Use these essay questions as writing and critical thinking exercises for all levels of writers, and to build their literary analysis skills by requiring textual references throughout the essay.

Differentiation Suggestion: For English learners or struggling writers, strategies that work well include graphic organizers, sentence frames or starters, group work, or oral responses.

Scaffolded Essay Questions

Student Prompt: Write a short (1-3 paragraph) response using one of the below bulleted outlines. Cite details from the text over the course of your response that serve as examples and support.

1. Symbols and motifs are used to convey themes in a story, as well as shed light on characters, plot, and setting.

• Which symbols and motifs foreshadow the events that take place in the restaurant? (topic sentence)
• Detail at least three symbols or motifs that foreshadow what happens in the spirit world, using textual evidence to support your claims.
• In your conclusion, examine how these symbols help give Chihiro clues that something is wrong.

2. Spirited Away focuses on the idea of The Dangers of Decadence and Greed.

• Why are Chihiro’s parents unable to control themselves when they find the food, and why are they turned into pigs as a result? (topic sentence)
• In the body of your essay, examine the differences between Chihiro and her parents and why this may have led to their difference in choices about the food.