Summer

Assignment for Rising 7 Grade:

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The Giver by Lois Lowry
Directions: During summer break, you must read the science fiction novel, The Giver, by
Lois Lowry. You must also complete all assignments belowWhile Reading and PostReadingwhich will help you to comprehend and analyze the story, its characters, and its
meaning. All reading and answers for questions are due on the first day of school.

PART 1 WHILE READING

Please read the entire novel, The Giver. As you finish sections of the book, respond in
writing to the questions below.
Questions for Chapters 1-4
1. Who decides what each citizens Assignment, or life occupation, will be? How is
this decision made?
a. What might this tell you about the citizens of the community?
2. What does Larissa say about all lives? What does she say about Ednas life?
What is Lilys mothers opinion of Birthmothers?
a. Consider Larissas comments about Edna and Lilys mothers
comments about Birthmothers. What insights do these comments provide
about adult life in the society of The Giver?
Questions for Chapters 5-8
1. Why do you think members of all families in this community share their dreams
with each other each morning?
2. Privately, Jonass mother responds to the dream he shares with the family by
telling him he has experienced his first Stirrings. What are Stirrings, and how does
the community deal with Stirrings?
a. What motivations might the community have for treating Stirrings in this
way?
b. What does this say about the community?
3. How does the society of The Giver think of children who develop at a slower than
average pace?
Questions for Chapters 9-11
1. What freedoms does Jonas gain by becoming Receiver of Memory? What freedoms
must Jonas surrender (give up)?
2. During Jonass first meeting with The Giver, you as the reader learn of several
things that do not exist in the world in which Jonas lives. List these things.
a. Why would the community get rid of these things?
3. Imagine that you are Jonas and that you have returned home from your first
meeting with The Giver. Alone in your room that evening, what thoughts and
feelings might you have?
Questions for Chapters 12-15
1. Jonas finds he is often angry with his groupmates. Why does he feel anger toward
them? Why is he angry with himself?
2. Why does the community need a Receiver of Memory?
Questions for Chapter 16-18
1

1. What feeling that Jonas has never before experienced is strongly present in The
Givers favorite memory?
a. What do you think Jonas really means when he says: I can see that it was
a dangerous way to live? Do you think he is really talking about the fire
and the candles, or about something else? Explain.
Questions for Chapters 19-23
1. At her release, what does Rosemary do to herself?
2. Why do you think she does this?
3. Do you think that Jonas was the right person to follow The Giver as Receiver of
Memory? Why or why not?

PART 2 POST-READING

Were you satisfied with the books ending? Why or why not? Explain in 2-3 complete
sentences.