Name _____________________________ ____________
English
8th Grade Summer Reading Assignment, The Giver
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Directions:
1. Read the novel The Giver by Lois Lowry.
2. You may use this paper, or answer the questions on other paper. You may type
or handwrite your answers, but either way they need to be neat and readable.
3. Answer the questions in complete sentences. You may look back into the book
when you are answering the questions.
4. The answers need to be finished by the first day of school. Bring your answers
to school with you on the first day.
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Part 1, Character Descriptions: Briefly describe each character. Describe them
physically (what they look like), as well as their personality or attitudes. Also,
include how they connect to other characters. (For example, one character is the sister
of another, or this character works for that character, etc.)
1. Jonas
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2. the Giver (Receiver)
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3. Gabriel
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4. Mother
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5. Father
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6. Lily
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7. Asher
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Part 1, Character Descriptions, continued:
8. Fiona
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9. Larissa
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10. Chief Elder
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11. Fritz
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12. Caleb
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13. Rosemary
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Part 2, Comprehension Questions: Answer in sentences. Write neatly.
1. What is one way in which the society in The Giver is different from our society?
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2. What is one way in which the society in The Giver is similar to our society?
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3. From the start of the book, how is Jonas different from other people in his society?
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Part 2, Comprehension Questions, continued.
4. How does Father help console Jonas about the Ceremony of Twelve?
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5. Why would Lily's comment about Jonas's and Gabriel's unusual trait be viewed as
insensitive in their society?
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6. What happens to Jonas's memories as he gets farther away from the Community?
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7. How does Jonas keep the planes from discovering him and Gabriel?
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8. What is ironic about the job title “Nurturer”?
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9. What do we learn about Rosemary, the previous Receiver?
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10. How does Jonas feel about taking the pills?
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Part 3, Exploration Question: In a short essay of three paragraphs (about eight
sentences per paragraph), answer the following question. The Giver says to Jonas at
one point, "It's the choosing that's important, isn't it?" Address the following issues in
yuor essay: (1) In what areas in life do we have a choice? Why is this important?
(2) What are some areas in life where we do not have a choice? Why is it good to
have no choice about some things? (3) Based on what you have learned in Bible class,
at home, or in church, what does God have to say about the issue of choice? Write or
type your answer on your own paper and attach to this packet.