The Giver Novel Study...
By Lois Lowry
This novel study is to be assigned. There are two different novel studies that you may be assigned:
1) A regular written novel study(hand writing or word processed).
2) An electronic novel study.
There is also a Giver Vocabulary List that you will be asked to use.
Introduction: Just imagine if we could start over and create perfect communities. How would we want things done? What would we change in order to achieve “perfection”? What would we have to give up?
In Jonas' perfect world, everything is under control. There is no war or fear or pain. But when Jonas learns the truth, there is no turning back. In a Utopian community where there are no choices—where everyone has his or her place in the world assigned according to gifts and interests--the time has come for 12-year-old Jonas to become the new Receiver of Memory. He will be the one to bear the collective memories of a society that lives only in the present, where "Sameness " is the rule. But Jonas soon recognizes the losses and discovers the lie that supports his community. He decides he will change his world--but he cannot predict how that change will come about, or what that change will mean for himself and the "newchild" Gabriel, whom he has resolved to protect.
The Giver: Written Novel Study During our novel study, we will do short chapter assignments, as well as some spelling tests and grammar lessons. The major project in this unit is the novel study contract, where you choose a number of assignments to do from a long list of possible assignments.
Novel Study Directions
Written Novel Study Assignments
CHAPTERS 1 to 7
QUESTIONS TO TALK ABOUT: COMPREHENSION AND RECALL (One to three sentences)
CHAPTERS 8 - 15
QUESTIONS TO TALK ABOUT: COMPREHENSION AND RECALL (One to three sentences)
CHAPTERS 19 - 23
QUESTIONS TO TALK ABOUT: COMPREHENSION AND RECALL (One to three sentences)
TASKS (
YES YOU MUST DO THEM - You must complete 40 marks worth of assignments from this list. Make sure you write at least the amount suggested. A paragraph means at least five complete sentences. These will count as bonus marks towards your final mark.) 1. Task: (paragraph 5 marks )
Write a well-constructed paragraph that outlines the choices in life that you take for granted. Include a topic sentence, supporting information and concluding sentence.
2. Task: (persuasive paragraph 5 marks)
Imagine that you were in the society in which Jonas lived. What role would you want to assume:
a twelve
a nurturer
a birthmother
other.
In a well-constructed paragraph, write a persuasive argument for why you are well suited for that role. Include your reasons for requesting that assignment.
3. Task: (explanatory paragraph 5 marks)
Make a list of the roles that were mentioned in Jonas' society. In your opinion, what additional roles are needed in that society. Explain, why those roles are needed.
4. Task: ( paragraph 5 marks)
Would you be willing to take the role of Receiver? Why or why not?
5. Task: (script at least two pages double spaced 20 marks)
Rewrite the story with a different ending.
6. Task: (descriptive paragraph 5 marks)
In a paragraph, describe one of the following concepts:
sunlight
colour
love
pain
freedom
7. Task: (personal writing - one page double spaced 10 marks)
Write a diary or journal entry for one of the characters.
8. Task: (expository paragraph 5 marks)
In a paragraph, explain the responsibilities of one of the following roles:
Receiver
Releaser
The Giver
Other role of your choice
9. Task: (personal writing - essay-two pages 20 marks)
In Jonas' society, the community was more important than the individual. Write an essay about what you think is important about being a unique individual.
10. Task: (descriptive and expository paragraph 5 marks)
Each year a Ritual ceremony was held. Make a list of what happens at the different ceremonies for each group. For those ceremonies which aren't described in the book, make them up. Explain the procedure for each person being assigned a role.
11. Task: (comparative essay-two pages 20 marks)
The community in The Giver had some positive features as well as negative ones. Make 2 columns. On one side list the positive features and on the other the negative. Do they balance out? Why? Write a comparative essay on the advantages and disadvantages of living in Jonas' society.
12. Task: (persuasive argument-one page 10 marks)
Prepare a persuasive argument for the advantage of experiencing something (i.e., seeing, smelling, hearing, loving )over the disadvantage of never experiencing it.
