Never Let Me Go

Kazuo Ishiguro

Name : ___________________
Section : _________
* Leave the box on top blank until you are tasked with creating a novel artwork *
Objectives & Table of Contents:

You are responsible for adding to this workbook through your reading of Never Let Me Go.
Your workbook will be monitored by me and marked at various times throughout the novel (on
test days), but the final completed workbook will be due on the last class period dedicated to
working on the novel.

You must keep this workbook neat and tidy. You can leave your workbook in class in the
locked cabinet if you are worried about it getting lost/damaged. If you are planning on keeping
the notebook with you, I strongly recommend putting it inside a duotang to ensure it is neat
and tidy when you submit it at the end of the unit.

The novel is broken into three parts which loosely align with the organization of the
workbook and is based on the schedule below:

- Pre - reading Tasks

- Journal Entry & Graphic Organizer (Content & Background)
- Part One : Life in Hailsham
- Chapter 1-4 / 5-8 : Vocab, Questions and Study Guides
- Quiz Chapter 1-4 date: _____________________
- Quiz Chapter 5-8 date : ____________________
- Part Two : Life in the Cottages
- Chapter 9-12 / 13-17 : Vocab, Questions and Study Guides
- Quiz Chapter 9-12 date : ____________________
- Quiz Chapter 13-17 date : ____________________
- TQA Paragraph Ch 1-17 date : ____________________
- Part Three : Life as Carers / Donors
- Chapter 18-20 / 21-23 : Vocab, Questions and Study Guides
- Quiz Chapter 18-20 date : ____________________
- Quiz Chapter 21-23 date : __________________
- Post - reading Tasks
- Full Novel Test date : ____________________
- Novel Packet date : ____________________

Never Let Me Go Student Packet Page - 1

Pre - reading Tasks: .

Writing Task : Journal Entry #1

What comes to mind when you think of cloning (human or otherwise)? Have you seen this
before in Books/TV/Movies? What are certain fears or hopes you think human cloning brings
out in people?

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Task #2 : Graphic Organizer (Novel Specifics

What year was the novel What year is the novel set What was the author
written? in? inspired by?

What is human cloning? What is organ trafficking? What do you think will
happen in this novel?

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Part One : Life in Hailsham .

Chapters 1-4
After/ While reading Chapters 1-4 complete the following pages that include challenging
vocabulary words (which WILL show up on quizzes), personal reflections, questions from the
text and finally a study guide for your scene 1-4 MC quiz.

Personal Reflections from Chapters 1-4: (complete after reading chapter four)
Parts of the text I enjoyed: Parts of the text I did not enjoy:

Confusion about the text / Questions I need answered:

Text to Self Connection: How can I relate to the text? What similarities exist between me
and the novel / characters in the novel?

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Chapter 1-4 Vocabulary Task:
Fill in the following chart for the challenging Chapter 1-4 Vocabulary words.
Word: Synonyms: Use in a sentence:

Trammelled

Layabout

Incidentally

Sheepishly

Flailing

Meandering

Prolific

Persecution

Crestfallen

Reproachful

Larking

Taboo

Ambivalent

Nostalgic

Thwarts

Foibles

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Reading Comprehension Questions from Chapters 1-4:
You should consider doing these questions in your group by dividing the chapters/questions
so you are not all having to answer them all. Or you can discuss each question to create an
answer collaboratively. If you need more space : Add lined paper to the end of your packet
and clearly label the section and question numbers.

Chapter One:
1. Describe Kathy and her first person narration
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2. What did you imagine donations and carer meant when you first read about
them?
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3. Describe Hailsham. What are your impressions on the place?

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4. Who are Kathy’s friends?

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5. Why did the students love the pavilion?

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6. How and why was Tommy bullied at school?

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Chapter Two:
7. Describe the friendship between Kathy and Tommy.
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8. What are the “exchanges”?

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9. What made Tommy so insecure at Hailsham?

