Title – A Question of Truth

By – Barbara A. Lord

Primary Subject – Language Arts

Grade Level – 9

Time: 6-9 weeks

Concept/Topic to Teach:

This lesson teaches critical thinking through the comparison/contrast of the two novels,

Nothing But the Truth

by Avi and

Monster

by Walter Dean Myers.

Standards addressed:

North Carolina Competency Goals 3 and 4

Bloom’s Taxonomy

Specific Objectives:

1. Learn vocabulary
   
2. Read and comprehend the plots of the two novels
   
3. Examine the two protagonists, Steve Harmon and Phillip Malloy and complete a Venn Diagram
   
4. Evaluate the themes of the two novels
   
5. Evaluate the authors’ styles of writing and
   the effect on theme
   
6. Participate in a Paideia Seminar
   
7. Write a persuasive essay
   

Required Materials:

1. copies of the two novels
   
2. graphic organizer for the Venn Diagram
   

Lead In:

Open with a general discussion surrounding
telling the truth. Ask students to relate
personal experiences about times when they
discovered that people were not truthful.
Ask them if they have ever lied and what
consequences they suffered.

Step-By-Step:

• Begin with lead-in
  
• Introduce
  
  Monster
  
  by asking students to relate
  what they know about the legal system
  
• Introduce vocabulary
  
• Read and discuss the novel in class. In
  particular, discuss Meyer’s style of presenting
  the story as Steve’s movie script.
  
• Give study guide questions (Bloom’s knowledge and
  comprehension levels) to ensure understanding.
  
• Discuss the ending. Is Steve guilty? Students
  should refer to the text for support.
  
• Begin
  
  Nothing But the Truth
  
  by discussing school
  and teachers. What makes a good teacher?
  
• Follow the same plan as Monster.
  
• At the conclusion of the two novels, have students
  create a Venn Diagram comparing Steve and Phillip.
  
• Discuss the author’s style of writing. Is it
  effective?
  
• Conduct a Paideia Seminar asking the following
  questions: “What truth does Avi want the reader
  to get from the novel? Is the title ironic? Does
  Myers want the reader to discover the same truth
  as Avi? What is ‘truth’? Is there just one
  definition?”
  
• Choose one of the following activities to end the
  unit:(a) Write a persuasive essay stating whether
  Steve or Phillip is guilty or innocent.
  (b) Write a play about truth. (c) Conduct a class
  trial to find either Steve or Phillip guilty or
  innocent.
  
• Assessment may include vocabulary or comprehension
  quizzes. A rubric could be created to evaluate the
  essay, play or trial. Participation in the seminar
  could be evaluated.
  

E-Mail

Barbara A. Lord

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