A Long Way Gone

Part 2: Constructed-Response

Choose a universal theme from the list below and then write a CONSTRUCTED-RESPONSE paragraph (Claim, evidence, warrant, significance) to explain how the theme is present in A Long Way Gone. Evidence may be paraphrased examples from the text, rather than direct quotes.

Relationships can bring about change.

Power may be used or abused.

Change is necessary for growth.

Courage allows people to face difficult tasks in life.

Fear can cause irrational behavior.

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I can't write your paragraph for you but I can make a general comment. Obviously, since Beah became a child soldier, his tale would incorporate the resulting loss of innocence. The violence and terror is rendered through the eyes of a child and Beah writes plainly and without judgment about his experiences. Though the attacks on his village and subsequent villages he seeks haven in sever Beah from normal childhood activities, he at first maintains his innocence. He holds onto childhood memories and is able to fleetingly rekindle his sense of wonder; for example, he and his companions rejoice when they first see the ocean.