Nothing But The Truth

Use this activity to engage all types of learners, while requiring that they refer to and incorporate details from the text throughout the activity.

“Draw a Political Cartoon”   

In this activity, students will draw a political cartoon from a biased point of view.

Nothing But the Truth shows how people’s perspectives—their backgrounds, identities, and personal biases—affect their ideas of truth. Characters in this novel have strong feelings about what happened in Philip’s homeroom class based on these perspectives. Likewise, political cartoons express the personal biases of the cartoonists, who use humor to express their opinions about current political issues.

Requirements:

• Draw a political cartoon depicting the events of Philip’s suspension.
• The cartoon can be simple—black ink on a blank square paper is acceptable.
• With political cartoons, artistic ability is neither required nor expected. Look at this source for examples of successful political cartoons.
• You must include a first-person point-of-view explanation of what is occurring in the cartoon. This should be at least one full paragraph.
• Cartoons must address one of these two themes: The Purpose of Education or The Meaning of Patriotism
• Most importantly, your cartoon must express an artist’s biased depiction of the events of the story. Here are some options:

o an artist who feels Philip’s behavior was unpatriotic

o an artist who finds Ms. Narwin’s actions to be foolish

o an artist who finds all members of this dispute to be simple-minded

o an artist who thinks the national anthem should not be played in school

When all cartoons are completed, compare yours with another student’s. Reflect on your similarities and differences in your cartoon and how they relate to one of the novel’s themes.

Teaching Suggestion: The Kennedy Center provides a helpful resource for teaching political cartoons. You may want to help your students by suggesting the following scenes for their illustrations: Philip hums the national anthem, Ms. Narwin expels Philip from class, Philip explains his suspension to his parents, the school board members hold a vote, etc.   

Differentiation Suggestion: For students who struggle with considering other character’s points of view, consider providing sentence stems (examples: “When I saw Philip do this, I felt _______________” or “When I heard Ms. Narwin suspended him I felt __________.”) They may also benefit from working in small groups or working with the same image and providing only the caption. 

Paired Text Extension: “If—” by Rudyard Kipling

Read the following poem: “If—” by Rudyard Kipling. Then, write two paragraphs: one detailing how this poem relates to Ms. Narwin’s situation and one detailing how it might be pertinent to Philip’s.

Then, write 2-3 sentences detailing how it relates to the theme The Meaning of Patriotism and/or Truth Versus Perception.

Teaching Suggestion: Before having students write their responses, it may help to go through each stanza and annotate for understanding. Once students understand the main message of the poem, it may help guide them through their responses.

Use these essay questions as writing and critical thinking exercises for all levels of writers, and to build their literary analysis skills by requiring textual references throughout the essay.

Differentiation Suggestion: For English learners or struggling writers, strategies that work well include graphic organizers, sentence frames or starters, group work, or oral responses.

Scaffolded Essay Questions

Student Prompt: Write a short (1-3 paragraph) response using one of the bulleted outlines below. Cite details from the text throughout your response that serve as examples and support.

1. This novel investigates the tension of Truth Versus Perception, and several characters have very different ideas about what “truly” happened. 

• How does the discrepancy between Philip’s view of events and those of the authority figures in his life shape the narrative? (topic sentence)
• Discuss three instances in the novel where the characters’ perspectives of events significantly differ and analyze how these differing perceptions impact their interactions and decisions. Citing evidence from the text, explore the effects of contrasting perceptions on the characters’ actions and relationships.
• In your concluding sentence or sentences, justify one of the character’s viewpoints from the novel and explain how their actions were valid based on their perceptions of the situation.

2. Characters in the novel have different ideas about The Meaning of Patriotism.

• How do differing ideas of patriotism cause disagreements between characters and create conflict? (topic sentence)
• Analyze at least three clashes and/or misunderstandings stemming from differing perceptions of patriotism between characters. Discuss how these differences influence their actions and the community’s reactions.
• In your concluding sentence or sentences, examine the impact of these conflicting views on the environment of Education.

3. The novel examines beliefs about The Purpose of Education from multiple points of view, ranging from pedagogical to financial to political.

• What are the differing beliefs regarding education throughout the text and how does it create tension in the narrative? (topic sentence)
• Identify and analyze three differing perspectives on the purpose of education between characters. Then, with textual evidence to support your claims, explain how these views lead to conflict.
• In your concluding sentence or sentences, reflect on the implications and possible consequences of conflicting beliefs about education, including the impact on students, teachers, and the system itself.

Full Essay Assignments

Student Prompt: Write a structured and well-developed essay. Include a thesis statement, at least three main points supported by textual details, and a conclusion.

1. Truth is portrayed as multifaceted throughout the novel, with various characters having their own versions of the truth. Discuss the concept of Truth Versus Perception in Nothing But the Truth, examining how different characters’ perspectives drive the action of the story. Analyze specific instances where the truth is manipulated, misconstrued, or misinterpreted, and explore the consequences of these distortions on the characters’ lives. In your conclusion, explain how the novel’s documentary structure influences this theme. Utilize textual evidence, citing specific dialogues or passages, to illustrate the complexities of truth in the novel.

2. The novel’s action pivots on a question about the appropriate display of Patriotism: Are Philip’s actions disrespectful, or is he free to express his patriotism any way he pleases? Analyze the novel’s portrayal of patriotism and its connection to personal expression. Offer your opinion on the appropriateness of Philip’s decision to hum the national anthem and the expectation for patriotism within a school environment. Citing specific evidence from the text to support your opinion, reflect on the novel’s commentary on the complexities of patriotic expression and whether personal beliefs should override societal expectations.

