Sweet Truths by Korra Shere

What do you think is the main theme of the text?

• Some cultures are so different, that it is difficult to fully understand and embrace them. 

• While traditions can have great value, sometimes one has to break away and find their own way.

• It is important to follow what your family says or you will not be fulfilled.

• Keeping a journal and writing is the best cure for depression.

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CCSS.RI. 9-10.9

CCSS.RL.11-12.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

Which statement from the text do you think best captures the theme?

• Soft footsteps approach, and my mother is now with us in the kitchen. “What is this, Sonal?” she says. She is shocked; I am ashamed.

• On paper, I can reshape anguish into poetry.

• “She needs to carry on the tradition, Baba,” my father argues, defensive and embarrassed.

• “Well,” my grandfather says, “She’s an excellent storyteller. I imagine she’ll be a writer.”

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.9

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

The author chooses to write in the present tense. What is the effect of writing in this tense?

• Because it feels more immediate and vivid

• Because the audience likes this way of writing better

• Because the author is a young adult

• Because it is easier to write in the present tense

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CCSS.RI. 9-10.6

CCSS.RI.8.6

CCSS.RI.8.9

CCSS.RL.8.6

CCSS.RL.9-10.6

How does the narrator's description of ‘writing’ in paragraph 8 compare to her description of ‘sweets’ in paragraph 20?

• She did not value the sweets as much as she valued her writing

• The description demonstrates that she found value and beauty in both writing and the sweets

• None of them brought her fulfillment and pleasure

• The sweets were a burden for her

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CCSS.RI. 9-10.7

CCSS.RI.8.7

CCSS.RL.8.5

CCSS.RL.8.7

CCSS.RL.9-10.7

Based on the information in the text, what do you think azoba means?

• suitor

• cousin

• grandfather

• brother

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CCSS.RI.7.4

CCSS.RI.8.4

CCSS.RI.9-10.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

The author uses a lot of traditional Hindi terms when mentioning food and family. What do you think the use of these words adds to the story?

• It makes it really hard to understand what is happening in the story

• It makes the story feel fake

• They really do not make a difference

• This makes the story and writing feel more authentic

Tags

CCSS.RL.2.6

CCSS.RL.8.3

Which interactions between characters contribute to the development of the theme?

• The interaction between the grandfather and the narrator’s parents

• The interaction between the narrator and her parents

• The interaction between the narrator and her grandfather

• All of the above

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.9

CCSS.RL.11-12.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

What is inferred about the grandfather based on the dialogue in the last four paragraphs?

• He was okay with his granddaughter breaking the tradition and following her own path

• He was proud of his granddaughter and her abilities as a storyteller

• He may not be as traditional as the other family members thought

• He cared deeply for the emotional well being of his family

Tags

CCSS.RL.2.6

CCSS.RL.8.3

Which of the following statements offers evidence to support the idea that depression is not taken very seriously in this family and culture?

• ‘Tired’ is their favorite word to describe my depression.

• I was the only one left, my parents’ last hope to keep their traditions alive.

• There is a cold heaviness in my stomach.

• I can’t make sweets. I’m so bad at it. I don’t enjoy it. And it just makes me depressed.

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CCSS.RI. 9-10.1

CCSS.RI.7.1

CCSS.RI.8.1

CCSS.RL.8.1

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

What aspect of the narrator's cultural heritage can the reader see is important through the short story?

• It is very important to get along with your family at all times

• Being able to cook is the most important aspect of cultural heritage

• It is important to listen to your elders

• Adhering to family traditions is deeply rooted in the culture

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.9

CCSS.RL.11-12.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2