List of Differences
Directions: In the space below, list all of the differences between the world depicted in
The Giver and our society. Record the page number in the novel where you located the
difference. Complete this list as you read the novel. You may need to continue writing on
the back of the sheet
Difference
1.
Page located in novel
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
Pg. 1
Journal Entry 1
Topic—Initial Reaction to the “Community”
Directions: In the space below please respond to the following question:
Based on what you know about the “community” depicted in The Giver so far, would you
want to live there? Why or why not? Explain.
Pg. 2
Vocabulary Exercise—Chapters 1-5
Directions: For each set of words, provide a definition that fits the context and write a
sentence using the word.
Chapter 1
1. Palpable
Definition
Sentence
2. Inconveniencing
Definition
Sentence
3. Distraught
Definition
Sentence
Chapter 2
6. adherence
Definition
Sentence
7. fret
Definition
Sentence
8. aptitude
Definition
Sentence
Chapter 3
4. Tunic
Definition
Sentence
5. Apprehensive
Definition
Sentence
9. hoarded
Definition
Sentence
10. remorse
Definition
Sentence
11. Mystified
Definition
Sentence
Pg. 3
Chapter 4
12. Gravitation
Definition
Sentence
13. Bypass
Definition
Sentence
14. chortled
Definition
15. Disquieting
Definition
Sentence
16. Infraction
Definition
Sentence
17. Gurgling
Definition
Sentence
Sentence
Pg. 4
Do it… or else!
Directions: List all of the rules that affect you during a regular school day.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
Pg. 5
A Walk on the Wild Side
Directions: Pretend that some or all of the rules your group listed previously have been
abolished. Imagine that you are a stranger who is walking past the school. You hear a
great deal of noise coming from inside the school and begin to get a little curious. Write a
description of one or more paragraphs in which you (the stranger) describe what you see
as you walk down the hall. Remember that effective descriptive essays appeal to all five
senses (sight, touch, hearing, smell, and taste).
Pg. 6
Dear Jonas
Directions: Your assignment is to write a letter to Jonas describing the rules which exist
in our society. You should describe not only school rules, but the laws that all citizens are
expected to follow. You are then to pretend that you are Jonas. As Jonas, write a letter, in
response to the first letter, which describes all of the rules of your “community.” You
may want to refer to your “List of Differences,” Pg. 1
Dear Jonas:
Pg. 7
Dear ______________________________ (fill in your name):
Pg. 8
The Committee of Elders
Central Plaza
The Community
00001
“Where perfection takes the place of choice.”
Dear ________________:
During our observations over the last eleven years we have noticed that you
_______________________________________________________________________
As a result, your assignment is ________________________.
It will be your duty to ___________________________________________
______________________________________________________________.
Please read your instructional folder carefully. We hope you enjoy your
Assignment!
Thank your for your childhood.
Respectfully,
THE ELDERS
Pg. 9
Journal Entry 2
Topic—“The Ceremony of Twelve”
Directions: In the space below please respond to the following questions:
How do you think Jonas and his friends felt during the ceremony? How did you feel
when you were told you would be assigned a career today? How do you feel now that
you have received the career?
Pg. 10
Vocabulary Exercise—Chapters 6-11
Directions: For each set of words, provide a definition that fits the context and write a
sentence using the word.
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
______________________________________________________________________
1. prodded
7. meticulously
Definition
Definition
Sentence
Sentence
______________________________________________________________________
2. indulgently
8. retroactive
Definition
Definition
Sentence
Sentence
______________________________________________________________________
3. reprieve
9. lapse
Definition
Definition
Sentence
Sentence
Chapter 8
______________________________________________________________________
4. relinquish
10. crescendo
Definition
Definition
Sentence
Sentence
______________________________________________________________________
5. invariably
11. jaunty
Definition
Definition
Sentence
Sentence
______________________________________________________________________
6. congregated
12. magnitude
Definition
Definition
Sentence
Sentence
Pg. 11
Chapter 9
Chapter 11
________________________________________________________________
13. integral
18. peppered
Definition
Definition
Sentence
Sentence
________________________________________________________________
14. unintentional
19. torrent
Definition
Definition
Sentence
Sentence
________________________________________________________________
15. conceivably
20. transmitting
Definition
Definition
Sentence
Sentence
Chapter 10______________________________________________________
16. tentatively
21. conveyance
Definition
Definition
Sentence
Sentence
_______________________________________________________________
17. deftly (79)
22. quizzically
Definition
Definition
Sentence
Sentence
Pg. 12
Journal Entry 3
Topic—Predictions
Directions: In the space below, complete the following:
