Name: _______________________________________ Grade: ____
Gifted Middle School 8th Grade Summer Reading
Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card
This summer you will read the novel, Ender’s Game. In this science-fiction story, mankind is preparing for an anticipated
third invasion of an alien species. The International Fleet turns to Earth’s brightest children to train as commanders of
its space fleet. Ender has been bred to meet the intellectual and complex personality profile of the commander they are
hoping will be able to save mankind. He is sent to Battle School which is located on a ship far from earth. In a few short
years, Ender learns about friendship, honor, duty, betrayal, leadership, war, and the interconnections of truth and lies.
Meanwhile, the governments on earth are in turmoil. Ender’s genius brother and sister, who have the intelligence but
not the personality traits to be successful commanders, use the information network to disguise who they are and their
ages in order to exert influence and gain power in the world political scene.
Key Questions: How does an author reveal characters?
What do character traits help us to understand about the character as a whole?
How do symbols and motifs guide you to a deeper understanding of a novel?
In order to successfully complete this assignment you must:
1. Preview this packet to help focus your reading and use your time well.
2. Read the novel with the questions and packet tasks in mind.
3. Complete this packet NEATLY, carefully, and thoughtfully.
4. Bring the completed packet and book to class on the FIRST DAY of school.
Important terms to understand before reading the novel and working on this packet.
Character trait
A distinguishing personality quality or inherent value that someone has which is unlikely to
change. This trait serves to identify this person.
Symbol
Symbolism is using an object, image, idea, sound, etc…in a way that means something more than
its literal meaning. A symbol is a literary device that contains several layers of meaning, often
concealed at first sight, and is representative of several other aspects, concepts or traits than
those that are visible in the literal translation alone. Symbols clarify and deepen the
understanding of an idea, image, or concept. Symbols do shift their meanings depending on the
context in which they are used. A chain, for example, may stand for union as well as
imprisonment. Thus, the symbolic meaning of an object or an action is understood by when,
where, and how it is used.
Motif
A recurring symbol, image, sound, or action that helps explain a central idea or theme of literary
work.
The theme in a story is its underlying message, or “big idea.” In other words, what critical belief about
Theme
life is the author trying to convey in the writing of a novel, play, short story or poem? This belief, or
idea, transcends cultural barriers. It is usually universal in nature. When a theme is universal, it
touches on the human experience; it is what the story means. Often a piece of writing will have more
than one major theme.
Activity #1: Character Development: Throughout the novel, Card slowly reveals his characters to us. Consider Ender
and two other characters of your choice and explain two character traits that Card uses to identify each character.
Find evidence from the text that supports your choices.
Examples of character traits. There are many more than these. Do not limit yourself to this list.
Adaptable
Caring
Confident
Competitive
Curious
Fair
Humble
Responsible
Loyal
Honest
Disciplined
Punctual
Determined
Cruel
Decisive
Obedient
Thrifty
Wise
Ruthless
Flexible
Proud
Compassionate
Courageous
Timid
Persistent
Insecure
Patient
Character Ender
List at least 8 character traits that you think represent this character.
Choose two traits that are the strongest in identifying the character:
1.________________________________
2. _________________________________________
Use these 2 traits to complete the chart below.
Character Trait
Evidence (Quote) from text.
Frame all quotes
1.
page Explanation of why that quote
demonstrates the identified trait.
1.
2.
2.
1.
1.
2.
2.
Create a SYMBOL (and color it) that represents the complexity of this character. (Avoid clichés such as a heart for
“loving.”)
Character: _________________________________
List at least 8 character traits that you think represent this character.
Choose two traits that are the strongest in identifying the character:
1.________________________________
2. _________________________________________
Use these 2 traits to complete the chart below.
Character Trait
Evidence (Quote) from text.
Frame all quotes
1.
page Explanation of why that quote
demonstrates the identified trait.
1.
2.
2.
1.
1.
2.
2.
Create a SYMBOL (and color it) that represents the complexity of this character. (Avoid clichés such as a heart for
“loving.”)
Character: ______________________________________
List at least 8 character traits that you think represent this character.
Choose two traits that are the strongest in identifying the character:
1.________________________________
2. _________________________________________
Use these 2 traits to complete the chart below.
Character Trait
Evidence (Quote) from text.
Frame all quotes
1.
page Explanation of why that quote
demonstrates the identified trait.
1.
2.
2.
1.
1.
2.
2.
Create a SYMBOL (and color it) that represents the complexity of this character. (Avoid clichés such as a heart for
“loving.”)
Activity #2 Motif: Truth and Lies
Throughout the book, Ender and others are told both truth and lies. What is the impact of these truths and lies? What
does the receiver learn from both the truths and the lies? Are there statements that are half-truths and half-lies? The
author uses truths and lies as a motif. What central idea does the author want you to understand from this motif?
Looking throughout the novel, find 12 examples of significant truths and lies that are told, and determine what is
learned from them. Although you do not need to use evidence from every chapter in the novel, you should have
examples from chapters at the beginning, middle and end of the novel. Cite the chapter and page for each (chapter:
page).
The Truth Hurts
Examining the motif of truth vs lies in Ender’s Game.
TRUTH OR LIE TOLD (Frame the quote.)
EXAMPLE:
The monitor lady tells Ender that
removing the monitor “won’t hurt a bit”
(1:2).
1
2
3
4
5
Interpretation/Why is it told?
Ender recognizes this as a lie and
interprets this to mean that it will, in
fact, hurt a great deal.
Lesson(s) Learned
Because Ender has experienced that
adults claim something won’t hurt when
it will, understanding that lie can help
him to predict the future and to know to
expect the opposite of what is said.
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
Activity #3
On a separate piece of paper, write a paragraph that explains one theme from the novel that the author wants
you to understand about truth and lies. (Theme=lesson, moral, message – see first page of packet.) This should be
one of the major themes of the book. Pull descriptive words and key phrases from the novel as evidence to support
your judgement. Make sure you use quotation marks and MLA page citation for any words that you take from the novel.
Make sure your paragraph is clear and convincing.
This task evaluates your ability to write a well-organized paragraph with a clear topic sentence presenting the claim
(thesis). Keep a single focus. You must determine the best evidence to support your claim, then clearly, concisely, yet
thoroughly explain why/how the evidence supports your claim.
Your paragraph needs:
 Topic sentence including the claim (thesis) stating the theme from Ender’s Game that the author wants you to
understand about truth and lies. (Keep a single focus. Avoid using “and” in this claim.)
 Concrete Details: 3 or 4 direct quotes from the text that prove the theme exists
 Analysis: Explain how each quote reflects truth and lies
 Analysis: Explain how these truth and lies develop the theme
 A concluding sentence explaining how this message can be relevant to the bigger world
Word process. Double Space. Staple to the back of the packet.
Activity #4
Look back at the three characters you explored in Activity One. Choose one. Imagine you are that character. Using
first person point of view, explain how the character traits mentioned either helped or hindered in your ability to
overcome a challenge, learn something important, or succeed in a goal you set for yourself. Describe the feelings
and emotions you faced. Establish the voice of your character.
This task examines your ability to organize ideas in writing. It evaluates your ability to focus on the ways that
established character traits help us to understand a character’s motivations and actions. The task also examines
your ability to choose precise words to convey an intended voice and tone.
Word process. Double Space. Staple to the back of the packet.