Cisneros Research Simulation

Source 1: Biography/Criticism: Sandra Cisneros

1. What is the author’s main purpose in “Biography/Criticism: Sandra Cisneros”? To explain what makes Cisneros a celebrated writer who stands out from others. To discuss how Cisneros’s writing has been shaped by her experiences. To describe how Cisneros did not have a normal childhood. To show that Cisneros’s writing is important to Chicanas.

Answer: A

  2. Which sentence explains how paragraph 4 is important in the development of the ideas in “Biography/Criticism: Sandra Cisneros”? Paragraph 4 provides details that explain what makes Cisneros’ first book, House on Mango Street, special. Paragraph 4 relates Cisneros’s childhood experiences to the characters she created. Paragraph 4 illustrates how Cisneros’s background and experiences inspired her to tackle important topics in her writing. Paragraph 4 retells a key idea that enabled Cisneros to become a celebrated writer.

Answer: C

3. According to the article, which events had the most significant impact on Cisneros’s path to becoming a celebrated writer? Summarize the events in chronological order. Cisneros learned more about the problems of young Latinas by teaching high school dropouts in the Chicano barrio. Cisneros won the Before Columbus American Book Award in 1985 for House on Mango Street. Cisneros’ loneliness from not having sisters or friends drove her to reading and burying herself in books. Cisneros worked as an administrative assistant at Loyola University in Chicago. Cisneros read about a stable, permanent home -- her dream house -- in the book The Little House as a means to escape the poverty in which she actually lived. Cisneros’ first book, House on Mango Street, in which she based characters on real people she encountered, has been taught in a variety of academic settings. Cisneros and her family moved often between Mexico and Chicago throughout her early childhood.   7, 3, 4, 2 5, 3, 4, 2 3, 1, 6, 2 5, 3, 1, 6

Answer: D