Michaela DePrince Passage Analysis

Explain the connection between the meaning and connotation of the word discarded to the magazine in paragraphs 9 and 12 on page 52.

How does the word 'orphanage' in paragraph 3 contribute to the tone of the passage? Why?

Part A: Which word would best replace 'antagonism' in paragraph 5 without changing its meaning?

• Hostility

• Friendship

• Confusion

• Disagreement

Part A: Which word would best replace 'antagonism' in paragraph 5 without changing its meaning?

• Hostility

• Friendship

• Confusion

• Disagreement

Part B: Which sentence from the passage BEST supports your answer to part A.

• “They named us from one to 27,” she recalls. “One was the favorite child of the orphanage and 27 was the least favorite.”

• “‘They thought of me as a devil’s child. They told me every day how I wasn’t going to get adopted, because nobody would want a devil’s child,’ she says.”

• “Although the other girls in the orphanage were encouraged not to play with her, DePrince formed a close friendship with number 26, also called Mabinty.”

• “Her memories of early childhood are fragmentary—moments of piercing clarity which have been reassembled in date order.”

Why might the author have chosen the word intoxicated rather than just saying Michaela was excited? How does this word choice impact the meaning and tone of this part of the text?

In paragraph 12, the article says: “But abruptly there was a change of plan. When the Aunties told Elaine DePrince that Michaela was unlikely to find another home, she decided to adopt both girls.” What does the word abruptly most likely reveal about the change in Michaela’s situation?

• It was expected and happened gradually over several days

• It was sudden and without warning, completely changing what was planned

• It was planned by the orphanage well in advance

• It was a change Michaela had been asking for repeatedly

Part A Using context clues from paragraph 25, what does the word significant mean?

Part B: What was the most significant challenge Michaela DePrince faced during her childhood? Write a response using text evidence to support your claim.

Why is Michaela’s comment about the corps de ballet important in understanding the discrimination she faced in ballet? Use text evidence to support your answer.