Optional Introductory Activity:
Library Visit:  Team or small group work to complete research on the following topics that would lend depth to the study of The Contender.    Students would research and present information to the class on the following topics before the actual beginning of the book.

1.  Historical background of boxing

2.  Rules and regulations of boxing

3.  Training requirements

4.  Biographies of various famous boxers, i.e., Sugar Ray Robinson, etc.

5.  Author study of Robert Lipsyte