From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler Papers & Assignment Topics

Essay Topics/Writing Assignments

These 20 essay questions can be used as essay questions on a test, or as stand-alone essay topics for a take-home or in-class writing assignment. Students should have a full understanding of the text in order to answer these questions. They ask for a thorough analysis of the text.

1. Claudia had her reasons for running away at the beginning of the novel. Evaluate these reasons in an essay using both information from the novel and personal experience and beliefs.

2. Jamie earned money by playing cards against his classmate on the bus. Make a judgment about this in an essay using information from the text and your own personal beliefs.

3. Write an essay describing how Claudia or Jamie's characters were developed throughout the novel, beginning with their ride on the school bus to the end of the novel.

4. Write...
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