Exploring Themes in Eleven by Sandra Cisneros

The transcript narrates the story of an 11-year-old girl, Rachel, who feels the complexity of growing up as she experiences a challenging day at school. On her birthday, she struggles with the feeling of not being fully 11, as she still carries parts of her younger self. The day becomes more difficult when her teacher mistakenly believes a red sweater belongs to her, leading to embarrassment and emotional turmoil. Despite the resolution of the sweater issue, Rachel reflects on her wish to be older, longing for the wisdom and confidence that come with age.

What does the narrator mean when she says that when you are 11, you are also 10, 9, 8, and so on?

• You forget your previous ages.

• You carry all your previous ages within you.

• You only remember your current age.

• You feel older than you actually are.

How does Rachel feel when she wakes up on her 11th birthday?

• Confused and sad

• Excited and happy

• Indifferent and unchanged

• Older and wiser

Why does Rachel wish she was 102 years old?

• So she could be respected by her classmates

• So she could wear the red sweater

• So she would know what to say to Mrs. Price

• So she could avoid school

What is Rachel's reaction when Mrs. Price puts the red sweater on her desk?

• She laughs it off

• She throws it away

• She denies it but feels helpless

• She immediately claims it

How does Rachel describe the red sweater?

• Comfortable and warm

• Stylish and trendy

• Ugly and old

• Beautiful and new

What does Rachel do with the red sweater during math period?

• She pushes it to the corner of her desk

• She hides it in her bag

• She gives it to another student

• She wears it proudly

What triggers Rachel's emotional breakdown?

• Mrs. Price's insistence that she wears the sweater

• Her classmates laughing at her

• Forgetting her homework

• Losing her lunch money

How does Rachel feel when she finally puts on the red sweater?

• Proud and confident

• Happy and relieved

• Indifferent and calm

• Uncomfortable and hurt

Who eventually claims the red sweater?

• Sylvia Saldivar

• Mrs. Price

• Phyllis Lopez

• Rachel

How does Rachel feel at the end of the story?

• Indifferent and detached

• Happy and content

• Angry and vengeful

• Relieved but still upset