The Last Lecture

Reading Check and Short Answer Questions on key points are designed for guided reading assignments, in-class review, formative assessment, quizzes, and more.

CHAPTERS 1-15

Reading Check

1. Who contributed to Pausch’s ability to live out his childhood dreams?

2. What does Pausch believe we are doing to children today?

3. What skills does Captain Kirk display that make him a childhood hero?

4. What should be seen as “brick walls,” according to Pausch?

5. How does Pausch categorize his flaws?

Short Answer

Answer each question in at least 1 complete sentence. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.

1. How does Pausch’s The Last Lecture differ from other last lectures?

2. What rhetorical impact does quoting his father have in the text?

3. How does Pausch view self-esteem?

4. Why do we meet brick walls, according to Pausch?

5. Why does Pausch both sugar-coat his arrogant attitude and outright call himself a “jerk”?

Paired Resource

The Meditations, Book 1, by Marcus Aurelius

• Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius begins his popular work by acknowledging the virtues of Stoicism and the relationships and mentors who inspired him to become a better person.
• This explores the lasting benefits of Working Together and gratitude toward role models.