Use these essay questions as writing and critical thinking exercises for all levels of writers, and to build their literary analysis skills by requiring textual references throughout the essay.

Scaffolded/Short-Answer Essay Questions

Student Prompt: Write a short (1-3 paragraph) response using one of the below bulleted outlines. Cite details from the novel over the course of your response that serve as examples and support.

1. What does Melody learn about friendships, relationships, and herself over the course of the novel?

• How does what Melody learns about friendships, relationships, and herself demonstrate her own self-acceptance?
• What do Melody’s relationships look like at the beginning of the novel versus at the end of the novel?
• How do Melody’s new relationships leave her feeling at the end of the novel?

2. How does the novel’s title communicate Melody’s journey in the story?

• How does the title relate to how Melody must communicate with others?
• What does Melody do to help others know what she is thinking?
• Though the title is a play on words, how is it literal and/or figurative for Melody’s experiences?

3. How does the Medi-Talker, “Elvira,” change Melody’s life?

• What are the positive impacts of the Medi-Talker for Melody?
• How does the Medi-Talker affect Melody’s home life, life at school, and her relationships with others?
• What future plans does Melody have for the Medi-Talker and what do these plans communicate about her?