took his book, Maniac grabbed it back but a page was torn out; a lady stopped the fight with her broom and separated the boys; the kid gave Maniac the page and left; the woman told Maniac she couldn’t always save him and to leave p.34

Chapter 11

  1. Who saved Maniac from Mars Bar and his friends? Amanda p.39

Chapter 12

  1. Describe Maniac’s evening with the Beale family? They played, ate, read stories and they gave Maniac a place to sleep p.42
  2. Why was it important for Maniac to have an address? He didn’t have a home and now someone shared their home with him p.44

Chapter 13

  1. List two ways Maniac was a good addition to the Beale household? He read stories and played with the kids, he helped around the house without being asked, walked (ran) the dog, able to untie knots; kept his room clean, bathed with the kids p.45

Chapter 14

  1. List three ways Maniac enjoyed his life at the Beale’s. His new sneakers; running with the dog; pancake batter hissing while cooking; going to church; Fourth of July block party; the color of the people in the neighborhood; playing with the kids in the neighborhood p.50

Chapter 15

  1. How did hanging out with the other kids influence how Maniac behaved? Give an example from this chapter. He started to behave like them; “trash talking” p.56
  2. What happened when he “trash talked” at home? Mrs. Beale slapped his mouth and he hugged her and told her he loved her p.56

Chapter 16

  1. What couldn’t Maniac see? That people didn’t like him due to the color of his skin p.57
  2. Why didn’t they like him? He was a white boy in a black neighborhood p.58

Chapter 17

  1. Why did Maniac feel like he needed to leave? Someone had written graffiti on their home, telling Maniac to leave; Maniac didn’t want Amanda’s family to get hurt p.63

Chapter 18

  1. Why did Maniac take on the attitude that he didn’t care? He felt rejected and sad p.65

Chapter 19

  1. Describe Amanda’s plan. Maniac should go untie the famous knot at the pizza restaurant and everyone will like him p.69

Chapter 20

  1. Was Maniac able to untie the knot? Explain. Yes, but it took him all day p.70

Chapter 21

  1. What made Maniac decide to leave town for good? Someone went into Amanda’s home and tore up her Encyclopedia A book p.75

Chapter 22

  1. Where was Maniac staying and who found him? In the buffalo pen at the zoo; Grayson the park attendant p.79

Chapter 23

  1. Predict the little worm feeling Grayson has.  Listen to your child’s answer p.86

Chapter 24

  1. Why couldn’t Maniac accept Grayson’s offer? He felt like he had bad luck with parents p.89

Chapter 25

  1. Describe Earl Grayson. Loved baseball; went to play in the minor league and was up for the major leagues when he played poorly while a scout was watching; he was 40 years old when he left baseball and started work at the park p.94

Chapter 26

  1. What school does Maniac go to? His own; he buys books from the library and studies them p.98
  2. What did Grayson ask Maniac to do? Teach him to read p.99

Chapter 27

  1. Summarize this chapter. Maniac taught Grayson how to read p.100

Chapter 28

  1. List two ways Maniac was good to Grayson. Taught him to read; baked for him; hugged him; loved him; invited him to sleep on his mat; praised him p.104

Chapter 29

  1. What holiday did Maniac and Grayson celebrate in this chapter? Thanksgiving p.106
  2. How did they celebrate? Went to a high school football game; ate a feast; danced; and Maniac wrote 101 on the building he lived in p.109

Chapter 30

  1. What does it mean to trim the tree? Decorate a Christmas tree p.111

Chapter 31

  1. What special gifts did Maniac and Grayson give to each other? A homemade book about Grayson’s experience and Grayson’s old baseball mitt p.114
  2. What happened at the end of this chapter? Grayson died p.114

Chapter 32

  1. Was Grayson’s funeral special? Explain. No, only Maniac, the funeral director and the grave diggers were there; everyone was smoking and disrespectful to Maniac and Grayson p.116