13. Task: (science fiction essay 2 pages 20 marks)
The Giver can be viewed as a science fiction novel. Write your own version of this book by putting the story and characters in a different period of time and location. Make an outline of chapters you would include in the book, characters, setting and plot.
14. Task: (picture book 2 pages 20 marks)
Make a picture book. Think about games you played when you were a child, what you were afraid of, and what your first time at trying things was like. Use one of these memories as a basis for your story. Make colourful illustrations to accompany your book.
15. Task: (comic strip 2 pages 20 marks)
The "book The Giver was devoid of humour. Think of an incident that might have been funny. Look for humour in one of the everyday situations and create a comic strip about it.
16. Task: (brochure 2 pages 20 marks)
Create a brochure advertising the advantages in living in Jonas' community.
17. Task: (brochure 2 pages 20 marks)
Create a brochure for one of the ceremonies in Jonas' community.
18. Task: (25 marks)
Develop a glossary. That is, write a definition for each of the vocabulary words in the Vocabulary List (See Below).
19. Task: (newspaper report 2 pages 20 marks)
Write a newspaper account of the Ritual ceremony or the mysterious aeroplane flying over the community.
20. Task: (advertisement one page 10 marks)
Make an advertisement for a fashion line that is being promoted in Jonas' community. Include a drawing.
21. Task: (advertisement one page 10 marks)
Make an advertisement for the Real Estate section advertising a dwelling in the community.
22. Task: (letter to the editor one page 10 marks)
Write a letter to the editor of the newspaper explaining the need for order in the community.
23. Task: (letter to the advice column one page 10 marks)
Write a letter to the advice column about a problem you are experiencing. Write a response to your letter.
24. Task: (formal letter one page 10 marks)
Write a formal letter to The Giver stating your reasons for not wanting a role that you have been assigned.
25. Task: (friendly letter one page 10 marks)
Write a friendly letter to The Giver sharing your gratitude for being assigned a specific role.
26. Task: (postcard one page 10 marks)
Design and write a postcard from your community.
27. Task: (free verse poem one page 10 marks)
Create a free verse poem about one of these topics:
Sameness
Memories
Imagination
Colours of the Rainbow
The Sound of Music
28. Task: (concrete poem one page 10 marks)
Create a concrete poem, a piece of poetry that has a physical existence, about an object or place in the community.
29.Task: (expository paragraph 5 marks)
Choose something that you learned to do or have done, such as riding a bicycle, skateboarding, playing chess, operating a VCR. Write a set of instructions to show others how to do the activity.
30. Task: (free choice marks to be assigned)
Choose a format of your choice to describe, explain or tell something about the book.
The Giver Vocabulary List: intrigued obsolete solace distraught profound transgression retroactive benign humiliation unanimous requisitioned lethargy permeated ruefully palpable scrupulously tantalizing indolence nondescript excruciating quizzically reprieve unendurable carnage luminous ironic meticulously augmented nurturer reassuringly exempted tabulated conveyance sinuous relinquished navigational buoyancy apprehensive languid prestige remorse jaunty compel tentatively indulgently chaos murky admonition acceleration exuberant grotesquely gravitate treacherously adherence crescendo avert petulantly ominous infringed pampered impeded chastise anguish pervaded podium ecstatic essential designate
Electronic Novel Study Assignments
In the electronic novel study section, you will choose to complete one of the activities below to represent you knowledge and understanding of The Giver electronically.
1) DESIGN A MICROSOFT POWERPOINT PRESENTATION (15 slides - at least 5 Content Slides, and at least 5 Multimedia slides)
2) DESIGN A MICROSOFT PUBLISHER NEWSLETTER OR NEWSPAPER
3) DESIGN A WEBSITE USING WEEBLY.COM
This novel study is to be assigned. There are two different novel studies that you may be assigned:
1) A regular written novel study(hand writing or word processed).
2) An electronic novel study.
There is also a Giver Vocabulary List that you will be asked to use.
