WRITING ACTIVITY
From Discussion to Writing
To Kill a Mockingbird · Big Picture Topics
Step 1 · Discuss Step 2 · Plan Step 3 · Write
Write a focused paragraph of
In your group, share ideas about your Individually, decide on your argument
approximately 200 words. Support
assigned topic. Make sure everyone and identify 2–3 specific events or
your argument with specific events —
contributes at least one specific characters from the novel that best
no page numbers or direct quotes
example from the novel. support it.
required.
Approximate length: 200 words · Time: 20 minutes
Sample Paragraph — How It Works
Read this example written on a different topic. Notice how each sentence does a job.
Sample topic: How does Harper Lee present Atticus Finch as a father?
Harper Lee presents Atticus not merely as a father who loves his children, but as one who deliberately uses everyday moments
Topic Sentence
to teach them how to think morally.
When Scout is attacked by classmates for defending Atticus's decision to represent Tom Robinson, he does not protect her
First Evidence
from the conflict — instead, he explains to her why defending an innocent man matters regardless of what neighbours think.
Similarly, when Jem destroys Mrs. Dubose's flowers in anger, Atticus does not simply punish him — he makes Jem read to her
Second Evidence every afternoon so that he witnesses her courage firsthand, learning that real strength means facing something painful without
flinching.
In both cases, Atticus resists the impulse to shield his children and instead places them directly in front of difficulty — because
Analysis
he believes that understanding, not comfort, is what they need to grow.
Lee suggests that the most important lessons are never taught in safety, and that Atticus's greatest act of fatherhood is raising
Concluding Sentence
children who can look at an unjust world and still choose to do right.
Question 1 The Mockingbird Symbol Writing Activity
Discussion Question
Who are the 'mockingbirds' in the novel, and how does this symbol unite
the themes of innocence and injustice?
200 words · 20 minutes · Identify at least two 'mockingbirds' and support your argument with specific events from the
novel.
Question 2 The Impact of Racism Writing Activity
Discussion Question
How does racism shape the characters, the trial of Tom Robinson, and the
social fabric of Maycomb as a whole?
200 words · 20 minutes · Show how racism operates at more than one level — personal, legal, or social — using specific
events.
Question 3 Courage in the Face of Injustice Writing Activity
Discussion Question
How do Atticus, Mrs. Dubose, and Boo Radley each demonstrate a
different form of courage? What does the novel say courage really means?
200 words · 20 minutes · Compare at least two characters and support your argument with specific events from the novel.
Question 4 The Role of Social Class Writing Activity
Discussion Question
How do class divisions intersect with race in Maycomb? In what ways
does social class determine the experiences and fates of different
characters?
200 words · 20 minutes · Examine at least two characters and explain how class shapes their power or vulnerability in
Maycomb.
How to Structure Your Paragraph
State your argument in one sentence — answer the question directly, not 'In this paragraph I
01 Topic Sentence
will discuss…'
Name a specific character or event from the novel, describe what happens, and explain how it
02 First Evidence
supports your argument.
Introduce a second example that deepens — not just repeats — your argument. Show what
03 Second Evidence
new dimension it adds.
Step back from the examples. What do they reveal together? What is Harper Lee arguing
04 Analysis
about this theme or idea?
Close by connecting your argument to the novel's larger meaning — or to the world beyond
05 Concluding Sentence
Maycomb.