Responding to Quotations

In his informational text Immigrant Kids, author Russell Freedman writes that the voyage immigrants made across the ocean was “an ordeal.”

QUESTION - Who would be the best source to quote to give credibility to this idea?

• the captain of a ship that carried immigrants

• an immigrant to the US

• an immigrant who had travelled to the US by ship

• the daughter of an immigrant to the US

The writer Angelo Pellegrini has recalled his own family’s detention at Ellis Island:

  We lived there for three days—Mother and we five children, the youngest of whom was three years old. Because of the rigorous physical examination that we had to submit to, particularly of the eyes, there was this terrible anxiety that one of us might be rejected. And if one of us was, what would the rest of the family do? 

—Immigrant Kids, Russell Freedman

Question - How can you tell that a quotation is included in this text?

• It's in italics

• It is in quotation marks.

• It is written in the first person.

• It is set apart from the body text.

The writer Angelo Pellegrini has recalled his own family’s detention at Ellis Island:

  We lived there for three days—Mother and we five children, the youngest of whom was three years old. Because of the rigorous physical examination that we had to submit to, particularly of the eyes, there was this terrible anxiety that one of us might be rejected. And if one of us was, what would the rest of the family do? 

—Immigrant Kids, Russell Freedman

QUESTION - How should Angelo Pellegrini be described as a source?

• He's the author of the text.

• He's the third person perspective.

• He's a primary source.

• He's a secondary source.

The writer Angelo Pellegrini has recalled his own family’s detention at Ellis Island:

  We lived there for three days—Mother and we five children, the youngest of whom was three years old. Because of the rigorous physical examination that we had to submit to, particularly of the eyes, there was this terrible anxiety that one of us might be rejected. And if one of us was, what would the rest of the family do? 

—Immigrant Kids, Russell Freedman

QUESTION - Based on this passage, what gives Angelo Pellegrini credibility as a source about Ellis Island?

• His family immigrated through Ellis Island.

• His family visits Ellis Island often.

• He is a native New Yorker.

• He is an expert on the immigrant experience.

The writer Angelo Pelligrini has recalled his own family’s detention at Ellis Island:

“We lived there for three days—Mother and we five children, the youngest of whom was three years old. Because of the rigorous physical examination that we had to submit to, particularly of the eyes, there was this terrible anxiety that one of us might be rejected. And if one of us was, what would the rest of the family do?”

—Immigrant Kids, Russell Freedman

QUESTION - Why does Pelligrini’s quotation give credibility to Freedman’s idea that the doctors at Ellis Island were greatly feared?

• Pelligrini’s own family experienced physical examinations. He can recall their feelings. 

• Pelligrini is a good storyteller. He makes it enjoyable to read about his experiences.

• The quotation is from a writer who has written extensively.

• The quotation is from an immigrant who knows what all immigrants felt.

The writer Angelo Pellegrini has recalled his own family's detention at Ellis Island:

Those who could not pass all the exams would be detained; some would be sent back to Europe. And so their arrival in America was filled with great anxiety.

—Immigrant Kids, Russell Freedman

QUESTION - Which quotation best develops the idea in the passage?

• “We lived there for three days—Mother and we five children . . .”

• “. . . there was this terrible anxiety that one of us might be rejected.”

• “My sister was indeed momentarily rejected.”

• “But fortunately, Mother was an indomitable spirit”

The writer Angelo Pellegrini has recalled his own family's detention at Ellis Island:

But fortunately, Mother was an indomitable spirit and finally made them understand that if her child had a few hours' rest and a little bit to eat she would be all right. In the end we did get through.

—Immigrant Kids, Russell Freedman

QUESTION - Which idea does the quotation in the passage best develop?

• Angelo Pellegrini’s family had a rare experience.

• Angelo Pellegrini’s family was unfairly treated at Ellis Island.

• Immigrants were often weak.

• Immigrants often had to be persistent.