Wonder by R. J. Palacio — English Worksheet for 12‑Year‑Olds (Reading Comprehension & Activities)

Instructions

Read each section carefully and answer the questions to the best of your ability. This worksheet will help you explore the characters, themes, and vocabulary from the book Wonder by R. J. Palacio.

Part 1: Character Matching

Match the character on the left with the correct description on the right. Write the letter of the correct description in the blank space provided.

Part 2: Mr. Browne's Precepts

A precept is a rule or principle to guide your actions. Explain what you think the following precepts from the book mean in your own words.

1. "When given the choice between being right or being kind, choose kind."

   Your explanation:


2. "Your deeds are your monuments."

   Your explanation:

Part 3: Vocabulary Voyage

Complete each sentence with the correct word from the word bank below.

1. Mr. Browne taught his students a new ____________________ each month to help guide them in life.


2. In ____________________, Jack realized that his hurtful words at Halloween were a terrible mistake.


3. The doctors described Auggie's condition as a rare genetic ____________________.


4. Summer showed great ____________________ by trying to understand how Auggie must feel every day.


5. For Auggie, the decision to go to school for the first time was a ____________________ one.

Part 4: Deeper Thinking

Answer the following questions in complete sentences. Think deeply about the characters and events in the story.

1. R.J. Palacio wrote Wonder from the perspectives of several different characters (Auggie, Via, Jack, Summer, etc.), not just Auggie. Why do you think she chose to tell the story this way?


2. At the end of the book, Auggie receives the Henry Ward Beecher medal for his "quiet strength." What does this mean? Give one example from the story where Auggie showed quiet strength.

Answer Key

Part 1: Character Matching

1. C - August (Auggie) Pullman: The main character, a boy with a rare facial difference.
2. D - Via Pullman: Auggie's protective and loving older sister.
3. F - Jack Will: Initially befriends Auggie but later says hurtful things about him.
4. E - Summer Dawson: Sat with Auggie at lunch on the first day simply to be a friend.
5. B - Julian Albans: The main antagonist who is consistently unkind to Auggie.
6. A - Mr. Tushman: The director of Beecher Prep who encourages kindness.

Part 2: Mr. Browne's Precepts

(Note: Student answers will vary but should reflect a similar understanding.)

1. "When given the choice between being right or being kind, choose kind."
   Sample Answer: This means that it is more important to treat people with compassion and kindness than it is to win an argument or prove you are correct. Being kind has a better impact on people.
2. "Your deeds are your monuments."
   Sample Answer: This means that the things you do and how you act are what people will remember you for. Your actions, good or bad, create your legacy, not your words or possessions.

Part 3: Vocabulary Voyage

1. precept
2. hindsight
3. anomaly
4. empathy
5. monumental

Part 4: Deeper Thinking

(Note: Student answers will vary but should contain similar ideas and evidence from the book.)

1. Why did the author use multiple perspectives?
   Sample Answer: The author used multiple perspectives to show that everyone has their own struggles and story. It helps the reader understand that Auggie’s condition affects everyone around him differently (like Via feeling ignored). It also shows how other characters see Auggie, which gives a more complete picture of the events than if it was only from Auggie's point of view.
2. What does "quiet strength" mean? Give an example.
   Sample Answer: "Quiet strength" means showing courage and resilience without needing to be loud or show off. It's about facing difficulties with grace and dignity. Auggie shows quiet strength when he continues to go to school every day, even after he overhears Jack Will saying mean things about him. He was deeply hurt but didn't cause a huge scene; instead, he processed his feelings and eventually found the strength to forgive Jack.