A Long Way Gone Ishmael Beah. Describe the person pictured here. What kind of person do you think he is? What is his personality like based on the picture?

A Long Way Gone

Ishmael Beah

Describe the person pictured here. What kind of person do you think he is? What is his personality like based on the picture? 25+

Describe the person pictured here. What kind of person do you think he is? What is his personality like based on the picture? 35+

PREDICTION35+:

Conflicts

Setting prediction: 35+ Describe the setting you see in the pictures. What kinds of man v.nature coflicts could exist in this setting?

Child Soldier Video

• http://www.theguardian.com/global-development/video/2013/sep/11/sierra-leone-child-soldier-video

http://www.theguardian.com/global-development/video/2013/sep/11/sierra-leone-child-soldier-video




Chapter One Vocabulary• Write each word plus a context clue in an original sentence that fits with the context of the

pictures you just saw.1. Refugee: one that flees; especially : a person who flees to a foreign country or power to

escape danger or persecution2. Translucent: permitting light to pass through but diffusing it so that persons, objects, etc.,

on the opposite side are not clearly visible3. Resonated: the quality of a sound that stays loud, clear, and deep for a long time4. Fatigue: the state of being very tired : extreme weariness5. Evaded: to stay away from (someone or something) : to avoid (someone or something): to

avoid dealing with or facing (something)6. Adage: a saying often in metaphorical form that embodies a common observation (i.e. the

early bird gets the worm)7. Malnourishment: faulty nutrition due to inadequate or unbalanced intake of nutrients or

their impaired assimilation or utilization8. Plagued: a large number of harmful or annoying things9. Embedded: a : to enclose closely in or as if in a matrix <fossils embedded in stone>b : to

make something an integral part of <the prejudices embedded in our language> c. to surround closely

10. Verandah: a long, open structure on the outside of a building that has a roof

Chapter One Setting

• Identify ten words or phrases that identify the setting of Beah’s homeland-Sierra Leone. They should include time, place, region, and atmosphere.

• Journal Response (25+): Noting your above setting references, answer this question, “What aspects of this culture and setting will influence the characters, their behavior, and what might happen to them?”

Following the Moon

• Take Out a Blank Sheet of Binder Paper

• As you read the novel, every time you read about the moon, write down the quote and the page number.

• By the end, you should have at least seven quotes.

Key Words for Level 1 Knowledge/Recall Questions

• when, where• which, choose, find• how, define, label

• match, name• relate, tell• recall, select• who, what, why• show, spell, list

Examples of Level 1 Knowledge/Recall Questions

• What happened after....?

• How many....? • Find the meaning

of.. .? • Why did . . . ? • Who was . . . ?

• Which is true or false.....?

• Who spoke to....?• Can you list three .

. . ? • What is....?

Level 2: Comprehension

• Demonstrating understanding of facts and ideas by organizing, comparing, translating, interpreting, giving descriptions and stating main ideas.

Key Words for Level 2 Comprehension Questions

• contrast• interpret, explain• extend, illustrate• infer, outline

• demonstrate• translate• summarize, show• classify • relate, rephrase

Examples of Level 2 Comprehension Questions

• How would you compare...? Contrast…?

• What do you think could have happened next....?

• Can you provide an example of what you mean by....?

• Can you explain what is happening . . . what is meant by . . .?

Level 3: Application

• Solving problems by applying acquired knowledge, facts, techniques and rules in a different way.

Key Words for Level 3 Application Questions

• apply, build• choose, construct• develop, interview• make use of

• experiment with• plan, select• solve, utilize• model, identify • organize

Examples of Level 3 Application Questions

• How would you make use of . . . ?

• What examples can you find to . . . ?

• What would result if . . . ?

• What factors would you change if....?

• From the information given, develop a set of instructions about....?

• How would you solve _______ using what you have learned . . . ?

Level 4: Analysis

• Examining and breaking information into parts by identifying motives or causes• Making inferences and finding

evidence to support generalizations.

Key Words for Level 4 Analysis Questions

• analyze, categorize• classify, compare• contrast, discover• divide, examine • simplify, survey• conclusion

• distinguish• theme• relationships• function• inference

Examples of Level 4 Analysis Questions

• How is _______ related to . . . ? • What is the theme…?• What conclusions can you draw . . . ?

• How would you categorize . . . ? • What evidence can you find . . . ? • What is the relationship between . . . ?

Level 5: Synthesis

• Compiling information together in a different way by combining elements in a new pattern or proposing alternative solutions.

