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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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.”

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

• suitor

• cousin

• grandfather

• brother

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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

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CCSS.RL.2.6

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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

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CCSS.RL.9-10.2

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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

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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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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

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CCSS.RL.9-10.2

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