Chapter 30 · Holes

Copywork

If Mr. Pendanski only thought about it, he’d realize it was very logical for Zero to think that the letter “h” made the “ch” sound.

Read the passage aloud. Why might the sentence begin with the word “If”?

Narration Tell back what happens on Zigzag's birthday, from the breakfast line to the Warden's last orders.

Mr. Pendanski tells Stanley, “Hit him back. You’re bigger.” Was that good advice from a counselor? What makes you say so? Moral reasoning
Stanley says, “That’s okay,” yet moves to the front of the line when X-Ray insists. Why does he give in? Character
Stanley asks if reading builds more character than digging holes. The Warden asks, “What about your character?” Who has the better point? Theme
Zero reads h-a-t as “chat,” and the counselors laugh. Why might the author give us Stanley's thought about that mistake? Author's choice
Mr. Pendanski hands Zero the shovel and says, “It’s all you’ll ever be good for.” What leads Zero to swing it? Plot structure

Make a Connection Tell about a time you taught someone something, or were taught. What made it work?

realize: he’d realize it was very logical To understand something clearly.
logical: he’d realize it was very logical Making sense; following a clear reason.
astonishment: Stanley stared at Mr. Pendanski in astonishment. Great surprise.
feeble: Stanley made a feeble attempt to punch Zigzag Weak, with little strength.
depriving: Mr. Sir was no longer depriving him of water. Keeping something away from someone.
awkward: He always felt awkward while Zero was digging his hole Uncomfortable; not sure what to do.
bully: Teach the bully a lesson Someone who picks on weaker people.
investigation: The last thing we need is an investigation. An official search for the facts.

Zigzag keeps saying, “Don’t push me!” while he pushes Stanley. Using two pieces of evidence, explain what Zigzag is trying to do.
The Warden asks what happened. Using two pieces of evidence, explain how the boys answer her.
The Warden gives her orders when Zero walks out onto the lake. Using two pieces of evidence, explain what she seems to care about most.