The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster

created by Jo Ann James (Jane Long Middle School)

adapted from Laurie Hadden (Kearns Junior High)

 Required: Read the book. (50 points)

 Section I: Choose any of these assignments for a maximum of 100 points.  You may, at times, choose to work with a partner, but each student must defend all assignments orally.

 

  1. Illustrate a scene from the book, using paint, markers, colored pencils, pen

and ink, charcoal colored paper, photographic collage, etc. (15 points)

 

  1. Find song lyrics from any artist that you feel define one of the characters in

the book. Copy the lyrics and describe why you think these lyrics define that particular character. (15 points)

 

  1. The Phantom Tollbooth is richly filled with idioms.  Create a dictionary of

idioms, including the idiom, its definition, and an illustration of what it literally means.  (2 points, each; 30 points maximum)

 

4.  Choose 15-20 interesting or unfamiliar words from the novel and make flash

     cards with their definitions and an illustration. Learn their meanings. (10

     points)

 

5.  Act out a scene from the book. You may work with one or more partners. (15

     points)

 

6.  Choose one character and write a poem about that character. (15 points)

 

7.  Create original music that could serve as a soundtrack for the novel. Record

     your music and provide a CD for the teacher to listen to. (15 points)

 

8.  Create a diorama of a scene from the novel. (15 points)

 

9.  Create puppets of two major and two minor characters. (15 points)

 

10. Act out a scene with your puppets. (15 points)

 

11. Create a poster advertising the book, or a new cover for the book. (15

      points)

 

12.  Choose your favorite part of the book. Write a description of this part of the

      book and tell why it is your favorite. Must be in language other than English. 

      (20 points)

 

13.  Create a crossword puzzle using clues and words from the story. Use at least

       fifteen words. (15 points)

 

14.  Create a list of at least ten homophones found in The Phantom Tollbooth.

       (10 points)

 

 

Section II: Choose one - 25 points

 

  1. Write a full page letter to the Fan Club of the book.

 

  1. Create an Interview with the Author  develop the questions and the answers you think he would give.

 

  1. Rewrite the story using a new setting.

 

  1. Link a real social/societal problem that relates to the story.

 

  1. Create a theme list for The Phantom Tollbooth and list books that fit into the theme.

 

  1. Create a photo album based on the book  at least ten pages.

 

  1. Create a magazine based on the book  at least six pages.

 

  1. Write an advice column for the characters  must be a full page.

 

 

Section III: Choose one – 50 points.  Discuss you topic with a parent, teacher, or other adult, or find two sources outside the classroom to inform your opinion and expose you to other opinions.  Decide your opinion and write a one to two page defense of your position.  Cite your sources.

 

  1. The Phantom Tollbooth is a book about the praise of education.  What is the value of a good education?

 

  1. Appreciating the things of everyday life is a theme in The Phantom Tollbooth.  Describe the things in your life that you take for granted and how your life would change without those things.

 

 

100 – 128 points = D

129 – 158 points = C

159 – 178 points = B

179 – 200 points = A