essay questions on wonder

Wonder Lessons

10 Discussion Questions for Wonder

Good discussion is the heart of any English class, and Wonder by R.J. Palacio provides so much rich material for students to reflect on and discuss.

The questions below can be used to initiate discussion in small groups, or as a whole class. Often it can be helpful to start with small groups, and then have them come together for a larger discussion.

You can also use them as writing prompts or paragraph questions.

Here are ten discussion questions for Wonder by R.J. Palacio.

Wonder Discussion Questions

• How does August’s facial difference impact his relationships with others and his perception of himself?
• Discuss the theme of kindness and empathy in the novel. How do the characters respond to August and how do their actions impact him?
• How do August’s experiences at Beecher Prep School differ from his experiences at his previous school?
• Discuss the role of family in the novel. How do August’s parents and siblings support and challenge him?
• How do the characters’ perceptions of August change throughout the novel?
• Discuss the theme of bullying in the novel. How do August and the other characters deal with bullying and its effects on them?
• How does the novel address the themes of appearance and acceptance?
• Discuss the role of imagination and creativity in the novel. How do August and the other characters use their imaginations to cope with challenges and obstacles?
• How does the novel portray the importance of friendship and the challenges of making and maintaining friendships?
• Discuss the ending of the novel. How does August’s journey end and what does this reveal about the themes of the novel?

Full Unit Plan

These discussion questions are a great place to start, but if you want everything you need to teach Wonder in one download, check out this amazing full unit plan .

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Discussion Questions for Wonder by RJ Palacio

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1. August Pullman is not an ordinary ten-year-old kid, but in the opening chapter of R.J. Palacio’s novel, Wonder , he admits he’d like to be. Can you relate to this desire to be normal? If so, what’s one thing about your life you wish weren’t so extraordinary to others?

2. “Everyone born of God overcometh the world.” These were the surprising words whispered into August’s mother’s ears when her son was born with a condition called mandibulofacial dysostosis— more commonly known as Treacher Collins Syndrome. What do you think the nurse was trying to convey to Isabel? What do you think Isabel is trying to convey to Auggie when she recounts the story?

3. Throughout the book, there’s a difference between the responses children have—think Julian asking “What’s the deal with your face?”—and adults have—think Mrs. Garcia putting on her “shiny smile”—when they see Auggie. Which response, if either, does Auggie think is better? Which do you think is better? Tell a story to illustrate your point.

4. Auggie has a lot to acclimate to in middle school, but lunch is particularly tough, seeing as how he eats like a self-avowed “prehistoric swamp thing.” So, when Summer comes to sit with him, it’s a welcome grace. Who has created space for you to feel seen rather than shunned? What did it mean to you?

5. “I wish everyday could be Halloween. We could all wear masks all the time. Then we could walk around and get to know each other before we got to see what we looked like under the masks,” Auggie says. Wearing a mask is often seen as a metaphor for concealing who you really are, but Auggie thinks they can be liberating. Can you think of other examples of how masks, costumes, or uniforms act as equalizers in your community? How might this idea shift your practice of hospitality?

6. Via likens Auggie to the sun and the rest of her family (save for Daisy the dog) as planets that orbit him. What does this metaphor tell you about Via? Is there a better metaphor for being a sibling, family member, or friend to someone with special needs? What is gained or grieved in this kind of relationship?

7. One of the things Auggie’s new friends love most about him is his self-deprecating humor—even if he does have to remind them to laugh sometimes. How has humor led to disarming friendship in your story? Why do you think humor is so important in healing divides?

8. Justin, Olivia’s new boyfriend, reflects on Miranda’s statement that “the universe was not kind to Auggie Pullman.” And yet he sees it differently. He says the universe “takes care of its most fragile creations in ways we can’t see.” Do you agree? If so, give an example from your corner of the world.

9. After Jack, Amos, Henry, and Miles defend Auggie at the Fifth-Grade Nature Retreat, it’s like he became one of them. Why do you think this encounter was so formative for the other boys? And formative for the entire novel? How has protecting someone who might be more vulnerable changed you?

10. At the end-of-the-year awards ceremony, Mr. Tushman proposes a new precept—or rule of life for his students—that comes from author J.M. Barrie: “always try and be a little kinder than necessary.” What’s one way you can be a little kinder to someone in your life? Commit to it and see how it impacts your life. Or write a precept of your own and commit to that.

Bonus: After reading Wonder , what part of the book resonated with you most? What insight will you carry with you?

