The Last Lecture

The Last Lecture is a memoir, a celebration of life, and a testament to the power of childhood dreams. But it is also, perhaps most of all, a book of lessons. The book is filled with all the ideas and observations that Randy Pausch wanted to share with his three young children. “These are the things I won’t get the chance to tell them over the next twenty years,” he said. “I’m trying to put myself in a bottle that will one day wash up on the beach for them.”

This website affords students the opportunity to explore these lessons chapter by chapter, while building vocabulary, speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills. Prior to beginning study, students are encouraged to listen to Dr. Pausch give his lecture. (A transcript is available here). In this way, they become familiar with him, the cadence of his voice, and the humor and heart to be found in his delivery. For detailed study, click on a chapter number below to listen and read it, and access comprehension and discussion questions with a study group.

When you’ve finished the novel, you might write a culminating essay on a selected topic, or develop a presentation based on techniques Dr. Pausch uses in his lecture. You can also review your memory of the novel by taking this short answer and/or this multiple choice quiz. Answers to the multiple choice quiz are provided after submitting your quiz.

Good luck, and enjoy this wonderful memoir.