Eleven

Which of the following statements best identifies a major theme of the text?

• Adults always think they know better because they are older.

• We are shaped by our past ages, even as we grow up and change.

• When people grow up, they become more brave and confident.

• Everyone should be given special treatment when it is their birthday.

Which quote from the text best supports the answer to Part A?

• "And you don't feel eleven at all. You feel like you're still ten. And you are – underneath the year that makes you eleven." (Paragraph 1)

• 'Of course it's yours,' Mrs. Price says. 'I remember you wearing it once.' Because she's older and the teacher, she's right and I'm not. (Paragraph 10)

• "Mama is making a cake for me tonight, and when Papa comes home everybody will sing Happy birthday, happy birthday to you." (Paragraph 11)

• "I wish I was anything but eleven, because I want today to be far away already, far away like a runaway balloon" (Paragraph 21)

Tags

CCSS.RL.8.1

CCSS.W.8.9A

In paragraph 3, Rachel says, "Because the way you grow old is kind of like an onion or like the rings inside a tree trunk or like my little wooden dolls that fit one inside the other." Which of the following statements best explains the quoted simile?

• The narrator cannot make up her mind about what it means to be older, and so she does not know what it means to be herself.

• The narrator feels overwhelmed by how quickly she is growing up, and she is afraid that she does not act her current age.

• The narrator believes that everyone is just hiding how old they really are behind different ages, or layers.

• The narrator thinks of growing up as developing layers, instead of becoming an entirely new person as you age.

Tags

CCSS.L.8.5A

CCSS.RL.8.1

CCSS.RL.8.4

How does Rachel react to being told to put on the red sweater?

• Rachel cries after putting on the old red sweater, but she is more upset with herself for not speaking up like an 11-year-old.

• Rachel refuses to put on the old red sweater and cries like a small child when her teacher scolds her for her disobedience.

• Rachel stubbornly ignores her teacher because she hates Mrs. Price, who is mean and picks on her for no reason.

• Rachel cries after putting on the old red sweater because she is embarrassed about having to wear her old clothes.

Tags

CCSS.RL.8.1

CCSS.RL.8.3

What are two themes in this text?

• When people grow up they become more brave and confident. Maturity is automatic as we age.

• We are shaped by our past ages, even as we grow up and change. Growing up can be challenging.

• Everyone should be given special treatment on their birthday. Teachers should listen when students speak.

• Adults think that they know better than children. Adults are always correct because they’ve been here longer.

Tags

CCSS.RL.8.2