The Giver

By: Lois Lowry

Student Workbook

______________________________________s Workbook
Class: _______________________________

All about the Author: Lois Lowry

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Lois Lowry was born March 20, 1937 in Hawaii. Her father was an Army dentist and
the family lived all over the world. She attended Brown University, but finished her
degree at the University of Southern Maine. Lois Lowry fulfilled a childhood dream when
she began writing in the mid-1970's.
Lois Lowry, author of over 20 novels and winner of the Newbery Medal (twice!), has
become a favorite author of both children and young adults. She has tackled a number of
topics in her literature including adoption, mental illness, cancer, the Holocaust and
futuristic societies. Whatever the theme, Lowry portrays realistic life experiences to her
audience. In her books, Lois Lowry throws her characters and readers into many thoughtprovoking situations about society and its imperfections. Lois Lowry told Contemporary
Authors that she measures her success as an author by her ability to "help adolescents
answer their own questions about life, identity and human relationships."

Some of Lowrys books:

A Summer to Die. Boston. MA:
Houghton Mifflin, 1977.
Find a Stranger, Say Goodbye.
Boston, MA: Houghton Mifflin,
1978.
Anastasia Krupnik. Boston, MA:
Houghton Mifflin, 1979.
Autumn Street. Boston, MA:
Houghton Mifflin, 1979.
Anastasia Again! Boston, MA:
Houghton Mifflin, 1981.
Anastasia at Your Service. Boston,
MA: Houghton Mifflin, 1982.
Taking Care of Terrific. Boston, MA:
Houghton Mifflin, 1983.
Anastasia Ask Your Analyst. Boston,
MA: Houghton Mifflin, 1984.
Us and Uncle Fraud. Boston, MA:
Houghton Mifflin, 1984.
One Hundredth Thing About
Caroline. Boston, MA: Houghton
Mifflin, 1985.
Anastasia on Her Own. Boston, MA:
Houghton Mifflin, 1985.

Switcharound. Boston, MA:

Houghton Mifflin, 1985.
Anastasia Has the Answers. Boston,
MA: Houghton Mifflin, 1986.
Rabble Starkey. Boston, MA:
Houghton Mifflin, 1987.
Anastasia's Chosen Career. Boston,
MA: Houghton Mifflin, 1987.
All About Sam. Boston, MA:
Houghton Mifflin, 1988.
Number the Stars. Boston, MA:
Houghton Mifflin, 1989.
Your Move J.P.! Boston, MA:
Houghton Mifflin, 1990.
Anastasia at This Address. Boston,
MA: Houghton Mifflin, 1991.
Attaboy, Sam! Boston, MA:
Houghton Mifflin, 1992.
The Giver. Boston, MA: Houghton
Mifflin, 1993.
Anastasia, Absolutely. Boston, MA:
Houghton Mifflin, 1995.
See You Around Sam! Boston, MA:
Houghton Mifflin, 1996.

Pre-Reading Project

Utopia (noun)- a. any idealized place, state, or situation of

perfection
b. any visionary scheme or system for an ideally
perfect society
In other, words, a utopia is a place in which social, legal, and
political justice and perfect harmony exist. Brainstorm:
What are some famous utopias?
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Now that you have brainstormed some traits and examples of
utopian societies, you will be creating one of your own! You will
be creating a brochure for your utopia.
Before you begin, answer the following questions about your
utopia:
1. What is the name of your perfect community?
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2. What is the government like? How are societys problems
prevented?
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3. What does it look like? What is the weather and climate?
Where is it located?
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4. What do people in this community do to pass the time? What
are the responsibilities of each citizen? How are the citizens
educated?
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5. How does this community keep up its perfect existence? In
other words, what is the penalty for rule-breakers? How are
history and painful memories dealt with/forgotten in order for
your community to grow and move forward?
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Directions for your Pamphlet:

1. Front Right Panel (page 1, on the right): Name of your
community
2. Front Left Panel (page 1, on the left): Mission Statement of
your community. This paragraph should include:
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a. The purpose of your society (why was it

created?)
b. Basic beliefs or rules of your society
c. How people in your society spend their time
and stay productive
d. How your society maintains perfection
e. Any other fun facts or features of your society
you may want to add
3. Left Inside Panel (page 2): Location and size of your
community. Physical description of your community.
4. Middle Inside Panel (page 2): Roles and responsibilities of
citizens in your community. Any details about education.
5. Right Inside Panel (page 2): Briefly explain how the
government is set-up.. How are laws enforced?
Pictures:Each panel must have a graphic (drawn or printed out)
that represents the topic being described.