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10. Discuss the advice given to Tommy by Miss Lucy. What does she say to him,
what do you think of this advice?
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Chapter Three:
11. Why does Kathy not want to be seen talking to Tommy; and what does he share
with her?
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12. What other information does Tommy reveal about his meeting with Miss Lucy?
How do you interpret this information?
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 13. What is the Madame’s role?
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14. Why do the students decide to surround Madame? What did they learn?
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Chapter Four:
15. What is you interpretation of Madame and her collection of art?
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16. What are the ‘sales’ and how do they differ to the ‘exchanges’?
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17. How did Miss Emily run Hailsham?

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18. How did Kathy and Ruth become friends?

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Literary Techniques Chapter 1-4:
In Chapters 1-4 find one interesting use of the following literary devices. Write down the quote
and page number for each

Literary Technique Use in Novel (Quote + Pg #) What you think was Author’s
Intention

Simile OR Metaphor

Allusion

Foreshadowing

Direct Characterization

Indirect Characterization

Chapters 1-4 Study Guide:

In your groups, you should quiz each other on the vocabulary words for the chapters in
addition to creating multiple choice questions for each other on the following ideas from the
chapters. As a group, create a study guide for yourself on the following page by determining
what you should know about the suggested topics:

Never Let Me Go Student Packet Page - 8

Chapters 1-4 Study Guide:
Kathy Tommy Ruth

Hailsham Exchanges & Sales Madame/ Madame’s

Gallery

Miss Lucy Miss Emily Art

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Chapters 5-8
Personal Reflections from Chapters 5-8: (Complete after reading Chapter 8)
Parts of the text I enjoyed: Parts of the text I did not enjoy:

Confusion about the text / Questions I need answered:

Text to Self Connection: How can I not relate to the text? What differences exist between
me and the novel / characters in the novel?

Text to World Connection: Why might a friend pretend to be connected with someone you
don’t know? What could be behind this need?

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Chapter 5-8 Vocabulary Task:
Use the following words from Chapters 5-8 to write sentences to help you remember the
characters or the plot of the text. Examples are provided.
Word Sentence

Defiant Despite the circumstances, the students at Hailsham seem to be less

defiant than students we see at Villa Maria.

Furtively

Precarious

Allude

Innocuous

Explicitly While not explicitly stated, it seems Kathy might be interested in

Tommy as more than a friend.

Remorse

Distraught

Unnerved

Sombre

Complacent

Illusion

Resentment

Absurd

Snogging

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Reading Comprehension Questions from Chapters 5-8:
You should consider doing these questions in your group by dividing the chapters/questions
so you are not all having to answer them all. Or you can discuss each question to create an
answer collaboratively. If you need more space : Add lined paper to the end of your packet
and clearly label the section and question numbers.

Chapter Five:
1. What childlike games did Ruth, Kathy and some of the other children enjoy
playing?
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2. Where does Ruth claim her new pencil pouch came from? Why is she
suggesting she has a relationship with Miss. Geralding?
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3. How & Why does Kathy catch Ruth in her lie?

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Chapter Six:
4. What do the students believe about the place called Norfolk?
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5. In mending her friendship with Ruth, what conclusions can we make about
Kathy?
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6. Why is smoking seen as a serious taboo for the students?

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 7. Describe Kathy’s prized possession, the Judy Bridgewater tape? Where did she
get it? What happened with Madame? What are some lines from the song? How
do you think it disappeared?
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Chapter Seven / Eight:

8. What were Miss Lucy’s revelations to the students? What was the students’
responses?
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9. They’ve been talking a lot about the “donation” in these chapters. What do you
think it means to make a donation?
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10. What do you think Miss Lucy was doing in the classroom?
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11. How was sex a confusing issue for the students at Hailsham?
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Literary Techniques Chapter 5-8:
In Chapters 5-8 find one interesting use of the following literary devices. Write down the quote
and page number for each

Literary Technique Use in Novel (Quote + Pg #) What you think was Author’s
Intention

Simile OR Metaphor

Allusion

Flashback

Direct Characterization

Indirect Characterization

Chapters 5-8 Study Guide:

In your groups, you should quiz each other on the vocabulary words for the chapters in
addition to creating multiple choice questions for each other on the following ideas from the
chapters. As a group determine fill in the graphic organizer on the next page determining what
you should know about the suggested topics:

Never Let Me Go Student Packet Page - 14

 Kathy Tommy Ruth

Secret Guard Judy Bridgewater Tape “Donations”

Miss Lucy’s Revelations Norfolk Sex

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Writing Task : Journal Entry #2
What does it mean to be a human? As you read through the beginning part of the novel, and
see students - similar in age to you- living their lives at Hailsham, can you identify signs that
the clones (Kathy, Tommy, Ruth, etc.) are not human? Reflect yourself on What makes us
human?

