English 7
Morehead/ McGuire/ Cunningham
Name:__________________
Date:______________
Community or Cult?
Whether a group of people living together is labeled a community or a cult is
largely determined by the opinion of the larger society (such as the United
States or the world). If a cult is defined as a group which has a negative
impact on its members and community a positive impact, what would the
group Jonas belongs to in The Giver be? What would other groups in
existence around the world be?
Directions:
Your task is to research a group, anywhere in the world, past or present, that is considered
a cult, a club, or a community. You will examine whether the impact of the group on its
members and/or society is largely positive or negative. You will write an essay giving your
opinion on the group, supported by facts from your research. You will also compare and
contrast your group to the group from The Giver and give your position, supported by
facts from your research and the book, on whether Jonas’ group should be considered a
cult or a community.
Task:
1. You will use the Resources listed on the reverse of this sheet to search for information
on a group provided, or on a group of your own choosing that is approved by your
teacher.
2. You will take notes on the provided note taking device on the group researched,
which will be handed in with your draft and final work.
3. A complete bibliography/works cited, with MLA format citations is required.
4. All facts in the essay must be found, and cited in your notes.
5. You will use the results of your research and your knowledge of The Giver to compose
an essay with the components listed above.
Essay Components:
Your essay should include the following:

An introductory paragraph with:
o An engaging topic sentence or hook
o your own definition of both cult and community and briefly contrast the two
o a thesis stating which group you have selected and whether you feel it is a
community or cult

A body paragraph with:
o A topic sentence
o basic facts about your selected group
o your opinion, backed by facts from your research, on whether the group is a
cult or a community
o a concluding sentence which uses your own definitions of cult and
community from your introduction.

A concluding paragraph stating:
o Restate your position about your selected group
o Comparisons and/or contrasts made between your selected group and “the
community” in The Giver. Your position about the group from The Giver (cult
or community)
o a concluding sentence perhaps relating back to your personal definitions of
cult and community from your introduction
Resources:
All resources for this project can be found on the Todd Library Website 
Assignment Resources  English Language Arts  Community or Cult?
Works Cited (Bibliography):

Citations for databases may be copied and pasted into EasyBib.com.

Citations from non-database resources, including websites and books, must be
created using EasyBib.com. A sponsor and date created must be included.

All citations should be collected into a document titled “Works Cited”, printed, and
attached to your final essay.
Ideas of Groups to research
Amish
Shakers
Heaven’s Gate
Branch Davidians
People’s Temple
The Children of God
Hare Krishnas
Audubon Society
Transcendental Meditation
Unification Church
(Reverend Moon)
Church of Scientology
Ku Klux Klan
PETA
Nation of Islam
Junior League
Rotary
Knights of Columbus
Freemasons
American Nazi Party
Girl Scouts of America
Boy Scouts of America
Falun Gong
Fundamental Latter Day Saints (FLDS)
Bruderhof
Solar Temple
(The cross and the rose)
Hemlock Society
Salvation Army
Quakers (Society of Friends)
The Red Hat Society
Cultural Mobs
RESEARCH/EVIDENCE
Name of group
Choose One - Community or Cult
Background of Group (history, founder, beliefs, location if applicable)
POSITIVE influences/impact
on members or society
NEGATIVE influences/impact
on members or society