Divergent Reading Comprehension Questions
by Veronica Roth
Part of the Divergent series · Book 1 of 3
Book Summary
In a futuristic Chicago, society is divided into five factions, each dedicated to a particular virtue: Abnegation (selflessness), Amity (peacefulness), Candor (honesty), Dauntless (bravery), and Erudite (intelligence). At sixteen, Beatrice Prior, raised in Abnegation, must choose her lifelong faction. Her aptitude test results are inconclusive, marking her as 'Divergent,' a dangerous secret. She chooses Dauntless, leaving her family behind to embrace a new, perilous life. During her intense initiation, she faces physical and psychological challenges, forms new friendships and rivalries, and falls for her instructor, Four. As she struggles to hide her Divergence, she uncovers a sinister plot by the Erudite faction to overthrow Abnegation and control the city, forcing her to use her unique abilities to save those she loves.
Reading Comprehension Questions
Use these 19 questions to check understanding and spark deeper thinking about Divergent.
1.What was Beatrice Prior's original faction before the Choosing Ceremony?
2.What special ability did Tris discover she had during her aptitude test?
3.Why did Tris choose to leave Abnegation and join Dauntless?
4.How did Tris's Divergence make the fear landscape simulations more challenging for her?
5.What can you infer about Four's feelings for Tris when he warns her to be careful about her Divergence?
6.Why was being 'Divergent' considered dangerous in Tris's society?
7.What is a central theme explored through Tris's journey from Abnegation to Dauntless?
8.How does the story demonstrate the theme that bravery isn't the absence of fear, but acting despite it?
9.What lesson about power and control can be learned from the Erudite faction's actions?
10.Compare Tris's initial feelings about her Abnegation life with her feelings after choosing Dauntless.
11.How did Tris's relationships with her friends (Christina, Will, Al) change throughout the Dauntless initiation?
12.What evidence from the story shows that Four was also Divergent?
13.What does the word 'faction' mean in the context of Tris's society?
14.In the story, what does 'aptitude' refer to?
15.When the book describes the path to becoming a Dauntless member as 'treacherous,' what does that imply about the journey?
16.What is the best definition for 'simulation' as it is used when Tris faces her 'fear landscapes'?
17.If you were Tris, facing the Choosing Ceremony, what factors would you consider most important in making your decision, and why?
18.The story explores the idea of fitting in versus being true to yourself. How do you think Tris ultimately chose to be true to herself, and what challenges did she face because of it?
19.What do you think is the author's main message about the dangers of a society that tries to force everyone into specific roles or groups?
Key Vocabulary
Important words from Divergent to discuss with your child.
Discussion Prompts
Great conversation starters for parents and teachers reading Divergent with children.
What was your favorite part of Divergent? Why did it stand out to you?
If you could talk to any character from Divergent, who would you choose and what would you ask them?
How did Divergent make you feel? Can you describe a moment that surprised you?
Would you recommend Divergent to a friend? What would you tell them about it?
What lesson or message do you think Veronica Roth wanted young readers to learn from this story?
More in the Divergent Series
All 3books →Frequently Asked Questions
What reading level is Divergent?
Divergent by Veronica Roth is recommended for grades 3-5 readers with an AR level of 5.7. It's an excellent choice for building reading comprehension skills at this level.
What are good comprehension questions for Divergent?
ReadBuddy provides 19 carefully crafted comprehension questions for Divergent, covering literal comprehension, vocabulary, and inference skills. These questions help students engage deeply with the story.
How can I use Divergent for reading practice?
Read the book together or independently, then use ReadBuddy's comprehension questions to check understanding. Focus on vocabulary words, discuss character motivations, and encourage your child to make connections to their own experiences.
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