Chapter 2

Vocabulary to preview - fray, decrepit, vexation, humiliate, doleful, trepidation, incomprehensible, permeated, stench

Predictions and SOS

Follow-up Discussion Questions:
1. Why is Charlotte unable to leave?
2. What do you think the conversation between the Captain and Mr. Keetch means?
3. How is the mood of suspense built into this chapter?  How does each character add to the suspense?
4. If you were Charlotte, what conditions on the ship would you find appalling?  Would you want to get off the ship?  Why or why not?

You may want to ask students to complete a crossword puzzle containing terms from the second chapter of The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle. The words are listed in the word bank in the order that they appear in the novel. Students will try to decipher the definition of the word from the context as you come across it in the novel. Students will find the corresponding definition from the list, and fill it in.

Check vocabulary and comprehension after reviewing the underlined passages whole-group. This page has questions about chapters 1 and 2.

Bloom’s taxonomy can be used with chapter 2 to create questions that aid students in discovering what they know and comprehend about the novel. It also allows them to utilize higher order thinking skills to answer questions that require them to apply, analyze, synthesize, and evaluate information.