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Part Two : Life in the Cottages .

Chapter 9 is still in Part One (Life in Hailsham), it was split this way to keep a quiz happening
roughly every 50 pages of the novel.

After/ While reading Chapters 9-17 complete the following pages that include challenging
vocabulary words (which WILL show up on quizzes), personal reflections, questions from the
text and finally a study guide for your scene quizzes.

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Chapters 9-12
Personal Reflections from Chapters 9-12: (Complete at the end of Chapter 12)
Parts of the text I enjoyed: Parts of the text I did not enjoy:

Confusion about the text / Questions I need answered:

Text to Self Connection: What have I learned about myself, life, or others as a result of
reading this text?

Text to Text Connection: In what ways is this text similar to other texts I have read before?

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Chapter 9-12 Vocabulary Task:
Match the words on the left with the correct definition/synonym on the right. Put the correct
letter in the box to the left of the word
Word Definition/Synonym

Scrawling A Dig a trench

Gouging B Appeared on the horizon; about to happen

Loomed C Immerser and absorbed by something

Negligible D Overwhelmed or Concerned

Commandeered E Scribbly, fast, messy handwriting

Engrossed F Inspect

Furrowed G Store

Incongruous H Cleanse or Clear

Daunted I Very little; barely noticeable

Scrutinize J Invade or Breach

Stowed K Unsuitable

Spiel L Tear or cut something out of its place forcefully

Purge M Whole on Unbroken

Violate N Ordered; Gave orders

Intact O Long Speech

Reading Comprehension Questions from Chapters 9-12:

You should consider doing these questions in your group by dividing the chapters/questions
so you are not all having to answer them all. Or you can discuss each question to create an
answer collaboratively. If you need more space : Add lined paper to the end of your packet
and clearly label the section and question numbers.

Chapter Nine:
1. After Tommy and Ruth broke up, what did the other students expect? Why was
this not possible?
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 2. What confusing advice did Miss Lucy give Tommy about art?
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3. Cynthia calls Kathy Ruth’s “natural successor”. What does that mean?
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Chapter Ten:
4. Where did the students go after Hailsham? In what ways was life different?
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5. How did students develop their social and other skills?

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6. To what extent do you think the children were given a healthy and effective
education at Hailsham?
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7. What are the tensions that are growing between Ruth, Tommy and Kathy?
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Chapter Eleven / Twelve:
8. What problem is Kathy experiencing about her sexuality?
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9. What weird habit does Ruth pick up at the cottages regarding the reading of
book? Why does it bother Kathy
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10. What is a ‘possible’, why is it so important to Ruth? What is Ruth’s dream

future?
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11. What did Kathy and Ruth do to their “collections”? How does this show their
differing personalities and approach to their situation?
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Literary Techniques Chapter 9-12:

In Chapters 9-12 find one interesting use of the following literary devices. Write down the
quote and page number for each

Literary Technique Use in Novel (Quote + Pg #) What you think was Author’s
Intention

Symbolism

Allusion

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Chapters 9-12 Study Guide:
In your groups, you should quiz each other on the vocabulary words for the chapters in
addition to creating multiple choice questions for each other on the following ideas from the
chapters. As a group determine fill in the graphic organizer determining what you should know
about the suggested topics:

Kathy Tommy Ruth

Cottages Hailsham Keffers

“Collections” “Possibles” Sex

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Chapters 13-17
Personal Reflections from Chapters 13-17: (To complete at end of Chapter 17)
Parts of the text I enjoyed: Parts of the text I did not enjoy:

Confusion about the text / Questions I need answered:

Text toWorld Connection: How is this text different from the things that happen in the real
world?