Key Words for Level 5 Synthesis Questions

• build, choose• combine, compile• compose, construct• create, design• develop, estimate• formulate, imagine• invent, make up

• plan, predict• solve, solution• discuss, change• adapt, minimize• maximize, delete• elaborate, test• improve

Examples of Level 5 Synthesis Questions

• Can you elaborate on the reason . . . ?

• How could you change (modify) the plot (plan) . . . ?

• How would you improve . . . ?

• Suppose you could _______ what would you do . . . ?

• Can you predict the outcome if . . . ?

• What would happen if....?

Level 6: Evaluation

• Presenting and defending opinions by making judgments about information, validity of ideas or quality of work based on a set of criteria.

Key Words for Level 6 Evaluation Questions

• award, choose• conclude, criticize• decide, defend• determine, evaluate• judge, justify• compare, rate• recommend,

influence

• select, agree• interpret• explain, appraise• prioritize, opinion• support, importance• prove disprove• influence, perceive• value, estimate

Examples of Level 6 Evaluation Questions

• Do you agree with the actions . . . ?

• How would you evaluate . . . ?

• How would you compare the ideas . . . ? people . . . ?

• What changes to...would you recommend? Why?

• What do you think about....? Support your opinion.

Knowledge/Recall

Comprehension

Application

Analysis Synthesis Evaluation

Levels of Questioning Chart

Knowledge/Recall

Comprehension

Application

Analysis Synthesis Evaluation

Levels of Questioning Chart

Chapter One Questions

1. How does Ishmael’s grandmother explain the local adage that “We must strive to be like the moon”? Why has Ishmael remembered this? What does it mean to him?

2. What kinds of things console Ishmael in this chapter? Explain.

3. Describe Ishmael and his friends-what kind of boys are they? What do they like to do?

4. Describe Ishmael’s relationship with each member of his family (mom, dad, brothers, grandmother).

Chapter Two Questions

1. What is in the wheelbarrow that is described? Where is he pushing the wheelbarrow to?

2. What does Ishmael mean when he says “I am looking at my own” (p.19)?

3. Why do you think Ishmael’s memories are important? What good are the memories if they bring him so much pain?

4. What does Ishmael mean when he says, “being alive itself to be a burden?”

Everything’s Gonna Be Alright

• Read the lyrics to Bob Marley’s song.

• Beginning of Chapter One: How does this song represent Ishmael’s initial feelings about the war? (35+)

• End of Chapter One: How is this song ironic by the end of chapter one? What are the lyrics saying? What is happening around Ishmael? How are they opposite? (50+)

• Locate and write any examples of metaphor, simile, personification and/or alliteration.

Song Lyrics: 100+

• Look at the song you chose and answer these questions:– Why did you choose it?– What lyrics do you particularly identify with?– When did you first hear this song? Did you like it

immediately or did it grow on you over time?– Do you think you will still be listening to this song and

identifying with it in 10 years? Why or why not?– Locate and write any examples of metaphor, simile,

personification and/or alliteration.

Chapter Two: Worlds

• Copy the last sentence of chapter two on your paper.

• Underneath, divide the paper into three columns.

• Above each column label each “world” that Ishmael lives in (dreams, new life, past life).

• For each column, write three words or phrases and the page number that describe each environment from chapter two.

Chapter Three Vocabulary• Look up the following words. Write each word in an

original sentence that fits with the context of the book (how you think the author might use the word in the upcoming chapter).

1. Massacre2. Bayonet3. Subsequent4. Mutilation

Chapter Three Questions

1. “That night for the first time in my life I realized that it’s the physical presence of people and their spirits that gives a town life.” What prompts Ishmael to observe this? How old is he?

2. Who are the five boys he flees with at the end of this chapter?

3. How will the RUF tattoo effect those who have it at the end of the war?

Chapter Three: Contrasts & Conflicts

• Describe these contrasts as they relate to the chapter in complete sentences:– Days of Peace vs. Days of War– Living vs. Dying– Sounds of Life vs Sounds of Death

• Describe each kind of conflict that exists in this chapter. Explain (1) the source of the conflict, (2) the type of conflict and (3) the complications that might influence how the conflict may be resolved in complete sentences:– Man vs. Man– Man vs. Nature– Man vs. Self

Chapter Four & Five Vocabulary• Look up the following words. Write each word in an


1. Residue2. Predicament3. Implement4. Tactics

Chapter 4 & 5 Questions1. Why are people afraid of six boys traveling together? 2. How do the choices of the boys change in this chapter? What

choices do they make that violate the law or morality?3. Describe whether Ishmael is saved by physical ability, wit or

coincidence in this chapter. Use the book to justify your position.4. Discuss the influence of American, Western culture in this

chapter. Where do you see it referenced?5. What decisions does Ishmael make to regain control over his

situation?6. How does Ishmael describe the rebel soldier treating the old

man? How is this different than what would have been accepted before the war? Predict how this difference will manifest itself later in the book.