Chapter 33

  1. Why was Maniac waiting for death? He was giving up p.123

Chapter 34

  1. What gave Maniac purpose? Taking care of the two little boys that we’re running away p.126
  2. How did Maniac get them back to town? He convinced them with his free pizza coupon p.127
  3. Who came looking for the little boys? McNab p.128

Chapter 35

  1. Describe the McNab household. Dirty; cockroaches everywhere; windows covered with wood; fighting; rough housing; no furniture; Dad brought home hamburgers then left and came back drunk; boys pretending to shoot the people in the East End p.131

Chapter 36

  1. What kind of deals did Maniac make with the boys to keep them in school each week? He first gave them pizza, then he went into Finsterwald’s backyard and knocked on the door p.137

Chapter 37

  1. How did Maniac feel about the challenges the boys gave him? He loved them; he was glad to give the boys the glory; he was happy to do them to make sure the boys were in school p.142
  2. Why did the little boys think going into the East End was such a perilous challenge? They were white and were told that white people shouldn’t cross over into the black neighborhoods p.142

Chapter 38

  1. Why did Maniac regret how he ran the race? He showed off and finished backwards p.147

Chapter 39

  1. Why didn’t Maniac want to hang around McNab’s anymore? They were getting a bazooka ready to shoot the black people from the West End p.152 

Chapter 40

  1. Why did Maniac stay with the McNab’s? He cared about them and knew they needed him p.155
  2. Predict who Maniac’s going to invite to the party. Listen to your child’s answer p.157

Chapter 41

  1. Who did Maniac bring to the party? Why? Mars Bar Thompson; so, the different colored people could see they weren’t different from each other p.158
  2. Why did Maniac take him to the Pickwell’s first? So, Mars Bar could see good white people p.160

Chapter 42

  1. Did the party end up the way Maniac thought it would? Explain. No; the McNab’s and Mars Bar didn’t learn what Maniac was wanted them to p.166

Chapter 43

  1. Why did Maniac notice the homes and start sleeping in backyards or kitchen? He wanted a home p.168

Chapter 44

  1. How did Maniac respond to Piper’s pleas? He walked away p.173
  2. Predict how you think Russell was saved. Listen to your child’s answer 

Chapter 45

  1. Summarize this chapter. Mars Bar comes to the zoo and finds Maniac; he tells him what happened to the McNab boys, he saved the one and took them home and his mom took care of them and they stayed all day and played games; Mars Bar’s mom wants to know why Maniac doesn’t go to his house; Maniac doesn’t answer but jumps into the buffalo fence p.174
  2. Why is Maniac struggling with going over to Mars Bar’s? He doesn’t want them to get hurt p.179

Chapter 46

  1. What did the author mean when Maniac said, “…at long last, someone was calling him home”? He was so happy to have someone tell him he was their family p.184
  2. List one theme the author tried to get across in this book? All people are the same no matter the color; everyone wants a place to call home; people are good no matter where they come from; love and kindness is key

Comprehension Questions – Harry Potter #4 The Goblet of Fire

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

by J.K. Rowlig

Grades 6-12; Genre - Fantasy; GRL W; AR pts. 32

In this fourth novel of Harry Potter's training as a wizard and his coming of age, Harry wants to be a normal, fourteen-year-old wizard. Unfortunately, he is not normal--even by wizardry standards. In his case, different can be deadly.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. Explain why the Riddle house was creepy? 50 years ago, the Riddles consisting of parents and Tom were all suspiciously murdered, the murderer hadn’t been found p.1
  2. How would you describe the boys who taunted Frank? Listen to your child’s answers; mean; disrespectful p.5
  3. Who was in the upper story of the house? Wormtail and Lord Voldemort p.6
  4. Describe what happened to Frank? He saw the light in the window and went upstairs to see what the boys had done and found Wormtail and Lord Voldemort. He overheard what they were saying about Harry Potter and murdering Bertha.  A snake came past him and told the Lord that he was there. The Lord told him to come in and after talking with Frank killed him after he showed himself to him. p.14

