The Giver Learning Contract
Advanced Classes
I _______________________________ will complete the required assignments to demonstrate my
knowledge and understanding of the novel, The Giver by Lois Lowery as well as 7th grade reading
standards described below. I understand that I will be responsible for completing the assignments by the
due date of September 4, 2016. I will also complete any and all of the daily assignments that go along
with this unit.
Student Signature___________________________________
Note: the document presented below comes from the Paulding County School District. I have modified
the third section of the binder. Instead of the chapter questions, students will select 3 Chapters from
the text and answer the DOK leveled questions each has been provided. Additionally, the Extension
section is not required, but may be competed for extra credit.
Standards:
ELAGSE7RL1: Cite textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as
well as inferences drawn from the text.
ELAGSE7RL2: Determine a theme and/or central idea of a text and how it is conveyed
through particular details; provide a summary of the text distinct from personal
opinions or judgments.
ELAGSE7RL3: Describe how a particular story’s or drama’s plot unfolds in a series of
episodes as well as how the characters respond or change as the plot moves towards a
resolution.
ELAGSE7RL4: Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text,
including figurative and connotative meanings; analyze the impact of a specific word
choice on meaning and tone.
ELAGSE7RL5: Analyze how a particular sentence, chapter, scene, or stanza fits into the
overall structure of a text and contributes to the development of the theme, setting, or
plot.
ELAGSE7RL9: Compare and contrast texts in different forms or genres (e.g., stories and
poems; historical novels and fantasy stories) in terms of their approaches to similar
themes and topics.
ELAGSE7RI9: Compare and contrast one author’s presentation of events with that of
Another
ELAGSE7SL4: Present claims and findings, sequencing ideas logically and using pertinent descriptions, facts, and details to accentuate main
ideas
or themes; use appropriate eye contact, adequate volume, and clear pronunciation.
ELAGSE7SL5: Include multimedia components (e.g., graphics, images, music, sound) and visual displays in presentations to clarify information.
ELAGSE7L1: Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking.
ELAGSE7L3: Use knowledge of language and its conventions when writing, speaking, reading, or listening.
ELAGSE7W2: Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas, concepts, and information through the selection,
organization, and analysis of relevant content.
Binder: Assignments must be turned in in a ½ inch three ring binder. You must create a cover that includes your
name, date, and class period as well as the title of the book and the author. It must be decorated with images or
symbols that represent the text. Your binder should include a table of contents, dividers for each section, and all
work must be neatly typed and printed out on standard size copy paper.
Required Assignments: You must complete all of these assignments (First Section of the binder).
1) Using the guidelines given to you, design your very own utopian society.
2) Quickwrites: These will be given to you in class.
3) Create a graphic organizer that details each type of conflict that you encounter in the novel. Provide
evidence from the novel to support your analysis.
4) Analyze the text to establish a claim about the character of Jonas. Write a literary response essay that
establishes a claim or thesis statement as to what you have analyzed and determined about Jonas in the
novel. Your essay should be five paragraphs which includes an introductory paragraph with a thesis
statement, three body paragraphs that expand on the thesis, and a concluding paragraph that brings the
essay to a close.
5) Create a collage that reflects the theme of the novel.
6) Create a detailed plot map that clearly demonstrates how Jonas has changed both mentally and physically
from the beginning of the novel to the end.
7) Extend the text: AFTER completing the novel, write a short story that extends the story. Think about what
you think may have happened after the story ends. Your story must contain all the elements of a
narrative: exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and conclusion. Must be at least 2 pages typed
but no more than 3.
Reader’s Choice Assignments: 2nd section of the binder
You must choose two additional assignments from this section in addition to your required assignments.
1) Research two of the following Utopian Societies: Shakers, Twin Oaks, Amish, New Harmony, Prairie Home
Community, Amana Colonies, Arden Village, East Wind, Acorn Community of Virginia, The Farm in
Tennessee, Victory City. Use a detailed bullet list to show what you learned about the two communities.
Then, create a Venn Diagram to show your information of similarities and differences.
2) Create a comic book of the novel. You must have at least four events/scenes that are important to the
plot. You must include the important details of that event. You must do this in color.
3) Investigate what it means to be color blind. How does this condition occur? Use a detailed bullet list to
show what you learned. Explain whether or not you feel colorblindness puts an individual at a
disadvantage from those who are not colorblind. Use facts to back up your explanation.
4) Investigate the author Lois Lowery and create a powerpoint about the author. You must have 15 slides
that includes your research. Slides should also be attractive and include graphics. You must print your
slides two to a page to include in your project notebook.
5) Make a three minute video tat reviews the book. You must include what you liked, what you disliked and
if you would recommend the book to a friend. (You must include the script that you will use for your
video in your project notebook.)
6) Design and make a medal for each of the characters in your book. These medals could be serious or
funny. (Examples: Most Improved Attitude, Best Decision Maker, Funniest Citizen)
Each medal must have a design and a description of why the character deserves the particular award.
Chapter Questions: Third section of the binder
Chapter questions will be given at the beginning of class. All questions must be written down neatly and
answered citing text evidence for each question. Chapter questions may be typed neatly if you choose.
Use the constructed response format for all answers.
Glossary: Fourth section of the binder. Must be neatly typed.
Alphabetize, define, and include the part of speech for each of the vocabulary terms. A list will be
provided for you.
EXTENSIONS: Fifth Section of the binder. Must be neatly typed. Choose three of these questions. Your
answer must be AT LEAST a paragraph using correct grammar, punctuation and mechanics.
1) Did Jonas change his beliefs or actions in this novel? Explain your answer fully.
2) Describe a goal that Jonas had for his life. Describe the steps he took in order to reach the goal.
Does he reach his goal in the end? How?
3) Describe a particular need that Jonas is trying to satisfy in his life. What steps does he take to fill
this need? Do the steps succeed? Why or why not?
4) Describe a strong relationship that Jonas has with another character in the book. Was it a
positive or negative relationship? Explain.
5) Identify and explain three ways Jonas is like you.
6) Describe something Jonas taught someone, or learned from someone in the novel. Explain why
this lesson could be important in life.
7) Describe an issue in this story that has two sides. Describe the situation, the “sides” and the
outcome.