Teacher's Guide

Home , A Raisin in the Sun

Teacher’s Guide A Raisin in the Sun THE EXCHANGE QUESTION Reading Level Lexile NP How do communities unite and Genre/Length Drama; 192 pages divide us? Language Register Slang, Dialect, Stage Directions Content Load Racism, Poverty, Urban America Selected Awards New York Drama Critics Circle Award This book contains mature content. Educators and parents should read the book and determine its appropriateness for use with their students.

Overview Background The title, A Raisin in the Sun, comes from a poem by Langston Hughes called “A Dream Deferred” in which Hughes personifies what happens to unfulfilled dreams. He offers a sequence of images in which the dream dries up like a raisin, sags like a heavy burden, or finally explodes. These images express the frustration and tension that threaten to destroy the dreamer. Between 1940 and 1960, Chicago’s black population had increased dramatically during the period known as the Great Migration, as many African Americans moved to escape the oppression in the South. As a result, overcrowding became a serious issue in poor black neighborhoods. These living conditions exacerbated the frustrations that many African Americans felt as marginalized members of a segregated society. Book Summary The play delves into the demoralizing effect that poverty and racism have on African Americans. The Youngers are a poor African American family who live in the projects of Chicago’s Southside. The drama traces the dreams of each member in the Younger family when they receive a large insurance check and must decide what to do with the money.

About the Author Lorraine Hansberry was born on May 19, 1930. She grew up in Chicago’s Southside projects, but her family moved to a white neighborhood in 1938, despite its restrictions on racial integration. Her father fought for his right to live in this neighborhood, eventually claiming victory in the U.S. Supreme Court. Hansberry became interested in drama in high school and later attended the University of Wisconsin. She moved to New York City in 1950 and became immersed in the city’s political scene, working as a journalist for Paul Robeson’s Freedom magazine. A Raisin in the Sun debuted on Broadway on March 11, 1959. It was the first play written by an African American woman that was produced on Broadway. At twenty-nine, Lorraine Hansberry was the youngest playwright given the New York Drama Critics Circle Award. Critics lauded her as the progressive new voice of her generation.

Teacher’s Guide page 1 of 13 © Hampton-Brown A Raisin in the Sun

Reading the Book Student Journal, page 1

Name: There are several options for reading A Raisin in the Sun. They include: Student Journal • Whole Class Assign sections of the book and discussion dates A Raisin in the Sun Student Journal, page 1 using the planner on . After students by Lorraine Hansberry read a section and respond to the corresponding Student Journal pages, have a class discussion. At the end of the book, Reading Schedule

the class meets for The Exchange. Group members: ______• Small Groups Read the book Introduction with the group. A Raisin in the Sun Student Journal Due Date Discussion Date Introduction Pages 2–4

Group members then read an agreed-upon number of pages, Act I Pages 5–6 complete the corresponding Student Journal pages, and meet Act II Pages 7–8 to discuss. When they finish the book, they meet again for The Act III Pages 9–10 Exchange. Use the planner on Student Journal, page 1 to The Exchange Assessment establish meeting times.

• Independently Students read the book on their own and then meet as a group for The Exchange. Use the planner on Student Journal, page 1 to establish the meeting time.

How do communities • Guided Reading Have students read Student Journal, unite and page 2 and monitor their discussion of the What If? scenario. divide us? Read aloud the book Introduction to give students background on the book. As students read, use the Before You Move On questions to guide comprehension. Use the Look Ahead to set a focus for reading the next set of pages. At the end of each section, assign the appropriate Student Journal pages. Discuss Student Journal, page 2 the pages before starting the next section. Establish a date for The Exchange and record it on the planner. A Raisin in the Sun Getting Started

What If?

Your town is deciding what to do with an empty plot of land. There is a big debate in your community about what should be built there. The Getting Started kids in the town want a skateboard park. The senior citizens want a community garden.

You love to skateboard. You would love a skateboard park nearby. Have students read What If? on Student Journal, page 2 Your dad agrees that a skateboard park in the area would give kids something to do. But your grandmother would really like a place to and discuss the scenario. Encourage students to describe the garden. Your mother thinks a garden will keep your grandmother active. No one in your family can agree about the issue. Soon, everyone similarities and differences between the scenario and their lives and is arguing. imagine how the situation would affect them. Make notes about how this would affect you. • How do you keep this issue from dividing your family? • Have students write their responses to the three questions below • How would you encourage your family to solve the problem? the scenario and compare answers with a partner or the group. • What might the community do to solve the situation?

