1. “The Retrieved Reformation” Before and During Reading Skills
By O. Henry
Before and During Reading Skills

2. “A Retrieved Reformation”
Identify and define the Literary Focus element in this selection.
Identify and define the Reading Focus element in the this text.
What is the Writing Focus in this story and what are you asked to do while reading?

3. Author Information Read the information about the author on page 180.
Make a list of the things you learned about the author.
Circle the detail you think will be the most important to help you understand the story.
Read the “Build Background” paragraph and make a list of 3 things you learned.

4. Quick Write Mistakes Everyone makes mistakes.
Do you believe in giving people second chances?
When might it be a good idea to give someone a second chance?
Is there ever a situation in which someone should not be given a second chance?

5. Vocabulary Rehabilitate Clemency Elusive Anguish
For each of the vocabulary terms below, please write the definition, construct an original sentence that demonstrates your understanding of the term, and create an illustration to show you understand the definition.
Rehabilitate
Clemency
Elusive
Anguish

6. “A Retrieved Reformation”
Read the text carefully and note the way the author uses vivid adjectives to describe his characters.
Make a list of adjectives that O. Henry uses to describe the main character in this story.
Think about how those vivid adjectives help you, the reader, to visualize the characters and the story.

7. Preview and Predictions
Before Reading Skills
Preview and Predictions
Examine the text features located throughout the selection.
Make a list of the things you “know” or “think you know” based only on the text features.
Make a list of at least 3 things you want to know, but you need to read in order to find out.
What genre or type of text do you think we are reading? Why?

8. During Reading Skills The Character Did This It reminded me of…
And I can infer…
Warden
Jimmy

9. Stop and Think!!!
Motivation – What might motivate someone to break the law? What were the motivating factors in the main character’s decisions?
Making Connections - Describe another story or a personal experience that you have that might connect you or help you understand the behavior of our main character.