Challenging Authority: The Giver

Lesson 5
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ELA

Unit 2

6th Grade

Lesson 5 of 32

Objective


Explain how specific passages from Chapters 7 and 8 of The Giver use juxtaposition to develop the plot and fit into the overall structure of the text.

Readings and Materials


  • Book: The Giver by Lois Lowry  — Chapters 7–8

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A Note for Teachers


In Chapter 7, the Chief Elder retells an event in which Asher was physically punished in school for not using precise language, an example of corporal punishment in schools.

Corporal punishment, the practice of physically disciplining students for misbehavior, has a long and controversial history in schools. In the early days of education in the United States, corporal punishment was widespread and accepted as a necessary form of punishment. Over time, debates emerged surrounding its effectiveness and ethical implications, leading to a decline in its use in many schools. Today, many states have banned the practice altogether, recognizing the importance of creating safe and positive learning environments for students, and acknowledging the physical and emotional harm it causes students. 

Consider how to best support students when reading this chapter and sharing reflections with the whole group. For support during intellectual preparation, read this article titled "Corporal Punishment in Schools and Its Effect on Academic Success" (2010).

Target Task


Writing Prompt

How does Lois Lowry use juxtaposition in the description of Jonas' Assignment? 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


  • How does Lois Lowry's use of juxtaposition on page 65 help develop the plot? Cite evidence from the text to support your answer.

  • How is Jonas' recollection of the story about Asher (pp. 69–70) different from the Chief Elder's retelling? How does Lowry use this scene to help develop the setting of the text? Cite evidence from the text to support your answer.

  • How do the events on pages 72–73 contribute to the development of the plot? Where does this chapter fall in the overall structure of the text?

  • Summarize the events of Chapter 8. Where does this chapter fall in the overall structure of the text? Cite evidence from the text to support your answer.

Vocabulary


Literary Terms

structure

the way a text is purposefully organized by its author

tension

an aspect of storytelling where an author builds engagement by creating emotions of anxiety and apprehension in the reader about what will happen next

juxtaposition

when two things or concepts are placed side by side to emphasize the difference between them

Text-based

anguish

n.

(p. 75)

severe mental or physical pain or suffering

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 9–10

While reading, answer the following questions.

  • How is Jonas feeling since learning of his assignment? Why?

  • What detail on the instructions surprises Jonas the most? Why?

  • What surprises Jonas about the Receiver's dwelling?

  • What does it mean to be the Receiver of Memory?

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Common Core Standards


  • 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.6.6
RL.6.1
RL.6.2
RL.6.4
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

Draw conclusions about Jonas based on the way he responds to specific events in Chapters 9–10 of The Giver.

Lesson 6
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