The House on Mango Street

Skills Practiced

Correct use of prepositions among and between

Subject and verb agreement

Use of colon to introduce clarifying idea

Practice Sentences

Discussions took place between many literary critics and some of the results was productive.

During the twentieth century, modern Hispanic literature began to appear that reflected the Mexican-American plight poverty and isolation in America.

Answers

Discussions took place among many literary critics, and some of the results were productive.

During the twentieth century, modern Hispanic literature began to appear that reflected the Mexican-American plight: poverty and isolation in America.

What to do

Vignette writing is a compilation of snapshot memories, like those found in The House on Mango Street.

Vignettes

Snapshot memories are fairly short but very specific.

Each vignette is rich in detail and description.

Vignette

It differs from writing an autobiography in which you start with your birth and work chronologically telling the reader about your life.

It also differs from a biography, because it does not tell a story of the events or observations of the events.

Vignette

An important part of the memoir vignette is your stated or implied message about why a memory is important enough to share.

In other words, answer the question, “What difference does it make?”

Writing a vignette

You will be writing your own vignettes. The snapshot memories you choose must be important enough to be shared.

They are memories that are important to you.

They matter.

Assignment

You will write your own The House on Mango Street–style booklet.

Assignment You will want to include

strong verbs, sensory details and figurative language.

Your goal will be to bring the memory to life so that the reader can be in the moment with you.

Assignment In addition, the style must

mirror that of Sandra Cisneros.

In the end you will choose and write a minimum of eight (for C) and a maximum (for A) of ten vignettes.

You may use some of your class writing assignments as spring boards for your vignettes.

Specifications

Bound booklet format (must be in a folder, stapled or some other book-making method).

Submitted in legible font no larger than 14 pt.

Cover must include: The House on _____ (street, road, and/or avenue), your name, and a graphic representing the work.

Specifications

Table of contents (lists the titles of the vignettes included)

Contents House on _____________(required) Where I grew up

story Your name (required) who you were named after, like

don’t like name, First day of school story (required) elementary school,

new school) Rite of passage (required) realizing you are growing up Pain story (required) someone hurt you, you hurt

someone, argument Weather (optional) tornadoes, hot days, snow storms,

etc Physical Hurt story (optional) broken bones, stitches,

bee stings Holiday story (optional) tradition, no Santa?,

best/worst birthday

Caught ‘ya story (optional) cheating, lying, writing a letter

Funny family story (optional) Ones often told and

retold at gatherings

Friendship story (optional) a friend lost, found, maintained

My future (required) realist or dreamer-will you ever leave or return

Content

Included within the booklet should be at least one more graphic.

Contents Back page-critical acclaim

–one paragraph that mirrors any of the ones on the back of the book.

You can include a picture of yourself, and it will count as your second graphic.

DON’T FORGET Focus correction sheet

Other requirements Include throughout your vignettes at least ten strong

sensory words.

Include at least two fresh similes or metaphors Cisneros- style.

In at least one vignette, use fragments for a purpose.

Include at least two examples of onomatopoeia within your vignettes.

In at least one vignette, create positive connotation through word choice.

In at least one vignette, demonstrate negative connotation through word choice.

Extra Credit Opportunity To earn a free 100%

redeemable on future participation or homework assignments, you must submit the project on the due date.

Your parent or guardian must read the vignettes, write a comment and sign his or her name on the focus correction sheet.

Due: