Study Guide for : The Kite Runner & Comprehension Test

The Kite Runner
by Khaled Hosseini
About_
The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini follows Amir, a privileged boy from Kabul, as he struggles with guilt over
betraying his loyal friend Hassan. This study guide covers the novel’s major events, characters, and themes of
loyalty, betrayal, secrecy, and redemption. This study guide contains 91 questions across 7 chapter sections (70
Factual + 21 Critical), 1 Crossword Puzzle (12 clues), and 1 Character Focus Activity.
What’s Included_
This study guide features 7 sets of 10 Factual Questions with an answer key (70 total), 7 sets of 3 Critical Analysis
Questions (21 total), 1 Crossword Puzzle (12 clues), and 1 Character Focus Activity (8 traits + evidence prompt +
critical thinking question).
Target Grades_
Grades 9-11
Teacher Note_
This guide helps students build comprehension while encouraging deeper critical thinking about a powerful and
emotionally complex novel. It saves you valuable preparation time by providing ready-to-use questions, activities,
and an answer key. Your students will gain a richer understanding of the book’s themes and the importance of
courage and forgiveness.
Afghanistan Before the Wars
Afghanistan was a monarchy until 1973, when Daoud Khan overthrew the king and made the country a republic. In the
decades that followed, the country saw a Communist coup, Soviet occupation, civil conflict, and the rise of the Taliban. These
events forced millions of Afghans to flee their homes.
Ethnic and Religious Divisions
Afghanistan is home to many ethnic groups, including Pashtuns, Tajiks, and Hazaras. Pashtuns are mostly Sunni Muslims, while
Hazaras are mostly Shi’a Muslims and have long faced discrimination. These tensions shape the relationships between
characters in the novel.
Author Khaled Hosseini
Khaled Hosseini was born in Kabul and moved to the United States as a young man. His debut novel draws on his memories of
Afghan culture and traditions. The book explores themes of friendship, guilt, loyalty, and redemption.