• Have students discuss how the situation might relate to The Exchange question and then write a brief summary of their discussion in the Student Journal.

Connect to The Exchange Question Discuss how this situation could relate to The Exchange Question: How do communities unite and divide us? Summarize your discussion.

Teacher’s Guide page 2 of 13 © Hampton-Brown A Raisin in the Sun

Introduction Student Journal, page 3 A Raisin in the Sun Have students read the book Introduction. Check their Introduction comprehension with the three follow-up questions on Student Read the Introduction on pages 7–9 in A Raisin in the Sun. The Introduction will help you understand key concepts in the book. Knowing Journal, page 3. them will help you discuss and write about the book. The Introduction includes information about • the setting of the story—Chicago’s Southside in the 1950s • Lorraine Hansberry’s writing style • the historical importance of A Raisin in the Sun

After you read the Introduction, answer these questions to check your understanding.

1. What were the living conditions like for African Americans on the Southside of Chicago during the 1950s? African Americans often lived in poor conditions. Their apartment buildings were old, unsafe, and crowded. Many white Americans thought of them as second-class citizens.

2. How did Hansberry try to make her plays seem realistic? She wrote about the daily struggle of African Americans against prejudice. She used the slang and phrases of African Americans on the Southside. She included important aspects of their culture and religion.

3. Why is A Raisin in the Sun historically important? It was the first play produced on Broadway written by an African American woman. It showed her characters, the Younger family, in a realistic light. All audiences could see how a typical African American family dealt with prejudice in their daily lives.

Introduction: Key Concepts Student Journal, page 4 A Raisin in the Sun Have students study the first Key Concept with the help of the Introduction: Key Concepts graphic organizer on Student Journal, page 4. After studying the Personal Experience Chart example, they should create similar graphic organizers to focus Study the Personal Experience Chart for ambition. Write a sentence Key Concepts using the word ambition. ambition their understanding of the remaining Key Concepts. confront goal Personal Experience Chart identity prejudice Key Concept: ambition

Define or rename: strong desire to achieve a goal

Specific Examples People work hard Many students have If an athlete has talent to achieve their an ambition to go to and ambition, he or ambitions. college. she might compete in the Olympics.

Personal Connection: ______

On a separate sheet of paper, create a similar Personal Experience Chart for each of the Key Concept words.

Teacher’s Guide page 3 of 13 © Hampton-Brown A Raisin in the Sun

Pages 13–84 Answers for Before You Move On Act I Student Journal, page 5 A Raisin in the Sun PAGE 35 Respond to Act I

1. Text Features What does the description of the Youngers’ 1. Personal Response Walter feels like his family does not understand him or support his dreams. Describe a time you felt misunderstood by apartment on pages 13–14 tell you about the family? They someone close to you. What did you do about it? are poor and live in a small, crowded apartment.

2. Conflict How do Ruth and Beneatha feel about the check? 2. Minor Character How is the character of Willy Harris important to How does Walter feel the money should be used? Both Walter’s goals and ambitions? Use the words goal and ambition in your response. women feel Mama should spend the money the way she Willy Harris’s ambition is to open up a liquor store. If Walter gives Willy the insurance money, they can put a down wants to. Walter wants the money to invest in a liquor store. payment on a liquor store, and Walter can achieve his goal of being a small business owner.

PAGE 53 3. Genre How do the stage directions in this play help to communicate the characters’ moods and feelings? 1. Character Mama wants to use most of the money to buy The stage directions dictate how characters should speak their lines, such as “beseechingly.” They also indicate a new home. What does this tell you about her? Mama is movement and action. This allows the reader, or the the wise head of the family. Her home and family define audience, to observe the characters’ body language. her identity. 4. Generate Questions Write a question about this section for someone else reading this book. Exchange questions with them. Do you agree with their answer? 2. Comparisons Reread pages 45–49. How is Beneatha different from Ruth and Mama? Beneatha is educated and more modern. She questions and challenges Mama’s beliefs. She will not marry a man simply because he is wealthy.