1. Predict at least three memories Jonas will receive from The Giver.
2. Predict whether or not Jonas will like his new position. Explain why or why not.
Pg. 13
Creative Writing Assignments
Try on a Life for Size
By now you should be starting to see that while Jonas’s position as Receiver of
memories is considered a great honor, it also involves certain sacrifices and burdens.
Think about your own future. Do you think that you would prefer a career that is
considered to be very prestigious (doctor, lawyer, corporate executive, etc.) but would
require great sacrifice (long hours, stress, separation from friends and/or family) or a less
prestigious job (janitor, garbage, collector, clerk, etc.) that would be less stressful (this is
not to say these jobs are stress free) and would allow you a little more time to spend with
your loved ones.
Directions: If you cannot decide (which is entirely possible) discuss why. Write an essay
about the above life choice
Due Date ___________________
Note: Please attach prewriting and drafts to the final copy.
Pg. 14
T-Graph—Prewriting for Creating Writing Assignment
Directions: Decide on at least three jobs that you find interesting (you may continue on
the back if you are interested in more than three). Then, list the pros (positive qualities)
and cons (negative qualities) of each job in the appropriate columns of the T-graph.
This exercise should help you to narrow down a topic for the creative writing assignment.
It will also provide you with supporting details for that paper.
________________________________________________________________________
Job 1
Pros
Cons
________________________________________________________________________
Job 2
Pros
Cons
________________________________________________________________________
Job 3
Pros
Cons
Pg. 15
Go Ahead, Convince Me
Directions: As a warm-up for the persuasive speech you will write, write a brief
persuasive essay in the space below, (1-2 paragraphs) in which you effectively convince
someone to change his or her mind.
You should be sure to do the following:
1. Know exactly who your audience will be. For instance, the audience of an
advertising copywriter who is writing a wrinkle cream ad is, most likely, old
women.
2. Make sure your ideas are well organized and convincing.
3. Make sure your essay appeals to the emotions of your audience.
Pg. 16
Jorunal Entry 4
Topic—My Feelings about the Community
Directions: In the space below, discuss everything you like and dislike about the
community. This could include rules, philosophies, living environment, etc. Make sure
you discuss why you dislike each item you mention.
Pg. 17
Writing Assignment—Persuasive Speech
Directions: You are so disgusted with your life in the community that you have
scheduled a meeting with The Elders in which you plan to outline the reasons for your
discontent in the speech you will deliver to them. At the conclusion of your speech you
will offer some solutions and/or alternatives to the way of life in this society in as
persuasive a way as possible.
Remember that you are there to make a difference. The Elders run the show and you are
unhappy. Make sure your speech makes a point. Use the following prewriting activity to
help you build your speech.
Notes for introduction (should include a statement of your opinion and mention the
points you’ll be covering in the body of your essay)
Notes for paragraph 2 (should discuss your first point about the topic using as many
specifics as possible and offer solutions/alternatives)
Notes for paragraph 3 (should discuss your second point about the topic using as many
specifics as possible and offer solutions/alternatives)
Notes for paragraph 4 (should discuss your third point about the topic using as many
specifics as possible and offer solutions/alternatives)
Notes for conclusion (should reiterate the three points you have made and the
solutions/alternatives you have offered, as well as make a final, dramatic appeal to the
audience’s emotions)
Pg. 18
Rate your Classmate
Directions: As your classmates deliver their speeches, you are to imagine you are one of
the Elders and fill in each of the three sections found below for each speaker.
