Week of October 19, 2009

This week, you should finish reading The Giver. Consider the following questions about the ending:

• What do you think happened to Jonas and Gabriel?
• Why did the author choose to use an ambiguous ending?
• Are you satisfied with an ending that does not answer all your questions? Why or why not?
• Would you recommend this novel to others? Why or why not?

As always, you may choose to write on any other topic as well. Let's wrap up our discussion on The Giver with your final thoughts!

Week of October 12, 2009

Post your comments for this week regarding The Giver here.
You may comment on what you like, but here are some questions to get you started:

• Why is conformity so important to the success of this community?
• In what ways is our own society/community in any way similar to Jonas'?
• How much freedom would you give up to gain more safety, security and order?

Book Talk Assignment Details

Book Talk is a place to share your thoughts, questions and reflections about what you read. As you read, ask yourself these questions and more:

• What is exciting about this reading? What is not?
• Does the author use the setting to create a mood? How?
• How does the author create suspense in this novel?
• What emotions do you feel as you read this novel? Why?
• What do you need help understanding? What is confusing?
• Does the author leave some questions unanswered? Why do you think she/he does this?
• With which characters do you sympathize? Which characters do you hate?
• What do you think will happen next?
• What themes are present in the novel? How are these themes developed?
• Is there a satisfying resolution at the end of this novel? Why do you think the author chose to end the story in this way?

The list of questions could go on and on. The point is this: read, and then share your ideas with the rest of us.

The Expectation: You are required to:

• post your thoughts about your reading at least twice per week.
• respond to at least two other students' postings.

You are also expected to:

• use appropriate language,
• write clearly with correct grammar, spelling and punctuation,
• be respectful when responding to other students' posts.

Grading: You will be graded based on the following rubric:

IDEAS/ CONTENT: (30 points) Your ideas make sense and show mature thought and reflection. You support your ideas with specific examples, details and/or quotes from the novel. You submit at least 2 posts and 2 responses of adequate length (approximately a paragraph each).

WRITING STYLE: (10 points) Your writing is clear and easy to follow. You choose your words carefully and vary your sentences to make your writing more interesting. You use appropriate language for a school setting and respond to other writers respectfully.

CONVENTIONS: (10 points) You write clearly using correct grammar, capitalization, spelling and punctuation.

TOTAL POINTS POSSIBLE PER WEEK: 50

Enjoy your reading and online discussion!