Nothing but the Truth: A Documentary Novel

by Avi

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Ideas for Reports and Papers

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1. Locate a news story where the facts seem to be misrepresented. Explain why you are skeptical about the story and connect your doubts to the events in Nothing but the Truth.

2. Is it typical for journalists to exaggerate stories like Jennifer Stewart does in the book? Provide some examples. Why might reporters embellish real events?

3. Ethics are a significant concern for many journalists. What ethical guidelines do journalists claim should guide the reporting of a story like that of Miss Narwin and Philip Malloy? Do any journalists in Nothing but the Truth, whether named or unnamed, breach these ethical standards?

4. What legal rights would Miss Narwin have in your state? Could she file a lawsuit against anyone? Would she be able to retain her job?

5. What legal rights would Philip Malloy have in your state? Has he forfeited all his rights to privacy and protection from retaliation by lying?

6. Mr. Griffin appears to be a seasoned politician when he helps destroy Miss Narwin's career for his own political advantage. What role do local elected positions, such as school board member, play in advancing political careers? Have any notable politicians begun their careers in local office?

7. Dr. Seymour, the school superintendent, sacrifices justice for Miss Narwin to secure a larger budget for his district. School administrators are often depicted in the media as greedy (or overpaid), insensitive, and ignorant. Does Dr. Seymour conform to this stereotype, or is he portrayed as an individual? Are his motives understandable? Are they ethical?

8. What role do Philip's parents play in the series of events that lead to Miss Narwin's downfall and their son's lesser misfortune? What role do educators desire parents to play in their children's education? What role do parents actually play? Is the behavior of the Malloys typical?

9. What legal rights do high school students have regarding singing the national anthem? Where can they find these rights? Is it ever acceptable to sing in class when silence has been requested? Who determines this? What is the rationale?

10. What is the history of the national anthem? When was it composed? When and why did it become a part of schools and sporting events?

11. What are the ethical guidelines for student behavior in a classroom? What are the ethical expectations for a student's behavior towards the subject, the teacher, and other students?

12. Trace the origins of the phrase "nothing but the truth" within the American legal system.

13. What is perjury? How does it relate to the novel's title and themes?

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