Text to Text Connection: In what ways is this text different from other texts I have read?

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Chapter 13-17 Vocabulary Task:
Use the following words from Chapters 13-17 to write sentences to help you remember the
characters or the plot of the text.
Word Sentence

Feasible

Patronising

Gist

Pretext

Obscure

Exasperated

Despondent

Tangibly

Coquettish

Mock

Wavered

Conciliatory

Sceptical

Solemn

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Reading Comprehension Questions from Chapters 13-17:
You should consider doing these questions in your group by dividing the chapters/questions
so you are not all having to answer them all. Or you can discuss each question to create an
answer collaboratively. If you need more space : Add lined paper to the end of your packet
and clearly label the section and question numbers.

Chapter Thirteen:
1. What did Chrissie want to tell Ruth?
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2. To what extent is Ruth a liar? Give examples.

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Chapter Fourteen:
3. What new realities are we learning about the Hailsham students and their world?
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4. Discuss the relationship between Kathy and Tommy. How has it changed over
the course of the novel? What do you think/believe about their relationship?
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Chapter Fifteen:
5. Explain Tommy’s idea about the importance of the artwork?
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Never Let Me Go Student Packet Page - 24
 6. What is behind Kathy’s interest in the pornography magazines?
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Chapter Sixteen/Seventeen:
7. Describe Tommy’s drawings and Kathy’s response to them.
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8. Discuss the tension between Ruth and Kathy. Why do they still remain friends?
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9. At the end of chapter seventeen, Kathy decides to leave the cottages. What
betrayal, by Ruth, leads her to make this decision?
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Literary Techniques Chapter 13-17:

In Chapters 13-17 find one interesting use of the following literary devices. Write down the
quote and page number for each

Literary Technique Use in Novel (Quote + Pg #) What you think was Author’s
Intention

Indirect Characterization

Symbolism

Never Let Me Go Student Packet Page - 25

Chapters 13-17 Study Guide:
In your groups, you should quiz each other on the vocabulary words for the chapters in
addition to creating multiple choice questions for each other on the following ideas from the
chapters. As a group determine fill in the graphic organizer on the next page determining what
you should know about the suggested topics:

Kathy Tommy Ruth

Norfolk Deferments Judy Bridgewater Tape

Betrayals “Possibles”

Creative Task : Before moving on to the last part of the novel, use Tommy’s artwork from
the cottages as inspiration to create your own cover art. You should create an imaginary
animal you feel captures the tone of the novel. Your good copy should go inside the box on
your cover page of this booklet.

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Part Three : Life as ‘Carers’ / ‘Donors’ .

Chapters 18- 20
Personal Reflections from Chapters 18-20: to be completed at end of Chapter 20
Parts of the text I enjoyed: Parts of the text I did not enjoy:

Confusion about the text / Questions I need answered:

Text to Self Connection: How can I relate to the text? What similarities exist between me
and the novel / characters in the novel?

Text to World Connection: In what ways is this novel similar or different to the world
around me?

Never Let Me Go Student Packet Page - 27

Chapter 18-20 Vocabulary Task:
Connect the following words to their correct definition / synonym on the right.
Word Definition / Synonym

Demoralized A cautious; careful not to show too much emotion or share

information.

Guarded B hated; intensely disliked

Decipher C harsh, bare, or very clear and obvious.

Coy D embarrassed or shy, often because of doing something

wrong.

Emaciated E discouraged; feeling a loss of confidence or hope.

Gait F deserving blame or punishment; morally wrong.

Stark G shy or pretending to be shy, often to seem attractive or

playful.

Ordeal H the intention to do harm; spite or evil intention.

Sheepish I came together from different places.

Delirious J extremely excited, often to the point of being irrational.

Loathed K decode; figure out the meaning of something difficult to

understand.

Stern L a difficult or painful experience.

Reprehensible M extremely thin and weak, often due to severe lack of food
or illness.

Converged N strict or serious in manner.

Malice O the way someone walks or moves.