PAGE 70 Student Journal, page 6 1. Character’s Point of View Reread pages 59–60. Why might Ruth be unhappy about her pregnancy? Ruth feels the family A Raisin in the Sun Respond to Act I, continued

does not have enough money or space for another person. 5. Make Predictions In Act I, you learn about the characters, setting, and plot of the play. Read the goals of Walter, Beneatha, and Mama in the circles. Then describe the setting and plot of the beginning of the play.

2. Paraphrase Asagai explains Beneatha’s nickname as “One Character Setting Plot Chart for Whom Bread—Food—Is Not Enough.” What does it Character: Character: Character: mean? Asagai understands that she wants to feel connected Walter wants Beneatha wants Mama wants to open a liquor to become a her family to be to her heritage. She wants more than money. store. doctor. happy and to live in a house of their own. PAGE 84 Setting: a small apartment 1. Cause and Effect Reread pages 80–81. Walter wants a on Chicago’s better life. What makes him feel this way? Walter feels Southside oppressed by poverty and racism. He hates his job as a Plot: Mama is waiting to receive a check for chauffeur; he wants a better future. $10,000. Everyone wonders how she will spend the money. Walter’s wife, Ruth, just 2. Conclusions On page 82, what difference does Mama found out she is pregnant.

finally see between herself and her children? Mama’s Do you think the arrival of the insurance check will change the family? How might it change them? What makes you think this? generation was concerned with freedom, safety, and other The money could help members of the family obtain their goals. It could also lead to conflicts among the family basic needs. Her children want to be acknowledged by all members because they each have different goals. of society.

Teacher’s Guide page 4 of 13 © Hampton-Brown A Raisin in the Sun

Pages 85–157 Answers for Before You Move On Act II Student Journal, page 7 A Raisin in the Sun PAGE 98 Respond to Act II

1. Character’s Point of View Reread pages 91–92. Why does 1. Personal Response Beneatha wears African robes and dances to African music. With what culture do you identify most? How do its George get angry about Beneatha’s connection to African traditions, such as music or clothing, express who you are? culture? George thinks Beneatha’s beliefs about her identity are silly. He feels that African culture is simple and primitive.

2. Irony What is ironic about Mr. Lindner’s visit as a representative of the 2. Predict Which man do you think Beneatha will choose to New Neighbors Orientation Committee? Use the words prejudice and confront in your response. marry? Explain your answer. She would likely choose Asagai The New Neighbors Orientation Committee is supposed to welcome new neighbors. Mr. Lindner visits the Youngers because he shares her respect for heritage. to ask them not to move into the neighborhood. They must confront the committee’s prejudice, instead.

PAGE 110 3. Comparisons How do George Murchison and Asagai view the world differently? How does this affect their view of Beneatha? 1. Character’s Motive Reread pages 104–105. Why does George Murchison thinks African Americans should forget about their culture and assimilate to white culture. He Mama choose to tell Travis first how she spent the money? despises Beneatha’s strength. Asagai thinks heritage and Travis represents Mama’s hope for a brighter future. culture are important. He admires Beneatha’s strength.

4. Generate Questions Write a question about this section for someone else reading this book. Exchange questions with them. Do you agree 2. Irony Why is Walter’s comment about peace and comfort with their answer? on page 107 ironic? Walter doesn’t think living in a white community will bring peace or comfort.

PAGE 129 1. Inference Reread pages 115–121. What is the purpose of Mrs. Johnson’s visit? While she pretends to be concerned, Student Journal, page 8 her real purpose is to tell them about the bombing. A Raisin in the Sun 2. Character On pages 126–129, what dream does Walter have Respond to Act II, continued 5. Confirm Predictions In Act II, the insurance check arrives. List the events and the outcome related to Walter’s goal to open a liquor store. for himself? What does he want to give Travis? Walter dreams Use the Goal and Outcome Chart to answer the question.

of material success. He wants his son to have a future. Goal and Outcome Chart Goal Events PAGE 143 Walter wants to buy a liquor Mama gives 1. Cause and Effect How does Walter change after Mama store. Walter the money and gives him control over the rest of the insurance money? names him head of the He feels optimistic and responsible. He acts more loving. household. Walter gives Outcome Willy all of the 2. Summarize Reread pages 136–141. How does Lindner try money and does not put to convince the family not to move into Clybourne Park? He any of it in the loses bank for the Lindner bribes them by offering to buy their home. the other members money. of the family. PAGE 157

Was your prediction about what would happen to the Younger family when 1. Mood Reread pages 152–155. How does Bobo’s news the money arrived correct? Are you surprised by what happened? affect the mood of the play? Despair replaces the hope and excitement the family felt when they received the check.

