Name______Period__
The Pros and Cons of Dome-Life
ProsGood things / Cons
Bad things
Write a three paragraph essay, on a SEPARATE SHEET OF PAPER, about whether you would like to live in the dome. Paragraph 1 should be the pros; paragraph 2 should be the cons. The last paragraph should be what you decided. Attach this sheet to the essay.
Attach this paper to page 21 in your notebooks. Answer all of the questions on this page. This assignment is due Sept. 22. Write your answers, in complete sentences, on a SEPARATE SHEET OF PAPER. You may type or write your answers.
Reading Comprehension Questions:
1. Describe the setting of the story.
2. How does Brock feel about going outside the dome?
3. Could society benefit from a lifestyle similar to the one in which Brock lives? Why or why not?
4. Make a prediction about why no deviants have returned to the Dome.
5. How do the people of the Dome react to Brock’s desire to explore the outside world?
6. Brock describes the people of the fictions. He tells us that “Their insides were very loud.” What does he mean by this?
7. Based upon Brock’s feelings about the people in the fictions, what can then be assumed about his fellow dome inhabitants?
8. What is ironic about what Brock learns from the “fictions?”
9. Why does Brock need a scanner to tell him that he is lonely?
10. Why is Brock seeking real adventure as opposed to virtual adventure?
11. Brock is shocked to find a running brook. What assumptions can we then make about the people in charge of the dome?
12. Explain the significance of Brock feeling pleasure for the first time in his life outside of the safety of the dome.
13. Based on the context clues, what does “extradomal” mean?
14. Why does Brock never confess to anyone that he felt sad about all of the animals being killed for food?
15. According to the information in the story, can Brock completely trust all that he has learned in the dome? Why or why not?
16. What sequence of events leads to Brock’s touching of the puppy?
17. The puppy seems to know more about the outside world than the people of the dome, especially Brock. Do you think the people in charge of the dome are aware of the outside world?
18. Use a word to describe what Brock is feeling towards the dog.
19. Why couldn’t the scientists bring themselves to expel or terminate the dog?
20. What is the author trying to say about scientist in lines? Make sure to read the footnote because it is the key to the answer.
21. Explain why the burger is called a “McLike” burger.
22. Brock goes from being a student of the dome to a much more knowledgeable person rather swiftly. How does this change take place?
23. Why is Brock hugging Brog such an important moment in Brock’s life?
24. What do you think is the real reason for the other researchers avoiding touching Brog?
25. What are the researchers arguing about?
26. What are the researchers referring to when they say “primordial urges?”
27. Brock refers the dark ages several times, but when you read the story, what time period do you think he is referring to?
28. How do they scientists react to Brock being sick at first?
29. How does the setting inside the dome help Brock make his decision?
30. Why is it significant that the old scientist only pets Brog with a gloved hand?
31. Why do you think Brock will not be satisfied by virtually playing Brog?
32. How does Brock convince the scientists to release him and Brog?
34. Do you think anyone in the dome will miss Brock and Brog? Explain your answer.
35. Why is Brock afraid to remove his helmet at first?
36. Does science or fear have a greater control over life in the dome?
37. How would you describe the struggle in this story? (ex: man vs. man, man vs. dog)
38. How are Brock’s questions about the outside world beginning to be answered?
39. Why do the scientists want to clone Brog?
40. What do you think the overall meaning or theme of this short story is? What is the author, Katherine Paterson, trying to say by writing a story such as ‘The Last Dog?