The Giver

The questions inside

One per chapter, across all 23 chapters — every question is editable before you print.

1. Chapter 1: Why is Jonas feeling uneasy at the beginning of the story, and what do his feelings show us about his community?
2. Chapter 2: What do you learn about the Ceremony of Twelve, and why do you think it is such an important event for children in Jonas's community?
3. Chapter 3: Jonas notices that Gabriel's eyes are like his own. Why might this small detail be important later in the story?
4. Chapter 4: How does the House of the Old help us understand the rules and values of Jonas's community?
5. Chapter 5: What does Jonas learn about dreams and feelings in this chapter, and how does his family react to his dream?
6. Chapter 6: How are birthdays and growing up different in Jonas's community than they are in our world?
7. Chapter 7: How does Jonas feel when his number is skipped at the Ceremony, and what would you have felt in his place?
8. Chapter 8: Why is Jonas chosen to be the Receiver of Memory, and which of the required qualities do you think will be hardest for him?
9. Chapter 9: How do Jonas's new rules change the way he thinks about his family, his friends, and his community?
10. Chapter 10: What is surprising about the Receiver's living space, and what does it suggest about his role in the community?
11. Chapter 11: What memories does Jonas receive first, and how do they change the way he understands the world?
12. Chapter 12: Jonas begins to understand color, especially the color red. Why is seeing color important, and what does it show about his community?
13. Chapter 13: Jonas learns more about choices. Do you think it is better for people to make their own choices even if they make mistakes? Why or why not?
14. Chapter 14: How does the memory of pain change Jonas, and why does The Giver say that the community needs a Receiver?
15. Chapter 15: What does Jonas experience in the memory of war, and how does this memory affect his feelings about his Assignment?
16. Chapter 16: Jonas receives happy memories like family, love, and holidays. Why does the word 'love' become important to him?
17. Chapter 17: How does Jonas's friendship with Asher change after Jonas stops taking his pills, and what does this show about Jonas's growth?
18. Chapter 18: What happened to Rosemary, and why does her story make Jonas and The Giver worry about memories?
19. Chapter 19: What does Jonas discover about release, and how does this discovery change his view of his father and the community?
20. Chapter 20: What plan do Jonas and The Giver make, and why do they believe the community must receive the memories?
21. Chapter 21: Why does Jonas leave earlier than planned, and what does his choice show about his character?
22. Chapter 22: As Jonas and Gabriel travel, what new dangers and beauties do they experience outside the community?
23. Chapter 23: What do you think happens at the end of the story, and what clues from the chapter support your thinking?

Example answers

Printed at the front of the booklet, so your reader can see what a strong answer looks like.

Chapter 8: Why is Jonas chosen to be the Receiver of Memory, and which of the required qualities do you think will be hardest for him?

I think Jonas is chosen because he is thoughtful and can see things differently than other people. The leaders say he has qualities like intelligence, courage, wisdom, and the Capacity to See Beyond. I think courage will be the hardest for him because he has to face pain and secrets that no one else understands. It would be scary to be so different from all your friends.

Chapter 13: Jonas learns more about choices. Do you think it is better for people to make their own choices even if they make mistakes? Why or why not?

I think it is better for people to make their own choices, even when they might make mistakes. Choices help people learn who they are and what they care about. In Jonas's community, people are safe, but they do not get to pick many important things. I would rather have freedom and learn from mistakes than have every choice made for me.

Chapter 21: Why does Jonas leave earlier than planned, and what does his choice show about his character?

Jonas leaves early because he finds out that Gabriel is going to be released. He knows that release really means death, so he has to act quickly to save him. This shows that Jonas is brave and loving because he risks his own safety for Gabriel. It also shows that he is willing to do what is right, even when it is dangerous.