2. Inference Reread page 156. What did the insurance money represent to Mama? The money represented a lifetime of hard work and all her husband tried to give them.

Teacher’s Guide page 5 of 13 © Hampton-Brown A Raisin in the Sun

Pages 158–185 Answers for Before You Move On Act III Student Journal, page 9 A Raisin in the Sun PAGE 171 Respond to Act III

1. Summarize Reread pages 165–166. What is Asagai’s 1. Personal Response Walter tells Mr. Lindner that he and his family have worked hard all of their lives. This shows his pride. What are you dream? How is Beneatha a part of his dream? proud of that took a lot of hard work? Asagai’s dream is to go to Nigeria to help his people. He wants Beneatha to join him and become a doctor in Africa. 2. Conclusions Reread pages 174–176. How does Mama’s speech about earlier generations of her family express her identity? What Mama has always been strong. does she suggest about Walter’s identity? Use the word identity in 2. Character’s Point of View your response. Why does she want to give up her dream now? Mama’s identity is connected to the generations of slaves and sharecroppers who were poor but never compromised Mama begins to fear that her dreams were too grand, and self-worth for money. She thinks Walter’s willingness to take a bribe shows that he has foresaken his identity. too many things have gone wrong. She no longer thinks she 3. Symbolism What does Mama’s plant symbolize? Why does she continue to care for it, even though it looks sick and will not grow? has the strength or ability to fulfill her dream. The plant symbolizes the struggle and survival of the family. Mama continues to nurture it, even though it is small and sick, because she refuses to give up on it. PAGE 185

1. Conclusions Reread pages 180–181. What inspires Walter What If? to stand up for his family and refuse Lindner’s offer? 4. Connect Look at your notes on Student Journal, page 2. Think about what might happen if you were part of a group that was divided over an issue. Compare this to A Walter cannot accept Lindner’s bribe in front of his son. Raisin in the Sun. How do the Youngers keep the community from tearing them apart? Despite his desperation, pride and dignity are more important to him than the money.

2. Inference On page 185, Mama returns to take her plant with her. Why is this plant so important to her? The plant represents the family’s dreams that Mama has Student Journal, page 10

nurtured all these years. Just as she refuses to give up on A Raisin in the Sun the plant, so does she refuse to give up on her family. Respond to Act III, continued 5. Theme When Walter loses the money, everyone feels as if they have lost what they most wanted. Use the Table to list what Walter, Mama, and Beneatha lost and how each of them resolved their problem.

Table

Walter Mama Beneatha The Things He/ the money to the money the money She Lost open the store; to pay for to pay for respect of his a home; medical family respect for school her son

How the Problem Walter regains They decide Asagai Was Resolved his pride by to move convinces confronting anyway. She her that she Mr. Lindner. respects can be of Walter. more help to people in Africa.

How does the conclusion of the play connect to the theme of Where We Belong? In the last Act, the characters struggle with different ideas of where they belong. Walter thinks he needs respect in the business community but finds it at home. Mama thinks she dreamed too big, but Walter convinces her otherwise. Beneatha realizes she belongs in Africa with Asagai.

Teacher’s Guide page 6 of 13 © Hampton-Brown A Raisin in the Sun

Exchange Discussion A Raisin in the Sun, inside back cover

THE QUESTION How do communities unite and divide us? Review the work you did in your Student Journal. Take your book and your Journal with you to The Exchange book discussion. • How does Lindner’s offer threaten to divide the Younger family? EXCHANGE IDEAS • Tell the group why you would recommend or not After Walter loses the insurance money, he decides to take recommend this book. Lindner’s offer and sell the house to the association. Beneatha • Compare this play to something it reminded you of, such as another play, a movie, a song, or a and Mama are disappointed that Walter would give in to personal experience. • Has this book changed the way you think about Lindner. They feel he is destroying their family pride. something in your life? Explain. THE QUESTION • The play demonstrates how an entire family can work together How do communities unite and divide us?

