“Occupation: Conductorette” Excerpt from I Know why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou (75)
Reading Skill
Make Predictions
Literary Analysis
Author’s Perspective
Grammar
Concrete and Abstract Nouns
Enrichment
Research and Technology
Journal
In “Occupation: Conductorette,” a young girl experiences the harsh reality of prejudice. Use this sentence starter to develop your ideas about
the BIG question (Is there a difference between truth and reality?).
People who are able to comprehend the truth behind problems in society must decide whether to __________ or ___________.
While you read look for the ways the author challenges reality to fight for the job of a streetcar conductor.
Author’s Perspective
The author’s perspective in a literary work includes the
A prediction is a logical idea about what will happen. To make
judgments, attitudes, and experiences the author brings to the
predictions, pay attention to story details and use your prior
subject. An author’s perspective determines which details he
knowledge.
or she includes, as in these examples:
As you read, use the space below to make predictions, or
 A writer with firsthand experience of an event might
develop ideas, about what will happen next. These predictions
report his or her own reactions as well as generally
can be based on details in the text combined with your own
known facts.
background and experiences. You can check your predictions
 A writer with a positive view of a subject may
as you read.
emphasize its benefits.
 Revise, or adjust, your predictions as you gather

A work may combine several perspectives.
more information.
 a writer may tell what it felt like to live
 Verify, or confirm, predictions by comparing the
through an event.
outcome you predicted to the actual outcome.
 the writer may express his or her present
To help you make, verify, and revise predictions, ask
views of the experience.
questions such as “Why did that happen?” and “What will
Make Predictions
be the result?”
My Reading Predictions
Grammar: Concrete and Abstract Nouns
Concrete Noun: a word that names a specific person,
place, or thing that can be seen or recognized through
any of the five senses.
Examples: desk, window, hallway, Tom, closet, wife,
Times Square
Abstract Noun: word that names an idea, an action, a
condition, or a quality that cannot be seen, heard
smelled, tasted, or touched.
Examples: tomorrow, conscience, deceit, intention,
fear
10/2012