Chapter 2

  1. Why was Harry bothered that his scar was hurting him? The last time it hurt, Voldemort was close by p.19
  2. Who did Harry finally realize he could talk to about his scar? Sirius p.22
  3. Why was Harry aloud to keep his wizarding things in his room now? His aunt and uncle found out that Harry had a godfather who was a murderer p.24

Chapter 3

  1. Why was Dudley on a diet? The private school clothes he needs to fit into don’t fit him p.27
  2. Why had Ron’s mom written to Harry’s uncle? She was asking if Harry could go to the Quidditch Cup game and spend the rest of summer vacation with the Weasley’s p.30
  3. Why was Harry so happy at the end of this chapter? He had birthday cake to eat instead of grapefruit, he was going to the World Cup and he was staying at the Weasley’s for the rest of the summer p.37

Chapter 4

  1. Why was it a problem that the Weasley’s traveled to the Dursley’s fireplace using Floo powder? The Dursley’s have an electric fire covering the normal fireplace and they were stuck behind it p.43
  2. How did the Weasley’s get into the house? Mr. Weasley blasted the electric fire p.44
  3. What did Mr. Weasley expect to hear from Uncle Vernon? A good-bye to Harry p.48
  4. What had Fred left for Dudley? An engorgement charm p.49

Chapter 5

  1. What did Ron’s mom find while cleaning his twin brothers’ room?  Order forms for their jokester business p.54
  2. Why was Mrs. Weasley so upset while making dinner? She was still angry at the twins for leaving magic candy for Dudley and was worried that her boys would not amount to anything p.58
  3. Where did the Weasley’s, Hermione and Harry eat dinner that night? Out in the garden p.60

Chapter 6

  1. How were Ron’s older brothers getting to the Quidditch World Cup? They were teleporting or apparating p.66
  2. Who met up with the Weasley’s group at the portkey? Cedric Diggory and his father p.71
  3. Describe the portkey Harry and the others used to get to the game? A portkey; It was an old boot that everyone just had to touch. At a certain time, they were all pulled very quickly to the location of the game p.73

Chapter 7

  1. Why did Mr. Weasley want to be as Muggle-like as possible? They were on Muggle territory and didn’t want them to get suspicious p.79
  2. Why did the Irish and Bulgarian groups decorate their camps with shamrocks and pictures of Viktor Krum? They were the teams playing in the World Cup p.82
  3. Was Mr. Weasley correct in his worrying about Bertha not returning home from her vacation? Why? Yes, because she had been murdered by the orders of Lord Voldemort p.89

Chapter 8

  1. Why is Winky upset with Dobby? Because he wants to be paid for his work p.98
  2. Who sat in the Weasley party’s observation box? Fudge Cornelius, the Bulgarian minister, the Malfoy’s, Winky waiting for her master p.100
  3. Why did the referee want to remove the mascots off the field? The Bulgarian mascot was distracting to him p.110
  4. How did the game end? Ireland won by 10 points and Krum caught the Snitch p.114
  5. Why were Fred and George happy with the game? they won the bet p.116

Chapter 9

  1. What caused Harry to wake up in the middle of the night? A group of wizards had captured Muggles and had them floating in the air above them as they walked through the camp p.120
  2. Why was it dangerous for Hermione to be spotted? She has Muggle parents p.122
  3. Why did the ministry attack Harry, Ron & Hermione? They thought that one of them had conjured the Dark Mark p.130
  4. Why was everyone upset about the Dark Mark? It was Lord Voldemort and his follower’s signal that would be left if they had murdered anyone p.142

Chapter 10

  1. How did Ron distract Harry from worrying about his nightmare with Lord Voldemort? They played Quidditch p.150
  2. Why was Percy and Mr. Weasley’s office receiving Howlers? People were unhappy with the security at the World Cup, so they would send letters that screamed at them p.151
  3. Why was Ron disgusted with his dress robes? They were second hand and were frilly with lace p.156