to fulfill a dream. How does your family or community unite to • How does Linder’s offer threaten to divide the support a dream? What have you sacrificed to make a dream Younger family? • The play demonstrates how an entire family can come true? work together to fulfill a dream. How does your family or community unite to support a dream? What have you sacrificed to make a dream come true? • Walter disagrees with the rest of the family about how to spend • Walter disagrees with the rest of the family about how to spend the money. Have you ever disagreed the money. Have you ever disagreed or made a decision that or made a decision that was unpopular with a group you belonged to? What was the outcome? How did it was unpopular with a group you belonged to? What was the divide or unite the group? outcome? How did it divide or unite the group? REFLECT Summarize your Exchange. How did this book change the way you see something? What questions do you still have? How will you answer them?

Evaluate the Discussion Discussion Rubric Evaluate the Discussion

Use the reproducible master from page 8 of this Teacher’s Guide Excellent Good Fair to evaluate The Exchange discussion. The form may also be used Everyone participated. Most people participated. Only a few people by students for group assessment. participated. Everyone spoke clearly. Most people spoke clearly. Some people did not speak clearly.

Everyone listened carefully. Most people listened Some people did not listen carefully. carefully.

We stayed on the topic We stayed on the topic We did not stay on the throughout the discussion. most of the time. topic all the time.

We responded to each We commented on each We did not make many other’s thoughts and ideas other’s thoughts and ideas comments on each other’s often. sometimes. thoughts and ideas.

Most people used examples Many people used Only a few people used from the book to support examples from the book examples from the book their points. to support their points. to support their points.

Most people gave detailed Many people gave detailed Only a few people gave answers using their answers using their detailed answers. experiences and even other experiences. texts.

Notes:

Teacher’s Guide page 7 of 13 © Hampton-Brown Book Title Date Evaluate the Discussion

Excellent Good Fair

Everyone participated. Most people participated. Only a few people participated.

Everyone spoke clearly. Most people spoke clearly. Some people did not speak clearly.

Everyone listened carefully. Most people listened Some people did not listen carefully. carefully.

We stayed on the topic We stayed on the topic We did not stay on the throughout the discussion. most of the time. topic all the time.

We responded to each We commented on each We did not make many other’s thoughts and ideas other’s thoughts and ideas comments on each other’s often. sometimes. thoughts and ideas.

Most people gave detailed Many people gave detailed Only a few people gave answers using their answers using their detailed answers. experiences and even other experiences. texts.

Notes:

Assessment Assessment Part I A Raisin in the Sun Name: Assess students’ understanding of A Raisin in the Sun by administering the multiple-choice test and essay questions. Assessment Part I (Teacher’s Guide, pages 10–12) Circle the best answer. 1. The Clybourne Park residents do not want 4. The entire play takes place in a small, the Youngers to move in because of their crowded apartment. This setting adds to— How you administer the Assessment depends on your objective. race. This attitude is an example of . A the conflict between the characters’ You may choose to use the test as: A identity dreams and the obstacles they face B prejudice B the theme of ambition • an open-book test to allow students to continue practicing C persistence C the mood of hope D poverty D Ruth’s optimism reading strategies and/or become familiar with a typical 2. Beneatha explores an African identity by 5. Ruth is most likely worried about having changing her clothing. In this sentence, another child because— standardized test format what does identity mean? A her husband will be angry at her A religious practice B there is no money or room for a child B academic degree • a closed-book test to check students’ comprehension of the C she continues to be sick C view of herself D her son Travis is already too much work book and their abilities in various reading skills D unfulfilled dreams 6. At the end of the play, the author changes 3. Which sentence supports the idea that Walter the mood from one of tension to one of is not satisfied with his life? determination by—

• a take-home test to allow students to practice reading strategies A “Have we figured out yet just exactly how A having Beneatha tell about Asagai’s as well as test-taking skills much medical school is going to cost?” proposal B “Gone, what you mean Willy is gone?” B showing Ruth slumped in a chair Suggested point values are as follows: C “You trust me like that, Mama?” C showing Travis run in from the street D “I want so many things that they are D having Mama say good-bye to Mr. Lindner driving me kind of crazy . . .” Assessment Part I: 5 points per question for a total of 50 points Assessment Part II: 40 points possible (see Scoring Guide, page 13)