Discussion Questions written by author, editor, and facilitator Erin S. Lane . Subscribe to Everything Happens wherever you listen to podcasts .

Join Kate Bowler in conversation with Duke University’s own Coach Mike Krzyzewski on October 14 for Everything Happens LIVE in Durham, NC!

Wonder of Science Essay for Students and Children

500+ words essay on wonder of science.

Wonder of Science Essay: Looking at the age when a man led a life like a savage, we notice how far we have come. Similarly, the evolution of mankind is truly commendable. One of the major driving forces behind this is science. It makes you think about the wonder of science and how it has proven to be such a boon in our lives. Most importantly, science has helped develop a great civilization . All the advancements that man has been able to make are with the help of science only. However, it won’t be wrong to say that science is a two-edged sword. It comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages.

Advantages of Science

To say that science has a lot of benefits would be an understatement. The benefits of science do not just limit to one sphere, but it has proven useful in various spheres of the world. When we talk about innovations in science and engineering, electricity is the first thing that comes to mind. It has helped power the world through its development.

That is to say, all the credit goes to science, as it weren’t for science, life in the 21st century would be impossible. After all, it is quite hard to imagine a world without computers , medicines , televisions , AC’s, automobiles and more. In addition, science has contributed largely to the medical field as well.

It has helped cure deadly diseases and also perform surgeries which were hard to perform before. Therefore, science has changed the world in unimaginable ways.

Get the huge list of more than 500 Essay Topics and Ideas

Disadvantages of Science

As the saying goes ‘there is no rainbow without rain’, similarly science has drawbacks of its own. One must always remember that anything in excess is poison, and science is no different. If it falls into evil hands, it can cause destruction on a massive level. For instance, science is used to create nuclear weapons.

These are deadly enough to cause war and wipe out full-fledged countries. Another drawback is the pollution caused by it. As the world became more industrialized because of science, pollution levels increased. All the high-scale industries are now polluting natural resources like water, air, wood, and more.

Subsequently, this industrial growth has increased rates of unemployment as machines are replacing human labor. So, we see how it also has a considerable amount of drawbacks as well.

In conclusion, we can say that surely science is very beneficial to the modern man. But, innovations and discoveries have also become destructive in various ways for mankind.

Therefore, it must be properly used for the greater benefit of mankind. We must ensure the wise use of these scientific inventions in order to save the world from the evil side of science. As Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam once stated that science is a beautiful gift to humanity, we must not distort it, likewise, we must live by this quote and monitor the utilization.

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Wonder Lesson Plans for Teachers

Teaching Wonder

The Wonder lesson plan contains a variety of teaching materials that cater to all learning styles. Inside you'll find 30 Daily Lessons, 20 Fun Activities, 180 Multiple Choice Questions, 60 Short Essay Questions, 20 Essay Questions, Quizzes/Homework Assignments, Tests, and more. The lessons and activities will help students gain an intimate understanding of the text, while the tests and quizzes will help you evaluate how well the students have grasped the material. View a free sample

Target Grade: 7th-12th (Middle School and High School)

Length of Lesson Plan: Approximately 104 pages. Page count is estimated at 300 words per page. Length will vary depending on format viewed.

Browse The Wonder Lesson Plan:

Full Lesson Plan Overview

Completely customizable.

The Wonder lesson plan is downloadable in PDF and Word. The Word file is viewable with any PC or Mac and can be further adjusted if you want to mix questions around and/or add your own headers for things like "Name," "Period," and "Date." The Word file offers unlimited customizing options so that you can teach in the most efficient manner possible. Once you download the file, it is yours to keep and print for your classroom. View a FREE sample

Lesson Plan Calendars

The Lesson Plan Calendars provide daily suggestions about what to teach. They include detailed descriptions of when to assign reading, homework, in-class work, fun activities, quizzes, tests and more. Use the entire Wonder calendar, or supplement it with your own curriculum ideas. Calendars cover one, two, four, and eight week units. Determine how long your Wonder unit will be, then use one of the calendars provided to plan out your entire lesson.

Chapter Abstracts

Chapter abstracts are short descriptions of events that occur in each chapter of Wonder . They highlight major plot events and detail the important relationships and characteristics of important characters. The Chapter Abstracts can be used to review what the students have read, or to prepare the students for what they will read. Hand the abstracts out in class as a study guide, or use them as a "key" for a class discussion. They are relatively brief, but can serve to be an excellent refresher of Wonder for either a student or teacher.

