FINAL NOVEL ASSIGNMENT - PERIODS 6 AND 7 ONLY

PROJECT MENU - The Giver by Lois Lowry DUE DATE: 3/11

(periods 6 and 7 only)

Directions: Please carefully select from one of the final project options listed below. For all options that require a written component, please adhere to the following:

§ Essays must be typed and double-spaced. Use standard font size and style.

§ Include the option # you have selected in your heading. Include a proper heading and title.

1. RULES: Find 15 rules or procedures that are unique to the community in The Giver. On a ½ sized poster board, list these rules/procedures. Include appropriate visuals or a collage around the list(s). Organize the rules in any way you see fit. (i.e. family rules, community rules, etc.) On a separate sheet of paper, type a 150 word reflection on your opinion of this community’s rules. Which do you think are worthwhile and beneficial to the community’s well-being? Which ones would you struggle to follow? Support your opinions.

2. MAKING CHOICES: On one half of a poster board, make 3 lists:

a. List activities you perform or engage in that are totally your choice. (min.5)

b. List activities in which you have some choice. (min. 5)

c. List activities in which you have no choice. (min. 5)

On the other half of the poster board, make 3 lists in the same manner shown above, but make them for Jonas instead. In what activities does he have total choice, some choice, and no choice? Be sure poster is neat, organized, and visually attractive.

On a separate sheet of paper, type a 150 word reflection after comparing and contrasting the freedom of choice in your life vs. Jonas’s life.

3. IS EVERYBODY EQUAL: Explore the rules of men and women in The Giver. Then type a 5 paragraph essay on whether or not you think Jonas’s community is fairer than our society when it comes to equality between men or women. Support your opinion.

4. A YEAR IN THE LIFE: On a ½ sized poster board, create a time line of the main events in this year of Jonas’s life (minimum 10). Add appropriate visuals, symbols relevant to those main events. Then on a separate sheet of paper, type a 150 word review of the novel. Share your opinions on specific characters, events, and themes of the novel.

5. FREEDOM: Imagine what would happen if the freedom to make any choices were suddenly taken away from you. In a group of 2 – 3 students, write a skit in which characters are suddenly without freedom. You may use simple props and costumes when you perform the skit. ( 3 – 5 minutes).

6. BEWARE: To what degree is The Giver a cautionary tale? Who is the object of its warning? Use support from the novel in your essay (minimum five paragraphs).

7. A DIFFERENT WORLD: Choose one of the following statements that captures characteristics of Jonas’s community: 1) Parents should have to apply for children to prevent burdening society with children whose parents are unprepared, unwilling, or unable to care for and nurture productive members of society. 2) Each member of society should be assigned an occupation consistent with her or his individual skills to prevent unemployment, job dissatisfaction, and inefficiency. Write an essay either agreeing or disagreeing with that statement. Be sure to support your position with specific reasons and examples. (minimum five paragraphs)

8. A DIFFERENT LIFESTYLE: Research the Amish, Mennonites, or Hasidic Jewish communities. In a compare/contrast essay, discuss the differences between one of these communities and the mainstream community (minimum 5 paragraphs). Include a works consulted page, also. Use Research Basics for proper format.

9. EUTHANASIA: Under the calm of Jonas’s society lies a very orderly and inexorable system of euthanasia practiced on the very young who do not conform, the elderly, and those whose errors threaten the stability of the community. What are disadvantages and benefits of a community that accepts such visions of euthanasia? (minimum five paragraphs)

10. SAME OR DIFFERENT: Is it better for all people to be alike or for people to be different? With a partner, decide who will stand for Pro-Sameness and Pro-Diversity. Brainstorm ideas to support your side and organize your best defense. Find facts that support your position from the novel or other sources. Each person should create a poster highlighting his/her main points. You will debate your stance in front of the class.

11. THE END: The ending of the novel may be interpreted in many ways. Write a sequel to The Giver. (minimum 250 words)

12. MY PERFECT WORLD: You have been asked by the United States government to develop an ideal society-a utopian society and all members must be equal. Select a current problem in our society that you must remove (crime, poverty, homelessness, etc.) Make a full-sized poster advertising your new society and its solution to a current problem. Consider some of the following: physical layout, living arrangements, work, transportation, government, laws and consequences, education, etc… You will present your creation to the class.