Standard 10-09-2013

Imagery adds life and energy to language.  The written word is so much more beautiful and expressive when the writer uses imagery effectively.  Good imagery appeals to the five senses--as you all know--but it's not just about adding adjectives.  It's about painting a picture with your words.  It's a 3-D picture that people can see and hear and feel and smell and taste.  I want to start seeing you use it in your own writing.

You had just such an opportunity today.  Describing something without using the words that commonly are used (the jargon of the activity) is pretty tough.  You tried your best with some successes (and some nice imagery) but some missteps too.  Hopefully, you generated an understanding of what Jonas is going through. How difficult would it be to try to explain color to someone who has no concept of it?  Wouldn't you want to share it with everyone?  How could you?  Poor Jonas.

You have some prompts to look at tonight.  Be sure you respond to them on the paper and then bring that sheet to class tomorrow.  It'll be your ticket in to the discussion.  We will be discussing the prompts so be sure you are ready.  Time to earn some points.  Here are the prompts in case you forgot them at school.

1) The Giver chose specific memories to give to Jonas first. Why did he choose those memories?

2) Are the memories the Giver holds a gift or a burden?

3) Ignorance is bliss? Defend or deny the phrase based on The Giver.

4) People in the community are forced to give apologies for any transgression big or small. Are these forced apologies meaningful?

5) Why does the Community get rid of color? What does color add to a society? Why is it dangerous?

6) The discipline wand is used on the young and the elderly. Why discipline the Old?

7) Justify the use of Sameness.

8) Choices are very restricted in the Community. What's the value in choice?

9) The elephant memory is one of the most violent and vicious Jonas has experienced so far. What is your reaction to it? How would it affect you?

We'll stop in the IMC tomorrow as well.  In addition to checking out a book for Friday reads, the Book Fair is up and running.  Might want to bring some cash in case there is something that interests you.

See you soon.