RI 6.8 Overcoming Great Obstacles

​Overcoming Great Obstacles
1 Frida Kahlo was one of the most impressive female artists of all time. Although her life was short lived, she was able to achieve more than anyone expected. Born in Mexico, Frida used her heritage as inspiration for her art. Frida was a surrealist. A surrealist is someone who expresses his or her feelings by using bizarre or unique imagery in his or her art. Her paintings were a true reflection of her personal life that expressed her emotions. Frida faced difficult challenges during her youth, yet she was able to overcome them and leave a strong impact as an artist. In fact, her life was more difficult than many other artists.

2 Frida's young life was extremely difficult. When Frida was six years old, she got polio. This left her confined to a bed for nine months. She battled with the disease for some time. Eventually she did recover from it; however, it left her with a limp that she coped with for the rest of her life.

3 As a young girl, she dreamed of going to medical school. Then, on one momentous day, Frida's life changed when she was severely wounded in a bus accident. She was bedridden for one year and had over thirty different surgeries. Frida was in constant pain.

4 Though this tragedy could have left Frida hopeless, it essentially changed her life in a great way. It was a blessing in disguise. While in the hospital, she learned how to paint with oils. At first she painted colorful self–portraits. Eventually she painted poses of her visitors and guests. This was only the beginning of her life as an artist.

5 Frida's challenges were not over. When Frida moved to America, she was looked at differently because of the colorful way she dressed. In addition, her artwork was not like any they had seen before and was not accepted right away. Through time, Frida was able to show the world her unique style of painting. Eventually she became well known as a great artist.

6 Many people admirably looked at Frida's artwork. She had much success during her lifetime. People were able to relate to Frida's creativity. Her paintings were like close friends who often shared how they were feeling. During her lifetime, she went through many difficult seasons and tackled many obstacles. However, Frida Kahlo did not let it stop her from becoming an inspirational artist.

Multiple Choice

Why does the author mention the fact that Frida got polio when she was six years old? (RI 6.8)

• It proves that Frida was an outcast because she was different.

• It demonstrates how the disease inspired her to become a surrealist

• It shows that she began painting when she was in the hospital with polio

• It identifies one of Frida’s many challenges that she faced in life

Multiple Choice

Read the following sentence from paragraph 4:

“Though this tragedy could have left Frida hopeless, it essentially changed her life in

a great way.”

What idea does this sentence help reveal?

• It shows how Frida was very unlucky.

• It shows how this situation led Frida into a career as an artist.

• It shows how Frida was a very successful artist who made a lot of money.

• It shows how everyone faces tragedies in life.

Multiple Choice

In which sentence does the author draw a conclusion without any other supportive

evidence in the passage? (RI 8)

• In fact, her life was more difficult than that of any other artist. (Paragraph 1)

• Frida's young life was extremely difficult. (Paragraph 2)

• This was only the beginning of her life as an artist. (Paragraph 4)

• Frida’s challenges were not over. (Paragraph 5)