Spy School - Discussion Questions

 

1.     Who is Ben Ripley? What happens when Ben come home from school?

2.     What is Ben’s first impression of Alexander Hale? If you were Ben would you join Spy school?

3.     How do Ben meet Erica Hale? How do their interactions with Ben increase the drama in the story?

4.     What is SACSA exam? Does Ben ace this exam?

5.     How does Ben fight back the assassin?

6.     What is the real reason Ben is chosen to join the CIA?

7.     If you were Ben would you go home or continue to be at the school? 

8.     The author uses the word espionage throughout the novel. For example, Ben is recruited to the Academy of Espionage. What is espionage?

9.     Who is Ben’s best friend at home? Compare and contrast Ben’s reputation at home and at Spy School.

10. Chapter 14 is titled “Provocation.” What does provocation mean? Why does Erica ask Ben provoke the principal?

11. What is Operation Jackhammer?

12. How does the development of Professor Crandall’s character help to shape the theme of the novel? What is the theme of the novel?

13. How does Ben find the mole? How does Murray Hill’s character manipulate the reader?

14. What is SPYDER? Why is SPYDER one step ahead of Ben and Erica? If you were Ben would you join SPYDER organization and become a double agent?

15. Why does Murray set the bomb at that location and at that time?

16. How does Ben stop the bomb? Who did actually defuse the bomb?

17. Is Ben a good shooter? How does he defeat Murray Hill?

18. Do you like the book ending? From 1 to 5, how many stars would you rate the book?