Prompts for "Sign of the Chrysanthemum"
by Katherine Paterson

 

Speculation of Cause and Effect

Writing Situation

Muna has undergone a change or transformation in his search for his father in this novel.  We have all seen people change in important ways.  There is a reason or maybe several reasons why the changes occurred.  think of a person you know who has changed and the reasons why.

Direction for Writing

Write an essay describing a change in someone you know.  Explain why the change happened.  Write an essay for a reader who does not know the changed person.  Give specific examples of the person's appearance or actions that support your description of the change and why it occurred.

First-hand Biography

Writing situation

Muna became apprenticed to Fukujii, the masterwordsmith at the end of the novel.  Muna will continue to learn about life and his trade from observing Fukuji.  Think about someone who has helped you learn something or influenced your life.

Directions for Writing

Write an essay about a person who has influenced you or helped you learn something.  Describe the person and tell about a time the person affected your life.  Explain how you felt about the person and the experience you had.