Chapter 11

  1. Why did Mrs. Weasley get the kids off to school on her own? An emergency came up with Mad-Eye and Mr. Weasley needed to attend to it p.160
  2. Predict what is happening at Hogwarts this year that people keep dropping hints about. Listen to your child’s answer p.163
  3. How did Draco know about the events happening at Hogwarts? His dad told him p.169

Chapter 12

  1. What happened to Colin Creevey’s brother on the way from the train to Hogwarts? He fell in the lake and was pushed back into the boat by something p.179
  2. Why was Hermione upset there were house elves at Hogwarts? She knew they were not paid for their work, like slaves p.182
  3. What was the exciting event happening at Hogwarts that everyone had kept secret? There was going to be a Triwizard Tournament p.184
  4. Who's the new Defense Against the Dark Arts professor? Mad-Eye Moody p.185

Chapter 13

  1. What was Draco taunting Ron about? Ron’s parents p.202
  2. What did Professor Moody do to Draco? Turn him into a white ferret p.204
  3. Why was Professor McGonagall upset with Professor Moody? He wasn’t supposed to use transfiguration spells on students p.206

Chapter 14

  1. Why were the students terrified to see a spider die? Because they saw the pain Professor Moody had already inflicted on the other spiders p.215
  2. What curse killed Harry’s parents? Avada Kedavra p.216
  3. Why did Hermione spend so much time in the library? She was creating S.P.E.W.; Society for the Promotion of Elfish Welfare p.224
  4. Why was Harry upset afterreading the note from Sirius? He felt he had put Sirius in danger p.226

Chapter 15

  1. Why do you think Professor Moody wanted Harry to learn the death spell? He was trying to protect Harry from Voldemort p.232
  2. How did the competing schools arrive at Hogwarts? Beauxbatons came in a flying carriage; Durmstrang arrived in a ship from a whirlpool in the lake p.246
  3. Name one characteristic Madame Maxime had that reminds you of Hagrid. She’s very tall p.243

Chapter 16

  1. Why did Ron think the girl from Beauxbatons was a veela? She could mesmerize him like the veelas at the quidditch game had p.252
  2. What was the result of Fred and George attempting to age themselves? They were thrown out of the circle and grew white beards p.260
  3. How did Hagrid feel about S.P.E.W.? He felt the elves would be unhappy being free, so he didn’t join p.265
  4. Who were the champions chosen for the tournament? Viktor Krum, the girl Ron liked from Beauxbatons, Cedric Diggory, Harry Potter p.269

Chapter 17

  1. How did Madame Maxime and Karkaroff feel about Harry being chosen to compete? That Hogwarts was cheating and being unfair p.277
  2. Why does Harry think his name was entered into the Goblet of Fire? He thought someone wanted to kill him p.283
  3. How did Ron feel when Harry was chosen to compete in the tournament? He was jealous of him p.286

Chapter 18

  1. How did the Gryffindors respond to Harry being chosen? They thought he entered himself and applauded p.288
  2. How did the rest of the school react? They weren’t impressed p.292
  3. Where did Rita Skeeter interview Harry? In the broom closet p.303
  4. Why wasn’t Harry hanging out with Ron? Ron wasn’t speaking to him p.311

Chapter 19

  1. Describe the article written by Rita Skeeter? It was about Harry, but misrepresented him and didn’t talk about the tournament p.214
  2. Why did Harry regret getting chosen for the tournament? He and Ron were fighting because of it, Rita Skeeter had written the bad article about him and everyone made fun of him p.318
  3. Why did Hagrid take Harry to see the dragons? So Harry would know what his first task was p.328
  4. Who does Sirius think is responsible for putting Harry’s name in the goblet and why? Karkaroff, because he has been a death eater in the past p.334

Chapter 20

  1. Why was Cedric suspicious when Harry told him about the dragons? He thought Harry was trying to trick him into losing p.341
  2. How did Mad-Eye Moody help Harry with the first task? He gave him an idea of how to get passed the dragon p.344
  3. Which dragon did Harry face? The Hungarian horntail p.350
  4. How did Harry defeat it? He summoned his wand, flew away to distract it, then swooped down and retrieved the golden egg p.355