Reading Comprehension Questions from Chapters 18-20:

You should consider doing these questions in your group by dividing the chapters/questions
so you are not all having to answer them all. Or you can discuss each question to create an
answer collaboratively. If you need more space : Add lined paper to the end of your packet
and clearly label the section and question numbers.

Never Let Me Go Student Packet Page - 28

Chapter Eighteen:
1. Describe a carer’s life and their challenges?
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2. Why does Kathy become Ruth’s carer?

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3. When news of Hailsham’s closure reaches Kathy, why is she upset?

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4. How is Ruth and Kathy’s relationship now that they are adults?
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Chapter Nineteen:
5. Describe Kingsfield.
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6. In what ways is Ruth much weaker?

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7. Why has Ruth asked Kathy for her forgiveness?

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 8. What mission does Ruth give Tommy and Kathy?
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Chapter Twenty:
9. How has Tommy and Kathy’s relationship changed? What were the challenges
they faced?
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10. Why was Tommy working on creating more artwork?

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11. Do you think Kathy and Tommy will be given approval for a ‘deferral’, why or why
not?
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Literary Techniques Chapter 18-20:

In Chapter 19 the three main characters travel to see a boat. Discuss the symbolism of the
boat. What do you think it represents, why is this an important sequence of events in the
novel.

Literary Technique Discussion

Symbolism of the boat

in Chapter 19

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Chapters 18-20 Study Guide:
In your groups, you should quiz each other on the vocabulary words for the chapters in
addition to creating multiple choice questions for each other on the following ideas from the
chapters. As a group determine fill in the graphic organizer determining what you should know
about the suggested topics:

Kathy Tommy Ruth

Carers Donors / Donations Hailsham

Writing Task : Journal Entry #3

Ruth apologizes to Kathy for two things in this section of the novel. In your opinion, are Ruth
and Kathy true friends, or how would you describe their relationship. Can you see parallels
between Ruth and Kathy and your own friendships?

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Chapters 21-23
Personal Reflections from Chapters 21-23: To Complete at end of novel
Parts of the text I enjoyed: Parts of the text I did not enjoy:

Things I would change about the ending of the novel:

Text to World Connection: What message about the world was the author trying to convey
in this novel?

Text to Self Connection: What have I learned about myself, life, or others as a result of
reading this text?

Never Let Me Go Student Packet Page - 32

Chapter 21-23 Vocabulary Task:
Use the following words from Chapters 21-23 to write sentences to help you remember the
characters or the plot of the text. Examples are provided.
Word Sentence

Disillusioned

Dejected

Deplorable

Pledged

Bemusement

Recoiled

Pawns

Peripheral

Avert

Obscure

Yearning

Congregating

Debris

Culpable

Revulsion

Never Let Me Go Student Packet Page - 33

Reading Comprehension Questions from Chapters 21-23:
You should consider doing these questions in your group by dividing the chapters/questions
so you are not all having to answer them all. Or you can discuss each question to create an
answer collaboratively. If you need more space : Add lined paper to the end of your packet
and clearly label the section and question numbers.

Chapter Twenty-One:
1. Why did Kathy feel it was important that she and Tommy begin having sex
sooner than later?
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2. Why does Kathy take her time before answering Tommy’s query about the
progress he has made with his animals?
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3. How does Kathy confirm that Ruth gave her the correct address for Madame?
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Chapter Twenty-Two:
4. Why does Madame keep repeating “I go too far”?
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5. What was hailsham and its students? Why was it created, why was it shut down?
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 6. How successful were Kathy and Tommy in obtaining a ‘deferral’?
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7. How does learning the truth impact Kathy and Tommy?

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8. What is the truth about the artwork?

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9. To what extent did Miss Emily and Madame understand how they had affected
the students?
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Chapter Twenty-Three
10. Why does Tommy no longer want Kathy as his ‘carer’?
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11. Why do people, even the doctors, make a tiny celebration out of those who go in
for a fourth donation?
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 12. Tommy asks Kathy if she ever wishes that she would get her notification that it
was time to start her donations. How does Kathy respond?
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13. How are Tommy and Kathy different from Ruth, according to Tommy?
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Literary Techniques Chapter 21-23:

In Chapters 21-23 comment on the following elements. What literary device are they an
example of and what was the author’s intention?

