“Eleven” and “On Turning Ten” Study Guide
- What does Rachel say about turning 11?
Rachel says that turning 11 is like being 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, and 1. Getting older is like the layers of an onion, tree trunk, and nesting dolls.
- What does Rachel think of the sweater?
Rachel does not like the sweater because it is raggedy and old. She does not want anything to do with the sweater.
- What happens after Rachel puts on the sweater?
After Rachel puts on the sweater, she puts her head down and starts to cry.
- Who is the speaker in the poem “On Turning Ten?” How do you know?
A little boy because he said he felt like a Prince at 9.
- What mood is felt when the speaker describes his old tree house and bicycle?
The speaker is looking at his old tree house and bike solemnly because he is losing hope of having a happy childhood.
- Why do you think the speaker says “time to turn the first big number?”
He says this because he thinks turning ten is important because it is a double digit.
- How does the speaker in “On Turning Ten” feel about his earlier ages?
The speaker thinks his earlier ages were the best times of his life. For example, line 15 says “I can make myself invisible by drinking a glass of milk a certain way.” This shows that he enjoyed being a kid.
Questions we completed in class:
- Imagine that Rachel is bold (strong) instead of timid (shy). What might she have said when Mrs. Price put the sweater on her desk. Describe the characteristics of a bold (strong) Rachel.
C: If Rachel was bold instead of timid, she might havespoken in a firm voice, looked Mrs. Price in the eyes, and would be sure of herself.E:For example, it says “Maybe because I am skinny, maybe she doesn’t like me…” R: Rachel’s thoughts show how she does not have confidence in herself, but if she was bold she would have spoken in a strong voice and defended herself.
C: If Rachel was bold instead of timid, she might havespoken in a firm voice, looked Mrs. Price in the eyes, and would be sure of herself.E:The text says “that’s not, I don’t, you’re not…Not mine,” R: Rachel tried to argue with Mrs. Price, who didn’t listen because she was timid, if she was bold, she would have spoken in a strong voice.Rachel could have avoided this whole problem if she was bold instead of timid.
- As the narrator of the story, Rachel shares many of her thoughts and feelings. However, she is not able to tell us the thoughts and feelings of other characters. What can you describe about Rachel’s character traits based on her first person point of view?
C: Rachel’s first person point of view shows that she doesn’t like Sylvia or Phyllis. E: The author states, “that stupid Phyllis Lopez, who is even dumber than Sylvia Saldivar…” R: In general, when someone calls others bad names it usually means that they don’t get along.
Other CER topics/claims:
The reader can tell that Rachel is embarrassed of the sweater because of the narrator’s use of first person language. (cite a quote for evidence) (explain the quote.)
Based on Rachel’s first person point of view, she is a timid girl who doesn’t feel any older. (cite a quote for evidence) (explain the quote.)
- How does the speaker in “On Turning Ten” feel about turning ten years old? How do you know? Use evidence to support your answer. (Bellwork from 10/21!!)
C: The speaker of “On Turning Ten” does not like turning ten. He loses hope in becoming older.
E: According to the speaker,“______
______”
R: A general rule is,______
Advice for passing the test!
- Study your Vocabulary words
- Study Figurative language (simile, metaphor, personification),imagery, first person point of view, character traits (Rachel), and author’s purpose
- Know how to answer questions using CER