Diary of a Wimpy Kid - Rodrick Rules — Chapter 5

About This Passage

This passage teaches students a very important writing pattern: a sentence that sets up an expectation, followed by a sentence that flips the expectation. The reader thinks the secret coming out will be terrible, but Greg tells us it was not. Students also learn the phrase 'the weirdest thing happened,' which is a common way a writer signals a surprise is coming. The two short sentences together make a BIG point: sometimes the things we fear most are not as bad as the worry about them.

Narration Prompt

Tell someone what happened in this chapter in order. When you get to the most important part, slow down and tell it carefully — what happened, why it mattered, and what you think about it.

Discussion Questions

1. Greg spent the whole book being scared of his secret coming out. When the secret finally came out, it was not as bad as he feared. Was Greg SILLY to worry so much, or is worrying about big secrets a NORMAL thing that all people do? What in the story makes you think so?
2. Rodrick told the secret at the talent show, even though Greg had helped him hide the party. Did Rodrick do a BAD thing by telling, or was Rodrick just being Rodrick? Can brothers love each other and STILL do mean things sometimes? What in the story makes you think so?

+ 2 more questions in the complete study guide