Assessment Part II Assessment Part I, continued

A Raisin in the Sun Name: A Raisin in the Sun

Guidelines for Short Essay Assessment Part I, continued Have students write a short essay in response to one of the writing prompts Circle the best answer. below. Use the Scoring Guide to assist in your evaluation of their essays. 7. Which of these best summarizes the play? 8. Bobo’s visit is important because— A. The Youngers have dreams of a better life. Discuss how the Youngers’ environment influences their family life. A The Youngers are a poor African A the Youngers learn that the money is gone American family living in Chicago. Mama Responses should include that living in a tiny, crowded apartment causes conﬂ ict in the B Walter is happy to see Bobo family. Ruth wants an abortion because there isn’t room for a baby. Walter is angry and receives $10,000. After buying a house depressed all the time. Travis sleeps on the sofa. Mama dreams of owning a home. in a white neighborhood, Mama gives C the Youngers share their news about the rest of the money to Walter for a buying a house B. Mr. Lindner, George Murchison, and Willy Harrison each represent a different liquor store. Walter’s friend runs off with community to the Youngers. What community does each represent and how the money. The white neighborhood D Ruth does not like Bobo and tells him so association offers to buy the house do they unite or divide the Youngers? 9. In this play, in what way is money connected to keep the Youngers out of their Responses should include that Mr. Lindner represents the white community that will to the idea of belonging to a group? divide the Youngers if Walter takes the money. George Murchison represents rich African neighborhood, but Walter decides his Americans who have assimilated to white culture. He threatens to divide Beneatha from her pride is more important than money. A Mama can now forget about Big Walter. heritage. Willy Harrison is the poor black community that Walter wants to escape. B The Youngers are a poor African B Travis can now go to a private school. American family. The family receives $10,000. Beneatha does not care about C Money provides a way for the Youngers to money. She becomes interested in move to a new neighborhood. Asagai, an African exchange student. D Money allows Beneatha to join Asagai When Walter loses the family’s money, in Africa. Scoring Guide Beneatha has no money to go to school. Asagai asks her to move to Africa with him. 10. From what Mama says about her husband, Description of the response: Big Walter, the reader can conclude that— C The Youngers are a poor African 4 • Interpretation is accurate and thoughtful A Mama loved Big Walter • Explanation is fully developed American family. Mama receives a check for $10,000 and wants to buy a house. • Support includes specific and relevant text evidence B Big Walter was lazy • All parts of the question are clearly addressed They are hesitant to live in a white 3 • Interpretation is adequate neighborhood because homes have C Walter and Beneatha miss their father • Explanation is developed but may lack some insight been bombed. The neighborhood tries to • Support includes most specific and relevant text evidence prevent them from moving in. D Big Walter spent all his money on alcohol • All parts of the question are addressed to some degree

2 • Interpretation is literal or limited D The Youngers are a poor African • Explanation is incomplete American family living in Chicago. Mama • Support includes some specific and relevant text evidence is the head of the family. Her daughter, • Only parts of the question are addressed and mostly in a limited way Beneatha, wants to become a doctor. Her 1 • Interpretation is weak son Walter is a chauffeur. His wife and • Explanation is vague son also live in the apartment. The family • Support includes few, if any, relevant details from the text • Only one part of the question is minimally addressed receives a check for $10,000. Walter loses the money, but the family moves to a big 0 Response is totally incorrect or irrelevant house, anyway.

Assessment Part I

Circle the best answer.

1. The Clybourne Park residents do not want 4. The entire play takes place in a small, the Youngers to move in because of their crowded apartment. This setting adds to— race. This attitude is an example of . A the conflict between the characters’ A identity dreams and the obstacles they face

B prejudice B the theme of ambition

C persistence C the mood of hope

D poverty D Ruth’s optimism 2. Beneatha explores an African identity by 5. Ruth is most likely worried about having changing her clothing. In this sentence, another child because— what does identity mean? A her husband will be angry at her A religious practice B there is no money or room for a child B academic degree C she continues to be sick C view of herself D her son Travis is already too much work D unfulfilled dreams 6. At the end of the play, the author changes 3. Which sentence supports the idea that Walter the mood from one of tension to one of is not satisfied with his life? determination by—

A “Have we figured out yet just exactly how A having Beneatha tell about Asagai’s much medical school is going to cost?” proposal

B “Gone, what you mean Willy is gone?” B showing Ruth slumped in a chair

C “You trust me like that, Mama?” C showing Travis run in from the street

D “I want so many things that they are D having Mama say good-bye to Mr. Lindner driving me kind of crazy . . .”

