Back to Frankie's
ESL Worksheets

THE OUTSIDERS, S E Hinton

---

Chapters 2-3

1. Based on your reading of Chapters 1-3, list the similarities and differences between "Socs" and "Greasers". Two examples are done for you below.

Similarities	Differences
Both Socs and Greasers are young, mainly in their teens.	Socs are quite rich and middle class whereas Greasers are fairly poor and working class.

2. Complete the following glossary of slang from the novel:

"Outsiders" Slang (1967)	Modern Slang	Standard English
dig (p.7)	dig	like, enjoy
jump (p.8)
beer blasts (p.8)
hoods (p.8)
slugged (p.10)
tuff (p.15)
broad (p.16)
swipe (p.17)
savvy (p.18)
the fuzz (p.20)
boozed up (p.26)
rank (p.32)

Add some more examples of slang when you find them.

3. (Page 20) What do we learn about the Greasers’ lifestyle from the things they do and discuss?
4. (Pages 28-30) Why does Johnny get frightened easily? (Give two reasons.)
5. (Page 34) What do Ponyboy and Cherry have in common?
6. (Page 36) Why does Ponyboy feel angry?
7. Imagine that Ponyboy writes a letter to his dead mother, expressing emotions which he cannot share with anyone else. Write his letter. You can begin like this:

 

Dear Mum

Sometimes I feel so angry and depressed that I wish I was dead. I have nobody to talk to. (Yeah, sure I can talk to Johnny, but I can’t explain everything to him.) The thing that upsets me most is the way that …

 

Remember to use paragraphs. Check your writing for errors. Look especially at:

• Verb tenses (e.g. Last week he made me study every night, including Sunday.)
• Subject-Verb agreement (e.g. He yells at me.)
• Missing words (e.g. He very angry with me.)

Frankie Meehan