A Sound Of Thunder

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 story over the course of your response that serve as examples and support.

1. On several occasions, characters are urged to “stay on the path.” What could the path symbolize, and why is it important to remain on it? Begin your response by asserting what the path symbolizes and why it is so important that no one strays from it (topic sentence). In the body of the essay, provide support for your assertion using details and examples from the story. In a brief conclusion, summarize your assertion and explain how the path’s symbolism is relevant to life today.

2. What is the significance of the recent presidential election for framing the story? Why would Bradbury have chosen to bookend the story with this event? Provide a direct answer to the first question as your topic sentence. Use the body of the essay to support your answer using details and examples from the story, as well as your knowledge of the historical context of the story.