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Copywork
About This Passage
This passage teaches a great example of how a writer can show a character's selfishness while making the reader laugh. The 'big idea' is that Greg thinks resolutions are great — but only for fixing other people, not himself. Students learn how a single word in capital letters (OTHER) can change the meaning of a whole sentence. They also see how the second sentence makes a joke by being totally serious about something silly. This is one of Greg's most famous lines and shows the author's sense of humor very clearly.
I think New Year's resolutions are a good idea, but I think they should be for OTHER people. The people I know really need to fix the way they act around me.
Full copywork activity with handwriting lines available in the complete study guide.
Discussion Questions
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
- Greg thinks his New Year's resolutions should be for other people, not himself. Is Greg being SMART (his friends really do have things to fix) or is he being SELFISH (everyone has things to fix, including Greg)? What in the story makes you think so?
- Greg's dad wants Greg to do more 'boy stuff' like sports and being outside. Greg does not want to. Should Greg LISTEN to his dad and try new things, or should Greg get to be HIMSELF even if his dad does not like it? What in the story makes you think so?
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Critical Thinking
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