Understanding Characters and Themes in 'The Wave'

The transcript describes the events surrounding 'The Wave,' a true incident in a high school history class in 1969. It highlights the impact of group pressure and the dramatization of the event in a novel and TV show. The narrative follows Laurie Saunders, a student dealing with the challenges of running the school newspaper, and her interactions with her friend Amy in a French class. It also introduces Ben Ross, a history teacher known for his innovative teaching methods, who struggles with mechanical tasks like threading a film projector.

What is 'The Wave' based on?

• A historical event in Europe

• A popular movie

• A true incident in a high school

• A fictional story

What was the impact of 'The Wave' on the school?

• It was a minor event

• It disrupted the entire school

• It was celebrated by everyone

• It was ignored by the students

Who is Laurie Saunders?

• A history teacher

• A student at Gordon High School

• A television producer

• A project consultant

What is Laurie's role in the school paper?

• Reporter

• Editor-in-chief

• Photographer

• Layout designer

How does Laurie try to cheer up her friend Amy?

• By telling a joke

• By singing a song

• By making funny faces

• By giving her a gift

What is Ben Ross's main struggle?

• Understanding history

• Managing his time

• Dealing with machinery

• Communicating with students

How do Ben's students describe his teaching style?

• Boring

• Unorganized

• Contagious and charismatic

• Strict and harsh

What is one of Ben's concerns about his students?

• Their excessive use of technology

• Their lack of interest in sports

• Their lackadaisical attitude towards class

• Their poor dietary habits

Who helps Ben with the film projector?

• David Collins

• Amy Smith

• Robert Billings

• Laurie Saunders

What does Ben address the class about?

• Their sloppy homework

• Their behavior

• Their exam results

• Their attendance