Element Literary Technique What you think was Author’s Intention

In Chapter 21 the car

breaks down on the way
to see Madame.

In Chapter 21 Madame
saying “Do I go to far?”

In Chapter 22, Kathy

asks Madame what she
thought when she saw
her dancing to the song
“Never Let Me Go”.

In Chapter 22, on route

back from Madame’s,
Tommy has a tantrum.

In Chapter 23, Tommy

expresses why people
worry about their fourth
donation

In Chapter 23, Tommy

shares a memory about
his football celebration
Never Let Me Go Student Packet Page - 36
Chapters 21-23 Study Guide:
In your groups, you should quiz each other on the vocabulary words for the chapters in
addition to creating multiple choice questions for each other on the following ideas from the
chapters. As a group determine fill in the graphic organizer on the next page determining what
you should know about the suggested topics:

Kathy Tommy Madame

Miss Emily Morningdale Scandal Gallery

Never Let Me Go (song) Fourth Donation Importance of Carers

Memories Hailsham Grief

Never Let Me Go Student Packet Page - 37

Post - reading Tasks: .

Graphic Organizer (Novel Specifics)

Setting of the novel Setting of the novel Culture of the novel
(what geographical (what historical elements of (What is the culture, how
elements of the the setting/physical does it influence people?)
setting/physical environment environment are important in
are important in this text?) this text- discuss the era)

Society Characters Characters

(How is society structured in (Who are the main (Who are the secondary
this text: social classes, characters in the text, and characters in the text, and
power, values, etc.) how do we classify them?) how do we classify them?)

Conflict & Climax Conflict & Climax Plot

(What is the main conflict of (What are other conflicts in (What are the most
the novel, and how is it the novel, and how are they significant plot moments in
resolved?) resolved?) the novel?)

Extension Questions:
Never Let Me Go Student Packet Page - 38
You should consider doing these questions in your group by dividing the questions so you are
not all having to answer them all. Or you can discuss each question to create an answer
collaboratively. If you need more space : Add lined paper to the end of your packet and clearly
label the section and question numbers.

1. Describe the quality of living and material possessions at and after Hailsham.
What does this reveal to us?
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2. Does the novel suggest it would have been better if the students knew the whole
truth of their life situation? What do you think?
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3. To what extent do you agree that Ruth kept Kathy and Tommy apart? Do you
believe Ruth and Tommy OR Kathy and Tommy were truly in love?
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4. To what extent do you agree with Kathy’s conclusion that Tommy misbehaved at
school because he seemed to know what was going on?
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5. Ishiguro responded to criticism about the passivity of the characters as such:

Never Let Me Go Student Packet Page - 39
 “It was a very important feature that escape was not an option. It’s about how we’re all
aware of our fate. In that we have a limited time in life. Escape isn’t an issue in the
book because it’s never really an option in our own lives.”

What do you think about this?

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6. The novel expresses that the students at Hailsham have had a special
upbringing, unlike other clones. How do you imagine the other clones were
brought up and educated?
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7. What is Miss Lucy’s unique role in the novel?

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8. The novel is set in an alternative Britain in the 1990s. Do you think this scenario
could ever really happen in our society? Discuss
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Never Let Me Go Student Packet Page - 40

Writing Task:
Choose one of the following topics to write a TQA paragraph that expresses your belief of
what is the main theme of the novel.
Reminder of structure:
Topic - What is the message of the novel in your opinion?
Quote - Use a direct quote from the novel to support your theme.
Be sure to insert quote properly (contextualize)
Analysis - Discuss the quote (2-4 sentences) to fully express how the quote relays the
theme presented

Possible Topics to choose from: (the following are topics in the novel, in your TQA you
should create a theme/message from one of the following concepts.)

Conformity & Freedom, Freewill Playing ‘God’ / Memory,

Acceptance and Choice Science without Remembering,
Ethics History & the Past

Individual vs Society Dystopian Society Love and Friendship Being ‘Human’

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Make sure your workbook is complete then SUBMIT! (you’re done! :) )

Never Let Me Go Student Packet Page - 41