Before you Read:

Directions: The following is a list of true or false questions.
Complete them to the best of your knowledge, circling either T
for true, or F for false. Then, write 1-2 sentences explaining
your choice. I would like to see how much prior knowledge you
have about the novel The Giver, which we are about to begin
reading.

T
F
1. The perfect world is one where I dont have to make
any decisions. Others make them for me.
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T
F
2. Kids wouldnt be missing out on anything if they did
not know their grandparents throughout life.
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T
F
3. In society today, only the most educated should have
access to books.
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T
F
4. Families should not be allowed to have as many
children as they want.
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T
F
5. We should always celebrate uniqueness. It is good
that the world is full of different people and different things.
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T
F
6. If the government discovered a way to control the
climate, they should use it.
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T
F
7. It would be better if people could forget bad
memories that they have had.
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Before you Read:

Preview: Based on the cover alone (without reading the summary on the back of the book) what
do you think The Giver might be about? What clues tell you this?

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Before We Read: Discussion Questions

1. What if you were only allowed to read books
chosen for you? How would that make you
feel?
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2. Does your family

have schedules,
rituals, or
routines that are
followed daily?
What are they?
3. What happens
when people do
not obey rules?
4. Have you ever visited a place where you felt
stupid or strange?
5. How far back can you remember? Have you
ever traced your family history? Do you think
it is important to know your familys roots?

Themes

The Giver is composed of many themes. Five of the themes have been provided for you below.
Find a definition for each theme (or define the term in your own words) and examples of each
theme as you read the book.
A. Memory1.
2.

B. Individualism1.
2.

C. Choice1.
2.

D. Feeling and Emotion1.

2.

E. Coming of Age1.
2.

Characters
One of the aspects of a book that makes it exciting and fun to read is a cast of detailed and
interesting characters. As you read the book, find four character traits for each main character
and write them below.
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B. Jonas
1.

3.

2.

4.

C. The Giver
1.
2.

D. Gabriel
1.

3.
4.

3.

2.

4.

E. Jonas father
2.

3.

3.

4.

F. Jonas mother
1.
2.

3.
4.

Before you Read: Vocabulary and Spelling Words

Chapters 1-3
You will receive a definition for each word. Then write a sentence for each
word.

Chapter One:
1. Intrigued11

2. Dwelling-

3. Apprehensive-

Chapter Two:
1. Recreation-

2. Affectionate-

Chapter Three:

1. Chastise-

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2. Remorse-

3. Bewildered-

Comprehension Questions for Chapters 1-3:

1. Why was the community so shocked about the two planes
that went over them?

2. What does it mean to be released from Jonas community?

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3. What does Jonas family do at the end of every meal?

4. What is the name of Jonas fathers job? What does he do at

work?

5. In this society, how are families formed?

6. What is physically different about Jonas, which he also
notices in baby Gabriel?

7. What is a comfort object? At what age are they taken

away from children?

8. Describe the incident with the apple. How does Jonas feel
about it?
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Activity:
Pretend that you are Jonas.
Fill in the blanks as if you are answering from Jonass point
of view.
In my community, the month of December is very important
because
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The Ceremony of 12 is
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I am concerned about the Ceremony of 12 because
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I am concerned about the Ceremony of 12 for my friend, Asher,

because ____
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Before you Read: Vocabulary and Spelling Words

Chapters 4-8
You will receive a definition for each word. Then write a sentence for each
word.

Chapter Four:
1. Hasten-

Chapter Five:
1. Perspire-

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Chapter Six:
1. Interdependence-

2. Emblem-

3. Relinquish4. Transgression-

Chapter Seven:
1. Solemn-

2. Meticulous-

3. Prestige

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Chapter Eight:

1. Anguish-

Comprehension Questions for Chapters 4-8:

1. Why is Jonas so impressed with his classmate, Benjamin?
Why doesnt he ever tell him how impressed he is?

2. What is the House of the Old?

3. What happens at a Release Ceremony? Compare and

contrast a Release Ceremony to a funeral.

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4. What ritual does Jonas family do every morning?

5. How are people in Jonas community treated for Stirrings

(having romantic feelings for others)?

6. Instead of being released for not growing adequately

(enough), baby Gabriel is granted another year to grow.
Who makes this possible and how?

7. Why does Jonas think that Ashers family waited so long

before applying for another child?

8. Explain the story of Caleb.

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9. Pick two age ceremonies and describe them.

