Tears of a Tiger
By Sharon Draper
A WebQuest for English I Students
Designed by
Meredith B. Howell
Meredith_howell@scs.k12.nc.us
(adapted from Kathleen Tiernan)
INTRODUCTION
We have just completed the powerful novel Tears of a Tiger by Sharon Draper. In this novel, Andy made a tragic mistake that haunted him for the rest of his life. He chose to drink and drive, and ultimately lost his best friend from his actions. People every day make that same mistake. Some are lucky and do not lose their life or the life of others; other people are not so fortunate. This novel is written in an unconventional manner. Instead of chapters, we have diary dates, homework assignments, and poetry lessons, phone calls and notes passed in class.
THE TASK
· Learn about other student’s reactions to this novel.
· Write a paragraph summarizing one of the letters from a student written to Sharon Draper
· Research statistics about teenage drinking and driving
· Write a letter to a friend, telling that person about drinking and driving
· Write a paragraph explaining how you resist peer pressure, when you may have to choose not to follow your friends
THE PROCESS
1. Read some of the letters written to Sharon Draper form the web site:
a. http://sharondraper.com/letters.asp
b. Individually, write a letter to Sharon Draper, the author, telling her what you thought of her book. Utilize writing techniques and all the things we’ve learned from the writing workshop.
2. Visit the web address of MADD or any other Internet source about drinking and driving:
a. http://www.madd.org/ OR
c. Find the answers to the following questions:
1. How many teenagers are involved in drinking and driving accidents each year?
2. How many teenagers lose their lives to drinking and driving accidents?
3. How many Americans dies each year from drinking and driving?
4. Is drinking and driving a felony, or a misdemeanor?
5. How long will a mistake like drinking and driving be on a person’s record?
3. Write a letter to a friend or classmate telling them about drinking and driving. You can write the letter informally (casual style) like the examples in the book or more formally if you prefer. You should include some of the statistics you found form the websites in your letter, and you should include writing techniques we’ve learned in class.
CONCLUSION
It is fun to be popular, but will you have enough knowledge to go against your friend, if you fall into a situation where you have to choose. Drinking and Driving are never a good combination. It is a lethal choice that often leads to death and ruins lives. Learn from this project and the book; don’t drink and drive.