Multiple Choice and Long Answer Questions create ideal opportunities for whole-text review, exams, or summative assessments.

Multiple Choice

1. Which of the following statements best describes the relationship between Philip and his peers?

A) Philip and his peers share a mutual respect for each other’s beliefs and actions.

B) Philip does not have much in common with his peers, and he is mostly ignored.

C) Philip is liked by many, but others find him irritating or dishonest.

D) Philip angers his peers with his uncompromising views on education.

2. Which of the following best represents the reason for Philip’s suspension?

A) Purposeful and continual disruption of school rules

B) Lack of effort and failing class scores

C) Contempt for Ms. Narwin

D) Inability to follow through for the track team

3. Which theme is best represented by Philip’s choice to hum the national anthem rather than sing its lyrics?

A) Truth Versus Perception

B) The Meaning of Patriotism

C) The Purpose of Education

D) Standing Up for Beliefs

4. For the most part, what are the school and administrators most concerned about during the novel?

A) Ms. Narwin’s reputation and job security

B) Philip’s right to demonstrate patriotism

C) The result of the budget funding vote

D) Funding allocations for professional growth and athletics

5. “No, it’s a certain something—a resistance—to accepting the idea that literature is important…If I could only convince students of that. It’s that desire that keeps me going” (Chapter 1). How does this quote by Peg Narwin best support the theme The Purpose of Education?

A) It demonstrates how the current state of education is failing youth.

B) It portrays the idea that literature is the most important aspect of education.

C) It implies that contemporary students do not know the fundamentals of literacy.

D) It conveys the thought that literature is a vital facet of a student’s education.  

6. Though Philips dislikes his English class, he enjoys reading The Outsiders, a book that isn’t even assigned to him. Why might this be?

A) The novel relates to his life experiences.

B) Reading the book is an act of rebellion against Ms. Narwin.

C) The narrative teaches him how to relate to adults.

D) The story is a favorite of Allison’s, whom he has a crush on.

7. Why does Ms. Narwin want to take the professional development course?

A) It will help her better understand the critical components of student rapport.

B) It will provide her with more modern approaches to teaching literature.

C) It will increase her credentials and keep her a viable educator.

D) It will allow her to teach other teachers new pedagogical skills.

8. How does the “documentary” nature of the narrative best demonstrate the theme Truth Versus Perception?

A) It goes in-depth on a singular side of an issue.

B) It reflects the turbulent political environment of a nation in crisis.

C) It forces the reader to better visualize the narrative.

D) It provides interpretations of events from various perspectives.

9. Which of the following quotes best relates to the theme The Meaning of Patriotism?

A) “People scream if the kids are not educated. Then they scream if you ask for the money to do it.” (Chapter 16)

B) “PHILIP MALLOY: It’s a free country.

“DR. PALLENI: Nothing is free.” (Chapter 12)

C) “Gert, you know as well as I, it doesn’t matter if it’s true or not true. It’s what people are saying that’s important.” (Chapter 15)

D) “Phil, if there is one thing sports teaches—and I’m always saying this—all the guys will tell you—sometimes you have to go along to get along…” (Chapter 8)

10. How does Superintendent Seymour react when he learns about the article entitled “Suspended for Patriotism”?  

A) He calls Dr. Doane to ask if the story is true. 

B) He calls Jennifer Stewart to ask where she got her sources.

C) He calls Philip’s parents to find out what is happening.

D) He calls the television station to begin doing damage control.

11. Despite his parents’ and other adults’ praise, Philip continues to feel upset. Which of the following best explains why this might be?

A) He is still stuck in Ms. Narwin’s classes.

B) He continues to be told not to sing “The Star-Spangled Banner.”

C) He knows, deep down, that he is wrong.

D) He is unable to transfer to the elite private school.

12. Which of the following best describes Coach Jamison’s role with Philip?

A) He provides guidance to help him handle the various reporters.

B) He supports him in his acts of patriotism.

C) He is a forceful hand that makes Philip compete for the team.

D) He provides Philip with accountability for his actions.

13. Whom does Ms. Narwin consistently correspond with throughout the novel, and how does it foreshadow her conclusion?

A) She corresponds with Superintendent Seymour and eventually resigns in disgrace.

B) She corresponds with Philip’s counselor and eventually reports to him for additional help.

C) She corresponds with her sister and eventually retires to live with her in Florida.

D) She corresponds with Dr. Doane and eventually receives the funding for professional growth.

14. What best describes the significance of Philip’s response when asked to sing “The Star-Spangled Banner” at his new school?

A) It implies his true intentions for his actions against Ms. Narwin that had little to do with patriotism.

B) It reveals that he had hummed the words rather than sang.

C) It demonstrates how far he’d go to disrupt his class.

D) It shows that despite his showboating behaviors, he prefers to remain behind the scenes.

15. “Our society is always asking schools to do what is not done at home.” (Chapter 12). What does this best imply about the role of schools and educators?

A) It explains that parents are no longer parenting their children.

B) It implies that the community relies on teachers to help students in ways that they may not receive in their households.

C) It conveys the thought that values are meant to be taught in schools.

D) It portrays teachers as the only people who are willing to develop students into citizens.

Long Answer

Compose a response of 2-3 sentences, incorporating textual details to support your response.

1. How do the varying perceptions of patriotism create conflict in the novel?

2. How does the motif of “running” demonstrate various aspects of Philip’s mindset?