EnglishCaddy
Published back in 2005, John Green's award winning Looking for Alaska still remains a popular - and at times controversial novel speaking to a new generation of readers. What attracts people to this novel? The novel deals with many themes and questions facing pretty much everybody alive. While the novel is directed at a young adult audience, the topics remain relevant to older readers as well. Questions about intimacy, alcohol, maturity, existence, human suffering, and mortality explored in a sometimes sad, sometimes humorous way, beg the reader to remember and examine events in their own lives. As with his other books, John Green's accessible writing style is perfect for learners of English as a Second Language, not only providing modern expressions and vocabulary, but also poignant discussion topics that can be used to further one's speaking and writing skills. |  |
Listen to and read the book at the same time. Click on the chapter below, then select your listening speed. If you need help with vocabulary, click here for vocabulary activities.
The audio book may not load on some browsers. Click here to be brought to the audio book page.
Here are some interesting activities to help you learn the important vocabulary from the book. Begin with the flashcards, and once you've mastered the words take the test.
Now practice your listening comprehension with this fun game.
The following questions will help to relate some of the themes presented in the book to real life. You can use these questions in a variety of ways: by yourself; by writing down and reflecting on your answers to the questions; with a partner or small group as topics of discussion; or as formal debate topics. Download the questions in PDF here.
"Je vais... ou je suis en train de ... mourir. Les deux formules sont correctes." - Dominique Bouhours, Grammairien (Tr. I'm about to... or I'm going to die. Both expressions are correct.)
Miles seems to have an obsession with famous people's "last words". That is to say, quotes attributed to people as being said while on their deathbeds.
Here is a pretty long list of famous last words. Some are funny, some ironic, and some meaningful. Scroll through the list and see if there are any that you might find special.
Here's a cool little bookish DIY project that you can do.
Simply download the template in PDF, on a piece of card stock print the PDF double-sided using a color printer. Cut out the 7 book marks and use for yourself and give 6 to your friends. (Should print correctly on both A4 and U.S. Letter sized paper.)
Total of 7 bookmarks with quotes from the novel on the reverse side.
Feel free to leave your thoughts or comments on the novel here.
If you liked this book by John Green, why not try one of his others like The Fault in Our Stars.
Click here to go to the activity page on EnglishCaddy.
Even more books by John Green:
An Abudance of Katherines
Paper Towns
Will Grayson, Will Grayson - with David Levithan
Remember you are never alone! Click on this page for some motivational songs and stories!
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