Do you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the
truth?
Does anyone say no?
NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH
Student Journal
JANUARY 1, 2014
7TH GRADE
Chapel Hill Academy
Pre-Reading Thinking
Consider the question on the top right of your packet – when asked “Do you swear to tell the truth, the whole
truth, and nothing but the truth? Does anyone say no?”
Do you think anyone says no? Explain.
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What predictions can you make about the novel, based on this pair of questions? Explain why you made the
predictions you did.
Now, read the Preface at the beginning of the novel. The author, Avi, says all schools have secrets. Do you agree?
Explain.
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Read the following statements. If you agree with the statement, write agree. If you disagree,
write disagree. Go with your gut! If you do not know a word, a phrase, or what a statement
means, highlight it – we will discuss as we go over your answers.
1. Teachers are always right.
2. Students have the right to disrespect teachers.
3. Sometimes teachers show they care by being “tougher” on students or by expecting
more from them.
4. There is a difference between bending the truth and lying.
5. Your parents want you to be just like them.
6. Everything printed in the newspaper is true.
7. If you have a crush on someone, you should believe them when they tell you something.
8. Singing the national anthem is disrespectful.
9. You should follow all school rules.
10. When you’re wrong, you should be able to say you’re wrong and everyone should move
on.
Each of these statements has to do with the novel. Based on the question on the cover of this
packet, the title, the Preface, these ten statements, and the cover design and back summary,
predict what this novel will be about. Write your prediction below.
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Cast of Characters
Name
Role in Novel/At School
Personality/Character Traits
Dr. Joseph Palleni
Philip Maloy
Margaret Narwin
Bernard Lunser
Allison Doresett
Dr. Gertrude Doane
Dr. Albert Seymour
Coach Jamison
Susan (Mrs.) Malloy
Benjamin (Mr.) Malloy
Ted Griffen
Jennifer Stewart
Jake Barlow
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Directions for Journal:
As you read NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH, you are to keep a journal. You must pretend that
you are a student in Harrison High. I will collect and read your journals periodically as we
read this novel. After we have finished the novel, 4 of your entries will be rewritten and
posted on the board for all to admire.
Pages 4-9:
1. Journal: Write about Philip Malloy as though it is the first day of school and you’ve just
met him. Does he seem likeable? Is he “cool”? Does he remind you of yourself or
someone you know? What is he “into”? What kind of student do you think he is? Is he
like you or any of your friends? In what way(s) is he similar or different?- what?
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2. Comment on what is important to you - what are your goals for this year? For your
life? Be truthful.
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Chapters 2-4:
1. Respectful Silence? - Harrison School District insists students are silent to show
respect during the national anthem?
 Do you agree with this rule? Why/Why not?
 Do you think silence or singing along would be more respectful?
 When we pray, would it be more respectful to be silent, or as some people do,
murmur assent and “mms,” and “amens”?
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2. Comment on two of the following statements using events from the story and your own
life.
 I prefer teachers like Mr. Lunser who lets some misbehavior slide.
 I think boys don’t show respect toward girls.
 I think kids don’t take tests seriously like Philip did on his English test, and
sometimes they cheat because they haven’t studied.
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Chapters 5-8:
1.
What are the issues in this book about money? (Ideas: Who needs it and for what? How
does a lack of money affect the school? How does needing money affect Philip and his
parents, his dad especially?)
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2. Respond to a poor grade which you have earned on a major test. Have you ever acted out
unnecessarily at a teacher because of a grade you received? How do your parents respond
to a poor grade?
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Chapter 9:
1. An article for the school newspaper: Rules Trip Malloy
With a partner, write an article for the school newspaper called Rules Trip Malloy
using the major events of the story as it’s happened so far. Be careful not to give your
own opinion. In the article, give the facts and interview:
 Coach
 Miss Narwin
 Philip
Be prepared to discuss this question in class tomorrow: Why does Philip not tell his father
the truth about the track team? Is he telling himself the truth? What are some strategies
you can think of to help him get along better with Miss Narwin?
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Chapter 10 to page 55 (we will read the rest aloud in class):
1. You have heard about Narwin vs. Philip Malloy and about the humming. What do
you think?
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Chapter 11-12 to p.83:
1. What does this book say about “sticking up for yourself”? Is this a biblical idea or
not? Support your thoughts.
2. What pressures are Philip and Miss Narwin under at this point in the story? Are you
under similar pressures? (Talk about pressures your teachers, parents, or friends
might be feeling-How do these pressures affect the way you act and react?).
3. What encouragement do they receive in this story? What kinds of encouragement
have you had lately?
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Ch. 13:
Write a humorous article for the newspaper: 10 Rules We Should Have (but don't)
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Chapter 14:
Refer to the news article on p. 113. Are any of your opinions controlled by the news mediaabout President Obama or politics in general, about fashion, about sports or TV shows or
movies…anything?
1. In English class you discussed the topic: Does the News Media Control Our
Opinions? Write your further thoughts about the topic. What influences your
opinions most? TV? Twitter? Your parents? Church? Your friends? Your
awesome teachers?
Answer this question: How do the adults in your life influence your
opinions. Give at least one good example.
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Chapter 15:
Respond in your laptop/paper journal.
Imagine that... You have heard the Jack Barlow Talk Show. What do you think of Jake and
his callers? Do you agree with their points of view?
Write a letter to Miss Narwin or Philip like the people in the story did.
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Chapter 17-18:
Miss Narwin tells the reporter, Mr. Duval, that people like to hear the worst and rarely seek
out or talk about the best (p. 191-192). Do you agree or disagree? Give some examples from
your life and your story to support your opinion.
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Chapter 19-The End:
1. What do you make of the ending of the book? What is fair, what is not fair? You
need to pretend that you, the student, know "the whole story." It is time to present
your opinion.
 Literary irony is when you don’t get what you expect or you as the reader
know things the characters don’t know. In groups, discuss then report out.
1. In what ways did this story defy your expectations?
2. What do you know that the characters don’t? Do you think you know
the truth?
3. Is it fair or unfair? For whom?
4. What is ironic in particular about the last lines of the story?
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