Chapter Four: Conflicts

• Describe each kind of conflict that exists in this chapter. Explain (1) the source of the conflict, (2) the type of conflict and (3) the complications that might influence how the conflict may be resolved:– Man vs. Man– Man vs. Nature– Man vs. Self

Chapter Five: Conflicts

• Describe each kind of conflict that exists in this chapter. Explain (1) the source of the conflict, (2) the type of conflict and (3) the complications that might influence how the conflict may be resolved:– Man vs. Man– Man vs. Nature– Man vs. Self

Symbols (Moon & Cassettes)Ch. 2-5

• Write down any references to the moon from these chapters.

• Write down any references to cassette tapes from these chapters.

• What do you think the moon symbolizes? Write a passage to support your opinion.

• What do you think the cassette tapes symbolize? Write a passage that supports your opinion.

Quiz Ch. 1-5

1. What is Ishmael’s brother’s name?

2. Describe Ishmael’s parent’s relationship.

3. What are the initials for the rebel army?

4. How did Ishmael and his friends escape the rebel army?

Quiz Ch. 1-5

1. What is Ishmael’s brother’s name? Junior (3)

2. Describe Ishmael’s parent’s relationship. Divorced (3)

3. What are the initials for the rebel army? RUF (3)

4. How did Ishmael and his friends escape the rebel army? Fighting broke out, chaotic situation, they ran (3)

Autobiography: Setting• Describe your setting for your event.• What are the things you see? (50+)• What are the things you smell (35+)• What are the things you touch? (35+) What are

their textures like? (35+)• What are the sounds you hear? (35+)• Do you eat any food? What does it taste like? (35+)• What season does this take place in? What things

about the setting tell you this? (35+)

Autobiography: Characters

• Who are the people present in your event?

• Write a physical description of each.

• Write a description of each personality with the accompanying actions that reveal this about each person.

Autobiography: Outline

• Thesis: Event + Significance

• Story: Beginning (25+), Middle (25+), End (25+)

• Lesson About Life: Topic Sentences for at least two things that were significant (one paragraph each)

Chapter Six Questions

1. Explain how this quote relates to the story, “This is one of the consequences of the civil war. People stop trusting each other, and every stranger becomes an enemy.”

2. What is special about Ishmael’s memory of his older brother skipping rocks? Why does he remember it at this time specifically?

3. “I was a troublesome boy as well and always got into fights…Since we didn’t have a mother…” Why do you think Ishmael thought it was important to share this side of his pre-war personality? Why is it ironic?

Chapter Six

• Describe one specific way each of these are revealed in this chapter. Provide a quote and an explanation for each:1. Community Relationships2. Family Relationships3. Ishmael’s Growth or Survival

Youth Gone Wild: 100+

• Read the lyrics to Youth Gone Wild by Skid Row.

• Relate four of the lyrics to Ishmael’s life, both as a child, and as a boy fleeing the war.

• What lyrics match to what experience? Explain.

• SO…4 lyrics with a 25+ word explanation for each


Chapter Seven Vocabulary• Look up the following words. Write each word, plus

definition, and then an original sentence that fits with the context of the book (how you think the author might use the word in the upcoming chapter).

1. Oblivious2. Vigorously3. Skeptical

Chapter Seven Questions

1. What question does Ishmael ask himself as he faces the horrors of war and is separated from his family?

2. Why do the two boys bring along brooms?3. Why does Ishmael set out on his own?4. Give one quote from the chapter that

describes Ishmael’s emotional state and explain it.

Chapter Seven

• Describe one specific way each of these are revealed in this chapter. Provide a quote and an explanation for each:1. Community 2. Choice3. Family4. Ishmael’s Survival

Chapter Eight Vocabulary• Look up the following words. Write each word, plus


1. Indelibly

Chapter Eight Questions1. Who are the two groups of people Ishmael faces danger from?

Explain each.2. What would scare Ishmael into running for miles? What does that

reveal about his emotional state?3. List all of the things that Ishmael is afraid of (at least five).4. What does Ishmael tell us was “the most difficult part of being in the

forest?”5. Who are the six boys he encounters after surviving in the forest?

Where does he know some of them from?6. What is the story of the hunter and the pigs a metaphor of?7. What kinds of thoughts help Ishmael gain perspective on his

situation? What ideas and philosophies give him strength?8. How does Ishmael see himself changing as a result of his struggles?9. How is Ishmael becoming a “monster?” Explain.

