Reading a Personal Narrative: “Eleven”

How does Sandra Cisneros use the following elements of a personal narrative?

. Clear organization (beginning, middle, end) o How does Cisneros organize her story?

. Clear focus on a specific moment or event o What moment does Cisneros focus on?

. An opening that grabs the reader’s attention o Describe the opening of Cisneros’s story. How does she grab the reader’s attention?

. Sensory details: sights, sounds, smells, etc. o Give five examples of sensory details used in “Eleven.”

. Words that SHOW rather than TELL o Give five examples of precise language used in the story.

. The author’s thoughts and feelings about the experience o What are the author’s thoughts or feelings about her experience? How do you know?