Introduction: Just imagine if we could start over and create perfect communities. How would we want things done? What would we change in order to achieve “perfection”? What would we have to give up?
In Jonas' perfect world, everything is under control. There is no war or fear or pain. But when Jonas learns the truth, there is no turning back. In a Utopian community where there are no choices—where everyone has his or her place in the world assigned according to gifts and interests--the time has come for 12-year-old Jonas to become the new Receiver of Memory. He will be the one to bear the collective memories of a society that lives only in the present, where "Sameness " is the rule. But Jonas soon recognizes the losses and discovers the lie that supports his community. He decides he will change his world--but he cannot predict how that change will come about, or what that change will mean for himself and the "newchild" Gabriel, whom he has resolved to protect.
The Giver: Written Novel Study During our novel study, we will do short chapter assignments, as well as some spelling tests and grammar lessons. The major project in this unit is the novel study contract, where you choose a number of assignments to do from a long list of possible assignments.
Novel Study Directions
- All written answers must be done in draft and then completed using the writing process , so that you have both a draft copy and a separate published copy.
- In the published copy there cannot be any spelling or punctuation errors.
- All written answers should be in handwriting and double spaced.
- If you are using a computer, then you must follow the ALL the golden rules . No exceptions.
- You must do all questions and related activities in the order that you read the book. That is, you must do questions related to the section that you reading.
- Read each section carefully. Think critically and carefully. I want imaginative, creative and THOUGHTFUL ideas.
- You will be give a due date for this assignment to be completed. It is large part of your language arts mark this term. No lates will be accepted, which means that you will receive an incomplete if you miss the deadline.
Written Novel Study Assignments
CHAPTERS 1 to 7
QUESTIONS TO TALK ABOUT: COMPREHENSION AND RECALL (One to three sentences)
- Why does Jonas find it unsettling that he and Gabriel have similar eyes?
- Why do people take pills for the Stirrings?
- What does it mean when someone is released?
- How would you describe life in Jonas' community?
- Why don't Jonas and Lily know what "animal" means?
- Do you think there are cars, trucks, planes, buses, or trains within this community? Explain.
- Why might Father's interest in Gabe cause problems?
- Why do families tell one another their feelings and dreams each day?
- Why is interdependence fostered in the community?
- In what way do you think the apple changed when Jonas and Asher were tossing it?
- Significant detail: On the first page, how does the author alert you that there is something out of the ordinary about a plane flying over the community?
- Suspense: How does the author keep the reader as well as Jonas in suspense about his Assignment?
- How do you feel about the "standard practices" and "rituals" practiced in the community? Why? How do you feel about the punishment given for infractions?
- Would you want your future to be decided by others? Why or why not?
- Did you have a "comfort object" when you were younger? What did you call it?
- How do you feel about the way families are created in this community?
CHAPTERS 8 - 15
QUESTIONS TO TALK ABOUT: COMPREHENSION AND RECALL (One to three sentences)
- Why does Jonas feel a separateness after the Ceremony?
- Why doesn't Jonas know about snow?
- How does Jonas change Gabe's life?
- Why are there speakers in every dwelling?
- Why does Jonas feel terror at not having an assignment at the beginning of the Ceremony of Twelve?
- What's the difference between being assigned and selected?
- What do you think happened to the girl who was chosen ten years ago?
- Why are people's homes called dwellings?
- Why does Jonas find the instruction about lying so disturbing.?
- Why don't people have more than three books?
- Why does The Giver say that making choices would be frightening for people?
- Why does Jonas begin to feel frustrated and angry?
- Why is The Receiver forbidden to share books or memories with other people?
- Do you think The Giver is happy with his life?
- What war does Jonas experience?
- Foreshadowing: How does the author foreshadow Jonas' gift?
- What is your reaction to the instructions Jonas receives?
- What would it be like to five in a world where you didn't experience color, sunshine, or animals?