10.
What assignment does Asher receive? Why do you
think they chose him for this assignment?

11.
What happens when it is Jonas turn to receive his
assignment? How does he feel about this surprising turn of
events?

12.
What is Jonas selected to be? Why is this selection so
rare?

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13.
What are the qualities that a Receiver of Memory must
have that the committee saw in Jonas?
a. ______________________________
b. ______________________________
c. ______________________________
d. ______________________________
e. The Capacity to ______________________________
14.

How does Jonas feel about his selection?

15.
So far, we have heard several references to release.
Give three examples of release from The Giver. Where
do you think people go when they are released?
1.
2.
3.

Activity:
As you know, in Jonas community a group called The Council of
Elders chooses the profession of each and every member of the
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community. Choice is not an option when it comes to choosing a

job, like it is in our society.
Visit the website:
http://www.allthetests.com/quiz29/quiz/1309980961/Kids-Career-Test

This website will lead you through a career test. Based on your
answers to the questions, the 10-question quiz will decide what
type of career would be best for you.
After you take the quiz:
1. What type of career did the quiz decide on for you?

2. Would you ever consider taking this job?

3. How would you feel if this quiz really did decide your future,
and you had no say in what job you could choose?

Journal Entry
What do you think of the communitys rules in The Giver?
Which are good rules? Which are not?
Think about the rules of your society, Grover Cleveland
Middle School. The rules of GCMS are written in your
planner. In your opinion, which rules are needed? Which are
not?
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 Be sure to thoroughly explain your answer in TWO welldeveloped paragraphs. Dont forget a topic sentence and a
closing sentence!
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Before you Read: Vocabulary and Spelling Words

Chapters 9-13
You will receive a definition for each word. Then write a sentence for each
word.

Chapter Nine:
1. Dismount23

2. Dismayed-

Chapter Ten:
1. Alcove-

2. Diminish-

Chapter Eleven:
1. Quizzically-

Chapter Twelve:
1. Admonition24

Chapter Thirteen:
1. Irrationally-

2. Indifferent-

Comprehension Questions for Chapters 9-13:

1. How do Jonas parents feel about his assignment?

2. What do we know so far about the person who was chosen to

be the Receiver of Memory ten years ago?

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3. Why is Jonas shocked by the directions in his folder?

4. How does the female attendant treat Jonas on his first day of
training? Why do you think this is?

5. How is The Givers dwelling different from Jonas?

6. How does The Giver explain his old appearance?

7. What will The Giver be transmitting (giving) to Jonas?

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8. What is the first memory The Giver transfers to Jonas? What

is the second?

9. Why is there no longer snow or sunshine?

10.
Why doesnt Jonas describe his first day of training to
his new classmates?

11.
Jonas finally discovers the mystery behind the change
in the apple, the faces in the crowd at the ceremony, and
Fionas hair. What is he seeing for the first time?

12.

What is Sameness?
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13.
Why does Jonas feel that it is unfair that he cannot see
colors regularly?

14.
What explanation does The Giver give for why people
are no longer allowed to make choices?

15.
What is the first disturbing memory The Giver transmits
to Jonas?

16.
Name two ways Jonas tries to share his new knowledge
with others.

17.

What warning does The Giver give Jonas about applying

for a spouse and starting a family?
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Activity:
The first memory The Giver transmits to Jonas is a memory of
sleigh riding. Use the box below to draw this memory. Then,
answer the question below.

1. How does this memory make Jonas feel? What emotions do you
think he feels as he experiences this memory?

Activity:
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Utopia Double-Entry Journal

Compare our world with the community in the novel. Think of how they
are alike and how they are different. List the example from the novel,
the chapter and page #, and explain how The Community is
alike/different from our world.
Rules/Norms in the
Community (The
Giver)

Chapter
and
Page #

Like our community? Different

from our community? How?

Ch.
Pg.

Ch.
Pg.

Ch.
Pg.

Activity:
Utopia Double-Entry Journal II
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Use this chart to record examples of how the Community attempts to

function (work) as a utopia. On the right side, write a specific example
from the novel that shows what the Community does to be a utopia.
On the right side, explain why this example makes the community a
utopia.
Example from the
book

Chapter
and
Page #
Ch.

Why this example makes the

Community a utopia

Pg.

Ch.
Pg.

Ch.
Pg.

Before you Read: Vocabulary and Spelling Words

Chapters 14-18
You will receive a definition for each word. Then write a sentence for each
word.

