“The Most Dangerous Game”By Richard Connell
Before, During, and After Reading Skills
Preparing to Read• Identify the text features seen on
pages 16-17.• Identify and define the two Literary
Focus elements of this text.• Identify and define the Reading Focus
skill used in this text.• What is the Writing Focus assignment
and what are you asked to look for as you read the beginning of the text?
• Which Vocabulary words do you not recognize? How does this text help you learn new words?
Author Information• Read the “Meet the Writer” section on
page 18.• Make a list of at least three important
facts you learn about the author.• Circle the detail you think is the most
important.
Build Background and Preview the Selection
• Read the “Build Background” and “Preview the Selection” sections on page 18.
• Make a list of at least three important facts you learn about the text.
• Circle the detail you think is the most important.
Literary Response/Analysis“The Most Dangerous Game”
Read the text carefully and note the way the
author uses text clues to help readers anticipate what will happen next.
How does Connell use the
events in the story to create feelings of suspense and
foreshadowing?Explain your thoughts and ideas and use evidence from the text to support your
response.
Before Reading SkillsPreview and Predictions
• Examine the text features located throughout the selection.
• Make a list of the things you “know” or “think you know” based only on the text features.
• Make a list of at least 3 things you want to know, but you need to read in order to find out.
• What genre or type of text do you think we are reading? Why?
During Reading SkillsMaking Predictions
• A prediction is a type of inference, a guess based on evidence.• You can base your predictions
on clues the writer plants, your own experience of life, and your understanding of how stories work.• As you read “The Most
Dangerous Game,” record examples of clues that lead you to predict what will happen next.
Comprehension/Discussion QuestionsPage 19, 20, 21, 22A. Reading Focus – Predicting: Restate in your own words
Rainsford’s opinion about hunting. Then, make a prediction about what might happen to change Rainsford’s mind.
???B. Literary Focus – Foreshadowing: What might this statement
of Whitney’s foreshadow? ???
C. Reading Focus – Predicting: Rainsford just fell into the “blood-warm waters” of the Caribbean. Do you think he’ll make it back to the boat? Why or why not?
???D. Literary Focus – Foreshadowing: Rainsford comments that
the bullet is small, although it was used to kill a large animal. What might this tell you about the hunter?
???
Page 23, 24, 25, 26E. Literary Focus – Suspense: How do the details about
the man who answers the door add to the suspense????
F. Noting Details – Predicting: Re-read the description of Zaroff. What details about his physical appearance seem bizarre to you? What kind of a man do you think he is?
???* Analyzing Visuals * (page 25)
???G. Reading Focus – Predicting: What do you think Zaroff
will say to Rainsford????
Pages 27, 28, 29, 30H. Reading Focus – Predicting: What animal is Zaroff
describing????
I. Reading Focus – Predicting: What do you think will happen tomorrow?
???J. Literary Focus – Suspense: Why would the men choose
to be hunted? How does this sentence add to the suspense?
???K. Reading Focus – Predicting: Will Rainsford go to see
Zaroff’s new collection of heads? Why or why not????
L. Reading Focus – Predicting: What does Zaroff mean????
Pages 32, 33, 34, 35M. Literary Focus – Suspense: Re-read this
paragraph. How does Connell create suspense here?
???N. Reading Focus – Predicting: Sometimes when
characters ask themselves questions, the reader is left to wonder about the answer. What predictions can you make based on these questions?
???O. Literary Focus – Foreshadowing: Rainsford
compares his situation to that of a mouse being hunted by a cat. Where in the story was this feeling foreshadowed?
???P. Literary Focus – Suspense: What choice does
Rainsford face? How has the tension of his situation increased?
???
Page 36
Q. Reading Focus – Predicting: What do you think has happened to Rainsford? What will Zaroff do now?
???R. Literary Focus – Foreshadowing:
Rainsford has always been described as a polite, well-mannered gentleman. Here, he calls himself a beast. What might this description foreshadow?
???
A. Making Judgments – Do you think the story had a “good” ending? Explain your ideas and thoughts.
B. Evaluating – Earlier in the story, Rainsford judges Zaroff harshly and calls him a murderer. How has Zaroff’s game changed Rainsford’s opinion of himself? Explain the reasons for your response.
Stop and Think!!!
Reading FocusQuick Check Responses Should
Be Concise and Direct.
Explain Why You Should Not Be Expected To
Complete This Activity.
Literary FocusThese Questions and Activities Require More
Thoughtful and Meaningful Responses.*************************************************************************************************
**************
You should focus on proving your comprehension of the text and
understanding of the LITERARY TERMS used in the selection.
You will also need to include SUPPORT, EXAMPLES, and DETAILS from the text in
your responses.
Writing FocusPractice using the writing
skills and techniques highlighted throughout the
selection.
Your TurnOpportunities to
develop and strengthen your skills.
Vocabulary Development
Activities and questions to improve your overall
vocabulary and to learn/practice specific
vocabulary skills.
Your TurnOpportunities to
develop and strengthen your skills.