The Scorch Trials Reading Comprehension Questions
by James Dashner
Part of the The Maze Runner series · Book 2 of 3
Book Summary
After escaping the Maze, Thomas and the other Gladers believe they are safe, but they soon discover they are still part of WICKED's experiments. They are forced into a new trial, the Scorch, a desolate wasteland filled with dangerous, disease-ridden people called Cranks. The Gladers must cross the Scorch within two weeks to reach a 'safe haven' and find a cure for the Flare, a deadly virus. Along the way, they encounter new allies and enemies, face extreme environmental challenges, and grapple with betrayal, questioning who they can truly trust and what WICKED's ultimate goal is.
Reading Comprehension Questions
Use these 19 questions to check understanding and spark deeper thinking about The Scorch Trials.
1.What was the initial promise made to Thomas and the Gladers when they first arrived at the new facility after escaping the Maze?
2.Who were Jorge and Brenda, and where did Thomas first encounter them?
3.Why did Thomas feel a growing sense of unease about Teresa's loyalty during their journey through the Scorch?
4.What can you infer about WICKED's true intentions based on their constant changes to the trials and their use of betrayal?
5.If Thomas had not trusted Brenda in the dangerous city tunnels, what might have been a likely consequence?
6.Based on the Gladers' experiences, what does the story suggest about the nature of authority when it operates in secrecy and without accountability?
7.What overarching theme does Thomas's journey through the Scorch and his encounters with WICKED primarily highlight?
8.How does the story demonstrate the theme that appearances can be deceiving?
9.What lesson about trust does Thomas learn through his experiences with Teresa and Brenda?
10.Compare and contrast the challenges faced by the Gladers in the Maze versus their challenges in the Scorch. How were they similar or different?
11.How did the extreme environment of the Scorch impact the Gladers' decision-making and their relationships with each other?
12.Analyze WICKED's strategy of using both physical trials and psychological manipulation. What was the likely purpose of this dual approach?
13.In the sentence, 'The Scorch was a vast, desolate wasteland, stretching endlessly under a scorching sun,' what does the word 'desolate' mean?
14.When Minho displayed an 'insubordinate' attitude towards WICKED's guards, what was he doing?
15.The Cranks often suffered from vivid 'hallucinations' due to the Flare. What are hallucinations?
16.The tunnels beneath the city were described as 'treacherous.' Which of the following best describes a treacherous path?
17.If you were Thomas, facing constant betrayal and danger, how would you decide who to trust? What factors would be most important to you?
18.The Gladers were told they were part of an experiment to find a cure for the Flare. Do you think WICKED's methods were justified, considering the potential outcome? Why or why not?
19.What parts of 'The Scorch Trials' felt most realistic to you, despite it being a science fiction story? What elements made the characters' struggles feel believable?
Key Vocabulary
Important words from The Scorch Trials to discuss with your child.
Discussion Prompts
Great conversation starters for parents and teachers reading The Scorch Trials with children.
What was your favorite part of The Scorch Trials? Why did it stand out to you?
If you could talk to any character from The Scorch Trials, who would you choose and what would you ask them?
How did The Scorch Trials make you feel? Can you describe a moment that surprised you?
Would you recommend The Scorch Trials 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 Scorch Trials?
The Scorch Trials by James Dashner is recommended for grades 3-5 readers with an AR level of 5.8. It's an excellent choice for building reading comprehension skills at this level.
What are good comprehension questions for The Scorch Trials?
ReadBuddy provides 19 carefully crafted comprehension questions for The Scorch Trials, covering literal comprehension, vocabulary, and inference skills. These questions help students engage deeply with the story.
How can I use The Scorch Trials 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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