CHAPTERS 19 - 23
QUESTIONS TO TALK ABOUT: COMPREHENSION AND RECALL (One to three sentences)
- Why does Jonas lie to his parents about using the word "love?"
- Why was Rosemary's release a disaster for the community? Why was Rosemary's death a disaster for The Giver?
- What are some of the feelings that people in the community have not known?
- What is the hearing-beyond that The Giver speaks of.
- How does Jonas give the people memories?
- What memory (holiday) is The Giver's favorite?
- Why does Jonas see love in a family as dangerous?
- Why can't Jonas communicate with other children any more?
- Why do people assume that twins would be identical in all things?
- Why is Jonas' father so cheery when he releases the twin?
- Author's purpose: Why do you think the author called the book The Giver instead of The Receiver?
- What are some memories you would give to someone you care about?
- How would you feel about not living with your own family but with one to which you were assigned?
- How do you feel about the book's ending? What will happen to The Giver? the community? Jonas and Gabriel?
TASKS (
YES YOU MUST DO THEM - You must complete 40 marks worth of assignments from this list. Make sure you write at least the amount suggested. A paragraph means at least five complete sentences. These will count as bonus marks towards your final mark.) 1. Task: (paragraph 5 marks )
Write a well-constructed paragraph that outlines the choices in life that you take for granted. Include a topic sentence, supporting information and concluding sentence.
2. Task: (persuasive paragraph 5 marks)
Imagine that you were in the society in which Jonas lived. What role would you want to assume:
a twelve
a nurturer
a birthmother
other.
In a well-constructed paragraph, write a persuasive argument for why you are well suited for that role. Include your reasons for requesting that assignment.
3. Task: (explanatory paragraph 5 marks)
Make a list of the roles that were mentioned in Jonas' society. In your opinion, what additional roles are needed in that society. Explain, why those roles are needed.
4. Task: ( paragraph 5 marks)
Would you be willing to take the role of Receiver? Why or why not?
5. Task: (script at least two pages double spaced 20 marks)
Rewrite the story with a different ending.
6. Task: (descriptive paragraph 5 marks)
In a paragraph, describe one of the following concepts:
sunlight
colour
love
pain
freedom
7. Task: (personal writing - one page double spaced 10 marks)
Write a diary or journal entry for one of the characters.
8. Task: (expository paragraph 5 marks)
In a paragraph, explain the responsibilities of one of the following roles:
Receiver
Releaser
The Giver
Other role of your choice
9. Task: (personal writing - essay-two pages 20 marks)
In Jonas' society, the community was more important than the individual. Write an essay about what you think is important about being a unique individual.
10. Task: (descriptive and expository paragraph 5 marks)
Each year a Ritual ceremony was held. Make a list of what happens at the different ceremonies for each group. For those ceremonies which aren't described in the book, make them up. Explain the procedure for each person being assigned a role.
11. Task: (comparative essay-two pages 20 marks)
The community in The Giver had some positive features as well as negative ones. Make 2 columns. On one side list the positive features and on the other the negative. Do they balance out? Why? Write a comparative essay on the advantages and disadvantages of living in Jonas' society.
12. Task: (persuasive argument-one page 10 marks)
Prepare a persuasive argument for the advantage of experiencing something (i.e., seeing, smelling, hearing, loving )over the disadvantage of never experiencing it.
13. Task: (science fiction essay 2 pages 20 marks)
The Giver can be viewed as a science fiction novel. Write your own version of this book by putting the story and characters in a different period of time and location. Make an outline of chapters you would include in the book, characters, setting and plot.
14. Task: (picture book 2 pages 20 marks)
Make a picture book. Think about games you played when you were a child, what you were afraid of, and what your first time at trying things was like. Use one of these memories as a basis for your story. Make colourful illustrations to accompany your book.
15. Task: (comic strip 2 pages 20 marks)
The "book The Giver was devoid of humour. Think of an incident that might have been funny. Look for humour in one of the everyday situations and create a comic strip about it.
16. Task: (brochure 2 pages 20 marks)
Create a brochure advertising the advantages in living in Jonas' community.