Assessment Part I, continued

Circle the best answer. 7. Which of these best summarizes the play? 8. Bobo’s visit is important because—

A The Youngers are a poor African A the Youngers learn that the money is gone American family living in Chicago. Mama receives $10,000. After buying a house B Walter is happy to see Bobo in a white neighborhood, Mama gives C the Youngers share their news about the rest of the money to Walter for a buying a house liquor store. Walter’s friend runs off with the money. The white neighborhood D Ruth does not like Bobo and tells him so association offers to buy the house 9. In this play, in what way is money connected to keep the Youngers out of their to the idea of belonging to a group? neighborhood, but Walter decides his pride is more important than money. A Mama can now forget about Big Walter.

B The Youngers are a poor African B Travis can now go to a private school. American family. The family receives $10,000. Beneatha does not care about C Money provides a way for the Youngers to money. She becomes interested in move to a new neighborhood. Asagai, an African exchange student. D Money allows Beneatha to join Asagai When Walter loses the family’s money, in Africa. Beneatha has no money to go to school. Asagai asks her to move to Africa with him. 10. From what Mama says about her husband, Big Walter, the reader can conclude that— C The Youngers are a poor African American family. Mama receives a check A Mama loved Big Walter for $10,000 and wants to buy a house. B Big Walter was lazy They are hesitant to live in a white neighborhood because homes have C Walter and Beneatha miss their father been bombed. The neighborhood tries to prevent them from moving in. D Big Walter spent all his money on alcohol

D The Youngers are a poor African American family living in Chicago. Mama is the head of the family. Her daughter, Beneatha, wants to become a doctor. Her son Walter is a chauffeur. His wife and son also live in the apartment. The family receives a check for $10,000. Walter loses the money, but the family moves to a big house, anyway.

Assessment Part II

Choose one question to answer. Write 3–4 paragraphs. Use 3 examples from the text to support your answer. Continue your essay on a separate sheet of paper if necessary. A. The Youngers have dreams of a better life. Discuss how the Youngers’ environment influences their family life.

B. Mr. Lindner, George Murchison, and Willy Harrison each represent a different community to the Youngers. What community does each represent and how do they unite or divide the Youngers?

Guidelines for Short Essay Have students write a short essay in response to one of the writing prompts below. Use the Scoring Guide to assist in your evaluation of their essays. A. The Youngers have dreams of a better life. Discuss how the Youngers’ environment influences their family life. Responses should include that living in a tiny, crowded apartment causes conﬂ ict in the family. Ruth wants an abortion because there isn’t room for a baby. Walter is angry and depressed all the time. Travis sleeps on the sofa. Mama dreams of owning a home.

B. Mr. Lindner, George Murchison, and Willy Harrison each represent a different community to the Youngers. What community does each represent and how do they unite or divide the Youngers? Responses should include that Mr. Lindner represents the white community that will divide the Youngers if Walter takes the money. George Murchison represents rich African Americans who have assimilated to white culture. He threatens to divide Beneatha from her heritage. Willy Harrison is the poor black community that Walter wants to escape.

Scoring Guide

Description of the response:

4 • Interpretation is accurate and thoughtful • Explanation is fully developed • Support includes specific and relevant text evidence • All parts of the question are clearly addressed

3 • Interpretation is adequate • Explanation is developed but may lack some insight • Support includes most specific and relevant text evidence • All parts of the question are addressed to some degree

2 • Interpretation is literal or limited • Explanation is incomplete • Support includes some specific and relevant text evidence • Only parts of the question are addressed and mostly in a limited way

1 • Interpretation is weak • Explanation is vague • Support includes few, if any, relevant details from the text • Only one part of the question is minimally addressed

0 Response is totally incorrect or irrelevant