Literary Analysis: “Dinosaur Graveyard”

After reading the story “Dinosaur Graveyard,” you will write a three-paragraph literary analysis. Your writing should explain how the author uses imagination to change the way Jackie sees the farm. Follow the directions for each paragraph below. Be sure to use details and examples from the story to support your answers.

Write three paragraphs. Each paragraph should answer the question for that part. Use evidence from the story “Dinosaur Graveyard” in each paragraph. Remember to explain your ideas clearly and organize your writing.

Paragraph 1: How does Jackie feel at the beginning of the story when she first hears about the “dinosaur graveyard”? What does she expect to find? Use evidence from the story to describe her thoughts and predictions.

Paragraph 2: Describe the setting and how it helps Jackie use her imagination. How does the author use description to make the machines seem like dinosaurs? Include examples from the story.

Paragraph 3: What does Jackie learn by the end of the story? What message does the author want readers to understand? Support your answer with details from the text.