North Plainfield School District

ABRIDGED

SUMMER READING
2015

Jonathan Livingston Seagull

By Richard Bach

ALL NPHS STUDENTS Grade 9, Grade 10, Grade 11, Grade 12 are required to
read Jonathan Livingston Seagull by Richard Bach and use the attached questions
as a study guide in preparation for the test that will be administered when they
return to school.
The book is available from several sources:
1)
The North Plainfield Library has a limited number of copies. You will
need a library card to take out the book.
2)
The North Plainfield Library can provide a link to a downloadable
audiobook; however, you will need a library card in order to access the
audio link.
3)
Online PDF link:
http://www.vsc.iitm.ac.in/Home/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/JonathanLivingston-Seagull.pdf
4)

The book is available for purchase at bookstores or online.

5)
There is a good assortment of material on the book on various
websites.
IMPORTANT NOTE: If a student obtains or buys a copy of the newest
version of Jonathan Livingston Seagull, which includes a newly discovered
Part Four, they are NOT required to read Part Four.
Summer Reading at a Glance
Jonathan Livingston Seagull is concerned with a young seagull's efforts to rise
above the ordinary. In a flock where individuality is frowned upon, Jonathan finds
himself a loner and an outcast.
After performing feats of tremendous courage and skill, Jonathan is expelled from
the flock. This gives him the freedom to develop his skills, and in so doing he
reaches a higher plane of achievement, a heaven of sorts. The lessons that
Jonathan learns in his travels reflect both a greater peace of mind and a freedom to
be himself. Jonathan continues the cycle, by returning to the flock and teaching its
ambitious members the lessons that he has learned from Sullivan Seagull and
Chiang, the Elder Gull.

***YOU WILL BE TESTED ON YOUR UNDERSTANDING OF THE

NOVEL ON THE FIRST MONDAY OF THE SCHOOL YEAR****
USE THE QUESTIONS BELOW TO GUIDE YOU THROUGH
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YOUR PREPARATION FOR THE TEST. SOME OF THESE

EXACT QUESTIONS WILL APPEAR ON THE TEST.
SHORT ANSWER STUDY GUIDE QUESTIONS Jonathan Livingston Seagull
As you read, answer the following questions in complete sentences on a separate
sheet of paper in order to check for your understanding of the basic plot of the
novel. (Bookrags-Copyright 2015)
1. What is the name of the Flock that hunts for food in the morning?
2. Who was dismayed with Jonathan for his unique way of living?
3. At 1000 feet, what does Jonathan climb to attempt during one of his many
flying excursions?
4. What kind of dive has been resulting in Jonathan rolling violently and tumbling?
5. What does Jonathan's mother call him?
6. What is Jonathan beginning during his fast dive when he loses control?
7. When does Jonathan regain consciousness?
8. What does Jonathan wish he could do as a result of his last dive attempt?
9. What does Jonathan do as a result of hearing the voice in his head?
10. How does Jonathan feel after breaking his promise to become like other
gulls?
11. When does Jonathan attempt his dives again?
12. What seems to make Jonathan want to try his flights at even higher heights?
13. What smiles the morning that Jonathan almost hits the gulls and the boat?
14. What does Jonathan fly through, without killing anyone?
15. After Jonathan's brush with death, again, he attempts what at 8000 feet?
16. What does Jonathan become as a result of the Council's decision?
17. Where is Jonathan banished to as a result of his actions?
18. What does Jonathan learn to do which allows him to cover 100 miles
overnight?
19. What is the goal Jonathan sets for himself in relation to speed and
performance?
20. What is the actual speed that Jonathan reaches when he is trying to reach his
new goal?
21. Is Jonathan disappointed that he didn't reach his goal?
22. What memories are fading for Jonathan as he spends more time in this new
land?
23. Who is the Elder Gull?
24. What is the Elder Gull said to soon be moving beyond?
25. What fills Jonathan's eyes when he tells the Elder Gull he wants to conquer
another unknown?
26. What does the Elder Gull tell Jonathan to forget about as he is learning to
transport himself?
27. What does Jonathan do for the first time since leaving Earth when he finally
transports himself?
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28. What is the only thing the Elder Gull still thinks Jonathan needs to work on?
29. What does the Elder Gull tell Jonathan to keep working on right before the
Elder Gull vanishes?
30. What does Jonathan feel he was born to do?
31. Who is skeptical of Jonathan's ideas and plans for his future?
32. Who is the seagull that feels he has been too harshly and unjustly treated by
the Flock?
33. What does Jonathan want Fletcher to begin with as he takes him as a
student?
34. In what kind of formation do the gulls fly as they return to the Flock, soaring
over the beach?
35. Where does Jonathan continue to hold his practice sessions?
36. What happens to the gull who first asks to learn how to fly?
37. Who attracts the attention of nearly 1000 birds at sunrise?
38. What does Jonathan think Fletcher was building for himself when he was an
Outcast in the Far Cliffs?
39. What do the students want to hear from Fletcher?