Speak DQ 2

Discuss Melinda’s decline, including physical symptoms.

She always looks depressed, hygiene issues, and the way she dresses.

Analyze the social studies “debate” and its aftermath. Note who challenges the teacher and the position each person takes. How do you feel about this type of debate? Is the teacher right or wrong? Do students have a right to challenge a teacher?
Dave P.; I think it can affect some people, Mr.Neck is wrong; sometimes

Who is a “real” American? What do you think of Mr. Neck’s opinion? Going by his definition, are some of you not really Americans?

anyone who pays taxes and lives in America, i think his opinion is racist and wrong; no

Discuss the Thanksgiving dinner for Melinda’s family and why this is significant.
It wasn't successful; she could create from the turkey bones.

Analyze Melinda’s statement about her parents, “I bet they’d be divorced by now if I hadn’t been born.” What does this reflect about her self esteem?

her self esteem is in between, but dropping.

Examine Melinda’s references to her secret and what this reveals about her relationship with her parents. What do you think happened at the party?
when she came home , her parents didn't notice she was gone, she was raped.

Discuss Melinda’s athletic ability, her attitude toward being on the basketball team, and the comparison she makes between basketball and life.

she's very athletic; she compares them on how life has its ups and downs.

Analyze the deterioration of the relationship between Melinda and Heather. Why is it that people sometimes like us more when they can get something out of us? Are the Martha's good friends to Heather? Why or why not?

they want to know more about you; no, they don't treat her like she's part of the clan, they treat her more of a maid.

What should we value in other people? What qualities are important in a person? What do you usually notice first about people? Does that really matter?

the way they are; attitude, and how they take things; the way they dress, not really

Examine Melinda’s reference to IT. Pages 85-86 & 89-90

Discuss the school conference with Melinda’s parents and the aftermath. What do you think about Melinda’s suicide attempt? Was it real? What does it indicate? What do you think about her mother’s reaction?