American History

Use these essay questions as writing and critical thinking exercises for all levels of writers, and to build their literary analysis skills by requiring textual references throughout the essay.

Differentiation Suggestion: For English learners or struggling writers, strategies that work well include graphic organizers, sentence frames or starters, group work, or oral responses.

Scaffolded Essay Questions

Student Prompt: Write a short (1-3 paragraph) response using one of the below-bulleted outlines. Cite details from the text throughout your response that serve as examples and support.

1. Ortiz Cofer’s story explores the difference between Elena and her parents.

• How do Elena's and her parents' views of Puerto Rico differ? (topic sentence)
• Identify at least 2 instances in the story that juxtapose or contrast Elena’s and her parents’ feelings about Puerto Rico.
• In your concluding sentence or paragraph, explain the differences between Elena and her parents in their view of Puerto Rico. Consider how this reveals the themes of Migration and Displacement, Changing Demographics of Northern Cities, or Racism and Ethnic Discrimination.

2. The green door to Eugene’s house serves an important role in the story.

• What does the green door symbolize? (topic sentence)
• Identify at least 2-3 passages in which the green door or the color green is prominent.
• In your concluding sentence or paragraph, explain the symbol of the green door and how it relates to Elena. Consider connecting the door to the themes of Changing Demographics of Northern Cities or Racism and Ethnic Discrimination.

3. Ortiz Cofer uses juxtaposition to teach the reader about Paterson, New Jersey, and its residents.

• How does Ortiz Cofer use juxtaposition to teach her reader about the setting and the characters? (topic sentence)
• Identify at least 2 passages where the author uses juxtaposition to highlight the characters or the setting.
• In your concluding sentence or paragraph, explain the impact of juxtaposition on the characters and setting of Paterson, New Jersey. Connect your explanation to one of the themes of Migration and Displacement, Changing Demographics of Northern Cities, or Racism and Ethnic Discrimination.

Full Essay Assignments

Student Prompt: Write a structured and well-developed essay. Include a thesis statement, at least three main points supported by text details, and a conclusion.

1. The setting of Paterson, New Jersey, with its blend of cultures and languages, old, grimy buildings, and cute, well-tended houses, plays a significant role in the story. How does the setting, particularly El Building, reflect Elena’s view and understanding of the world as the story progresses? Consider how this reflects the theme of Racism and Ethnic Discrimination. In your essay, support your ideas with specific textual examples from the story. Please remember to cite all direct quotes and paraphrased examples.

2. Elena’s hope for a future with Eugene and the eventual destruction of that hope correlates with the assassination of President Kennedy. How does the author develop a roman-à-clef (that is, a story in which characters, plot, etc., correspond to real-world people and events)? In your essay, support your ideas with specific textual examples from the story. Please remember to cite all direct quotes and paraphrased examples.

3. “American History” often uses the English and Spanish languages. Sometimes the author explains the word's meaning, and other times she leaves it to the audience to infer the meaning through context. How do multiple languages inform the reader’s understanding of Elena, her family, and Paterson, New Jersey? Consider how this reflects the themes of Migration and Displacement, Changing Demographics of Northern Cities, or Racism and Ethnic Discrimination. In your essay, support your ideas with specific textual examples from the story. Please remember to cite all direct quotes and paraphrased examples.