Name of Speaker 1 _________________
1. Rate the persuasiveness of the speech on a scale of 1-10 (10 being the highest)
Score
Reason(s) for score
2. Notes on speech
3. Question(s) to ask the speaker
Name of Speaker 2 _________________
1. Rate the persuasiveness of the speech on a scale of 1-10 (10 being the highest)
Score
Reason(s) for score
2. Notes on speech
3. Question(s) to ask the speaker
Name of Speaker 3 ________________
1. Rate the persuasiveness of the speech on a scale of 1-10 (10 being the highest)
Score
Reason(s) for score
2. Notes on speech
3. Question(s) to ask the speaker
Pg. 19
Journal Entry 5
Topic—What an Experience!
Directions: In the space below, describe the best or worst experience you have had
recently.
Pg. 20
Revision of Journal Entry 5
Directions: In the space below, revise Journal Entry 5. Make the language in your entry
as precise and descriptive as possible.
Pg. 21
“A Lesson in Language”
When Asher is late to class, he explains to his instructor that he was delayed
because he got “distraught” watching salmon separated as he passed the hatchery. The
instructor tells the class that “distracted” is a better word because “distraught” is too
strong and adjective to describe this experience. All of us use language, at one time or
another that is either too strong or too weak for our purposes. While hyperbole
(exaggeration) and understatement are perfectly acceptable in some instances, other
situations call for more accurate language.
Directions: To practice the precise use of language, your group should rewrite each of
the sentences assigned to you by replacing the italicized word(s) which eliminate
understatement, overstatement, and non-descriptive language. You may have to rewrite
the sentence slightly after replacing the word(s). Write your answers on a separate piece
of paper if you cannot fit them on this sheet.
Group 1
1. That book was cool!
2. You are an idiot!
3. That thing over there is stupid.
Group 2
1. Tomorrow we are going there and doing stuff.
2. I spend my whole life doing homework.
3. World War II was a real bummer.
Group 3
1. Television is the best!
2. I’ll die if I have to take gym.
3. The teacher said some junk about the garbage that is due Thursday.
Group 4
1. I was traumatized when I broke my nail.
2. Her outfit is disgusting.
3. Dropping out of school is bad.
Group 5
1. The earthquake victims must be upset.
2. She was unhappy when I smashed into her car.
3. You have to be a good athlete to make the Olympic team.
Pg. 22
Vocabulary Exercise—Chapters 12-16
Directions: For each set of words, provide a definition that fits the context, and write a
sentence using the word.
Chapter 12
______________________________________________________________________
1. Admonition
7. Daub
Definition
Definition
Sentence
Sentence
______________________________________________________________________
2. Fleeting
8. Assuage
Definition
Definition
Sentence
Chapter 13
3. Vibrancy
Definition
Sentence
Sentence
__________________________________
9. Lull
Definition
Sentence
_________________________________________Chapter 15___________________
4. Successor
10. Immobilized
Definition
Definition
Sentence
Sentence
_________________________________________Chapter 16___________________
5. Assimilated
11. Ecstatic
Definition
Definition
Sentence
Sentence
Chapter 14____________________________________________________________
6. Skittered
12. Flushed
Definition
Definition
Sentence
Sentence
Pg. 23
Piecing Together the Release Puzzle
Directions: With your partner, read each passage in the novel referred to below and then
answer the corresponding questions. If you and your partner feel differently about any of
the questions, simply include both responses.
Release of the Old
Chapter 4, from “This morning we celebrated…” to the end of the chapter.
1. Where do you think Roberto thought he was going when he was released?
2. Why do you think the Old celebrate release by telling about their lives?
3. Why do you think children are not allowed to attend these celebrations?
Loss versus Release
Chapter 6, from “This new Caleb…” to “Release was not the same as Loss”
4. Why do you think “loss” is different from “release” in this community?
5. What is your reaction to the “Murmur-of-Replacement Ceremony”?
Pg. 24
Applying for release
Chapter 6, near the end, from “If you don’t fit in…” to “The community was so
meticulously ordered, the choices so carefully made.”
