The Giver  -  What's Going On Here?
     You will write a brief explanation for what you think is going on in The Giver. Then, your job will be to find evidence in the book to back up your theory.  You may modify or change your theory at any time, up until we finish the book, but you must rewrite your explanation. Your explanation should be at least 350 words long, and be written in paragraphs, complete sentences, and etc.With the evidence that backs up your theory, your paper should be at least 600 words long.
     As we read the book, write down any scenes or lines or other evidence that "prove" your theory. The more evidence you find, the more convincing your theory is, and the higher your grade will be. At the end, you will write a brief essay outlining your evidence, and proving your theory.   Of course, no one knows for sure what is REALLY going on, except Ms. Lowry, but we can judge your theory by the evidence you present. I would say that no theory could be considered plausible without at least four pieces of evidence; more would be better.
     The final product would look like this:
I. What is your explanation for "The Community"? Be sure to include:  Who...are these people?  What...is "The Community"?  Where...does the story take place?  When...does the story take place?  WHY???? Here is an example of an explanation.
II. What is your evidence? Remember, for each piece of evidence, you should be able to explain how it fits your theory. You will do this in your "proof."
III. Rebut possible objections. What might people say against your theory? What answer will you have?
IV. Conclusion. Restate your main points.
Rubric for Grading.
*___/5 - Theory clearly stated  *__/5 - 5 W's  *__/15 - Punct./grammar/spelling/etc. *___/5 - Plausible  *__/10 - 4+ pieces of evidence  *__/10 - Well explained  *__/10 - Anticipates opposition/rebuttal  *___/5 - Organization  *___/5 - Conclusion   *___/5 - Convincing?   ** ___/75 - Total
or...


The Giver - What's Up with That Ending?
    Many people are "dissatisfied" with the ending of  The Giver. Or they don't get it. What happened? Did they die? You tell us. In a well organized essay of at least 600 words, explain the ending of  The Giver as you understand it. Make sure you have read Lois Lowry's speech at the end of the book, to see some theories others have had.
The final product should look like this:
I. Summarize the ending as it is in the book.
II. State what you think is happening.
III. Explain, in detail, each part of the ending, and what you think it means. Use evidence from the book to back up what you say.
IV. Rebut possible objections. What might people say against your theory? What answers do you have?
V. Conclusion. Restate your main points.

Rubric for Grading.
*___/10 - Ending clearly summarized   *__/15 - Punct./grammar/spelling/etc. *___/5 - Plausible  *__/10 - 4+ pieces of evidence  *__/10 - Well explained  *__/10 - Anticipates opposition/rebuttal  *___/5 - Organization  *___/5 - Conclusion   *___/5 - Convincing?   ** ___/75 - Total