The Maze Runner Reading Comprehension Questions
by James Dashner
Part of the The Maze Runner series · Book 1 of 3
Book Summary
A young boy named Thomas wakes up in a mysterious place called the Glade, surrounded by a giant, ever-changing Maze. He has no memory of his past, only his name. Along with other teenage boys, he must navigate the dangers of the Maze, fight monstrous creatures called Grievers, and uncover the dark secrets of why they are trapped there and how to escape.
Reading Comprehension Questions
Use these 19 questions to check understanding and spark deeper thinking about The Maze Runner.
1.What is the name of the large, open area where Thomas first arrives, surrounded by enormous stone walls?
2.What significant event happens shortly after Teresa arrives in the Glade, leading to Thomas breaking a major rule?
3.Why do you think Thomas felt a strong, unexplained urge to become a Runner, even before he fully understood the dangers of the Maze?
4.When Thomas, Minho, and Alby survive the night in the Maze, why is their survival considered 'unprecedented' by the other Gladers?
5.What can you infer about the organization WICKED based on Ava Paige's explanation at the end of the book?
6.Why did Thomas feel a profound sense of betrayal when Ava Paige explained the purpose of the Maze?
7.What central theme is highlighted by Thomas's decision to run into the Maze to save Alby and Minho, even though it meant breaking a major rule?
8.The Gladers' desperate fight to escape the Maze, despite the dangers of the Griever Hole, best represents which theme?
9.The revelation that WICKED orchestrated the entire Maze experiment to find a cure for the Flare raises a significant ethical theme. What is it?
10.Compare Thomas's initial feelings upon arriving in the Glade with his feelings after becoming a Runner. How does this show his character development?
11.How does the arrival of Teresa and her cryptic message 'WICKED is good' serve as a turning point in the story?
12.Analyze how the Gladers' decision to fight through the Griever Hole demonstrates a shift in their strategy and mindset towards the Maze.
13.What does the word 'disoriented' mean in the context of Thomas's arrival in the Glade?
14.When Minho was 'wary' of new Gladers, what does that imply about his attitude?
15.In the sentence, 'Thomas bravely outsmarted a Griever, luring it off a cliff,' what does 'luring' mean?
16.What is the best definition for 'profound' as used in the statement: 'Thomas felt a profound sense of betrayal'?
17.If you were Thomas, knowing what you know about WICKED and the Maze, would you have chosen to participate in the final escape attempt, or would you have tried to find a different way out? Explain your reasoning.
18.The book explores the idea of memory and identity. How important do you think memories are to who a person is, and what challenges did the Gladers face because they couldn't remember their pasts?
19.WICKED claims their actions were for the 'greater good' of humanity. Do you agree with their methods of experimenting on the Gladers to find a cure? Why or why not?
Key Vocabulary
Important words from The Maze Runner to discuss with your child.
Discussion Prompts
Great conversation starters for parents and teachers reading The Maze Runner with children.
What was your favorite part of The Maze Runner? Why did it stand out to you?
If you could talk to any character from The Maze Runner, who would you choose and what would you ask them?
How did The Maze Runner make you feel? Can you describe a moment that surprised you?
Would you recommend The Maze Runner to a friend? What would you tell them about it?
What lesson or message do you think James Dashner wanted young readers to learn from this story?
More in the The Maze Runner Series
All 3books →Frequently Asked Questions
What reading level is The Maze Runner?
The Maze Runner by James Dashner 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 The Maze Runner?
ReadBuddy provides 19 carefully crafted comprehension questions for The Maze Runner, covering literal comprehension, vocabulary, and inference skills. These questions help students engage deeply with the story.
How can I use The Maze Runner 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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