1. *Utopian Society * Is it the Answer?

2. Introduction  The Giver shows a society that is very different from ours. Jonas’s world is perfect. There is no war, fear, or pain. Everything is controlled, the everyday decisions that we make are not available. They do not get to decide what they wear, eat or even where they work. Every person is assigned a role in the Community based upon their talents. Would living in such a society make things easier? We wouldn’t have crime or poverty. Is it worth giving up our choices for a perfect world?

3. Your Task  Your task is to learn more about Utopian societies, and decide if we should strive for a utopian society of peace and harmony even if it means giving up variety, choice, love, etc.. Why or why not?  You will be writing a persuasive letter to a government official to persuade him/her to either push a movement toward or away from a utopian society.

4. Steps  Follow the process steps through the next pages in order to be informed and knowledgeable in writing your letter.  Make sure to answer all questions along the way to make and present your case.  You want to either argue against Utopian societies or argue for using evidence from your research.

5. Process – Step One  What is Utopia? Using the resources provided learn about Utopia and the Utopian society. What are the benefits of this society, what are the pitfalls of this society? Make a freehand chart showing the benefits and the pitfalls.  Definition of Utopia - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Utopiahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Utopia  Utopian Philosophy - http://users.erols.com/jonwill/ http://users.erols.com/jonwill/

6. Process – Step Two  Here are some examples of Utopian societies. How does the society in the Giver reflect a Utopian society?   Acorn Community http://www.ic.org/acorn/http://www.ic.org/acorn/  The Farm http://www.thefarm.org/index.htmlhttp://www.thefarm.org/index.html  Twin Oaks http://www.twinoaks.org/http://www.twinoaks.org/  Victory City http://www.victorycities.com/http://www.victorycities.com/  Utopian States http://www.utopianstates.com/US1/index.html http://www.utopianstates.com/US1/index.html  Utopian World http://www.utopianworld.org/http://www.utopianworld.org/

7. Process – Step Three  What freedoms or choices would you miss most of all? Think about the possibility for a utopian society. Are you willing to give these freedoms/choices away?

8. Your Finalized Task The Letter  You are now well informed about Utopian societies and have considered the costs and benefits.  Using the knowledge you have gained, write a persuasive letter to a government official. Persuade him/her to either push a movement toward or away from a utopian society. Please use standard business letter format when writing.

9. Guide To Your Letter  Here is some pointers in writing your letter and its components:  Introduction - Inform the reader/listener about the issue at hand. State the facts that surround the situation.  State your case - Discuss why your way is the best way. Share evidence and expert opinions supporting your position.  Examine and refute the opposition - It is vital that you recognize and discredit opposing views. Look for flaws, loopholes, and reasons to reject other suggestions. If there are positive aspects of the opposing view, point them out, but compare them to the overall benefit of your case.  Reconfirm your position - Now it is time to review the main points of your arguments. Be sure to address any items that may have come while refuting the opposition.  Conclude that your position is superior - Be confident in your closing that your way, is indeed, the only way based upon all the information just provided.

10. Evaluation 4321 ContentStudents answered all questions within the format and exceeded their argument with outside sources, ideas, and beliefs to present a solid argument for or against Students presented their case and answered all questions within the format however lacked solid arguments for or against utopian societies. Students did not have a direct argument for or against utopian societies and lacked evidence supporting their claim Students did not complete the task. Letter/OrganizationThe letter was in business letter format with all accurate headings, salutations, and body paragraphs. The letter was in business format with some inaccuracies in headings, salutations, and body paragraphs. The letter was not in business format and lacked headings, salutations, and body paragraphs. The letter was completely inaccurate. GrammarThe spelling, grammar, and punctuation was accurate. The spelling, grammar, and punctuation had minor inaccuracies. The spelling, grammar, and punctuation had major inaccuracies. The piece was not of written English and lacked accurate spelling,grammar, and punctuation. VoiceStudents had a definite voice on being either against or for utopian societies. Students had some voice with most arguments for or against utopian societies. Students had little voice and it was unclear to which side they were on. Students did not choose a side and it was very unclear.

11. Conclusion  You have learned more about Utopian societies and have made a decision if we should support a move toward or away from a Utopian society. While there was no right or wrong answer, it was important to be able to support your position.