Challenging Authority: The Giver

Lesson 11
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ELA

Unit 2

6th Grade

Lesson 11 of 32

Objective


Explain how specific words and phrases develop mood, tone, and meaning in Chapters 18 and 19 of The Giver.

Readings and Materials


  • Book: The Giver by Lois Lowry  — Chapters 18–19

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A Note for Teachers


Passages in today's reading contain sensitive material, including euthanasia and infanticide, that students may find offensive, upsetting, or difficult to understand. Consider how you will address this content with students.  

As a part of intellectual preparation, consider reading the following essay about infanticide and euthanasia in The Giver, "Critical Essays A Note about Infanticide and Euthanasia" (CliffNotes).

Target Task


Writing Prompt

How does Lois Lowry develop the reader's understanding of Jonas' changing perspective of his community? How does this contribute to the development of the plot? Cite evidence from the text to support your answer.

Sample Response

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Key Questions


Key Questions

  • The Giver says that Rosemary was "stunned" (p. 178) after receiving her first memory. Why was she "stunned" by this memory? Why is "stunned" a better description of her feelings than words like "surprised" or "confused"?

  • What tone does The Giver use when speaking about Rosemary? In what ways does Rosemary's memory affect The Giver?

  • How does Lois Lowry use juxtaposition to develop the mood in Chapter 19? How does this scene fit into the overall structure of the text?

  • What is The Giver's point of view of release? How does his tone help the reader better understand his perspective?

Exit Ticket

Assess student understanding and monitor progress toward this lesson's objective with an Exit Ticket.

Vocabulary


Text-based

implore

v.

(p. 178)

desperately beg someone to do something

Homework


To ensure that students are prepared for the next lesson, have students complete the following reading for homework. Use guidance from the next lesson to identify any additional language or background support students may need while independently engaging with the text.

  • Book: The Giver by Lois Lowry  — Chapters 20–21

While reading, answer the following questions.

  • What plan do Jonas and The Giver make? What is the purpose of this plan?

  • What will The Giver do in the future? Why?

  • What does The Giver tell Jonas about the previous Receiver?

  • Why does Jonas make the decision to put the plan into place early?

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Common Core Standards


  • RL.6.4 — 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.
  • RL.6.5 — 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.

Supporting Standards

L.6.5
L.6.5.c
L.6.6
RL.6.1
RL.6.2
RL.6.10
SL.6.1
SL.6.6
W.6.1
W.6.1.a
W.6.1.b
W.6.4
W.6.9
W.6.9.a
W.6.10

Next

Explain how Jonas has changed as a result of witnessing the release of the newchild. 

Lesson 12
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