After reading Lois Lowry's The Giver, 6B held their own "Ceremony of Twelve" in which participants were assigned jobs by the Elder (played by their teacher, Becky), based on the description in the book.

Students were randomly assigned a job and personality traits. Options ranged from street cleaner to teacher to doctor. They then had to write and present a persuasive argument to the class explaining whether they agree or disagree with the job assignments, based on their specific characteristics.
 
Josie explained that she felt her assignment of landscape worker was an excellent choice because she likes gardening. The street cleaners did not love their role, but acknowledged the importance of the work to the community. Taylor, who was assigned to working in the fish hatchery, used her letter and presentation to request another job from the Elder. 

Through this activity, students practiced critical thinking by making pro and con lists, their persuasive writing skills, and their public speaking - all while gaining a more in-depth understanding of the society depicted in The Giver.