Reflective Writing

What is the main idea that the author reflects upon in “A Celebration of Grandfathers”?

• the importance of respecting and learning from our elders

• the challenges facing a writer and how to use words effectively

• his grandfather's lack of education not preventing him from success

Which of the following best expresses the lesson the writer of "A Celebration of Grandfathers" learned from the tragic death of the young man who was dragged by his horse?

• The young man's death could have been prevented.

• As part of the cycle of all nature, death is only a small transformation in life.

• The grieving process is a natural human reaction to death.

What attitude toward the subject of this essay is suggested by the title, “A Celebration of Grandfathers”?

• hostility

• skepticism

• praise

As expressed in "A Celebration of Grandfathers," how does Anaya believe we must live in today's society?

• by following simple lessons from the past

• by refusing to surrender to materialism

• by accepting the lesson that progress is inevitable

 

Read the following excerpt from the essay, "On Summer."

I came actively to associate displeasure with most of the usually celebrated natural features and social by-products of the season: the too-grainy texture of sand; the too-cold coldness of the various waters we constantly try to escape into, and the icky-perspiry feeling of bathing caps

Which item below best describes the writer’s tone in this passage?  

• light and funny

• scathing and intolerant

• accepting and defeated

Most essays have a main idea, either stated or implied. What is the author’s main idea in “On Summer”?

• Summer is the cruelest time for a person to die.

• Summer isn't that bad if you can find fun things to do.

• Since we cannot know the future, we should live life to the fullest.

At the end of "On Summer," how has the author’s attitude toward summer changed?

• from dislike to respect

• from mild dislike to intense hatred

• from indifference to engagement

How does Lorraine Hansberry support her main idea in “On Summer”?

• with many facts and statistics that she gathered in research studies

• with quotations from famous people that she interviewed over the years

• with a series of anecdotes or brief stories from her own life

Throughout "Shooting Dad" the author's diction includes words such as: a house divided, Civil War battleground, DMZ (demilitarized zone), and totalitarian states. What does the reader learn?

• Although they do not share many similar interests, the author and her father share a love of Civil War history.

• The author and her father fight so much that they can not live in the same home.

• The author and her father, though part of the same family and household, have many disagreements.

In paragraph 4 of "Shooting Dad," Sarah Vowell shares why she thought she was going to like living in Bozeman, Montana. Which statement indicates the best reason?

• She really likes baseball, and Bozeman has a lot of great teams.

• She is glad it's the kind of place that frowns upon shooting crows with BB guns.

• She finally got to live in a town instead of the country.