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THE GIVER — Chapter 1 (Pages 1-13)

By Lois Lowry
DURING- AND POST-READING QUESTIONS
Skills Focus

In this lesson, you’ll analyze how an author develops and contrasts
the points of view of different characters in a text. [RL 7.6]

Purpose for Reading
To learn about Jonas and his community.

During Reading
Directions: Start and stop at the page(s) indicated. Answer the questions and be prepared to share with your class.
Page Number
DURING READING QUESTIONS STUDENT RESPONSE
Start Page 1: “It was almost
December, and Jonas was
beginning to be frightened.”
To Page 6:
“That’s what I
am.”
1. A: What does Jonas’s concern with
finding the right word to describe his
feelings tell you about him as a
character?

B: What does it tell you about how
this community views language? [RL
7.3]
Start Page 6:
“Who wants to be the first
tonight...”
To Page 9: “He guessed that his own had been, too, when he was a Seven.”

2. What are Sevens and Elevens? [RL 7.1]

3. Define the term ‘animal’ in your own words.
Then, compare your definition to
Lily’s. How are your definitions similar? How are
they different? [RL 7.4]

Start Page 9:
“He listened
politely, though not very
attentively…”
To Page 13:
“This talk will be a private one
with Jonas.”
4. A: What is a newchild?
B: What do you think Jonas’s father’s
job is based on what you have read
about him? [RL 7.1]
5. What does Jonas’s family dinner reveal
about marriage in his community?
[RL 7.3]
6. Consider the following quotation:
“Jonas sighed. This evening he almost
would have preferred to keep his
feelings hidden. But it was, of course,
against the rules.” (12)
A: What does this excerpt reveal
about the community?
B: How does Jonas appear to feel
about this based on his reaction in the
quote? [RL 7.3]

Independent Practice
Directions: Answer the multiple choice questions for Chapter 1 (Pages 1-13). 5 minutes
1. What is the best meaning of “rituals” as it is used in the following sentence on page 6? [RL 7.4]
“It was one of the rituals: the evening telling of feelings.”
A. parties
B. surprises
C. occasions
D. ceremonies
2. Which of the following events is an example of how this community makes precision of language a serious duty? [RL 7.1]
A. Children not being allowed to use the word ‘released’ jokingly
B. Asher being mocked and bullied by his classmates for using the wrong word
C. Jonas’s father reminding his sister Lily that each family can only have one male and one female child D. Jonas immediately finding the right word to describe his feelings about the upcoming ceremony
3. Which of the following best describes Jonas’s attitude when he learns that his mother needs to release a criminal for breaking the rules three times? [RL 7.6]
A. Jonas feels relieved that justice is being carried out.
B. Jonas feels bad for the man and wishes there was another way.
C. Jonas feels embarrassed for the disgrace this will bring to the man’s family unit.
D. Jonas feels angry that someone would break the rules so many times without learning his lesson.
4. What does Jonas’s family’s attempts to soothe his mother reveal about this community’s family values? [RL 7.1 & RL 7.3]
A. They don’t use physical touch to soothe one another.
B. They value processing emotions in isolation away from others.
C. They want to help one another feel better when they are struggling emotionally.
D. They expect individual strength and self-reliance from everyone in the community.

1 answer

DURING READING QUESTIONS STUDENT RESPONSE

1. A: Jonas's concern with finding the right word to describe his feelings shows that he is introspective and sensitive. This indicates that he has a level of emotional awareness and a desire to communicate effectively.

B: This reflects that the community places significant importance on language and precision in communication. Words have specific meanings, and there appears to be an expectation that individuals should articulate their feelings accurately, which may limit emotional expression.

2. Sevens and Elevens refer to the ages of children in Jonas's community. "Sevens" are children who have just turned seven years old and are transitioning into a new stage of development, while "Elevens" are those who are eleven years old and preparing for their upcoming Ceremony of Twelve, which symbolizes the next level of maturity and responsibility.

3. In my own words, an "animal" would be defined as a living organism that can move independently, typically with a complex nervous system. Lily's definition might be similar in that it includes living beings that are not human. However, her understanding may be more simplistic or based on her experiences within their controlled community, potentially leading to a different interpretation of characteristics and behavior compared to my broader view.

4. A: A "newchild" is an infant or a very young child in the community.

B: Based on what I've read, Jonas’s father appears to work as a Nurturer, caring for and looking after newborns and young children. His involvement with newchildren suggests a nurturing role within the family and community.

5. Jonas’s family dinner reveals that marriage in his community promotes emotional distance during discussions. The structured way in which they share their feelings highlights a controlled approach to communication, rather than a deep emotional connection typically found in conventional marriages.

6. A: This excerpt reveals that the community enforces strict emotional repression, as individuals are expected to share their feelings openly but may not truly wish to do so.

B: Jonas seems to struggle with this expectation; while he recognizes the rule, he shows a desire to keep his feelings hidden, indicating discomfort with the community's norms surrounding emotional expression.

Independent Practice

  1. What is the best meaning of “rituals” as it is used in the following sentence on page 6?

    • D. ceremonies

  2. Which of the following events is an example of how this community makes precision of language a serious duty?

    • A. Children not being allowed to use the word ‘released’ jokingly

  3. Which of the following best describes Jonas’s attitude when he learns that his mother needs to release a criminal for breaking the rules three times?

    • B. Jonas feels bad for the man and wishes there was another way.

  4. What does Jonas’s family’s attempts to soothe his mother reveal about this community’s family values?

    • C. They want to help one another feel better when they are struggling emotionally.