Name: _________________________
Mrs. Attard – 7
Date: ______________
Nothing but the Truth by Avi
STUDY GUIDE
Vocabulary & Analysis – Part II
Vocabulary in Context:
Insolence: (pg 50) “Philip, stop this insolence.”
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Infraction: (pg 69) “Straightforward rule infraction.”
Definition: _________________________________________________________
Condone: (pg 83) “…tells me something that’s outrageous. Something I would never condone.”
Definition: _________________________________________________________
Reading Analysis:
Describe the encounter between Philip and the principal after Philip was asked to leave his homeroom
for, once again, disobeying Miss Narwin’s request to stop humming. (50-53)
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What is the purpose of the conversation Mr. Malloy has with his boss, Mr. Dexter (53) and then the
subsequent conversation he has with Mrs. Malloy (56)?
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What do we learn about Miss Narwin from the scene with Dr. Doane on page 54? Does this information
change your perspective or analysis of the story? HOW so?
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Explain both Miss Narwin’s letter to her sister and Philip’s journal entry. (pg 58) Make a prediction
about how this situation will pan out for these characters.
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Write a personal reaction to Philip’s second conversation with Dr. Palleni (60-62). How do you feel
about Philip’s behavior? How would you have handled the situation?
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Write a personal reaction to the scene involving Miss Narwin and Dr. Palleni. (62-63) How do you feel
about Miss Narwin’s behavior and how might you have reacted in this situation?
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Summarize pages 64-74. Be sure to include a note about the characters’ behaviors and, especially, a
comment about Mr. and Mrs. Malloy’s roles in these scenes.
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FOLLOW UP: What does Dr. Palleni believe is responsible for Philip’s behavior? (He indicates two
possibilities)
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How do Philip’s friends react to his suspension? (75-77)
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What is Miss Narwin’s reaction to Philip’s suspension? In this same letter Narwin is writing to her sister,
what “other” information does she provide and what does the information further reinforce about Miss
Narwin’s approach to teaching? (77-78)
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There are several “disconcerting” comments brought up in the conversation between Philip and his parents.
(79-80) What are the comments and why are they of concern? Write a persona reaction to each.
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FOLLOW-UP: What is, and always has been, Philip’s ultimate goal? What are his parents’ intentions?
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To whom do the Malloys bring their concerns? What does this person do with the information? What is the
significance of the following statement: “Actually, people are tired of the old ways. Not happy with the way
things are.”
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Analyze the entire scene with Mr. Griffen and Ms. Stewart. (83-86). What is ironic about Mr. Malloy’s
spelling of Miss Narwin’s name? Make a prediction about how all of this will affect the outcome.
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Describe Philip’s feelings according to his journal entry on pg 86. How do you feel about Philip’s
sentiments here?
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What information does the reporter receive from Dr. Seymour, the Superintendent and from Dr. Doane,
the High School Principal? (86-90)
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How has this issue spiraled out of control? Provide a brief summary of each “player’s” role in the
complication of the issue. What is the reporter alleging? What is the truth? Provide a personal reaction
to the series of events that occurs on pages 90-96.
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