Chapter 21

  1. Why was Harry worried when Rita Skeeter interviewed Hagrid? He knew she would lie about Hagrid and he could lose his job p.371
  2. Why did Hermione take Harry to the kitchens? Dobby was there p.373
  3. Why do the other house elves keep their distance from Dobby? He is untraditional from other elves since he’s free and gets paid to work p.378
  4. Why was Winky so upset? She feels she is a disgrace to her family p.381

Chapter 22

  1. Why did Harry need a dance partner for the Yule Ball? As a champion, he will open the ball with the first dance p.387
  2. Who did Harry first ask to the ball? Cho p.396
  3. Who is she going to go with? Cedric p.397

Chapter 23

  1. Why didn’t Hermione want to tell Harry and Ron who she was going to the ball with? She felt they wouldn’t believe her or would tease her p.411
  2. Why was Ron upset when Hermione went to the ball with Krum? He was jealous p.422
  3. Why was Madam Maxime upset when Hagrid assumed she was a giant? She didn’t want people to think she was a giant p.428
  4. What was the clue Cedric gave to Harry about the golden egg? To take the egg to the bath p.431

Chapter 24

  1. Why is Hagrid in hiding? Rita Skeeter wrote an article about him and he was humiliated p.437
  2. Predict how Rita Skeeter learned of Hagrid’s history. Listen to your child’s answer p.441
  3. Why did Ron think Hermione was going to get a news article published about her? Hermione made Rita Skeeter angry p.451
  4. What helped Hagrid realize he shouldn’t hide anymore? The friends went to see him, and Dumbledore told him not to give up p.453

Chapter 25

  1. How did Moaning Myrtle help Harry figure out the mystery to the egg? She watched Cedric figure it out p.462
  2. Why was Moaning Myrtle sensitive about being dead? Nobody noticed her when she was alive p.465
  3. How did Moody stop Snape from finding Harry? He accused Snape of wanting to kill Harry p.473
  4. Why do you think Moody wants to borrow the Marauder’s Map? Listen to your child’s answer p.476

Chapter 26

  1. Why was Harry so worried about the second task? He didn’t have a spell to help him breathe underwater for one-hour p.485
  2. How did Dobby know what Harry could use for the task? He overheard teachers talking about it p.491
  3. Why was Harry late and out of breath for the second task? He had woken up late and run down to the lake p.493
  4. Summarize what happened during the task. Harry swam to the depth of the lake and found four figures tied up, needing to be saved. He freed Ron, Krum came and freed Hermione, and Cedric freed Cho. The last competitor never arrived to save her younger sister, so Harry freed her and took up his two prizes to the shore. Harry got extra points for saving the little sister and came in second place for the task and tied for first place overall p.506

Chapter 27

  1. Infer what is on Karkaroff’s arm? Listen to your child’s answer; the sign of the Dark Lord p.519
  2. Why did the friends purchase socks for Dobby? Wanted to say thank you for helping Harry with the task p.520
  3. Where did Sirius take the friends to talk? A cave p.521
  4. Why does Sirius want the friends to call him Snuffles? So no one is suspicious of who he really is p.534

Chapter 28

  1. Describe Harry’s watch. It doesn’t work p.543
  2. Why was Ron mad at Harry when he learned what happens to leprechaun gold? He’s poor and Harry is rich p.545
  3. Why did Ron’s mom send a smaller Easter egg to Hermione? Mrs. Weasley had read Rita Skeeter’s article about Hermione and was disappointed in her p.549
  4. Why was Hagrid upset when he found out Harry had spoken to Krum alone? Doesn’t trust Krum p.563