Character and Object Descriptions

Character and Object Descriptions provide descriptions of the significant characters as well as objects and places in Wonder . These can be printed out and used as an individual study guide for students, a "key" for leading a class discussion, a summary review prior to exams, or a refresher for an educator. The character and object descriptions are also used in some of the quizzes and tests in this lesson plan. The longest descriptions run about 200 words. They become shorter as the importance of the character or object declines.

Daily Lessons

This section of the lesson plan contains 30 Daily Lessons. Daily Lessons each have a specific objective and offer at least three (often more) ways to teach that objective. Lessons include classroom discussions, group and partner activities, in-class handouts, individual writing assignments, at least one homework assignment, class participation exercises and other ways to teach students about Wonder in a classroom setting. You can combine daily lessons or use the ideas within them to create your own unique curriculum. They vary greatly from day to day and offer an array of creative ideas that provide many options for an educator.

Fun Classroom Activities

Fun Classroom Activities differ from Daily Lessons because they make "fun" a priority. The 20 enjoyable, interactive classroom activities that are included will help students understand Wonder in fun and entertaining ways. Fun Classroom Activities include group projects, games, critical thinking activities, brainstorming sessions, writing poems, drawing or sketching, and countless other creative exercises. Many of the activities encourage students to interact with each other, be creative and think "outside of the box," and ultimately grasp key concepts from the text by "doing" rather than simply studying. Fun activities are a great way to keep students interested and engaged while still providing a deeper understanding of Wonder and its themes.

Essay Questions/Writing Assignments

These 20 Essay Questions/Writing Assignments can be used as essay questions on a test, or as stand-alone essay topics for a take-home or in-class writing assignment on Wonder . Students should have a full understanding of the unit material in order to answer these questions. They often include multiple parts of the work and ask for a thorough analysis of the overall text. They nearly always require a substantial response. Essay responses are typically expected to be one (or more) page(s) and consist of multiple paragraphs, although it is possible to write answers more briefly. These essays are designed to challenge a student's understanding of the broad points in a work, interactions among the characters, and main points and themes of the text. But, they also cover many of the other issues specific to the work and to the world today.

Short Essay Questions

The 60 Short Essay Questions listed in this section require a one to two sentence answer. They ask students to demonstrate a deeper understanding of Wonder by describing what they've read, rather than just recalling it. The short essay questions evaluate not only whether students have read the material, but also how well they understand and can apply it. They require more thought than multiple choice questions, but are shorter than the essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

The 180 Multiple Choice Questions in this lesson plan will test a student's recall and understanding of Wonder . Use these questions for quizzes, homework assignments or tests. The questions are broken out into sections, so they focus on specific chapters within Wonder . This allows you to test and review the book as you proceed through the unit. Typically, there are 5-15 questions per chapter, act or section.

Evaluation Forms

Use the Oral Reading Evaluation Form when students are reading aloud in class. Pass the forms out before you assign reading, so students will know what to expect. You can use the forms to provide general feedback on audibility, pronunciation, articulation, expression and rate of speech. You can use this form to grade students, or simply comment on their progress.

Use the Writing Evaluation Form when you're grading student essays. This will help you establish uniform criteria for grading essays even though students may be writing about different aspects of the material. By following this form you will be able to evaluate the thesis, organization, supporting arguments, paragraph transitions, grammar, spelling, punctuation, etc. of each student's essay.

Quizzes/Homework Assignments

The Quizzes/Homework Assignments are worksheets that can be used in a variety of ways. They pull questions from the multiple choice and short essay sections, the character and object descriptions, and the chapter abstracts to create worksheets that can be used for pop quizzes, in-class assignments and homework. Periodic homework assignments and quizzes are a great way to encourage students to stay on top of their assigned reading. They can also help you determine which concepts and ideas your class grasps and which they need more guidance on. By pulling from the different sections of the lesson plan, quizzes and homework assignments offer a comprehensive review of Wonder in manageable increments that are less substantial than a full blown test.

Use the Test Summary page to determine which pre-made test is most relevant to your students' learning styles. This lesson plan provides both full unit tests and mid-unit tests. You can choose from several tests that include differing combinations of multiple choice questions, short answer questions, short essay questions, full essay questions, character and object matching, etc. Some of the tests are designed to be more difficult than others. Some have essay questions, while others are limited to short-response questions, like multiple choice, matching and short answer questions. If you don't find the combination of questions that best suits your class, you can also create your own test on Wonder .

