When I Was Puerto Rican: A Memoir (2020)

Lesson 18
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ELA

Unit 9

7th Grade

Lesson 18 of 29

Objective


Explain how the first person point of view gives the reader insight into Esmeralda’s character.

Readings and Materials


  • Book: When I Was Puerto Rican: A Memoir by Esmeralda Santiago  pp. 163 – 172

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Target Task


Multiple Choice

What does the dialogue between Gladys and Esmeralda on page 166- 167 suggest about Esmeralda?

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Sample Response

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Which piece of evidence best supports the answer above?

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Sample Response

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Writing Prompt

What is the benefit of reading a piece of nonfiction (like this memoir) in first person point of view? What are the disadvantages of a memoir? Use evidence from this scene to support your answer.

Key Questions


  • 163 - What can we infer about the financial status of Angelina and Gladys based on the description on page 163?
  • 167- Reread the sentences below. “Mami was probably planning on staying in New York and leave us in Puerto Rico.  Maybe she had given us away…”  What do these sentences reveal about Negi’s perspective?
  • 169 - Reread the last two paragraphs on page 169.  What do these sentences reveal about Negi’s perspective? Which diction makes you think that?  
  • What are the advantages of reading a memoir in first person point of view?  What are the disadvantages?

Notes


On page 167, students should label the “unassigned dialogue” with “Negi” or “Gladys” so as to clarify who is speaking when.  This is a reading habit they should internalize when the texts lacks dialogue tags. 

Common Core Standards


  • RI.7.6 — Determine an author's point of view or purpose in a text and analyze how the author distinguishes his or her position from that of others.

Next

Explain how the author uses tiny pressure-filled moments to build tension between Negi and Don Luis.

Lesson 19
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