Chapter 29

  1. Predict what mischief Fred and George are up to? Listen to your child’s answer p.567
  2. Give an example that shows that Harry trusts and respects Sirius? He told Sirius he would see Dumbledore when his scar hurt p.578
  3. What is Cornelius Fudge prejudiced about? Giants p.580
  4. Why did Harry go to Dumbledore’s office? He had a dream about Voldemort and his scar hurt p.580 

Chapter 30

  1. Why did Dumbledore leave Harry in his office alone? Dumbledore, Mad-Eye Moody and Fudge went to go see where Mr. Crouch had been seen p.582
  2. What did Harry see in Dumbledore’s Pensieve? Dumbledore’s memories from being in court watching Voldemort’s past supporters on trial p.586
  3. Name three people who were charged with supporting Voldemort. Ludo Bagman, Karkaroff, and Mr. Crouch’s son p.587

Chapter 31

  1. Who came to see Harry during the “family time” before the third task? Mrs. Weasley and Bill p.615
  2. What curse did Krum do on Cedric? The Crucio torture curse p.626
  3. How did Harry travel in the correct direction in the maze? He cast a spell on his wand that pointed north p.628
  4. What deal did Harry and Cedric make when they reached the cup? They would both grab the cup at the same time p.635

Chapter 32

  1. Describe the setting where Harry and Cedric traveled to. A church with a graveyard p.636
  2. What happened to Cedric upon arriving at the graveyard? He was murdered p.638
  3. What did Harry see that helped him realize it was Wormtail who had grabbed him and tied him up? He saw a finger missing on Wormtail’s hand p.639
  4. What did Wormtail sacrifice for the Dark Lord and why? His hand; to raise the Dark Lord p. 642

Chapter 33

  1. How did Voldemort call his followers? Pressed the tattoo on Wormtail’s arm p.645
  2. Who is Voldemort’s true family? His followers p.646
  3. How did Harry contribute to the Dark Lord rising? Wormtail drew blood from Harry’s arm and dripped it into the cauldron p.656
  4. Why did Voldemort arrange for Harry to come to the church? To get his blood and to fight him p.658

Chapter 34

  1. Choose a word that describes Harry during the duel with Voldemort. Why did you choose it? Brave, strong, enduring, didn’t give up p.659
  2. Who came out of Voldemort’s wand during the duel? The people Voldemort had most recently murdered; Bertha Jorkins, Frank, Cedric, and Harry’s parents p.865
  3. What action did the ghosts take to help Harry get back to Hogwarts? Surrounded Voldemort so he couldn’t see what Harry was doing p.668

Chapter 35

  1. Where did Dumbledore want Harry to be when he arrived back at the school? With him p.672
  2. Why did Moody put Harry’s name in the Goblet of Fire? To set Harry up to be sent to the graveyard so Voldemort could come back p.675
  3. How did Dumbledore know the real Mad-Eye Moody was being impersonated? The real Moody wouldn’t have removed Harry when Dumbledore told him to stay p.680
  4. How did Dumbledore get Barty Crouch to tell the truth about everything that had happened and what he had done? truth potion p.683

Chapter 36

  1. Why did Dumbledore want Harry to tell him everything that had happened immediately? He knew it would be less painful than to sleep and tell him later p.695
  2. Why was Dumbledore upset that Fudge had allowed the dementor’s kiss on Barty Crouch? Crouch was the only other witness to Voldemort’s rise besides Harry p.703
  3. Why doesn’t Fudge believe Harry? He’s been reading the articles written by Rita Skeeter p.705
  4. Why didn’t Harry want Ron looking at him at the end of the chapter? He was going to cry or was crying p.714

Chapter 37

  1. What shocking news did Dumbledore tell the students during the Leaving Feast? Voldemort had murdered Cedric p.722
  2. How did Rita Skeeter learn the information for her articles? She can turn into a bug and disguised herself to get close to the students p.727
  3. Who had Fred and George been writing to and why? Ludo Bagman; to get their gold back p.731
  4. What did Harry do with his prize money? Give it to Fred and George with the stipulation they had to purchase Ron some new robes p.733