Are you sure this is not in any way related to homework?!

I have graduated from HIgh School and College

Tanner, (mom or dad?) - why don't you have your son read it, too, and have a discussion about it. The teacher wants your son to be able to _think_ and it can't help your son if you do the thinking for him. This does not sound like college level to me, so I am sure you could figure it out with him. I know you are a smart person and this is such a great opportunity for you and your son to learn together. This way, in the future, your son will be able to use his mind that will help him in all areas of life.

I don't wish you bad things for wanting to help your son, but maybe you ought to talk to the teacher if you both are having problems figuring it out. Is he having a reading problem or understanding concepts? It may be more important to recognize an issue for your child with the teacher's help than simply helping him with this one assignment. If it were my child, I would try to help him by reading it (as long as he has also) and then having a discussion about each question so your son can flesh out the meaning of the story... and if all else fails, call the teacher and try to see if he is having problems in any other area of assignments, not just this one. I am not suggesting your son has a problem, but I am questioning whether the expectations of the teacher are in line with his grade level and personal competency. You only __really__ help your son by finding out what the actual problem is (using the word 'problem' loosely). Good luck. PS often times it seems a hassle to do this kind of thing given your own schedule, but in the end, your son comes out way ahead, his grades will improve, and your relationship with your son shines! Everyone wins!

Beautiful answer, Bert.
Please remember that students, parents, and teachers are a TEAM. If your child has read the book and legitimately doesn't understand, have him/her speak with or email the teacher.

I believe many students give up on an assignment as "too hard," and then form an opinion of the teacher that coukd easily been resolved with communication. Plus, think of what a tremendous life skill your child will learn--how to approach authority respectfully yet successfully, how to resolve conflict, and how to ask for (appropriate) help. In other words, HE/SHE shoukd be doing this, and not you. Of course, if the teacher responds in a way that doesn't resolve, by all means step in (TO THE TEACHER, please don't make the supervisor your next step!!)

I have to agree with the previous responses - it does not help your child in the long run for you (the parent) to do the work for him. I have one other thing to add, however, and that is the point that several of these questions are asking the reader's OPINIONS and that means 2 things...Firstly, you and your son may have entirely different opinions, ie, different answers to the above questions, and the teacher is asking for your son's opinion, not yours. Secondly, an opinion is just that, one's own ideas, and therefore, there can be NO right or wrong answers. If your child has truly read the book, he should be able to form his own opinions and not have to worry about getting the "answer wrong", because there is NO wrong answer.