Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

by J. K. Rowling

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Ideas for Reports and Papers

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1. The Harry Potter series is set in England, but its author, J.K. Rowling, resides in Scotland. What has the historical relationship between England and Scotland been like?

2. Before visiting the shops on Diagon Alley, Harry and Hagrid take a brief stroll through London. Research the city of London and describe what Harry and Hagrid might have seen on their walk. Consider aspects such as the city's demographic makeup, ethnic diversity, major businesses, historical landmarks, and architectural styles.

3. Investigate the London Underground and the British railway system, particularly King's Cross railway station. Which was established first, the Underground or the railway system? How are the Underground and the railway system connected? What routes do they follow? Can you find any maps and timetables online?

4. J.K. Rowling was a school teacher and a single mother when she began writing Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone in a local coffee shop. Research the author to learn more about her life. What insights has she shared in interviews? Are there any similarities between her life and the story she wrote?

5. So far, three additional "Harry Potter" books have been published: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, and Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. Read one or more of these sequels and compare them to the first book, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone.

6. In Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, Harry learns intriguing facts and stories about the game of Quidditch and its history. What interesting facts and stories can you discover about one of your favorite sports? How does Quidditch compare to the sport you researched?

7. In Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, Hagrid is amazed by Muggle inventions like the parking meter. Who invented the parking meter and for what purpose? What other Muggle inventions might readers take for granted?

8. Research the game of chess to explain (and demonstrate to your class) the chess game played towards the end of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. Does Ron play well? How could the game have been played differently? Were there better moves that could have been made?

9. Investigate the logic puzzle that Hermione solves with the bottled potions in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. What type of logic puzzle is it? Does it have a specific name? What other types of logic puzzles exist? What are their various purposes?

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