Chapter Eight

• Describe one specific way each of these are revealed in this chapter. Provide a quote and an explanation for each:1. Control2. Fear3. Family4. Ishmael’s Survival5. Destiny/Purpose6. Innocence7. Monsters

Chapter Nine Vocabulary• Look up the following words. Write each word, plus


1. Deviated2. Contorted3. Disconsolate4. Congealed5. Inevitable

Chapter Nine Questions

1. How does the cassette save their lives again? Who is the rapper who is mentioned?

2. How are the boys charmed? (2) How are the boys cursed? (2)

3. Find the phrase “a long way gone” in this chapter. What is the context for this line? What is happening? Why do you think Ishmael chose this as the title of the book? Explain it.

4. Who is the anonymous man with the fishing hut? How does he help the boys feet heal?

Chapter Nine

• Describe one specific way each of these are revealed in this chapter. Provide a quote and an explanation for each:1. Control2. Fear3. Violence4. Community5. Foreign Influence

Viva la Vida

• Read the lyrics to Cold Play’s song.

• Relate four of the lyrics with what is happening in Ishmael’s life.

• How are these lyrics connected to Ishmaels experiences? Explain. (75+)


Chapter Ten Vocabulary• Look up the following words. Write each word, plus


1. Obstructing2. Penetrated3. Disarray

Chapter Ten Questions

1. How does Saidu’s prediction come true?2. What is the bad omen? How does it

foreshadow what happens in this chapter?

Chapter Eleven

• Describe one specific way each of these are revealed in this chapter. Provide a quote and an explanation for each:1. Control2. Growth3. Violence4. Survival5. Choice6. Anger

Chapter 11 Questions

1. Describe how Ishmael is “lucky” in this chapter.2. What is ironic about the situation with Ishmael’s

family?3. Why do the words “None of this is anyone’s fault”

make Ishmael angry?4. What leads Ishmael to violence? Predict how

“violence” will change as far as Ishmael is concerned from this point in the novel forward.

5. How does Ishmael change in this chapter?6. This is a “transition” chapter. What is the nature of

this “transition?”

Chapter Ten• Describe one specific way each of these are revealed in this chapter. Provide a quote and

an explanation for each:1. Control2. Family3. Community

Chapter Eleven

• Describe one specific way each of these are revealed in this chapter. Provide a quote and an explanation for each:

1. Control2. Growth3. Violence4. Survival5. Choice6. Anger

Chapter Twelve Vocabulary• Write an original sentence that fits with the context

of the book (how you think the author might use the word in the upcoming chapter).

1. Erupted: exploded2. Tributary: stream or river that flows into a large

body of water3. Jubilation: joyous, happy, celebration

Chapter 12 Questions1. Name three things that demonstrate irony in this

chapter and explain.2. Using the book to justify your response, do Ishmael and

his companions have any choice but to become perpetrators of violence rather than victims of it?

3. Why do you think Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar is mentioned? What is jarring or unusual about that reference in this context?

4. What melted in the fire that was precious to Ishmael? What is this symbolic of?

5. What is foreshadowing about Ishmael’s childhood game?

Chapter Twelve• Describe one specific way each of these are

revealed in this chapter. Provide a quote and an explanation for each:1. Choice2. Control3. Violence4. Fear5. Family6. Community7. Survival

Ghetto Gospel

• Read the lyrics of “Ghetto Gospel” by Tupac.

• Write a 100 word journal entry relating the song to the novel.


T-Bear Collaborative Paragraph• T: Two ways the song relates to the novel.• B: Background• E: Evidence (lyric + quote = similarity)• A: Analysis: Explain exactly how the quotes are

similar and deal with similar themes.• B: Background• E: Evidence (lyric + quote = similarity)• A: Analysis: Explain exactly how the quotes are

similar and deal with similar themes.• R: Return to topic: Restate two similarities.

General’s Speech (107-108)

• 1 example of ethos, logos, pathos

• Three connections: Caesar’s line connected to line from ALWG w/explanation

• Ex. “Oh pardon me, thou bleeding piece of earth, That I am meek and gentle with these butchers.” (Caesar) “I am sorry to show you these gruesome bodies, especially with your children present. But then again, all of us here have seen death or even shaken hands with it.” (ALWG)– Both men are showing their audience the bloody corpses of

the victims of the enemy.

Every Ghetto Every City

• Read the lyrics of Lauryn Hill’s song.

• What song lyrics could match how Ishmael is feeling? Use two examples of lyrics with an explanation for how they connect to ALWG (75+).