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Chapter Fourteen:
1. Perceive-

2. Invigorating-

Chapter Fifteen:
3. Contorted-

Chapter Sixteen:
2. Luxuriate-

Chapter Seventeen:
1. permeate-

2. shallow32

3. Suppress-

Chapter Eighteen:
1. dejected-

2. rueful-

3. imploringly-

Comprehension Questions for Chapters 14-18:

1. What happened on the sleigh ride this time?

2. What does The Giver refuse to give Jonas after the sleigh
accident?

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3. What wisdom is gained from learning painful memories of

the past, especially hunger?

4. What happens when baby Gabriel sleeps in Jonas room?

5. Describe the memory of war that The Giver transmits to

Jonas.

6. Name three happy memories that Jonas receives after the

warfare memory.

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7. Describe The Givers favorite memory.

8. What does Jonas learn and realize from The Givers favorite
memory?

9. What does Jonas ask his parents when he gets home that
night? How do they respond?

10.
What surprise do the citizens of the community receive
at the start of the chapter?

11.
How does Jonas see the world around him after so many
months of receiving memories?

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12.
What does Jonas realize after seeing kids playing good
guys and bad guys?

13.
Describe Jonas and Ashers interaction after the war
game.

14.
What does Lily think might happen if the twins receive
the same name?

15.
What is the name of the Receiver-in-Training before
Jonas? What happened to her?

16.
What happened to Rosemarys feelings and memories
after she applied for release?

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17.
Even though Jonas is a stellar swimmer, what warning
does The Giver give Jonas?

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Activity:
The Giver vs. Squidville
Using this graphic organizer, compare and contrast the novel to the SpongeBob episode we
have just watched. As you watch the episode, take notes about how Squidward feels about
his surroundings during the beginning, middle, and end of the episode. Also, take notes
about Tentacle Acres. How is it similar to the community; how is it different? Afterwards,
you may complete the graphic organizer below.
The Giver

Both

Squidville

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Activity:
Memory Share
The Giver gives Jonas his favorite memory,
sort of like how a grandparent may give
grandchildren a happy or sad memory from
their own childhood.
Answer the following questions in a detailed, twoparagraph response.
What is a happy or sad memory an older person has told
you? Why do you like or dislike this memory?
Can you think of any memories you would tell someone
younger than you someday? Pick one. Then describe the
memory and why you might want to share that memory with
a child one day.
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Before you Read: Vocabulary and Spelling Words

Chapters 19-23
You will receive a definition for each word. Then write a sentence for each
word.

Chapter Nineteen:
1. Astonished-

2. Wince-

Chapter Twenty:
1.

Solace-

Chapter Twenty-One:
1. Stealth2. Customary-

3. Condemned-

4. Languid-

5. Vigilant-

Chapter Twenty-Two:
1.

Exquisite-

Chapter Twenty-three:
1. Feeble-

2. Lethargy-

Comprehension Questions for Chapters 19-23:

1. When Jonas keeps asking The Giver about release, what does
he say Jonas is permitted to do to find out more?

2. What exactly is release?

3. What happened to Rosemary after she applied for release?

4. How does Jonas react after he finds out exactly what release
is?

5. What does The Giver say about feelings and who really
experiences them?

6. What plan do The Giver and Jonas come up with? Why?

7. Jonas first insight was color. What was The Givers?

8. Why doesnt Jonas allow The Giver to transit the memory of

music to him?

9. Why is Jonas nervous about the plan? What memories does

The Giver plan on transmitting to Jonas to help him with his
fear?

10.

Who was The Givers daughter?

11.
What decision has been made at the Nurturing Center
regarding Gabriel?

12.
What does Jonas decide to do once he has learned of
Gabriels fate?

13.

Why is Jonas afraid of the planes?

14.
How does Jonas avoid the body-heat sensors on the
planes finding Gabriel and himself?

15.
Why are some of Jonas memories become dimmer and
harder to recall?

16.
How does the landscape change as the days go by (at
least three ways)?

17.
Why does Jonas begin to regret his decision to leave the
Community? What makes him then change his mind again?

18.
How does Jonas warm Gabe and himself up once it
begins to snow?

19.
What kinds of memories help Jonas move on once he is
utterly exhausted, weak, and trudging up the hill?

20.
Jonas hears music very close by, and realizes that they
have finally reached Elsewhere. Why do you think Jonas
thinks that he hears music coming from the Community he
left behind as well? What could this be symbolic of?