6. Do you think everyone who is released is sent to “Elsewhere”? If “yes,” please
describe “Elsewhere.” If not, why not?
7. How do you feel about someone applying for release because of not “fitting in”?
Is this a good enough reason to leave a community? Why/why not?
Release of a Twin
Chapter 16, near the end, beginning with “I want to get to sleep early tonight” to “…and
then maybe they would get mixed up and take the wrong Jonathan home, and maybe his
parents wouldn’t notice, and then —“
8. What is your reaction to Jonas’s father’s description of the release of a twin?
9. How do you feel about Lily’s reaction to the news about the release of the twin?
10. Lily thinks that a possible reason why one twin is always released so that two
people will never be mixed up. Why do you think one twin is always released?
Rosemary’s Release
Chapter 18, near the end, beginning with “Finally one afternoon…” to the end of the
chapter.
11. Why did Rosemary ask for release?
12. Why do Jonas’s rules state that he cannot apply for release?
13. Do you agree with Rosemary’s decision to be released? Why/why not?
Pg. 25
Journal Entry 6
Topic—My Predictions about Release
Directions: In the space below, please predict what will be revealed about release in
chapter 19.
Pg. 26
Journal Entry 7
Topic—My Reactions to the Truth about Release
Directions: In the space below, please react to the release of the twin in chapter 19. Now
that you know the truth about release, how do you feel? If your predictions were way off
base, why do you think you were fooled?
Pg. 27
Dear Dad
Directions: Pretend that you are Jonas and you have just seen your father “release” a
twin. Write a letter to your father (remember, you are Jonas) telling him how you feel
about what he has done. Even though Jonas has been told not to discuss his training with
anyone, you may describe what you have learned from the Giver and how it plays a part
in your reactions to the release.
Pg. 28
Journal Entry 8
Topic—My Reaction to the Novel’s Ending
Directions: In the space below, please react to the novel’s ending. Was it what you
expected? Is it clear what happens to Jonas and Gabriel? Do you have any questions?
Pg. 29
Creative Writing Assignment—Rewrite the Ending
Directions: Your assignment is to rewrite the ending of The Giver. This is a creative
assignment, so the content is entirely up to you! If you found the ending frustrating or
confusing, this is your chance to make it great.
Due Date___________________
Note: Please attach prewriting and drafts to the final copy.
Pg. 30
Prewriting for Creative Writing Assignment
One way to pre-write is to free-write!
When you free-write you put your pen to paper and write continuously for a certain
amount of time. (Your teacher will time you.) This method is designed to help you
generate ideas before you sit down to write, and helps avoid the famous “writer’s block.”
The important thing to remember is never stop moving your pen. If you can think of
nothing to write, simply write “I don’t know what to write, I don’t know what to write,
etc.” Don’t worry about grammar, punctuation, spelling, or anything else but letting your
mind concentrate on your essay topic.
Directions: After carefully reading your creative writing assignment, complete a timed
free-writing session below. You may continue on the back of the page if you fill up the
front. Good luck!
Pg. 31
Vocabulary Exercise—Chapter 17-23
Directions: For each set of words, provide a definition that fits the context, and write a
sentence using the word.
Chapter 17
1. permeated
Definition
Chapter 18_____________________
4. luminous
Definition
Sentence
Sentence
_____________________________________________________________________
2. exasperation
5. successor
Definition
Definition
Sentence
Sentence
_______________________________________Chapter 19____________________
3. righted
6. winced
Definition
Definition
Sentence
Sentence
____________________________________
7. receptacle
Definition
Sentence
Pg. 32
Chapter 20
8. empowered
Definition
Chapter 23
14. matted
Definition
Sentence
Sentence
___
_____________________________________________________________________
9. chastise
15. imperceptibly
Definition
Definition
Sentence
Sentence
16. leaden
Definition
Sentence
Pg. 33
Have I Got a Story for You!
Directions: Your job is to write a story using as many words as possible from the
cumulative vocabulary listed on the vocabulary pages. Before starting to write
brainstorm some possible topics.
Possible topics
1.
2,
3.
4.
5.
Your Story
Pg. 34