what was pony's english theme? why did he choose to write this?

Mr. Syme is Ponyboy's English teacher. The man is concerned that Ponyboy's grades are falling because he is normally capable of much more. The teacher offers Ponyboy a deal, he tells him that he can write an autobiographical paper on his own and if he turns it in he can have a chance at passing the class. Ponyboy becomes inspired at the thought of getting his story out of his head and onto paper. He ends up writing the story about the Socs and Greasers and about living with his brothers following the tragic death of their parents. The story ends up actually being the book, The Outsiders.