1. The Outsiders
By S.E. Hinton
Listed below are ideas for extension activities for the novel. You and two other partners
must prepare and present to the class two activities from the following list: Due date:
1. Find pictures that represent at least three items or characters from the story and
write a poem about what you have chosen. One theme could be: despite class
differences, people are basically the same.
2. Write your own definition of “heroism.” Then make a list of heroic and nonheroic
actions. Refine your definition based upon your lists. Illustrate.
3. Write an epilogue to follow the final chapter. Tell what Ponyboy and the other gang
members decided to do with their lives.
4. Create a book jacket for the novel. Re-design the cover and write a summary of the
novel to entice a reader to choose your book.
5. In a letter to the President, list ten ways to solve teen violence.
6. Create heroic epitaphs for the gravestones of Dally and Johnny.
7. Create a collage representing one of the main characters in the novel.
8. Assume the role of reporter and conduct an interview with one of the characters.
9. Find six incidents in the novel where characters jump to conclusions or act
impulsively without gathering the necessary information. Cite page numbers. Make
a list of questions that the character should have asked before making that decision.
How might the information have changed his/her behavior?
10. In his address, John F. Kennedy implored, “Ask not what your country can do for
you, ask what you can do for your country.” What do you think you can do to make
a difference for your country?
11. Compose a tragic ballad about Bob Sheldon, Johnny Cade, or Dallas Winston.
12. Design a youth center for your community. Draw an architectural drawing of it.
13. Create a play about a mock trial in which Johnny is tried for the murder of Bob.
Perform it in front of the class.
14. Compile a slang dictionary with definitions of words from the 1960’s.
15. Make yearbook entries for characters from The Outsiders.