The Breadwinner

 

A WebQuest

Jefferson Middle School – 7th Grade

 

 

Research Process:

TOPIC:

Deborah Ellis’s book, The Breadwinner, tells the tale of how one family survives under Taliban rule in Afghanistan. 

This WebQuest will introduce you to different aspects of Afghan culture including food, clothing, and the Taliban.  You will also research basic information about Afghanistan which will help you to better understand the novel as we read.  You will:

NOTE: The WebQuest will be completed individually.  You will receive a HANDOUT on which your notes will be taken.  Make sure to find all the information asked of you on the handout. 

QUESTIONS:

WHAT IS LIFE LIKE IN AFGHANISTAN?
What do you know about the country of Afghanistan?  Do you know where it is?  Do you know what languages they speak in Afghanistan?

1. What is the capital of Afghanistan?
2. What are the main languages spoken in Afghanistan?
3. What countries surround Afghanistan?
4. What continent is Afghanistan located on?

SOURCE: To research the country of Afghanistan, use the Encyclopedia Britannica Online (home access: get the password!)

WHAT ARE THE CLOTHING AND FOOD LIKE IN AFGHANISTAN?
Do you think people in Afghanistan wear the same clothing as us?  How do you think is may differ?  What food do you think people in Afghanistan eat?

5.  How else is “burqa” spelled?
6.  What is a burqa?
7.  What is a chador?
8.  What is a toshank?
9.  What is eid?
10.  What is a pakul?
11.  Describe a shalwar kameez.
12.  What type of food is a nan?  Describe it.

SOURCE: Find the definitions of the following vocabulary using a dictionary.

WHO ARE THE TALIBAN?
Do you know what the Taliban is?  Where have you heard of the Taliban before?

13. What is the Taliban?

SOURCE: Use the following website to find a definition of the Taliban.

14. In what year did the Taliban form?
15. What city does the Taliban take over first?
16. What terrorist do the Taliban offer refuge?
17. In what year and month did the Taliban force Hindu women to veil their faces as other Afghan women do?
18. In July of 2001, what do the Taliban declare against Islamic law?
19. On what day, month, and year did the United States begin bombing Taliban sites in Afghanistan?
20. Name two of the operations launched against the Taliban by the United States.
21. During what month and year is a new constitution signed and women receive equal rights?

SOURCE: Use this website to research the The Taliban and learn all about its activities

SOURCE: See what war has done to Afghanistan: www.pbs.org/frontlineworld/stories/afghanistan/slideshow1.html

WHAT IS THE ROLE OF WOMEN IN AFGHANISTAN BEFORE AND AFTER THE TALIBAN?

22. Give a timeline of women’s rights based on the photos and captions from the first photo essay.

SOURCE: Life for women BEFORE the fall of the Taliban:

23. After looking through the second photo essay, how has life changed for women?

SOURCE: Life for women AFTER the fall of the Taliban:

WHO IS THE AUTHOR--DEBORAH ELLIS?
Why do you think the author chose to write a novel on life in Afghanistan?  Would you want to write a novel on life in another country?

24. What inspired Deborah Ellis to write The Breadwinner?
25. Where are all the royalties from the sales of The Breadwinner going?
26. List at least three things about Deborah Ellis’ life.

SOURCE: Use this website to read a biography on Deborah Ellis.

Conclusion:

Hopefully, this WebQuest has given you some background information on life in Afghanistan which will help you better understand The Breadwinner.  Your completed handout will be used for a class discussion before we begin read our book!

REFLECTION: What would YOU be willing to do to assist your family in survival?