The Kite Runner Group Assignment
Devito / Simmonds
Step One – Information Gathering (2 days)
The following is a list of key words regarding themes in The Kite Runner. It is your job, as a group, to
discover what the novel “says” about these topics in relation to your group’s theme.
A. You will need to go through the book carefully and analyze:
1. events and circumstances (plot) to decide how they add to Amir’s understanding of the concepts.
2. characters and the parts they play in Hosseini’s treatment of the concept.
3. the way in which the setting of Afghanistan, Kabul, and the time period effect Amir’s understanding.
B.
Consider the craft of writing, and how it is instrumental in developing the theme, looking at:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
word choice
literary devices
chapter divisions
syntax
point-of-view
C. Select five passages that address the theme. Your passages must be able to be placed in a linear
timeline (as the story is told) to express how the theme is developed in the book.
You have, independently, made observations and taken notes on how your theme is developed throughout
the course of the novel. Synthesize your information. This information will also be submitted on the day of
your presentation. (see presentation cover sheet.)
Step Two – Developing a Thesis Statement (2 days)
D. Decide on a thesis statement that expresses the theme as is it conveyed in the book. A thesis statement
is the point that the author is trying to make about a concept.
Before you tackle a thesis statement, I will go over the finer details of thesis writing. Each group will submit
their thesis statement via edmodo. I will review each thesis statement before you move on to the next step.
The Kite Runner Group Assignment
Devito / Simmonds
Step Three – Presentation Making (3 – 4 days)
Discuss, as a group, how you are going to present your findings to the class. I will go over some ideas and
will show you examples from the previous years. I will also provide some tips on how to effectively present.
Your presentation must contain the following:
 Thesis statement
 5 quotes relating to your theme. You must complete a close reading of one passage.
 A clear explanation of how your theme is developed (character, plot, and craft of writing) in the
novel.
Ultimately, your goal is to prove that your thesis is correct.
The Kite Runner Group Assignment
Group Presentation Cover Letter
Name of group members:
1._____________________
2._____________________
3._____________________
4._____________________
5._____________________
Did you include???




Group notes on theme
yes or no
A copy of your thesis statement
yes or no
5 passages including a close reading
Individual Reflection
Contribution to ideas.
Contribution to work
Mark / Justification
Devito / Simmonds