Create Your Own Quiz or Test

You have the option to Create Your Own Quiz or Test. If you want to integrate questions you've developed for your curriculum with the questions in this lesson plan, or you simply want to create a unique test or quiz from the questions this lesson plan offers, it's easy to do. Cut and paste the information from the Create Your Own Quiz or Test page into a Word document to get started. Scroll through the sections of the lesson plan that most interest you and cut and paste the exact questions you want to use into your new, personalized Wonder lesson plan.

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A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Character Analysis

Symbols & Motifs

Important Quotes

Essay Topics

Discussion Questions

Reading Check, Multiple Choice & Short Answer Quizzes

Reading Check questions are designed for in-class review on key plot points or for quick verbal or written assessments. Multiple Choice and Short Answer Quizzes create ideal summative assessments, and collectively function to convey a sense of the work’s tone and themes.

Reading Check

1. Where did Auggie go to school up until the book starts?

2. Who sits with Auggie on his first day of school?

3. What does Auggie do when he gets home from school that upsets Via?

Multiple Choice

1. Which is Mr. Browne’s first precept?

A) “Be remembered for what you do, not what you say.”

B) “A little bit of effort goes a long way.”

C) “When given the choice between being right or being kind, choose kind.”

D) “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.”

2. Julian asks Auggie if he likes which character from Star Wars ?

A) Boba Fett

B) Jango Fett

C) Darth Maul

D) Darth Sidious

3. Auggie’s Mom says, “Okay, so is he the kind of kid who acts one way in front of grown-ups and another way in front of kids?” (Chapter 12: “Home”) about which student?

A) Miles

B) Julian

C) Jack

D) Henry

4. Which actions at school illustrate the theme of bullying?

A) Charlotte doesn’t sit with Summer and Auggie at their table.

B) Jack Will and Auggie laugh about suing Auggie’s plastic surgeon.

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Wonder quiz 1.

• 1 When was Wonder published? 1995 2015 2012 2000
• 2 Who wrote Wonder? Christopher Paul Curtis George R. R. Martin A.J. Presario R.J. Palacio
• 3 In what city does the novel take place? Boston New York City Chicago Los Angeles
• 4 "Auggie" is short for what? Augent Augustine August Augustus
• 5 How old is Auggie at the novel's beginning? fourteen ten six eighteen
• 6 Auggie's former best friend is named Jamie. Christopher. Julian. Summer.
• 7 What is the name of Auggie's new school? Brayden Prep Belmont Prep Brighton Prep Beecher Prep
• 8 What grade is Auggie entering when the novel opens? 5th 9th 8th 3rd
• 9 Which three kids take Auggie on a tour of his new school? Charlotte, Henry, Julian Summer, Ximena, Jack Maya, Amos, Miles Charlotte, Jack, Julian
• 10 Who is Auggie's favorite Star Wars character? Luke Skywalker Chewbacca Jango Fett Darth Sidious
• 11 What subject does Mr. Browne teach? Math Social Studies English Science
• 12 Who regularly sits with Auggie at lunch? Maya Jack Julian Summer
• 13 What is Dad's nickname for Auggie? Major Tom Auggie the Brave Auggie Doggie August Rush
• 14 Auggie tells everyone that he is being what for Halloween? Indiana Jones Boba Fett a pirate The Terminator
• 15 What costume does Auggie ultimately wear for Halloween? a clown Harry Potter Darth Vader Bleeding Scream
• 16 Whom does Auggie overhear saying he would kill himself if he had Auggie's face? Amos Jack Miles Julian
• 17 What grade in school is Via beginning? 9th 6th 12th 4th
• 18 Where did Grans live before she died? New Haven Montauk Westchester Hoboken
• 19 Where is Mrs. Pullman's side of the family from? China Pakistan Spain Brazil
• 20 Who were Via's best friends before high school? Miranda and Ella Emma and Malia Lola and Madison Emily and Megan
• 21 What is Via's real name? Olivia Violet Eva Genevia
• 22 What color has Miranda dyed her hair? red pink blue green
• 23 At which university did the Pullman parents meet? Columbia Yale Brown Harvard
• 24 Auggie tells Via that which character called and asked about him? Miranda Poppa Ella Tata
• 25 What is Summer's last name? Dawes Davidson Dawson Davis

Wonder Questions and Answers

The Question and Answer section for Wonder is a great resource to ask questions, find answers, and discuss the novel.

What writing assignment did Mr. Browne give the class?

Mr. Browne says that he will give the class a new precept every month. For the month of September, he tells them to consider: “If you have the choice between being right or being kind, choose kind.”

What are the facts that are more significative for you?

