Citizenship and The Giver

Ms. Lash
Civics and Economics

OVERVIEW:
This units final project is a five- paragraph essay. We have worked throughout
the year on this type of essay so please refer to your handouts and assignments for directions
and examples. This essay will be worth 30 points and is a major portion of your grade for
this unit.
While weve begun to study citizenship in this unit we have also been reading Lois
Lowrys The Giver. Weve used both the character Jonas and his community as foils with
which to reflect on our own American ideas about citizenship, patriotism, civic duties and
civic responsibilities.
In this compare and contrast essay, you will choose from the options on the back of
this handout to continue your reflection on the similarities and differences between our
American ideals and those of Jonas community.

REQUIREMENTS:
1. Follow the five-paragraph essay style we have been practicing in class
2. Refer to specific events/ examples from the book to back up your argument. Use
one example for every argument you make about Jonas or his community.
3. In addition, please use at least one direct quotation from the Giver for each
body paragraph. If you use quotes from readings provided in class, you will need to cite
those as well.
4. Follow MLA citation style for your heading, formatting, in-essay quotations and
Work Cited list (refer to your handouts for MLA guidelines). You will be graded on proper
citation, so please come to me before the due date if you need help.

DUE DATES:
1. ---: A thesis and topic sentence outline is due on March 26. We will have a small-group
review session in class. The topic sentence outline is attached to these directions.
2. ---: Completed, proofread essay is due!
Please turn in your final copy stapled on top of your outline and drafts.

LOGISTICS:
1. Papers are due at the beginning of class. Papers should have your name and be stapled on
top of your outline and drafts.
2. Use MLA Citation Style for the heading, formatting, quotations and work cited list.
3. Unexcused late papers will receive no more than 26 points. For every day late, you will
lose an additional 1.5 points.

Please turn page over !

Essay Options
Option A:
Write a five-paragraph essay comparing and contrasting three rights that American
citizens possess with the rights (or lack of rights) of the citizens in Jonas community.
You may choose any three rights that we have studied in this unit.

Option B:
Write a five-paragraph essay comparing and contrasting three civic duties and civic
responsibilities of an American citizen with those of the citizens in Jonas community.
You may choose any three civic duties or civic responsibilities (or a combination for
three total) that we have studied in this unit.

Option C:
Write a five-paragraph essay describing three ideal traits of an American citizen that
Jonas exhibits, comparing and contrasting whether these traits are or are not considered
positive in his community
You may choose any three traits that we have studied in this unit.