The Car Name: ___________________________

By Gary Paulsen Learning Team: ___________________

Task 1 Characters
• There are three main characters in the novel. For each of the central characters write a
paragraph about each of them. Describe their characteristics, their life experiences
and discuss your opinion of the character.

Task 2 Glossary of terms

• Maintain a glossary of term that are new to you or are significant to the story.
(More than 15 words)
• Ensure that the glossary is maintained throughout your reading.

Task 3 Understanding the text

a) What is a kit car?
b) Why did Terry decide to leave home?
c) List in order the construction of the kit car?
d) Where were his parents and why didn’t they care about him leaving
home?
e) What caused Waylon to loose it?
f) Why did Terry and Waylon need to visit Wayne?
g) To help Terry learn they decided to go ‘trucking’. What did this mean
and why did Waylon and Wayne feel it was going to be important for
Terry’s development?
h) What was ‘Baby’?
i) What was Terry’s first impression of Samuel? How did his view of him
change?
j) What was the ‘Depression’? When was it?
k) What was Waylon’s view of Shakespeare?
l) Describe the ‘Religious Commune’?
m) What caused Waylon to get so upset with the Commune?
n) Why was Deadwood renowned for?
o) What did Waylon mean when he said ‘Betty is a lady - why do you
need another label?’ p 174
p) Why did Waylon want him to leave?

Task 4 Writing Style

What was the significance of Gary Paulsen introducing Waylon and Wayne’s background in
Vietnam as separate chapters? Did you like how he did this or did you find it confusing?

Task 5 Mapping
• Locate a map of South East Asia locate and plot the following places on a map.
• Using a map of the United States plot the journey travelled by Terry.

Task 6 Interpretation
Draw a picture of what you think Cat may have looked like. Design your own vehicle.
Task 7 Habits of Mind
The novel addresses four habits of the mind. For each HOM listed identify a situation in the
novel where the habit of mind is being demonstrated.
• Listening with understanding and empathy
• Applying past knowledge to new situations
• Taking responsible risks
• Remain open to continuous learning

Criteria for reading activities (Tasks 1 to 7)

Standards Very High Medium Very low low
high
Understanding of the
characters in the novel.
Understanding of
issues and themes in
the novel
Ability to show use of
HOM
Use of detail and
examples where
appropriate
Mechanics of language
– spelling, grammar
and punctuation
Adherence to
presentation guidelines
Completion of all
activities
Comments

Task 8 Oral activity

• Investigate one of the historical conflicts Wayne and Waylon mention to Terry i.e. the
Vietnam War, the Sioux Uprising, the Depression, or the American Civil war.
• Using your research prepare a 3 minute presentations which informs other class members
about this event
• Use the following questions to assist in developing your presentation. (You can use props
such as a Power Point or handouts to support your presentation.)
• Prepare a bibliography of resources used in your investigation

1. What were the issues of the event?

2. When did the event occur?
3. Who did the event impact on?
4. What was the outcome of the event?
5. What lasting legacy did the event leave?
Criteria for Oral presentation ( Tasks 8)
Very High Medium Low Very
High Low
Evidence of
preparation for the
presentation eg notes,
evidence of rehearsal
Presentation and level
of engagement i.e.
diction, eye contact
and effective use of
body language
Relevance of the
material presented ie.
power point, handouts
to the audience
Length of presentation
Bibliography
Teacher Comment

Peer comment

Task 9 Extended responses

• Compare Terry’s life in Chapter one to his life in Chapter 16
• Describe Waylon’s philosophy of life in Chapter 5. Why do you agree or disagree with
his ideas?

Going Further
Task 10 Music/Research
Wayne and Waylon mention to Terry about a number of musicians from the 60’s and 70’s: Bob
Dylan, Jefferson Airplane, Pete Seeger, Jimi Hendrix, Grace Slick, Simon and Garfunkel.

• Locate the lyrics of a song sung during this the 1960’s/1970’s which would be regarded
as a protest song. You can use one of those mentioned above.
• What message was the musician trying to convey in the lyrics of their music?
• Select a more contemporary song which also comments relates to a political/social issue
(possible bands Midnight Oil, U2, Redgum, Green Day)
• What is the music commenting on?

Music during the 1960’s and 1970’s significantly influenced the culture and youth of the time.
• Do you feel music is as powerful today? Why/Why not?

( Minimum word length for this task 150 )

Task 11
Write the next chapter for the novel i.e. predict what might happen to the characters in the
future? ( minimum word length 200)

Task 12
Design a series of six questions you would like to ask one of the central characters (At least six)

Extension Task 13 Imagine

Pretend you are Terry writing a letter to a friend. Describe the things that have happened while
on the road.
( minimum 150 words)

Extended written tasks criteria (Tasks 9-13)

Very High Medium Low Very low
High
Understanding the
themes and issues of
the text.
Mechanics-
Spelling and
expression ( evidence
of proof reading and
appropriate language).
Effective use of
paragraphing.
Use of TEEL format
(within paragraphing).
Length of responses.
Evidence of research
to explore the issues
presented.
Bibliography of
resources.
Comment

Reflection on your performance

The Car by Gary Paulsen
Before submitting task to the learning assessment office complete the check list

Check List

Glossary

Understanding the text

Writing style

Mapping exercises

Interpretation

Habits of the mind

Oral activity

Extended response

Research task

Music investigation

Question task

Optional
Extension Task