Understanding 'Elena' by Pat Mora

Which of the following statements best describes a major theme of the poem?

• Being excluded can lead a person to feel alone and ashamed.

• Children learn new languages easily while most adults struggle.

• Lacking knowledge impacts a person's ability to be a good parent.

• Determination and hard work will eventually have successful results.

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.2

CCSS.RL.5.9

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.4.9

In the poem 'Elena,' the narrator feels embarrassed because she cannot ______.

• A. cook traditional meals

• B. speak English fluently

• C. understand her children's jokes

• D. read English books

Tags

CCSS.RL.1.6

CCSS.RL.5.6

CCSS.RL.6.6

CCSS.RL.7.6

CCSS.RL.8.6

How do lines 17-19 contribute to the development of the poem's theme?

• The speaker owns only one English book, and she needs to hide it from her husband.

• The speaker hides in the bathroom because she worries that someone will discover her secret.

• The speaker practices alone in her bathroom because she is embarrassed and wants to understand English.

• The speaker lives in a small house, and she can only find privacy if she locks herself in the family's bathroom.

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.2

CCSS.RL.5.9

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.4.2

How do lines 8-11 show a change in the tone of the poem?

• The tone shifts from desperate to hopeful.

• The tone changes from connected to lonely.

• The tone shifts from admiring to disapproving.

• The tone changes light-hearted to mean-spirited.

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.4

CCSS.RL.6.4

CCSS.RL.7.10

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.7.5

Complete the sentence: The speaker's feelings throughout the poem support the theme or message by ______.

• showing resilience in the face of adversity.

• highlighting the importance of family connections.

• emphasizing the struggle with cultural identity.

• illustrating the journey from isolation to acceptance.

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.2

CCSS.RL.5.9

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.2