17. Task: (brochure 2 pages 20 marks)
Create a brochure for one of the ceremonies in Jonas' community.
18. Task: (25 marks)
Develop a glossary. That is, write a definition for each of the vocabulary words in the Vocabulary List (See Below).
19. Task: (newspaper report 2 pages 20 marks)
Write a newspaper account of the Ritual ceremony or the mysterious aeroplane flying over the community.
20. Task: (advertisement one page 10 marks)
Make an advertisement for a fashion line that is being promoted in Jonas' community. Include a drawing.
21. Task: (advertisement one page 10 marks)
Make an advertisement for the Real Estate section advertising a dwelling in the community.
22. Task: (letter to the editor one page 10 marks)
Write a letter to the editor of the newspaper explaining the need for order in the community.
23. Task: (letter to the advice column one page 10 marks)
Write a letter to the advice column about a problem you are experiencing. Write a response to your letter.
24. Task: (formal letter one page 10 marks)
Write a formal letter to The Giver stating your reasons for not wanting a role that you have been assigned.
25. Task: (friendly letter one page 10 marks)
Write a friendly letter to The Giver sharing your gratitude for being assigned a specific role.
26. Task: (postcard one page 10 marks)
Design and write a postcard from your community.
27. Task: (free verse poem one page 10 marks)
Create a free verse poem about one of these topics:
Sameness
Memories
Imagination
Colours of the Rainbow
The Sound of Music
28. Task: (concrete poem one page 10 marks)
Create a concrete poem, a piece of poetry that has a physical existence, about an object or place in the community.
29.Task: (expository paragraph 5 marks)
Choose something that you learned to do or have done, such as riding a bicycle, skateboarding, playing chess, operating a VCR. Write a set of instructions to show others how to do the activity.
30. Task: (free choice marks to be assigned)
Choose a format of your choice to describe, explain or tell something about the book.
The Giver Vocabulary List: intrigued obsolete solace distraught profound transgression retroactive benign humiliation unanimous requisitioned lethargy permeated ruefully palpable scrupulously tantalizing indolence nondescript excruciating quizzically reprieve unendurable carnage luminous ironic meticulously augmented nurturer reassuringly exempted tabulated conveyance sinuous relinquished navigational buoyancy apprehensive languid prestige remorse jaunty compel tentatively indulgently chaos murky admonition acceleration exuberant grotesquely gravitate treacherously adherence crescendo avert petulantly ominous infringed pampered impeded chastise anguish pervaded podium ecstatic essential designate
Electronic Novel Study Assignments
In the electronic novel study section, you will choose to complete one of the activities below to represent you knowledge and understanding of The Giver electronically.
1) DESIGN A MICROSOFT POWERPOINT PRESENTATION (15 slides - at least 5 Content Slides, and at least 5 Multimedia slides)
- that clearly describes in sentences, personal drawings, clip art pictures, symbols, personal photos, personal video/audio, or music five things that make your life meaningful — things without which life would not be the same.
- Use a storyboard to plan the content and layout of your presentation.
- Enhance presentation by adding graphics, music, inserting a movie clip or any type of multimedia available to you
2) DESIGN A MICROSOFT PUBLISHER NEWSLETTER OR NEWSPAPER
- using Microsoft Publisher 97 that clearly relates to an event or events in the novel The Giver.
- Use a storyboard to plan the content and layout of your publication.
- Enhance your publication by adding graphics, music, inserting a movie clip or any type of multimedia available to you.
3) DESIGN A WEBSITE USING WEEBLY.COM
- Use your knowledge of the events from the novel, The Giver, to help you design a Web site using a storyboard.
- The content of this Web site must clearly connect with literary elements of the novel The Giver and include a brief prequel or sequel to the novel The Giver.
- Use a storyboard to plan the content and layout of your Web site.
- Enhance your Web site by adding graphics, music, inserting a movie clip or any type of multimedia available to you.
- Link your Web site to this page.