Chapter Fourteen

“I stood there holding my gun and felt special because I was part of something that took me seriously and I was not running from anyone anymore. I had my gun now, and as the corporal always said, ‘This gun is your source of power in these times. It will protect you and provide you all you need, if you know how to use it well.’”

• Compare and contrast this statement with children in inner-city gangs. How is this statement similar to how they might feel? (75+) How are the two situations different? (75+)

Chapter Fourteen• Describe one specific way each of these are

revealed in this chapter. Provide a quote and an explanation for each:1. Violence2. Choice3. Family4. Community5. Revenge6. Foreign Influence

Just to get a Rep

• Read the lyrics to Gang Starr’s song.

• Write down four lines that illuminate what Ishmael and his fellow soldiers are experiencing…matched with four lyrics from the song.

• How is the song and Ishmael’s situation similar? Explain. (75+)


Chapter 15 & 16: Figures of Speech

• Choose three figures of speech (total) from these two chapters. (simile, metaphor, personification)

• Copy the examples and write the page numbers.

• Identify what type of figure of speech each is.

Chapter 17 & 18 Vocabulary• Write each word, plus definition, and then an


1. Indicating- to make known, to point out2. Suspicious- something that causes distrust3. Skepticism- marked by doubt4. Repatriated- returning a person to their origin or

place of citizenship5. Jovial-joyous, jolly, merry

Chapter 17 • Describe one specific way each of these are revealed in

this chapter (choose 4 of the 9). Provide a quote and an explanation for each:1. Healing2. Community3. Relationships4. Family5. Growth6. Control7. Choices8. Anger9. Violence

Moon Quote + Symbol

Quote 1, Explanation of Quote, PictureChildhood: Full Moon

Quote 3, Explanation of Quote, PictureNo Moon, Absent, Fighting

Quote 4, Explanation of Quote, Picture

Full: Redemption

Quote 2, Explanation of Quote, Picture

Partial Moon, Hidden Slightly (on the run)

Chapter 19-21• Describe one specific way each of these are

revealed in this chapter. Provide a quote and an explanation for each:1. Friendship2. Leadership3. Relationships4. Family5. Destiny/Purpose6. Healing7. Control

Ishmael’s Song• You are going to write a song of Ishmael’s life to this

point in the book. Your song must contain metaphors (2), similes (2) and personification (2). Your song must rhyme (ABABAB, CDCDCD etc.) or (AA BB CC DD etc.) and each stanza must contain at least six lines.– The first stanza will speak of Ishmael’s childhood. (6+)– Stanza two will center around his life as a child soldier.

(6+)– Stanza three will be of redemption and healing. (6+)– The chorus will center around a theme in the book. (4+)

Comic Strip

• Choose a scene that you think is one of the most important in the novel.

• Make a comic strip of that scene.

• In 100 words, explain what is happening in the scene and why you chose it to represent the book. Staple to comic strip.

Lyrics

• Write lyrics in center of paper. – Chorus– Three Stanzas– One element of: simile, metaphor &

personification (IDENTIFIED AND UNDERLINED!)

• Around lyrics write at least three quotes and draw three illustrations that relate to the song you wrote.

Unwritten

• Read Natasha Bedingfield’s lyrics.

• For each “box” of lyrics, find a quote from the book that connects. Write the quote and the page number in each.


Author’s Choices

• Find a quote that matches each of the following author’s stylistic choices. Write down the choice, quote and page number:– Use of foreshadowing.– Use of imagery.– Use of motif (recurring element that helps develop

theme).– Use of metaphor.– Use of symbolism.– Use of irony.

Shine by Jason Mraz

• Who is Ishamel’s sun?

Jeopardy Template

• https://jeopardylabs.com/play/a-long-way-gone14

https://jeopardylabs.com/play/a-long-way-gone14

https://jeopardylabs.com/play/a-long-way-gone14

In Class Essay• Moon as a Symbol:– Outline

• 1: Hook• 1:Background (general summary of what book is about in relation to

the symbol that you choose)• 1: Thesis• 2-4/Beginning/Middle/End: Topic Sentence• 2-4:Background before quote (what is happening in book at this

point?):• 2-4: Quote with page number• 2-4: Analysis (at least FOUR sentences explaining significance of quote

to your symbol, needs to evolve from beginning to end!)• 2-4: Return to topic sentence w transition to next paragraph• 5: Restate thesis• 5: Lesson or moral about life that book and symbol can teach us, the

reader.

Documents

A Long Way Gone Ishmael Beah. Describe the person pictured here. What kind of person do you think he is? What is his personality like based on the picture?