Fiction and Cross Over

The author compares the pieces of her grandfather’s collection to “dear old friends” in paragraph 2 to suggest that the grandfather —

• feels a strong emotional bond to his collected objects
• fondly knew many of the original owners of the objects he collected
• was aware the collection might help him later in life
• had acquired most of the collection as gifts

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CCSS.RL.9-10.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RI. 9-10.2

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CCSS.RL.11-12.2

Paragraph 4 is significant because it highlights the —

• value the grandfather placed upon the arts during his life
• reasons why the grandfather was a collector of unusual trinkets
• grandfather’s desire to pass along the story of his life to his granddaughter
• emotional impact of the grandfather having to sell his possessions

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CCSS.RL.9-10.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RI. 9-10.2

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CCSS.RI.7.2

"Read this quotation from paragraph 12.“Buying this nugget was how I once helped a man save his children. Now, in selling it, I'll be saving my own children.” How is irony demonstrated in this quotation?"

• It illuminates the reason the grandfather treasures something of little monetary value.
• It brings closure to the problem the grandfather faces as a result of political change in his country.
• It shows that the grandfather’s act of charity is helping him during his own time of need.
• "It shows that each object in the grandfather’s collection is worth more than he initially thought."

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CCSS.RL.9-10.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.11-12.2

CCSS.RI. 9-10.9

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Which quotation best conveys the author’s message?

• "My grandfather knew that if he wasn’t willing to part with his precious heirlooms, his family might go hungry. It was a sacrifice he was willing to make."

• "“I probably paid far more than it was worth because I emptied out my pockets and gave the blind man all my cash.”"

• "Each night when my grandfather took out the valuable pieces that he planned to sell the next day, he would describe to me why he loved them."

• "“The blind man’s music was enchanting. After he finished his song, I left him a few coins, expecting to continue on my way.”"

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CCSS.RL.2.6

CCSS.RL.8.3

"The description of the grandfather in paragraph 12 implies that he —

• has found peace with the decision he has made
• realizes the insignificance of the gold nugget
• believes his family will enjoy great wealth by selling the gold nugget
• thinks his decision is causing his family more harm than good

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CCSS.RL.9-10.2

CCSS.RI. 9-10.1

CCSS.RI.8.1

CCSS.RL.7.1

CCSS.RL.8.1

Which quotation from “American Apple” best reflects an experience similar to that of the grandfather in the excerpt from Bend, Not Break: A Life in Two Worlds?

• On a weekend I took my daughter shopping
• So we left the exquisite box of American apples untouched and forgot about them for a long time.
• Not to brag about it, but as a small local newspaper reporter, the first time I saw an American apple was in an illustrated foreign magazine in our internal reference room.
• Every night before going to bed, she would take one last look and feel the apples in her hand gently.

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CCSS.RI. 9-10.7

CCSS.RI.8.7

CCSS.RL.8.5

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CCSS.RL.9-10.7

What is the difference in the way China is described in the two selections?

• In “American Apple” products are plentiful, while in the excerpt from Bend, Not Break: A Life in Two Worlds wealth is scarce.
• In “American Apple” people rely on economic exchanges, while in the excerpt from Bend, Not Break: A Life in Two Worlds people are more self-sufficient.
• In “American Apple” people are suspicious of their government, while in the excerpt from Bend, Not Break: A Life in Two Worlds the government is obeyed without concern.
• In “American Apple” corruption is more prevalent in business, while in the excerpt from Bend, Not Break: A Life in Two Worlds commerce is centered on fairness.

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CCSS.RI. 9-10.7

CCSS.RI.8.7

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CCSS.RL.9-10.7

6 Which statement explains the difference between the apples in “American Apple” and the grandfather’s collection in the excerpt from Bend, Not Break: A Life in Two Worlds?

• The apples represent unreachable goals, while the grandfather’s collection represents true beauty.
• The apples represent the power of determination, while the grandfather’s collection represents the wisdom of experience.
• The apples represent temptations in life, while the grandfather’s collection represents the difficult choices people must make in life.
• The apples represent the danger of materialism, while the grandfather’s collection represents the will to overcome temptation.

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CCSS.RI. 9-10.7

CCSS.RI.8.7

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CCSS.RL.9-10.7

Which statement best describes a difference between the two selections?

• “American Apple” suggests that it is better to give in to material temptation, while the excerpt from Bend, Not Break: A Life in Two Worlds suggests it is better to remove material temptations.
• “American Apple” explores the unexpected disappointment in a physical object, while the excerpt from Bend, Not Break: A Life in Two Worlds explores the unexpected usefulness of a physical object.
• “American Apple” suggests that nurturing family relationships requires effort, while the excerpt from Bend, Not Break: A Life in Two Worlds suggests that bonds between family comes naturally.
• “American Apple” explores the idea that foreign culture can be good to embrace, while the excerpt from Bend, Not Break: A Life in Two Worlds explores the idea that people should embrace their own culture.

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CCSS.RI. 9-10.7

CCSS.RI.8.7

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What is one idea explored in both “American Apple” and the excerpt from Bend, Not Break: A Life in Two Worlds?

• People can determine their own future.
• Success comes only from hard work.
• Love for family compels action.
• The greatest rewards come to those who wait.

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CCSS.RI. 9-10.7

CCSS.RI.8.7

CCSS.RL.8.5

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CCSS.RL.9-10.7