One thing was certain: They weren’t just digging to “build character.”Sure; without doubt.
Holes
Chapter 15
Louis Sachar · Trailblazers 4th–6th
Copywork
One thing was certain: They weren’t just digging to “build character.” They were definitely looking for something.
Read the passage aloud. What does the colon after the word certain make you expect?
Discussion
Narration Tell back what happens at the dig, in order: the Warden's orders, how the boys are paired, the long day, and Stanley's walk back to the compound.
- The Warden says “There’s no hurry” several times, and later, “I’ve waited this long, I can wait another day.” What does her patience tell you about her? Character
- The chapter opens, “Mr. Pendanski filled the canteens.” Why might the author begin with such a short, plain sentence? Author's choice
- Zigzag says the Warden has hidden cameras and microphones, and Stanley has his doubts. What would you believe, and why? Inference
- The Warden tells Stanley, “You’re doing fine, just fine.” How do you think Stanley hears those words? Tone
- Stanley searches every shovelful carefully, though he knows he won't find anything. Is that honest work, or just doing as he is told? Moral reasoning
Make a Connection Tell about a time someone was kind to you and you wondered whether they wanted something. What did you notice?
Vocabulary
- certain
- definitely
They were definitely looking for something.
Without any doubt.- buried
to see if anything else might have been buried in there as well
Covered up under the ground.- remained
The Warden remained at the site for the remainder of the day
Stayed in a place.- occasionally
Occasionally Mr. Sir would leave to take water to the other groups of campers
Now and then.- excavated
Zero, Armpit, and Squid shoveled the excavated dirt into the wheelbarrows
Dug out.- paranoid
He wondered if Zigzag was just being paranoid.
Wrongly sure that others are watching or out to get you.- doubts
Stanley had his doubts about that.
Feelings of not being sure.- gazed
Stanley gazed out across the lake
Looked for a long time.
Critical thinking
- The Warden has the boys dig the dirt twice, once into the hole and once through the wheelbarrow. Using two pieces of evidence, explain what she is trying to do.
- The Warden gives X-Ray's hole to Zero, who she seems to know is the fastest digger. Using two pieces of evidence, explain what that shows about how she sees the boys.
- Stanley decides they are looking in the wrong place and gazes toward where he found the tube. Using two pieces of evidence, explain why he thinks so.