Post-Reading
Persuasive Writing Assignment
Imagine that you are a citizen of the Community left to deal
with the aftermath of Jonas and Gabriels escape. You and your
fellow Community members must suffer with the painful
memories released after yet another Receivers departure. You
decide to write a letter to the Council of Elders about what Jonas
and Gabriel have done. Write a letter either in support of or
against Jonas decision to escape based on evidence you have
gathered about the Community either as a utopia or a dystopia.
Before you right that, think of both sides of the argument. Use
the t-chart below to list both reasons why Jonas should not have
escaped (ways the Community was a perfect place to live) and
reasons why he should have escaped (ways the Community was
not a perfect place to live).

No, Jonas should not have

escaped!
(Utopian qualities)

Yes, Jonas should have

escaped!
(Dystopian qualities)

Now, choose a side and write a two-paragraph letter to the

Council of Elders explaining how you feel and why (use your Tchart!).
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Final Project
(Three options)
Option 1(limit: 2 per group): CD cover and SoundtrackImagine that The Giver is being made into a movie. You and a
partner have been put in charge of creating a soundtrack and CD
cover design.
Requirements:
1. Choose a list of 10 (minimum) songs (school
appropriate) that you feel best represent the story
from beginning, middle, to end.
2. Design a front cover for the CD that relates to the
novel.
3. On the back of the CD cover or on a separate
piece of paper, place the songs in order and write
2-3 sentences that explain why
each song was chosen.

Example explanation:
Song 5: Here Comes the Sun, by The Beatles- I
chose this song to play in the movie while Jonas
receives the memory of sunshine in chapter 11. It
is a perfect song to describe his newfound feeling
of warmth and happiness brought by the sunshine.

Option 2 (Limit: 4 per group): Movie trailer- Film a movie

trailer for the feature film based on Lois Lowrys The Giver.
Requirements:
1. You must mention the name of the novel and the author at
some point.
2. Discuss important characters and who will be
playing them in the movie.
3. The trailer must communicate the basic story line
(plot) accurately without giving the ending away.
4. Trailer must be 2-3 minutes long.
5. Must be in DVD form or uploaded to Youtube.com
to be presented to the class. If you want to test
that your DVD works, do not wait until the day of.
Come a few days earlier so that you are not stuck
with a project that doesnt work on presentation day.

Option 3 (individual project): sequel/prequel- Write a

chapter in the sequel (the book after The Giver) or the prequel
(the book before The Giver)
Requirements:
1. The prequel must explain why the
Community went to Sameness and
the process that followed to get
people to follow Sameness OR
2. The sequel must discuss what life was
like after Jonas and Gabriel left the
Community.

3. The work must be 1-2 pages (written or typed), with font no

bigger than 14, and must follow grammar, punctuation, and
spelling words.

Final essay
the giver vs. among the
hidden
For this essay, you will be
examining the similarities and
differences between the
societies and characters in
Among the Hidden and The
Giver.
Points to be included in your essay:
1. How are Jonas and Luke similar? How are they different?
2. What does Jonas do in retaliation against his government?
What does Luke do?
3. How do both societies attempt to control their people?
4. Are both societies utopias? Dystopias?
5. How is population controlled in both societies?
6. How is food distributed/controlled in both societies?
Requirements:

Must be typed
Must include your name, the date, your class, and a title
A readable font, no bigger than size 14
Double-spaced (dont forget to indent new paragraphs)
Must be five paragraphs long:
- Introduction: 1 paragraph
- Body: 3 paragraphs
- Conclusion: 1 paragraph
Your essay must answer each of the above questions
Your essay must include detail and direct, specific
examples from both books
Your essay must be written in the 3rd person point of view.
(No I, me, or my).

Final Essay Graphic Organizer

Question #1: How are Jonas and Luke similar? How are they
different?
Ways they are the SAME

Ways they are Different

Question #2: What does Jonas do in retaliation against his

government? What does Luke do?
How does Jonas retaliate
against the government?

How does Luke retaliate

against the government?

Question #3: How do both societies attempt to control their

people?

How does Jonas society

control the people?

How does Lukes society

control the people?

Question #4: Are both societies utopias? Dystopias?

Is Jonas society a Utopia or a
Dystopia?

Is Lukes society a Utopia or a

Dystopia?

Question #5: How is population controlled in both societies?

How is population controlled
in Jonas society?

How is population controlled in

Lukes society?

Question #6: How is food distributed/controlled in both

societies?
Food distribution/control in
Jonas society

Food distribution/control in
Lukes society