The Westing Game Reading Comprehension Questions
by Ellen Raskin
Book Summary
The Westing Game is a mystery novel about sixteen unlikely heirs who are called to the reading of eccentric millionaire Samuel W. Westing's will. They learn they must play a game to solve his 'murder' and inherit his vast fortune. The heirs, paired up and given cryptic clues, embark on a complex puzzle involving bombs, disguises, and mistaken identities, all while trying to uncover the truth behind Westing's death and the real purpose of the game. Ultimately, a clever young girl named Turtle Wexler unravels the intricate plot, discovering Westing's multiple identities and winning the inheritance.
Reading Comprehension Questions
Use these 14 questions to check understanding and spark deeper thinking about The Westing Game.
1.What did the tenants of Sunset Towers learn about Samuel W. Westing at the start of the story?
2.What did the heirs receive when they gathered at the Westing mansion for the will reading?
3.Who was hurt during one of the bombings that happened in Sunset Towers?
4.Why do you think Sam Westing made the heirs play a game instead of just giving them his money?
5.How did the bombings make the heirs feel about each other in Sunset Towers?
6.Why do you think Turtle kept her ideas about the game a secret from most people?
7.What lesson does Turtle learn about looking for answers by the end of the story?
8.What does the story teach us about judging people based on how they look or act at first?
9.How can you tell that Turtle Wexler changed from the beginning of the story to the end?
10.What does the word 'heir' mean in the story, when the tenants are called heirs?
11.What does it mean if someone is 'eccentric' like Sam Westing?
12.In the story, what does it mean to 'investigate' something, like the heirs investigated the clues?
13.If you were an heir in the Westing game, who would you choose as your partner and why?
14.What part of the mystery in 'The Westing Game' did you find most surprising and why?
Key Vocabulary
Important words from The Westing Game to discuss with your child.
Discussion Prompts
Great conversation starters for parents and teachers reading The Westing Game with children.
What was your favorite part of The Westing Game? Why did it stand out to you?
If you could talk to any character from The Westing Game, who would you choose and what would you ask them?
How did The Westing Game make you feel? Can you describe a moment that surprised you?
Would you recommend The Westing Game to a friend? What would you tell them about it?
What lesson or message do you think Ellen Raskin wanted young readers to learn from this story?
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Frequently Asked Questions
What reading level is The Westing Game?
The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin is recommended for grades 1-3 readers with an AR level of 5.5. It's an excellent choice for building reading comprehension skills at this level.
What are good comprehension questions for The Westing Game?
ReadBuddy provides 14 carefully crafted comprehension questions for The Westing Game, covering literal comprehension, vocabulary, and inference skills. These questions help students engage deeply with the story.
How can I use The Westing Game 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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