Things We didn't see coming

[paigie123]

As there seems to be a lack of resources for this text... I was wondering whether anyone had a list of prompts or even just comment if you are studying this book..

[Lasercookie]

There's some comprehension questions (not really prompts) at the bottom of this page:
http://www.stevenamsterdam.com/stevenamsterdam/Things_We_Didnt_See_Coming_Greatest_Hits.html
A few links and stuff here: http://education.theage.com.au/cmspage.php?intid=136&intversion=264
http://wheelercentre.com/videos/video/texts-in-the-city-things-we-didn-t-see-coming/

With actual prompts, there's actually quite a few floating out there. Those study guides/english manuals etc. will usually have a few. Last years exam has two prompts (http://i.imgur.com/D0PUDh.jpg). Also, practice exams from 2011 (and 2012 ones that will come out later this year) will usually also have two prompts for the book each.

There's a couple of study guides for the book (Insight?) which I think will have prompts. There's a VATE SmartStudy guide book and also a Neap book. I don't have those, so I can't confirm that though.

The Nelson English manual has a lot of comprehension type questions, summaries etc. There are also 4 essay prompts for the novel in there. I think the other English manuals, Oxford etc. would also have sections for the book.

Just from doing a bit of googling/looking in the resources I already have:
1. Things We Didn’t See Coming illustrates that political and social pressures destroy relationships.’ Discuss.
2. Things We Didn’t See Coming demonstrates that to survive in a time of crisis, people must discard their humanitarian values.’ Discuss.
3. ‘The narrator displays the necessary resilience and courage under extreme circumstances in order to survive.’ Do you agree?
4. “....even if it meant being a thief” (p.152) … “I did what I had to do” (p.146). What is the author saying about the effect of this world on people?
5. 'Things We Didn’t See Coming shows us that survival is the narrator’s greatest victory.' Do you agree?
6. 'In Things We Didn’t See Coming, relationships are the real casualties in a world gone mad.' Discuss.
7. 'The narrator’s father is the real hero of the novel.’ Do you agree?
8. 'You've got your security and all the love you’ll ever need' (p.119). Was Margo correct in her assessment of the narrator?
9. How does the author invite the reader to identify with the concerns of the narrator?
10. 'The dark and bleak world of the novel offers humanity little hope in the future.' Discuss.
11. 'Things We Didn’t See Coming shows us that survival is the narrator’s greatest victory.' Do you agree?
12. 'Things We Didn’t See Coming explores humanity’s powerlessness in the face of forces outside of its control.’ Discuss.
13. 'Amsterdam portrays a world where morality, along with common decency, has all but vanished.’ Do you agree?
14. 'Things We Didn't See Coming' is devoid of all hope'
15. 'Amsterdam's portrayal of the future is too bleak. There are no redeeming features of the world he describes.' To what extent does this view reflect your reading of the text?
16. 'Things We Didn't See Coming suggests that relationships are at the core of survival.' Discuss.
17. 'In essence, Amsterdam has presented a cautionary tale.' To what extent do you agree?
18. 'Morality and religion play minor roles in this tale. It is relationships that guarantee survival' Discuss.
19. 'Despite the horror of post-millenium life, Amsterdam reassures us that people can still have love and compassion for others.' Discuss
20. 'In Things We Didn't See Coming, Amsterdam is more interested in the future of humanity than in the fate of the environment.' Discuss.

You'll be able to dig up more prompts from those study guides and trial exams. So yeah, there is a decent amount of resources to work from.