This question calls for your opinion... your reflection on the book. I particularly enjoyed Summer's sections, as they give us a glimpse into what it's like not to be in Auggie's situation, but to learn what it's like for the people closest to...

Why does Justin greet the different members of the family in four different ways? from wonder

This is one of the shorter sections, but Justin's segments are extremely important because they give us our first substantial look at Auggie's family from the outside. Summer and Jack only briefly interacted with the rest of Auggie's family, but...

Study Guide for Wonder

Wonder study guide contains a biography of R.J. Palacio, literature essays, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and analysis.

• About Wonder
• Wonder Summary
• Wonder Video
• Character List

Lesson Plan for Wonder

• About the Author
• Study Objectives
• Common Core Standards
• Introduction to Wonder
• Relationship to Other Books
• Bringing in Technology
• Notes to the Teacher
• Related Links
• Wonder Bibliography

Wikipedia Entries for Wonder

• Introduction

Essay on Wonder Of Science

Students are often asked to write an essay on Wonder Of Science in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Wonder Of Science

The magic of science.

Science is a world of wonders. It’s an exploration into the unknown, giving us answers and creating more questions. It has transformed our lives, from how we travel to how we communicate.

Science in Daily Life

Every day, we experience science. From the alarm clock that wakes us up to the mobile phones we use, science is everywhere. It has made our lives easier and more comfortable.

Science in Medicine

Science has made significant contributions to medicine. It has helped us fight diseases and improve health. From antibiotics to vaccines, science saves lives.

Science is truly a wonder. It’s a tool for understanding the world around us. It’s a beacon of knowledge and progress.

250 Words Essay on Wonder Of Science

Introduction.

The wonder of science is an undeniable phenomenon that has significantly shaped our world. It has not only transformed our daily lives but also revolutionized the way we perceive the universe. From the invention of the wheel to the development of quantum computers, science’s wonders are limitless and ever-evolving.

Science and Technology

The marvel of science is most evident in technology. The internet, smartphones, and AI are all the offspring of scientific innovation. These technological advancements have drastically improved communication, making the world a global village. They have also enhanced the quality of life, with medical breakthroughs enabling the treatment of previously incurable diseases.

Science and the Universe

Science’s wonder also extends to our understanding of the universe. It has given us telescopes to explore distant galaxies and spacecraft to visit other planets. Through science, we have discovered black holes, gravitational waves, and the mystery of dark matter, thus broadening our cosmic perspective.

Challenges and Ethical Considerations

Despite its wonders, science also poses challenges and ethical dilemmas. Nuclear energy, while a powerful resource, has destructive potential. Genetic engineering, though promising, raises concerns about human manipulation. It is crucial to navigate these complexities responsibly, ensuring the wonders of science benefit humanity without compromising ethical standards.

In conclusion, the wonder of science is a double-edged sword. Its potential to transform and enhance life is immense, but it must be wielded with wisdom and responsibility. As we continue to unravel the mysteries of the universe and innovate technologically, we must also ponder the ethical implications of our scientific endeavors, ensuring they serve the greater good.

500 Words Essay on Wonder Of Science

The enigma of science, the revolution of technology.

The advent of technology, a product of scientific exploration, has revolutionized the way humans live and interact. The internet, an invention that seemed like a fantasy a few decades ago, has made the world a global village. We can now communicate with people across the globe in real-time, access a wealth of information at our fingertips, and even carry out complex tasks from the comfort of our homes. This is a testament to the power of scientific innovation.

The Medical Marvels

In the medical realm, science has worked miracles. Diseases that were once considered fatal are now curable, thanks to the advancements in medical science. Techniques like gene editing, stem cell therapy, and robotic surgery are pushing the boundaries of what is medically possible. Furthermore, the development of vaccines, especially the rapid response to COVID-19, demonstrates the remarkable capabilities of science.

Unraveling the Universe

The double-edged sword.

However, science is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it has the power to create; on the other, it can also destroy. The same science that cures diseases can also create weapons of mass destruction. The technology that connects us can also be used for surveillance and privacy breaches. Therefore, the ethical use of scientific knowledge is of utmost importance.

The Role of Education

Education plays a pivotal role in harnessing the power of science. By fostering a scientific temperament in students, we can ensure that they use science as a tool for the betterment of society. Moreover, by encouraging critical thinking and ethical judgment, we can guide them to use science responsibly.

That’s it! I hope the essay helped you.

Apart from these, you can look at all the essays by clicking here .

Happy studying!

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